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Feb 01
Love14
thermostats

Thermostats

By Commercial, Cooling, Heating, Home Monitoring, Residential, Thermostats

In 2018 the Miami Valley probably used their heating and cooling systems a lot. According to Wunderground, we had 178 days with temperature highs below 60° Fahrenheit, and 108 days with temperature highs over 80° F. That means that for most people they could have their HVAC systems on over 75% of the time. It could be argued that the single, most important part, of any heating and cooling system is the control that operates the system. A low voltage thermostat is the main control for your building that determines how much heating or cooling will be delivered to satisfy the temperature set on the thermostat. Thermostats have advanced a long way in the past 10-20 years as much technology has. The focus for updating thermostats has been on energy savings, cleaner air, comfort, simplicity, quality, accessibility, and easy to understand information among other issues all related to customer satisfaction. Modern thermostats have a lot of features to appeal to everyone, from simple to read displays to utility savings a modern thermostat is an easy upgrade to add to your system to start saving money for years to come. According to First Energy, based on typical energy costs, a smart thermostat can save up to $145 a year. Models rated for Energy Star compliance offer rebates from utility companies as well.

How it Works

Whether a low voltage thermostat is old or new, the way it works is pretty similar even if the parts inside are not. A part of the thermostat is a way to measure the current temperature in the area it is installed, older models had bimetallic strips, while modern models use electronic controls to sense temperature changes. When the strip or thermistor registers a temperature below or above the set temperature it triggers the heating or cooling unit to turn on to maintain the temperature set. Programmable thermostats allow the user to preset temperatures, allowing them to change according to the owner’s programmed settings. Some of those programmed settings examples could be temperature set points at night, work, and vacations. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats allow the owner to check on their system wherever and whenever they like, assuming they have Wi-Fi and/or cellular service. Other features such as maintenance reminders, humidity level display, weather forecasts, energy reporting, zoning compatible, wireless room sensors, smart recovery, AC overcool to dehumidify, service alerts, and more can be found on certain thermostats.

Types

  • Non-Programmable – Non-Programmable thermostats can be mechanical or digital. To adjust the temperature or change from heating to cooling the owner would walk directly to the thermostat to make changes.
  • Programmable – Programmable thermostat come in a variety of programming options, some models makes changes for a week, some for weekdays and weekends, and some models offer more in-depth programmable options including each individual day. Once the thermostat is programmed the idea is that the owner would set up the thermostat according to their own comfort level and the thermostat would adjust on its own as needed, to the schedule you have programmed.
  • Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi thermostats or smart thermostats give the owner the option to not only program the thermostat but to have it adjust to you as well. With features like room sensors, occupancy sensor, and learning technology. These thermostats can adjust to your schedule inside the building. Some models can even change from heating to cooling or vice versa when needed to maintain the set temperature on the thermostat. These models can give even more features to the owner such as enhanced fan control, IAQ integration, weather forecasts, maintenance reminders, smart home/away, and more. A few of these models qualify for utility company rebates.
  • Communicating Controller – Available with variable speed equipment, communicating controllers allow the owner to be the most comfortable. With longer heating and cooling cycles at lower fan speeds, the air is better treated to ensure the best air quality and comfort possible. Other features include energy tracking and reporting, better humidity control, better dehumidification control, and multi-zone compatibility. These models can even alert Hauck Bros. of a major service issue as it happens so we can assist you as quickly as possible.

Comfort

Comfort starts with the thermostat and is backed up by the equipment and Indoor air quality products that maintain your personal comfort level. The thermostat is the control of comfort for your home or business. Depending on the model, the thermostat can save money via programming, provide ease of access with Wi-Fi, send reminders for maintenance alerts, learn to adjust to your comfort level on your schedule, manage humidity levels, and much more.

Features

  • AC Overcool, uses the condensing unit to reduce humidity by cooling your building beyond the desired temperature until the desired humidity level is reached in your home or business.
  • Auto change, also called Auto Mode, Allows the thermostat to switch from Heat to Cool or Cool to Heat automatically.
  • C-Wire, “Common” wire, enables 24 VAC power to the thermostat continuously.
  • Dual Fuel Capable, when a gas furnace and Heat Pump are used in a building. Allows the furnace to take over heating when the heat pump is inefficient.
  • Energy Star Qualified, required to work as a basic thermostat if on-line service is lost, provide information about HVAC energy usage, give residents feedback about energy consequences of changing settings, and provide the owner the ability to schedule or program. By adjusting the temperature down or up by 7-10 degrees from the normal setting owners can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.
  • Enhanced Fan Control, with a communicating controller, allows the user to adjust the continuous fan speed to low, medium, high, or off.
  • Thermostat Occupancy Sensor, indoor motion detecting sensor that can detect the presence of a person to automatically control the thermostat to adjust to a temperature preset setting.
  • Outdoor Air temperature Sensor, on select models of thermostats and zoning systems, provides outdoor air temperature information for the control system and the owner as well.
  • Thermostat Maintenance Reminder, certain models will remind owners to change the filter, ultraviolet light bulb, humidifier pad, and even the ventilator pre-filter
  • Thermostat Password Protection, certain models allow the owner to lockout the control by programming a password to prevent changes.
  • Programmable Thermostat, allows the user to schedule the thermostat to maximize home comfort and save money on utilities.
  • Self-Programming Thermostat, certain models learn what temperature you like and adjusts the schedule automatically
  • Service Safety Alerts, depending on the model some thermostats have the ability to notify you via your smart device, e-mail, and even send out an alert to your HVAC service provider when your HVAC system might be having an issue. Some examples of alerts are too high of humidity in the building, HVAC system not operational, and too high or too low of a temperature
  • Smart Home / Away, some models of thermostats have an occupancy sensor that detects when someone is home or not. These models have the ability to go into energy saving mode when you are away or to override the energy saving mode to ensure your comfort is met when you are home, regardless of the programming.
  • Smart Recovery, depending on the thermostat, some models have the ability to start cooling or heating your building so that at the time set for a certain temperature set point the temperature will already be at the set point.
  • Smart Speaker Compatible Thermostat, certain models of thermostats have the ability to be connected to your home automation provider. This allows the owner with proper registration to control the thermostat by voice or within that providers app.
  • Staging Settings, with multi speed HVAC equipment, having the proper thermostat to control the which stage the equipment is necessary. This allows the equipment to run in the lower stage or stages before going into higher stages.
  • Touchscreen, with technology improvements in thermostats, most modern digital thermostats come with a touchscreen, similar to that of a smart device.
  • Wi-Fi, A lot of modern thermostats have Wi-Fi capability. Wi-Fi allows the owner to control the thermostat from their smart device or within an app, keep the thermostat updated and secure, and help on energy savings.

 

Efficiency

Using a programmable thermostat in your building will let you run a scheduled heating and cooling program without having to manually adjust the settings throughout the day. Depending on the thermostat setting up a program can be done on the thermostat and if the thermostat is connected to an app or a smart device, it can be done on the computer or smart device. Adjusting the program to lower or allowing the temperature to rise by 7-10 degrees can save up to 10% in utility costs.

DIY

Make sure to check your thermostat once a year to ensure (depending on the model) that it is level, batteries are replaced (if applicable), and clear of dust and debris. It’s always a good idea to test the heating and cooling equipment before their season to ensure the thermostat is operational and the equipment responds as well. Some models with automatic reminders set up will need the reminders reset ex. change air filter or humidifier pad.

Service or Replace

The thermostat should be maintained and checked once a year, if it has no power, doesn’t respond to settings changes, heating or cooling won’t turn on, or loses its programming it might be time to consider a replacement. If your system is being replaced and it was over 15 years old and you would like to take advantage of the energy efficiency of a modern thermostat, replacement should be considered. Even if you have a programmable thermostat but you want the benefits of the features modern thermostats offer, consider replacement.

Accessories

  • Backplate, in some cases new thermostats are smaller than old thermostats, these backplates are needed to cover the space used by the old thermostat for cosmetic appeal.
  • Thermostat Cover, in some buildings commercial and residential, the thermostat needs to be protected and secured to limit access. A cover goes over the thermostat while providing airflow to the unit to ensure proper temperature control.
  • Room Sensor, some models of thermostats have the ability to have a wired or wireless room sensors connected to it. This allows for the user to adjust temperature based not only on the main thermostat but with input from the sensor as well. The most common options for sensors within the thermostat are to average the two or more temperature readings, use the sensor as the main temperature set point, and to follow the sensor wherever it is moved in the house to maintain the set point.
Oct 08
Love8
mini splits - ductless

Mini Splits/Ductless Systems

By Cooling, Duct Free Systems, Heating

How it works

There are a lot of applications that a ductless system can be used for In the Miami Valley. Mini split systems can be used for alleviating a hot or cold spot, help heat and cool a renovation or new construction, and even provide comfort for light commercial use. With many types of installation options available there aren’t many situations that a ductless system can’t help with.

Similar to standard air-source heats pumps, mini split systems have two main components, an outdoor condensing unit and an indoor air-handling unit. The link between the two units is called the conduit, it houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. Ductless systems are available where no ductwork is needed while ducted mini split systems can use little ductwork in the ceiling or below the floor. The unit or units will operate to reach the temperature set on either thermostat or remote control. Some models can be controlled via a smart device as well.

Types

With many different application types and installation options their are a lot of options available:

Outdoor Units

  • Single Zoned Cooling Only, designed to provide a high comfort level to a single room for cooling purposes only while being energy efficient (up to 24.6 SEER) and very quiet (low as 48 dB).
  • Single Zoned Cooling and Heating, designed to provide a high comfort level to a single room for cooling and heating purposes year-round. Some models are designed to provide outstanding heating performance even in extreme cold. Models can be energy efficient (up to 42 SEER & 15 HSPF), quiet (as low as 47 dB),
  • Multi Zoned Cooling and Heating, Designed for whole building comfort for cooling and heating purposes. One outdoor unit can support up to 8 indoor units and each zone can be individually controlled to meet personal comfort needs. Units can be energy efficient (up to 23.8 SEER & 12 HSPF) and quiet, (as low as 49 dB)

Indoor Units

  • Wall Mounted, designed to provide cooling and heating to an individual room while monitoring room conditions and self-adjusting the fan for ideal personal comfort. Units can be very energy efficient (up to 33.1 SEER & 13.5 HSPF) and quiet (as low as 19 dB), cooling only, and available in 3 speed or 5 speed fan speeds.
  • Horizontal Ducted, designed to use ductwork which can be concealed in the ceiling or below the floor. Ideal for new construction or renovations. Units can be energy efficient (up to 19.6 SEER & 12.1 HSPF), quiet (as low as 23 dB) with 3 fan speeds.
  • Ceiling Cassette, designed to fit between standard 16” joists to provide cooling and heating to one area. Great option for renovations, new construction, and light commercial. Units can be energy efficient with SEER Ratings up to 19.6 and HSPF up to 12.1 while be quiet with Db levels as low as 24, with 3 fan speeds
  • Floor Mounted, designed to fit in rooms with little vertical wall height where a wall unit or ceiling unit will not fit to provide a room with cooling and heating. Units can be energy efficient with up to 28.2 SEER and up to 13.6 HSPF, while being quiet with dB rating as low as 21, with 5 fan speeds.
  • Ducted Air Handler, designed to accommodate new construction, renovations, replacements, and light commercial to provide heating and cooling through ductwork. Can be installed vertically or horizontally. Can be broken down to fit through tight access points and reassembled. Units can be energy efficient with SEER ratings up to 21.4 and HSPF up to 10.4 while be quiet with dB levels as low as 27 with 3 fan speeds.

Comfort

Mini split systems are designed to offer cooling and heating to rooms or areas to provide comfort to occupants. Designed to be energy efficient, easy to install, quiet, and easily adjustable to provide year-round comfort to make your living space comfort what you want it to be.

Features

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), mini splits are designed to treat the air in the area in which it installed. Filters are installed on all indoor units and some models can capture and remove allergens, odors, and other contaminants to make your air clean and keep you healthy.

Extreme Low Temperature Heating, some models are designed to provide comfortable indoor temperatures even during the coldest days (as low as -13 degree F)

Quiet, without ductwork or with little ductwork mini split systems are designed to deliver cooling and heating directly to the rooms they are intended to serve which means there is no need for fans, keeping the noise down, outdoor units as low as 48 dB and indoor units as low as 19 dB.

Energy Efficiency

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The difference between SEER and EER is that SEER accounts for changes in outside temperature instead of just one temperature. EER should be used as a comparison when the outside temperature is consistently over 95 degrees F.

The higher the SEER the greater the heat pump’s efficiency could be. Generally, most single stage heat pumps rate from 14 to 16 SEER. Two Stage units rate from 17 to 19. Variable speed units rate from 18 to 21. Comparing against a 10 SEER heat pump over 15 years*, a 14 SEER could save $1395, a 16 SEER could save $1,830, and a 21 SEER could save $2,550.

HSPF (High Seasonal Performance Factor) represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in BTU) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period.

DIY

With normal maintenance and care mini split systems can last over 20 years. Make sure to keep the filters and coils clean. Make sure the outdoor unit is free from obstruction and the unit is free of debris. Check the drain pan to ensure it stays clear of moisture. Inspect the refrigerant lines, visually confirming the lines are insulated and not damaged.

Service

Our experienced technicians can help you maintain the life of your equipment by performing a HCPP check on your mini split system. Some checks the technician will perform are refrigerant levels, ensure the coils are clean, check the drain pan, check the entire outdoor unit, inspect the refrigerant lines, and ensure the units are set to manufactures specifications. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Sep 06
Love5
air conditioning accessories part 2

Air Conditioning Accessories – Part 2

By Air Conditioning, Cooling, Residential

Last week, we talked about a few accessories to help keep your air conditioning unit running optimally during the summer months. Here are a few more!

Cover

How it works – Air conditioners are covered during the fall, winter, and spring to protect from the elements and the environment/ Harsh weather, ultraviolet rays, flying debris, ice, and snow.

Features – Protects unit from top to bottom, removes damaging condensation, anti cold cracking material, uv protected, fire retardant, mildew and fungus free, 10 warranty

Condensate pump

How it works –  In HVAC or refrigeration process, the water that condensate need to be channeled out from the building to proper drainage outside the building. The condensation process usually occurred when the air passes though the cold evaporator coil during the cooling process. As a result, the moisture that accumulate on the coil then drip down into the drain pan that is placed underneath the coils. Systems that are able to use the gravitational force to flow the water that accumulate on the drain pan does not require the use of the pump. However, there are many instances when the air conditioning systems require to use of this pump to get the water out to prevent the water from dripping into the space.

Hard start kit

How it works – Is an electrical component that is attached to the condensing unit of the air conditioner. This device allows the compressor to start up quickly and use less power during the process. It ultimately lets you save money on your energy bill. A hard start kit is a combination of a relay and a start capacitor. When the air conditioner starts up, the relay is on. This means that the energy being stored in the capacitor is being used to power the compressor. The relay then reads the electrical current from the compressor and upon arriving at a certain level or when the compressor is fully running, the relay is turned off or rendered out of the circuit. This action renders the start capacitor no longer needed to aid the compressor.

Have questions about keeping your unit running smoothly? Give us a call to schedule a consultation!

Aug 30
Love6
air conditioning accessories part 1

Air Conditioning Accessories, Part 1

By Air Conditioning, Cooling, Residential

Air conditioning units do a great job of keeping your home comfortable, but they need a little TLC too.  Below are some accessories to keep your unit running optimally all summer.

Pads

The air conditioning condenser vibrates with continual use on the same surface over a period of time, it can sink into the ground or cause damage to the unit. That is why everyone needs a good AC condenser pad to help support and contain the unit over time This expensive piece of equipment needs to be properly supported. To help the unit survive harsh winters or summers a quality waterproof pad is essential. Condensers also accumulate water as it does its job making them weigh even more. This can put significant strain on the lines and tubes that run underneath the unit. It is crucial that the unit stay dry as well as level to extend the equipment’s lifespan and functionality.

Types of Pads

Hauck Brothers offers concrete or composite pads. Units installed on concrete pads are solidly anchored on a waterproof base. Water drains easily through vents on the bottom of the unit. Early condensers were installed on several inches of concrete to support their large size. Cement is still a favorite pad for large-capacity units. Composite , As units decreased in size, new materials were developed using green materials. These pads are inexpensive enough that homeowners can purchase new bases when new units are installed. Newer pads, formed of recycled plastic formed into pads sized to fit standard bases, are UV stable, rendering them impervious to sunlight and rain that turn most plastics brittle. Engineered, ribbed surfaces, distribute weight and cushion against vibration.

Sound blanket

While air conditioners and heat pumps may be ideal for cleaning the air in our houses and cooling or heating it, some compressors are extremely noisy. If your compressor is waking you in the middle of the night when it comes on, there is a way to reduce that noise up to 40 percent or more. Installing a compressor sound blanket can be a quick solution for air conditioner and heat pump compressors that have an unacceptable noise level. These blankets do not diminish compressor effectiveness or harm them in any way.

High and Low Pressure Switches

The high-pressure switch will kill the compressor circuit if the pressure exceeds the rating on the pressure switch. The ratings will vary depending on the type of refrigerant the air conditioner or heat pump uses the system. The low-pressure switch is typically an automatic reset switch that will reset itself when the pressure on the low-pressure side of the refrigeration systems returns to normal or above the setting on the switch. When a refrigeration system operates at lower than normal pressures the system can freeze up with the freezing beginning at the evaporator coil and working its way back to the compressor via the suction line. Freezing of the refrigeration system is bad and lead to liquid refrigerant slugging in the compressor which can lead to compressor failure.

Want to be sure your air conditioner is running the best it can?  Schedule a consultation with our certified technicians today!

Aug 22
Love4
lineset

Lineset

By Cooling, Residential

The lineset is made of copper piping that carries refrigerant from the condenser outside to the evaporator coil inside, then back again. It consists of a smaller liquid line for high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and a larger suction line for hot, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

How it works

The lineset for an HVAC system is closed to prevent refrigerant from entering or leaving the system at any point, unless there is a leak or the pressures are being adjusted by a qualified service technician.

Reuse old or replace?

  • Reuse – A lineset may be reused if all of the following items are verified:
    • Have a certified professional verify that it was not leaking.
    • The manufacturer of the new unit allows that size lineset per specifications and it doesn’t exceed their vertical distance.
    • It may run somewhere hard to access such as walls and slabs.
    • If the old lineset is to be used, it needs to be cleaned out by a professional.
  • Replace – If the old line had a leak, possibly if it used R-22, is kinked anywhere, and if the vertical limit exceeds the manufacturers specification, a new lineset is needed.

Protect

It is important to make sure that the lineset is insulated and secured in a fashion that will not allow it to be moved easily. For the exterior of the house, products can be used to cover the lineset that make it blend in to the house.

DIY

It is good to visually inspect the lineset insulation outside to make sure it is secure and well maintained throughout the course of the year. Cover up the lineset to protect from elements.

Have any questions about your air conditioning unit?  Contact us today!

Aug 16
Love8
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!

Aug 07
Love4
dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers

By Cooling, Residential

Dehumidifiers help remove moisture from the air much more quickly than your home’s air conditioning unit.  Together, the two work in concert to create the most comfortable environment for you and your family.  Following is important information for determining whether a dehumidifier would be appropriate for your home.

How does it work?

Dehumidifiers control the humidity level in your entire home. A powerful blower inside the dehumidifier draws air into the cabinet, filters the air and removes moisture, then discharges the dry air into the HVAC system or dedicated area of the home. Inside the cabinet, a sealed refrigeration system removes moisture by moving the air through a series of tubes and fins that are kept colder than the dew point of the incoming air. “Dew point” refers to the temperature at which moisture in the air will condense, much like what occurs on the outside of a cold glass on a hot summer day. The condensed moisture drips into the dehumidifier drain pan to a drain tube routed to the nearest floor drain or condensation pump.

Once the moisture is removed, the air moves through a second coil where it is reheated before being sent back into the home. The air leaving the dehumidifier will be warmer and drier than the air entering the dehumidifier.

Comfort

Excess humidity in your home can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality and your furnishings. By pulling moisture from the indoor air, the whole home dehumidifier not only enhances your comfort but protects your furnishings and enhances the quality of the air that you breathe every day. When first installed, our recommendation is to set it to 55% and then adjust from there to your optimal comfort level.

With a Quiet Comfort system, the precision-tuned fan and motor quietly and efficiently pull air into the dehumidifier with sound levels comparable to most furnaces and fan coils.

Features

Easy, Versatile Control – The on-board LCD control provides a user-friendly interface for setting your desired dehumidification levels. For even greater convenience, the whole-home dehumidifier can be controlled with a relative humidity thermostat or from an available remote control.

Maintenance and Cleaning – Because routine filter cleaning ensures top performance, the dehumidifier control features a built-in “clean filter” reminder. A convenient access door on two sides of the cabinet allows for quick and easy removal and cleaning of the Merv 8 filter.

Customized to your needs – Available in 70 or 95 pint sizes, this dehumidifier offers versatility to fit your comfort needs. It can be zoned to provide separate humidity control for two areas. It can also be installed in multiple configurations and locations.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of dehumidifiers is measured by its energy factor, in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy consumed or L/kWh. In general, a higher energy factor means a more efficient dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers models qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, which they were first able to do in January of 2001. Dehumidifiers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are nearly 30% more efficient than non-certified models.

Tips For Best Performance

To keep your dehumidifier running optimally, be sure to change filter, check the drain for blockages, and apply cleaner to a clean, dry cloth to clean the cabinet.  Want to find out if a dehumidifier is right for your home? Give us a call today!

Jul 26
Love6
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!

Jul 16
Love6
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!

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