Items filtered by date: September 2019
Monday, 28 October 2019 10:41
Signs You Might Need a New HVAC System
The last several years have been some of the warmest on record. Super hot and humid summers and extreme temperature shifts due to climate change can really take a toll on your HVAC system. Here's how to tell if you might be ready for a new HVAC system. - Repairs - The repair bills start adding up. When major components start to go, such as the blower, coils or motor, the cost of those repairs will add up quickly, making it more economical to consider replacing the system.
- Age - If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, you're going to need to replace your system sooner rather than later. While you might get a couple more years out of it if you were very diligent on regular maintenance, the average lifespan is about 10 years.
- Maintenance - If you haven't kept up with regular maintenance of your system, that can add serious wear and tear to your system. It also increases the risk of total system failure as regular maintenance not only keeps things running smoothly but also helps find small problems before they turn into big and expensive problems. There could also be safety issues with your system such as loose connections, frayed wires or cracks in components.
- Noises - Loud noises that are new or worsening are a sign you might need a new HVAC. Listen for louder humming coming from the blower, groaning or banging from the furnace, new or louder noise coming from the outside unit and loud noises before the A/C turns on. All of these noises indicate wear and tear on the system and that it's only a matter of time before a breakdown.
- Running Longer - If you notice your system running for longer and longer periods of time (other than the hottest days of summer) or struggling to reach and maintain the desired temperature, your system is on borrowed time.
A new HVAC system is a big expense for many people and one you don't want to hit unexpectedly. Keep an eye and an ear out for these signs that you might need a new HVAC system so you can be prepared and avoid being blindsided by a big bill.
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Monday, 14 October 2019 10:47
Heating and Cooling Options for Your Sunroom
If you have a sunroom and your existing HVAC system doesn't extend out to it, you might have to get a little creative about how to heat and cool your sunroom. Here are some options for you to consider. 1. Window A/C Unit - For one room, a window A/C unit can be a simple solution. The drawback is that you'll have to turn it on manually when you want to cool the space. Window units can also add quite a bit to your utility bill.
2. Space Heater - During the cooler months, a space heater is a great option to warm up the sunroom. However, like the window A/C, it has to be turned on manually and time given to allow it to warm up the space.
3. Ceiling Fan - If your sunroom isn't equipped with a ceiling fan, this is a worthwhile addition to the space. It starts circulating air immediately, which helps cool you down. In fact, running a ceiling fan can make it feel as much as 4 degrees cooler in the space. Just remember that fans cool people and not rooms so you'll want to turn it off when you aren't in the sunroom.
4. Window Treatments - If your sunroom doesn't have window treatments, look into light and heat-blocking blinds, shutters or shades. They can be closed during the day to keep the room cooler or opened during the cooler months to warm up the room.
5. Window Films - Solar window films are another great option for helping with temperature control in your sunroom. Depending on what you choose, many films can block between 70-90% of the sun's rays and heat, keeping your sunroom naturally cooler. They also have darkened or reflective films that allow you to see out but prevent outsiders from seeing in.
6. Insulation - You might be wondering where insulation would go in a sunroom with all of the windows. Insulating the ceiling helps cut down the heat in the summer and prevent the chill in the winter.
7. Ductless Heat Pump - This option consists of an outside air compressor and an indoor wall unit. They don't connect to your home's duct system (hence ductless) but can provide the same level of comfort you enjoy inside your home. They're energy-efficient and ideal for single rooms like a sunroom.
If you have a sunroom that isn't connected to your home's HVAC system, you have plenty of options to heat or cool your sunroom without an expensive expansion of your system to include the sunroom. Some of these options can even be used together. For example, the light/heat-blocking shades or solar window films will help a window A/C unit work more efficiently by keeping the room from being heated up by the sun. The most efficient option for many homes could be a ductless heat pump. Carolina Comfort Systems can help you evaluate your needs for your sunroom and help you find the best options for heating and cooling.
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