How Long Before You Should Replace Your HVAC System?

June 17, 2022

Replacing your heater or AC isn’t something you want to think about, but the time will come sooner or later. It’s good to know, then, just how long the average HVAC system lasts. It all depends on the factors below. The Sort of HVAC System You Own HVAC units come in all shapes and sizes. Central ACs and heat pumps, which heat or cool a home through a system of ducts, can last a good 15 to 20 years, but the ductless kind, called mini-splits, can last about a decade longer, though they only heat or cool a single room. Among furnaces, life expectancy varies based on the fuel that’s used: oil furnaces last 10 to 15 years, but gas and electric furnaces can run for five years longer on average. The Quality and Frequency of Maintenance Maintenance keeps your HVAC system from incurring premature wear and tear, which is, after all, the top culprit behind a shortened lifespan. Make sure you’re getting a tune-up every spring for your AC unit and every autumn for the heater portion. If you neglect it, your system will break down frequently, not deliver the comfort you want, and raise your monthly bill. Doing...

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How Long Should You Leave Your AC Running?

May 20, 2022

It is important to familiarize yourself with cycling your air conditioner to avoid fluctuating room temperatures that would be uncomfortable. For optimal performance, it is crucial to know how to let your AC run in a cycle. Your AC should ideally run for fifteen to twenty minutes; however, some factors could affect the unit’s runtime. Factors That Affect Your Air Conditioning Unit The outside temperature is the first factor to consider. The hotter the area you live in, the longer your air conditioner will need to run to cool your room. For example, those living in hot areas like Nevada might experience temperatures that could go higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Long cycles in such areas should not alarm you as it is completely normal due to the circumstances. The air conditioner’s size should also be taken into consideration. Most people overlook the size of AC they are getting in comparison with the room it is meant to be in. The size could vary the runtime of the AC unit, depending how big or small it is. If the AC is oversized, the unit will have a short runtime of about ten minutes. This is not enough time to get...

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3 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Save You Energy

April 18, 2022

3 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Save You Energy With the Show Low, AZ summer right around the corner, you may soon see your monthly energy costs start to rise. You’ll probably be turning the air conditioning up quite often to stay comfortable, and cooling systems can use up quite a bit of electricity over time. However, if you install a smart thermostat now, you could keep your monthly bills at a reasonable level all summer long. 1. No More Unnecessary Cooling Every time you forget to turn the AC off when you head to work or go to sleep, it results in several hours of wasted electricity. Additionally, every time you leave the AC running even after the house is comfortable, that’s wasted energy as well. With a smart thermostat, these occurrences will no longer happen. You can program your schedule into the thermostat, and it will automatically turn off your HVAC system during the hours that you don’t need it. Over several months, this can significantly impact your electricity bills. 2. Controlling the Climate Remotely Most smart thermostats feature an app that you can use on your phone to control your home’s climate. So, if you’re out running...

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Assessing the HVAC Equipment of a Potential Home

March 15, 2022

The process of looking for a new house is thrilling if not a bit intimidating. While examining the variables that influence a home’s livability, make sure to keep the HVAC system at the top of your list. The HVAC is a crucial system that affects both the comfort and the running costs of a home. Here are some tips for assessing a home’s HVAC equipment. Determine the Age of the System The life expectancy of a system is affected by how it is utilized and maintained. Nonetheless, a typical HVAC system lasts between 10 to 15 years. When purchasing a property with equipment in that age range, it may make sense to request that it be updated even if it is well-maintained. The reason for this is that the HVAC business is always increasing product efficiency, which means that newer models are more efficient and cost-effective to use than those outdated ones. Inquire About the Repair and Maintenance History When HVAC experts do servicing or maintenance, they leave dated task tickets with the homeowner or may attach them to the system This information serves as a history of what’s been done to the unit. Look for evidence of regular repairs,...

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When Should I Install a New Air Conditioner?

February 15, 2022

The long, hot summers in Show Low, AZ create a lot of work for your air conditioner. A typical lifespan for central air conditioning systems is 12 years. After this duration, major parts are likely to fail, and the systems rapidly lose efficiency and effectiveness at cooling and dehumidifying your home. Here are some guidelines on the best time to install a new air conditioner. After Remodeling or Expanding Your Home If you finished your basement or attic or added more square footage to your home, you’ll need a new air conditioner. The right size air conditioner ensures that your home receives even cooling and maintains a consistent temperature. When a Major Component Fails After a major component failure, such as the compressor, consider installing a new air conditioner. A rule of thumb is, if the repair is more than one-third the cost of a new system, you’re better off replacing the old air conditioner. Temperature or Humidity Control Problems If your air conditioner can’t keep up with your cooling requirements, it’s time for a new unit. New air conditioners offer better energy efficiency, and your electricity bills may drop. System Older Than 12 Years Consider proactively replacing your air...

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This Is How Your Furnace Works

January 13, 2022

Nighttime winter temperatures in Show Low, AZ, can drop down to the low 20s, so you’ll need to turn to your home’s furnace for relief. Gas furnaces use the process of combustion to heat air, and a forced-air system distributes it throughout your house. Understanding how your furnace works can help you know when to take action if there’s a problem and makes it easier to maintain a safe and efficient heating system. Thermostat Triggers Heating Cycle The first step in how your furnace works is the triggering of a heating cycle. When your thermostat’s sensor detects that your home’s air temperature has dropped below the set point, it starts a heating cycle. Natural Gas Burns A heating cycle begins with the ignition of natural gas. The gas supply valve opens, and the pilot light ignites it. Newer furnaces with hot surface ignitors, intermittent pilots, or direct spark trigger the ignition at the same time as the start of the gas flow. Air Gets Hot The flame from the burner heats a metal piece called the heat exchanger. Fresh air enters the combustion chamber. As it moves over the heat exchanger, it absorbs the heat. Exhaust gases are pushed out...

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How to Find Your Heater’s Energy Efficiency

December 20, 2021

Heating up your home is one of the more costly tasks you’ll need to do this winter. It takes up approximately 70% of your electricity bills, especially during winter. One key factor exacerbating the situation is faulty heaters that consume higher energy rates than normal. You can get solar heaters or stick with your gas or electric heater. The question is, how efficient is it? Following are ways to tell if your heater is energy efficient. 1. The AFUE Rating The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) determines the efficacy of a heater to convert fuel into energy. A more energy-efficient heater has a higher AFUE rating and vice versa. If you live in temperate regions, you should consider buying a heater with 80% AFUE ratings. 2. Your Subsequent Bills Your electricity bills fluctuate from time to time due to a wide range of factors. To confirm your suspicions, compare your past years’ bills with the present to track the efficacy of your system. If you notice a considerable change and a spike in your utility bills, then you should consider upgrading your heating system. 3. The Age of the Heating System Every artificial thing has a breaking point, even with...

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3 Tips for Saving Heat This Winter

November 20, 2021

As the weather gets colder over the next few months, it’s going to be tempting to have your furnace running day and night. Unfortunately, if you do, you’re not only going to put a lot of strain on the appliance, but your heating bills are going to go through the roof. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways you can stay warm this winter while also saving money and keeping your furnace in tiptop shape. 1. Seal Up Air Leaks Air leaks will usually show up around the edges of windows, garage doors, and other doorways and can be a major source of warm air escaping. This forces your furnace to compensate, resulting in more energy being burned and less effective heating. You can either do it yourself or hire professionals, but make a point to get all of these leaks sealed up before the winter arrives. 2. Lower the Thermostat If you choose the right times to do it, you can turn your thermostat down a bit and still remain warm. Consider lowering the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees when you go to sleep and during the day when the sun is shining. Open your curtains wide and...

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

October 19, 2021

Heat pumps can be very efficient heating systems, and they attract a lot of attention because they provide air conditioning as well. There are heat pumps that use ductwork as well as those that do not require ducts, making these units very versatile. While they offer many advantages, heat pumps may be unfamiliar to some people. Below, we have answered some common questions regarding heat pumps so that you can have a better understanding of how they work. Can a Heat Pump Heat an Entire Home? Yes. When configured properly, a heat pump can generate enough heat to warm your entire house. They work in all types of weather, so you can use them year-round. Are Heat Pumps Effective at Cooling? Yes. Heat pumps can function as air conditioners in the warmer months. They do so by using a refrigerant to absorb heat energy. The resulting cool air is moved into your home. In addition, they can dehumidify the air. This is especially useful in the summer. Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Have an Existing Heating System? It depends. Some heat pumps are intended to be used as standalone heating units, so these should not be used...

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3 Efficient Heating Systems to Consider for Your Home

September 20, 2021

Cold temperatures will soon arrive in Show Low, AZ, so it’s time to think about replacing your old, ineffective heating system with a new, energy-efficient option. An efficient home heating system lowers your monthly energy bills, reduces your carbon footprint and enhances your comfort. Here are three types of efficient heating systems to consider for your Show Low home. 1. Ductless Mini-Split A ductless mini-split is a combination heating and cooling system. Instead of relying on a bulky, complicated system of ducts throughout your home, this type of system uses multiple indoor units connected to an outdoor unit with a conduit. The indoor units can be mounted onto a perimeter wall or the ceiling. Ductless mini-splits facilitate zoned climate control, so you could just heat one part of your Show Low home at a time. These systems are at least 30% more efficient than ducted systems. 2. Dual Fuel Hybrid A dual-fuel or hybrid heating system includes a heat pump and a gas furnace. When the temperature is moderate, the heat pump provides the heating functions. It does this at temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. When the temperature drops below this level, the gas furnace delivers heat. 3....

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