Name: Bounds Heating & Air
Address: 25645 West, Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669
Telephone: 352-472-2761

Installing Ductless Units

There are several options when it comes to installing ductless units. One of the main advantages of installing these units is the ability to place them in convenient locations. Unlike central air conditioning that must connect to ductwork, the compact wall-mounted indoor air handler and downsized outdoor heat pump offer the freedom of installation almost anywhere with fairly minor exceptions. Install ductless units to take performance and efficiency into consideration when determining location.

Indoor Components

The indoor air handler is a low profile unit consisting of the indoor coil and blower fan. Install the unit on an exterior wall 50 feet or less from the outdoor heat pump. The air handler should be no closer than two inches from the ceiling and at least three feet from a television or entertainment center. A three-inch hole is required in the wall to accommodate the refrigerant conduit, so make sure there are no obstacles on or in the wall.

Cleaning the air filter and checking the condensate drain is part of routine maintenance, so install the air handler in a location where furniture or other heavy objects won’t prevent convenient access to the unit.

Outdoor Components

The outdoor heat pump, which weighs approximately 120 pounds and is about the size of a suitcase, may be attached to the wall or mounted to the ground.

When wall-mounted, make sure the mounting brackets provide at least four inches of clearance between the unit and the wall. For proper air circulation, there should be at least 20 inches of clear space above the unit.

For ground mounting, attach the heat pump to a concrete pad or concrete blocks arranged on the ground. The ideal location will be sheltered from direct sunlight and cleared of shrubbery or other vegetation that could hinder airflow.

For more information on installing ductless units, call Bounds Heating & Air Inc. at 352-472-2761. We provide a variety of efficient ductless systems for great energy savings.

Opt for HVAC System Inspection Before Closing on a Home

Don’t sign the papers and close on a home purchase until you’ve seen the results of a complete HVAC system inspection. Without it, you may find yourself already facing one of the largest single expenses a homeowner ever makes — the replacement of a central air conditioner and/or a furnace — before you even get settled in your new residence. Protect yourself with a complete HVAC system inspection performed by a qualified, experienced heating and cooling specialist.

What Condition Is the HVAC System In?

Be aware that the basic pre-sale home inspection isn’t comprehensive enough to verify the condition of HVAC system components or associated elements like the ductwork. Most home inspectors have little or no expertise in heating and cooling technology — disclaimers in their contracts usually disclose that fact. They evaluate the overall condition of a system simply by whether or not it powers up and produces minimal cooling or heat. Marginal equipment on the verge of failure may not be noted. Basic home inspections don’t include criteria to determine whether the system is still capable of meeting the manufacturer’s specs for energy efficiency, performance, or safety, for that matter.

How Long Will the HVAC System Last?

The combined average life expectancy of a central air conditioner and furnace is about 15 years, assuming the system has received regular professional maintenance. However, even before that point, once any HVAC system is beyond a certain age, replacement of major components like the A/C compressor or the furnace heat exchanger, for example, is no longer financially viable. If these parts fail, a total system replacement will be the only recommended option.

A reputable established heating and cooling contractor who sells and services this equipment every day is your best source for a thorough HVAC system inspection and informed appraisal of its condition. Before you buy, check out Bounds Heating & Air’s HVAC system inspection services, or call 352-472-2761

An Energy Auditor Can Locate Your Home’s Problem Areas

A home energy auditor evaluates the efficiency status quo of your house so you can make informed energy upgrades. Most existing residences have room for improvement. A professional energy auditor knows where to look for energy inefficiencies, with the expertise and equipment to calculate the effect on your overall energy profile. Once a home energy audit determines where your house stands today, you’ll be better prepared to make positive changes for tomorrow.

Air Leakage

Air exchange with the outdoors through structural cracks and gaps carries heat energy into or out of the house. That means lost HVAC or heating, excess energy consumption, and higher costs. A home energy auditor will conduct a blower door test that lightly pressurizes the house, then utilizes sensors linked to a computer to calculate the extent of air leakage. While the house in pressurized, technicians also have methods to pinpoint air leaks for sealing.

Air Distribution

Many homes include up-to-date air conditioning and heating equipment that’s connected to aging, deteriorated ductwork. Leaky ducts typically spill at least 20 percent of conditioned air. An inspection and pressure test quantifies the amount of duct leakage. If it’s above acceptable standards, you can pursue options for duct sealing and repair.

Heat Transfer

Insulation is the primary barrier against inefficiency due to heat transfer by conduction and radiation. Many existing houses are under-insulated compared to the current Department of Energy recommendations. The auditor will assess attic and wall insulation. Insulation may be sampled through small access holes or heat transfer through surfaces can be imaged using a thermographic camera.

Safety Matters

An energy audit includes testing for carbon monoxide gas, inspecting the furnace and appliances for proper combustion, and identifying factors that might cause dangerous back-drafting.

Following the audit, you’ll receive a written report, as well as suggestions for improvement and estimates of potential savings.

Learn more about Bounds Heating & Air’s professional energy audits or call 352-472-2761 to schedule one for your Gainesville area home.

Don’t Let Air Conditioner Problems Get You Hot

Temperatures are creeping up in Alachua County and that means your air conditioner will soon be working full-time to keep your home cool. Even well-maintained HVAC systems experience occasional glitches from time to time, so it’s helpful to know a few troubleshooting tips before calling the professionals.

Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Problems

The following steps may get your air conditioner running again. If not, they will provide more information for your HVAC contractor should you need to schedule an appointment.

Check the thermostat. Is the unit set to “cool” and “auto”? Sometimes thermostats are knocked into the “off” or “fan” position, which will keep the A/C from cycling on.
Take a look at the air filter. Have you changed the air filter recently? Clogged filters keep the system from running efficiently and can eventually burn it out. If you use the A/C regularly, the filter should be checked every month and changed when dirt and dust begin accumulating.
Inspect the condenser. Look over the outdoor condenser. Accumulated debris, including grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and dirt, will prevent the condenser from pulling in fresh air in order to work efficiently. If blocked long enough, this can cause your unit to overheat and shut down.
Check the air vents and ducts. Similarly, blocked air vents or dirty ducts will compromise A/C efficiency. Make sure all indoor air vents are free of furniture, drapes, wall hangings, etc., and clear them of any noticeable dirt, cobwebs or debris. Remove a vent or two and peek at the ducts inside. If they look dirty or you see noticeable obstructions, it’s time to schedule a duct cleaning.
Check the condensate pump. Is there water pooling in the pan? If so, add a little more water and see if the pump turns on to clear it out. If not, your pump is either off or broken, which will affect your system’s ability to cool and dehumidify your air.

Learn more about Bounds Heating & Air’s solutions for air conditioner problems, or contact us today at 352-472-2761 to schedule an appointment.

How to Prep Your Home HVAC System This Spring

Spring is just around the corner, which means it will soon be time to switch from heating to air conditioning in our region. The changing of the seasons is a perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is running right by getting a checkup and doing a little maintenance yourself. Here are some tips to guide you.

DIY HVAC System Maintenance

Change the filter. This is an easy task. For best results, choose a better quality pleated filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) between 8 and 12. Quality filters do a better job of keeping your HVAC system clean while improving your indoor air quality. Follow the instructions on the filter or consult your owner’s manual.
Clean debris around the outdoor condenser. If leaves, grass or other debris has gathered around the outdoor part of your system, clear them away. There should be no obstructions within 2 feet of the condenser.
Clean the condenser coil. The storms of winter can leave dirt and other debris on the condenser’s coil. To clean, first, make sure the power to the unit is off. Remove the metal cage. If you use condenser coil cleaner, follow directions carefully, mixing with water, and then spraying with a pump sprayer. Wait five minutes, then wash off with a hose. Never pressure wash the condenser fins.
Inspect ductwork for holes, cracks, and gaps. If you can easily gain access to your home’s ductwork and feel comfortable inspecting it for holes, cracks and places where sections may have come loose, do so. Otherwise, request your service technician include duct inspection on his or her list of tasks.

What’s Included in Professional HVAC System Maintenance?

Your service technician should perform these tasks during routine preventative maintenance appointments. The HVAC pro will:

Check system controls for proper start, operation, and shut-off
Check thermostat settings
Lubricate moving parts
Tighten electrical connections
Measure voltage and current for motors
Inspect the condensate drain
Clean the indoor evaporator coil
Check the refrigerant level
Clean the blower and other system components

Learn more about Bounds Heating and Air’s HVAC system maintenance service, or contact us today at 352-472-2761 to schedule service for your home comfort system!

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