It’s not challenging to adjust the temperature on your thermostat to keep you cool during Iowa summers. But, it can be confusing which thermostat fan setting you should use: on or automatic, otherwise known as auto. It’s a common question that many homeowners have. In most cases, auto is the best option, but there are instances where you may want to use the on setting or a combination of both called circulate.

There is no right or wrong answer, but by understanding the pros and cons of each setting, you can use them more efficiently for your home.

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Fan On vs Auto

The on and auto settings both control the AC blower fan, which is located in the indoor part of your AC unit. The fan pulls warm air into your air conditioner to be cooled and then blows the cool air back into your home. When you select the auto setting, the fan turns on automatically when your system is cooling air. After your thermostat reaches the set temperature, the AC fan shuts off until the next cycle. The on position sets the fan to run continuously.

Thermostat Fan On

Choosing the on setting helps the air flow more evenly throughout your household and can eliminate hot or cold zones. In extreme heat, it’s beneficial to keep your thermostat set to on to help regulate the indoor temperature as well as to allow your AC unit to not work as hard. If you have a two-story home, this setting can help eliminate temperature differences between floors that you may face during the summertime.

You may also notice better indoor air quality when your fan is set to on. In this setting, the air continuously moves through the furnace filter, helping remove allergens and potential indoor pollutants.

In addition, running your AC system fan continuously can reduce wear on your motor because it’s not starting and stopping all day like it would if it were set to auto.

Thermostat Settings

While there are certainly advantages to keeping your thermostat set to on, there are disadvantages too. Since your AC fan is constantly running, it increases your energy costs. Unless a variable speed motor is installed, it can cost you as much as $50 more each month . How much your costs increase will depend on the age and efficiency of your system.

Another disadvantage of keeping the fan running is that your furnace filter can collect more dust in a shorter amount of time, which may require you to change it more frequently. A clogged furnace filter makes the blower motor work harder and uses more electricity.

What Does Auto Mean on Thermostat?

Setting your thermostat to auto will allow your system to be more energy-efficient since the fan only runs when the system cycles on, not continuously. Typically, the fan will turn on 30 to 60 seconds after a heating or cooling cycle starts and then turn off a minute after the cycle ends.

Another advantage is that you don’t need to replace your air filter as frequently since air isn’t constantly moving through the air filter. You can maintain a monthly or every-other-month changing schedule.

Should AC Be On or Auto?

Keeping your fan set on auto causes it to have more starts and stops, which can wear out the fan more quickly. Over time that can lead to less efficient distribution of air inside the home and potential equipment repairs.

When using the auto setting, you may notice hot or cold spots in your home. And there’s the potential for decreased indoor air quality since the air isn’t constantly being circulated through the filter. When the fan isn’t running, the air may also feel humid or stuffy. If you are noticing high humidity levels in your home, try turning your fan to the on setting.

Fan Circulate

Some newer homes have smart thermostats equipped with a third fan option, circulate, which is a combination of on and auto. This setting runs the fan during the cycle and then again for a few minutes every hour. This is a great alternative if you want to have better air circulation but not the increased energy costs that come with the on setting.

Consider Adding a Variable-Speed Air Handler

Installing a variable-speed air handler can give you the comfort and air quality improvements that the on setting has with the energy-saving advantages of the auto function. A variable-speed motor isn’t restricted to specific settings; it can run at any speed within a set range. This allows it to choose the precise speed that’s most efficient for the given heating demand.

You rely on your AC unit to keep you and your family cool. If your home isn’t maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, consider switching your thermostat to on or circulate. If you still have temperature control issues, reach out to our team of certified technicians about regular AC maintenance.

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When it’s time to go shopping for an air conditioner, there are many options available. But if the space you’re looking to cool doesn’t have ductwork, your choices are limited.

There are several situations where your home, or certain areas of your home, may not have ductwork:

• You have an older home that was not built with central air conditioning in mind.
• You’ve converted your garage into a living area.
• You’ve added a sunroom to your home.
• You finally built that tiny-home guest house or she-shed in the backyard.

In order to cool a living space without ductwork, you have two main options:

• Install a window unit in each room that needs air conditioning.
• Install a wall mounted mini split.

A mini split system has an air conditioner that mounts to your wall and is connected to a condenser outside. Multiple air conditioners can be installed throughout a home as part of a single wall mounted mini split system.

If you’re only looking at the upfront price tag, a window unit may look like it’s the best route, but I’m going to explain why a ductless mini split may be the best option.

Learn More: Why You Should Install A Ductless Split As Your Second-Floor Air Conditioning Unit

Benefits of Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners for Residential HVAC Systems

There are five primary benefits to installing a ductless mini split instead of a window air conditioner.

More Efficiency

It’s true that in most cases, wall-mounted air conditioners have a higher upfront cost. However, some mini split systems use 40% less energy than the average window unit, resulting in lower monthly utility costs and long-term savings.

More Control

With mini splits, you have more control over each zone of your house. If you spend your day working in your home office and don’t spend much time in the living room, you can keep the temperature higher out there and conserve energy. Many mini split systems are connected to Wi-Fi so you can control all your systems from one device.

Ability To Keep Using Your Window

A window unit has long been the go-to for those without air ducts who are in need of home cooling solutions. But this unit ties up your window all summer long. You won’t be able to look through it as easily or open it for a bit of fresh air on a mild day. Using a wall-mounted system has a safety component as well, since window units can be easily pushed inside by intruders.

Option To Keep It in Place Through the Winter

It is best to bring a window air conditioner inside when it gets cold to make sure it stays in good shape. A wall-mounted unit is a permanent installation that doesn’t need to be taken down for the winter. Some mini splits are designed to provide heating and cooling and can be used all year.

A Better Seal

Window units often don’t provide an airtight seal, allowing warm air to enter the home. This reduces the unit's efficiency because it will have to work overtime. A wall-mounted air conditioner, when installed correctly, has a much better chance of maintaining an airtight seal.

Optimize Comfort With a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

At Bell Brothers, we sell, install, and service high-quality ductless mini splits that can be mounted on your wall. The type and size you purchase will depend on the size of the space you’re trying to cool. We can help you select the best system for your home and make sure that every room is set for optimal comfort and efficiency.

Are you at your best in an environment that’s constantly hot, muggy and uncomfortable? Probably not. That’s why keeping your business properly cooled and ventilated all year, especially during the summer heat, is crucial.

If employees are uncomfortable throughout the workday, it could result in some bad moods and a drop in productivity. And, without proper ventilation, you run the risk of employees getting sick more often.

The challenge then becomes keeping your environment comfortable and improving indoor air quality, without running up the utility bill each month. One solution that you may not have considered is an economizer.

An economizer, which can either be built into or mounted onto your rooftop HVAC unit, analyzes the temperature and humidity outside. When the outside temperature allows, the system uses that air, instead of your air conditioner’s cooling elements, to cool the inside of your building. In the Midwest or other humid regions, the ideal outdoor temperature is usually around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Economizer?

Using an economizer can have several benefits to your building environment, your employees’ health and comfort and your business expenses.

1. Improve ventilation and air quality

Have you ever heard of “sick building syndrome?” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it occurs when spending time in a building seemingly causes people to experience physical ailments and discomfort, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

Some of the symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever- or allergy-like symptoms, headaches, fatigue and dizziness.

Poor ventilation is one of the top causes of sick building syndrome. An economizer can improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by replacing the stale air inside with fresh air from outside. This can help eliminate the harmful impact of sick building syndrome and keep everyone feeling healthy. The annual financial benefit to reducing sick days by using an economizer could be up to $16,000, according to a 2004 study.

Read More: Tips on How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Office

2. Reduce energy use and utility bill costs

An economizer uses the air outside to cool your building instead of only relying on the air conditioner to control the indoor temperature and humidity level. This strategy lowers your building’s energy consumption and the cost of your monthly utility bill. In fact, research from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory revealed a cost savings of around 38%.

3. Prolong the lifespan of your rooftop HVAC unit

Since your HVAC system runs less when using an economizer, the wear and tear on the unit will be reduced. This means less maintenance, fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan.

Different Types of Economizers

The benefits of using an economizer are clear but, for the best results, you need to have the right one for your facility. To make that decision, you will want to contact a professional HVAC contractor.

There are three types of economizers to choose from:

1. Dry bulb

This type of economizer only senses outdoor temperature, not humidity. They are the simplest type, and are the easiest to maintain, but since they do not account for humidity, they may not provide optimal comfort.

2. Wet bulb (single enthalpy)

This type is the most commonly used. It senses outdoor temperature and humidity to provide maximum comfort inside.

3. Differential enthalpy

Of the three types, this one is the most advanced. This uses two or more sensors to measure outdoor air and humidity, as well as the return air. When the outdoor temperature is lower than the return air, the economizer will be used for cooling.

Boost Your Business With an Economizer

By using an economizer to cool your business and provide adequate ventilation, you can make your employees comfortable and cut costs on your monthly utility bill.

As they prepare to graduate from high school, many young adults are finally beginning to make decisions about what they want to do with their lives. Most are encouraged to pursue a four year degree, but that path isn’t for everyone.

Some people are better suited to join the workforce right out of high school in skilled trade jobs that offer hands-on training and experience that starts right away. If you’re one of those people, you may wonder if there’s even a place for you on this path. The answer is “yes.”

Pursuing a career in the skilled trades offers the opportunity to get hands-on work experience and continued on-the-job training to hone your skills as your career unfolds. Apprenticeship programs also allow you to earn money and gain experience while you learn and develop your skills.

On average a licensed journeyman can make a starting salary range between $55,000-$60,000 per year. Additionally, according to Apprenticeship.gov 92% of workers retain employment after completing their apprenticeship.

Here at Bell Brothers, we have an HVAC apprenticeship program that provides the training and experience for a rewarding career. To get more insight into the value of an apprenticeship program, we chatted with two participants:

• Brandon Reynolds, residential installer who graduated from the program two years ago
• Jake Matthews, a student in his second year of the program

Q: How did you get connected with the Bell Brothers HVAC Apprenticeship Program?

Brandon: “When I was in high school, I actually hadn't even thought of going into a trade. But then I got some information about a trade program and saw how much money I could make by the end of four years and thought, ‘Why wouldn’t I do that?’ It didn’t cost me any money and I earned a paycheck while I learned.

“It was very important to me to work for a company that had an in-house apprenticeship program and, after working for another company’s apprenticeship program, I transferred into year two of the program here at Bell Brothers.”

Jake: “I always knew I wanted to go into HVAC service because of how diverse it is. You get to have your hands on a lot of different things like heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical. So I started applying for jobs with HVAC contractors.

“At the time, I didn’t know Bell Brothers had in-house training but I’m glad I found out. It’s not something a lot of companies have, so I’m grateful to have been hired and have the opportunity to learn on the job.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about the program?

Brandon: “What stuck out to me the most was how they helped prepare us for our HVAC Journeyman license test. There’s a whole chapter related to taking this test where we learn out of the book, but they also give us additional instruction to help us prepare. That’s a hard test for some people to take and I think Bell Brothers does a great job of helping us succeed.

“There was also an electrical chapter where they set up an electrical board and we got to hook up wires, learn how to make circuits and learn how electricity works. So I think they do a good job of integrating labs with real-world needs for the job.”

Jake: “I like how we get to learn everything in a classroom, but then we get to go out and see how the concepts we’re learning about are applied to real work in the field. That makes it easier to remember what you’re learning so you can have discussions about how you can do those things better.

“One of my favorite types of projects that I do with Brandon is home remodels. Every house is different and comes with a new challenge. In many cases, the houses weren’t even built for cooling because it didn’t exist when they were built. So we have to try to find ways to add ductwork and cooling without damaging the home. We recently faced this on a project where we renovated an old home in the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines. It was a fun challenge.”

Q: Does the program guide students towards one particular expertise, such as commercial or residential, or do you get a taste of everything?

Brandon: “It depends on the chapter. For example, if you’re learning about boilers and chillers, that would be primarily commercial focused. If you’re learning about mini splits, that would be more residential focused. And chapters related to service kind of tie into all of it.

“I have always primarily done residential work. While I was in the program, I mostly assisted a lead technician as their partner, but now I’ve moved into a lead role.”

Q: Once you graduate, are there opportunities for continuing education and refining your skills?

Brandon: “Yes, we have to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain our Journeyman License and Bell Brothers provides those classes. They pay for two classes in the spring and two classes in the fall. There’s a lot of opportunities to keep learning about all the different areas of HVAC service.”

Q: Jake, what are you looking forward to in your third and fourth years?

Jake: “Right now, I do a lot of installs, but I’m really looking forward to learning more about diagnosing and fixing problems on systems. I’ll get to learn about that through our classwork and during labs out in the field.”

Q: Where do you hope your career goes in the future?

Brandon: “I consider myself to be a big-impact person. I like to have as big of an impression on a company as I can, so for me, whether that looks like management or taking over bigger projects, doing sales or whatever it is, that’s what I want. Any sort of way that I can make an impact on a larger scale is where I'd want to go.”

Jake: “My number-one goal is to get my Journeyman License. That is something I need to do within the next three years and then get into service. I want to be the kind of person who can do anything the company needs. Any problem that needs to be solved or anything that needs to be fixed, I want to do it.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone else who is considering entering an HVAC apprenticeship program?

Jake: “Do it now. Don’t wait. I wish I had started this program right out of high school. It takes a lot of time to start over and learn a new trade, so the earlier you get started, the better.”

Brandon: “That’s great advice. There’s no reason to wait. If you like craftsmanship or you like helping people and diagnosing problems, there is a place for you. Plus, you get paid while you learn, so there really is no reason not to do it.”

Enjoy a Rewarding HVAC Apprenticeship Job

We need hard-working, self-motivated workers. If you have that part down, we’ll do our part to help you thrive in an HVAC career. That’s what our apprenticeship program is all about. Also, you may learn more about the Skilled Trades Alliance we formed with other local partners. It has been tremendously successful at showing a new generation of skilled trade workers the importance of apprenticeship programs.

Sherman Hill is Des Moines’ oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 1870s. It has seen countless residents move in and out, has lived through the Great Depression and World War II and was targeted for revitalization in the 1970s by a dedicated group of residents.

Needless to say, the neighborhood is the perfect place for someone like York Taenzer, who is a history buff with a knack for home renovation.

Taenzer has lived in Sherman Hill for more than 30 years and, in that time, has resided in seven different houses that he renovated himself. His latest project, a three-story house with eight apartments, will be renovated into a single-family home to become his eighth Sherman Hill residence.

Taenzer has worked to make the home a place where he and his parents can live together and be comfortable for years to come.

Keeping the History Alive

The house was built in 1887 and the original owners lived there for 42 years. During the Great Depression it was converted into five apartments. Around the time of World War II, the demand for rental housing was continuing to rise, and the house was converted into an eight-plex.

Today, Taenzer is restoring it to its former glory as a single-family home which he plans to share with his parents when they move to Des Moines from Minnesota.

“We had looked at a few houses for them, ” Taenzer said. “But I didn’t want to have to maintain a second house so I said ‘I enjoy spending time with you. Let’s find a house where we can all be together.’”

Taenzer’s vision for the inside of the home includes an industrial feel with exposed plumbing and mechanical equipment for the third level where his master suite will be. The exterior will be restored in compliance with the State Historical Preservation Commission’s requirements and will stay true to the history of the neighborhood.

Home Comfort Is Key

With his parents planning to share the house with him, home comfort and a flexible HVAC system were priorities for Taenzer.

“I wanted a system that was going to accommodate all three floors and make everyone comfortable in their own spaces,” Taenzer said.

He spoke with several HVAC contractors and eventually decided to work with the home comfort experts at Bell Brothers. Jason Gassmann, president of Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., said that this is an ideal type of project for his team.

“We have very creative people on our team,” Gassmann said. “This was the perfect project for us because it allowed us to get our creative juices flowing and really provide a vision for York’s ideas.”

Taenzer was impressed with Bell Brothers from the very beginning.

“They were the ones that were able to understand my vision and everything I wanted,” he said. “And they were always honest and upfront with me. They were willing to tell me if something I wanted wasn’t going to work logistically.”

The team at Bell Brothers installed new duct work throughout the home and removed the old system: hot water boiler with eight radiators, one in each apartment. Some of the radiators even partially or completely blocked doors from opening all the way.

Then they installed HVAC system on the second and third floors. It is a single system with separate thermostats to control the temperature on the second and third floors to maximize the comfort level of whoever is on each of those floors.

In the end, Taenzer wanted a system that would not only provide home comfort to him and his family, but also to whoever moves in after he decides to move on. Gassmann says that the new system fits the bill.

“I think we’ve put in a good mechanical system that’s going to last for decades,” Gassmann said.

Work With the Experts

Whether you’re putting a new system into a modern home or renovating and restoring a historic home, Bell Brothers has an HVAC system to fit your needs. We have a creative team that can make sure everyone in your home is comfortable on every floor and in every room.

During Iowa summers, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to break into the 90s with heat index levels occasionally breaking 100. To keep your home at a comfortable temperature, your air conditioner could be working overtime.

During these times, you may notice your HVAC unit leaking water and ask yourself “is that normal?”

It is normal for your HVAC system to form water, but only to a certain extent. If your air conditioner has been leaking all day or you notice a puddle beneath your system that’s getting bigger and bigger, it could be a sign of a problem.

Let’s explore why your HVAC system produces water and the potential causes for an unwanted leak.

Why Air Conditioners Produce Water

Your HVAC system has an evaporator coil that cools the warm air being blown over it and into your home. This causes condensation to form on the coil, very similarly to the way it forms on a cold glass of water on a hot day.

This water drips onto a pan and drains into a condensate drain line, which leads outside. So water shouldn’t pool beneath your unit unless there’s a problem with your system.

Here are some of the reasons your air conditioner could be leaking water.

5 Reasons Your HVAC System Is Leaking Water

1. Your air filter is dirty.

This is an easy one for you to check and fix yourself. If your air filter is dirty, it will partially or completely block the flow of warm air. This causes the evaporator coil to freeze up, and when the system stops running, water will melt, drip down and pool under the system.

2. Refrigerant levels are low.

If your AC refrigerant level is low, your system’s air pressure will drop. Much like when your air filter is dirty, this will cause the evaporator coil to freeze over and leak water.

3. The condensate pan is damaged.

This is particularly prevalent in units that are more than 10 years old. The condensate pan catches the water dripping off the evaporator coil, but if the pan is corroded or rusted, the water may leak through the holes and onto the floor beneath the unit.

4. Your condensate drain line is clogged or your condensate pump is broken.

Normally after the water drips into the condensate pan, it funnels through the drain line and outside. If this line is clogged, the water will have nowhere to go but the floor. If your unit is in the basement of your home, a condensate pump will normally take the water upstairs and outside. If the pump is damaged, the water will leak beneath the unit.

5. Temperatures outdoors are cool.

If you’re trying to cool your home when it's not hot outside (60 °F or lower), this could also cause the evaporator coils to freeze up and leak water onto the floor.

As our culture continues to shift toward a mindset of “instant gratification,” our ideas about long-term planning and major purchases have changed. Many are content to let things run through their lifespan and replace them when the time comes. But that’s not the right approach with your HVAC system.

The average cost of a new HVAC system is roughly the same as a used car, so why not give them the same treatment? Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle extends its lifespan and it will do the same for your air conditioning unit and your furnace. On top of that, it can also lower your monthly energy bill.

In this guide, I will show you the benefits of preventative maintenance, what is included, some basic do-it-yourself tips and why an HVAC maintenance program is worth the investment.

Learn More: Why You Should Think Of Your HVAC System Like A Car

Benefits of HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is critical to improving the lifespan of your heating and cooling system, so why would you ignore it? It’s as simple as regularly changing your air filter and having annual HVAC tuneups done.

Here are the five main benefits to having HVAC preventative maintenance performed on an annual basis:

1. Longer lifespan

2. Improved home safety and comfort

3. Better air quality

4. Lower energy costs

5. Reliable operation

Get More Details: Five Benefits Of HVAC Preventative Maintenance

What’s Included in Furnace Preventative Maintenance

Homeowners in Iowa typically use their furnace six months of the year. For the other six months, it sits idle. The dust and dirt accumulated during this time may prevent it from working at peak performance when it’s time to turn it back on.

Annual maintenance should be performed to extend the life of your furnace and ensure it is running safely. Maintenance performed by a trained professional should include:

• Full cleaning of the furnace

• Inspection of safety switches and devices

• Check of heat exchanger for cracks or damage

• Filter replacement

• Calibration of temperature controls and economizer controls

• Adjustment of fans and belts

• Inspections of all electrical components

Stay Warm: Why Annual Furnace Maintenance Is Important

Do-It-Yourself HVAC Maintenance Tips

If your system has stopped working, don’t panic. We know it's uncomfortable when the heat stops working in winter, or when your air stops working in summer. Your instinct may be to call a professional, but there are a few troubleshooting steps you should take on your own first. These could end up being a quick solution and can save you money.

DIY Troubleshooting Tips

• Replace your thermostat batteries

• Review the settings on your thermostat

• Check the circuit breaker for the HVAC unit

• Change the filter

Do It Yourself: Five Things To Check Before Calling A Pro

Additionally, you can check out our guide to troubleshooting common air conditioner problems for tips on deciding when you can make an easy fix, or when it’s time to call a technician.

HVAC Maintenance Programs

The easiest way to keep your furnace and AC in prime condition is to sign up for an HVAC maintenance program. The money you save by extending your system’s life span and lowering the cost of your energy bills usually outweigh the investment. Plus, getting regular tuneups can reduce future HVAC maintenance costs by avoiding the need for major repairs.

But not every maintenance program is the same and you’ll want to do your research. Here are four questions you should ask as you’re weighing your options:

1. Does this HVAC maintenance program include cleaning?

2. What additional benefits will I receive?

3. Does the company provide advice and recommendations?

4. How do I know which membership level is right for me?

Get Your Questions Answered: What To Look For In An HVAC Maintenance Program

Join the Comfort Club Today

At Bell Brothers, we want to provide you with the peace of mind that your HVAC system is running at optimal safety and efficiency. Not only that, we will make sure you understand your needs and help you choose an annual HVAC maintenance program that works best for you.

Bell Brothers Comfort Club offers three levels of annual maintenance service to fit your needs and budget. Each level includes:

• Two visits per year

• Enrollment in our loyalty program

• A 21-point inspection

• Thermostat battery replacement

The decision to replace the HVAC system in your home is a big one. The process of choosing an HVAC system, getting estimates and having it installed can be stressful, especially for first-time buyers. Bell Brothers are here to eliminate that stress by providing you the information you need to navigate the process, starting with knowing whether your system needs to be replaced and going all the way to the final installation.

Let’s get started!

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your System

The first step is to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your HVAC system. Nobody wants to find out on the hottest day of the summer that they need to replace their air conditioning unit. The same is true when facing a cold winter night with a furnace that needs to be replaced.

Most of the time, your HVAC unit won’t stop working unexpectedly. Instead, it’s usually a gradual process as the end of your system’s lifespan draws near. If you know what signs to look for, you can be prepared to replace your HVAC system before it gives out.

You Make The Call: 5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner
Read More: How To Know When To Replace Your Furnace

Do Your Research

If you need to replace your HVAC system, it’s time to do your research so you can choose the right type of system for your home. There’s more to choosing an HVAC system than finding out which brand is the best. It’s also important to research and compare the different benefits and features that come with each type of HVAC system you’re considering.

Additional questions to ask yourself include:

• What type of air handler or furnace do I need?
• Do I want a system equipped for zoning?
• What are my comfort needs?
• Do I prefer a heat pump or gas furnace?
• Is a geothermal heating and cooling system right for me?

Explore Your Options: How to Choose The Right HVAC System For Your Home

Right-Sizing Your HVAC System

When it comes to choosing an HVAC system for your home, bigger is not always better. A unit that is too small for your home will be working too hard to reach your desired temperature. If it’s too big, it will cycle between blasting air and shutting off completely. This is not an efficient way for an HVAC system to operate.

Additionally, an air conditioner dehumidifies your house. If your system is too big for your house, it won’t run efficiently, which means it isn’t dehumidifying. A humid house will feel much warmer than it is. A system that is the right size will run continuously, keeping the humidity at the appropriate level.

Operate Efficiently: Right-Sizing Your HVAC System

How To Avoid Sticker Shock

Before you start getting quotes from HVAC contractors, you will want to set some financial expectations. A new HVAC system is an investment in your family’s comfort, but the cost can be a shock for some.

With all of the options available, HVAC system shopping can be confusing and overwhelming. Here are a few important questions to ask HVAC contractors when you’re getting an estimate.

1. Do you use a standardized pricing system?
2. Do you have a warranty program?
3. Do you have an installation guarantee?
4. What sort of training do your installation and service technicians receive?

Be Prepared: Avoid Sticker Shock When Shopping For an HVAC System

Getting a Quote

While it may be tempting to get an HVAC quote over the phone, an on-site HVAC inspection will provide a more accurate estimate. An on-site inspection allows an HVAC professional to determine what aspects of your home will affect the total installation prices. For example, if your ductwork will need to be updated or if an HVAC technician needs to access a small or tight space to install the new unit, the installation time will likely increase.

Know For Sure: HVAC Inspections Provide More Accurate Quotes

When you start reaching out to get estimates from HVAC contractors, you will want to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. On paper, it may look like you're getting a better deal for less from one contractor when you're really just getting less. So, ask questions and make sure you're comparing bids that include the same type of unit.

Apples to Apples: Things To Know Before Comparing Contractor Quotes

Having the HVAC System Installed

You know what your home needs, you’ve got your quotes and you’ve chosen the contractor with the best price for what you’re getting. It’s time for installation!

Buying a new HVAC system is a big deal, and trusting the people coming into your home to install it is an even bigger deal. When you’re scheduling your installation, you will want to make sure that the company is bonded, insured and the technicians are licensed; and that they will be respectful of your home and family. If all of these boxes are not checked, you should not do business with that company.

Spot the Red Flags: What to Expect When Having a New HVAC System Installed in Your Home

Start the Process: Invest in Your Family’s Comfort

Replacing your HVAC system is a large investment for your home. The decision should not be made without doing your research, getting multiple estimates and working with a trustworthy HVAC contractor.

The summer heat is on its way. If you live in an older home, or your home has a second floor or addition without duct work, keeping those rooms cool may be a tall task for your air conditioning unit.

To help cool the second floor, one solution homeowners turn to is to install a window unit. A window unit will help keep your bedroom cool but keeping multiple rooms or large areas cool can be difficult and inefficient.

If you’re looking for a more efficient way to keep multiple rooms on your second floor cool, consider a mini split installation. A ductless split includes an outdoor compressor that is connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring to up to five wall-mounted indoor units, so you can customize the temperature in multiple rooms throughout your home.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of a ductless split system so you can decide if one is right for your home.

Top 3 Benefits of a Ductless Split System

1. Easy Installation

A mini split unit is among the easiest and most versatile systems to install in your home. All that is required is a small hole in the wall for the wiring and refrigerant line. No additional duct work is needed.

2. Easy Customization and Versatility

Ductless splits can contain one unit, or up to five units connected to a single outdoor compressor. A single-zone system could be perfect for a garage that has been converted into a workshop, or an attic that has been converted into a bedroom. A multi-zone system is ideal for a standard second floor, with separate units for each bedroom. You can set each zone to a different temperature, oftentimes with an internet-enabled device. You can also add units later on as your family grows or as your budget allows.

3. Energy Efficient

Split unit installation can save you money on your energy bill. The customization options can help you reduce your energy use even more by allowing you to keep it concentrated in the areas you choose, while keeping the thermostat higher in rooms used less frequently.

Get Comfortable in Your Home

A mini split system is a very quiet and highly efficient way to stay cool in your upstairs bedroom this summer. You can customize the temperature in each zone and have it installed for a much lower cost than a traditional zone system, which can run up to $30,000. Contact an HVAC Technician at Bell Brothers today.