Today’s generation of window air conditioners are much more convenient, versatile and effective than those models of just a few years ago.
A wide variety of sizes and BTUs can be found at the local home improvements store for a very reasonable price. Installation into the window can be completed in a matter of minutes. The units are lightweight, compact and yet provide powerful cooling. The top-of-the-line window air conditioners offer wireless remotes that allow adjustment of temperature and fan speed without even getting out of bed. The equipment requires nothing more than occasional cleaning of the filter and changing the batteries in the remote. I like the ability to customize the temperature in each bedroom according to preference and occupancy. We don’t run the air conditioners unless we’re crawling into bed for the night. Even on the hottest summer nights, the window unit can cool down a good sized room in a matter of minutes. The operation makes just enough noise to drown out exterior noise pollution such as traffic, early morning birds, road construction, barking dogs and neighbors. In the area where we live, the window air conditioners are the perfect solution. Our summer seasons only last a couple of months. My family spends the majority of time outdoors. The much higher investment into central air conditioning just isn’t worth it. While the smaller, portable units don’t last as long or provide comfort throughout the whole home, they are simple, temporary and reasonably priced. I can buy one of the best AC units on the market for a couple of hundred dollars.
cooling system
A new furnace would trim running costs, provide superior comfort, improve indoor air quality and reduce our carbon footprint
My furnace is right around twenty years old. Although the system continues to function, I’ve noticed a decline in performance. There is definitely less hot air coming from the vents, which has led to a higher thermostat setting and the furnace running more often. My utility bills are a bit more expensive every year. There is more dust and other allergens circulating in the breathing air and the operation is much louder than it once was. Every winter, I can expect to face a minor repair. The costs are starting to add up, and I worry about the furnace quite completely at the worst possible time. My local area experiences long and severe winter weather. The temperature is regularly below freezing and often drops into the negative digits. We are often hit with blizzard conditions that make the roads impassable. I wouldn’t want to be left without heat and have no way to get a new furnace installed. I’d prefer to schedule the replacement project over the summer and take my time selecting a new model. I’ve been researching the latest innovation in heating systems. Today’s furnaces are far more energy efficient than mine, reaching AFUE ratings up to 98%. Rather than blasting at maximum speed and then shutting off in a continual cycle, these modern alternatives feature adaptable-speed technology. The furnace can run anywhere between forty and one hundred percent capacity, adjusting output to suit the needs of the home and maintain a very even temperature. A new furnace would trim running costs, provide superior comfort, improve indoor air quality and reduce our carbon footprint. Plus, the equipment would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
ductless mini split
Ductless mini split systems offer lots of unique benefits.
This type of temperature control is ideal for older homes without ductwork, additions, workshops, targeting comfort challenges in specific rooms and so much more.
The equipment is especially compact and easily installed. The system consists of an outdoor compressor that is unobtrusive and so quiet that it’s difficult to hear when it’s running. A conduit links the outdoor unit with one or more indoor air handlers that can be mounted down near the floor, up high on the wall or even into a drop ceiling. Requiring little more than a three-inch hole in an exterior wall, mounting capabilities and access to electricity, the installation of a ductless system can typically be completed in a matter of hours. There is no major remodeling requirement and no mess to clean up. The air handling units are lightweight, streamlined and aesthetically pleasing. They integrate into just about any decor without drawing unwanted attention. The operation is wonderfully quiet and each one features an independent thermostat. From a cordless remote or app on a phone, it’s easy to raise or lower temperature setting, adjust fan speed or determine the direction of airflow. Modern ductless systems typically feature inverter technology that automatically alters output to match the changing demands of the room. By running at lower speeds, the system uses less energy, costs less to operate and maintains a consistent indoor temperature. The operation is whisper-quiet, energy efficient and provides effective dehumidification and air filtration. I chose a ductless heat pump to improve the comfort of my kitchen, and I’ve been totally happy with it. The system provides both heating and cooling, costs little to operate and requires only minimal maintenance.
HVAC brands
The house I eventually bought features a top-of-the-line heat pump that includes all the perks.
I first came across heat pumps when I moved from the north to the south. Nearly every property for sale that I toured was outfitted with an electric heat pump. I had never heard of this type of system and wasn’t sure why the real estate agent always pointed it out. I did some research and learned that heat pumps are more expensive to purchase and install than more conventional heating and cooling units. However, a single unit handles year round temperature control, requiring less space and maintenance. Plus these innovative systems are especially environmentally friendly, energy efficient and provide lower utility bills. Unlike a natural gas furnace or boiler, a heat pump doesn’t burn fossil fuels to generate heat. Instead, it makes use of ambient heat available in the outdoor air. It uses the process of converting refrigerant from liquid to gas to compress this free heat energy into a higher temperature. The process avoids the drawbacks and concerns of combustion, such as fumes and carbon monoxide. In the summer, the heat pump reverses operation and works just like a conventional air conditioner. They are especially effective at handling excess humidity and modern models offer multi-stage filtration to help with air quality concerns. The house I eventually bought features a top-of-the-line heat pump that includes all the perks. It uses adaptable-speed technology to avoid temperature fluctuations and achieve outstanding inefficiency levels. Plus, I have the benefits of zone control, allowing more personalized comfort and eliminating the need to heat or cool empty rooms. I am totally happy with the heat pump. It requires very little maintenance and has proven wonderfully reliable.
heating device
Living in the northeastern area of the country, central air conditioning isn’t really necessary.
We rely on the furnace for two-thirds of the year.
Our summers are short and often overcast, chilly and wet. However, we sometimes experience brutal heat and humidity. The house becomes horribly overheated, sticky and uncomfortable. It’s impossible to be productive during the day, relax in the evening or sleep at night. The hot, moist conditions are ideal for bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, dust mites and various bugs. Opening the windows doesn’t help much. There is very little breeze. The screens simply allow fumes, pollen and exterior noise pollution inside. I’ve tried window air conditioners but didn’t like them. They look ugly from the inside and the outside and eliminate the view from the window. On especially hot days and nights, window air conditioners struggle to handle the workload. I find it aggravating to install the units in the spring, remove them in the fall and store them all winter. Investing into central air conditioning was a smart decision. I run the system a lot more than expected, often using only the fan to circulate and filter the air. The central air conditioner keeps the entire house perfectly cool as well as cleaner and healthier. I spent a bit extra for an Energy Star rated AC that offers a 26 SEER and features an adaptable-speed compressor. Because of this, the unit maintains a very even temperature, makes very little operational noise and is wonderfully energy efficient. While my electric bills are definitely higher because of running the air conditioner, they aren’t unreasonable.
air conditioning business
Adding central air conditioning to my home was one of the best improvements I’ve made.
When my wife and I initially purchased the property, there was already a furnace installed.
There was no option for cooling other than window air conditioners and box fans. Although the summer weather doesn’t last all that long in our local area, we can expect temperatures in the upper eighties and high humidity. We weren’t satisfied with the comfort provided by portable cooling units. Plus, my wife hated the appearance of the window air conditioners. I wasn’t thrilled with hauling them down from the attic in the spring and back up in the fall. I finally decided to make the investment into central air conditioning, and I’ve never regretted it. With the ductwork already in place, the cost wasn’t prohibitive and the installation process wasn’t overly invasive. Having a central air conditioner has increased the resale value of the home. I am just happy that we can now adjust the thermostat and enjoy a perfectly cool living space. Every room is comfortable. The cooling system also helps to circulate the air and keep it smelling fresh. It filters out contaminants for a healthier and cleaner home. It’s also quite effective at combating excess humidity. Although I notice a higher electric bill in the summer, the air conditioner is energy efficient and keeps the cost reasonable. The operation is quiet and the system requires nothing more than monthly filter changes and yearly service by an HVAC contractor. Because of the air conditioner, my family sleeps better at night and has more energy during the day.
air conditioner install
Despite its importance, the duct system is easy to forget.
The network of pipes is largely concealed behind walls, ceilings and inside crawl spaces.
However, it’s responsible for delivering heated and cooled air to every room in the house. The air my family breathes passes through the ductwork multiple times per day. I started paying attention to the ductwork after I had problems with it. Initially, I blamed the air conditioner for the musty smells, increasing amount of dust floating around and higher electric bills. I noticed that whenever the cooling system ran, I’d get a headache. My kids would start sneezing or coughing. I scheduled air conditioner repair but the technician found nothing but a very minor accumulation of dust on the fan blades. A thorough inspection of the ducts revealed the cause of all of my complaints. There was a significant buildup of debris inside the pipes that was blocking airflow. This restriction was causing the air conditioner to run more often and use more energy. Plus, whenever the air conditioner cycled on, the contaminants within the ductwork were becoming airborne and getting spread throughout the house. The technician found all sorts of unpleasant toxins inside the ducts, including a decomposing rodent and mold growth. I wasn’t sure how he’d go about handling the cleaning. I was a little worried about damage and mess. Instead, he brought in a machine that resembled an industrial-sized air conditioner with a very long hose and brush attachment. The brush dislodged stubborn contaminants that were then sucked up into the hose. The process was completed in a couple of hours and fixed the problems with my air conditioner.
thermostat
Last summer, I had a lot of complaints with my air conditioner.
Although the cooling unit was only three years old, I noticed a significant increase in my monthly electric bills.
The air conditioner was running a lot more often and yet struggling to match the thermostat setting. There were certain rooms that constantly felt overheated and clammy. The air from the vents had a musty smell and there seemed to be more dust and other particles circulating in the air. When I realized that I was suffering from frequent headaches, congestion and a tendency to sneeze whenever I spent more than a couple of hours inside, I called a local HVAC contractor for air conditioner repair. The technician inspected the inner workings of the cooling unit and then tested the ductwork. He discovered that small holes and gaps at the connections of the pipes were allowing approximately 25% of the conditioned air to leak out. Fortunately, his company offers Aeroseal duct sealing, which is a process that fixes flaws in the ductwork from the inside. The repairs are non-invasive, verified by way of a computer program and guaranteed for ten years. The technician covered the supply and return vents and then pumped highly pressurized air containing polymer particles into the ductwork. As the air escaped, these adhesive particles adhered to the edges. They steadily worked to form a tight seal. The Aeroseal duct sealing was completed in a couple of hours and without causing any odors, residue or mess. It resolved all of the problems with the air conditioner.
hydronic heating
Boilers can link to any combination of baseboard heaters, radiators, radiant floor heating and even snow melt systems and towel warmers
Because of my job, I’ve moved around a lot. While I’ve always lived in the northern part of the country, I’ve rented all different types of houses. I’ve avoided apartments and been willing to pay more to take advantage of a private yard, covered parking and the many amenities of a complete residence. It feels more like home. These areas tend to have long, snowy and extremely cold winters, making the heating system essential. Some of the properties have been outfitted with outdated heating units that created a lot of noise, seemed to run non stop yet couldn’t manage to supply enough heat for comfort. Other rentals have provided brand new, state-of-the-art heating technology that easily handles sub zero temperatures and keeps utility bills reasonable. I’ve lived in houses with natural gas furnaces, ductwork and vents in every room. While these systems typically included air conditioners, I preferred the properties with boilers. The main difference between a furnace and a boiler is that the former uses air to move heat energy and the latter uses water. There are several advantages to water, including a more gentle and consistent heating. Boilers avoid cold spots and drafts. They don’t dry out the air and cause concerns with insufficient humidity. They don’t add contaminants to the breathing air and provide a much cleaner and healthier living environment. Boilers can link to any combination of baseboard heaters, radiators, radiant floor heating and even snow melt systems and towel warmers. They usually include the perk of zone control that allows for personalized temperature settings in each room.
Cooling and heating business
Cold air doesn’t retain as much moisture as warm air.
In my local area, with outside temperatures down to twenty below zero, the air becomes especially dry.
Since the winter weather lingers for more than six months, the lack of humidity is a big concern. Inside the home, with the furnace running, the consequences of overly dry air include damage to furnishings, health risks and a larger workload for the heating system. Because dry air feels colder, it’s tempting to raise the thermostat setting. This doesn’t resolve the issue but simply forces the furnace to run more often and use more energy. Along with higher monthly utility bills, there’s an increased chance of malfunction and expense repairs. Static shock is a sign of low humidity and can actually damage low voltage electronics. Frizzy hair, chapped lips and static cling are common complaints. The dry air tends to pull moisture out of everything it touches. Hardwood floors, doors, moldings and antiques can easily warp and split. Dried out mucous membranes in nasal passages elevate the risk of respiratory infection. Insufficient humidity can often be blamed for sneezing, coughing, sore throat, congestion, headaches, difficulty sleeping and irritated symptoms of asthma, allergies, eczema and psoriasis. Portable humidifiers are a lot of work for very little benefit. I’ve found that the best solution is a humidifier that is installed right into the heating system. The unit introduces moisture into the air as it passes through, benefiting the entire house. There are three different styles of whole-home humidifiers. I chose a steam-style unit because of the more natural process, quiet operation and ability to customize the amount of moisture.
a/c professional