Are you taking care of your furnace during the winter?
The answer to that question may be more important than you think. During the winter, we spend more time indoors trying to shelter ourselves from the cold. You want to make sure that your home is comfortable AND safe. Shockingly, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.
Here are our tips for maintaining high indoor air quality during the winter.
The first, most important defense against poor indoor air quality is investing in a quality furnace filter. Look into your medical-grade filter options to keep the pollutants, allergens, dust and more away from your family.
If you do not think that a high-efficiency filter is important for your home, you should at least make sure that you are changing your furnace filter often enough. At minimum, you should change your furnace filter four times per year – once before the start of each season. However, if you are an allergy sufferer or you have pets, you may want to consider changing your furnace filter once a month.
Start off with a clean state at the beginning of winter. This starts with your ductwork. After your furnace does its work, the warm air is distributed throughout your home through a system of ducts. You want to make sure that the air is not picking up any unwanted pollutants along the way. To avoid this, schedule a duct cleaning appointment with your local contractor. this is also a good way to catch any hidden issues your home may be suffering from – like mold, insects or rodents.
Be conscious of the cleaners and air fresheners you use during the winter. Consider natural alternatives. Remember, you can potentially breathe in anything you spray on your surface or spritz into the air.
Lastly, don’t forget to schedule a maintenance appointment for your furnace at the beginning of the heating season to make sure everything is operating properly. The time for scheduling an appointment this winter has passed; however, you can always ask your local contractor about a maintenance agreement. Many contractors will set up something with you so that they come out to check your HVAC system twice-a-year – once before the heating season and again before the cooling season.
The time for scheduling spring preventative maintenance will be here before you know it. Don’t forget to talk to your contractor about a maintenance agreement during your yearly appointment.
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Are you gifting yourself a high-efficiency furnace in 2018?
The best way to increase comfort while decreasing utility bill expenses is to make an upgrade to your heating and cooling system.
That being said, the process of buying a new HVAC system can feel a bit daunting. After all, they are not an everyday purchase. Since we are currently in the throes of the heating season, we’re going to talk about gas furnaces right now. Here are some things you would be wise to keep n mind while searching for the right furnace for your home.
- Efficiency. If you want a snapshot into the performance benefits of the new unit you’re buying – consider the efficiency rating. Furnace efficiency is measured with a percentage called the “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency” or “AFUE”. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the equipment. For example, a 96% AFUE gas furnace will convert 96% of the fuel you put into it into useful heating power for your home. Furnaces over 90% AFUE are considered “condensing” models.
- Sizing. Did you know why it is so important for your contractor to come over to your house before giving you a quote for a new system? Your home is unique – you are going to have certain requirements that don’t necessarily fit into a predetermined package. Sizing is one of those factors that is going to be specific to your home. Different sized homes need different sized equipment; however, square footage is not the only factor that determines the size of your heating equipment. Your contractor will take into account your home’s insulation, the number of rooms you have, your windows and more.
- Rebates and Financing. Afraid that you can’t afford the efficiency you want? Make sure to ask your contractor about current promotions and financing options. For example, a manufacturer rebate could bring the price of a high-efficiency furnace down to a point that is within your budget.
- IAQ Additions. Your heating and air conditioning equipment is your first, and main, line of defense against poor indoor air quality. Don’t forget to ask your contractor about IAQ additions (such as whole-home humidifiers, UV light systems or air cleaners).
- Maintenance Agreements. Annual maintenance is the best way to make sure your new equipment runs smoothly year after year. In fact, many manufacturers require maintenance as part of the warranty. A great way to make sure you never miss a maintenance appointment is to ask your contractor about a maintenance agreement. This way, you will be sure to get your cooling equipment checked every spring and your heating equipment checked every fall.
- Paperwork. Make sure you keep all of the paperwork that came with your equipment and was given to you buy your contractor. This way you are covered for the future should anything happen.
- Warranty. Is it your responsibility to register your warranty? Does your contractor take care of it? Make sure you ask your contractor about who registers your equipment for warranty coverage. Most manufacturers have an “out-of-the-box” warranty and a longer warranty that goes into effect after a piece of equipment is registered.
Ultimately, the most important thing you are going to do is choose the right contractor for the job. It is worth your time to research your local contractors. Here are a few red flags to look for when you are searching for a contractor.
- Quotes over the phone
- Little to no presence on the web
- No credible recommendations
- Gives you a quote before visiting your home
Need a good starting off point? Visit the Maytag local contractor finder.
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Are you able to tell when a deal is too good to be true?
If it sounds like an HVAC contractor is offering you a deal that is too good to be true, chances are it is. When it comes to heating and air conditioning equipment, quality is key. And, quality sometimes means paying a little more upfront.
That’s not to say that there aren’t ways to get a good deal; just be smart about it. Here are some things you can check to make sure that a deal is as good as it seems.
Research the contractor giving you the quote. Make sure they have had positive experiences with past clients. Also, see if they have a good reputation on online review sites. In the digital age, it is harder than ever to run from a bad reputation.
NEVER get your equipment from a sketchy source. What is a sketchy source? One example would be an online auction – you can’t guarantee the quality and sustainability of the unit when you’re buying it online. Make sure you get your heating and air conditioning equipment from a licensed professional. This way you can be sure that your equipment is not damaged, is covered under warranty, and didn’t “fall off the back of the truck.”
Check for local and manufacturer rebates. Manufacturers and local utility companies often offer incentives for buying better, more efficient heating and air systems. You may think you can only afford a standard-efficiency system, but a system the next step up may be just as affordable when you factor in a rebate. Doing research is an important part of the buying process.
Don’t always go with rock-bottom pricing. It takes a lot of money to run a professional business. Quality contractors are up-to-date on all licenses and permits, put more time into their work and take continued training to ensure they know how to work with the latest HVAC technology. That’s not to say that all contractors who offer low prices are cutting corners – just be sure they know what they are doing.
Ask questions, get several different quotes and don’t skimp on the installation. Your heating and cooling equipment is an investment in your home comfort, and it is something that will affect your expenses every month. Find out more by scheduling a consultation with a contractor today.
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How much time do you spend in front of a screen?
For years, word-of-mouth recommendations have been king when it comes to contractor recommendations. Think neighbors talking over a fence or families talking over the phone. However, the platform has changed over the past few years. Now, people are turning to the internet for their recommendations. Have you ever used the internet to hire a professional to work on your HVAC equipment?
Start your online contractor search by visiting online review sites – like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor! Why’s that? Well, you can read reviews, see the services a company offers and compare different contractors. You can also do a simple Google search on the contractor you’re considering. This may pull up their website, other sources of reviews or their Better Business Bureau profile.
An online contractor search is a good thing! However, an online equipment search is not so great – especially if you are looking at an online auction site. There are no guarantees when it comes to the quality, warranty or legitimacy of the equipment being sold. If it seems too good to be true, changes are it is.
The same principles apply to hiring a heating and air conditioning contractor. If they are offering you an unbelievably low price – especially if they haven’t examined your home – the installation won’t be worth the initial cost savings. Heating and air conditioning contractors work in a field that requires a lot of skill and expertise. You don’t just want any “Joe Schmoe” working on your equipment. An inexperienced hand can cause major problems.
Don’t just go with the first contractor you find. Set up a consultation with several different professionals. Get in-person quotes, ask plenty of questions and make sure they are the right person for the job.
Need some help finding a contractor in your area? Start off with the Maytag HVAC contractor locator.
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Are you hiring a contractor to work on your HVAC equipment?
It’s fall preventative maintenance time! Are you looking around for a heating and cooling professional to work on your gas furnace? The most important part of any installation or service call is the very beginning – the hunt for a qualified HVAC professional. Are you doing the right things to make sure that the professional you hire is up to the job?
Here are the dos and don’ts of hiring an HVAC contractor.
Do…
- Get multiple bids if you are having new equipment installed.
- Ask them about their certifications and licenses.
- Ask if they’ve ever worked on your brand of HVAC equipment.
- Check online review sites to make sure they have a positive reputation with past clients.
- Ask your friends and neighbors whether they have used the contractor in the past
- Check to make sure they are professional when they arrive at your home.
- Ask tons of questions about the work being done to your equipment.
- Ask about your warranty if you are having new equipment installed – is it your responsibility to registers, or will your contractor do it for you?
- Review their Better Business Bureau listing.
Don’t…
- Go with the first contractor you find simply because they are the first contractor you found.
- Go with the lowest bidder unless you are certain they have a reputation for doing quality work.
- Assume they know what you expect out of a new HVAC system. Make your expectations clear.
- Forgo a contractor all together and fix your equipment by yourself.
- Forget to ask about a maintenance agreement.
Have you scheduled your fall preventive maintenance appointment yet?
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Do you always remember to schedule preventative maintenance?
Winter’s chill may not be here yet for many parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about your furnace. Fall is the ideal time to have your furnace inspected by your local heating and air conditioning contractor. The holiday season can be a busy time, and it may be difficult to remember to schedule a maintenance appointment. That’s why maintenance agreements can be so helpful.
It’s Murphy’s Law – if your unit is going to fail, it will at the most inconvenient time. There’s nothing more frustrating. This isn’t even taking into account that added frustration of finding a contractor who can come out to your home quickly. Contractors are very busy during the winter and summer – the peak seasons. During the peak season, you could be waiting days (or even weeks) to get your unit back up and running!
To head off this issue, most contractors offer some type of service/maintenance agreement. Typically, if you have a maintenance agreement with a contractor, they will come out to your home to inspect your system twice-a-year – once before the cooling season (during the spring) and again before the heating season (during the fall). During these appointments, your contractor will be able to find minor issues with your HVAC equipment before they have the chance to turn into bigger problems.
This can help you save money in the long run. Yes, a service call is going to cost some money, but you can make up this money in efficient performance and a longer system life.
Do some research before you hire the contractor for your maintenance agreement. Need a head start? Check out the Maytag HVAC contractor locator.
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Did your contractor preform a Manual J load calculation?
Tons? BTUs? What does it all mean? Sizing matters when it comes to a new heating or air conditioning system. Did your contractor properly size your new equipment before installing it in your home?
Rule-of-thumb measurements or basing the size of your new system on what you already have is not best practice. A contractor should preform a Manual J load calculation to determine the size of your new heating and air equipment.
But, what is a Manual J load calculation?
Simply stated a Manual J load calculation factors in the different characteristics of your home (such as square footage, position of your walls, building materials, etc.) to determine how much heating or cooling capacity your home needs. Air conditioner capacity is measured in tons and BTUs. Tons – in relation to HVAC – is not a measurement of weight. A ton in HVAC is defined as a measurement of capacity in relation to melting one ton of ice over a 24-hour period. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTU/h.
But, why does a proper load calculation matter?
An undersized or oversized air conditioner can have an impact on the comfort of your home. Undersized air conditioners never reach temperature settings, run constantly, dry out your air and may have a shorter life. An oversized air conditioner will go through a process known as “short-cycling.” When an air conditioner short cycles, it reaches your desired temperature too quickly. Sound like a good thing? Well, your air conditioner is responsible for more than just temperature. It is also responsible for removing enough humidity from your home’s air. When an air conditioner short cycles, it is not removing enough humidity, and an overabundance of humidity can make your home feel warm and encourage mold growth – yuck!
When your local contractor comes out to give you a quote, make sure they perform a Manual J load calculation before they determine your needed cooling capacity. If they say you don’t need one, this could be a red flag.
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The latest updates from Maytag HVAC
Have you noticed something different about our split-system air conditioners and heat pumps? We’ve introduced some exciting changes to our units that can help the lives of both contractors and homeowners.
In April 2017, we revealed an all-new jacket design for our split-system air conditioners and heat pumps. This new jacket features sleek panels that make service simpler for contractors. When service is simpler for contractors, homeowners win. Simpler service means less time at your home during service or maintenance.
In addition to our split-system unit changes, we’ve also introduced two new packaged products in 2017 – the PPA3RF packaged air conditioner and the PPH3RF packaged heat pump. Both units have been redesigned to include two Micro-Channel coils – the durable, eco-friendly coil choice. Plus, these models are high efficiency – each reach 16 SEER! And, if we’ve learned anything, it always pays to invest in efficiency.
If you’re interested in an exceptional Maytag unit, make sure you get in touch with your local HVAC contractor.
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Does your local HVAC contractor offer financing?
Worried about the cost of a new air conditioner or heat pump? Luckily, many contractors offer financing that can help make your new system a reality. Financing is a great way to get the efficient air conditioner you want. When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, it always pays to invest in efficiency. With financing, an efficient HVAC system may not feel as out of reach.
Financing options will vary based on your contractor. Make sure you talk to your contractor about the financing options they offer at the beginning of the buying process.
Maytag HVAC offers several different financing options for homeowners in both the United States and Canada.
Homeowners in the United States have the options of Comfort Plus or FTL Financing.
Comfort Plus is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. You can apply this financing to the purchase of new systems and the cost of installation.
FLT Finance offers an HVAC installment loan with a fixed interest rate and fixed terms. You will always know your monthly payment and how long it will last – depending on the terms that you choose. You can apply this financing to air conditioners, heat pumps, and more.
Canadian homeowners may be eligible for EcoHome financing.
EcoHome offers financing options that can suit your budget and lifestyle. It features competitive interest rates, deferred payments and zero interest options.
Remember, not all contractors offer financing. You can use the Maytag HVAC contractor locator to find a professional who does offer financing in your area.
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Did you know that air conditioners come in different sizes?
There are a lot of options when it comes to heating and cooling equipment. You have a choice of efficiency, system type, comfort features…you name it! Air conditioners even come in different sizes. HOWEVER, do you have a choice when it comes to the air conditioner in your home?
Your home is unique; your comfort needs are unique – the size of your air conditioner will reflect this. It is important to have a properly sized air conditioner. Your heating and cooling contractor must come in and do a load calculation to determine the right size air conditioner for your home.
If your HVAC system is too large, it will run for less time. While this may sound like a good thing…it isn’t. Your air conditioner could be going through costly on/off cycles. It is more efficient to run your air conditioner longer at a lower capacity. Plus, if your air conditioner is not running long enough, your system may not be properly dehumidifying your home. This can lead to mold growth and poor overall indoor air quality. That’s not even to mention the negative impact a large air conditioner can have on home comfort.
If your HVAC system is too small, it will run longer at a higher capacity. This will raise electricity bills, AND your home may never reach your desired comfort levels.
Longer run times and more frequent on/off cycles can reduce efficiency and system lifespan! Your air conditioner is an investment in home comfort. You want that investment to pay off over the years.
This is why we consider quotes over the phone or on the back of a business card a red flag. Since your home is unique, your contractor should always come out to your home and perform a Manual J load calculation before determining the equipment you need in your home.
Did your contractor perform a Manual J load calculation when you had your air conditioner installed?
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