What to Look for in a New HVAC System

HVAC systems are lifesavers in our homes. They not only ensure we breathe quality air but also keep our rooms heated, making them great for health, relaxation, and general home comfort. Therefore, if you have decided to go for a new HVAC system, it’s one of the most important decisions you can ever make for your home or office. While there are lots of HVAC Systems in the market, selecting one with the right characteristics for your home can be difficult. Therefore, we have come up with top features to look for when shopping for a new HVAC system.

Heating and Cooling Capacity

The first thing you should always look for when shopping for a new HVAC system is the heating and cooling capacity. Usually, these capacities are measured using the British Thermal Units (BTU). If you want a system unit with a higher heating capacity, then you should go with a higher BTU rating. At the same time, units with higher cooling efficiency have higher tons ratings.

Energy Efficiency

Over the last few years, much improvement has been witnessed in HVAC systems. While the older ones consume lots of energy, the newer generations do have a higher energy efficiency rating. Note that the more energy-efficient the HVAC is, the more it will cost to save on your energy bills. Therefore, before you buy a unit, it’s advisable that you check the consumption rates. While doing that, pay close attention to AFUE, HSPF, and SEER ratings. The higher the AFUE, HSPF, and SEER ratings, the more efficient the HVAC system.

Noise Levels

You would also want to have an HVAC system that doesn’t cause much noise pollutions. While the modern units are much quiet while operating, there are some conditioners that generate some disturbing noise. Usually, the sound produced by the conditioners is measured using decibels (dB). Depending on your place of work, or home preference, you should always go for a unit with 60 dB and below. However, you can also consult contractors to help you determine the noise levels.

Maintenance Requirements

Buying a new HVAC system is one thing, and maintaining is the other. While these systems are heavy to acquire, their cost of maintenance can equally be high. Note that failure to do proper maintenance can cause operation failures or damages. Therefore, you should always check the maintenance costs of your system. Also, as you negotiate for installation, also do the same for the service plan. Check whether the vendor is willing to offer regular inspections and repairs at discounts. It will save you in the long run.

HVAC systems help make our offices and homes livable. While buying a new one is a good idea, there are key things you need to check before making the purchase. For instance, you need to check the heating/cooling capacity, efficiency, noise pollution levels, and cost of maintenance. Considering these factors will ensure you enjoy the service of your HVAC unit for a long time.

How to Decide When It's Time to Replace Your Furnace

As the temperatures start to drop, it is important that you are prepared for the colder months. One way to do this is by making sure your furnace is in good condition. If you have noticed a decrease in efficiency or an increase in noise, then it's time to consider replacing your current furnace with a new one. This blog post will walk through some of the reasons why it might be time for you to replace your old system.

Rising Energy Bills

If you notice that your energy bills are starting to increase, it could be because your furnace is not functioning efficiently. Also, your furnace could be reaching the end of its life cycle and can no longer produce enough heat or use as much fuel as before; you should contact an HVAC professional to discuss replacement alternatives.

Excessive Rust, Soot, or Dirt Particles

If your furnace is not frequently maintained, then rust, soot, or dirt particles can accumulate. Once this happens, it will cause part of the heat exchanger to become obstructed. If you notice a buildup of these contaminants in your system, then replacement should be considered as soon as possible.

Home Humidity Problems

If you notice that the humidity in your home is off, then it could be a sign of trouble for your furnace. If moisture has begun to accumulate in or around your system, this will cause corrosion and reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Rooms Are Heating Unevenly

If you notice that some rooms are hotter or colder than others, this could indicate an issue with your current system. One way to test the efficiency of your furnace is by using a simple household thermometer. Place one on each floor of your house and compare them after 24 hours have passed. The average reading should be about the same across the board. If some register higher than others, this is a sign of inefficiency, and it's time to replace it.

Furnace Produces Unusual Noise

Noisy furnaces can be a sign of several problems. If you notice your furnace making strange noises such as an unusual humming or clanging, it could mean that something has become loose or broken inside the unit. You need to call an HVAC contractor and discuss furnace repair options.

If any of these problems sound familiar, then replacement might be necessary. Or, you can reach out to an HVAC professional to discuss repair options.

Common Warning Signs That Something Is Wrong in Your HVAC System

Your home’s HVAC system is what keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is easy to ignore until something goes wrong. There are common warning signs that something could be wrong with the HVAC system. If you notice these signs, it is best to have an HVAC repair company look at them before it fails.

HVAC Repair

HVAC stands for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home. It includes the furnace, air conditioning unit, and the ductwork. There are quite a few moving parts that keep this system running to keep your home comfortable.

Having an HVAC repair company perform annual maintenance can keep the system running properly. But sometimes unexpected problems can occur. There are various warning signs that you might hear, see or smell, that can alert you that something is wrong with your HVAC system.

Unusual Smells

If you notice a slight burning smell when you turn on the furnace for the first time of the season, it could be the smell of accumulated dust burning off, and it’s usually not a reason to worry. However, if you notice a burning smell at any other time, you should call an HVAC company right away.

Smelling something like rotten eggs or a sulfur smell can indicate a gas leak from your furnace or another area of the house. If you ever smell this, you should leave the home immediately and call the fire department. Do not call from inside the house or turn on light switches, because that could trigger a gas explosion.

Other unusual smells include chemical, moldy, or musty scents. These can all indicate a problem with either the heating or air conditioning system.

Water or Condensation

One function of the HVAC system is to balance the humidity in the house. If you see puddles of water or condensation on or near the system, it could be a sign of a problem. Pipes and coils can wear out and develop leaks. Water leaking or condensation from these problems can cause mold or mildew to form, which is an unhealthy situation.

Strange Noises

Noises like whining, screeching, banging, or thumping are all signs that the HVAC system is not operating properly. Noises like these are usually something like a broken belt, loose screws, or debris that has become stuck in the external parts of the HVAC system.

Noises like wind or whistling can mean there is a leak in the ductwork. Less airflow coming through the vents can also indicate leaky ductwork, which will make the system work harder to cool or heat the home.

You should call an HVAC company if you notice one of these warning signs in your HVAC system. Getting a small problem fixed soon will keep the problem from getting worse.

First-Time Homeowner? HVAC Maintenance You Shouldn't Ignore

Did you know that your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most important features in your home? It not only provides comfort for you but also keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance when there are so many other things on our plate as homeowners. If you're new to owning a home or this is the first time you've had to think about HVAC maintenance, then this post will give you some helpful tips.

Inspect Filters Monthly

Inspecting your filters on a monthly basis is a great way to ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. These filters should be replaced every month but if you have pets or allergies, then it's recommended that they are changed more frequently. When replacing them, make sure the new filter matches the old one in size and type for best results.

Check for Mold

HVAC systems are susceptible to mold growth so it's important to check for this on a monthly basis. If you see any, then remove the source of the moisture as soon as possible before removing all visible signs of mold. You can use bleach or another type of cleaning product that won't damage your HVAC system in order to get rid of any spores left behind. Mold can cause respiratory problems, so it’s important to have professional remediation if you spot it in your home. 

Address Leaks and Cracks

Leaks and cracks in your HVAC system can affect its overall performance, which is another reason why they should be addressed as soon as possible. An inefficient system will end up costing you money on your utility bills and be less effective overall. Addressing any leaks early will also prevent mold from growing inside of the unit because moisture won't be able to escape through any leaks or holes.

Air conditioning repair can be expensive if you do not stay on top of your units. If you find leaks or cracks in your HVAC system, then contact a professional to come fix them as soon as possible. This will ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible and that it's keeping you nice and comfortable at home.

Replace Air Conditioning and Heating Coils

The air conditioning and heating coils in your unit can wear down over time, so it's a good idea to have them replaced every five years. This is an important part of HVAC maintenance that should not be ignored because you never know when they'll stop working properly or fail altogether, which could end up costing you more money than they're worth. Be sure to keep a record of when tasks like this are being performed so that you can get them done on time.

HVAC maintenance is important for all homeowners, but it's especially crucial if you're a first-time homebuyer. It can be difficult to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance when there are so many other things on our plate as homeowners. But these tips should help make the process easier and more manageable. If your heating or air conditioning unit isn't functioning properly, then don't hesitate to contact an expert who will come out immediately to repair any leaks or cracks you have found in your system.