What Goes On Inside That Box?

A cozy home on a frigid winter day or a cool one when the outside temperature soars is just the push of a button or turn of a knob away. But what exactly goes on inside that box that makes it all possible?

A modern heating system uses coiled bimetallic strips sealed behind glass. As they uncoil, they pull down a magnet that contacts a contact arm within the thermostat. Talk to Comfort Pro’s Heat And Air experts to learn more about heating and cooling.

Heating

The heating system in your home keeps you warm and comfortable during winter. It can be a great convenience, but it can also cause problems if not properly maintained. For example, if your furnace has a dirty or plugged filter it can overheat and cause damage to the unit. In addition, a dirty or plugged filter can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal at high doses. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like fuel oil, natural gas, and propane. It is also the leading cause of fire in home heating systems.

Cooling

Cooling is the process of reducing the temperature of air. This allows for a more comfortable environment by eliminating hot and humid conditions that can make us feel uncomfortable. It also works to remove odors, improve indoor air quality, and control humidity levels. Cooling systems are an important part of residential structures like single-family homes; medium to large industrial, office buildings, and hotels; as well as vehicles including cars, trains, airplanes, and ships. It’s part of a system called HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Understanding how this system functions can help you maintain it properly and save energy in the long run.

Thermostats

A thermostat regulates ambient air temperature and can activate a heating unit, an air conditioner, or both. Programmable models save money on energy bills by automatically moderating the system in correspondence to a change in environment or time of day. They can also be used to create a daily schedule so the system will not turn on when nobody is home, which can reduce waste.

Thermostats have been around for centuries, but modern programmable models make them easy to use. They work on a simple principle: heat makes things expand, and cold makes them contract. When a room gets warmer, a metal strip inside the thermostat will expand until it reaches a certain temperature. When this happens, the thermostat will send a signal to energize the HVAC system.

Another cool feature of these devices is called hysteresis. This is a small range of temperatures over which the device changes its state. A typical hysteresis range is 0.5 degrees C. Thermostats with this feature can shut off the heater a little bit early when the room reaches the desired temperature, but not before it has time to cool down a little.

There are many different types of thermostats, which differ based on the voltage they operate at. Line-voltage thermostats are often used with electric resistance heaters, such as baseboard heaters or in-wall units. They can also be installed to control central air and ductless mini-split heat pump systems. These are the most common thermostats for houses and apartments.

Low-voltage thermostats, on the other hand, are designed to work with gas and oil furnaces. They usually feature a digital display and have a simple design, with a screen that shows the current temperature reading and two switches to operate the system. Depending on the model, the low-voltage thermostat may have a display that reads in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Some thermostats can be controlled remotely, which allows you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world. These are typically referred to as smart thermostats and come with an interactive smartphone app that can help you focus on your energy savings goals.

Blankets

Whether you are using them to stay warm or keep cool, blankets can help improve your sleep. A blanket is a great option for anyone who suffers from a condition such as diabetes, where heat loss during sleep can interfere with proper blood sugar control. In addition, a blanket can add comfort to a bed for those who have mobility issues or chronic aches and pains.

Many types of blankets are available on the market, with some featuring special fabrics and heat-conducting technologies. For example, some include phase change materials or gel inserts that can absorb and release excess heat in response to body temperature changes. Other blankets incorporate cooling fibers that are naturally cool to the touch and maintain a lower temperature than traditional bedding materials.

Another type of blanket is an electric one, which uses a built-in heating element to produce a consistent amount of heat. Some have a thermostat or timer so that you can adjust the level of warmth based on your needs. Some models have a safety feature that automatically shuts off the blanket if it becomes too hot to prevent fire hazards or overheating.

While many people associate blankets with cold temperatures, they can also be used to stay cozy while watching TV or relaxing outdoors. For example, fleece blankets are popular choices for chilly evenings. They are soft, and lightweight, and often come prewashed to give them a “lived-in” feel. They are also great for wrapping around yourself when visiting friends or family during the pandemic, as they can provide a layer of extra warmth against the elements.

Some blankets have specific washing requirements, and it is important to consider those before buying. For example, some specialized blankets have additional fabric and heating options that make them more difficult to wash. Others have specific drying requirements, such as dry cleaning only, that may not be convenient for all users. For this reason, it is a good idea to consult the product description or manufacturer’s website to understand how to care for your new blanket properly.