7 Heating Facts You Need To Know
The Ohio and Northern Kentucky winters are notoriously brutal, so heating equipment is a crucial part of day-to-day life. How much do you know about your HVAC unit, though?
If you’re like most Americans, you know little more than how to push a button and change a filter. The more you learn about your equipment, the better your choices will be, so let’s hunker down for a few quick lessons. Â
1) Choosing the Wrong Unit Is an Expensive Mistake
HVAC units are one of the hungriest energy guzzlers in a home. They usually account for almost half of household utility bills. That’s why we prioritize routine maintenance and energy-efficient choices. An ENERGY STAR®-certified appliance can add to your savings significantly, and a lower thermostat setting can chop 2% to 5% off your monthly utility bills.
2) America Wants To Move Off the Grid
Almost half of America’s residential heating systems rely on gas as a fuel. Electricity rushes into second place at 34%. Most gas users are residential clients, followed by industrial brands.
3) A Higher Thermostat Setting Won’t Heat Your Cincinnati Home Faster
Your HVAC unit is chosen according to its size and heating load. When you arrive home after a busy day, it’s natural to want to speed up your heating effects, but a higher thermostat setting won’t help. Instead, it will waste fuel and force your unit to run longer. If you want quicker results, improve your insulation, close your drapes, and move large furniture away from your vents.
4) Space Heaters Won’t Save Energy Costs
Many families add space heaters to their heating efforts, hoping to improve their utility bills. While these humble pieces of equipment are helpful during a blackout, they’re too inefficient to improve your power usage. The best space heaters on the market use up 2, 000 watts of power. In contrast, the most efficient HVACs use as little as 500 watts.
5) Sticking to One Temperature Isn’t Always Best
Adjusting your thermostat to your daily habits can save you a fortune. That’s why smart thermostats can take 10% to 12% off your heating bill and 15% off your cooling bill. Ideally, you should only use your HVAC unit when you’re home, adjusting it when you go to sleep or are away.
6) Cincinnati Air Conditioners Are Getting Bigger
Energy regulations require a higher efficiency rating than ever before, so air conditioners are growing in size to pick up the slack. A new air conditioner can take 40% off your cooling costs. If you like the idea of shrinking utility bills, look for an AC with a SEER rating of 15 or less. Just one decrease in SEER units takes 7.2% off your power usage. That makes the extra investment well worth the upfront costs.
7) The World Used To Take Summer Breaks During Cincinnati Heat Waves
Today, 87% of U.S. homes have air conditioners, but in the early 1900s, summers used to make classrooms intolerably hot. Schools and government buildings used to shut down during heatwaves. Before air conditioners existed, high-altitude buildings were also difficult to ventilate, so skyscrapers were significantly shorter.
Heating Specialists in Cincinnati, OH
With these facts in mind, you’re better equipped to take on the season. Choosing the right HVAC system for your needs in combination with the best HVAC accessories is key to your comfort. With Schneller Knochelmann at your side, your journey couldn’t be easier. You can count on us to keep your home comfortable.
Speak to our team at 859-757-1877 today to get started.