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7 Reasons You Need a Ductless Mini Split System

Ductless Mini Split System

Ductless Mini Split System Benefits

The weather in Texas’ Brazos Valley can cause some “heated” arguments around the thermostat setting. One person is hot while the other is cold, sometimes while sitting in the same room.

Traditional HVAC systems make it difficult to accommodate everyone’s preferences. Ductless mini split systems can help end the temperature conflicts.

Here is a deeper look at why ductless mini split systems are becoming more popular to create zoned heating and cooling, and are an excellent choice for retrofitting homes with existing HVAC systems. Here are seven reasons you might want to consider a ductless mini split system.

Increased Livable Space

Adding additional living space presents a problem for an existing HVAC system that was designed to heat and cool specific sized living space.

A ductless mini split system is an efficient way to efficiently cool and heat that room, whether it is an attic space, garage apartment, sunroom, etc., the space becomes livable.

Zoned Heating & Cooling

Multi-zoned ductless mini split systems provide the flexibility to create areas where the temperature can be set differently in rooms.

This is great in a situation where a wife likes it a bit warmer in the kitchen, and the husband enjoys cooler temperatures in his office. The possibilities are endless with the many different configuration options.

Increase Energy-Efficiency

Ductless mini split systems include an inverter technology that adjusts the workload of the unit to maintain your desired temperature. This feature reduces the amount of energy required to keep your living spaces at the desired temperature, which reduces your utility bills.

Humidity Control

East Texans are used to high humidity. Mini splits can not only heat and cool your home, but they also remove humidity. The “Dry Mode” feature is designed to remove humidity. Don’t be misled, a mini split is not a humidifier, but it can cut the mugginess that East Texas summers are famous for.

Multiple Models and Styles

When I said that the possibilities are endless earlier, that is very true. Ductless mini split systems are available in many shapes, sizes, and installation profiles.

There are systems that provide wide-area coverage, ceiling cassette units that are ideal for single rooms and smaller open areas, and multi split systems that are large enough that they could replace traditional HVAC systems.

No matter your requirements, there is a ductless mini split system that will meet your needs.

No Ductwork Required

Ductwork requires maintenance. Cleaning and repairing ductwork can be a headache. Ductless mini split systems do not require ductwork by placing an air handler in the exact spot you want to heat or cool.

Mini split systems provide a ductless HVAC system that requires less maintenance than traditional HVAC systems.

Have a question about Ductless AC Systems?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and ductless AC systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Repair information page.

Ductless Mini Split System

 

 

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Simple Summer Cleanup to Reduce AC Repair Costs

AC Repair Tips to Help You Relax During the Summer Heat

AC Repair Tips to Help You Relax During the Summer Heat

All winter we longed for the return of warm weather. We forget that warm weather usually leads to warmer, and outright HOT weather on the Texas Gulf Coast. While the grilling, vacations, and evenings around the pool are memorable, being without your air conditioner would also create memories.

The enemy of your air conditioner is DIRT; dirt in all of its forms. The best steps you can take to maintain cool comfortable air all summer long is to take a few minutes and remove the dirt you can reach. Here are a few simple AC Repair tips to remove the dirt you can reach, and help your AC run smoothly all summer long.

Change Your Air Filter

At the beginning of the summer, remove the HVAC air filter and replace it with a new, clean filter. All of the dust and debris collected on the filter was floating around the house, irritating sinuses and collecting on the hard-to-reach shelves. This dust and debris would also play havoc with the mechanical and electrical parts of the AC. The dirt will eventually clog the filter and restrict airflow, putting stress on the system.

The filter should be changed at least every three months. Smartphone calendar prompts will help you remember to change the filter regularly—such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Valentine’s Day. Setting calendar prompts on your phone to remind you to change your filter is easy to do and a preventative measure to reduce costly AC repairs.

Clean the Ductwork You Can Reach

With a vacuum cleaner attachment, clean the dust you can see around the air filter, around supply vents, and return air registers. All of the dirt you reach with your vacuum will not end up on the filter. If you can see more dust than you can reach, select a duct cleaning professional and schedule a vent cleaning. Your sinuses will thank you. Your housecleaner will thank you. Your air conditioner will thank you.

Clean the Outdoor AC Condenser Unit

A simplified purpose of the condenser unit is—it takes the hot air inside your house and releases it outside. The heat must be released quickly to prevent the condenser components from overheating. It needs a lot of airflows to release that heat and dirt prevents the air from moving freely. Take a few minutes to:

  • Trim shrubs and tall grass
  • Clean away leaves or debris that might have blown in
  • Turn the breaker for your AC to the off position, and use a garden hose to gently spray clean the fins and coils that make up the sidewalls.
  • Do not use a power washer, since this can damage the thin aluminum fins.

If you would prefer to enjoy your summer free from AC Repairs let a professional handle it. Call R.M. Mullinix and schedule an AC maintenance tune-up, and we will do the cleanup for you. An AC tune-up will:

  • Save money
  • Keep you comfortable all summer
  • Give you one less thing to worry about.

Need help with AC Repairs?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and AC Repair and Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Repair information page.

AC Repair Tips to Help You Relax During the Summer Heat

 

 

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4 Ways Neglected AC Filter Changes Can Damage Your HVAC System

AC Filter Change

4 Damages to Your HVAC System Resulting From Forgetting Your AC Filter Change

After almost 75 years of experience and thousands of residential HVAC repair calls, we can say the top reason for making HVAC repair calls is poor maintenance demonstrated by dirty air filters. This is always surprising, since changing an air filter is inexpensive and very easy. A dirty air filter leads to serious problems; here are four of the most significant difficulties caused by a dirty air filter.

AC Filter Change Tip 1: Poor Indoor Air Quality

The reason the air filter is in place is to remove airborne particles; dust, pet hair, dander, mold, mildew spores, and pollen collect on the folds of the air filter. Once the particles are removed, they will no longer circulate with every air conditioning cycle. Eventually, the surface of the filter will be completely covered by the particles. When the surface is covered, small amounts of dust will find a way around the filter, coating vital electrical parts. It also reenters your home. You will notice it as:

  • An increase of allergens irritating the eyes, noses, and throats of family members and
  • The layer of dust on surfaces increases
  • Can you locate the air filter on your air conditioner?

AC Filter Change Tip 2: Impaired Air Conditioning Function

Your air conditioner moves the entire volume of your house every few minutes, and when the air filter becomes severely clogged, it restricts the airflow. This causes a few internal problems.

  • The blower motor works harder to try to move air. Since cool air is not moving into the house, which causes the thermostat calls for more cool air. If the cycle runs long enough, the blower motor will overheat and shut off.
  • The evaporator coil receives super-cooled refrigerant gas which cools the air and condenses the excess humidity from the air. When the air is not moving fast enough through the cooling chamber, the humidity freezes onto the coil. The air conditioning function grinds to a near stop.
  • Have you checked your air filter yet?

AC Filter Change Tip 3: Repair and Replacement

If a dirty air filter is still neglected, the stress leads to damage and damage will lead to failure. The stress on the blower motor and evaporator coil, along with the collection of dust inside the air conditioner cabinet will stress electrical components, such as switches and capacitors. While a technician can replace these parts, the stress may remain on surviving components.

These are serious troubles caused by a dirty air filter. Manufacturers, technicians, and even the Department of Energy acknowledge that poor maintenance, typified by a dirty air filter, will shorten the useful life of your air conditioner. The cost of replacing your HVAC system is staggering compared to the cost of regularly replacing the air filter. The normal life span for an HVAC system is typically 20 years or more; poor maintenance can reduce the life span by 5 years or more.

When was the last time you replaced your air filter?

AC Filter Change Tip 4: Low Efficiency—High Utility Cost

When you understand how a dirty air filter is adding stress to your air conditioner, it will not surprise you to know a stressed air conditioner costs more to run. This stress will lead to a noticeable increase in the energy needed to run the system. The increase is gradual, so it is hard to measure. A new HVAC system (bringing new, more efficient technology) will heat and cool better, using about 30% less energy than the old system.

Air filters are readily available from hardware and home improvements stores. They are available in a variety of sizes and are rated according to the size of openings in the filter. Filters should be changed at least every 3 months—more if you deem it necessary. Plan to change your air filter regularly!

Need help with AC Filter Changes?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and AC Filter Changes, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance information page.

AC Filter Change

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8 Springtime HVAC Maintenance Steps for Spring

8 Springtime HVAC Maintenance Steps for Spring

Your HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Spring

Without a doubt, seasonal HVAC Maintenance of your AC system helps ensure it will run as efficiently as possible. Don’t take our word for it—hear it from the Department of Energy.

Some of the maintenance tasks your air conditioner needs are simple and can be completed by most homeowners. Some tasks take specialized equipment and training and should not be attempted by the average homeowner. Below is a list of maintenance tasks that should be completed annually. This will let homeowners determine whether they are prepared to complete the tasks, or if they need to call a professional HVAC maintenance technician.

  1. Change the air filter every three months. When your AC cycles on, the blower motor is drawing the entire volume of air in your house every 1 or 2 minutes, depending on the size of the house and the power of the blower motor. If the AC cycle lasts 15 minutes, the air filter is removing airborne particles each trip through. When airborne particles clog the filter, it reduces the airflow and causes stress on the system. This is easily a do-it-yourself project. Just change the air filter.
  2. Maintain the thermostat. The thermostat is the sensor and switch combination that turns your HVAC system on and off. The thermostat batteries will need to be changed periodically, and it is an easy DIY project. A technician can demonstrate scheduling temperature changes on your programmable or smart thermostats. A good HVAC schedule can save as much as 10 percent on your monthly utility bill.
  3. Inspect and clean all indoor equipment. Dust and allergens that make it past the air filter often collect on interior surfaces and electrical components inside the AC cabinet. A technician can clean away the dust, test the capacitors, and switches to make sure they are all functioning properly. The evaporator coils and drain pan need to be cleaned annually to remove the dust particles trapped by the moisture.
  4. Clear the air conditioner drain. If dust and debris are not removed from the drain pan before the AC is turned on, the debris can clog the drain tube. If the clog is not removed water will overflow the drain pan and leak onto the surrounding floors. This can lead to water damage to floors, walls, and furnishings, a costly mistake.
  5. Test refrigerant gas levels. The AC uses a refrigerant gas that is compressed to between 65 and 70 pounds per square inch. Under high pressure, the gas will find any weakness in the system for escape. An HVAC Maintenance professional will test the gas level and replenish the supply as needed. This takes someone licensed to handle the gases. A technician can also determine whether repairs are needed to stop a leak.
  6. Check all the electrical connections. Since the AC has moving parts, vibrations can lead to wear, damage, and even loose connections. A technician will know where to look for these connections and can repair or replace them as needed.
  7. Inspect and clean the outdoor equipment. The compressor unit found outside your house must be kept clean and free of debris. The unit’s central fan is drawing air in and up, to cool the hot refrigerant gas. Cooling this gas is vitally important; failure to cool will lead to a very expensive component failure. If you do not care to clean this unit adequately, a technician will make sure leaves and grass clippings are cleared away and the tiny opening surrounding the unit is kept free of dirt to ensure adequate airflow.
  8. Inspect and clean the ductwork. Supply air ducts run from your AC to each room in the house and return air ducts run from various regions of the house back to the AC. Ducts should be clean and inspected occasionally. Dust can accumulate inside ducts, especially at drops and turns. Since the sheet metal of the ducts is constantly expanding and contracting, leaks and gaps can develop allowing conditioned air to leak out into unconditioned areas. Inspection and repair will take specialized equipment.

Need help with Springtime HVAC Maintenance?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Springtime HVAC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance information page.

8 Springtime HVAC Maintenance Steps for Spring

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4 Reasons to Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

Replace Your HVAC Filter

4 Risks to Your Help if You Don’t Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

After years of experience and hundreds of residential HVAC repair calls, we can say the top reason for making HVAC repair calls is poor maintenance demonstrated by dirty air filters. This is always surprising, since changing an air filter is inexpensive and very easy. A dirty air filter leads to serious problems; here are four of the most significant difficulties caused by a dirty air filter.

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 1: Poor Indoor Air Quality

The reason the air filter is in place is to remove airborne particles; dust, pet hair, dander, mold, mildew spores, and pollen collect on the folds of the air filter. Once the particles are removed, they will no longer circulate with every air conditioning cycle. Eventually, the surface of the filter will be completely covered by the particles. When the surface is covered, small amounts of dust will find a way around the filter, coating vital electrical parts. It also reenters your home. You will notice it as:

  • An increase of allergens irritating eyes, noses, and throats of family members and
  • The layer of dust on surfaces increases
  • Can you locate the air filter on your air conditioner?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 2: Impaired Air Conditioning Function

Your air conditioner moves the entire volume of your house every few minutes, and when the air filter becomes severely clogged, it restricts the airflow. This causes a few internal problems.

  • The blower motor works harder to try to move air. Since cool air is not moving into the house, this causes the thermostat to call for more cool air. If the cycle runs long enough, the blower motor will overheat and shut off.
  • The evaporator coil receives super-cooled refrigerant gas which cools the air and condenses the excess humidity from the air. When the air is not moving fast enough through the cooling chamber, the humidity freezes onto the coil. The air conditioning function grinds to a near stop.
  • Have you checked your air filter yet?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 3: Repair and Replacement

If a dirty air filter is still neglected, the stress leads to damage and damage will lead to failure. The stress on the blower motor and evaporator coil, along with the collection of dust inside the air conditioner cabinet will stress electrical components, such as switches and capacitors. While a technician can replace these parts, the stress may remain on surviving components.

These are serious troubles caused by a dirty air filter. Manufacturers, technicians, and even the Department of Energy acknowledge that poor maintenance, typified by a dirty air filter, will shorten the useful life of your air conditioner. The cost of replacing your HVAC system is staggering compared to the cost of regularly replacing the air filter. The normal life span for an HVAC is typically 20 or more; poor maintenance can reduce the life span by 5 years or more.

When was the last time you replaced your air filter?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 4: Low Efficiency—High Utility Cost

When you understand how a dirty air filter is adding stress to your air conditioner, it will not surprise you to know a stressed air conditioner costs more to run. This stress will lead to a noticeable increase in the energy needed to run the system. The increase is gradual, so it is hard to measure. A new HVAC system (bringing new, more efficient technology) will heat and cool better, using about 30% less energy than the old system.

Air filters are readily available from hardware and home improvements stores. They are available in a variety of sizes and are rated according to the size of openings in the filter. Filters should be changed at least every 3 months—more if you deem it necessary. Plan to change your air filter regularly!

Need help on how to Replace Your HVAC Filter!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Air Conditioner lifespan, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.

Replace Your HVAC Filter

 

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6 Tips to Cut HVAC Bills This Summer

6 Tips to Cut HVAC Bills This Summer

Cut HVAC Bills This Summer with These 6 Tips

As hot weather approaches, the cooling season will begin; for months your family will rely on the air conditioner to escape the summer heat and humidity. Your air conditioner will do a good job for months on end, cooling the air and removing humidity, the jobs it was designed to do. However, the air conditioner is not the only source of summertime comfort. Here are a few things you can do to enhance the work your air conditioner is doing and cut HVAC bills.

  1. Make sure your attic is fully insulated to cut HVAC bills. When your home was built, the contractor was required to meet the building code during an inspection. Over time, the insulation can settle, shift, or be compressed by attic storage. Check to make sure the settled insulation is at least 10” to 12” deep.

Why is attic insulation important to air conditioning? During the winter, 80% of heat loss goes right through the ceiling. But during the summer, the hottest space in your home is the attic. Insulation creates a barrier, preventing heat from radiating down through the ceiling. This definitely affects the comfort of your home, since a good AC has a hard time making up for poor insulation.

  1. Cover and uncover windows to your advantage. During the winter months, we all long for the warm, sunshiny days of spring and summer. When you consider that windows are a poor insulator and 76% of sunshine that enters your home turns to heat1, window treatments are a chief comfort factor for your home during the cooling season.

Be sure to close blinds or drapes on the south and west faces of your home to block excess sunlight during the hot part of the day—generally from 10 am to at least 4 pm–but you will know this time for your home. Keeping harsh rays out during the hottest part of the day will add to the comfort level all day long.

  1. Fans and air conditioning complement each other. Do not misunderstand, a fan will not cool the air. That is the job of the air conditioner. Refrigerant gases use compression/decompression to create cool air and remove excess moisture from the air. A ceiling or floor fan cannot do the same thing. But they can make your home more comfortable.

Moving air makes us feel cooler. It works in two ways:

  • Moving air increases the rate of evaporation. We sweat, bring body moisture to the surface of our skin. The moisture is the same temperature as our body and evaporation of sweat helps to cool our skin temperature.
  • Moving air also enhances the rate of convection. Hot air in direct contact with our skin is moved away by the moving air.

Neither of these processes cools the air, but moving air makes our body more comfortable by making us “feel cooler.”

  1. Upgrade incandescent light bulbs. Old-style filament incandescent lightbulbs produce a tremendous amount of heat along with lighting a space. In fact, 95% of the 100 watts consumed by an incandescent lightbulb turns to heat. Multiply that by the number of bulbs and it adds significantly to the heat load your AC is trying to overcome. This move can add to the comfort level during extremely hot days.
  2. Control the moisture created by normal activities with exhaust fans. Both cooking and bathing can release a lot of moisture inside the house. High humidity leaves skin and surfaces feeling “sticky,” so remove the steam produced while showering or boiling to the outdoors. Keep the bathroom door closed with the fan on for about 10 minutes following showers for best results.

Check the dryer exhaust hose as well. A loose-fitting or leaking hose will regularly introduce excess moisture into the home. It will also add lint as airborne particles, dusting the entire home, clogging the air filter, and potentially creating a fire hazard.

  1. Prepare for appliance use to maximize comfort.
  • Avoid baking during the summer months. Prepare meals using stovetop or countertop appliances, since these tend to produce less heat or heat smaller spaces to cook.
  • Schedule laundry use during the coolest part of the day. This reduces peak-time energy use, which saves money. It also keeps the home a little more comfortable all day long.

Need tips to Cut HVAC bills this summer, we can help!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Air Conditioner lifespan, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.

6 Tips to Cut HVAC Bills This Summer

 

1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings

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Air Conditioner Lifespan Explained

Air Conditioner Lifespan Explained

How Long Will My Air Conditioner Last?

Air conditioning was invented about 1900, but they were not installed in single-family residences as standard construction practice until 1960. Since that time, the comfort and safety they provide make air conditioning almost indispensable to our lives. Imagine spending a few days or weeks during the hot summer without it! How healthy is your AC system? Your air conditioner system is a complex mechanical system, comprised of:

  • a closed gas system that endures extreme pressure,
  • a variable-speed blower moving the entire volume of air in your house every few minutes,
  • advanced sensors, switches and
  • a computer interface

A well-maintained AC system will normally weather at least 20 summers, but there are no guarantees. Here are some “early warning signs” that your AC is nearing the end.

  • Frequent Repairs. The recommended practice to lengthen the useful life of your AC is to schedule annual preventative maintenance. When your HVAC professional begins to call for repairs, that is worth noting. When your AC stops working when you need it most, this is an early warning sign. Frequent repairs are a clear indication that the end is near.
  • Higher Bills. An aging AC system will need to work harder to keep your home cool. Aging components, stressing to keep up, spread the stress to other components. Harder work requires more energy and will lead to increased utility bills. At the hottest point of the day, your AC will run longer and the comfort level in your home will also suffer.
  • Unusual Noises. The air conditioner will make noise; it becomes background noise to our lives. Like an aging vehicle, your aging AC system will get noisier; this is also an early warning sign. Listen for these
    • An aging compressor may begin to hum or make a loud whirring sound. The compressor is essential for cooling and very expensive to replace.
    • An aging blower motor may begin to screech or make a grinding noise as the motor bear begins to fail.
    • Aging switches or electrical sensors will make clicking noises shortly before they cease working.
    • It is not uncommon for ducts to make popping noises shortly after a cooling cycle. However, if the noise changes to a rattle or banging noise, it may indicate a new problem with your ductwork.

The time will come when your AC system will need to be replaced. When your air conditioner begins to give “early warning signs,” call Mullinix AC.

Have Commercial Air Conditioner lifespan questions?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Air Conditioner lifespan, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.

Air Conditioner Lifespan Explained

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8 Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance

8 Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

It may be chilly now, but warm weather is right around the corner. Air conditioning (AC) is an essential service for you your office, retail space, or restaurant. The AC keeps your facility at an optimal temperature for doing business no matter what your business is; guests and staff “expect” air conditioning during hot weather. In addition to keeping people comfortable, the AC also ensures good, clean air is always moving and reduces humidity to an acceptable level.

Air conditioning equipment consists of precisely tuned mechanical components that require professional upkeep; most manufacturer warranties require annual maintenance. An annual preventative maintenance visit has tremendous advantages for commercial ventures:

  1. A failed AC in July is incredibly inconvenient. It is terribly distracting for staff and employees. It will discourage business and ruin your schedule. Depending upon your type of business, it might shut you down until repairs can be made. Failing to maintain your AC often has a negative effect on profitability.
  2. Since many commercial facility managers put off scheduled maintenance, repair calls increase during the peak of the cooling season. Expect delays! In addition, since the nation is experiencing supply-chain delays, the part or component needed for the repair might not be readily available.
  3. Many AC problems are incremental and are not easily noticed. Failure is often the result of minor problems compounding over time because they go unnoticed. By scheduling annual visits, small problems are solved before they become large problems.
  4. If an AC system is developing minor problems, putting the system under stress—say an extended heatwave—can lead to those minor problems causing failure in the most inopportune time.
  5. When maintenance visits are scheduled in the offseason, preferably the Spring of the year, the AC system is tuned and prepared for the peak cooling season. Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance professionals can provide better service during off-peak months, compared to making emergency calls.
  6. Well-maintained Commercial Air Conditioning systems are cleaner and run more efficiently. Component parts run under less stress and take less energy to function. This reduces monthly utility bills and is also good for the environment.
  7. Since well-maintained AC components function under less stress, they tend to last longer.
  8. Keeping your AC maintained improves the indoor air quality in your facility—healthier air for everyone that enters.

Do not wait for problems to develop with your Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance, because they tend to happen when you are not expecting them and can ruin your day.

Have Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance questions?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.

Commercial Air Conditioning Maintenance

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HVAC 101: 8 Things You Need to Know About Your HVAC System

HVAC System HVAC 101

HVAC System HVAC 101

Owning a home can be a daunting task. There is so much to know and so much to care for. One of the most complex parts of your home is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. You know the name describes its function and how to make them work, but perhaps very little more.

HVAC systems are intricate and need maintenance. You have heard that neglecting maintenance can be expensive. You really need to know more about this HVAC! This article will give you the basics about your system’s intricate parts and how they work together to make your home comfortable.

Identifying HVAC System Components

Two major HVAC components are connected tubing and wires.

  • The component on the inside of the house is the furnace. You might find it in a basement, crawlspace, attic, or in a mechanical closet.
    • The furnace includes a heating element: electricity or natural gas are usually the heat source. The element will have a boxy surround, a heat exchanger, to transfer the heat from the element to the air.
    • The heated air is moved from the heat exchanger throughout the house with a blower motor. The air moves through a network of ducts to every room in the house.
    • You will also find the evaporator coil in this unit. Expect it to be composed of copper tubes, perhaps in a V or A shape. The box surrounding the coil functions as cool air exchange and the same blower motor moves cold air through the network of ducts.
  • The component on the outside of the house is the air conditioning compressor and condenser. While the furnace uses a heat source, the air conditioner uses compressed refrigerant gas to cool air. Here are the basics:
    • When you compress any gas the gas gets hot, very hot. That is why the compressor is outside. Copper tubes connect the compressor with the evaporator coils inside.
    • When you rapidly release the pressure applied to the gas, it gets cold, very cold. The pressure is released in those evaporator coils, cooling the air in the surround.
    • While the gas cools the air, it also picks up heat from the inside of the house. The refrigerant gas cycles outside to be cooled and compressed again. A large fan in the center of the condenser unit helps to cool the refrigerant gas.
  • Many newer HVAC systems are hybrid systems that employ a heat pump. A heat pump can reverse the air conditioner process. It takes the hot air from the inside and moves it to the outside, it can also move hot air from the outside and move it to the inside.
    • Often a heat pump will require more air movement to effectively move heat.
    • A heat pump can effectively move heat inside, even when it is cold. However, there are limits; when the temperature drops below approximately 350 F another heat source is needed. That is why a heat pump is usually a part of a hybrid system.
    • If you have a hybrid heat pump HVAC system you will notice two heat settings on the thermostat; the second setting will read “aux” or “Em,” for emergency heat.
  • Ducts were built into your home as it was built.
    • Supply ducts move air from the furnace unit after it has been heated or cooled.
    • Return ducts bring air back to the furnace unit to be conditioned again. The air cycles continuously to keep the air fresh.
    • At least one air filter removes airborne particles from the circulating air. Look for this filter at the point the return air enters the furnace unit.
  • The control for the HVAC system is a wall mount sensor called a thermostat.
    • The thermostat measures the change in indoor temperature and activates the furnace or air conditioner as needed. Some thermostats have physical adjustments to toggle between heating and cooling functions.
    • Most thermostats are programmable. This allows you to schedule changes in the temperature in your home for cost savings and personal comfort.
    • Some thermostats include Smartphone apps to allow you to adjust and measure energy use.
  • Newer blower motors have variable speeds. Variable speeds allow a furnace or a heat pump to function properly.
  • All these components are controlled by precise electrical sensors and switches.
  • This complex HVAC system is very energy efficient. The enemy of the entire system and each of its component parts is DIRT.

Have questions about your HVAC System?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.

HVAC System HVAC 101

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6 Efficient HVAC Upgrades To Sell Your Home Fast

Energy Upgrades That Help You Sell Your Home

HVAC Upgrades That Help You Sell Your Home

If you anticipate that the new year will bring a change of address, you might consider energy upgrades to maximize the value of your existing home. The investment that you make can set your property apart for eager homebuyers; an energy-efficient home takes it from great to perfect. However, upgrades can be expensive, so it is important to budget and develop a balanced plan to prevent loss.

January 10th is a day set aside as National Cut Your Energy Cost Day and we think that passing on ideas to reduce your utility bills. The place to start might be an energy audit with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index. This step will give you the information you need to plan upgrades that increase both efficiency and value. Here is a list of HVAC Upgrades will help you sell your home faster.

  • HVAC Upgrade 1: The audit will closely examine the furnace, air conditioner, and water heater since these systems consume 70 to 75% of your total energy bill. Expect to learn nuances about your house that you have never noticed or heard… terms like BTUs and SEER ratings. Will you need to replace these systems? The audit can tell you. How much will the replacement cost? That is what the audit is for.
  • HVAC Upgrade 2: The audit might recommend the installation of a Smart thermostat to customize temperature control. Customizing the heating and cooling schedule throughout the day will save energy and increase the level of comfort.
  • HVAC Upgrade 3: It will also examine more mundane areas of your home and make recommendations concerning adding insulation and/or weatherproofing. These upgrades are relatively inexpensive but improve efficiency and lower energy bills.
  • HVAC Upgrade 4: Attention will go to windows and doors since about 15% of energy is lost through these openings. A variety of materials are available; you will learn rating terms, including low-E and SHGC. Windows can significantly improve comfort and efficiency.
  • HVAC Upgrade 5: Do not ignore the kitchen. Replacing old appliances with Energy Star certified appliances can reduce energy bills and will be very appealing to potential buyers.
  • HVAC Upgrade 6: Minor upgrades in your bathroom might include low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. By increasing the pressure, less water is necessary, including less hot water for showers or cleaning.

Have questions about HVAC Upgrades To Sell Your Home Fast?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Upgrades To Sell Your Home Fast, schedule an appointment, or visit our New AC Installation information page.

Energy Upgrades That Help You Sell Your Home