4 HVAC Add-Ons to Boost Comfort and Efficiency in Florence, SC
HVAC systems are wonderful tools that many people find indispensable in the quest to turn their homes into comfortable and inviting places. However, for all their power, they have limitations. Luckily, there are other devices that you can buy to supplement the HVAC system in your Florence, SC home and push it to new heights.
1. Programmable Thermostats
The benefits of an advanced programmable thermostat are numerous, from lower energy bills and better budgeting of energy resources to the ease and convenience that flow from automation. With a programmable thermostat, you can set your HVAC system to run at a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer during the hours you are at work and turn it up just in time to make things comfortable for your return. Integrating a WiFi-enabled thermostat into a smart network gives you even more power, as this allows you to exercise control of it from a distance using your smartphone, tablet, or a similar device.
Most modern thermostats have a special feature called recovery mode. This setting is similar to the standard temperature manipulation features that somewhat older digital thermostats also have, but it differs from them in one important way.
Digital thermostats from an older generation will activate at a pre-selected time and will only begin manipulating indoor temperatures to desired levels at that time. Newer programmable thermostats can arrange things so that your home is already at the temperature you want at the time you’ve chosen. By activating in advance and changing temperatures very slowly, new programmable thermostats can help you slash your energy costs by a considerable amount over time.
2. Air Purifiers
The air filters that every HVAC system comes with can do a decent job of removing dust mites and certain kinds of larger airborne pollutants from the air in your home. If you remember to schedule regular HVAC maintenance and change out your filters every 1-3 months, they should do a reasonably good job of maintaining your indoor air quality. On their own, however, they won’t grab everything.
Most HVAC systems cannot handle air filters with MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings of more than 13. HEPA and ULPA filters, which all have MERV ratings of 17 or higher, can capture well above 99% of all particulate matter that measures 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. To achieve this level of air cleansing, you’ll have to either specially modify your HVAC system to accommodate filters with higher MERV ratings or purchase separate air purifiers that have the power you need, the latter option being the more cost-effective option.
3. Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
During the colder months, the surrounding air at home can become quite dry, which can trigger asthma symptoms and dry out the nose and throat. Humidifiers are useful means to increase the amount of moisture in the air and prevent such things from happening. They do this by speeding up the natural process of evaporation, blowing air through a damp air filter, and pushing the minuscule water droplets into the environment.
Dehumidifiers stand on the opposite side from humidifiers. Dehumidifiers are especially useful for eliminating the muggy feeling that often accompanies hot summer weather. By removing moisture from the air, dehumidifiers also make your indoor environment less hospitable to insects and dust mites.
4. Variable-Speed Air Handlers
Since variable-speed air handlers can operate at different speeds they are an ideal solution for improving both your indoor comfort level and your HVAC equipment’s energy efficiency. Additionally, these devices can help improve humidity control, enhance your overall indoor air quality, and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your HVAC system.
The right add-ons will only make your HVAC system more potent. For help making your Florence, SC home as comfortable as possible, call Air Solutions Heating and Cooling, and ask for one of our many HVAC services.
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