Get to Know Your Heating System Today!

It is an unfortunate truth that most people don’t know enough about their HVAC systems. Most people don’t realize that learning about their HVAC system can prove useful to them when it comes time to perform repairs or inspections.

Some basic things you should know about your heating system are where your vents are located, what kind of system you have, and how your system can run more efficiently. Continue reading to learn a little more about each of these topics.

What Kind of Distribution System Are You Using?

If you have individual space heaters in each room of your house, then the heat is distributed from your heaters directly into the air. If you have central heating, however, there are a couple of different distribution systems your heater may employ.

Heat pumps and forced-air systems (or furnaces) use a system of air ducts and vents to distribute heat evenly to various rooms in your house. The vents can be located either in the ceiling of a room or in the floor.

Floor vents tend to make for better heating, since hot air rises. Another way to distribute heat is through hot water. This system is typical of boilers that send hot water to a radiator, which then distributes heat into the air through radiation.

Are You Really Saving Money When You Close Vents?

A common misconception about heating systems is that closing the air vents in a room that is not in use will save money on your monthly heating bill.

This is incorrect. In fact, closing your vents can not only raise your bill, but it can also cause stress on your system and lead to more frequent breakdowns.

While air isn’t being pushed into that particular room, it is being pushed instead to other areas of the house. Closing a vent doesn’t make your heater blow out less air; it just creates more pressure in your air ducts, which can create stress on the heater.

Better Ideas For Saving Money on Your Heating

There are lots of better ways that you can save energy, and therefore money. One way to make your heating system more efficient is by employing ceiling fans.

As we said before, hot air rises. So, if your air vents are located in the ceiling of the room, use a fan (rotating clockwise at low speed) to gently push the warm air lower to heat the room better without needing as much air to be pushed through.

Another way you can help your heater work less is by making use of the sun's natural heat. Keep your window coverings, like curtains or blinds, open during the day to keep it warmer. Keep your windows closed at night to keep the warm air inside. The Department of Energy also suggests turning your thermostat down ten to fifteen degrees at night, to reduce the amount of energy it takes to warm your house all night.

To counteract the cooler temperature at night, consider investing in warmer flannel sheets for your beds, and cozy pajamas. For reliable HVAC services in the St. Michael area, call B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C at (763) 497-2290! Please share this article with everyone you know, to help spread the knowledge of how important knowing your heating system is!