WaterFurnace OM1500MW Owner's Manual - page 28
28
FAQ, GENERAL INFORMATION & OPERATING TIPS
Should I close off a register in an unused room?
Some homeowners have unused rooms that may not require heating or cooling like the rest of the home. While there is
often a tendency to close registers in an unused room, the effects may actually reduce comfort without saving any money in
operating costs. The home’s duct system has been designed to deliver the right amount of air into the various spaces. Closing
off one or more registers disrupts the air flow pattern, creates an unbalanced system, and may in fact be detrimental to the
comfort levels experienced in the other rooms. In addition, the desired energy savings may not be achieved.
If you have larger areas or multiple rooms that do not require continuous heating and cooling, you may want to consider
our exclusive IntelliZone System. This system uses several thermostats throughout the home and has motorized dampers
that are electronically controlled. The dampers deliver properly balanced air flow and desired temperatures throughout
the various zones. For more information on zone control systems, contact your WaterFurnace dealer.
What about remodeling & room additions?
Because your system has been selected, designed and installed based on the existing heating and cooling requirements
of your home, a significant change or addition to the home may result in the system being inadequately sized. If you are
planning any remodeling that might affect the heating/cooling requirements including adding more rooms, windows, or
exterior doors, consult with your dealer to determine if the existing system is adequate. Depending on the extent of your
changes, your existing unit may be adequate, or you may have to install a larger or additional unit. Installing a larger or
additional unit will require more ductwork and may also result in the need to add more loop in the ground.
What about adjusting the thermostat when entertaining many people?
The temperature in your home can be affected significantly by the number of people inside. Our bodies generate heat
through metabolism — in fact, your body gives off about 300 – 400 BTUs per hour. This number can double or even
triple at high activity levels (dancing, sports, etc.) Many homeowners find that when entertaining large numbers of
people in the home, the temperature may rise noticeably due to the number of people “generating” heat and the heat
given off by using many lights and other appliances (TVs, stereos, cooking devices, etc.)
As a result, you may find a need to air condition even though it may be cold outside. If your thermostat has an automatic
changeover feature, ensure that the cooling setpoint will be a comfortable setting for your guests. If you have a manual
changeover thermostat or if your thermostat is set for heating only, you should be prepared to change it over to cooling
when you have many people inside the home. Another suggestion is to set the fan for continuous “on” so that the air is
fully circulated throughout the various rooms to minimize hot spots or cold spots. When the guests leave and occupancy
levels return to “normal,” be sure to switch back to heating mode if it’s cold outside. In the summer, you could benefit by
setting the cooling setpoint a little lower than normal prior to many guests arriving so that the system can adequately
maintain the temperature inside with the additional people and high outdoor temperatures.
Depending on a combination of factors (unit capacity, number of people, activity levels, and outdoor temperature) you
may experience some fluctuation in indoor temperature. This is normal and only temporary.
Don’t worry about energy costs when doing some “extra” cooling. If your unit is equipped with a hot water generator,
the heat removed from the house during cooling is going into your water heater.