Your thermostat makes the transition from air conditioning to heating quite simple. The button for cool, heat, or off is self-explanatory. But it’s important to understand what’s similar and different about your cooling and heating systems before you flip the switch in your St Louis area home. The ways they differ are opportunities to be prepared prior to the heating season.
Common Elements Air Conditioning and Heating Share
Establishing common interests is critical for a successful relationship. In the same way, your air conditioner and furnace share components that make them successful in maintaining temperature in your St Louis home.
The following components are shared by both heating and cooling:
- Thermostat
- Ductwork
- Air Filter
- Fan
Knowing How Your Air Conditioning and Heating Systems Differ
The differences between cooling and heating systems are the items to check out as you transition to heating. Here are four critical differences.
- Humidity Levels: The right humidity level is important for comfort, health, energy use, and home protection. As winter nears, consider a humidifier. In contrast to the summer, winter is a time when reduced humidity becomes a problem. Low humidity causes dry skin, aggravated lung passages, and cracked wood. It also decreases the ability of air to hold heat so your St Louis, MO home feels colder. Look forward to comfort at a lower thermostat temperature by adding a humidifier in the winter.
- Direction of Heat: Heat rises. Consider the direction of heat in your selection of fan direction. Fans can be reversed in the winter to blow warmer air near the ceiling to the ground where your family feels it.
- Location: The outdoor location of your air conditioning condenser increases wear from exposure to the elements. Consider a cover to keep it free from snow and debris when you turn on the heat.
- Energy Source: While your air conditioner runs on electricity, your furnace burns natural gas. Gas is an efficient and low cost fuel for its operation, but burning fuel emits combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. Check out the safety of your furnace prior to turning it on for the season.
A qualified St Louis heating and air conditioning contractor can inspect your furnace for potential leaks of carbon monoxide caused by a cracked heat exchanger, improper venting, or an inefficient unit.
Now is the perfect time to call Hoffmann Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning at (314) 664-3011 for an annual preventative maintenance visit. You’ll be prepared to flip the switch to heat and reap the benefits of an efficient furnace all winter long.
For heating system replacements, repairs and energy efficient solutions, Hoffmann Brothers is the preferred heating contractor for St Louis homeowners.