HVAC System Maintenance: 5 Reasons Why Your Heating Costs Are Through the Roof

5 Reasons Why Your Heating Costs Are Through the Roof

Heating costs are sure to rise as the outdoor temperatures fall during winter. If you notice your heating costs increasing each year, it is safe to say that your HVAC System may be showing signs of aging or needs repair. The most common sign is that your heating system is losing efficiency.

The more your HVAC System loses its ability to heat your home, the more it will cost you to achieve the same level of comfort. Here are some of the most common causes for your heating system to lose its efficiency.

How do furnaces lose efficiency?

Dirty HVAC Air Filters

Your HVAC filter being dirty is the leading cause of heating system inefficiency. Replacing your air filter regularly will keep efficient airflow through your HVAC system. Clogged air filters reduce the airflow causing multiple components to drop in performance. Continue neglect of replacing your air filter regularly can even result in system failure.

Most air filters are scheduled to be replaced every 60 to 90 days. Pet owners, tobacco users, and those with elderly or small children in the home may consider replacing their air filter more frequently.

Dust and Debris Buildup

The air filter will only remove a certain amount of dust and debris from settling on your components. This build-up will reduce their efficiency. Your HVAC System coil is one component that is expensive to replace and whose lifespan can be increased with proper cleaning. Your HVAC system has two coils, an evaporator coil, and a condenser coil.

Dust buildup on your evaporator coil reduces the ability to reduce humidity in your home’s air. Debris buildup on the condenser coil limits the condenser coil’s ability to release that heat outside.

The best way to prevent dust buildup is to have your heating system undergo preventative maintenance twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Our experienced technicians will clean and shore up your system and report any potentially problematic areas to address.

Failing Ductwork

Your ductwork is the delivery system for cooling and heat to your home. When this delivery system is compromised, that system is less efficient and your HVAC system must work harder to achieve the same level of comfort. During a preventative maintenance appointment, our technicians thoroughly inspect your ductwork to identify any wear and tear or potential areas that may cause improper air flow.

Blocked or Close Air Vents

Many times we forget to keep air vents free of furniture or rugs, and sometimes we close air vent to attempt to redirect airflow. Without a zoning thermostat, your heater will continue to heat that room regardless.

Aging Heating Systems

The average lifespan of your HVAC system is about 15-20 years. Proper maintenance can increase lifespan considerably. As your system ages, it will decrease its efficiency. As technology increases, systems become more efficient, work less, and last longer.

Want more information about HVAC System maintenance? We Can Help!

If you are considering preventative heater maintenance services, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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September 27, 2016February 17, 2020

Tips for Buying a New Furnace for Your Home

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Winter is on the way, and it is not going to wait for you to buy a new furnace. You need to start thinking about your purchase now so that you can be ready for the colder weather. By planning ahead, you will avoid having an emergency Katy HVAC repair call in the middle of a cold snap. These tips will help you make the right choice.
At first, you may be overwhelmed by the available options for your new furnace. The size, type and efficiency
rating will all have an impact on the cost of your new furnace and how much you will spend to keep your home cozy. These concerns will also have a bearing on how long you can expect it to perform at its peak level. Proper size and expert installation are two of the most important factors.

The first consideration is the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). You should always choose the most efficient furnace that you can afford. Regulations stipulate that minimum-efficiency furnaces must have an AFUE of at least 80 percent. That means 20 percent of the natural gas is being wasted. High-efficiency condensing furnaces rate as high as 97 percent. By lowering your monthly heating bill, these models will pay for themselves. You should keep these things in mind when selecting a new furnace.

Types of Furnaces

Your central heating and cooling system could be either a packaged system or a split system. With a packaged system, your heating and cooling components are housed in a single unit. Packaged systems are good if you lack space inside your home.

On the other hand, split systems have a furnace, a condensing unit and a coil that is mounted on top of your furnace. They are usually found in the attic, utility room or crawlspace.

Gas or Electric

The most economical way to heat your home when the weather dips close to freezing is with natural gas. Electric furnaces are an alternative, but they can cost more to run than a gas furnace because electricity rates are higher.

The least expensive option is an electric-powered heat pump, which does not use as much electricity as an electric furnace. They also have the added benefit of functioning as an air conditioning unit in summer. An electric-powered heat pump could help you avoid a Katy air conditioning repair next summer.

Zones in Your Home

You may have noticed that different areas of your home heat or cool faster than others. This is due to location, number of windows, etc. For example, your thermostat may be near an area that warms rapidly. When the thermostat reaches the desired level, the rest of the house may not be as warm or as cool as it is near the thermostat. Conversely, if your thermostat is in an area that takes longer to heat, the rest of the home may be hotter than the area near the thermostat, which will result in a higher heating bill. A zoned system uses several thermostats that control their own zones. As the different zones become warm, dampers in your ducts will open or close so that the temperature within your home remains even. This assures that you will spend the least amount of money to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Variable-speed Blowers

You can also choose between variable- and fixed-speed blowers. Variable-speed units alter the speed of the blower so that it is quieter and keeps the air at a more consistent temperature.

All Cool A/C and Heating can consult with you and recommend a heating system that is the best fit for your home. Give us a call at 281-238-9292. We have been serving Katy, Sugar Land and Houston for over 25 years. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, such as a Sugar Land air conditioning repair.

January 27, 2016February 17, 2020

All About Heat Pumps from the Experts at All Cool A/C & Heating

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Energy-efficient and versatile, heat pumps are a solid choice for warmer climates. Understanding how these systems work can provide added data for homeowners when deciding on replacement equipment. Working with an established Sugar Land heating repair company can deliver the information and guidance needed to make the right choices regarding heating and cooling replacements in the Houston metropolitan area. Here are some of the most important facts to consider when contemplating a heat pump installation for your home.

Heat Pumps Are Fundamentally Different

Unlike traditional furnace and air conditioning systems, heat pumps work on different principles. Furnaces heat the air by burning fuel or using electricity to create radiant heat. Air conditioning systems are similar in design to heat pumps; however, they are designed only to provide cooling and cannot be used to produce heat during the winter months. Heat pumps transfer heat outside during the summer and inside during the winter to provide solid comfort for Texas families all year around.

How Heat Pumps Work

Rather than creating heat in the way that furnaces do, heat pumps extract heat from ambient air and move it to where it will do the most good. A heat pump system accomplishes these tasks by using a refrigerant to absorb heat on one side and to release it on the other. During the summer months, these systems absorb heat from your home and release it outside; the process is reversed during the winter to bring heat inside. Heat pumps are most effective in regions that experience mild to moderate temperatures during the winter; air that is too cold can reduce the ability of these systems to extract heat from outside air.

Lower Utility Bills and Green-Friendly Operation

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends heat pump systems as a solid alternative to furnace and air conditioning combinations. The high degree of energy efficiency provided by heat pumps can ensure added savings even during periods of peak operation. Because heat pump systems only move heat energy rather than generating heat through combustion, they can operate on less energy and may even reduce the carbon footprint of a Houston area home.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump

While your Katy HVAC repair specialists can often provide the most accurate guidance regarding necessary features and appropriate sizing for your home, taking stock of a few key parameters can help you make the right choice in the heat pump market:

– Load calculation figures are used to determine the size most likely to meet both heating and cooling needs for your home.
– SEER ratings are most important for Houston area residents and provide a basis for comparing the efficiency of heat pump systems in terms of cooling power.
– A variety of compressor types are available, including standard one-speed compressors, two-speed compressors that can allow greater efficiency when full capacity is not required and scroll compressors designed to extend the useful life of these systems.
– Sound dampening systems can reduce the amount of noise generated by heat pumps to create a more pleasant environment inside your Texas home.

Hybrid systems are designed to provide the added cooling of an air conditioning system for the hottest days of the year while ensuring the reduced energy consumption typical of heat pump installations at all other times.

The heating and cooling experts at All Cool A/C & Heating can provide you with the information you need to choose the right heat pump for your home. We offer a full range of Katy heating repair and replacement services to keep your family comfortable this winter and can deliver the best options for your needs and your budget. Our professional technicians can perform a full range of services that include indoor air quality solutions and expert maintenance for your existing HVAC system. Give us a call at 281-238-9292 to learn more about how All Cool A/C & Heating can enhance your indoor comfort throughout the year.