Planning for HVAC Replacement
Why is it that your HVAC goes out when you least expect it… and may be least prepared to replace it? We hear the sentiment over and over again: “This is the worst timing!” “I was hoping to get through the summer!”
We hate to see emergency HVAC replacements that put our customers in tight spots. That’s why we always recommend trying to plan ahead for HVAC replacements. Be prepared and not caught off-guard when your system bites the dust!
The Power of Planning
If your HVAC system is more than 9 years old, it’s probably time to start planning for a replacement. A good place to start is by evaluating your current system's efficiency and overall performance. Consider any recurring issues, rising utility bills, or uneven heating/cooling in different areas of your home or building.
With this information, set clear goals for your future HVAC investment. Are you seeking better energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, or enhanced comfort? Outline your priorities to guide you in making informed decisions.
Once you’ve determined what’s working and what’s not with your current setup, consider giving us a call to find out what options you have for replacement. We can help you consider the system you might want and the costs you’ll want to save toward.
Saving for the Future
Saving for the FutureInvesting in an HVAC system is a financial commitment that can set you back if you’re not prepared.
Consider creating a dedicated savings account and contribute regularly to it. One tip is to set up an automatic payment into this savings account on payday. Even just $20 a paycheck can help you build toward your savings goals. By saving specifically for this investment, you can minimize the need for loans or putting your purchase on a credit card, ultimately reducing the overall cost.
Additionally, there are also potential financial assistance programs or tax incentives that may be available for energy-efficient HVAC installations.
Seizing the Right Time: Specials and Deals
Once your savings start to grow, keep an eye out for specials and deals. We regularly have promotions, both from our manufacturers and ones that we offer just for our customers. Keep an eye out for promotions during specific times of the year, such as the transition between seasons or during holiday sales events.
Maintenance: A Crucial Component of Your Investment
Investing in your HVAC system doesn't end with its installation. Proper maintenance is key to the longevity, efficiency, and reliability of your system. Regularly scheduled maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns, optimize performance, and extend the life of your system.
Our tip here: Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. You can do some tasks on your own, like changing air filters, but there are other tasks you’ll want to leave to an expert. Contact us for annual or bi-annual inspections and tune-ups to help your investment really pay off in the long run.
HVAC Replacement in the Indianapolis Area
If you’re ready to begin the process of upgrading your HVAC, contact us to learn more and get a quote for installation!
Remember: a well-maintained HVAC system not only saves you money but has a better chance to live a long life. So, take the time to research and invest wisely in a system that aligns with your needs. With careful planning, saving, and commitment to maintenance, you'll enjoy the rewards of a lasting comfort solution for years to come!
How to Address Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home
Your upstairs is hot. Your downstairs is freezing. You can’t find a single spot in your home where you feel comfortable. If this sounds familiar, you may have a problem with hot and cold spots.
Why do I have hot and cold spots in my home?
Why do I have hot and cold spots in my home?There are several factors that cause hot and cold spots in a house. One of the most common causes is improper ductwork design. Other possible causes include poor insulation and air leaks, which can allow hot or cold air to enter or escape through cracks and gaps in the walls, windows, or doors. Other factors that can contribute to hot and cold spots include problems with the HVAC system and even the position and orientation of your home in relation to the sun.
Do I need to replace my HVAC?
The good news is that you likely don’t have to replace your HVAC system to address hot and cold spots in your home. There are many possible solutions, depending on your home setup, to fix the problem.
What can I do to fix hot and cold spots in my home?
Depending on the specific issue in your home, resolving hot and cold spots can take different forms.
- Zone Your Home: What does this mean? Most of the time your home is on a single thermostat in one zone. When we zone your home, we create multiple zones, each with its own thermostat. This allows you to control the temperature independently in each zone or area of your home. Some homes can be zoned, but some cannot. If you’re not sure if zoning would be an option for your home, contact us!
- Ductless Mini-Split: A mini-split can be a great solution if you can’t zone your home, or if a smaller area of your house is impacted. This option involves installing a system that’s separate from your traditional furnace and air conditioner. A mini-split has an outdoor unit, along with one or multiple indoor heads. This unit is controlled by its own thermostat, giving you complete control over the temperature in that space. Mini-splits are especially great for large bedrooms, bonus rooms, and sunrooms.
Outside of these solutions, there are some additional steps you can take that may not be true fixes but can alleviate the problem a bit by closing the gap from one end of your home to the other or between your upstairs and downstairs temperatures.
- Solar-Powered Attic Fan: While it can’t completely resolve hot and cold spot issues, a solar-powered attic fan can help keep your attic cooler, which in turn can keep the floor directly below the attic cooler. There are no long-term costs associated with a solar-powered attic fan since it runs on solar. As an added bonus, removing some of the heat from the attic will extend the life of your roof decking and shingles! Learn more about this solution in our blog post: Are Solar-Powered Attic Fans Worth the Expense?
- Thermostat with Sensors: Thermostat sensors can be placed around your house to determine an average home temperature to maintain a more comfortable temperature throughout.
HVAC Solutions in the Indianapolis Area
If you’re not sure what solution will work best for your home, contact us. Our expert technicians can come out, diagnose your issue, and recommend the best possible solution for your home and for your comfort!
Are Solar-Powered Attic Fans Worth the Expense?
If you’ve ever been in your attic during warmer months, you know it can be HOT up there. With all the heat rising from your home pushing up into the attic, and the sun warming the roof and pushing down into the attic, you’ve got the makings for a sauna. But, unlike an intentional sauna, you can’t control the temperatures in your attic… or can you? That’s where solar-powered attic fans can come to the rescue!
How do solar-powered attic fans work?
Solar-powered attic fans use energy from the sun to power a motor, which rotates a fan blade to circulate air in the attic. The fan helps to remove hot air from the attic, which can reduce the temperature in your attic and the workload on your home's air conditioning system. Ultimately, not only will you lower the temperature in your home, but your energy bills too!
Are solar-powered attic fans worth the investment?
Yes! After your initial installation cost, it’s only savings and benefits from there on out!
• Energy savings: Solar attic fans are powered by the sun, which means they don't rely on electricity from the grid. This can result in significant energy savings over time, especially during the summer months when attics can become hot and stuffy.
• Improved air circulation: Attic ventilation is important for maintaining the health and longevity of your home's roof, as well as preventing moisture buildup and mold growth. A solar attic fan can help improve air circulation by drawing fresh air into the attic and pushing hot, stale air out.
• Increased comfort: By reducing the temperature in your attic, a solar attic fan can also help make your home more comfortable during hot weather. One of the biggest complaints we hear is that it’s hot on a home’s second floor; a solar powered attic fan can significantly reduce the temperature swing between floors by taking the heat load off the upstairs!
How are they installed?
Solar-powered attic fans are typically installed by cutting a hole in the roof and securing the fan to the underside of the roof using brackets or screws. (This isn’t a job for a casual DIYer… you want a professional for this to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to your roof!) The fan is then connected to a solar panel which is mounted on the roof.
How much do attic fans cost to operate?
Not a dime! Once installed, the solar panel does all the work to power the fan and keep your attic cool!
Attic Fans in the Indianapolis Area
If you’re ready for an earth-friendly way to reduce cooling costs in your home and increase your comfort, contact us to learn more and to get a quote for installation!
Do Whole Home Dehumidifiers Really Work?
A whole home dehumidifier removes moisture from the air in your home. Unlike smaller, portable dehumidifiers that you manually move from room-to-room, a whole home dehumidifier is installed on the return duct of your HVAC unit to address the entire air volume of your home, not just one small area.
How does a whole house dehumidifier work?
Once installed on the return duct of your HVAC, the dehumidifier will remove moisture from all return air flowing back to your unit. As the air passes through the dehumidifier, a cooling coil will lower the air temperature. This causes water vapor in the air to condense into liquid form. The condensation will then drain out of the dehumidifier into a nearby drain. The remaining air exits the dehumidifier and enters your HVAC system for conditioning and then out into your home’s living areas via the HVAC blower fan.
Will a dehumidifier remove all the moisture from the air?
Will a dehumidifier remove all the moisture from the air?A dehumidistat on the unit will sense the air’s relative humidity level and remove moisture to decrease the airborne humidity to the desired levels indicated in your settings. We recommend the setting for this not be lower than 40% humidity. However, keep in mind that level may be hard to achieve in summer. Ideal humidity is 50%, but anything over 60% is going to be too high.
Do I need a whole home dehumidifier in Indiana?
Living in Indiana, the weather we have in the spring and early summer can be a bit unbalanced. It may only be 75 or 80 degrees outside, but the humidity can be at 80, 90, or 100%. So, while the air isn’t too hot, the humidity makes the air feel warmer than it is. This especially can be the case inside your home. Because it’s not as hot outside, your air conditioner may not be running as much as it would need to in order to remove all the humidity. So, the thermostat in your home may read 72 degrees, but if the humidity is high, it’s going to feel warmer than that. And many people think the answer to the high humidity is to turn the AC lower. But that’s not really going to help—a dehumidifier will.
A whole home dehumidifier is installed separate from your AC unit, so you don’t have to rely on the AC to run in order for the dehumidifier to do its job. Its sole purpose is to remove the sticky humidity from you home.
What are the benefits?
Better indoor air quality: High humidity levels can make your home feel muggy and uncomfortable. A dehumidifier can help create a more comfortable environment by reducing humidity levels and improving air quality. In addition to comfort disruption, high humidity levels can also lead to mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens. These can cause respiratory problems as well as potential damage to your home. Adding a whole home dehumidifier can make your more comfortable AND help you breathe easier!
Consistent climate control: Believe it or not, you may find you don't need to run the AC as much when you eliminate excess humidity from your house. This is all thanks to the cooling effects of the assist from the dehumidifier! By alleviating the stress of dehumidification, your air conditioner is able to cool your home more efficiently, which can result in lower cooling bills!
Dehumidifiers in the Indianapolis Area
If you’re tired of your home feeling muggy in the springtime or summer, contact us to learn more about whole home dehumidifiers and to get a quote for installation!
Do You Really Need Duct Cleaning?
When was the last time you had your ducts cleaned? If you can’t remember, or worse yet, think you’ve never had a duct cleaning in your home, it may be time to get one on the schedule.
Why should I have my ducts cleaned?
Many people don’t realize that duct cleaning is really an important part of regular home maintenance. This is for three reasons:
- Duct cleaning is a great way to improve the air quality of your home.
It removes all the dust and debris that has built up over time, which can help to reduce allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues caused by dust. - Duct cleaning can also help get rid of built-up debris. If you’ve recently purchased your home, it’s a good idea to get those ducts cleaned! You never know what the former owners may have left in the ducts, unintentionally. We’ve found food, toys, pet hair… even a dirty diaper before!
- Duct cleaning can extend the life of your heating and cooling system and reduce maintenance costs. Clean ducts can keep air moving and require less work from your system to keep your home cool or warm!
Overall, duct cleaning is an important part of regular home maintenance that can provide many health and financial benefits.
What does duct cleaning involve?
When you schedule a duct cleaning with LCS Heating and Cooling, we’ll arrive in our large box truck. This vehicle accommodates the large duct cleaning machine. Before we begin, we’ll lay drop cloths throughout your home to protect your floors through the cleaning process.
While we are cleaning your ducts, part of the machine will sit outside your home, while the rest will be in your home. To accommodate this dual location, your door will need to be partially open throughout the service.
Since the door will be partially open, we suggest you make sure pets are somewhere safe so they don’t escape during the process. If your pets are sensitive to noises, finding a temporary location for them outside the home could be a good idea. (If you’re working from home, a temporary relocation might be a good idea for you as well if you plan to be on calls or video chats when we’re scheduled to be at your home. The compressor makes some noise!)
Please note that your air conditioner or furnace will be off for the entirety of the service, which might be another reason you’d like to relocate, depending on outside temperatures! We recommend scheduling your service when temperatures are mild for this reason.
Once they start cleaning, the technicians will move throughout your home, cleaning out all ducts and cleaning return covers before replacing them. On average, the job will take a minimum of 3-4 hours, but sometimes longer, depending on the size of your home.
What can I expect after duct cleaning?
Once the job is complete, we’ll turn your air conditioning or furnace back on and remove the drop cloths from your home.
The machine we use captures 99% of the dust from your ducts, but some may escape into your home, which may require minimal dusting around your home a few days after the service as the dust settles.
You’ll also want to change your system filter within 7 days of the service.
For more on what duct cleaning looks like, check out our video:
Duct Cleaning in the Indianapolis Area
If you’re ready to breathe easier in your home, contact us today. You’ll reduce the dust and allergens floating around your home and help the efficiency and lifespan of your system.
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!
Why (and When) Duct Cleaning Really Matters
Everyone wants a clean home. That’s why it feels so nice to have the carpet vacuumed and the floors swept! But what about the dust and dander hiding out in your ductwork? Ignoring that debris means your indoor chores are only part-way done. When managed correctly, professional duct cleaning can be a great way to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
What is Duct Cleaning—and Does it Matter?
Indoor air quality makes a big difference for how we live both day and night. Bad odors, the humidity levels, and allergens all play a part. We can work to keep some of those problems in check by making sure to regularly replace your air filters. Adding a humidifier or dehumidifier might also help. And with duct cleaning, you can really take things to the next level.
Your home’s ductwork is how hot and cold air travels throughout your home. There are some aspects of this system that you can clean on your own, like dusting off the floor air vents or detaching your clothes dryer vent to clean out any lint. But when you hire duct cleaning service, what you get is much more detailed. They can work through the ductwork for every room—and depending on your home and other factors, that can be a real game changer!
3 Key Benefits of Home Duct Cleaning
It’s typically recommended that you get your duct cleaning scheduled every three years. Of course, there are a few scenarios that can alter your timeline. If you have family members who suffer from asthma or allergies, you might benefit from getting your ductwork cleaned more often. That way, you’ll be sure to get the best benefits year-round.
1. More Efficient HVAC System
When your furnace or air conditioner is moving air through dirty ductwork, that allows for dirt to travel back and compromise the moving parts inside your unit. Dirt can then build up in there and make your filter get dirtier more quickly, which leads to lower efficiency when you need to heat and cool your home. Confirming that you have clean ductwork helps keep everything running smoothly. Your filters can last longer, and that lets you get better energy efficiency!
2. Helps with Indoor Air Quality
Whether you’re dealing with stuffy air around the house or your allergies are flaring up because of pet dander, pollen, or other contaminants, getting on a schedule for duct cleaning can help everyone breathe easier. Even without asthma or allergies, having dirty air recycling throughout your home can be really unpleasant. Clearing out all of the dust and pollutants in your ductwork helps your air stay as fresh as possible.
3. Clean Up After Remodeling
Perhaps the biggest reason for duct cleaning, though, is after you’ve had any home remodeling. That drywall dust, wood dust, and other debris floating around in your ductwork will probably be too much for your air filter to handle alone. The same goes if you’re currently living near other neighborhood construction projects, and even farms or fields. The changing seasons can stir up a lot of new dust and pollen that ends up camping out in your own ductwork.
Duct Cleaning for the Indianapolis Area
Repeating your duct cleaning service every three years is a good rule of thumb. But if you have remodeling projects or more sensitive allergies, then it makes sense to get this work done more often. Most jobs take between 4-8 hours, and with LCS Heating and Cooling, you can trust that we have the right equipment for truly detailed service!
We’re proud to work with a powerful negative air machine to clean out ductwork dust and debris. We even take the time to carefully clean and re-install each of the air registers in your home, so nothing gets missed.
Ready for a FREE duct cleaning estimate? Then contact us today to get your appointment scheduled! We’ll be happy to do a quick review of your home so you have all the information you need to get started with our team!