Skip to main content
Category

Heat Pumps

6 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for a Snowstorm - Hauck Bros

6 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for a Snowstorm

By Boilers, Commercial, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Heating, Maintenance, Residential, Thermostats

With winter weather just around the corner in Springfield, Ohio, ensuring your HVAC unit is prepared in the case of a snowstorm is critical. No matter the type of heater you use, a bad snowstorm can lead to power outages, system breakdowns, and a frigid, uninhabitable home or business.

Preparing your home heating unit using these simple tips can prevent frustrating, expensive repairs. Plus, it will help keep you and your family comfortable all winter long. Read on to learn more about how you can safeguard your HVAC unit from harsh winter snowstorms.

1. Check your air filters

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’re already aware of how important it is to check and replace your air filters regularly. This is especially important during snowstorms when your HVAC equipment is working overtime. The extra work can cause more buildup of dirt and debris on your filter, leading to a clogged, inefficient system. Check your filter often and replace as needed during the winter months to ensure maximum performance.

2. Consider a programmable thermostat

Before any storms, be sure to test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. If it’s older than 10 or 15 years or not functioning correctly, look at switching to a programmable thermostat. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set daily routines and have better control over your indoor temperature. This will improve your energy efficiency and save money on your monthly bills along the way.

3. Clean your registers

To make your HVAC unit as efficient during a snowstorm as possible, clean your registers and remove any blockages. This includes dirt and debris buildup, as well as furniture or other items in front of your grilles. Blockages prevent heat from circulating effectively. This can cause uneven temperatures throughout your home or business, meaning your system will need to work overtime to heat it properly.

4. Examine your insulation

Buildings without adequate insulation also cause your HVAC system to work harder to generate heat. During a snowstorm, this can lead to a significant jump in your bills. In addition, it causes more wear and tear to your system, resulting in a shorter equipment lifespan. Check the insulation throughout your home or business for air leaks and add insulation where needed. You should also check the weather strips on your windows and doors to prevent drafts. The more insulated your home, the more efficient your system will be.

5. Invest in a backup generator

Even with the right preparation, a heavy snowstorm can knock out your power and leave you without heat. It’s worth it to consider investing in a backup generator for peace of mind in the case of an outage. Before making a purchase, take the time to research your options. You can reach out to a professional HVAC company like Hauck Brothers for generator recommendations and guidance.

6. Schedule a maintenance appointment

Regular maintenance of your HVAC equipment is crucial for an efficient, long-lasting system. In the winter, this is particularly important due to ice and snow that can cause damage or problems with your unit. Before any winter storms hit, you should schedule a maintenance appointment with a local HVAC professional. This will help prevent any surprises and help safeguard your system in the case of a storm.

If you’re in the Springfield, Clark County, or Miami Valley, Ohio area, reach out to us at Hauck Brothers to schedule a residential or commercial maintenance appointment. Our experts can thoroughly inspect your system to make sure it’s in the best working order ahead of the snowy season. Schedule a service request with us at Hauck Brothers today!

Related Posts

Common Winter HVAC Challenges in the Midwest and How to Address Them

| Heating, winter | No Comments
Midwest winters present unique challenges for HVAC systems. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Here are…

Thermostat Tips for a Toasty Thanksgiving: Setting the Right Temperature

| Heating | No Comments
Thermostat Tips for a Toasty Thanksgiving: Setting the Right Temperature As the Thanksgiving season approaches, the warmth of family gatherings is not the only thing you want to ensure. Your…

Time to Fire Up the Furnace – Unveiling the Mystery of That Familiar Smell

| Furnaces, Heating | No Comments
As the cold weather sets in, we eagerly anticipate the warmth our furnace provides. Have you noticed though, there is typically a peculiar odor coming from your vents when you…

Want to learn more? Contact us today!

Contact Us
Home Heating Unit Upgrade

8 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Heating Unit

By Heat Pumps, Heating, Residential

As summer turns to fall, there’s no better time to check if your home heating unit needs an upgrade. The approaching cooler months provide the perfect opportunity to test your system before it’s too chilly indoors. Even with proper HVAC maintenance, there may be issues that indicate it’s time for a replacement.

While a heating upgrade is an investment, it can save you money in the long run with better efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Here, we’ll look at 8 reasons why it might be time to consider an upgrade to your home heating unit.

1. Your heating unit is older than 15 years

On average, home heating systems last between 15 and 25 years. Depending on the type of heating unit you use, that number can change. For instance, gas furnaces typically last from 15 to 20 years, while electric furnaces can last from 20 to 30 years. For most heat pumps, the average lifespan goes down to 15 years.

2. Your energy costs are rising

As your heating system ages, it tends to require more effort to thoroughly heat your home. This extra work can lead to higher energy bills. If you see a sharp spike in your monthly statement, it could indicate that there’s a break in your system.

3. Your heating unit is not efficient

Your gas or electric system’s energy efficiency is measured by its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.  A high-efficiency heating system has an AFUE rating of 90% to 98.5%. A mid-efficiency heating system has an AFUE rating of 80% to 83%, and any AFUE rating lower than that is considered a low-efficiency heating system. The more efficient system, the more money you will save on your monthly bill.

4. Your system needs regular repairs

If your system is frequently in need of repair, those costs can add up quickly. In many cases, you are better off investing in a more efficient system than continuing to pour money into a broken unit.

5. Your equipment is producing loud or unusual sounds

Sometimes, a loud noise coming from your unit is due to a simple problem like a clogged filter or a loose return air filter grille. But if you’re hearing persistent, strange noises like banging, rattling, or scraping, it could indicate a larger issue.

6. You’re experiencing unpleasant odors

Along with odd noises, your heating unit can give off a strange, unpleasant odor if it is malfunctioning. A smell like burning, chemicals, mold, or soot coming from your heater may point to a problem like overheating of your system’s internal parts or wiring. If you experience any alarming odors coming from your heater, call your HVAC service provider right away.

7. Your indoor temperature is uneven

An old, damaged, or defective system can cause fluctuations in your home’s temperature. It may struggle to properly heat a particular room or area of your house, resulting in an uneven overall temperature.

8. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping

While it’s normal for your circuit breaker to trip occasionally, if your heating unit is causing it to trip often, it’s a sign that your system is malfunctioning. Most likely, this is due to normal wear and tear. In some cases, a repair may solve the issue, but usually, a full replacement is the best long-term solution.

Is it time for an upgrade?

If you’ve experienced any of these issues with your home heating system, it might be time to consider a newer, more efficient model. But a heating system replacement is a major investment, so before you take action, it’s best to consult with a pro.

At Hauck Brothers, we have over 100 years of experience working with home heating units. Our highly trained technicians can examine your equipment and discuss with you if it’s time to replace it.  Our knowledgeable salesforce can then provide recommendations to find the best replacement for your needs. Get help with your home heating upgrade by reaching out to us today!

Related Posts

Common Winter HVAC Challenges in the Midwest and How to Address Them

| Heating, winter | No Comments
Midwest winters present unique challenges for HVAC systems. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Here are…

Thermostat Tips for a Toasty Thanksgiving: Setting the Right Temperature

| Heating | No Comments
Thermostat Tips for a Toasty Thanksgiving: Setting the Right Temperature As the Thanksgiving season approaches, the warmth of family gatherings is not the only thing you want to ensure. Your…

Time to Fire Up the Furnace – Unveiling the Mystery of That Familiar Smell

| Furnaces, Heating | No Comments
As the cold weather sets in, we eagerly anticipate the warmth our furnace provides. Have you noticed though, there is typically a peculiar odor coming from your vents when you…

Want to learn more? Contact us today!

Contact Us
Heat Pumps at Hauck Brothers

Heat Pumps

By Heat Pumps

When properly installed an air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home or business. When properly installed in the Miami valley an air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the rating of the unit in terms of the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electrical energy input during that same period. In other words, the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is and the more money you can save in utility bills. Heat Pumps that are 16 SEER and above are Energy Star Qualified and may qualify for rebates from your utility company.

Estimated Cooling Energy Saving, Based on 9 SEER 3 Ton Unit,
Unit New Unit SEER Estimated Saving for 15 Years
Bryant® Legacy™ 13 $2,300+
Bryant® Legacy™ 16 $3,250+
Bryant® Preferred™ 17 $3,500+
Bryant® Evolution® 18 $3,750+
Bryant® Evolution® 20.5 $4,100+

 

The other determining factor for energy use by an air-source heat pump is the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). The HSPF represents the total heating output of the unit during a normal heating season as compare to the total electricity consumed during the same period. As with SEER, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit is.  To qualify for Energy Star, the split system heat pump must have a rating of over 8.5 HSPF.

 

Estimated Heating Energy Saving, Based on 3 Ton, 10 SEER, 6 HSPF Unit at $0.13 per kWH*
Unit New Unit SEER New Unit HSPF Estimated Saving for 15 Years
Bryant® Legacy™ 13 8.2 $8,500+
Bryant® Legacy™ 16 8.5 $10,750+
Bryant® Preferred™ 17 9.5 $13,250+
Bryant® Evolution® 18 11 $16,000+
Bryant® Evolution® 20.5 13 $19,080+

* Annual costs exclude the initial purchase price. All costs, except initial cost, are discounted over the products’ lifetime using a real discount rate of 4%. A 17% savings is assumed if you are using a programmable thermostat. Actual savings may vary based on usage and other factors. This tool uses an electrical cost rate of $0.13 per kWh. These are the maximum savings based on seasonal operating hours. Actual realized savings may be less based on use and other factors.  Calculator is based on a combined average of the Erie and Harrisburg, PA heating seasons. Calculations based on data provided by energystar.gov.

There are some other benefits of upgrading your heat pump as well, compressor type, operating noise reduction, dehumidification performance, better exterior cabinet, internal crankcase heater included, and a TXV valve included are some of those benefits.

Want to learn more? Contact us today!

Contact Us
evaporator coil

Evaporator Coils

By Cooling, Heat Pumps, Heating, Residential

An evaporator coil is the part of an air conditioner or heat pump that absorbs the heat from the air in your house. It is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace.

How it works

Located inside the blower compartment or air handler, the evaporator coil holds the chilled refrigerant that the compressor moves into it.  As the air from the blower fan moves over the coil, the cold refrigerant removes the heat from your home’s air. The refrigerant becomes warmer and travels to the condenser coil outdoors.

With a heat pump, the process reverses in the winter and the evaporator coil expels heat from the refrigerant into your home, instead of absorbing it and taking it outdoors. Most heat pumps have auxiliary heating elements that are part of the evaporator coil components to supply heat when temperatures fall below a certain point.

Types

  • A-Coils – Shaped like an A, produce better airflow which allows for the most efficient airflow allowing for high efficiency ratings.
  • N-Coils – Shaped like an N, are more compact than A-coils and are better suited for tighter applications.
  • Slab Coil – When the coil has to be installed horizontally, these are preferred.

Features

  • ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, ENERGY-EFFICIENT – Bryant® Preferred™ Series aluminum evaporator coils are designed for use with Puron® refrigerant to provide years of environmentally sound, trouble-free performance.
  • ENHANCED COMFORT – Our Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) ensures proper refrigerant flow during fluctuating pressures and conditions for top reliability and energy-efficient operation.
  • DURABILITY AND DRAINAGE – Our base pan is made of a corrosion-resistant composite material. Integrated sloped drainage helps reduce build-up of mold, bacteria and other airborne pollutants.
  • LASTING LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE – The sturdy cabinet on our cased models is painted to match your Bryant® furnace to provide years of scratch resistant good looks. (Models CAPVP, CAPMP, CNPVP, CNPHP, CSPHP)
  • LONGER LIFE – Bryant advancements in aluminum manufacturing technology result in higher product reliability.

What system is best for you and your family? Contact us for a consultation today or call 937-325-0636!

heat pump comfort features

Comfort Features – Heat Pump

By Cooling, Heat Pumps, Heating

It might seem difficult to think about something called a “heat pump” being of practical use in the summer, but fear not – a heat pump can also cool your home!  Not only that, it does so in an efficient manner and can save you money in energy costs.  ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps have higher ratings for seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), energy efficiency ratio (EER), and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) and use about 5% percent less energy than conventional new models.

Most importantly though, it does a great job of keeping you comfortable in your home.

Thermostat

Heat pumps, like traditional central air conditioning and furnaces, can be controlled with a thermostat.  Having a thermostat that can auto change between heating and cooling is essential. New technology like Bryant Evolution Connex and Bryant Housewise allow Wi-Fi connections that allow you to manage your home’s temperature settings from anywhere, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Some thermostats qualify for utility rebates , check with your utility provider.

Back-Up Heating

Normally, air-source heat pumps contain a second source of heat that help warm your home on days when the unit is unable to draw enough warmth from outdoor air.  This is done using electric heat strips within the unit.  Hybrid units combine an electric heat pump and a propane or gas furnace into one, providing a much more energy-efficient alternative.

Dehumidification

We’ve talked about variable fan motor speeds in this space previously, and an added benefit for comfort is a two-stage or variable speed heat pump.  These units run with lower airflow, which reduces temperature swings as well as humidity in the space, making you more comfortable.  The compressor will run longer, but at a lower speed, allowing the air to be treated more efficiently.

Thinking about a heat pump?  Schedule a free consultation with us today!

quality features heat pump

Quality Features – Heat Pump

By Cooling, Heat Pumps, Heating No Comments

In the Miami Valley, air source heat pumps can be a viable option for your heating and cooling needs. They use electricity and are much more efficient than resistance heating units like furnaces and baseboard heaters. High efficiency air source heat pumps can also dehumidify better than standard air conditioners, resulting in less energy use and more thermal comfort during the summer months.

How it works

How does an air source heat pump work?

Like an air conditioner, air source heat pumps have the ability to transfer heat between the building and outside air.  Air source heat pumps also have the ability to heat your building as well.  Each Heat pump has   refrigerant system, which is a compressor and two copper tube coils, one outside and one inside, and the outside coil, which is encased in aluminum fins.  The refrigerant system extracts heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back to liquid for both heating and cooling with a reversing valve. The blower than moves that air though the building ductwork. When the thermostat is satisfied, the unit shuts off.

Compressor Type

When heat pumps were first developed, they used a single speed compressor that only operated at full capacity, thus using more energy and causing it to wear out faster.  Two-speed compressors allow operation at a lower level, which reduces wear and tear and can allow the heat pump to keep different rooms at different temperatures, provided a zone control system is installed.

Single Stage

A single stage air source heat pump turns on when indoor temperatures exceed or are below the temperature setting on your thermostat. Once the temperature set on the thermostat is reached it turns off again. Single stage heat pumps always operate at 100% capacity.

Two Stage

More efficient than single stage units, two stage heat pumps vary their output between two levels: high and low. Ideally, the low stage would satisfy the thermostat most of the time. When necessary, the high stage would turn on. This helps eliminate temperature swings and helps to dehumidify the air, making you feel more comfortable for longer periods of time.

Variable Speed

Variable speed air conditioners precisely control the airflow throughout your home in order to maintain the highest level of comfort. This allows the air conditioner to run continuously, while consuming far less electricity than a single stage air conditioner. The constant airflow has some key benefits: maximum air filtration, dehumidification, minimum cold spots and quieter operation.

Comfort

Heat pumps can be quiet, with models available up to 58 DB. Two stage and Variable speed units with a humidifier help to humidify the air more efficiently during heating cycles and also dehumidify air more efficiently as well during cooling cycles.  Used with an back up furnace, heat pumps can ensure your year round comfort and energy efficiency.

Blower Speed

The type of fan motor can also impact energy savings and air comfort.  A dual-speed or variable-speed motor reduces noise from the blower always running at full speed, and it also keeps air moving comfortably.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Looking for even bigger savings down the road?  Geothermal heat pumps use the environment around them to transfer heat between the ground (or a nearby water source) and your house.  Since ground and water temperatures remain more constant than air temperatures, the cost to operate these is much lower and can reduce energy use by as much as 50%.

Which heat pump is the right one for your home?  Contact our experts today!