How To Know It Is Time To Replace Your HVAC System

January 20, 2023

When Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System? HVAC systems are designed to last for many years, but eventually, all systems need replacement. Knowing when it’s time for a new system can be difficult without some guidance. Here are some signs that it might be time for you to replace your HVAC system. Your System Is More Than 10 Years Old Most HVAC systems are designed to last for around 10 years. Of course, some may last longer with the help of proper maintenance, but if your system is older than 10 years old and you’re having frequent problems or it needs regular repairs, it may be time to replace it. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been steadily increasing, even though you’re not using your HVAC system any more than before, it may be due to an inefficient system. An older system can begin to lose efficiency over time and will require more energy to function. Your Home Is Uncomfortably Humid or Dry HVAC systems are designed to maintain a comfortable climate in your home. Once they start to wear down, they can become less effective at regulating the temperature and...

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Improving Indoor Air Quality Problems for the Winter

December 20, 2022

During more temperate times of the year, the windows are opened, and clean air is allowed to circulate in and out of the house. During the winter, everyone stays indoors and turns on a heater that runs off and on all day. Improving a home’s air quality and humidity level are common goals when preparing for the cold season. Indoor Air Quality Level During winter, your indoor air quality decreases due to the lack of moisture and the continuous use of heating equipment. People tend to remain indoors and turn up their heaters and electronics while using little to no ventilation. The air becomes saturated with various toxins that are produced indoors and brought in from outside. Humidity Level Humidity measures the amount of water vapor in the air, whether indoors or outdoors. Because cold air holds less moisture than warmer air, the level of humidity in winter decreases as the temperature does the same. Indoors, your heater increases the amount of drying in the air and decreases the humidity level. When the Home Becomes too Dangerous As part of an annual maintenance plan, work on improving your indoor air quality level during the winter. You and your family use...

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Does Your Water Heater Need an Expansion Tank?

November 19, 2022

If you’ve recently purchased a new construction home in Dayton, Ohio, your hot water heater may need an expansion tank. Although older homes were often built with open-loop plumbing systems, most new properties are not. When hot water expands within their water heaters, it has absolutely nowhere to go. When it is trapped inside these units, the resulting pressure can cause serious problems. Following is everything you need to know about hot water heater expansion tanks, including whether or not your home requires one. What Is a Hot Water Heater Expansion Tank? As the temperature of water rises, it expands. This is referred to as thermal expansion. Given that water heaters can only contain a finite amount of water, thermal expansion makes it necessary for extra water and the related pressure to have a place to go. Open-loop plumbing systems accommodate this expansion by allowing additional liquid and pressure to flow back into their supply lines. Closed-loop plumbing systems do not. They provide a single path that water can flow into while blocking the way back out. These plumbing systems are designed to prevent water from moving in the reverse direction and from re-entering municipal water lines. An expansion tank...

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2023 Regulatory Changes

October 18, 2022

The US DOE has increased the minimum efficiency requirement again. This newest efficiency improvement goes into effect on January 1st, 2023. Luckily Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and Carrier have been preparing for this change for quite some time, so we’re ready! Not only was the DOE looking for a 7-8% increase in efficiency on baseline cooling equipment, but they also wanted to get the testing procedure right. Currently, residential HVAC systems are tested for efficiency at 0.1 inches of external static pressure. Without getting technical and boring, that operating scenario is not realistic. Most HVAC systems in homes operate around 0.5 inches of static pressure, sometimes a little more or less. You might be wondering what this has to do with the efficiency of regulatory changes. Well, it just makes everything a bit more complicated. If you test the same system at 0.1”, then run it again at 0.5”, the efficiency will noticeably drop. This is because the air conditioner or heat pump has to work harder to produce the same airflow. If you put that all together, you’ll see that not only has the efficiency target changed, but the test to reach that target has become more difficult....

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Furnaces vs. Boilers: Which Is Right for Your Home?

October 11, 2022

If you’re in the market for a new heating system for your home, you may be wondering whether you should buy a furnace or a boiler. Both devices have their pros and cons, so it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. There are a few things to consider when weighing your options. Method of Heating One of the critical differences between furnaces and boilers is how they heat your home. Furnaces use a system of forced air to circulate warmth throughout your home, while boilers use a system of hot water radiators. Each type of system has its own set of pros and cons. For example, boilers are typically more expensive than furnaces. However, they’re also more efficient at heating your home, so you’ll save money on your energy bills in the long run. Furnaces, on the other hand, can heat up your home more quickly than a boiler. Heating Capacity Furnaces and boilers also differ in their heating capacity. Furnaces typically have a higher heating capacity than boilers, so they are better suited for larger homes. However, boilers can provide more evenly distributed heat, making them a better choice for smaller homes. Boilers don’t...

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Common Water Heater Problems You May Encounter

September 13, 2022

Water heaters may be silent, but they do a lot of work in our homes. Most water heaters are designed to last. They usually come with long warranties – assuring you of using them for many years without facing any issues. But with a combination of water, heat and other external factors, problems are still bound to happen. Some of the problems may be minor and a simple repair can restore them back to normal functioning. It is important to contact a qualified technician to check the issue and have it fixed. has certified water heater technicians who work round the clock. All you need to do is make a call and give your location. 1. Water Temperature Issues Water temperature issues are some of the most commonly experienced problems with water heaters. The first issue is cold water. The major cause of cold water is either a faulty heating element or a faulty thermostat. Warm water is another issue. This can be a result of an undersized water heater or crossed hot and cold connections. 2. Leaks There are many factors that can cause leakage in a water heater. Some of them include improper water pressure, overheating, a stuck...

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Things You Need to Know About Power Washing an AC Unit

August 15, 2022

If you’re thinking about cleaning your air conditioner yourself, we recommend that you wipe it down. ‍Power washing your air conditioner unit is not recommended. Power washing your unit can cause damage that’s difficult to repair and increases the wear and tear on your system. Also, power washing can leave dirt and grit inside your unit that’s hard to clean out and poses a constant maintenance issue. With these risks in mind, here are some other things you should know about power washing an AC unit. What Is Power Washing? Power washing is applying an exceptionally high volume of water to a surface to remove dirt and grime. There are two power washers: a portable unit and an industrial or institutional unit. Mobile units come with a hose that you can use to spray water at a distance. Industrial or institutional units are designed to spray water at high pressure through a hose long enough to cut through dirt, grease, and other substances. Don’t Power Wash an AC Unit Power washing your unit is a bad idea due to several reasons. First, there is a very good chance you’ll damage it. This damage is difficult to repair, and may require...

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What Should I Do When My AC Unit Freezes Up?

July 20, 2022

If you see your outdoor AC unit has frozen up, it’s important to take care of the situation right away. Continuing to use your air conditioner can result in major damage. There are things you can do to prevent this from happening in the first place. Thaw It Out Turn off the power to your AC unit. You can do so either with the thermostat or in your electrical breaker box. Depending on the amount of ice, it can take anywhere from a few hours to over a day to thaw out. Don’t try to break up the ice with a sharp tool or a hammer, as you could easily break multiple parts. Dry Your AC Unit Once the ice has melted, it’s time to dry your AC unit. You can use towels to dry it, or just let it dry naturally. Turn your AC system back on and set the fan to “ON” on the thermostat. This will circulate air through your AC system and quickly dry the coils. Once everything is dry, use your AC as normal. Change Your Air Filter The cause of an AC unit freezing over is usually a lack of airflow. When your air...

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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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