Is Your HVAC System Ready For Winter?

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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With colder months ahead, now is the time to make sure that your HVAC system is ready to keep you warm and cozy through the winter. Even newer HVAC systems need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Nobody wants their heating system tofail in the middle of a cold snap; not only is it inconvenient, it is also when HVAC technicians are the busiest and may not be able to quickly get out to fix your problem. Like most mechanical systems, preventative maintenance can save you money and time by fixing issues before they become expensive problems. 

Winter Maintenance Items

There are a few items on your HVAC system that should be checked or replaced before the coldest months of the year are upon you. Some you may be able to do yourself, however regular annual residential HVAC maintenance should be performed by a professional. 

  • Filters. Many filters on HVAC systems need to be cleaned or replaced monthly, or every three months at maximum. Before the cold sets in, make sure your filters are clean and ready for duty.
     
  • Thermostat. One of the most common problems in a heating unit is the failure of the thermostat. While HVAC systems can last decades, the thermostats often need replacing more often.
     
  • Duct cleaning. Through the year, dust and bacteria can build up in your air ducts. Before blowing these contaminants around your home, have your ducts cleaned for a healthy winter. 

Not only can maintenance prevent breakdowns, it can also save on energy bills. By having your HVAC cleaned and maintained before the winter months, it should run more efficiently and be ready to handle your heating needs until spring arrives.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Different Types Of HVAC Systems

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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There are a few different types of HVAC systems that are available, each using a slightly different method to heat and cool as well as using different energy sources. Although they all offer the basic elements of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, depending on the energy sources available and how the unit is used, one may suit a home or business better than another.

–        HVAC system using furnace and condensing. This system uses a transfer of air from outdoors to replace indoor air, which is pushed out of the building. The air is pushed through by the motor and blower, then either warmed by heat exchangers from the furnace, or cooled through the evaporation coils. These are usually split systems, with heat and air conditioning separated.

–        HVAC zoning. Very common in large commercial buildings, HVAC zoning allows the premise to be divided into different zones, so each area can be controlled differently in regards to temperature. These systems use dampers that control the air flow, and will have different thermostats to gauge temperature levels in each zone. Although they’re more popular on the commercial level, these systems can also be in residential homes as well.

–        HVAC system heat-hybrid. Similar to split systems that use furnace and condensing, these use a heat pump instead of an air conditioning unit. This can be a more energy efficient system, using electricity for the heat pump which helps in both heating and cooling.

–        Ductless Mini-Split systems. Theese packaged systems are smaller and use less space than a traditional split system, and are often an excellent alternative for applications where installing ductwork is impractical or undesireable. The systems will generally contain a heat pump, thermostat, fan coil and an evaporator coil, all in one package.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Add Value To Your Home With A New HVAC System

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized
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One of the major selling points to a home is the type of heating and cooling system in place. When you’re looking to sell your home, one of the home improvements that can not only add value to the property but also reduce the time it will be on the market is an energy efficient HVAC system. Unlike other home improvements that only are aesthetic, a new HVAC system can save money off heating and cooling bills for decades to come. 

New Versus Old HVAC Systems

An older HVAC system, especially those 20 years or older, can drive energy bills up and cost much more to both heat and cool a home. While older systems may have efficiency ratings of 50-75%, newer systems can have rating of up to 99%. Since heating and cooling a home can be over 50% of the overall energy bill each month, this can save hundreds of dollars, even well over a thousand, each year. By investing in a new HVAC replacement system that’s more efficient, this can lead to a tangible savings that can help your home sell over a comparable home with an older, less efficient system. 

Not many home improvements can actually save money for the home owner in the long run. A newly remodeled kitchen or bathroom may look nice, but will have little actual monetary value when it comes to monthly bills and the home’s value. For many looking to sell their home in the next few years, especially older homes, upgrading the HVAC system may be the best investment you can make to increase your home’s value and save you money on your energy bills until the sale.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Four Common Causes Of HVAC Breakdowns

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Although an HVAC system has many different mechanical parts, there are a few common areas that are typically more likely to cause a breakdown in the unit. If the system begins to malfunction or stops working altogether, these are the first areas that should be checked. Some can be easily remedied and may not require a service call to a HVAC professional, while others will most likely need a skilled technician to fix.  

  • Check the thermostat. The first area to check is whether the thermostat is on. It is not uncommon for the thermostat to accidentally get turned off, and a professional is called out just to turn it back on again.
     
  • Blown fuses. Fuses can blow when the HVAC begins to overheat. Check fuses first, to see if that’s the problem. While this is an easy fix, there may be other problems that should be looked at if the unit is overheating or if the fuse blows again shortly after being replaced.
     
  • Clogged filters. Filters that become clogged can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. Check the filter to see if you can see through it when held up against a light. If it is clogged or dirty, it needs to be replaced. 
     
  • Worn out contactors.  Each motor or compressor within an HVAC unit has a contactor, which supplies electrical current to start them. These can wear out over time, and may need to be replaced. 

There are many other problems that can go wrong with an HVAC unit, however these four areas are a good place to start. Scheduling regular residential HVAC maintenance and inspections for your unit can eliminate many of these problems before they occur, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Importance Of Moisture Levels In Your Home

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in Dehumidifiers
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Your HVAC system may keep your home at the right temperature, but it may not be keeping your home’s air the right level of moisture. Depending on the season and area in which you live, your home may become too high in moisture or too low, both which can have effects on your family’s health. By adding a humidifier or dehumidifier, you can keep the air in your home at a healthy moisture level. 

Humidifiers

Many homes can become low in air moisture, especially during the winter months. Furnaces and other heat can add to the dry air, causing sore throats, dry skin and drying out the respiratory system. There are portable humidifiers that can be used to control moisture in a room, but there are also full house humidifiers that can be added to your HVAC system. 

Dehumidifiers

In homes that retain moisture, there is a danger of mold and mildew in some cases. Mold spores can cause many health problems, especially in small children. A dehumidifier reduces the moisture in the air and can eliminate the danger of mold growing in a home. These can also be bought in smaller, portable options or a whole house dehumidification system can be added as an option to your HVAC system to control moisture in the whole house. 

To find out the moisture level in your home, a professional HVAC technician may use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home. For most homes, a level of 20-40% during the winter and less than 60% during the summer is ideal to keep your home comfortable and healthy. Your local professional can offer options to ensure that your home’s air is always kept at the right moisture level.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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