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Whether it is summer or winter, you may be curious to know if your HVAC system is running as it should or if it is turning on much more often than normal. If you hear your system running more frequently than 2 or 3 times per hour, you may have a problem.
How long should the HVAC run in a cycle?
If the weather is mild, it is typical to run 10 to 15 minutes per cycle. The run cycles will be much longer if you generally set the thermostat to extreme temperatures such as 90 degrees during winter or less than 50 degrees in the summer.
What temperature will yield the highest energy savings?
Every person and family has gotten used to temperatures that they find comfortable both in the summer and winter. However, it is not hard to understand that your energy bills will be lower if you can stand warmer temperatures in the summer and colder temperatures in the winter. If you find this advice too drastic, start by trying it out for a couple of days. Otherwise, get into the habit of moving your thermostat every time you leave the house. In the summer, leave it at 80 degrees, and in the winter at 60.
Is it worth it to shut off registers or ducts in areas that are not usually occupied?
People who have guest bedrooms or other areas that get used occasionally are curious whether there is a way to save money by not heating or cooling those unused areas of the home. Although it sounds like a sensible idea, you should be aware that closing off too many vents may cause problems with the equipment. After all, the adjoining rooms may end up being too hot or too cold, and the system may end up having to overcompensate for it.
Is it worth it to get a smart thermostat to help me control my energy bills?
When used properly, these programmable thermostats will surely help you save money. Once you get the hang of it, you can program them to a different temperature while you are at work or while you are sleeping and a different temperature when everyone is in the home.
Is there any maintenance I can do myself on my HVAC unit?
The easiest thing to do is to get into the habit of checking your filters every month and changing them periodically. A filter that is too dirty loses its ability to capture particles such as dust and dirt, which may make allergies worse for people living in the house. Use a good quality filter.
What should I look for before calling in the professionals?
If the unit does not seem to be working, check to see if the power switch is on, if the circuit breaker has tripped, or if the unit is set to the right temperature for the weather. You may get to the root of the problem and avoid the need for a service call.
How often should an HVAC service be scheduled?
You should have your HVAC in St Paul MN, serviced twice a year to coincide with the change in seasons. This way, you will always have it working at its maximum efficiency and catch any issues before they turn into something major.
