FAQs

There are generally four different types of air conditioning systems you can have installed in your home. Ductless splits are the most basic but also the most flexible in that you can install a single unit in up to four different rooms to work off the same external source.

If you need something a bit more powerful, though, you may want to opt for a split system. These types of air conditioners are made up of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and they generally work well to cool a couple of rooms in a house. This type of air conditioning system can be especially appropriate if you have recently built an addition onto your existing house.

Packaged air conditioners can cool an entire house. They also have an outdoor component which feeds cooler air into a series of ducts. The cooled air then travels throughout your house, cooling all areas uniformly.

If you have an especially large space to keep cool, you will probably be best off with a larger central air conditioning unit. This operates much like a packaged system, but it’s more powerful and can effectively cool large buildings and meeting spaces.

To a certain extent, you should be able to get an idea about what type of air conditioner is right for you based on the size of the space you need to cool. However, professional HVAC technicians have years of experience working with air conditioners and are a good resource when you’re trying to make this type of determination. They can help you figure out both what type of system you’ll need and how powerful you need it to be.

If your air conditioning system doesn’t seem to working like it used to, it may be worth looking into a replacement. While you may be put off a bit by the costs of air conditioning replacement, there is actually a lot to be gained by transitioning to a newer model.

Of course, if your current system isn’t working properly and you’re going to have to pay to repair it anyway, it often makes financial sense just to get a new one. Rather than paying for extensive repairs on an older system, you’ll probably be better off replacing your older system with a newer, more energy efficient model. The monthly energy savings alone can make it worth the transition.

As long as you have it installed properly and take good care of it, any new air conditioning system should last for at least 10 years. Most of the newer models will last up to 15 years as long as regular cleaning and maintenance are performed properly.

Just like anything else, an air conditioning system needs to be kept clean and otherwise well maintained. You can take care of some of this basic cleaning on your own, but to really extend the life of your equipment, it’s a good idea to hire a professional service to carry out annual maintenance checks. Maintenance service consists of a full inspection and thorough cleaning. In addition, technicians will carry out any necessary repairs and replace worn out parts to keep your air conditioning system functioning smoothly for years to come.

Yes, the ductless split solution allows air conditioning to be installed in your home without any ducts and with only a small, three inch hole in the wall for the main conduit. Additionally, for added convenience and control of the aesthetics around your home, you can install the outdoor unit as much as 50 feet away from the house. While the split and mini–split system is ductless, regular cleaning is recommended for the outdoor unit and indoor units to maintain efficiency and avoid overuse.

A ductless split air conditioning system will cost between $1000 and $2000 for each ton of cooling. A single ton of cooling is 12,000 BTUs. When compared to central air installation, the cost ranges roughly 25%–30% more, however, keep in mind that you will not need to install the same ductwork in your home as you would for central air, and there are far less maintenance needs as there are no ducts to clean.

The reason for the extra cost is the specific sizing and installation requirements for each of the indoor units. Each unit must be carefully measured and installed to ensure minimal wasted air. If it short cycles, you will waste energy and have humidity and temperature problems in one or more rooms in your home.

Most manufacturers recommend having your home heating system serviced once a year. These visits allow technicians to clean and inspect all parts of the system and perform any necessary repairs. They keep systems functioning much more efficiently and can help to extend the life of the entire system.

There are several reasons to replace your current home heating system with a newer model. Of course, if your system isn’t working or is frequently in need of repair, you should probably consider an upgrade rather than continuing to pay repair costs.

However, even if your system is working fine, it may still be worth making the transition to a newer model. That’s because the heating systems available now are so much more efficient than their predecessors that the monthly energy savings you’ll receive on your bill will quickly offset the cost of the installation. Even if your system isn’t that old, it’s worth finding out how it compares to the energy efficient models on the market today.

Each type of heating system, whether based on a furnace or a heat pump, is more appropriate for different types of homes. Heat pumps are generally installed along with central air conditioning systems, so if you’re ready for the whole system overhaul, this may be the best option for you. However, there are many instances in which a gas furnace may be the better choice.

The best way to find out what system suits your home best is to consult with a professional. These experts can take a look at your home and make recommendations based on the layout of your house and your particular needs.

The AFUE ratings on furnaces have to do with how efficient they are at turning fuel into heat. An 80% AFUE furnace converts 80% of the fuel it uses directly into heat, while a 90% AFUE furnace makes direct use of 90% of its fuel.

This means that the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is. A 90% AFUE furnace will help you save on heating costs as opposed to an 80% AFUE model because it wastes less fuel. Of course, the 90+% furnaces are often more expensive to purchase and install.

So in order to determine which type of furnace is right for you, you’ll have to figure out exactly where your usage falls. If you live in a warmer area without harsh winters, you probably won’t save enough with the more energy efficient furnace to offset the higher purchase price. If you use your furnace a lot, however, the monthly energy savings can be well worth the larger initial investment.

The average home heating system should be expected to last at least 15 years. With proper care and maintenance, these systems can last upwards of 20 years. However, you may want to replace your current system with a more energy efficient one even if it’s only 10 years old.

The quality of the air inside a building is simply referred to as "indoor air quality", or IAQ. Air quality usually focuses on allergens, viruses, gases and other particulates in the air that aggravate allergies or cause even more serious health issues. While the average person generally only thinks about these items when considering their home's indoor air quality, HVAC professionals consider other factors that impact the overall quality of the air.

When determining the quality of a home's air, a ventilation technician considers temperature, humidity and air movement. There are a number of issues that can arise if all of these conditions aren't optimal, but among the most common are the dry eyes and nosebleeds associated with a home with low humidity. These homes often benefit from the installation of a humidification system.

Choosing an indoor air filtration system can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to this type of thing. HVAC experts can help you sort through all of the information on the various products available to find the one that’s best suited to your needs.

Of course, it’s always ideal to be able to eliminate as many contaminant particles from your indoor air supply as possible. But not all air cleaning and purification systems are able to target all types of contaminants equally well.

For instance, some of these systems are more effective against mold and allergens, while others do better at removing dust and odors. Depending on what particular contaminants you or your family members are sensitive to, one of these systems may make more sense than others. Trained experts can help you figure out which one.

The specific life of an air filter will vary from model to model, but in general it’s recommended that you change your air filter at least every 90 days. However, depending on how high the level of contaminants is in your home and whether or not you have pets, you may be better off changing your filter more often.

Air purification and cleaning systems work well for removing many of the particle contaminants that can invade your home. Biological contaminants, however, are often able to slip through these types of filtration systems. This leaves them free to grow and circulate through your home over and over again.

UV germicidal lights are the perfect complement to one of the various indoor air purification systems available today. After air has been filtered and other particles have been removed, the air will then pass by the germicidal lights so that biological contaminants can be eliminated as well.

Maintaining the proper humidity level in your home is extremely important. It helps your heating system function more smoothly and it can also help to keep biological contaminants from prospering. Air without enough moisture will quickly dry out your skin and nasal passages. It will also make it necessary to turn up your heating higher to get the same level of comfort.

Air that’s too humid, on the other hand, can be a breeding ground for germs and mold spores. Indeed, mold quickly flourishes in a damp environment, so keeping moisture to a reasonable level is essential in containing the growth of that particular contaminant.

With a good humidification system integrated into your heating and cooling system, you can have the perfect balance of comfort all year round.

Geothermal heat pumps work much the same as a standard heat pump. With the use of a condenser, they pull warm air from one environment and pump it into another. However, unlike a normal heat pump, a geothermal heat pump uses the natural energy stored beneath the earth to heat your home.

There are many different installation methods for geothermal systems. The most common is the closed loop. A closed loop works with a series of pipes filled with water and coolant. This coolant is circulated into the earth where it gathers heat from the natural warmth held by the earth. The heat is then transferred within the pump through condenser coils. Air is drawn into the system and pumped into your home’s ductwork and you have heat.

The most effective in terms of raw heating power is a vertical system. However, a vertical system is also the most expensive because it requires a deep hole to be dug on your property and a long length of pipe. With building codes, the cost of drilling and the energy needed to draw water up from so deep, this can be an expensive proposition.

For most climates, a horizontal piping solution works equally well at a fraction of the cost. Instead of digging deep into the earth, horizontal piping is laid roughly four feet beneath your property and in a wide area to draw as much heat as possible. The water is then cycled into the pump and used to heat your air. This system works well in climates that rarely get too much below the freezing mark.

A geothermal system is no different from a standard air conditioner, heat pump or furnace which all require maintenance every year or two to keep in top condition. You should research your specific system and follow careful maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Much of the work can be done at home by you and your family with a once a year follow–up visit from your service provider to keep things running smoothly. Maintenance usually involves replacing disposable filters, cleaning permanent filters and checking all the parts within your system for wear and tear.

Ductwork maintenance is also very important to check for cracks, leaks, or other problems that might lead to long term failures in your system. If you plan on having a full duct system installed in your home, make sure it is checked at least once each year for potential problems and cleaned out to avoid any filtration problems.

The first sign of a serious problem in your geothermal system is when it stops working as it once did. If it always provided even heat to your entire home and suddenly it does not, it’s likely because of a breakdown in a part within the pump or a problem in your ductwork. Uneven heating between rooms is also a very clear sign that there is a problem in your system.

Watch for potential problems with your energy bills as well. Geothermal systems should use very little, if any, energy to heat or cool your home. If your energy bill suddenly spikes and you don’t know why, it may be your pump is having a problem.

Finally, check your manual for notifications. Many systems have LED warning lights to help owners determine when it’s time to call for professional service. Check these regularly to make sure nothing is wrong with your system.

It may very well be. While the truth is that solar power is not an option for everyone, it is quite viable in more areas than you may think. In order to take full advantage of solar power to heat your home or provide you with electricity, you need to have adequate sun exposure on a regular basis and enough space to put up the appropriate number of solar panels on your property.

In general, solar panels are installed on the roof, but they can also be placed at other points on your property if those get the right amount of sun. You should also keep in mind that you do not have to go all solar right away – or ever. Solar hot water heaters are a great addition to any home and are relatively inexpensive to install. However, they will save you quite a bit in the long run and you can always build on that installation to make use of solar power to satisfy more and more of your home energy needs.

Yes, you can. Once you have a solar power system installed for your home, you will pay virtually nothing in terms of energy cost for the systems you are running off of the solar cells. This may consist of only your hot water or it may include all of your electricity needs. Regardless, though, the solar power you can run these systems off of is free and will mean that you simply do not have to pay the power company for the energy you use.

Of course, it is true that having a solar power system installed can cost you quite a bit up front, but you will quickly recoup that cost with the monthly savings you will receive. In terms of the total amount that you will save, that will vary depending on a variety of factors related to your individual situation. To calculate that kind of savings, you will need to sit down and figure out how much you currently spend and what your total energy usage is now and in the future. Each person’s total savings will vary depending on their particular situation, but the savings will always be there in some form or another.

Solar power systems require very little maintenance, mostly because they do not have many moving parts. There is little opportunity for anything to go wrong with your solar power system simply because it is not particularly complicated to begin with.

However, that does not mean that you can completely disregard maintenance on this system altogether. A solar power system still needs to get some professional attention now and then, and it is also helpful if you can learn to do a few minor things that will help to keep your system in good working order for many years to come.

Solar power systems are actually quite simple and relatively quick to install. Compared to other types of home energy systems, they have very few parts and require little intrusive work to put in place. Of course, the larger your system is, the longer installation will take. But it will generally never take longer to install a solar power system than it would to install any other type of home heating or power system. And solar power is definitely quicker and easier to install than geothermal, which requires substantial excavation on your property.

If you have a system that’s only 5 years old or less, the savings probably won’t offset the cost of installation. However, a much older system, even if it’s great condition and running well may be far less efficient, to the point you’ll save money with an upgrade. Specifically, look for major ratings like SEER ratings on air conditioners, AFUE on furnaces, HSPF on combined heat pump devices and general operation costs from year to year. A professional can help you determine whether a new system will save enough money to offset the cost of replacement.

Another factor to consider is switching to an entirely new type of system. Geothermal heating or cooling or evaporative cooling are extremely effective in reducing costs, especially if you have a much older system to start with.

Increasingly, businesses are turning to energy management systems to reduce the overall cost of heating and cooling their commercial buildings. More than 35% of all US buildings with 100,000 or more square feet use these systems and save a tremendous amount of money on their heating and cooling costs as a result. Significant savings can be had in smaller buildings as well.

The idea is that you centralize all energy related decisions. Specifically, all heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are placed on centralized timers and sensors. One terminal will tell you how much energy is being used and where you can reduce usage. Better yet, you can access these systems from any computer via a web login.

There are a lot of air cleaning and purification devices on the market for commercial systems. Most of those devices are designed to act as add–ons. Usually these air cleaners and purifiers will integrate directly into your air handler, immediately impacting the air flowing in to your building. Humidification and dehumidification options can both be important upgrades as well.

One thing to consider is prospective energy loss. If you have an extensive ventilation system in place, there is always a risk that you will lose energy when the fans run. A management system will help keep this from happening, or you can upgrade to a system that uses only a limited amount of energy to ventilate exhaust.

Roughly 30% of all commercial HVAC systems are improperly sized. It doesn’t matter if your system is too small or too large – the cost will add up quickly if you don’t have the right size in your building. Make sure you call someone who can perform heat load tests on large buildings (10,000+ square feet) and adjust as necessary to reduce costs without compromising your heating or cooling needs. Having the right size system for your space will ensure it runs more efficiently, distributes even heating and cooling, and it will likely last longer.

If you opt for a rooftop unit, the size will depend on how much space you need to cool. Most major brands offer rooftop units in sizes ranging from 3 tons up to 150 or more tons. Options within this range are even adequate for large office buildings. The key is to determine what type of cooling system you want and what extras, like building management systems, you would like included.