Caring For Your Homes HVAC System Part 2

Everyone may know that a thermostat controls the temperature inside the home via a heating and cooling system, but what many may not realize is that how you use it can affect not only your comfort levels indoors but how much you save on energy costs as well. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by just setting your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for 8 hours in a day. If you live in an area with milder climate, you’re looking at even higher energy savings if you do this!

Whether you are controlling temperatures for the summer or winter, you want to keep the difference between temperatures inside your home and that of the outdoors as little as possible. This lessens the load on your HVAC system, which also helps keep energy costs down.

Ideal Thermostat Temperatures

During Summer – Keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away but program it at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re around. Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting when turning on an air conditioner! It’s a misconception that it will cool a home faster. Instead, it may result in excessive cooling, leading to unnecessary expenses.
During Winter – The ideal thermostat temperature for the season is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. While you’re out, you can lower the temperature even further. In fact, for every degree you lower your thermostat in the 60- to 70-degree range, you are saving up to 5% in heating costs.

Quick Tip: Where to Install a Thermostat?

The best place to put a thermostat in is near your home’s center. Keep in mind as well which rooms are most frequently used because that’s where you want the most comfortable temperatures to be. Additionally, don’t put your thermostat under direct sunlight, in the kitchen, above air vents and by doors or windows.

Going Ductless: Why You Should Get a Ductless Heating System

There’s no shortage of heating options on the market today. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to determine which of these alternatives will be able to fit your home’s heating needs. To simplify the selection process, your air conditioning repair company Bounds Heating and Air suggests you look into one of the most energy-efficient options out there: ductless heating.

Why Ductless Heating?

A typical ductless system consists of a compressor located outside and an indoor unit mounted on your wall. Unlike its bulkier counterparts, a ductless heating system only requires a small hole to be drilled into a wall for its installation. This feature greatly reduces the risk of air leakage and offers more security against break-ins.

Unlike other heating options that can be an eyesore, a ductless heating system is less visible. It also tends to be quieter than most heaters. They are perfect even for home additions. Just remember to schedule regular HVAC maintenance so your heating system functions as it should.

Energy Efficiency

You stand to lose around 25% or more of heat due to ductwork. Eliminating ductwork makes for a more efficient system. With ductless heating systems, you have more control over the temperature for each room. Unlike centralized heating, you have the option to adjust the temperature of certain areas to your liking. Not only does it promote a more harmonious relationship within the household (different family members have different temperature preferences), but this feature also greatly enhances the overall comfort of your home while lowering your energy bill.

If you’re looking for a stylish yet energy-efficient way to provide heating for your home, look no further than the ductless heating system. Bounds Heating and Air excels in ductless heating system installations. We also offer HVAC repair services. For questions about our other products and services, you may call us at (352) 278-9123. We serve Alachua, FL, and other areas in Florida.

Caring for Your Home’s HVAC System

The typical HVAC system has a service life of 8 to 20 years. The magic number, however, is 12. If your HVAC system has been in use for at least 12 years and has started breaking down, it’s a good time for a replacement, letting you avoid costs associated with excessive repairs and energy inefficiency without failing to make the most of your HVAC system’s service life.

A Numbers Game

To determine if you’ll be better off with repairs or a replacement, keep in mind the “5,000 rule”. Multiply the age of your HVAC system by the costs of repair, and if you get less than $5,000, you can go ahead and carry out repairs. If you end up with an amount exceeding $5,000, however, your more practical choice is to do a replacement.

If you’re opting for repairs, take into consideration as well how many times you’ll be doing so. An older unit may require frequent repairs, which could end up setting you back significantly given you have to spend a couple of hundred dollars each time. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioner instead and you’ll spend between $3,600 and $7,200 but are also looking at 20% savings on heating and cooling down the line, according to ENERGY STAR®.

On the other hand, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that if it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it. If your system doesn’t have leaks and your energy bill is not high for unknown reasons, you should invest in quality repairs, rather a replacement. A thorough inspection from an HVAC expert will clue you in on your system’s current condition.

Quick Note

Got a freon-based air conditioner? A primary ingredient in the refrigerant freon will no longer be imported by or produced in the United States starting Jan. 1, 2020. While this doesn’t mean you have to replace your unit, it may make services more difficult to come by and, consequently, more expensive. Depending on your needs, this may offer a point in favor of replacing an air conditioning unit.

Highlighting the Importance of Renewable Heat Energy

A 2018 paper published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) discusses the recent developments in the pursuit of renewable heat energy. Your local HVAC maintenance expert, Bounds Heating and Air tackles them in this article.

Heat As An Energy Source

Based on 2015 data, heat continues to dominate global energy consumption, about half as many as the other forms of consumption such as electricity. About 60% of heat is consumed in industries, with the remaining 40% in buildings. However, fossil fuels still remain as the top producers of heat, contributing to nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions apart from adding to the problems brought about by air pollution.

Many countries are taking great strides in order to achieve a cleaner heat supply through renewable means. Growth has been seen in the use of renewable energy in recent years, but at a slower pace due to multiple economic and non-economic barriers at the national and local levels. Regardless, there is ongoing support for renewable heat through policy implementation.

Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

As an HVAC repair company, Bounds Heating and Air recognizes the importance of heating systems that take into account energy efficiency. These contribute to helping realize the potential of renewable heat energy in playing a key role in decarbonizing and providing a clean supply of air in both residential and commercial properties. More importantly, having efficient systems in homes and businesses can cut down costs of consumption, while taking part in helping the environment.

Energy-efficient heating systems are all around. Heat pumps, for instance, don’t use fossil fuels at all. It utilizes heat from the air or ground (geothermal) and diverts it indoors through an electric pump. Our company offers them for homeowners looking to achieve indoor comfort, as well as cooling systems and other HVAC solutions.

Our services include air conditioning repair and HVAC installations. Give us a call at (352) 278-9123 for more information. You may also fill out our contact form if you want one of our certified technicians to service your unit. We serve Florida residents, including those in Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

About the 2018 Gainesville Red White and Blue Patriot Run

An upcoming event this September will bring lots of fun and excitement for the whole family. The 2018 Gainesville Red, White, and Blue Patriot Run will happen on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at the Tioga Town Center. Your local HVAC maintenance experts, Bounds Heating and Air discuss this local event.

About the Fun Run

The Patriot Run will be set along a 5K course in said venue. Participants must come in their most patriotic attire, where prizes await for those who don the best one in the event. Also, veteran groups of Alachua County are expected to be in attendance. They will be there to showcase the services they provide.

Music, food, and other surprises will make up this fun-filled evening, so everyone is encouraged to drop by and join in the festivities. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Tickets are sold at $35, so be sure to get yours today.

A Run for A Cause

As your local HVAC repair experts, we urge you to join this event in our area because it supports the meaningful cause of Final Salute, Inc. It is a non-profit organization providing safe and suitable housing for homeless women veterans and their children. There are 55,000 of them in the United States, which is why Final Salute was established to identify and address their unique needs.

About the Organizers

This local event is organized by Christie and Wade Wheeler, the only dual-retired military Realtor team in the state of Florida. Both retired from the Air Force in 2014 at the ranks of Master Sergeant and Major. Today, they serve their veteran community as veteran realtors.

Bounds Heating and Air has been providing expert HVAC services for over 20 years. We provide air conditioning repair, heating installations, and other indoor comfort solutions. To find out more about us, give us a call at (352) 278-9123 for more information. You may also fill out our contact form to arrange a schedule with us. We serve residents of North Florida, including those in Newberry, FL, and nearby areas.

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