Do you know your packaged HVAC system options?
Are you looking to make an efficiency upgrade this cooling season? Upgrading to a high-efficiency cooling system is one of the best things you can do to lower utility costs during the summer. This post is going to focus on one particular type of HVAC system setup – the packaged system.
A packaged system is a heating and air conditioning setup where all of the components are located outside in one unit. Heating, cooling – this unit does it all. This is different than a split system, where components are located both indoors and outdoors. If you think you have a split system, check out our other post about your split-system HVAC options. Typically, packaged systems are used in areas that don’t have basements or enough room for indoor equipment. And, if you already have a packaged system, chances are you aren’t going to be switching over to a split system.
So, just what are your packaged system options? Here are the ones you can look into.
Gas/Electric Packaged Systems. Think of a gas pack as an air conditioner and furnace all-in-one. It contains the electric cooling components of an air conditioner AND the gas heating components of a furnace.
Dual-Fuel/iHybrid Packaged Systems. A dual-fuel system is essentially a heat pump and a gas furnace in one. What does that mean? Well, this unit is capable of producing gas heat AND electric heat. Electric heat transfer used by a heat pump is more efficient than other electric heat creation methods. If you experience chilly evenings during the spring and fall, weather that is not quite cold enough for the gas furnace but not warm enough to be comfortable, this can be the ticket to achieve maximum comfort and efficiency.
Packaged air conditioner. A packaged air conditioner contains the parts of an air conditioner and air handler. This is a great options for homeowners who have minimal heating need, meaning an electric heat strip is all of the back-up heating power they are going to need.
Packaged heat pump. This is a great option for homeowners in the South – it combines the components of a heat pump and air handler all-in-one. It provides electric cooling AND heating power. If your demand for heat isn’t strong enough to warrant a powerful gas furnace, but you do see chilly temperatures, this can be the ideal unit.
Does this help in your decision-making process? If you are still not sure of which system is going to be the right solution to your HVAC needs, make sure to contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor – they are your best source of in-depth HVAC information.
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Are you looking to reduce the amount you spend on utilities each month?
We think it is fair to say that no one likes it when the utilities are due each month. The amount that we spend heating and cooling our home at various points throughout the year can actually make up a significant chunk of our budgets.
That is why it is extra important to make sure our homes are efficient. And, improving home efficiency involves much more than simply buying a high-efficiency air conditioner or furnace. There are many non-HVAC related improvements you can make to your home that will reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities.
Here are some home upgrades to consider if you are looking to solves one of the below-mentioned problems.
Seal air leaks/avoid heating and cooling loss. If the air you are spending money to heat or cool is being lost to the outdoors, it is going to take longer for your home to get up to your ideal setting – if it ever even makes it. Think of it as your money flying out the window. Here are the upgrades to consider…
- Have high-efficiency windows installed.
- Invest in better insulation AND make sure that all areas of your home have proper insulation. Make sure you remember your attic!
- Invest in weather stripping and caulk to seal and cracks around your windows and/or doors, particularly during the peak heating and cooling seasons.
- Plant a tree to shade the south-facing areas of your home.
- Invest in light colored shingles. Dark shingles will absorb more heat and warm up your home.
- Buy heavy curtains or shades to block the sun in south-facing rooms.
- Consider having your outdoor HVAC equipment placed in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat for customized home comfort based on your schedule.
- Always buy the most efficient HVAC system you can afford – the higher the efficiency rating, the more you can save!
- Choose multi-stage equipment. Not only can this help you save on heating and cooling costs, but it can also make your home more comfortable.
- Consider a zoning system for your home. A zoning system separates your home by room or groups of rooms – each controlled by their own thermostat. This way you can get even more customization based on how your home is used during the day – delivering warm or cool air to the areas of your home that really need it at a given point.
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Do you know what to take into consideration before you make an HVAC system upgrade?
Buying a new heating and cooling system is not something you do every day. Heck, it’s not even something you are likely to do once every decade! There are so many options to choose from, AND it is a big investment – making choosing the right one seem like a daunting task.
By arming yourself with a little bit of information before you begin your search, you are already a step ahead. That way, when you go to consult with your local heating and air conditioning contractor, you will know exactly what you expect from your new home comfort system.
If you are buying a new system, you are going to enjoy many benefits offered by modern heating and cooling equipment. Heating and cooling systems installed 10 to 15 years ago were lower in efficiency, didn’t contain much of the comfort technology that is now available AND were not as eco-friendly. Systems designed and manufactured today, even a standard-efficiency model, can be a significant upgrade to your old unit.
Here are some things you should take into consideration before you settle on a system. Each will impact how comfortable your home is and how much you pay in utilities. Remember, any new system is going to be an upgrade from an old one – you can’t lose!
Efficiency. We always recommend buying the most efficient system you can afford. Higher efficiency translates to more money saved each month! So, while it may be a larger initial investment, you won’t regret that as your utility bills roll in each month. Remember, cooling efficiency is measured in SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps, heating efficiency for gas furnaces is measured by AFUE, and heating efficiency for heat pumps is measured using HSPF.
Eco friendliness. Are you looking to lower your impact on the environment? Older units use refrigerant call R-22, CFC that has been shown to have ozone-depleting properties. Cooling systems produced today use a refrigerant called R-410A. This refrigerant is shown to be better for the environment.
Indoor air quality. While you are addressing your new comfort control system, it is important to take a look at what you are using to keep your air fresh. Do you want to reduce odors? Are you looking to have a high-power whole-home filter? Make sure you remember to ask your contractor about your options to help you and your family breathe easier.
Fuel type. Do you need gas, electric or oil heat? This will influence the type of unit that you look into buying. For example, if you do not have natural gas in your home, you may want to consider a heat pump for your home.
Utility rates. Is gas more affordable or is electricity more affordable where you live? If gas is less expensive that electricity, you should look into your gas furnace options. And, if electricity is less expensive than gas, you may want to consider a heat pump. Not only does a heat pump heat your home using electricity, but it does so consuming less energy than other electric heating methods. PLUS, you don’t have to add an air conditioner to the mix – it takes care of the cooling as well.
Know your comfort options. Variable speed. Fixed speed. Multi-stage. Modulating. All of these terms indicate a way that your heating or cooling system operates. For example, a variable-speed unit is going to be able to provide more even temperatures, eliminate hot and cold spots, and operate at lower noise levels than its fixed-speed counterpart.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Make sure you ask your local heating and air conditioning contractor for advice. They will be able to guide you through the buying process and recommend some equipment options for your home.
Are you making an HVAC upgrade? Have you explored your high-efficiency equipment options?
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Is a heat pump right for your home?
Are you in the market for a brand-new cooling system? Winter is slowly winding down, and spring is just around the corner. Now is the time to start thinking about scheduling an appointment if you are looking into a replacement.
When you are looking around for the right system for your home, make sure you explore all of your options. These include high-efficiency and standard-efficiency equipment, packaged units and split units, and heat pumps and air conditioners. To make your decision a little bit easier, we want to talk about heat pumps.
Here are a list of pros and cons that can help you make the decision to buy a heat pump or a gas furnace/air conditioner combo.
Cons:
Is natural gas less expensive than electricity in your town? Many areas of the United States enjoy low natural gas prices. Well, at least lower than the cost of electricity. If this is the case, a gas furnace may be the more cost effective heating method in your area.
While a heat pump can be effective down to low temperatures, it may have a more difficult time heating your home in colder weather. You may have to invest in a back-up heating method for those really cold days.
How long do you plan on being in your home? While a heat pump has a long lifespan, a gas furnace has a longer lifespan – up to 20 years.
Pros:
Operates like an air conditioner with the added benefit of heating. On the cooling side of things, air conditioners and heat pumps are essentially the same (with some tweaks of course to allow for heating operation).
Uses heat transfer to heat a home, not heat creation. Other electric heating methods, like heat strips or electric furnaces, must create original heat – using up more electricity in the process.
Heat pumps tend to be cleaner than a gas furnace. The byproduct of heat creation in a gas furnace may lower indoor air quality if not properly vented.
Carbon monoxide. Unlike a gas furnace, a heat pump does not run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is electricity less expensive than natural gas? If you live in an area where electricity rates are lower than natural gas, then it can be beneficial to use an electric heating method, and a heat pump in particular.
Is a heat pump sounding better and better to you? Make sure you get in touch with your local heating and air conditioning contractor for a consultation. They will be able to tell you if heat pumps are common for homes in your area. You’ll be surprised.
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How can a heat pump benefit you during the spring?
We don’t know how the weather has been in your town, but in the Midwest we have already been able to enjoy spring-like temperatures. And, while we all have warmer weather on the brain, it’s a good time to start thinking about preventative maintenance and/or replacing your current HVAC system before the summer cooling season begins.
If you are planning on purchasing a replacement cooling system this year, make sure you explore all of your options. You may know that some cooling systems are more efficient than others, but did you know that there is a completely separate system available for installation in your home? This system is called the heat pump.
Heat pumps are particularly beneficial during weather like the Midwest has been experiencing over the past couple of weeks – frequent swings from cold to hot and back again. That is because heat pumps apply the principles of heat transfer to heat AND cool your home using electricity. This is different from heat creation and can use less energy than other electric heating methods. Seasonal transitions can be hard on home comfort – you don’t want to keep yo-yoing between your gas furnace and air conditioner.
If you are interested in exploring your heat pump options, make sure you contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor. They will be able to look at your particular home and tell you whether a heat pump is the right solution to your HVAC equipment needs.
Are you interested in a heat pump for your home?
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Do you know what to do to get your home ready for an HVAC contractor visit?
Spring maintenance season is fast approaching! It is important that you not only schedule a maintenance appointment with your local contractor, but you take the time to prepare for that appointment. This will save the contractor time at your home and will make the appointment go much more smoothly.
Here are some things that you should do before your HVAC contractor arrives at your home.
Bathroom preferences. Is there a certain bathroom you would like your contractor to use? It’s much better to communicate this beforehand. Make sure you tidy up and put away anything you don’t want a stranger seeing.
Put up pets. Fido may be friendly as can be, but you never know how a contractor may feel about pets. Make sure you put your pets in a safe, secure location. You don’t want them interfering with the work your contractor is doing.
Clear clutter away from equipment. Make sure your contractor will have easy access to your equipment so they don’t have to move your stuff out of the way to get to your outdoor condenser, indoor gas furnace or air handler.
Know where your equipment is located. Is your indoor equipment in a closet, crawlspace or attic? Do you know where your outdoor equipment is located? Is all of your equipment located outdoors? Where is your thermostat? Do you have multiple thermostats? These are important questions to find the answers to before your contractor walk in the door. This can really save some time on the job. And, as we all know, time is money.
The start to any quality heating and cooling service call, maintenance appointment or install starts with the search for a quality local contractor. Make sure you do some research before you hire the professional who is going to work on your heating and cooling equipment.
Did you know these tips already? Is there anything extra you do when a contractor comes to work on your home?
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It’s never too early to start thinking about spring maintenance.
It may still be winter, but spring temperatures have already started popping up all over the country! The groundhog couldn’t have been more wrong. And, while we have spring temperatures on the brain, now is as good a time as any to start talking about spring preventative maintenance.
It is never too early to start thinking about spring preventative maintenance. Not only is it a good idea to schedule preventative maintenance to get your air conditioner or heat pump cleaned for the summer cooling season, but it can also help catch minor issues with your cooling equipment that could potentially turn into big problems down the road.
Here are some things that your contractor will do during a spring preventative maintenance appointment.
- Inspect the indoor evaporator coil for cleanliness. If dirty, they will clean the coil.
- Inspect the furnace or air handler blower assembly for proper operation and cleanliness.
- Inspect all electrical connections.
- Check the system’s refrigerant level. If the outdoor unit’s refrigerant level is low, your servicer should check for leaks. If there is a leak, they should repair the leak or replace the component – not just add more refrigerant.
- Check the operation of the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
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Which IAQ systems do you have in your home?
Your indoor air quality equipment is an important part of your central heating and cooling system! While your furnace, heat pump or air conditioner is responsible for climate control, your indoor air quality system makes sure that the conditioned air in your home is as healthy and fresh as possible.
Here are some indoor air quality systems that you may want to consider for your home. If you’re interested in one of these systems, make sure you get in touch with your local heating and air contractor.
Air cleaners. These are one of the healthiest additions you can make to your HVAC system. They use innovative technology to filter out even the smallest particles from your indoor air.
UV light system. A UV light system destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts. This can help eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the quality of the air you breathe. Bonus! Many models are low maintenance – you only have to replace the bulb once a year.
Humidifiers. Winter is a great time to talk about a whole home humidifier. The lower the humidity in your home, the colder your home actually feels. A whole-home humidifier is a great way to alleviate static, cold air, dry skin and more during the winter. Just don’t make it so that you have too much of a good thing. You don’t want to encourage mold growth.
Thermostats. These are not optional components of an IAQ system, but they are important to mention while talking about indoor air quality. You can set temperature, humidity levels and more at your thermostat.
Good air quality starts with your filter. Make sure you are changing your filter often enough to keep your indoor air fresh, clean and healthy.
When was the last time you changed your furnace filter?
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How effective is your indoor air quality equipment?
There are many tings that contribute to indoor air pollution. Cleaners. Air fresheners. Outdoor Air. Plastics. Dust. you name it! It can be a bit overwhelming to think about staying ahead of all of these pollutants. In fact, indoor air quality is often cited as more polluted than outdoor air! Now that’s a scary thought.
Luckily, your heating and air conditioning system is a great tool to help combat poor indoor air quality. Different components can make your home fresh, clean and comfortable. An indoor air quality system may mean better overall health for you and your family.
Is your indoor air quality system up for the job? One key component of your heating and air conditioning system that acts as a guard against poor indoor air is your furnace filter. Unfortunately, many people don’t change their furnace filter nearly enough. While some people may be able to get away with changing it twice a year (once before the heating season and again before the cooling season) most people will be better off changing it more often. For some homeowners, like pet owners, it can be necessary to change your furnace filter once a month!
If you don’t want to bother with a disposable filter, you can always look into your permanent filter options. 
Just remember, permanent filters still need to be cleared! When you do have to clean it, make sure you take it outside. You don’t want those trapped particles released back into your indoor air.
If you want to make sure your indoor air quality system’s job easier, there are some things you can try to do around your house to reduce indoor air pollutants and keep your family breathing easy.
- Use natural cleaners and air fresheners. Baking soda can be a great tool when it comes to cleaning up around the house.
- Keep up with cleaning. Vacuuming, sweeping, dusting…these are all important ways to keep air pollutants out of the air.
- Schedule a duct cleaning. Once those pollutants make it into your ductwork, they are that much closer to being distributed into the air you breathe.
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Have you noticed water pooling by your gas furnace?
Oh no! Pooling water is a big red flag when it comes to heating and cooling equipment.
All gas furnaces produce condensation. Some produce more than others. For example, high-efficiency furnaces produce more condensation due to the way they operate. To help tackle this, high-efficiency systems include piping and drain pans to collect condensation. If these components are clogged or damaged in any way, it can result in leaks and pools around your heating and air conditioning equipment.
It doesn’t matter if you have a high-efficiency gas furnace or a standard-efficiency gas furnace, extra water around your heating and air equipment is not a good thing. It can help facilitate mold growth, cause rust and damage other components!
What can you do about extra water? Well, what you shouldn’t do is attempt to fix the component yourself. DIY is great for a good many things, but that does not include work on your heating and air conditioning equipment. Drop the wrench, pick up the phone and call a local heating and air conditioning contractor.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are searching for a good local HVAC contractor…
Never accept a quote over the phone or on the back of a business card. Make sure the technician comes out and diagnoses the problem before they tell you how much the repair is going to 
cost. The situation can vary from job to job. In general, there is no “one-price-fits-all” solution to HVAC.
Are they asking questions? Your home and comfort needs are unique. The only way your contractor is going to be able to know your home’s specifics is if they ask you questions.
Have a positive reputation online and from past clients. It’s hard to run from a negative reputation. If they have done quality work on past jobs, chances are they will do well on your job as well.
In an emergency situation, like a leak or “no heat” call, it may be tempting to go with the person that can come to your home the soonest or charges the least. However, you could be sacrificing quality by going with just anybody. You won’t regret taking the time to find the right company for the job.
Have you ever had an experience with water pooling around your gas furnace?