Q. What’s important about having the right size heating and cooling system?

A: When heating is required in your home, an oversized heating system will cycle frequently which can lead to drafts and inconsistent control of the room temperature. Additionally, when a central humidifier is installed in the heating system, an oversized furnace will not allow the humidifier to run enough to create the right amount of humidity in your home. Conversely, an undersized heating system will run constantly, not reaching the desired room temperature and wasting energy.

When cooling is required in your home, an oversized air conditioner will reduce the room temperature, and not adequately remove humidity. This causes you to feel cold and clammy. When the air conditioner is too small, it will it will run near constantly, not reaching the desired room temperature.

Q. When it’s warm outside, should I change my thermostat setting at night?

A: No. It’s best to just choose a setting and leave it. The air conditioner can operate at its optimum efficiency and do a better job of controlling humidity.

Q. How can I tell if I have a humidity problem in my home during the winter?

A: If there is too much moisture or humidity in your home, the first thing you’ll notice is moisture gathering on the inside of windows. If your humidity level is low, you’ll experience static electrical shocks when touching doorknobs and light switches. Aim for a relative humidity level of 35-50%.

Q. Can indoor air be hazardous?

A: Breathing polluted indoor air could trigger allergies, chronic illnesses, cause cold-like symptoms, headaches and asthma attacks? Even low levels of pollutants can be harmful to children because developing systems take in more air per pound of body weight than adults. The elderly and those with respiratory ailments could also be more vulnerable to indoor pollutants.

Q. I have one of those plug-in carbon monoxide detectors. What should I do if it shows a reading?

A: Open the windows and doors immediately to let in fresh air, then call the gas company or our local Service Experts center to identify the cause. Carbon monoxide or CO is a toxic gas that is odorless, colorless and extremely dangerous. A poorly vented heating system, blocked fireplace, or other malfunctioning fossil fuel appliance can cause CO. Carbon monoxide can cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even death.

This article was provided by Service Experts. Service Experts Inc. consists of company-owned service centers providing heating, cooling, and indoor air quality sales, installation, maintenance, and repair service for the residential, residential new construction, and light commercial market functions across the United States and Canada. We provide indoor comfort solutions to make homes and workplaces comfortable, healthy, and safe – backed by our Five Standards of and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. For more information, visit Service Experts online.