Heating and cooling are two of the most important aspects of home ownership. In fact, heating and cooling systems are major factors for those looking to purchase homes, and are a critical part of living comfortably in a home.

You may frequently hear the term HVAC, which is used to describe home heating and cooling systems. The acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning–which are the 3 primary functions of a home system. They control air temperature and humidity, and maintain the quality of the air in the home.

Central Systems

Heating and cooling systems may be classified as central or local. Central heating and cooling is the most standard method, and is defined by a system that produces warm or cool air in one central area and then distributes it throughout the home. There are many types of systems that work as central systems, from traditional split systems to packaged product systems.

Products typically used in central heating and cooling systems include:

* Heat Pumps
* Air Conditioners
* Gas and Oil Furnaces
* Fan Coils
* Evaporator Coils
* Single Packaged Products
* Controls and Thermostats

Local heating and cooling, on the other hand, produces warm or cool air at the location where it is needed and serves small spaces. Room Air Conditioners and Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) are examples of local heating and cooling.

Heating

Heating systems keep your home warm and comfortable. If you live in a particularly cold climate, the function of your heating system is a high priority.

Most central heating and cooling systems are classified as forced air systems, because they send air through ductwork for distribution. The ductwork can contain products that filter or clean the air. Radiant systems create heat and deliver it using components such as radiators that distribute the heat into the home. Boilers are a traditional radiant heat source.

Typical heating products include:

* Heat Pumps
* Gas and Oil Furnaces
* Fan Coils
* Boilers
* Single Packaged Products

Cooling and Air Conditioning

Whole home air conditioning systems are central systems that rely on ducts to deliver cooled air throughout the home. An air-conditioning system provides cooling, ventilation, humidity control and even heating (if using a heat pump) for a home. Air conditioning units cool refrigerants like Puron Refrigerant and Freon and deliver them to evaporator coils, which dissipate the refrigerant and blow cool air into ducts for delivery throughout the home.

Products such as room air conditioners are local cooling options for smaller areas within homes. Instead of delivering cooled refrigerant to a coil and then to ductwork, a room air conditioner contains all the components in a single unit and blows air directly into a room.

Air conditioned homes often have sealed windows, because open windows would disrupt the attempts of the control system to maintain constant temperature.

Typical air conditioning products include:

* Heat Pumps
* Central Air Conditioners
* Evaporator Coils
* Room Air Conditioners
* Single Packaged Products

Thermostats

The term thermostat commonly refers to any unit that controls the operation of a heating and cooling system. Thermostats are used to turn on heating or cooling systems to bring the home to a set temperature. In addition to basic temperature control, programmable thermostats can be used to manage the timing of the system’s functions, which can control overall energy use and costs.

Learn More

Learn more about the many aspects of heating and cooling, including the types of systems available, how to find the ideal system for your home, how health and air quality impact your home, how energy efficiency can save you money, how heating and cooling impacts the environment, and the many terms and phrases of heating and cooling.

**Article provided by Carrier - Turn to the Experts

Are you feeling uninspired by your boudoir? Is your bedroom more reminiscent of grandma’s abode than the romantic getaway you envisioned? Then it’s time to turn up the heat by introducing some spicy decor elements into your nest.

Firstly, an evaluation of your furniture and decor are in order. If your furniture and accessories are hand-me-downs, or look as if they are ready to be read their last rites, then it’s time to cast them away to your local charitable organization and go shopping for some newer and more attractive counterparts. When selecting new furniture, ensure these pieces reflect your aesthetic style, are well-built, provide ample storage and suit the scale of your room. Always purchase the best quality that you can afford.

The most notable focal point in any bedroom is, and should be, the bed. So consider painting the wall behind the bed a tint or tone of red as a dramatic counterpoint. Red is the colour of love and energy, and its use in a couple’s bedroom is perfect, provided that it is used judiciously (a little goes a long way). The rest of the walls should be painted in softer hues, such as sandy brown, mushroom grey or butter cream.

Selecting a bed must reflect your style, budget and suit the scale of your room (no king size beds in a small room). For a contemporary look, consider a padded headboard in a luxurious fabric. It will offer you comfort, style and texture. Imperative for any bed is purchasing the best quality mattress and box spring that your budget can allow. Pillow top mattresses are wonderfully comfortable and can make your bedtimes truly ethereal. Of course, buying the best quality linens you can afford is essential. Egyptian cotton sheets in thread counts upwards of 350 are fit for a king and queen and as this is your palatial suite, spoil yourselves and you’ll be thankful you did. Also, buy the best quality feather pillows in either natural feathers or synthetic (if one is sensitive to allergens). Finally, no bed is complete without a beautiful duvet and coordinating shams in the best quality cotton. Incorporate some cushions in silk, and voila! A beautiful bed that will beckon you to stay the night!

Overhead lighting should always be controlled by a dimmer switch. This allows you to set the mood and feel of the room. Task lighting is equally important; these would be the lamps that flank your bed on the night tables. Consider purchasing tri-lights, as they too allow more flexibility with the quantity of light. And lastly, nothing is more romantic than the addition of candle light. The flicker of candle flames cast a glow that is warm and inviting, but make sure that these are contained within glass lanterns. An unexpected fire is not the kind of excitement one desires in any room.

The rest is in the details. The right accessories will transform your space into a truly beautiful and inviting room. Incorporate elements that appeal to all the senses. We’ve already spoken of the addition of candles, and luxurious linens. Next add some wonderful artwork to your walls, a crystal vase for sparkle, and fill it with some beautiful fuchsia roses and tiger lilies for romance and fragrance. Add some mirrored objects for interest and lastly turn on some music and treat yourselves to a box of champagne truffles. Enjoy!

Article Provided By:
Margarida Oliveira from Chic Decor 905 337 8463 http://www.chicdecordesign.com
Posted By:
Nikki Rollins nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

Improving the air
doesn’t stop with pollutants.
It’s also important
to consider moisture levels.

You know when your home’s air is too hot or cold. That is because you feel uncomfortable. But the amount of moisture in your home’s air also has an impact on the way you feel, plus it can have a major effect on your health.

Too much
High moisture levels can make your home feel stuffy and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria. Recent studies have shown that mold can cause or worsen asthma, as well as hay fever and other allergies*.

Too little
Dry air makes furniture shrink, warp and crack. Plus, it causes skin irritation and respiratory problems,** not to mention annoying static shocks.

Just right
For optimal comfort and health, studies show that moisture levels should be in the range of 35% to 50%. You can track your home’s humidity with a hygrometer, available at hardware and home improvement stores. Or, you can contact your local Service Experts professional for in-home consultation.

*American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2004

**Exposure to excessively dry air (relative humidity of less than 20%) can cause respiratory irritation. Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Article is courtesy Service Experts Canada - Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa Heating and Cooling specialists

Furnace or Air Conditioner Problems:

Please check the following before calling your service provider. These are problems that homeowners tend to overlook and may not be covered by your warranty.

Step 1: Is your thermostat set to the correct function, i.e. heating or cooling?

Step 2: Has the power to the furnace been shut off?
(A) Appropriate breaker in the main electrical panel.
(B) Fuses in older homes.
(C) Power switch located close to furnace. Sometimes it looks like a light switch, which is normally located on the ceiling above your furnace.
(D) Ensure the furnace fan door is on properly. If it is not, there will be no power to the furnace and it will not operate.

Step 3:Is the filter(s) clean? A dirty filter will eventually cause service problems and drastically decrease efficiency of both the furnace and air conditioner.

Step 4:High Efficiency Gas Furnaces have a plastic vent pipe which projects through the outside wall, normally about 12″ above grade level. This can sometimes become plugged with ice and snow and can cause the furnace to shut down. Remove snow or ice carefully and your furnace should restart in a few minutes. (Some systems require to be reset).
If you cannot locate the problem by following these steps and require service, take note of the furnace model and serial number and please contact us.

Excessive Humidity or Dryness:

Excessive humidity or dryness in your home may cause some concerns.
Step 1:Make sure damper on humidifier system is open in winter and closed in summer.
Step 2:The water valve must be opened to provide water for humidifier.
Step 3:Humidifier pad or cell must be cleaned or replaced once or twice per heating season, depending upon local mineral levels in water supply.
Step 4:Make sure humidistat is turned ON and set according to table

Notes:
A.) Humidifier adjustment does not react immediately. It takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to stabilize.
B.) If excess condensate is found on windows it may be a result of the humidistat being set too high, it might also be an indication of improper ventilation of combustion gases.

Important: This section outlines tasks that homeowners can perform which may help identify some small, common problems. However, as when dealing with any fuel (combustible), electronics or machinery, you must proceed with caution and be aware that you are performing these tasks at your own risk.

**Article courtesy of Arpi’s Industries Ltd Inc - Arpi’s has been offering home comfort solutions for over 40 years and we are confident we can provide you with the healthy and comfortable indoor environment you are looking for.

A quality heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system integrated with the appropriate controls (your thermostat!) will provide a safe and healthy home. Today’s HVAC products offer high performance and energy efficiency that translates into lower operating costs and greater value for your dollar.

Please contact us, we look forward to learning how we can help you!

Determining the Investment: In Home Comfort SystemLike buying a car, a comfort system’s standard features plus optional equipment affect both performance and price. These are the five main determining factors you should consider as you evaluate a new home comfort system: equipment size, energy efficiency, sound level, safety features and installation quality.

1. Size: Properly sized equipment will meet the exact heating and cooling needs of the home.
2. Sound Level: Higher rated equipment will operate more smoothly with less noise.
3. Efficiency: Energy efficient equipment saves more money on utility costs.
4. Safety: Safety features give your family peace of mind.
5. Installation: Professional installation determines long-term, worry-free operation. Ensure your new system comes with an 100% satisfaction guarantee.