Tag Archives: Furnace Replacement

Person adjusting a digital thermostat.

Tips To Stay Warm Without Breaking The Bank This Winter

Winter is a beautiful time of year. The world is white around you, and the chill in the air seems to bring people together. Throw in some cozy blankets and a cup of hot cocoa and what’s not to love?

But staying warm during the cold months can come at a cost if you’re not careful. There are a few simple things you can do in the upcoming months to stay cozy in your home, without breaking the bank.

Before it gets too cold, make sure you seal off any leaks around doors and windows, and repair any cracks or gaps on the home’s exterior. Then, take a look at your thermostat settings.

  • Programming your thermostat effectively can help you save money and energy during the winter.Many people keep their thermostat set at 72 degrees, but by lowering your thermostat even just 2 degrees you can save on utility bills and easily be just as comfortable. Consider programming your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the hours you are away from home as well. Utilize those slippers and cozy blankets previously mentioned to stay warm despite the changes to your thermostat.
  • Another tip is to switch the fan setting on your thermostat from “auto” to “on.” You may think this is a bad idea as it will use more electricity, but in the long run it will keep the air flowing in your home which will make the house as a whole more comfortable and avoid uneconomical extremes in temperature.
  • When you’re cooped up inside during the winter months, having your fan “on” will also keep the air circulating and filtered; that includes any particles, pollutants and allergens in the air.
  • You can also use your ceiling fans to circulate warm air near the ceiling by running the fan in a clockwise direction. Look closely at your fan to switch direction, and be sure to switch it back to counterclockwise in the summer months.
  • Many people think they can save money by closing air vents in unused rooms. But your furnace is going to keep pumping out air through your heating and air system, whether your air vents are open or not. This is true no matter what type of blower motor you have in your home. If registers are closed pressure will increase by making the duct system more restrictive, and pressure is not good.
  • Take some of the strain from your system by leaving the air registers open. Keeping the doors inside your home open will also enable your system to be more efficient, and your home will stay more comfortable.
  • If you have curtains or blinds, open them during the winter when the sun is shining. The sunlight will be a nice pick-me-up for your mood, and the heat created from the sun shining on the window will also be a pick-me-up for your utility bill. Keep your windows clear on the east side in the morning, and the west side in the evening. When the sun is not shining on your windows, keep them insulated by closing curtains or blinds to keep out the cold.

If you have an older HVAC system and would like to consider the benefits of installing a system with higher efficiency, or run into any problems with your heating this winter, be sure to Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning for friendly and quality service.

Changing HVAC Filter

Changing an HVAC Filter

Do you know how to change your HVAC filter? It’s incredibly easy, and a task you can certainly do yourself.

How often it’s changed depends on your HVAC system, how many people live in your home and how much dust you create. Aim for at least one change every quarter, but some homes require a filter change once per month. If you don’t change the filter regularly, airborne particles can enter the system and clog up the works.

It will take a long time for a clogged air filter to cause serious damage, but every little bit hurts. Before a major malfunction hits, you can experience a pressure drop which minimizes airflow in the home. Eventually, you’ll have no filtering or airflow at all.

All the while, your HVAC system is working overtime trying to do its job, but it’s unable. This puts unnecessary stress on the system, resulting in total failure. However, it’s not just your HVAC system that will be traumatized.

Filtering for Health

The less filtered your air is (and indoor air is already less clean than most outside air), the more stress on your body and lungs. Some people may not even notice. If this is you, you’re lucky.

For others, it can be a nightmare. Someone who’s allergic to pet dander or other such particles can suffer greatly when these filters are clogged. Those with asthma are at an even higher risk.

No matter what type of HVAC system you have, there’s a filter to keep your air clean. Go without cleaning or changing it, and it also may get damp and grow mold. If black mold starts growing and compromises the system, it can be deadly.

The vast majority of filters are affordable, disposable and made of biodegradable materials. You can find multipacks that fit a variety of HVAC systems, but it’s important to know that the filter was designed to fit your unit. A poor-fitting filter can be just as useless as no filter.

Making the Change

It’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to how to change a filter, since systems vary. However, it should be self-explanatory and easy. If you’re still uncertain, ask your HVAC technician for a demonstration the next time he or she comes for a routine inspection.

Schedule a reminder to check your filter monthly. You may need to change it every month if you have pets, run your system over six months per year, have a big family or smoke indoors.

If you have a fireplace or live on a farm or near construction, more regular swaps also might be necessary. To get expert advice on how and when to change your HVAC filter, contact Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning.

 

Technician changing HVAC air filter on ceiling vent

Common Causes of HVAC Clogs

Your HVAC system can get clogged in two primary areas: the air duct vents and the condensate drain. However, the symptoms of each can be the same, so you might have to do a little exploration to find the source of the problem.

Sometimes when you have central heating and cooling, one room can feel hotter or colder than the rest. Uneven temperatures can be a telltale sign of a clog. If a room can’t achieve the set temperature, your HVAC system will go above and beyond trying to resolve the problem — ultimately wearing down machinery and shortening the life of the system.

Worse, blockages can reduce a home’s air quality, causing potentially serious health risks. This is especially dangerous if anyone in the home has severe allergies or asthma.

If you have a blocked vent, you might be able to tell just by taking a peek. If a piece of furniture is covering a vent, if you see a lot of dust in the vents or if someone has stashed an item in there (kids and pets are common culprits), the fix is easy to handle yourself.

A Dirty Job

Severely clogged air filters can also cause blockages. Your HVAC system’s manufacturer or your local HVAC technician will be able to tell you how often to change your filter. However, every one to two months is common.

Damaged ductwork can lead to clogs. Check for loose seams or any holes in the ductwork. Ducts can get disconnected relatively easily, especially flex ducts, since they’re designed to move. It might not take more than some duct tape to fix, but if that doesn’t work, you might need to replace the ducts.

If your zone dampers got closed accidentally, opening them can solve all your problems. If they’re all open and all else looks well, you might have a block deep in the duct, in which case you’ll need an HVAC tech. Physical objects in the ducts, such as insulation or even pests, can wreak havoc on the system and be invisible to the average homeowner.

Keeping Your Cool

Your AC condensate drain is also prone to getting clogged, which can cause leaking in the entire system. The drain moves condensation from the drip pan to the outside.

This water isn’t always clean, and dirt can clog the drain. Changing your air filter regularly can help prevent this, as can a higher-efficiency air filter. Ensuring your HVAC system is routinely inspected and maintained by a professional will also help keep you in the clear — literally — with fewer clogs, better airflow and less moisture.

If you suspect a clog in your system, or you simply want to go into 2016 with more peace of mind, make January the month you schedule that much-needed HVAC inspection with Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning.