Tips and Advice

Did you know that not every furnace issue requires technical expertise? You heard us right. Sometimes, all you need is a little troubleshooting knowledge to carry out the task.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Blaine MN. We have been helping homeowners keep their homes comfortably warm and safe for over four decades.

Here are some do-it-yourself tips you can follow when your furnace gives you a headache instead of warm air.

Be on top of your filter.

Whenever you’re experiencing furnace issues, the first place you would want to check is the air filter, which cleans the air that goes into the furnace as well as the warm air that flows throughout the house. Air filters collect dust, debris, and other particles in the air. Over time, the filter gathers too much debris that it can restrict the air circulating through your furnace. This dirt buildup adds pressure to the furnace, causing it to work harder than it should. A dirty air filter blocks the airflow, resulting in a smaller amount of heat, a stressed-out furnace, mold buildup, higher utility and repair costs.

Without a doubt, dirty filters are one of the most common yet avoidable maintenance issues in residential furnaces. If you have a fairly new unit, you have less work to do because certain furnace models automatically shut down before too much dirt is collected, prompting you to clean or replace the filters. Unfortunately, older units don’t have this function and will keep on working—but with significantly diminished efficiency.

We recommend that your air filter should be replaced every 3 months, depending on how dirty it is. Set a monthly reminder to check your furnace filter.

To make sure you have the right filter, try these steps:

Remove the dirty filter to identify which type and size of filter your furnace is equipped with. Find the right replacement. Filters are usually available at hardware stores, home improvement stores or online. If you can, stock more than one filter. Look for the markings on the new filter that tell you which side of the filter should face the furnace. Slide the filter into place and put the cover back over it. Don’t forget to take note of the date you replaced your filter.

Check the burner flames.

The most common failures related to your burners can come from contamination. You will want to inspect your burners to make sure they are free from debris or any kind of impurity. Make sure your burners are clean and one way to do this is to look at the flames.

Check if the flame is blue and consistent, which means your burner is likely clean. If it is yellow, you probably have dirty burners. You can clean your burners with a vacuum cleaner. Just make sure to turn the power and the gas off before taking this step. Another area you should clean with a vacuum cleaner is the area around the blower.

Check your gas valve and pilot light.

If your furnace’s gas valve or pilot light is malfunctioning, chances are, your heating system will act up.. If the pilot light has gone out in your heating system, you need to light it up again. But before relighting it, make sure your gas valve is turned off. It may have been turned and left off accidentally, causing your furnace to produce less heat. Also, before lighting your pilot light again, turn off the gas for about 5-10 minutes to ensure that all fumes have evaporated and you can light it up the pilot safely.

Reset your circuit breaker.

In case your furnace fails to produce heat, resetting your circuit breaker can be an easy fix. If the thermostat is set to “HEAT” but the system is unable to heat the home, it’s possible that you have a tripped breaker or a blown fuse.

To check your breakers, go to your home’s breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls the furnace. You want to make sure it is set to the “OFF” position, or whether it’s in the middle. Flip the breaker back and forth. Then, make sure it stays in the “ON” position. This trick will reset the breaker. If this does not do it, you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself. If so, consult an electrician.

Ask the Heating Gurus

If the problem seems too complicated, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, your trusted Columbia Heights furnace repair company. We’d love to restore the heat in your home in no time.

Are you having doubts about investing in a high-efficiency furnace? Maybe this blog can help you see things more clearly and enable you to make an informed decision.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Burnsville MN. We offer high-efficiency furnaces engineered to address the issues associated with older furnaces such as high fuel consumption, unsatisfactory performance, and poor indoor air quality.

Understanding AFUE

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of how efficient a furnace is in transforming energy in its fuel to heat over a typical year. To be precise, AFUE is the ratio of the annual heat output of the furnace versus the total annual fossil fuel energy is consumed.

For example, a furnace with 99 percent AFUE converts 99 percent of the fuel to usable heat. The remaining 1 percent goes up the chimney or elsewhere. Old furnaces from 30 years ago typically had an AFUE of 78 percent or less. This means that 22 percent of the heat or more becomes unprofitable.

Today, the government has set a minimum AFUE for brand-new furnaces, which is 80 AFUE. Meanwhile, heating systems that have an AFUE of 90 percent or more are considered high-efficiency units.

The Federal Trade Commission orders manufacturers to display the AFUE on their furnaces so consumers can compare the heating efficiencies of different models.

The High-Efficiency Advantage

Energy Star Approval

Most high-efficiency heating systems have the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR-approved products are the same or better than standard products, only they use far less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, furnaces must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these systems save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by creating fewer harmful emissions plus you get the features and quality you expect.

Safe Operation

Also known as a condensing furnace, a high-efficiency heating system uses an electronic ignition system that is much safer and more reliable than a standing pilot light found in low and mid-efficiency furnaces. This ignition system only uses heat when the furnace needs it. With an electronic ignition, your home has a lower risk of starting a fire.

Clean Indoor Air

High-efficiency gas furnaces are equipped with better air filtration systems to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful if you live in an area that has a lot of dust and other pollutants. If you have family members with preexisting respiratory conditions, a high-efficiency furnace will significantly enhance your indoor air quality, making your home a much safer place to live in.

Less Heat Loss

A high-efficiency furnace uses a vent damper that is set to automatically shut the flue pipe when the burners are turned off. This process results in shutting in the warm air inside, minimizing the amount of heat loss. It utilizes a second heat exchanger to catch much of the heat that would normally escape up the chimney.

Consistent Heating

A conventional furnace blower typically operates at full speed. On the other hand, a high-efficiency furnace uses a variable-speed blower that maximizes fuel savings. Such a blower provides more comfortable heating by adjusting the airflow speed to meet your real-time heating needs.

Silent Operation

Older, inefficient heating systems are infamous for creating loud operational sounds. On the contrary, high-efficiency furnaces are equipped with sound-absorbing materials that offer quiet performance while providing the most favorable comfort. Since they have variable-speed blowers, they don’t have to work as hard or burn as hot to properly heat your home. With minimal operational sounds, you and your family can enjoy quiet nights, promoting better sleep.

Environment-Friendly

Because high-efficiency furnaces have a higher energy efficiency rating, you save on natural gas fuel expenses while lowering your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. If you upgrade to a low-NOx unit, you will have an even lower carbon footprint.

Upgrade with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

If you want to determine what’s the best high-efficiency furnace that fits your needs, give us a call. Our teams of heating experts will help you find the heating system that gives you the greatest comfort while making sure you don’t overspend on heating. We are your reliable Shakopee air conditioning installation company.

In the world of home heating, furnaces remain the most popular choice among Americans. Most homeowners prefer furnaces over other heating systems because of their higher efficiency ratings, lower operational noise, flexibility, and longer lifespan.

There are at least two major types of furnaces available on the market today and we want to help you see what type of furnace best suits your needs.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Crystal MN. We are an authorized distributor of Lennox furnaces, which are some of the quietest and best-performing systems in the world.

Here are two of the most common furnace types:

Gas Furnaces

Natural gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnace because they are highly economical. These heating systems transform gas into heat by using burners, heat exchangers, and blowers.

There was a time when gas furnaces were only about 65 percent efficient—but those days are gone. Today, you can find furnaces with annual fuel efficiency (AFUE) rating of up to 99 percent. What this means is that such a furnace converts 99 percent of the fuel into heat while the remaining 1 percent goes up the chimney or elsewhere.

Types of Gas Furnaces

Single-stage furnaces only have one stage of heating: high. They have a fixed gas valve and a single-speed blower motor. When the furnace is on, it is running at full speed at all times. Whether it’s early fall or it’s the middle of winter, the furnace is operating at the same speed. This type of furnace is typically cheaper than the others, but the downside is that it uses more fuel because of the singular blower speed.

One the other hand, two-stage furnaces have a two-stage gas valve and a two-speed blower motor. This setup allows the system to perform depending on the environment they are in and produce the results you expect more efficiently. During early fall, the furnace may operate only at less than 60 percent of its full capacity. During the coldest parts of winter (when you need it to perform at full capacity), the furnace can deliver the required heat.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Furnace

Natural gas furnaces have higher heating efficiency and their fuel costs less, but your home must be in an area where a gas supply is already available.

Also, gas heating systems usually require very little maintenance and there is no service contract required, but gas provides less heat output than oil.

And keep in mind that gas furnaces are quieter and cleaner, but they have a higher initial cost than oil furnaces.

Oil Furnaces

An oil furnace works similarly to a gas furnace. The only difference is that it vaporizes the oil into a fine mist mixed with air. The mixture is then used to ignite the burners inside a combustion chamber. The created heat then enters a heat exchanger, transferring heat to the air and increasing the temperature of a space to the level programmed by the thermostat.

Compared to gas furnaces, oil furnaces are generally safer because they do not leak carbon monoxide into the home. This is a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely harmful when inhaled for extended periods.

Also, oil furnaces do not run the risk of an explosion because the oil used is not explosive. In terms of lifespan, oil furnaces tend to last longer compared to their gas counterparts. On average, oil furnaces last 5-10 years longer than their gas counterparts.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Furnace

Oil furnaces provide more heat than other heating sources, but an on-site storage tank is required and oil must be delivered.

Oil furnaces are regularly and easily maintained by the delivery company, but maintenance is more extensive due to dirt and soot buildup. What this means is that chimneys must be cleaned and the oil filters changed regularly.

Oil furnaces are generally more economical than gas furnaces, but their efficiency is lower and fuel prices are higher than with gas systems.

Questions? Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

To help you make an informed decision, consult one of our heating experts. We’d love to answer any questions you may have and give you relevant information. We are your friendly Golden Valley air conditioning installation company.

Are you wondering why despite your efforts to minimize energy use, you still have extremely high heating bills? Keep reading because we’re about to give you five of the most common reasons why you’re spending more on heating than you should.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading heating company in Brooklyn Center MN. We help homeowners maintain their furnaces and make sure they are as energy-efficient as possible.

Poor Insulation

The quality of your home’s insulation has a direct effect on your energy consumption. If you have an older home, it’s best to look into improving your insulation. It’s easy for an older home to lose heated air through the doors, windows, or any opening in your inner and outer walls. To boost your home’s energy efficiency, it’s best to have a professional perform an energy audit. Having proper insulation reduces your heating costs by as much as 40 percent per year.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s zip code insulation program will guide you to how much insulation you should add and where to achieve the recommended insulation levels for optimum energy efficiency.

Ductwork Leaks

If you have central heating, the health of your duct network can also influence your home’s energy use. Leaks, cracks, or any kind of damage within the ductwork can let out heated air, which adds up to your monthly costs. If you’re comfortable inspecting your air ducts, you can access them from the basement or attic. Determine if there are any leaks in the ducts and seal them off as needed.

For best results, have a professional deal with the problem. Some areas where your ductwork lies can be difficult to reach. You will need more than just patience to pull this off. You have to possess the right knowledge, have the right tools, and experience to make sure the job is properly done.

An Inefficient Furnace

Another reason why you have skyrocketing heating bills is an aging heating system. Furnaces typically run anywhere from 10-15 years before they’re considered outdated. This aging causes the system to have more frequent breakdowns and more energy to provide the same heat level.

The only fix for this issue really is to upgrade to a new, more efficient unit. While getting a newer model includes an upfront cost, doing so will give you benefits that go beyond energy savings. You will also enjoy inhaling cleaner, safer indoor air, a more quiet system, and the assurance of a better-performing heating unit.

A Dirty Filter

This one is an absolute no-brainer. Your furnace’s air filter is responsible for keeping foreign objects from entering the system. Over time, it gets clogged, and causes the unit to suffocate. When this happens, the system struggles to perform its task, causing you to crank up the thermostat to feel the heat. Unfortunately, doing so uses more energy.

When ignored, a dirty filter can cause more serious problems, including a broken heat exchanger, which is a part that is designed to help you save energy. To avoid these issues, simply change or clean your air filter at least once per month. Your user’s manual should tell you whether you have a replaceable or a disposable filter.

Thermostat Issues

Determining the balance between the right temperature and avoiding high heating bills is not easy, especially if you have an old, outdated thermostat. If the thermostat in your home is ten years old or more, you may want to consider replacing it with a programmable unit. These new, high tech thermostats learn your heating and cooling preferences so that you won’t always be turning up the heat or turning it down. They will automatically adjust the temperature depending on your liking, saving you money in the process.

You may save even more money if you switch to a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere remotely. Such a device uses WI-Fi technology to manage your indoor climate in the most energy-efficient ways wirelessly. While investing in a smart thermostat is an added $200 or so, it will yield dividends for you in terms of energy savings in the long run.

Increase Your Furnace’s Energy Efficiency

To avoid paying too much on heating, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our heating experts will calibrate your system and make sure it uses as less energy as possible. We are your reliable New Hope heating and air conditioning maintenance company.

Maybe you’re asking, “What’s in it for me if I give my furnace professional maintenance?” You have come to the right place.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Plymouth MN. In this article, we will give you five reasons why you should get furnace maintenance from professionals.

Better Efficiency

Your furnace can make up about 50 percent of your total monthly energy costs. It doesn’t matter if you have a high-efficiency heating system or not; if your furnace does not get proper care, even the most advanced unit will consume more energy than it should. Since the system doesn’t have adequate airflow and fails to meet your heating demands, you are forced to turn up the thermostat, using more fuel in the process.

On the other hand, a system that functions at peak efficiency works smoothly and uses less energy while ensuring you get the level of warmth you’re looking for. Not only is furnace maintenance good for your unit, but it’s also beneficial for you because you no longer have to pay that much to heat your home. As a homeowner, you sure will love the extra savings, right?

Fewer Repairs

Monetary savings don’t only come in the form of better efficiency. A well-maintained furnace also saves you cash in terms of repair costs because the system stays in tip-top shape. The unit will work without added strain and clogged airflow, which allows the unit to deliver your desired temperature without exhausting the internal parts.

On the other hand, avoiding regular maintenance will ultimately lead to serious issues, such as water leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, system blowing cold air, and skyrocketing high energy costs.

Improved Indoor Air

Your furnace doesn’t only provide your home with much-needed heat during this season, but it also helps maintain the quality of the air you breathe. As heated air moves through your ducts, it transports with it airborne pollutants that are trapped due to clogged filters and other system parts. These particles can trigger symptoms in those who suffer from allergies or asthma, compromising your indoor air quality.

The regular replacement of filters, cleaning of ducts and coils will ensure your heating system effectively captures dirt, dust, and debris. These steps are especially important if you live with children, the elderly, or people with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Meanwhile, a neglected gas furnace has a high likelihood of releasing carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas. When a person is exposed to this gas, they can suffer adverse effects on their health, including headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and in some cases, loss of consciousness. Professional furnace maintenance rids you of these problems and ensures the air you breathe is clean and safe.

Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detection

As mentioned earlier, the lack of maintenance poses a risk of a carbon monoxide (CO) leak in your home. What makes this gas particularly hard to detect is that it has no color, odor, or taste. But with the help of a professional, you can detect the presence of a CO leak in your home and perform preventive maintenance.

Also, your heating system produces heat through burning fuel and it is important to make sure that the combustion process works as it should. A gas leak can occur when the furnace fails to receive regular maintenance. Ignoring this problem can cause not only discomfort but more severe problems, such as a fire or even an explosion. To avoid these complications, be sure to schedule professional maintenance with your preferred HVAC contractor.

Extended Lifespan

Furnaces last anywhere between 10 and 12 years (depending on the quality and frequency of maintenance). Investing in a heating system is a significant expense—furnaces don’t come cheap! Heating systems cost thousands of dollars, and you want them to last as long as possible. The single most effective way to ensure your heating system stays for many years is to ensure it is taken care of regularly and properly. We’re not just talking about the filter, but the entire system—inside and out. Furnaces that get a routine check-up last an average of five years longer than those that don’t. Extending your unit’s lifespan means more money in your pocket to save up for other things and maximize your furnace’s usefulness.

Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

Do you have any questions about Maple Grove heating and air conditioning maintenance? Simply give us a call or drop us an email. We’d love to answer all queries you may have.

Exposure to piercing temperatures is perilous. That’s why you rely mostly on your furnace to provide the heat you and your family need. But sometimes, furnaces fail, leaving you in the cold. When something like this happens, you would immediately call your trusted heating company in Chanhassen MN, right? But it helps to find out the reason why your unit fails to perform its job, which may mean something as simple as a filter replacement.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning has teams of qualified and seasoned heating specialists who can help you restore your heat in no time. In this article, we’d like to shed some light on why furnaces are unable to work as they should.

Clogged Filters

As mentioned earlier, putting back your heat can be as easy as replacing your filter. The main function of this part is to protect the blower fan from accumulating dust, debris, hair, and other particles that can cause it to be clogged. A clogged filter can cause the furnace to turn itself off.

A dirty filter is the most common cause of furnace issues. Dust and debris restrict airflow, and when the filter gets clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, which results in your home not receiving heat.

Also, all the dust and debris accumulated by the filter will force the furnace to work hard and use more energy to heat your home. Regular cleaning your filter protects your furnace from being damaged and ultimately, shutting down completely.

Dirty Burners

Your furnace involves a process that burns fuel, and over time, the burners collect dirt, reducing the unit’s heat output. In such a case, you will need to clean the burners. This process includes several steps and requires a certain level of experience to perform them safely. It’s best to leave the job to a professional who will give your burners a thorough cleaning and make your furnace work again.

Duct Issues

When you notice cold spots in your home—some rooms are colder than others— the ducts may have cracks or holes that let out warm air indiscriminately. The dampers, which are the handles that stick out from the ducts, are responsible for controlling the airflow. You will want these parts to be fully open for the ducts to work properly.

If you notice that some rooms are still uncomfortably cold, this may indicate leaks or damages in your ducts. Leaky ducts are no joke as they can easily increase your fuel costs without necessarily producing your desired heat.

To temporarily fix duct issues, you must first detect the leaks and seal them off with special metal duct tape. But for a permanent solution, you will need to contact a heating professional.

Pilot Light or Ignition Control Issues

Most modern furnaces use an electronic ignition system that produces a spark to light the pilot, which serves as the ignition point when gas flows into the heating system. Ignition problems can be exposed by turning the power off to the furnace and resetting the circuit breakers.

When your furnace’s ignition control is faulty, it can negatively impact your heating system’s ability to work properly, shutting down the furnace entirely. If your furnace has a standing pilot light, a faulty thermocouple can cause pilot light issues since the thermocouple is responsible for detecting whether the pilot light is functioning. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace has no way of turning on the heat. Such a problem calls for the help of an expert, so call your preferred HVAC contractor.

Blower Motor Problems

Your furnace’s blower is responsible for the heated air reaching its intended destination. It is the part of your furnace that circulates the heated air throughout your home. If the blower motor is faulty, your furnace cannot circulate warm air. The furnace may ignite and engage properly, but a malfunctioning blower motor will not kick in and no air will move around, leaving your household chilly and uncomfortable.

Need Help? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

To bring back the heat in your home, give us a call. As your reliable Eden Prairie heating and cooling repair company, we will detect the problem, apply appropriate solutions, and make you feel comfortable again.

This winter, you will once again rely on your furnace for protection against severely cold weather. Because it generates and distributes heated air throughout your home, you can live as if it were fall and not that cold. But what if your unit fails to provide the temperature you prefer? What if it blows cold air instead of warm? For sure, you don’t want to let your family be left in the cold, so it’s best to call your preferred heating company in Edina MN like Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning.

In this article, we aim to help you understand why your furnace seems like it has lost the ability to keep you and your family warm.

A Clogged Filter

Dirty filters are a common source of heating problems. The accumulated dust and debris in your filters restrict airflow, which adds pressure to your furnace. When this happens, your furnace is forced to work harder to compensate for the lack of airflow. As a result, your heating system uses more energy to heat your home. Keeping your furnace filters clean keeps the system in great shape, giving you the warmth you desperately need during winter.

A Dirty Flame Sensor

One of your heating system’s safety devices is the flame sensor. It tests to determine whether or not your furnace’s burners are working properly. If it detects that the burners are not working, it will shut them off.

A flame sensor can get dirty over time, especially when you run your system with a clogged air filter, which can cause the unit to turn the burners off prematurely. If the burners are turned off, your furnace will not have a source of heat, allowing cold air to blow out of your registers. That’s why dirty flame sensors should be cleaned by a professional who possesses the right knowledge and tools to perform such a task.

Electrical Issues

Did you know that even if you have a gas-fired unit, your furnace still needs electricity to work? Simple issues such as a tripped breaker inside your electrical panel can cause many issues, including your furnace failing to release warm air. It can also lead to a pilot light malfunction. A tripped circuit breaker can cause your furnace to not turn on at all.  These issues are just some of the reasons why your heating system fails to perform its job.

So, check the furnace and surrounding walls for another switch or circuit breaker and ensure that it is turned on. If any of these switches and breakers are turned off, turn them on and allow your system to run. If your circuit breakers keep on tripping, then this could indicate a problem with your home’s electrical system. It’s best to call a professional electrician or your trusted HVAC technician to fix the problem. Trying to DIY this problem without the proper training can lead to accidents and can even start a fire. So, leave it to the experts.

A Failing Limit Switch

Another safety device that can cause your furnace to blow cold air when not working properly is your limit switch. This part is responsible for commanding your furnace’s fan when to turn on and off.

If your limit switch malfunctions, your fan will not receive the signal to turn off and it can continue to run even after your furnace has completed a heating cycle. If your limit switch is not working properly, it should be inspected and repaired by a qualified professional.

Dealing with a Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Let Us Help You

If you want to restore the heat in your home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We have teams of heating experts who understand furnaces from the inside out. We will give your heating system a thorough inspection and identify the root of the problem. We will make sure that a long-term solution is applied, giving you peace of mind. Our HVAC professionals will put back the heat and comfort in your home in no time. We are your dependable Minnetonka HVAC repair company that delivers no less than top-notch workmanship and unparalleled customer service. Call us today. It would be our pleasure to help you!

Are you looking for a new furnace? Perhaps you’re a little unsure whether you should get a central heating system or a zoned unit. This article aims to give you some ideas on what type of furnace you should install in your home.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your total heating company in Ramsey MN. For over forty years, we have been helping our loyal customers choose the right furnaces for their homes.

Central HVAC Systems

A central heating system generates heat by transforming the chemical energy in fuel into thermal energy and transferring it to your indoor air. This type of furnace provides heating for the whole home, which allows you to make full use of your home throughout the year. It is also convenient to use, that’s why it is one of the more popular modes of heating in U.S. homes. Most furnaces also use underfloor and radiator heating that provides a silent operation. As a result, it offers relaxing, peaceful, and convenient indoor living.  Also, its long lifespan is another factor why many homeowners choose to install central HVAC systems in their homes.

On the other hand, owning a central heating system means dealing with regular maintenance requirements to make sure the unit works effortlessly. When a system does not get regular maintenance, it can exhibit problems, including inconsistent heating. You will notice that some rooms are warmer than others. If you have a gas-fired unit, it also runs the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

A central HVAC system is great if you want uniform temperature settings in all areas of your home, which is great in terms of overall comfort.

HVAC Zoned Systems

An HVAC zoning system (also known as “zoned HVAC”) is a heating and cooling system that uses dampers in the ductwork to control and redirect air to specific areas of the home. This allows for the creation of customized temperature zones throughout the home for improved comfort and energy efficiency.

The first thing you need to do is to identify each zone. For homes with an open floor plan, you should regard open areas as a single zone. Closed areas such as bedrooms and study rooms can be zoned separately.

To maximize your system’s energy efficiency, you need to determine how you will manage the temperatures in each zone. A programmable thermostat can be used to preset temperatures that vary based on the time of the day and the day of the week. Also, a smart thermostat can automatically heat or cool the room based on its activity level. Either thermostat should work with a zoned heating system.

Having zoned HVAC systems mean no more heating and cooling of unused zones, which rids you of wasted energy. You can choose to turn off heating or cooling in unused areas and only turn it on when needed. Not only does this system help you save money on energy, but it also helps your maintenance costs. Moreover, you can now say goodbye to thermostat wars in your home, thanks to individual thermostats provided for each zone. Now, everyone in the house can have their preferred temperatures and enjoy their personal space.

The only challenge with a zone HVAC system is the upfront cost. Convenience and efficiency are two things you need to invest in. But the good news is that you will easily recoup these costs with lower monthly heating and cooling costs.

Zoning is perfect for those who have plans or currently building a new home because it can be easily linked to the existing blueprint. On the other hand, if you’re adding rooms to a home that has existing ductwork, you may need additional work to accommodate the new system.

If you have a home with multiple levels, go for a zoned HVAC system. Since hot air typically rises, controlling the temperature is much more challenging than the rooms in the lower level. Zoning can fix this issue by providing an individual thermostat to your upper-level and lower-level rooms. Everyone will have their preferred temperature settings whether they are upstairs or downstairs.

Ask the HVAC Pros

To make sure you’re buying the right piece of equipment, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our Elk River heating and air conditioning installation experts will answer any questions you may have. It’d be our pleasure to be your partner in establishing a comfortable and energy-efficient home.