How much do you know about HVAC? If you’re like the average American, not much. In fact, many people don’t even know the big differences between furnaces and boilers — yet you probably rely on one or the other to avoid frostbite indoors during chilly winters. Your HVAC system is a literal lifesaver, and worth getting to know. At the very least, these facts can help you dominate at the next trivia night!

• Heatstroke kills 658 Americans each year: This average comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is completely avoidable. Not having access to an air-conditioned environment isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be deadly.
• The NYSE was among the first U.S. buildings with A/C: The New York Stock Exchange got air conditioning in their building in 1903, making it one of the first American buildings to have such a luxury. How did people keep cool before that? Cross-breezes, fans and cold drinks (but the heatstroke averages were also much higher).
• Radiant heating is nothing new: It might seem fancy, but the Romans invented it first. They used stone flooring with a variety of heat sources below. This made those famous Roman baths even toastier.
• Old radiators were monsters: The very first radiators were made out of cast iron and weighed an incredible 450 pounds for every square foot. If you think installing a radiator these days is tough work, imagine what it was like decades ago.
• Nearly 65 percent of U.S. homes have A/C: The U.S. Census bureau reveals that around 65 percent of Americans live in a home with air conditioning. That’s 72 million homes. Most of these properties are in the south and in states where the heat is unbearable without it. Everyone else relies on fans and open windows.
• The A/C creator was an MD: Who invented air conditioning as we know it today? Dr. John Gorrie, MD, who created an air conditioner in 1842 to help his patients who medically needed to keep cool. This Floridian doctor got a patent, but in less than a decade died bankrupt after his financiers fell through.
• Thank A/C for no summer break: Before air conditioners became popular, it wasn’t uncommon for businesses to shut down for about two months in the summer. Not just schools, either, but business offices and shops, too. However, with the advent of air conditioning, we can now work year-round. This is the one time when A/C didn’t do you any favors!
• Insulation boosts efficiency by up to 30 percent: Want to make your HVAC system work better, lighten your carbon footprint and lower utility bills? Make sure you have proper insulation, especially around exterior doors and windows (and any window A/C units). This can make your system up to 30 percent more efficient and save you a bundle.

Your HVAC system goes above and beyond for your comfort every day of the year. Return the favour with an annual inspection. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment for an HVAC installation, repair or maintenance check.

Have you seen the new touch-screen thermostats yet? They’re easy to use and their advances never cease to amaze. A simple touch controls the heating and cooling in your home, even from halfway around the world. Take a closer look this amazing, cutting-edge technology.

Benefits

Aside from looking cool mounted on your wall, full-color, touch-screen thermostats can have a big impact on your pocketbook. You can use it to pre-program your heating and cooling preferences for every season. These new marvels of technology have updated features that make them easy to use and read, even when you’re away from home. They also include energy-saving schedules, including those for holidays and vacations, and multiple settings for both weekdays and weekends. Some models also have changeover switches, full memory-saving capacity and provide reminders for filter changes. They also help to protect you from overheating or overcooling your home, and can even anticipate temperature variances from day to evening.

Working It

At the end of the day, your new thermostat is only going to be as good as your ability to operate and understand it. That’s what is so great about full-color, touch-activated thermostats. They’re easy to read and have onscreen prompts to help eliminate guesswork and energy-sapping errors. It can even warn you if your energy use is too high or above designated energy-saving levels.

Where to Put It

A thermostat’s location is important, and these new models are no exception. Each model is a bit different, but you will want to go with manufacturers’ recommendations for installation. It should be placed away from direct sunlight and drafts, on an interior wall free from obstructions (like big pieces of furniture), because it needs natural air currents in order to work properly. And a place that is convenient for you to access it is important too!

Just Right

The best part of these new thermostats is that most are programmable remotely, from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. So, if you’re away during the day, you can make the temperature higher, but set it to be cooler for you when you get home. The possibilities are almost limitless when it comes to this new technology. So, what are you waiting for?

If you are considering upgrading to a smart thermostat system for your home, contact Sandy Heating and Air Conditioning. Their experienced team can answer all your questions and explain how you can improve your comfort at home with a new touch-screen thermostat.

Deciding to install a new HVAC system can be a nerve-wracking process, but at some point it outweighs the alternatives. Your system will inevitably age and wear out, and you may start to wonder if all the expensive repairs and constant outages are worth it. How do you know when the time is right to throw in the towel and get a brand new HVAC system? Look for these signs that might help you decide when the time is right.

1. Age of Your Heating and AC System

If your HVAC system was installed more than 10 years ago, it might be time to consider a new one. The average HVAC system will usually work until it is about 20 years old, but it will start costing you more to operate and maintain as it ages. Newer units are also more efficient and can save you up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling costs.

2. Your HVAC Operating Costs

If your heating and cooling expenses are increasing, this could be another indicator that a new HVAC is a better option. Higher bills may just be due to rising rates from your utility company, but it could also be due to an HVAC system that is suffering declining efficiency. Learn to check your utility bills thoroughly and compare them with past bills. This way you can see how your system is performing.

3. Repairs and Upkeep

Are you at the point where your system is requiring more frequent repairs? If you’re sending your HVAC technician a Christmas card every year because you see him so frequently, it may be time to consider a new system. Your technician will still be your friend.

4. Unusual Noises

Is your unit noisy? It’s normal for machines to make some noises, but if you frequently think there may be a dying giraffe outside of your window only to discover it’s the HVAC system – again – that’s a red flag. Undersized units or ductwork, or improperly operating indoor coils or cooling equipment can all cause these sounds. Time to call in the professionals.

5. Is Your HVAC Keeping Up With Your Needs?

If your unit just can’t keep up with your needs any longer, then there’s really nothing else to do but replace the whole thing. As the equipment ages, it will have a harder time heating and cooling your home, which means that you and your family will be uncomfortable while also paying higher bills.

If you live in or around Salt Lake City, Utah, and are in the market for a new HVAC system, contact Sandy Heating and Air Conditioning, Utah’s premier heating and air conditioning contractor. They can evaluate your current system and recommend the best course of action to save you money and keep your home comfortable. They can answer all your questions and handle every phase of your new HVAC system design and installation.