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.

When you buy a new car, do you run it 100,000 miles without getting the oil changed or rotating the tires? Not a chance. So, why ignore your HVAC system? Annual AC and furnace maintenance keeps your equipment working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected breakdown.

Taking care of your HVAC system is as simple as regularly changing your furnace filter and signing up for an annual maintenance program such as the Bell Brothers comfort club.

How to Select the Best HVAC Maintenance Program for Your Home

Joining an HVAC maintenance program is an investment in your heating and cooling system. It’s important to select a program that provides the most benefit to you as a homeowner. Annual furnace and AC maintenance performed by a trained technician should include:

Inspection of safety switches and devices
Check for cracks or damage of heat exchanger
Filter replacement
Calibration of temperature and air flow controls
Washing the outdoor condenser coil
Blower speed adjustments
Inspect drains and traps
Inspections of all electrical components

But not every maintenance program is the same, so we’ve put together a few questions you can ask yourself when comparing your options.

Question 1: Does the HVAC Maintenance Program Include Cleaning?

Look for an HVAC maintenance program in Des Moines that includes a full cleaning of your HVAC system. The main benefit of having your equipment serviced twice a year is ensuring everything is in tip-top shape – and that includes cleaning. Having your furnace and AC cleaned properly by a technician extends the life of the equipment and helps it run more efficiently. By not properly cleaning your furnace and AC every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of efficiency.

Question 2: What Additional Benefits Will I Receive?

When signing up for an HVAC maintenance program, it’s important to look at what additional benefits are included. Members of the Bell Brothers Comfort Club are automatically enrolled in our Loyalty Program, receive either 24-hour or same-day priority service when an unexpected breakdown occurs, and up to a two-year warranty on repairs. Comfort Club members also have diagnostic fees waived, which can be a significant cost savings for homeowners faced with a repair.

Question 3: Does the Company Provide Advice and Recommendations?

Not all HVAC companies give free advice or recommendations to homeowners. Before signing up for an HVAC maintenance program, ask whether or not the company will provide advice and recommendations based on either what they discover during a maintenance check or what questions you have.

When a Bell Brothers technician is with a homeowner, we provide recommendations based on the age of equipment, new products that would be beneficial, and most importantly we always discuss safety – especially if there is aging HVAC equipment in the home.

We also frequently receive questions from homeowners about how they can improve indoor air quality or combat dry air during the winter. Our technicians are always ready and happy to discuss these questions or any other concern a homeowner might have about improving comfort levels in their home.

Question 4: How Do I Know Which Membership Level Is Right for Me?

When selecting the membership level that fits your budget and home it’s important to think about the age of your equipment. If your entire HVAC system is only one to five years old, you can probably join at a lower membership level. Once the warranty on your new equipment ends, it’s a good idea to move to a membership level that provides cost savings on diagnostic fees and repair warranties.

If you have equipment that is past the ten-year mark and you want to keep your furnace and AC running efficiently for as long as possible, the highest membership level is likely going to provide the most value. For example, our Premium membership level provides a full diagnostic check twice a year and includes additional cleaning of the blower wheel, burner, condensate pan and chemical coil cleaning. These additional services will help extend the life of your equipment and keep it running safely.

Why Choose Bell Brothers for Your HVAC Maintenance Program?

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 HVAC maintenance program that works best for them.

No matter what kind of heating and cooling system your commercial building may have, preventive maintenance is the key to keeping it up and running. Still, all HVAC equipment will require repair at some point. Unplanned downtime can be costly. Here are the most common signs that something needs attention:

Odors or poor indoor air quality
Strange sounds
Inconsistent air flow — including hot or cold spots
Loss in efficiency
Higher heating or cooling bills

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your commercial facility, it’s probably time to call a trusted commercial HVAC contractor. Here are some of the common Commercial HVAC issues the technician will be checking for.

Lack of regular maintenance — Minor problems can quickly become major problems if you don’t get regular checkups on your system. Our techs can identify issues before you may even notice a difference and prevent system failures before they turn into a costly and time-consuming affair.
A dirty filter — This can force your HVAC system to work harder, which is not only bad for the equipment but bad for your bill. This is a simple fix that can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your building.
Improper thermostat settings or other thermostat issues — Don’t assume that the issue is with the actual HVAC system. Many times, it’s the thermostat. If your thermostat is malfunctioning or the settings that you’re using are incorrect for the situation, your building will experience temperature fluctuations.
Leaking refrigerant — This liquid is essential to cooling your building. If it leaks from the coils, your system can’t do its job. This makes your building hot and your service call more expensive.
Improper air balance — Parts called dampers help control the airflow in your building’s ducts. If they are not balanced properly, some areas will heat or cool more quickly.
A failed motor — If your motor has failed, you’ll notice most or all of the signs listed above. Obviously, you want to catch issues before it gets to this point, which brings us back to the importance of regular maintenance appointments.

Whether it’s your daily, monthly or annual budget, every dollar counts when operating a business and unplanned downtime of your HVAC system can be costly. At Bell Brothers, our primary objective is to help eliminate problems related to building operations.To learn more about our commercial HVAC services and maintenance contracts or to receive a free estimate, call 515-337-2456 or contact us online.

This time of year, we get lots of questions about the air ducts making noise. The most important thing is not to ignore it or wait for it to go away — you’ll only allow the issue to get worse. Here’s what you should listen for.

What Do The Different Air Duct Sounds Mean?

Any noise is a red flag, but different sounds mean different things. Here are the most common ones we hear about:

A pop, bang or clunking noise in the duct: This is called “oil canning” and typically happens when the furnace shuts off because the air in the ducts loses pressure. It could mean your ducts are old and need some reinforcement.
A high-pitched whistle: This usually means you have dirty filters.
A humming, buzzing or lower-pitched whistle: This one depends on several things — the speed of the blower on your furnace, how your duct work was hooked up, or how many registers you have and how many of them are shut. If you close too many registers, you’re cutting off air movement, which could reduce the life of your system’s components.
A ticking, rattling or flapping noise: This probably means a wrapper or something similar got into the ducts.
A squeaky or squealing motor: This often means imminent failure because a bearing or winding is about to give out. If this is ignored and your motor seizes up, additional damage could be done like tripping breakers or even destroying the circuit board. Waiting to call a professional could mean your furnace goes out when you need it most.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are some noises that are normal, like the click of the gas valve/igniter. Older systems’ sounds will be louder than newer systems, so if you’ve just updated your system or moved to a newer home, you may hear (or not hear) things you’re not used to.

What Should I Do When My Ductworks are Making Noises?

Record the noise on your phone and note what phase of operation the system is in when it’s happening. The cycle starts with the inducer coming on, then the burner, then the blower. Turning off will happen in a different order — burner, inducer, then blower. If it’s a motor issue, start-up and shut down are the two main times you’ll hear noise.

It’s best to call someone sooner rather than later to check it out. We often talk to people who have been hearing their air ducts making noise for a week or more and hoped to just make it through the season before doing anything about it. Inevitably, they call at 3:00 a.m. in a panic because the motor went out, and now they may be in the back of the line for service in a queue of customers who have done the same.

If you’re hearing problematic noises — especially during a time when your heat or air conditioning will be running regularly — remember that the more it’s running, the more chance there is for it to fail. Don’t put yourself in a bad situation by ignoring it and hoping for the best.

If you’ve heard these noises in your home lately, it may be time to do something about it. Call Bell Brothers at 515-337-2456 or fill out our online form.

The holidays are here and that means travel across the country will be in full swing. If you have extended travel plans over the holidays, here are some quick tips to help you save a little money while ensuring your home is left a little more safe and secure.

Turn Your Thermostat Down. You may be wondering, “What temperature should I set my house to when we’re away?” Even a few degrees can make an impact on your energy bill. We recommend setting your thermostat between 60 and 65 degrees — it’s a safe temperature for your home and will save you some money. Just be sure not to set it too low if frigid temperatures are forecasted. So, how low can you keep the heat without your pipes freezing? We recommend going no lower than 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.
Set Your Water Heater To Vacation Mode. Make sure to leave your water heater on. Most newer water heaters have a vacation mode, and it’s usually as easy as turning a dial. This will reduce the water temperature in the tank while you’re away and save you some money. Hint: Leave yourself a reminder on a table or counter to turn it back on upon your return.
Unplug Small Appliances. Some electronics account for nearly 10 percent of your home’s energy costs just by being plugged in. Standby power (also known as phantom energy) is when devices or appliances use energy even when they’re shut off (“power on” indicator lights, for example). Standby power costs you money over time, but it’s really unnecessary if you’re not even at home. Unplugging electronics and small appliances can save you some money, but it can also protect you from fire hazards. It’s especially important if you use space heaters in your home to always unplug them before you leave to be safe.
Make Your Home Look Occupied. You can have a trusted neighbor stop by a couple of times to check your home’s temperature, plus they can grab your mail, delivery items at your front door, etc. If you have a timer device, you can also schedule a few house lights (lamps work great) to go on at dusk and off at bedtime to make it appear that you’re home.
Arm Your Security System if You Have One. Set the system as the last checklist item before you leave. If you don’t have a security system, be sure to check that all the doors are locked.
Consider purchasing home automation products. From automated home security systems that include smart locks and video doorbells to smart lights and smart shades/blinds, you can make your home seem occupied even when you’re away. Plus, you can monitor or make adjustments from wherever you are. If you haven’t checked out home automation products before, we put together this Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide that features great ideas for gift giving — or even for yourself!

“Which HVAC system is best for my home?” That’s a common question we hear from new homeowners as well as those looking to replace the HVAC system in their current home.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose the correct size. A right-sized system will maximize efficiency, and to do that you need to choose a system that allows your HVAC system to operate constantly. It may sound counterintuitive, but just like with a car driving on the highway, you want to minimize as much starting and stopping as possible to maximize efficiency and decrease wear and tear or undue stress on components. An HVAC system that’s properly sized to your home will be constantly running — not shifting between a high blast and not running at all.

Bigger isn’t always better.

When it comes to choosing an HVAC system that’s going to make your home as comfortable as possible, it isn’t always best to go big. A unit that’s too small for your home will be working too hard to reach your desired temperature, if it reaches that temperature at all.

If it’s too big, the system will cycle between blasting cold/hot air and shutting off completely, which isn’t an efficient way to operate. When your HVAC system runs continuously, it keeps indoor humidity at the appropriate level, which feels more comfortable and gives you a wider range to set your thermostat.

Which type of air handler do I need?
There are three types of air handlers to consider when choosing a new HVAC system:

Single-stage – Older furnaces often have motors with only one speed setting — high. These motors run at maximum capacity no matter how much or little heating you need. Because maintaining a stable indoor temperature rarely requires the furnace to work at full blast, a lot of energy goes to waste.
Two-stage – A two-stage motor can run on a high- or a low-speed setting. Because the low setting is usually enough to keep your temperature stable, this motor can save you energy by running at a slower speed more often. It kicks into high only when your heating demand is great enough to require a large amount of warm air quickly.
Variable-speed – A variable-speed motor isn’t restricted to specific settings; it can run at any speed within a set range. This allows it to choose the precise speed that’s most efficient for the given heating demand. You’ll enjoy optimal energy efficiency along with a more stable and even temperature.

Consider a system equipped for zoning.
What is zoning? Zoning allows you to heat and cool individual rooms — or zones — to different temperatures. You can control multiple zones separately to reduce hot and cold spots for more consistent comfort, or you can increase efficiency by only heating or cooling areas of your home that are in use. For example, you can set the temperature of the nursery at 72 degrees, your living room at 70 degrees and the basement at 68 degrees.

The two major benefits of zoning are comfort and energy efficiency. You’ll be more comfortable when each area of the home is set to the temperature you want.

An HVAC professional will help you choose the right system for your home.
Be sure to choose a quality, licensed HVAC contractor — a good contractor will take the time to calculate the size of HVAC system you need. And they will properly install and maintain your system to get the best efficiency over time. If your new HVAC system is incorrectly sized or installed, it will most likely be inefficient, costing you more money in higher energy bills in the long run.

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