Bounds Heating & Air

Serving Homeowners Throughout Northern Florida and Beyond

352-472-2761

Category: Bounds Heating and Air

Should I Upgrade to a Two-Stage or Modulating Furnace?

Trying to find the furnace that is best for your home can be a complicated process. That’s why we compiled this list of pros and cons to ensure you get the heater that’s right for you!

MODULATING FURNACE

Modulating furnaces are perfect for homeowners who tend to be picky about their heat settings. These systems are designed to adjust their flame in small increments to give you tons of options regarding how much you want to heat your home.

Pros

Greater energy efficiency- Modulating furnaces are the most energy-efficient heaters on the market. Because this system can adjust its flame in slight increments, it can reach an incredible AFUE rating of up to 98%, which means that for every dollar worth of fuel consumed, 98 cents goes toward heating your home. With a rating like that, you should start to see a noticeable drop in the cost of your energy bills right away.

Increased control- No other furnace type has nearly the same amount of temperature control as the modulating furnace. These units allow you to keep your home within one to two degrees of the temperature of your choice. Modulating systems have adjustable heat settings and often come equipped with a variable-speed blower, which will significantly reduce hot and cold spots in your home.

Cons

Costly- These furnaces are the most expensive on the market. While they’re the best at what they do, not everyone can throw as much as $10,000 toward a furnace installation.

Is it Right for Me?

The modulating furnace is an excellent investment for those who aren’t looking to move anytime soon. The energy savings from this system often pay for themselves in anywhere from 3.5 to 5 years, after which you should have at least 15 more years of ongoing heating savings.

TWO-STAGE FURNACE

As the name suggests, a two-stage furnace’s burner runs at two different levels. For example, these burners can run on high heat during the winter and low heat for more moderate days.

Pros

Cheaper option – The two-stage furnace’s most significant advantage over the modulating furnace is its cost. On average, a two-stage will cost around a couple thousand less with insulation than a modulating unit.

Cons

Less Control- Two-stage furnaces do not have as much control of the temperature as modulating furnaces. While this heater will still eliminate hot and cold spots as well as temperature swings, it doesn’t provide nearly the same amount of control over the temperature as a modulating heater.

Decreased Efficiency- While a two-stage heater is more efficient than other models, it simply can’t compare to the modulating furnace as the increased control of the burners allows you to operate at lower capacities instead of having to choose between hot and cold.

Is it Right for Me?

If you’re not 100% you have found your forever home, the two-stage furnace is a better option. This system combines the best of both worlds by providing you with cheaper up-front costs while still increasing the value of your home and heating your house well.

Ready to upgrade your furnace? Bounds Heating & Air has experienced technicians who can handle whatever heater you decide is right for your home. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761 to get your installation scheduled today!

6 Pro Tips for Troubleshooting Your Heater

While Florida’s winter is relatively moderate, it is still nice to have your heat available when you want it. Finding that your heater isn’t working well (or not running altogether) can be stressful, but you may not need to call an HVAC technician just yet.

First, try some of these tips to troubleshoot what may be happening — then give the pros at Bounds Heating & Air a call:

HEATER NOT WORKING

There can be a litany of reasons behind why your heater isn’t running, and not all necessitate you hiring a professional to handle the issue.

Check the Thermostat

The first move you should make is to check your thermostat. While you may assume that your thermostat’s settings are what they’re supposed to be, you should still make sure it is set to “heat.” For the heater to switch on, the temperature on your thermostat may need to be at least five degrees above room temperature.

Also, check to see if your thermostat is set to “auto” versus “on.” If it’s set to “auto,” the heater should start up automatically when your home’s temperature drops a few degrees below the temperature specified on the thermostat. If your thermostat is set to “on,” then your system’s fan will continue circulating air even if your heater isn’t heating it. This setting can make it feel like cold or room temperature air is coming from your air vents, so you may want to switch to “auto.”

It’s best to make sure your settings are correct to avoid the embarrassment of hiring a technician only to find out nothing was wrong.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If your thermostat settings are fine, you should check your home’s breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls your heater’s indoor unit. If you own a heat pump, also check the circuit associated with the outdoor unit. If you find that the breaker has been set to the “Off” position, or it’s in the middle, you should test your breaker by flipping it back and forth. After flipping the breaker, make sure that it is placed in the “On” position.

Flipping the switch will restart the circuit that controls the heater’s indoor unit. If it’s still not working despite resetting your circuit breaker, you might have an issue with the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself. In that case, it’s better to hire an experienced professional to fix your problem.

Check the Furnace Door

As a safety precaution, some furnaces won’t run unless their door is closed securely. Double-check that the door is in place by opening it and firmly shutting it.

HEATER STRUGGLING TO WARM YOUR HOME

If you turned your heating system back on for the winter and found it struggling to warm your home effectively, the problem may not be as severe as you might think.

Replace Your Clogged Filter

If your furnace is struggling to produce the usual amount of heat, this could signify that your furnace’s filter is clogged. This common maintenance chore is a relatively easy fix and is an excellent way to improve your air quality.

Air filters typically last for up to 90 days, but heavy HVAC system use can clog a filter in as little as 30 to 60 days. Replace the filter with a new one but make sure your filter is pointed in the right direction because that could hurt its effectiveness.

Clear and Clean the Space Around Your Furnace

Did you know that heaters require proper airflow and ventilation to function well? If your heater isn’t working well, you might need to declutter and clean the surrounding area.

If the area around your furnace is surrounded by objects, it can hurt how effectively your home is heated. Not only can clutter around your furnace affect your heating, but it also represents a potential fire hazard.

Regularly cleaning the area surrounding your heater is a great way to maintain its health while removing the flammable items from the site. Dust and lint also pose a fire hazard and can cause clogs sooner than usual, which requires you to replace your filter more often.

Check Your Vents

Blocked vents could be hurting the heat flow in your home. It would be best if you walked through your home, checking all your ducts to make sure that they’re unblocked. You should remove any piece of furniture or debris blocking the openings of your vents to allow the heat to flow freely throughout your home.

If all your attempts to troubleshoot your heating system fail, call (352) 472-2761 to have the experienced professionals at Bounds Heating & Air handle all your HVAC issues.

Is Your HVAC System Ready for the Fall & Winter Seasons?

During the summer months, people tend to make it a priority to schedule routine maintenance on their HVAC system to prepare for the hottest summer days here in Florida. As the season begins to change and the weather cools it often seems like less of a priority. However, even though Florida may not experience the harshest winters, HVAC systems still have to work hard to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home when the weather is cold. Here’s how to keep your home temperature comfortable this fall and winter:

Reduce Emergency Mishaps

With our comprehensive preventative maintenance program, we carefully examine your system to get it ready for the changing seasons. Each appointment allows for our skilled technicians to inspect your system and make recommendations for upgrades or minor repairs that may be needed to optimize your system. In addition to saving you money in the long run, regular maintenance allows your system to perform efficiently.

Money-Saving

Frequent HVAC systems checks can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Maintenance checks allow technicians to detect small issues that could potentially cause greater issues within your system.

Programming Your Thermostat

With frequent changes in weather, it is hard to determine how warm or cool it will be day-to-day. With smart thermostats, you are able to regulate your home temperature automatically with the fluctuation of the outdoor weather.

Change Your Filters

During the summer the amount of pollen and dust increases tremendously. If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system recently it is recommended to have your HVAC filter changed following the summer season. HVAC filters tend to become clogged and cause the system to work harder to keep your home cool. Along with changing HVAC filters, it is also recommended to change your home air filters as they also build up with pollen and debris from the summer weather.

Comfortability

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance gives you peace of mind that your system is less likely to breakdown due to an issue being addressed before problems arise. We all know it can still be uncomfortable living in warm temperatures when your HVAC breaks down and you have to wait around for a technician!

Be proactive and take care of your HVAC system in advance. Call today to schedule your routine maintenance with Bounds Heating & Air! 352-472-2761

Tackling Indoor Humidity

With frequent weather changes during this time of year, there is no telling when high heat and humidity will pose a problem.  The team here at Bounds Heating & Air is here to educate you on the causes of high home humidity and how to reduce moisture levels in your home.

Indoor Humidity = Discomfort

Floridians are no strangers to humidity and the stuffy feeling that so often hangs in the air. Humidity not only causes an uncomfortable feeling in your home, it can also negatively affect your health. Humid air causes a slowing of the evaporation of moisture from your body, resulting in an increase in body temperature and even difficulty breathing.

Mold Growth

High temperatures in your home combined with humidity result in an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Development of mold can be a fast process as mold spores multiply and spread throughout your home. Once mold growth begins, it can become difficult to control. But you can reduce the occurrence of mold spore growth by controlling humidity in your home.

Condensation

One clear sign of high humidity levels in your home is window condensation. When you spot condensation on your windows it is essential to wipe the window dry. Allowing condensation to linger can cause window frame damage, frame rotting, and mold development.

Here’s a few useful tips to help you maintain and lower humidity levels in your home:

  • Increase Air Circulation – Running ceiling fans helps with air circulation by drying out standing water within your home. Increasing air circulation will also decrease overall room temperature.
  • Check For Water Leaks – Water leaks can be a contributing factor to high humidity in your home. It is recommended to regularly check for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and in laundry rooms.
  • Run Exhaust Fans – Cooking and showering can contribute to high humidity levels. Running exhaust fans avoids buildup of moisture throughout your home.
  • Monitor Outdoor Weather – Outdoor humidity will affect your home’s indoor humidity levels. When indoor humidity levels are high and outdoor humidity levels are low it is recommended to open your windows to circulate air and humidity throughout your home. If outdoor humidity levels are higher, it is essential to keep all windows closed as it may throw off levels in your home.
  • Home Dehumidifiers – Typically air conditioning units remove humidity from the air, but in some cases you may see that it takes longer to regulate indoor humidity. Home dehumidifiers can help with maintaining humidity levels alongside your A/C unit. With home dehumidifiers, you are able to set your ideal humidity level in your home and the system will help maintain the levels of moisture in your home.

If you have further questions on your home air quality, reach out to the experts at Bounds Heating & Air at 352-472-2761.

Houseplants That Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Think about the amount of time that you spend in your home. Now imagine the number of toxic compounds in your home that come from chemical-based cleaning products, air-fresheners, and other products. These are everyday household items that you typically don’t think twice about, but they can emit toxins that are detrimental to your health. Other indoor pollutants can stem from pollen, mold, bacteria, and more! These pollutants tend to be more harmful in small or poorly ventilated areas.

In the late 1980s, NASA conducted a study providing which plants the best help reduce indoor pollutants. Upon discovery, people began to see plants as more than just decor, but also as a home essential to help purify their air. Here are a few plants that you can add to your home to help filter out harmful elements and purify your air.

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant, also known as Chlorophytum comosum helps filter toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene which can be found in leather and rubber. The Spider Plant is also one of the easiest plants to care for and is pet-friendly.

Chinese Evergreen

If your home is exposed to minimal sunlight, the Chinese Evergreen plant is for you. This plant thrives in low light conditions and immediately begins to remove toxins from the air. Due to the plant’s tropical nature, they tend to flourish in low humidity. If you begin to experience browning of the leaves, simply mist the plant with water.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisies not only add a beautiful touch to your home, but they also serve as a purifier that removes benzene (which is a cancerous chemical). These daisies are also known to release oxygen overnight which helps improve your sleep patterns.

Areca Palm

Areca Palms not only purify the air by removing toxic elements, but they also release tons of moisture. This plant performs best in areas exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight and when watered regularly.

For more information on how to effectively remove toxins from your home’s air, call Bounds Heating & Air for expert advice at 352-472-2761.

The Benefits of HVAC Zoning

During the hot summer days here in Florida, you may find it difficult to keep the temperature in your home balanced. Whether you have a sitting room that is exposed to large amounts of sunlight and never stays cool or a room that is always too cold, you may be wondering how to find a balance in temperatures. This problem stems from a traditional HVAC system that uses one thermostat to regulate the temperature of your entire home. With traditional HVAC systems, you may find yourself turning the AC up too high or too low to accommodate that one area of your home that doesn’t maintain the same temperature as other rooms, which can also increase your bill.

Zoning systems, unlike traditional HVAC systems, allow for you to regulate temperatures in different rooms of your home or business. Typically with zoning systems, there are two or more thermostats placed in your home or business. These systems are commonly used in businesses or homes with multiple levels, rooms with high ceilings, home add-ons, or larger floor plans.

Zoned HVAC systems are typically composed of dampers, temperature controls for each zone, and a control panel. Dampers serve as a regulator that controls how much air passes through the ductwork at a time and redirects the airflow to needed areas in a room. Based on the set temperature on the temperature controller, it then communicates to the control panel which ducts to open to either cool or heat an area.

Other benefits that zoned HVAC systems offer when it comes to your home or business include:

Energy Efficiency

Zoning systems allow for you to set precise temperatures in different areas of your home, therefore you are no longer overcooling or overheating. The ability to control temperatures by zones helps reduce your monthly energy bills.

Comfortability

With the ability to control temperatures levels in different areas, you will be able to adjust to your liking.

Increased System Lifespan

Now that your HVAC system is only heating or cooling smaller zones it is no longer working as hard to maintain a balanced temperature, causing less wear and tear on HVAC parts.

Choosing the Best Air Filter for Your Home

Typically when people experience problems with their home air quality, they associate the issue with malfunctions within the HVAC system as a whole. Although, one thing that people tend to overlook is their air filter. Do you remember the last time you changed your air filter? Air filters serve as a barrier that prevents harmful debris, pollutants, pollen, and dust, from entering into your home. Depending on the amount of activity and or pets in your home, it is recommended to change your air filters every 60 to 90 days. Lack of replacing air filters in your home can lead to:

  • The increase of allergens and dust in your home, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, colds, and more!
  • Dirty ducts as the filter pump debris through your system and home.
  • Airflow blockage as the A/C isn’t able to maintain levels of airflow causing the system to malfunction, take longer to cool, and increase your home energy bill.

Now that you know the importance of changing your air filter, it’s time to pick the best one for your home. If you’ve ever gone shopping for an air filter, you may have noticed that there isn’t just one size fits all. The team at Bounds Heating and Air has compiled a few things to consider while you’re shopping.

Reference Your Manufacturer’s Instructions

Check out your manufacturer guidelines, here is will you will find suggested filters to use for your specific system in your home. One thing to pay special attention to when referencing your guide is the suggested air filter size. This is a spec that can not be altered, this will ensure that your filter is a perfect fit which allows it to function correctly for the safety of your home.

Disposable or Washable

Choosing a disposable or washable air filter is based on preference. Disposable air filters a convenient option as they can easily be disposed of and replaced. Washable air filters are known for their longevity, as they can be reused several times after each clean.

MERV Rating

The MERV rating, also known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value tells you the average efficiency of the air filter that you are looking to purchase. MERV rating range from 1 to 20.

  • MERV ratings 1 – 4 are primarily used to block larger debris from entering your home.
  • MERV rating 5 – 8 are known to filter up to 70% of dust, mold spores, and other particles.
  • MERV ratings 9 – 12 are one of the higher quality filters trapping up to 90% of debris and in-home pollutants.
  • MERV ratings 13 – 20 are typically used for commercial buildings and not for residential use, but they are known to filter airborne particles such as viruses and bacteria.

Now that you know how to shop for home air filters, another easy way to keep up with when to change your filters is by writing the date on the filter when it’s replaced. And if you are interested in finding out more information on air filters or how to improve your air quality, reach out to Bounds Heating and Air today!

How Cleaning Products Affect Your Air Quality

The summer is winding down and it’s time to go back to school! This is the time where you and your family are in the process of cleaning the house and getting things organized after an eventful summer. Typically people grab their favorite cleaning products to fight germs or dirt in their home without realizing the products toxic ingredients that become airborne affect your family’s health. Along with health effects, cleaning products can also affect your air quality but the team here at Bounds Heating & Air has listed a few primary ingredients to look out for.

When it comes to whitening clothes or disinfecting chances are you turn to bleach or products that contain bleach. Although, chlorine bleach is known to be the most corrosive chemical. Bleach releases gas fumes into your home air causing coughing, irritated eyes, throat, and nose.

Did you know ammonia is commonly found in bathroom, oven, drain, and window cleaners?  Once ammonia vaporizes, it becomes infused in your home air potentially causing kidney and liver damage. Typically this exposure can be made worse when mixed with other products containing chlorine bleach causing gas to form, and potentially irritating your skin, eyes, or lungs.

Fragrance chemicals can be found in everyday products such as aerosol cleaners, furniture polish, air fresheners, and much more. These products may leave a pleasant smell in your home, but leave a long-lasting effect on the respiratory system. For example, when an air freshener is sprayed it emits VOC’s which are volatile organic compounds into the air that potentially lead to asthma, dizziness, headaches, and eye irritation.

To avoid emitting toxic elements in your home air, make homemade non-toxic cleaning products or call Bounds Heating & Air a call at 352-472-2761 to learn more ways to improve your home’s air quality.

3 Ways to Make Your Family More Energy-Conscious

Families in Newberry, Florida, are no stranger to high utility bills, especially during the hot summers. It’s frustrating to pay such high utility bills when small changes could make a big difference. Spend some time making your family more energy-conscious to help the environment and save money.

Discuss Your Utility Bills

Showing your family the utility bills is one way to help them become more energy-conscious. Even your spouse might not realize the cost of wasting energy if you pay the bills every month. You could even challenge your family to help lower the bills next month by implementing small changes in the home. By showing them the tangible results of their actions, they might be more conscious while they are home.

Switch It Off Sundays

Pick a day of the week to switch everything off. Although your family might gripe initially, it could turn into a fun way to spend time together instead of staring at screens all day. Try to keep as much electricity turned off during that chosen day. You might grill outside instead of using the stove. Buy board games or cards to fill the time that would be spent in front of the TV. Plan a picnic or head to a park to get some fresh air. You might be surprised how easy it is to switch off the electronics when you make an effort to do it.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

An old-school thermostat makes it easy to swing the temperatures dramatically without thinking twice. Upgrade your thermostat and teach your family how to program it. Keep the temperature lower at night in the winter and provide heavier blankets for your family. Ask your family not to change the thermostat more than two degrees without special permission. A digital, programmable thermostat makes it easier to keep the temperature in your house stable instead of creating large energy-draining swings.

If you are seeing high utility bills, a preventative maintenance agreement or updated system could help. Contact Bounds Heating and Air at 352-472-2761 to speak to an experienced professional today.

Newberry
25645 West
Newberry Road
Newberry, FL 32669
Map & Directions

Phone Number
352-472-2761

Gainesville
3205 Southwest
40th Boulevard, Ste A
Gainesville, FL 32607
Map & Directions

License Number
CA-CO57642