Do you know whether you have a geothermal or radiant heating system? If not, you most likely have what is known as a forced-air heating system. Most homes have forced air heating, whether natural gas, electric, or a heat pump.

THE PROCESS

Forced air heating systems function by using a furnace to heat the air, which is blown through a filter, warmed by the furnace, and then blown throughout the home’s ductwork. A heat pump pulls air from outside, passes it through the refrigerant lines, and lastly through an air handler.

The heating and moving air process continues until the air in the house matches the temperature the homeowner set at the thermostat. The entire process is simple, practical, and progressively efficient. We are more comfortable now than at any point in history, and it’s safer than ever.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Forced air heating systems need a level of care. For instance, the filter requires a check every month and should be changed regularly, although not nearly as frequently as in the summer. You can wash a reusable filter, but make sure that it’s dry before putting it back in. Dirty filters mean dirty air flowing through the system and throughout the home, which is especially bad for people with allergies.

Registers or vents might be on the floors or walls, and there is an additional return vent that allows air from the home into the system. An air return will usually not have any airflow restriction and is where the filter is typically located.

PRACTICE SAFETY

The registers should be kept free of furniture, rugs, debris, and pet hair. (Additionally, ensure your Christmas tree doesn’t stand on top of or near a heat register!) Ensure all vents are open, too. Additionally, it’s a good idea to vacuum dirty registers and change your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This will push warm air (heat rises) up against the ceiling and down the house walls to warm the room. Is the vacuum still in hand for cleaning the vents? Swipe the ceiling fan a few times with it, or use a pillowcase on each blade to acquire the dust when cleaning.

Avoid allowing anything to grow around the outdoor section of the system. Also, make sure not to keep anything flammable in the area near the furnace, such as paper, flammable liquids, etc.

The system ought to be professionally examined once every year. You might have had this done in the fall. If you haven’t, now is a perfect time to get the system looked over by an expert.

Hacienda Air is a locally owned HVAC company offering air conditioning, heating, ductwork, air quality, and more to residential and commercial customers in North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding areas. Callus today at (702) 935-2749.