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Heating plays a central role in your home, but how much do you know about your unit? Most people's homes are already equipped with an HVAC system when they move in, but you might not be sure how it works or what your other heating options are. Read on to learn some of the answers to your most common heating questions, and be sure to reach out to us at 1st Home & Commercial Services if you're never in need of assistance!
How Does a Thermostat Work?
A thermostat regulates the temperature inside your home. The thermostat uses a sensor to detect how warm or cold it is in your house, then tells your system to turn on and operate until the desired temperature is achieved. The temperature on your thermostat is the maximum, not the minimum, so make sure that you don't set it too high in the winter.
The ideal temperature for thermostats during Texas winters is between 68 to 72 degrees during the day and 60 to 66 degrees at night.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Air Filters?
If you have a central HVAC unit, you'll need to have your air filters changed regularly to promote good air quality indoors and protect your system from damages. Most household air filters need to be replaced every 90 days, but some may have to be replaced sooner. More expensive, high-quality air filters only require annual replacements, which can be done when you schedule a yearly tune-up.
What's the Best Way to Lower My Energy Bill?
The best way to lower your energy bill at home is to avoid setting your thermostat too high; in the winter, you shouldn't have it set any higher than 72 degrees. You can also weatherstrip your doors and windows, apply insulation window treatments to prevent heat loss and have your heater checked to ensure it's not working overtime and costing you more money.
When Should I Service My Heating System?
The best time to have your heater checked is mid-fall, just before you plan to start using it. Heaters lay dormant for several months at a stretch, and there may be some repairs or adjustments that need made before the winter season. Even though these might not be major adjustments, having them addressed before you start to run your heat can save you money and prevent greater problems from arising.
Why Is My Heater So Noisy?
Heaters can make many strange noises that indicate a repair is needed. Hissing or screeching can indicate a motor problem while banging or popping noises can be tied to issues with the furnace combustor. A scraping sound coming from the heater can result from a problem with your heater's blower wheel, the part that aids in ventilation and dehumidifying.
Why Does My Heater Smell Like It's Burning?
During the warmer months, dust collects in your heater. When you turn on your furnace for the first time in a while, it's normal for it to smell while the dust burns off the heating components. If the smell lasts longer than several minutes, or you see smoke, turn off the heater right away, and contact us so one of our technicians can take a look.
What Are my Heating Options?
Central heating and air conditioning systems are the most common today; furnaces are used to blow heat through your home's air ducts. Boilers are special types of water heaters found in older homes that draw heat from the water tank and pass it through radiators into your home.
For a more eco-friendly approach, you can consider installing a heat pump system. These energy-efficient heating systems only use electricity to power themselves, not to heat air, so they save you money over time and lower your home's reliance on fossil fuels.
If you need help with your heating, air conditioning or plumbing, contact1st Home and Commercial Services, today! We'll send one of our licensed experts to your home right away.