How Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps Work

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Ductless mini-split heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular, due to their efficiency and comfort. These compact units can be installed anywhere and are an excellent choice for just about any homeowner who is replacing an old and outdated air conditioner or furnace. It is also a wise choice when transitioning from boiler-based or electric resistance systems.

Benefits of Ductless Mini-Splits

HVAC equipment takes up a lot of space, and metal ducts have to connect from the HVAC system to each room in the house. Ductless mini-splits don’t require either ducts or an area reserved for large equipment. Instead, each room has a compact ductless unit that is installed directly onto the wall. The units connect through 1-inch conduits that extend to the outdoor units, either through the wall or the floor.

One of the biggest benefits of using ductless mini-splits is that you have zoned control over your heating and cooling. Each room’s unit is able to be controlled through a remote device. One area can have higher temperatures, while another can have lower. Additionally, you can completely turn off a device in a room that isn’t being used.

Ductless heat pumps are more efficient because they can bypass ductwork. Twenty to 30 percent of energy loss occurs through ductwork, due to cracks and portions that aren’t insulated. Some ductless systems can function with up to eight indoor units that connect to just one outdoor unit. This gives homeowners many options for deciding how to heat and cool their homes.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

Some ductless mini-splits only offer air conditioning, but ductless heat pumps deliver both air conditioning and heating. In addition to the benefits of using a mini split, the system’s air-source heat pump also provides many benefits, including:

  • Consistent air flow and temperature—Unlike a forced air furnace that blasts heated air intermittently and between 90 and 100 degrees, heat pumps release air continuously, and between 120 and 125 degrees
  • Higher efficiency—Air-source pumps only move heat around, but heat pumps find both warm and cool air and transfer it to where it needs to go.
  • Natural dehumidifying capabilities—Since heat pumps run at lower speeds continuously, they dehumidify a home better than a standard air conditioning unit during the summer.

Ductless mini-split heat pumps lose efficiency in extremely cold weather, so they are not ideal for certain areas of the country. If you live in the Southwest, South, Northwest, and in parts of the West, you will most likely benefit from installing this system.

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Tips For Selecting Heating Systems For Your Home

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When remodeling or if one has an ageing furnace, they could consider installing a more efficient model. Most new furnaces have an efficiency rating of over 80%. There are several factors that need considering when choosing home heating systems.

 

Considerations

The existing insulation, heat usage pattern of the house and area of residence all determine the potential payback benefit of installing a new furnace. One also needs to consider whether the renovations will bring in the need for a larger furnace or moving the existing one. If future installation or window installation is planned, one could install furnace that’s more efficient.

New devices have different blower motors which are more efficient than conventional ones. These are ideal in areas where it’s necessary to run the furnace round the clock for comfort purposes. One also needs to calculate the potential savings to be realized with devices of a particular efficiency rating.

The potential savings are calculated by taking into account what one currently spends annually on heating. This needs to be weighed against the cost of purchasing and installing the new equipment. While more efficient models usually cost more, they could be ideal for homes whose annual expenditure on heating is higher. Better HVAC units could also increase the home’s value.

 

Size

Besides efficiency, the size of the furnace is also essential. Proper sizing means the equipment will cost less to operate. To determine the required size, a heat-loss, heat-gain assessment needs to be done. This needs to take into account the size and configuration of the home, its orientation relative to the sun, as well as the number and type of windows.

Some models are equipped with two-stage burners which allow the equipment operate at lower burn rates when the home’s heating demand is low. The second stage burner is deployed when the demand rises. Such features could be of great benefit for larger houses.

New furnaces have varying flue and venting requirements. The contractor needs to access the existing flue and adhere to code requirements for venting water heaters and furnaces. The necessary local permits and inspections have to be observed.

 

Choice of Contractor

The contractor’s credentials, including licensing and liability coverage, need to be reviewed. The entire project should be outlined in a written contract. Follow us for more articles that will keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently.

Decision On Whether To Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner

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You may find yourself in a dilemma where you do not know whether to replace or repair your air conditioner. You may feel that you really need a new conditioner and yet you may not have the money to. Repairing on the other hand may be cheaper but there is no guarantee that the machine will last long afterwards. So what do you so? Well, this decision can be made based on several factors.

Energy bills
If there is an upward trend in your recent energy bills paid, then you may need to reconsider your decisions. Rising energy bills shows you that the equipment is not running as efficiently as it used to before. Therefore, it is time you took it up and prevent a further upsurge in the utility bills.

The level of temperatures in summer
If your air conditioner is working at full capacity and yet the temperature in the house still allows profuse sweating, it is time to reconsider repair for replacement. This shows that it has outlived its useful life in your home and thus you may need to replace it. If you are not sure about this, consult your technician for some advice.

Frequency of repairs
Is your air conditioner breaking down every few weeks? Do you have to call your technician every other month for some repair? Are you wondering “should I replace or repair my equipment again?” well reality check seems to incline on the replace. The amount of money you will spend repairing the conditioner is substantial and if you do not replace it, you will continue spending a lot on its repair. So it is better to just replace it.

Age of conditioner
How old the conditioner is determines whether to repair it or to replace it altogether. There is a rule called the $5000 rule. This is derived by multiplying the average cost of the repair by the number of years you have used the equipment. If it is less than $5000, then it is falls in the category of those that require to be repaired but if it is way higher then you need to replace it.

There are times when we let our systems become so outdated that they cannot get spare parts. Such equipment is up for replacement. Other times, your machinery is relatively new and thus you will just need to repair it since it has not exhausted its useful life.

Energy Efficiency Tips (ie. What Temperature To Set My Furnace)

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Overview

We are a trusted and licensed HVAC company. In addition to providing our esteemed clients heating and air conditioning services (inspections, repairs, maintenance, installations and replacements), we regularly give our clients HVAC-relevant information through face to face interactions, as well as blogs. We give our clients home energy efficiency tips to help them reduce their furnaces’ energy consumption while receiving sufficient heat, as well as save a percentage of their utility bills. The temperature to set a furnace depends on several factors including efficiency of the furnace, loss of heat through surfaces and loss of heat through gaps on surfaces

Furnace-related energy efficiency ideas

Lower furnace’s temperature degree or switch it off

Furnace users can save a significant amount of energy by lowering their furnace temperature degree or switching the furnace off when premise/ rooms are not in use. To enjoy warm air, people should wear warm clothes or cover themselves with heavy/ warm clothing to complement the heat emitted by the furnace. Running the furnace at high degree increases energy consumption, and does not necessarily ensure indoor air warmth. Furnaces should be switched off when premises are not in use since no warm air is required.

Clean, repair or service furnace parts

Dirty filters, clogged/ blocked vents, and damaged furnace parts reduce the efficiency of a furnace; resulting in high consumption of energy to keep the air warmed sufficiently. Furnace parts’ repairs, cleaning or replacement should be scheduled to prevent furnace inefficiency. Premise owners may be able to do some of the furnace parts’ servicing, such as filter replacement, but advanced servicing requires professional HVAC intervention.

Insulate surfaces and seal drafts

Furnace’s energy consumption may also be saved by insulating walls, floors, roofs, doors and windows with materials that do not allow conduction of heat to the exterior of those surfaces. Insulating such surfaces ensures that the already accumulated indoor heat does not escape, and that the furnace can be operated at a lower degree to provide the needed warmth. Drafts cause warm air to escape, therefore, requiring the furnace to be run at a high degree and for long to keep indoor air warm. Sealing those drafts ensures maintenance of the heated air indoors; eliminating the need to run the furnace at a high degree or longer than necessary.

Conclusion

People can enjoy ample heating of their indoor air while saving energy and utility bills. While some home energy efficiency tips can be implemented by premise users at no cost, some tips need professional HVAC servicing. Call us for all your HVAC needs.

You Should Never Ignore These Furnace Warning Signs

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When it comes to a residential heating system it is important to be able to recognize the signs that signal underlying problems. Many of the usual causes and signs of an improperly working furnace are easy to figure out and fix. Even though a lot of the common Furnace Warning Signs are related to minor problems, some of them can signify more serious issues.

When first noticing anything abnormal homeowners need to contact a professional HVAC company to discuss the symptoms their furnace is displaying. Some of the problems could easily lead to further damages as well as put a home and its occupants into danger. Ignoring the signs that a furnace gives off can lead to leaks and other serious issues.

Among the most common signs a homeowner will notice are strange sounds when the furnace is turned on, and gas odors. When a running furnace is making noises such as a rattling or creaking noise, or if the smell of gas is present, a homeowner should shut their heating system off immediately. These signs are often indicators of a serious problem, so contacting an HVAC expert is important.

Another serious sign is one that can be seen but not heard. The furnace’s burner should have a steady blue flame, if that flame is yellow to orange in color it could be a sign of a dirty or clogged burner. Though the burner may be dirty, a yellow flame can also indicate an improper mixture of gas and oxygen. Additionally, when a yellow flame is ignored, it can quickly turn into a gas leak or other serious problem.

A homeowner should always seek professional help when seeing any of the above mentioned signs. Though a sign may point to a less serious issue such as Obstructed airflow, or a faulty thermostat, no sign should be ignored. Using guesswork is simply not good enough, nor is it safe when it comes to the warning signals a furnace sends out. Many issues can be avoided by having an annual Furnace Inspection. However, some issues can still arise and when they are noticed, homeowners should contact a reputable HVAC Contractor as soon as possible.

Tips To Help You Save This Winter

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With a few energy-saving techniques, you can make preparing your home for winter easy and affordable. By choosing the perfect heating service for your space, sealing air escape routes and knowing how to take advantage of your heating unit, you can cut down your energy bill and enjoy a warm, comfortable home all at the same time.

When it comes to choosing a heating system, going with a professional HVAC service is best. Professionals can help you get a unit that is appropriate for your home’s size and structure. Getting an over-sized system can consume an excessive amount of energy, while one too small might not produce sufficient heat. Consult an expert for new heater installation that suits your needs.

How your HVAC system works is also very important. To save energy, it is always a good idea to make sure that the unit can switch off automatically when not in use. These units usually have programmable time and temperature settings. Instead of leaving your heater on throughout the night, you can set it to turn off before or quickly after you jump into bed.

Because it gets colder at night, you tend to need more heat during this time than you during the day. However, it can be costly in the long run. To cut power consumption and costs, heat your home during the day and use warm clothing, blankets, fireplace and other low-energy alternatives at night. Instead of keeping the heating system running for hours at a time, try to heat your house in shorter intervals and make sure there are no defects that might cause heat to escape.

The best way to trap heat inside your house is to seal any areas where it might escape. Whether you do it yourself or ask a professional, inspect your home thoroughly. Insulate windows, doors, ceiling, roof and even walls with good, sturdy sealants. Find the sources of drafts and seal them to effectively keep out the cold. Snake drafts, window film and weather stripping are just a few of many items you can use.

Pairing great heating service with sealants can help keep your home warmer for much less. Finding a unit appropriate for the size of your house and making sure heat is turned off when you do not need it is paramount to conserving energy and cutting costs. Make sure your professional HVAC service includes heater maintenance so your system can run effortlessly. In addition to a unit, make use of warm blankets, clothing, snake drafts and others to seal your home and keep your interior comfortable.

How To Prepare Your House For Winter

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Winter comes with a promise of ice, chilly temperatures and snow. Therefore, you need to act early to prepare your home for it. You need to think about starting a furnace well ahead of winter because if anything goes wrong during winter, fixing it will be a headache. Careful preparation will ensure that your heating system runs properly during the winter. Here are some tips to help you keep the house warm in the winter.

First of all, you need to hire professionals who can conduct a thorough heating system inspection. This will ensure that your system is both safe and efficient. The earlier you schedule an appointment with a certified heating expert the better, as they will be booked solid as winter approaches. You definitely do not want to risk a furnace breakdown when it is freezing cold. The expert will carry out several maintenance tasks that will keep your heater functioning optimally. These tasks include; thermostat inspection, filter cleaning and replacement, motor oiling and an electrical controls check.

A thorough inspection and tuneup of your heating system will not only keep your heater working correctly but also save you a lot of money. You also have a part to play in ensuring that your heater performs optimally. Before turning on your heater, you should clear out the space next to it so that it can perform at its peak. You also need to clean the furnace filters on a regular basis. Cleaning filters will improve the air flow and the efficiency of your furnace thus lowering your utility bills. Disposable fiberglass filters need to be replaced whereas electronic/electrostatic ones need to be cleaned.

If you are having problems with your heater, you should look for the most obvious solutions. You can start by ensuring that all access panels are secured properly and all the screws are in place. Also ensure that the thermostat is set to heating mode. Merely, setting it above room temperature does not turn your heat on if the controls are set to air conditioning mode. After you turn on your heating system, you should look out for strange smells and noises that could indicate a problem. Dust usually accumulates on the heat exchanger during the summer, so a little dust is normal. The smell will dissipate after a few minutes, just open your windows.

Once you ascertain that your heater is in pristine working condition, you should check whether it is distributing heat properly in your house. Turn on the heat and go from one room to another. If some places feel colder than others, you should regulate the registers and dampers to the same level in all rooms. Doing regular maintenance can reduce furnace repairs consequently lowering your expenses. If you find problems that you cannot fix, you need to call in the professionals. An expert has the necessary knowhow to conduct a thorough heating system inspection.

If you want to save on energy, you need to get a programmable thermostat. Once you install it, you should program it to turn your furnace on and off. It saves energy because people often forget to turn off the furnace.

How to clean a furnace system

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For a furnace system to provide top quality heating to the home, home owners must stay on schedule with maintenance service. Maintenance services can be scheduled with your local HVAC provider, but these services can cost money that you may not want to spend. With a little time and energy, you can provide the cleaning services needed to keep your furnace unit in check this winter.

A furnace system has three parts that can become very dirty: The filtering system, the Blower and the Motor. Home owners will need to keep these sections clean to avoid any issues with the unit. These portions of the unit need to be cleaned at least once, preferably twice, a year to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Cleaning the Filtering System

Cleaning the filtering system is quite easy. First you will need to find the access panel of your furnace. This is located on the outside of the unit. This panel is usually kept in place with screws and these screws will need to be removed to get started. Once you remove this panel, you should see the filter. You will need to remove the filter. Check the filter to see if it is damaged or dirty. If you need to clean the filter, clean it of dirt and loose items before using water. Be sure to use the instructions left by the manufacturer. If you can replace your filter, than do so. Some filters must be cleaned as they are non replaceable.

Cleaning the Blower

To clean the blower, you will need to turn off the power to the furnace. This portion of the unit is behind the same panel as the filter. You will then need to slide the fan, or blower out. This part should be on slides for easy removal. You may have to remove wires to do this so take note for reassembly. Once the blower is out, use a non abrasive soap as well as water and fine brush to clean the blower. You can also use a vacuum to clean any dust or dirt that is on or around the blower.

Clean the Motor

To clean the motor portion, you will be in the same area of the unit. The motor can be cleaned with a small vacuum to remove any dirt or dust that may be in the chambers. You can also use a small brush to remove any build up that may be on each chamber.

Conduct this process at least once a year to ensure that your furnace unit is in proper working order and continues to function as it should for many years to come!

Top 10 Energy Saving HVAC Tips

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Saving energy and money is on everyone’s minds in the current economy. You want to get the most comfort out of your home or office while not spending too much money in the process. There are a few ways you can do just that. Take a look at these 10 tips to see how you can save energy while staying comfortable in your home.

Weather-stripping

By making sure your home is sealed, you can help keep the cooling and heating in your home. Make sure that all the doors and windows have secure weather-stripping around them. Check for leaks to make sure you do not need to replace any of the strips. 

Change Filters

Make sure to change your filters on a regular basis. You can use some filters that are only changed every 90 days while others need to be changed out ever month. Be sure you keep a reminder so that you know when you changed it last. 

Furnace Filters

Make sure your furnace filters are checked every month during the winter season. These can be clogged and can cause your furnace to work improperly. 

Close the blinds

This helps keep the heat out and the warmth in during the different seasons. By keeping the blinds closed at night during the winter, you are keeping all the warmth in your home. You can also block out the hot sun during the day. This helps you keep a nice comfortable temperature in your home at all times. 

Tune Up Your Units

Each year as the seasons change, it is important that you have a technician come out and perform routine inspections. This will help you to know that your units are working at their peak capacity. This helps to catch any small problems that might arise before they become huge problems. 

Install Energy Efficient Thermostat

This will help you to program the temperatures to keep it the optimal comfort levels when you are there. You can program it for times you are not at home and for the times you will return home. This will help you to keep comfortable while using the minimal changes in the thermostat. 

Use Your Fans

Be sure to try using your ceiling fans or other fans in the home. This will keep the air moving and cooled so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. 

Insulation

Make sure your attic insulation is of good quality to save on your heating bills in the winter. That can help you to keep the air and heat in your home instead of losing it through the roof.

Keep Vents Clear

Make sure there are no furniture items or other blockages on your vents. This will help the air/heat get throughout your home with no problems. 

Energy Efficient Units

When it’s time to upgrade your unit be sure to choose an energy efficient unit to keep your power bills lower and your comfort levels high. You will be able to get the most out of your units without breaking the bank each month. 

All of these tips will allow you to save energy with your HVAC systems. Use a few or all to save energy as well as money in your home. 

4 energy saving tips that can reduce your heating bills this winter

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Preparing your home properly for the winter season can not only save energy but also save you money on your heating bills. During the winter months, heating bills can get out of control if the home is not ready for the harsh temperatures and conditions. It is important for home owners to learn how to keep their family warm during the winter without breaking the bank. Below are four energy saving tips that can help you save money on your heating bills this winter.

Programmable Thermostat

When the winter months arrive, we all like to keep our homes warm. We turn up the thermostat and usually never touch it. This means the unit is constantly running to keep the home warm, which costs more money each money on the utility bill. A solution to this problem is a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to pre-set the temperature. This means, while you are at work and your children are at school, you can program the unit to turn off. Then set the unit to turn back on before your family arrives home. This will still provide a warm home but will give your unit a much needed break, which saves you energy and money!

Insulation/Leaks

Another way to make sure that your heating bills stay low is with insulation. Make sure that your home is properly insulated so it will hold the heat your heating unit produces. A improperly insulated home wastes a large percentage of heat, which costs money. It is also important to make sure that your home is not leaking warm air. Check around the windows and exit doors to your home to ensure that you do not have a leak. If so, seal the leak so you can keep all of the heat you produce.

Additional Heat Sources

Home owners can also choose to use additional heat sources to heat their homes. An electric heater is an inexpensive heat source that can be plugged up in the room you occupy and the heating system can be turned off. This will keep you warm for a time and will help you save money on your heating bill. You may also choose to use a fireplace and keep warm by the fire to cut back on heating costs.

There are many options that can be taken to cut back on energy costs. With a little ingenuity and effort, you can save money on your winter heating bills and still remain warm in the home!