Furnace Installation Guide: Choosing the Right System for Your Indianapolis Home
When it comes to investing in a new furnace for your Indianapolis home, making an informed decision is crucial to ensure optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and longevity. With various furnace options available in the market, understanding the key factors that influence your choice can help you select the right furnace tailored to your home's unique needs. A well-chosen heating system will provide reliable warmth throughout the harsh winter months and minimize energy waste, saving you money on utility bills.
Continue reading as we discuss essential factors that you should consider when selecting a new furnace for your home, including the system's efficiency, size, and type, as well as the role of professional installation in maximizing the benefits of your investment. LCS Heating & Cooling will emphasize the value of consulting with our experienced HVAC professionals, who can guide you through the decision-making process and ensure seamless furnace installation customized to your home's specific requirements. By considering these crucial elements and relying on our skilled technicians, you can make an educated choice that guarantees a comfortable, energy-efficient home for years to come.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Furnace
When selecting a new furnace for your home, thoroughly assessing your needs and preferences is crucial to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency. Here are four essential factors to consider when choosing a heating system:
Furnace Efficiency
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): Furnace efficiency is measured using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which reflects the percentage of fuel consumed that is converted to heat. A higher AFUE rating indicates greater efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Investing in a furnace with an optimal AFUE rating for your home's specific climate and size is important to maximize energy savings.
- ENERGY STAR Certification: When evaluating furnace efficiency, look for models that carry the ENERGY STAR certification. This label indicates that the furnace meets strict energy efficiency guidelines and can help you identify high-quality, energy-efficient heating options.
Furnace Size
- Proper Sizing: One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a furnace is its size, as an incorrectly sized unit can lead to inefficiencies and discomfort. A furnace that is too small will struggle to adequately heat your home during cold temperatures, while an oversized unit may cycle on and off too frequently, causing uneven heating and increased energy usage.
- Load Calculation: Consult with our HVAC professionals to help conduct a Manual J load calculation. This assessment will take into account your home's size, insulation, window placement, and other factors to determine the appropriate furnace size for your specific needs. Accurate sizing is essential for efficient system performance and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
Furnace Type
- Natural Gas Furnaces: Natural gas furnaces are a popular choice for their efficiency, availability, and affordable fuel costs. If your home already has access to natural gas lines, this type of furnace may be the most convenient and cost-effective option for your heating needs.
- Oil Furnaces: In areas where natural gas is unavailable or costly, oil furnaces may be a viable option. While oil furnaces generally have lower AFUE ratings and higher maintenance requirements than gas models, they can still provide reliable and consistent heat for your home.
- Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces offer a viable alternative for homeowners seeking a clean, environmentally friendly heating solution. While electric furnaces often have higher overall efficiency ratings, they may lead to increased electricity usage and higher utility bills, particularly in areas with high electricity costs.
The Importance of Professional Furnace Installation
Once you've chosen the ideal furnace for your home, proper installation is crucial in ensuring the system's performance, efficiency, and longevity. Here's why professional furnace installation is essential:
- Correct Setup: Our technicians have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to install your new furnace correctly, adhering to manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices. Proper installation ensures optimal efficiency, performance, and safety, preventing potential issues down the road.
- Customization: During installation, our professionals can make necessary adjustments and customizations to your heating system, accounting for your home's unique needs, layout, and comfort preferences. By tailoring the installation to your specific requirements, you'll enjoy an unmatched level of comfort and efficiency.
- Warranty Protection: Many furnace manufacturers require professional installation to validate their warranty coverage, which safeguards you in case of any future defects or issues with the unit. Trusting our technicians with your furnace installation will ensure compliance with warranty terms, providing you with additional peace of mind.
- Safety Precautions: Working with our experienced professionals ensures that your new furnace installation complies with all relevant safety codes and regulations, minimizing the risk of hazards such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure.
Conclusion
Selecting the right furnace for your Indianapolis home involves considering various factors such as efficiency, size, and type to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment. Proper installation by our skilled HVAC professionals guarantees that your new heating system performs optimally, adheres to safety codes, and provides lasting comfort and value.
Reach out to our team of experts at LCS Heating & Cooling for guidance on choosing the best furnace for your home and ensuring a seamless and professional installation customized to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive furnace installation in Indianapolis and transform your home into a cozy haven during the cold Indianapolis winters.
3 Benefits of an Annual Heating Tune-Up in Carmel, IN
With winter lows of about 19 degrees Fahrenheit, you're in for a cold time in Carmel, IN if your furnace isn't working as it should. To prevent furnace issues, you should get a heating tune-up each winter.
While a furnace can do a great job of heating your home and keeping you and your family warm, you need to take care of it. A furnace should be kept well-maintained if you want to prevent breakdowns and keep it operating efficiently.
Here are the top three benefits of getting a heating tune-up in Carmel, IN.
1. Save Money
One of the top benefits of getting a furnace inspection and tune-up each year is that it can lead to lower utility bills. Keeping your furnace in tip-top shape will help it run efficiently throughout the colder season.
As a result, your furnace won't have to work as hard to provide adequate heat to your home. Because it won't be working overtime, it won't use as much energy and your bills will be lower.
An annual heating tune-up will also save you money because it will increase your furnace's lifespan. This means that more time will pass before you need to make a costly furnace replacement or HVAC repair.
2. Extend Furnace Lifespan
Furnace maintenance will help extend the life of your system and allow it to continue keeping you and your family warm for years to come.
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate. This can cause furnace components to get clogged and can lead to breakdowns. Regular maintenance will help keep your furnace clean and ensure that its components are working as they should.
By getting your furnace inspected each year and performing common repairs as needed, your furnace will last longer. It will take longer before a major repair or a full replacement is required. By extending the lifespan of your system, you'll save yourself from big headaches and expenses later on down the line.
3. Stay Warm and Comfortable
Getting an annual heating tune-up in Carmel, IN will help keep your family as comfortable as possible during the winter months.
Getting an annual tune-up ahead of colder temperatures can be well worth it and will help keep you and your family warm and safe throughout the winter. A furnace tune-up will help ensure that your furnace doesn't break down when you need it most.
In addition to this, getting a tune-up will help to improve indoor air quality as well. A furnace that isn't well-maintained may spread contaminants around your home or produce carbon monoxide.
A system that's running well will be less likely to cause air quality problems, so you and your family will be able to breathe easier and be more comfortable staying inside during the winter.
Getting a Heating Tune-Up in Carmel, IN
If you want to get through the winter with ease, make sure that you invest in an annual heating tune-up in Carmel, IN. An annual heating tune-up will help you save money, extend your furnace's lifespan, and help you and your family stay as comfortable as possible.
Serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, the LCS Heating and Cooling strives to provide 5-star service to our clients. Contact us to schedule Carmel, IN HVAC services today.
3 Reasons Every Central Indiana Home Needs a Water Descaler
If you've ever dealt with stubborn water stains on your faucets, battled with soap scum in the shower, or wondered if your appliances are secretly plotting against you, we feel your pain. But fear not, because we're about to dive into a simple solution to these everyday woes: installing a water descaler in your home.
How is a water descaler different from a water softener, you might be asking? A water softener will remove hard minerals from your water, but a water descaler will prevent hard minerals from forming deposits.
1. Bid Farewell to Annoying Water Stains.
Let's talk about those pesky white spots on your faucets, showerheads, and dishes. They're not evidence of your lackluster cleaning skills; it's hard water's doing! Central Indiana is known for having hard water, which means it's loaded with minerals that leave these unsightly deposits everywhere they go.
A water descaler swoops in like your cleaning superhero. It zaps those minerals, preventing scale buildup, and keeps your plumbing fixtures and dishes looking spotless. No more vigorous scrubbing or frustration—it's a win for you and your cleaning schedule.
2. Appliances Love It (And So Will Your Wallet).
Your appliances are like the unsung heroes of your home, tirelessly working in the background to make life easier. But hard water can be their arch-nemesis, making them less efficient and shortening their lifespans. That's where a water descaler steps in to save the day.
Without bulky mineral deposits, your appliances run more smoothly and efficiently. Your whole home dehumidifier, humidifier, water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine will work like a dream, using less energy and lasting longer. Translation: more money in your pocket. You can use that extra cash for something more fun than appliance repairs!
3. Say Hello to Softer Skin and Silkier Hair.
Hard water doesn't stop at your faucets; it also has a knack for wreaking havoc on your skin and hair. If you've ever felt like you were in a never-ending battle against dry skin and dull hair, it's time for a change.
A water descaler transforms your bathroom into a personal spa. No more battling soap scum or using excessive shampoo—just a refreshing shower experience. Plus, you'll use fewer skincare products, saving you both money and bathroom clutter. Don't like that slippery, soapy feel of your skin in the shower that comes with a water softener? The descaler is a great solution for this too!
Water Descaler Installation in the Indianapolis Area
In a nutshell, Central Indiana's hard water is no match for a water descaler. It's a simple solution that keeps your home cleaner, appliances happier, and your wallet a little fatter. Say goodbye to stubborn water stains, high repair bills, and beauty woes. Installing a water descaler might just be the secret to smoother living in the heart of Indiana.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to mineral deposits and build up impacting your home, contact us today! For a limited time, enjoy 30% off regular pricing when you have LCS install an Aprilaire Whole-Home Humidifier and Flow-Tech Anti-Scale System!
What Is the Best Season for a Duct Cleaning in Indianapolis, IN?
Did you know that indoor air pollutants can have concentrations between two and five times that of outdoor ones? Since we spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, the air we breathe is inextricably tied to our health. For this reason, it is vital to maintain the systems that deliver air into our buildings. That includes regular duct cleaning.
If you are looking for air duct cleaning in Indianapolis, you may be wondering when is the best time of year to schedule it. This article will spell out the pros and cons of lining up cleaning during different seasons. It will give you an idea of when is the best time to schedule maintenance and improve indoor air quality.
The Importance of Regular Air Duct Cleaning
Neglected ducts can lead to many different problems. As mentioned, the main one is poorer air quality.
Beyond dust and debris, your ducts can accumulate pollen and other allergens. If there is mold anywhere in the system, it can circulate spores throughout your home.
Blockages are another issue with dirty ducts. These can result from the accumulation of dirt over time or from pest infestations.
Blockages make your HVAC system work harder and run less efficiently. This leads to greater wear and tear––and associated repair costs––over time.
Duct cleaning also gives technicians a chance to inspect your ductwork for damage. If they find leaks, they can repair them. This too will increase your energy efficiency while providing cleaner air to your home.
When to Schedule Duct Cleaning
The short answer to this question is that if you have not had your ducts cleaned in some time, now is the best time to do so. But, if you are not in an emergency, there are some other factors to consider to determine the best time of year for maintenance.
A lot of people schedule duct cleaning during the spring. This could be because they associate it with “spring cleaning." It could also be because they have had their homes closed up for the winter with less fresh air circulating through them.
This is not terrible logic, but there are some reasons to reconsider this option. First, with the hot summer approaching, HVAC companies’ schedules start to fill up with maintenance and repair appointments. This means you may wait longer and possibly pay more for basic cleaning. The same holds for the middle of summer.
Also, your HVAC system is working extra hard throughout the summer. This translates to a greater opportunity for dust and debris to accumulate. Scheduling maintenance after the summer months allows technicians to remove buildup before you crank your system back up again during the winter.
There is also a built-in advantage to having ductwork cleaned during more temperate months, such as the fall or spring. This is because you are probably not using your system as much. It is less of an inconvenience to have the system shut down and if repairs are needed, you aren’t stuck with an extremely hot or cold home during the downtime.
Find Professional Duct Cleaning Near You
Now that you know the ins and outs of the best time of year to schedule duct cleaning, you can plan accordingly. Doing so will help your HVAC system run better, eliminate hazardous debris, and improve your indoor air quality.
LCS Heating and Cooling provides comprehensive air conditioning and heating services, including repair, maintenance, and installation. Our knowledgeable, experienced technicians will ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible and delivering clean air to your home. Reach out to us to learn about our maintenance plans or to schedule service today.
Keep It Clean: A Guide to Dryer Vent Cleaning
You might not think of your dryer as a safety hazard, but it can pose a serious threat in the wrong circumstances.
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that close to 3,000 fires annually are linked to clothes dryers. Of these, a failure to carry out regular dryer vent cleaning is to blame for 34% of cases.
If you’ve never cleaned a dryer vent before, or if you’re overdue for a cleaning and need a refresher, consider this a wake-up call. Here’s how to clean your dryer vent to ensure your family’s safety:
1. Unplug Your Dryer
To avoid a nasty shock, make sure to unplug your dryer from its wall outlet before you get started. If your appliance is gas-powered, turn off its gas valve instead.
2. Move the Dryer Away From the Wall
With help, move the unit away from the wall. Once you have room to get around the back, locate the vent duct and disconnect it from the back of the dryer.
3. Clean Off the Lint
For this step, make sure you’re using the right equipment. If you’re going to do this job right, it’s worth investing in a tool designed to help.
A quality dryer vent cleaning kit helps remove the tiny fibers clinging to the duct, and most come with handy attachments that attach to the end of your vacuum cleaner. You can find one online or at most home improvement stores.
To clean off lint, you’ll want to move the brush in circles through the vent pipe, dryer opening, and wall piping. Think of it as the DIY version of HVAC duct cleaning: you want to remove anything attached to the walls of the pipe.
As you clean, make sure to avoid bending the duct too much, as cracks and crevices will become breeding grounds for more lint accumulation in the future. You should also inspect the duct for any signs of wear or damage, which you’ll want to patch up.
While you’re cleaning, take time for a little extra dryer maintenance and clear the dust from other areas as well. This includes your moisture sensor—which helps your dryer function and may appear as a thin metal bar under the door.
As a last step, you can also remove the vent cover from the outside of your home to clean it as well. Not all homeowners have a removable cover, but you can at least remove dust, dirt, or debris.
If your dryer has a complicated or lengthy vent, basic equipment may not be enough. When you’re worried your DIY tools aren’t enough to handle the job, call for a dryer cleaning team for peace of mind.
4. Reattach the Duct
Reattach the duct to the wall and the dryer unit with the proper screws or clips. You can also use aluminum tape as needed rather than duct tape, as the latter can become a sticky mess with the dryer’s heat.
Return the dryer to its normal position, and turn the electricity or gas back on.
5. Repeat
Just as you expect to do seasonal preventative maintenance on your HVAC, the average homeowner should clean their dryer vent every six months to a year. However, if you have a large household that goes through a lot of laundry, you may want to come back more often, just to be safe.
Add Dryer Vent Cleaning to Your Home Checklist
While it’s easy to overlook the humble clothes dryer, dryer vent cleaning is a critical item to add to your home maintenance checklist. Not only can this make your dryer more efficient (and save your wallet from high utility bills), but it can also ensure the safety of your home. Don’t skip your regular cleanings!
If you're looking for professional cleaning services, we can tackle the job. Our team has experience helping you handle all of your heating and cooling needs, and we'd be happy to bundle this service with duct cleaning or annual maintenance! Contact us to learn more.
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of: HVAC Maintenance Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Why LCS?
We are a team. That means we work together to reach goals, we help each other and we encourage each other. We take our work very seriously but we also like to have fun! We believe in what we do, value our skills and care about our customers. We are growing and can't wait to add to our amazing team!
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Perform annual maintenance tune-ups on residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU’s, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Accurately complete customer invoices using company software
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office using company software
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule (if applicable)
Other Qualifications:
- Honesty & Integrity is a must
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and Prompt
- Willing to learn. Able to adapt. Not afraid to ask for help!
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
- Must pass drug test & background check
- Candidates must have own tools
Employee Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Company Uniforms
- Health Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
- Company Events & Outings
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or email your resume to gretchen@LCSheatingandcooling.com to apply!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of: HVAC Service Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Why LCS?
We are a team. That means we work together to reach goals, we help each other and we encourage each other. We take our work very seriously but we also like to have fun! We believe in what we do, value our skills and care about our customers. We are growing and can't wait to add to our amazing team!
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Accurately troubleshoot & diagnose residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU’s, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Experience with boilers and geothermal is not required, but would be a plus.
- Accurately complete customer invoices using company software
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office using company software
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule
Other Qualifications:
- Honesty & Integrity is a must
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and Prompt
- Willing to learn. Able to adapt. Not afraid to ask for help!
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
- Must pass drug test and background check
- Candidates must have own tools
Employee Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Company Uniform
- Health Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
- Company Events & Outings
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or email your resume to gretchen@LCSheatingandcooling.com to apply!
It’s pretty tricky to narrow our top local hangouts, but we’ve done our best for the 2017 holiday season! There’s a lot to love about Indianapolis. When you want somewhere fun to take your out-of-town guests, be sure to put these restaurants, shops, and activities on your short-list.
Our Favorite Restaurants around Indianapolis
Go ahead—give yourself a break from cooking. These local restaurants are sure to hit the spot. (We even included a place you can hit up for breakfast!)
Fire by the Monon
We love the cozy vibe at Fire by the Monon, and their menu is great year-round. The winter season is especially yummy because they’re big on comfort food. Just make sure you save room for those desserts made by the owner’s wife. So yummy!
Wolfies Grill in Fishers
This restaurant has multiple locations around the Indy-area, but our favorite by far is the Wolfies Grill in Fishers. They’re our go-to Chicago Bears bar. Great food, great people, and the Bears game always has sound. What else could you want?
Ruth’s Café
A unique breakfast menu and fun atmosphere make Ruth’s Café a real winner. Plus, it’s conveniently located off 86th street by the Keystone Fashion Mall. They always have quirky mugs to drink from, which makes every visit a little different.
Provision
This is a new restaurant from CRG—the owners of Bru Burger, Mesh, Vida, Union 50, and more. Provision is a perfect spot for your next date night. It’s also just a sweet space to relax after a long week. For the holiday season, gift certificates are now spend $50, get a $10 bonus card. They’ve got excellent food and must-try desserts. (Renee’s fav is the Peanut Butter Bombe.) Did we mention that Travis’s brother is the chef? Go check them out!
Best Places for Holiday Shopping in Indy
If you want to add a unique touch to your gift-giving, swing by these local shops. They’ll be able to hook you up with thoughtful items for everyone on your nice list.
Rusted Moon Outfitters
For anyone seeking adventure, Rusted Moon is a one-stop shop for outdoor gear. Their knowledgeable staff can always steer you in the right direction. They have a pet-friendly location, cozy outdoor fire pit, and even offer kayak lessons. (Great gift idea, right?)
Silver in the City
Honestly, this shop should be on every Indianapolis gift guide. Located on quirky Mass Ave, Silver in the City is a delightful and eclectic shop full of pretty jewelry, housewares, bags, and more. Since everything here is fun and unique, it’s easy to find something special.
Gallery 116
If you want to support local art, visit Gallery 116 in Fishers, Indiana. Their shop features more than 50 local and regional makers. You can shop online or visit in person. They’re open daily and offer complimentary gift wrap so all of your presents can be fuss-free.
Family Fun around Indiana in Winter
Whether you’ve got little kiddos in your family or not, all ages are welcome with these Indiana traditions. If you want to get out and celebrate the season, any one of these winter activities would be a hit.
Pokagon State Park
Take a day-trip to Pokagon State Park for their winter Toboggan Run. Located in northern Indiana near Angola, the run is open (with or without snow) from November 24 to February 25.
Perfect North Slopes
To get a little more action, check out Perfect North Slopes. You can go skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing just 90 minutes southeast of Indy! First timers are always welcome.
Christmas at the Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo lights up at night with their annual Christmas at the Zoo festival. Guests can visit some of their favorite animals after dark and enjoy a true winter spectacle.
Indiana Sports Teams
Plan a night to support the local team. Indy Fuel Hockey and the Indiana Pacers have a packed schedule for the season. Why not grab some tickets to cheer them on?
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
New for 2017, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is sure to be a winter family favorite. Here you can enjoy delicious German food, ice skating, and dozens of festive holiday booths.
Winterlights at Newfields
The Indianapolis Museum of Arts is now Newfields, a place for nature and the arts! Now through January 7th, their grounds are filled with “whimsy trees” and stunning holiday lights in the Winterlights display.
Santa Hustle Indy 5K & Half Marathon
Before you tuck into a plate of cookies and hot cocoa, consider joining the Santa Hustle! It’s the ultimate fun-run for the season, and they’re known to throw an awesome after-party.
From all of here at LCS Heating & Cooling, we hope you have a very merry holiday season! Get out and enjoy all that Indy has to offer. There’s a lot to love about our community, and we’re so glad to share it with you!
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