Grand Traverse County’s winter storms aren’t the only threat to your HVAC system. The copper and refrigerant in the outdoor unit can attract criminals looking to steal from you. A few basic precautions can protect your system from damage.
Grand Traverse County’s winter storms aren’t the only threat to your HVAC system. The copper and refrigerant in the outdoor unit can attract criminals looking to steal from you. A few basic precautions can protect your system from damage.
Furnaces are workhorse systems that provide the majority of home heating in the Grand Traverse County area. Though reliable, conventional furnaces may not maintain the level of home comfort you expect, which is especially disconcerting when you’re paying for higher energy.
An important part of buying a new home that frequently gets skipped over is evaluating the home’s heating and cooling (HVAC) system. But the more you know about how this system works to cool, heat and ventilate your home, the more money you’ll save on energy and the more comfortable you’ll be. Following are some helpful HVAC tips for the first-time home buyer.
All those hot and cold spots in your home add up to discomfort, and with a little effort, it’s not hard to identify and correct the problems that cause them. In the best of all worlds, homes would be evenly comfortable, but their design, solar exposure and normal wear often create some challenging conditions.
It’s rare for both main components of a central air conditioner to fail at the same time. Usually, either the outdoor condenser/compressor gives out or the indoor evaporator coil fails. When this happens, you may be tempted to replace just the failed component to save money. Buying matching indoor and outdoor units is a better choice for the following reasons.
If someone asks you the definition of HVAC, you”ll probably say it has to do with home heating and cooling. That’s correct, but the term HVAC actually stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These components each have a vital role to play in maintaining a healthy, comfortable home. Let’s take a closer look at each of the components that make up an HVAC system.
Your home HVAC system has just broken down for the third time this season. You are faced with deciding whether you should repair it again or replace it entirely. It is not something you do very often. Getting some advice can help you make a better decision.
Is your home in need of a heating system upgrade? There are signs that can tell you if it is time for a heating system upgrade. Ask yourself these questions to determine if it is time to start shopping for a new system:
When you want the most comfort and energy efficiency from your heating and cooling system, look for one that has an electronically commutated motor (ECM) in the blower or outdoor condenser. These motors offer many advantages over permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors, the most common kind used for HVAC equipment.
Hybrid heating systems, also called dual-fuel systems, combine the energy efficiency of a heat pump with a combustion furnace. These systems combine the best of both worlds, particularly in a climate like ours, because they give you the option of heating with the heat pump during milder weather and only using fuel when temperatures drop near or below freezing.