If you’re starting to feel the heat, it’s time to schedule preventative maintenance.
Last Sunday marked the first day of spring! And, while you’re busy planning your garden or scheduling your summer getaway, there is another thing you should be keeping at the forefront of your mind – spring preventative air conditioner or heat pump maintenance. Not as fun as a garden or vacation, but incredibly important.
Like your body, your heating and air conditioning system needs regular check-ups in order to ensure that everything is running smoothly. So, preventative maintenance should be on your mind two times a year – once during the spring and again during the fall. During a fall preventative maintenance appointment, your heating and air conditioning specialist will look at your gas furnace, making sure it is ready to beat the cold during the winter. During the spring, it’s your air conditioner’s turn.
So, why all of the emphasis on 
preventative maintenance? Well, preventative maintenance is the best way to make sure you don’t wind up calling in an emergency service call during the peak season. During the peak season, contractors can be swamped by the sheer number of service calls – leading to longer wait times (a.k.a. longer time without air conditioning). Yuck!
Plus, a lot of warranty agreements include preventative maintenance in their conditions for continued coverage. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your system, ensure it is operating at the efficiency levels you want, and save you money on cooling costs during long summer days.
So, are you getting ready to schedule your preventative maintenance appointment? Do you need a head start? Find your local heating and air conditioning contractor with our dealer locator.
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Five things you should know about indoor air quality
In heating and air conditioning, we are often focused on the temperature aspect of the business. But, there is another, equally important component – the quality of your indoor air. Poor indoor air quality can lead to discomfort, stagnant air, poor temperature control…the list goes on and on! As we head into spring it is particularly important to keep indoor air quality in mind. After all, all those blooming flowers and green lawns do come with a price – allergens!
Here are five things that may surprise you about indoor air quality…
- Filters Filter changes are important year-round. Unfortunately, it can be a neglected chore. Heck, you may not even think about it until it becomes so dirty that it is causing problems with your unit! But, it’s a simple task that you can do yourself (if you don’t have to venture into your air handler or gas furnace). If you have a hard time remembering to change your filter – write it on a calendar to remind yourself. We recommend changing your filter at least twice a year – once before the heating season and again before the cooling season.
- Air Purification
Did you know that there is something called “dirty sock syndrome?” This is when mildew grows on your evaporator coil and causes unpleasant odors throughout your home. Yuck! Unfortunately, this is a common thing with heat pumps and can lead to less-than-ideal home comfort. To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to invest in UV light purifying systems and schedule a coil cleaning with your heating and cooling contractor.
- Dust Does it seem like you’re dusting constantly? This can be a sure-sign of a dirty filter! So, if it seems like you can’t keep up with the dust and you can’t remember the last time you changed your filter, get to the hardware store!
- Open Windows Unfortunately, open windows can actually be a really bad idea. Although it can be a good way to relieve stagnant indoor air, you want to keep the instances of open windows to a minimum. This is because unfiltered, untreated air can enter your home – depositing dust, dirt and allergens on all of your indoor surfaces.
- IAQ Products And, lastly, did you know that many homes actually suffer from indoor air quality that is worse than the quality of the air outside? That’s because there are so many things we put into the air (like cleaning supplies, chemical air fresheners, etc) that can lower the quality of your indoor air. That is why making sure that your heating and air system is equipped with quality indoor air products is so important.
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Your complete spring air conditioning guide
Spring is finally, well, springing! This weekend marks the first day of spring, along with a whole slew of new things you should keep in mind when it comes to your heating and cooling equipment. The furnace is out and the heat pumps and air conditioners are coming in! And, with warmer weather, it can actually be more confusing to decide best HVAC practices. Do you turn it on? Do you turn all of your systems off? Do you open the windows?
Well, here is everything you need to keep in mind when it comes to your HVAC equipment during the spring.
- Avoid open windows. Yes, the weather is nicer, the temperatures are friendlier…BUT, spring is also prime allergy season! So, while it may be a nice idea to open up those windows briefly to relieve stagnant, stuffy air – it is not a good idea to make this the norm during the spring.
- Speaking of allergies… Make sure you change your filter and investigate IAQ products (if you don’t already have a quality air filter to keep out those allergens). Your family’s health and home comfort is heavily impacted by the quality of your indoor air – this is not an area to skimp out on.
- For non-programmable thermostat users. Make sure you keep your temperature consistent until you know that the weather is changing for the good. Constantly changing the settings on your thermostat (when you don’t have a programmable model) can actually drive up utility bills.
- For programmable thermostat users. Make sure you switch your programmable temperature setting schedule over to cooling mode when you know the weather is changing for good. Different seasons require different settings if you want to maximize efficiency.
- Should you turn off your system completely? Did you know that it is always a better idea to keep your system running longer at lower levels than to shut it off completely? That is because on/off cycles can be energy-consuming. Also, when you turn off your system it is not circulating your indoor air, which can lead to stagnant air and poor indoor air quality.
- Keep your condenser free of debris. Grass clippings, spring planting, pollen – the list of things that can block the airflow to your air conditioner or heat pump goes on and on. Blocked airflow means less efficient operation and, in extreme cases, can make your unit work so hard that it gives out. Keep grass clippings away from your condenser and consider scheduling a thorough cleaning with your local heating and cooling contractor.
- And, while we are mentioning it… the most important thing you can do for your air conditioner or heat pump during the spring is scheduling a clean and check with your heating and cooling contractor before warm temperatures really have a chance to settle in. This can head-off emergency, no-cooling appointments during the summer – keeping you and your family happy and comfortable.
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Five smart tips for buying an air conditioner
Make sure you go into the air conditioner buying experience prepared. This will make the process of finding a contractor, finding a system and getting that system installed so much easier. Here are some smart air conditioner buying tips to get you started on the right foot.
- Get several quotes. You want to make sure that your air conditioner is the right one for your home and that the contractor you choose is going to get the job done right. A good way to do this is to get several quotes from reputable contractors in your area and compare. Don’t just go with the contractor who quotes you at the lowest price…
- Hire a quality HVAC contractor. The performance of your heating and cooling equipment is going to be heavily tied to the quality of the installation preformed. So, make sure you take the time to find the right professional near you – get recommendations, read online reviews and make sure they seem like they aren’t cutting corners when determining the quote for your system.
- Invest in the most efficient system for your budget. Efficiency is gong to heavily impact the amount of money you spend each month on heating and cooling. That is why it is important to invest in the most efficient system you can afford. Trust us when we say that it is not an investment you will regret.
- Make sure you are getting the right system for a home in your area. In some areas of the country, a heat pump or a packaged system may be the right choice (as opposed to a split-system air conditioner). Your best resource for this information? Your local heating and cooling contractor. They will know what typically goes into a home in your area.
- Ask your contractor about proper equipment registration protocol. Last, but certainly not least, make sure that whoever is responsible for registering your equipment does so – whether that is you or your contractor. Although your equipment most likely comes with an out-of-the-box warranty, it is not going to be as long as the warranty for equipment that is registered.
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Three things to avoid while buying an air conditioner
Buying a new air conditioner can seem like a difficult task. After all, a new air conditioner is an expensive investment that affects how much money you spend month-to-month AND your home comfort satisfaction. There is nothing worse than having to spend a ton of money to cool a home in summer and not experiencing an expected payoff in comfort.
A good way to head off any concerns about choosing the right system is doing some preliminary research to know what to (and NOT to) look for in a system. And, more importantly, research the professional you hire to be your guide throughout this process. Here are the top three pitfalls you should avoid to make your air conditioner buying experience a positive one.
- Online purchases from unauthorized sources or auction sites. Like we’ve said before, air conditioners are an expensive investment. It can be tempting to cut corners in a big way by going to online auction sites to get the best deal on a system. However, you always want to go through an authorized dealer. For one, a quality professional contractor is not going to want to go near a system that has been purchased online. This means the contractor who IS willing to install the equipment may not be the best person for the job. Also, your system will not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This is because, when a system is sold through unauthorized channels, quality can no longer be assured.
- HVAC contractor red flags. Quotes over the phone… No sizing performed… Rock bottom prices with shady past reviews… These are all things that may indicate that a contractor may not be the best person to guide you through the buying process and install your system. High-quality contractors may have to charge a bit more for their services because they are responsible for keeping up with training, permits, certifications and maintaining an outstanding business. Look at reviews, get recommendations and make sure that the person you hire is qualified to install the equipment you want.
- Sacrificing energy efficiency and quality for a lower price tag. The cost of an air conditioner doesn’t stop at installation. There are month-to-month utility bill expenses to consider and future maintenance to keep your system running at peak efficiency levels. That’s why it is important that you buy the most efficient system that fits in your budget. Trust me, this is an investment that you won’t regret down the line.
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Five common HVAC misconceptions
There is a lot to know when it comes to operating your heating and cooling system. From operation to efficiency, there are many things that will affect your satisfaction with your home comfort unit. There’s also a lot of advice out there. And, it can be hard to separate what is true from what is false.
Here are five common misconceptions about heating and cooling that you may have thought were true, but are actually false.
- Air handlers are the same as electric furnaces. Because they are similar looking to furnaces and are located in the same places as a furnace, air handlers are sometimes misidentified as electric furnaces. Yes, most air handlers do contain electric backup heating, but this is different from electric furnace heating.
- Closing doors is an effective form of temperature control. All heating and air conditioning systems are sized to heat and cool a certain amount of square footage. When you close doors, your heating and air conditioning system is still programmed to deliver a certain amount of air throughout your home. In the long run, this can affect HVAC system performance and home comfort. This goes for registers as well. If you DO want room-by-room temperature control, a zoning system is the best way to go.
- Air conditioners are the best option for homes in the North. This is particularly true if you live further north. A heat pump may not seem like the most economical heating method for homeowners who frequently see temperatures south of freezing, but electric heat transfer during spring and fall can actually be beneficial (depending on utility prices in your area). So, before you default to an air conditioner, make sure you discuss your options with your heating and cooling contractor.
- A warmer thermostat temperature will heat your home faster. All a warmer temperature setting will achieve is a higher utility bill. Again, your heating and air conditioning system is designed to deliver a certain amount of air to your home at any given amount of time. As a result of a higher temperature setting, your equipment will run longer and drive up utility costs.
- Turning your system off when you’re not using it is always a good idea. When you turn your system on and off, it actually consumes more energy. It is actually a better idea to invest in a unit hat modulates or has the ability to run longer at lower intervals. This way your unit doesn’t go through as many energy-guzzling on and off cycles. Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat that will run based on your schedule. This way you can experience prime comfort levels when you need it most.
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A competition or a team effort…air handlers vs. air conditioners.
Are you trying to figure out whether an air conditioner or air handler is right for your home? This actually may not be the best comparison to make. Air conditioners and air handlers actually do two different things and work together to cool your home on hot summer days. In fact, in some areas of the country you may have both.
First, what is an air conditioner?
Split system air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer heat from one air stream to another. They are located outside your home and are what you typically think of when it comes to cooling our home during the summer.
Okay, so what’s an air handler?
An air handler is actually an indoor component of your heating and air conditioning system. It works with your air conditioner or heat pump to transfer heat to and from indoor air, which is then distributed throughout the home.
All right, so how do they work together?
If you have a split-system air conditioner, it will either be paired with a gas furnace or an air handler. An air handler will typically contain backup electric heating strips to provide emergency heating when temperatures get cooler, while a gas furnace will use natural gas to create original heat. Generally, it is a good idea to pair your air conditioner with an air handler when temperatures to not venture too low during the winter – think of places like southern Texas and Florida. In most other areas, your air conditioner will be paired with a gas furnace. This is because it generally is more cost-effective to heat a home using natural gas than electricity.
If you’re looking to compare two different types of indoor units, you should check out our air handlers vs. gas furnace article. If you can’t decide on an outdoor unit for your split system, check out our air conditioner or heat pump article. if you still don’t know what to do, don’t fret! You can always get in touch with your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
What other questions do you have about air conditioners?
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Answering 10 common heat pump questions
Trust us – we get it. Getting all of the information you need about the many heating and air conditioning systems can seem overwhelming. There are so many different systems and features that will impact your home comfort levels and the amount of money you spend heating and cooling your home year-round. Plus, it’s a big investment. So, we’re going to answer some of the common questions you may have about different systems.
This week, we’re going to talk about heat pumps.
10. What is a defrost cycle?
As we’ve covered in our previous heat pump post about winter, the defrost cycle occurs when ice forms on the outdoor components of your heat pump on really cold days. When this happens, your heat pump actually goes into air conditioning mode to thaw the ice. While it is alarming the first time it happens, just know it is completely normal.
9. What does a heat pump look like?
It’s actually hard to distinguish between air conditioners and heat pumps – they look exactly the same! Which brings us to our next question…
8. How do I know if I have a heat pump?
Well, short of asking a contractor, you can actually search by model number online. You can also look at your thermostat and see if your thermostat has an “emergency heat’ setting. Although there are a few more ways to tell if you have a heat pump, these are the simplest.
7. What’s the difference between “air-to-air’ heat pumps and “earth-to-air” heat pumps?
An air-to-air heat pump is what is known as an air-source heat pump. These heat pumps transfer heat from outdoor air into your indoor air and vice versa. An earth-to-air heat pump, or ground-source geothermal heat pump, transfer heat from the earth and into your indoor air and vice versa. When we are talking about heat pumps on this blog, we are most likely talking about “air-to-air” heat pumps (unless otherwise specified).
6. Is a heat pump better than an air conditioner?
Well, that all depends on your heating and cooling needs. In general, if you are in an area that experiences varied seasons, where electric heat transfer can be beneficial, a heat pump is the better bet. Also, in areas that do not need gas heating during the winter but do need some form of heat, it is better to invest in a heat pump than an air conditioner with electric backup strips. Again, heat transfer generally consumes less electricity than heat creation.
5. How do I operate a heat pump in winter?
Luckily, we have a whole post on this! But, the short of it is, heat pumps can be great for the winter! Just make sure if you experience colder winters, you pair your heat pump with a gas furnace instead of an air handler. 
4. Are heat pumps efficient?
Heat pumps can be very efficient when installed and run correctly. Minimum cooling efficiency standards for heat pumps were just raised to 14 SEER across the country, and there are models that reach 20 SEER and above!
3. What size heat pump do I need?
Like all heating and cooling systems, heat pump sizing varies according to your specific needs. When your contractor comes to your home to give you an estimate, they should preform a Manual J load calculation to determine which size you need. Heat pump size is measured in tons – the larger the tonnage, the bigger the system.
2. How much does a heat pump cost?
Like size, heat pump cost is going to vary according to your specific needs. Make sure when you are in the market for a brand new heat pump, you get several quotes from different contractors. And keep in mind, you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to contractors. One contractor may offer a lower quote, but they may not do the job up to your standards. A heat pump is a big investment (like any heating and cooling system), you want to make sure it is installed correctly.
1. How does a heat pump work?
Well, a heat pump actually works exactly like an air conditioner. BUT, in addition to cooling mode, the heat pump is able to reverse the flow of refrigerant and provide electric heating power. Because this is heat transfer, it can be more efficient than using an air conditioner with electric backup heating strips.
Do you have more questions about heat pumps? Let us know! If you have more questions, you can also get in touch with you local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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Are heat pumps worth it?
We’ve been talking a lot about heat pumps lately… particularly the topic of operating a heat pump in winter and the dos and don’ts of doing so. So, if there are all these things to take into consideration – is investing in a heat pump in an area that sees cold winters even worth it?
What about cooling?
Remember, your heat pump operates JUST like your air conditioner (but is able to reverse the flow of refrigerant to provide warm air). So, you aren’t making any cooling sacrifices during the summer.
What about heating?
As we’ve discussed previously, there are things you need to know about heating your home with a heat pump during the winter. It may take longer for your home to reach temperature, you’ll need to be aware of defrost cycles and after a certain point heating your home with your heat pump may not be the most efficient way. BUT, if you’re living in an area where you need frequent, powerful heating in the winter, chances are you’ve already invested in a gas furnace. And, when programmed properly, your gas furnace can kick on when it is no longer efficient to heat your home with a heat pump.
So, what are the big benefits?
Any heating and cooling professional will tell you that when it comes to heat creation vs. heat transfer, heat transfer wins hands down – particularly during the spring and fall. And THIS is why a heat pump can still be worth it, even if you live in an area that sees harsh, cold winters. On those colder nights/evenings during the spring and fall, you can use the heat transfer employed by your heat pump as opposed to your backup heat creation method (the use of which can drive up your bills).
Did you know this already? Are you going to choose a heat pump? Make sure, if you’re thinking about switching systems, you contact your local heating and cooling professional. They will also be able to give you tips for heating and cooling a home in your specific region.
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How to deal with changing winter temperatures
If you live in the Midwest, you may be kind of confused by the weather… Sure, temperature swings are ALWAYS an expected aspect of living in the middle of the United States, but this year has been more volatile than usual. In fact, here in Missouri it’s in the 30s now and supposed to reach the mid-60s by the end of the week!
Now, what are you supposed to do with your heating and air conditioning equipment? Well, this is one of the instances where a heat pump (with a programmable thermostat) can really be a lifesaver.
- Set a comfort schedule on your programmable thermostat and leave it – even if the
temperature is swinging. Chances are if the pendulum is swinging one way, it is going to swing back the other way before long. Only change your programmable thermostat setting if you know winter is behind you and spring temperatures are right around the corner. - If you have a non-programmable thermostat, don’t be so quick to touch the thermostat. Wild temperature setting swings can really wreck havoc on your utility bill expenses.