Comparing HVAC Estimates

February 28th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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When you need major heating and air conditioning work such an HVAC replacement and installation, you should obtain estimates from two or three different HVAC contractors before starting work.  By getting several estimates, you will have the opportunity to meet each of the HVAC contractors and evaluate whether you would be comfortable having them do the work.

In addition, you will be in a better position to make sure that you are getting a high quality unit installed at a reasonable price.  Some people automatically choose the lowest estimate thinking that they will save money.  This can be a major mistake.  The lowest estimate is not always the best one.  The contractor may be “low-balling” the estimate to get the job, then will add on other costs later after the work has already begun. 

Also, in some cases a low estimate is an indication that the contractor will be installing lower quality or undersized equipment.  Compare the size of the unit in each estimate. Any significant discrepancies call for further investigation.

You can also compare the quality of the equipment by comparing the warranty period.  The warranty is not a guarantee, but it gives you an indication of the approximate relative level of quality between similar sized units.  You should also compare the energy efficiency of each unit.   A more efficient unit can save money in the long run.

The estimate should include the cost of labor which may vary between HVAC contractors, but be sure that the installer will be an experienced HVAC technician. Finally, check to see that the estimate includes clean up and disposal of the old unit.

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Ductless Mini Split HVAC Systems

January 10th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Ductless mini split heating and cooling systems are a great new alternative to traditional ducted HVAC systems.  A mini split system is similar to a modern heat pump, but as the name implies it does not use any ducts to distribute the heated or cooled air.

A ductless mini split system uses an outdoors compressor/condenser like a heat pump, but indoors it uses a separate individual air handler for each room instead of a central air handler with ducts to blow the air to each room like a heat pump or furnace.  Mini-split systems can have anywhere from one to four indoor air handlers for each outdoor unit.

Mini split systems are an excellent alternative to replace older ductless heating systems such as water or oil filled radiators, space heaters, or radiant panels.  They are easy to install and only require a three inch hole in the wall to connect indoor air handler to the outdoor unit.

They are also an excellent choice for installation in room additions where extending the ducting would be impractical or where the existing HVAC system would not be large enough to heat and cool the additional space.

Because they do not rely on ducts for air distribution, mini split systems are very efficient.  Traditional central heat and air conditioning systems can lose as much as 30% of their heating and cooling energy through the duct system.  Also, each indoor air handler in a mini split system has a separate thermostat.  Each room can be heated or cooled depending on how it is used resulting in further energy savings.

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Advantages Of Programmable Thermostats

January 9th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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With the cold winter weather hard upon us in most of the country, many consumers are looking for ways to increase their comfort level while reducing their heating costs.  An HVAC accessory that is perfect for the job is a programmable thermostat.  Proper use of a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to reduce your home heating costs while increasing your comfort level. 

A standard manual thermostat is set to maintain a constant temperature in your home.  You can save on heating costs by lowering the temperature at night and during the day while you and your family are away from home.  The problem is that if you forget to lower the setting at night or in the morning when you leave home, your furnace will keep your home at the warmer temperature.

Another disadvantage of a manual thermostat is that you have to turn up the thermostat in the morning and your home does not really warm up until it is time to head off to work or school for the day.  The same is true when you arrive at home in the evening.

A programmable thermostat takes care of these concerns.  It can be set to automatically lower the temperature setting at bedtime, and to raise the temperature in the morning shortly before you wake.  When you get up in the morning, your home is already warm!  The programmable thermostat will later lower the temperature after everyone has left home for the day, and again increase the setting to warm up your home before your family returns. 

With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to remember to change the temperature settings.  Once programmed, the thermostat takes care of it automatically.

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HVAC Tax Credit

October 14th, 2010 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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As 2010 comes to a close, this is your last chance to qualify for an energy tax credit for up to $1500 for qualifying, energy efficient home heating and cooling equipment.  Eligible products include central air conditioners, heat pumps, and natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces. 

This is a great opportunity to have these energy efficient products installed in your home today.  When you install an energy efficient central air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace in your home, you will save money on home heating and cooling costs for years and earn a tax credit of up to $1500! 

The tax credit includes installation so be sure to contact your local reputable HVAC professional and start saving money on home heating and cooling costs today.  Your HVAC professional can recommend the size and type of air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump that’s right for your home.  Be sure your HVAC contractor installs tax eligible energy efficient equipment.  If in doubt, ask to see the manufacturer’s certification statement for the equipment your HVAC contractor is recommending.

Heating and cooling your home accounts for as much as half your energy bill.  Even if your old, outdated equipment is in working order, you might save energy and money in the long run by having your HVAC contractor install modern, energy efficient equipment. 

Installing new energy efficient heating and cooling equipment will mean big savings on energy costs, but it is important that it is installed properly.  Improperly installation reduces efficiency by up to 30%.  For the best results and maximum savings, be sure to have your new energy efficient heating and cooling equipment installed by an experienced, reputable local HVAC contractor.

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