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.

Learn more: How to Clean Your HVAC System This Spring

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.

Waukee homeowners looking for an energy-efficient comfort solution often find that a hybrid HVAC system is the best fit. Dan and Wanda, longtime Waukee residents, were beginning to experience technical problems with the 17-year-old heating and cooling system installed in their home. The HVAC system was nearing the end of its useful life and had also developed a refrigerant leak.

After weighing the option to repair the refrigerant leak or replace the HVAC system, Dan and Wanda decided the most cost-effective solution was to install a new system.

How a Hybrid HVAC System Improved Comfort for Waukee Homeowners

In order to select an HVAC system that was the best fit for Dan and Wanda’s style of home and their comfort needs, a Bell Brothers Home Comfort Consultant talked to the homeowners to learn what their comfort needs were and if they had been experiencing any issues with the current system.

Through this conversation Bell Brothers learned that Dan and Wanda were dissatisfied with the level of comfort on the second floor of their home, especially in the master bedroom and bathroom. The house had been designed with two HVAC systems, but when it was built the developer only installed one system.

In addition, the master suite is located over the top of the garage, which is an unconditioned space, making it difficult to get proper airflow into that part of the house. In the winter the floors in the master bathroom were cold and in the summer the master suite was hot. What Dan and Wanda were experiencing is a common problem for many homeowners in Des Moines who live in a two story home.

Bell Brothers went to work on a solution that would address Dan and Wanda’s desire to make their master suite more comfortable.

Why a Traditional HVAC Zone System Wasn’t the Right Fit

In the past, a common way to address the type of problem Dan and Wanda were experiencing was to install a zone system. Installing a zone system requires additional duct work to be run in the house, and in many situations is not a feasible solution. This was the case for Dan and Wanda as well. Installing a zone system in their home would have required a major construction project in order to run the duct work and would have been cost prohibitive.

The Hybrid Inverter System: A Smart, Cost-Effective HVAC Upgrade

Bell Brothers compared a couple of solutions, including a traditional unitary system replacement with zoning and a stand-alone duct-free mini split system. Bell Brothers was able to solve Dan and Wanda’s comfort problem and save them money by offering a hybrid HVAC system for Waukee homeowners that requires installing only one unit instead of two. Because of advancements in technology, Bell Brothers was able to provide Dan and Wanda with an HVAC system that combines a traditional unitary system with a duct-free mini split system.

Bell Brothers started the replacement project by replacing Dan and Wanda’s failing HVAC system with a new outdoor heat pump system. The next step was to install the new air handling system in the attic. Duct work was added in the attic, as well as small refrigeration lines that went from the air-handling unit in the attic to the heat pump outside.

Providing Additional Comfort Control

Most homeowners have one thermostat on their main floor. In order to get more airflow upstairs, it is not uncommon for a homeowner to turn the main floor thermostat down. This causes the temperature on the main floor to be uncomfortable in order for the second floor to be more comfortable.

To ensure that this didn’t happen to Dan and Wanda, a second thermostat was added to the master bedroom to provide independent control of their main floor and second floor. Dan and Wanda use the thermostat in their master suite to control the duct-free mini split system. And the thermostat on their main floor controls the temperature on the main level.

Improving Comfort Control With Dual Thermostats

Dan and Wanda are thrilled with their new HVAC system. The solution Bell Brothers provided is less expensive than the traditional zone system, which can run up to $30,000. In addition, the duct-free mini split system is highly efficient, and very quiet.

If you’re interested in learning more about how a hybrid HVAC system for Waukee homes or another HVAC system can help meet your comfort needs, contact a Bell Brothers Home Comfort Specialist by contacting us online.

Schedule Online

Spring has arrived! As the days start to get longer and the temperatures warm up, many of us will begin our spring-cleaning routine. One item we want to make sure is on your list is HVAC cleaning. Adding this to your list will help create a comfortable indoor environment this spring and summer.

To help you get started, we are sharing our tips on how to clean your HVAC system this spring.

HVAC cleaning tips

First and foremost, change your furnace filter. A dirty filter will restrict air flow into the HVAC system and decrease its efficiency. This video shares the different types of filters and how often each one needs changed.
Trim any vegetation near your air conditioner unit. As the temperature begins to rise, plants and bushes can restrict air flow around the air conditioner unit making it work harder to keep your house comfortable.
Take a look at the condenser coils inside your air conditioner. If the coils are dirty, or dirt is built-up between the coils, you should rinse them with water from a garden hose.
Consider adding an Air Knight air purifier to your system. This product is designed to produce cleaner air by reducing mold, bacteria and viruses. It also alleviates odors, air pollutants and smoke.
When it comes to HVAC cleaning, you don’t want to forget your ductwork. If you completed any renovations over the winter, your ducts might be filled with dust or debris. Or if it has been five to 10 years since your last duct cleaning, spring is a good time to have them cleaned.

Once your HVAC cleaning list is complete, turn on your AC system to make sure everything is working properly. If something seems off, one of our service technicians can come and take a look before the summer heat and humidity arrives.

Regular preventative maintenance on your home heating and cooling system is the best way to guarantee peak performance — and protect against potentially expensive issues down the road. You can schedule a complete inspection and HVAC cleaning by one of our trained service technicians by giving us a call at 515-244-8911 or by visiting our website.

Learn more: Five tips for protecting your HVAC system during a home renovation

HVAC preventative maintenance in Des Moines is one of the simplest ways to keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly all year. You routinely change the oil and rotate the tires on your car to keep it operating at its best, your HVAC system deserves the same level of care. Preventive maintenance is critical to the life and performance of your furnace and air conditioner. In most homes, it’s as simple as regularly changing your air filter and signing up for an annual maintenance contract.

HVAC Tune-Up: Why It Matters for Des Moines Homes

1. Longer Life Expectancy

Maintenance is 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. Investing in HVAC preventative maintenance can save you time and money, especially with Iowa’s extreme temperature swings.

2. Home Safety and Comfort

During your biannual service appointment, the HVAC technician will clean your system and inspect its internal components. For example, the Bell Brothers preventive maintenance program includes checking the furnace and air conditioner, replacing filters and carbon monoxide testing. Technicians take the time to explain what they find and work to resolve issues on the spot, helping keep your Des Moines home safe and comfortable.

3. Better Air Quality

All the air in your home passes through the furnace filter. Simply changing the filter removes trapped dirt, pollen and allergens from your home. Disposable 1-inch filters should be changed monthly, while high-efficiency filters need to be changed every six months to one year.

4. Lower energy costs

An inspection from a professional service technician ensures your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency. If not properly cleaned every year, your system could be losing up to 40 percent of its energy efficiency! Properly maintaining your system is the best thing you can do to keep your energy bills down.

5. Reliable operation

When the Iowa humidity kicks in, you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. The air conditioner includes an inside and outside air unit. It’s important to clear debris from the cooling coils on the outside unit to keep the system running properly. A plugged coil is the primary reason air conditioners fail in the hot, summer months. A service technician will clean the system’s cooling coils during your bi-annual maintenance appointment.

While the AC takes center stage, your furnace sits idle for about six months. This allows dirt and dust to accumulate in the system components, which prevents your furnace from running its best. If you turn the system on in the fall without properly cleaning the fans, that dirt and dust will blow right back into your home. Internal system maintenance is best left to a professional service technician; it’s a messy job and can damage your system if it’s not done properly.

Loyalty Rewards for Preventative Maintenance

Bell Brothers recently launched a Loyalty Rewards Program that makes annual maintenance even more valuable. The more consecutive HVAC maintenance agreements you sign, the more credit you earn toward a future system purchase.

Schedule HVAC Preventative Maintenance in Des Moines

Bell Brothers wants to help keep your HVAC system running efficiently and reliably all year long. Contact us online to schedule your next HVAC preventative maintenance appointment.

Learn more: How HVAC Refrigerant Works in Your AC System

Your HVAC system is only as powerful as the thermostat that controls it. If you recently upgraded your heating and cooling system or you still have a manual thermostat in your home, it is a good idea to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat.

With so many options available, it can be hard for homeowners to know which programmable thermostat to purchase. We recommend homeowners evaluate which features best fit their lifestyle. To help homeowners do this, we are sharing some key features of programmable thermostats.

The Best Programmable Thermostat

Programmable temperature. Every programmable thermostat allows you to set different heating and cooling schedules. What you should pay attention to is how many different schedules can be set. Some programmable thermostats will let you set a temperature schedule for every day of the week, while others only allow one schedule for weekdays and one for weekends. There are also models available that allow you to set different temperatures for specific times of day, days of the week and multiple rooms in your house.
Wi-Fi accessibility. A smart thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi allows you to control your thermostat via a smartphone, tablet or laptop. This feature is great when you are out of town and need to change your temperature settings because the weather changes drastically or your travel plans change unexpectedly.
24/7 troubleshooting. A smart thermostat can also create a link between your home and your preferred HVAC service provider. If there is an issue with your heating or cooling system — or it stops working completely — your smart thermostat will send you and your HVAC service provider an alert.
Modern display and controls. Another feature to think about is the thermostat’s display. Some thermostats have large backlit displays and intuitive touchscreen capabilities to make it easier for users to see and adjust settings. Some models will also come equipped with voice activation controls.
Compatibility. Unfortunately, not every programmable thermostat will be compatible with your HVAC system or your internet provider. Be sure to check the compatibility requirements before making a purchase.

Which Programmable Thermostat is Right for Your Home?

If you enjoy technology and have a busy lifestyle, a smart thermostat with Wi-Fi accessibility might be the right choice for you. If all the bells and whistles and advanced programming options are not important to you, a more standard programmable thermostat could be the best option.

Either way, it’s important to do your research before purchasing a new programmable thermostat. If you’ve read this blog post, you’re off to a great start. Have questions? Contact us today. Our team at Bell Brothers would be happy to discuss which programmable thermostat would be best for your home, lifestyle and comfort needs.

HVAC Tips for Winter to Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Winter weather can be harmful to your home’s heating and air conditioning system. One of the most important HVAC tips for winter is to treat your system like you would your car in icy conditions, with extra care and attention. Just as you take safety precautions when driving on slick roads, you should also take steps to protect your HVAC system from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice buildup. Following these tips can help extend the life of your system and keep your home comfortable during the coldest months.

Clear Snow and Ice from Outside Pipes

While you’re out clearing snow off the driveway, make sure to check the furnace intake and exhaust pipes. These pipes are usually a foot or two above the ground, so if there’s more than a few inches of snow, it’s important to check them. Removing snow and ice will help prevent thawing and refreezing in the pipes, which can cause your furnace to quit working — one of the most common issues that winter HVAC tips aim to prevent.

If your furnace suddenly stops working during the colder months, it could be due to blocked intake and exhaust pipes. As part of your HVAC tips for winter checklist, try turning off the power to the furnace, clearing the pipes, and then turning the power back on. If there’s still an issue, a Bell Brothers service technician can come to your home to investigate and resolve the problem.

Remove Snow and Ice from the Gas Meter

It’s also important to keep the gas meter clear of snow and ice. It not only records how much gas is used, but it also regulates the pressure of the gas entering your home. If the vents on the meter become plugged by snow or ice, it can cause erratic pressure, which is why HVAC winter tips often stress this step. This can cause the furnace or water heater to not work properly.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the furnace or water heater pilot light won’t stay on, it could be a sign the gas pressure is not stable. Check the meter to ensure it isn’t covered with snow and ice. If it is, carefully clear it off. If the equipment is still not working properly, schedule a Bell Brothers service technician to take a look.

Don’t Cover Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

You may have read or heard that homeowners should cover the outdoor air conditioning unit to protect it from snow. However, according to expert HVAC tips for winter, this is actually incorrect. Covering the unit 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 the time by chewing away at the wires in the air conditioner.

Instead, keep the area around the unit clear and let it breathe naturally through the winter months. This small step, along with other HVAC winter maintenance tips, can help you avoid costly repairs come springtime.

Learn more: Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency This Winter

Protect Your HVAC System All Season Long

Let Bell Brothers help you protect your HVAC system this winter. Whether it’s following HVAC tips for winter like clearing snow from vents or avoiding unnecessary covering of your AC unit, small actions can make a big difference in system efficiency and reliability. Give us a call or contact us online for professional guidance and service.

Whether it’s the dead of winter or the hottest week of the summer, when your furnace or air conditioner unexpectedly breaks down and needs replaced, you want a new HVAC system fast.

In the heat of the moment, it is tempting to get an HVAC quote over the phone. Purchasing a new HVAC system is not a small investment. You should take the time to gather the information you need to select a heating and cooling system that meets your home comfort needs.

Instead of getting a quote over the phone, we recommend having an HVAC inspection, where an HVAC professional comes to your home. This allows an experienced comfort consultant to inspect your current HVAC system, determine what size and type of system best meets your needs, and provide a more accurate HVAC quote.

Choose right-size HVAC system

For years, it was common practice for technicians to install bigger-than-needed heating and cooling systems in homes. If a unit is too small, it works harder to reach your desired temperature, if it reaches that temperature at all. If it’s too big, the unit cycles between blasting cold or warm air and shutting off completely. Neither of these scenarios allow your system to operate efficiently.

A system that is the right size runs continuously, keeping your energy bills down and your home at a comfortable temperature.

Get an accurate quote during your HVAC Inspection

An on-site inspection also allows an HVAC professional to determine if aspects of your home will affect the total installation price. The layout of your home and the location of the HVAC system play important roles in the installation process. If a HVAC technician needs to access a small or tight space to install the new unit, it increases the installation time.

In addition to the layout of your home, the ductwork affects the performance of your new HVAC system. If the ductwork needs to be updated to allow for better airflow, the installation takes more time, which increases labor costs.

These are among the many factors that determine which HVAC system is best for your home as well as the total installed cost. When you are ready to purchase a new HVAC system for your home, contact us to schedule an on-site HVAC inspection.

HVAC System Costs: Avoid Sticker Shock

It’s the dead of summer and your air conditioner breaks down or is limping along. You realize it’s time to look for a replacement for it and the whole system. You start researching your options and all of a sudden, the sticker shock hits you.

It’s going to cost how much?!

As you shop around, you wonder why some units are more expensive than others? And why the same brand is cheaper at one company than the other?

The type of HVAC unit you choose, its features and the services the HVAC company or installation contractor provide all affect the price of the system.

 HVAC unit
It doesn’t matter what you are shopping for, there is always an array of good, better and best product offerings. The same is true for HVAC systems based on the brand, model and features you desire.

When choosing a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s important to remember that one size does not fit all. The right system depends on the size of your home and your comfort requirements.

The HVAC system brand along with the features that are included in the unit impacts the price. With a premium brand, like Lennox, you will receive the best value for the investment. You will also have peace of mind that, with proper maintenance, the unit won’t fail after 10 years.

We recommend having a HVAC contractor come to your home instead of getting a quote over the phone. This allows an experienced technician to inspect your current HVAC system, evaluate your ductwork, and determine what size and type of system best meets your needs.

An on-site inspection also provides an opportunity for a heating and cooling specialist to spot complications in your home that could affect the total installation price. What is the layout of your house? Does the installation team need to access a small or tight space to install the new unit? Does the ductwork in your house need to be updated to allow for better performance and comfort? If so, the installation time could take longer, which increases the cost of labor and installation.

Know what pre-sale questions to ask
A quick internet search will pull up a handful of HVAC companies who are ready to sell you a new furnace and air conditioning system. Most companies will provide rebate offers or a low trip-charge fee to come out and inspect your home.

With all of the options available, HVAC system shopping can be confusing and overwhelming. Here are a few important questions to ask HVAC contractors when you’re getting an estimate.

Do you use a standardized pricing system?
Do you have a warranty program?
Do you have an installation guarantee?
What sort of training do your installation and service technicians receive?
Can you show me your credentials?

Getting answers to these questions will help provide assurance that you are investing in a HVAC system that is right for you and your home.

When you are ready to purchase a new heating and/or cooling system for your home, contact us to discuss the best solution for your home.