Tips on How to Operate Your Heat Pump

Your heat pump does not operate like other heating systems. In the heating mode, the heat pump removes heat from outside and transfers it to the air inside. Inthe cooling mde, the heat pump removes heat from the inside air and discharges it to the outside ar. The heating and cooling modes are controlled automatically by the indor thermostat setting.

The coils in your heat pump operate at lower heat levels than fossil fuel (Gas or Propane) systems. Air at the supply registers usually has a temperature ranging from 85° to 110°F in the winter.

Even outside winter air contains some heat. As outside airtemperature drops, the unit runs more to collect and deliver the necessary heat inside your home. Hence, the heatpump moves less heat incold weather. The balance point of the heat pump occurs when at full capacity, it supplies all the heat your home requires. As outside temperature drops below the balance point, the supplemental heat (Electric resistene heat, gas or oil backup) is required to maintain your thermostat setting.

If your heat pump has supplementary electric resistance heaters located in the air distribution system (air handler or fan coil unit), just ask a Howell's technician how the heaters are controlled.

6 Very Easy Tips That Anyone Can Do

1. Dirt is the #1 cause of system failure. Getting the proper amount of airflow across the indoor and outdoor coils is very important. Check your return air filter(s) every month. If you are using a standard 1" disposable filter then listen up. First, if it is dirty, then change it immediately. But if it is clean, then you should throw it away and BUY A BETTER FILTER! Remember, dirt in a filter is a good thing. That means that the dirt is not in your system. If you filter is clean, then unless you live in a vacuum the dirt is slipping through the cheap filters.
2. Do not keep lamps near your thermostat. Light bulbs emit heat which is sensed by your thermostat, thus causing your thermostat to reach the set point temperature before the house has reached that temperature. Most digital, or programmable thermostats have a backlit display.
3. Do not close off more than one supply register at a time, closing off more will restrict airflow too much for efficient operation.
4. Keep return grilles free of blockage, such as pictures, sofas, or bookcases. Unrestricted airflow needs to flow back to the indoor unit.
5. If your indoor unit is in your attic or your crawl space, inspect your exposed ductwork. You will lose on average over 35% of your heat through little duct leaks. Most common areas to check - the run-outs or the flexible ducts coming off of the main duct trunk. If you are unsure what you are looking at, or suspect that you have leakage and are not sure how to fix it, give us a call or contact a Howells Technician.
6. Get on a routine maintenance schedule. Or,invest in your system's future with a maintenance contract, like our Energy Savings Plan Comfort Club Membership.

Your heating system is a very specialized and expensive appliance. These tips will help you, but in case of breakdown you should contact a qualified, NATE Certified company to perform the work. One last tip, yes you are getting 7 tips for the price of 6.

Bonus: If you do require a repair, and do not have a regular service company: when you call, ask if they provide FLAT RATE PRICING! This is your safety blanket. Flat rate pricing is a standardized price book on all HVAC repairs. The benefit to you is that if whether the repair takes 10 minutes or 5 hours, you are only paying one price. You are not paying the service tech by the hour to milk you. Good luck this winter.

FAQs: What Is This Thing Called SEER?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of your heat pump or air conditioning unit is to these pieces of equipment as miles per gallon (MPG) is to cars.

It is a measure of the air conditioning performance of the system, where the higher rating is the better. The basic formula for SEER, or how this number is assigned, is BTU's of the air conditioning unit divided by the wattage needed to run the unit (BTU/WATT). The consumer must beware, however, because many companies are currently producing budget grade 12 and 14 SEER units that are not built to high quality standards. Be certain to always review the specifications and features of a unit with your sales representative to ensure that you are getting what you expect.

Remember to ask questions about SEER - the miles per gallon of the air conditioning world

FAQs: Is One System More Efficient Than Another?

YES! It's a simple answer, I know. But here's why. Back in January 2006 the minimum efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners was raised from 10 SEER to 13 SEER. On the market today, a customer can choose a minimum 13 SEER system all the way up to 20 SEER equipment. SEER is like the gas mileage in your vehicle, and the higher the gas mileage the better, right? The higher the SEER number means the less kilowatts used to operate your heating and cooling system on a monthly basis.

Now, the true barometer of energy efficiency is your current utility bill. If money was no object, then we would love for every single Howell's customer to own a 20 SEER Two-Stage system. But let's be realistic. 20 SEER systems are good for those customers that will be able to see the benefit of the added energy efficiency on their monthly utility bills. Depending on what your monthly utility costs are, we can take a look at some system options and decide where you would see your maximum energy efficiency and utility savings.

10 Tips on How to Buy an Air Conditioner - Part 2

Last week, we gave you 5 of our Top 10 tips on how to buy an air conditioner. Here's the rest of that list!

To review, tips 1-5 were:

1. Find a licensed, insured and qualified contractor.
2. Ask questions.
3. Set an appointment.
4. Get a load calculation performed.
5. Have your ductwork inspected.

Now, on to tips 6-10!

Tip #6: Understand that you will need to make a sacrifice: Equipment, Service or Price.

In all my years as a consumer, I have never found a good quality product that is reliable and durable, that was installed by the highest trained company with a long parts and labor warranty, all for the cheapest price in town! Two out of three is the best anyone can hope for. So, what is most important to you? Do you prefer a high-quality, dependable product made with strong, durable materials, built to last a long time, or is it crucial for you to have a reliable, certified and efficient service company that takes pride in their work and your home to install it? Or you might just want to get the lowest price you can? There are no wrong answers because every situation is different. So, be prepared before your decision: which one of these three are you willing to sacrifice?

Tip #7: Do not pay in advance.

Some companies, or "friends in the industry," will demand that you pay in full prior to installation. Do not do this, no matter how good the deal is. In most companies, it is customary for a fractional down payment upon agreement, with payment in full upon completion of the job. There are also many financial programs available, such as deferred payment plans or Same As Cash plans, to help offset an emergency installation.

Tip #8: Important considerations: 13 SEER minimum efficiency standard and R-22 Refrigerant.

The 13 SEER minimum efficiency standard went into effect as of January 2006, raising the minimum efficiency of air conditioners from 10 SEER to 13. Also, the refrigerant of the past (R-22) is gone. Under the terms of the Montreal Protocol on ozone depletion, as of 1/1/2010, HVAC manufacturers were no longer allowed to produce equipment containing R-22 refrigerants. The new environmental safe refrigerant R-410A alternative is the new industry standard.

Tip #9: Get as many estimates as it takes.

We are all conditioned to get three estimates and then make our decision. But, what if you have picked three "bad" companies - which one do you pick? My point is that you should keep interviewing companies until you find that company that will provide the equipment and services, for a reasonable price, that meet your criteria. It may only take one, or it may take ten, but it will be worth it down the road. Spending the time now in this step will save you a lot of money down the road.

Tip #10: Make sure your system is on a maintenance schedule.

Customers tell me all the time, "The unit is brand new; I don't need to have maintenance!" Think about it this way: in one month an A/C unit in the Richmond heat will run the equivalent of 30,000 miles in your car. You wouldn't dream of going that far without an oil change, let alone a tune-up. Getting a new system serviced twice a year is just as important, if not more so. Dirt is the #1 cause for all system repairs and breakdowns. Make sure your investment lasts as long as you expect it to.

So, there you have it! Our top 10 tips for buying a new air conditioner. Questions? Feel free to give us a call at (804) 798-1371!

10 Tips on How to Buy an Air Conditioner - Part 1

You don't need the weatherman to tell you that it is hot in Richmond. And it feels great to come inside from summer's heat and feel the cool, dry air from your air conditioner. But what do you do when it breaks? You can only take off so many clothes before it is considered illegal.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard homeowners say, "I will wait until it dies." The unfortunate thing is that an air conditioner usually "breaks" when it is running the hardest, or when you need it most. And on those 90+ degree days, these same homeowners would gladly give their right arm for air conditioning NOW!

And, it is at this moment, as the house begins to heat up, and the extra humidity swirls around you, a homeowner needs to be as calm and cautious as ever, before they make that decision (hopefully a good one!) that will last for the next 10 to 15 years.

Here are Tips 1-5 for buying an air conditioner. Check back soon for tips 6-10!

Tip #1: Find a licensed, insured and qualified contractor.

I know that seems like a no-brainer, but there is always a "friend who does this work on the side for so much less." It is not just the A/C system that you are buying. You are also purchasing the contractor's experience to do the job correctly, his insurance if there are any unfortunate accidents during the installation, and mostly his staff of employees. Ask friends, co-workers or relatives whom they have used and are comfortable with (besides, the good contractors love referrals!).

Tip #2: Ask questions.

There have been so many advancements in the HVAC industry over the last 20 years. And unlike the automobile industry, the consumer does not have the luxury to "test drive" a new air conditioner. So, the decision to replace your A/C system is one that, once the unit is installed, will last for the next 10 to 15 years. So, ask questions. Make sure it is what you want and need. If you are unsure about anything, a good contractor will welcome the questions and give you honest answers.

Tip #3: Set an appointment.

Do not get a quote over the phone! In order to get the best system for your needs and your home, a contractor must inspect the location of the equipment and the physical layout of the house. This tip alone can safeguard against any "hidden" charges after the installation has begun or any sizing issues.

Tip #4: Get a load calculation performed.

The size of an air conditioner is not arbitrarily chosen and put in a house. A qualified contractor will perform a Manual J load calculation standardized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). This load calculation measures the heat loss and heat gain inside the building envelope. Knowing this, the contractor can size the system appropriately so it is not over or under sized. Keep in mind, if you have made any structural improvements (like new windows, adding insulation or a new addition), these can alter the original load calculation of the house.

Tip #5: Have your ductwork inspected.

If ducts are damaged, improperly installed or the wrong size, they can cut your system's ability to heat or cool by more than half on hot or cold days, when you need it the most. A 30% return duct leak on a hot or cold day can decrease your heating or cooling capacity by more than 50%! That may sound extreme, but it's not an uncommon condition. Some contractors will upsell high efficiency equipment to emphasize your comfort. If you install a 15 SEER A/C unit on a leaky duct system, it could be operating as low as 7 SEER.

Those are 5 of our Top 10 Tips for buying a new air conditioner. Stay tuned for tips 6-10, and let us know in the comments: have you run into any bad situations with purchasing a new a/c unit?