As every student knows, there's nothing like a quiz to inspire more questions, especially if you waged a guess at some of the answers.
So if you took the Experts In Your Home heating and air conditioning system quiz that recently appeared on our blog: “Quiz: Test Your Basic Knowledge About Your Heating System” you might be left wanting to learn more.
At Experts In Your Home, we're all about education, so we're delighted to help our willing students expand their basic knowledge about their heating and air conditioning system.
We asked: About the meaning of relative humidity
The expanded answer: You had the right idea if you connected humidity to moisture in the air. But relative humidity means something more: it refers to the moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount possible before the air becomes saturated, such as when it rains. So the warmer the air, the more moisture it can support.
Did you know? Most people feel comfortable with a humidity level of between 45 and 55 percent.
We asked: About the consequences of insufficient moisture in a home
The expanded answer: Lack of moisture can indeed cause dry, itchy skin, clogged sinuses, aggravated asthma and allergy symptoms and an increased risk of bacterial infection. In terms of the effects on your home, dry air also can cause walls, floors, door frames and moldings to crack and/or shrink.
Did you know? A whole-house humidification system can help resolve all these issues by bringing your home's relative humidity into balance. It also can save you money on your energy bill; since a humidifier increases the moisture level in the air, you can feel comfortable at a lower heat setting and adjust your thermostat accordingly.
We asked: About the definition of a zoning system
The expanded answer: Homes equipped with a zoning system are divided into zones, or sections, and equipped with a thermostat in each one. Most two-story homes can be easily divided into two zones. This way, the thermostat can be set to suit the conditions in those zones. And it beats having one thermostat try to regulate a heating and air conditioning system in a house with multiple levels or a drafty, meandering room addition.
Did you know? A zoning system is a complex project that requires the expertise of a professional installer, but it can result in impressive energy savings because warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer isn’t wasted where it isn’t wanted or needed.
We asked: About how often homeowners should check their furnace filter
The expanded answer: Notice that we said “check” and not “change.” And we meant no deception because while we advocate that homeowners check their furnace filter once a month in the winter, it might need to be replaced only once every several months. This depends on whether you have pets, whether someone in your home smokes and other factors that might diminish your home's air quality – all of which make their way to your furnace filter.
Did you know? Remaining vigilant about the condition of your furnace filter is the single most important – and simplest – thing you can do to extend the longevity of your furnace, prevent expensive furnace repairs and even a catastrophic breakdown, and keep your heating bills in check. This will help ensure that the indoor air you breathe remains healthy and comfortable. Those are a lot of benefits for the cost of a filter.
If you've just expanded your knowledge about your heating and air conditioning system, then you should get an A+ for your curiosity and tenacity – and never hesitate to “raise your hand” with Experts In Your Home when other questions come to mind.
If your heating and air conditioning system doesn't seem to be working quite right, download the free offer below to learn what questions you should be asking!
