Redneck Solutions To Heating Problems Are Not The Answer

Shut the oven door, get out from under your pile of blankets and close the window.

Who hasn't been guilty of utilizing a few "creative" solutions to control the temperature of their home. Solutions such as these can be awkward, dangerous, and actually cost more in the long run.

• Heating by opening the oven door or turning on stove top burners.
  • This option is a fire hazard and can dramatically increase your electric bill.
• Using a hair dryer to temporarily warm your hands or feet.
  • Just plain silly.
• Opening a window to cool down rooms that are too hot.
  • Wastes heat energy.
• Electric space heaters.
  • Fire hazard and can dramatically increase your electric bill.
• Electric blankets for everyone!
  • Fire and electrocution hazard and can increase your electric bill, not to mention the cost of purchasing the blankets.
• Wearing your coat inside or multiple layers of clothing.
  • How comfortable is that?

A Better Solution

If you are experiencing issues in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during cold weather months, you have a problem with your home's heating system. A well designed, properly sized and installed system will keep your home comfortable.

Call a qualified heating professional such as AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. Our technician will examine your current system and let you know what is causing your heating issues. We will then suggest solutions to improve your home's heating efficiency.

There are many possible problems, a trained eye can detect them.

• Improperly installed duct-work can contribute to heat loss.
  • Joints and seams that are not properly sealed.
  • Improperly sized duct-work.
  • Inadequate return air flow.
     
• Improperly sized furnace or boiler.
  • An undersized system can struggle to heat your home. Not only will your home be cooler than it should, your equipment will work too hard and break down more often.
     
• Improper Maintenance
  • Dirty air filters reduce air-flow.
  • Worn, broken or outdated equipment.
     
• Poor Design
  • Improper design of the home heating system can leave you with some rooms hotter than others.
  • Inadequate insulation on exterior walls can make rooms in your home difficult to heat.

The solution to making your home more comfortable this winter may include installing a "smart" thermostat, installing additional insulation in your exterior walls and attic spaces, replacing drafty doors and windows, regular maintenance on your equipment, correcting design flaws or replacing your furnace.

For help making your home more comfortable this winter,  call AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. at 320-587-0991.