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Geothermal Heat Pump: Comfort Without Spiking Energy Costs in Des Moines

Iowa summers bring heat and humidity that can push traditional air conditioning systems and your electric bills to the limit. As we move into fall and winter, homeowners also face rising heating costs when relying on older, less efficient systems. A geothermal heat pump offers a smarter way to stay comfortable year-round, using the steady temperature of the earth to deliver efficient, reliable heating and cooling without energy spikes.

What Is a Geothermal Heat Pump?

In central Iowa, where summers are hot and winters can be bitterly cold, homeowners need heating and cooling systems that perform reliably all year. A geothermal heat pump is an HVAC system that uses the steady underground temperature just a few feet below the surface to both heat and cool your home. This stable temperature, around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in Iowa soil, is the secret to its efficiency.

Unlike traditional systems that work against extreme outdoor air temperatures, geothermal units transfer heat to or from the ground through a network of buried pipes known as a ground loop. This process is far more efficient because the system taps into an energy source that remains constant regardless of the weather outside.

Central Iowa’s climate makes geothermal a natural fit. Summers here often bring high humidity and long stretches of hot weather, which strain conventional AC units and drive up energy bills. In the colder months, geothermal systems tap into the mild underground temperatures to deliver steady, efficient heat without overworking electric resistance coils or gas furnaces.

If you’re deciding between systems, be sure to explore our guide on Geothermal vs Air Source Heat Pump to see how they compare.

How Geothermal Cooling Works in the Summer

When cooling your home in the summer, a geothermal system reverses its cycle to remove heat from indoors and transfer it into the ground. Here’s how:

In winter, the process works in reverse. The ground loop absorbs natural heat from the soil and transfers it into your home, keeping your living spaces warm and comfortable even when outdoor temperatures plunge below freezing.

Because the ground stays much cooler than Iowa’s summer air and much warmer than Iowa’s winter air, your system does not have to work nearly as hard as a conventional HVAC unit. This reduced workload means lower electrical demand, better performance in extreme weather, and reliable comfort in every season.

Cost-Saving Benefits for Iowa Homeowners

A geothermal heating and cooling system can significantly reduce your operating costs while maintaining comfort. Key savings advantages include:

Over time, the energy savings can offset much of the initial installation cost, especially with available rebates and financing options. Over time, the energy savings can offset much of the initial installation cost, especially with available rebates and financing options. If you’re still weighing the decision, our guide Is a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Right for You? can help you explore whether this investment makes sense for your home.

Additional Comfort and Environmental Benefits

A geothermal system is about more than saving money. It also improves the comfort of your home and lessens your environmental footprint.

Why Iowa Summers Make Geothermal an Ideal Choice

Central Iowa’s climate makes a geothermal heat pump a natural fit. Summers here often bring high humidity and long stretches of hot weather, which strain conventional AC units and drive up energy bills. In winter, when temperatures drop well below freezing, geothermal units still draw heat from the ground to provide efficient, reliable warmth. This means you get year-round efficiency in a single system, making it one of the best investments for comfort and cost control in the Midwest climate.

For homeowners in Des Moines and throughout central Iowa, this dual benefit, cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, maximizes the value of your investment and ensures dependable performance no matter the season.

Bell Brothers’ Geothermal Expertise in Des Moines

Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has been serving Des Moines and central Iowa since 1955. The company is known for its experience in geothermal heat pump installation, service, and maintenance. The team can:

With decades of local experience, Bell Brothers understands the unique needs of homes in the region and offers solutions that deliver comfort, savings, and peace of mind.

Call Bell Brothers Today to Start Saving with Geothermal

If you are ready to enjoy efficient, reliable cooling without the high summer bills, a geothermal heat pump could be the perfect choice. Bell Brothers offers expert geothermal heat pump installation in Des Moines and across central Iowa. Contact the team today to schedule your consultation and learn how this technology can keep your home comfortable year-round while lowering your energy costs.

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Geothermal vs air source heat pump systems offer efficient comfort for your home in Des Moines, Iowa year-round. No matter the season, you want to feel comfortable in your home. One way to do that is with a heat pump. Like an air conditioner, it can cool your home — but it’s also capable of producing heat. A heat pump is a smart, clean way to heat, cool, dehumidify, and purify the air in your home. Plus, a heat pump can be 3-5 times more energy-efficient than conventional home heating and cooling systems. Our heat pump guide will tell you everything you need to know about this smart and efficient climate control system.

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How a Heat Pump System Works

A heat pump system controls your home’s temperature and humidity level by redistributing the heat that’s already in the air. In the winter, it moves heat from the outside to the inside of your home. In the summer, the process is reversed: The heat pump takes heat from inside your home and moves it outside.

A Heat Pump System vs. Air Conditioner vs. Gas Furnace

A heat pump and an air conditioner can both cool a home. However, an air conditioner cannot pump heat back into a home like a heat pump can. An air conditioner needs to be paired with a furnace to heat your home. That’s why an air conditioner and furnace are typically installed together as a complete cooling and heating system.

Both a heat pump and a furnace help keep your home warm, but they heat differently. A heat pump uses small amounts of electricity to move heat from one area to another. A furnace uses an energy source, like natural gas or oil, to generate its own heat.

In colder regions, heat pumps can be combined with furnaces for energy-efficient heating. When the outside temperature drops too low for the heat pump to operate efficiently, the system will use the furnace to generate heat. This is often called hybrid heat, which is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Types of Heat Pump Systems

The two most common heat pump systems are:

When comparing geothermal vs air source heat pump systems, it’s important to understand how each one works and which is better suited for your home’s climate and energy needs.

Air-Source Heat Pump

The most common type of heat pump is an air-source heat pump. It can help reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric heating, such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. Heat pumps come in ducted and ductless versions.

Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump system uses free, renewable energy by moving the earth’s heat from underground pipes to a geothermal unit inside your home. The collected heat is distributed through the ductwork to heat your home. To cool your home, the process is reversed. The warm air in your home is collected and stored in the ground.

There are many advantages to installing a geothermal system in your home, including:

These benefits highlight why many homeowners compare geothermal vs air source heat pump systems when deciding on an energy-efficient upgrade.

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Parts of a Heat Pump

Geothermal vs Heat Pump

A heat pump is made up of two main components that work together:

The outdoor unit contains important sub-components, including:

Like the outdoor unit, the indoor unit contains a coil and a fan. The coil acts as an evaporator or a condenser. The fan moves air across the coil and throughout the ducts in your home.

However, the indoor unit includes other components:

Heat Pump System Maintenance

Whether you have a geothermal or air source heat pump, proper maintenance is essential to keep your system running efficiently. Like all heating and cooling units, a heat pump needs regular care to ensure optimal performance and long-term health for your HVAC system.

In addition to professional service, you should:

Always maintain your heat pump system according to your manufacturer's instructions.

Determining the Right Heat Pump System

Choosing between an air source and a geothermal heat pump depends on two factors: the size of your home and the local climate. Air-source heat pumps are more common in milder climates, typically where temperatures do not drop below freezing. Your lot’s size, subsoil and landscape will help determine whether a geothermal heat pump will work for your home.

How Much Will a Heat Pump Cost Me?

The cost to install a heat pump will depend on the size of your house, layout of your space, where you live and whether you’ll use your existing ductwork or install a ductless mini-split system or geothermal system.

Most air-source heat pump system installation costs fall between $10,000 and $18,000. The model you select has the biggest impact on your total cost. A geothermal heat pump system and installation is more expensive. When you include the outdoor loop field installation and the system installation, the cost ranges from $18,000 to $40,000 for a single system. The size of your home and the efficiency level of the geothermal system you select will also impact your total investment. While a geothermal heat pump does cost more, the system will pay for itself in about five to seven years due to the monthly savings on utility costs.

Another benefit is that a heat pump often qualifies for state and federal energy tax credits plus utility rebates.

Get Expert Help Choosing & Installing Your Heat Pump in Des Moines, IA

Whether you’re comparing geothermal vs air source heat pump options, both can provide efficient, comfortable heating and cooling year-round. Our team of experts offers professional heat pump system installation, fast and reliable repair, and an annual maintenance program to keep your system running at peak efficiency.

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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.

Read More: When and How To Change Your Furnace Filter

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:

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:

Read More: Why Annual Furnace Maintenance is Important

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.

Read More: How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in 2021

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 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:

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.

Furnace

“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:

  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:

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

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:

Updated: November 2025

Choosing the right HVAC system in Des Moines, Iowa starts with understanding what your home truly needs. The decision to replace your HVAC system is a big one, and the process, comparing options, getting estimates, and scheduling installation, can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Bell Brothers is here to make it easier by giving you the information you need from start to finish, from recognizing when it’s time to replace your system to knowing what to expect during installation.

Let’s get started!

Signs Your HVAC System May Need Replacement

The first step is to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your HVAC system in Des Moines. 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

Research Your Options Before Choosing a System

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:

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 in Des Moines, 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

What to Know Before Getting an HVAC 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

Take the Next Step Toward Comfort in Your Des Moines Home

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.

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It’s a common question we get around this time of year, and it’s the reason you’re reading this right now: Why is there a burning smell from my furnace?

First — don't panic. While a burning smell is unnerving, it doesn't necessarily mean there's an emergency. Let’s dive into three of the most common smells, what they mean and what you can do.

Dust

What you smell:

A light, dust-like burning scent.

What it means:

When a furnace is inactive for a while, dust and dirt particles can settle on and inside your furnace and ducts. As cooler weather rolls in and the heat kicks on for the first time in months, the dust burns off and releases a faint odor. This is one of the most common causes of a burning smell from a furnace when it starts up for the season.

What to do:

Wait. This is common and the smell should dissipate within an hour or so. If it doesn't, check your air filter — you may need to replace it. When an air filter gets dirty or clogged, the blower motor works harder and may overheat, causing a burning-like smell. If replacing your filter doesn't work, give your HVAC technician a call to inspect the system.

Musty

What you smell:

A moldy, musty, dirty sock-type scent.

What it means:

There are two likely causes. If this is the first time you’ve fired up the heat in months, it could be dust and dirt that’s accumulated in your ducts. A musty smell could also mean that your filter is dirty or even has mold. While not always described as a burning smell from the furnace, musty odors often get confused with overheating odors because they linger.

What to do:

If the smell doesn't go away within an hour or so, check and replace your filter. If the smell still lingers, call a furnace professional. We'll inspect your unit for other possible sources of the odor.

Plastic

What you smell:

Burning plastic or a crayon-like smell.

What it means:

There are a few possible causes. It could mean a foreign object got too close to the furnace or even ended up inside. Do you have small children? To them, air vents are like tunnels of mystery, and dropping toys or other objects inside the vents can be incredibly tempting — we've seen our fair share of surprises! A burning plastic smell could also indicate something more serious, like a scorched wire.

A burning plastic smell could also indicate something more serious, like a scorched wire. This type of burning smell from a furnace should never be ignored, as it may point to an electrical hazard.

What to do:

If your furnace smells like burning plastic, turn it off right away and call a professional.

Other Furnace Smells

The following furnace smells could indicate a serious issue and should be checked right away. If you detect any of the following scents, call a professional immediately:

These odors are often more dangerous than a standard burning smell from a furnace caused by dust and should be treated as emergencies.

Learn more: Winter Furnace Tune Up: How to Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

How to Avoid Strange Furnace Smells

The best way to prevent a burning smell from your furnace is regular maintenance. First, replace your filter as often as it needs. How often depends on the kind you have, but most filters should be replaced at least once a month. Other filters, like high-efficiency filters, can last as long as six months.

Second, schedule annual maintenance with an HVAC professional. We’ll clean your unit, switch out your filter, and check the components to ensure your system stays up and running to keep your family comfortable all year long. Regular maintenance helps you avoid not just burning odors but also costly breakdowns and inefficient performance.

Contact us online to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment.

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