Every winter when the temperature drops, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable all season long. While it is normal for this to result in a higher monthly energy bill, costs have been much higher this year than in years past.

This is because the market price for natural gas has more than doubled from where it was last year. In October 2021, MidAmerican Energy warned customers that they could expect their heating bills to increase by 46-96%.

One of the reasons for the price increases is that when the COVID-19 pandemic began and businesses started shutting down, the demand for natural gas decreased. As a result, less was produced and stored. When businesses started re-opening, the demand outpaced the supply and has led to higher prices.

Another reason is that production in Texas was disrupted when a polar vortex and ice storm struck Texas in February 2021 and drove prices to historic highs. MidAmerican Energy has had to pass these costs on to its customers.

In addition to rising natural gas prices, the cost of propane, which is used to heat many rural homes in Iowa, also soared. In October 2021, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected the price to rise by 83%.

There are some things you can do, both on your own and with the help of a professional HVAC contractor, to conserve energy and save money on your heating bill while potentially improving home comfort.

Complete a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit should be your first step before implementing any energy- or cost-saving home improvements. It can help you determine how much energy your home uses, where it is inefficient, and which problem areas you should prioritize to save power and money.

Home energy audits can be performed by a professional or by yourself. The HomeCheck® Online assessment tool from MidAmerican Energy analyzes the effects of your home energy use based on your lifestyle and habits. It provides information on what uses the most power in your home and personalized tips to reduce your energy use.

Improvements You Can Make On Your Own

Once you’ve completed a home energy audit, there are some simple solutions you can do on your own. The No. 1 thing you can do without calling a professional is to change your filter regularly.

Another thing that can reduce your furnace’s energy efficiency is negative pressure. This means that there is less air in your home than outside and, in the winter, cold dry air will be pulled inside.

A few simple ways to balance out the pressure on your own are to:

Replace worn weather-stripping around your windows and doors for a tighter seal.
Consider not doing multiple loads of laundry back-to-back. The clothes dryer removes a ton of air from your house.

How Can an HVAC Contractor Help

For more intricate home improvement tasks, you will want to enlist the help of a professional HVAC contractor.

Sealing Your Air Ducts

The average home’s air duct system leaks 25% to 40% of the air that flows through it. This can lead to frigid temperatures on your second floor in the winter, dusty furniture and high utility bills.

You may be able to seal some air ducts on your own, but it’s possible there are leaks hiding behind the walls, floors or ceilings. This is why you should call a professional to help you out.

Sealing your ductwork using a product called Aeroseal® can help improve comfort, reduce leaks by up to 90% and improve air quality in your home.

Have Annual Maintenance Completed

Annual maintenance keeps your furnace working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected midwinter breakdown. By not properly cleaning your furnace every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of its heating efficiency.

Annual furnace maintenance performed by a trained technician should include:

Full cleaning of HVAC system
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

Upgrade To a High Efficiency HVAC System

If the time has come for you to replace your furnace, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system. The energy and cost savings over the life of the unit will offset the upfront cost and reduce your monthly utility bill.

Lately there has been a renewed focus on improving in-home air quality. People are turning to products like air purifiers and air scrubbers to remove dust, pollutants, allergens and airborne pathogens from the air.

One critical task that is often overlooked by homeowners is changing their furnace filters. In fact, many people don’t even realize they have a filter or that it needs to be changed.

A survey by The Zebra indicated that 29% of Americans never change the air filters in their homes and one in five people believes it’s not important to change their air filter.

Changing the filter is the No. 1 thing you can do to maintain your furnace without calling a professional, and it only takes a few minutes. Swapping it out regularly provides several benefits to your HVAC system:

The furnace and air conditioning coil are protected from dirt build-up on the filter, which keeps the system operating efficiently and prevents the coil from freezing up.
Because all the air in your home passes through the furnace filter, the indoor air quality is improved and allergens are reduced with a clean filter. Disposing of used filters removes the trapped dirt, pollen and allergens.
Changing the filter will help prevent furnace shutdowns. A clogged filter can cause a furnace to stop working because it completely restricts airflow. In some cases, a clogged filter can be sucked into the blower motor, tearing up the filter — and the equipment.

The frequency at which your furnace filter needs to be replaced depends on the type that is used by your HVAC system. Let’s compare the different types of filters so you can set a schedule to replace yours regularly.

Different Types of Furnace Filters

A standard 1- to 3-inch disposable filter should be changed at least once per month. Pleated filters, on the other hand, have more surface area and tend to plug up faster. These should be changed twice a month.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants. These have more surface area and can be replaced about once every six months.

UV filters use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses as they pass through the HVAC unit. Most manufacturers recommend that you change this type of filter once every 12 months.

Set Your Schedule — Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

The longevity of your furnace filter is dictated not only by its type, but also by the cleanliness of the home environment. Filters will fill up faster if there is a lot of dust and allergens in the air.

As a general rule of thumb, you should check your filter at least every 30 days. Consider setting a reminder in your calendar or on your cell phone on the same day each month to make sure it’s getting done regularly.

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.

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:

Longer lifespan
Improved home safety and comfort
Better air quality
Lower energy costs
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:

Does this HVAC maintenance program include cleaning?
What additional benefits will I receive?
Does the company provide advice and recommendations?
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.

Do you use a standardized pricing system?
Do you have a warranty program?
Do you have an installation guarantee?
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.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current HVAC system and are researching the difference between a heat pump and a gas furnace, there’s a good chance you are finding articles online that discuss the pros and cons of a heat pump vs a gas furnace.

In this blog post, Bell Brothers wants to share the option for a heat pump with a gas furnace backup, which is known as a hybrid heat pump.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?

A hybrid heat system uses a conventional gas furnace in conjunction with an electric-powered air source heat pump. The heat pump looks like the outdoor air conditioning unit and works similarly. While an air conditioning unit moves warm air from inside the house outside, a heat pump does just the opposite. In the winter, it gathers heat outside, concentrates it and moves it inside. Moving heat is much more efficient than creating heat.

3 Reasons to Consider Heat Pump with Gas Furnace:

Cost Savings

When customers are considering a hybrid system, a common question we hear is, “Do you really save money with a heat pump?” Since heat pumps are powered by electricity, homeowners have the flexibility of switching between gas and electricity to heat the house. For example, when gas is less expensive a homeowner can set the system to run the gas furnace more and the heat pump less. There are many hybrid heat options available that are Energy Star® qualified and that will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling to help reduce your energy costs.

Comfortability

Combining a high-efficiency gas furnace with an electric air source heat pump will provide continuous temperature control in your home. Most gas furnaces kick on and off trying to reach the right temperature. A heat pump has a much longer run cycle, which keeps temperatures more constant in the home. Some deluxe models feature variable capacity, which allows them to run on a lower speed for longer cycles and provide higher energy efficiency and comfort. This reduces those four- to five-degree swings in temperature that come with single-speed furnaces.

Live in a Mild Climate

Due to the design of heat pumps, they will heat your home most efficiently when the outside temperature is 25 to 60 degrees. The gas furnace is more efficient when temperatures are below 25 because it is designed to handle that load. If you live in a location where it’s colder than 25 degrees the majority of the time (e.g., Alaska), a heat pump may not be the most efficient choice. In Iowa, the hybrid system makes perfect sense. The heat pump provides heat the majority of the time, when the temperature is moderate, and the gas furnace takes over when the weather is severe.

A common question homeowners ask our service techs and sales team: How important is annual furnace maintenance?

Our simple answer: extremely important.

When you buy a new car, do you run it 100,000 miles without getting the oil changed? Not a chance. It’s the same idea with your home’s heating system. Annual maintenance keeps your furnace working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected midwinter breakdown.

Benefits of annual furnace maintenance

One of the main concerns for your furnace is dirt. Homeowners in Iowa typically use their furnace for six months of the year. For the other six months when the furnace isn’t being used, dirt and dust accumulates in the machine, which prevents the furnace from working at peak performance.

Quick fact: By not properly cleaning your furnace every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of efficiency.

Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your furnace and also ensures it’s working safely. Annual furnace maintenance performed by a trained technician should include:

Full cleaning of HVAC system
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

DIY furnace maintenance

While most furnace maintenance needs to be performed by a professional, there are a few things homeowners can do to keep their system working efficiently throughout fall and winter.

Change your furnace filter regularly. Standard 1-inch disposable filters should be changed monthly while high-efficiency air cleaners can be changed less often.
Don’t overwork your system by cranking your furnace too high. The perfect situation in the winter is 72 degrees and 35% relative humidity. If you’re turning your furnace up, that means your humidity could be too low. Using a humidifier to raise the humidity to 35% allows you to be comfortable around 72 degrees.
Check the batteries in your thermostat. If you haven’t had annual maintenance completed on your HVAC system in the last two to three years, there is a good chance the batteries need replacement.

Annual furnace maintenance cost

The cost of an annual maintenance program ranges between $180 and $575. The main factors that impact the cost are added benefits like receiving priority status during times of emergency — unexpected furnace or AC breakdown — and waiver of diagnostic fees.

At Bell Brothers, our primary objective is to help provide homeowners with the peace of mind that their HVAC systems are running at optimal safety and efficiency. We work closely with homeowners to understand their needs and challenges and help them choose an annual maintenance plan that works best for them.

To learn more about our residential HVAC maintenance programs, call 515-244-8911 or contact us online.

Now that colder temperatures have settled into the Midwest, you might be noticing that even though your furnace is turned on, your house still feels cold. If you're worried that your furnace isn’t running efficiently — don’t be. If you regularly change the furnace filter and have already had seasonal furnace maintenance performed, it is likely that the cause is unrelated to your system efficiency.

The comfort level in your home is determined by the indoor temperature and humidity level. But one thing that can prevent this from happening easily and efficiently is negative pressure.

Schedule Online

What Is Negative Air Pressure?

Negative pressure occurs when there is less air in your home than outside. Poorly sealed doors and windows will pull in the outside air. When this occurs in the winter, cold, dry air is pulled into your home.

How To Fix Negative Air Pressure In Your House

The four main home conveniences that suck the air out of your house are exhaust fans, dryers, water heaters and non-combustion furnaces. Don’t fret. There are a few things you can do to help keep your home from experiencing negative pressure.

Replace worn weather stripping around your windows and doors for a tighter seal. Taking the time to weatherize your home will help keep warm air in during the winter.
Install a 20-minute timer on your bathroom exhaust fans to keep them from running all day.
The clothes dryer removes a ton of air from your house. Consider not doing multiple loads of laundry back-to-back. You can also run your dryer at night while everyone is sleeping.
Do you have a sealed combustion furnace? If you don’t, your furnace is using inside air for combustion and sending it up through your vents. You can look into upgrading your furnace and water heater to high-efficiency models to combat negative pressure.

Taking steps to address negative pressure will help keep your home more comfortable and your HVAC system from working overtime this winter.

Schedule Online