Common HVAC Myths

Don’t be fooled by common HVAC myths such as the following. Know the true facts and have a better operating HVAC system for the cold weather season. Here are ten common HVAC myths and the truths behind each one.

Change Air Filters Once Each Year

Air filters clean the air in your home, allowing you and your family to breathe in the freshest air. Therefore, you want to make sure your HVAC system air filters are clean and ready to go. You should change these air filters whenever they have accumulated a large amount of dirt, dust, and debris, or regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Best HVAC System Is One That’s the Biggest and Most Expensive

You may think the price of the HVAC system determines how well it works. Not so! You’ll find HVAC systems in all price ranges, and some may be better than other ones, but that’s not dependent on the price.

Only Obtain Maintenance When Something’s Wrong with the HVAC System

Don’t wait until your HVAC system breaks down for you to obtain maintenance. HVAC maintenance helps to prevent HVAC system issues and needing repairs.

Turn Your Thermostat Settings to Very High or Low Temperatures to Quickly Heat or Cool the House

It takes a period of time for your HVAC system to warm up. Don’t push the temperature too high or too low for a quick response; otherwise, it may wind up breaking or needing repairs.

Using Duct Tape for Duct Leaks

Your HVAC system is a durable piece of machinery; however, you want to take care in how you repair it. Don’t use duct tape for duct leaks as it won’t be able to withstand the temperatures. Hire an HVAC professional to fix the system issues.

Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter

Where your thermostat is located will determine how well it reads the temperature in the room. You want your thermostat to be located in a spot away from windows, not in direct sunlight, not near major kitchen appliances, and on an interior wall.

Closing Vents Creates Energy Savings

Closing vents in certain rooms won’t really help you save money. Plus, it can alter the efficiency of the HVAC system by causing it to work harder in other areas of the home.

You Don’t Have to Prepare for the Heating Season

There are a few things you need to do each season before using your heater. You should have routine maintenance performed regularly, plus you should check to make sure the components are working correctly, ensure the HVAC unit outside is clear, and test the system in advance of using it.

HVAC Equipment Isn’t as Important as Insulation and Windows

Having proper insulation in your home is essential; however, this will only prevent the air from getting in. You need the HVAC system to produce warm air to keep you and your family comfortable.

A Denser Air Filter Is Better

Air filters come in all different varieties, some denser than others. However, a denser air filter doesn’t mean it’s better. Choose the air filter that’s right for your home and your individual HVAC system.

Don’t be fooled by these HVAC myths. Know the truth and ask the HVAC professional for help with your maintenance and repair needs. Air Design can help you get ready for the winter season!

Contact Air Design to prepare to schedule an HVAC appointment today!

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Understanding Microbial Growth in HVAC Systems

Hazardous elements can grow within the HVAC system. Contaminants such as mold and mildew may find their way into the heating and cooling system. There are many factors that influence the growth of these unwelcome elements, including the cold, dark, and wet environments that exist within HVAC systems. When an HVAC system has moisture and varying temperatures within it, microbial growth can increase. Plus, organic materials may become lodged in the HVAC unit and increase the growth of these unhealthy elements.

When there’s a microbial presence within your HVAC system, many aspects of the overall system suffer, including the air quality and system efficiency. Plus, after time, you may notice an unpleasant odor coming from your HVAC system. All of these factors can lead to unhealthy living conditions, which may affect your breathing and overall health. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the absence of microbial growth in your air conditioning and heating unit.

Addressing and Solving Microbial Concerns in HVAC

There are a few ways to fight against microbial growth in the HVAC system. You should get regular inspections and maintenance appointments for your HVAC system to ensure everything works correctly and microbial growth is not a factor. Your HVAC professional can visit your home for annual appointments to inspect and maintain the HVAC system. During this time, they’ll also take note if any microbial growth is present and correct the issue.

Also, if you take steps to control humidity in your home, the growth of these elements may be less of an issue. In addition, UV light treatment products can help prevent microbial growth, and filters will help to filter the air entering your home so the air that enters your house is fresh and clean.

Make sure your HVAC system is doing the job it should do by heating and cooling your home while putting out healthy, clean air. Let the Air Design team evaluate your HVAC system for any microbial contamination issues and help you with your heating and air conditioning needs.

Contact Air Design for all of your indoor air quality needs!

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Understanding Dampers

Balancing dampers regulate and direct the flow of air that results from your HVAC system. With dampers you can decide how to allocate airflow within your home. Doing so will help to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system. Dampers are usually installed in the air ducts and openings and can be motorized or operated manually. Using dampers allows you to control how much airflow is put out as well as determine where this airflow goes within your home.

When you have balancing dampers installed, you can gain home comfort benefits by keeping a room warmer than some other rooms in the home. This type of airflow control will also help with energy efficiency and cost savings by allowing you to choose how much air is put out and not unnecessarily heat or cool rooms if you don’t want to do so. The use of dampers can also help with noise control throughout the house.

Importance of Maintenance

It’s important to ensure the balancing dampers within your home are well maintained. Doing so will prevent wear and tear on the HVAC system and prevent indoor air quality from being compromised should dirt, dust, mold, and mildew collect on the dampers. Also, if the dampers aren’t maintained, this could lead to increased energy consumption with the HVAC system working harder to get the air through the vents. In addition, poorly maintained dampers may lead to the potential for structural issues.

With all this in mind, it’s important to maintain your overall HVAC system, including the balancing dampers. You can do so with help from Air Design.

Contact Air Design for your air conditioner maintenance needs!

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Heat Pumps in Cooling Mode

A heat pump works like an air conditioning unit. This system uses a refrigerant that will absorb the heat, run it through the system, and then push the heat outside the house, leaving you with a cooler interior. When the weather turns colder, and you’re ready to switch your heat pump to the heating mode, you will have to make the switch manually. Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode, adjust the temperature to a comfortable level, and check to make sure your heat pump mode is on auto. That’s it!

It’s important to know about the role of the reversing valve on your heat pump. This valve changes the route of the refrigerant flow between indoor and outdoor coils. When the heat pump is set to heating mode, the refrigerant will move from the compressor to the indoor coils. If the heat pump is set to cool your home, the refrigerant moves to the outdoor coils first.

Heat Pumps in Heating Mode

When you’re ready to use the heating component of the heat pump, the system will use the refrigerant to heat your home. The heat source may come from the ground or the air outside and be turned into warm air within your home when it goes over the heat exchange service.

In order to ensure your heat pump works well, whether it’s in the cooling or heating mode, you want to make sure the heat pump has clean air filters. Also, regular maintenance will help keep the system running throughout all four seasons of the year. If there’s a problem switching your heat pump from one mode to the other, some issues may exist, such as low refrigerant or a bad thermostat. Your HVAC professional can help diagnose the issue and fix the problem.

Although heat pumps work well in their current construction, you may find new advancements in the future with this system and a push to get heat pumps into more homes. Heat pumps may be more environmentally friendly than their HVAC counterparts and less costly to operate. However, there is a higher upfront cost often associated with heat pumps. With that said, if there are more financial incentives available to homeowners, adding heat pumps to the home may be a more prevalent occurrence and one that may benefit the environment and future finances of the homeowner more.

Now that you understand how the heat pump works, you can take this knowledge to ensure your heat pump works as well as it should and consider future updates with your current system.

Contact Air Design for your heating needs!

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Now’s the time to evaluate the current heating system in your home and decide if this type of heater is still the right one for your needs. When you do so prior to winter rolling in, you’ll be better prepared for cold snowy nights and frosty seasonal days. Plus, if you’re having problems with your current furnace, it may be time for a new system. Here is some insight into traditional furnaces and how a modern heating system may be more suitable for your home.

Traditional Furnaces

Traditional furnaces, such as gas furnaces, are found in many older homes. Even newer construction homes may have these traditional furnaces within them. Now, with other options available for heating your home, you may wonder about the pros and cons of your traditional furnace and whether it’s time to switch your heating system. Here are some advantages and limitations to heating your house with a gas furnace.

Advantages

One of the main advantages to heating your home with a gas furnace is the large amount of heat production these heating units provide. A gas furnace will put out heat quickly and efficiently, thereby warming your home with ease. Also, gas furnaces are quite compatible with your current HVAC system. Therefore, if you’re adding a new gas furnace, it will likely be pretty easy to accommodate your current HVAC system.

Limitations

There are also limitations to heating your home by using a gas furnace. Newer heating solutions may be more efficient than gas furnaces, especially with new heating components continually being created. Also, the costs associated with installing a new gas furnace may be more than with a modern heating solution as well as the fluctuating costs of gas. In addition, there may be more of an environmental impact with gas furnaces than with other heaters.

Modern Heating Solutions

If you want to explore modern heating systems, you have a few options available to you. Here are some heat systems that may work best in your home:

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work by transferring air between the inside of your home and outdoors. Warm air makes its way into your house during the winter and the warm air goes out of your home during the summer with the help of a heat pump. Heat pumps are energy efficient and you only need one system to heat and cool your home. Plus, these modern systems may improve indoor air quality and give your home consistent heating.

Boilers

Another modern heating solution is a boiler which works to heat your home by heating water using gas, coal, or oil. The water may turn into steam or remain in liquid form and it will then get pushed through radiators to heat your home. Some of the benefits of boilers include their durable nature, energy efficiency, and that they may require less repairs and maintenance.

Ductless Heating Systems

With ductless heating systems, you can heat your home by moving warm air from one location to the other by using heat exchanger coils. This type of system also helps to cool the home during the summer and you don’t need ducts for your HVAC needs. Benefits of ductless heating systems include efficiency by being able to adjust temperatures in different rooms, offer directional airflow, and offer flexibility by providing you with cool or hot air depending on the season and your needs.

Before you buy and install a new heating system in your home, check out the pros and cons associated with each one to make sure you’re making the right decision. Air Design can answer all your questions and help you find a heating system that’s right for your home.

Contact Air Design for your home heating system needs!

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As the fall season arrives, you’ll find the leaves make their way from the tree branches to the ground. The leaves will also find their way to the top of your outdoor HVAC unit. Even though these colorful leaves may look pretty, they can have an impact on how your HVAC unit operates, especially if they’re left to collect as the fall months progress. Here are some impacts leaves can have on your HVAC system and why it’s important to remove them as soon as possible. 

How Leaves Affect HVAC Systems

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system is often vulnerable to the elements, including falling leaves. Leaves that fall from the surrounding trees can damage your HVAC system or cause it to not work as it should. These natural elements can clog the outdoor units which will affect the air intake and your HVAC system won’t run well. Also, the moisture and decomposition from the leaves will cause the various HVAC components to deteriorate which means you may have to replace these items, which can be costly. In addition, when your HVAC system is covered in leaves, this may lead to inaccurate thermostat readings.

Preventative Measures and Maintenance

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent leaves from impacting how your HVAC system operates. You can combat the bad effects of falling leaves by completing regular checks of the HVAC unit to ensure the top of it and the surrounding areas are clear. In addition, you can obtain regular HVAC maintenance from an industry professional to ensure that the system continues to work as it should. Also, you may want to put up physical barriers surrounding the HVAC unit outside to keep as much of the leaves, branches, and other debris away from it as possible. Lastly, pursue various landscaping solutions, such as mowing and tree trimming, to keep this area of your yard debris-free. When you take all of these steps, you can keep your HVAC system running properly and in good shape.

Don’t risk your HVAC system not working to its full potential due to falling leaves collecting on top of the outdoor unit. Make sure you clear the leaves away and have your HVAC system maintained on a regular basis. Air Design can help!

Contact Air Design for proper HVAC system maintenance!

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Importance of Ventilation

As the weather turns cool, you likely won’t have your windows open as often as you would during the warmer months. This means you won’t get the ventilation you would receive from fresh air coming in through open windows. Ventilation is an important concept. This type of feature provides you with comfort within the home, helps to rid the air of pollutants and allergens, and provides you with energy efficiency by offering cool air inside the house when the temperatures drop a little outdoors. Fortunately, there are ways to get the ventilation you and your family need even when the winter months arrive.

How to Ensure Proper Ventilation

Before you pursue the best ventilation techniques during the colder months, make sure your windows are sealed correctly to keep the pure air in and ensure the cold winter air stays out. With the windows closed, you can improve your indoor ventilation through a few different methods. You can use air purifiers which will clean the air of dust, allergens, and keep the air you breathe healthier overall. You can use standalone air purifiers or have a whole home air purifier installed in your house.

Ventilators also help to clean the air in your home and keep the air moving throughout your house. Ventilators work by bringing fresh air into your home and then pushing out the stale air that can accumulate throughout the various rooms. Plus, these systems are designed to help minimize energy loss.

Proper ventilation can also be achieved by using exhaust fans. Putting exhaust fans into motion throughout your home will help reduce condensation and minimize air pollutants. You can use exhaust fans along with other ventilation techniques to keep your indoor air fresh.

Lastly, HVAC maintenance can help with your ventilation goals. By keeping your HVAC running in the best possible manner, you can help keep the air clean and free from pollutants that may find their way inside your home.

Air Design can help you find the right ventilation and air purification method for your family’s needs.

Contact Air Design for all of your indoor air quality needs!

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Problems with Poor Landscaping Around AC Unit

When you don’t take the steps to landscape the area around your AC unit properly, you can run into some trouble. Suppose leaves and foliage are too close to the AC unit. In that case, these natural items can get caught in the system and produce operation issues. Additionally, too many plants located around your air conditioning unit can restrict the airflow to the system, and if the plants and flowers are thorny, the HVAC technician may not be able to reach the HVAC system when they need to do so. Unkempt landscaping is unsightly and won’t be a beneficial focal point in your yard. For all of these reasons, proper landscaping around your HVAC system is vital.

Proper Landscaping for AC Units

Fortunately, there are ways to landscape the area around your HVAC system properly. Keep plants and trees approximately two to three feet from the air conditioning unit. Also, make sure to prune and trim this foliage regularly. In addition, try to put your HVAC unit in a shady area and one that is surrounded by tall trees to keep the system out of direct sunlight. Lastly, avoid including plantings in your landscape design that attract insects so you can keep these bugs around your system to a minimum level.

Design Ideas

If you’re searching for landscape design ideas that feature less foliage yet still produce an attractive yard, try adding a gravel garden around the HVAC unit. You can also add a trellis, screen, or lattice cover around the HVAC unit to keep foliage from working its way too close to the system.

Make sure your HVAC system is kept in the best possible condition even when you have landscaping features in your yard.

Contact Air Design with any AC questions or air conditioning repair and maintenance needs!

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What Exactly is a BTU?

A British thermal unit is a unit of measurement that shows how much energy the air conditioner uses to remove heat from your house within one hour. Considering the BTU measurement will help you choose the correct size air conditioner for your home. If you select an air conditioner with a lower BTU, your house may not be cool enough.

Why are BTUs Important?

You may think that you can choose any type and size of air conditioner for your home. But, it’s essential to consider BTU in order to select the correct size air conditioner. Air conditioners work by removing hot air from your house and pushing it outside. The hot air is replaced by cooler air, thanks to coils and fans within the air conditioning unit. That cooler air travels through your home’s ductwork and cools down your house and the people in it. The BTUs of the air conditioner you choose for your home should be of such a level to cool down the entire space of your home.

Optimal BTU for Different-Sized Homes

There are optimal BTU levels for different-sized homes. Here’s a list of BTUs and the accompanying appropriate square footage range for each BTU level:

House Square Footage/BTUs

• 100-150/5,000
• 150-250/6,000
• 250-300/7,000
• 300-350/8,000
• 350-400/9,000
• 400-450/10,000
• 450-500/12,000
• 500-700/14,000
• 700-1,000/18,000
• 1,000-1,200/21,000
• 1,200-1,400/23,000
• 1,400-1,500/24,000
• 1,500-2,000/30,000
• 2,000-2,500/34,000

When you consider the square footage of your home, you can buy an air conditioner with the right amount of BTUs to cool your house the way it should.

Air Design HVAC professionals can help you choose the right air conditioner for your home.

Contact Air Design for all of your air conditioning needs!

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HVAC System Sounds

Here are some HVAC system sounds and what they may mean:

• Squealing and Screeching: If you hear squealing and screeching sounds coming from your HVAC system, this may signal a bad belt somewhere within the system.
• Thwapping: A thwapping sound may mean something is stuck in the blades.
• Clanking, Banging, or Rattling: Clanking, banging, and rattling sounds could be a sign that there’s something in the HVAC system that has come loose and might be rattling around in the system.
• Popping: If you hear popping, it may be sounds of the cold ducts expanding due to the warm air.
• Buzzing: A buzzing sound coming from your HVAC system may mean a compressor malfunction, refrigerant leak, or loose part somewhere.
• Clicking: A clicking sound could signal a problem with the compressor or a handler malfunction.
• High-Pitched Whistling/Screaming: If you hear a high-pitched whistling or screaming noise, this is a warning sound. Turn off the HVAC system immediately as it could mean high refrigerant pressure.
• Hissing: A hissing sound often signifies an internal refrigerant leak.

Any of these previously mentioned sounds mean an issue exists with your HVAC system and you’ll want to have an HVAC professional evaluate the problem and handle the repairs.

Boilers

Your boiler may also make strange sounds and these noises will often point to a problem. Some of the sounds you might hear coming from your boiler include the following:

• Kettling: A kettling sound often means the water boiler is too high.
• Gurgling: Any gurgling noises that your boiler emits may point towards air trapped in the boiler.
• Whistling: Whistling sounds could signal a partial blockage in the pipes.

Solutions

If you hear any of the above noises, you’ll want to pursue a solution to get your HVAC system fixed and up and running in an optimal state once again. Call an HVAC professional to schedule maintenance on your heating and cooling system. In the meantime, turn your system off until an HVAC professional can come out to evaluate the problem and complete repairs. If you smell natural gas, make sure everyone leaves the house immediately and call 911.

Take the necessary steps to fix any HVAC problems immediately. Contact Air Design for help!

Contact Air Design for all of your HVAC maintenance and repair needs!

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A/C and Cooling for Pet Comfort

Since your pets spend a majority, if not all, of their time inside your home, you want to make sure the indoor climate is right for them. Ensure you have a good working air conditioner in place by having it maintained regularly and fixing any problems that may occur along the way. You may find that it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit. Air conditioning units often have a life expectancy range of 15-20 years, so if your air conditioner is of an age that falls within this range, you may want to consider looking at new air conditioners for optimal performance. With an efficient air conditioner in your home, you can keep your pets cool and comfortable throughout the heat of the summer. 

Air Quality for Pet Comfort

You want to make sure the air quality in your home is the best it can be for your family. This includes your furry family members that live with you. Indoor air quality is an important consideration, as you want the air that you breathe indoors to be of the highest quality. Indoor air purification systems can keep the air clean in your home. In addition, these types of air purification devices will clear pet dander from the air, which is not good for family members to breathe in on a continual basis. Whole home air purifiers will clean the air of your entire home automatically, and you won’t even have to think twice about it. You can rest easy knowing your home’s air is clean and clear. 

Water Filtration for Pet Comfort

Your pets need fresh food and water daily. You want to make sure their pet bowls contain the freshest of these items. Clean, fresh water is not only healthy for your pets, but it’s refreshing for them to drink as well. A water filtration system in your home will ensure the water that you drink daily and that you give to your beloved pets is fresh and delicious. By using a water filtration system in your house, you’re also opting for a healthy water solution.

Make sure your pets are safe and comfortable at all times with the best air conditioning and water filtration solutions.

Contact Air Design to learn about fresh air and water quality products that will keep your entire family safe and comfortable, including your pets!

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IoT Meaning and the Future of HVAC

IoT is a way to intelligently control and monitor how HVAC systems perform and the condition of their overall system. In the past, caring for the HVAC system was a responsive role. It was only when an issue arose with the HVAC system that evaluation and repairs would be made. You couldn’t foresee potential issues arising with the system. Today, with the help of IoT, you can. 

HVAC Monitoring Systems

HVAC monitoring systems help you maintain your system by having an idea of its overall performance. If your HVAC system doesn’t seem to be working correctly, an IoT method allows HVAC system troubleshooting to occur before any issues become bigger problems. By looking at the benefits of HVAC monitoring systems, you can see if this type of HVAC solution is right for you.

Benefits

Here are some benefits of IoT and HVAC monitoring systems:

• Preventative Maintenance Steps: When you have an IoT system in place for your HVAC setup, you can see if any issues may be on the horizon. Should you find something that may be awry with your system, you can then take steps to fix it before it becomes a more expansive and expensive problem. 
• Remote System Solutions: IoT offers a remote system solution so your HVAC setup can be monitored from anywhere. This is relevant for homeowners and HVAC contractors who can keep an eye on the HVAC system. You don’t have to be right next to the HVAC system in order to see any problems that are going on at that time. 
• Monitoring Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency with HVAC systems is an important concept as this type of concept relates to helping the environment and saving money at the same time. With IoT, the energy efficiency of an HVAC system can be evaluated from afar. 
• Service Plan Solutions: If your HVAC company offers service plans and you have one in place, the HVAC company can perform their service duties by monitoring your system and offering maintenance and repair solutions remotely in some cases. 
• Compliance with Regulations: If regulatory compliance is necessary for your HVAC system, the HVAC service provider may be able to fulfill these requirements via IoT solutions. Real-time data attached to the HVAC system through IoT can show that regulatory compliance is being followed.

No longer do you have to program and watch your HVAC system every hour of the day or worry about problems occurring with your HVAC system all of a sudden. You can set up your IoT to do the work for you. Air Design can help you find the right IoT for your HVAC system and offer advice on other ways to keep your HVAC system running well. 

Contact Air Design to learn more about smart HVAC monitoring for your home!

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