Every winter season seems to get harsher with every passing year. This translates directly to much higher utility bills for every home owner as the thermostat dial is turned up higher and higher. Overtaxing the heating system is a common problem, especially in northern states such as Pennsylvania.
The average heat pump alone is not suited to handling extremely cold temperatures that many home owners have been experiencing. Even with auxiliary heating, a home owner can have the interior temperature drop into the 50's or 40's. Many existing homes have older furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers which may not be up to the task. Being older equipment, the efficiency of these units pale in comparison to modern day HVAC systems. Older heating equipment means requiring more tender loving care in order to have a reasonable assurance of getting through the winter season.
Quite often a home owner's solution to comfort during the cold season is to, little by little, crank up the thermostat. The problem with adjusting the thermostat for warmer and warmer temperatures without experiencing a noticeable increase in temperature may not be addressing a more serious issue. Having an experienced service company inspect the equipment is a must before a failure occurs. Upgrading to newer equipment can undoubtedly improve the efficiency and cost of heating a home, but may not be absolutely necessary.
The problem may be as simple as a faulty thermostat or a much more extensive problem. Regardless of whether the home owner's heating system is working or not, upgrading to a digital thermostat is one of the most inexpensive and wisest choices. Despite instructions being included with new thermostats, it is not as simple as one would think. Thermostats are particular to the type of HVAC system a home owner is using. Different systems include single stage or dual stage heat pumps, a furnace and so on. Call a service technician.
Even with newer construction there can be problems. Builders and contractors will sometimes install the cheapest and smallest HVAC that is available in order to save costs. Occasionally the heating and cooling equipment may be undersized for the square footage of the house. Another problem, which is probably more common, is insufficient insulation. Both of these possibilities need to be addressed before more money is thrown out of the vents. Having a company perform a home energy audit will also be of great help in determining the best course of action.
For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating service, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone has a great maintenance plan guide when having a professional, qualified technician service your heating and cooling system.
Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone of Pennsylvania.
