Windows: to close or not to close?
The long, cold winter is over and spring is delivering a much needed breath of fresh air. Yes, it is tempting to forgo the heating and cooling equipment and rely on open windows for temperature control. But, you may want to take time to think about that. While opening up the windows is a good idea for airing out your home, there are drawbacks to this approach. Dust and particles can enter your home, which can lower indoor air quality.
Opening the windows for a long period of time can allow dust and allergens to enter your home. This can aggravate allergies and lower indoor air quality. But, this is not to say that opening the windows in short bursts (particularly at the beginning of the season) can’t have its perks.- Air out your home. A stuffy winter home can harbor unpleasant odors. An open window can bring in fresh air – relieving stuffiness and eliminating odors.
- BRIEF air conditioner substitute. On cooler days, an open window can be a substitute for your air conditioner. This may help you save money on utilities. But, be careful, turning your air conditioner on and off can drive up utilities, if done too often.
- Lighten the mood. Letting some sunshine in can be a welcome change from the drab, dark tone often set during the winter. Take in the sun, breath in the air and get ready for warmer temperatures.
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Air conditioner getting on in years? It’s time to think about finding a replacement.
Did you know that your air conditioner ages? And, as it ages, it may slow down and lose efficiency? If your air conditioner is old, it may be time to stop repairs and think about an upgrade.
Yes, we know, new systems can cost a pretty penny. So “old faithful”, no matter how inefficient, may seem like the money-saving option. BUT, that could be completely wrong. Inefficiency is not something to ignore. Most air conditioners installed before 2006 are less efficient than standard HVAC systems today. Efficiency standards shot up to 13 SEER in 2006, and then again in January 2015. If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, chances are you are dealing with a 10- or 12-SEER unit. Much less efficient than a 13- or 14-SEER system. Plus, as systems age they can become even LESS efficient. So, it may not even be performing at those lower levels. This doesn’t even touch on the features a new unit may offer. Heating and air conditioning technology has taken big strides over the past decade. Systems today are more efficient, even out temperatures and operate at low noise levels. So, to recap, why should you go with a new system?- Old units get less and less efficient as they age.
- Your old air conditioner may not be worth the costs of repairs.
- New systems make your home more comfortable.
- You can save money with energy-efficient performance.
- Avoid an emergency service call when you need your air conditioner most.
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So, what’s better? An air conditioner or heat pump?
When you think about heating and cooling, what are the two systems that pop in your head? Did you think of air conditioners and furnaces? That’s what I thought. Did you know there are other systems that could be more beneficial than the air conditioner/furnace setup?
Simply defined, a heat pump is an HVAC system that uses electricity to both cool AND heat your home. It is like an air conditioner. But, it is able to reverse the process air conditioners use and provide warm air for your home as well. Heat pumps range in efficiency and can enhance home comfort.
So, which one is better for your home? Well, that depends on a few things.
- Utility rates. Electric heating may result in savings – particularly during the spring and fall when heating demand in most areas is not as high. Lower gas bills sounds like a big perk to me.
- When compared to other electric heating methods… heat pumps come out on top. While other electric heating methods (i.e. space heaters, heat strips, etc.) have to use electricity to create original heat, heat pumps engage in heat transfer, which requires less electricity. So, if you want electric heat, but don’t want to have an extra-high electric bill, a heat pump is the way to go.
- Where you live. This factor is a little more complicated. The only areas in the United States that may not enjoy a heat pump are the southern-most portions of Florida and Texas. In those areas, an air conditioner paired with an air handler may be all you need. But, in other parts of the country, heat pumps have the advantage. In the South, a heat pump with an air handler could be all you need for year-round heating and cooling. And, in Midwestern and Northern regions, you can pair your heat pump with a gas furnace for that extra punch in winter.