Category: HVAC

HVAC services are some of the most sought after services when it comes to home maintenance. Air conditioning is a big investment, but no matter how much you have invested in your HVAC system, a time will come when you will need to replace the system.

It is inevitable because damaged or old HVAC systems will result in poor air quality and increased energy bills. In order to ensure that your HVAC is in good condition, it should undergo maintenance at least two times per years. How do you know that it is time to replace the HVAC system?

Cost of Repairs Start to Add Up

In any working machine, mechanical parts are related to each other in that they are designed to share a similar lifespan. When one part fails, unless it is completely isolated from the rest, the others will not work as expected or might not even work at all. The same applies to the HVAC system.

When some parts start to fail, there is a possibility there may be other problems lurking around the corner. These failures end up becoming inconvenient and the cost of repairs start to increase. This is the first sign that you should replace the entire system.

Age

The lifespan of a typical HVAC unit is 8 to 20 years. The wide range in lifespan is due to several factors such as:

1. Installation:Was the unit properly installed?
2. Quality – Different companies offer different qualities. Cheap units often come with cheap parts.
3. Maintenance – proper maintenance should be done especially to coils, air filtration systems, thermostats, motors, and computer boards among others.

Companies offering HVAC services can help in maintaining your HVAC unit so that it can last longer. If the unit has outlived its lifespan, then it’s high time you should look for a replacement.

Inconsistent Temperature

An old HVAC unit will in most cases have trouble keeping the temperature consistent. There are many reasons why this can happen including cracked ducts, clogged filters, inaccurate thermostat or low fluid levels. This is can be a serious issue if the system is a commercial HVAC meant to serve large buildings with a high number of people.

Opting to keep such a system will cause an increase in energy bills and create an uncomfortable atmosphere in the building. Inconsistencies in temperature may also be as a result of the system not being strong enough to supply air throughout the house or office. It might also be caused by poorly fitted ductwork.

Increased Dust Around The House

HVAC units are not only meant to cool or heat homes, but they are also designed to provide ventilation. When working as required, the system is meant to improve air quality by removing dust as well as controlling air humidity. Therefore, when you notice that the dust around the house has increased, then you should know that the system is no longer working efficiently in filtering the dust from the air.

Unusual Sounds

A HVAC unit is supposed to operate quietly. Just like any other piece of machine, as time goes on, the components become older and you might notice unusual sounds such as squealing and grinding coming from the system. You can call companies which offer HVAC services to come and check it out. They may advise you on the best way to move forward, either repairing the system or replacing the unit.

Reliability

If your system has undergone repairs several times in the last couple of years, know that its reliability has declined and may require a complete replacement. Even if the system is always fixed after it fails, the cost of those repairs will keep on pilling and eventually, it might become more expensive than buying a new unit.

You should trust the experience of your contractor or a maintenance man and follow their guidance. After completing every HVAC services in your house, the contractor should let you know the overall performance of your unit including whether it’s just one component failing or the entire system? A good contractor should explain the problem in a way that you understand and share the reasons for their recommendations.

When it comes to comfort, HVAC systems play a major role. From commercial HVAC systems to residential, the units are responsible for keeping everyone cool in the summer and warm in the winter; its physical health is integral to how well it performs those jobs.

Naturally, the best way to keep your unit in tip-top shape is to have it inspected at least once a year (or twice a year for efficient HVAC systems). Unfortunately, many home and business owners only see the price tag associated with each visit; before you go skipping your unit’s routine maintenance or commercial service, consider these three things.

• What is your risk tolerance? By choosing to defer HVAC maintenance, you are taking a risk. If the risk is worth it depends on your understanding of a worst-case scenario: for example, if your AC fails during a 100-degree heat wave and you own heat-sensitive electronic equipment, you’ll be facing more than just discomfort. By its very nature, routine maintenance mitigates risk, so you need to decide if the cost of a commercial service check is comparable to what you may lose if something goes wrong.
• You may not be saving money. The main reason people bypass routine HVAC maintenance is to save themselves the bill. Though this may make sense at the time, it may actually end up costing you. Beyond the likelihood that a maintenance check will uncover a problem that may prove expensive if left unfixed, technicians also boost the efficiency of your machine when they visit. This results in lower monthly energy bills by increasing operating capacity; the cost of the visit may be paid multiple times over in the lack of this efficiency.
• The longer you wait, the shorter your unit’s lifespan. Well-made HVAC systems should last between 10-20 years, but that time frame is dependent on how well it’s cared for. When maintenance fails to be performed, the unit may run at higher temperatures or pressures which causes additional wear-and-tear. If this goes unchecked for too long, its components will fail prematurely and you’ll be facing an even heftier bill to replace it.

In the grand scheme of things, it always pays to prevent. The costs associated with picking up the pieces of a broken HVAC — which includes time as much as money — are obscene compared to the work required to schedule a routine commercial service or maintenance appointment. In short, HVAC system maintenance is worth the call. Always.

You may have mastered the basics of home maintenance, like keeping an eye on the plumbing and knowing when to call an electrical contractor, but maintaining an HVAC system can seem like a mystery. As an often hidden puzzle of parts and pieces, you’re bound to have questions on this complicated system.

What does HVAC stand for and what does it do for my home?

HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and those are the main functions of the system. It provides an acceptable air quality inside your home by diluting it and removing any contaminants. While a building can function with natural ventilation, in theory, it requires knowing the many differences in air pressure that exist within and outside of a building to create an effective airflow. The HVAC system was developed as mechanical ventilation because it is controllable and manipulates the natural air flow.

How exactly does an HVAC system work?

In general, an HVAC system draws in outside air through its air handling unit. The air then goes through a filtration system to remove matter such as mold, allergens, and dust. Next, the air is heated or cooled according to the HVAC’s settings for the time of year, and then it is circulated throughout the building via a system of supply ducts and registers. As a final step, a portion of air from the inside is expelled from the building through the air handling unit or a stand-alone exhaust unit.

Are there different kinds of HVAC systems?

Yes, there are several different HVAC systems that are suited for different kinds of homes.

 

• Communicating Systems. This convenient and efficient HVAC system communicates when to use either the heat or air system. It detects what your home needs and will suggest what to use accordingly.

 

• Ductless Systems. For older homes without air ducts, this HVAC system is built into alternative spaces within the home. The outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit that is mounted on a wall or ceiling.

 

• Geothermal Systems. This earth-conscious system regulates your home’s indoor environment according to steady temperatures underground. This HVAC system uses less energy, lowers energy costs, and reduces your carbon footprint.

 

• Packaged Systems. All of the needed heating and cooling systems are contained in a one-cabinet system for those with limited space. Although it sounds more compact, it can even contain heat pump systems if a home requires it.

 

• Split Systems. In this design, the HVAC system is placed both inside and outside of your home. This is also space friendly as it allows for more room inside of your home.

For the best air quality and optimal comfort in your home, you should schedule a maintenance inspection for your HVAC system twice a year. As the regulator of your interior life’s comfort, it is worth a call. Always.

Now that summer has officially reared its iron-hot head, it’s time to rev up your old air conditioner and pretend it isn’t 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Unfortunately, you quickly notice your old air conditioner just isn’t working like it used to. Here are some of the tell-tale signs you need to invest in a new HVAC system.

It’s old
The usual air conditioner, whether they’re window mounted or a part of your central air system, are only built to last around 10 to 15 years. While you might be able to use it for a little longer, there’s no rule that bars against it sputtering out a little early. If your air conditioner is over a decade old, getting a new air conditioner installed is likely the more affordable option.

HVAC technology is constantly evolving. Anything older than a decade likely doesn’t have the fuel efficiency that newer models boast. While you might be able to repair your air conditioner by calling a reliable HVAC system technician near you, asking them about current models and promotions will be a better upgrade.

This isn’t its first repair
If your air conditioner has been repaired multiple times before, it’s more likely that the machine will keep breaking down. While it’s recommended your HVAC system should get inspected twice a year to ensure it’s working properly, you shouldn’t have to get it repaired each time it gets inspected. Purchasing a new air conditioner will cost you less in the long run than having to pay for near-constant repairs.

It uses R 22 Freon
Freon is an aerosol propellant that’s used in air conditioners to make the air colder. This propellant is actually being phased out because of concerns regarding energy efficiency. Not only are new refrigeration technologies better for your home and environment, but it will help you avoid costly repairs to your HVAC unit. New units use R-401a.

It simply isn’t doing its job
Air conditioners are built to make the air around you cooler; if your air conditioner fails to make the heat bearable, it might be time to look into repair technicians near you or simply replace your HVAC system with something more efficient. Inefficient air conditioners will not only keep you hot and muggy, but they’ll raise your electricity bill considerably.

Luckily, purchasing a new commercial HVAC system will solve any summer-induced sweating. Call your local HVAC expert at The Bosworth Company today to get an estimate on the cost of repairing or replacing your old air conditioner. Worth the Call. Always.

If you’ve ever purchased an air conditioner, or even thought about purchasing an air conditioner, we’re sure you’ve run across some unfamiliar acronyms. Today, we’re clearing up the confusion by decoding some common HVAC acronyms! Take a look!

HVAC Acronyms

AHU – Air Handling Unit
The air handling unit is the central unit consisting of fan(s), heating and cooling elements, filter racks or chamber, dampers, humidifier, and other central equipment required to provide adequate ventilation and extract.

EER – Energy Efficiency Ratio

A unit’s EER can help you to determine how effective the appliance’s energy output is based on certain criteria. In fact, EnergyStar ratings are based on energy efficiency.

HERS  – Home Energy Rating System

Created to establish a benchmark to determine how energy efficient a home is in relation to others. The HERS Index is based off a newly constructed home being scored at 100. The closer the number to 100, the less efficient the property is. The further the number from 100, the more energy efficient. Just like we’re back in school!

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning

Of course, we can’t forget HVAC! An HVAC, or a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is used to provide heating and cooling services from a unit.

MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

These values range from 1-20: 1 is an average filter for a window air conditioner and 20 is the filtration system for medical or manufacturing cleanrooms. Most residential air conditioners use filters rated between 8 and 12. Put simply, MERV is the effectiveness of how well your filter is at removing particulates from the air.

Contact Us Today!

We’re hoping the terms above will help in your AC research so that you can make the best decision for your next air conditioner! If you’d like to know more about choosing an air conditioner, contact us today. In fact, we have an AC promotion coming up that we know you’ll be interested in!