HVAC System

 

1.    Turning the thermostat up to a higher temperature will heat your home faster/Dialing the thermostat down to a lower temperature will cool your home faster.

No matter how high or how low you program the thermostat it will take the same amount of time to heat/cool your home.  This method will only increase your monthly utility bills.

2.    A space heater can save you money.

There are times when electricity costs more than natural gas, this means that your space heater could potentially cost several times more than running your furnace.

3.    Ceiling fans are for warm weather, not during the winter.

Ceiling fans can be used year-round.  In fact, ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the blade direction depending upon whether it is hot or cold out.  Simply switching the fan into the reverse setting during the colder weather will help keep your home warm.

4.    A big HVAC system is the best.

Bigger is not better in terms of the HVAC system.  A system that is too large will continue to cycle on and off, which will cost you more money to operate.  Conversely a system that is too small will also continue to cycle on and off, costing you money.  The constant cycling can also decrease the lifespan of the unit.

5.    Closing vents in unused rooms will increase energy efficiency.

Closing vents in unused rooms will increase air pressure in the ducts, which can then cause leaks at the vent seams.

6.    The location of the thermostat doesn’t make a difference.

If you place your thermostat near a heating/cooling vent, or in the direct line of the hot summer sun shining through the window, or near a drafty window can cause your unit to run when it doesn’t need too or it may run longer than it needs to run.  Increasing your monthly bills and shortening the lifespan of your unit.

7.    Annual, routine maintenance isn’t necessary.

The HVAC system is a complex mechanic system that requires annual tune-ups and cleanings to keep it operating at peak efficiency.  Annual checks of both the AC and furnace can potentially avoid problems.  Additionally, most newer units require annual maintenance in order to keep the warranty valid.

8.    Cover the outdoor AC unit for the winter.

Covering the outdoor unit will seal in moisture, which will speed up corrosion of the unit.  Winter-proofing your AC unit is as simple as placing a board over the fan.

Schedule your Fall 2019 Annual System Check, schedule now.

If you have other questions or need any other issues resolved let us know!

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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