How To Choose Between Heat Pump Replacement or Repair

When it comes to ensuring your home has a heating and cooling system that provides consistent comfort for the whole family, a heat pump helps get the job done. And since it works by supplying warm air during winter and cold air during summer, fulfilling a demanding task all year round, it won’t last forever. It is bound to experience wear and tear after an extended period of use.

Once you start having issues with it and find out it is due for a minor or major repair, you will have to decide. Do you let the technicians fix it or go for a heat pump replacement? Let’s explore some of the most important factors you must consider to help you make the right call.

The Cost of Using Your Older Heat Pump

A new heat pump is no small investment, so it is understandable that many homeowners opt to hang on to their older systems for as long as they can. However, using your less efficient heat pump will consume more energy, resulting in higher bills.

The Cost and Energy Efficiency of a Newer System

Consider the difference a modern heat pump can make on your yearly energy cost: at the minimum, a new system can save you hundreds of dollars. In addition, the new equipment you’re eyeing won’t get cheaper; its price now will most likely be 3-10% more the following year.

How Long Your Older System Will Last Before Breaking Down

Depending on usage and maintenance, a heat pump has an average life cycle of 10 to 12 years. If your system is around 12 to 15 years old and running into various issues from time to time, a technician can only do so much testing and repair. They won’t be able to tell you how much longer you can rely on your heat pump to work.

The Comfort Level You Want and Need in Your Home

As your HVAC system ages and starts having issues, its cooling and heating capacity will diminish. This may or may not be a big deal in your decision-making process, depending on how much time you spend at home. For example, if you are retired or usually work from home, you probably want a system that works without fail. This ensures you and your family are always safe and comfortable.

Turn to Us for Services With a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

At Bounds Heating & Air, we are dedicated to providing exceptional HVAC services to clients in and around Gainesville, Florida. Whether you need help with heat pump installation, repair, or any other HVAC concern, you can count on us to deliver effective results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

HVAC Blowing Cold Air: Causes and Pro Tips

One morning, you wake up feeling colder than usual. You check your heater, and instead of the warm fuzzy air, you’re greeted with a chill enough to jolt you awake. Experiencing your HVAC blowing cold air is uncomfortable and concerning. Let’s understand the potential causes and solutions that can help restore warmth to your home.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the issue lies with the thermostat. It might have been set to “cool,” or the fan might be set to “on” instead of “auto,” which causes the system to blow cool air. You should ensure that the thermostat is set to “heat” mode and the fan to “auto” to allow the system to operate correctly.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

Air filters trap dust, debris, and other particles to maintain indoor air quality. Clogged filters can result in cold air circulation over time, limiting airflow and causing the system to overheat and shut off the burners. A straightforward yet efficient method of maintaining air filters is to replace them every one to three months.

Heat Pump in Defrost Mode

Heat pumps may enter a defrost cycle in colder climates to prevent ice buildup. When it enters this mode, the system temporarily blows cold air indoors. This is normal and should resolve within a few minutes. However, it becomes concerning if it persists longer than it should and will require professional attention at this rate.

Blocked or Dirty Outdoor Unit

Every HVAC system has an external unit that needs unobstructed airflow to function correctly. Debris, snow, or dirt can hinder its performance, leading to cold air output. To maintain efficiency, ensure at least two to three feet of clearance around the unit and keep it clean.

Pilot Light Issues in Gas Furnaces

In gas furnaces, the burners are ignited by the pilot light. The system can’t produce heat if it’s out, resulting in cold air circulation. Relighting the pilot light per the manufacturer’s instructions can resolve this. If it persists to go out, consult a professional to check for underlying issues.

Malfunctioning Reversing Valve

The reversing valve in heat pump systems alternates between heating and cooling modes. If it malfunctions, the system might get stuck in cooling mode, blowing cold air. This issue requires professional diagnosis and repair.

3 Pro Tips to Maintain Warmth

1. Plan yearly HVAC inspections to find and fix possible problems before they become serious ones.
2. Look around your house’s windows, doors, and other openings for drafts. Sealing these can increase system efficiency and avoid heat loss.
3. Consider adding a smart or programmed thermostat to control your house’s temperature.

Ready to Get Started?
By being aware of these possible problems and taking precautions, you can ensure your HVAC system runs well and keeps your house warm and cozy. If you need professional assistance, our team has you covered. Contact us today at Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida for all your HVAC needs.

Some Winter HVAC Tips for Better Heating

During wintertime, keeping warm and cozy is undoubtedly one of our priorities. With our heating systems working harder than usual, it most likely means higher energy bills.

To achieve energy efficiency and cut down on your heating bill, there are other things you can do to make sure you keep warm air inside and cold air out. Here are some winter HVAC tips to help you cover all the bases:

Close Your Fireplace and Chimney
When your fireplace is not in use, close the damper to keep the warm air inside. A closed damper prevents cool air from entering your space, and heated air will not rise. If you do not use your fireplace at all, you can add insulation that fits your chimney space to seal it.

Seal Drafts in Your Home
Drafts around windows, doors, and other openings let cold air inside, making your heating system work doubly hard. To block cold air, you can seal the drafts using draft stoppers, weather strips, and through caulking.

Improve Insulation in Rooms and Other Least-Used Spaces
To minimize heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency in your home, you can add or upgrade insulation in areas like the attic and crawl spaces. This will better regulate the temperature in your home and take the pressure off your heating system.

Maximize Daytime and Let the Sunlight In
Sunlight can supplement the heating in your living space. During the day, allow natural light to warm your home by opening the curtains and blinds. Take advantage of whenever there’s direct sunlight. Just make sure to close everything when the sun goes down to retain heat and avoid drafts.

Make Sure Your Vents Are Not Blocked
Blocked vents will make your HVAC system ineffective and cause uneven temperature, as air needs to flow freely for proper heating. Check for furniture, rugs, or other items blocking your vents, and simply move them if you find any. In addition, ensure your vents are dust- and clog-free.

Avoid Winter Disasters by Letting the Professionals Maintain Your System
No matter the season, your HVAC system needs routine check-ups and maintenance services to keep it running smoothly. For preventative maintenance, repairs, and other HVAC needs, you can turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida. Contact us today to ask a question or schedule a service.

How To Maximize Your Smart Thermostat During Winter

During the colder months, setting your indoor temperature to around 68°F to 70°F can help you stay comfortable and achieve energy savings. However, adjusting your thermostat is not enough if you want to make the most of it and lower your energy bills. Here are a few tips on how to use your smart thermostat efficiently, especially during winter.

Place Your Thermostat in the Right Location
Heat sources can influence and skew the thermostat’s readings. Make sure it is not located in an area where there’s direct sunlight, draft, and a heat source, as this will unnecessarily trigger the heating and cooling systems. This also means that, as a general rule, kitchens should be avoided to avoid false readings, since they are most likely warmer than the rest of your home.

Use the Programmable Features
Take advantage of your thermostat’s scheduling capabilities to ensure your heating system is aligned with your daily routine. Set lower temperatures when away or at night while everyone’s asleep and higher temperatures when you’re at home during the day. Doing this will help maintain the optimal temperature in your home when needed and prevent it from running when no one is home.

Use the Remote Control and Energy Monitoring Functions
Controlling your HVAC system remotely is convenient and especially useful when plans and activities unexpectedly change, allowing you to adjust the temperature before leaving or returning home. Using a smartphone app or an online platform, you can make adjustments as well as check the status of your HVAC system. Doing this will help you understand your system’s usage and operations, so you’ll know how to conserve energy better.

Set Reminders
Many smart thermostats also monitor HVAC components, such as air filters. To avoid increased energy use, set a reminder to replace your air filter before it gets dirty or clogged. You can also set a reminder for routine system maintenance to maintain its efficiency.

Keep Your Home Warm and Comfortable While Saving Energy
Maximize your thermostat’s operation and lower your energy bills by following these tips. If you are looking to upgrade to a smart thermostat or need HVAC specialists to assist you with your system, look no further than Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida. We provide a range of HVAC services to help you keep your home comfortable all year round. Contact us today for consultation.

Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As we approach the winter season, ensuring your home is warm enough is undoubtedly at the top of your mind. Equally important, though, is the quality of the air indoors—keeping warm while breathing clean and healthy air must go hand in hand. Let’s explore how to efficiently heat your space and maintain healthy indoor air quality so you’ll have peace of mind that your family is comfortable and protected inside your home.

Proper Ventilation
During winter, homes are sealed tight to conserve heat, which can result in the buildup of indoor pollutants. To reduce indoor air pollution, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, proper ventilation is crucial. You can also use ventilators to keep fresh air circulating and improve indoor air quality.

Regular Heating System Maintenance
If not properly and regularly maintained, your heating system can contribute to indoor air pollution. To ensure that it is in excellent condition and works without any issues, schedule routine inspections with a reliable and trusted HVAC service.

Optimal Humidity Level Maintenance
For both comfort and health, you must maintain the right humidity levels, which are between 30% and 50%. If they are too high, mold can grow, and dust mites can accumulate. If they are too low, the eyes and skin can get irritated, and respiratory problems can also occur.

Regular Cleaning
To minimize dust and allergens inside your home, it is essential to keep your space spotless. Various ways to maintain a dust-free living area are by vacuuming carpets and every nook and cranny, using a damp cloth to wipe surfaces, and washing bedding and curtains.

Houseplant Additions
Plants are natural air purifiers that absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making the air you breathe indoors cleaner and healthier. They also add charm and appeal to your space.

Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Evaluation Today
Turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida to have our specialists assess the air quality in your home and provide you with the right solution. We can assist you with something as simple as selecting the right filter for your HVAC system and even providing more intensive filtration and air quality management products. Contact us today to help you breathe cleaner, fresher air.

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Some Winter HVAC Tips for Better Heating

How To Maximize Your Smart Thermostat During Winter

Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter