Heat Pumps versus Central Heating Systems – Which One is Right for You?

If you are building a new home or simply updating the heating and air conditioning system in the one you have, there are many options on the table for you. Central heating and air conditions are one choice, then there are individual air conditioning units, portable heaters, and of course, heat pumps. Most people want a unit that offers temperature control in all of their rooms, which leaves central systems and heat pumps as the most likely options. But which one is the best choice?

The real answer to that question is that there is no answer. The decision between central heating systems and heat pumps comes down to several factors, and there is no one right choice for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of each kind of system to weigh up before you make your decision about which kind of system to get.

First up, heat pumps: the most attractive thing about heat pumps for many people is the cost. Heat pumps offer heating and cooling in one single unit, which means that not only do you only have to shell out for one single unit when it comes time to purchase the system but you only have to maintain one single unit over the life of its use, so the overall operating costs are lower. Likewise, heat pumps cost less to operate on a daily basis. Heat pumps work with the existing heat in the air, so there is no artificial heating or cooling of the air was with central heating systems. Your electric bills will be lower, and the impact on the environment is less as well.

There are some downsides to heat pumps, however. They are not for people who live in places with temperature extremes. Most experts recommend that people who live in environments with temperatures that frequently go below 40 degrees in the winter or over 85 degrees in the summer. Because the heat pump can only work by drawing heat out of the air in the winter and pulling it out of your home in the summer, it can't work hard enough to keep up with those temperature extremes.

If you live someplace with temperature extremes, then a central heating and cooling system is the right choice for you. It can keep up effectively with the temperature extremes and will keep you more comfortable.

The downside to central systems is that they are more expensive. You need a separate heating and cooling unit, which means a bigger cost upfront and higher maintenance cost over the life of the system. Because central systems artificially heat and cool the air, they are more expensive to run on a daily basis.

You have to evaluate your individual needs before deciding which system is right for you. Then give Air Professionals a call for a quote on installing your heating system or heat pump.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Can a Heat Pump Save You Money?

The cost of heating and cooling a home can be extreme. In many cases, the cost is downright prohibitive and many families end up having to go cold in the winter because the bills are just too expensive. Whether your heating is electric based or you have a gas furnace system, energy costs in general have gone through the roof in recent years and paying these bills has never been more difficult.

Some people believe that the solution to soaring energy costs is a heat pump system. Heat pumps generally cost less to operate than central heating and cooling systems, so many people believe they are the way to go. But is it true? Can a heat pump really help you keep more money in your pocket every month when it comes to your energy bill?

First, let's consider how heat pumps work and why they are less expensive. In the beginning, a heat pump cost less to install then a central heating and cooling service. Heat pumps heat and cool with a single unit, while central heating and central cooling are each a separate unit. Clearly, purchasing and installing one unit rather than two saves money. During the operating life of the system, heat pumps also cost less because there is less equipment to maintain.

The real savings come into play when you consider how a heat pump works. When you have a central heating system, that system takes air, then uses gas or electricity to warm that air, then expels it into your home. The same holds true for a central air system. The air is cooled through some method that requires the expenditure of energy, and then it is pumped into your home, cooling the temperate by adding cool air to the air already in your home.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, work with the heat that is naturally present in the air. Although you may not be able to feel it, there is hot air constantly present in the environment, even on the coldest of days. Heat pumps take that warm air from the outside and pump it into your home. There is no artificial heating process, so there is less energy expenditure. In the summer, the heat pump takes the hot air that is inside your home and funnels it outside, cooling the air inside by removing the heat from it rather than cooling the air artificially.

In these ways, a heat pump can reduce your energy expenditure – on average, a few hundred dollars per year. However, this only holds true if you live in a moderate temperature zone like Myrtle Beach. Otherwise, a heat pump will not provide adequate heating and cooling.

Heat pumps can save money for people in the right climate. Otherwise, switching to a heat pump is a false economy. The best way to determine of a heat pump is right for you is to call a HVAC professional.

Call Air Professionals of SC whether you are considering a heat pump or need heat pump maintenance.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

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Heat Pump Installation: How to Hire the Right Installer for the Job

If you live in Myrtle Beach, a heat pump is a necessity and making the investment in a heat pump is an important decision for any homeowner. Heat pumps can save you money in the long run, however, the initial investment is a big out of pocket expense. For that reason, it is absolutely critical that you choose a qualified and reputable HVAC contractor to handle the installation and setup. Hiring a contractor who's not up to the installation project and who does sloppy work could set you up for years of unnecessary headache and out-of-pocket expenses. But how do you find the right person for the job?

Here is what you need to know about choosing a local HVAC contractor to handle the installation project for a new heat pump.

Like most types of contractors and service workers you hire for jobs in your home, word of mouth is the best way to find person you can trust. Try calling your friends and neighbors and ask about their experiences. Did they work with a contractor who blew them away with their professionalism and hard work? Did they work with someone who ruined the job and left them high and dry? You can't simply look for the contracting company whose name you have heard the most- that doesn't mean anything. Do your homework and look for real life references from some real life clients. If you can't find anyone who has worked with a contractor, ask the contractor to provide some recommendations themselves. Any contractor worth their salt can and will provide these.

Another thing to look for in a heat pump installer is what they are going to do for you. You don't want someone who is just going to turn up and “plug it in” as it were. What you want is a contractor who is there to do a thorough investigation of your home and work with you every step of the process. Your HVAVC contractor should help you pick out the right sizing and model heat pump for you home and walk you through the pros and cons of various types of models. They should also discuss installation with you and give you an idea of how a heat pump would differ from central heating and air- and whether the heat pump is a good option for your property. Your contactor should be able to help you figure out how long it will take for your energy cost savings to offset in the cost of your new heat pump.

Your contractor should also be able to give you a quote for the job that they are willing to guarantee, or at least ensure within a certain framework, i.e ., the cost of the job will not exceed the quote by 10%. Likewise, they should be able to explain exactly how long the installation process will take.

Air Professionals of SC have over 20 years of experience with heat pump installation. They can help you decide the best alternative for your home.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Secret HVAC Upkeep Tips for Fall and Winter

The weather will turn cooler – eventually – and your heating, cooling and ventilation  (HVAC) system becomes the most important appliance in your home. However if it's running badly, that means less comfort and higher energy bills for Myrtle Beach homeowners. The biggest energy expenditure for homeowners is usually heating your house and producing warm water, so you can ensure your house heating bill remains as sensible as possible by supporting your heating and cooling system and keeping it running properly.

Make it a point to do these preventative steps in the fall to help your HVAC system run efficiently throughout the winter. This way, you can conserve money to be enjoyed in other ways throughout the holiday.

Clean the Vents and Change the Air Filter

Replacing the air filter on a monthly basis is among the most important things you can do to support your HVAC system. It's also among the simplest. The filter should be examined every month and changed if it is dirty. Filters ought to be replaced at least every three months – no matter what. Stay up to date with this basic job by picking a routine day to examine the filter, such as the first or last day of the month.

The very same day the filter is changed is also a good time to travel around the house and vacuum off the air vents. This keeps them tidy and allows warm air to stream freely, relieving temperature levels throughout the home.

Have It Inspected

Annual service of your HVAC system ensures it runs appropriately. Homeowners must have the system checked in the fall to best prepare it for the demands of winter. Air Professionals of SC has service packages just for this purpose.

If Your A/C System is Ancient, Replace It

Changing the house's HVAC system is an expensive proposition, however if your system is old and ineffective, the added convenience and monetary benefits of a new system can be very real. Is your heat pump more than 10 years old? Then you need to ask your local HVAC professional to check your system. Replacing it with an Energy Star design might minimize your house's yearly energy costs by as much as 30 percent, per EnergyStar.gov.

Sufficiently Insulate the Attic

Adding more insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to help your system to operate at its peak performance and to decrease energy bills. Consider hiring a home improvement company to add insulation that will keep warm air in during the winter months. This will help your HVAC unit to run less frequently and still maintain a desired temperature in your home. According to EnergyStar.gov, a basic visual test can be conducted to determine if more insulation is needed. The insulation should hide the floor joists from view.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

The right temperature level inside a home depends mostly on who is there at the time, when no one is in the home, the ideal temperature level can be considerably lower than a standard “living area” temperature level. Many Myrtle Beach homeowners nevertheless fail to change their thermostats when they leave their house because they don't want to return to a cold home or they simply forget.

Installing a programmable thermostat in your home gets rid of these issues completely. This technology enables you to set the temperature in your house for each hour of the day, and it will keep to that schedule 24/7. Plus, depending upon the unit (like Nest, for instance!) you can even adjust the temperature from your smartphone, suggesting you can modify the settings of your house thermostat wherever and whenever you might be.

Call Air Professionals of SC to schedule a time to review your HVAC system and make a recommendation for maintenance before the winter winds blow.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Checklist for Working with a Cooling and Heating Professional

When your cooling and heating system is on the fritz, or when you are planning to make upgrades or replace your system, you may consider calling a heating and cooling expert.

A heating and cooling professional can make repairs to your existing unit, assist with upgrades, or set up a brand-new unit. When selecting someone to come aid you with these kinds of tasks, you want to guarantee that you hire an expert who will get the job done correctly and within a timely way.

1. Ask Around

Talk about suggestions with your pals and next-door neighbors to discover somebody with a great working reputation. 9 times out of 10, a specialist or expert you discover through word of mouth and experience will be much better than someone you just find in a phonebook.

If you have no idea anyone with an excellent recommendation, try service related referral websites such as Myrtle Beach Home Services. These are trustworthy sites where actual consumers have the ability to rate their experiences, leave remarks about their service, and make recommendations.

2. Do Your Research

When you discover an excellent suggestion, do your research and look them up. A fairly easy web search can bring up any complaints or poor feedback. It is also a smart idea ask for references and then follow up with a phone call to ask about the service provider.

3. Request for Qualifications

An excellent professional in any field must have their credentials on hand. For a cooling and heating professional, this suggests that they are certified and insured. A great deal of expert specialists in the cooling and heating service will also come from specialized trade companies such as the A/c Specialists of America (ACCA).

4. Preparation Work

Before any work is physically done, the heating and cooling professional you pick should come out to examine and examine the work that needs to be achieved. After examining the situation, she or he must have the ability to give you a detailed list of the work that has to be done, the length of time it will take, and what it will cost you.

You should get a written price quote from the professional prior to they ever start work on any project. A real professional expert will have you sign a contract after the estimate is decided upon.

5. Save A Little

When you are trying to find a cooling and heating specialist and discover a few that you might like, look for special offers or discount coupons. Working with a professional specialist to do anything, even just making repairs, can be costly. Be clever and look for deals, however don't cut corners at the same time.

If you look for good suggestions and do your homework, you can discover an expert for all your cooling and heating requirements. Follow this list and you can find somebody that is professional and reputable.

Air Professionals of SC is your local heating and cooling specialist. We can assist with repairs to your existing HVAC unit or installing a new unit. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

HVAC Inspection & Repair by the Season

It's important to maintain your HAVC system by remembering to do preventative repair for each season. If you have a HVAC system that keeps your home the right temperature year around it's important to keep in mind the different seasons when inspecting your HVAC to make sure it will work for the season.

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to your HVAC unit, including: The age of the system, whether it currently works to capacity, the last time you changed your air filter and much more. If your system is not keeping your home at a comfortable temperature it's time to call in a professional who will know what to look for.

* Spring - When the first days of spring are upon you it's time to check that your air conditioning system is ready for the season. This involves an AC tune up. The professional will ensure that the AC is in good working order before the hottest days of the summer are upon you.

* Summer - It's important to change the filter monthly, especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies, but even more important to change it after Spring, moving into summer. Check that air flow is correct, tighten any electrical connections, and monitor refrigerant pressure. Don't forget to clean your condensate drain.

* Fall –– When fall is upon you it's time to get another tune up but this time with heating your home in mind. Check thermostat calibration, clean the furnace burner assembly, and check again for proper air flow and change the filter. Both Spring and Fall are high allergy times and you want to remove allergens that can make your family uncomfortable. Also, be sure to measure the temperature difference between supply air and return air.

* Winter - Now that winter is upon you, again, ensure that you've changed all filters, tightened all electrical components and lubricated all moving parts. Double check equipment condition area and clearance from debris to avoid furnace fires. A lot of HVAC units are in closets that also end up as storage repositories, ensure that there is plenty of clearance to avoid fire hazards.

Every season pay attention to whether or not your system is making noises that it shouldn't, whether there are smells that you don't want there, and other issues that can affect performance. Your HVAC professional offers packages for Winter and Summer tune ups to help make the most out of your HVAC system, keeping you and your family cool or warm as the case may be. It's important to have regular maintenance before problems begin and definitely alert your professional to any differences that you've noticed in your HVAC's performance.

The days are starting to get cooler – finally! Now is a great time to have the heating and cooling specialist at Air Professionals of SC go over your HVAC system and make sure it is ready for cooler weather. Call us today to schedule a convenient time.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

‪(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/