Furnaces are expensive, but the newer ones are energy efficient. What is the payback period for the higher efficiency unit? Will you save money? Here are some simple energy bill calculations you can make.
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Residential heating and cooling systems are very complex. HVAC ductwork must be properly designed and sized. Equalized static pressure is important for air flow. Ductwork sizing must allow the proper amount of air to enter and leave each room.
Air vents replace the air in your home that is used by your hot water heater, furnace and other vents. Tim Carter explains how they work and why they are so important to have in your home. In modern homes, that are very tight, a fresh air vent brings in necessary air. This video shows you how an air vent works in your home.
Heating installation is not a do-it-yourself job. I know you want to save money, because the price of heating systems with installation is high. Working with sheet metal requires lots of skill. Making connections to the fuel line and exhaust piping is not for the timid. Invest your time in finding a professional who will do the job correctly.
A pilot light is an endangered species. Some gas appliances still have them, but more and more electronic ignition is how a furnace, water heater or gas cooktop starts up. Finding a pilot light is easy.
Electronic programmable thermostats have a switch setting called auxiliary. This setting switches the heat pump into emergency heat or electric-resistance-coil heating. This is an expensive way to heat your home and should only be done when the heat pump breaks. If this happens, call a service technician.
Setting the temperature ranges on a programmable thermostat is critical. The lower you set the setback temperature the more money you save. You save lots of money if the length of time is long before the furnace or heat pump starts to raise the temperature.
Heating consulting bid estimates generated each day by hundreds of contractors for thousands of homeowners often seem high. But the homeowners often fail to understand all of the hidden costs attached to a job. For example, the contractor has all sorts of fixed expenses that need to be passed on to the customer. All businesses do this or they eventually go out of business.
Heating design is very important. If your heating ductwork or forced air system isn't built properly for good air flow, you'll end up with a cold room. Heating systems can sometimes become blocked by debris or a damper control could be blocking the air. Another possibility is a poorly designed duct system.
A wood pellet stove may save energy dollars when heating your home, but do some calculations to see if staying with your natural gas home heating is more cost effective. Pellet stoves do allow for zone heating, but you may be surprised to know that your automated heating system will probably save you more money than the stove.
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