Your home’s heat pump is an efficient piece of equipment for keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When problems begin to appear, you want to get it fixed and back up and running as soon as possible. Fortunately, many heat pump issues are easy to troubleshoot.
Home heating systems are very safe.
You’d probably be surprised to find out that there are three or four easy steps you can take to lower the heating bills this winter in your Houston area home. By tackling these tasks, homeowners can exercise more control over energy bills.
How to Reduce Energy BillsHow many hours a day do you spend inside? Most American spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors rather than out. The problem? Indoor air quality can be far worse than what you would breathe in an average American city. Finding ways to improve indoor air quality needs to be a priority.
How to Improve the Air Inside Your Home
You may already be aware of how important the air filter is in order for the furnace to operate correctly. This material prevents large particles of debris from reaching the furnace blower. However, did you know that traditional furnace filters aren’t meant for removing smaller particles? These particles could have a profound effect on the air quality in your home and aggravate allergies and other respiratory problems.
Some of the contaminants in your air that you should be concerned about that aren’t trapped by regular air filters, including dust mites and their debris, pollen, mold and pet dander.
Some furnace filters are better at removing smaller particles than others. Pay attention to the MERV ratings when you purchase filters. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is a standard set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) that rates the effectiveness of air filters. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter will block.
For example, a filter with a MERV rating between 1 and 4 may be able to trap pollen and dust mites. To block mold, dust mite debris and pet dander from being re-circulated through your home, opt for a filter with at least a rating of 5 to 8.
Another option to look for is an electrostatic filter. These filters use electrostatic energy to trap the smaller particles that may be in the air. You may save money on electrostatic furnace filters by choosing ones that can be washed and reused.
Poor indoor air quality is a concern for many, as our homes become more energy efficient and less natural ventilation occurs. If you or your family suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, you may want to consider installing an air cleaner that works in conjunction with the furnace.
To learn more about furnace filters, or for other home comfort concerns, contact the HVAC experts at ACS Absolute Comfort in Houston.
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If you’re looking for a new furnace, a tune up or other heating and cooling services, working with an HVAC contractor should be your top priority. The contractor that you choose should be staffed with knowledgeable and professional HVAC experts who can provide you with everything that you need.
If you’re experiencing any problems with the furnace or air conditioner in your home, or if you have an indoor air quality issue or would like preventive maintenance performed before the harsh winter conditions arrive, reach out to an HVAC contractor. A skilled heating and cooling technician will also be able to install, inspect and clean air conditioners and furnaces as well.
When you contact an HVAC contractor, describe your problem or need in as much detail as you can. This will help the technician to better understand the challenge. When he diagnoses the problem, be at his side so you can learn more about your heating and cooling system. A reliable HVAC contractor will be there when you need them the most.
Pollutants and toxins are everywhere, but there are some simple ways to prevent indoor air pollution in your home so you and your family can breathe a little easier and stay healthy all year long.
More homeowners today are just as concerned with the efficiency of their homes as the interior aesthetics and curb appeal. This would explain why more home remodeling projects are geared toward home efficiency, such as installing Energy Star-qualified windows or upgrading to energy-efficient siding. But how do you know which remodeling and efficiency upgrades offer the best investment? That
Did you know that indoor air quality is at its lowest in many Texas homes during the winter season? Read on to find out why and how you can improve the quality of your indoor air in the winter.
Thanks to advances in building technology, today
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