Since we live in Florida, we focus more on escaping the heat than staying warm. But when the chilly weather creeps in, it’s all we can think about! We depend on our heating system to keep us cozy in the winter, and when it fails, we freeze! Our HVAC systems need regular maintenance to stay energy efficient home heating systems. The parts that govern heat include the:
- Thermostat
- Furnace
- Blower
- Vents
When you turn on your system through the thermostat, cool air is pulled into the furnace through your intake vents. Then the heat generated from the furnace warms the air.
Once the furnace sufficiently fires up, the blower turns on, pushing warm air through the ducts and out of the vents. No matter where you are in your house, you’ll feel toasty in no time!
But have you ever wondered if your heating system could do better? Just like a cooling system, if we don’t have an energy efficient home heating system, it will consume more electricity.
This increases our electricity bill in the winter. If you want to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, we have outlined 4 signs that your system is not energy efficient.
1. Dust
Do you feel like you’re always fighting dust? You clean your shelves and wipe down your tables just to find a thin layer of filth hours to days later! Too much dust in one room or all over the house is an overlooked sign of a poorly ventilated HVAC system.
An efficient heating system will have an equally efficient ventilation system that draws plenty of air from your home and filters it well. If it isn’t pulling enough through the intake vents, it can’t filter as much air.
Sometimes, the solution to this problem is simple. If you have accidentally blocked one or more of your intake vents, moving furniture, curtains, or clutter away from them will help your heating system work the way it was intended to.
If your intake vents are not the trouble, it’s time to call in a professional to assess the situation.
2. Constantly Running
Your heating system should run occasionally, not all the time. If you notice your furnace roaring up a storm all winter long without taking many breaks, it’s a major sign you need to have your heating system serviced, repaired, or replaced.
Only a professional heating and cooling specialist like Action Air Conditioning should inspect your HVAC system. If you have warranties in place, it’s important that the contractor you choose has been certified by your HVAC brand and uses the right parts to retain your contractual protection.
3. Cold rooms
This may go without saying, but if one or more of your rooms are colder than the rest, or if you are feeling cold in your home, it’s not okay! Your heating system should never struggle to make your house comfortably warm.
Even though your first thought may be to blame the furnace, it might be an innocent participant in this chilling mystery. The air handling unit and ventilation system play a crucial role in distributing the heat throughout your home.
When you call on your trusted heating and cooling expert, they will troubleshoot the problem and discuss what the best course of action is. Possible culprits include:
- A dirty filter: If you do not replace your filter every 90 days, it can reduce the flow of air and hold back your heat. If you are undergoing a renovation or have pets, you may need to change it sooner.
- Damaged air ducts: If the integrity of your ventilation system is compromised, the warm air that’s supposed to enter your living space could leak elsewhere. If cold spots have always been an issue, your specialist may recommend zoning.
- Blocked vents: Again, if you mistakenly cover intake vents, the air can’t circulate through your heating system.
- Broken blower fan: Your blower fan pushes the warm air into your vents and through your rooms. If it isn’t working right, the heat your furnace produces can’t reach you!
4. Old Heating Equipment
If any unit in your HVAC system is over 10 years old, it’s time to replace it. Just because it functions doesn’t mean that it’s running efficiently. After a decade of use, your equipment is outdated and costing you more money than it should.
New technological advancements have made it possible for heating systems to run with less energy than ever before, and science continues to work toward even cleaner possibilities. When your HVAC system consumes less electricity to run, everyone benefits from it.
Heating System Repair and Replacement in Tampa Bay, Florida
You should have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year to ensure that it is clean, safe, and efficient. If your system is struggling to function properly or you just want regular maintenance that you can count on, contact Action Air Conditioning for all your heating and cooling needs.
We can determine the problem and discuss solutions that are right for you.