As we hit the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and families are beginning to return to the places where they work, learn and shop. As we transition into this next phase of the pandemic, discussion is more prominent around the role building ventilation and HVAC systems play in creating healthier indoor air quality (IAQ).

People want to trust that the indoor spaces they inhabit are safe and clean. And even after the pandemic is behind us, people will continue to value living and working in spaces that are healthy.

Why Building Ventilation Is Important

Healthy indoor environments are made up of many things, including temperature, noise and lighting. However, the three things that have the most impact on IAQ are fresh air, ventilation and filtration.

For commercial buildings and office settings, air pollution has three main causes:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning solutions, building materials and other sources.
• Fluctuating carbon dioxide levels, which is common in schools and building spaces where there is a large concentration of people in a small area.
• Pathogens that are circulated in the air.

Proper building ventilation and air filtration help fight against these main causes of indoor air pollution by replacing the polluted indoor air with cleaner and fully oxygenated outside air that has been conditioned.

How To Increase Airflow Inside Your Office

There are two key things you can do to improve office air quality. The first thing is increase airflow in populated areas. This is achieved by running the blower motor continuously. Many facility managers don’t do this because they think it will increase their energy costs. However, running the HVAC system 24/7 doesn’t cost extra money. What it does do is keep the indoor air moving and keep it filtered. And when the fan is continuously running, the economizer or automatic dampers are also working to help provide constant ventilation.

You do need to be careful about how much outside air is being brought into the space. Too much can lead to uncomfortable indoor temperatures and decreased energy efficiency. We recommend having an HVAC contractor do an inspection of the ventilation system to make sure everything is working properly and is set up according to building ventilation codes.

Increased airflow also helps keep carbon dioxide levels low and prevents the air from stagnating and creating hot and cold spots within the building space.

The second thing you can consider is retrofitting the existing HVAC system with energy recovery ventilators. With this solution, the system takes the air that’s inside and uses the exhaust system to push it outside. Then the outside air is brought in and goes through the heat exchanger, where it is either heated or cooled and then exhausted into the building space. With this solution, the most important thing to pay attention to is that the ventilation is controlled properly to ensure that the HVAC system runs efficiently.

Commercial HVAC Filters and Indoor Air Purifiers

Filtration and ventilation go hand-in-hand because pathogens also exist in the outside air that is being brought into the building. There are a variety of HVAC filters and indoor air purification products that support IAQ. When we meet with building and facility managers, we recommend that they use high efficiency HVAC filters – like a MERV 11 – and install a product like the Aerus® Air Scrubber that is able to kill pathogens in the air and on surfaces.

Upgrading to the best filter you can find for your HVAC system, combined with installing a product like the Aerus Air Scrubber, will provide the best results for pathogen control.

We sell a variety of air purification systems and have experts on staff that are happy to speak with you about whether one of these products fits your needs.

Here at Bell Brothers, it’s our priority to provide whatever support we can to individuals, families and the small business community. If you would like to speak to one of our HVAC professionals as you prepare to reopen your business, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Most homeowners have a conventional gas furnace and air conditioner system installed to heat and cool their home. But did you know that you can heat and cool your home using your yard? In this blog post, we will be sharing everything you need to know about geothermal heating and cooling systems — what geothermal is, how it works and what the benefits are.

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What is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?

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 and can be used to preheat the water going into your hot water heater. To cool your home, the process is reversed: The warm air in your home is collected and stored in the ground. This is an energy-efficient method because it’s easier to move heat than to create heat.

How Does Geothermal Work?

The earth maintains a constant, moderate temperature just below the surface year-round. A geothermal system uses plastic loops or pipes that are installed underground. These loops contain an environmentally safe fluid that helps move heat. Unlike furnaces and conventional heat pumps, a geothermal system is powered 100% by electricity.

In the winter, the fluid in the loops absorbs the heat from the ground. It is then circulated into an indoor heat pump, where the heat is concentrated and then distributed throughout your home via the existing ductwork.

During the summer, indoor heat and humidity are extracted via the ductwork. Then the heat is concentrated and directed to the water heater or circulated back into the ground via the loops. The heat in the loop is absorbed into the ground, and the cool, dehumidified air that remains is distributed throughout your home.

What Are The Benefits of a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System?

Geothermal systems have become a popular choice for new construction homes, but they are also a great option for existing homes. There are several benefits to installing a geothermal heat pump system in your home:

• Geothermal systems are five times more efficient than conventional systems. Homeowners can save up to 60% in monthly utility costs.

• They provide a constant, precise temperature and humidity control. Unlike a conventional furnace, a geothermal system does not kick on and off trying to maintain the desired temperature.

• They cool 20%–40% more efficiently than other cooling systems.

• They heat 50%–70% more efficiently than other heating systems.
• Geothermal systems often qualify for state and federal energy tax credits plus utility rebates. There is currently a 26% federal tax credit.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Costs

Geothermal systems can be expensive to install, and the installation cost varies based on many factors (geography, ground composition, size of home, equipment chosen, etc.). However, the system will pay for itself in about five to seven years due to the monthly savings on utility costs.

Bell Brothers is recognized as one of the best in geothermal expertise, overall performance, and customer service in Central Iowa. We’re certified through the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

To learn more about geothermal heating and cooling systems, contact us online or give us a call at 515-337-2456. We’d love to help you determine whether a geothermal system is right for you.

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Dry air in the house is a common issue during Des Moines winters. Humidity is most often associated with those really hot summer days, the sticky, muggy kind that make you uncomfortable. That’s because there’s too much moisture in the air. But in the wintertime, too little is often the culprit for indoor discomfort. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of low humidity levels and what you can do about it.

Dry Air in Your Des Moines Home? Here’s What to Watch For!

Winter is here, and that means dry air. Although there are a number of ways to tell if your home’s humidity is too low, we’ve narrowed it down to the six telltale signs we encounter most often.

• Itchy, dry skin and/or eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Chapped lips
• Nose bleeds
• Static electricity or flyaway hair
• Splitting hardwood floors

If these sound familiar, dry air in your house could be the cause, or at least a contributor. So what now? You could check for and seal any air leaks or try DIY humidification, but the most effective way to manage humidity levels in your home is a centralized humidifier.

What Is a Central Humidifier?

Whole-house (central) humidifiers are connected to your home’s hot air ducts and cold air return and disperse moisture into the air. They can work with your HVAC system or independently and offer a number of benefits:

• Energy and money savings
• Decreased chance of colds, flu, and respiratory illness
• Support for people with allergies or asthma

Types of Central Humidifiers

There are three types of whole-house (central) humidifiers — bypass, fan-powered and steam.

• Bypass humidifiers are installed directly on your central heating and cooling system. They take dry, hot air from the HVAC system andpass it through a water tray, where the water evaporates, turns to vapor and is circulated throughout your home. Because bypass humidifiers use the blower motor of the furnace, your furnace must be running in order for the unit to work.
• Fan-powered humidifiers also take hot air, pass it through a water tray and turn it to vapor. The biggest difference is that while a bypass humidifier relies on the furnace's blower-motor, fan powered units can operate on their own and, as a result, humidify your house faster.
• Steam humidifiers, as the name suggests, work by electrically boiling water to create steam, which is pushed throughout the ventilation system.

Depending on which humidifier you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,200, plus the cost of installation.

Managing humidity levels in your home during all seasons is important for comfort, health, and keeping the atmosphere balanced. Want to learn more about humidity control options to better manage the dry air in your house? Call a Bell Brothers professional, we’re standing by and ready to answer your questions about indoor air quality and how we can help.

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:

• Electrical-type burning
• Foul or rotten eggs
• Metallic

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.

How HVAC Maintenance Can Extend Your System’s Lifespan

HVAC lifespan is often overlooked in today’s “instant gratification” culture. Over the last decade or so, our ideas about long-term planning and purchasing have changed as well. Rather than maintain things, many of us tend to wait and replace them when the time comes. And for some things, that’s fine.

But you wouldn’t just buy a different car every time your current one has a problem, would you? And you wouldn’t jump into that decision without saving some money and doing some research, right?

So why treat your heating and cooling system any differently? After all, the average cost for a new system is $7,500 to $10,000 – that’s like a used car!

Investing in an HVAC maintenance program is important, it can extend your HVAC lifespan and bring down your energy bill, both of which could cover the investment pretty quickly.

The maintenance your system requires depends on its age, your usage and some other factors around the home (for example, the age of your windows). Don’t assume you need the most expensive maintenance program just because your house is older. An HVAC provider can help you pick the right membership package for your specific home and heating and cooling needs.

So what should I do?

It’s pretty simple: Keep up on the maintenance of your HVAC system. Just like you get regular oil changes and tire rotations on your car, you need to schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling equipment.

Remembering to have annual maintenance on your AC and furnace is easier when you join a membership program. Bell Brother’s membership program is the Comfort Club. Members of the Comfort Club receive two system cleanings per year to keep things running smoothly, and diagnostic fees are waived for any issues we may discover. It also includes priority status when something goes wrong and up to two years of warranty on repairs made.

Protecting your HVAC lifespan means planning ahead. Here’s an insider tip: HVAC pros get pretty busy in the summer and winter, so it’s a great idea to schedule your AC checkup in the spring and furnace maintenance in the fall. That way, you aren’t stuck waiting, and you can trust that your system will be ready for the hottest and coldest days of the year.

What if I don’t enroll in a maintenance program?

Many heating and cooling equipment manufacturers’ warranties specify that if you don’t keep up on routine maintenance, your warranty can be voided. So, if you choose to forgo regular maintenance, be ready for the potential inconvenience of a some extra hot or cold – and expensive – days if your system fails.

Regular furnace and AC service help extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment, so it can save you big money in the long run. Plus, you’ll be happier with your air quality and temperature when things are working the way they’re supposed to, and you get the peace of mind that everything is running safely.

Annual maintenance programs typically run from about $180 to $575 a year, which isn’t much at all when you consider that $10,000 sticker shock you might face if you ignore the problem for too long.

What maintenance can I do on my own, and when do I need a professional?

You can handle changing your furnace filter monthly – that’s an easy one. It also helps not to run your furnace or AC at extremes. We recently wrote a post outlining the ideal temperatures for your home, which provides a helpful guide. Make sure the seals on your ducts are intact, and don’t block vents with furniture. Finally, be sure to keep the batteries in your thermostat up to date.

For anything more complicated than these tasks, you may want a technician to take a look, so you don’t hurt your chances of warranty coverage if something isn’t right. Sure, the internet can show you all kinds of “hacks,” but you’ll kick yourself later if things go awry.

As always, feel free to contact us with your HVAC questions, to schedule annual maintenance or to learn more about the Comfort Club. We’re here to help!

Finally, you’ve found the house in Des Moines that you’ve been looking for! The neighborhood is ideal, the pictures are great, and the price is in range. So, you schedule the tour. As you walk around your could-be-new-home and imagine yourself living there, there are a lot of things to consider.

Is the foundation solid? Is the roof in good shape? Oh, look, a double vanity! In all of the excitement and with so much to think about, it’s easy to overlook details like inspecting the furnace and air conditioner. Unfortunately, if you buy a home with an old HVAC system that hasn’t been properly maintained, you could soon be facing some unexpected and costly surprises or will experience discomfort in the home.

Luckily, this can be avoided, and we’ll tell you how.

Ask the Right Questions

You can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road by asking your realtor these three key questions about the home’s heating and cooling system:

How old is the HVAC equipment?

Unlike a fine wine, HVAC equipment does not get better with age. In fact, furnaces and air conditioners have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. The older the unit is, the more potential problems it may have. When equipment is in the 14-17-year-old range, you’ll want to start planning for replacement. Also, a newer furnace and air conditioner is much more energy efficient than an older HVAC system, which brings us to our next question.

What are the Energy Ratings?

Because heating and cooling make up more than half of your utility bills, it’s wise to ask your realtor for the energy efficiency ratings of the HVAC system. The ratings will give you an idea of what to expect in monthly energy costs. Basically, the lower the energy efficiency rating, the higher your energy bill will be.

Specifically, ask for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). We recommend at least a 13 SEER air conditioner (13-17), and an ideal furnace should be between 92% and 97% on the AFUE scale.

Could I see the maintenance and service records?

HVAC systems that have not been maintained routinely do not last long and may have some issues. Also, check to see if frequent or large repairs were made. This could be an indication of a problematic unit. In asking your realtor for the maintenance report or records, you will save yourself from some scary hidden costs down the road.

Contact an HVAC professional

If you’re serious about buying the home, consider hiring an HVAC professional to inspect the home’s furnace and air conditioner. Not doing a thorough inspection could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Just how much? Well, the total price varies depending on the size of a home, but the average cost for a new heating and cooling system is $7,500 to $10,000. Now, just imagine having to pay that only after you bought your new home!

Isn’t that what the home inspection is for?

The inspector's job is to check the overall health of the home, which typically takes about 2-3 hours. During that time, the inspector follows an extensive list of things to be checked from top to bottom (literally from the foundation up to the roof) and everywhere in between.

While most home inspectors are good at what they do, they aren't HVAC professionals. Having a knowledgeable and qualified HVAC expert conduct an inspection will ensure you are getting a thorough and accurate report. If major repairs are needed, or the system needs to be replaced, you can get an estimate from your HVAC professional and notify the seller to either make the repairs or reduce the price of the home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you need to feel confident when making the decision to buy a home. After all, it is the biggest investment you’ll ever make!

Taking the time to learn more about the home’s HVAC system can save you from being unpleasantly surprised later. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, contact us for all of your HVAC questions, to request an inspection or to schedule your routine maintenance.

Throughout my years in the heating and cooling business, I’ve discovered there are a number of HVAC myths floating around. In this post I’ll be sharing some of the most common HVAC myths and dispelling them for you, so you know the best ways to care for and maintain your HVAC system.

Myth #1: The bigger the HVAC system size, the better

A lot of people might be surprised to learn that when it comes to HVAC system size – bigger is not better. When your HVAC system is too large, it costs more to run and it’s harder to control the indoor temperature and humidity levels.

To maximize efficiency, choose a smaller system that allows your AC to operate continuously. When your system is able to run continuously, the AC won’t shift between high-blast and not running at all. With an HVAC system that is the right size for your home, you’ll likely feel more comfortable during the summer in a house that’s set at 75 degrees with a lower humidity level than you would in a home that was set at 68 degrees with a higher humidity level.

Myth #2: Changing the thermostat settings will fix my temperature problems

HVAC myth number two, once you have the right size HVAC system, there’s still an ideal temperature range to consider. HVAC systems work by either being turned on or off. Setting the temperature on the thermostat really low or really high won’t get you to your desired indoor temperature faster. The only thing it does do is make your AC or furnace work longer.

During the summer, it’s best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up. In the winter, it can be tempting to walk over to your thermostat and crank up the heat. In the winter, I wouldn’t set your furnace much higher than 75 and definitely not above 78 degrees. This temperature setting can be too hot for a house and you’d be wasting a great deal of energy.

Myth #3: Routine HVAC maintenance isn’t important

You routinely change the oil and rotate the tires on your car to keep it running smoothly. So why ignore your HVAC system? Investing in regular maintenance can save you time and money. There are many parts to an HVAC system – electrical parts, coils and motors. Not taking care of your system can lead to expensive repairs that could have been avoided with regular maintenance and cleaning.

Maintenance is also an important step in extending the life of your heating and cooling system. A furnace or air conditioner can last up to 20 years — but not if it’s poorly maintained.

Myth #4: I should cover my AC in the winter

You may have read or heard from a neighbor that you need to cover your AC unit to protect it from snow. This is actually one of the common HVAC myths homeowners often believe. Covering the top and sides of your air conditioner can allow moisture to build up, causing damage to the unit. It also provides a nice warm place for mice or other rodents to build a nest and pass time by chewing away at the wires. If you do cover your AC in the winter, only cover the top. Manufacturer guidelines don’t recommend covering the sides of your air conditioner.

Myth #5: The location of my thermostat isn’t important

The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. It is what tells your furnace or AC to turn on and off. Where you place your thermostat can have an impact on how accurately it operates. For example, placing the thermostat in an area of your home where it could receive a lot of direct sunlight during the day could cause the thermostat to think it’s hotter in your house than it actually is. The room where you place the thermostat also matters. Hallways have a different airflow than the rest of the home and are not often occupied. And the heat that is generated by the stove and oven in your kitchen can create the same problem as direct sunlight and cause your thermostat to think your house is warmer than it actually is.

Myth #6: I don’t need to change my furnace filter

Changing your furnace filter is very important. In fact, changing the filter is the No. 1 thing a you can do to maintain your furnace. A dirty furnace filter will restrict air flow into the HVAC system and decrease its efficiency. It’s also important to remember that all of the air in your home passes through the furnace filter. A dirty filter can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality inside your home. This video shares the different types of filters and how often each one needs changing.

Myth #7: I shouldn’t run the AC fan continuously

This is a common HVAC myth that continues to circulate among homeowners. We recommend that homeowners keep their AC fan set to “On.” Most thermostats are located on the main level of the home, helping the first floor and basement maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Keeping the fan running constantly will help air flow more evenly throughout your home.

Running your AC system fan all day can actually use less energy and help keep your house more comfortable. It will also cause less wear on your motor because it’s not starting and stopping all day like it would when set to “Auto.”

Our trained and certified HVAC technicians are here to help. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, connect with us online.

Remodeling your home is no small feat and requires a lot of planning and decision making. Envisioning how your home will be transformed to better fit your family’s lifestyle can easily overshadow some of the smaller but equally important aspects of a renovation project. One of these aspects might be taking the necessary steps to protect your HVAC system.

Accumulation of dirt and dust can hinder your HVAC system from working safely and efficiently. And during a home renovation the dirt, dust and debris are everywhere! About to embark on a home renovation project? Use these five tips to help protect your HVAC system.

Tip 1: Move prep work outside

Work with your contractor or project manager to make sure that any prep work of sanding or cutting wood and tile is completed outside. This will have a significant impact on keeping dust from settling in your HVAC system.

Tip 2: Turn your HVAC system off

When work that can create a lot of dust can’t be moved outside, you can turn off your air conditioner or furnace to keep dust from getting in your HVAC system. This can lead to the indoor temperature becoming too hot or cold, depending on the time of year and your geographic location, but it’s one step that will help keep your HVAC system safe.

Tip 3: Close off registers and use vent protectors

Either closing or covering the registers and vents in your home will help keep dust and debris out of your HVAC system. You don’t want to close or cover too many vents, so focus on the ones that are closest to the area in your home that is under renovation. You can purchase magnetic vent protectors from Home Deport or Amazon, which makes it easy to cover and uncover vents as needed.

Tip 4: Change your furnace air filter

Changing your furnace air filter regularly is always a good idea and one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. All of the air in your home passes through the furnace filter, so it’s especially important to change or clean the filter during and after your home renovation. A dirty filter can restrict proper airflow in your home and impact the indoor air quality. If you’re HVAC system is turned on during construction, we recommend changing your filter weekly or daily depending on the amount of dust being created.

Tip 5: Schedule HVAC cleaning and inspection

When your renovation project is done, contact a local HVAC contractor to clean and inspect your air conditioner and furnace. The contractor will make sure your system is free of dust and debris and working safely. We also recommend having your ducts cleaned. Having this service performed will provide five years of clean air for your family and is a great investment in your family’s health.

If you’re preparing for a home renovation project and have more questions about how to keep your HVAC system clean and protected connect with us online or call 515-244-8911.

Considering replacing the AC unit in your home is a big decision. And if you haven’t purchased a new air conditioner or furnace before it can feel like a stressful buying process. But it doesn’t have to be. To help prepare you for this purchasing decision, use the guide below to help you through the process of selecting and buying a new AC for your home.

Evaluate Current AC Unit

As you prepare to purchase a new AC, it’s important to evaluate your current unit. What do you like or not like? A few questions to ask yourself are:

• Is my current air conditioner creating a lot of outside noise?
• Does my AC keep up with the cooling needs of my home?
• Does my home feel humid or sticky inside when the air conditioner is running?

These are important questions to ask yourself. The decision on which style of air conditioning unit to purchase should be based more on how much comfort you want to drive into the home than gaining cost savings from efficiency. This is because the yearly cost difference between an AC with a 16 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and an AC with a 20 SEER unit is typically under a hundred dollars. We recommend homeowners focus on selecting an AC unit that meets their comfort needs.

Consider The Age of Your HVAC System

If both your air conditioner and furnace are at least 12 years old, you will want to consider not just replacing your AC, but your whole HVAC system. If you have an older furnace with a standard motor, you will have limited options in the type of air conditioner that will be compatible with your furnace. Replacing your entire HVAC system will provide you with the maximum number of choices when selecting a heating and cooling system for your home.

Which Type of AC Unit Do I Need?

There are three types of air conditioners to consider when choosing a new unit – single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed. The main difference between each type of air conditioner is the type of compressor they use. Here is an overview of the differences between each type of compressor:

• A single-stage air conditioner has only one compressor speed. The unit is either switched on and running or switched off completely, with nothing in between. You can replace this type of AC with almost any type of unit on the market. A single-stage air conditioner is going to be louder and not as efficient as other types of units.

• Two-stage air conditioner can run on a high- or a low-speed setting. Because the low setting is usually enough to keep your indoor temperature stable during a mild summer day, you can save energy by running at a slower speed more often. It kicks into high speed only when your cooling demand is great enough on really hot summer days. A two-stage AC is also going to be a little bit quieter and a little more efficient.
• A variable-speed air conditioner is going to provide the best level of indoor comfort. This type of AC 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 cooling demand. You’ll enjoy quiet operation, lower humidity levels inside, more stable temperature and optimal energy efficiency.

An HVAC Professional Will Help You Choose the Right AC for Your Home

As you prepare to replace your AC unit for your home, be sure to choose a quality, licensed HVAC contractor to work with. Take the time to research local companies and find out what products they sell and what services they offer. A good contractor will take the time to sit down and work with you to select the best AC unit replacement for your home. And they will properly install and maintain your system to get the best efficiency over time.

To learn more about choosing the right HVAC system for your home, contact us at Bell Brothers or call 515-244-8911.