Heating Questions
Cooling Questions Miscellaneous Questions
Listed below are many FAQ's related to heating.
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I have an arrow on my furnace filter but I do not know which way it should point?
How often should I change the standard throw-away filter on my furnace?
Is there a real difference between the spun glass furnace filters and the more expensive micron corrugated filters that have
ratings of 8 and 10?
At what temperature should I set my thermostat, if I go away for a few days or even longer during the winter?
How often should I have Maintenance done on my Furnace?
Can I troubleshoot before calling for service?
Q: I have an arrow on my furnace filter but I do not know which way it should point?
A: The arrow should point in the same direction as the air flow. In most cases, it will point towards the Furnace or Air Handler and should fit between the return air part of the system and the furnace.
Q: How often should I change the standard throw-away filter on my furnace?
A: You should change your standard furnace filter every 4 to 12 weeks. Believe it or not, a filter actually becomes more efficient as it get dirtier, up to a point. After peak efficiency is reached, the efficiency drops again. Inspect the filter every 4 to 12 weeks and use your own judgment. Don't let the filter get "clogged" as this can cut down on the efficiency and/or cause damage to the unit.
Q: Is there a real difference between the spun glass furnace filters and the more expensive corrugated filters that have ratings of 8 and 10 microns? Question submitted by John E. J. Jr. Thank You John
A: Our opinion is Yes there is a real difference. If you would like more information on this do a internet search for "MERV Ratings", which stands for: MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE (MERV).
Here are some links to Independent / Government Agencies, and a Manufacture that have tips for you on this subject.
http://www.lungusa.org/press/envir/hh_1009014.html http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ www.filtrete.com
PARTICULATE |
SIZE* |
Dust Mite Particles |
10 microns |
Cat Allergens |
1.8 to 3 microns |
Dog Allergens |
5 microns |
Mold Spores |
2 to 10 microns |
Pollen Grains |
10 to 20 microns |
*Particle sizes may vary depending on source, fragmentation, and degradation. The typical allergy particle that reaches the airways ranges in size from 2 to 10 microns. |
|
A: Gas Furnace, We recommend about 55° degrees. It's low enough to save you energy and money but warm enough to protect your pipes and other vital parts of your structure. Also, it's a good idea to turn your main water supply off even if you're only going to be gone for a day. A water leak could cause very costly damage to your home.
A: Heat Pump, We recommend about 65º degrees if running in normal Heat Pump mode. Heat pumps need a higher indoor temperature to work properly.
You can also turn the Heat Pump over to Emergency Heat Mode and then you could set the thermostat down to about 55° degrees.
Q: How often should I have Maintenance done on my Furnace?
A: We suggest (1) once a year in the fall, to help your furnace run more efficiently and have a longer life span and get more heat for your fuel dollar. More importantly, the maintenance also includes a thorough safety check of the entire unit for cracked or defective/damaged parts.
Q: Can I troubleshoot before calling for service?
A: The answer is, "Yes." Here are some simple procedures you can perform before going to the expense of a service call:
In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your home comfort system should be inspected at least once a year by a properly trained service technician. The Favret Company will make sure your system operates safely and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost. You may also want to ask us about an economical service contract that covers seasonal inspections for a flat fee.