Category: HVAC Systems

Home-Buying HVAC

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If you are looking at homes to purchase it’s important to check out the homes heating and cooling system. If the system is having problems, it may lead to expensive repairs or replacements that you’re not prepared for once you sign the contract. Here are 5 HVAC tasks to add to your home shopping check list:

  1. How old is the furnace? Don’t be afraid to ask how old the equipment is. You can even check the label on the furnace, air conditioner and heat pump. That label will show you the serial number and date of manufacture. HVAC systems average lifespan is about 15 years depending on how well its maintained.
  2. What is the Maintenance history? Ask the current owner if they have the maintenance and service records. You want to know if the equipment was regularly maintained, if it has had any repairs and what they were.
  3. Does the HVAC system have any energy upgrades? Energy upgrades like added insulation and ductwork sealing can make a big difference in the heating and cooling costs of a home.
  4. Ask for the Energy Bill. Look to see how much it will cost to heat and cool the home so you can budget that during home ownership. Higher that normal bills could mean a poorly sealed house or issues with the heating and cooling equipment.
  5. Ask Experts to get involved! If you have made an offer on a home, it’s a good idea to have a HVAC technician inspect the house in addition to the standard home inspector. We can thoroughly inspect the equipment before you officially sign the closing documents. Large problems, like a furnace replacement, can be negotiated for the seller to complete in order to close. It could also lower the asking price of the home.

Heating and Cooling are the two main things that keep you comfortable in your home year round. Make sure to get to know the homes HVAC system before you commit to buying, surprise repairs can be frustrating and costly. If you are buying a home make sure to call Experts to come do a thorough inspection of the homes equipment.

 

Indoor Air Quality

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Love is in the air, and so is everything else.

Indoor air quality is not something we think about on a daily bases, but it should be something we are aware of. Today’s homes are better insulated, tightly sealed and use less energy. Unfortunately, this also seals in humidity, dust and other indoor pollutants. In many cases, the quality of air inside a home can be worse than it is outdoors. Not only can dirty air make you less comfortable, it can pose serious problems for family members who suffer from asthma and allergies.

American Standard Air AccuClean

AccuClean™ Whole-Home Air Filtration System Highlights

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Removes up to 99.98 percent of allergens from the filtered air
  • Catches particles down to .1 micron in size
  • Eight times more effective than the best HEPA room appliance
  • 100 times more effective than a standard one-inch throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance
  • Delivers cleaner air and more of it
  • Reusable filter can be cleaned by vacuuming

Click here to view the product brochure

Information and photo  from American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.

 

 

How ductless systems work

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Ductless systems, also known as ductless heat pumps or ductless mini-splits, are highly efficient easily installed primary heating and cooling systems for electrically heated homes. They’re safe, durable and quiet, and they heat rooms evenly at a fraction of the cost of baseboard, wall and ceiling heat or electric furnaces.

Ductless systems utilize heat pump technology to distribute warm or cool air more quietly and efficiently than traditional electric heaters. With three main components (outdoor unit, indoor wall-mounted unit, remote control), ductless heat pumps are easily installed by a professional in less than a day and can reduce your electric heating costs by 25% -50% while keeping you comfortable all year long.

Ductless How it works

Ductless heating and cooling systems are reversible, two-way heat pump that simply take heat energy from on place and move it to another by compressing and expanding refrigerant. There are three main components:

1. Outdoor unit: connects to the indoor unit by a small bundle of cables, including a refrigerant line. The unit is placed outside of the home on ground level.

2. Indoor unit: mounted on a centrally located wall. One indoor head is enough to heat and cool an average-sized Northwest home.

3. Remote control: allows occupants to adjust the settings for maximum efficiency, comfort and control.

Installation is quick and easy. There is no need for expensive, invasive and often leaky duct work: A small 3-inch hold hidden behind the indoor unit is all that’s needed to connect it to the outdoor unit. Ductless systems do best when they are installed in a central location in your home. They work with your existing heating system to ensure that bedrooms and bathrooms are the perfect temperature.

Other types of heat pump include ducted heat pumps, ducted mini-splits and central air handler mini-splits. Talk to your electric utility or contractor to learn more about which type of heat pump would be best for your home.

Information provided by http://www.goingductless.com

Current Clark Public Ductless Rebates

Ductless Heat Pump Rebates:

  • $750 rebate for the installation of a single head system (9.0 or greater HSPF)
  • $1,000 rebate for the installation of a multi-head system (8.2 or greater HSPF)
  • $100 rebate for ductless heat pump replacement (11.0 or greater HSPF)

To Qualify for Your Rebate:

  • You must be the homeowner.
  • Your home must have cable ceiling heat, baseboard heat, an electric furnace or wall heaters permanently installed.
  • Must be installed by an approved contractor
  • You must be approved by the program for the rebate.

Information provided by www.clarkpublicutilities.com

Is maintenance important?

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Before & After Maintenance

The answer is yes! Many people make an investment into their heating and cooling system, but fail to maintain proper upkeep. A heating and cooling system is similar to a car- it needs care and maintenance to work properly. A properly working system will keep your home cozy and cool for years to come, which is why annual maintenance is so important.

Some benefits from proper maintenance would be:

  • Lower Utility Bills- Properly running system can mean less money spent on electricity.
  • Healthy Air- Clean filters and coils mean better breathing for the whole family.
  • Efficiency- Research shows that dirty or unmaintained units need to work 20% harder to produce the same amount of cooling or heating as a well-maintained system.
  • Life of the System- The better a person maintains their heating and cooling system, the longer the system can function.

Is it time to schedule your annual maintenance?

Schedule online or call Experts at 360-335-1699