Can You Family Heating and Cooling System Be Helped?
There is a lot that goes into a properly-functioning HVAC system, and you might be feeling frustrated trying to figure it all out on your own. Of course, you want to make the most out of your system; increasing efficiency and lowering cost…but how? You aren’t a professional, and you don’t need to be!
There are Manchester technicians ready to assist you by providing their tips and tricks of the trade. Following the below advice, you will get the most out of your functioning HVAC system, improve the quality of life for your family, while lowering common HVAC problems.
Add Insulation to Retain More Warmth
The key to a properly functioning HVAC system starts at the foundation of your family’s home. One of the best ways to keep your house at the temperature you want is something you may not have thought was possible; increasing insulation! It is absolutely possible to boost your home’s insulation after the initial build, and here is how:First, it is advised that you assess the current insulation in your home. The best way to do this is by using an infrared camera to take pictures of the exterior of your home. Use these thermal images to determine where heat loss is greatest throughout your house. Next, you will retro-fit the three primary locations as needed, (Ceiling, Floor, and Walls).
Retrofitting the insulation in your walls can be done easiest with a blow-in method, where loose rock wool, glass wool, or another type of foam insulation are blown into the wall’s interior cavities via small holes in said walls or by raising ceiling tiles and hosing the insulation through. The primary benefits of this method are minimal damage and repair, quick installation, it fills the space around it providing a near-perfect cover, heightened energy efficiency, and sound dampening.
Ceiling and attic insulation are often most overlooked, which is detrimental considering that heat rises and can easily escape through a poorly insulated ceiling. Safety is extremely important here, and regulations are strict, as insulation around light fixtures is a known fire hazard. Having batt or blown-in insulation installed by a professional is your best route here.
Windows: Using Curtains and Screens to Regulate Temperature
You love windows because they provide a view of the outside world while still being within the comfort of your own home. So what do you do when you aren't just getting the benefits of a good view and natural light, but rather the unfortunate and uncontrollable heat of the burning sun on a hot day, or the chill of a blizzard just outside your door.
Unfortunately, windows could be one of the most vulnerable places within your family’s home. Poorly-fitted and sealed windows can be frustrating during the colder months, and the magnifying glass it becomes during the hotter months can be even worse. When replacing windows completely isn’t an option, here are some easy solutions that make a world of difference.
Never undervalue the power of blackout curtains. Hanging thick drapes that cover the entirety of the window when closed can reduce heat loss by as much as 25%, as well as provide an unmatchable cooling effect when the sun is beating down.
Another solid option is to insulate by installing interior window panels. These products are easy to install and can make an enormous difference. They consist of an insulating material encased in a wooden or metal frame that lines up with and adheres to your existing interior window frame. They are removable and a great option for those looking for a quick solution
Use House Fans: How to Get the Most Out Yours
House fans are perhaps the most commonly utilized tool for regulating the temperature within your family’s home. Almost every day you find yourself turning fans on and off without a second thought, but what if there is more you can do with these simple devices to get the most out of your HVAC system.One of the best things you can do for yourself is installing a ceiling or large fan in each room of your house. This allows you to spend less money on A/C, as many times a properly used fan is plenty enough to regulate the temperature of your family home. Most fans have both counterclockwise and clockwise settings. Each has its benefits, as each is meant for different seasons.
In the Summer, you should have your fans operating on high with the blades rotating in the direction that pushes air down. To determine this, stand beneath your fan; if you immediately feel a breeze, it is in the best position. If not, find the switch on the fan that changes the directions and blows cool wind downwards.
In the Winter, you are looking for the opposite. The fan should be rotating so that blades face upwards and move slowly; that way the warm air in the room is pushed upwards and outwards, mixing with the cool. The warmer breeze will be felt best if you are standing against a wall rather than the center.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. is a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractor located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Their fully-trained technicians are prepared to assist you with all of your HVAC needs, from heat pump to evaporator coil services. They are dedicated to taking care of their clients and getting it right the first time!
