Is It an Air Conditioner or Is It a Heat Pump?
We hear people say all the time that they don't know what to call the thing that cools their home. Is it a condenser? An air conditioner? A heat pump? A condenser is the term used to describe the outdoor unit that cools your home, which can be either an air conditioner or a heat pump. The primary difference between an air conditioner and heat pump is that the air conditioner is used to cool a space while a heat pump can heat and cool a space. There are definitely important factors to consider when looking into purchasing air conditioner or a heat pump.
A heat pump acts just like an air conditioner in the summer months. The purpose is to cool your space and lower humidity levels. During the winter months, a heat pump will also produce heat to warm your home or office. Whether you have an air conditioner or heat pump, you'll also have either a gas or electric furnace to go with it. A heat pump efficiently produces heat until the outdoor temperature drops to about 30 or 35 degrees. In very cold weather, the heat pump will not be able to keep the desired temperature inside. At that point, the furnace, located indoors, will turn on to help warm the home to the temperature set on the thermostat. If you have an electric furnace, it will start to run with the heat pump. If you have a gas furnace, the system will automatically switch from the heat pump to the gas furnace.
Which makes most sense for your home or office--an air conditioner or heat pump? If you have an electric furnace, also called an air handler, it's highly recommended to pair that furnace with a heat pump. It's quite expensive to run an electric furnace by itself. Since a heat pump is much more efficient, your utility costs will be much lower if you have a heat pump to use in the winter. The electric furnace will then act as your back-up heat.
If you have a gas furnace, it's really personal preference. If you are used to the heat produced by a gas furnace, you may not like the heat produced by a heat pump as it is a cooler heat. If you are likely to use the gas furnace all winter, then it might make more sense to pair it with an air conditioner, which often has a lower upfront cost. However, if utility costs are a priority, it might be a better option to have a heat pump installed.
There are lots of questions to ask when considering a new air conditioner or heat pump. Feel free to contact us anytime!
My Air Conditioner Won't Work! How Much Will This Cost Me?
A customer recently said to me: "I really hate spending money on my air conditioner." I suggested he not replace his air conditioner and just go without. He said: "Indiana heat and no air conditioning? No way!" I think a lot of people probably feel this same way. We'd all rather spend our money on fun stuff but sometimes there's just no way around an air conditioner repair. So what can you expect if you need a repair? Of course, it depends on the problem and the repair needed but we can give you an idea of what to expect.
The service call charge covers the trip to your home (travel time, fuel, etc.), the diagnosis of the problem and the first 30 minutes of labor. Our regular service call fee is $79. If you have an annual maintenance plan with us, the service call is less. If you need service on the weekend, in the evening or on a holiday and do not have an annual maintenance plan, that will cost more. Either way, if you have a problem that can be fixed without parts and within that time period, this may be your only charge for the repair.
If the repair requires a part, we will give you pricing at that time. If the part is covered under warranty, you may only have the service call fee plus a little bit of labor. If the part is no longer covered by a warranty, we would give you pricing at that time. The cost of the repair is dependent on the part that is bad. A capacitor for example, costs much less than a motor. If a repair is $300 or more, we would then waive the initial service call charge.
We are also asked if the air conditioner should be replaced instead of repaired. Determining factors of this are the age of the system, if it's under warranty and the cost of the repair. A $200 repair certainly doesn't warrant a new air conditioner! However, if the air conditioner is older and the repair is costly, it might be worth weighing your options. Many of parts work independently of each other so replacing one part on the unit doesn't necessarily prevent another part from going bad.
We are always happy to answer questions about repairs and repair costs. Feel free to contact us anytime!
Air Conditioner Theft: It Can Happen To You!
You've probably seen or read at least one news clipping in the past six months about theft from homes and businesses. I'm not talking about TVs or gaming systems but rather air conditioners, water heaters, copper guttering, etc. You might think, "Why would someone steal an air conditioner?" or "My air conditioner would never get stolen because I live in a nice neighborhood." Fact is: it can happen to anyone. There are, however, a few things that can be done to deter someone from stealing your HVAC unit.
First of all, why would somone steal an air conditioner? The answer is because people try to get money for the copper and scrap metal. It really doesn't matter what city, town or neighborhood you live in, an air conditioner is vulnerable. We get calls from homeowners, landlords and business owners who have experienced this. Your insurance company may cover the loss but you'll still have a deductible to pay and the inconvenience of being without air conditioning! While nothing will guarantee that this won't happen to you, there are some things you can do to deter someone from your home or business:
- Have a motion light around the air conditioner. While theft doesn't happen only at night, lighting is helpful.
- Have a cage installed around the air conditioner. Cages are typically bolted to a concrete pad or are concreted into the ground. They are typically made of steel and come with padlocks. Again, this is not theft-proof, but a thief may not target your home if they have to take the time to try to cut or damage the cage in order to get to the air conditioner.
- Look at having an alarm system installed on your air conditioner. There are a couple of types of alarms. One is similar to a car alarm. If the air conditioner is tampered with, it will set the alarm off creating a loud noise. While it doesn't notify the police, a thief isn't likely to stick around while an alarm is sounding! Another type of alarm is one that can be wired into your security system. If the alarm is wired into your home or office security system, it would set the security system off just like it would if someone were to enter your home.
It's unfortunate that this topic even has to be discussed. However, being pro-active might save your air conditioner.
HVAC Filters: Adding Simplicity and Convenience!
We talk about filters a lot. We send out filter reminders. We randomly ask if you've checked your filter. One might say we are obsessed with filters! There's a good reason though:! Regularly checking and changing your filter is the easiest and most cost effective way to ensure that your system operates properly. Here's an email we received from a customer this week:
"Hi Renee! You guys installed our new furnace and air conditioner last year. We just turned the air conditioner on for the first time and it's not working :( I'm not sure what it could be since it's new. Can you come over to take a look at it?"
So we get to their house that day and diagnosed the problem: A dirty filter! The filter was so dirty that it actually tripped the safety device causing the air conditioner to not run. Once a clean filter was inserted, the system was fine. The next email said:
"Hi Renee! How embarrassing :) Thanks for coming over so quickly!"
If a dirty filter is the culprit, you could very well spend $79 on a service call that could be fixed with a $5 filter. We have an online filter program that makes checking and changing your filter simple and convenient. There are two parts to the program:
Filter Reminder- You can elect to receive an email reminder to change your filter. The type and size of filter that you have will determine the frequency of your reminders. For example, if you have a pleated 1" filter, you would receive an email reminder every other month. If you have a media filter, you might receive an email reminder every six months. If you check your filter and find that it doesn't need changed yet, there is a snooze feature allows you to reset the reminder for a later date.
Filter Purchase- Rather than driving to the store and hoping the filter you need is in stock, you can order your filters online! We will provide you with a code that is specifically for your filter. You'll go to the website www.filterfetch.com and enter your code. A picture and description of your filter will display. Filters are sold in a case which is a year's supply. So for example, if you purchase a 1" pleated filter, the case is likely six filters. If you have a media filter, the case is likely 2 filters. Once you enter your code, simply click Buy Now! Pricing is competitive with home improvement stores and shipping is free. Filters are delivered to your door in just a few days.
Another great benefit to this program is ensuring that you have the filter that is made for your filter cabinet. Filters that are purchased at home improvement stores will work but they are often not the exact fit that is needed for optimum filtration.
It's that simple! Participation in the program is completely free. Feel free to contact us for more information or to obtain a code for your filter!
Air Conditioner Maintenance- Is It Worth It?
One of the most frequently asked questions we get is: Is it worth it to have maintenance done on my furnace and air conditioner?
The answer is YES. Here's why:
Either your furnace or air conditioner is running just about every day of the year. Sure, we'll have a few days in the spring and fall in which it's pleasant enough to turn the HVAC system off and open the windows, but for the most part, the furnace or air conditioner is running. Any piece of equipment that constantly runs is going to need cleaned and tuned up. Think of your car, for example. How well would it run if you never changed the oil, never rotated the tires or never had the 30,000, 50,000 or 75,000 mile tune-up? Same holds true for your furnace and air conditioner. While it may run without ever being cleaned or tuned, it will also have to work harder and it may not run as efficiently as it could.
There are some repairs that can be prevented with regular maintenance. While completing maintenance on the air conditioner, for example, the technician may see that the capacitor is swollen. The capacitor could then be replaced at that time. This would prevent a later service call charge as well as the inconvenience of being without air conditioning and having to be home for the repair to be made. With a furnace, you might encounter a dirty flame sensor. Flame sensors are cleaned as a part of maintenance which can prevent a furnace shut down which would have been prevented with regular maintenance. Forgetting to change the filter is another common problem. The furnace overheats or the air conditioner freezes up simply because the filter is dirty and restricts air flow. Filters can be changed as a part of your maintenance plan or the technician can simply remind you that it's time to change the filter.
The furnace and air conditioner will certainly run better when annual maintenance is completed. That's not to say that a repair won't ever be needed or that every repair can be prevented. Customers with an annual maintenance plan receive additional benefits as well. These include $10 off service call, 15% off repairs, 15% off indoor air quality products (such as thermostats, humidifiers, filters, UV lights, etc) and no overtime rates. In addition, if a repair is needed within 30 days of either maintenance service, the service call would be waived.
HVAC is definitely an investment in your home. Regular maintenance is the best way to protect that investment!
What Should I Look For in an HVAC Company?
Let's face it: replacing the HVAC system is usually the last thing someone wants to do! Replacing a furnace and/or air conditioner is an investment in your home. People often think about the brand of equipment, equipment efficiency and the budget, but what about the company that will install the new equipment? Did you know that many brands of equipment are comparable in features, but how well it works is really dependent on how well it's installed? What should you look for in an HVAC company? Here are a few things to consider:
Most importantly, is the company insured and bonded? In the off-chance that something should happen during the install, such as an injury or property damage, does the company carry liability insurance and a bond to cover the damages? Another example, straight from John Moore Insurance Agency, is this: the installation of your new HVAC system takes two days so the company leaves material in your garage with the intent of installing it the following day. If that material gets stolen or vandalized, would that be a claim on your personal insurance policy? Not if you've hired a company that is insured and bonded!
Is the company licensed in Marion County? If you live in Marion County, the City of Indianapolis requires a permit to replace/install a new furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Only licensed companies can pull permits. The purpose of this is to ensure that your installation is done properly and to code. What happens if a permit is not pulled? If code enforcement sees work being done and there is not a permit, work will be ordered to stop, a permit will have to be pulled and a fine paid.
Do you know of anyone that's worked with the company? I think it's safe to say that we always feel more comfortable working with a company that was referred by someone else. If someone thinks highly enough of a business to recommend them, then they've had a good customer experience and it's likely that you will too. If you don't know anyone that's personally worked with them, check out their website or see if they have any customer reviews online. Then, follow your gut!
What is the policy on service and warranty? After the company installs your new HVAC system, are they also able to maintain and service it? Does the company offer 24 hour service? Is it easy to get in touch with them? Will the company handle equipment warranties? Ask questions!
So many times, homeowners think only about the equipment to be installed and price. While these are important factors, it's just as important to choose the right company. Experience, proper licensing and insurance, and reliability make all the difference.
Use HVAC to Handle the Spring Temperatures!
If you can wear a winter coat and a pair of shorts in the same week...then you must live in Indiana! Temperature swings are nothing new for Indiana residents. While it may seem the only way to control the inside temperature is to turn the HVAC system on and off, there are actually some other solutions. Here are a few tips to regulate the temperature inside your home this spring:
- Use your programmable thermostat. People often want to turn their HVAC system off when it warms up a bit. Keep your HVAC system on and your normal program set. During those warmer days, the system will not run if the temperature you have set on the thermostat is met. However, by keeping your system turned on, it will automatically kick on when the temperature falls below the set point. This will ensure that you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. In addition, it will reach the set temperature more efficiently than if the system is completely off. When the system is completely off, the temperature may drop several degrees below set point. It will have to run and run and run to reach the set temperature again.
- Get a programmable thermostat with auto-changeover capability. Auto-changeover means the HVAC system will automatically switch from the furnace to the air conditioner. Last year on this date, March 19th, Indianapolis had record-setting temperatures. The high was 82 degrees and the low was 64 degrees. If your thermostat is set to 72 degrees, the furnace may have to run in the morning and evening to maintain that temperature, but the air conditioner may be needed in the afternoon. With auto-changeover, the system will automatically switch from the furnace to the air conditioner and back to the furnace!
- Keep the temperature set a little higher than normal. Since humidity is down, 73 degrees in the spring is more comfortable than 73 degrees in the summer.
Spring 2013 is sure different from last year! The warm-up can't be too far away, right? Enjoy the spring months and stay comfortable!
Is HVAC a Do-It-Yourself Project?
There are many things around the home that can be done by a homeowner. We've occasionally been asked about HVAC being a "do-it-yourself" project. Some questions we've been asked include:
- If I provide the furnace/air conditioner/heat pump, will you install it? If the equipment is used, then no, we will not install it. Someone might get a furnace from their brother's house or take an air conditioner from their rental home to install on another home or purchase a piece of equipment from Craig's List. While the used equipment may work just fine, there are some risks to consider. Was the equipment properly removed? Is the equipment sized correctly for your space? Does the equipment work? How old is it? If an air conditioner is not removed correctly, parts can be damaged. The new owner of the air conditioner wouldn't know this until the air conditioner is re-installed. If it doesn't work, the homeowner will still be responsible to pay for the installation as used equipment does not have a warranty. Typically, if the equipment provided is new, we will consider installing it. However, since we (LCS Heating and Cooling) did not purchase the equipment, we will not warranty it. In addition, it would also be the homeowner's responsibility to talk to the manufacturer. If a repair is needed three years later, the homeowner would again be responsible for the warranty.
- If I provide the part, will you make the repair? We will consider making the repair, but again there is risk involved for the homeowner. Are you absolutely sure you got the right part? Did you diagnose the needed repair correctly? Are you able to return the part if it's not correct ? Is there a warranty on the part? As in the example above, if for some reason the part doesn't work or is not the correct part, the homeowner would still be responsible for paying for the installation. He would also be responsible for any warranty issues that arise.
- Should I make a repair or install a water heater/thermostat/humidifier myself? This is completely up to the homeowner. These are items that can be purchased at home improvement stores. A couple of things to consider: Home improvement stores carry base models of these items. Contractors purchase these items at supply houses and have accessibility to higher end models and different brands. Warranties vary as well. Equipment provided by contractors often has a longer warranty period than what can be purchased at home improvement stores. Also consider your comfort level and time needed to install one of these items. The time it may take to install that whole house humidifier may be worth hiring an HVAC company.
When it comes to major repairs or improvements in the home, we are always going to recommend hiring a company to help with those. Homeowners have peace of mind when equipment or even a part is provided and installed by a licensed and insured HVAC company. Peace of mind comes from knowing that if something goes wrong, the HVAC company will take care of it. The homeowner will not have to contact the manufacturer, try to process a warranty, wait to have a part shipped, etc. HVAC is often an investment. Our advice is to protect that investment by considering all the factors and risks before making a decision to do it yourself.
Tax Credits Are Back for High Efficient HVAC Equipment!
It seems that the fiscal cliff news had the attention of most Americans. Did you know that as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was signed in early January 2013, the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits were retroactively reinstated? To say that simply, the federal tax credits that expired at the end of 2011 are back! The tax credits are available for energy efficient improvements made to your home between January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013. What exactly does this mean for you? What qualifies as high efficient? How much are the tax credits? How do you claim the tax credit? It's time to dish the details!
What does this mean for you? If you purchased certain high efficient equipment or made high efficient improvements in 2012 or plan to make a high efficient purchase in 2013, you may be eligible for this federal tax credit. Improvements include the installation of high efficient furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Other eligible improvements include high efficient water heaters, windows, doors, insulation, and some roofing materials.
What qualifies as high efficient? Qualifying equipment includes 95% or higher efficient gas furnaces, split system air conditioners that achieve 16 SEER and 13 EER, split system electric heat pumps that achieve 15 SEER, 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF and advanced main air circulating fan (found in gas, propane, or oil furnaces) that use no more than 2% of the total energy usage of the furnace. Your heating and cooling company will provide you with an AHRI certificate which certifies that the new equipment meets these specifications.
How much are the tax credits? The tax credit is $150 for qualifying furnaces, $300 for qualifying air conditioners, $300 for qualifying heat pumps, and $50 for qualifying fans. The total amount of the tax credit is capped at $500. If the tax credit was taken in the amount of $500 in a previous year, you can't take it again.
How can I claim the tax credit? The tax credit is claimed on your 2012 or 2013 taxes, depending on the year the improvement was made. It's always best to consult with your accountant to properly claim the credits. Since the tax credits are retroactive and available to be claimed on 2012 tax returns, the IRS is having to update their system. Therefore, if you're claiming the tax credit, you may not be able to file your taxes before the end of February.
If you are considering new HVAC equipment, now is the time to consider high efficient. In addition to the federal tax credits, most utility companies are still offering rebates for high efficient equipment as well. Also take into consideration the energy savings over the years and it really adds up! Feel free to contact Renee at 317.430.1716 or renee@LCSheatingandcooling.com if you have questions or would like to discuss.