Squeezing More Life From Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system represents a substantial investment in your comfort and health — it only makes sense that you want your system to last for as long as possible.

According to the United States Department of Energy, most HVAC solutions last for approximately fifteen years — at which point, they usually need replacing due to breakdown, performance loss, or change in industry standards. That doesn’t mean you can’t prolong the vitality and performance of your system, by taking good care of it. Knowing the right steps for caring for your HVAC system can help to delay replacement, and save your hard-earned money.

1. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

It’s unrealistic to assume you can turn on your unit at the beginning of every year, run it non-stop, and expect it to continue working forever. In any mechanical system, parts will eventually break down and need to be replaced — and it’s best to catch potential problems before they mutate into serious issues.
Scheduling preventive maintenance for your HVAC system is one of the easiest, and most effective, ways to prolong its lifespan. A simple inspection and tune-up can be enough to prevent (and correct) a variety of problems; such as leaky ducts, failing parts, and even low refrigerant levels. System check-ups for a HVAC system should include an inspection of the thermostat, controls, electrical connections, and blower. Getting your system checked on a frequent basis doesn’t take long, and can save you from increased energy bills and failure risks.

2. Replace Air Filters Regularly

Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is another important measure you can take to preserve the system’s lifespan. A clean air filter is essential for keeping unwanted particles out of the system — while also helping the AC and furnace run more efficiently, because they don’t need to strain in order to cool, or heat. Depending on the air filter you use, a dense, pleated option may even be able to capture small particles, improving your overall air quality.
Filters that are clogged with debris, pet hair, and dust make your system work significantly harder. Determining how often to change your filters will depend on the type of filters you use; but many experts recommend replacing them every 90-days or so. If you’re unsure, check your filter each month — if it looks dirty, buy a new one.

3. Keep Everything Clean

Just as it’s important to keep your filters free of dust and debris, it’s also crucial to get your systems cleaned at the start of each season; otherwise a buildup of dirt can damage their performance. Getting this cleaning session out of the way early will help you catch any problems, before they grow too significant. When cleaning the full system, check the passages to and from the HVAC, for excessive dust that might cause the unit to work harder than it should.
It’s also beneficial to contact an expert, to have the coils and compressors within the HVAC system professionally cleaned. A professional cleaning will ensure that your unit works as good as new — and avoids the risk of incorrectly cleaning it on your own.

4. Support Proper Air Circulation

The more obstructions around the vents of your HVAC system, the harder the unit has to work to circulate air throughout your property. Keep all of the interior doors of your property open, to ensure proper airflow — but make sure you don’t leave your windows open, as this can waste all of the energy your HVAC uses.
Clear furniture and other items away from the registers, grills, and vents; so that air can move freely through the atmosphere. If your HVAC is outside, trim bushes, leaves, and grass so as not to encroach on the system. The more you promote good airflow, the easier your HVAC system’s job will be — and you may also lower moisture accumulation in the home, reducing your risk of exposure to mold and bacteria.

5. Give Your Unit a Break

Just like any mechanical system, your HVAC needs time to recuperate, so it doesn’t wear itself out too quickly. You can support your unit, and give it some downtime, by turning it off when you leave the house — or using fans in the floor and ceiling, when the weather is cooler. Using drapes to maintain temperature, or opening the windows once in a while, can offer some much-needed rest to a hardworking system. Even installing a programmable thermostat can be helpful in reducing the amount of stress on your HVAC system.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Just like any machine, taking care of your HVAC system properly will ensure that it provides you with optimum temperature control for as long as possible. The more you do to maintain your HVAC unit, the less you’ll need to worry about achieving home comfort — and keeping your energy bill under control.

The History of Trane

It’s safe to say that most homes across America today have some form of air conditioning — whether it’s a basic window unit, or a more comprehensive temperature control system. For most people, it’s a necessity for maintaining good health and comfort throughout all seasons of the year.

The earliest documented interest in air conditioning in the U.S. took place in 1758, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that cooling systems were actually introduced. Founded in 1885, right as the concept of air conditioning was gaining traction, the Trane brand has played an important role in the history, innovation, and evolution of air conditioning systems; which makes them an essential company to consider when looking for your own temperature control solutions.

The story of the Trane brand begins in 1864, when James Trane — founder of the company — emigrated to La Crosse, Wisconsin, from Norway. After a career in the plumbing industry, Trane chose to open his own store in 1885; he built a reputation for high quality service before he even made the move to air conditioning. Because the winters in Wisconsin could be brutal, Trane invented a new approach to low-pressure heating, known as the “Trane Vapor Heating System” — and when his son Reuben graduated college with a degree in mechanical engineering, the two joined forces to begin manufacturing operations. They established themselves as the Trane Company in 1913.

The Trane Company emerged as a pioneer in the innovative field of air conditioning, introducing previously unheard-of approaches to temperature control — such as the Trane Unit Cooler, which blew air over coils full of well water. Years later, the Turbovac became the world’s first hermetic centrifugal refrigeration machine; altering the foundations of the industry when it came to large-scale conditioning systems. These early innovations lead to the production of the industry-leading conditioner, the CenTraVac — which is still the most reliable, low-emission, high-efficiency product on the market.

Today, the brand maintains a significant worldwide presence, with Trane facilities for HVAC manufacturing in 29 locations across the globe. A century later, this company still focuses on the values that characterized Trane’s first business, so long ago.

Trane Products

Trane offers a diverse range of products for businesses and homeowners alike; with heating and cooling systems designed to exceed expectations, over years of consistent use. Consumers can choose from a number of options for Trane products, to find the perfect tailor-made temperature control solution for their needs.

Some products include:

Air conditioners: Trane offers a range of air conditioning options from the economical XB300, to the high-efficiency XL20i. Each unit comes with a full warranty, designed to provide consumers with a comfortable home or commercial property, all year round.

Air handlers: Designed to circulate and condition the air for better quality, Trane air handlers vary their speed according to specific heating and cooling technology; using the latest in smart technology.

Gas and Oil Furnaces: Trane produces both oil and gas furnaces in various efficiencies, from 80 to 97.3% AFUE. The current top-of-the-line furnace is the XC95m, which is a fully-modulating gas unit capable of self-calibration.

Packaged systems: Trane packaged systems maximize the efficiency of two robust machines in a single unit. Consumers can choose from gas/electric solutions, all-electric, or Hybrid systems for an eco-friendly spin.

Heat Pumps: Trane offers some of the most impressive heat pumps around, including the XL20i, rated at 9.0 HSPF; and 19 SEER, with dual heating and cooling solutions.

Ductless Systems: The brand also offers reliable cooling and heating via ductless systems, built for superior comfort and aesthetic effect.

Why Buy Trane Solutions?

The Trane brand focuses on delivering high-efficiency, high-reliability products to its consumers. Not only did their CenTraVac chiller receive the EPA climate protection award; but the company also produces the Tracer software — designed to monitor the environmental efficiency of large buildings.

Beyond environmental awareness, Trane also offers impeccable reliability — each product delivers sustainability, and is rated highly by consumer reports. As long as the instructions are followed with Trane products, each consumer will receive a warranty that covers most issues that may occur with a unit in the first ten years. What’s more, Trane uses its very own comprehensive testing system to ensure ultimate performance.

Ruud – A Pioneer in Heating and Cooling

It’s difficult to imagine a time before on-demand heating and cooling systems allowed us to control temperature in a home, a business, or a huge property. A report published by EIA found that almost 100 million homes had air conditioning in 2011. Most of us take our intuitively-designed heating and cooling systems for granted – we expect our heating systems to reliably keep us warm during the winter, and depend on air conditioning to stay cool in the summer.

The reliability of our heating and cooling systems depends on finding a trustworthy and efficient brand. Known across the United States for their dependability, Ruud has been introducing innovative solutions to temperature control since the 1950’s, and still supplies the same high-quality service today.

The History of Ruud

Before the founder of Ruud products, Edwin Ruud, began implementing new and exciting concepts in America, many of the most affluent citizens still didn’t know the luxury of accessing hot, running water on demand. In the 1880’s, Ruud was working for an industrialist called George Westinghouse, and during that time that he began to build the very first automatic tank gas water heater. After a while, Ruud purchased the rights to his creation, prompting him to develop his own company around 1897 – a brand devoted to the development of water heating systems.

From the very beginning of his career, Ruud made an impact on the lifestyle of the average American that forever changed the way we think about water heating. A pioneer in his field, Ruud gradually expanded his innovation into the realm of cooling and heating systems during the 1950’s. Since then, the Ruud brand has evolved to become one of the most popular producers of heating, water heating, and cooling products in America – for both commercial and residential use. What’s more impressive is that the brand has maintained a constant grade of quality throughout the years, committing themselves to the creation of efficient and durable equipment.

Ruud Products

Products available in the Ruud line for heating and cooling include:

Air Conditioner Units – The popular solution for adjusting and maintaining air temperature within homes and commercial properties.

Package Units – An all-in-one system for cooling and heating, designed for homes that don’t have much room for a coil and furnace, or an air handler. Package units are usually situated outside of the property.

Heat Pumps – Devices for transferring heat around a home or property using mechanical energy.

Indoor Air Quality Systems – Solutions for cleaning and filtering the air within a property to remove pollutants and deliver healthier air.

Gas Furnaces – Heating components used to convert gas into heat.

Thermostats and Controls – Systems that allow consumers to personally choose and manage the temperature within a space or property.

Air Handlers – Systems that distribute conditioned air through the ductwork of a larger building.

Cooling Coils – Devices used to cool materials as they move through a coil.

Why Buy Ruud Products?

Today, Ruud is an industry leader in cooling and heating solutions. Each Ruud product meets and exceeds high industry standards for reliability and quality. From the delivery of raw materials to the finished product, every step in the manufacturing process is monitored for impeccable results. Ruud products are often certified and tested by third-party labs and corporations, too.

Consumers appreciate the Ruud brand because of their:

1. Warranty – Ruud provides a ten-year warranty on most products, and ultra-series products can come with a total unit replacement warranty at no further cost.

2. Two Stage Technology – Ruud provides systems that function as two-in-one, cooling the home efficiently on both normal temperature and hot days.

3. Efficiency – Ruud’s dedication to energy-efficient HVAC equipment is proven by their connection with Energy Star, an organization that promotes high energy-efficient guidelines.

4. Reliability – In 2009, Consumer Research magazine published a study that rated Ruud products as number one for reliability – with the fewest repairs and serious problems out of all brands.

The History of Carrier

Approximately 87% of American households use air conditioning units, and these devices are actually more popular than garages, dining rooms, and dishwashers. Providing a way for homeowners to manage and maintain the temperature of their home, Air conditioning systems make life more comfortable for the masses.

Carrier, the company behind the birth of the modern air conditioner, is credited for giving the world some of the most innovative products it has ever seen in regards to home comfort. In fact, from the initial invention in 1902, Carrier have been consistently setting the standard for effective and efficient cooling systems across the United States. When you combine incredible performance with dedicated customer service, it’s no surprise that Carrier has remained a popular and beloved brand for over a century.

When it comes to air conditioning history, Carrier’s story may be the most important in the market. In 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier invented the very first modern air conditioner – developing design principles that are still used today. As a skilled engineer, Carrier began experimenting with humidity control in an effort to manage problems at a local printing plant in Brooklyn. He borrowed concepts established with the introduction of mechanical refrigeration in earlier years, sending air through coils filled with cool water to lower the temperature, while removing moisture to control humidity.

By the 1920s, the introduction of residential air conditioning helped to begin migration towards the Sun Belt, opening up a significant portion of the United States. In 1933, Carrier developed a new form of air conditioner using a belt-driven condenser and blower, which quickly became the model for emerging air-cooling systems throughout the U.S. Today, our current air conditioners still operate on the same science as Carrier’s 1933 systems, but incorporate new advancements in diagnostics, electronic sensors, vapor compression, materials, and of course, energy efficiency. In fact, Carrier’s “Infinity” air conditioner features some of the most advanced components for a quieter, incredibly efficient performance.

From 1902 all the way up to today, the Carrier Corporation has cultivated a history of innovation in the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industry.

Carrier Products

The modern Carrier product line is extensive, so as to provide a wide range of heating and cooling options to residential and commercial consumers. In order to cater for all buildings and applications, the systems provided by Carrier span from air handling units, to heat pumps, and Moduline air diffusers, the types of products offered include:

Air Handling Units – designed to deliver heating, cooling, humidity control and air filtration for various buildings.

Chillers – offered in a wide range of formats, capacities and created with features for high efficiency and high performance at a low price.

Heat Pumps – high efficiency contributions to the sustainability of green buildings, Carrier heat pumps offer industry-leading performance in three formats: air-to-water, water-to-water, and water-to-source.

HVAC Controls – intelligent integrated systems for efficient heat and cooling control.

Roof top units – compact and energy-efficient solutions for building ventilation and cooling.

Moduline air diffusers – quiet high-performing machines for superior indoor comfort.

Terminal devices – fan coil units and hybrid units designed to deliver the ideal cooling and heating solution for any building.

Why Buy Carrier Products?

Today, Carrier defines itself as the world-leader in high-quality and efficiency air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration solutions. Their goal is to deliver top-of-the-range choices for home comfort, providing services that create productive, healthy, and comfortable environments no matter the climate.

What’s more, Carrier differ from other companies in their dedication towards sustainable energy. Through the use of recycled carbon dioxide instead of synthetic refrigerants, Carrier is actively working towards balancing efficiency and performance with environmental sustainability in all of their refrigeration systems.

A company dedicated to quality, Carrier are committed to achieving excellence in everything from customer service, to the innovation and design of new products and services. From their original idea that changed the world back in 1902, Carrier use research and creativity to develop the way that we see air conditioning today.

Obliterating HVAC Misconceptions

Effectively running and maintaining your HVAC system is a crucial priority for every home owner. Not only does air conditioning help to offer a more comfortable environment for you and your family, but it can also help to circulate cleaner air – thereby reducing allergens and toxins in the home. While most people appreciate their HVAC system, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding these systems that can have an impact on the efficiency of your system.

Heating and air conditioning isn’t a topic that most people are highly educated about. For most of us — the only information we need is how to keep our systems working well, and reduce the costs of energy. However, if you’re working off myths in organizing your air conditioning service, then you may not be spending your money wisely, or getting the most out of your HVAC. Following are just some of the most common things people get wrong about HVAC.

Myth 1: People Who Can Handle Heat Don’t Need Air Conditioning

Numerous people convince themselves that if they can handle the heat in summer, they don’t need an effective HVAC system. However, the truth is that open doors and windows aren’t a reasonable alternative to proper air conditioning; as fresh air is let in, it can’t be circulated properly around the home. Technological developments in the recent decades have made air conditioning systems more effective than ever. They aren’t only available to help you cool down your home during the summer, but the included heat pumps mean that the right HVAC system can maintain comfort in your property all year around. Winter heating and summer cooling are all controlled through a single panel, making temperature management a breeze.

Myth 2: Over Cranking the Thermostat will Change the Temperature Faster

It’s easy to get home after a long day and turn to the thermostat in a desperate attempt to warm up a freezing home or cool yourself down after too much expose to the summer sun. However, it’s important to know that your thermostat is a regulator that can instruct your HVAC system when it should turn off and on according to the temperature you want your building to maintain. In other words, it’s not going to work any harder if you raise it drastically, or lower it, just in the same way that setting an alarm clock won’t make time move faster.

Myth 3: The Bigger the Unit, the Better the Results

When it comes to air conditioning, don’t assume that size is everything. Purchasing a bigger system could mean that you’re wasting your money. Instead of upgrading the size, think about purchasing an efficient, newer unit. Also, make sure that you’re getting tune ups — a clean air conditioner will always run more smoothly, and last longer than one that you fail to maintain.

Myth 4: Routine Maintenance Isn’t Necessary

Too many people run on the “if it’s not broke” mindset when it comes to keeping their HVAC system in good working order. Just as you wouldn’t continue driving your car for miles without replacing the brake pads, or changing the oil, you shouldn’t keep using your HVAC without any routine service and attention. HVAC units need regular maintenance — just like any other technology, and just because your system looks and sounds fine doesn’t mean it doesn’t need checking. Ongoing maintenance helps to ensure that small problems don’t mutate into huge ones, and this will save you time and money in the long-run.

Myth 5: A High-Efficiency HVAC Will Instantly Decrease Your Bills

One of the most common misconceptions that people have about HVAC systems, is that all they need to do to save cash is switch to an energy-efficient unit. Although to some degree, using an energy efficient unit can make a huge difference, it’s also important to remember that there’s a lot more to think about when getting your system to run at its optimum standard. For instance, you’ll need your HVAC to be installed and maintained by a professional to ensure it’s giving you the most for your money. What’s more, you may need help sizing the right air conditioner before installation, as one that is too small or too large may fail long before its expected lifespan ends.

Myth 6: Air Conditioning Is Bad for the Environment

Some of the earlier air conditioning models on the market had problems with environmental sustainability — just like old fashioned cars and refrigerators. However, like other technology, the HVAC technology has since evolved, and now their benefits outweigh their environmental costs. After all, a good air conditioning system can increase comfort and productivity, reduce illness, and lower the usage of less efficient cooling and heating systems such as portable heaters and desk fans.

The History of Amana

Using the most appropriate heating and cooling systems within your home can be the factor that determines the comfort you and your family experience on a daily basis. After all, without a reliable HVAC system, it would be impossible to have any control over the temperature of your home. With that in mind, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the different brands available, and the benefits they have to offer.

As the manufacturer behind the first walk-in cooler invented, the Amana brand has long been well-known throughout America – and the same innovation and quality they put into their initial products still fuels their air conditioning equipment today. The Amana brand sets the standard for air conditioning and heating equipment in the industry, thanks to cutting edge notions like the “SureStart” igniter, and “MillionAir” heat exchanger. What’s more, when you combine their high-quality products with top-of-the-line warranties and customer service, it’s easy to see how the brand has stood the test of time for nearly a century.

Today, Amana heating and air conditioning systems are widely considered a superior line of residential and commercial products. However, the history of the brand goes back much further than the HVAC industry. The name has been a symbol of ingenuity for a number of years — due the company’s production of industry-changing appliances.

During the Second World War, the Amana brand received the “E” award from the Army-Navy, defining their excellence in providing the military with essential walk-in coolers. After the war ended, Amana continued to develop refrigeration products, but also branched away from the field, and began to explore solutions in the manufacturing of innovative new residential and commercial appliances — such as HVAC systems.

During 1997, Goodman Global purchased the Amana brand, and sold part of it to Maytag — a company that is now part of “Whirlpool” in 2002. However, the Goodman label still kept hold of the Amana heating and cooling division, and was purchased by Daikin in 2012, a group that achieved net sales of around $15 billion during 2014.

Amana Product Selection

In the area of heating and cooling, Amana are known for directing their focus towards the priorities of durability, and reliability achieved through world-class manufacturing, superior craftsmanship, and stringent testing. Their belief in the value of their own products is what allows them to offer Lifetime Limited Warranties to their customers.

The most well-known segments of Amana’s product line for installation include a number of heat pumps, air conditioning systems, and gas furnaces.

Heat Pumps: Amana’s primary line of heat pumps provide cooling and heating elements within a single system in a variety of models that range from simple to complex. The units with naming codes that begin with “G” are products within the “Distinctions” line. Amana heat pumps provide quiet, compact, and effective temperature solutions, with acoustically engineered systems that include enhancements to reduce sound, and maximize performance.

Gas Furnaces: The Amana gas furnaces divide into “high efficiency” and “standard” categories. Furnaces such as the Amana AMV9 can range in efficiency from 92% to 95% AFUE. Constructed using heavy-duty stainless steel with high-quality testing systems in place, the majority of these furnaces are aesthetically attractive, while providing excellent heating solutions.

Air Conditioners: Finally, Amana constructs a range of air conditioners which are measured in efficiency according to the SEER rating system. These air conditioners range from 13 to 18 SEER, and all are AHRI certified, and ETL listed. For instance, while the Amana ASX13 is one of the most basic Amana models, with a SEER of 13, the Amana ASX18 and ASXC18 are two of the top brand models, with SEERs of 18

Why Buy Amana Products?

The aim of the Amana brand, as defined by Harold Goodman, the founder — is to “revolutionize the heating and air conditioning industry” through the use of the best equipment, manufactured to the highest standard, and sold at the lowest prices.

The goal of each product is to provide long-lasting and reliable service, and the Amana brand also delivers extra comfort to its customers through the administration of lifetime warranties – intended to represent their products’ enduring strength. Each new product the brand introduces is thoroughly tested and examined with tough quality assurance scrutiny, and their engineers are constantly working to evolve the product line with the latest efficiency, design, and technology.