Preparing Your HVAC System for the Fall: Maintenance Tips For Carmel, IN Homeowners
Preventative maintenance for your Carmel, IN HVAC unit could push its lifespan to over 15 years! Without maintenance, you may need to purchase a new unit sooner than expected. It's important to complete annual heating maintenance before cold weather rolls in.
With these HVAC tips, you can prepare your system for fall in Carmel!
Extend the lifespan of your unit with these maintenance tips.
Replace Air Filters
Replacing your HVAC's air filters will allow you to maintain proper airflow throughout your home. When a filter is clogged, the unit will work twice as hard to push air through it. The unit's energy efficiency will decline.
It might even break down as components experience wear and tear.
Plan to replace your air filter every three months (or more often if you have pets). If the filter is covered with dust and debris, toss it out.
Talk to your local HVAC contractor about filters with a higher MERV rating. These filters can capture the smallest particles, protecting your home's air quality. Better air quality can help you avoid indoor allergens like tree pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
Clean the Unit
Step outside and clean your outdoor condenser unit before it gets chilly. Keeping your unit clean and free of debris will ensure better airflow. Otherwise, heat exchange efficiency will decline.
Check the condenser coil. If it's caked with debris and dust, it's time to clean it!
Seal Drafts
Heat loss through doors and windows accounts for 25 to 30% of residential heating/cooling energy use. Update your home's energy efficiency by sealing drafts. You can improve the efficiency of your current windows by:
- Caulking and weather-stripping
- Checking for air leaks
- Adding energy efficiency coverings
- Adding storm windows/panels
Drafts can cause your HVAC system to make up for lost hot air. Sealing drafts will help your home retain warm air during cooler months. If your doors and windows are old, you may want to consider replacing them.
Check Thermostat
For maximum efficiency, set your thermostat to 68ºF when your family is home. For more energy savings, set it back 7 to 10 degrees when you're out for the day. This setback could reduce HVAC energy consumption by as much as 10%.
Otherwise, invest in a smart thermostat. You can program your home to save electricity when you're out for the day. Talk to your HVAC contractor for recommendations.
Schedule Maintenance
The best way to improve your home's energy efficiency during the fall in Carmel is to call your local HVAC company. They can assess your unit to check for:
- Wear and tear
- Cleanliness
- Airflow
- Electrical connection issues
- Thermostat reliability
A professional HVAC contractor's assessment can extend the unit's lifespan. Certified HVAC maintenance can help you maintain the unit's warranty.
Use These Carmel, IN Heating Maintenance Tips
Don't neglect your HVAC maintenance this fall. Instead, use these heating maintenance tips to improve the unit's energy efficiency. Remember, you don't have to complete these maintenance tasks alone.
The team at LCS Heating and Cooling can help with your HVAC maintenance. We're dedicated to offering solutions to ensure your comfort.
Contact us today to schedule heating and cooling services.
SEER2: What it Means for You
What is SEER2?
First, we’ll start with SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio, or rating, is set by the US Department of Energy (DOE) on equipment efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. Basically, the higher the SEER rating, the less electricity is required for the equipment to do its job. Something related to SEER that you may be more familiar with is Energy Star certification: for example, air conditioning units that receive SEER ratings of 14 or more may qualify for Energy Star certification. “SEER2” is the newest iteration of this ratio, and with this new iteration comes new requirements.
What are the new SEER requirements?
As of January 1, 2023, the new minimum SEER requirements on air conditioners is 13.4 and 14.3 on heat pumps.
Why are there new SEER requirements?
The DOE periodically evaluates current technology, efficiency, and the cost of that technology to determine the right balance in ratings. As these things change, the measures used to determine the ratings must be adjusted as well.
With the new testing requirements, equipment measured with these updated standards (SEER2) is significantly more efficient than those with a similar rating measured by the old (SEER) standards.
How will SEER2 affect me?
Existing systems installed prior to January 2023 are not affected, so no worries if you’ve recently had a new system and aren’t looking to have one installed. Only systems installed after January 2023 will be subject to the new SEER2 standards.
If you fall into the category of looking to replace your system now, and you were already interested in a higher efficiency system, you really won’t notice any kind of impact. However, if you are looking to replace a system with more of a base model, you may have to upgrade the system you install compared to what you may have installed in previous years.
Select the image above for Renee's explanation of SEER2!
SEER2 in the Indianapolis Area
If it’s time for you to install a new system, contact us today. LCS Heating and Cooling can help you navigate any questions you have related to SEER2 and help you determine an affordable lasting comfort solution for your home!
Electricity Bill Spike? Heat Pumps and Extreme Weather Could Be to Blame!
Why is my electricity bill so high?
If you’re an Indiana homeowner, you may have had a not-so-nice post-holiday surprise this year in the form of a high electricity bill! We talked to so many people this year who were shocked by the increase in their electricity bill and were at a loss for the cause. While many of us may experience higher electricity bills around the holidays thanks to light displays and more company, there could have been a less obvious culprit for your high electricity bills this year: bitter temperatures. This is especially true if your house has a heat pump.
Heat pumps are most efficient until temperatures fall below 30 degrees outside. Once the temps dip below that, heat pumps can’t run as efficiently to keep up with the cold, and backup electricity often kicks on. (Now, before you say, “Wait! I bought a super-efficient heat pump!” We have to break the news that the efficiency rating is based on the air conditioning efficiency, not the heating efficiency. Whomp whomp!)
How do I know if I have a heat pump?
If you’re not sure whether you have a heat pump or not, no judgment from us! Here are some quick ways to tell if your home has a heat pump:
- If you don’t pay a gas or propone bill, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
- If your thermostat has an ‘ER’ or ‘EMERGENCY’ button, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
- If your heat kicks on and your outside unit is operating, it’s likely you have a heat pump.
Can I have a heat pump and a gas furnace?
Yes, you can.
A dual fuel HVAC system, or hybrid split system, allows you to switch between the two heating systems, depending on need or cost.
The heat pump functions as the primary heating unit in this case, but when it fails to maintain the necessary heat level, the gas furnace kicks in and supplements the deficit.
If electricity is cheaper, it makes sense to pause the gas or oil furnace and maximize the heat pump. Likewise, it’s smart to run the gas furnace for longer hours when gas prices drop or when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.
What can I do to keep electricity bills low, even when temperatures fall into the single-digits?
Unfortunately, your only option would be to turn off your backup electricity, but the temperatures will keep dropping in your house and your comfort will drop off with those falling degrees. Yes, the best option is to wait for warmer days to give your system (and bill!) a break.
One thing you can do to decrease the amount of time your system is running is to check your filter! A dirty filter increases the amount of time your system has to run and can increase your utility bills.
Heating in the Indianapolis Area
Fortunately for us, the winter seems to have been fairly mild, all in all. But it’s not over yet. 😊 If your system isn't keeping you comfortable in your home, contact us today. LCS Heating and Cooling can help you determine a solution that will offer you lasting comfort in your home!
Steps to Take Before Heating The House This Fall
Summertime is such an enjoyable moment because you get to enjoy the heat from the natural environment. The fall is here with you now but who says the party has to stop? A furnace will do the trick; it will keep you warm whenever you need it.
Before heating the house, you need to pay attention to a few things. This is in the interest of your safety and your loved ones. Relying on a poorly maintained furnace might lead to accidents that you’ll live to regret for the rest of your life.
Take these steps before turning on the thermostat to warm your house.
1. Confirm If There’s an Unusual Smell
Dust settles on the central heating components of the heater when you don't use it for a long time. So, it's very common for the heater to emit the smell of burning dust when you power it after a long time. This smell should not persist for longer than an hour if your windows and doors are open.
Clean the filter and ducts if the smell continues for more than an hour. If the furnace produces other foreign odors, shut it off and call an expert for assistance.
2. Check the Carbon Monoxide Reading Before Heating the House
It’s important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. This is because the heater could be leaking this gas and it would be hard to know without the detector. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and extremely hazardous to your health.
Check the carbon monoxide levels when you first turn on the furnace. If the level is above 30, then you’ll have to switch the heater off immediately. Get a professional to come and assess the situation promptly.
3. Listen for Unusual Noise Production
A furnace that's struggling to operate will produce excessive and unusual sounds. This could be due to excessive airflow or the inability of the furnace to blow warm air. Such scenarios call for a little tune-up before you allow the furnace to run.
Look at the beaker first when you notice these sounds. A furnace will struggle to operate smoothly when the beaker receives insufficient power. If you can’t figure out the exact cause of the strange sounds, seek help from a technician.
4. Lower the Thermostat
Heating systems are notorious for consuming much of the energy in our homes. They are beneficial but they also leave us with high utility bills. Fortunately, you can mitigate the situation by lowering the thermostat.
Lowering the thermostat reduces the energy consumption by a small margin. If you add up the savings from these margins over time, they become significant. Use alternative options such as covering yourself with a blanket for extra warmth if you decide to adopt this strategy as one of the steps to take.
Enhance Your Comfort by Staying Warm during This Fall
It's heartbreaking to discover on the first day of the cold season that your furnace isn't functioning. Avoid trapping yourself into such situations by making sure in advance that the heating system is working. Ensure you remain safe by checking the furnace for any signs of malfunctions/hazards before heating the house.
Remember, it’s best to seek professional help when you spot any mishaps on the system. Doing repairs yourself might not yield the best results. Contact us today for furnace repair and installation solutions in Indianapolis.
4 Troublesome Heat Pump Problems and Their Solutions
Almost half of your energy bill pays for heating and cooling your home. Finding the most efficient way to keep your house comfy can keep your wallet fatter and is part of the recent popularity of heat pumps.
But better efficiency isn’t a guard against heat pump failure. Just like with a conventional indoor heating or AC system, your heat pump can develop issues that give you lukewarm air in the summer or cold air in the winter.
Let’s look at the most common heat pump problems and what can be done about them. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Doesn’t Run
If your heat pump isn’t even turning on, there are a few possible causes. First, check that your thermostat is programmed correctly and communicating with the heat pump
Next, make sure you don’t have a tripped breaker that has caused a power loss or the power switch has been turned off. If you’re hearing a faint clicking noise inside the heat pump, you may have a broken starter capacitor.
2. Doesn’t Heat or Cool
If you aren’t getting any hot air through the system, it could be that something is blocking the airflow to the unit. This could be snow, ice, leaves, or other debris outside or even closed vent covers inside. The flow could also be blocked by a dirty air filter, keeping air from getting to the compressor, which is what heats the air.
Conversely, if the pump runs but isn’t cooling, there could be a problem with the reversing valve that switches the pump from heating to AC. There could also be dirty components blocking airflow, or your refrigerant levels might be too low.
3. Doesn’t Blow Air
If you can hear the unit running, but no air is coming out, you may have a broken belt in the blower.
While heat pumps can heat a house even in Alaska, harsh weather conditions can cause the heat pump to freeze or ice over. This severely restricts the airflow causing your unit to struggle and little to no air to blow into the house. If the defrost cycle hasn’t come on, switch the pump off until the condenser unit can defrost.
4. Doesn’t Cycle Correctly
Your system should go through on and off cycles throughout the day. But if the temperatures start to hit the extremes, you might notice the pump seems like it’s running all the time. If that happens when the temperatures are less extreme, you could have an issue with a leaking refrigerant or a frozen outdoor unit.
Your thermostat could also be set incorrectly or have a miscalibration issue that causes it to read the temperature inside incorrectly. A broken compressor contactor can also cause the pump to run all the time since it controls how much power goes to the pump.
Get Help With Heat Pump Problems
No matter what age your heat pump is, any of these issues in this heat pump troubleshooting guide can beset your equipment. Regular maintenance each season can keep things running smoothly and catch issues before they become big problems.
If you’re experiencing any of the heat pump problems in this guide, it might be time to bring in a pro to take a look. Our team here at LCS can fix any heat pump or HVAC problems you might have.
Contact us to take a look to see what can be done to get your Indianapolis home comfortable again.
Temperature fluctuations can happen anywhere in your home. It might feel frigid upstairs even though you have toasty temperatures on the main level. You set the thermostat and expect your heating and cooling to respond appropriately, but that isn’t always the case. Your bonus room could be cold for a few different reasons. Taking a closer look at some of the possible causes can give you the insight you need to fix the problem for good.
3 Reasons for Your Cold Bonus Room
Having a cold bonus room over the garage is one of the most common heating issues for homeowners. Whether you’re using the space as an office, the kids’ playroom, or just another area for lounging, you want it to be as cozy as the rest of your home. Honing in on these scenarios can help.
1. Poor home insulation
Noticing an extreme temperature swing when you walk into a room is a sure sign of trouble. Some bonus rooms shift as much as 10 degrees from the rest of the house. One reason for this could be poor insulation. If you don’t have a good barrier between the garage ceiling and the base of your bonus room—or from the attic area above your bonus room—then it will be difficult for the space to retain heat. This is especially true during colder weather.
Adding some new insulation to your walls and ceiling might be enough to fix the issue. Spray foam insulation, for example, has become popular because it can provide more complete coverage. Of course, if you don’t want to go that route, there are other options.
2. Too many drafts coming in
Another reason why your bonus room is so cold might be from drafts. Instead of the warm air escaping, you could be looking at cold air coming in through gaps and spaces between your windows and the walls. When you place your hand over those seams, do you feel a draft coming inside? That could be your problem.
To keep your bonus room more sealed off from the elements, you’ll want to make sure you have enough caulk around your windows. This will work to cut off any drafts that are sneaking in. Plus, it’s a good practice to follow in any room of your home. The better insulated and sealed your home is, the better off you’ll be with your energy expenses. These are relatively minor fixes, though. For some homes, you might need to opt for a more robust solution to regulate your bonus room’s temperature.
3. You need a mini-split for comfort
Correcting an ongoing heating issue can make a big difference in how relaxed you are at home. You shouldn’t have to bundle up with sweaters and blankets just to keep from shivering. When your bonus room can hold a reasonable temperature throughout the year, you’ll really be able to enjoy and make the most of that space. Installing a mini-split system can give you the control you need for a cold bonus room.
These units work with specific areas or zones of your home. Instead of relying on one thermostat to balance out every room, a mini-split lets you target those problem places directly. Working with your local HVAC company can help you take care of those hot and cold spots for good. It usually only takes a quick visit to determine the right temperature control solution for your home.
If you’re in the greater Indianapolis area, let our team at LCS Heating & Cooling help you analyze your options. We’re happy to provide FREE sales calls so you can learn more about your home’s current heating and cooling setup. Feel free to give us a call at (317) 238-3961.
When it’s cold outside, your heating units need to be able to keep you home comfortable. But if your furnace isn’t sized right for your home, you’ll just end up wasting money. Or worse—you’ll be dealing with a chilly “winter wonderland” inside!
Furnace Size and Ductwork
Most people tend to think that furnace size is only determined by square footage of their house. However, the biggest factor is actually the size of the ductwork. If your furnace size and ductwork don’t match up, you’re bound to have some problems.
For example, if the ductwork is too small for your furnace, the furnace will end up having a shorter lifespan than it should. The reason is because the amount of air that the furnace produces doesn't have enough space (ductwork) to travel through. Therefore, it restricts air flow and can eventually cause the furnace to overheat. To compare, it's kind of like driving a big truck with a MINI Cooper radiator in it.
If you want to get the best lifespan out of your furnace, you need to make sure it’s sized appropriately for your ductwork—not just your square footage. Experiencing any of the problems listed below is a sure sign that your equipment need a review.
Problems with Furnace Size
There are basically three possible scenarios for your home’s furnace size. You’ll either have a furnace that’s too big, one that’s too small, or a unit that’s sized just right for your home’s layout, the ductwork, and family needs. Keeping all these factors in mind will help you get an effective, energy-efficient setup.
Too Small
Having a furnace that is too small for your home means the system won’t be able to keep up with the dropping temperatures outside. They simply can’t make up the difference to heat your home properly. It might come with a lower price tag upfront, but the trouble of having a furnace that can’t even do its job isn’t worth the hassle.
When furnaces are too small, they’ll have to kick on often—or even non-stop—try to increase your indoor temp. They end up running and running, but without any real progress. This leads to excessively high energy bills, and not much help in making your home comfortable.
Too Big
Of course, a furnace that is too big won’t be much help either. When units are oversized for the space they’re heating, the furnace ends up working in quick bursts. They’ll turn on when the temperature is low and just end up creating heat pockets. Since the system works at full blast and heats some areas super-quickly, there isn’t enough time for the heat to travel throughout the home evenly.
The furnace then ends up turning on and off more times than is necessary. A few areas get toasty, and then the system turns off. Then, as that heat spreads out, the unit has to warm up again and start all over again. This makes over-sized furnaces really inefficient. For most homes, bigger units aren’t better.
Your Right-Size Furnace
A furnace that is appropriately sized for your home and needs will turn on and heat your space gradually. This makes the process much more energy-efficient and puts less strain on your equipment. If you’ve been noticing that your furnace is running non-stop, there’s a good chance it’s too small for your home. And if it’s constantly starting and stopping, you might be living with a unit that’s too big.
When you have a furnace that’s sized correctly for your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about any hot or cold pockets in your home. But even the most efficient systems aren’t totally fool-proof. On the coldest night of the year, your furnace may not be able to keep up. This is actually normal. Systems that plow through those sub-zero temps are likely working inefficient the rest of the year. You may need to throw another blanket on the bed during that extra-chilly spell, but at least you’ll know you aren’t over-paying for a unit that’s too big!
Finding the Perfect Fit
Working with an experienced local HVAC company is a great way to ensure you’ve got a heat pump or furnace that’s working with your home setup and ductwork—not against it. The best way to get the best heating system for your home is to work with the pros. An experienced HVAC technician can help you find the right-sized unit for your space and get it installed properly so it lasts longer and stays efficient.
Not sure if your system is running at peak efficiency? Contact LCS Heating and Cooling. We’re proud to provide our neighbors with great service and honest feedback. Give us a call at 317-238-3961 to schedule your Heating Tune-Up before the holidays hit. We’ll help keep your home comfy all year long!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for a Lead Installer position. A minimum of 5 years experience installing furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps in residential settings is required. Applicants must also live in Indianapolis or immediate surrounding areas.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Accurately and efficiently install furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, humidifiers, ductwork and smart thermostats in residential settings. Light commercial experience is a plus but not required.
- Complete invoices and collect customer payment.
- Communicate with customer, install manager and LCS office
- Effectively able to delegate tasks on the job to install helper
- Keep van stocked and clean
Other Requirements:
- Applicants must feel comfortable climbing a ladder
- Applicants must be able to safely lift at least 75 pounds
- Applicants must be willing and able to learn company software
- Must be reliable and able to work some Saturdays during busy seasons
- Applicants must have a clean driving record and background check
Applicants must want to be a part of a team! We are currently a team that works well together and can count on one another. We're looking for people who want that in a company and in their co-workers. A positive attitude, great sense of humor, interest in longevity and high levels of integrity and honesty are a must!
Benefits:
- Competitive Hourly Wage
- Paid Holidays
- PTO
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Tool Account
- Bonus Opportunities
- Opportunities to learn/perform annual maintenance are available
- Opportunity to rotate on-call with company vehicle to drive home is available
No one wants to spend more money on their bills. You should only pay for what you need, right? Yet some HVAC setups don’t work that way.
Every now and then, we see homes that consistently waste energy by heating or cooling rooms that you don’t even use. And when that happens, you end up overpaying on your energy bills. If your HVAC system can be organized the right way, you only use what you need. Your home’s warm or cool air can get directed where you actually want it. That way, you won’t get overcharged for your energy usage. The setup is called zoning.
About HVAC Whole-Home Zoning
Homes with HVAC zoning can regulate their energy usage much more efficiently. With these setups, your system won’t automatically heat or cool areas of your home that don’t need it. And without zoning? Well, it’s kind of like having every lightbulb in your home turn on when you flip the switch on your bedside lamp. You might only need a couple rooms cooled, but your HVAC is trying to lower the temp everywhere in your home.
Unfortunately, not all homes can be zoned. It just depends on how easily you can access your ductwork (since no one really wants to tear into their walls). But if your home does happen to be a good candidate for zoning, it’s a huge win. Because zoning lets you pick and choose where your heating and cooling efforts actually go, you’ll start raking in the savings right away. The systems themselves are pretty straightforward, too.
To start, your HVAC company would need to come out to analyze your home’s layout. Based on that information and your lifestyle, they’ll be able to designated “zones” for your home. Each zoned section would get its own thermostat to control that area. So, for example, if you don’t want to adjust the temperature in your guest room, a zoning system could be a great way to bypass heating or cooling that space.
Good Zoning System Strategies
Questions about why your home is warmer or colder upstairs vs. downstairs are pretty common in the HVAC world. This suggests that a lot of homeowners are already thinking about getting a zoning system before they even realize there’s a name for it! The following scenarios are all good signs that your home might benefit from this kind of setup:
- Multi-story home
- High, cathedral ceilings
- Finished living space in basement or attic
- Above-garage bonus room or apartment
- Lots of large windows, and/or sunroom
If you find a lot of temperature swings in different rooms of your home and you have one of the above home features, there’s a good chance zoning would be a smart upgrade—if your ductwork can support it. A consultation with your local HVAC company can help you know for sure.
Other HVAC Zoning Benefits
In addition to lower energy bills every month, whole-home zoning systems can also extend the life of your existing HVAC equipment. Lower demand results in less wear and tear on the heating and cooling elements throughout the year—all while getting a more comfortable home.
If you want an even better deal, consider connecting your zoned system with some programmable thermostats. When every aspect of your home’s heating and cooling is energy-efficient, you’ll start seeing some really significant savings. These types of upgrades make your home more desirable too, so even if you end up moving later on, you can still bank a solid ROI.
Got other questions about HVAC zoning? Homeowners in the greater Indianapolis area can always give LCS Heating & Cooling a call. We’d be happy to talk with you over the phone or in-person during an in-home consultation. Contact us today to get your appointment scheduled, and start getting the benefits of whole-home zoning for yourself!
When the forecast calls for freezing temperatures and snow, we get a lot of homeowners in the Indianapolis area wondering if they need to winterize their outdoor AC units. The quick answer is this: You really don’t.
Top 3 Myths for AC Winterization
Most people think they need to winterize their AC unit, but you’re actually better off just doing a quick check around their unit. Remove those piles of leaves, check for any obvious damage, and you’re pretty much good to go until spring.
Tip 1: It’s okay to leave the AC power on.
There are lots of AC winterization tips online that talk about turning the unit’s power off. Usually this isn’t even necessary. You might want to take this step if you already know how to disconnect the power—but don’t worry about it if you’re unsure. The only thing it does is keep your unit from kicking on during those unexpected warm days in winter. For the average homeowner, it’s totally fine to keep the AC power on in winter.
Tip 2: You don’t have to clear the snow around your AC unit.
Sometimes cleaning up your AC unit’s area is more trouble than it’s worth. Too many well-meaning homeowners have actually damaged their unit while trying to protect it. This tends to happen when clearing off snow or ice with a shovel, which can accidentally break wires. The same thing happens when weedeaters get too close to the AC unit in the warmer months.
Of course, it’s important to take this winterization tip with a grain of salt. You obviously don’t want a bush growing right into your AC unit. If plants are crowding your unit, take care when you trim them back. Clearing leaves and smaller twigs is also a smart move. Winter winds can blow them into your unit, and the freezing temperatures, snow, and slush can end up trapping the debris. You want to make sure your unit is free from any materials when you turn it back on in the spring. A quick sweep around the AC unit should be all you need before the big snowfalls hit.
Tip 3: There’s no reason to have an AC cover—unless you like the look.
Using a cover for your AC unit isn’t necessary for winterization, but some people still prefer to use it. At LCS, we’re happy to install covers for customers who request them. Some people just like how the cover looks. Others like to use covers because they help keep leaves and debris out. Just note: Heat pumps should never be covered. Because those types of units work year-round, homes with heat pumps usually keep them running throughout the colder months.
What’s more important is that you just check all around your unit to make sure you don’t see any visible damage. Any cracks and breaks in the unit can worsen when temperatures drop. Fixing those issues now can help ensure that your unit will be in good working order when you’re ready to use it again. That way, you’ll be all set for every season!
If you happen to need any HVAC repairs in the Indianapolis area, the LCS Heating & Cooling experts are here to help! Just call (317) 238-3961 for year-round assistance on all your HVAC repairs, installs, and questions.