Electronic programmable thermostats have a switch setting called auxiliary. This setting switches the heat pump into emergency heat or electric-resistance-coil heating. This is an expensive way to heat your home and should only be done when the heat pump breaks. If this happens, call a service technician.
Setting the temperature ranges on a programmable thermostat is critical. The lower you set the setback temperature the more money you save. You save lots of money if the length of time is long before the furnace or heat pump starts to raise the temperature.
Heating consulting bid estimates generated each day by hundreds of contractors for thousands of homeowners often seem high. But the homeowners often fail to understand all of the hidden costs attached to a job. For example, the contractor has all sorts of fixed expenses that need to be passed on to the customer. All businesses do this or they eventually go out of business.
Heating design is very important. If your heating ductwork or forced air system isn't built properly for good air flow, you'll end up with a cold room. Heating systems can sometimes become blocked by debris or a damper control could be blocking the air. Another possibility is a poorly designed duct system.
A wood pellet stove may save energy dollars when heating your home, but do some calculations to see if staying with your natural gas home heating is more cost effective. Pellet stoves do allow for zone heating, but you may be surprised to know that your automated heating system will probably save you more money than the stove.
Your heating ductwork is okay. Your furnace and air conditioner are working and are sized correctly, but no air is coming out of some of the heating ducts. Equalized static pressure is important for air flow. As supply pipes are branched off the main supply duct, they should get smaller to provide the correct static pressure.
You should change your air conditioning air filter about every 30 days. A hidden air conditioning coil inside your air handler may not work if clogged by dirt. Using higher efficiency air filters keeps your AC unit working and saves you money.
Radiant floor heating is so comfortable because the heat is uniform throughout a house. You can even create zones in different parts of the house. These radiant heat zones operate using separate thermostats so that you minimize energy costs.
Geothermal energy systems are environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems for your home. They transfer heat to and from the soil. Geothermal systems are quiet, compact and work best in moderate climates.
Filtering the air inside your home is very important. Today's newer homes are so tight, little outside air enters that might otherwise help to improve air quality. There are many different filter options, but I love my rinsable electrostatic air filter.
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