Humidification is the process of adding moisture to the air and it is one of the most important aspects of total indoor comfort. People tend to associate humidity with the discomfort of hot, steamy summer days and it is true that too much humidity can cause problems. However, properly controlled humidity offers many proven benefits to your health, home and comfort. The reduction of humidity is especially prevalent during the winter heating season. This is because the relative humidity (RH) of the cold, outdoor air drops significantly when it is brought into your home and heated. Humidity control is a primary issue associated with forced hot air systems (furnaces).
Heating & Cooling Thermostat Setbacks
According to the U.S. Department of Energy you can save about 5 percent to 15 percent per year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. That’s a savings of as much as 1 percent for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. If your normal heating costs are $1,500 per year, that is a savings of $75 to $225 every year.
We are currently testing a Honeywell Lyric smart thermostat at our office in Bedford NH. In addition to the Honeywell Lyric we plan to test a few other brands in an effort to offer our customers the best smart thermostat solution. A.J. LeBlanc Heating is also a Nest Certified Installer, however we only recommend the Nest for basic HVAC system control.
Our last blog post talked about air flow restrictions and the importance of changing your air filters. Ductwork debris can also cause air flow restrictions. LeBlanc technician Kyle D. discovered all these forgotten items while installing a furnace in Milford, NH 03055. A.J. LeBlanc Heating does not currently clean ductwork but we can certainly offer referrals to those in need of a good duct cleaning.
So you didn't think changing your air filter was important... Not only does a bad air filter result in poor air quality it can eventually cause restrictions to air flow. The filter below is covered in pet hair, human hair, dust and many other indoor contaminants. Air flow restrictions can result in poor efficiency and premature equipment failure. Changing your filter is a simple task and it could save you from costly service calls.