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When is the best time to replace an aging HVAC system?It’s a question our heating and cooling experts are often asked. At Ranck, we consider the following when recommending replacement over repair.

1. The age of your system. Heat pumps last an average of 10 to 12 years, while a furnace offers a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
2. The cost to make repairs. If the cost to maintain your system exceeds 20% of the cost of a new one, a replacement makes financial sense. (depending on age)
3. The comfort of your home. Are you satisfied with the temperature inside your home? Is the system heating/cooling consistently?
4. Monthly cost? Are you paying more for the unit to operate? How much would you save each month with a more energy efficient system?
5. Can you take advantage of the federal tax credit? The current federal HVAC credit is available for high-efficiency systems purchased and installed by the end of 2016.

If you need to service or a new system, contact us to discuss the best system for your home and budget.

If you want your air conditioning to work at peak performance and keep you as cool as possible this summer, it’s important to change your HVAC filter. If you haven’t done so this summer, it’s not too late.

We recommend changing the filter in your system at least twice a year, at the start of both the heating and cooling seasons. Depending on the type of filter used and the conditions in your home, the recommended replacement cycle may be more frequent.

What’s the big deal? Why not put it off a little longer?

Well, just like the Olympic athletes on the road to Rio getting ready to perform later this summer, your HVAC system needs to be finely tuned to perform at its best. And in the case of your AC, that means cleaning or changing the filter.

All models of air conditioning must have continuous, forced airflow to do their job. So if you have a permanent high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, you need to be sure and clean it regularly, and disposable filters need to be replaced.

Dust, pollen, pet dander, hair, and dirt particles get trapped in the air filter. If moisture builds up as well, bacteria, mold, mildew, allergens and odors can also blow through your home. And, a severely clogged filter can actually cause your unit to shut down completely.

If you’ve noticed dust accumulating on your floors or furniture, you might be tempted to remove the air filter altogether. Don’t. Filters are there for a reason: they help keep allergens and ear-nose-and-throat-irritating gunk out of the air and out of the HVAC system internals! Running your system without the filter can cause indoor pollutants to build up on the AC components, which can really stress the unit.

Have a filter question? Just Call Ranck.

Do you notice frequent condensation on the windows in your home or see small mold spores growing on the walls around your bathtub or shower?If you do, you could benefit from a whole-house dehumidification system.

A whole-house humidifier is installed directly into your HVAC system and works by removing excess moisture from the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping your home’s humidity between 30 – 50%.

Top 3 benefits of whole-house system:

Creates comfort – when the humidity is high, the air feels sticky. Balancing the humidity can make your home more comfortable during the day and will help you sleep better at night.

Makes your home healthier – dry air helps prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses. It can also reduce the likelihood of allergy triggers like dust mites, mildew and mold, which thrive in high humidity.

Saves you money ­­­– when there’s less moisture in your home your home feels cooler, which will allow you to set your thermostat higher so your unit runs less often.And, because your AC is not working as hard to remove the moisture from the air, you will extend the life of your system.

To learn more about how a whole-house dehumidification system can help your home – Just Call Ranck.