How a Whole House Humidifier Benefits Your Family

December 3, 2014

We normally associate humidity with sultry weather, sweat, and sheer discomfort. It is hard to imagine how one can survive a hot and humid summer day without an air conditioner. However, it is important to be aware that some level of humidity is not only necessary but also beneficial for us. Humidity keeps the atmosphere healthy and balanced, especially inside your home. The Problem with Excessive Dryness If the internal air is too dry, it can cause several health problems such as nose and throat irritation, which can further make you prone to other illnesses. Excessive dryness in the air also causes chapped skin and lips. Too low humidity can damage your property as well. It can cause problems such as peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, and cracked furniture. Ever get those unexplained electric shocks? Those are a result of the severe static electricity caused by dry air. However, if humidity levels are too high, it can cause the growth of bacteria, mold, dust mites, and other allergens. So, it is extremely important to balance the humidity levels inside your home, and the best way to achieve this is by using a whole house humidifier. What Is a Whole House Humidifier? A whole-house humidifier is a device...

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HVAC System Maintenance – What Does It Mean for a Homeowner?

November 20, 2014

Regular maintenance of the HVAC system keeps it running as efficiently as possible and saves you a lot of money by preventing costly repairs. For the HVAC system to function effectively, it is important to inspect and maintain the filters, fins, and coils regularly. This ensures that the system runs efficiently and effectively. Neglecting HVAC system maintenance will lead to a decline in system performance over time and an increase in energy consumption. Air Conditioner Filters We have devoted many posts to emphasize the importance of changing the air filters regularly. Dirty and clogged air filters obstruct airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency. If the filters are clogged with dirt, the air that passes it will carry dirt to the evaporator coil and reduce its heat absorption capacity. By regularly replacing the air filters homeowners can reduce energy consumption by over 10 percent. There are different types of air filters available in the market, and some of them are reusable and others need to be replaced. During the winter season, it is recommended that the air filters are replaced every two months or so. Depending on how much the system is used, the quality of air, and whether or not there are pets in the...

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How to Operate and Maintain Your Heat Pump

November 13, 2014

Proper maintenance is the key to efficient and effective operation of all HVAC systems. Your air conditioning system and heat pump are important investments that you make for your home; they play a crucial role in ensuring your comfort during harsh weather conditions. So, it is extremely important to take all possible steps to ensure that they work at their peak capacity and do not break down when you need them the most. Maintaining Your HVAC System HVAC system repairs can be quite expensive and replacement can be even more expensive. Take proper care of your system to make sure that they serve you for years without requiring any expensive repairs. There are some simple things that you can do to maintain your HVAC system. With winters already upon us, most homeowners want to know how they can operate and maintain their heat pump properly to get the best performance out of it. Maintaining the Heat Pump Proper operation of the heat pump not only ensures efficiency but also saves energy. St. Louis HVAC experts recommend that one should not set back the thermostat if it causes the backup heating to switch on. Remember, back up heating systems are more expensive to operate. Also, if you operate the...

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Selecting the Most Suitable Furnace For Your House

November 6, 2014

There are many options available on the market for new furnaces, making it difficult sometimes to choose the correct one for your home. Some homeowners may have to consider replacing their existing HVAC system, especially if it needs frequent and expensive repairs. However, with the myriad options available in the market, homeowners may not find it easy to choose the most suitable furnace for their homes. St. Louis HVAC professionals have given tips and advice that homeowners can use to make an educated decision about this major investment. Deciding on the Most Suitable Furnace Size of the home and unit – A small furnace may not heat up the home adequately during the cold winter season. But, a furnace that is sized too large for the home may also not be efficient and can affect the life of the system. Consult an experienced St. Louis HVAC company to seek advice on the appropriate size that meets your needs. Energy-efficiency rating – The latest models of furnaces and heating systems come with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratio. The AFUE ratio of furnaces produced in the 70s was around 65. However, the law has set the lowest ratio for modern furnaces at 78. A number...

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Tips On Staying Warm This Winter Without Breaking Your Budget

December 9, 2013

There are a number of simple ways to reduce the cost of heating your home. We are already starting to feel the nip of the Winter, and with energy prices once again on the rise, you may be starting to worry about the cost of heating your home. There are a number of simple ways that you can combat this. With a few minor adjustments and purchases, you should be able to cut a percentage of those costs down. Tune-up The Furnace The first step is to have your furnace tuned up every year by a professional HVAC company. This should include resetting the fuel-air mixture and cleaning the blower and burners. This assures that you are receiving the most possible airflow at complete combustion. Airflow can also be hindered by dirty filters. During the winter months ask your HVAC technician to check them each month and change them when needed. Your HVAC technician can also help you check for any leaks or disconnected spots in your home’s ductwork. If you have ducts that run through unheated spots, like an attic, make sure that they are well insulated. Install A Programmable Thermostat If you don’t already have one, ask your...

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Do Not Ignore The Noises Coming From Your Furnace

December 6, 2013

With cold weather already upon us, now is not the time to close your ears and hope that the furnace quiets down. We all grow accustomed to the everyday sounds in our house, and tend to tune them out. If you hear something new coming from your furnace, it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician make a house call to investigate. You do not want to wait until it actually breaks down, especially now, when the weather is so cold. The Sounds of A Noisy Furnace Ignoring a noisy furnace can lead to costly repairs or even a need for a replacement. In some cases it may even be dangerous.  It is imperative that you call an HVAC technician if you notice an unusual noise coming from your furnace. Certain sounds are indicative of a furnace in dire need of cleaning. A dirty furnace can catch on fire and destroy your home. A certain amount of popping or rattling can be expected in your ductwork. The ducts are made of metal, and as it heats and cools it will expand and contract to cause some popping. Rattling is more serious and could indicate that a duct has...

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