3 HVAC Questions That You Should Know The Answer To
Does your home's HVAC system feel like a bit of a mystery to you? If so, you likely have a few questions about it that you've been meaning to know the answer to.
Should You Shut Down The HVAC System To Change The Filter?
When the time comes to change the filter on your furnace or air conditioner, you're likely wondering if you need to bother with shutting the whole thing down for such a simple swap. Know that it's always a good idea to turn off the system when changing the filter since you are removing a dirty filter. Dirt and debris are going to come off the filter while you're pulling it out, and the system is going to suck that stuff up and start pushing it through your home. After all, isn't the whole point of the filter to prevent the contaminants from going through the vents?
The filter is going to also have extra pressure put on it if you take it off when running. You may notice that the filter is tough to remove if your system is on, whereas it would simply slide right out if the HVAC system was turned off from the start. If you don't feel comfortable changing the filter yourself, you can ask an HVAC contractor to perform this service for you.
Can Your HVAC System Do Anything To Reduce Static Electricity?
Have you noticed that you are getting static shocks quite often in your home during the winter when you touch things made out of metal? This problem can actually be resolved with your HVAC system. A whole-home humidifier can help reduce those static shocks by putting more moisture in the air.
If you have a humidifier built into your HVAC system, it may be worth turning the humidity to see if those static shocks go down. If you don't have a humidifier built into the HVAC, then know that it's possible for an HVAC contractor to add one for you. It will certainly make your home feel more comfortable during the winter months.
Can A Gas Furnace Run Without Electricity?
You may be wondering if your gas-powered furnace will run if you have a power outage. Unfortunately, it does need electricity for the unit to run. The blower motor needs to run off of electricity, and the thermostat still needs to provide a temperature reading so that the furnace can turn on and off. If you use a backup generator, you can get the furnace the power that you need to get heat in your home.