Thermostat Reading the Wrong Temperature?

We often think of thermostats as the reliable reporter of our indoor temperature. However, the reality is that they can often be wrong. If you suspect this is happening to you, it might be a sign that your HVAC unit is not working properly. Here are some tips for handling this common problem. How to Tell if Your Thermostat Temperature Is Wrong The very first thing you should do is to test your thermostat. Humidity can make it feel colder or hotter than it really is, so your thermostat might not be as wrong as it seems. Take a small thermometer and tape it on the wall next to your thermostat. Wait 15 minutes and check it to see if the numbers match up. Reasons the Thermostat Might Be Wrong There are all sorts of reasons why your thermostat might be reading the wrong temperature. Some possible explanations include the following: A malfunctioning thermostat sensor An incorrectly placed thermostat A thermostat that is crooked An old and outdated thermostat Dying batteries in the thermostat Incorrect settings How to Fix an Incorrect Thermostat Reading Sometimes, a broken thermostat just needs new batteries or the right settings to start working again. If...

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What’s the Difference Between HVAC and AC?

“HVAC” is an acronym that homeowners hear bandied about a lot, but many people don’t know what it actually means. Consequently, some people confuse it with air conditioning. Air conditioning is only one of the services that fall under the general heading of HVAC. The letters in HVAC stand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Let’s take a closer look at each of those services in turn. Heating Systems An experienced HVAC contractor should be able to perform all the services you need to keep your furnace or heat pump in good working order. This starts with the proper installation of the system. If your heating system isn’t installed the right way, the equipment may not be able to use energy efficiently. You’ll notice that inefficiency when you’re looking at your monthly utility bills. Regular maintenance is also essential if you want to prolong the functional life of your unit for as long as possible. Even with the most diligent maintenance, though, your system will probably need repairs from time to time. It’s smart to form a long-term relationship with a reliable HVAC company that understands how your heating system operates. Ventilation Systems Ventilation systems eliminate excess moisture and pollutants...

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Leaking Air and Losing Money

You may have noticed that you are suffering from a heating electrical bill that is much higher than you expected. Your heating and cooling systems are having to work much harder than they should, and maybe you don’t know why. It’s possible you have an air leak in your home. How Can a Home Leak Air? When your house isn’t sealed, nice warm air from inside leaks to the outside, and the frigid air from without comes in. Your heater can’t keep up with the cold air. Finding Those Leaks Typically, the recommended route is to hire professional services for an energy audit. Otherwise, you may find that your overtaxed system will break down and need professional repairs. With , you can also get help to improve your air quality. We work out of Lake Geneva, where air quality is a constant concern. Another option is looking for leaks on your own. How to Look Look for cracks along the outside and inside of your home. Outside, look especially along corners and chimneys. Inside, inspect vents, ducts, baseboards and door, and window frames. If you can’t see any cracks, there are other ways you can check for leaks. Hold up...

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5 Benefits of Indoor Air Quality

As a homeowner, do you ever think about your indoor air quality and the effects it can have on your family? If you live in a poorly ventilated home, you may experience a lot of problems from the poor indoor air. Poor indoor air quality can trigger illnesses, enhance allergy symptoms and even spread contaminants which will affect your health. Here are the top five benefits of indoor air quality: 1. Better Breathing Provided that your indoor air quality is excellent, the amount of air that your body receives during each breath is higher and has fewer pollutants. These factors make it easy for you and your family to breath, which puts less strain on your heart, lungs and body. Fewer air contaminants and easy breathing make you feel more energetic hence less respiratory problems. 2. Reduces Allergies Most respiratory disease-causing allergens such as pollen, spores and grass are usually found outside our homes. However, you need to know that many indoor allergens such as mold, dust, and dander also cause allergy problems. When your house duct system is not adequately cleaned, these allergens recirculate and continuously build up throughout your home making it difficult for allergy victims to avoid...

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