How Long Do HVAC Systems Go For?

June 13, 2022

Whether you’re purchasing a new HVAC system or simply worried that you might need to, you want to know how long these devices last. After all, any system, even a mini-split, which comes without ductwork, will be a hefty investment. Of course, the answer to this question will be complicated by several factors, which we’ll now explore. Different Elements of HVAC Systems HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, so if you own a system that combines, for example, a furnace with an AC, then you have to consider the differences between those two, which include differences in life span. A typical gas furnace runs for 15 to 20 years, while an electric air conditioner may last 10 to 15 years. Some homes are equipped with a heat pump, which lasts 15 to 20 years. HVAC Systems and Maintenance We know that the individual components in an HVAC system may wear out sooner than others. But to minimize that wear and tear across the whole system, you need professional maintenance. Experts suggest having it done twice a year: once in spring, to prepare for the cooling season, and once in autumn for the heating season. Maintenance refers to when...

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4 Reasons Why Your AC Is Leaking

May 17, 2022

When your air conditioner starts to leak, it can be a cause for concern. After all, leaks can result in higher energy bills, longer run times, and even damage to your home or HVAC system. Here are a few reasons why your AC is leaking. 1. Blocked Condensate Drain The condensate drain line is a small plastic tube that carries excess water away from the AC unit. If this tube becomes clogged, the water has nowhere to go and will start to leak out of the AC unit. There are a few things that can cause this line to become blocked. First, the line can become clogged with algae or other debris. Second, the line can become frozen or kinked, preventing water from flowing through it. 2. Low Refrigerant Level Low refrigerant causes the refrigerant lines to expand and contract, putting stress on both the lines and the rest of the AC components. Additionally, inadequate levels of refrigerant mean that there is not enough coolant to properly regulate temperatures, resulting in inefficient operation and increased wear and tear on key parts of the system. 3. Broken Evaporator Coil Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing moisture from the air, which helps...

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3 Reasons Why Your Thermostat Placement Matters

April 11, 2022

Your thermostat placement can make a big difference in the comfort and efficiency of your house. So, it’s important to know where to place your thermostat so that your home is most comfortable for you and your family. Here are some reasons why the placement of your thermostat matters. 1. Impacts the Efficiency of Your Heating System An improperly placed thermostat can lead to inefficient heating. Placing a thermostat in an interior room like a hallway or bathroom could cause the system to cool down too quickly before it moves through the living space. This can throw off the living area’s temperature, and specific house elements can cool more quickly than other areas. In addition, replacing inefficient heating systems can be costly, especially if there is a leak in your system. 2. Saves Energy and Money Proper thermostat placement can save you money on your utility bill. If your thermostat is located in an interior room, it will take longer for the temperature to be comfortable in the rest of the house. To feel comfortable, you might have to turn up the heat or air conditioning. This continual adjustment can waste energy by keeping your system on longer than necessary....

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Should You Use a Furnace or Space Heater?

March 17, 2022

When you need to purchase a new heating system for your home, you have a few options. You can choose to go with a space heater that heats one room, or you can choose to go with a furnace to keep the entire house warm. You should take the time to examine the pros and cons of each option before making the final choice. Space Heater vs. Furnace Energy Efficiency The actual cost of running each heating option will depend on the weather and your heating needs. Generally, space heaters are not the best option if you are trying to keep the entire home comfortable and warm. However, a space heater is a better and more cost-effective option if you are only trying to heat one room or area in your house. Space Heater vs. Furnace for Cold Weather Space heaters might be the best option for the cold winter months if you intend to heat a specific area in your home. The good thing about space heaters is that they are small and portable, giving you the choice of where to place them. If you want to heat your entire home efficiently, it’s best to go with a furnace....

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The Best Furnace Filters for You

February 17, 2022

Changing your furnace filters is a regular chore that doesn’t take much time. However, choosing the right filter for your home often takes more thought and research. Improve your routine by finding furnace filters that keep your home cleaner and your family healthier. Safety Rating Many furnace filters are given a MERV rating that goes up to 20. This rating denotes how well the filter will catch certain contaminants. Many households use filters between eight and 14 to maintain optimal air quality. Your perfect number can fluctuate based on health reasons, the number of pets in the home, and household allergies. Finding your ideal range can minimize dust floating in the house and uncomfortable side effects like frequent sneezing and irritation. Budget Restrictions Thicker filters with higher MERV ratings often cost more than thinner filters. You may struggle to find high-performing, affordable filters. Take the time to find accessible alternative retailers online or locally. Buy in bulk or through a subscription to take advantage of discounts that give you more affordable access to better filters. Put the health of your home first as much as possible to avoid spreading illness and minimize the chance of damage or dust buildup in...

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Heat Pump or Furnace: Which One Fits Your Home?

January 10, 2022

When it’s time to purchase a new heating system for your home, you have a few different options. You could go with a furnace that burns propane or fuel, or you could go with one that uses electricity to generate heat. Alternatively, you could go with a heat pump, which absorbs heat from outside and transfers it into your house. Each type of heater has its own advantages, and you’ll want to find the one that’s just right for your household. Heat Pumps Save Money Because heat pumps don’t actually have to generate heat, they need far less energy to operate than furnaces do. Heat pumps use pressurized refrigerant coils to absorb heat, and they also have the ability to reverse this process and provide cool air instead. This means that when you have a heat pump, you don’t need to purchase a separate air conditioner. On average, heat pumps are also slightly less expensive to have installed than gas-powered or electric furnaces. Furnaces Are Better in Cold Weather Gas-powered furnaces generate heat via a constant combustion process, and electric furnaces warm your home by blowing air over a hot element. These processes are the same for the furnace regardless...

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Is My Furnace Up to Code?

December 20, 2021

Homeowners are often finding new and exciting ways to remodel their homes to better fit their family’s many needs. When considering a large remodel like changing out a furnace, it’s helpful to check out local codes and regulations that determine what’s allowed inside a commercial or residential home. Is My Furnace Up to Code? Homes are built with experienced technicians and laborers who work within the current code regulations. Homeowners can look through official city regulations themselves when starting a remodel, but the codes are often hundreds of pages long and can be confusing to anyone not trained and experienced in the field. Old homes may fall out of compliance, but they’re grandfathered into the system and don’t have to constantly be updated unless the homeowner is planning to sell. A great resource for those looking to get an idea about the current code regulations that are used in their area is to check the Uniform Mechanical Code. Many cities base their regulations on this frequently updated authority. The best way to be safe and follow local regulations when removing or installing a furnace is to rely on an experienced and certified technician. Professionals can safely install new heating and...

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How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

November 18, 2021

We all know that during the winter it can get freezing cold outdoors. This means that it’s in the fall when you should prepare your home for cold weather. There are several areas to address so your home stays comfortable. Clean the Gutters Gutters accumulate a lot of leaves and debris during the fall. You should scoop everything out of your gutters as otherwise water damage can occur to your home. It may be the case that you should hire a professional to do this for you. Turn Off Exterior Faucets Water in pipes can freeze during the winter. This can cause pipes to burst. Disconnect all of your garden hoses and drain water out of the pipes through the faucet. Complete this job by turning off the shutoff valve. Get Your Heater Tuned Up Hire an HVAC company to tune up your heater. They’ll make sure it’s clean and operating well. This will also save money on your winter energy bills because they’ll help it achieve maximum efficiency. in Dayton, OH, has a heater tune-up service. Our NATE-certified technicians are thorough and conscientious, and they can service all makes and models. Caulk Around Doors and Windows Seal any gaps...

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What’s the Best Temperature for Sleeping?

October 13, 2021

Getting a good night’s rest every night is critical to your health and well-being. Sleep medicine physicians recommend setting up your bedroom with optimal sleep hygiene. One of the main parts of sleep hygiene is the temperature of your bedroom. Use these tips to find your ideal sleeping temperature so that you can get the quantity and quality of sleep your body needs. Start Lower Than You Think During the day, you’re more active. Your body’s metabolism is faster than it is at night. The metabolism and your movement make you feel warm and alert. Conversely, your body’s metabolism slows in the evening. Your internal temperature drops by about a degree, which helps trigger sleepiness. You’ll sleep better at a lower air temperature. Set your thermostat between 64 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Make Small Adjustments After trying a temperature between 64 and 67-degrees Fahrenheit for a few nights, make small adjustments to find the best temperature. If you’re still too warm at 67 degrees, set the thermostat just one degree lower. If you have a sleep partner who prefers a different temperature, you may have to negotiate or make adjustments with blankets. Consider Ventilation If you lower the...

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4 Simple Steps to Reignite Your Furnace DIY Style

September 17, 2021

Sometimes the pilot light on gas furnaces will go out. When that happens, you will need to restart it yourself. Here is how to do so safely in 4 easy steps. Step 1. Find the Instructions All furnaces have the instructions for the pilot light somewhere near the controls. Bring a flashlight, and be sure to read the whole thing several times before trying to turn on the furnace. If your instructions have faded, the manufacturer may have them online. You can then place a copy in a safe area to consult. Step 2. Turn Off the Gas Inside most furnaces, you will find a switch or dial. This switch is typically labeled with ‘on,’ ‘off,’ and ‘pilot.’ You will want this set to off. This is to give the gas time to dissipate before you try to light it again. You need to wait at least 5 minutes. Take this time to find the reset button. This will let you light the pilot light. Step 3. Relight After 5 minutes, turn the pilot light switch to the ‘pilot’ setting. Then, hold down the reset button while you bring a lit match to the area. This should relight it. Keep...

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