As the heating industry continues to expand on the various products it offers for heating solutions, many homeowners find themselves in a state of uncertainty when it comes time to choose an effective heating system for their home.
Whether you’re considering a heat pump or a furnace, understanding the differences between these heating systems is crucial to making the best selection to meet your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages of using furnaces over heat pumps. Are you considering a furnace for your home? Read along to learn why this may be the best choice for you.
How Does a Furnace Work?
The furnace is one of the most traditional heating systems initially designed in 1793. It is a sturdy and reliable piece of equipment that works effectively to generate heat and distribute it throughout the home. Fuels like natural gas, electricity, or oil can power it. If you have a furnace in your home, it is likely stored in your basement, crawl space, or a special utility room.
Types of Furnaces
Different furnaces use different fuels to keep warm air flowing through the house. They include the following:
Gas Furnaces
Operate using natural gas and are known for their efficiency and consistent heating.
Electric Furnaces
Use electricity to produce heat and are suitable for areas with milder climates.
Oil Furnaces
Burning oil to generate heat is common in regions without access to natural gas.
The type of furnace you choose will depend upon the power source already connected to your home and what is available in your region. Your furnace technician will assist you in ensuring the best fuel type for your furnace.
Benefits of Using a Furnace
There are many benefits to using a furnace. Whether you’re searching for a reliable source of heat, maximum use out of your heating system, or the option of central heating, you can find all these benefits from using a furnace.
Reliable and Consistent Heating
Furnaces have been around since the end of the 18th century and have been extremely popular due to their reliability. They are great for ensuring that each room of the house receives even, warm temperatures, which is best for optimal comfort.
Faster Heating in Colder Climates
When the weather is extremely cold, you want your home to warm up quickly. Furnaces are great because they generate and circulate warm air faster than other heating systems. Thanks to this excellent performance, you’ll be toasty and warm.
Extended Lifespan and Durability
Furnaces are built to last, with a typical lifespan of 15-20 years or more when properly maintained. Their durability makes them a reliable long-term investment.
Compatibility with Existing Ductwork
If your home already has ductwork installed, the furnace will seamlessly integrate with it. This compatibility can save you time and money during installation and allow you to benefit from central heating.
Eco-Friendliness and Energy Efficiency in Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces
While heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, furnaces have made significant advancements in this aspect as well. Here are some of the characteristics that help furnaces be exceptionally efficient:
They are equipped with variable-speed blowers and two-stage burners.
They maximize heat production while minimizing energy waste.
Furnaces can be environmentally friendly when powered by cleaner fuels like natural gals
The reduction of emissions and advancements in furnace technology have made them more eco-friendly.
Our Tips for Choosing a Furnace for Your Home
Now that you know how great furnaces are in the home, you may be interested in learning how to choose one. After all, there is a lot to choose from these days. Below are the factors to consider when choosing a furnace for your home.
Size and Capacity
Choose a furnace that is appropriately sized for your home to ensure that it heats efficiently. It is essential to consult a furnace installation technician to ensure that your unit isn’t oversized or undersized for your home.
Fuel Type
You will also need to figure out the fuel type to go with when choosing your furnace. For this, you must know what fuel source is already present in your home.
Maintenance Requirements
To get the most out of your furnace, it is essential to schedule annual maintenance inspections. These inspections will ensure that the furnace stays reliable and can work at optimal efficiency levels and with minimal repairs.
Costs and Installations
Compare the initial installation costs and long-term operating costs of different furnace options. Remember that the government recently rolled out the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which provides tax credits to those who install or upgrade to high-tier efficiency HVAC systems.
Contact Hansen Super Techs For Furnace Repair or Installation Services
If you’re in need of furnace services, contact Hansen Super Techs today to get in touch with a team of experts. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or installations, you can count us on a job well done.
Why Prioritize Winterizing Your Air Conditioner System?
As the warm summer days fade away and are replaced by the chilly air of early fall, residents of Southern states have to take extra steps to prepare their central air conditioners and heating systems for the cold air of the winter season.
This is the process of cooling and winterizing your HVAC unit, allowing it to function without sustaining any damage as the winter arrives in the region.
Here are the reasons why your AC unit must be prepared for the fall and winter season:
Protect your HVAC unit from damage caused by freezing temperatures
Enhance the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system
Optimize your indoor air quality during the winter months
Keep your home consistently warm in the most efficient way and protect it from damage brought on by snow and ice
Extend the lifespan of your air conditioner unit and all of its mechanical parts
Easy Tips for Prepping an HVAC Unit for Winter:
Even though it may be a sunny day outside, the cold temperatures throughout the cooling and winter months can cause damage to your HVAC system. From applying foam pipe covers to cleaning the entire unit of debris, the average manufacturer recommends that homeowners take specific steps that will help them avoid needing repair services down the line.
If you flip through your unit’s manual, you will find the HVAC manufacturer’s suggestions for how these steps must be carried out. Below, is a brief overview of what you need to do so that your air conditioner does not freeze overnight during the winter.
1. Inspect the HVAC System
Start by checking your air conditioning unit for any visible signs of damage, leaks, or normal wear to ensure that is functioning correctly. Also, check the outdoor unit of your AC, ensuring it is free of any debris, plants, insects, and small animals that sneak into the unit.
2. Clean and Replace Air Filters
Air flow in any central air conditioner is dependent upon clean air filters. Take the time to check the air filters in your HVAC unit, cleaning or replacing them as necessary. We recommend to many homeowners that they add this step to their list of chores at least once every 4-6 weeks.
3. Check and Seal Air Ducts
The duct work in your entire home is also key in ensuring that your air conditioner produces proper air flow and heating temperatures. Those air ducts must be clean and free of cracks. Please note that this portion of the duct side of the HVAC unit must be inspected professionally because duct tape isn’t enough to cover any cracks.
4. Inspect and Clean the Vents and Registers of the AC Unit
You must ensure that your vents and registers are free of obstructions and blockages caused by dust and debris accumulated over the spring and summer months. This will ensure that there is proper airflow upstairs, downstairs, and throughout the entire home in general.
5. Inspect Insulation
It is also important to check your insulation’s condition, ensuring that it is intact and completely dry. Insulation is what keeps your home warm and cozy throughout those cold temperatures, snow, and bad weather.
6. Check Thermostat Settings
Adjust the thermostat settings for heating temperatures to ensure that your entire home stays warm day after day throughout the fall and winter months. Setting your thermostat settings will keep your AC unit automatically controlled, allowing you to switch to colder weather in the most efficient way to keep you warm.
7. Test the Heating System
The HVAC manufacturer’s suggestions will also recommend that you test your heating system to ensure that it warms your entire home and delivers the temperatures required to keep you comfortable. If you find that it isn’t providing those temperatures even after you adjust the thermostat, you should call an air conditioner repair technician for assistance.
8. Protect the Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
Many homeowners who live in Alabama must take the time to use a weatherproof cover to protect their outdoor unit from freezing temperatures. This action will keep the air flow throughout the home, allowing you to enjoy a warm winter day inside the house even if it is freezing outside.
9. Prepare for Cold Air and Freezing Temperatures
It may also be beneficial to add a bit of antifreeze in your HVAC unit, which will prevent the pipes in it from freezing overnight or on especially cold winter days. It will also keep the refrigerant fluid and warm air flowing in the same direction and throughout the entire home.
Schedule a Maintenance Visit for Your HVAC Unit Today!
The best thing you can do for your air conditioning and heating system is to schedule a routine maintenance check with your local AC unit experts. There is nobody better in town than the HVAC system technicians at Hansen Super Techs.
Contact Hansen Super Techs today for an expert maintenance service that will help you transition into fall and winter. As the warm summer days fade away, your HVAC unit will function like any premium system with the help of our team of air conditioner technicians.
Refrigerant fluid is an essential component of air conditioning systems and plays a crucial role in keeping our homes and workplaces cool and comfortable. The purpose of refrigerant fluid is to transfer heat from the inside space to the outside air, which is why it is an integral part of air conditioning. Hansen’s air conditioning techs have seen many refrigerant fluid problems. In this blog post, we will discuss why refrigerant is so important for AC systems.
The Role of Refrigerant in Air Conditioning
Refrigerant fluid has three main roles that require proper maintenance. Check out why your AC system is so dependent on this fluid.
Absorbs Heat
First and foremost, refrigerant fluid is responsible for absorbing heat from inside a space that needs to be cooled. The refrigerant fluid evaporates, absorbing heat from the air, and then travels to the condenser coil outside the building. Here, the refrigerant refill releases the heat into the outside air, condenses back into the liquid, and then returns to the evaporator coil to start the cycle over again. This process of absorbing and releasing is what keeps a space cool and comfortable.
If your home isn’t being cooled adequately, perhaps the AC unit needs a refill of refrigerant fluids. In that case, you can contact Hansen’s air conditioning techs for assistance.
Maintains Air Quality
Refrigerant fluid is also important for maintaining air quality. By removing heat and moisture from the air, refrigerant fluid helps to humidify the air and prevent mold and mildew from growing. This is especially important in hot, humid climates, where indoor air quality can be a significant concern.
Constant mugginess in the air can be caused by an AC issue. Call Hansen’s air conditioning repair techs to help diagnose and repair the problem.
Keeps the AC Efficient
Another important factor that makes refrigerant fluid so important for AC systems is its impact on energy efficiency. When an AC system is running smoothly and efficiently, it uses less energy, which can result in lower energy bills. This is because the refrigerant fluid is able to transfer heat more efficiently, which means that the AC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
When the refrigerant fluid is not at the correct pressure, the AC system will have to work harder, which can result in increased energy consumption and higher energy bills. If you notice higher energy bills, consider contacting a Hansen air conditioning tech for assistance in understanding the culprit behind those bills.
What if the Refrigerant Isn’t Maintained?
When refrigerant fluids are not maintained properly, they can negatively impact the environment. Most of the refrigerants used in AC systems have a high global warming potential, meaning that they can contribute to global warming if they are released into the atmosphere. As a result, any responsible homeowner will recognize the importance of ensuring that refrigerant fluid is properly maintained. This means that a regular maintenance inspection is performed by a Hansen air conditioning tech to check the system for leaks.
Types of Refrigerant Fluids
You may be surprised to learn that there are many different types of refrigerants available, each with its own unique properties and benefits. For example, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are widely used in AC systems due to their low environmental impact and safety. On the other hand, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have a high ozone depletion potential and are being phased out of use due to their effects on the ozone layer. As a result, if your AC runs on one of the latter two refrigerant fluids, you may see an increase in the price of refrigerant fluids during your next maintenance inspection.
Contact Hansen Super Techs Conditioning
Is your AC in need of repair? Or perhaps you have more questions about refrigerant fluids for your unit? Do not hesitate to contact Hansen Super Techs today to have all your questions answered and to have all your repairs performed at the highest quality. Give us a call today at (251) 227-4441.
Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for most homeowners, who are in the process of choosing the best heating and air conditioning system for their home. With the recent advances in the HVAC industry, there are many different ways to supply your home with a highly efficient HVAC system. Hansen Super Tech’s HVAC techs are the leading experts in Baldwin County on all things related to heating and air.
In today’s article, we will be talking about all things related to heat pumps. We will discuss what they are, the advantages they offer, and understand the differences between the three types of heat pumps.
What Are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are highly innovative and are probably the most sustainable way to provide heating and air conditioning to your home. This is because they extract heat from the earth via a pump system and transfer them into the home through a web of coils and loops underneath the ground. Whether it is cold or hot outside, heat pumps will deliver the optimal and preferred temperatures to your home to make you as comfortable as possible, and with a minimal amount of energy expenditure.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide many advantages to the homeowner. They are first and foremost, very efficient and optimize the atmosphere in your home. Since they use fossil fuels and energy, extracted directly from the earth, you will not need any additional electricity or gas to power your AC. As a result, your energy bills will be lower than with a traditional HVAC unit.
Many of Hansen Super Tech’s HVAC customers who choose heat pumps for their homes also enjoy the quiet operation of the system. Because most of the components are underground, most of the sounds that they create do not travel very far. Furthermore, heat pumps are usually encased in noise-canceling insulation that also blocks off those sounds.
Heat pumps also require very little maintenance in comparison to traditional AC units and furnaces. This is another great characteristic of heat pumps which helps homeowners save a lot of money in the long run.
The Three Types of Heat Pumps
Navigating the HVAC world of various units and systems can be very overwhelming. However, with the help of Hansen Super Tech’s HVAC team, this process does go a lot smoother! In general, most homeowners are shown three types of heat pumps when they’re in the process of making their decision:
Duct Air-Source
Air source heat pumps operate by transferring heat between the house and the air outside. This is probably one of the most common heat pumps available on the market and is used widely in different regions of the country. It is one of the most popular HVAC systems in warmer regions, and because of recent technology advancements, even generally colder states get to enjoy the benefits of duct air source heat pumps.
Ductless Air-Source
Ductless air source heat pumps operate in a similar fashion as duct air source pumps, except they are compatible with mini-split systems. These types of pumps are more commonly known as mini-split heat pumps. It is most applicable to those who do not have a central HVAC system, but rather use a ductless mini split.
Generally, the heat pump that you use will most likely default to the type of AC that is already installed in your home. But, with Hansen Super Tech’s HVAC installation technicians, you will have the best guidance and assistance in creating an air conditioning system for your home that is most in alignment with your needs.
Geothermal Heat
Geothermal heat pumps are most commonly known as water or ground-source heat pumps. These types of pumps create a lot of efficiency by exchanging the heat in your home with a water source. This provides a very economical and earth, friendly way of ensuring comfort in your home because geothermal heat pumps do not require any additional electricity or gas in order to enhance the comfort of your home. Instead, they use the natural resources that are already available in and around the house.
Contact Hansen Super Tech’s HVAC Techs
Are you in need of heating and air conditioning for your home? Contact Hansen Super Techs today to learn more about the options available to you.
As we approach the new fall and winter seasons, the demand for heating use inside our homes will only increase. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your heater is in the best working order to accommodate the needs of your home.
At Hansen Super Techs, our goal is to ensure that our customers in Gulfport, MS, and its surrounding areas are comfortable in their homes all season long. Thus, we created a list of the most common signs that your heater may be due for a replacement. Do you need a heater replacement in your home? Read on to find out.
1. Decreased Efficiency
One of the signs that your heater may need to be replaced is a decrease in its efficiency. This can be caused by a variety of factors like clogged air filters and ducts, low refrigerant fluids, dirty coils, and a whole host of other issues.
You will notice a decrease in efficiency when your home isn’t warming up as fast as it used to, while the bills continue to climb higher. When this happens, it is best to contact an HVAC repair tech in Gulfport, MS for a thorough investigation of the problem. It can be a sign of normal wear and tear, or it may require a quick repair to optimize the efficiency levels again.
Have you been needing HVAC repairs in Gulfport, MS more often? This may be a sign that perhaps your heater is at the end of its lifespan. It is one thing to replace a part here and there, but when it becomes a constant issue, replacing it will be the best option.
When repairs increase, a heater replacement will help save money on repair costs and your energy bills. Read our blog post on some of the factors to consider when buying a new furnace.
3. Excessive Noise
A noisy furnace can be one of the strongest reasons for a heater replacement. It can be a nuisance to deal with the excessive noise, but what is more concerning is its root cause. The weird sounds you hear from your furnace can be caused by one of the following:
Dirty Igniter/Burner
Malfunctioning heat exchanger
Loose doors and panels
Worn-out blower bearings
Loose blower motor
And more…
These sounds will need to be looked at by an HVAC repair tech as they can lead to greater problems. Find out why your furnace is so loud in our blog post on the different types of sounds.
4. Decreased Indoor Air Quality
One of the biggest driving factors that will make you consider a heater replacement is a decrease in indoor air quality. Signs of decreased indoor air quality include:
Increased accumulation of dust
Excessive stuffiness/mugginess
Migraines
Increased allergies, coughing, and respiratory issues
Foul smells
The most significant concern in indoor air quality is a leak of carbon monoxide from a broken heat exchanger. In this case, you will need to vacate the property immediately and contact an HVAC repair tech in Gulfport, MS for emergency assistance. Exposure to carbon monoxide will lead to very toxic and hazardous health conditions.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the leading reasons why you shouldn’t delay HVAC repair. Learn about the other emergency repairs by reading one of our recent blog posts.
5. The furnace is Over 15 Years Old
Everything in life must come to an end, including the heaters in our homes. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be coming to the end of its lifespan. As it gets older, you will notice all of the aforementioned issues presenting themselves in your heater’s function.
To maximize the use of your heater, it is best to keep up with regular maintenance checks that help avoid early heater replacement. Check out our blog to learn when your should schedule your HVAC maintenance visit and why it is so important.
HVAC Repair in Gulfport, MS
Have you noticed any of these signs in your home’s heater? Contact Hansen Super Techs today to schedule a repair or a heater replacement service. We are available 24/7 to help you stay safe and comfortable in your home. Call us at (844) 425 -1595.
It is not a secret that winters in Alabama can be quite chilly. As the fall and winter seasons approach, it is important to make some necessary preparations in order to prepare your home for the winter months. Some of those preparations involve preparing your furnace for the winter months.
In this article, we outline the benefits of furnace repair and how to best prepare your HVAC system for the colder months. Read on to learn how to ensure a warm and comfortable home all season long.
Benefits of Routine Furnace Repair
The use of the furnace is always key to a warm and cozy atmosphere when it is cold and frigid outside. Simple repairs and tune ups will allow you to get the most out of your heating system without running into more costly and extensive repairs. A thorough maintenance check normally consists of cleaning the HVAC system, filters, and coils to ensure HVAC efficiency.
Some people choose to perform maintenance checks themselves, but not everyone is skilled and educated enough in furnace repairs. Therefore, we encourage you to contact your local furnace repair service like Hansen Super Techs, who will set you on the right path for a comfortable winter.
How to Winterize the AC System
As you prepare your home for another winter season, there are certain steps you can take to prepare your AC for the cold months. If you choose to take on the task of winterizing your AC on your own, here are a few things you will need to:
Find the pipes and drain lines connected to your unit and empty them. Doing so will ensure that they won’t freeze during the cold season.
Check and refill the refrigerant levels if needed.
Check the belts and pulleys and reposition or tighten them if needed.
Inspect and clean the ducts of any dust and debris.
Clean the coils by removing any dust and debris.
Sounds like quite a few steps, right? This task list will be made easy with the help of your local furnace repair techs.
Once the cleaning portion of the inside of the unit and ducts is complete, you will also need to prepare the area around the outdoor unit as well.
Clean the area around the outdoor condenser unit. Remove all toys, equipment, dust, and debris on and around the unit. Make sure nothing is sitting on top of the unit as well.
Trim down any plants and rake away fallen leaves within a 4 ft. radius around the unit.
Protect the unit from the cold elements by covering it with a tarp or its specially manufactured cover.
To ensure that your furnace works well and without a hitch all winter long, the techs at Hansen Super Techs recommend checking the following items:
Check your filters! Are they clean? It is recommended to clean or replace air filters at least every 90 days to ensure efficient airflow and optimized air quality.
Check the age of your furnace! The average lifespan of a furnace is 10-15 years, depending on the manufacturer. If you noticed an increase in furnace repairs or an increase in energy bills during winter months, it may be time to replace the furnace.
Check the thermostat for proper calibration and battery supply. There’s nothing like a failing thermostat in the dead of winter, so ensure that the thermostat is ready to serve you year round. Though replacing batteries is fairly easy, checking the calibration may require an expert’s help.
Furnace repair is available at a high quality and affordable price through Hansen Super Techs. Most furnace repairs can benefit from a good cleaning. Check out our blog on how to clean a furnace or heat pump.
Set Up Your Fall Maintenance Visit Today!
Is your home ready for the upcoming winter months? With seasons changing ever so fast, we urge you not to delay your preparations. Contact Hansen Super Techs today to schedule your furnace maintenance visit today by calling (844) 425-1595.
