Put an End to that Rattle and Hum!

You love your home’s central heating and air conditioning, but you hate all the noise it makes. Rattling, blowing, ticking, creaking, and a host of other noises coming from your ductwork can turn a fantastic convenience into a real nuisance in the time it takes to crank up the thermostat. Here are a few tips that can help turn down the volume on a noisy HVAC (Heating ,Ventilation and Air Conditionin) system.


Check Internal and External Components:
One of the biggest contributing factors to a noisy heating system is a faulty relationship between the unit’s indoor and outdoor components. If internal and external parts are linked in such a way that they vibrate against each other, this will send plenty of sound through your home’s ductwork. Because ducts connect every room in your house when you have a central HVAC system, you may find it hard to escape all the noise. If you hear whining, buzzing, howling, or vibrations, have a professional check your HVAC system to ensure indoor ducts are independently connected to outdoor components.

How's Your Insulation?
Insulating your ductwork can also really cut down on unwanted noise. Sounds that come through ducts are generally caused by your heating system’s air handler. This metal box has a motor that can make parts vibrate as the system works. Adding a layer of insulation to the air handler can dampen the noise caused by these vibrations, sending less reverberation through the ducts. Insulation can also eliminate noises on the outside of your house, making you instantly more popular with the neighbors.

Acoustic Insulation:
Another way to insulate is with materials that absorb sound. This helps deaden noises, making them quieter and less intense until they eventually disappear at the farthest point from your system. Acoustic insulation can be added along ductwork, in the same way you might insulate plumbing pipes.

How's Your Fan?
Cleaning your home’s HVAC system fan is crucial to the quiet, efficient operation of your unit. The fan draws in dirt and dust, which can collect on the blades and interfere with its operation. Built-up debris can cause rattling and vibrations that will travel through the ducts and vents. If your fan is the wrong size for your system, it can also create noise as it struggles to keep up with demand. Keeping the fan clean and ensuring you have the right size fan for your unit will cut down on noise significantly.

Cleaning and Maintenance:
Regular duct and heat system cleaning and upkeep ensures your entire heating system is performing at its best. Professional maintenance keeps parts in good working condition and helps make sure that system components are installed correctly. A certified technician will tighten loose connections, fix gaps, clean parts, and add insulation to any system mechanisms that could be causing unusual noise. You should try to have a professional tune up and your HVAC system at least twice a year. The easiest way to remember is to schedule maintenance in the spring and in the fall, just before the peak cooling and heating seasons.


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Let the Season Be Your Guide to Fixing and Maintaining Your Home Heating and Air Conditioning Systems!

At some point in your homeownership, you’re going to have to call an HVAC technician to service your home’s heating and cooling system. Whether you need furnace repair, someone to take a look at your air conditioner, or a professional opinion on the state of your ventilation and ductwork, a reliable HVAC technician is your best bet.

But how do you know when it’s time to call? This handy guide gives you some suggestions for seasonally appropriate repairs and maintenance, which should help you begin the conversation. Remember; always shop around for a reputable technician even if you need immediate assistance. There are few things that feel worse than being taken for a ride by a shady contractor in times of desperation.


Spring HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
Early spring is a great time to have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected. If there are any problems or necessary repairs, you can have them completed well before the warm summer weather sets in. That way you can rest assured that your air conditioner will kick in without issue when you need it most.


Summer HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
It goes without saying that summer is one of the busiest times of year for HVAC technicians. But if you’re having trouble with your system there are a few simple do-it-yourself tricks to try before you call a pro. Make sure your air conditioner is clean from dust, dirt, and debris. Change the filter monthly. Check your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. If you still can’t figure out the problem, call a professional HVAC technician but expect a bit of a wait, as summer schedules can fill up quickly.


Fall HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
Toward the end of summer and into the fall, think about calling an HVAC technician to schedule a furnace tune-up and ductwork cleaning. Postponing this crucial step can put you at the end of a long line of other customers or worse—stuck in the cold without a working furnace on that first chilly autumn morning.


Winter HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
If you need service in the winter it’s likely that your furnace has stopped working. But before you call a professional, do a few quick checks on your own. Start with the furnace pilot light and make sure it hasn’t gone out. Then check the thermostat to see that it’s working properly. Be certain that all floor and ceiling registers are open.

Sometimes, simply replacing the filter furnace can improve your system’s function. You’ll certainly have to hire a pro if none of these produce results. If you do need to call a technician, don’t delay. Putting off furnace repairs can lead to even more serious (and costly) problems like frozen or burst pipes, carbon monoxide poisoning, and system-wide damage. You can generally expect a quick response to a call for help during the winter, as HVAC professionals understand the urgency of furnace problems at this time of year.



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Time for a new central air conditioning system? The average air conditioner lasts about 15 years, so if you live in your home for more than 10 years or so, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually have to replace your system. If you have central air conditioning that was installed back in the 1990s (or earlier), keep in mind that today's air conditioning systems provide significantly greater cooling power and energy efficency.

Installing a central air conditioning system is one of the most significant steps you can take in improving the overall comfort of your home. Central air conditioning will also add value to your home, as it’s a very attractive selling point for potential buyers.

That being said, a new central air conditioning system is a major household investment and not a purchase one should make without doing some serious homework. If you’re due for an air conditioning system upgrade, there are several important considerations that can help ensure you get the best possible performance, energy efficiency and value.

Before you commit to a new central air conditioning installation, think about the following:.

• Try Maintenance First. Have you been replacing the air conditioner filters according to schedule? Have you been scheduling a regular air conditioning tune-ups and cleanings? The problem may not be your air conditioner, but you! If your current air conditioning system seems to be operating at less than full capacity, have a professional air conditioning service technician come to your home to inspect it before you blow your savings on a brand new air conditioning system. Sudden changes in the function of an air conditioner that’s been performing just fine up to a point could mean that simple maintenance is in order, rather than a complete system overhaul. A certified professional can clean your system, run diagnostic testing, and make repairs or adjustments as needed. An experienced pro will also be able to tell you if it’s time to replace your central air conditioning system.


• Totally New vs. Upgrading Your Existing Air Conditioning. You may not need an entirely new central air conditioning system at all...just some modifications to your existing system to enhance its performance. Upgrading an aging central air conditioning system requires a much different set of considerations than installing a new one. You’ll want to make sure you match brands and models, and choose new components that are compatible with older ones. If you’ll be replacing an old air conditoning system completely, you may incur extra costs for removal and disposal of outdated parts.


• Air Conditioning Installation Circumstances. Be sure to communicate with your installation professional so he or she knows how best to approach your job. If your new air conditioning installation is part of a larger home renovation project, you may be able to save significantly by arranging for installation at a specific point in the job. Also, when your air conditioning professional is in the loop, he or she will be much better equipped to determine the best kind of system for your home and a much more accurate estimate.


• Air Conditioning Power Requirements. Central air conditioners measure cooling capacity in British thermal units (Btu) per hour. Generally, you need about 12,000 Btu per 1000 square feet of well insulated space or 400 square feet of inadequately insulated space. Your home’s structure, windows, sun exposure, and climate will all impact your cooling needs. The best way to get an idea of what you need for your home is to talk to an HVAC professional. While an air conditioning technician may suggest products or installation features that might cost you more up front, they will likely save you much more in the long run.


• Replacing an Aging Air Conditioning System. Like many other household appliances, central air conditioners have become significantly more energy efficient in the last ten years or so. If you’ve noticed a dramatic decrease in your system’s ability to cool your home—temperatures are inconsistent, the system seems to be coming on more frequently or running longer, or your monthly utility bills are steadily increasing—it may be time to replace your air conditioner. If your new air conditioner will be tied into an existing system in your home, talk to an air conditioning contractor about compatibility and installation options.


• Air Conditioning System Accessibility. Installing a central air conditioning system means your installation technician will need access to your home’s air ducts. The easier the access, the less you’ll be charged in hourly labor costs. If your home is older or has limited duct space, you might want to think about purchasing a mini-duct or ductless air conditioner. These alternative systems are a much better and more cost effective choice for homes where installing traditional ductwork would be prohibitive.


• Look for Energy Star Appliances. Choosing environmentally responsible products can be a challenge; for appliances and home electronics, the Energy Star program makes it easy. Simply look for the blue Energy Star label and know that you are getting the most eco-friendly, energy efficient air conditioner for your money. Air conditioning systems can have a huge impact on your summer utility bills, so it makes sense to look for an appliance that’s going to reduce your home’s overall energy consumption and save you money. Shop for air conditioners with a high SEER rating (most units range from 10 to 17). If you’re installing a central air conditioner, make sure your contractor knows your preferences and ask for a unit with the highest SEER rating possible.


• The Noise Factor. This is your chance to get rid of that noisy old air conditioning unit that rattles and hums every time it powers on. Inexpensive air conditioners—either window-mounted or central—can cause a lot of noise pollution, especially if you have to install them in a bedroom, living room, or near a deck or patio. Consider placement carefully, and avoid areas close to living areas, bedrooms, and close to the neighbors. To guarantee quiet operation, go with a higher-end, more expensive model.


• Sun Exposure. No matter how energy efficient your air conditioner, it will struggle to perform properly if it’s placed in direct sunlight. Try to install a new unit in an area of your home with plenty of shade, or plant shrubs or small shade trees close by.


• Consult an Air Conditioning Pro. A professional HVAC technician will be able to answer any questions you have about installing a new central air conditioning system in your home...from proper placement to energy efficiency ratings to correct sizing for your square footage. If you are unsure about any aspect of air conditioning system purchasing or installation, call your local air conditioning contractor for advice.

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Replacing your old heating and cooling system with a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system is a challenging decision for most homeowners. Heating and cooling can account for nearly half of the energy used in your home. You want to maximize your comfort, but you don't want to pay through the nose. The right system may cost more upfront, but save money and reduce utility bills over time. The wrong system may need constant repair, under perform or die before its time. So much to consider!

When it's time to install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, make an educated decision with the help of these simple suggestions:


Find the Right HVAC Contractor
Getting the right contractor is key to getting a quality installation. Make sure the contractor you choose has at least several years of experience and can provide references. Make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. Be sure to ask for a written contract of all work in advance. And always choose a contractor’s whose service and installation technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is an industry-supported certification for heating and air conditioning technicians. NATE-certified HVAC technicians have met the nation's highest standards for HVAC training and knowledge.

Here are some additional things your heating and air conditioning contractor should do BEFORE you sign a contract:

• Measure existing ductwork to be sure it can handle the increased air flow of a new system
• Do a complete Load Calculation that will take into consideration window and vent locations as well as existing hot or cold areas of your home.
• Discuss with you any indoor air quality issues such as allergies, humidity levels in your home and any additional features you would like in your new home comfort system.
• Present you with several system options, not just one.
• Give you a written guarantee that your new heating and air conditioning system will perform as promised.

Bottom line: all heating and air conditioning contractors are not alike. In the end, it’s the contractor who will make the biggest difference in how the installation or replacement goes.


Properly Size Your Heating and Air Conditioning System
When installing or replacing heating and air conditioning cooling equipment, bigger isn’t always better and one-size does not fit all. Oversized HVAC equipment will cost more up front, consume more energy, provide inadequate cooling and humidification, and ultimately, need to be replaced prematurely. And don’t assume your current heating and air conditioning system is the right size either; today’s HVAC equipment is more efficient than those 10 years or older and your original system may have been sized improperly. Efficiency, not size is what you're after. Ask your HVAC contractor to thoroughly measure your home and calculate the "size" of the system using Manual J, or an equivalent industry-acceptable calculation tool.


Proper Installation is Crucial
One of the biggest factors in getting the best performance out of your new heating or air conditioning system depends on how well it is installed. Shoddy installation accounts for over half of the HVAC service calls and most customer dissatisfaction during the first year of operation. At a minimum, make sure your HVAC installation technician performs the following:

• Installs equipment in easily accessible areas for easy maintenance.
• Tests for adequate airflow and verifies that the cooling system has been charged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
• Conducts a combustion safety test after ducts are sealed to be sure all gas or oil-burning appliances are working properly.
• Replaces indoor and outdoor coils for maximum efficiency.

Sealing and Insulation
Central air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces rely on a system of ducts to circulate air throughout your home. Heated and cooled air can easily escape through gaps between duct joints. Ask your contractor to seal and insulate ducts throughout your home; this can improve your heating and cooling system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent!


Heating and Air Conditioning System Maintenance
Your contractor should be available to do annual check-ups and tune-ups of your heating and cooling system to help prevent future problems and keep your system in fine working order. If your contractor offers a Service Partner Plan or other kind of maintenance contract, sign up for it! It will keep you on a schedule of regular and proper maintenance, save you money over time and give you peace of mind.

Also be sure to keep your system clean and free from dust, dirt and debris. Accumulated dust and other impediments can block the flow of air and that can drastically reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Be sure to check your air conditioner or furnace filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it or clean it. Never go longer than 3 months without replacing or cleaning a filter.

Look for the ENERGY STAR Label
When deciding on a heating or air conditioning system, insist on it being an Energy Star qualified system. The Energy Star designation is your best assurance that you are are buying an energy-efficient system. Be sure to ask your HVAC contractor to estimate your utility costs of purchasing an Energy Star qualified system. Although Energy Star heating and air condition equipment may cost more initially, they will cost much less to operate over time. In fact, most Energy Star qualified heating and air conditioning products can yield annual returns of 15–30 percent in lower energy bills. That translates into hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

More About Heating & Air Conditioning Installation...

• Choosing the Right Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
• Making the Right Decision about Heating and Air Conditioning
• Heating and Air Conditioning System Analysis
• The Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Process
• 5 BIG Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replacing Their Heating and A/C Systems