All You Need To Know About Space Heaters

A portable space heater is a great way to heat your home when the temperature drops. One common question is: Are space heaters dangerous? If yours is very old or you are using it incorrectly, then no. These tips will help you make sure yours is working correctly.

You can use space heaters to heat that one corner in your house that refuses to warm up, regardless of what the thermostat tells you. You can use them to heat up the room you are using, without having to turn on the entire HVAC system.

There are also some drawbacks. If they aren’t used correctly, they can cause discomfort rather than warmth. If you don’t follow a few simple rules, space heaters can be dangerous. It is important to understand how your space heater works before you start using it in your home.

Follow these Instructions

A label should be placed on your space heater indicating that it has been tested in an accredited laboratory. Read and understand all warnings and instructions before you use the heater. Space heaters are safe if you read and follow the instructions. You could also enlist the help of professionals like Florence HVAC Experts if you aren’t too sure how to set up one in your home.

Use only for supplemental heat

Space heaters are meant to provide heat supplemental only. These space heaters should not be used to dry clothes, warm linens, or cook food. They can be used to heat smaller rooms, but they are not energy-efficient appliances. Space heaters are not certified by the Department of Energy’s EnergyStar program. Space heaters should not be considered a long-term solution.

You must ensure that your smoke alarms work

It doesn’t matter if you use a space heater. However, the fire risk associated with plug-in heaters is a reason to make sure your smoke alarms work properly. Smoke detectors typically last around 10 years. If yours is older, it’s probably time to replace them. If you don’t have a hardwired smoke alarm, it is best to change the batteries at least twice per year. Most people do this when they set the clocks forward or backward depending on the time chances.

Be sure to check the cord

Make sure to inspect the cord for cracks. Make sure that the connection is secure before plugging it in. Unsecured connections are dangerous and can cause fire hazards. A damaged cord can be repaired, but you shouldn’t use the space heating device if it has been replaced or repaired.

Space heaters should not be left unattended

Turn the heater off when you leave a room. The heater should be turned off when you go to bed, and children and pets shouldn’t play near it.

Keep it out of your way

An accident is waiting to happen if a cord is placed in the hallway or across an area that is very busy between the living and kitchen areas. Your space heater should be placed in an area where people won’t walk so it doesn’t trip anyone. It is dangerous for anyone walking on it.

Connect directly to an Outlet

You might be tempted to plug another device into an extension cord or place the heater precisely where you want it. Don’t. You shouldn’t.

Space Heaters should be kept clear of flame-prone material

Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from any objects that could burn. This includes clothing, bedding, and paper. These items are best used on a flat, uncovered floor. There should be no carpeting beneath them. You shouldn’t run the cord underneath a rug.

Make sure you look for safety features

You should look for space heaters with safety features like a tip-over switch and an overheat sensor. These safety features can prevent the heater from overheating, which could lead to a fire. A good feature is temperature control. Contact your heating contractor for an in-depth tutorial of each feature on your space heater.

Take a look at Watts

To determine the heat produced by a space heater, look at its wattage. The output of most electric space heaters is between 400 and 1,500 watts. Many models allow you to set the output range.

Call Florence HVAC Experts if you need a heating equipment supplier. We install, repair, and supply HVAC equipment for residential and commercial buildings. Contact us today!

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

How Can A Heat Pump Help You Save Money?

The cost of installing and running various kinds of heat pump differs in some ways. Geothermal heat pumps are costlier to install compared to air source heat pumps since ground source pumps will require you to dig down to a certain heat source. It will also require you to work with more complicated heat transfer systems. That can also be more expensive based on your property’s terrain. Your expenses can range between $5,000 and $7,500 if you want to have a ground source heat pump system. Air source heat pumps are cheaper options that cost between $1,500 and $4,000. These units are simpler and can easily be installed.

Costs Of Running And Repairing A Heat Pump

The amount you need to pay to operate and repair a heat pump depends on the type of system you have. It is less expensive to operate a ground source heat pump since the water and the ground has a constant temperature that lets the heat pump operate effectively. Ground source units likewise have the benefit of not being subjected to the weather outdoors, thus preventing too much wear and tear. On the other hand, they can be quite expensive to repair especially if you have to access the underground part of the unit. Air source units are easy to service and access. However, they might require more constant maintenance since they are constantly exposed to the elements. Additionally, air source heat pumps might utilize more supplemental energy to operate, particularly in areas with colder climates, and this will lead to a higher utility bill.

Florence heat pumps can help you save between 30% and 40% or more on your utility bill. However, neglecting the heat pump can lead to the unit’s reduced efficiency. It is important to consider the climate where you plan to use the heat pump so that you can choose the right system that will run efficiently in your area. Provided that you install the best and most appropriate kind of heat pump, this unit can help you reduce your utility costs.

Hire A Pro

Always remember that it is better to hire a professional HVAC contractor to fix your heat pump problems. Heat pumps may contain hazardous materials and that means it needs to be dealt by professionals only. A chemical leak, for instance, is already bad news. You don’t want to make things worse by injuring yourself because you didn’t know how to handle the broken device correctly.

A heat pump can last for as long as three decades, and geothermal units top the list when it comes to longevity. As a matter of fact, some parts of the ground source heat pump may even last longer. Keep in mind that today’s technology can quickly change even before your heat pump has worn out and that means your unit may even outlast the ability of your Florence HVAC Experts to maintain and repair it. Furthermore, keep an eye out for brand-new types of heat pumps especially the ones that are safer and more effective.

Call Florence HVAC Experts if you need help installing, fixing, or replacing your heat pumps.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

HVAC Tips – Improving Indoor Air Quality This Thanksgiving

A home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner may fill you with the wonderful aroma of delicious food. This atmosphere will fill your home just as much. Thanksgiving is a big event that involves many days of food preparation, baking, and people sharing one space. All these factors can lead to indoor air pollution. Be mindful of your indoor air quality as you prepare for the holiday season. These Thanksgiving indoor air quality tips will help you combat indoor pollution.

Indoor Air Pollution Sources for Thanksgiving

It might seem strange to consider the holiday season as an increase in indoor air pollution. It makes sense when we break it down. These are the main pollutants that can be caused by hosting Thanksgiving events at home:

• Cooking
• Baking
• Indoor space is occupied by humans.

These sources are combined with colder temperatures, heaters on, and closed windows and doors. This creates poor indoor air quality which will adversely affect everyone living in the home.

Baking and cooking are both sources of indoor air pollution. Different types of pollutants are dependent on the heat source, whether it is electric, gas, or wood. The actual processes can also produce chemicals or aromatic hydrocarbons, which can compromise indoor air quality. Smoke is released into the atmosphere by burning wood or using other wood-based alternatives. Oil particulates are released into the atmosphere by frying. Along with the combustion gases, gas stoves and ovens can produce toxic pollutants such as formaldehyde. You and your guests will be exposed to harmful chemicals in cooking sprays, cookware, and kitchen countertop sprays.

Indoor air pollution is also a common problem caused by guests. People who visit your home bring with them pollutants. These pollutants include pollen, germs, and perfumes as well as pet dander and airborne transmissible illnesses. These pollutants can circulate through the air and settle on surfaces, affecting air quality.

There are many tips and tricks that can help you and your family keep safe this Thanksgiving holiday.

Ventilate

To improve your air quality, the first thing you can do is ventilate. We mean ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. There are several ways to do this.

You can first run the kitchen exhaust fan. Even if you don’t have an exhaust fan, many stovetops and ovens offer exhaust options. Although they may only be used for a limited amount of time, this can still work. You can also open your windows and doors to increase circulation, depending on the weather. You can make your space and home more comfortable with fresh air.

Although it would be great to have both an exhaust fan and windows, it may not always be the most comfortable in November. Windows and doors are not an option if the weather isn’t cooperating or the temperature is low. To reduce the number of pollutants and fumes from cooking, even modest ventilation is better than none.

A whole-home ventilation system moves fresh air throughout your entire home, which is better than localized options. A whole-home mechanical ventilation system is easy to install and very cost-effective. There are many ventilation options, including ERVs or HRVs. Both work in conjunction with your existing HVAC system to move old, polluted air out and bring in the fresh air.

Reduce Humidity

You can increase the moisture level in your home by cooking in the oven, boiling water for mashed potatoes, or steaming vegetables. The opposite is true. As the weather gets colder, we turn to heaters to keep warm. This causes the air to lose more moisture and makes it feel dryer. If humidity levels are too low or too high, pollen, allergens, and bacteria can thrive. Installing a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier is the best way to manage your home’s humidity. A professional Florence HVAC contractor can help you determine the right system to maintain your indoor relative humidity between 40-60% depending on your location.

Change filters

Are you sure you remember when you last changed your filters in your home? What about furnace filters or return filters? Filtered appliances and devices can only work effectively and protect themselves if they are regularly cleaned and changed. Poor indoor air quality is a result of dirty or clogged filters in the heating and cooling system. You can prevent unwanted particles and debris from circulating by changing your filters. Also, it will prolong the life of the HVAC system. Install new filters before you host Thanksgiving dinner. From there, we recommend creating a schedule for filter changes!

Indoor air quality improvements are easy with air filters. We recommend MERV-13 filters for all homes. MERV-13 filters provide improved air quality and can be easily integrated into existing systems without any costly upgrades. These filters can have a noticeable and immediate impact on the air quality in your home. These filters capture harmful pollutants such as mold spores and dust mites.

You can monitor indoor air from your mobile phone

A central air monitor can help you better understand your indoor air quality. You can see the whereabouts, how, and what of specific pollutants that are affecting your home. The monitor, which is integrated directly into your HVAC system, records everything, from temperature to humidity, and then sends you insightful information to your tablet or smartphone. The monitor not only shows you what pollutants are present in your home but also offers tips and tricks for improving air quality. Monitors are a great holiday gift because they allow you to see in real-time how these Thanksgiving sources affect your indoor air quality.

Get in touch with the experts

You can contact Florence HVAC Experts if you have any heating and cooling questions this holiday season. We are happy to provide indoor air quality tips and solutions. The best choice is to prioritize whole-home and whole-space solutions. Indoor air quality is vital as it has a significant impact on the quality of the home and the occupants’ well-being. Indoor air quality can be improved by choosing solutions that improve the whole space. This is especially important before the holiday season. We have many recommendations for improving indoor air quality that can be tailored to your home.

Call Florence HVAC Experts now to improve HVAC performance and indoor air quality in your home.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Your HVAC System?

Homeowners continue to find ways to reduce their heating and cooling energy consumption by building more weatherized and tightly built houses than ever before. However, several homes lack sufficient ventilation, which results in high levels of indoor pollution from VOCs or volatile organic compounds, biological contaminants, as well as a range of other potentially harmful particles. These pollutants have negative health implications. But aside from that, they can also affect the performance of your HVAC system.

Pollution particles can get inside your HVAC system through the leaks in the ductwork as well as the return air supply. Typical household dust that is pulled in through the return registers could introduce, skin cells, pollen, hair, animal dander, as well as soot. Poorly sealed ductwork can let insulation fibers, insect parts, pest droppings, as well as other undesirable contaminants gain entry from the basement, wall cavities, and the attic. In case the air filter of the HVAC system fails to catch them, these pollutants can cause a lot of problems on important Florence HVAC components including the following:

Evaporator Coil

A barrier is created by dirt particles to essential heat transfer, which lowers the system’s cooling capacity as well as its capability to get rid of the humidity.

Ductwork System

In case the ducting has insulation, the material that is utilized might trap airborne particles. In case excess moisture has been absorbed as well, then the ductwork could turn into a breeding ground for mold, viruses, and bacteria.

Outdoor Compressor

Running a system with a layer of dirt and dust on the coil increases the pressure and the temperature inside the system. This could lead to the degradation of the compressor lubricant. The friction that it creates can result in a costly compressor failure.

Blower Motor

The dirt inside your heating and cooling system could accumulate on the motor, which will cause wear and strain, increased energy consumption as well as overheating. This will not just shorten the service life of your vehicle but also develop into a serious fire hazard.

Furnace Heat Exchanger

In case the air filter is filled in with too much debris and dust, and airflow has become restricted, the additional strain that is placed on the system’s heat exchanger can cause the unit to fail prematurely.

Call Florence HVAC Experts now to learn more about how indoor air quality can affect your HVAC system.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Is Your HVAC Ready For The Holidays?

There’s no better time than the holidays to get a maintenance agreement in place if you don’t have one. Why? Your HVAC system may not be able to keep up with your holiday guests and the holidays. Let’s take another look.

What does a maintenance agreement mean for your Florence HVAC?

Here are some basics to help you understand what a maintenance agreement is for your cooling and heating system.

• Get twice-yearly HVAC maintenance service – one in spring and one in fall.
• Regular tune-ups, calibrations, and cleaning of components and parts will ensure your system runs at peak performance.
• You can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and repair costs by catching problems before they become serious.
• Ensure higher energy efficiency through more efficient system operation
• You can rest assured that your system can handle the heat or cool season’s demands

Why have an HVAC maintenance agreement before the holidays?

Holidays bring more people to your home, including guests who might not use your rooms. This means that you will need to heat more of your space. You might not be as comfortable at home during winter as you are during the holidays.

A maintenance agreement that guarantees regular maintenance can make the difference between your heating and cooling system not keeping up or it running smoothly. You don’t have the worry about your heating system going down, leaving you and your family without heat on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving.

Don’t let HVAC problems ruin the holiday season. Get professional heating and cooling maintenance done by Florence HVAC Experts today. Call us now!

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

What To Know About Heat Pump Maintenance

It is easy to forget about your heat pump when you are busy with everyday living and home maintenance. Here’s a simple checklist that will help you maintain your heat pump. According to Energy.gov, heat pump maintenance can increase energy efficiency by up to 25%. It can also save you time and money on repairs. This comprehensive checklist will help you understand how to do DIY maintenance as well as what to expect from a professional technician when servicing your heat pump.

DIY Maintenance

• To protect your heat pump, and save energy between maintenance calls, you should do the following:
• If you are using the system more than once per month, clean or replace the filter.
• Destroy any foliage or debris that may be around the outdoor unit. All shrubs should be cut back to 18 inches.
• Winter: Check for ice or snow buildup. Heat pumps require airflow in order to work properly.
• Check the outdoor coils regularly; if they’re dirty, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning them.
• If they are dirty, clean the supply and return the registers.
• To increase system efficiency, keep all vents open.

Preventative Heat Pump Service

An HVAC contractor is an expert in the operation of your heat pump. They can handle many issues and offer a wide range of services. You can expect them to do the following when they visit your heat pump to service it:

• Lubricate mechanical parts to reduce friction and resistance. This reduces wear and increases efficiency.
• Clear obstructions from the condensate drain and inspect for cracks and leaks.
• To verify heat pump control, listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
• If you find dirt on your air filter, it is worth replacing.
• Check for stability, amp draw, and vibrations by cleaning the fan and condenser coil.
• For alignment problems, inspect belts, pulleys, and other components.
• Make sure to inspect blower wheels or motors for restricted airflow. Also, make sure the motor draws a proper amp.
• If necessary, measure refrigerant levels.
• To ensure that the refrigeration metering device is working properly, inspect it. If it isn’t, it could reduce heating and cooling efficiency and operating life.
• Examine electrical wiring and connections. Damaged wires will be replaced and loose connections fixed.
• To ensure that the drain line is clean and free of clogs, flush it.
• Check the ducts for dirt, obstructions, and any damage that could cause airflow restriction or leakage.
• Verify that the defrost timer works by checking the defrost assembly.
• To ensure that the crankcase heater is working properly and to prevent any performance problems, test it.
• Monitoring coil temperatures is important. If there are temperature variations, it could indicate that other issues may exist.
• To ensure that the unit works and responds properly, check safety panels and other features.
• Verify that the thermostat is working according to current conditions.
• To prevent electrical hazards, test the time delay and unit disconnect switches.
• To avoid freezing and drainage problems, check the elevation of your unit.

Heat pump maintenance can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. It’s best to give Florence HVAC Experts and get professional heating and cooling services. Contact us today!

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/