7 Winter Heating Questions—Answered!
January 23, 2025
It's time to get ready for winter. In the coming weeks, temperatures will drop, and those bitter chills will seep into our homes. With all these frosty thoughts, you may wonder about the best ways to care for your heating system and stay cozy. Well, wonder no more. We're answering your common winter heating questions!
Find Your Ultimate Indoor Comfort This Winter
It's time to cozy up indoors. Our experts respond to your most asked heating questions.
Does winter heating affect home humidity and health?
Yes. Our home heating systems provide comfort when the temperatures drop. However, balancing the humidity levels once we turn on the heat can be challenging. Here's why: Colder temperatures outside can result in drier air indoors. This unbalanced humidity often causes dry skin, itchy throats, chapped lips, and more. The solution? Consider adding a whole-home humidifier to add moisture to the air. It's a great way to help alleviate dry winter air and reduce common respiratory issues.
What are the most common heating system types?
Are you in the market for a new heating unit? Boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps are the three most common types of heating systems. Here's a quick run-down of how they work.
Furnace
A furnace uses forced air to heat your home. Air is blown over a heat exchanger. The air is heated from the exchanger and passed through your home's air ducts, eventually releasing it into your home.
Boiler
A boiler boils water to heat your home. The hot water travels through your pipes to radiators, where it continues to heat your home.
Heat pumps
A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat. In the winter, it pulls heat indoors to warm your space; in the summer, it pushes heat outdoors to keep you cool.
How do I know if my heating system needs repair?
We don't think about our heating systems much—until something goes wrong and we need emergency HVAC service. Here are some signs that indicate it's time for repair.
- Odd smells or sounds
- System has trouble starting
- Hot and cold spots throughout your home
- The system cycles on and off too often
Call our team for heating or furnace repair today if you notice any of these signs!
When should heating systems be serviced?
Your comfort system should be serviced at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Regular HVAC maintenance is the best way to help ensure the longevity of your system, increase system efficiency, and reduce calls for repairs.
Is there an optimal thermostat setting during the winter months?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an ideal winter setting is 68 – 70 degrees during the day. Additionally, you can save energy by lowering it up to 8 degrees while you're away and during the night.
Is it worth investing in a new heating system?
Yes. A new energy-efficient system will help you boost your comfort, save on energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. Even better, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, now is a great time to purchase a new system. Learn more here.
How do you choose the right heating system for your home?
Let Air Experts help! The best heating system depends on many factors, including where you live, your budget, and your current system. For instance, while heat pumps work best in mild climates, high-efficiency gas furnaces work better in colder climates. Call our team of professionals, and we're happy to help you make your decision.
When you need furnace repair or emergency HVAC services, remember Air Experts offers an exceptional service guarantee and is only a phone call away to help.