How clean is your indoor air?
We hear all sorts of things about outdoor air quality – the pollen count, pollution levels, allergens – you name it! But, what about the air you are breathing indoors? Yes, we spend a lot of time outdoors, but chances are we spend even more time in our home – especially during the winter.
The fall and spring are peak allergy seasons. They are also the time of year when it is the most tempting to open the windows and let in a cool breeze. If you are an allergy sufferer, this can spell trouble. Yes, those allergens will get filtered out eventually, but not before you have the opportunity to inhale them.
In addition to allergies, here are some other indoor air concerns during the fall…
Dust
Chemicals
Poor Air Circulation and Humidity
Air Fresheners
Household Cleaners
Mold
It’s hard to avoid all of the things that can affect indoor air during the fall. However, there are things you can do to counter the effects of fall.
- Check your furnace filter. We recommend changing your furnace filter frequently – once a season, if not more! Some households, like those with pets, can benefit from a filter change once a month.
- Look at natural air fresheners and cleaning solutions. Often, a mess won’t require a heavy-duty cleaner – lemon juice, baking soda, water or some combo may be all that you need. Odor elimination may be as simple as changing your furnace filter or taking out the trash.
- Control the humidity of your home. We are so focused on temperature when it comes to home comfort, but did you know that humidity can be as big of a factor as temperature when it comes to comfort. In fact, did you know that a home with a higher humidity level is going to feel warmer than a home at the same temperature with a lower humidity level? During mild seasons, like the spring and fall, your heating and air system is not going to run as often. This will cause the humidity in your home to rise. Your air is not being circulated as often, so it is not being filtered as often. If you are concerned about air quality, it may be a good idea to switch your thermostat’s fan setting from “AUTO” to “ON.”
Ultimately, the best way to take control of your indoor air quality is to talk to your heating and air contractor about having an indoor air quality system installed in your home – like a whole home air cleaner.
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Do you know what you’re looking for in a new furnace?
Shopping for new heating equipment can seem like a daunting task. The life of the average furnace can span multiple decades – chances are you’ve never had to replace your system in the past. A new heating system is an investment financially and comfort-wise; you want to make sure you make the right decision.
Here are some things you should know about your furnace replacement options to help you make a better decision.
- Efficiency.
Heating and cooling equipment comes in a range of efficiencies – from minimum efficiency to high efficiency, condensing models. There are a couple of things to take into consideration when you are comparing efficiency ratings. If you live in an area that experiences mild winters, chances are you may not see the returns you’d like from an investment in an ultra-efficient model. On the other hand, if you live in an area that experiences brutally cold winters, high efficiency is the way to go. You’ll be shocked at the difference a high-efficiency gas furnace can make on your utility bills during the peak heating season. - Money Back.
There are many incentives available to homeowners who purchase new heating and cooling equipment. Many manufacturers offer rebates on high-efficiency models that can offset initial costs. There are also local utility rebates that may be available in your area for high-efficiency equipment. Make sure you ask your contractor about the money-back options available to you. - Energy Savings.
A high-efficiency furnace can help you save money each month on utilities. This can be beneficial for those who live in the North, where winters can be unforgiving. And, even minimum-efficiency gas furnaces manufactured today can be significantly more efficient than those manufactured 10 or 15 years ago. So, even if you do invest in a standard-efficiency system, you could still see savings. - Performance Features.
How loud is your furnace when it kicks on? If it sounds like a jet engine taking off, it may be time to explore your new system options. Modern furnaces contain many noise reduction features that weren’t as prevalent during the era your old furnace was manufactured. If you’re looking for extremely quiet operation, look for a unit that features an insulated cabinet and a variable-speed blower motor.
The hunt for the perfect gas furnace is a lot easier if you have a knowledgeable, professional contractor by your side. Make sure you do some research before you hire the contractor who is going to guide you through the purchasing process.
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Are you ready for fall?
What’s on your home maintenance to-do list? Make sure you don’t forget about your HVAC system! If you live in an area that sees frigid temperatures, it’s important to make sure your furnace is ready for the job ahead.
Here are some things to add to your fall to-do list.
Change your temporary furnace filter or give your permanent filter a good clean. This is an easy, straightforward task you can take care of at any time. Your furnace filter is going to be located near your indoor HVAC equipment – either in your ductowrk, by a register or in the equipment cabinet. If you aren’t sure where your furnace filter is, or access is difficult, enlist the help of your contractor.
Busting out the rake? Don’t forget to rake around your outdoor equipment. Blocked airflow is an efficiency killer. Not only are those leaves bad for your lawn, but they can clog your condenser. In addition to removing the leaves from around your system, it is a good idea to schedule a good condenser cleaning. This will help you maximize the life of your equipment and achieve the greatest efficiency possible.
Feel a cool breeze? Make sure you have sealed any air leaks around your windows and/or doors. This can often be taken care of with some caulk, insulation or weather stripping. Think of the air leaking out of your home as money leaking out of your wallet. The more air escaping outside means more time spent getting your home up to temperature. It also means that your home may cool off faster, resulting in your furnace kicking on more often.
Keep safety in mind. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector and smoke detectors. Do you remember the last time you changed the batteries in either of those lifesaving devices? When it comes to the safety of you and your family, it’s never worth the risk.
The most important thing to do for your HVAC system during the fall is to schedule furnace preventative maintenance with your heating and air conditioning contractor. During a fall furnace clean and check, your contractor will:
- Clean any components that need it.
- Inspect the venting system and confirm that it is operating correctly.
- Check for soot, leaks, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires.
An inspection once-a-year is critical for the health of your equipment AND the safety of your family. Your furnace must operate correctly to keep your family comfortable and healthy during the winter. You don’t want to take any chances.
When everything is in good, working order, and temperatures have dropped for good for the season, switch your thermostat over to heating mode.
Fall is under way! Schedule an appointment with your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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What do you set your thermostat to during the fall?
Fall can be a tricky time to set your thermostat. Some days will seem hot enough for the air conditioner, while other days will be chilly enough for your gas furnace. So, where’s the healthy medium? Here are our tips for setting your thermostat during the fall for both non-programmable and programmable thermostats.
Non-programmable
Constant temperature setting fluctuations are an efficiency killer for homes with a non-programmable thermostat. Make sure when you set your thermostat for fall, you commit to that temperature. Those looking for a more customized, schedule approach to home comfort should consider a programmable model.
Programmable
Like a non-programmable model, it is a good idea to set your schedule and desired temperatures and stick to it. Think about your home’s situation throughout the day. Is everyone out of the house during the work hours? Does your house get cold at night? The beauty of a programmable thermostat is that you can set your schedule and forget about it. This is the most efficient way to control the temperature of your home.
Want even more savings and comfort options during the fall? Consider a heat pump as your condensing unit of choice. It works just like an air conditioner but can reverse the flow of refrigerant to provide heat for your home on those chillier nights/days. This way you are always using the most efficient energy source for your climate conditions.
Make sure you contact your local contractor to discuss your energy-efficient heating and cooling options. They will know your local area and will be able to recommend a system that will keep your home comfortable efficiently.
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Do you know how much the air conditioner has changed?
When air conditioners were first used in commercial applications in the early 1900s, it operated using ice. A lot has changed since the air conditioner was first created. For one, central air conditioners use refrigerant instead of ice to cool a space.
Things have been progressing at a rapid pace over the past few decades. Regulation changes and technological advances are allowing engineers to improve and refine the central air conditioner. Here are a few of those improvements.
Higher Efficiency. Efficiency standards in the early 2000s were significantly lower than they are today. Back then, air conditioners had to meet a minimum efficiency requirement of 10 SEER. In 2006, efficiency standards were raised from the 10-SEER minimum to 13 SEER. Since then, there have been even more changes. Now, minimum efficiency standards vary from region to region – with homeowners in the South having to meet a higher efficiency minimum than homeowners in the North.
Greater Home Comfort. Technological advances have made it so that maximum home comfort is now more achievable than ever. Air conditioners manufactured today contain innovative technology like variable-speed motors, swept-wing fan blades, modulating technology and more. Not to mention, you can couple your high-efficiency air conditioner with a zoning system and/or a smart thermostat and gain maximum control over your unique comfort needs.
Quieter Operation. Like greater home comfort, technological advances have made it so that air conditioners today operate at noise levels that are lower than ever. For example, air conditioners than use modulation technology ramp up to speed in stages as opposed to going through abrupt on and off cycles. This means fewer noisy on and off cycles.
Smart Thermostats. Thermostats are getting smarter and smarter. There are models that are your standard, digital non-programmable models while others can run based on your schedule and even connect with your phone or tablet for on-the-go temperate monitoring.
Ability to Select the Best Professional for the Job. The internet has made it easier than ever to select the right contractor for your installation, service or maintenance. You don’t have to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations alone. You can look at their online presence, which may even include reviews.
So, how old is your air conditioner? If it is over 10 years old, you may want to call your local contractor and talk about your replacement options.
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Are you having a hard time staying comfortable in your house?
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t hot days left. Is your air conditioner still cooling the way that it should be? If your home is not reaching the correct temperature, there are several things that may be an issue that don’t involve a service call.
Try making these adjustments before you call a contractor.
Close blinds and curtains. Rooms with south-facing windows may feel warmer than those without. The sun can really heat things up! To help counter the warming effect of the sun’s rays, close your blinds and curtains. Your room will stay cooler in the shade.
Close vents. There is a misconception that closing vents and registers in unused/infrequently used rooms is a great way to save money. However, this is not the case. Your air conditioner is designed to cool a certain amount of space. When you start closing vents and registers, you could potentially damage your unit. Not to mention, if you forget to open them again, it could affect the comfort levels of that room. Make sure your vents are open.
Poorly placed furniture. Last time you arranged your rooms, did you make sure to take the placement of your vents and registers into account? If your living room is hot, your couch could be blocking a vent. Try rearranging your furniture if you have a hot living space.
Humidity levels. A humid home is a hot home. How high do you have the humidity set in your home? If your home is too humid, you may want to consider dropping the percentage. This can also help prevent mold growth.
Here are some things that should be dealt with by a contractor.
Poorly sized air conditioner. Did your contractor perform a Manual J load calculation when they installed your air conditioner? If not, you could have an undersized system. An undersized system will result in long run times, potential system damage and uncomfortable living spaces.
Leaky ductwork. When was the last time you had your ductwork inspected? Leaky ductwork can mean that your cooled, conditioned air is not being distributed to every part of your home. It’s a good idea to have a contractor come out and look at your ductwork once a year, especially if you are noticing areas that suffer from extreme cold and extreme heat.
When it comes to installation and repairs, it is best to call your local heating and air conditioning professional. As summer ends, it is a good idea to start thinking about fall preventative furnace maintenance. Remember, it’s never too early to schedule an appointment for the fall.
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Having a properly sized air conditioner is important.
Did you make sure your contractor properly sized your air conditioner when you had it installed in your home? Proper sizing is a critical step in the air conditioning purchasing process. Your contractor should not simply base equipment size on rule-of-thumb measurements. In fact, they may not want to go off the size that you currently have in your home. An improperly sized air conditioner can have serious implications for your home comfort AND wallet.
If you are noticing any of the following things, your air conditioner may be too small.
- Your home never reaches your programmed temperature.
- Your equipment constantly runs.
- Your electricity bills are high.
Home comfort is paramount during the summer, but at what cost? An undersized air conditioner can have a major impact on your wallet. Not only will your system have a harder time reaching your desired temperature, but the constant operation can damage your unit – resulting in shorter system life. An air conditioner is an investment in your home comfort – you want to make sure your investment lasts.
If any of the following are happening in your home, your air conditioner may be too large.
- Your air conditioner short cycles.
- Your electricity bills are high.
- Your home is humid.
When your air conditioner is too large, it doesn’t run long enough to get the appropriate amount of humidity out of the air. High humidity in your home can have a negative impact on comfort. A humid home is a hot home – you could find yourself lowering the temperature your thermostat is set at because your home just does not feel cool enough. Plus, high humidity levels can encourage mold and mildew growth, resulting in poor indoor air quality and unpleasant odors.
Think your air conditioner is improperly sized? Reach out to your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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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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How much do you know about your air conditioning system?
This summer has been HOT! How has your air conditioner been tackling the heat? Did you know that air conditioners have only been a widespread household staple with the 1960’s / 1970’s? In the grand scheme of things, that is not a lot of time at all. There may be a lot the average homeowner doesn’t know about the “box that sits outside.”
Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known about your air conditioner.
Original “air conditioners” involved ice. Modern air conditioners use refrigerant. However, we still use some terms leftover from the “ice age.” For example, a “ton” of air conditioner isn’t a measure of a unit’s size. It is actually a measurement of the heating or cooling capacity of a heat pump or air conditioner. A one ton air conditioner can melt a one ton block of ice in one hour.
Did you know that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 16 years? It is important to know this when it comes to either repairing or replacing your older unit. If your air conditioner is nearing the 10-15 year mark, it may be a good idea to replace the unit rather than continue to make repairs.
Although air conditioners and heat pumps may seem completely different if you just hear the names, they actually have a lot of similarities. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use the same process to cool a home, but a heat pump is able to reverse the process to provide heat for your home on colder days.
Air conditioning is important for the medical profession. The ability to control the environment has helped thinkers develop medicines, perform operations and more! That’s not to mention that air conditioned indoor environments can help prevent death from the heat during brutally hot summers.
It’s a wide misconception that school summer vacations were created mainly for the purpose to cater to farm life. While this may have had an impact, the main factor that led to summer vacation was the heat! Since school buildings didn’t have air conditioning, it was deemed too hot to learn. Lucky for school kids, and maybe unlucky for parents, the practice continued after the widespread use of air conditioning.
Want to learn more about your air conditioner? Get in touch with your local HVAC contractor.
This is part two of our air conditioning facts. You can find part one here.
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What to do when there’s no air conditioning
There’s nothing more aggravating than turning on your air conditioner and discovering that it is not working. You make sure the thermostat is set to the right settings. You make sure the unit is receiving power. And, it’s still not turning on.
Do you want to know the worst thing you can do for your air conditioner? Attempt to fix it yourself. Too often, a contractor will come across a problem that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, repair or installation by a well-trained hand.
If you discover your air conditioner isn’t turning on, here are the next steps you should take:
Pick up the phone and call a reputable contractor. It’s important that the professional you hire is ready to do a great job on your air conditioning repair. If you think it’s expensive to pay for a quality contractor, just try hiring a hack. You may end up paying a bunch for diagnosis and never receiving an adequate repair.
DO NOT attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself. DIY air conditioner maintenance, repairs and installations can result in significant problems for your air conditioner. Not to mention it can be downright dangerous to go poking around in your unit.
Remember, patience is a virtue. Contractors become very busy during the summer. It can take a while for a contractor to make it to your home, or you may have to pay more for expedited emergency service. A good contractor will always be worth the wait.
Find ways to keep cool while waiting for your contractor. Use fans to your advantage. Avoid using the stove or oven – crockpots and grills are great alternatives! Do not go in and out of the house too much. Keep windows closed, unless it gets cooler at night. There are many ways to keep cool. After all, central air conditioning in homes did not become widespread until the ’60s!
Need a place to start the contractor search? You can check out the Maytag HVAC contractor locator.