Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Heat Pumps versus Central Heating Systems – Which One is Right for You?



If you are building a new home or simply updating the heating and air conditioning system in the one you have, there are many options on the table for you. Central heating and air conditions are one choice, then there are individual air conditioning units, portable heaters, and of course, heat pumps. Most people want a unit that offers temperature control in all of their rooms, which leaves central systems and heat pumps as the most likely options. But which one is the best choice?

The real answer to that question is that there is no answer. The decision between central heating systems and heat pumps comes down to several factors, and there is no one right choice for everyone.

Here are some pros and cons of each kind of system to weigh up before you make your decision about which kind of system to get:

First up, heat pumps: the most attractive thing about heat pumps for many people is the cost. Heat pumps offer heating and cooling in one single unit, which means that not only do you only have to shell out for one single unit when it comes time to purchase the system but you only have to maintain one single unit over the life of its use, so the overall operating costs are lower. Likewise, heat pumps cost less to operate on a daily basis. Heat pumps work with the existing heat in the air, so there is no artificial heating or cooling of the air was with central heating systems. Your electric bills will be lower, and the impact on the environment is less as well.

There are some downsides to heat pumps, however. They are not for people who live in places with temperature extremes. Most HVAC contractors recommend that people who live in environments with temperatures that frequently go below 40 degrees in the winter or over 85 degrees in the summer. Because the heat pump can only work by drawing heat out of the air in the winter and pulling it out of your home in the summer, it can’t work hard enough to keep up with those temperature extremes.

If you live someplace with temperature extremes, then a central HVAC system is the right choice for you. It can keep up effectively with temperature extremes and will keep you more comfortable.

The downside to central systems is that they are more expensive. You need a separate heating and cooling system, which means a bigger cost upfront and higher maintenance cost over the life of the system. Because central systems artificially heat and cool the air, they are more expensive to run on a daily basis.

You have to evaluate your individual needs before deciding which system is right for you. Then give Florence HVAC Experts a call for a quote on installing your heating system or heat pump.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Heating Issues That Significantly Increases Your Energy Bill



Winter will soon be upon us and it’s that time of year when we just want to cozy up and be comfortable at home. While your heating system is hard at work keeping you comfy, how’s your energy bill going? HVAC systems take up almost half of a household’s energy consumption. Can you say for certain that your home is free from issues that could cause your energy bill to skyrocket throughout winter? This article will tell you just how to keep your home as efficient as possible since heating can use up a lot of electricity.

Addressing heating issues that could potentially increase your energy bill

Drafts – the very first thing that could affect your energy bill are drafts. What are drafts exactly? Basically, drafts are air leaks that put a strain on your home’s heating. A draft can be anything from a small gap in between your wall outlet, badly caulked windows, or any holes that haven’t been patched up. Drafts are notorious for allowing heat to escape, making your heating system work harder and your energy bill driven higher. It is important to have a Florence HVAC contractor find and patch up these drafts.

Improper heating habits – if you are going away for a few days, don’t let your heating system run continuously. It will simply be a waste of money since nobody will be at home to make use of the heating. On the other hand, it is not advised to turn off your heating if you will only be away for a few hours. Heating and cooling work by lowering or increasing the temperature in a given location. It takes time for your HVAC to cool or heat a room. Turning it off when you will be away for just an hour or two will be wasteful since the system will need to start all over again.

Tips to keep your HVAC system happy

Maintain proper airflow – your HVAC system moves air around your house to provide cooling or heating. Do not close off doors or turn off air vents. Be sure that all air filters are clean and swapped out when necessary. Airflow must not be hindered in order to keep the system functioning efficiently.

Follow maintenance schedules – there are a lot of things to be done to keep the system functioning properly. You can do your own maintenance, however, it is advised to hire an expert like Florence HVAC Experts. Professional HVAC maintenance is needed to find areas that need repairs. It is difficult to assess the state of the system if you are unfamiliar with the processes involved. An HVAC technician, on the other hand, can provide a thorough inspection, perform necessary actions, and prevent problems from appearing in the future.

Make sure your heating and cooling system is in good condition. Hire only the best heating and cooling specialist in Florence. Call Florence HVAC Experts today!

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Monday, October 17, 2022

Ductless HVAC Systems And When You Need One



Traditional HVAC systems use ducts to provide heating and cooling whenever needed. However, there are downsides to conventional systems that use ductwork. While ducts may work well, they aren’t as efficient in general when compared to ductless systems. However, it’s not always the best solution for everyone. So, when do you know that a ductless system is right for you? Read on to know more about ductless HVAC systems.

The benefits of a ductless system

Ductless heat pumps or air conditioning systems don’t use traditional ductwork to provide heating or cooling. Instead, the system uses an indoor and outdoor unit. The beauty of a ductless system is the lack of intrusive ducts that would take time and a lot of money to set up and maintain. A ductless heating and cooling system can be installed with a minimal footprint. Only a small hole is drilled through a wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units. This makes the system more efficient as it allows little to no air leakage. Security also won’t be an issue as the hole is only big enough for copper tubing to pass through.
According to professionals like Florence HVAC Experts, you lose up to 25% more energy with ducted systems. By removing ducts from the equation, your system can be more efficient. Also, ductless HVAC units tend to come with inverter-type compressors which consume less power. Unlike traditional compressors, inverter-driven compressors don’t shut off when adjusting to the needs of the system.

When is a ductless system ideal?

A ductless system isn’t for everyone. However, it is the perfect solution for some. So, how can the average homeowner tell if it is the ideal system for their home? Here are some situations where ductless HVAC systems are ideal:

  • You are adding a new addition such as a garage, new rooms, or a sunroom.
  • You are downsizing the rooms in your house.
  • When you want complete temperature autonomy for all rooms in your house.
  • When you need to provide heating and cooling to a specific room.
  • You want to add air conditioning and heating to a room with no existing ductwork.

Can I install a ductless HVAC system on my own?

Although ductless HVAC systems come with just two parts, it’s not advised to install them yourself. A lot of things could go wrong during the installation process. For new installations, it is best to hire an HVAC contractor. With an HVAC contractor, you can be sure that the system is installed correctly. On top of that, the technician can offer a guarantee for the installation. In case something goes wrong, you can just call in the technician to fix whatever issue there is.

If you aren’t certain whether a ductless system is best for you, contact your local HVAC contractor. They could inspect your home and provide you with their input and recommend the best option.

Are you looking for reliable heating and cooling services? Florence HVAC Experts today! You may reach us at 843-636-3260.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Monday, October 10, 2022

How To Find The Right Energy Efficient HVAC System



The HVAC plays a huge role in every home. This is why homeowners are continually seeking ways how to maximize their use of their heating and cooling systems so that they’re not paid a lot of money for utility bills and energy expenses. Fortunately, there are energy-efficient furnaces already made available today in the market. On the other hand, there are lots of available energy-efficient furnaces in the market today but you may be having a difficult time finding the one that will suit your home and your needs. If you are considering buying an energy-efficient HVAC Florence system, these tips may help you:

Consider the size of your home when choosing an energy-efficient surface

Make sure the unit you are going to buy is big enough to provide cool air or heat throughout your house. Keep in mind that an energy-efficient furnace is 30-40% bigger than your home heating requirements.

An energy-efficient furnace has at least 95% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)

Remember that the higher this percentage, the more energy efficient is the furnace. If there is no annual fuel utilization efficiency in the Florence SC HVAC system, look for the ENERGY STAR seal. This would mean that the unit you are considering buying has a high AFUE percentage. Energy Star requires a minimum of 95% AFUE.

Choose a heating and cooling system with two-stage or multi-stage burners

These types of furnaces are more energy efficient (at least 5%-8% more) than single-stage burners. Look at the fan motor when purchasing your heating and cooling system. Direct current (DC) or Electronically commutated motor (ECM) is the best type and most cost-efficient fan motor. They use only 200 watts to run. This is a huge decrease compared to the 800 watts required to run an AC fan motor.

Purchase a programmable thermostat

This is a great and worthy investment if you really want to save money on your utility bills. You can use this to program the temperature settings of the house, especially when you are not at home or during the night. There are even some thermostats that you can access remotely using your smartphone to adjust the settings when you are still at the office and switch them on when you are on the way home.

Speak with an HVAC contractor now to ensure that you will purchase the most suitable energy-efficient system for your home. Call Florence HVAC Experts now.

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/

Friday, October 7, 2022

How To Decide On Whether To Repair Or Replace Your Heat Pump



If you have had your heat pump for well over a decade, it may be the right time to replace it than to have it repaired. While most heat pumps are rated to last for up to 20 years, different environmental factors might shorten their life expectancy. While most of us would want to keep our units as long as possible, an upgrade would be necessary in some cases. Here’s how to know if your heat pump is beyond repair and if you need to get a new one:

How frequently did you maintain your unit?

If you’ve been properly maintaining your heat pump unit, it would be 25% more efficient than an improperly maintained one. It’s a thing to note that religiously maintaining your heat pump could have a huge impact on energy bills, the longevity of the unit, and overall efficiency. This would also be a significant factor in whether you should just have it repaired or get a new one and start from there.

Is it still functioning well?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s one message that a lot of people are keeping in mind. But how can you tell whether it’s time for an upgrade? If it’s working just fine and is efficient enough for your needs, you could just have it repaired and spare that pretty penny. If not, then it’s time for a new one.

How is the age-to-performance ratio?

As appliances age, their performance deteriorates. This goes for any piece of hardware that’s lasted for nearly a decade of service. Even with proper maintenance, heating and cooling efficiency rates decline over time. That’s why you would want to consider going for better-performing and newer units in the market.

What you should expect when repairing a heat pump

If you proceed with repairing your heat pump, you should be aware that most would agree to the task if the unit is still under warranty, is less than 10 years old, hasn’t been repaired yet, and the repair needed is only minor. The reason for this is that repairs could range from cheap to expensive. Even pricey enough that you could almost get yourself a new one. For heat pumps that require major repairs, it may not be much of a good investment since they could break down at any time again and their efficiency rating isn’t as great as newer models would.

How to proceed with replacing a heat pump First off, you’ll need to find yourself a new unit. Be sure to ask around for the best units available. Of course, units that are within your budget. Go for the ones that are most efficient. They will save you more money in the long run. The next thing you need to do is hire a professional that can handle the installation and removal of the old heat pumps Florence SC. Don’t go with cheap and shady services. Always go for ones that have stellar ratings. This way, you can ensure that your new unit is installed properly.

Need a new heat pump for your home? Call Florence HVAC Experts today!

Florence HVAC Experts
Florence, SC 29501
843-636-3260
http://florencehvacexperts.com/