How Thermostats Work The thermostat is at the heart of every heating and cooling system. It’s the component that triggers the equipment to turn itself on and off automatically. There are several types of thermostats, and each has a specific way of sensing temperature changes in the home. Electronic Thermostats If you own a home built in the last several decades, you probably have an electronic thermostat. This type of control is also called a digital thermostat. These devices contain an electronic sensor that determines the temperature and responds by turning the system on or off. Most electronic controls are programmable and enabled for Wi-Fi. This means their operation can happen automatically based upon the settings provided by the homeowner. Electromechanical Thermostats There was a time when heating and cooling equipment was managed using an electromechanical thermostat. Many older homes may still have these devices connected to their heaters or air conditioners. Changes in room temperature are tracked using a bimetallic coil. As temperatures rise and fall, the coil expands or contracts, causing a mercury-filled glass vial connected to the coil to tip. The tipped vial triggers the unit on or off. Perhaps it sounds like something you’d find in...
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Different Types Of Heating Systems If you want to install the best heating system for your home, you must know what the different types of heating systems are. A heating company also needs to evaluate your home to know what size and type of heating system is compatible. Here is an overview of the four main types of heating systems you can install: 1. Furnaces This is the most common type of heating system. It sends heated air through ducts and into your home through vents. Furnaces can be fueled by electricity, oil, or gas. Modern furnaces of all fuel sources are safe to use and good inefficiency. Gas furnaces heat your home faster than electric furnaces. However, an electric furnace works well for southern states. Those who live in the North should consider a gas furnace instead of an electric. has high-quality, affordable furnaces available for installation in St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas. We also sell geothermal systems and heat pumps. 2. Boilers As its name suggests, a boiler uses water heating technology to warm your home. Boilers circulate hot water through pipes. Some types of boilers run water through tubing in the floor. Radiators are installed...
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Running Your Heating System 24/7 When it comes to warming your home during the cold months in the St. Louis area, you certainly have the option of turning your heating system on for the season and letting it go the distance. However, many homeowners are leery of doing this. They figure that their heating systems should run until they reach the specified temperature and then take a break. There are many benefits to running your system nonstop. If you want to make sure your furnace is ready for such an undertaking, bring in a team of qualified HVAC technicians, like those on staff at in St. Louis, for an inspection and tune-up. Before you run your system 24/7, here are some things you should know. It’s Perfectly Fine for Your System to Run Continuously Many homeowners worry about excessive wear and tear on their heating systems if they run nonstop. Your heating system is resilient, and it’s designed to run all day, every day. You don’t have to worry about certain components breaking down or losing years of life of your system. Many homeowners across the country opt to keep their systems running throughout the cold season. Expenses Associated With...
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HVAC Holiday Tips This winter holiday season is expected to be packed by a ton of indoor activities. Chances are that you will have to accommodate a couple of your friends and visitors in your home. The last thing you would want to expect is having a house with filthy air as a result of poor air conditioning. At , we have been through many holidays and have the experience to advise you about how to prepare your HVAC system for the holidays. Change Your Filters In case you changed your air filters a few weeks ago, then it is fine. However, if your air conditioning filters have not been changed for over a month, then this is your opportunity to change them and to boost your indoor air quality. Luckily, changing the filters is not an overly complicated task, as it can be done within a couple of minutes. Go for a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats have become a major trend in HVAC systems today. They enable you to adjust indoor temperatures automatically, depending on the kind of activities within the house. For example, when your friends come over, and you hurdle together in one room, temperatures are highly...
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The Right Temperature For Your Thermostat During The Winter Finding the right home temperature in the winter season can be a real challenge. You want to find a thermostat setting that keeps your family comfortable without costing a fortune in heating bills. In the greater St. Louis area, works with countless commercial and residential heating systems. With all that experience, we think we have some insight into the best home temperature for the winter. The Recommended Setting According to the Department of Energy, most homeowners should keep their thermostats at 68 degrees during the winter months. At this temperature, the majority of people are comfortable, or they can get comfortable by putting on a sweater. It is also a temperature that will not overtax your heating system, avoiding extra heating costs and unexpected repairs. Exceptions to the Rule As a cost-saving measure, it is important to recognize that your house does not need to be 68 degrees when no one is home. If the house is empty during the day, you can let the temperature drift down as much as 10 degrees. Modern, efficient heating systems will use less fuel returning the house to a comfortable temperature than maintaining that...
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My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air If your furnace seems to run well but it blows cold air, there’s a cause for concern. Though furnaces blow cold air for several reasons, there are a few steps you can take before calling in St. Louis. Here are some of the most common reasons for a furnace to put out cold air. An Inaccurate Thermostat Setting Your home may not stay at the desired temperature, or the air coming from the vents may seem somewhat cool even when the fan is on. In these cases, the solution may be a simple one, especially if the thermostat’s setting is causing the problem. Check the thermostat, making sure it’s set to “Auto” instead of “On.” If that doesn’t work, call for help. A Dirty Air Filter If the furnace overheats, it may blow cold air. Modern furnaces include safety devices known as limit switches, which turn off the burners when an unsafe temperature is reached. However, the unit’s fan will continue to run, cooling it down and preventing damage. Most instances of overheating are due to poor airflow, which is usually caused by a clogged air filter. If a replacement filter doesn’t get the...
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Pros And Cons Of Space Heaters Indoor space heaters can be a polarizing topic. Some swear by them while others contend that the risk outweighs any benefits. At in St. Louis, we maintain that space heaters can play an effective role in heating your home if you are aware of the pros and cons. Pro: Potential Cost-Savings Space heaters are inexpensive relative to other heating equipment. These heaters also cost less to operate than running a central heating system at the same temperature. You can save by keeping the main thermostat 10 degrees or even more below what you would normally need, and you can stay warm by using the space heater in the room you are actually occupying, such as a family room. Con: Fire and Burn Risk The National Fire Protection Association warns that space heaters account for more than 40% of all home heating-related fires. Space heaters are also responsible for most fire-related deaths during winter, and they account for thousands of burn-related injuries each year. Pro: Easy to Use Modern space heaters are often elegant, user-friendly, and very easy to use. If you are in an emergency situation where you need to heat your living space,...
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5 Ways To Save Energy This Fall When the heating season comes, it’s wise to see where you could improve the energy efficiency of your unit as well as your home. The following are some basic steps, most of which are inexpensive, to get you started. 1. Professional Heating Maintenance Annual maintenance is always a plus for saving energy. In fact, some heating system warranties require it, or they become void. You can look to for annual tune-ups no matter where you live in St. Louis, MO. A tune-up can keep all the parts clean, the electrical connections tight, and the thermostat calibrated. 2. Air Filter Replacement Many tune-ups will cover the air filter replacement, but this is a job you can just as easily do yourself. Pleated air filters become inefficient after six months, while fiberglass filters last only 30 days. Replace these so that the heating system can blow out warm air without the hindrance of dirt and debris. 3. Insulation Upgrades You could add insulation to your attic, wall cavities, and (if applicable) basement or crawl space to keep warm air in and cold air out. If there’s already insulation, look at its R-value, which is the...
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Dealing With Water Dripping From AC Vents 3 Causes of Water Accumulation There are several issues that could lead to water dripping out of your AC vents. If you notice this happening, it’s important to determine the cause of the problem and take action in a timely manner. Some issues can be resolved without professional assistance, and some will require an air conditioning professional to take a look. Some of the most common issues that will lead to leaking air conditioning vents include the following. 1. Condensate Drain Line Issues A condensate line in your AC system that is clogged can cause condensation around your vents. To determine if this is the problem, check the drip pan on the outside part of your air conditioner. If it is full, this is likely your issue. You can clean the drain line with a shop vac or call a professional. 2. Dirty Air Filters If the air filters in your AC system are dirty, they can impede air flow. When this happens, it can cause frost to build up on the filter. When the AC unit is turned off, this frost will melt and end up dripping out of your vents. This...
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Dealing With a Broken AC Motor understands the stresses that a faulty air conditioner can cause. One of the issues that some systems have is a broken air conditioner motor. This could cause inefficient cooling and cause a variety of problems down the road. There are several signs that could indicate a problem with a motor. Common Signs Your AC Motor Is Failing A failing motor in your air conditioner—whether it’s the blower motor, fan motor, or compressor-related drive—can seriously degrade cooling performance and risk a full system breakdown. Catching these symptoms early lets you decide whether a repair or replacement is needed before more expensive damage occurs. Weak or no airflow: Poor airflow from vents is often the first sign of a failing blower or fan motor. If the fan struggles to push air, the motor may be straining, clogged, or nearing end of life. Unusual noises: Grinding, squealing, rattling, or buzzing sounds can indicate worn bearings, misalignment, or electrical issues inside the motor. Loud or abrupt noises are red flags that the motor components are deteriorating. Burning or acrid smells: Overheating electrical parts, failing capacitors, or motor windings breaking down can produce burning odors. This warrants immediate shutdown...
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