Heating and Air Conditioning

Tips, Tricks, and Answers

The following articles are available for the 'Heating and Air Conditioning' topic. Click the article's title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

Checking for and Eliminating Drafts
An easy way to check to see where a draft is coming from is to stand with a lighted candle next to a window or door. The flame will flicker where the draft is, and you'll most likely find a crack to seal. Follow these other handy tips for discovering and eliminating drafts in your home.

Cleaning Blackened Air Vents
When cleaning blackened air vents, it's nice to think that all you need to do is do a little dusting and your finished. Unfortunately finding your air vents blackened is often a sign of a worse problem. Cleaning blackened air vents is still possible, as long as you know what to do.

Cleaning Your Air Ducts
Although you can call a professional to clean your air ducts, be prepared to pay a hefty price for a chore that you can easily perform on your own. If, however, you detect mold growth, it is wise to call a professional for an assessment.

Cooling Down a Hot Room
Contrary to what many people believe, cooling down a hot room does not solely rely on your air conditioner. Here are a few easy and surprising ideas for you to use the next time you start to bake in the summer heat.

Heating Up a Cold Room
While it is tempting to do so, there are other ways of heating up a cold room besides turning up the thermostat. Try a few of these options, and save some money at the same time.

Preparing Your Swamp Cooler for Cold Weather
If you take the necessary time to prepare your swamp cooler for cold weather, it will be ready for your use in the hot months ahead. A few hours invested in the fall will save you time, energy, and money in the spring. Follow these steps for preparing your swamp cooler for winter.

Preventing Mold Growth
One of the greatest problems currently facing home owners is mold growth. Without taking proper care, mold growth can quickly create a serious health problem. Actually making your home uninhabitable. Preventing mold growth is an easy task though, if you know what to do.

Replacing a Furnace Filter
Whether your furnace is electric or gas, down flow, up flow or horizontal, your furnace uses a filter. Designed to trap dust and air particles from damaging the motor, air filters can also improve air flow and air quality. Replacing a furnace filter is simple, once you locate it.

Replacing a Gas Water Heater
When it's time to replace your water heater, consider switching from electric to gas. Gas water heaters cost approximately half as much to operate than do conventional electric heaters. Make sure that you allow adequate venting when using a gas water heater, as carbon monoxide buildup can be fatal.

Replacing a Thermostat
Although replacing a thermostat is a relatively simple task, it can be quite dangerous since you're dealing with electricity. Always turn the power supply of your heating and air conditioning system off before attempting to replace your thermostat, and follow the manufacturer's directions that come with the new thermostat.

Replacing an Electric Water Heater
Once you've ruled out the possibility of repairing your heater, and you realize that it's time to replace it, look for an electric water heater with an Energy Star rating. Not only will you save money on your electric bill, you will help the environment by choosing an energy-saving model.

Troubleshooting Your Home Heating System
When the weather begins to turn cold, it is a good idea to get your home ready. One of the easiest things that you can do to prepare your home for the coming cold season is troubleshooting your home heating system. Here's what you need to do.

 

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