Use HVAC to Handle the Spring Temperatures!
If you can wear a winter coat and a pair of shorts in the same week...then you must live in Indiana! Temperature swings are nothing new for Indiana residents. While it may seem the only way to control the inside temperature is to turn the HVAC system on and off, there are actually some other solutions. Here are a few tips to regulate the temperature inside your home this spring:
- Use your programmable thermostat. People often want to turn their HVAC system off when it warms up a bit. Keep your HVAC system on and your normal program set. During those warmer days, the system will not run if the temperature you have set on the thermostat is met. However, by keeping your system turned on, it will automatically kick on when the temperature falls below the set point. This will ensure that you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. In addition, it will reach the set temperature more efficiently than if the system is completely off. When the system is completely off, the temperature may drop several degrees below set point. It will have to run and run and run to reach the set temperature again.
- Get a programmable thermostat with auto-changeover capability. Auto-changeover means the HVAC system will automatically switch from the furnace to the air conditioner. Last year on this date, March 19th, Indianapolis had record-setting temperatures. The high was 82 degrees and the low was 64 degrees. If your thermostat is set to 72 degrees, the furnace may have to run in the morning and evening to maintain that temperature, but the air conditioner may be needed in the afternoon. With auto-changeover, the system will automatically switch from the furnace to the air conditioner and back to the furnace!
- Keep the temperature set a little higher than normal. Since humidity is down, 73 degrees in the spring is more comfortable than 73 degrees in the summer.
Spring 2013 is sure different from last year! The warm-up can't be too far away, right? Enjoy the spring months and stay comfortable!
Is HVAC a Do-It-Yourself Project?
There are many things around the home that can be done by a homeowner. We've occasionally been asked about HVAC being a "do-it-yourself" project. Some questions we've been asked include:
- If I provide the furnace/air conditioner/heat pump, will you install it? If the equipment is used, then no, we will not install it. Someone might get a furnace from their brother's house or take an air conditioner from their rental home to install on another home or purchase a piece of equipment from Craig's List. While the used equipment may work just fine, there are some risks to consider. Was the equipment properly removed? Is the equipment sized correctly for your space? Does the equipment work? How old is it? If an air conditioner is not removed correctly, parts can be damaged. The new owner of the air conditioner wouldn't know this until the air conditioner is re-installed. If it doesn't work, the homeowner will still be responsible to pay for the installation as used equipment does not have a warranty. Typically, if the equipment provided is new, we will consider installing it. However, since we (LCS Heating and Cooling) did not purchase the equipment, we will not warranty it. In addition, it would also be the homeowner's responsibility to talk to the manufacturer. If a repair is needed three years later, the homeowner would again be responsible for the warranty.
- If I provide the part, will you make the repair? We will consider making the repair, but again there is risk involved for the homeowner. Are you absolutely sure you got the right part? Did you diagnose the needed repair correctly? Are you able to return the part if it's not correct ? Is there a warranty on the part? As in the example above, if for some reason the part doesn't work or is not the correct part, the homeowner would still be responsible for paying for the installation. He would also be responsible for any warranty issues that arise.
- Should I make a repair or install a water heater/thermostat/humidifier myself? This is completely up to the homeowner. These are items that can be purchased at home improvement stores. A couple of things to consider: Home improvement stores carry base models of these items. Contractors purchase these items at supply houses and have accessibility to higher end models and different brands. Warranties vary as well. Equipment provided by contractors often has a longer warranty period than what can be purchased at home improvement stores. Also consider your comfort level and time needed to install one of these items. The time it may take to install that whole house humidifier may be worth hiring an HVAC company.
When it comes to major repairs or improvements in the home, we are always going to recommend hiring a company to help with those. Homeowners have peace of mind when equipment or even a part is provided and installed by a licensed and insured HVAC company. Peace of mind comes from knowing that if something goes wrong, the HVAC company will take care of it. The homeowner will not have to contact the manufacturer, try to process a warranty, wait to have a part shipped, etc. HVAC is often an investment. Our advice is to protect that investment by considering all the factors and risks before making a decision to do it yourself.