by admin | Nov 29, 2016 | A/C Unit, Air Duct, Heating System, Home Temperature Control, HVAC, Uncategorized
People are often uneducated about their HVAC system. Many do not have the knowledge of the proper upkeep or things you need to do to maintain your system. Everyone wants to save energy and spend as little as possible and heating and air conditioning and having some know how may be all you need to do so. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about your HVAC system.
You may hear the not using your system will keep it working longer or improve the HVAC system’s lifespan. This is actually incorrect. If you do not use your system dust and dirt may begin to collect. This can cause problems in your system so regular use is actually recommended.
Turning on a fan is a great way to lower your energy bills if you find that you’re turning on the AC too often, but fans don’t cool down rooms in the same way that air conditioners do. AC units work by cooling down the air in the room, but fans produce cooling effects because the increased air circulation allows the sweat on your skin to evaporate faster, thus cooling down your body faster and making the room a little more comfortable. If you aren’t in the room when a fan is turned on, it’s really just a waste of energy.
Humidity will not be effected if you raise the temperature. It cannot be controlled using the HVAC however lowering the temperature may lower the humidity.
One of the most common myths about air conditioning is that you should raise the temperature on your thermostat way up when you leave for work or vacation. HVAC systems are designed to maintain constant temperature. The amount of energy used by your HVAC system to recover the temperature is more than if it remains constant. When leaving for vacation, raise the thermostat about 5 degrees, but any more than that can actually increase your energy consumption and costs.
If the thermostat is located in near a vent or in direct sunlight it may not properly regulate your air conditioning system. This could cause your unit to start and stop frequently, which will lead to premature wear and tear.
Now that you know a little bit more about your system you can take the proper steps necessary to keeping your home at the proper temperature. Proper temperature control will you keep you and your family happy all while saving you money.
by admin | Nov 15, 2016 | Home Temperature Control, HVAC, Uncategorized
As many sitcoms have pointed out, Dad is always in charge of the thermostat. No one touches it without Dad’s consent. Dad always has to turn it up and down and keep at the temperature he likes. In this day and age with modern technology we do not have to rely on Dad to control the thermostat. Programmable thermostats offer a new comfort and benefit to your home. Many people are making the switch to a programmable thermostat as it is easy to install and gives you control over your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. Here are some of the benefits of using a programmable thermostat.
One great thing about programmable thermostats is that you can keep your house at a constant temperature. You will not have to constantly adjust the temperature of your home throughout the day with a manual thermostat. The sun moves around your home and depending on the windows it will heat your house. Having a programmable thermostats means you do not have to blast your air conditioner all day long to combat the heat. You can set it to the temperature you want and not have to worry even if you leave the house. In the winter time the temperature can fluctuate a lot. Being able to schedule the temperature of your house depending on the weather is great for your comfort and for optimizing the use of your HVAC system. Having the schedule for your thermostat saves your HVAC system from being over used. If it is running efficiently throughout the day and not just blasting to keep up with heat or cold, the appliance will last longer and work better.
Probably the most commonly valued benefit of having a programmable thermostat is that it saves you money. Energy bills continue to fluctuate all over the nation and instead of trying to keep up with the energy costs you can program your air usage to optimize your financial savings. When you leave the home if you do not want to waste money keeping the temperature up you can schedule the thermostat to turn on before you get home or to hold the temperature constant while you are gone. You can program a schedule that follows your whole family’s routine based on their day-to-day activities. If you have pets, you want them to be comfortable while you are away as well and having the scheduled air usage can help you with that.
Overall having a programmable thermostat is optimal for your home and easy to install.
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | Heating System, Home Temperature Control, HVAC
During the colder months of the year you need to keep your house at a warm enough temperature to keep everyone in your home happy. Heating costs can change with the passage of time but you should never be caught off guard. If you want to keep your crazy Santa Claus display in the front yard lit throughout the holiday season here are some things you can do to save energy and make sure your home is warm enough.
Maintaining your HVAC system. Make sure to change and clean your air filters on a regular basis throughout the year to keep your system working. Especially when winter comes it is smart to keep the filters clean. If the filters are not cleaned it can slow air flow and increase the costs to heat your home. It may also be a good idea to have a professional check your heating system and give your system a seasonal check to make sure it is running properly and not unnecessarily costing you money.
Fill cracks and leaks in your home. If you have drafts because of leaks in seals on windows and doors you should fill these. The process will stop hot air from leaking out. This is a waste of money and will save you a lot in the long run. Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors and you can save up to 20 percent on heating costs.
Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat has more automated features than a manual thermostat that you have to adjust by hand. You may be amazed at how advanced these systems can be! The advantage of programmable thermostats is that you can automatically set them to adjust the temperature in your home at certain times. More control over your home environment makes it easier to control your power bill.
Use other heating means. During the day you can open the blinds and let in the sun. This will keep the house warm with natural heat so you can use our heater during the night. This will save you money if you are only using the heater half the time and will cut down on maintenance.
Conclusion
Cutting down the costs of heating will leave money for other holiday expenses. It will also help you keep your HVAC system running better as long as you keep up with maintenance. Hopefully these tips help you this winter season.
by admin | Nov 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
Installing an HVAC system on your own or with a partner may seem like the most optimal decision for you, however there are some things you must consider before attempting this task on your own. Not meeting certain requirements in the process can have legal and safety complications.
Codes
Heating and cooling hardware require certain codes and regulations to be satisfied when they are installed. The professionals know these codes and will do their best not to violate any of them. If you decide to do this yourself please make sure you adhere to any and all heating and cooling regulations. Failure to do so can result in improper use of the system which can cause legal ramifications especially for businesses using these systems. Small business owners should absolutely consider getting a professional to install for them to avoid business being shut down for code violations.
Cost
Installing a unit yourself may be more trouble than it is worth. You will need to track down a unit you want and at a price you are satisfied with. Professional installers can order directly from manufacturers usually for a break on the price you may not get. On top of the cost of buying the equipment you also have financial loss from the time it takes to complete. If you have a rigorous work schedule you will need to take time off as projects like this can last days for an inexperienced installer. This time off work also costs money and the cost may not outweigh the price of hiring a professional to do the work for you. Your hard work and time can be spent on another home project while the pros handle your heating and cooling.
Technical Issues
The installation process for a HVAC system is very technical. Experts go through rigorous training to make sure no mistake is made. They often go to school to learn the trade so that they do the job safely, efficiently and without invoking legal ramifications. Improper installation can lead to leaks in your system that could end up threatening your safety, not to mention the cost of paying for air you are not even getting!
Conclusion
After reviewing this information it is likely that hiring a professional installer is your best bet. It is not worth the safety and legal ramifications that you could unintentionally pull down upon yourself. Bigger mistakes may even end up costing you more than you saved from doing it yourself.
