Monday, January 31, 2022

HVAC Systems – Understanding How They Work



Like many other things in your home, your HVAC system needs attention and a bit of understanding of the way it works. Although most of the time it only takes a few buttons and knobs to operate HVAC systems, you do need to know about how to deal with repairs and replacement when the time calls for it. Understanding when to do maintenance, how to deal with problems, and knowing when to replace your unit will save you money in the future. So what can you do to keep HVAC usage costs down without sacrificing comfort?

How to reduce HVAC operation cost

Air-Conditioning-Cost-Myrtle-Beach-300x200.jpgAs it turns out, there are plenty of ways on how you could cut your HVAC operation cost without cutting usage time. Here are 8 simple ways on how you could do so:

  1. Always schedule maintenance – if you don’t already have a maintenance program set up for your HVAC unit, you should contact your HVAC contractor right away. Preventive maintenance keeps your unit working in top order for longer. It will also ensure that all parts are working as intended, steering you clear of any problems in the near future.
  1. Operate at optimum temperatures – it’s a common mistake among homeowners to blast away with the thermostat settings. While it may be tempting to crank up the thermostat on a hot summer’s day, it may not be the most efficient way. Consult your owner’s manual for the most energy-efficient temperature range. Do note that temperature fluctuation will cost you more money than sticking to the desired temperature range. Consult experts like Florence HVAC Experts to know more on thermostats and the best settings.
  1. Seal your home properly – a lot of the factors that make your HVAC unit run inefficiently has to do with windows and doors. If they aren’t sealed properly, cool or warm air from your HVAC system might be lost, leading to inefficiency and increased operating costs.
  1. Get better insulation – insulation is key when it comes to making your home as energy efficient as possible. Warmth or coolness of a room may seep into walls if insulation is done poorly. Be sure that your house is insulated properly so your HVAC system won’t have such a hard time cooling or heating up.
  1. Ease up on the thermostat – again, it all boils down to the right thermostat temperature. Scale back on the thermostat and find the right setting during cooling or heating months. In the winter, set the thermostat back about 10-15 degrees for around 8 hours. According to the United States Department of Energy, doing so would save the homeowner around 5-15% in heating bills each year.
  1. Use a programmable thermostat – manual thermostats are a thing of the past. Newer models are programmable and some learn from your average usage to determine the most suited temperature settings for your household. Contact your local HVAC contractor for more information on what kind of thermostat would suit your needs.
  1. Do regular air filter cleaning or replacement – air filters play a huge role in keeping your HVAC system working in top order.
  1. Use drapes and thick curtains – thicker drapes or curtains will provide an insulating layer in addition to your home’s insulation. They prevent warmth or coolness from escaping, adding to the efficiency of your HVAC system.

If you have any more questions about minimizing HVAC costs, contact Florence HVAC Experts.

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

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

6 HVAC TIPS For WINTER

HVAC-1-300x200.jpgYou'll want to turn on the heating as the temperatures drop. HVAC systems can cause a lot of misery during winter months. Here are some ways you can make sure your heating system is warm and comfortable during the winter months.

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Clean your air vents Make sure to vacuum your home and clean out the registers and air vents. This will prevent your furnace from working harder and stop warm air from reaching your living spaces. Clean air vents will promote good air quality by preventing dirt and pathogens being transported into your home. Clean or replace your air filters You will need to clean your air filter if it is reusable or replace it. If your HVAC system is constantly running, air filters can last for a few months. Dirty air filters can introduce contaminants to the air and block heated air from passing through. This makes your furnace use more fuel and causes your HVAC system fans to work harder. Make sure you are checking your thermostat settings To keep your home comfortable, the thermostat must be set at the right temperature and time. You should replace an old thermostat. Modern digital and smart thermostats allow you to set the temperature in your home exactly when you want it. Also, make sure your thermostat's batteries are charged. Insulate your home Insulation isn't, strictly speaking, an HVAC Florence component. However, insulation is vital to your home's heating and cooling. You should check for heat loss in your attic and make sure there are no gaps between your doors and windows. Poor attic insulation and air gaps can make your heating system work harder and less efficient. You will also consume more fuel or energy than you should. Protect your outdoor AC unit Protect your outdoor AC unit from snow and ice damage by purchasing a cover. This is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your AC unit, especially if you live in harsh winter regions. Get the experts on your side If you haven’t had your HVAC system checked out, now is the time. Your heating system should be checked and maintained at least once a year. A properly trained technician can detect problems before they become serious. Your HVAC contractor will ensure that your furnace runs efficiently and is ready to serve you throughout the winter.

Call Florence HVAC Experts if you need help in maintaining or repairing your HVAC units.

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

https://florencehvacexperts.com/6-hvac-tips-for-winter/

Thursday, January 13, 2022

How To Spot Signs That Your HVAC system is Affecting Indoor Air Quality

HVAC-300x222.jpgAn HVAC system that is well designed and maintained properly can improve indoor air quality and provide comfort for its occupants. HVAC systems can cause air quality problems if they are not properly designed or maintained. There are many ways that an HVAC system can affect indoor air quality. Spreading bacteria, dust, allergens, or other harmful substances. Excessive heating or cooling of the air. It can cause thermal discomfort if the air is blown at high speeds. Inadequate humidity can cause discomfort and even health problems. Mold growth can also be caused by moisture.

This article will give you an overview of signs that your HVAC system may be causing indoor quality problems.

1) Air-conditioned Areas Will Feel Humid Just Like a Refrigerator Two main functions of air conditioning units are cooling the air and maintaining a comfortable humidity level. Many HVAC systems can only be controlled by temperature. If the unit is too large, it is possible to reach the desired temperature quickly but not enough time for humidity removal. Low temperature and high humidity can make it uncomfortable for the occupants. This may lead to decreased productivity in commercial buildings and even health problems 2) Air Temperature Variations can be Extreme This is another reason for discomfort. It affects heating and air conditioning systems as well, particularly if they are large. Although it is best to avoid drastic temperature shifts, this can happen if cooling or heating equipment is specified in excess. In some cases, oversized cooling and heating equipment may save energy by being used for shorter periods of time. Oversizing can lead to high temperatures, poor humidity control, and drafty indoor environments. These effects can have a negative impact on comfort and health. They could also reduce productivity in office buildings. 3) Air is being blown at excessively high speeds Temperature is only one factor that affects thermal sensation. Humidity and airspeed are also important. Air moving at too high a speed can cause discomfort as well as extreme cold. Excessive pressure in the air ducts or oversized fans can cause drafty indoor environments. Variable frequency drivers (VFDs), electronic devices that reduce the speed of motor-driven devices and fans when they are not in use, can be used to increase their output. VFDs can be used in ventilation systems to control airflow and make significant savings. Excessive air pressure and speed are wasteful of energy. 4) Unpleasant Odors in Air Ducts The heating and cooling system's ventilation systems play a crucial role. However, it can also lead to air quality problems in certain circumstances. There are three possible causes for unpleasant odors coming from your ventilation system: The ducts can emit unpleasant odors. This could be due to many reasons. Mold growth can be caused by moisture accumulation in an air-handling unit. If ducts aren't properly sealed, it is possible for small animals to have entered the ducts and died. The HVAC Florence SC system is causing odors. This could be due to leaky ducts or poor connections between HVAC equipment and ducts. Other areas may produce odors. This is a sign that the ventilation system is not providing fresh air efficiently. It could be due to a poor balance of injection and extraction fans or obstructed conduits. To maintain a higher airflow in a room, it is best to inject slightly more air than is extracted. This will keep contaminants out and prevent odors from coming in. If the extracted air is greater than the air being injected, there is a negative pressure which draws in unwanted air. No matter what the situation, bad odors can indicate that HVAC equipment needs to be inspected, particularly the ventilation equipment. 5) Health Issues Are Common Among Occupants Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), is a term that describes a situation in which building occupants have health problems directly proportional to their indoor time. SBS is not a specific disease, but rather poor health conditions among the occupants. SBS can be affected by many conditions, including humidity, bacteria, inadequate temperature, and the presence of harmful substances. Poor HVAC operation is a common factor. Conclusion Companies tend to concentrate on automation and energy efficiency when trying to improve their HVAC systems' performance. Indoor air quality is as important as the other aspects of HVAC systems, because it directly affects productivity, comfort, and occupant health. That's why they need the help of an HVAC contractor. Design is crucial for HVAC systems' performance. Oversized installations and other specifications can lead to poor air quality. A proper maintenance program is essential for indoor air quality once the building has been put into operation.

Call Florence HVAC Experts if you need help with HVAC system.

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

https://florencehvacexperts.com/how-to-spot-signs-that-your-hvac-system-is-affecting-indoor-air-quality/

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Keep Your Home Warm In Winter and Your HVAC Cost Down

HVAC-Florence-SC-300x200.jpgIf you feel a chill when you look at your utility bills, it could be because your house is too warm. Your home may be heating up more than it should. Small changes can be made to save money on heating your home. These aren’t big projects like replacing windows or insulation in your attic. These projects are easy and inexpensive. Even the most difficult projects can be completed in a weekend. Most require very few materials and require very little time. Many can be done for as little as $10. We'll start with the simple and move on to more complicated, yet still easy, energy-saving techniques.

How to make your home warmer and not over-work your HVAC system

1. Programmable thermostats are installed Programmable thermostats let you set different temperatures throughout the day. You don't need to keep your home at 68 degrees every day.  It can help you save money on heat and air-conditioning. You can save between 10-20% on your monthly bills by choosing a lower setting while you're asleep or away. Some units can save as much as four degrees per day. Every unit comes with a manual bypass button. You can often install a new thermostat yourself. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. You will usually need to take the old thermostat out of the wall and remove the wire leads from the back. Install mounting screws in the wall and reconnect the wires to your new thermostat's terminals. There may be four leads if you have separate cooling or heating units. However, for best results, call a Florence HVAC contractor to install the thermostat. The cost savings in your electric bill will more than cover the expense. 2. It's Closed Season, so Keep Your Romantic Fires Low SAVE-ENERGY-300x200.jpgA damper for an open fireplace allows the chimney to vent the same amount of heated air as a large, 48-inch-wide window. Make sure the flue is closed when you're not using your fireplace. It's a good idea to limit the use of your fireplace. A roaring fire can heat more than 20,000 cubic yards per hour outside. While it might feel warm from the fire, cold air replaces every Btu drawn up the chimney to heat your house. It is expensive to heat all that cold air. A good fire is a must for cold nights. Call a handyman to install  glass fireplace doors. When you go to bed, these doors should be shut. This will stop large quantities of heated air from leaving the living space after the fire has been put out. 3. Ceiling fans: How to Make It Shine Ceiling fans are very common in warmer climates. Ceiling fans move air around the room by turning counterclockwise. All energy professionals do not recommend them for heating season use. They cool down too much, according to some doubters. Fans can cool rooms with cathedral or high ceilings. Only if the motor housing's reversing switch is turned clockwise, this is possible. Next, reduce the fan speed to its lowest setting. If the fan isn't cooling the room sufficiently, you can turn the blade around. 4. Take Furniture out of the way of Radiators, Registers, and Vents This may seem obvious but it can be quite a chore. It is common for a couch, chair, or bed to be moved in summer and then remain in winter. This prevents heat from getting into the room. This can cause cold rooms and is a wasteful investment. A blocked return or supply vent can cause heat flow problems in the house by creating a pressure imbalance. 5. Stop the Draft, Close the Door Cooler air will be attracted to the flame by rising hot air from a match. Cold air will be drawn in from the outside by heating a building. This physical principle is known as the "stack impact." This can be overcome by reducing the airflow to your home. You can seal the gap with a "door serpent", a long, thin cloth sack that looks similar to a bean bag. To ensure that it stays put, you can fill it with rice or dried beans. You can also make one from scrap fabrics. You can keep heat in the right areas by closing all interior doors. This stops natural air passageways acting as chimneys, and allows warm air through the house. 6. Install a door sweep If cold air is seeping underneath a door that opens to the outside, install a draft-defeating nylon sweep. Vinyl-and-pile attachment attaches to the bottom of the door. It is a thin, broom-like piece made of vinyl. You can use a hacksaw or a screwdriver to attach the sweep. If you heat your garage, make sure that cold air doesn't get in. Rubber garage-door gaskets can be used that are 12 inch thick, and then nailed in place. Galvanized roofing nails are a great way to keep cold air from freezing. 7. Windows Quick-Seal Apply clear plastic film to your windows to create a pocket from the dead air. To make the plastic almost invisible, heat it with a blow dryer. If you don't want it, the film can be placed in areas that aren't being used or on patio doors and windows. Measure your window before you buy. These windows come in different sizes. They can only be used with vinyl, wood, and aluminum. This cheap method can pay for itself quickly as heat lost through windows could account for between 10 to 25 percent of your heating costs. If you feel heat leaving your windows, shake them. Seal the gaps with putty-like rope glue before shrink wrapping. It is simple to use and messy. You can also remove it in the spring. Before the next heating season, make sure to seal your windows properly. 8. Use the Drapes Are you using curtains or drapes to block the sun? If you have curtains or drapes that block the sun, you can open them during daylight to get solar heat free of charge. Make sure your windows are clean. At sunset, close the curtains. Insulating curtains are a good option, and they can be purchased for around $100 per window. 9. Change Your Air Filter If you have forced-air heating systems, changing the furnace filter can help you save up to 5%. It will keep dust from building up in your home. It is more durable and less likely to break. The most popular 16x20 inch duct filter costs around 50 cents when purchased in a box. They should be replaced every month during heating season. Measure your air filter before you go. There are sizes that range from 12 X 12 inches to 30 X 30 inches. For $20, washable filters can be purchased. If they are properly maintained, they can last for up to five years. 10. Adjust your water heater Winter means you need to use more hot water. Your water heater should be lowered from 140degC down to 120degC. Showers are better than baths. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a bath can consume up to 25 gallons of water, while a 5-minute shower only takes about 10 gallons. You can also use low-flow showerheads to lower your shower water consumption. 11. Defeat Rapid Cycling Air-Conditioning-Cost-Myrtle-Beach-300x200.jpgThe thermostat settings mode can be set to stop rapid cycling. If you have to adjust it, you can move it higher. Most mechanical thermostats have an amperage scale between 0.1 to 1.2 amps. Rapid cycling can be stopped by moving the arrow one level higher. You can allow it to cycle for 24hrs before you set it up again. Rapid cycling is possible in warm winters, particularly if the heater can heat even the coldest days. Rapid cycling is most easily detected in midwinter. For 5 minutes, the heater should be turned on and then switched off for 5 minutes. It is best to have an HVAC specialist in Florence check this for you. 12. Lower the Thermostat For every degree you lower the thermostat on your heating system, your fuel bill will drop 3 percent. It doesn't affect comfort but it can make your heating bill go down by as much as 12 per cent. You can stay warm by dressing in layers. Here in South Carolina, the weather often warms up during the day and you can simply remove a layer as the house gets warmer. 13. Energy-saving information available for free Want to learn more about how you can save energy? The U.S. Department of Energy website has tons of energy-saving tips for homes.

Now is the time to contact Florence HVAC Experts for a complete check of your HVAC system. We can clean the ducts, change the filter and make sure your system is cycling correctly. Give us a call today.

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

https://florencehvacexperts.com/home-warm-winter-hvac-cost-down/

Tips For Dealing with HVAC problems

hvac-repair-300x200.jpgIf your HVAC system isn't properly maintained, there are many things that could go wrong. There is always a possibility that your HVAC system could fail, even with regular maintenance. You may need to contact a professional for HVAC repair immediately. You can also assess the situation and decide to take control of things. You need to be familiarized with all the possible scenarios to know how to react when they occur. If you are unable to solve the problem, contact an HVAC contractor immediately You don't have to panic if the system stops working. Before calling an HVAC contractor, you can do a few things. If the problem is found, first check the main electrical panel. Also, check if the breaker that connects to your HVAC system has been tripped. Finally, make sure that the thermostat is on and is properly set. The system is currently running continuously. In the event that the problem is not the other way round, it is worth checking a few things first. You would normally need to check your thermostat to make sure the settings are correct. Your air filter should also be checked. The system will have to work harder if it has dirty air filters.

When should you call an HVAC contractor for HVAC Repair?

If you notice unusual odors, it is important to contact a professional for HVAC repair in Florence. If you notice burning or natural gas smells, it is usually a sign that your system needs repair. These types of problems should not be ignored. These problems must be addressed immediately. If the system makes unusual sounds, such as metal scraping, banging or thumping, it is a sign that something's wrong. Florence HVAC Experts is the best place to start. The system causes tripping circuit breakers. If the system is working normally, the circuit breaker will not be tripped. If the system trips the circuit breaker frequently, it could indicate that something is wrong. It is best to call an HVAC specialist immediately so that the problem does not escalate. All issues related to heating and cooling can be handled by professional HVAC contractors. You might also consider DIY solutions to the problem. It is important to know when the problem is best left to professionals and when it can be fixed by DIY. An HVAC system can be expensive to repair. Repairs don't come cheap. It is important to have your vehicle maintained and repaired by professionals.

Florence HVAC Experts is available to help you maintain your HVAC system.

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

https://florencehvacexperts.com/hvac-repair-dealing-with-problems/