Restoring Your HVAC System After Flooding

Flooding is almost always unexpected and the damage to your home can be extensive. Hurricanes, heavy rains and other disasters can bring water into your home – even your plumbing can flood the inside of your house. Flood clean up is expensive and tedious, but you want to make sure that all the water damage is fixed. This includes restoring your HVAC system once the water and moisture have been eliminated from your home.

Once your home has been inspected for safety and you can begin flood restoration, make sure your HVAC system is completely turned off at the breaker. Mark the water level on your furnace and HVAC equipment so a technician can inspect those areas.

When the water cleanup is completed, you should have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected by a HVAC professional. They can determine if any or all of the components are damaged, or if the system will need replacement. Unfortunately, severe flooding can lead to a complete failure of many HVAC systems. Even if the system still works, the water damage can lead to rust and early component corrosion and failure. Your HVAC professional can let you know the extent of the damage and whether replacing the entire system is the best option.

Getting your HVAC system up and running again can be a crucial part of recovering from flood damage. A working heating and cooling system will be necessary to keep a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent mold and other problems. Make sure getting your HVAC system inspected, repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible is on your priority list. Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if repair or replacement of your HVAC system from flood damage is covered by your insurance carrier.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

Benefits of Replacing AC and Furnace Together

Your air conditioning unit and furnace work together for climate control in your home, but they are still separate systems. It is likely that one will wear out before the other if they were installed at the same time, most likely the AC unit as AC units tend to have a shorter lifespan than furnaces. However, replacing one without replacing the other can cause issues for efficiency and impact overall costs. Here are some benefits of replacing both at the same time.

Cohesive System for Efficiency

Replacing both AC and furnace at the same time gives you a chance to match the systems for the best efficiency. Your HVAC professional can help you find a AC and furnace that use the same air handler, reducing the equipment needed and costs. Plus, matched systems are designed to work together for efficiency, giving you lower energy bills year-round.

Newer Technology

If one system needs replacement, it is a good time to upgrade to newer technology for lower energy costs and convenience. However, you will not receive the full benefits if you have an older furnace or AC unit impacting the new system.

Save on Installation

It costs more to install two systems separately then together. Even if your furnace may have a few years left in it when it is time to replace your AC, it can save you money to do it at the same time. You can either repair your AC to extend its life a little longer or replace your furnace sooner to a more efficient system.

When one half of your HVAC system needs replacing, it is wise to consider the benefits of replacing both together. Discuss your options with your local HVAC professional.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

What Does SEER Rating Mean?

Are you looking at new AC units and noticing SEER ratings listed? This is one of the factors that is often listed as a benefit on AC units, but if you do not know what it means, it doesn’t help you decide on which model is right for you. Here is some basic information on this measurement and what it means in terms of energy efficiency and cooling your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

Although it is often referred to as a SEER rating, the acronym SEER already uses the word “rating” as it stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Although the term SEER rating is redundant, it is one of the factors what you want to look for when choosing a new AC unit for your home.

Most older AC units that are currently installed in homes have SEER ratings of less than 10. New models have at least 13-14, which is a big difference in energy savings. SEER ratings can go up to 21 or higher, with improved efficiency at each level. However, the higher the rating, the more expensive the AC unit is likely to be. While you want a new AC unit that will save you money on energy costs, you need to calculate whether it is worth the extra initial investment. In warmer regions it may be – but keep in mind that SEER ratings are the maximum a unit will get, not the minimum.

When it comes time to buy a new HVAC unit for your home, talk to an HVAC professional about the importance of SEER ratings. Having an energy analysis done in your home can give you a better idea of what level of SEER would be best for your use and help you get the right model for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528