Dennis Reed - Page 48 of 54

Furnace Blower Keeps Running But No Heat

The mysterious furnace.
Have you ever had a problem with your furnace blower keeps running but no heat and realized no one you know has a clue on what to do to fix it?
Including yourself?

I have had my share of embarrassing moments, calling out HVAC repairman only to find that I haven’t changed the filters.

And though I don’t like being embarrassed, it’s not that part that is the worst. It’s the amount of money that I spent on such a lame mistake that puts the icing on top.

Sure there are plenty of times when something can malfunction, that I don’t have the first clue on how to diagnose or repair,

But what I have found is that most of the time that is not the case. And the fix for getting the furnace working again turned out to be super simple.

Furnace blower keeps running but no heat

The Most Common Issues that you may find when the furnace blower keeps running but no heat is:

1. Filters are dirty, or
2. Ignition sensor is dirty and the furnace wont ignite.

It’s a pretty common problem to turn the heater on but have cool air coming out. One of my first experiences with calling out a HVAC tech for the shop I work in was because the heaters were simply not getting hot.

I decided to pay for the complete HVAC inspection package.

The guys ( 2 older guys) show up and do their thing then appear from there mysterious HVAC work holding two filters that are completely caked over with about a inch of fuzz and debris.

Humiliating.

1. Check your filters

Your heater furnace needs good airflow to work and if you’re filters get too dirty it will not blow warm air. Dirty filters are one of the main reasons the heater is not working and one of the easiest things to check and maintain.

Cold air blowing out of vents when heat is on

2. Furnace not igniting burners

This is another one that I’ve had an experience of calling out a tech.
And believe me, I check the filters first but that didn’t do anything.

So this time the guy shows up ( one of the same guys) and I told him I already check the filters. I’m on top of this.

He proceeds to get a ladder, stick his head up into the Attic, get down and then look at the thermostat.

Next. (You would think you’d want to keep this part secret) he pulls out a tiny piece of sandpaper out of his front pocket then goes back up the ladder.

He gets down and tells me that’s it. He’s done.

I ask him what he did with the sandpaper and he told me that my ignition sensor was dirty so sanded it off a little bit to clean it.

$140.00. And he didn’t even replace anything.

Not all furnaces have ignition sensors.
Many furnaces have pilot lights. Sometimes the pilot light can get blown out. If you have a wall furnace, that is many times the case.
If you find that your pilot light will not stay lit then it is most likely a issue with not getting enough fuel.

Thermostat not turning heat on

By this time, it probably seems like I’m a real dope. I probably am, but no one else seems to know the answers either.

Check the batteries in the thermostat.

Did you know that thermostats have batteries? I didn’t.

If you have a thermostat that is not turning on your furnace and seems to be glitching out, there’s a good possibility your batteries need changing.

And while you’re at it, make sure that the thermostat is set to Heat and Auto.

Super simple things to check but if you don’t know then you just don’t know.

If you change the batteries and it’s still not working, thermostats do go bad.

It might be time to change the thermostat, and though it may not be something you want to tackle on your own, it’s not exactly rocket science.

I’ve had two separate occasions where the heat wouldn’t come on and it was the thermostat.

The first was in a rent house so I didn’t have to pay for the repair, but the second time it was in my own house and the price of the thermostat plus the installation was $295.00

$295 is incentive enough to replace my own thermostat for now on.

Make sure there’s nothing covering your vents.

This is another bonehead move that I have made and called and HVAC technician to solve.

Central heat and air units have supply Air and return air vents.

Sometimes these events can get dirty themselves and not allow for the air to flow freely which will inhibit the amount of warmth you get from your vents.

But even more common, and one I am guilty of, is putting something directly in front of the return vents. In my case it was a sheet of plywood.

Imagine if you were an HVAC technician and you are sent out to diagnose a heating problem only the find that someone is put a piece of plywood in front of the return vents and blocking off the air from actually blowing at all.

This is the kind of stories these guys have to tell daily. And I’m proud of being able to supply them with so much content.

Long story short..

Make sure your vents are all open and that there is nothing covering them.

Of course not all problems or that easy to solve when it comes to your furnace not blowing out heat, but it is incredible how many easy fixes there actually are.

Do yourself a favor, and your pocketbook, and make sure that you’re not making some of these little mistakes they can end up costing you a lot of money.

The furnace doesn’t have to be that mysterious and it’s well worth it to get even a little bit of knowledge to help you help yourself and not have to pay a hefty bill every time you have a problem.

AC Dry Mode

How to Use a Vaporizer for a Cold

One of the things I remember about going to my grandmother’s house when I was a kid was that she always had a mysterious pot of water simmering on the stove.

Sometimes it smelled like clove, other times it smelled more like chest rub.

Now I know, all these years later, that she kept that pot of water on the stove to add moisture to the air. And the scents we’re actually real cloves and eucalyptus leaves.

Essentially she had her own “do it yourself” vaporizer and diffuser combo”.

How to Use a Vaporizer for a Cold..

“To use a vaporizer for a cold, add a chest decongestant like Vicks or eucalyptus oil into the provided tray.
The decongestant combined with steam should open the airways nicely.”

These days, humidifiers and vaporizers are so cheap, it makes more sense to purchase one and put it in the room where you need it, rather than to keep a pot of water simmering on the stove.

Though I would thankfully trade in all humidifiers I’ve ever owned to revisit those days.

What my grandmother knew, was that if you keep steam in the air and add eucalyptus to the mix, you can help ease the symptoms of a cold.

That’s exactly what a modern vaporizer can do.

Think about how taking a hot steamy shower opens up your airways when you have a cold.

That is basically how a vaporizer functions to help reduce cold symptoms.

A vaporizer is essentially a steam machine.

And most of them come with a tray that allows you to add eucalyptus or other types of essential oils that are good for breathing.

Difference between humidifier and vaporizer

A vaporizer and a humidifier do the same thing,which is to add moisture to the air, the difference is the method they used to achieve that end.

A vaporizer boils water and add steams

to the air to moisturize it.

A humidifier moisturizers the air by misting.

Cost- Humidifiers are a little more expensive across the board. They also or recommended for use with distilled water only, which is also an added expense.

A vaporizer also has the advantage of reaching a boiling point that reduces the ability for mold and bacteria to grow in the machine.

Otherwise it’s a matter of preference whether you prefer the feeling of steam or the feeling of a cool mist.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cold

Though a vaporizer adds the provided benefit of helping loosen up mucus with steam, many people prefer a cool mist humidifier.

That’s especially true when you’re dealing with a cold in a warm season.

It’s not exactly comfortable to have hot steam blowing when the temperature is already warm.

A cool mist humidifier provides a slight breeze which can be very comforting when you’re sick.

And having a vaporizer running, which gets to very high temperatures, around children or babies it’s not something most people will do.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for bronchitis

When congestion really has you down, chances are your cold has turned into bronchitis.

Both a vaporizer and a humidifier will add moisture to the air that will help loosen up the congestion in your chest.

The biggest difference is that a vaporizer puts out warm air and a cool mist humidifier puts out cool air.

Mayo clinic suggest that a cool mist humidifier maybe better for easing the symptoms of a chest cold AKA bronchitis.

Vaporizer pros

The vaporizer has the advantage of being less likely to introduce mold and other organisms that can only exasperate bronchitis.

Vaporizers are essential oil friendly.

It’s the combination of steam and aromatherapy that gives the vaporizer a slight advantage.

One of the biggest drawbacks of using a vaporizer is the swampy feeling of combined humidity and heat.

Humidifier pros

Cool mist humidifiers can also work with aromatherapy additives and do not pose a risk of spilling boiling water.

A cool mist humidifier also has the advantage of blowing a slight breeze as it’s working.

Cool air is easier to breathe in hot air.

And one of the main reasons better humidifier is needed in the winter is that the furnace is drying out the air.

Cons

The cons of using a humidifier is that they must be kept clean or they can become a air pollution problem.

A dirty humidifier can spit out mold and bacteria as well as other organisms.

Vaporizer vs. Warm mist humidifier

A warm mist humidifier is another name for a vaporizer. Both a warm mist humidifier and a vaporizer boil water to create steam.

Most vaporizers are sold as a combination warm mist humidifier with a separate tray to add essential oil extracts or pre packaged chest rub pads.

A generic humidifier usually does not offer the aromatherapy additive option.

So if you intend to add essential oils like eucalyptus or oregano for instance, be sure that you choose a humidifier that is made to do so.

The mistake that many people make is thinking that you can add oil straight to the water in a cool mist humidifier.

But doing so will eventually clog your humidifier filter and make it useless.

If you already own a cool mist humidifier that does not have a aromatherapy extract tray,

Then it is worthwhile to purchase a separate diffuser for your essential oils.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cough

The distinct advantage that a vaporizer has for a cough is that it creates steam and is essential oil ready.

The combination of steam and and essential oil like eucalyptus can help break up mucus in clear your airways which may help you breathe easier.

Another distinct advantage of a vaporizer for a cough is that it boils water to create steam which kills bacteria and mold that can easily take root in a humidifier. Boiling also takes the need of using distilled water out of the picture.

The biggest downside of a vaporizer is that it can leave in room feeling muggy.
And though the steam maybe a excellent way to open up your sinuses, sleeping in a steamy room is not the most comfortable.

Another downside. Vaporizers reach high temperatures because they boil water. Not suitable for use where children have access.

The humidifier for a cough adds moisture to the air by emitting a very fine cool mist.

And when you have a cough, a cool mist may make it easier to sleep than a warm steamy room that a vaporizer can give you.

Though they lack the ability of being able to add essential oil straight to the water, many cool mist come equipped with a essential oil tray to be able to take advantage of the healing effects of aromatherapy also.

The biggest drawback of a humidifier over a vaporizer is that mold and bacteria and other organisms can take root much quicker in the machine, making it is essential to keep it cleaned and maintained daily.

Another drawback is it should only be used with distilled water. Which can be an added expense.

Humidifier vs Dehumidifier

Did you know that the humidity in your home not only can affect the structure of your house, It can interfere with your health to?

Humidity or lack of humidity can have adverse effects on your health it may lead you to begin a search for a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Humidifier vs dehumidifier

A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, a dehumidifier is a device that subtracts moisture from the air.

What should humidity be in the house?

Without knowing the humidity level in your house, it’s impossible to know whether you need a humidifier for a dehumidifier or either?

The humidity leveling the house that is generally the most comfortable for everyone is 40 to 60%. This study by The National Library of Medicine states “The majority of adverse health effects caused by relative humidity would be minimized by maintaining indoor levels between 40 and 60%. “ A hygrometer is needed to to let you know what the humidity is in your house.

Humidity levels may need to be tweaked throughout the year to keep a level of comfort in the home.

What should humidity be in house in winter?

in the winter you’re shooting for more like 40 to 60% humidity because the air usually much drier in the winter. And with the addition of the furnace running, the air inside of the house can get very dry.

What should humidity be in house in summer?

Humidity in the summer should be kept around 30 to 45%. There are many times when the heat that you are feeling in the summer is humidity. By maintaining a lower humidity, you can achieve comfort and reduce the need for a continuously running AC.

What do you do when the humidity is affecting your overall health? How do you know whether you should add or reduce the humidity

Here is a few tips

Humidifier or dehumidifier for allergies?

Allergies are many times seasonal. And depending on the season, you’re probably able to narrow down whether you need to moisten or dry out the air.
In the winter, a humidifier is usually better when you’re suffering from allergy symptoms.
But in the summer months, humidity can actually help allergens travel further. So you probably need a dehumidifier.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for sinus problems

A humidifier is best for sinus problems when the air is dry. The reason is that the particles that are in the air that can aggravate the sinus cavities will be weighted down with the use of a humidifier which will keep them from floating and entering your nose and mouth. The added moisture will also help relieve the irritation and pain that dry air can do to your sinuses.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for stuffy nose.

A stuffy nose is usually caused by the air being extra dry. When you have a stuffy, stopped up nose, a cool mist humidifier is a great way to reduce the stuffiness and get a better night’s sleep.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for eczema

Dry air can exasperate skin problems, especially eczema. A humidifier is generally the “go to” device for eczema sufferers because it will add moisture to the air and ease the pain associated with eczema.
Humidity can also have an adverse effect on the skin when the moisture in the air is full of mold spores and bacteria.
It’s important that the humidifier be kept clean or if you’re living in a house with a dirty HVAC, that the vents or not distributing mold and dust mites throughout your house.

Consider adding an air purifier to your arsenal. A mold air purifier will help keep bacteria out of the when the humidity is high too.

Keeping the air clean is as important as adding or reducing humidity.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for mold

Moisture is one of the essential ingredients for mold to grow. Anytime the humidity in the home is high, you have chance of mold taking root somewhere.

A dehumidifier will pull moisture out of the air and help starve and mold that is already forming.

But dehumidifiers themselves must be maintained or else they can become a source for mold and spores.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for baby

Babies can be susceptible to bacteria in the air. A humidifier can help clear the congestion in a baby’s chest. But you should also consider pairing it with an air purifier to ensure that bacteria and mold are introduced to a baby’s room through adding humidity to the air.

Keeping the humidifier clean and filled with distilled water is a must when it comes to babies.

During the hot, muggy months of the year, a dehumidifier can make the air easier to breathe. And the baby you can suffer from the uncomfortable effects of high humidity just like everyone else.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for snoring

Snoring is usually related the air being hot and dry.
A humidifier will add moisture to the air that can help soothe the larynx
And help you breathe a little easier while sleeping.
Some people refer to turn the heat up and dress less in the winter.
This is a recipe for snoring.
Cool air is easier to breathe. Consider turning the heat down and adding more covers or wearing pajamas with a cool mist humidifier running.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for cough

A dry cough can be helped with the use of a humidifier. When conditions are dry, a humidifier can aid in hoping to loosen up mucus and phlegm.
Humidifiers often come with compartments that allow essential oils like eucalyptus and oregano to be dispersed into the air and help you recover from a cough faster and add a soothing agent to the air make it easier to breathe.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are a symptom of dry air.

Even now you can find many homes that still have the furnace under the floor with the heat coming out through a grill.

To avoid the furnace making the air too dry and the kids getting dry bloody noses, a pot of water is placed on the grill so that the water will evaporate and moisten the air. Clove or eucalyptus might be added to add an extra layer of soothing.
A humidifier does the same thing.
When you are getting a nosebleed from the climate, you will want to pick a humidifier over a dehumidifier.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

The easiest way to tell the difference between mold and mildew is by the color.

Mildew is usually gray or white while mold ranges from green to yellow to black.

What does mildew look like?

Mildew is usually described as being powdery or fluffy and growing in a flat pattern. It is distinguishable from mold in that mold is usually slimy with fuzz growing on it. Mildew can be so subtle that it can be mistaken as a wall or surface that just looks dirty.

What is mildew?

Mildew is a type of mold in that it is basically mold that hasn’t fully developed yet.

And because it is in this early stage, it appears more like a white powdery substance on top of a surface.

It’s common to find mildew in the shower or shower curtain.

Because it is usually found on the surface when it is in the home, cleaning it is much easier and can usually be done with a household cleaner and a brush.

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?

Both bleach and vinegar are known to be able to kill mold and mildew but vinegar the better choice because it is able to penetrate mold deeper and get down “to the root. Whereas bleach will only clean the surface.

Killing mold with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide?

Killing mold with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is more effective than using bleach. Both peroxide and white vinegar are disinfectants that can get down below the surface.

There is one caveat to using both hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to kill mold and that is, you should never mix the two. When they are mixed, they can create peracetic acid, which is a irritant to your eyes and skin and potentially your respiratory system.

If you’re going to use this method, spray the hydrogen peroxide on the mold and give it about a minute before you spray the vinegar on it.

Does vinegar kill mildew?

Vinegar is hands-down the best all natural way to kill mildew. A easy 2 to 1 ratio of vinegar to water in a spray bottle will kill the mildew and your shower and disinfect it.
The process takes approximately one hour. Spray your white vinegar and water directly on the mildew, give it at least one hour, then wipe it off.

Can mildew make you sick?

Mildew is mold. And though it may not be as threatening as a full-blown case of mold growth, mildew still has the capacity to make you feel ill let and trigger allergies.

Some of the symptoms that are related to mold and mildew are:

Sneezing

Coughing
Itchy eyes
Running news

Stuffy nose
Watery eyes
Fatigue

Mold spores are also linked to asthma.

How do you know it’s mold that’s making you sick?

The easiest way to figure out if it’s mold making you sick is to remove yourself from the area where the mold is noticeable.

If you find that you are experiencing symptoms when you are in a certain room, then you may be having an adverse reaction to mold spores in the air.

Is mildew dangerous?

In the same way that mildew is considered a lesser form of mode, the effects that mildew can have on your health or also considered lesser.
But mildew is a fungus and persons with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma should certainly view mildew as a hazard.

Black mildew?

Mildew can be considered a light version of mold. Mildew is typically a white powdery looking mild mold growth. Mold on the other hand can appear black and usually does have some kind of black or dark green color about it.

What does mildew smell like?

Musty. Musty is defined as smelling moldy. Well that’s helpful…

The smell of mildew is reminiscent to rotting wood or stinky socks. It is a stale damp, decaying odor. One that is usually easily noticeable but hard to describe.

The smell of mildew compared to the smell of mold is much less noticeable than mold.

The intensity of the musty smell associated with mold and mildew is also a good way to distinguish whether you have mold for mildew.

Recap

What is the difference between mildew and mold.

Mold and mildew are in the same family much the way that a son and father all related.

Mildew is mold that has not developed fully yet.

The easiest way to tell the difference between mildew and mold is the color.
Mildew is usually White or gray while mold has advanced into deeper darker colors black black, green, yellow and red.

Another way that you can tell the difference between mildew and mold is that mold smells much stronger than mildew.

Another difference between mold and mildew is the ease in which mildew is removed compared to mold.

White vinegar is the weapon of choice when removing mildew from areas like your shower and shower curtain. Using a easy 2 to 1 vinegar to water solution, simply spray it directly onto the mildew.
Give it about an hour then wipe it off.

If you want to take the disinfecting route a little further, spray the white vinegar solution, give it a couple of minutes, then spray hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the mildew.

Wait for approximately an hour, then wipe it clean.

Other differences between mildew and mold are the symptoms that you can experience related to mold spore exposure.

Just like the other differences between mildew and mold, the symptoms that mildew can cause, like headaches, sneezing, fatigue, the and itchy eyes,
are not typically anywhere near the level of intensity that having a mold allergy attack can cause.

But there are always exceptions to the rule. If you are susceptible to mold spore allergies or if you have a weakened immune system or other pre-existing conditions. Then you should treat exposure to mildew no less than you would being exposed to mold.

Does a Humidifier Help with Coughing?

We’ve all known the misery of a nagging cold and cough. Trying to get a good night’s rest when you are coughing can be very difficult and sleep medications can leave you feeling unrested and groggy.

Does a humidifier help with coughing?

One of the best ways to get relief from cough and cold symptoms is running a humidifier near your bed.

What does a humidifier do for a cough?

Humidifiers can help a dry cough by adding moisture to the air that helps loosen phlegm in the lungs.

Also many humidifiers come equipped with compartments to add essential oils like eucalyptus that dispersed in the air can sooth your lungs and reduce coughing.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cough?

The best Humidifier for a cough is a combination vaporizer diffuser and cool mist humidifier.

Diffusers can disperse cough reducing essential oils like peppermint and rosemary but they do not add the humidity to the air needed to to help with dryness that is helping aggravate the cough.
On the flip side, a humidifier alone will only add moisture to the air.

Though there is a lot of different opinions on whether you can add the essential oils straight to the water on a humidifier,
It is best to look for one that has a compartment built into it so that you do not have any issues with clogging the machine up with oils

Warm or cool mist humidifier for cough?

Though both a warm mist humidifier and a cool mist humidifier basically achieve the same result of adding humidity to the air,
Cool mist humidifiers tend to add a level of comfort when you’re trying to sleep than you cant get from a warm mist humidifier.
Don’t forget that humidifiers also add a blanket of white noise to the room that can be soothing when your down with a cold and cough.

Best essential oils for coughs

Many humidifiers come ready made to add oils that can help soothe a cough and add additional aid to loosen up mucus.

Eucalyptus for cough

Eucalyptus oil is a very popular is a night time relief product. Many of the salves that you buy to rub on your chest contain eucalyptus.

Oregano oil for cough

Oregano has become popular as a supplement because it contains

Carvacrol
Thymol
Rosmarinic acid

Carvacrol is a natural antibiotic that helps fight bacteria. Thymol is a natural fungicide.

Using oregano oil for a cough and cold is an excellent way to fight off a bug.

Peppermint for cough

Peppermint contains menthol. Menthol is an ingredient in most cough drops.
Using peppermint oil for a cough in your humidifier is a great way to add to your relief suffering from a cold and cough

Rosemary for cough

Rosemary contains Cineole. A study in the US national library of medicine concluded that ” Cineole actively and significantly reduces a cough frequency after 4 days”

Frankincense for cough

Frankincense is an ancient remedy for all sorts of inflammation and diseases in the body. For a cough it can used as a steam inhalation, bath, or massage
It is also used for:

heart disease

Asthma
Skin irritation
Inflammatory bowel disease

Cancer
Prostate cancer
Brain tumor

Diabetes
Antimicrobial effects
Memory

Fertility

Thyme oil for cough

Like oregano oil, thyme oil contains an abundance of carvacrol. A antimicrobial that can aid in the reduction of bacteria.

Can a humidifier make a cough worse?

A humidifier is a simple machine that adds water to the air. If you feel like the humidifier is making you cough, the odds are that it has not been maintained and cleaned properly.

A dirty humidifier not only can grow mold and other organisms, it’s job is to disperse mist into the air. If the humidifier is dirty, the mist is a delivery system for bacteria that can make you cough.

There are actual medical names for this phenomenon. “Humidifier Sickness” , humidifier fever, and “Humidifier lung.

Humidifier sickness symptoms

The US national library of medicine
states that humidifier fever is an influenza like illness with pyrexia (fever) and malaise as the main symptoms.

Other dirty humidifier symptoms include:

Coughing
Chest tightness
Dyspnoea

Weight loss
Chills
Lung inflammation

Shortness of breath
Body aches
Asthma triggers

Humidifier fever treatment

The number one treatment to reduce mold in humidifier symptoms is to clean the humidifier thoroughly and often.

Water you can become stagnant and a breeding ground for mold and bacteria in as little as two days.

And those people who pre-existing conditions like asthma and allergies, also copd, should take extra precautions to ensure that their humidifier is clean by using white vinegar to disinfect the machine before using it again.

Once the source of the bacteria and mold in the air is removed, then the symptoms related to the dirty humidifier should subdue.

Recap

One of the best things you can do to reduce a cough is to run a humidifier.

Humidifiers add moisture to the air that can help reduce soften and reduce phlegm and mucus.

When the air is dry, having a cough can be that much more annoying and painful.

Also many humidifiers come ready-made to add essential oils that can help ease and reduce a cough much faster.

For instance, Rosemary oil when vaporized can reduce the life of a cough down do only 4 days when it is utilized.

Many other essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil have natural soothing qualities the can make having a cough much more bearable.

But for every good review of a humidifier, there needs to be a Stern warning that a humidifier needs to be cleaned and maintained more thoroughly than your average appliance.

A humidifier that is allowed to hold standing water can become a health hazard in as little as two days.

Running a humidifier that has mold and bacteria growing inside of it can make the humidifier a delivery system spreading the bacteria through the air.

It is such a common problem that there is actual medical names attached to it.

Humidifier sickness, humidifier lung, and humidifier fever or all references to
Illness that occurs from not maintaining a humidifier adequately.

Set the Temperature to 72 Degrees?

True story. I was sitting with my wife recently, eating dinner at a restaurant and got into a conversation about the thermostat and what was the ideal temperature to put it on and she said 72 degrees, and she said it like I was the only one in the world that did not know that. Duh.

Who came up with 72 degrees? Why am I just now hearing this?

As it turns out that 72 degrees is a very popular belief about thermostats. It is widely believed that 72 degrees on the thermostat is setting that it is the most comfortable.

But when it comes to the heating and air system in your home, comfort, unfortunately, is not the only thing you have to consider.

Controlling the climate in your home is also the most expensive thing on your energy bill you have to think about.

Is it better to keep your thermostat at a constant temperature?

A thermostat is a contentious object in my house.

Another true story. This past cold season, I got home one day to a sweltering house only to find my teenage daughter running around in shorts and flip flops in the middle of winter. She has cranked the thermostat up because she got cold.

Really?

At that point, I told the kids if they are not allowed to touch the thermostat!

So keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature in my house is necessary to avoid fluctuations in temperature based on any one of my teenage kids whims.

But even though socially it might make sense,
cost-wise, leaving the thermostat set at the same temperature all the time just means wasted energy and a higher energy bill.

Turning the thermostat up or down ( depending on the season) when you go to bed will help save money and you don’t need the temperature to remain as cool or warm when you are asleep.

Another example is during the day when everyone is at work or school,
adjusting the thermostat either down in Winter or up in summer a few degrees will help you save money on your electric bill as well.

Another reason I don’t let no one touch the thermostat is that they go way overboard. They get a little cold and they turn it up five degrees, or they get a little hot and they turn it way down.

But the heat and AC will not work any faster because you turn it way up or down.

It will only cause the machine to keep running longer do you realize you made it too hot or cold.

A big waste of energy.

Why all 72 may be a popular temperature to keep the house it is also not really the best.

What is a reasonable temperature for the house in winter?

68 is the recommended temperature to set the thermostat on in winter. It is basically the temperature that takes the average of comfortability and cost.

For many people, 68 may be too cold. Regardless, there is no hard rule about it. And no significant change in the energy bill if you raise or lower it.

The ideal is that you keep it as low as you can and still feel comfortable so that you can keep your energy bill down.

What temperature to set the thermostat on in winter when away?

If you’re away for a normal 8-hour workday, setting the temperature on the thermostat to 62 is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bill.

If you’re going away on vacation you should not set your thermostat below 55 degrees.

Why? Frozen pipes. Anything lower puts you at risk of coming home from your vacation to cracked and leaking pipes.

What temperature is too cold for the house?

Once the cold weather hits, you can no longer worry just about your own comfort and the cost of your energy bill, you have to store considering what is too cold for your plumbing. Water freezing inside of your pipes is a problem that no one wants to have to deal with.

According to the Energy company, 55 degrees is the lowest you want to set your thermostat in winter to avoid cracked pipes and damage to the air handler.

is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning?

72 degrees is a comfortable temperature but one that will cause your energy bill to be higher.

78 degrees is the temperature that is recommended for your thermostat in the summer.

78 degrees is optimal to maintain comfort and a lower energy bill. But it is unlikely to be the temperature of choice.
But the point is to raise your thermostat to a point that it is comfortable enough and doesn’t kill your electricity bill.

The best temperature for sleeping in summer.

Turning your thermostat up at night and using a fan or open window can save you a significant amount over the summer on your energy bill.
By setting your thermostat to 78 or even 80° at night, you should see a markable difference.

Though obviously these rules are just guidelines and not everyone is going to have the same Climate or experience.

But if you’re interested in saving money on your electricity bill and remaining comfortable then hopefully you can get some use from these suggestions.

Why is My House so Humid with the AC On?

Why is my house so humid with the AC on? If the air conditioner is not reducing at least a little bit of humidity in the home, then you know there is an issue somewhere. And finding out what that issue is is hopefully not too difficult. Following is a few of the most common issues when the humidity is overtaking the AC.

AC is cooling but not removing humidity

One of the most common reasons that the air continues to feel humid when the AC is running is that the thermostat is s set on “on’ instead of “auto”.

1.AC fan mode

When the AC fan mode on the thermostat is on the “on” position, it continues to run after the compressor has shut down.

What does that have to do with the house feeling humid?

Because as a air conditioner is cooling the air it is also gathering the humidity from the air in the form of condensation on the refrigerant coils.

And then when the air conditioner cycles off, the moisture gathered on the condenser coils drains into a drip pan and either continues through a drain line outside or is pumped outside with a condensate pump.

But when the AC fan mode is set on the “on” position, the condensation that has gathered on the refrigerant coils doesn’t get a opportunity to drip off. Instead it is blown by the fan which is causing it to evaporate back into the ductwork.

Which means that even though it is gathering the moisture out of your air as the air conditioner is running, it is circulating it back around your house while the AC compressor has cycled off.

Try turning the AC to “auto mode” and seeing if the air starts to feel less humid.

Humidity goes up when the AC is on

2. Foam insulation

Another reason build a home can feel extra humid with the AC on is the type of insulation that is used in the Attic.

Foam insulation is notorious what causing the Attic to be extra humid.

Heat and moisture from the attic can
make its way into your duct system a few different ways.

3. Leaky ducts

If your ductwork has got any leaks, it can be pulling hot humid air from the attic into your ductwork and then into your home.

4. Kitchen fans

If the powered vents above your range are extra strong, they could be pulling air from the attic.

When the Attic is the source of the humidity that is circulating in your home , there’s a couple of things you can do to alleviate the problem.

1. Have your attic inspected make sure that it is sealed properly.
2. Have you heard ductwork checked for leaks.
3. Run a dehumidifier in the Attic.
4. Reroute the ductwork so that the Attic is air conditioned along with the rest of the house.

House feels damp with AC on

A.Heat rises

Sometimes you might find that the reason your house is feeling humid is the layout of the house itself.

If you have a two or three story house and the top floors feel extra humid compared to the bottom floor then your air handler is not equipped to handle the downstairs and upstairs equally.

You may find that you need to run a dehumidifier upstairs to help your air conditioner run easier and do a much better job at controlling the climate inside your house.

B. Room is muggy

Many times it’s not the whole house that feels muggy with the AC on. It could be relegated to just one or two rooms.

The most obvious solution is that the ductwork that specific room is leaking and mixing the humidity from the attic for crawl space with the air coming into the room.

5.Ductwork design

If the ductwork is not zoned correctly or if additional vents have been added to the zones, the rooms were they additional vents have been added may not get the same level of dehumidification that the AC provides to the rest of the house.

Some rooms like basements do not even have AC ducts ran to them. Proximity to the moist ground is usually the culprit for high humidity in the basement.

Running a dehumidifier is a great way to dry out the basement and make it useful and livable.

Recap

Does your house feel extra humid when the AC is on?

And air conditioner is made to dehumidify the air as it is cooling. One of the primary ways it cools the air is by reducing the moisture in the air.

So when your ear feels extra humid with the AC on, it is definitely not a natural cause.

What are the main reasons a house will feel muggy when the air conditioner is on is that the humidity that the AC is supposed to be reducing is being redistributed throughout the house.

This can happen when the AC fan mode is switch to the on position so that the fan is running continuously when the AC compressor has cycled off.

” AC auto mode” is the setting on the thermostat to use to ensure that the humidity gathered on the condenser coils drains rather than being evaporated and redistributed around the house.

Another culprit for humidity getting into the house with the AC on is leaky ducts. If your ductwork has leaks in it, then the humid air inside of the attic can leak inside of your home through your ductwork.

Another reason that the home feels muggy with the AC on could be the layout of the house. If for instance, the house is a two-story house, the top level may feel extra humid simply because heat rises.

A easy fix that will not only reduce the humidity on the second floor as well as aid the air conditioner is a dehumidifier.

Do it yourself AC Coil Cleaner

Difference Between Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier

What is the difference between a air conditioner and a dehumidifier?

The difference between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier is where the warm air and condensation that the unit is generating are dispelled.

Air conditioners dispel the heat and moisture outside of the house and a dehumidifier dispels the heat and moisture inside of the house. (Though most modern dehumidifiers have a port to drain the water with a garden hose to a sink or outside)

Mechanically they are very much the same. Both have a hot side and a cold side.

The difference is how they are used.

And the air conditioner is primarily used to cool down a room. So the hot side of the air conditioner is outside.

A dehumidifier is used to reduce the moisture in the air. Instead of dispersing the hot air outside of the room, it releases it back into the room.

Releasing the hot air back into the room helps the dehumidifier continue to draw out more humidity from the air.

Do dehumidifiers cool a room?

A dehumidifier is not made to cool a room. Though indirectly it will help the room feel more comfortable because of the reduction of humidity.

But remember the heat generated from the dehumidifier is being released back into the room as it is dehumidifying.

And though the heat may not be significant because of the lack of moisture in the air now that the dehumidifier is running, there is still going to be an increase in the temperature.

Do dehumidifiers help with heat?

Dehumidifiers do help with heat in directly because they reduce the moisture in the air that is perceived as heat.

But you should know that the room that the dehumidifier is being used in is not going to be cooler.

How much heat does a dehumidifier create?

Think about it this way. If you were to take a window air conditioner and sit in the middle of the room, one side of the air conditioner would be cool and the other side would be hot.

With a dehumidifier, you’re only getting the hot.

Dehumidifiers are meant to reduce the humidity in the home more as a way to reduce the effect of moisture on the structure of the house and as a preventative for mold growth then they are as a way manage the climate in the house.
The fact that a dehumidifier can make the room feel more comfortable is more like a happy side-effect.

Air conditioner as a dehumidifier

Does AC dehumidify?

An air conditioner also dehumidifies the air as it is operating. Part of the way it is able to cool the air is it is pulling moisture out of the air and draining it outside.

Air conditioning is infinitely better as a dehumidifier because it not only cools the house as it is dehumidifying, it disperses the hot air outside and drains the condensation in the outside as well.

Many central air conditioners come with a dry mode setting to be able to dehumidify a room without cooling it when the outdoor temperature is more muggy than hot.

Is dry mode more economical?

Dry mode consumes much less energy than cool mode on the AC because it runs the compressor at about half-speed.

Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?

Dehumidifiers are known energy hogs.

If you look at it a breakdown aware most of your energy cost are going,
It is to the main appliances like the refrigerator and the HVAC that use compressors.
99% of dehumidifiers on the shelf run off of a compressor. So you can expect your electric bill to show a small increase when you run the dehumidifier.

is it cheaper to run an AC or dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier uses only about a tenth of the electricity that an air conditioner uses. An standard AC runs full on and then off as the temperature is reached.
And then restarts when the temperature rises above the temperature designated on the thermostat. This repeated cycle results in an enormous amount of energy consumed and a very high energy bill. See Inverter AC

A dehumidifier doesn’t cycle off and on like a AC which keeps the cost much lower than an AC.

But though the air conditioner is a dehumidifier, its primary use is to cool down the air so it doesn’t reduce the humidity in the air as much as a dedicated dehumidifier.

Also air conditioning is typically not ran to the basement or crawl spaces.

And those are two of the main spots you need a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

Portable air conditioner as a dehumidifier?

If an air conditioner and a dehumidifier are mechanically the same, does that mean I can use a portable air conditioner as a dehumidifier?

It does sound great in theory, but a portable air conditioner does not drain condensation like a dehumidifier.

The condensation of a portable AC basically spits out through the rear show the unit and drips of a drainage hole.

Collecting the water so that it is not become part of the humidity problem that you’re trying to resolve is not easily solved.

Unfortunately when it comes to portable air conditioners and portable dehumidifiers, they are not interchangeable.

Though in many cases they are combined into one unit.

Recap

Dehumidifiers and air conditioners are very closely related and mechanically run nearly the same.

The main difference is or how they expel the heat and condensation that they generate.

The AC dispels the heat and condensation outside and a dehumidifier dispels the heat and condensation inside.

But how they are used and what they are used for is the real difference.

Air conditioning is used to cool off a room. De-humidification just happens to be part of that process.

Dehumidifiers are not made to cool off a room but to reduce moisture.

Though running an AC can help reduce the humidity in a room, a portable dehumidifier will do much more to reduce moisture and can go
into areas where there is no air conditioning like the moldy basement and crawl space.

Dehumidifiers also do not cool of a room directly and in fact will make a room temperature rise.

What is an Air Conditioner Inverter?

What is an Inverter AC?

A inverter AC is a air conditioner is an that is equipped with an inverted modulated compressor. An inverter changes the output of the compressor from direct to alternating current allowing for the AC to run at variable speeds continually, according to what is needed, rather than full power on or off.

Advantages of inverter AC

The advantages of inverter AC are many.

Among the top are the capacity of a inverter Air Conditioner to rapidly cool a room and keep the temperature steady and more evenly distributed.
Inverter AC continually monitors and regulates the temperature in the room.

Inverter AC uses a significantly less amount of energy than a standard AC
and does a much more efficient job.

And because the compressor never turns on and off on a inverter AC, the wear and tear is much less making breakdowns much lower than on a standard air conditioner.

But…

Disadvantages of an inverter air conditioner

The main disadvantage of a inverter air conditioner is the upfront cost.

The price is not only much higher for an inverter air conditioner, the cost of maintenance and repairs can also be very expensive.

Additionally, homes and buildings that use a inverter AC must be insulated very well for the savings better expected by switching to an Inverter will not be that noticeable.

Something to think about.

Pros and Cons of Inverter AC

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Inverter vs non inverter AC power consumption

The difference empower consumption between a inverter and a non inverter AC is pretty remarkable.

If you typically pay $100 a month to run a normal AC, you can expect to pay as little as $55 to $60 for inverter air conditioning.

And if your home is very well-insulated, you can expect to pay less.

What is dual inverter AC?

Dual inverter AC is the second generation of inverter AC.

And it is exactly what it sounds like. An AC with two inverters.

The advantage of adding a second inverter decreases the noise and vibration from a single inverter system.

It also exponentially decreases the amount of energy that is needed to cool down and regulate the temperature in a room.

Exciting and more exciting.

If dual was not enough, triple inverter AC’s have already begun to make there presence known.

Should you jump on the inverter AC bandwagon?

It really comes down to the amount of AC you need.
If you live in a area where the climate is very hot, then the extra cost up front is well worth it.

And the extra expense can be seen as a investment that will eventually pay you back and more.

But if you live in mild climate in the air conditioner only gets ran a few months of the year, then the Energy savings will not be nearly enough to justify the high price.

But stick around awhile and you will probably be seeing the price of inverter AC’s drop. After all, with the trend already moving into triple inverters, how can the single inverter AC possibly compete?

Recap

An AC Inverter changes the output of a ac compressor from direct current to alternating current.

That changes the compressor from “on/off” cycling to variable speed cycling.

What’s the difference? A lot.

An inverter AC uses much less energy because it never completely shuts down.
On the flip side , a standard AC consumes a huge amount of energy because of the operating method of fully powering on then fully powering off to maintain the temperature designated on the thermostat.
An inverter AC keeps the temperature the same and more evenly distributed. Because the compressor on a inverter air conditioner speeds up and slows down with the fluctuation of the temperature, the temperature never has a chance to change.
A standard AC powers off when the temperature is reached then powers on when the temperature exceeds the desired output.

The down side of inverter AC’s is the upfront cost. Though the back end savings may be well worth it according to your overall AC needs, the savings may not be worth it if you do not live in a climate that dictates the heavy use of an air conditioner.

The price of repairs is also accordingly higher.

And additionally you will need to ensure that your house is insulated very well to see the promised savings to your energy bill.

But that is today’s market. As inverter AC’s become more widely used and the market becomes more competitive, the price will come down.

Actually the future of air conditioning is looking pretty grand. As dual inverters and triple inverters become the norm, and air conditioning is integrated with air quality more as a standard,
Air conditioning should be much cheaper as well as being much healthier and efficient.

AC Unit Freezing Up In Summer

Irony. That may too kind of a word for it.
The hottest time of the year and the air conditioner is not working. Right when you need it the most. But the AC unit freezing up in summer is not unusual.

Why is the AC freezing up in hot weather?

The AC needs two things to make sure it’s able to cool down your house properly. Good airflow and the proper level of refrigerant.
When the days get hotter, the thermostat tends to get adjusted to a lower setting which makes the AC work harder.

Ice forming on AC coils?

Ice forming on the AC coils is a symptom of a unmaintained air conditioning unit that is working harder because of the temperature getting Hotter outside.

If you see ice forming on your air conditioner, it not only means that your air conditioner is not going to be able to do its job, they can also result and costly in repairs. So it is important not to let the problem linger.

What causes an AC unit to freeze up?

1. Dirty filters

Number one on the list. Dirty filters.
When you have any kind of issue with your air conditioner, the first thing to check is if the air filters have been neglected and need changed.

A Dirty or clogged filter restricts the amount of air that is able to flow across the AC coils. When there is not enough hot air moving across the coils, the refrigerant is so cold, the condensation on them freezes.
Keeping the air filters changed at least every 2 to 3 months is the easiest way to keep your unit working properly.

2.Vent registers

Other restrictions in the air flow can result from closing supply and return vents. If the AC is freezing up, making sure all the vent registers are open and not being covered will help the air flow also.

3. Low Refrigerant

A unit that is low on refrigerant will cause the AC coils to freeze over to.

If cleaning the filters and opening the vents does not get the air conditioner functioning again then it could be a refrigerant leak.

A technician can tell you whether or not you need freon in your system.
But remember did the air conditioner is not made to have to be recharged.
Recharging the refrigerant may help you get through the year but you will probably need to do it again every year to you get the leak fixed.

How to tell if AC is Frozen?

How can you tell if the air conditioning coils are frozen over?

1. The easiest thing is the turn off the air conditioner and let it run on “fan mode” for a while.
If you turn it on after a couple of hours and cool air comes out again. Bingo, you have discovered that your AC is Freezing.
2. Check and see if there’s any water coming out of the drain line. A properly functioning AC will have a continuous drip from the drain line. If it’s frozen, it won’t drip.
3. You can visibly see ice on the outside of the unit. Check the insulated pipes running out of the AC also. If the AC is Frozen, you’ll likely see ice formed there to.

AC Frozen – how long to defrost?

How long you have to let your AC defrost depends on the the amount of ice that has formed on your coils.
45 minutes is a good spot to try your AC and see if it’s cooling again.
In the meantime, make sure your filters are clean and your registers are open and not blocked or your AC will probably freeze over again pretty fast.
Especially if not all the ice has thawed.

How to unfreeze AC unit fast

1. Fan mode
Set the thermostat to Fan On mode.
Letting the AC run on Fan will blow warm air across the coils and help the ice and refrigerant thaw out faster.

2. Hair dryer

You can use a hair dryer to help it’s all out a little faster. You sure you completely turn off your unit at the breaker box first. If you need the ice gone quicker than letting it thaw out.
Using a hair dryer can help you fill it out a little faster. Be sure you don’t try to step it up to a torch or heat gun. You definitely don’t want to do any damage to your machine.

Can I pour hot water on frozen air conditioner?

3. Pouring hot or warm water over the ice coils outside is it perfectly good way to thaw out the coils faster.

But be sure to turn the AC off at the breaker box.
The water inside the garden hose is usually warmer in the summer to.
And gives you a good reason to clean and remove any debris from the outside of the unit while you’re at it.

AC unit freezing up at night

When your AC is freezing up at night, it is most likely the fact that the temperature is getting to cool at night to keep warm moving across the AC coils.
Even in Summer, the days can be miserably hot while the night air puts a chill in your bones.
Turning the thermostat up at night should help keep the air warm enough to keep your AC from freezing at night.

Remember the AC filter is the place to look first. If it is clogged, the air will not move across the coils fast enough regardless of whether it’s day or night, summer or fall.

Wrap up

what causes an evaporator coil to freeze?

The most common issue with the AC evaporator coils to freeze is poor air flow.
If the air filters have not been replaced recently, then that is more than likely the problem.
Another air restriction that can aid in the AC freezing over is closing the supply and return vents.
Make sure all the vents are open and that there’s nothing blocking them.

Low refrigerant is also a possibility when the AC is freezing over. Low refrigerant in an air conditioner is a sure indicator that you have a leak in the system.
Getting a licensed AC tech to find the leak, fix it, and recharge the unit is the best path to take.