January 20, 2023

Is a Heat Pump Cheaper Than Electric Heat?

Comparing Heat Pumps and Electric Heat In today’s economy, it is important to seek out the most cost-effective home heating system, but what is the best option when it comes to heating your home? Is it a heat pump or electric heat? Let’s compare the two and see which one is more cost-effective. What Is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one area to another. This means that instead of heating air it takes in, it takes already existing heat from outside and uses that energy to keep your home warm or cool. This makes it very efficient as it does not require any additional power or fuel such as gas or oil. The only downside is that heat pumps can be expensive initially due to the high installation costs. Electric Heat Electric heaters work by using electricity as their primary source of power. They are usually more affordable than installing a full-fledged HVAC system but can be less efficient because they produce more waste heat than other heating systems, such as furnaces or boilers. Electric heaters also have higher operating costs due to the amount of electricity used during operation. Comparing Costs...

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December 20, 2022

Tips for Saving on Your Energy Bills This Winter Season

When the chilly winter weather comes back around, many of us are thinking about all the great gifts that we’re going to get our family and friends. However, high heating bills can put a damper on your plans. Fortunately, by practicing the tips that we’re going to recommend below, you can work to lower your heating bills this winter season. Use Ceiling Fans One of the easiest ways to save money on your heating bill is to use your ceiling fans. Turn them in the opposite direction so that they force the hot air stuck at the top of your room out and down toward the floor. By recirculating the warm air in your rooms, you can prevent the need to turn up your thermostat to feel comfortable. Seal Off Any Air Leaks Another great practice is to seal off any air leaks. These leaks tend to develop most often near doors and windows. If you run your hand around their frame and feel cold air coming in, then you’ll want to use caulking or weatherstripping to close off those leaks. Let the Sunlight In If you’ve ever sat in direct sunlight, you know how much it can heat up...

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November 17, 2022

Ways to Winterize Your Home’s Heat Pump

As the weather outside gets colder, you’ll want to make sure your heat pump is properly winterized. A heat pump that isn’t winterized is susceptible to a variety of issues, including frozen coils, a cracked heat exchanger, and damaged compressor valves. Not only can these issues be costly to repair, but they can also lead to your heat pump breaking down entirely. Read on to learn some ways to prepare your heat pump for winter. 1. Check the Outdoor Unit of Your Heat Pump The outdoor unit of your heat pump gets exposed to the elements, so it’s important to check it regularly to make sure there is no build-up of snow or ice. If you notice any snow or ice on the unit, be sure to remove it as soon as possible. 2. Inspect the Indoor Coil The indoor coil is responsible for transferring heat from the air inside your home to the refrigerant inside the heat pump. It’s important to inspect the coil regularly and clean it if necessary. A dirty coil can reduce the efficiency of your heat pump and cause it to work harder than necessary. 3. Check the Filters The filters in your heat pump...

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October 20, 2022

5 Best Ways to Make Your Furnace More Energy Efficient

The winter temperatures in Nebraska can drop drastically, making you rely on your furnace over and over again for comfort. Making your unit more energy efficient is critical to lowering your utility bills during the winter. Here are some of the best things you can do to save energy. 1. Change Air Filters Regularly Dust and dirt build-up in your furnace can significantly lower its energy efficiency. Changing the filters at regular intervals will prevent the accumulation of debris in your system. Frequent changes per the manufacturer’s recommendations will ensure optimal operation and reduce energy waste. 2. Install a Good Thermostat A furnace is only as good as its thermostat. With that in mind, it’s recommended to install an advanced thermostat on your furnace to make it more energy efficient. A programmable thermostat will study your temperature preferences and adjust to maximize efficiency. 3. Clean and Seal Ductwork Dirty ducts filled with dust, dirt and other debris and leaky ducts lead to the loss of heated air and reduce energy efficiency. Regular duct cleaning and sealing will ensure no blockages and openings interfere with heated air in your building. The two acts will consequently improve your furnace’s energy efficiency. 4....

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September 19, 2022

The Difference Between R22 and R410A Refrigerant

Air conditioners produced before 2010 use R22 refrigerant. This refrigerant has been slowly phased out and can no longer be produced as of 2020. Since 2010, air conditioners have used R410A refrigerant. What’s the difference between these two refrigerants? R22 Refrigerant The United States and other countries phased out R22 refrigerant because it drastically harms the ozone layer and the ecosystem. When R22 leaks from an air conditioner, some of it rises into the sky, depleting the ozone layer. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon contains hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and carbon, and chlorine damages the ozone layer. Because companies can no longer produce R22 refrigerant, you’ll have a problem getting any if your old air conditioner begins to leak. Since the supply of this refrigerant is rapidly dwindling, what remains has become expensive. In addition, most HVAC companies no longer have access to the refrigerant and, therefore, must suggest replacement of the unit. If you have an old air conditioner, in Lincoln, NE, can help you upgrade to a new air conditioner. We offer upfront pricing and have had expert technicians since 1984. R410A Refrigerant If your air conditioner was produced after 2010, it uses R410A refrigerant. This refrigerant doesn’t cause ozone depletion when it...

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August 10, 2022

How Often Should You Schedule Service for Your AC Unit?

When was the last time your air conditioner was serviced? Your AC unit works hard to keep your home comfortable during the summer. You never want to risk your AC breaking down during the hottest days of the year. Professional technicians recommend scheduling regular service about once a year to keep your air conditioner at peak efficiency. Annual AC Service Air conditioners often need to be serviced annually to optimally prolong their lifespans. If you have an older unit, more frequent service may be necessary to keep it efficiently producing cool air. The best time to schedule professional service is in the spring. You’ll be able to rest assured knowing your unit is ready to tackle the coming summer heat. Protect your AC unit from serious damage by scheduling annual service with your local HVAC company. Taking care of your AC unit will prolong its usefulness and keep your utility bills manageable in the summer. An HVAC expert can easily clean your unit’s filter and remove any grime or buildup. They also clear out your condensate line and check for clogs or debris that may be causing water leaks or internal damage. An AC unit is made of a variety...

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July 20, 2022

4 Steps to Take When Your AC Unit Freezes Up

Many people in Lincoln rely on their HVAC systems to keep their homes comfortable throughout the year. However, if your AC unit freezes up, it can be challenging to get it working properly again. Here are four things to do when that happens. 1. Turn the Thermostat From Cool to Off The first thing you should do is turn the thermostat from COOL to OFF. This will help prevent the unit from working harder to try and cool the air, which can cause further damage. Because the refrigerant is much cooler than normal, it might kill the condenser, which should receive it as a superheated gas instead of a cold liquid. 2. Turn the Fan On You should turn on the fan setting to help prevent the AC unit from freezing up more and will also circulate the air in your home. If you have a lot of ice buildup on your AC unit, you may need to turn the fan setting to the “High” position. This will help thaw the ice and prevent it from building up again. 3. Cleaning and Replacing the Return Air Filters Cleaning or replacing your return air filters is one of the most important...

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June 13, 2022

How Long Can I Expect an HVAC System to Last?

You want to get the most out of your HVAC investment because replacement is costly. You may be aware of the estimates that experts give for the life span of HVAC systems. For example, your average heat pump can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, gas and electric furnaces can last around 15 years, a little less for oil furnaces, and around 30 years for ductless mini-splits. Remember that these are estimates, and your system may run for a shorter or longer time based on the following factors. Amount of Maintenance As a homeowner, do you make sure to change the air filter in the return vent of your central heating and AC system? If you neglect this maintenance task, you’ll let the airflow get constricted, putting strain on the motor and shortening the system’s life span. More broadly, you can’t ignore your HVAC system’s need for professional maintenance. Have a technician come over twice a year just before the cooling and heating season to inspect your unit and address any problems that are wearing it down. This way, your system can run for two or three decades as it’s meant to. Climate Location, climate, and even the amount...

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May 20, 2022

Does Closing Upstairs Air Vents Save Money?

Heating and cooling systems rely on a fan that sends air through the ducts and out the vents located in rooms. The process comes with costs, as monthly utility bills reveal. Homeowners might worry about costs and waste, and they may also worry about air released in upstairs rooms no one occupies. Many think closing the vents would save money, but the opposite might occur. Vents and Ducts Air has to travel through the ducts to the vents upstairs. Therefore, closing the vents does not reduce the energy required to produce that air. A closed vent may act like a brick wall and stop the airflow, but the pressure would force the air backward through the ducts. Even if the vents were in perfect condition, the process wouldn’t save much money. More than likely, closing the vents would create costly problems. Damage in the Ducts The leaks and holes inside the ducts could waste energy. If there is a loose connection or severe perforations, closing the vents would force air out of the holes, wasting money. Don’t assume the damage to the ducts has to be significant for the problem to occur. Even small holes will become a path for...

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April 18, 2022

Can a Smart Thermostat Reduce Your Energy Costs?

Can a Smart Thermostat Reduce Your Energy Costs? If you’re concerned about your cooling costs getting out of hand this summer, you’re far from alone. The scorching weather is just around the corner, and you’ll likely be relying heavily on your air conditioner to keep your Lincoln, NE household comfortable. However, there’s no reason that you can’t remain comfortable while also keeping your energy bills in check. One of the best ways to achieve exactly that is to purchase a smart thermostat. Smart Thermostats Are Programmable Quite a lot of energy gets wasted every year when homeowners leave their HVAC systems running for far longer than they actually need them to. You’re only human, and you probably have a lot on your mind. It’s understandable that you may sometimes forget to turn the thermostat off once you no longer need it running. Fortunately, having a smart thermostat takes that task off of your plate. All you need to do is set your preferred comfort levels, and it will only run your HVAC unit as often as is necessary to keep your climate where you want it. Smart Thermostats Learn Your Routines Perhaps the coolest thing about smart thermostat technology is...

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