Some important issues about a HVAC
HVAC stands Heating, Ventilation and Cooling. HVACs are a part of every household to maintain comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. Here we will explain some basic question about a HVAC unit.
What is Emergency Heat?
Heat pumps are not very effective in extremely cold regions where temperature reaches below 35 degrees in winter. The heat pump is not able to source heat from the environment to warm your house. As a result the units are always fitted with a contraption that will generate and supplement the heat produced by the heat pump in such time.
The second stage heat gets activated when the thermostat in the system senses that the primary source is not enough for required heat production. The two stages will work together in the colder months. But when both the systems work together,it cannot be referred as using emergency heat. Emergency heat is using the supplementary source only without turning on the primary source.
When is emergency heat needed?
You generally use emergency heat when your heat pump suffers breakdown due to some defects or on account of inclement weather or other mishaps. Sometimes heat pump turns icy inside and is unable to produce heat. In such times you will need to use emergency heat. Simply turn the thermostat to emergency heat and call for repair service.
How would you know that the emergency heat is running? There is a red light in your heat pump that will turn on as soon as you use emergency heat. The light lets you know that you are in emergency mode. If you are skeptical about the expenses of running the emergency heat, you should know that it is surely more expensive than getting heat from the heat pump. You should use it until your heat pump gets repaired. You will generate fat power bill sin case of an all-electrical heat pump. If you have emergency heat systems powered by gas or other fuel, the expense will depend on the price of fuel.
Why filters should be changed?
If your system runs on disposable filter, you should change your filter once in every month. These filters generally have cardboard edges. Do not attempt to clean them. There are some cooling devices that have 1”pleated filter which can go up to three months. But in peak months of HVAC usage, you should check often for clogged filters. Dirty filters reduce airflow. A marginal quantity of air reaches the evaporator coils to get cooled. Consequently it is this lesser quantity of cooled air that comes out of your duct to cool your rooms. You experience a poor level of cooling.
Where are filter located?
Filters are usually located near the access doors in the return air duct next to the indoor unit. These are generally disposable filters. The access door can be in the cellar, crawl-space, utility closet, garage, or garret. In the older models, the furnace unit had the filter in it. It is situated beside the blower motor. Some of the cooling systems have central filtration system placed in a wall or ceiling. The grille swings open, showing the air filter.
When you take out a filter to replace it, always be careful about the direction. This is because you have to install the new filter in the same way as the old one was fitted. Air flows through the filter in one direction. There should be a symbol indicating the direction of airflow. It should always point towards the evaporator coil. In case you are not able to spot the symbol use your hands to locate the rougher side of the mesh. The rougher side will be one that collects the dust. So the cooling unit should be present in an opposite direction to this.
If you have a permanent- filter then you have to clean it once a month. It is very easy to do so. Begin by putting the thermostat off. Locate and remove your air filter. Take a garden pipe that has good water pressure and spray water on the filter to let the dirt wash away. However, the pressure should not be so high as to damage the mesh. Let the component dry. Slide the air filter back into the rack, noting proper airflow direction.
What is the best level of humidity for homes?
A humidity range of 30 to 50% is optimal for all households. However, 40 to 45% is the be strange for maximum comfort. If it goes above this level you will see condensation in the window. Too much moisture in the air invites mold growth and allergens which can result in respiratory problems. Dust mites can breed well in humidity level that is a little less than 50%. Mold thrives well in humidity condition that is a little above 60%. Microbial growth leads to a variety of aliments including asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.
Again very dry air is also bad for health. It can cause dry nose and throat, dry skin, and static electricity. Static electricity can damage the various electronic devices running in the house such as computers, DVD players, etc.It can also harm flooring, doors, and pianos. These can crack and twist, if not properly humidified. If you find your rooms too dry, then it is worthwhile to buy a humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level. Ont he other hand if the humidity is too high, you can fit exhaust fans in those sections of the house where there is a high level of humidity. Another less expensive option is to buy a dehumidifier.