Month: January 2023

Whoever named the heat pump was being modest.

Not only do heat pumps generate heat, but they can also pump out cool air. What’s more, a new heat pump can cut your Arizona energy costs by up to 50 percent when you make the switch from a furnace or baseboard heater, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).

In some ways, heat pumps have an edge over the traditional combination of a furnace and central air conditioning (AC) unit. However, no two households are the same, and each option has its pros and cons That’s why ACS Air Conditioning Services is pleased to offer a variety of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products tailored to your Oro Valley living needs.

Air Conditioners vs. Heat Pumps

From our desk, here’s how heat pumps compare to a conventional HVAC system:

Cooling Capabilities

During warm weather, heat pumps work identically to a central AC system. Both units extract heat and humidity from the air, sending it to the condensate drain.

Heating Capabilities

AC units have no heating function. During the winter, your AC goes on standby, and the furnace takes the reins. Furnaces generate heat through combustion, burning natural gas, or oil. On the other hand, heat pumps harvest heat from the air and pressurize it in high concentrations. They transfer energy rather than generate it.

Geography

Homeowners living in colder climates tend to favor furnaces that can create lots of heat no matter how cold it is. Heat pumps rely on heat already in the air—they operate less effectively in subfreezing temperatures.

In regions with cold winters, we recommend combining a heat pump with a furnace to create a dual fuel system. This can still be somewhat more efficient than relying on a furnace alone but largely depends on the number of subfreezing days in that region per year.

Environmental Impact

As we mentioned before, heat pumps can double your energy efficiency. It also means you’ll see a substantial drop in your monthly utility costs. To enjoy even more cost savings, consider purchasing a geothermal heat pump, the greenest heating and cooling system on the market. Using energy it naturally extracts from below the ground, the geothermal heat pump heats and cools your home, using only minimal amounts of electricity.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Risk

Gas furnaces rely on combustion to produce heat. For this reason, there is a small chance of CO leak without regular cleaning and inspection. Heat pumps use no combustion, therefore eliminating the possibility. Regardless, you should have CO detectors installed in every room, and keep up with routine maintenance.

Schedule service today!

Whether you settle on a heat pump or an air conditioner, let ACS Air Conditioning Services handle the installation. We’re pleased to offer the finest products and services at a fair price to our Oro Valley, AZ, customers. Give us a call at (520) 230-5668 or request service online today.

A furnace is a major investment for any Tuscon homeowner. Although it’s not something that will need to be done frequently, most people will face the decision of needing to purchase a new heating system sometime during home ownership.

Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services wants you to understand how your furnace works and what signs you can watch for to indicate it’s time for a replacement heating system.

Time Has Passed

Perhaps one of the biggest factors in deciding it’s time to replace your furnace is its age. The average life span of a furnace is 15 to 20 years, but this can vary greatly depending on how well you have maintained your system. However, if your furnace is more than a decade old, it may be time to start planning for a furnace replacement.

Repairs Increase in Number, Cost, and Frequency

Another sign that it may be time to swap out your furnace for a new model is its repair record. As your furnace ages, you’ll find yourself calling in your Arizona heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals more frequently. In addition, you’ll probably see the costs of service calls start increasing as well.

If your repair costs begin to reach half the cost of a new furnace within a year or so, it may be worth it to invest in a new heating system.

Utility Usage Rises

Keep an eye on your regular utility bills. If the unit cost of energy doesn’t rise but your monthly bills do, that may be another sign it’s time to replace your furnace. Older equipment tends to work less efficiently over time, which means it will require more energy to produce the same amount of heat.

One advantage of switching to a new furnace is that new models are always more energy efficient than older ones. As a result, you’ll automatically start recouping some of your investment in lower monthly utility bills.

For example, Money Magazine cites one possible example. If your annual heating costs are $2,000 and you increase your annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating by 15 percent in a new furnace, you will save $300 each year. Naturally these numbers depend on your fuel and energy sources.

Excessive Humidity, Dust, or Dirt

Although many factors can play a role in indoor air quality, your furnace can definitely make a difference. If routine maintenance like changing your air filters and regular tune-ups do not solve humidity, dust, or other air quality issues, it may be a sign you need to replace your furnace.

Strange Noises or Odors

Be sure to be attentive to the daily behavior of your furnace. Often, buzzing, vibrations, clanking, or other noises may warrant a service call. If your professional technician finds your furnace has excessive wear or structural damage, it’s a wise decision to invest in a new furnace.

Change in Comfort Level

When you run your furnace, if your home doesn’t feel as comfortable as it has in the past, you may want to explore the causes. Older furnaces that are working inefficiently can cause different rooms in your home to vary greatly in temperature, leading to uncomfortable cold and hot spots. When you upgrade your furnace and its components to newer models, you may be able to boost the comfort level of you and your family.

Physical Appearance

Finally, you can take a quick inventory of your furnace’s physical appearance. If you see signs of rusting, cracks, or other structural weaknesses, it may be a smart idea to evaluate your new furnace options.

Contact ACS Air Conditioning Services for All Your Furnace Needs

If you’d like a professional assessment of your current operation costs and the typical return on investment (ROI) of a new furnace, give our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tuscon, AZ, a call. Our trained technicians can help you evaluate your system and share information about new models available to help you make an informed decision. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online.