Keeping your Altamonte Springs, Florida, home comfortable is important, no matter the season. Luckily, there are many HVAC devices on the market that can help you do just that. Here are five devices that are ideal for increasing your comfort all year long.
Variable-Speed Air Handlers
Because variable-speed air handlers run at different rates, they can control the temperature of your home better than a single-speed conventional system can. Because these systems stay on most of the time at low speeds, you’ll benefit from fewer uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.
Because air circulates more frequently through a variable-speed system, these systems can help you remove dirt, pollen, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants from your home, improving the air quality. They can also help control the humidity in your house and remove bad smells. Variable-speed systems also save power and reduce noise by using the lowest effective fan speed. Although these units are more costly than conventional units, they can increase the value of your home and even pay for themselves over time through utility savings.
Humidifiers
Even in a humid region like Florida, your heater can make your home’s air dry in winter, and this can cause nosebleeds, dry eyes, and chapped lips. Dry air might even make you more vulnerable to colds and other illnesses and lead to cracks in wood floors and furniture. A whole home or a portable humidifier can help restore moisture to the air and help you breathe easier.
Dehumidifiers
In summer, excess moisture in the air can attract pests and cause biological growth. But a dehumidifier can remove this moisture, keeping your home from feeling hot and stuffy. Similar to humidifiers, you can have a whole-home dehumidifier installed in your HVAC system’s ductwork, or you can use a portable model in just one room. By keeping humidity at optimal levels, these devices let you use your heater and air conditioner less, decreasing wear and extending their lives.
Programmable Thermostats
You can adjust a programmable or smart thermostat to turn your HVAC system down or off when you leave or go to sleep. You can set it to return your home to a more comfortable temperature before you come home or wake up. By not heating or cooling empty homes, you’ll conserve energy and reap significant savings on your utility bill.
Many programmable thermostats let you set different schedules for each day of the week and for vacations. Smart thermostats can even learn your habits over time and make temperature adjustments accordingly. With these devices, you can also make changes easily through apps or desktop computers, ensuring your home’s temperature is always perfect.
Energy Recovery Ventilators
Most new homes are well-insulated, resulting in reduced utility bills. Unfortunately, the insulation can also keep dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants inside your house. In fact, your indoor air could even be more polluted than the outside air. Many household cleaners, paints, glues, and air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds — like formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, and toluene — that could cause health problems.
You can use an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to remove stale air, bad smells, dilute allergens and other pollutants. Most ERVs filter outdoor air before they bring it into your home, making sure your family can breathe easy. As these systems bring in fresh air, they also push out stale air.
ERVs are energy-efficient and can help improve your indoor air quality, and they won’t cause the dramatic changes in temperature that opening a window to let in fresh air can. You can have an ERV installed in several places in your home, including the attic, the basement, or an attached garage.
E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat has been a trusted HVAC specialist since 1996. We specialize in heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and we can discuss the right devices for increasing your comfort. Call us at (407) 603-9144 for excellent service.
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