Determining the right size of HVAC for your house

For most homeowners, keeping their house at a comfortable temperature during the summer and winter months is important. If your HVAC unit is more than a decade old, it may be the right time to get it replaced. Today's systems are extremely efficient and offer a quieter operation than older units. However, it is very important to choose a system wisely. Here are a few things that you must consider when buying a unit:

Why does the right sized central air conditioner matter so much?

An HVAC unit can be a large investment. We're not only speaking in terms of the initial cost of buying the system and getting it installed, but we're also referring to the amount of money you will be spending on your energy bills. As per the experts, you will have to spend more than $2,000 an year on energy bills. Your HVAC system uses up half of the total energy your house consumes. Hence, it is important to choose the right-sized system that will guarantee energy-efficiency.

How to determine the right size:

The Size of the House:

When investing in a new HVAC system, the square footage of the house must be taken into consideration. An over-sized unit can lead to extra costs and poor operation.  Some units are single zone and can serve only a part of the house, such as the first or second floor. In bigger houses, normally a dual-zoned system is installed offering different levels of conditioning. 

Although dual-zoned system may cost more, the cooling quality and energy saving is much better. Buying a unit on square footage is often called 'rule-of-thumb' sizing. Every HVAC system comes with a BTU rating that is linked to the square footage it is intended to accommodate. In order to ensure maximum energy efficiency, the owner must invest in a system that has an appropriate BTU rating. 

Home’s overall efficiency features:

The home’s efficiency features must also be taken into consideration when choosing a HVAC unit. A house that is built with energy efficient features such as double-paned windows, enhanced insulation and the like may be suited for use with a faintly lower BTU rating. Apart from this, the overall enviroment of the house also plays a significant role. A house that has ample of shade can work on an HVAC system with a lower British thermal unit rating in summers than a house that is exposed to too much sunlight, and vice versa.  

It can be extremely difficult to determine the correct size of an HVAC system. While it is reasonably easy to figure out the square footage of the area that the HVAC system needs to service, other elements such as the energy efficiency and age of the house and the outside environment are more abstract. The effect they will have on the efficiency of an HVAC system can be hard to determine by a typical homeowner. Hence, the best way to go about it is to hire an HVAC expert who will help you determine the right system for your needs.

Do you know how your HVAC system works?

You pick up your electricity bill in February or August and cringe before even opening the envelope, knowing that the cost of your HVAC will drain out a fortune. But as notorious as cooling and heating are for putting holes in pockets, efficient practices can help you in saving a lot of money. One of the best ways to save money on maintenance and repair is to know how your HVAC system really works. Basically, having this knowledge can lead you to perform basic maintenance on your own, in turn saving you a lot of hard earned cash.

The basics:

There are three main components to any HVAC system. In simple terms, for people who have little or no clue about cooling and heating systems, the three components are the cooled or warm air source, a distribution method for the air that has been cooled or heated, and a way for regulating or controlling the amount of air being dispersed.

When the three components are put into action, here is what happens:

Heated air produced by the furnace or the cooled air coming out from the air conditioner is distributed with the help of air ducts. Same air ducts are used for distributing both the cooled as well as the heated air. However, the amount of cooled or heated air sent from these ducts is regulated by the thermostat and this is how an HVAC system works. According to experts, if you face any problem related to your HVAC unit, 99% of the times one of the three components is the culprit.

Apart from knowing the basic functioning of your HVAC unit, there are a few other points that must also be kept in mind:

• Your HVAC system design is based on the floor plan of your house. The ductwork and ventilation is planned to hit each area of the building.
• The air used for heating and cooling your home is typically pulled from outside but gets filtered with the help of ventilators that disinfect and clean the air brought in.
• A blower and wheel send the air through the HVAC system.

Regular maintenance of your unit:

While the HVAC may sound pretty self-sufficient, cleaning your system is important. It is impossible for the filter to keep the system clean all the time, especially when it’s dirty and incapable of working properly. If you are facing HVAC issues, it is important that you contact a cleaning company ASAP. Failing to do so on time, can disturb the air quality because of which your house will not be as healthy and comfortable as you’ll like it to be. Getting the unit cleaned by a professional can ensure proper removal of dust, pests and other things stuck inside the unit.

A clean and well maintained HVAC unit is a more affordable unit. If the air ducts are dust free, you will be saving a lot of money because the air will move freely. You will see a drastic difference in your electricity bill. Apart from this, you will also be saving a lot of money on doctor or hospital bills that you would had to bear because of unhygienic, unhealthy conditions all around you.

Elements that have led to the advancements in HVAC systems

Today's HVAC systems are intended to meet the stricter indoor air quality, environmental, and user requirements. Most of the improvements in the efficiency of the HVAC systems have resulted from the advancements in the operating efficiency of system components. Other advancements are the result of using newer technologies. 

Even though there are several individual developments that have been a catalyst in improving the operating efficiency of HVAC systems, much of the overall improvement can be credited to the factors mentioned below:

Chiller design changes

Higher energy efficiency is not the only advantage of the new generation of chillers. They also provide better refrigerant containment. While standard chillers lose ten to fifteen percent of the refrigerant charge routinely per year, newer chillers can keep the losses to 0.5 percent. Better purge systems and lower leak rates decrease the amount of non-condensable gases that are found in the new chiller system – an important factor in maintaining better performance of the system over time.

Another important development is in the operation of the boiler system: the replacement of manual and pneumatic controls with microprocessor systems. This has helped the systems to achieve 5% to 7% energy savings over traditional pneumatic-based boiler systems.

Energy-efficient motors

The HVAC systems today use energy-efficient motors. These motors provide a moderate but substantial increase in the operating efficiency over traditional motor designs. For instance, a ten horse power energy-efficient motor functions at about 90% efficiency; a traditional motor of a similar size is rated at 85%.

Chiller loads

Chillers inside the HVAC are sized for highest cooling loads. Standard control systems close vanes on the chiller inlet, dropping the efficiency of the system at the time of part-load operation. When VFD or variable frequency drives are applied, chillers regulate the operation by decreasing the compressor speed. The end result is full-load operating efficiency over an extensive array of cooling loads.

Conservation of energy is not the only benefit of VFD variable frequency drives. The electric motor along with the mechanical system is strained every time a fan, a pump or chiller is initiated at full-line voltage: Belts slip, high-pressure is developed and drive chains stretch. VFD helps in decreasing these stresses by starting systems at low frequencies and voltages in a soft start, leading to increased equipment and motor life.

At last, the most significant element in a modern HVAC system is the way it’s used. No matter how energy efficient or sophisticated the system is, its performance depends on the way it's maintained and operated. It is important to be properly trained before using the features of the system. Also, it is advised to get the system maintained by professional contractors. The personnel should be equipped and trained with the proper knowledge and tools to keep the HVAC operating in the way it was intended. Maintenance should never be taken lightly.

HVAC Maintenance: How to keep the costs low?

One of the best ways to keep your service costs to a minimum is by performing regular maintenance. An HVAC system is one of those machines that you need to sustain on a regular basis to keep it in good working order, particularly during the warmer months. Here are a few tips to help you cut down on repair costs:

Installing a digital thermostat:

Digital thermostats are a great way to gauge room temperatures more accurately. These devices are a lot easier to set in comparison to conventional thermostats. You can set and program the device to turn the system on and off when you want. On the other hand, using an inefficient, old fashioned thermostat will cause the unit to work harder than required and lead to technical problems with your system over a period of time.

Keep the attic clear: 

Another way to avoid HVAC repair is to ensure your attic is properly ventilated. As the weather starts to get warmer, you must clear out any needless clutter that can keep the air from circulating properly in the attic. Too much clutter can make it difficult for the system to cool the house efficiently.

Change filters regularly:

The easiest way to avoid HVAC repair cost is to change the filters regularly. AC filters must be replaced every three months. But, if you live in a dusty climate, you will have to change them more often. It is also important to change the filter frequently if you use your HVAC unit throughout the year. A dirty filter can reduce the air quality leading to a less efficient system.

Check the Freon regularly in the unit:

Refrigerants such as Freon are needed for the system to cool the air that comes inside the house. Low quantities of Freon indicate towards a possible leak in the system, which requires immediate repair. This type of leak can also be dangerous to humans or wildlife, as the chemicals are toxic.

Use a low maintenance unit:

An old-fashioned HVAC system that requires additional maintenance or is constantly failing will drain your resources. Make sure your maintenance costs remain low by switching to newer, more durable radiators, heat pumps, and quality condensing boilers. Since the latest units use the best technology, they will need less repair and decrease the costs linked to excessive replacement or maintenance.

Be careful of the set-up:

Poorly set up HVAC systems will end up wasting energy by cooling or heating an empty building. It’s smart to create a plan for your HVAC system setup. If the house remains empty during a particular season such as summer, consider reducing the cooling requirements significantly during this time. In addition, if there are times when the house is occupied, reduce temperatures accordingly to the changes.

Performing routine maintenance on your HVAC unit is an extremely simple task. By keeping your system in good working condition, you can reduce the need for extensive A/C repair in the future. Apart from doing your own maintenance, you must also have a skilled technician to check your system once every year to perform necessary repairs that you are unable to perform on your own.

The importance of getting your HVAC system serviced annually

Almost all manufacturers of HVAC systems recommend that you get your unit serviced and inspected at yearly intervals. However, a lot of us overlook this necessity and miss out on service for longer durations of time, either because of forgetfulness or cost issues. Skipping on yearly service on your HVAC system can have several side effects such as- spending more on energy bills and putting the health and safety of your family at risk. A certified HVAC service technician will ensure your unit is operating correctly and at its best efficiency - which will help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Checking for dangerous leaks:

In case you own a natural gas or oil furnace, your unit will burn fossil fuel. When fossil fuels burn they produce a dangerous bi-product known as carbon monoxide. A service technician will ensure that there is no risk of this deadly byproduct being emitted from your furnace. Even small leaks can be dangerous, so a yearly service inspection to look for the lethal poisonous gas is advised.

Fire prevention and increasing efficiency:

Furnaces that use natural or oil gas are also at a greater risk since these fuels are highly flammable. An HVAC expert ensures that your unit is operating correctly and is clean of dust, dirt, debris and other similar materials that can catch fire easily. One of the biggest benefits of having an HVAC system serviced yearly is maximizing its efficiency. Fuel that goes into these units is expensive, so making sure your system is burning it at an effective rate is related directly to the money you will have to spend on your energy bills. An HVAC service technician will know how to adjust your furnace to make sure it is operating at its best efficiency. "Tune ups" and inspections will lead to lower bills and less fuel consumption.

Preventive maintenance:

Having your system serviced on a yearly basis is a great way to perform preventative maintenance. It is advised that annual service should be performed before the winter months to make sure the furnace will work effectively throughout the season. A lot of times, an HVAC service provider will catch potential problems before they arise and offer preventive solutions in the form of replacement of parts or repair. This can be highly beneficial to homeowners who will not have to undergo the struggle of having their unit break down in the cold winters, leaving their loved ones with no heat for days or weeks till it can finally be repaired.

The benefits of having a furnace serviced and inspected by a professional technician are several. You will be able to save a lot of money on your energy bills and fuel costs, and have peace of mind that the furnace will operate properly on even the coolest of winter days. One of the best ways to look for a good service provider is to search online. The internet offers plethora of options for you to choose from. Once you find the right engineer to service and inspect your HVAC on an annual basis you can rest assured that your HVAC unit will operate safely and at the best efficiency.

Can your HVAC system decrease your home air quality?

Dirt, dust and debris have a tendency to get accumulated within the air ducts of your HVAC if you do not clean them regularly. They become breeding grounds of dangerous fungi and bacteria that may cause problems such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems.

So, to ensure respectable indoor air quality, you must clean the air ducts regularly and thoroughly.

When is the right time to clean the HVAC system?

Whether you perform the cleaning yourself or take the help of a professional, you should know when your air conditioning system needs cleaning. Here are a few signs that indicate towards an unclean HVAC machine:

1.Noticeable mold growth within the ducts

Mold is essentially a fungal growth that gradually spreads within the hard surface of the HVAC system. By cleaning regularly, you can remove the growth of molds. But, if the molds get accumulated over a period of time, your HVAC will require professional cleaning. 

2.Ducts congested with debris and dust

When the ducts in the HVAC system are blocked with debris and dust, you are likely to inhale unhealthy air that may lead to health issues. Moreover, your system will also become less efficient in terms of performance.

Although you can clean the small debris on your own, for tougher molds, debris or clogs, you will need professional help, as HVAC cleaning companies use EPA approved sanitizers to apply on the problem areas.

How to choose a HVAC cleaning company?

After inspecting the condition of the system, if you decide to hire a professional, you must speak to at least three cleaning companies. Verify if they have proper accreditation and licenses. By doing this, you can rest assured that you have selected a knowledgeable, responsible and reliable service provider who knows how to do his job well.

Another way to short list a good service provider is to ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can even call your neighbor to find out which company does the best job within your area.

Precautions you can take to minimize contamination of ducts

Oftentimes air ducts within the HVAC system collect significant amounts of dust, debris and dirt particles that end up contaminating the air. Hence, it is important to minimize contamination by stopping dirt from entering the system. For this, you need to ensure the following:

1.Make use of efficient air filters and make sure you change them on a regular basis
2.In case of damage or leakage, get it corrected
3.Make sure there is no moisture present in the system
4.Clean the drain pans and cooling coils by a professional cleaning service
5.Make sure there are no missing filters
6.In case any renovation or construction work is being carried out, seal the air ducts, so that debris and dust don’t enter the machine

Most AC contractors advise on having your heating/cooling system checked twice a year. The whole system should be flushed out of unwanted stuff that gets accumulated. Ductwork also should be cleaned thoroughly. Such cleaning is recommended to ensure that the HVAC systems are operating at optimal levels so that the desired air quality in your house is maintained.

Tips for hiring an HVAC specialist

When your ventilation, heating, or air conditioning system needs to be repaired or replaced, you will probably have to hire an HVAC expert who has the license and specialization to work on the unit. It is important for the contractor to be properly insured, trained, and have certifications that conform to professional HVAC procedures, in addition to other qualifications.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing an HVAC specialist.

1. Ask your friends, family or neighbors for referrals.
   
   Start your search by asking for advice from family and friends. Also, while requesting other people for referrals, make sure you ask them for the reason that required them to hire the HVAC expert in the first place. This should give you a better idea of whether the specific contractor will suit your needs or not. Apart from this, you can also search the local business directories for customer reviews. Do not make the mistake of choosing a specialist based only on an attractive website.


2. Find out if the HVAC candidate has the certifications and licenses needed by the state or local area in which you live.
   
   If you don’t know about the certifications and licenses HVAC specialists are required to have, you can contact a government representative or official from your state or local area. You can also search online to find out about the licenses required in every state and also to confirm the authenticity of the licenses of a particular contractor.
   


3. Verify whether the specialist has low volume of negative reviews and a decent rating in your local area.
   
   Visit the BBB website to research about the shortlisted HVAC contractors. You can also get in touch with the council of BBB for information on specific specialists or businesses.
   


4. The specialists should have insurance.
   
   You should make sure the expert has worker's compensation insurance. If you let anyone work inside your premises and perform maintenances you become responsible for the cost of any damage or injury that may occur, even accidentally. But if you hire someone with a liability or worker’s compensation insurance you do not risk incidental damage of any kind.
   


5. Choose an expert who is ready to inspect the system in your house before offering estimates or starting the repairs.
   
   HVAC specialists must measure air flow, inspect insulation and look for air leaks to make sure all components comply with the HVAC guidelines and the specifications laid down by the manufacturer before providing an estimate or starting the work.
   


6. Get bids from at least three HVAC specialists to compare pricing and work before making your final decision.
   
   Some of the factors that should be taken into consideration when obtaining bids apart from the overall cost are installations to be done, energy savings during the repair work and the warranties offered.
   

As the technologies supporting the HVAC systems advance to newer levels, repairing these units has become all the more difficult for unlicensed individuals. This is particularly true now that so many machines have smart thermostats and other complex pieces of electronics. Hence, it is best to save money by hiring the right professional. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind and you will have no problem shortlisting a skilled and competent service provider.