willsheating

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How To Add Home Equity Through HVAC Upgrades

Americans are spending increasingly large amounts of money on residential remodeling projects each year and seeing less and less of a return according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. From 2017 to 2018 money spent nationwide increased 7.5% which is equivalent to $340 billion. The average return on investment only being 56% which is a 12% decrease in one year according to a survey by Remodeling Magazine. When planning a renovation in preparation to sell it is key to maximize your ROI. Knowing which upgrades will add the most value is important. HVAC upgrades are typically overlooked by homeowners, but they are always a safe bet and smart investment.

Why to invest in your home’s HVAC system:

Updating your HVAC system is critical because homebuyers won’t notice a brand-new system, but they will definitely notice a broken one. Sure it would be nice to show off new kitchen cupboards or new flooring, but if you don’t make your HVAC system a priority you won’t achieve much of a ROI because people may overlook old flooring, but they won’t look twice at a home with an old or broken HVAC system. The National Association of Realtors reports that HVAC remodels have a higher average ROI yielding a return of 71%.

Questions to Consider When Updating your HVAC System

You should always think about the region, the age, size of your home, your budget, and layout of your property.

Is your current HVAC system still working well?

Is your system less than 10 years old? If the components are still operating optimally, there is no use paying to fix what isn’t broken. However, if your system is older than 15 years it will turn off buyers because parts to fix the system become expensive or hard to find. You should consider replacing the system.

Can you get away with an HVAC repair rather than a replacement?

If the system is less than 10 years old, but functions like it needs to be upgraded, you might get away with a few repairs instead of a new system. To find out if you should repair or replace multiply the age of the system by the cost of repair if it is more than $5,000 you are better off replacing than repairing it.

Do you currently have energy-efficient HVAC units?

An increase in preference and popularity among homebuyers is energy-efficient HVAC systems because who doesn’t want to save money on utility bills. They stand out in todays housing market. Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems is one of the smartest moves you can make. They have a 5% to 8% higher selling value.

Opportunities for HVAC Upgrades

Hard to go wrong if your home is 20 years old.

Some basic upgrade options are changing out the furnace or boiler system. Your furnace can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. Changing out those old air ducts. They are made to last up to 25 years however, they start to degrade after 15 years. People want to be comfortable so changing out the air conditioner is a smart investment they can cost anywhere from $4000 to $15,000, but it can increase the value of your home by 10%.

Some luxury HVAC renovation options that attract homebuyers are smart thermostat systems, whole house dehumidifiers, whole house humidifiers, and generators.

Sources:

https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/home-remodeling-expected-to-remain-strong-and-steady-into-2019/

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/benchmarks/cost-vs-value/key-trends-in-the-2018-cost-vs-value-report_o

https://www.nar.realtor/remodeling

[willsheating]

National HVAC Tech Day

Today is national HVAC technician day. We would like to recognize all our hardworking guys out in the field that show up everyday rain or shine.

Will Skaggs the owner/president of Will’s Heating & Air Inc. found the company in 2005. He operated the business by himself for many years until he brought on help. Will has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years, so he definitely knows a thing or two about the industry.

Nick Skaggs was the first employee Will brought on as an installation technician. He has been with the company for 5 years and now holds a title as a service technician. And we hope to see him follow in his dad’s footsteps and help run the company one day.

Adam Music has been with the company for 3 years and he too is a service technician. He is very good asset to our team, and good at figuring out problems’ customers may have.

Dom Harker is an installation technician and has been with the company just under a year. He is a hard worker and eager to learn new positions in the company. He also runs maintenance throughout the year.

Eddie Dodson is also an installation technician but learning to become a service technician. He has been with the company for less than a year but is becoming a great asset to our team.

We thank all of our guys for showing up every day and getting the job done!

We are looking for people to join our team in the installation and service departments. We will train the right individuals. We offer great benefits and pay is based on experience. This is a career not just another dead-end job, and we have room to grow.

                  Thanks To All Our HVAC Techs For All You Do!!!

                  Please enjoy the tribute video to our guys below!

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Keeping Your Home Healthy With Good Indoor Air Quality

Today, the importance of changing your air filters in your home air conditioning system has never been emphasized more. Millions of people are practicing social distancing and staying in the comfort and safety of their homes during this coronavirus pandemic, so maintaining good indoor air quality should be at the top of everyone’s priority list.  

Not knowing what the future holds with the coronavirus and the rioting it can make this time very stressful. Luckily, following these simple guidelines from our experts at Will’s Heating & Air Inc. can help maintain or improve your indoor air quality, and give you one less thing to worry about.

Smoke:

It goes without saying that smoking indoors is a big no-no, but cigarettes aren’t the only sources of smoke in the home. Without proper ventilation and maintenance, stoves and furnaces can also be detrimental to your indoor air quality. You should make a furnace inspection checklist to keep your heating system in good shape even when it‘s not heating season. Lessening smoke and other particulate contaminants in your home can help keep your respiratory system strong, something the is important now more than ever.

Sprays:

Some products like hair and body sprays actually increase particulate matter in the air inside your home. While these things aren’t extremely harmful, our experts advise moderating their use while staying at home. While it’s nice to be able to style your hair and smell good even if you are staying home. Don’t forget to keep spray use to a minimum. This should also include the use of air fresheners.

Screens:

You can lessen the occurrence of seasonal allergies with the correct use of HVAC filters and screens. Changing filters regularly is an essential part of any good HVAC maintenance routine. Most experts agree filter must be changed at least once every 30 days, though some systems can go as long as three months in between changes.

Having a professional maintain both your air conditioner and your furnace each year is very important to keeping your systems healthy. There are multiple options to choose from to help take the particulates out of your home from hospital grade filters to UV lights.

Get top-notch HVAC maintenance, services, and indoor air quality assessments and consultations at Will’s Heating & Air. Give us a call at (260)350-4399 to schedule an appointment and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Howe, IN, and nearby areas. Let us worry about your HVAC systems, so you don’t have to.

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Frequently Asked Air Conditioning Questions

Basic Air Conditioning Questions:

-How long will my air conditioner last?

A good air conditioner will last about 10 to 15 years if they are properly maintained. However, an average air conditioner starts to develop problems after 7-10 years if they are neglected. To get the most out of your new system, check your filters monthly and replace them as needed, keep your outdoor unit clean and free of debris, and shade the unit during the hottest parts of the day. By performing a little easy maintenance, you can greatly extend the life of your air conditioner.

-What is the best temperature to set my thermostat?

The best temperature to set your thermostat is to the highest temp. You and your family still feel comfortable. For most it is between 70- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. Try setting the thermostat higher when summer first creeps up, then turn it down until you find a suitable temperature.

-How do I maximize my air conditioner’s energy efficiency?

There are several ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner, including leaving all air vents unblocked, installing a programmable thermostat. Doing regular maintenance on your system and using ceiling fans to help keep rooms feeling cooler, so you can comfortably turn the thermostat up.

Maintenance Questions:

-Should I have regular professional maintenance on my unit?

Yes! Professional maintenance goes beyond what a typical homeowner is equipped to deal with, including things like checking your refrigerant level and cleaning the evaporator coil. Having a professional examine your air conditioner once or twice a year will also help catch problems while they’re still small and manageable.

-How often should I change my filter?

The number of people and pets living in your home and how frequently you run the air conditioning will affect how often you need to change your filter, but everyone should check their filters monthly. When the filters are discolored or plugged, they need to be replaced; this is typically 30 to 90 days after installation. During more frequent use (i.e. Summer) you may need to clean or replace filters more often.

-How do I take care of my outside air conditioning unit?

Regularly clean vegetation, leaves, and debris out of your air conditioner and hose it down well with the unit turned off. By keeping the outdoor unit cleaned, you’ll maximize its ability to exhaust heat into the environment, making it run more efficiently.

-What do I do if my outside air conditioner has bent fins?

If you notice your air conditioner has bent fins on the outside unit, purchase a fin comb designed for air conditioners and gently straighten them. Make sure the unit is off before you attempt this simple procedure.

Repair Questions:

-What are some signs my air conditioner isn’t working right?

Air conditioners that suddenly start making new noises or produce new smells should be checked out right away. Other signs that your unit is having problems include its running constantly despite temperatures under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or blowing warm air into the room, or utility bills that increase dramatically despite normal usage.

-What should I check before calling for a repair?

Before you call us, check that the furnace filter isn’t clogged and that the air conditioner is on and set to a temperature that will cause it to cycle. Check if the thermostat is operational, it may be possible that the batteries are simply bad. If you know where the disconnects are located, check those as well, and note if anything smells, looks, or sounds unusual.

-How cold should my air conditioner be blowing?

The temperature that your air conditioner blows at will depend on the temperature of the air entering the return. Typically, room air should blow out at a temperature between 15 and 20 degrees cooler that when it went in, but if there’s excess humidity in the air , this range may vary slightly. Allow your unit to run at least 15 minutes before you compare the return air temperature to the blowing air temperature.

-When should I have my air conditioner charged?

Air conditioners are closed systems, meaning that refrigerant should never escape from the system. Therefore, regular charges are unnecessary. The only time you’ll need to charge you air conditioner is if there is a leak. If you do have a leak, have a professional fix it right away.

-Why is there water around my indoor air handler?

Indoor air handlers do double duty, removing heat and moisture from the air in one go. They are designed with a small pan to catch the moisture, but occasionally the drain line from the pan may become plugged. If you see water around your indoor air handler, remove the drain line and give it a good cleaning by running bleach or vinegar water through it to help clear out build up.

-What does it mean if my air conditioner freezes up?

Usually, an air conditioner that has frozen is suffering from restricted air flow. Turn the unit off as soon as you notice a problem and check the filter. If it’s pristine, you may have accidentally blocked the air return or have a refrigerant leak. Check your vents before you call a professional out to hunt down a leak. Also, make sure before you call a professional the unit has completely defrosted.

Replacement Questions:

-How do I know it’s time for a new air conditioner?

Once your air conditioner has passed its seventh year, it’s likely that any major repair is going to be more expensive than replacing the unit. An older unit that’s showing signs of trouble and needs frequent visits from the repairman, that cools poorly, or suddenly creates much higher energy bills than in years past is probably ready to be replaced.

-Can I replace my outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit?

You can sometimes simply replace your outdoor unit and leave the indoor unit intact, but a mismatched system like this may cost you a lot more in energy use by reducing the efficiency of your new outdoor unit dramatically. Plus, a new system may not run the same type of freon that your old system was using, thus not allowing you to keep one half of your system. You are always better off replacing all parts of your air conditioner at the same time for maximum efficiency and performance.

-Will a new air conditioner save me money?

Absolutely! An air conditioner that’s just 10 years old may be as much as 60 percent less efficient than a brand-new baseline unit. Today’s energy efficient models do a lot more cooling with a lot less electricity, keeping operating cost low.

-Should I buy a bigger unit than the one I’m replacing?

No! Bigger isn’t always better. Don’t be tempted to up-size your unit unless your old unit was incorrectly sized to begin with. A too-large unit will run in frequent short cycles, preventing it from removing humidity properly from your home and shortening its lifespan.

If you have any questions about the above information, please feel free to give us a call at: 260-350-4399 or email us at willsheating @gmail.com  

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Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner Problems

Warm temperatures have finally decided to show up, so if you are having issues with your air conditioners here are a few tips to try before you call for a repair.

·      Check the settings on your thermostat. Make sure the temperature control selector is set below the current room temperature, and the system switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. The fan switch should be set to ON for continuous airflow or AUTO if you want the blower to operate only while the air conditioner is operating.

·      Try to get the air conditioner to turn on by lowering the thermostat to its lowest temperature setting.

·      If the air flow out of your registers seems low, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter can block air flow.

·      Make sure all registers are open and not obstructed.

·      Check the power disconnect switch by each unit (outdoor and indoor).

·      Check the fuse/breaker at the electrical panel for both the outdoor and indoor unit.

If the problem persists after checking all of these things, please call us and set up an appointment to see what we can do to help fix the problem. Don’t get stuck sweating it out this summer call today to set up an appointment at 260-350-4399.

[willsheating]

COVID-19

In light of this Pandemic we wanted to share an option for an in-duct whole home air purification system. The REME Halo is an award winning in-duct air purifier that is the next generation of indoor air quality technology and capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches. Designed to eliminate sick building syndrome risks by reducing odors and air pollutants, the REME Halo in-duct air purifier is the best solution for whole house and building air purification. Invented to recreate nature’s process of purifying the air, it’s like bringing fresh outdoor air inside without ever having to open your windows. And it’s effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: Particulates, Microbial, and Gasses. You can now reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen mold spores, dander, and dust. Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Say goodbye to odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms. 

Call us today for more information and we are running a special COVID-19 Price for this item at $675.00.

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How can I reduce allergens and improve the air quality in my home?

With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There are also a great reduction in the household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin., scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have  to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the cost of your energy bill. 

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What are the advantages of equipment with variable speed fans?

Variable speed fans operate on a simple principal: they are able to spin at different speeds depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home.  Usually, they operate at lower speeds, delivering a steady, reliable stream of warm or cool air to your home. This helps control humidity levels, utility costs and system noise. When conditions become more extreme, the fan speed increases so that the system can meet increased demand, guaranteeing that on even the hottest days or coldest nights, you’re comfort needs will be met. 

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How does 2-stage heating or cooling work?

2-stage cooling is a method of cooling that can better manage the cooling of your home while outdoor temperatures are changing. It can also better maximize indoor comfort and energy efficiency. 2-stage cooling systems are typically the most energy efficient systems out there. 2-stage cooling can be done by having one unit with two compressors , one small and one large. The small one is typically capable of putting out 50% the capacity of the larger one. The second way to have 2-stage cooling is to have a single scroll unloading compressor. This compressor can unload its capacity down to about 66% of maximum capacity. Both these methods of getting 2-stage cooling allow the unit to run at a lower stage when the high stage is not needed. By doing this, energy is saved. 

2-stage heating has the same principals as the 2-stage cooling. It allows the unit to adjust itself based on the amount of heating that is necessary. 2-stage heating is a good way to save on heating costs. 

A heat pump system would have two different sized compressors, a small and a large one. The compressor that is used at a given time would depend upon the need. If only a small amount of heating is necessary, the smaller compressor would be used to save energy. The large compressor would only be used when a large amount of heating was needed. 

A gas furnace that is 2-stage has a modulating gas valve that regulates gas flow depending upon the need. 

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My system doesn’t work well in a couple of rooms, what should I do?

This can occur for many reasons; uneven solar heat load through windows, an undersized system, improperly balanced or clogged system, or a single system serving a two-story home with no zoning control. Each situation is different, usually requiring an onsite analysis with problem specific recommendations. Please call to arrange for us to see your home. 

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At what temperature should I set my thermostat?

Normal cooling settings are 75 degrees to 80 degrees. Normal heating settings are 68 degrees to 72 degrees. You should always set your thermostat to the highest possible setting that is comfortable for you in the summer, and the lowest comfortable setting in the winter. Setting your thermostat in this way will maximize your energy savings. On average, every 1 degree of temperature change is equal to about 1% energy savings. For example, changing your thermostat setting from 75 degrees to 76 degrees in the summer could result in savings on your cooling costs. However, if you continue to move your thermostat up and down frequently it will not save you energy because your unit will have to keep turning on and off to keep it at the temperature you want. That being said, make sure you set the temperature at one consistent temperature that is comfortable to you and your family. If you have any questions on setting your thermostat please feel free to call us at 260-350-4399.  

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Is Freon as a Refrigerant being discontinued?

YES! As of January 2010 the refrigerant R-22 or Freon was no longer allowed to be used in the manufacturing of new equipment. R-22 has been used as the standard refrigerant for many years, but has been found to be harmful to our planet by our government. All new air conditioners and heat pumps use R-410A, the more “environmentally sound” refrigerant. 

R-22 is still the most commonly used refrigerant in existing air conditioning equipment in residential homes today. However, per Montreal Protocol, caps were established to eliminate the production of R-22. In 2004, there was a 35% reduction; in 2010 there was a 65% reduction; in 2015 a 90% reduction; and finally in 2020 a 99.5% reduction in the production of R-22. This means that during the time of these reductions with high demand, the price of each pound of R-22 refrigerant skyrocketed. Laws were passed that January 2020 R-22 will be illegal to manufacture, but we can still use what is already made it just might be pricy to do so. 

If you are considering replacing your existing air conditioning equipment and make the switch to R-410A, the more environmentally sound refrigerant call us today! Spring is just around the corner now is the time to make the change! 

[willsheating]

Can Carbon Monoxide Build Up In My Home?

YES!!! Each year, carbon monoxide kills more than 200 Americans and sends nearly 5,000 more to emergency rooms for treatment. Where does carbon monoxide come from? When carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene or wood burn produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn’t complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) advises that carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to alert yourself to the presence of toxic gas in your home. If you wake in the night with a headache and other members of your family complain of the same or is difficult to wake up. You need to evacuate the house immediately and seek medical assistance. We recommend carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in your home! 

Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/

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What if I smell Gas?

Propane (LP) gas: If your gas comes from a tank located outside close to your house then you have this type of gas. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders. In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor. When liquid propane changes into a gas vapor, it expands in volume. This means that even a small leak of liquid propane can result in a much larger quantity of propane vapor, which can be especially dangerous in a confined space. A chemical odorant has been added to propane to give it a distinct smell. Learn to identify this odor. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it will sink to the floor and spread. To check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in lower areas. 

If you smell Propane (LP) gas:

-Exit your home immediately.

-Propane gas can ignite easily. Do NOT light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone, or do anything that may create a spark.

-From a safe area, contact your propane supplier and call 911.

-If you are able, shut the propane gas supply off at the tank. 

-Stay away from your home until you have been told that it is safe to return.

Natural gas: You have this type of gas if you have a gas meter and pay a natural gas supplier or utility company. A chemical odorant has been added to natural gas to give it a distinct smell. Learn to identify this odor. 

If you smell natural gas:

-Exit your home immediately.

-Do NOT light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone, or do anything that may create a spark.

-From a safe area, contact your gas company and call 911.

-If you are able, shut the gas off at the meter.

-Stay away from your home until you have been told that it is safe to return.

[willsheating]

The Gas That Kills

The odorless, colorless gas that can kill you

Winter is here, and the lower temperatures are making their presence known, furnaces and other heat sources are already in use, so it is always good to have an HVAC company come check out your system for the season. However, often enough that isn’t so. One thing that homeowners don’t think about, and it is a very important thing to check and monitor at all times is the Carbon Monoxide or CO in your home. CO which is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you should be monitored with a CO detector. You should not stay in your home if CO is present in your home.  

Carbon Monoxide is found in fumes produced when you burn fuel in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, FIREPLACES, gas ranges, or FURNACES. When carbon monoxide is built up inside a home it can poison and potentially kill people and animals. Each year more than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. These symptoms are often described as “flu-like” symptoms. If you breath in too much carbon monoxide you can pass out or even die, and people who are sleeping or drunk can die of carbon monoxide poisoning before they have the chance of having any symptoms.

Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so here are some tips to prevent it in your home.

Install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home, check/replace the batteries in the fall and in the spring, and place it where it will wake you up if it alarms.

Have your heating system serviced each year.

Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.

Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. (Horizontal vent pipes for appliances should go up slightly towards outdoors).

Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year.

Never use tape to patch a vent pipe.

Never use a gas range or oven for heating.

Never burn charcoal indoors.

Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors.

Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage. 

              Don’t Let Carbon Monoxide kill You Or Your Family!!!

Photograph above is a cracked heat exchanger that will cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Source:

CDC, (2017). Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Retrieved On: October 13, 2017. Retrieved From: https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

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Did You Know?... Safety Tips For Space Heaters.

Did you know? Space heaters are responsible for 32% of house fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. 

Hazards of Space Heaters:

Fires and burns can be caused by contact with or in close proximity to the flame, heating element, or hot surfaces. 

Fire and explosion can be caused by flammable fuels or defective wiring.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by improper ventilation of incomplete combustion of fuels.  

High humidity released by propane-fire heaters that can lead to mold growth within buildings under construction.

Space Heater Safety: 

Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year!

Maintain heating equipment and chimney’s by having them cleaned or inspected annually. 

Place space heater on a level, hard surface. 

Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away from heating source. 

Turn space heater OFF when leaving the room or going to bed.

Never plug a space heater in a power strip, plug it directly into a wall outlet. 

Install a carbon monoxide detector to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning 

Purchase a heater with the seal of an independent testing laboratory.

Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection. 

Make sure your heater has an automatic shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over. 

Keep space heater out of the way of foot traffic, and never block an exit.

Keep children away from the space heater.

[willsheating]

Smart Home System

“On the go, in the know, and in control.”

Picture this your on vacation in a nice warm place while it is 15 degrees back home, and while your basking in the sun your furnace at home quits working. Then when you arrive home you not only have no heat, but your pipes have frozen as well. This is a vacationers worst nightmare.

Now picture that same scenario, but when your laying on the beach basking in the sun you get a phone call from Will’s Heating & Air informing you that they have been alerted that your system isn’t running properly. This type of service is provided when you purchase a NEXIA Smart Thermostat, and allow Will’s Heating & Air to access your system for diagnostics through that thermostat. It will alert Will’s when the system isn’t running correctly, and they can call to set up a time to take a look at the system. Also with this type of thermostat you can monitor it on your mobile device, and change the temperature right from that device. No more worrying about your pipes freezing when you are away!

We also sell other smart home devices like door locks, garage door openers, security systems, home cameras, etc. For more information contact Will’s Heating & Air Inc. at 260-350-4399.