Geothermal Heat Pumps – A Great Choice For Cooler Climates

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
Comments Off on Geothermal Heat Pumps – A Great Choice For Cooler Climates

A heat pump is an energy efficient way to heat and cool most homes.  Heat pumps work by moving warm air out of the home during the summer months and into the home in the winter.  Since a heat pump moves heat instead of creating heat, it is much more energy efficient than other types of heating and cooling systems.

More and more homeowners are switching to reliable heat pumps for heating and cooling their homes.  More than 10 percent of homes nationwide rely on energy efficient heat pump systems.  Air source heat pumps are the most common type, but they are not popular in colder climates because their efficiency suffers when outside air temperatures fall below freezing.

Fortunately, geothermal heat pumps (also called ground source heat pumps) work well in colder climates because they depend on a system of pipes buried below ground to transfer heat.  Not only are geothermal heat pumps unaffected by changes in outdoor air temperatures, but they are also the most efficient type of heat pump marketed for residential use.  According to the Department of Energy, switching to a geothermal heat pump can save a homeowner up to 60 percent on home heating and cooling costs.

In addition geothermal heat pumps can be combined with a desuperheater to heat water as well as provide home heating and cooling which results in additional energy savings.  Geothermal heat pumps have a higher initial cost than many other types of heating and cooling systems, but they are very durable and the savings on your energy bill can pay for the cost of the system in a few years.

, ,
Read More

Innovations in Heat Pump Technology

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
Comments Off on Innovations in Heat Pump Technology

Heat pump technology has been around for more than 50 years, but only recently has the rise in energy costs and concerns about energy conservation led to the development of reliable, energy efficient heat pumps designed for residential heating and coooling.  Heat pumps initially marketed for residential use relied largely on compressors and other components designed for use in air conditioners.  These parts were not up to the task of meeting the heavier demands place on them by a heat pump.

Since then, heavier duty components designed specifically for use in residential heat pumps have made heat pumps not only  more energy efficient, but more reliable as well.  Innovations in heat pump technology continue to increase the efficiency and reliability of heat pump systems.

Ground source heat pumps (also called geothermal heat pumps) are the most energy efficient type of heat pump, but the relatively high cost of installation of a ground source heat pump has deterred many homeowners.  Dual source heat pumps have been designed that combine the attributes of ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps.  These units are almost as efficient as a ground source heat pump, but much less expensive to install.

Multi-speed compressors allow heat pumps to operate at slower speeds when the demand for heating or cooling is moderate, using less energy and saving wear and tear on the system.  Scroll compressors have been developed that are more reliable and operate more quietly and efficiently than piston driven compressors.  Variable speed fans operate more quietly than single speed fans and do a better job of dehumidifying the air which makes the home more comfortable.

, ,
Read More

Versatile Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Systems

June 21st, 2012 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Versatile Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Systems

Almost all heat pump systems (and most central air conditioning systems) used for residential heating and cooling are “split systems” that have an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor air handler/evaporator connected to the ductwork.  Refrigerant lines run between these two major components which warm or cool the air as needed.  The conditioned air is distributed throughout the home by the ductwork.

In a home that was built without ductwork, installing a standard heat pump can be a problem.  Running the ductwork in a home built without ducts can be very difficult and expensive.  However, these homes were often built with some type of electric radiant heating system such as a floor heater that can be expensive to operate.

Ductless mini-split heat pumps offer a solution for converting to an energy efficient heat pump without the hassle and expense of installing ductwork.  Ductless mini split systems are also great for heating and cooling room additions where extending the duct system is impractical or undesirable.

A ductless mini-split system consists of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers located in each room.  No ductwork is needed for a mini-split system and by eliminating the air losses associated with ductwork, a mini-split system can operate more efficiently than a traditional heat pump system.  It also offers the versatility of being able to adjust the climate controls separately in each room.

The primary drawbacks to mini-split systems are the relatively high cost and the space required for the air handler in each room.  However, they can be an excellent energy efficient heating and cooling system for homes without ductwork already in place.

, ,
Read More

Tax Incentives For Geothermal Heat Pumps

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
Comments Off on Tax Incentives For Geothermal Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient ways to heat and cool a residence.  Although the technology has been around for decades, heat pumps have only become popular in recent years and it is estimated that more than ten percent of American homes rely on a heat pump for heating and cooling.  Air source heat pumps that work much like a central air conditioning system are by far the most common, but geothermal heat pumps (also called ground source heat pumps) are becoming increasingly popular.

Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient type of heat pump marketed for residential use.  In addition, they are very durable and require less maintenance that other types of home heating and cooling systems.  A geothermal heat pump has an expected life of about 20 years for the pump and up to 50 years for the underground piping.

Over the life of the system, a geothermal heat pump can save a homeowner thousands of dollars on energy costs for heating and cooling.  However, many homeowners are deterred by the relatively high initial cost of a geothermal heat pump.

Fortunately, federal tax credits are available to help offset the initial cost of a new geothermal heat pump.  You may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of a new geothermal heat pump installed before Dec. 31. 2016.  In addition, some states offer additional tax credits and your local utility may offer incentives for new heat pump installations.  Your local HVAC contractor will have more information about incentives available in your local area.

, ,
Read More

Compare Costs With Efficiency For Lowest Overall Expense

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Comments Off on Compare Costs With Efficiency For Lowest Overall Expense

When choosing a new heating and air conditioning system for your home, you will have a range of choices including various levels of energy efficiency.  Energy efficiency varies not only between types of systems such as heat pumps compared to a central air conditioner/furnace systems, but also within the same type of equipment .  Central air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps are all available in varying levels of efficiency.

Installing the highest efficiency heating and cooling system available may be the environmentally responsible thing to do, but from a financial stand point higher efficiency does not always equal cost savings.  Each manufacturer offers several different models of energy efficient heating and cooling systems.  The higher the efficiency of the unit, the more expensive it will be.

The question becomes “will you save enough money on your energy bills by going with the higher efficiency model to offset the added cost of the unit. This is not an easy question to answer because it depends on so many variables including what the climate is like where you live, how well your home has been weather proofed, the cost of energy in your area, and how long the equipment is expected to last.

Your HVAC contractor can help you decide, but in general if you live in an area where heavy use of the air conditioner or heating system is the norm such as New Mexico or Minnesota, it most likely pays to go with the higher efficiency unit.  On the other hand, if you live in a temperate climate such as Portland Oregon, you will come out ahead financially by going with the less expensive, lower efficiency system.

, ,
Read More

The Right Size Heating And Cooling System

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Comments Off on The Right Size Heating And Cooling System

Replacing an older, inefficient heating and cooling system is a great way to save money on your energy bills.  Heating and cooling accounts for more than half the energy usage in the home and new heating and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than those installed just ten years ago.

When choosing a replacement system, it is very important to choose a system that is properly sized for your home in order to maximize efficiency and comfort while minimizing the initial cost and operating costs over the life of the system.  An air conditioning or heating system that does not have enough capacity will not be able to keep your home comfortable, but the most common mistake is to install a system that is too large.

Don’t let your HVAC contractor simply install a system that is the same size as the existing system.  Before homes were tightly built to minimize air leaks, it was very common to install a system that was too large and if you have improved your home by installing weather stripping, additional insulation, or energy efficient windows then replacing the system with a similarly sized system will result in a system that is much too large.

Make sure your HVAC contractor does a proper calculation that takes into account the size of your home, your location, how well insulated the home is, the number of occupants living in the home, number and type of lights in the home, and other factors that affect the size of the system.  A system that is too large will have a higher initial cost, higher operating cost, more breakdowns, will not keep your home and family as comfortable as a properly sized unit.

, ,
Read More

How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced

June 7th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
Comments Off on How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced

A common question asked regarding a home furnace is when the furnace needs to be replaced. To be honest, there is no straightforward, simple answer. Many individuals believe that when their furnace begins to make noises or stops working altogether means that the furnace needs to be replaced; however, that isn’t always true.  You may just need a furnace repair. Regardless, it is important that you replace your furnace before it leads to an uncomfortable and unhealthy home due to an inefficient heating system.

Here are four signs that you may need to replace your furnace.

  1. Age of Your Furnace – How long have you had your furnace? The average life expectancy of a furnace in residential homes today is anywhere between 15 and 20 years. If you have had your furnace for nearly 15 years, then it is probably time to start saving up and searching for a quality replacement. After all, it is better to plan ahead to improve the mechanical appliances within your home rather than wait until the last minute when your furnace has to be replaced and replace it in a hurry.
  2. Check Your Energy Bills – Have you seen a rise in your energy bills? This could be a sign  of a furnace needing to soon be replaced. As a furnace ages, it becomes less and less efficient causing your energy bills to rise. When this happens, you are better off purchasing a new furnace that is energy efficient.
  3. Thermostat Comfort – If you find yourself constantly adjusting the furnace thermostat, then it could be because your furnace is unable to comfortably and properly distribute air throughout your home.
  4. Burner Flame Color – Have a look at your burner flame on your gas furnace. If it is yellow instead of blue then your furnace could be releasing a carbon monoxide poison in your home, which could result in a multitude of problems including serious health issues.

To learn more about when your furnace needs to be replaced, contact a professional HVAC company today. A HVAC technician can come out, inspect and analyze your heating system to ensure that it is in proper working order to ensure that your home environment is healthy and comfortable.

, ,
Read More

Residential HVAC Maintenance and Service

June 7th, 2012 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
Comments Off on Residential HVAC Maintenance and Service

To keep your indoor living spaces comfortable year round, what you really need is a good quality Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system installed at your home.

HVAC systems are primarily used to provide comfortable indoor temperatures and to maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation and air filtration.

There are a variety of common problems that are found in HVAC systems.

  • Problem with pilot lights
  • Temperature control malfunction
  • Blockage of vents
  • Cold spots or inconsistent heat areas
  • Impurities in vents
  • Panels of air ducts start leaking air
  • Replacement of filters
  • Filtration parts replacement
  • Replacement of corroded pipes
  • Change of thermostat
  • Washing & cleaning of the entire system

In order to get reliable HVAC repairs, you need a reputable service provider who knows how to install, maintain and service your HVAC systems. For the best performance of your HVAC system, you need regular inspection and service by a professional HVAC service technician.

When hiring a residential HVAC maintenance provider, consider the following:

  • The company should have the capability to install, repair and carry out HVAC maintenance on new constructions, existing systems, and also for renovation.
  • The company should have the tools and equipment to carry out preventive maintenance and the staff should be well trained and experienced to find the weak areas.
  • The company should have the capability to carry out repair, maintenance and cleaning of the ducts.
  • Make sure that they are available at short notice and have 24Hr availability.
, ,
Read More

Why You Need to Maintain Your Commercial HVAC System

June 7th, 2012 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
Comments Off on Why You Need to Maintain Your Commercial HVAC System

Like anything mechanical, your commercial HVAC system requires regular maintenance to ensure that it works properly, has a reduced downtime and operates continually. When heat or air is lost, which is often because of an improperly installed and/or maintained commercial HVAC system, costly situations arise for the business or building owner.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, a properly maintained commercial HVAC system will extend the HVAC system’s life. Unscheduled commercial HVAC service and  repairs are less likely if you have maintained your HVAC system since the moment it was installed.

Without a license, there are a number of things that you cannot do with your HVAC system; however, there are also plenty that you can do to maintain your system. For one, you can change filters on a regular basis while also cleaning indoor vents occasionally to avoid buildup. You can also make sure that there is nothing resting on the top of your outdoor unit. If you know how, you can clean the cooling coils regularly to avoid buildup. If you aren’t sure how, ask a HVAC technician to show you the basic steps.

Your HVAC system can remain operating at maximum efficiency while keeping your energy and your repair costs to a minimum by maintaining the system on a regular basis. If you ever have any problems with your HVAC system working properly or heating or cooling efficiently, then you want to call a commercial HVAC professional at your earliest convenience. Not only can a professional determine the problem and fix it, the HVAC technician can also perform tests and analyze data to determine ways that you can save money by improving the system’s efficiency.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies