Waukee homeowners, Dan and Wanda, 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 Bell Brothers Helped A Family Choose the Right HVAC System

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 inverter system 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 this type of system or another HVAC system can help meet your home 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.

You routinely change the oil and rotate the tires on your car to keep it running smoothly. So, why ignore your HVAC system? Preventive maintenance is critical to the life of your heating and cooling system. It’s as simple as regularly changing your air filter and signing up for an annual maintenance contract.

HVAC Tune Up

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 preventative maintenance can save you time and money in the long run.

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. Techs will take the time to explain what they find and work to resolve the issue on the spot.

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.

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.

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.

We recently launched a Loyalty Rewards Program that makes annual maintenance worth remembering. The more consecutive HVAC maintenance agreements you sign with us, the more credit you earn toward a future system purchase when that time comes.

Bell Brothers wants to help keep your HVAC system running efficiently and reliably all year long. Give us a call at 515-337-2456 or contact us online to schedule your next HVAC preventive maintenance appointment.

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.

Winter weather can be harmful to your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Just as you take extra safety precautions when driving on icy roads, you should take precautions to protect your home’s HVAC system.

Follow our tips to protect your HVAC system from snow and ice.

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.

Troubleshooting: The furnace may stop working if the intake and exhaust pipes are blocked. Turn off the power to the furnace, clear the pipes and then turn the power back on. If there is still an issue, a Bell Brothers service technician is happy to come to your house to see what is causing 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. This can cause the furnace or water heater to not work properly.

Troubleshooting: 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. This is 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 time by chewing away at the wires in the air conditioner.

Let Bell Brothers help you protect your HVAC system this winter. Give us a call at 515-244-8911 or contact us online.

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.

One of the questions we get all the time — why is furnace and AC maintenance so expensive? Chuck is here to explain why regular maintenance is important - just like changing the oil in your car - and how it might actually save you money in the end.

Edited June 29th, 2021

If it's time to replace or install a new HVAC system in your home, what's the first thing you do? Like so many, you pick up the phone and call a few local contractors to get an HVAC quote. Before you know it, you're bombarded with information on types of furnaces and ac units and terminology like "one-stage furnace, two-stage compressors" - hey, it's enough to give anyone "stage" fright.

HVAC contractors like Bell Brothers mean well, but sometimes it's easy to forget that while HVAC equipment is second nature to us, talking about it can sound almost like a foreign language to others. Doing a little research when shopping around for a new HVAC system can make all the difference to ensure you make an informed decision. To make it a little easier, we've put together notes about the different air conditioning and furnace types, as well as a helpful tip from the experts for HVAC quotes.

Types of Furnaces

First, it's important to remember that "one size fits all" doesn't apply here. The system that is best for you will depend on the size of your home, your budget and your heating requirements. In Des Moines, the requirement is that a system must be big enough to heat your whole house to at least 70° when its -5° outside. There are three types of furnaces: single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed.

Single-Stage Furnace

This type of furnace runs on one level: high. The furnace will run to whatever the thermostat is set at and then shut off. So, it's either on (running at 100% capacity) or off altogether. This type of furnace is really great for when it's really, really cold out! On a milder winter day in the 25°-45° range, however, you'll get frequent and short heat cycles.

Two-Stage Furnace

A two-stage furnace runs like two furnaces in one because it has two stages: high and low. The low stage will run the majority of the time at about 60% of its capacity. On those really cold days, your furnace will automatically kick up to high. What does that mean for you? It means reduced energy bills since you're not running your heat unnecessarily. It also means increased air circulation and higher air quality. Lastly, it means a more consistent home temperature.

Variable-Speed Furnace

A variable-speed unit is what we call a "communicating" system. The furnace knows what the outdoor temperature is and will automatically adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. It will run at between 40% and 100% of its capacity, depending on what it needs to do in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home. And, it can adjust itself by increments as low as 1%. It's pretty incredible. But, why should you care? Because your heat will rise, not your utility bill. Also, you'll experience better comfort, cleaner air, enhanced humidification and balanced temperatures throughout the home. It's really the ultimate in comfort and efficiency.

Types of Air Conditioners

Just like finding the right furnace for your home, it's equally important to choose the right air conditioning system. Again, it depends on the factors such as the size of your home, number of levels, your budget and cooling requirements. In Des Moines, Iowa the requirement is 95°. Meaning, the system we design for you must be able to cool your whole house to 95° or lower. There are three types of air conditioning systems:

Single-Stage Compressor

This is your basic high efficiency air conditioner. Just like the single stage furnace, the single stage air conditioning unit has one level: high. It will run at full capacity until the desired temperature is met and then will shut off. This type of A/C is really great for those really hot days. On milder summer days, however, say in the 75°-85° range, you'll experience more off-and-on cycling and shorter run times.

Two-Stage Compressor

The two-stage compressor has two levels: high and low. The two-stage conditioner runs on high when you really need it on those humid summer days and kicks back down to low when temperatures are more moderate.

Variable-Speed Compressor

A variable-speed compressor is great because it won't use more energy than it actually needs to cool your home. Less wasted energy means lower utility bills for you. Also, because this type of unit has long run times, you'll experience lower humidity and balanced temperatures throughout your home. Cool, right?

Comparing Contractors

Now that you know the differences between single-stage, two-stage, and variable speed, you'll feel more confident when talking to an HVAC contractor. Now it's time to get some HVAC quotes! But before you go, we want to leave you with this valuable tip from the experts:

When comparing HVAC quotes from contractors, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

What does that mean? Well, you might think you're getting a better deal for less from one contractor when you're really just getting less. For example: You get two quotes for a 96-efficient system, but one proposes installing a single-stage furnace or air conditioner and the other proposes a variable-speed furnace or air conditioner. Well, they aren't the same thing and price difference will vary dramatically. So, ask questions and make sure you're comparing two bids that include the same type of unit. With your home comfort and hard-earned money at stake, it is important to take the time to learn which HVAC system would be best for your home. To learn more, ask the experts; Bell Brothers are always here to help.