Your heating and cooling system helps keep the temperature in your home comfortable throughout the year. There are, however, a slew of myths out there that could leave you confused. Understanding the basics can help you debunk the myths and optimize your home or office’s heating and cooling system. If you’re experiencing a problem with your system or if it’s time for maintenance, contact a Big Bear, California, heating specialist today.
Myth #1: Turning Down Your System While You’re Gone Doesn’t Make any Difference
The fact is that, if you turn down your heating and cooling system when you leave the house, it can save you money on your energy bills for the simple reason that lowering your system’s output lowers the amount of energy it consumes. If all that fiddling with the thermostat seems like too much of a headache or if you find that you never get around to doing it, a programmable thermostat will take care of the details for you. Consult with an experienced Big Bear, California, heating specialist to learn more about the many options available.
Myth #2: Scheduling Maintenance for Your Heating and Cooling System Is a Waste of Time and Money
Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance for your heating and cooling system can not only save you money in the long run but can also prolong the lifespan of your system. In fact, it’s difficult to overstate the benefits of preventative maintenance. The cost of prevention is a mere fraction of the cost and inconvenience associated with major repairs. Further, maintenance keeps your system running at top efficiency, which helps you save on your utility bills and is a more environmentally friendly option.
Myth #3: The Best Way to Get the Temp Right Is to Crank the System
If it’s time to warm or cool your home or office after you’ve been away, cranking the system to get the temp where you want it faster is not the way to go. This method may shave off a minute or two in the total time it takes to reach an ideal temperature, but you’re paying a price in terms of energy consumption. Further, cranking the temperature up or down puts an unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling system. Setting the temperature where you want it is the better option, and remember that a programmable thermostat will eliminate the issue in the first place.
Myth #4: Using a Fan in Conjunction with Your Heating or Cooling System Is a Bad Idea
On the contrary, a fan – even a slow moving ceiling fan – can help speed up the heating or cooling process far better than does initially cranking the system (see above). Fans facilitate the continuous movement of air through your home, which helps distribute the warming or cooling produced by your system more efficiently and consistently. Further, setting your ceiling fans to move clockwise in the winter months will help keep the warm air moving downward.
Myth #5: Don’t Worry about the Air Filter; Preventative Maintenance Will Take Care of That
The fact is that your heating and cooling system’s air filter is designed to filter out dirt, debris, and other impurities. This not only helps your system run more efficiently but also helps extend the life of your system. As your air filter gets dirtier and dirtier, it begins to tax your system unnecessarily, which can lead to the need for more frequent repairs. Because changing some filters is more difficult than others, it’s a good idea to have your heating specialist walk you through the process a time or two. Most air filters need to be changed or cleaned every 30 to 90 days, so it’s not a good idea to leave this for your biannual maintenance visits. Learning how to change your air filters and doing so on a regular basis can help you extend the life of your system, increase its efficiency, and decrease the need for costly and inconvenient repairs.
Don’t Believe the Heating and Cooling Myths out There – Consult with an Experienced Big Bear, California, Heating Specialist Today
By debunking the heating and cooling myths out there, you’ll be better prepared to keep your system running in tiptop shape for years to come. An experienced heating specialist can help you do just that, and the dedicated heating professionals at Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating in Big Bear, California, are here for you. Preventative maintenance is an important mechanism for optimizing your system, and our heating and cooling experts have the skill, knowledge, and commitment to provide you with topnotch maintenance services as well as to provide you with any repairs you may need. And if it’s an emergency, we’re available 24/7. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 909-675-0983 today.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Air Conditioning, Heating
