Many people rely on ducts, a system of channels that carry air, to heat their homes. However, you don't always need ductwork to heat your home — you can use a ductless heating system and avoid ducted systems' challenges. Below are some of the advantages of ductless systems.
Ease of Installation
Ductless heating systems are relatively easy to install because you don't have to install the ductwork. Ducted heating works best if you install it during the construction phase. Installing ducted heating in existing buildings without ductwork involves many teardowns (ceiling and wall), both expensive and time-consuming.
Ductless heating works great in both new and existing buildings. In most cases, you only need to drill a few holes through the installation wall. The ease of installation results in low labor and material costs. You can also start using your heating system faster than if you opted for a ducted system.
Independent Temperature Control
Ductless heating systems often target individual rooms. Thus, you will need multiple systems to heat multiple rooms. That might seem like a hassle, but it has one great advantage — independent temperature control of every room. Independent heating means everyone can set their desired temperature in their bedrooms.
Note that independent temperature control is also possible with ducted heating. However, you will have to install zoning systems, which is a bit of a hassle with existing heating systems. You don't need a zoning system with your ductless heating system.
Energy Efficiency
Ductless heating is energy efficient due to the absence of ductwork. Duct channels significantly contribute to energy waste by losing heated air or admitting cold air. For example, duct channels often lose energy through:
Independent temperature control also improves energy efficiency. For example, you can turn off or reduce heating in some rooms, eliminating the associated energy consumption.
Energy efficiency has two main benefits. First, it reduces your energy bills, which is a big deal since many people spend a significant part of their take-home pay on energy bills. Secondly, energy efficiency helps to conserve the environment by limiting energy production and carbon emissions.
Improved IAQ
Ductless heating minimizes air pollution by not mixing air from different parts of the house. Many ducted systems also have multistage filtration that removes nearly all the pollutants from the air.
Ducted systems also have air filters. Unfortunately, the filtered air can pick up pollutants in the ductwork. For example, cracks or holes in the duct material can allow mold, dust, or even pest infiltration. In the end, ductless heating provides better indoor air quality (IAQ) than ducted heating.
Silent Operations
All heating systems emit some noise, but the level of operating noises varies by type of system. In ducted systems, some of the operating noises come from the ductwork. Some of the things that cause duct noises include:
You don't have to worry about those noses when you install a ductless system.
Minimal Maintenance
The absence of duct runs means you have fewer parts to clean or maintain. You don't have to worry about duct disconnections, obstructions, or leakages. The ease of maintenance also leads to fewer breakdowns.
Both ducted and ductless systems have their pros and cons. Your circumstances may determine which option suits you best. Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center to review your home and advise you on the best system the next time you want to install or replace your heating system. We have over 50 years of experience, and you can rely on our professionalism.
Is it time for a new furnace? If you're not sure when to replace the H in your HVAC system, take a look at the signs that signal the need for a new heater.
Your Heater's Age
How old is your home's heater? While age isn't the only predictor of the need for replacement, it can give you a better idea of when you'll need to install a new furnace, boiler, or heating system.
The expected lifespan of a heater depends on several factors. These include the type of heater/system, level of maintenance, and amount of use/climate. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the most common heating system life expectancies include:
Not only can an older heater fail to keep your home a uniform temperature, it may cost you unnecessarily. Along with uncomfortable cold spots or chilly interior spaces, you may have high natural gas, electric, or other fuel utility bills.
Your Utility Bills
Residential home heating costs more to use than any other household system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Older systems typically aren't energy efficient. This means the heater will need to work harder to warm your home. The harder your heater works, the more you'll pay to use it. If your heating utility bills are on the rise:
A high-efficiency furnace replacement will do more than save you money on utility bills immediately after installation. The lighter workload (due to less heat loss) can decrease wear or the chances of premature breakdown. This can save you money in potentially costly repair or replacement expenses.
Your Heater's Sounds
Can you hear your furnace failing? While there's no single sound that signals the need for a heater replacement, some noises are signs you need to watch out for. Whether your heater scrapes, thumps, bumps, hums, squeals, squeaks, or bangs, a noisy system is a damaged or worn system.
While some sounds may only point to minor problems (such as a lack of lubrication or loose hardware) other noises require immediate professional attention. If you're not sure if your heater's noise qualifies, be sure to:
Loud or strange sounds aren't the only sensory signs to look for. Odd odors may also signal the need for an HVAC replacement. Like sounds, smells also require a professional evaluation.
Do you need an HVAC inspection or replacement? Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center for more information.
Should you clean your HVAC system's ducts? More specifically, should you clean your ducts yourself? If you're considering a do-it-yourself duct cleaning, take a look at the questions you need to know about this service and why you should call a professional first.
Is Duct Cleaning Necessary?
Clean air is important to you. But that doesn't necessarily mean you need to constantly clean your home's air ducts. Even though the ducts help your home's heater or central air conditioner to move air around the indoor space, a traditional cleaning process with a high-powered vacuum isn't recommended for every home. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't clean your ducts.
Before you schedule a duct cleaning service, consider:
If you do decide to clear the air with a duct cleaning, the next step is to decide who will perform the service. While a DIY approach may seem like a cost-savings idea, it isn't the best option for most homeowners.
Why Shouldn't You Attempt a DIY Duct Cleaning?
You have a vacuum and a hose. Does this mean you can remove dust, debris, and other particles from your ducts yourself? Again, a vacuum isn't always the best method to remove smaller-sized particles from your HVAC system — and it won't sanitize your ducts.
Even though a DIY vacuum duct debris removal is free (or almost free, depending on what equipment you already have at home), you should hire a professional for any air cleaning service. The top reasons to work with an HVAC contractor include:
What happens if you tried a DIY duct cleaning — and it didn't work out well? You can still call in a professional. An HVAC contractor can assess the indoor air and help you to decide what services your home needs.
Do you need an HVAC repair or a professional air sanitation service? Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center for more information.
Modern gas furnaces are exceedingly safe, but it's never a bad idea to be prepared in case something goes wrong. Understanding how furnace gas leaks occur and what to do about them will help you keep yourself and your family safe if you are ever faced with this problem. Here's everything you should know about furnace gas leaks.
What Causes a Gas Furnace to Leak?
Gas leaks can occur in the gas supply line to your furnace, but they are commonly caused by a cracked heat exchanger. Normally, gas is combusted in a chamber inside the heat exchanger, and the blower blows air over it to pick up the heat before it circulates through your ductwork. A cracked heat exchanger can allow gas to escape before it combusts, releasing harmful fumes into your home.
The number one cause of a cracked heat exchanger is overheating. Overheating can occur when there isn't enough airflow through the furnace to dissipate heat safely. Causes of restricted airflow include a dirty furnace filter, duct blockages, ductwork that is too small, or a furnace and air handler that is too large for your home.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Gas Leak?
Natural gas is odorless, so manufacturers add a chemical known as mercaptan to give it a detectable smell. Mercaptan smells sulfur-like, similar to rotten eggs. If you detect a rotten egg smell near your furnace, coming out of your ductwork, or elsewhere in your home, you may be dealing with a gas leak.
Sometimes, you can detect a gas leak by listening closely to your furnace. Gas is pressurized inside the system, so there could be a noticeable hissing sound near the leak as the gas escapes. Houseplants are particularly susceptible to the fumes from a gas leak, so keep an eye out for any dying plants in your home.
What Are the Health Risks of a Gas Leak?
Furnace gas leaks release harmful substances into the air, such as carbon monoxide, which can cause symptoms in people who are exposed. The most common short-term symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, sinus irritation, and difficulty breathing. Direct contact with compressed or liquid gas can also cause skin irritation and blisters.
Many of the short-term symptoms of less-serious exposure will often resolve if the affected person is removed from exposure.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause more serious issues like fatigue, memory and concentration problems, chest and stomach pain, vision problems, and loss of motor control. In extreme cases of exposure, you may suffer from a reddening of the skin and lips, unconsciousness, and even death.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak?
Even if you aren't exhibiting any symptoms of exposure to gas or carbon monoxide, you should take quick action if you suspect a furnace gas leak. Shut your HVAC system off, avoid lighting matches or candles, open doors and windows to ventilate your home, and exit the area. You should call your gas company if you notice an emergency leak in your home before reentering.
Once any emergency leak has been dealt with and your home is safe to enter, you will want to get your furnace inspected before using it again. An HVAC technician can test your system thoroughly for leaks and perform any required replacements or repairs. This will give you peace of mind that a leak is not likely to reoccur any time soon.
Furnace gas leaks are a rare problem, and with these tips, you can ensure that you are always ready to respond to a gas leak in your home. For more safety tips and all of your HVAC service needs, contact Dick Kearsley Service Center today!
If you haven't updated your thermostat since you moved into your home, you may still be using an old manual-style thermostat. While a manual thermostat will still get the job done, there are several compelling reasons to switch to a programmable thermostat that many homeowners may not be aware of. Here are five benefits of upgrading to a programmable thermostat.
1. Accurate Indoor Temperatures
Manual thermostats use a needle and a metal arm known as the heat anticipator to read the temperature of the surrounding air. While this is generally accurate enough to keep your home in a comfortable range of temperatures, smart thermostats greatly improve on the accuracy of manual models.
The more accurate your thermostat is the better use you will get out of your furnace and air conditioner. Since a smart thermostat reads more precisely, it will do a better job of turning your HVAC system on and off precisely when it is needed.
2. Ease of Use
Modern smart thermostats have user interfaces that are very easy to understand and use. A large, bright touchscreen is easier to see than the needle on a manual thermostat if you need to make an adjustment in the middle of the night. Many smart thermostats also provide recommendations for the most comfortable settings for your home, so you never have to wonder if you could be getting more out of your system.
3. Wireless Connectivity
Nothing beats the convenience and speed of wireless connectivity for modern smart appliances. If your bedroom is on a different floor than your thermostat, being able to adjust the temperature at will from your smartphone is a welcome feature. If you have left for work and forgotten to adjust your HVAC system for the day, you can do so without interrupting your commute.
In addition to smartphone control, wireless smart thermostats are capable of interfacing with other smart devices as well. By purchasing compatible devices, you could create an integrated system that includes your smart thermostat, fans, lighting, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other devices all controlled from one central hub.
4. Energy Savings
Your usage habits have a bigger impact on how much you pay for heating and cooling each month than any other factor. Using a programmable thermostat to control your HVAC system is a great way to ensure you aren't using it more than it's needed.
Many homeowners set their system to turn off overnight an hour or two after they've gone to sleep, and start up again an hour before they wake up. This saves hours' worth of energy at night with no appreciable difference on your comfort level in your home!
If your HVAC system has duct dampers or separate air handlers, many smart thermostats include another energy-saving feature known as zone heating and cooling. With this feature, you can set your HVAC system to only heat or cool the rooms you are currently using. This uses much less energy than circulating air through your entire home because your system will be able to run in shorter cycles.
5. System Monitoring
Furnace and air conditioning problems are some of the worst to be caught off-guard by, as you can sometimes be stuck for a day or more without much-needed heating or cooling. A smart thermostat helps you avoid this problem by monitoring your HVAC system for common issues such as a dirty furnace filter, airflow blockages, high or low indoor humidity, burner ignition problems, and more.
A smart thermostat is a great way to add a modern touch to almost any home. If you are considering an upgrade to a programmable thermostat, contact us at Dick Kearsley Service Center for professional installation.
Do you have window AC units? If you want to free your windows, take a look at the top window unit-to-central air conditioning questions homeowners have answered.
Should You Upgrade Your AC System?
A window air conditioner cools one room at a time. While this type of unit can effectively cool your bedroom, living room, or other interior space, it won't help your whole home. If you don't have a large area to cool or only spend time in some rooms, a window AC unit is a cost-effective option — especially if your home has radiator or another ductless type of heating system.
But if you want to cool your whole home, an upgrade to a central air conditioning system is an upgrade to seriously explore. Before you make a decision, consider:
Whether you already have an upgrade idea or you don't know where to start, a qualified HVAC contractor can evaluate your home and recommend an air conditioner that meets your needs.
What Are the Advantages of Central Air Conditioning?
If you're still not sure whether central AC is right for your and your home, consider the advantages. This HVAC option's benefits include:
Along with these benefits, a new energy-efficient central AC system may cost less to operate than multiple window units. Discuss seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) numbers with the HVAC contractor before you upgrade to a central system. The higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient the product is.
What Do You Need to Install Central AC?
You've decided to upgrade from a window unit to central AC. What should you do now? The decision to make the change is the first step in the process. The next steps include:
After you choose a model, schedule an installation appointment. The contractor can walk you through the process and help you to understand what you should expect from this service.
Do you need a new air conditioner? Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center for more information.
Furnaces are a necessity in most households, but they have a finite lifespan. Furnaces last between 15 to 20 years, so furnace replacement isn't a cost you'll incur all that often. Keep reading for what to expect when you do need to buy a new furnace.
Furnace Type
Your first step will be to purchase a new furnace. Homeowners typically use natural gas furnaces to heat their homes. These furnaces can cost more to install, but they're generally more efficient to run. A second common option is an electric furnace. Installation is cheaper, but running them can be more expensive. Coal, oil, and wood-burning furnaces are less common.
The other big factor, which only relates to gas furnaces, is the type of heat it puts out. One-stage furnaces operate on an on/off model. You get maximum heat or no heat. With two-stage furnaces, you can get half-power or full-power. The power relates to an adjustment of the heat output. Modulating furnaces continuously adjust to the heat needed in one-percent increments.
Furnace Size
You also need to consider the size of the furnace. Bigger may seem better, but a system that's too large will cycle on and off frequently. This can prematurely wear your furnace. Conversely, a furnace that is too small will waste energy while it tries, ineffectively, to warm the house.
Most manufacturers size furnaces according to their British Thermal Units (BTU), which relates to the furnace's ability to heat one pound of water by one degree. They usually produce several sizes of each furnace model, so you should be able to get your desired furnace in a size that's appropriate for your home.
HVAC experts should size the furnace. They'll take into consideration the house's square footage. However, they'll also look at your home's energy loss calculations. These calculations relate to not only house size, but also window areas, insulation levels, and other related features.
Installation Contract
Once you choose the furnace type and size, you need to hire a contractor to install it — furnace installation isn't a do-it-yourself project. The contractors need to remove the old furnace and fit the new furnace to your ductwork. They may need to retrofit or even replace your system of ducts. So, you'll need a service contract with your HVAC expert.
Ask for specific items to be included in your installation contract. One item is an installation warranty for any defects in equipment or workmanship. One year is standard. Another item is a performance guarantee related to how well the furnace heats your house. Finally, the contract should include a payment schedule with the majority of the payment coming upon completion.
Price Factors
Price will be a big determinant both in your selection of a furnace and a contractor to install it. Concerning the furnace itself, features such as efficiency will affect the cost. Most modern models rate at 90 percent efficiency, with only 10 percent of the heat generated lost to waste. However, you can find models in the 95 percent range. They're more expensive, but they'll yield utility savings.
Concerning installation, the scope of the project will significantly impact the cost. If the contractors retrofit or replace the ductwork, the cost will be higher. The brand and grade of all the materials the contractors use for installation also make an impact on the cost.
Your house may also be a factor. If the contractors have to work in tight spaces, such as an attic or crawlspace, the job becomes more involved. Increased time increases the price. Likewise, they'll consider the age and construction of your house overall.
Don't fear buying a new furnace — especially if you need a replacement. Let the HVAC experts at Dick Kearsley Service Center guide you through the process.
A gas furnace contains a variety of components intended to ensure safety and reliability, but few are as critical to its operation as the heat exchanger and exhaust flue. These seemingly simple pieces of equipment play a dual role in both heating your home and safely expelling exhaust gases.
Along with the rest of the furnace's exhaust system, the heat exchanger allows you to utilize the energy of natural gas without exposure to dangerous combustion byproducts. To understand why these components are so essential, read this blog for a quick lesson in chemistry and a brief tour through your furnace's exhaust stream. If you have any questions, reach out to a qualified HVAC professional for help.
Learn the Chemistry of Combustion
Your furnace provides heat to your home through a relatively simple chemical reaction. The natural gas that supplies your furnace or other appliances consists of a blend of chemicals, though it’s mostly methane. Like any fossil fuel, methane is highly combustible in the presence of oxygen.
When natural gas combusts, the reaction between methane fuel and oxygen produces several harmful byproducts in addition to heat. Although carbon dioxide (CO2) makes up the vast majority of the exhaust stream, the relatively small quantities of carbon monoxide (CO) are the more significant concern. Even tiny amounts of carbon monoxide pose a critical health hazard.
Fortunately, modern furnace designs can safely account for the byproducts they produce.
Follow the Exhaust Stream
To protect the air in your home from exhaust gases, combustion in your furnace takes place within a sealed chamber. This approach locks away harmful chemicals, but it also means that the furnace does not directly heat the air in your house. Instead, the exhaust stream traps that heat along with the carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
This is where the heat exchanger enters into the picture. Your furnace's heat exchanger is essentially a set of metal coils or tubes that extracts energy from the exhaust gases. As the gases pass through the heat exchanger, energy (in the form of heat) is transferred to the surrounding air. The furnace's blower then distributes this clean, warm air to the rest of your home.
After passing through the heat exchanger, the cooled gases continue to move through the exhaust flue and safely into the outside atmosphere. Some furnaces will do a better job than others at capturing the heat before it escapes with the gases, while others will be more inefficient. To save money and power, consider upgrading to a more efficient furnace model.
Keep Your Air Clean
Although the purpose of your heat exchanger is to contain and extract energy from warm gases, it can only absorb a limited amount of heat. A variety of conditions can cause your heat exchanger to overheat, potentially leading to small cracks in the casing. Over time, these cracks can allow harmful exhaust gases to escape into your home.
Old, corroded flue pipes can also be potential sources of exhaust leaks. In some cases, an improperly installed flue may allow condensation to remain in the pipes, leading to rust and holes. Like a cracked heat exchanger, leaky flue pipes may allow carbon monoxide gas into your home. Detecting problems with a furnace flue is often challenging and requires an experienced eye.
Although cracked heat exchangers and leaky flue pipes are uncommon, they pose enough of a danger to warrant annual inspections by trained professionals. If you're ready to have your heating system inspected, Dick Kearsley Service Center can help you to get the job done. Contact us online to schedule a time and date that is convenient for you.
How much does a new furnace cost? According to Home Advisor, the national average falls between $2,544 and $6,123. But this doesn't mean the model you choose will fall within this price range. If you need a new furnace, take a look at the factors that impact the price.
The Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major reason homeowners replace their HVAC systems. In general, older furnaces use more energy to heat a home. Whether the furnace uses oil, gas, or electricity as its power source, the more energy it draws and the higher utility bills you'll see. This means the furnace has a negative impact on both the environment and your wallet.
Higher energy efficiency can — but doesn't always — equal a higher furnace price tag. If that seems confusing, remember that energy efficiency isn't the only factor that influences how much you'll pay for a new heater.
To better gauge what you'll pay for a high-efficiency heater, you need to understand energy use ratings. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) number measures how efficiently the unit coverts the fuel it uses (such as oil, gas, or electricity) to heat in one year.
The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient a furnace is. While higher AFUE models are often more expensive to buy, these energy-efficient furnaces may save you money in heating costs over time. Talk to your HVAC professional about the cost benefits of a high AFUE furnace before you choose a new heater.
The Size
Like efficiency, sizes vary among different furnace models. Keep in mind, unlike your home, furnace size isn't measured in square feet. A physically larger furnace may not cost much more than one that's compact.
If the actual dimensions of the furnace don't play a primary role in price, how can size impact what you'll pay for a furnace? The answer is in the BTU (or British Thermal Unit) rating. BTU is a unit that measures how much energy is needed to heat (or cool for air conditioners) one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
A higher BTU rating is necessary to heat larger spaces or homes with high energy loss issues. Even though it may seem like a larger furnace with a higher BTU is better, these pricey models won't necessarily meet your home's needs.
You need the help of an HVAC professional to correctly size your new furnace. Along with the square footage, they'll need to calculate energy losses (such as from insulation and windows) as well.
The Quality
Like other major purchases, the higher quality the furnace, the more you'll pay. Even though a higher-quality furnace will cost you more to buy, it can save you money over time. The better the furnace, the less likely the appliance will break down or use excess fuel as energy. Combine these factors, and you can save money in repair and utility costs.
The Installation
The furnace itself isn't the only price factor to consider. Along with the efficiency, size, and quality, you also need to factor in the price of installation.
While a do-it-yourself installation may seem like a money-saver (especially if you've already spent a lot on the furnace), this isn't a job for a novice. Heater installation is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Leave this job to the pros.
How much will the installation cost? No clear-cut answer exists for this question. Home Advisor estimates the average installation costs between $1,000 and $8,000. But you may pay more or less, depending on the service company you choose, your geographic region, and the complexity of the system.
The more complex the system is, the more labor it requires to install. This adds extra costs to the labor price.
Do you need to install a new furnace? Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center for more information.
Staying warm and cozy in your home during the winter is a priority for virtually everyone. You can’t stay warm, however, when your furnace is not functioning at an optimal level. In some cases, a repair might fix the problem, but in others, you will to need a new furnace. Here are some signs to watch for that might indicate that you need a furnace replacement.
Age
Furnaces don't last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is generally about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is in this age range, then it could be time for a replacement. A replacement may be the better option for an old furnace if it requires frequent or expensive repairs.
Cold Air
If the unit is not producing warm air to any room, a number of issues could be responsible. One common problem that leads to the lack of warm air from a unit is a malfunctioning blower fan, which could signal that the furnace has reached the end of its lifespan.
A related issue is a furnace that sends heats some rooms effectively, but leaves other rooms cold and uncomfortable. A properly functioning furnace should have no problem heating the various rooms of your home to the same temperature.
If you notice that some parts of the house are not as warm as others, this indicates that the unit is not operating at full efficiency. When this happens, the best course of action is usually to install a new unit.
Weird Noises
Furnaces make some noises that don’t cause concern, such as a consistent humming sound. But if a unit is making weird or unusual noises, this is almost always a sign of trouble. For example, if you hear rattling sounds while the furnace is in operation, it could mean that some of the unit's sheet metal or hardware has come loose. If you hear a screeching sound, the blower motor may have failed.
The average homeowner cannot properly identify the cause of an unusual furnace sound themselves, so you will need a professional service person to diagnose the noise. A service person can tell you what is causing the problem and if a replacement unit is necessary.
Registers
Your heat registers should be clear of any dust or other debris and should not let any unwanted dust or dirt into your living spaces. If you notice that your house is becoming more dusty than usual, check the heat registers for dust or soot around the opening.
Furnaces take in air from the outside, but a unit that is working properly filters out dust and dirt before it moves warm air into your house. If a furnace cannot filter out dust and other particles effectively, then the unit might need replacing due to failing components.
Cycling
The typical furnace operates on a cycle. When a room reaches the desired temperature, the furnace shuts off and then comes back on when the room temperature drops below the setting on the thermostat.
Cycling issues occur when a unit is either shutting down and then coming back on very often or simply running all the time without ever shutting down. A cycling problem is a huge warning sign that the furnace needs the attention of a professional and could mean that the unit has reached the end of its usefulness.
Watch for all of the issues listed in this article, but remember that only a qualified heating expert, such as those at Dick Kearsley Service Center, can tell you for certain if you need a new furnace. If you have any concerns at all about your unit and its operation, contact us for assistance.
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