Fact or fiction? How to use a thermostat.
Properly operating your thermostat is important for both energy savings and home comfort. There are definite dos (and don’ts) of thermostat operation that are particularly important to know during the hotter summer months.
For example, did you know that you can’t just choose a thermostat willy-nilly? Certain thermostats are paired with certain central heating and air conditioning systems in order to achieve proper performance.
But, that’s just one of many things. Here are some facts about proper thermostat operation. Are you following these rules?
It is not beneficial to decrease your thermostat temperature setting significantly in order to cool your home more quickly. Thermostats set at a lower temperature run longer, but don’t necessarily cool your home more quickly. In fact, the one thing you are going to achieve over a short period of time is an unreasonably high utility bill!
Constantly making adjustments on a non-programmable thermostat is not best practice. Making adjustments to a non-programmable thermostat constantly is going to run up your utility bill. If you want customized home comfort, the best thing to do is ask your HVAC contractor about a programmable model. This way, you can set your individual comfort schedule based on your habits and forget that it’s even there.
If you have a heat pump, you should not rely on the emergency heat setting. Although this is more of a winter issue, it is important to keep in mind. Even on really cold days, the normal heat setting will be the more economical heating mode. If it gets to the point where normal heating mode just isn’t cutting it, consider adding a gas furnace to your central heating system.
It’s important to find the highest, most comfortable temperature you are okay with and stick to it. Again, this ties into the second point that you shouldn’t constantly be making adjustments. The best way you are going to be able to control the amount you spend on cooling (or heating during the winter) is going to be largely dependent on how you set your thermostat. A few degrees isn’t going to have a significant impact on comfort, but it CAN have a larger impact on your utility bills.
A lot of simple heating and cooling problems can be attributed to a thermostat that isn’t operating properly. If, for some reason, it doesn’t seem like your air conditioner is cooling to the best of its ability, it could indicate a problem at the thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is on and reading the correct temperature. Some thermostat models will even indicate if there is a problem at the unit level. But, even when it comes to thermostats, make sure you consult a contractor before making any changes. DIY solutions are never recommended.
What are some of your thermostat tips? Do you have a programmable thermostat in your home? For all of your thermostat questions, make sure you turn to your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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What is the truth behind fans during the summer?
How do you use fans during the summer? Do you substitute it for an air conditioner? Do you use it for white noise as you sleep? There are many ways we can use fans during the summer. But, is it really an efficient use of energy?
Here are two myths about fans in regards to cooling your home. Think you can leave a fan on all the time? Think again.
Myth: Fans create cool air.
Fact: Fans circulate air. Fans only make you feel cooler because it is continually moving hotter air from around your body, away. Also, a fan helps your perspiration evaporate more quickly – speeding up the natural process your body uses for temperature regulation.
Myth: You should keep fans running at all times for circulation.
Fact:You should treat fans like you treat lights – always turn them off when you are finished using them. Or, better yet, unplug them.
There are a couple more things to know about fans.
- Fans can keep mosquitoes away.
- Be careful when putting fans in windows. Remember, the air you bring into your home is unfiltered. Plus, during the summer, you could be bringing in hotter air.
- In terms of types of fans, ceiling fans are the most beneficial when it comes to mixing the air in a room.
Of course, the only way to fully achieve a well-cooled home is through central air conditioning. If you’re strictly using fans to cool your home down during the summer, talk to a local HVAC tech.
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Going beyond comfort. What are the real benefits of air conditioning?
Did you know that people are more productive when they are working in an air conditioned building? The benefits of a whole-home cooling system extend well beyond just making you comfortable. There are many things that we do (especially in the summer) that wouldn’t be possible without air conditioning.
From the workspace to the home, air conditioning plays a role. Here are some things that are made better (or wouldn’t be possible) without air conditioning.
People who are comfortable, work better and more efficiently. A more comfortable work environment is linked to increased productivity and clearer thinking. A cool employee is a happy and productive employee.
High indoor air quality. Air conditioning and heating systems have greatly improved the quality of our indoor air. Indoor air systems (IAQ systems) have greatly reduced levels of allergens and pollutants in the home. Take that season allergies!
Better sleep. If you have an air conditioner in your home, you can keep the windows closed at night. Even the running sounds of an air conditioning system are quieter than noises from outdoors – whether that’s wildlife or the hustle and bustle of city life.
Reduction of heat-related deaths during the summer. We aren’t even two weeks into summer and many areas of the country have already experienced one or more 100F days! Even in the shade, temperatures can get dangerously high. The only relief from summer temperatures is a quick pop into an air conditioned building.
Healthier air means fewer days missed from work. Not only does air conditioning create a more productive working environment, but it creates a healthier work environment as well. This means fewer sick days over the course of the year.
Reducing heat stress for many of our technological devices. Did you know that special air conditioning technology is used to keep data centers cool? These hubs hold important information that is crucial for our increasingly connected society.
It’s crucial for modern medicine and patient care. Comfortable patients that receive higher quality air are more likely to successfully recover. Air conditioning systems also help prevent the spread of bacteria, infections and more from being distributed throughout a hospital or care facility.
Of course, all of these air conditioning systems need to be maintained. That is what local HVAC professionals do. They help keep these crucial comfort systems running in hospitals, data centers, homes, workspaces…you name it!
How does air conditioning improve your life every summer?
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Here are five things you should know about your thermostat
Let’s take a little time to talk about the “brains” behind your HVAC system – your thermostat. If bills seem high, if your system isn’t kicking on at the right time, or more, it could very likely be a problem with your thermostat. On the flipside, a properly installed and matched thermostat can have money-saving and comfort benefits.
Do you have questions about thermostats? Here are some of our answers to your thermostat questions.
- Are thermostats universal?
No. Unfortunately, thermostats are not universal. You have to make sure that your thermostat is correctly matched with the type of system you have in your home. For example, if you have a two-stage heating and cooling system, you are going to need a thermostat that is compatible with two-stage equipment. - What’s the difference between programmable and non-programmable thermostats?
Well, a non-programmable thermostat is probably what you think of when it comes to thermostats. With these models, you set a temperature that your system will reach – regardless of date or time. Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular. with these models, you can set a comfort schedule. So, for example, if you work from 9 to 5 during the weekdays, you can set a temperature lower (during the winder) or higher (during the summer) than your comfort target during those hours and days to maximize energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. - How can my thermostat save money?
Like we said above, programmable thermostats can be a great way to save money. With these models, you can maximize efficiency energy use by setting a schedule that allows your equipment to run only when you really need the heating or cooling power. If your equipment has to run for less time, you will see lower utility bills. - How can I tell if my thermostat is working properly?
If you notice changes in operation (like equipment never shutting off, high utility bills, equipment never turning on, etc.) there could be a problem with your thermostat. It could be sending the wrong signals to your equipment or not registering the correct temperature from inside your home. Either way, you should switch off your equipment and call a local heating and air conditioning contractor so they can diagnose the problem. - How do you properly set a thermostat?
This will depend on the type of thermostat you have. For example, you shouldn’t frequently change the temperature setting of your non-programmable thermostat. By contrast, different temperature settings are common with programmable models because you set your comfort schedule (although you are not manually changing the settings frequently). When your thermostat/equipment is installed, make sure you talk to your contractor about proper thermostat settings and usage. Also, it doesn’t hurt to peak at the user manual.
What else do you want to know about thermostats? Do you have a programmable or non-programmable model? If you have more questions, you can always turn to your local HVAC contractor.
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Five common HVAC misconceptions
There is a lot to know when it comes to operating your heating and cooling system. From operation to efficiency, there are many things that will affect your satisfaction with your home comfort unit. There’s also a lot of advice out there. And, it can be hard to separate what is true from what is false.
Here are five common misconceptions about heating and cooling that you may have thought were true, but are actually false.
- Air handlers are the same as electric furnaces. Because they are similar looking to furnaces and are located in the same places as a furnace, air handlers are sometimes misidentified as electric furnaces. Yes, most air handlers do contain electric backup heating, but this is different from electric furnace heating.
- Closing doors is an effective form of temperature control. All heating and air conditioning systems are sized to heat and cool a certain amount of square footage. When you close doors, your heating and air conditioning system is still programmed to deliver a certain amount of air throughout your home. In the long run, this can affect HVAC system performance and home comfort. This goes for registers as well. If you DO want room-by-room temperature control, a zoning system is the best way to go.
- Air conditioners are the best option for homes in the North. This is particularly true if you live further north. A heat pump may not seem like the most economical heating method for homeowners who frequently see temperatures south of freezing, but electric heat transfer during spring and fall can actually be beneficial (depending on utility prices in your area). So, before you default to an air conditioner, make sure you discuss your options with your heating and cooling contractor.
- A warmer thermostat temperature will heat your home faster. All a warmer temperature setting will achieve is a higher utility bill. Again, your heating and air conditioning system is designed to deliver a certain amount of air to your home at any given amount of time. As a result of a higher temperature setting, your equipment will run longer and drive up utility costs.
- Turning your system off when you’re not using it is always a good idea. When you turn your system on and off, it actually consumes more energy. It is actually a better idea to invest in a unit hat modulates or has the ability to run longer at lower intervals. This way your unit doesn’t go through as many energy-guzzling on and off cycles. Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat that will run based on your schedule. This way you can experience prime comfort levels when you need it most.
Have any more questions about your heating and cooling system? Talk to your local heating and air conditioning contractor. They can let you know best practices for running your heating and cooling equipment.
What are some other things that you have heard about heating and cooling that have turned out to be false?
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A competition or a team effort…air handlers vs. air conditioners.
Are you trying to figure out whether an air conditioner or air handler is right for your home? This actually may not be the best comparison to make. Air conditioners and air handlers actually do two different things and work together to cool your home on hot summer days. In fact, in some areas of the country you may have both.
First, what is an air conditioner?
Split system air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer heat from one air stream to another. They are located outside your home and are what you typically think of when it comes to cooling our home during the summer.
Okay, so what’s an air handler?
An air handler is actually an indoor component of your heating and air conditioning system. It works with your air conditioner or heat pump to transfer heat to and from indoor air, which is then distributed throughout the home.
All right, so how do they work together?
If you have a split-system air conditioner, it will either be paired with a gas furnace or an air handler. An air handler will typically contain backup electric heating strips to provide emergency heating when temperatures get cooler, while a gas furnace will use natural gas to create original heat. Generally, it is a good idea to pair your air conditioner with an air handler when temperatures to not venture too low during the winter – think of places like southern Texas and Florida. In most other areas, your air conditioner will be paired with a gas furnace. This is because it generally is more cost-effective to heat a home using natural gas than electricity.
If you’re looking to compare two different types of indoor units, you should check out our air handlers vs. gas furnace article. If you can’t decide on an outdoor unit for your split system, check out our air conditioner or heat pump article. if you still don’t know what to do, don’t fret! You can always get in touch with your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
What other questions do you have about air conditioners?
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Answering 10 common heat pump questions
Trust us – we get it. Getting all of the information you need about the many heating and air conditioning systems can seem overwhelming. There are so many different systems and features that will impact your home comfort levels and the amount of money you spend heating and cooling your home year-round. Plus, it’s a big investment. So, we’re going to answer some of the common questions you may have about different systems.
This week, we’re going to talk about heat pumps.
10. What is a defrost cycle?
As we’ve covered in our previous heat pump post about winter, the defrost cycle occurs when ice forms on the outdoor components of your heat pump on really cold days. When this happens, your heat pump actually goes into air conditioning mode to thaw the ice. While it is alarming the first time it happens, just know it is completely normal.
9. What does a heat pump look like?
It’s actually hard to distinguish between air conditioners and heat pumps – they look exactly the same! Which brings us to our next question…
8. How do I know if I have a heat pump?
Well, short of asking a contractor, you can actually search by model number online. You can also look at your thermostat and see if your thermostat has an “emergency heat’ setting. Although there are a few more ways to tell if you have a heat pump, these are the simplest.
7. What’s the difference between “air-to-air’ heat pumps and “earth-to-air” heat pumps?
An air-to-air heat pump is what is known as an air-source heat pump. These heat pumps transfer heat from outdoor air into your indoor air and vice versa. An earth-to-air heat pump, or ground-source geothermal heat pump, transfer heat from the earth and into your indoor air and vice versa. When we are talking about heat pumps on this blog, we are most likely talking about “air-to-air” heat pumps (unless otherwise specified).
6. Is a heat pump better than an air conditioner?
Well, that all depends on your heating and cooling needs. In general, if you are in an area that experiences varied seasons, where electric heat transfer can be beneficial, a heat pump is the better bet. Also, in areas that do not need gas heating during the winter but do need some form of heat, it is better to invest in a heat pump than an air conditioner with electric backup strips. Again, heat transfer generally consumes less electricity than heat creation.
5. How do I operate a heat pump in winter?
Luckily, we have a whole post on this! But, the short of it is, heat pumps can be great for the winter! Just make sure if you experience colder winters, you pair your heat pump with a gas furnace instead of an air handler. 
4. Are heat pumps efficient?
Heat pumps can be very efficient when installed and run correctly. Minimum cooling efficiency standards for heat pumps were just raised to 14 SEER across the country, and there are models that reach 20 SEER and above!
3. What size heat pump do I need?
Like all heating and cooling systems, heat pump sizing varies according to your specific needs. When your contractor comes to your home to give you an estimate, they should preform a Manual J load calculation to determine which size you need. Heat pump size is measured in tons – the larger the tonnage, the bigger the system.
2. How much does a heat pump cost?
Like size, heat pump cost is going to vary according to your specific needs. Make sure when you are in the market for a brand new heat pump, you get several quotes from different contractors. And keep in mind, you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to contractors. One contractor may offer a lower quote, but they may not do the job up to your standards. A heat pump is a big investment (like any heating and cooling system), you want to make sure it is installed correctly.
1. How does a heat pump work?
Well, a heat pump actually works exactly like an air conditioner. BUT, in addition to cooling mode, the heat pump is able to reverse the flow of refrigerant and provide electric heating power. Because this is heat transfer, it can be more efficient than using an air conditioner with electric backup heating strips.
Do you have more questions about heat pumps? Let us know! If you have more questions, you can also get in touch with you local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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10 things you should know about operating a heat pump in winter
Heat pumps can be a great option for any homeowner, pretty much anywhere! They are the most cost-effective option (when compared to other electric heating methods that create original heat), and they can be a great way to optimize your year-round heating and cooling costs. However, even with all these benefits, homeowners may still be hesitant to choose a heat pump. The main hang-up being winter heat pump operation.
I mean, how can a heat pump possibly pull heat out of the air when it is SO COLD outside? Well, here are 10 things you should know about operating your heat pump in winter that may be your final push towards having one installed in your home.
- Your heat pump can always pull heat out of the air. Fingers crossed that it never reaches absolute zero on Earth! The question is efficiency. When does it become less efficient for your heat pump to pull heat out of the cold air? The answer? Well, a good rule of thumb is below freezing (or approximately 32°F).
- Defrost mode can be alarming! But, it’s crucial for heat pump operation in winter. Ice may begin to form on your outdoor components when the temperature drops below freezing. So, your heat pump will reverse operation to defrost those components. But, this will only be for a short while and is completely normal.
- But, if it seems like defrost mode may be kicking on too frequently or lasting too long… make sure you call a local heating and air contractor. While defrost mode is a normal part of operation, anything that seems excessive or out of the ordinary, should be looked into by a professional.
- It can be a good idea to pair your heat pump with a gas furnace (a.k.a. dual-fuel) – especially if you live in an area that drops below-freezing frequently. This way, you can get electric heating down to a certain point, and then switch over to gas heating (which may become the more efficient heating method).
- DO NOT rely on emergency heat for really cold days. This can really drive up utility bills, and is most definitely not the most efficient allocation of heating energy. If your heat pump isn’t cutting it, consider adding a gas furnace. Even your heat pump running in normal heating mode will be a better use of energy.
- Make things programmable. This way you don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring your thermostat. When you have your new heat pump installed, ask your contractor about a programmable thermostat.
- Like all other systems, make sure that you are paying attention to your filter. This will make sure that the air you are receiving from your heat pump during the winter is premium quality.
- Have your heat and cooling contractor explain best practices for operating a heat pump in your area during winter. They will know best practices for homes in your area.
- Make sure you schedule a tune-up at least once a year to make sure that your heat pump is in peak condition for the heating and cooling season. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
- Lastly, clear winter debris from around your heat pump to prevent blocked airflow. Decreased airflow means decreased efficiency.
The best place to start if you’re looking for best practices for your heat pump is with your local heating and air conditioning contractor. If something seems off, they are the first place you should turn.
So, have you benefited from having a heat pump in your home? Were you shocked by the defrost cycle the first time it happened?
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What does an air handler do?
If you have a split-system air conditioner or heat pump, you’re probably familiar with an air handler – even if you ended up going with a gas furnace. This is one of the indoor systems that can be paired with your heat pump or air conditioner to make a complete HVAC system.
But, what exactly does an air handler do and how does it differ from a gas furnace?
Well, unlike a gas furnace, an air handler doesn’t heat on its own or use natural gas. Instead, it is powered by electricity (often being mistaken for an “electric furnace”). Air handlers also help provide heat when necessary through electric backup heat strips or, can facilitate heat creation when paired with a heat pump. However, backup heat strips should be used sparingly as they use electricity to create original heat (which can be much costlier than the heat transfer process employed by a heat pump or the heat creation process using natural gas).
Basically, an air handler houses your indoor, evaporator coil and parts of your air distribution system. It is generally housed in a closet, attic or basement and connects to your air distribution network (i.e. ductwork). This is also one of the places your filter could be located. These systems can be great options for homeowners who only need the heating and cooling power of a heat pump. Or, if you can meet your year-round HVAC needs with an air conditioner.
Did you know that your air handler and your air conditioner (or heat pump) must be properly matched in order to provide expected efficiency and performance levels? That is why it is critical that you replace both your outdoor and indoor equipment when buying a new system.
As always, if something seems off with your air handler, call a professional heating and air contractor. They will be able to let you know if something is wrong.
Did you already know this about air handlers? What else do you want to know about air handlers?
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Where is my furnace filter?
The weather has been more than a little bit frightful around certain areas of the country lately. Have you found yourself spending more time indoors than usual? Hopefully you’ve taken the steps to make sure that your indoor air is as fresh as possible – mainly by making sure your filter is fresh.
There are a number of things that can be indicators for a dirty filter. These include, more dust accumulation than usual, higher utility bills, systems that run longer than necessary, and more! For some people, it can be tricky to actually locate the filter and change it, but it doesn’t have to be.
So, where is your furnace filter located?
Well, there are several places that your furnace filter can be located. Here are a few:
- Between your equipment and your ductwork.
- Inside of your ductwork.
- In a return grate in your home.
- In multiple return grates in your home.
- Inside the cabinet of your gas furnace or air handler.
If your filter isn’t located in any of the above mentioned places, it’s time to pick up the phone and call your local heating and air conditioning contractor. It can also be a good idea to call a contractor if your filter is located in your equipment or ductwork. You don’t want to fiddle too much with your heating and air conditioning equipment. You could knock something loose, or damage a part, which will lead to some cold winter days without heat!
Also, make sure you turn off your equipment before you go looking for your furnace filter. It is very unsafe to go searching for your filter while your furnace is in operation!
Have you changed your furnace filter recently? Do you know where to look for it?