Safety & Performance Tips from Our Sandy, UT HVAC Experts
At Main Street Heating & Cooling, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal comfort, improve energy bills, and protect the environment.
Prolong the Life of Your HVAC Equipment
Utah duct or equipment problems can lead to gas leaks and other unsafe situations—especially in the case of aging equipment. To ensure the safety of your home and family, schedule regular seasonal inspections for all heating and cooling equipment. If you smell gas, do not touch electrical switches or use your phone. Instead, leave the property immediately and contact your gas supplier or the local fire department.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, and exposure causes nausea, breathing problems, headaches, dizziness, and other serious symptoms. In some cases, residents may become unconscious or even die due to carbon monoxide poisoning. To protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Remember to test them regularly and replace them every two to five years, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
Regular filter changes boost equipment performance while preventing airborne particles from entering your ventilation system. In addition, the use of high-quality filters helps to maintain equipment integrity and lower energy bills. To further improve indoor air quality, consider installing a filtration system and whole-house humidifier. UV and germicidal lights reduce the presence of bacteria, and proper moisture levels improve skin and respiratory health. Your Main Street Heating & Cooling technician will recommend IAQ products that suit your budget and air quality objectives.
While programmable thermostats of the past were complex and frustrating to use, today’s models are user-friendly, easy to read, and simple to program. Some thermostat models, such as Nest, even create customized home climate programs based on your comfort habits. Don’t put off installing a programmable thermostat, whether you opt for a do-it-yourself or a professionally installed model. Proper thermostat use prevents energy waste and could help you save up to 30% on annual utilities.
For more information about HVAC performance, efficiency, and safety, visit the Energy Star website or call (385) 422-2232 to schedule a home climate or indoor air quality consultation.
Holiday & Cold Weather Safety
As you welcome guests for the holidays, keep these recommendations in mind to preserve the safety and comfort of friends and family:
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance. These visits typically include air filter changes and carbon monoxide checks, as well as an overall assessment of system performance and energy efficiency.
- Be careful with holiday lights. Check all strands before use to ensure that there are no exposed wires, bare spots, or other obvious safety concerns. Use outdoor-rated lights for your exterior decorating, since they are designed to be more weatherproof. Finally, don’t overload outlets. Too many lights plugged into one outlet could start a house fire.
- Install and check carbon monoxide detectors.
- When hiding your holiday gifts, keep all wrapping paper and paper products away from your furnace.
Candle Safety
When homeowners use candles to ring in the holidays and other special occasions, safety becomes a greater concern. An average of 42 home candle fires are reported each day.
This winter and during the holiday season, remember the following tips to keep your home safe and festive:
- Keep candles and tart burners out in the open, at least one foot away from furniture, textiles, and curtains. In addition, keep loose clothing and hair away from the flame.
- Never leave candles or tart warmers unattended while you run to the store or go outside. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 20% of candle fires occur when homeowners forget or abandon a burning flame.
- Make sure votives, pillars, and taper candles are placed in a ceramic, glass, or metal container so they cannot easily tip over.
- Do night light candles in your home if oxygen is in use.
- Consider candle alternatives. Many stores carry battery-operated candles with realistic flickering.
Spicing Up Your Air Filter
To make your home smell festive without candles, consider adding a scented air freshener to your filter. From vanilla cookies to evergreen to cinnamon, Main Street Heating & Cooling can recommend a scented filter option to sweeten the holidays.
Conserving Holiday Energy
If you’re like many Sandy and South Jordan homeowners, your kitchen and HVAC system may be working overtime this holiday season as you prepare food and welcome guests.
To conserve energy during the chilly holiday season, consider these tips:
- Give your furnace a break. If you’re hosting a gathering, remember that body heat and oven use generate a good deal of warmth on their own. Turn off your HVAC system for the day—and have more money for holiday gifts!
- Keep the lid on and the door closed. Each time you lift a pot lid or open the oven to examine your holiday fixings, you lose critical (and costly) heat.
- Save energy by using small appliances to cook some dishes. Crockpots, toaster ovens, and microwaves use less energy than larger kitchen appliances.
For more information, or if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (385) 422-2232 or send us a message online.