What You Need To Know About HVAC Ductwork and Maintenance

The air ducts in your home work all year round, carrying warm or cold air from your HVAC unit, depending on the season. For your heating and cooling system to operate effectively and efficiently and keep your space comfortable, high-quality HVAC ductwork is crucial. Let’s look at the important role of ducts in your overall HVAC system and why their routine maintenance is vital.

The Role of HVAC Ductwork
Ducts are a crucial HVAC component, as they distribute the air throughout your space, helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature and good air quality. However, once the ducts start having issues, your heating and cooling system will have to work significantly harder to do its job.

For example, if the ducts leak even just 20% of the air that passes through, the entire system will have to work 50% harder. This results in increased energy consumption, higher bills, and faster wear and tear of your system.

Optimizing Your HVAC System Through Ductwork Maintenance
When you have clean, sealed, and well-maintained ducts, no air escapes and you have better indoor air quality since no contaminants, such as dust and pollen, enter the airflow. These are achieved through proper and regular duct care and upkeep.

Here’s a checklist of the essential things that need to be ensured during air duct maintenance:

Sealed Ductwork: An inspection must be performed by a professional to check for leaks as well as any other damage or issues.
Blocked or Obstructed Vents and Ducts: If there are rooms in your house with a different temperature, vents and ducts should be checked for anything that might be obstructing airflow, such as furniture or decor.
Clean Air Ducts and Vent Covers: Over time, dust and debris will accumulate in the ductwork, so they must be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Vent covers must also be cleaned or replaced as needed.
Air Filter Inspection or Replacement: For best performance, your air filter must be regularly replaced. It is recommended that you use the filter that is most compatible with your system, which you can check through the model number of your HVAC unit.

Maintain Your HVAC System for a Healthier Home Environment
Achieve excellent indoor air quality with the help of Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida. We will keep your ductwork and entire HVAC system in great condition with our maintenance and repair services. To learn more about what we do, feel free to get in touch with us.

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.

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.

What Are the Signs You Need HVAC Replacement?

Your HVAC system is a big investment that you would naturally want to maximize its use of. However, no matter how durable, high-quality, and well-maintained your system is, it would need to be replaced at one point to maintain energy efficiency and good indoor air quality. But how do you know when it’s time to do so? Here are some signs to look out for that signal it’s time for an HVAC replacement.

Your Current System Is More Than 10 Years Old
The major components of an HVAC system start to deteriorate after around 10 years, although this also depends on usage and maintenance. This means your system will no longer function optimally, reducing energy efficiency. It is also worth noting that air conditioning units over a decade old contain outdated Freon that is harmful to the environment.

Repair Costs Are Piling Up
Older units and systems will require more repairs over the years. If you find yourself paying for repair services more frequently, including replacing major parts, start computing the costs. Once the expenses exceed half the cost of a new system, it’s more cost-effective to put your money in a new one.

Your Energy Bills Are Unusually High
As the seasons change, it is typical for your energy bill to fluctuate, but it should remain relatively the same as the previous year. If you notice a higher energy bill than usual for that period, it might mean your HVAC system is not working as properly and efficiently as it should. It either needs service or replacement altogether.

There Are Temperature Inconsistencies or Issues in Your Space
Issues with maintaining a consistent temperature in your indoor space include feeling always a little too hot or too cold. Possible causes might be a maintenance issue, such as clogged filters or a damaged thermostat, or an HVAC system that has become inefficient and weak to function properly.

You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality
Signs of poor indoor quality include the presence of mold, mildew, dust, and unusual humidity levels in your space. This is because a damaged heating or cooling unit leads to inadequate ventilation.

Turn to Us for AC or Heater Installation and Replacement
Upgrade your HVAC system with the help of Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida, and keep your energy bills low and your indoor space safe and comfortable. We provide a range of HVAC services with various financing options. Contact us today to learn more.

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How To Maximize Your Smart Thermostat During Winter

What Are the Signs You Need HVAC Replacement?