We haven't posted here for awhile, and you are probably wondering
why. We've decided to move our blog over to our website, www.generalheating.com. Now, every
Thursday, you can read a new blog post from us, covering topics from tips and
tricks about air conditioning and heating or home improvement, employee events,
and more!
To see our most
recent posts, scroll to the bottom of any page of our website (aside from the homepage), and
our three most recent posts will be displayed for you.
Showing posts with label Air Conditioning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Air Conditioning. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Types of HVAC Systems
What types of systems are available when I’m looking for a new air conditioning/heating system?
Good news! You have quite a few choices when you are trying to make a decision about a new air conditioner and heating system. Here are a number of common types:
Split system - This system means that there are parts of your system both inside and outside. These typically include a furnace, an evaporator coil, air conditioner (which works with the evaporator coil), ducts (you want to carry the air through your house), thermostat, and other optional accessories.
Hybrid Heat split system – This system is a smarter, more energy efficient twist on the type of system above. This system uses an electricity-fueled heat pump to provide heat (along with a furnace, ducts, evaporator coil, thermostat, and other optional accessories). Even better? The heat pump works in place of an air conditioner as well!
Packaged systems – With a packaged system, it is basically an all in one deal. Many of these look very similar, but they can serve a number of different functions.
Ductless split system – Ducts spread air through your house – so this system does this without ducts. Basically, this type of system would be for an area of the house like a room addition or areas that do not have duct work.
Geothermal Heat Pump System – This type of system doesn't rely on the air outside. Instead, it taps into the temperatures of the earth to heat and cool your home.
Good news! You have quite a few choices when you are trying to make a decision about a new air conditioner and heating system. Here are a number of common types:
Split system - This system means that there are parts of your system both inside and outside. These typically include a furnace, an evaporator coil, air conditioner (which works with the evaporator coil), ducts (you want to carry the air through your house), thermostat, and other optional accessories.
Hybrid Heat split system – This system is a smarter, more energy efficient twist on the type of system above. This system uses an electricity-fueled heat pump to provide heat (along with a furnace, ducts, evaporator coil, thermostat, and other optional accessories). Even better? The heat pump works in place of an air conditioner as well!
Packaged systems – With a packaged system, it is basically an all in one deal. Many of these look very similar, but they can serve a number of different functions.
Ductless split system – Ducts spread air through your house – so this system does this without ducts. Basically, this type of system would be for an area of the house like a room addition or areas that do not have duct work.
Geothermal Heat Pump System – This type of system doesn't rely on the air outside. Instead, it taps into the temperatures of the earth to heat and cool your home.
As you can see, you have lots of options to consider. Find the one that works best for you and your home.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Getting an Air Conditioning Quote: The Basics
It's mid-March, meaning it's not too far off to start thinking about air conditioning and the upcoming summer heat.
Installing an air conditioner is an investment, so make sure you are thinking about a variety of aspects when picking out your new system. This helps to ensure you are pleased with the outcome and are happy with your new system.
1) Make sure whoever is installing your air conditioner is experienced and has all the qualifications needed to do the installation.
2) Be sure you are getting a unit that is right for you AND your house. You don’t want to get a unit too big or too small, or it will not be worth it for you.
3) Have the HVAC specialist lay out the entire plan – what the total cost is and a breakdown of the cost. Be sure to also have him/her inform you about any warranties that accompany your product and what the payment plan is for any models you are considering.
4) Review the efficiency of the air conditioner you are considering. You want to make sure that the product you have is going to be right for you. More efficient air conditioners typically will cost a little more up front, but you typically end up saving more in the long run on your energy bills.
If you need help in your search, GHAC is a helpful place to start your search. Visit our website for more information. We are a Carrier dealer, and they offer a wide variety - check out your options online.
1) Make sure whoever is installing your air conditioner is experienced and has all the qualifications needed to do the installation.
2) Be sure you are getting a unit that is right for you AND your house. You don’t want to get a unit too big or too small, or it will not be worth it for you.
3) Have the HVAC specialist lay out the entire plan – what the total cost is and a breakdown of the cost. Be sure to also have him/her inform you about any warranties that accompany your product and what the payment plan is for any models you are considering.
4) Review the efficiency of the air conditioner you are considering. You want to make sure that the product you have is going to be right for you. More efficient air conditioners typically will cost a little more up front, but you typically end up saving more in the long run on your energy bills.
If you need help in your search, GHAC is a helpful place to start your search. Visit our website for more information. We are a Carrier dealer, and they offer a wide variety - check out your options online.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Energy Efficiency 101: Vocabulary
Let us decode a few words related to energy efficiency and explain how using these terms can help you get the system that matches you and your home, whether you are considering a new air conditioner or furnace.
First things first: We’ve noticed one trend across the board with these terms. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. This typically will result in a larger energy savings for you, ultimately reducing cost.
AFUE Rating – This stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating. Why is this important? This tells you how efficient your furnace is, meaning how much fuel your furnace actually uses versus what percentage is wasted. This is helpful to know as the higher the number, the more money you are likely saving.
COP – This one means the Coefficient of Performance, and is used to measure your heat pump’s efficiency when it is in heating mode. Geothermal products tend to have this type of rating associated with them.
EER – Energy Efficiency Ratings are a source of interest for those with geothermal systems, air conditioners, or air source heat pumps. It measures cooling efficiency.
HSPF – This term deals with the efficiency of heat pumps while in heating mode. You want a high number, like with all of these figures. The industry required minimum for the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor presently is a 7.7
SEER – Defined as the measure of how the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps are rated, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is another number that can help you be more efficient with your energy and help you save more money.
First things first: We’ve noticed one trend across the board with these terms. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. This typically will result in a larger energy savings for you, ultimately reducing cost.
AFUE Rating – This stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating. Why is this important? This tells you how efficient your furnace is, meaning how much fuel your furnace actually uses versus what percentage is wasted. This is helpful to know as the higher the number, the more money you are likely saving.
COP – This one means the Coefficient of Performance, and is used to measure your heat pump’s efficiency when it is in heating mode. Geothermal products tend to have this type of rating associated with them.
EER – Energy Efficiency Ratings are a source of interest for those with geothermal systems, air conditioners, or air source heat pumps. It measures cooling efficiency.
HSPF – This term deals with the efficiency of heat pumps while in heating mode. You want a high number, like with all of these figures. The industry required minimum for the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor presently is a 7.7
SEER – Defined as the measure of how the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps are rated, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is another number that can help you be more efficient with your energy and help you save more money.
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| These elephants find their way to keep cool...learn the terms and find a way to keep cool for you! |
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Let's talk air quality
Do you have questions about air quality? We have answers!
The EPA has many resources for you to use regarding this topic. This guide provides information about mold in your home, and they also have an entire area of their site dedicated to indoor air quality in homes. Take a virtual tour of a house that the EPA has available online to help you learn about indoor air quality.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Preventative Maintenance . . . It's Important!
You may ask yourself, "Why should I keep up on preventative maintenance for my air conditioning or heating system?" Well, I can tell you, there are plenty of good reasons for this!
1. It’s a good investment. Think of preventative maintenance in terms of the metaphor of say, a car. If you keep up on your maintenance by getting regular oil changes and checking your brakes, etc., your car will most likely work longer, and look nicer. It will also be a better investment in the long haul, when it comes to resale of said car (or home).
2. Catch problems before they become bigger problems. This goes along with the above – by keeping up on preventative maintenance, you will be catching problems before they become big problems. Therefore, you are likely saving yourself stress and money.
3. Preventative maintenance can help your system run more efficiently since during a maintenance visit, HVAC professionals will check the following as needed:
4. You fix the issues on your schedule. With preventative maintenance, you not only will likely have fewer repairs, but you also are able to schedule the preventative maintenance on your schedule. This is convenient as products seem to break at the most inconvenient times possible; this way, you are setting the schedule.
5. Looking for someone to help you with your preventative maintenance? Leave the maintenance to our professional staff of technicians while you sit back and relax. Click here to learn more about our Preventative Maintenance Home Comfort Program. Even better? Mention the promo code BLOG10 and receive $10 off.
1. It’s a good investment. Think of preventative maintenance in terms of the metaphor of say, a car. If you keep up on your maintenance by getting regular oil changes and checking your brakes, etc., your car will most likely work longer, and look nicer. It will also be a better investment in the long haul, when it comes to resale of said car (or home).
2. Catch problems before they become bigger problems. This goes along with the above – by keeping up on preventative maintenance, you will be catching problems before they become big problems. Therefore, you are likely saving yourself stress and money.
3. Preventative maintenance can help your system run more efficiently since during a maintenance visit, HVAC professionals will check the following as needed:
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| A more efficient system means you are likely saving money. |
5. Looking for someone to help you with your preventative maintenance? Leave the maintenance to our professional staff of technicians while you sit back and relax. Click here to learn more about our Preventative Maintenance Home Comfort Program. Even better? Mention the promo code BLOG10 and receive $10 off.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Why Your Office Is Freezing In The Summer
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Summer Cooling
When
it comes to season changes, General Heating and Air Conditioning
ensures both you and your home will feel comfortable year round. What
can you do to feel cool and refreshed in the hot summer sun?
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
GHAC TV
Welcome to the General Heating and Air Conditioning blog! We are excited to join the blogging community and hope to provide you with news and information on heating and cooling!
As the summer months quickly approach, we've been working hard to develop two new TV commercials which should be airing in Dane County soon.This commerical is call "Proudest Dad." We'll post "Fido" soon - let us know what you think!
As the summer months quickly approach, we've been working hard to develop two new TV commercials which should be airing in Dane County soon.This commerical is call "Proudest Dad." We'll post "Fido" soon - let us know what you think!
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