Maintaining an efficient heating system starts by knowing how it works and what makes it different from other systems. At Air Support Heating & AC Repair, a premier HVAC company in Frankfort, KY, our crew has worked with all varieties of HVAC systems. We’ll detail services and maintenance duties for each, alongside other tips to stay warm while saving money.
Schedule Professional Services as Needed
You can’t skip essential HVAC services for heat distribution systems. Annual maintenance protects all system types from avoidable problems.
The technician thoroughly inspects the ductwork, units, and moving components before adjusting and lubricating them. As a result, the system can work more effectively and use less energy to operate.
Don’t put repairs off, either. Lingering issues, like loose belts and squeaky fans, lead to much bigger concerns. Those nascent problems can eventually put your household in danger.
Don’t Forget Self-Maintenance for Your Household in Frankfort, Kentucky
What else can you do, besides scheduling routine services for your HVAC system? Get to know the type of heating system you own and learn what makes it more efficient.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps come in three varieties:
- Water-source systems draw heat from underground water reservoirs.
- Air-source pumps use heat from the outdoor air.
- Ground-source options take warmth from beneath the ground to warm houses in Frankfort, Kentucky.
You can make your heat pump more efficient by maintaining a base indoor temperature and supplementing it with a furnace for particularly cold days or a space heater to keep specific rooms warm.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating networks are already incredibly efficient on their own. They circulate heat through a home’s floors. Some varieties may also pass heat through walls. You likely use either a:
- Solar thermal radiant system: This sustainable option transforms the sun’s energy into heat to help homeowners save on electric or gas bills.
- Geothermal system: Like ground-source heat pumps, geothermal technology takes heat from the earth to warm buildings and water supplies.
You can get an even more efficient heating system by covering your floors with ceramic tile. Ceramic effectively conducts heat without becoming too hot. Don’t forget to check your insulation periodically to keep the cozy warmth indoors.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-split systems don’t rely on duct networks to circulate air through a space. You don’t need much maintenance to ensure they work well. Still, you should ensure that the mini-split can effectively warm your home.
Mini-splits work best in small areas rather than large houses. Check the outdoor unit for any debris or belongings that might clutter its intake. Remember to run the system at all times for the lowest energy usage and best comfort.
Furnace
Furnaces are a classic for households in Frankfort, Kentucky. They use gas, electricity, oil, or propane to power their heating operations. Many Kentuckians install them because they cost less than other HVAC systems.
However, they also cost more to run. You’ll find these efficiency tips extremely useful when revving up your furnace each winter:
- Don’t crank up your thermostat: Keep your settings between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid overworking the furnace.
- Keep vents open and free: Furniture, laundry piles, and other belongings may block the vents and impede heat circulation.
- Install window treatments: Cold air moves easily and infiltrates windows. Use thick, insulated window coverings to keep it from seeping indoors.
You might also outfit your furnace with a condensing boiler for less wasted energy.
Additional Tips for an Efficient Heating System (and Lower Utility Bills)
What else can you do to keep your household warm during icy winters? We recommend:
- Sealing drafts: Small openings develop around windows and doors.
- Wrapping up: Blankets, sweaters, and thick pants are your best friends!
- Using additional heating implements: Space heaters and electric blankets can create heat in small, closed rooms.
- Running appliances after dark: Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers emanate heat while they operate. Wait till nightfall to run cycles.
- Changing your filters: Replace air filters every three months for cleaner air that circulates freely.
- Utilizing sunlight: Open window coverings when the sun shines through a window for extra warmth. Close them afterward.
- Adjusting ceiling fans: Ceiling fans should turn clockwise at low speeds during winter to evenly distribute heat.
Contact Air Support Heating & AC Repair in Frankfort, Kentucky, for Other Tricks
An efficient heating system is just the beginning! You also want your air conditioner to work perfectly.
Our team at Air Support Heating & AC Repair assists with cooling system repairs like AC compressor replacement. Call us for heating and cooling services in Frankfurt, Kentucky.
Author BIO:
Zach Jones
Owner of Air Support Heating and Cooling, an HVAC provider in Louisville, Kentucky. Jones has a background as a sales consultant in the financial services industry.