Miscellaneous Questions

 Heating Questions    Cooling Questions

Listed below are many FAQ's related to heating.
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I'm not sure what the proper humidity setting for my humidifier is? 
Why is my humidifier hooked up to hot water?
How often should I replace my humidifier water panel / pad?
I have a fan switch on my thermostat, where should it be set?
What are the benefits of having your Air Ducts cleaned?

Q: I'm not sure what the proper humidity setting for my humidifier is?

A: The recommended settings on the humidistat are based on years of research (see table below) and experience as to what is best for the average home. These settings represent a compromise between RH levels that would be most desirable for comfort reasons and humidity levels that are suitable for protection of your home and to avoid condensation on your windows. For example, a wintertime indoor RH of 50% may be considered ideal, but unfortunately, it probably would result in damage to your home. Observance of the recommended RH levels on your humidistat, therefore, is an important safeguard. Condensation of water on inside windows in the form of fogging or frost is usually an indication of too high relative humidity. This same condensation can take place in other areas in your home with the possibility of dam-age resulting.

A: It is important to anticipate a drop in outdoor temperature and reduce the setting accordingly to avoid excessive condensation. For example, with an outdoor temperature of 20° the correct setting will be 35% relative humidity. If the temperature is expected to fall to 0° that evening, then merely reduce the setting to 25% several hours prior to the temperature change. 

Outdoor-Indoor Relative Humidity

Q: Why is my humidifier hooked up to the hot water?

A: Most humidifiers are hooked up to a cold water line but in certain situations where more humidity is required or the water supply is very mineral rich , the manufacturer recommends hooking up to hot water supply. This will automatically increase the humidification capacity of the unit and help to prevent mineral buildup in the unit which is the leading cause a humidifier will stop working.

Q: How often should I replace my humidifier water panel / pad?

A: We recommend at least every (2) two years. Most manufactures of humidifiers recommend every year.

Q: I have a fan switch on my thermostat, where should it be set?

A: This is completely your preference. This switch has two positions, fan " on" or fan " auto" (Automatic). By setting this switch to the on position will cause the indoor fan to run constantly 24 hours a day and can give you more even temperatures through out your home.

Q: What are the benefits of having your Air Ducts cleaned?

A:Having the Air Ducts cleaned will help with the efficiency of the air flow through your home, both in Heating and Cooling modes.  It will also help cut down on the dust, mildew and other contaminants that build up in your duct work. Duct cleaning is usually performed on houses over 10 years old.
If you would like to learn more about Air Duct cleaning you can visit the EPA's Web Site at the following link. www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html