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 It is also worth noting that air conditioning units over a decade old contain outdated Freon that is harmful to the environment.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.

What Is Blower Door Testing, and Why Is It Important?

Over the years, there has been an increasing demand for ensuring energy efficiency in new builds and structures, reflecting the consciousness to mitigate the climate crisis. One such step is blower door testing, which has become common practice in many parts of the world, including the US and much of Europe. In this article, we’ll explore what this test measures, why it is important, and how it is conducted.

Definition and Overview
Blower door testing measures a building’s airtightness. It involves using a powerful fan mounted on the exterior door frame to pressurize or depressurize the building. This allows air to flow through any gaps or leaks in the structure, helping identify air leaks and hot and cold spots.

This diagnostic procedure is usually conducted at the end of the building process or as part of an energy audit. Through this test, you can detect uncontrolled outdoor air infiltration and indoor air exfiltration and take corrective measures.

Benefits of the Test
This test provides several advantages, including increased energy efficiency, better indoor air quality, and improved building durability. By addressing the air leaks identified during the blower door testing, you reduce energy waste and costs and ensure the indoor temperature is more balanced and optimal.

Additionally, an airtight space helps reduce moisture and mold growth, preventing structural damage, decay, and rot.

Summary of the Testing Process
A qualified HVAC specialist performs the test following these steps:

Pre-Test Preparation: The technician evaluates whether it is safe to conduct the test. Interior doors and windows are closed, and all vents and exhaust fans are sealed.

Setup and Calibration: The blower door fan is mounted to the frame of the main exterior door. Once this is secure, the fan is calibrated to measure the pressure of the structure from the outside.

Use of the Blower Door Fan: The fan is used to draw air out of the building envelope to create a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the structure. Pressure and airflow are measured during this phase.

Air Leak Detection: The technician investigates the location, size, and severity of air leaks through various techniques.

Post-Test Review: After the test is completed, a report is produced for the property owner’s reference to address the identified issues.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With Our Help
Turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida to improve your property’s indoor air quality and comfort and help you reduce energy waste. We offer a range of HVAC services, which include maintenance, repair, and testing. Contact us today for a consultation or to book an appointment.

How the Summer Heat Affects Your Air-Conditioning System

Air-conditioning systems are designed to handle high temperatures, but operating at maximum capacity, especially during hot days, affects the unit’s performance and longevity. Let’s explore what happens when the outdoor temperature is high and you use your AC:

Energy Consumption Increases
On warmer days, your air-conditioning will work harder to capture the heat inside your home and send it to the outdoor condensing unit. This process of transferring indoor heat outside to cool your home puts extra strain on the unit. Thus, prolonged use during extreme heat can lead to malfunction or breakdown. Increased consumption also means higher energy bills.

Unit Efficiency Is Reduced
An AC unit operating at maximum capacity may struggle to maintain the indoor temperature that you want, causing it to run longer and work harder. As a result, the air-conditioning system’s lifespan might become shorter due to the increased wear and tear.

The System Can Overheat
Because of their heat exchange process, cooling systems work best when the temperatures of the indoor and outdoor environments are around the same. So, when it keeps getting hotter outside, your AC works overtime to get rid of all the warm air inside. Continuous operations can lead to the system malfunctioning, failing, or shutting down.

Air Filters and Fans Get Clogged Easily
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate faster in the air filters in hot weather. If the filters and fans remain clogged, air won’t circulate properly, so the unit will work harder to collect warm air inside and bring it away from your home.

What Can You Do To Ensure Your AC Works Smoothly?
Cooling systems are essential during summer, helping us stay comfortable indoors. You need not worry about using them for as long as you need or want, but proper upkeep is crucial to avoid breakdowns and system failures. This means utilizing the expertise of HVAC professionals, from regular unit checkups to cleaning and preventative maintenance.

Turn to Bounds Heating & Air for Your HVAC Needs
No matter the season, you can rely on our team to help you ensure that your home has a high-performing and efficient heating and cooling system. Located in Gainesville, Florida, we provide various HVAC services, including repairs, installation, and maintenance. Contact us today to get a quote or book an appointment.

Choosing a New Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home

If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner, with so many details to think about and options to choose from, the task can be overwhelming. This is why we created this short guide: to make it easier for you to break down what factors need to be considered before you make a purchase. After all, a new air conditioning unit is a big investment, so it’s vital that you make the right choice.

Size of the Unit

When considering air conditioning units, size plays a crucial role. A unit that’s too small will struggle to effectively cool your home, while an oversized one may cycle on and off frequently, resulting in higher energy consumption and potential wear and tear.

It’s advisable to seek guidance from a professional HVAC technician to determine the appropriate unit size for your home, factoring in variables such as square footage, insulation, and climate.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the specific dimensions of the room or space that the new unit will cool, including ceiling height and window count. Rooms with higher ceilings and more windows will require an air conditioning unit with greater cooling capacity to maintain optimal temperature levels.

Type of AC Unit or System

You can choose from different types of air conditioning units and systems, depending on your lifestyle and needs. These include:

1. Mini-Split System: This is a compact, versatile, and efficient HVAC unit that addresses both heating and cooling requirements. It has two primary components: an outdoor and an indoor unit.
2. Central AC: This is connected directly to your furnace and ductwork, providing consistent cooling throughout all rooms in your house. It is good at removing humidity from the air.
3. Portable AC: This can be moved from one space to another as needed, making it a convenient solution for spot cooling. Do note that it is most effective in cooling smaller areas, and it produces noise when in use.

Features

Identify or list down the features that you want in your new air conditioning unit. Some common ones are sound performance, energy-saving mode, and humidity management.

Energy Efficiency

Prioritizing efficiency is paramount when choosing an air conditioning unit. Seek out models with impressive SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, as they offer superior cooling perfomance while consuming less energy. Opting for an energy-efficient unit not only leads to cost savings on utility bills but also contributes to reducing your carbon footprint.

Warranty

It’s important to check the warranty details of the unit you will purchase. This is to make sure that you get adequate coverage for any issues or problems you may have with your new AC system.

Bounds Heating & Air Will Handle Your Air Conditioning Needs

If you need help selecting the best AC system for your home or place of business, reach out to us, and we will be more than happy to assist you. We are knowledgeable and experienced with all makes and models of equipment, and we also provide AC installation and replacement services in and around Gainesville, Florida.

Some Essential Summer AC Prep Tips

The summer season means hotter and more humid days, especially in areas like Florida. This is why having an air-conditioning unit is essential for many households and establishments. To ensure the reliability and efficiency of your cooling system, you should always make sure that it’s ready for the hottest months of the year. Here are some summer AC preparation tips to avoid any potential issues with your unit:

Clean and Replace Your Filters As Needed
Different HVAC systems will vary in their need for cleaning and replacement. Reusable filters, for instance, should be frequently cleaned, especially if you have allergies or pets. Other types of filters require annual cleaning and replacement, some biannually. The size and dimension of your filter, as well as the level of filtration needed, will also depend on the type of unit that you have.

Inspect Your Vents and Ducts
Ensuring your ducts and vents are dirt- and clog-free will keep your HVAC running smoothly and efficiently. You should check for accumulated dirt, dust, hair, fur, or any other type of debris and remove them so air can flow freely. If you are a homeowner or business owner taking care of the AC upkeep yourself, you can conveniently use your vacuum for a quick fix.

Check Your Unit’s Exterior and Location
AC systems with condensers and parts located outdoors need to be checked and cleaned, too, as they could be covered with leaves, branches, and debris, which could affect their function. For good measure, keep the space around your outdoor unit clear for at least two feet to lower the likelihood of debris getting inside and causing issues.

Schedule an AC Maintenance Service
While regular checkups and basic cleaning go a long way toward maintaining the excellent condition of your cooling system, the work of professional technicians is still crucial. Apart from having the right tools and equipment for tune-ups and thorough cleaning, they can identify potential problems, detect leaks and damage, do repairs, and provide long-term solutions.

The benefits of regular maintenance include:

Increased efficiency: Dirty, overworked HVAC systems have to work much harder and use much more energy to adequately cool a home. By maintaining all necessary components, your HVAC systems don’t need to work nearly as hard, which means they consume less energy.
Lower energy bills: Routine maintenance increases your system’s efficiency, which lowers your energy bills.
Reduced chance of breakdowns: Maintenance allows a service professional to identify and take care of any problem areas with your system, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected breakdowns in the future.
Longer-lasting equipment: Routine maintenance can double the lifespan of your HVAC systems by keeping them in the best condition possible.
Improved air quality: Improved airflow, clean ducts, and new filters all make for a home full of fresh, clean air.
Enhanced comfort: Say goodbye to reduced airflow, malfunctioning parts, and leaking ducts when you have a service professional maintaining your system. Maintenance ensures each room in your home is evenly cooled or heated.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your HVAC systems are properly cared for and prepared to keep your home comfortable all year long helps you rest easier.

Keep Your Home or Workplace Cool and Comfortable All Summerlong
Follow these simple steps to prepare your AC for summer. Should you need help troubleshooting and resolving any problem with your air conditioner, do not hesitate to reach out to Bounds Heating & Air. We provide a range of AC services to clients in and around Gainesville, Florida.

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What Are the Signs You Need HVAC Replacement?