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.

Whether it’s your daily, monthly or annual budget, every dollar counts when operating a business. The larger your retail or office space — the greater the potential to either waste or save money on energy costs. Although it’s an upfront investment for your business, professional commercial HVAC preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run.

What preventative maintenance is and why it’s important

Preventative maintenance is maintenance that is regularly performed on a piece of equipment to detect early signs of deteriorating equipment and to predict potential system failures.

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important parts of managing a building or facility. Along with lighting, HVAC systems are some of the biggest energy users and are responsible for about 60% of energy use in commercial buildings. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your building’s HVAC system will improve energy efficiency, reduce overall operating costs and ensure occupant comfort.

Additional benefits of a preventative maintenance program include:

Extended equipment life from proper maintenance and documentation
Reduced emergency situations due to planned services and evaluations
Improved safety and healthier environmental conditions for occupants

Preventative maintenance checklist

Every building and its environment have unique needs, which is why a customized preventative maintenance plan is ideal. A full-service HVAC contractor will conduct a comprehensive survey of the mechanical and environmental systems to create a customized plan.

A customized preventative maintenance checklist should include:

Full cleaning of HVAC system
Inspection of safety switches and devices
Check of heat exchangers for cracks or damage
Filter replacement
Calibration of temperature controls and economizer controls
Adjustment of fans and belts
Inspections of all electrical components

Cost of preventative maintenance

The average cost of a commercial HVAC maintenance contract is between $10 and $15 per square foot. The main factors that impact the cost are the building size, the building environment and the size of equipment in the facility. For example, a data center typically requires a more extensive HVAC system and maintenance program to properly maintain the critical environment than a small to mid-size retail building does.

At Bell Brothers, our primary objective is to help eliminate problems related to building operations. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and challenges and help them create a customized maintenance plan.

To learn more about our commercial HVAC maintenance contracts or to receive a free estimate, call 515-244-8911 or contact us online.

Home is the one place where you should always feel comfortable. Unfortunately, the changing seasons in Iowa can cause great discomfort if you don’t adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. That’s why your thermostat is your best friend during the summer and winter months. This device allows you to create your ideal environment at the touch of a button. All you have to do is find the right room temperature setting.

Not sure what a good house temperature is for your space? Bell Brothers are here to help. Check out the guide below to see our recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter.

What Is a Reasonable Thermostat Temperature for a House in the Summer?

If you live in Iowa, you know how hot and humid the summer months can get. Thankfully, air conditioning offers relief from this uncomfortable environment. The key to indoor comfort is setting your summer thermostat settings to the right room temperature. Follow these tips to maintain a balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and energy costs all season long.

Don’t go below 70 degrees: Setting your thermostat below 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the air conditioner to malfunction or break down, leaving you with no cool air.
Don’t go above 80 degrees: Setting your thermostat above 80 degrees will cause the humidity level in your home to become unbearable. Stick between 70 and 80 degrees for optimal indoor comfort and monthly savings.

If your current thermostat is on the fritz, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a temperature schedule based on your daily activities. For example, you can increase the temperature when you’re sleeping or at work during the day to save on energy costs.

A smart thermostat is similar to a programmable thermostat but goes a step further by adjusting the temperature automatically based on your cooling schedule. Over time, it will learn what temperatures you prefer when you’re at home, sleeping, and away from home, so you don’t have to worry about changing the temperature manually or adjusting the cooling schedule yourself. That way, you can avoid wasting energy when no one is home and can come home to a comfortable environment.

What Is a Reasonable Thermostat Temperature for a House in the Winter?

While Iowa is hot and humid in the summer, it becomes frigid in the winter, with temperatures dipping into the teens. With that kind of cold, proper home heating is essential. Here are some tips to stay comfortable throughout the winter months.

Determine your ideal house temperature, and keep the thermostat setting within 5 to 8 degrees of it at all times. If your ideal temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t go below 62 degrees or above 78 degrees.
The recommended thermostat setting when you’re at home in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
When in doubt, set the temperature lower rather than higher. If you get chilly, you can always layer with more clothes or cuddle under a blanket to stay cozy.

Read a Similar Blog: Should I Set My Thermostat On Auto or On?

The Ideal Temperature for Sleeping

Did you know the house temperature affects your quality of sleep? A study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that excess exposure to heat increases wakefulness and interrupts your REM cycle, whereas exposure to cold temperatures doesn’t impact sleep patterns.

Keep the room temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re sleeping. Doing so will not only improve your quality of sleep but also reduce your energy bills in the winter by conserving energy, as fewer heat cycles will run when they aren’t needed. This simple step will also enhance the longevity of your HVAC system by minimizing daily wear and tear.

The Ideal Temperature for Plants

People aren’t the only ones who require the right temperature setting to stay comfortable indoors. Your plant babies do too. Plants thrive in environments ranging anywhere from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go below 50 degrees or above 85 degrees, your plants will suffer.

Recommended Thermostat Placement Guidelines

It’s not just about what temperature you set your thermostat to; where you install it is just as important. We recommend installing it in an interior wall near the center of your home to allow for optimal airflow throughout the most used rooms. Proper thermostat placement helps improve energy efficiency and increase cost savings.

Where to Avoid Placing Your Thermostat

Whatever you do, don’t place your thermostat close to a heat source. Otherwise, the heat source will reduce your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few locations to avoid.

In direct sunlight
Above air vents
In the kitchen
In a hallway
By doors or windows

What Size AC Do I Need?

Before we talk about an ideal house temperature for summer and winter, it’s important to first talk about the unit itself. A lot of people might be surprised to learn that their air conditioner could be too big for their house. When a system is too large, it costs more to run and it’s harder to control the humidity level.

A homeowner might try to save money by turning off the unit completely, but when it’s not running it’s also not dehumidifying. A humid house will feel much hotter than it actually is. This causes people to turn the temperature lower, which makes the air conditioner work harder without addressing the humidity level.

A smaller unit that is right-sized for your home will use less energy, which means it can run more often and constantly control the humidity level. You’ll likely feel more comfortable 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.

Bell Brothers Home Comfort

Is your outdated thermostat causing problems? It may be time to replace it. Bell Brothers has you covered with an energy-efficient smart thermostat. This programmable thermostat is wifi-enabled, allowing you to change the temperature of your home from anywhere with a mobile device. Schedule a thermostat installation appointment today to start enjoying optimal comfort and energy savings.

Schedule Online

The evaporator coil and condenser coil in your HVAC system play an important role in your air conditioner’s cooling process. Because these are two key components of your AC, we wanted to share what each coil does, what happens to your AC when the coils are dirty and how to keep them clean.

What is an AC evaporator coil?
The evaporator coil is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace. It’s the part of an air conditioner that absorbs the heat from the air in your house. As air passes over the coil, the refrigerant removes the heat and then passes the warmed refrigerant to the condenser coil outdoors.

What is an AC condenser coil?
The outdoor condenser coil is where the compressed refrigerant is cooled off into a liquid by the outdoor fan. The liquid then flows to the evaporator where it turns into a vapor. Once the refrigerant has been turned into a vapor the cooled air is pushed through the ventilation system back into your home. This process of the refrigerant changing from a liquid to a vapor is where the cooling effect originates from.

What happens if AC coils are dirty?
If the evaporator coil and condenser coil are not cleaned regularly, your home will not cool properly. When dirt builds up on either of these coils, it makes it harder for your air conditioner to perform the refrigerant cooling process.

When your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, it also has to use more energy. As a result, you could see an increase in your summer energy bills.

Another possible side effect – and worst case scenario – of your AC having to work harder is that your system might break down. This is especially likely during periods of extreme heat and humidity – which are all-too common in Iowa. Keeping the evaporator and condenser coils clean will help protect your AC from an unexpected breakdown.

How to clean evaporator and condenser coils
The best way to keep the coils in your HVAC system clean is to schedule regular preventative maintenance. When one of our service technicians comes to your home to clean and inspect your HVAC system, they will also inspect and clean the evaporator and condenser coils. These coils are hard to access, so cleaning them is a job that should be handled by a trained service technician.

However, there are a few things you can do to protect the evaporator and condenser coils inside your system. First, keep a clean air filter in your furnace by changing it once a month. Second, make sure your outdoor AC unit is free of debris like grass clippings, sticks and leaves.

If you have additional questions about maintaining evaporator or condenser coils, or if you’d like to schedule your annual HVAC maintenance, contact us online or give us a call at 515.244.8911.

We hear the term carbon monoxide talked about a lot when it comes to home safety. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless and is a by-product of the combustion that occurs with your water heater, your furnace or any gas-burning appliance.

Whenever there’s combustion, there’s also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are many precautions you can take in order to protect your family and your home from a carbon monoxide leak.

Here are three common causes of a potential carbon monoxide leak in your home:

Cause #1: A Malfunction in a Gas-Burning Appliance

It’s crucial to maintain gas-burning appliances because if there’s a problem that causes incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide can be created.

Cause #2: Cracked Heat Exchanger

Your furnace’s heat exchanger is where the process of combustion occurs. The air from the furnace circulates around the outside of the heat exchanger. If there’s a crack in the exchanger, the air runs across the burner and causes incomplete combustion and, in turn, creates a carbon monoxide buildup.

Cause #3: Improper Ventilation for a Gas-Burning Appliance

Older appliances typically have poorer ventilation than newer units. Newer furnaces also have an auto-off switch that will shut the furnace off if it’s not venting properly. However, water heaters don’t have this feature and can be more likely to leak carbon monoxide.

Protect Your Home From a Carbon Monoxide Leak

As we all know, carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous. Keeping household appliances, like your furnace and water heater, well-serviced and well-maintained will help keep carbon monoxide levels in your home low. It’s also important to make sure you have proper ventilation for your gas appliances and a good carbon monoxide detector in your home.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that every household install a carbon monoxide detector. Like with most commercial products, there are a lot of options to choose from. Detectors that plug into a wall outlet are a common option, but these detectors are often operating at only about 12 inches off the ground. Ideally, the detector would be at a person’s breathing level or around 5 feet high.

How to Test for Carbon Monoxide

The easiest way to see if there is carbon monoxide inside your home is with a carbon monoxide detector. Most detectors will start detecting carbon monoxide levels at 70 parts per million. Ninety parts per million is where you’re in the danger zone, leaving a small window for error.

We recommend purchasing a carbon monoxide detector that starts detecting and giving alerts of carbon monoxide at 5 parts per million. The detectors should be placed in key areas of a house such as the living room, hallways and bedrooms.

You can also have a private company come to your home and perform indoor air quality tests that include carbon monoxide testing. These types of tests go beyond a household CO detector and are conducted using an electronic portable toxic multi-gas monitor, which can be calibrated to detect trace amounts of carbon monoxide. For more information on the carbon monoxide detectors sold by Bell Brothers, visit our website or give us a call at 515-337-2456.

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Replace AC Systems

Replace AC system in the spring? You may be surprised to learn there’s actually a best time of year to upgrade your air conditioner or furnace, and spring is it. Here’s why it’s the smartest season to make the switch.

1. Manufacturer Deals & Rebates

HVAC manufacturers know that spring isn’t top-of-mind for most homeowners when it comes to heating and cooling. That’s why many offer seasonal incentives, including rebates and special promotions, between April and June. These offers can make a big difference when you're ready to replace your AC system, often saving you hundreds of dollars on top-tier equipment.

Instead of waiting until summer when demand spikes and prices rise, spring gives you a window of opportunity to take advantage of these cost-saving deals without the pressure of emergency breakdowns.

2. Ideal Weather Conditions

Replacing your HVAC system means going without heating or cooling for at least a few hours and sometimes an entire day, depending on your setup. In spring, you’re far less likely to be uncomfortable during the installation process. The mild temperatures allow technicians to work efficiently, and your home won’t be freezing or sweltering in the meantime.

If you try to replace your AC system in the heat of summer, you could be looking at a very hot and miserable 24 hours. In winter, going without heat can pose safety risks. Spring, on the other hand, makes installation low-stress for both you and your home.

3. Easier Scheduling and Faster Turnaround

Spring is one of the slowest seasons for HVAC emergencies. That means companies aren’t slammed with last-minute calls and can offer more flexible scheduling. Whether you're working around a busy calendar or need time to prep your home, you’ll have more control over your timeline.

You’ll also benefit from quicker turnaround times. Instead of waiting days or even weeks during the peak of summer, your new ac system can often be installed faster, getting you set up well before the next heat wave hits.

4. More Cost-Effective Long Term

If your furnace or air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, spring is the perfect time to replace both systems together. Not only do most HVAC systems have similar life expectancies, but they’re designed to work in tandem. Replacing both at once avoids future compatibility issues and can reduce overall labor costs, since the installation team only has to come out once.

By planning your upgrade now, you’re also more likely to choose the system that best fits your needs, instead of rushing to make a decision during a stressful, mid-season breakdown.

Ready to Replace Your AC System? Contact Bell Brothers in Des Moines

If your current system is outdated, inefficient, or nearing the end of its lifespan, spring is the best time to replace ac systems. Bell Brothers has been helping homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa upgrade their HVAC systems for more than 70 years.

We’ll guide you through your options, help you find the best unit for your home, and install it with care and precision, all before summer heat sets in. Contact Bell Brothers today to replace your AC system the smart way.

Spring is a popular time to buy a home. Homebuyers are hoping to find their dream home — perfect location, updated finishes, maybe even a white picket fence. One thing that doesn’t typically make the top of the list — but should — is an updated heating and air conditioning system.

A home inspection is pretty standard before signing on the dotted line. Some problems are obvious, such as missing roof shingles or water damage, but it takes a specially trained eye to catch and diagnose issues with the HVAC system.

Nothing can rain on a new homeowner’s parade like having an HVAC problem shortly after purchasing their house that requires a costly repair or system replacement. A professional HVAC inspection costs less than $100 and will help homebuyers make an informed buying — or negotiating — decision.

What a professional HVAC inspection Includes

When a homeowner or buyer schedules an HVAC inspection with one of our technicians, there are a couple of key things we make sure to check. First, we check the gas line and exhaust.

Then we run and test the HVAC system to make sure it’s still meeting the manufacturer’s specifications. We also inspect the heat exchanger, one of the most vital parts of a heating and cooling system. The heat exchanger is an expensive part to repair and replace, so it’s important to make sure it’s working properly.

We will also conduct an overall inspection of the system to determine if there has been a lot of service performed. Our service technicians can tell if an HVAC system has been a “problem child” by the number of new parts that have been installed.

Investing in a professional HVAC inspection is beneficial for both the homebuyer and the seller. If you are buying or selling a home and are interested in having an HVAC inspection performed, contact us online or by calling 515-244-8911.