Author: Alexandra

Autumn Rain and Your HVAC

We’re experiencing more and more rainfall as we move further into autumn, and we can only expect more once we get into winter. Throughout the many heating and cooling systems available there are various ways of weatherproofing your unit, though not all of them apply to every system. In fact, your HVAC system is built to withstand some significant weather conditions, including heavy rainfall. So here are some things you should and should not do to keep your HVAC protected during heavy rain.

DON’T cover your HVAC with a tarp, rain fly, or other weatherproof covering.

If you’re planning on running your HVAC, covering it isn’t a good idea, and most of the time isn’t necessary. The vast majority of HVAC systems are built to handle significant downpour and other weather conditions, and covering them can cause problems if you run them. In general, your HVAC system will be completely fine in heavy wind and rain unless it becomes submerged. If water pools up around your HVAC system then the wiring and electrical systems could become damaged, though normal downfall will not affect them.

DO divert water around your HVAC system.

If you do have substantial rainfall and it does begin to pool around your HVAC, you can take measures to divert the water away in order to prevent your system from becoming partially submerged. Whether this is repositioning your gutter’s downspout, digging a small trench to divert the flow, or building up a protective barrier, these steps could help keep a pool from forming around yours system.

DON’T place objects or covers on top of or near the HVAC system.

Another potential solution some people may consider for weather proofing your HVAC is to set up a nearby barrier or cover, without fully covering the system. This isn’t advised either, as HVAC systems perform best with consistent and uninterrupted airflow. If you are trying to protect your system with a barrier against potential debris from the wind, for example, make sure it is at least two feet away to prevent airflow issues.

DO monitor your system for debris.

While wind itself doesn’t pose much of a threat to your HVAC system, dirt, leaves, and other debris can be blown into and on it which could cause issues. After a severe storm, check on your AC unit and look for potential damages. If there is damage to the exterior, there could be damage on the interior, and that should be resolved prior to running your system.

Overall, outdoor heating and cooling systems are quite weather resistant and shouldn’t need much interference to stay operational. However, it is always best to regularly check your system for obstructions or damages and schedule any needed repairs as soon as possible so you can get back to running your system!

Saving Money on Energy Expenses

In the extreme heat and cold, keeping your home temperature controlled can become expensive. While maintaining a comfortable atmosphere may be essential depending on where you live and the current weather, there are other ways you can save money on your energy expenses to compensate for the climate control costs.

Before getting into the miscellaneous tips, the best thing you can do to cut down on climate control expenses is to upgrade your system to a high-efficiency one. While this has an expense itself, it can save you a substantial amount of money down the road. However, these next tips require little to no investment and can still help you save on your monthly bills.

• Adjust your thermostat farther from the extremes.

Your heating and cooling system can keep your home at a comfortable temperature without having to be set to extreme settings. If you are comfortable adjusting your thermostat a few degrees away from the extreme, that can help you save some money.

• Keep your windows and doors closed.

When your windows and doors are open, the climate-controlled air escapes outside and your heating and cooling systems need to work harder to maintain your ideal temperature. Keeping your windows and doors closed helps keep your home temperature controlled and reduces the wear and runtime of your system.

• Turn off your lights when you leave a room

One or two lights may not seem like a big power cost, but actively leaving multiple lights on adds to your monthly bill. Even if it only saves you a few bucks a month, that still adds up over time. You can also swap your light bulbs out for newer, more efficient ones, as that will also impact your costs.

• Set your thermostat to “Auto” and not “On”

When your thermostat is set to “On”, it is constantly running and increasing your utility costs. When you set it to “Auto”, it only turns on when the temperature of your home starts to get away from your thermostat setting.

• Change your furnace filter

When your furnace filter gets dirty, the efficiency of your furnace suffers. Changing your furnace filter regularly will keep the heat flowing properly. This doesn’t need done frequently, as depending on your furnace and filter size you only need to change the filter every 6-12 months.

Clearing the Air (Of Dust)

With temperatures rising, you may be getting ready to run your AC unit to battle the hot days to come. Before you do that, you should make sure your house is prepared for that system to turn on. Clearing dust buildup is an important step to keeping your air clean and healthy.

While most dusty places are easy to spot and clean, there are some areas that don’t get dusted as often. Ceiling fan blades, window blinds, and similar areas can often go unnoticed and undusted. While these places can be tricky to clean, these great tips from 2design2! will help you get rid of the dust to keep your air clean and your units running smoothly.

Choosing the Right Thermostat Setting in Spring 

Keeping your thermostat at the same temperature day and night could cost you your energy bill. However, spring weather can be unpredictable. The optimal temperatures to keep you comfortable and lower energy bills are listed below.

Set your heat to 68 degrees when you wake up and are home on cooler spring days. When you leave, lower your heat to 60 degrees. On warmer days, your thermostat should be set to 78 degrees while awake and at home. Are you heading out to enjoy the warm weather? Bump the temperature up to 86 degrees before you go. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the lower the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the higher your energy savings.

The Best Temperature for Sleeping

Cool spring nights call for lowering your heat to 65 degrees while you sleep. On warmer nights, increase your cooling temperature to 78 degrees. You’ll wake up happier knowing you’re saving on your natural gas bill.

Programming your Thermostat

A smart thermostat makes regulating your room temperatures a breeze. Whether home or away, you can adjust your temperatures with a touch of your finger by sending a wireless signal from your phone to your thermostat. In addition, programmable thermostats can automatically change your temperatures to reduce discomfort.

Keep the energy savings going year-round and adjust your thermostat with the seasons without compromising on comfort at home. 

How to tell if your furnace has problems

As winter approaches, many people look forward to getting home, putting up their feet, and relaxing. This can quickly become an unexpected nightmare if your home furnace suddenly stops working, leaving you snowed in and unable to get help.

To prevent a situation that would leave you stressed and require expensive emergency services, we run through a list of things to look out for to determine if your home furnace has a problem. We also provide some simple fixes you can try on your own for minor challenges. However, it should be stressed that if you suspect a significant issue with your home furnace, you should get help from a qualified professional rather than go on your own.

Faulty Filters

Filters are essential but often overlooked components of the furnace system. They are built to remove unwanted particles from the generated airflow. A build-up of dust and dirt over time leads to a clogged filter. During the process of dust and dirt passing air through the vents, a clogged filter puts more pressure on the furnace. A clogged filter may even lead to a total shutdown of the furnace as the heat exchanger might stop working due to overheating caused by an over-clogged filter.

If your environment generates a lot of dust and dirt, ensure that you change your filters regularly. Most furnace manufacturers specify between a month to three for a change of your filter. A filter change is essential if you have a child-friendly environment so your air filter does not become an air pollutant.

Thermostat malfunctioning

Your thermostat is an integral part of the safety features of your home furnace. It shuts down the furnace when it exceeds the maximum temperature specified to conserve energy and prevent accidents. This operating temperature varies from furnace to furnace. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning if it continuously shuts down before it even reaches this specified temperature. This continuous shutdown can make your living area very uncomfortable. A simple fix for this is to check the thermostat’s battery and replace it to get your furnace working at its optimum. The thermostat setting should also be reviewed to prevent inadequate heat production by the furnace or total shutdown.

Lack of maintenance

If you fail to maintain your furnace correctly, you should not be surprised when it breaks down. However, to cut down costs from a total breakdown, you should plan for annual tune-ups and maintenance by qualified professionals.

Size issues

When your furnace needs to heat more, it may be a pointer to the fact that it is the wrong size for the space provided. To solve this problem, get a professional to estimate your needs and help you determine which furnace system would be the perfect fit for the space provided. Ensure that you are guided by professional advice from picking a furnace up to its installation.

Gas

If your furnace is not starting up, a simple solution is to check the gas valve and carefully turn it to see if it was turned off. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the affected area immediately and contact the fire service.

Vents and Pipes

Vents in gas and high-efficiency condensing furnaces are vital to maintenance because they take emissions outside the building. Most times, these emissions are explosive and mustn’t be covered to prevent fire outbreaks.

There is also the danger that the pipes leading to the vents will become clogged with ice leading to severe problems. Exhaust vent pipes need to be shortened to prevent clogging from ice. When the lines are too long, a build-up of moisture might occur because the force pushing out the exhaust is not enough to go the length of the pipes. This makes it more likely for ice clogging when the exhaust finally reaches the outside.

To prevent these problems, ensure that the outside units are clear and clean before it becomes too cold. In screening pipes and vents, you should use materials that will not inhibit exhaust flow.

Electric ignition

Furnaces have an igniter that automatically lights up the gas when switched on. If the furnace fails to light up, the usual suspect is the ignition wire which should be inspected. If the situation persists, you should turn off the igniter and reset it. If it is an electronic igniter, it is not wise to attempt to light it manually as it is a highly complex system that should be kept from tampering. 

Noise

Continuous rattling, screeching, and other unwanted sounds often indicate a more serious mechanical or electrical problem. However, these noises also arise due to wear and tear, and a trip to a qualified professional would get all issues cleared up.

It is essential to be proactive as a home furnace owner and to deal with issues as soon as they arise to ensure that your furnace is always in good condition.