Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most important parts of your home to keep properly maintained. According to local HVAC expert Bob Haak of Black Haak Heating & Air Conditioning, there are a few simple things a homeowner should be aware of in order to extend the life of your central heating system. Here are Haak’s top tips for getting your home’s heating system ready for winter:
* Have your heating equipment properly maintained and cleaned by a licensed heating and cooling contractor
* Have the duct work checked for air leaks. Research shows that faulty ductwork accounts for more than 25 percent of the heating loss in an average home.
* Replace air filters. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes the unit to lose efficiency.
* Use a programmable thermostat. By setting your thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day (for instance, while no one is home or while everyone is sleeping) you can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent (according to the Department of Energy)
* Keep air supply and return registers free from obstructions (furniture, rugs, and clothes baskets).
* Use a whole-home humidifier. Heated indoor air is very dry and needs to be humidified.
According to Haak, one of the driest places on earth could be your home. Don’t believe it? “The relative humidity of the Sahara Desert is 25 percent – Death Valley is 23 percent.” said Haak. “In the winter months, the average heated home can have a relative humidity as low as 13 – 16 percent.” Other harmful effects of the dry air of winter include:
* Dry air takes moisture away from your body and can cause discomfort from dry nose, throat, static shock and itchy skin. Adding humidity into your home helps to eliminate those problems.
* The American Society of Otolaryngology reports that being in an overly dry environment can make people more susceptible to infection. A humidifier keeps the respiratory system moist and running healthy, thereby reducing the chances of upper-respiratory problems caused by dry air.
* When moisture is added to the air, the human body actually feels warmer at lower temperatures. A whole-home humidifier allows you to feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting and helps decrease energy costs. A home heated to 69 degrees with 35 percent humidity feels just as warm as a 72 degree home at 19 percent humidity.
* Winter can cause extensive damage to the building materials of your home as well as the personal belongings inside. Added humidity protects against shrinkage and cracking in furniture, moldings and hardwood floors.
Contact Black Haak Heating & Air Conditioning at (920)757-9990 for more information about getting your home’s heating system ready for winter and controlling humidity in your home.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bob Haak
Black-Haak Heating, Inc.
920-757-9990
