Which Heating System is Best for your Home?

Which Heating System is Best for your Home

In today’s age of advanced technology, it’s easy to take heating systems for granted. It’s been a long time since the wood or coal fueled fireplaces and furnaces were once critical for staying comfortable in winter in the winter. Having a good understanding of the different types of heating system will help you understand which one may be right for your home.

1. Mini-Duct Forced Air System
Also known as the Unico System after one of the companies who manufacture it, mini ducts are usually made for air-conditioning, though the system also can be used for heating with an optional electric furnace. It blows treated, high velocity air through flexible nylon tubing and out through vents. It can be very valuable for your home to have this system because the vents create little impact on the walls and framing. The tubing can be snaked through and around objects, avoiding many problems caused by large, solid ductwork.

2. The Modern Fireplace
The traditional fireplace can be updated and improved by using propane gas fire, and also using new types of inserts. Many attractive decorative, metal inserts for coal or wood fireplaces are made with optional matching mantelpieces. Electric heat inserts with faux flames upgrade the old fireplace without having to use any gas piping. Some fireplace manufacturers offer a variety of gas-fired inserts, which provide heat through power outages.

3. Hot-Water & Steam Radiators
These were common in the late 19th century and standard until recently, radiators provide a good amount of heat and are pretty easy to install. After the arrival of central HVAC systems in the 1960s, hot-water radiator installations began to disappear, yet the repair and refinishing of old radiators and the sale of antique ones became a thriving business. For residential heat, steam was used less than hot water, but both systems are easily repairable.

4. Radiant Heat
Hot water pipes embedded in the floor became popular after World War II, especially for slab-on-grade houses. Radiant heat provides comfortable warmth which is different from the fixed-point heat of radiators. Frank Lloyd Wright famously used radiant heat in his Usonian houses. However, those early installations were prone to leaks, usually because of pipe corrosion, and originals are difficult and expensive to repair. But modern radiant heating is much improved. Electric under-floor radiant systems are also easy to install under wood or tile floors. These are especially useful in small installations like kitchens and baths because they don’t need a separate powered heat source.

5. Forced Air
Forced-air heating systems also can provide ventilation and cooling, and for the past 50 years have been the preferred system in new houses. However, installing large, insulated ducts in an older house can be difficult or require giving up a lot of closet space. One solution is to use floor registers on the first floor with the fan-coil unit in the basement, and ceiling outlets on the second floor, with a separate unit in the attic.

Signs of a Bad or Failing AC Compressor

Signs of a Bad or Failing AC Compressor

Your air conditioner’s compressor plays big role in the functionality of your ac unit. The AC compressor transforms the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back, creating the cool air in a cycle. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your ac compressor is bad:

#1 A clattering or ticking noise. In a furnace you’ll hear a rumble, pop, or bang noises if it starts to go bad. The thing about a noisy air conditioner is it’s also a sign of trouble, specifically with your compressor. Just before this component fails, it begins to hard-start, which means it’s struggling to turn on. When you first turn on your AC, if you hear a chattering or rattling noise, it’s likely that the electrical relay switch that starts your compressor may be wearing out. As with all electrical components, fixing this is specialized work that only an HVAC professional should handle.

#2 A clicking, tumbling, or rattling noise. Similar to the noises above, a clicking sound when the AC starts could mean that the compressor motor mounts have failed and the motor that distributes cool air from within the compressor has come loose and started tumbling around inside the sealed area that houses it. Also similar to the issue above, it’s important to have a professional come out to fix it because it’s dangerous to deal with loose motors around high voltage.

#3 Moisture leaks. If you find puddles or large deposits of moisture around any area of your HVAC system, it could mean that refrigerant is leaking out of the compressor, posing potential health risks and cause health symptoms including irritated eyes, headache, nausea, coughing, and more. Also, if it continues for a while, your AC will stop working completely because it will run dry of the chemicals it needs to create cool air.

Subtle Symptoms of a Bad Home AC Compressor

Loud noises and chemical leaks are obvious ways to spot signs of common compressor failure, but there are far more subtle ways that this component lets you know that it’s going bad. These symptoms are easy to ignore, but you should keep a close eye on them or they’ll be likely to lead to a shutdown of your ac system.

#1 Reduced airflow. The first sign that a compressor is weakening or going bad, and often hardest to spot, is diminished air flow from the AC vents. Cold air is generated by the compressor, and if it’s beginning to struggle, it won’t be able to generate as much air as it usually does. As a result, less air will be coming out of your vents. It’s a good idea to have a trained HVAC professional as soon as you notice this because reduced airflow also means you might have clogged ductwork.

#2 Warmer air. Some compressors will break in a way that reduces air flow, others will have a different problem that lets them continue distributing air. Unfortunately, this air will no longer be cool. Warm air coming out of your vents while your AC is on means that your compressor is low on refrigerant.

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioning

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioning 

When temperatures continue to climb, air conditioning isn’t only necessary.. it’s a must. And it’s just as important to save on energy while running your ac. Here are some energy saving tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Keep your air conditioner lower at night. Overnight you don't need the same level of consistent cool air. Turning your AC down during the hours you’re asleep, if your unit has one, use the "sleep mode" which lowers the temperature on a timer.

2. If you only need to cool a portion of your home, use a window or portable unit in the space you need it. While cooling your entire home ideal, it may not be necessary all the time. Window and portable units use up 50% less energy than a central air unit.

3. Close Off Vents. The basement is normally the coolest room in the home, so try closing all the vents in the lower part of your home. The cool air will trickle down there naturally and by closing those vents, you're forcing all the air up top first, cooling as it comes down.

4. Service Your Unit. Some basic maintenance might be all your air conditioner needs, but will greatly benefit from. Hosing down your ac filter, especially if you're plagued with nearby trees and brush, can keep your ac unit from working harder.

5. Check your ac ducts. Making sure the areas where your ac ducts run through parts of your home that receive no air conditioning, like the attic, are well insulated. This will keep the air coming in as cool as possible. Otherwise it would be like paying for half cool air.

6. Try rearranging your furniture. Furniture that is in the way of air conditioning vents means you could be cooling the back of a chair or the bottom side of your couch. There are plastic pieces you can buy for your vents to help force air in the right direction, but the easiest way is to just rearrange your furniture, even if only temporarily.

7. 78 degrees is a good point for an air conditioner to run at its top performance level. It’s a lot like a car on cruise control coasting on a long, flat stretch of road.

8. Turning the lights off can help reduce the heat in your home, but paying attention to how much light you let in from an open windows can also play a significant role. Although it might seem crazy to open and close your windows every day with the changing of the sun, it makes a big difference on how much heat your ac has to cool down.

9. While you're away from home turn your AC up to 85 and make sure the windows and drapes are closed. Even though it’ll be hot for a few minutes when you come home, the blinds will help keep the sun out and the heat won't be as heavy. This will keep your unit from having to work overtime to cool the room back down.

10. Don't forget to turn on the fan. We rely on air conditioners to keep things cool, but having a few fans on will help. Using them to circulate the cool air means you don't need quite as much help from your air conditioner.

Choosing the Right AC Filter for Your Home

Choosing the Right AC Filter for Your Home

You probably already know that cleaning or replacing your ac filter regularly is important to maintain the air quality of your home as well as help your ac run efficiently. Well now here’s a better understanding of the different types of ac filters to help you choose the right one for your home. But before getting into the different types of AC filters, it’s important to understand MERV rating. MERV is the rating system that measures how effective an AC filter is at removing particles that pass through it. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter.

You probably think that you want the highest MERV rating when buying an AC filter but when an AC filter is too effective, it will also make it harder for air to go through it. This will make your AC system run less efficiently and you probably won’t be able to feel any air going through it. Most residential AC systems should use an AC filter with a maximum MERV rating of 11 to 16. Check your AC manufacturer’s information to make sure.

Fiberglass AC Filters

These air conditioner filters are made of mesh of fiberglass. The mesh doesn’t really do a good job of collecting dirt and debris in the air. These filters will generally have a MERV rating of 1-4 and they only stop a maximum of 10% of pollutants. However, these filters are very affordable and you can pick them up for a few bucks.

Pleated Polyester AC Filters

These AC filters are made up of a zigzag design. This shape let them catch more dust and particles before it gets into the air – about 45% of it. They have a MERV rating of about 10-13 and cost around $10 to $15.

High-Efficiency AC Filters

These filters will remove about 85% of the dust and debris in the air, but they won’t eliminate the tiny particulates. These have a MERV rating of about 14-16. These are more expensive, but they’re worth keeping your HVAC system more efficiently and the air in your home much cleaner. Choose these if you have allergies, respiratory problems, young kids, or you’re experiencing a lot of dust in your home.

HEPA AC Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance and the standards are set by the US Department of Energy. In order to qualify as a HEPA AC filter, the filter must be able to capture at least 97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns. The issue with HEPA air filters is that they are almost too effective. Their extra fine mesh will actually block some air flow. Most home AC systems don’t have sufficient power to get the proper air flow through one of these filters.

Washable AC Filters

Washable AC filters may seem like a good choice because you can just wash them instead of having to replace them, but they’re generally not a very good option. They only have a MERV rating of about 1-4, which means they won’t prevent much debris from getting through. Washable AC filters actually work better when they’re dirty. They are designed in a way which relies on the buildup of dirt and debris to stop more dirt and debris from gpassing through. Therefore, each time you wash the AC filter you are also decreasing its effectiveness.