Getting to Know Your HVAC System

Everyone knows their HVAC system keeps them warm in winter and cool in the spring. But, if you want to save money on your power bill, learning more about your system may help you save some money. Below are a few terms to help you get started.Duct work- Insulated round tubes in your ceiling that carry and distribute heated or cooled air to each room.
Filter- Located near the air handler or in the return grill, the filter helps reduce the flow of dust into the air. Your filter is usually square or rectangular. The filter should be cleaned or replaced every month.
Register- (also called grills) Registers are the metal rectangle inserts you see in the ceiling of each room. Some register are supply registers and they deliver air into the room. Others are return air registers that return air from the room back to the air handler to be reheated or recooled.
SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio- this says how efficient your systen will operate in your space.
Thermostat- This is a small rectangle shaped box that is mounted on a wall and controls the entire heating and cooling system.
First, it is always a good idea to review your warranty. Next familiarize yourself with your equipment. Air handlers in new houses are located inside the home . This allows them to work less and function more efficiently. Regular scheduled maintenance is always the best way to ensure that your system performs at peak efficiency. The most important thing a homeowner can do besides having scheduled maintenance is to change their air filter every month. A dirty filter restricts airflow and causes the system to work harde which results in higher utility bills.