What do you know about the other key parts of your heating and cooling system?
If you have a basic understanding of heating and air conditioning, you know about air conditioners and furnaces. Heck, you may even know about air handlers and heat pumps. But, do you know about the other equipment that helps deliver air throughout your home?
In addition to air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and air handlers (the basics) your system also includes a thermostat, ductwork and IAQ products. All are aimed at helping you get the most comfortable, healthy home possible.
Here’s a rundown of what all of these components do for your home.
Ductwork
You may have seen these metal rectangular boxes running along the ceilings of basements in homes that have a forced air heating and air conditioning system. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, and should be sized for your home. Your ductwork is responsible for delivering heated or conditioned air throughout your home. It’s a crucial component of your air distribution system. That is why it is important to have a contractor come out and inspect your ductwork for damage. Also, it’s a good idea to get your ductwork cleaned. Not only can this help make sure that you have the best air possible delivered to your home, but it can also alert you to any unseen problems in your home (i.e. rodents or mold).
IAQ Products.
Indoor air quality products are broadly defined as any system responsible for improving your home’s air quality. These systems include air filters, dehumidifiers, whole-home humidifiers, purifiers and more! One piece of your IAQ system, your filter, should be changed regularly. This is a small task that you can do without the help of a contractor (in most cases). Filter changes can avoid disrupted airflow (resulting in poor system performance) AND ensure that you have the freshest air possible.
Thermostat
We’ll call this system “the brains behind the operation” so to speak. You are probably more familiar with this part of your central AC system than any other component. You make changes to your comfort at the thermostat – adjusting comfort settings. Thermostats come in non-programmable or programmable models. A programmable thermostat is particularly helpful when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing utility bill spending!
If you have any questions about these particular systems, you should contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor. They will be able to sit down and talk through your different system options.
When was the last time you had your ductwork cleaned?
