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

Choosing an HVAC System for Your Home

January 18th, 2012 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Choosing an HVAC System for Your Home

When it comes to HVAC system replacements, today’s homeowner has many different types of heating and cooling systems to choose from.  Those choices are almost unlimited for new home construction, but for most existing homes a homeowner will be choosing between a heat pump and a traditional furnace combined with a central air conditioning system.

The location of the home plays a very important role in the choice of HVAC system.  One of the best things a homeowner can do is to talk to an experienced local HVAC contractor.  They will have a good handle on the types of systems that make the most sense for your area.

For example, in the Pacific Northwest and in other mountainous regions, many homes are not equipped with an air conditioning system because temperatures rarely exceed comfortable levels.  In these areas, a high efficiency furnace may be a good choice.  A heat pump might be a more efficient user of energy, but unless you have a need for at least occasional cooling, you would be wasting money on a system that heats and cools, no matter how efficient.

On the other hand, in warmer climates a heat pump is an excellent alternative.  Heat pumps offer energy efficient heating and cooling in a single system and are a great choice where air conditioning is needed and winter temperatures do not routinely stay below freezing for extended periods of time.

In northern climates that get cold in the winter and hot in the summer, a heat pump can be an excellent energy efficient heating and cooling system for most of the year, but they lose some efficiency in extremely cold temperatures.  One alternative is to use a heat pump with a traditional fossil fuel burning furnace installed as a secondary heat source for the coldest winter temperatures.

, ,
Read More

Understanding Variable Speed Fans

January 18th, 2012 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Understanding Variable Speed Fans

If you have been shopping for a new HVAC system for your home, you probably know that there are many confusing options and features on most new HVAC systems.  The good news is that most of these features help increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce operating costs.  One feature commonly found on many of today’s energy efficient heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning systems is a variable speed fan.

A variable speed fan is sometimes referred to as a variable speed blower.  Not matter what nomenclature the manufacturer gives it, the purpose of the fan or blower is to circulate the heated or cooled air through your home.

Variable speed fans are primarily designed to increase the energy efficiency of the system.  Unlike a traditional fan that operates at the same speed under all conditions, a variable speed fan runs faster or slower depending the demand for warm or cool air.  When the demand is low, the fan will run at a slower speed and reduce energy consumption.

A variable speed fan has other advantages as well.  Some homeowners prefer to set the fun to run all the time, continuously circulating the air in the home.  The home is more evenly heated and cooled and the furnace filter can do a better job of removing airborne contaminants.

If you are one of these homeowners, an HVAC system equipped with a variable speed fan is an excellent choice.  When running in continuous mode, the fan will run quietly and use far less energy than a traditional fan.

, ,
Read More

Choosing a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

December 20th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Choosing a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

If you are in the market for a new central air conditioning system, you are in luck!  Modern central air conditioning systems are much more efficient than systems manufactured fifteen or twenty years ago.  According to EPA estimates, you can save as much as a third on your energy bills by replacing your old inefficient air conditioner with a new energy efficient model.

The energy efficiency of a central air conditioning system is expressed as its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER).  Modern air conditioners have SEER ratings from 10 to 17.  The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

Before you rush off and buy the most energy efficient model on the market, take the time to evaluate your air conditioning needs and decide which model would provide the best return on your investment.  The highest efficiency units are more expensive than standard efficiency units.  Your HVAC professional can help, but what you need to look at is whether the energy savings from the higher efficiency air conditioner is greater than the difference in the purchase price.

If you live in a very warm climate where your air conditioner will run a lot, you will probably come out ahead by paying more for a more efficient new HVAC system. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate where the air conditioner is used infrequently, a less expensive, less efficient system would be the most economical in the long run.

In either case, be sure to have your HVAC technician install a new programmable thermostat that’s matched to your system to maximize your energy savings and minimize your carbon footprint.

, ,
Read More

Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split System

December 6th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split System

A ductless mini split heating and cooling system is an alternative to a traditional split system that can be the perfect solution in certain situations.  A traditional split system heat pump or air conditioner has an outdoor condenser hooked to an air handler inside the home.  The air handler distributes the heated or cooled air throughout the home through a network of ducts.

A ductless mini split system works exactly like a conventional split system except that instead of a network of ducts, there is an air handler in each room that delivers the conditioned air to that room.  Each air handler is connected to the condenser by a line set for the refrigerant and has its own thermostat.

These systems are an excellent alternative for retrofits to homes and buildings that did not have a central heating and cooling system installed and lack the space needed to install a duct system.  There is no ductwork involved with a mini split system.  The air handler simply mounts on the wall and delivers conditioned air directly to the room.  They also work well in homes that would benefit from zoned heating and cooling.  Since each air handler is controlled by its own thermostat, the temperature and humidity in each area of the home is easily controlled.

Homes with finished attics, basements, additions, and bonus rooms over the garage are often great candidates for zoned heating and cooling and ductless mini split systems make zoning for these applications a breeze.    Your HVAC contractor can help you decide if a ductless mini split system is good solution for your HVAC needs.

, ,
Read More

Sealing Your HVAC Ducts

December 6th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Sealing Your HVAC Ducts

Your central heating and cooling system uses a network of ducts to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home.  The EPA estimates that on average, about 20 percent of the air moving through these ducts leaks out before reaching your vents.  All this lost conditioned air means that your HVAC system must work that much harder to keep your home comfortable.

In addition, if your ducts run through areas that get cold or hot like a basement or attic, insulating the ducts can improve the performance of your HVAC system.  Insulating and sealing your ducts can help with uneven heating and cooling problems.  The rooms farthest from your air handler are usually the most affected by this problem.

Some ducts are inaccessible because they are concealed behind walls or in ceilings or floors, but if your ducts are accessible in your crawlspace, basement or attic, sealing them properly can save you money on your heating and cooling bills and keep your home more comfortable.

If you choose to tackle the project yourself, use mastic or metal tape to seal any leaking joints in the duct system.  Be sure to check around where the ducts connect to the vents and make sure these connections are well sealed.  Insulate any ducts you have access to.

A better alternative is to let a reputable local HVAC contractor with experience in air duct fabrication handle the job.  They will do a professional job of sealing and insulating your ducts and can identify any other problems with your ductwork such as improper installation and design.

, ,
Read More

Programmable Thermostat Installation

November 5th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Programmable Thermostat Installation

Programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and do your part for the environment.  Lower energy use for heating and air conditioning means more money in your pocket and few greenhouse gas emissions.  If used properly the thermostat should pay for itself in less than two years according to EPA estimates.  After that, you will enjoy year after year of energy cost savings.

It is relatively easy to replace most existing thermostats with a programmable thermostat, but proper installation is important for the thermostat to work properly.  If you have any doubt about your mechanical skills or how to install your programmable thermostat, it is well worth the small cost of having the thermostat installed by an HVAC professional. Most reputable HVAC contractors will be happy to help you select and install the right thermostat for your home.

It is important to install the thermostat in a location that accurately reflects the temperature inside your home.  Install it on an inside wall away from sources of hot or cold air such as heating and air conditioning vents, doors, and windows.  You should also avoid placing the thermostat in a location that receives direct sunlight or near a fireplace or woodstove.

If you are handling the installation yourself, turn off the power to the thermostat before you start work.  Thermostats use low voltage, but they can still give you a shock.  If the job involves more than just a straight replacement of your existing thermostat, you should have an HVAC contractor handle it.  Also, if you have a heat pump, make sure the thermostat was designed to work properly with heat pumps.

, ,
Read More

Install a Programmable Thermostat to Save on Your Energy Bills

November 5th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Install a Programmable Thermostat to Save on Your Energy Bills

If you are still reeling from your electricity bills for your summer air conditioning, you are probably not looking forward to the onset of winter and the associated heating bills.  One great way to save money on your energy bills throughout the year while doing your part for the environment is to install a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat can reduce your energy usage for heating and cooling while increasing your comfort level. Less energy used means fewer fossil fuels burned to create electricity and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

A programmable thermostat can be programmed to adjust the heat or cool setting in your home depending on your lifestyle.  In the winter, the thermostat can be programmed to turn down the temperature after you go to bed and turn it back up in the morning before your alarm goes off.  It can do the same thing while you are at work during the day.

In the summer the thermostat is programmed to keep your home cooler while you are awake and at home.  Most of these thermostats allow for a separate program to handle weekends

You can achieve similar results by turning the thermostat up or down manually, but a programmable thermostat frees you from having to remember to adjust the thermostat every time you wake up, go to bed, go to work, and arrive at home.  In addition, the thermostat can be set to adjust the temperature before you get out of bed or home from work and after you go to bed or leave the house for the day.  No more waiting for the house to cool down or heat up to a comfortable temperature.

A reputable HVAC contractor who sells and installs HVAC accessories and optional components can help you choose a programmable thermostat that’s right for you.

, ,
Read More

Save Money By Using Your Programmable Thermostat Properly

November 5th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Save Money By Using Your Programmable Thermostat Properly

According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save up to $180 per year on energy costs by properly using a programmable thermostat.  If you do the installation yourself, you can recoup the cost of the thermostat in about six months or less.

Unless you are confident that you can install the thermostat correctly, you should have it installed by a reputable HVAC contractor who sells and installs HVAC accessories and optional components.  Costs vary, but you can probably recover the cost of the professionally installed thermostat in about one to two years.

In either case, these thermostats can last for fifteen to twenty years or longer.  That means whether you install the thermostat yourself or rely on a professional HVAC contractor, you will enjoy many years of savings if you follow the EPA guidelines.

The EPA recommends that you program the thermostat to hold the temperature at the energy saving level for long periods of time such as all day while you are at work or all night while you are asleep.  Avoid using the “override” feature to adjust the temperature setting.  The more often you use this feature, the lower your energy savings will be.

Instead, try to program the unit so that you will remain comfortable without having to adjust the temperature manually.  These thermostats work best when they are “set and forget”.  The less you manually adjust the temperature, the more consistently the thermostat will be saving you energy.

If your home has multiple heating and cooling systems such as a separate system for each level of your home, use a separate thermostat for each system.

, ,
Read More

Hail Damage to Your Outdoor AC Unit

August 19th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
Comments Off on Hail Damage to Your Outdoor AC Unit

Most of us know that hail can damage our roofs, siding, cars, and landscaping, but not many people are aware that hail can do serious damage to your outdoor HVAC unit.  This is especially true if you live in an area where your AC unit is commonly mounted on the roof where it is totally unprotected from the damaging effects of hail.

When hail strikes the soft metal cooling fins surrounding the condenser coil, it crushes the fins together and impedes the flow of air through the condenser.  Your AC unit needs excellent air flow to cool down the hot compressed refrigerant.   When air flow is blocked, the air conditioner cannot operate efficiently. 

It may need to run longer than normal to achieve the same cooling or it may run constantly without ever reaching the desired cooling level.  Your compressor will be working much harder trying to cool your home and it will usually fail within a few months.   If your AC unit is damaged by hail, have it checked out by a good HVAC technician. 

In some cases, the cooling fins can be repaired by “combing” them until they are nearly straight again.  If this procedure fails to fix the problem, you will need a new coil or possibly a whole new outdoor AC unit. 

Check with your homeowners insurance policy to see if the hail damaged HVAC unit will be covered under your homeowners insurance.  Even if you did not find the problem until months after the hailstorm, call your insurance agent.  You may be entitled to a new air conditioner unit.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies