During the heating season, it's always a good idea to have some basic knowledge about your home's heating system. You'll be better prepared for any troubleshooting you may have to do with the equipment, plus have a better idea of what maintenance is necessary for heating equipment, and what steps you can take to save energy through the winter months. Here are a few key HVAC terms, along with some tips to go along with them:
A programmable thermostat will help maximize the effectiveness of your HVAC system, making sure you're not heating an empty house or unnecessarily providing more heat than is necessary when home occupants are sleeping.
An essential component of your forced-air HVAC system, the air filter sifts out dirt and dust that otherwise would coat equipment parts, lessening system efficiency and hastening breakdowns. Better-quality filters also will help maintain good indoor air quality.
This simply means getting the most heat out of your furnace or heat pump (or whatever) with the least possible amount of fuel or energy. You can accomplish this by investing in high-efficiency, Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment, weatherizing your home, and not unnecessarily wasting energy. A home that's well-insulated and sealed against air leaks retains heat longer, which in turn, gives a break to your heating equipment (and lowers energy bills).
Learn what routine maintenance steps you can take to keep your heating system operating efficiently and effectively, and then make sure you schedule annually professional maintenance on your furnace or heat pump. Well-maintained HVAC equipment uses less energy, provides more comfortable heating and cooling, and lasts longer without breaking down.
The network of ducts, vents and registers delivers conditioned air throughout your house, and then routes air back to your HVAC equipment to be heated or cooled again. Ducts should be properly connected and sealed and free of blockages. Make sure vents and registers are clean and clear of obstacles as well. For help with any HVAC issues this heating season in your Hampton Roads home, please contact us at Russell's Heating & Cooling. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating season terms and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “stockcreations/Shutterstock”