Everyone Needs to Know Where The Heating System Vents Are!
How much do you know about your home’s heating system? If your answer is “not very much,” then you are not alone. The unfortunate fact is that most people don’t take the time to get to know their HVAC systems as well as they should.
The more you recognize about your heating system, the easier it will be to understand what’s wrong if you start to have heating system issues. This can help you understand what repairs are needed and find the right HVAC company.
Distribution System
Most American homes today are heated by a central furnace, which is either electrically powered, or powered by natural gas or oil.
A furnace blows warm air through a way of ducts and delivers it to various rooms via warm air registers or grills.
Another type of central heater is a boiler. Boilers are usually powered by natural gas or heat oil and distribute heat by heating water that flows into radiators in various rooms.
The heat from the water heats the metal of the radiator, which then radiates the heat out into the air, while the now-cooled air returns to the boiler to be reheated.
Heat pumps are another option for central heating. They distribute heat through ducts, just like in a forced-air system. Heat pumps pull any warm air they can find outside during winter months and pump it into a house. During the summer the process is reversed (pumping warm air out of the home) to cool the house.
Close Vents
One way that people may try to save money on their heating bill is by closing the registers, or air vents when they leave a room.
At first glance this seems to make sense; close the vent, so that warm air isn’t being wasted in a room you are not using.
The truth, however, is that closing your vents can end up costing you more on your monthly heating bill than just leaving them open.
Aside from raising your energy bill, closing your vents can also lead your system to break down, and potentially throw off the amount of warm air being distributed to other parts of your home.
Save Money
If you’re looking to save on your energy expenses this winter, there are a few ways to do it.
One easy way to save money is by taking advantage of the free heat given by the sun. Keep your window curtains or coverings open during the day to let in heat from the sun, and keep them closed at night to keep the heat in.
Putting your ceiling fans to use is another good way to make your heating system more efficient. Keep your ceiling fans running at low speed, rotating clockwise to push warm air back down gently and keep the room warmer.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can also save money by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees at night, and use warmer sheets and blankets in your bed.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and loved ones to encourage them to learn more about their heating distribution systems. The next time your heating system needs servicing, call Heidler Inc. (410) 268-7191 to speak with an HVAC professional in Annapolis.
