Quick money saving tip: You can save 10 percent on your heating and cooling bill every year by just turning back your thermostat a measly 15 percent for 8 hours a day. It can be while you're at work or asleep. That's a big savings for a small inconvenience.
Did you know that electric heat pumps use the same refrigerant cycle as an air conditioner? But during heating, they’re designed to reverse the cycle to deliver efficient heat distribution throughout the house.
When you’ve lived in your home for a number of years without replacing your heating equipment, you may not realize how much that old unit is costing you each month. If you’re ready to explore the more energy-efficient options, we’re always happy to help.
An HVAC system may run into problems during cold weather if it is not maintained properly. It is advised to have your unit serviced before the beginning of cold weather to avoid any sort of inconvenience.
Your furnace should be replaced every 10 years. An old furnace doesn’t run as efficiently as a new one and is more likely to break down.
We recommend calling a professional service to have your heating system winterized, rather than trying to do it yourself. Specialized equipment is required to properly add anti-freeze, and not all heating systems are compatible with this process.
Unfortunately, servicing a home heating system can be extremely time-consuming when you don’t have extensive experience with it. Rest assured that our skilled technicians are always available to help you keep your heater running efficiently.
With steam radiant heating systems, the heat is distributed with steam piping and radiator units. These systems may be fueled by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity, and are often found to be advantageous over other systems because they are efficient and warm spaces rather quickly.
A geothermal heat pump (GHP) works like a refrigerator in reverse. Rather than generating heat, the GHP moves heat from one location to another. This same system can be used to cool your house in the summer.
If you have a gas or oil powered heating unit, and you notice loose or broken parts, or you see holes where it looks like something was removed, have the unit serviced immediately. Because of the intricacies of these appliances, a missing or broken part could be disastrous.
One of the most common types of heaters used in most homes nowadays is the force-air, or whole-house, system. Here, gas, oil, or electricity is used to heat air, which is blown with a fan around the house via ducts that lead to vents on the floor or ceiling.
Have you heard about the term ice power? It was a term used to check the output setting of air conditioners. The number of blocks of ice required to produce the same cooling was the parameter used to check the cooling.
If your furnace frequently cycles on and off, it may be time for a replacement. Older furnaces can’t heat the air as efficiently as newer ones.
Did you know that certain types of furnaces run off of a low-moisture corn? Since the same corn you can find at feed stores is the fuel source, it's usually easy to find enough fuel in the winter.
A furnace transfers the heat to the air through tubes and fins that have a large surface area to maximize the heat transfer. Before they install the furnace, heating experts will make sure the fins and tubes are free of visible problems or disconnections that could cause issues.
Small changes can help your furnace operate more efficiently. Here are some examples: Move furniture away from your vents, replace your furnace filter regularly, and install insulation around your windows and doors.
When it comes to keeping the climate in your home temperate, trees are your friend. A deciduous tree planted on the west or south side of your home can create cooling shade in summer and still let warming sunlight in during the winter.
Have you heard about the term MERV? It stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It has numbers ranging from 1 to 16 and is used to rate the efficiency of filters. A higher number indicates good efficiency of the filter.
It's best to let a professional deal with your heating system. Improper maintenance or careless treatment may result in a carbon monoxide leak, which has the potential to go undetected until it is too late.
Do you know when the electric fan was invented? It was invented by Schuyler Wheeler in the year 1886 and has been an essential part of HVAC systems ever since.
If you do not think there is enough warm air coming from your furnace, check the filter, and change it if it is dirty or more than a month old. In addition, check the return air registers to make sure they are clean and are not blocked by furniture, appliances, or other objects.
Don't underestimate the importance of defining the scope of what you need before working with a heating contractor. We need to be on the same page for best results.
Just like with most systems in your home, proper care and maintenance of your heating system equipment in your home can keep it running more efficiently for years to come.
Do you have an older furnace? You should really consider upgrading to a more efficient model, as you can save a substantial amount on your heating bills. For instance, upgrading from a 60 percent to 90 percent efficient unit can reduce your energy use by half.