Heating & Cooling Information & Resources
These articles are intended to help you understand the most critical system for your home's comfort and energy budget: your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Our articles translate complex industry jargon—like SEER ratings, AFUE, and heat pump technology—into clear, actionable insights. Whether you are dealing with a faulty furnace, considering an upgrade to a high-efficiency geothermal system, or simply want to lower your monthly utility bills, we provide the knowledge you need. You'll find unbiased guides on preventative maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, improving indoor air quality, and evaluating the latest smart thermostats and energy-saving technology, ensuring your next heating or cooling investment is a responsible one.
Understanding SEER Rating
The SEER2 rating is the new minimum efficiency standard for cooling systems, replacing the older SEER rating. SEER2 uses stricter testing, like lower static pressure, to better mimic real-world performance. A higher SEER2 number means greater energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills and long-term savings for homeowners.
Heat Pumps Versus Air Conditioners
For homeowners debating HVAC choices, the core difference lies in operation: a standard air conditioner (AC) is a single-purpose system that only cools the home, requiring a separate furnace for heat, while a heat pump is an all-in-one system capable of both cooling and heating by simply reversing the refrigerant flow. While both systems offer comparable cooling efficiency (measured by SEER rating), the heat pump excels in heating by transferring heat from the outside air, making it significantly more energy-efficient than electric resistance or fossil fuel heating and lowering long-term operating costs. The decision depends on climate (heat pumps are ideal for moderate climates but modern units work in colder ones), budget (ACs have a lower upfront cost, heat pumps may cost less overall), and the goal of achieving year-round comfort with one, environmentally friendly electric system.
What To Do When Your HVAC System Is Low on Charge
When an HVAC system is declared "low on charge," it signifies a loss of refrigerant due to a necessary refrigerant leak and requires immediate repair to prevent compressor damage. Simply "topping off" the refrigerant is temporary and illegal; the technician must first perform a comprehensive leak search and repair the breach before properly recharging the system. The financial decision hinges on the refrigerant type: while modern systems use R-410A, older units use the obsolete R-22 (Freon), whose limited supply makes it expensive. The high cost of R-22 often makes an entire system replacement a more financially wise decision than a costly repair on an aging unit, aligning with The Home Service Buyer's Guide mission to help homeowners make informed and responsible buying decisions.
What Does It Mean When My Heat Pump is Short Cycling
This article explains the critical HVAC issue of short cycling, where a furnace or air conditioner turns on and off too frequently, often lasting only brief bursts instead of the efficient 10 to 20-minute cycle. Homeowners are warned that this behavior causes unnecessary wear and tear on vital components like the compressor and increases energy bills. Key causes include an oversized HVAC system, restricted airflow from a dirty air filter, issues with the thermostat, or a low refrigerant charge. The recommended homeowner steps are to first check and replace the air filter and verify thermostat functionality before promptly turning off the unit and calling a certified HVAC professional for proper diagnosis and repair to prevent major system damage. The piece concludes by promoting The Home Service Buyer’s Guide mission to empower homeowners in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services, encouraging them to use the site's contractor referral service.
What You Need to Know About Smart Thermostats
This essential guide for homeowners explores the necessary considerations before purchasing a smart thermostat, emphasizing that successful installation hinges on understanding your specific HVAC system and electrical requirements. A critical factor is the presence of a C wire (common wire), which provides the continuous power needed for advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity; older systems often lack this wire, complicating the seemingly simple DIY job. The article stresses that professional installation is often required, and homeowners must be aware that HVAC contractors frequently decline to install devices they don't sell due to crucial warranty concerns. Therefore, to ensure proper function and avoid system damage, homeowners should figure out installation with a qualified professional before committing to a thermostat purchase from a local retailer.
When Is It Time to Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
For homeowners, determining the ideal time to replace their HVAC system requires proactive planning well before system failure. A well-maintained unit typically lasts 15 to 20 years, but factors like rising utility bills and frequent repairs signal deterioration. When a component fails, the 5K Rule should be applied: multiply the cost of the repair by the system’s age in years. If the resulting figure exceeds $5,000, replacement is generally the more cost-effective option, offering benefits such as a new warranty and improved energy efficiency. The Home Service Buyer’s Guide aims to empower homeowners to make informed buying decisions in the heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical trades, encouraging visitors to use our contractor referral service for their needs.