Heating and A/C Settings for The End of Daylight Saving

But then plan for a temperature drop at evening time.

The time on your clocks will be set back by one hour when morning light saving time ends this year. You should also mark that date on your calendar to make the following alterations to your temperature control settings so your heating and A/C is primed for comfort and energy efficiency this winter. At the start and end of morning light saving time, most temperature controls automatically adjust the clock twice a year, but it’s a nice plan to check that the time has fallen back. And if it hasn’t, change it manually so your temperature control settings remain the same. If your temperature control is still set for cooling, take a moment to switch it over to heating so your home stays comfortable in spite of the colder weather and make any necessary adjustments to your scheduled programming once you’ve switched to the heating mode. By following these programming tips, you can set a schedule that matches your normal routine and provide optimal energy savings. But then plan for a temperature drop at evening time. During the evening when everyone is asleep, have the temperature drop by 11-13 degrees. During the week, set morning time adjustments, and set the temperature control 12 degrees lower if no one is home on weekdays. Setback periods that provide the greatest savings should be established. Setbacks of multiple hours per morning will save you the most money, however consider the time it takes for your heating and A/C to reach the target temperature when setting a schedule for temperature fluctuations so your home is comfortably heated up when you arrive home each morning.

 

air filter

Use a Humidifier During the Summer

Like many homeowners, you probably use an air humidifier in the winter when the combination of low outdoor humidity and running the furnace makes your indoor air uncomfortably dry. While your air conditioner is running all the time during the summer, you may not know that a humidifier can also help combat dry air. Your heat pump or air conditioner cools down your interior spaces by removing heat from your home’s air supply. The condensate drain also removes moisture from the air and sends it outside as a liquid. Having a cooling system that’s efficient at dehumidifying can result in an uncomfortably dry environment. By adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system, you can set your desired household humidity level right at the thermostat, so that just enough moisture is added to your conditioned air. If the humidity level falls too low in the summer, you can also relieve comfort and health concerns, protect your home, and avoid static electricity problems. There will be less discomfort from dry-air problems such as brittle hair, itchy skin, sore throats, nosebleeds, sinus problems and headaches. You’ll also experience fewer colds, flus, and upper respiratory infections since many bacteria and viruses thrive in dry conditions. Excessively dry air pulls moisture from your home’s finishes, such as paint, drywall, wood floors, and trim, causing them to shrink, crack, and warp. Additionally, wood furniture, artwork, musical instruments, and books can be damaged or destroyed by this. Another painful symptom of dry air is static electricity. Random zaps of electricity can permanently damage any device with a semiconductor, such as televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and cell phones.

 

temperature control

How Weather Affects Your Energy Bill

As any homeowner can attest, your energy bill is something you are constantly thinking about.

The energy that we use at any given time and the costs involved experience a series of ups and downs with each season.

But, how does weather affect your spending? As the heat rises during the summer months, your need for more cooling will obviously increase. Some days during the summer season can be absolutely brutal. Cooling costs will often skyrocket, especially if your home is sizable. During times of extreme weather, there’s a good chance that your heating equipment will kick in to fight the sudden cold. Even though this is typically short-lived, these abrupt drops in temperature can force your heating system to work especially hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ensure that these changes in weather will have as minimal of an effect as possible. There are some quick tips that you can use to control your energy bill. Get your HVAC equipment checked by a professional technician to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness. Change each system’s air filter to make sure it isn’t clogged and can handle the changes in weather. Consider installing a zoning system, which will allow you to heat or cool only the occupied areas of your home. Utilize gas appliances over electric ones since gas costs considerably less in most cases. Weather proof your home by sealing any air leaks that you find, especially ones around your doors and windows. If costs are especially high, get advice directly from your energy supplier to learn the best tips and tricks to save energy.

Cooling

Should You Change Your Air Filter Monthly in Winter?

Keep your HVAC system’s filter clean to avoid restricted airflow, but you may not know if you need to replace it every month during the winter.

It is recommended that you check your filter monthly and replace it if there is any accumulation of debris, or at least every three months.

As a result of frequent filter changes, there are a number of benefits, such as longer component lifespans, lower utility bills, better air quality, and fewer breakdowns. When you keep a clean filter in your HVAC system, it can helps prevent any unnecessary strain on the various system components. The added strain can cause your equipment to fail prematurely as it ages, so preventing it can help you delay the need to purchase new equipment. A third costly consequence of ignoring filter changes is that the HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow. Consequently, the equipment’s efficiency declines, and its energy consumption and your utility bills. Your monthly operating costs can be reduced by five to fifteen percent if you maintain a clean filter. The importance of routine filter inspections and changes is even greater if you have an air cleaner unit on your HVAC system. As these filters have higher minimum efficiency reporting values, they can quickly restrict airflow if they become clogged. If your air filter isn’t changed often enough and is coated with debris, these particles can get into your HVAC system and collect on sensitive components, causing equipment failures. By changing the filter regularly throughout the winter, you can avoid inconvenience, discomfort, and preventable repairs.

 

furnace/heater repair