Top Benefits of Upgrading Your Home's HVAC System

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"Here's something not many people know: more than half of your energy goes to cooling and heating. If you are a smart homeowner, you have to do more than invest in an HVAC installation. You also need to know when it's time to upgrade your HVAC system at home so you can save more money and enhance your comfort level. Learn common HVAC terms today to better understand your system and make informed decisions.

Upgrading your HVAC system at home has many benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

It helps you save on cost

When you replace your old HVAC system with a higher efficiency one, you can save thousands in fuel costs. New and higher efficiency HVAC systems have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of more than 90 percent, making them ideal for better indoor air quality.

It allows you to enjoy better comfort

Modern HVAC systems can help produce more heat and maintain the temperature at a constant level. It can also help ensure there is consistent airflow. Moreover, you also get to enjoy superior humidity control compared to older systems.

It has a longer working capacity

New HVAC systems are designed to minimize on and off cycling. That means they can last way longer compared to older models. You can also expect better efficiency without worrying about your system malfunctioning.

It can increase your home's resale value

When assessing any property, most buyers will consider the quality of the HVAC system. Most buyers will also take into account the operating cost of HVAC systems. That said, if you want to increase your home's resale value, investing in a new and powerful HVAC system would be a smart move.

Wrap Up

The benefits above are just a few of the upsides of investing in modern HVAC systems. Considering all the benefits a new HVAC system can offer, it's easy to see it's an investment that's worth every penny.

Options for Improving Heating and Cooling in Your Home

During extreme weather conditions, heating and cooling your home becomes crucial in creating an ambient environment. However, keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer can attract hefty energy bills. Several steps exist that show you how to improve your home's cooling and heating to reduce the overall energy cost. 

Change the Air Filters

Air filters play an indispensable role in the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system. However, most homeowners do know the importance of regular and frequent air filters. Air filters work by blocking debris and dirt from entering your home and thus might accumulate these pollutants. As a result, the air conditioning unit will work harder to pass clean air into the house because of reduced efficiency.

Maintenance

Although some people perceive routine maintenance as costly, it reduces cost by preventing breakdowns during operations that might be more expensive. Regular maintenance has a significant impact on the efficiency of an HVAC system. Moreover, minor repairs to your air conditioner can help it last longer and prevent frequent avoidable breakdowns. You can hire technicians to clean the drain lines, calibrate the air conditioning system, and check its refrigerant levels.

Purchase a Programmable Thermostat

Devices such as a programmable thermostat allow homeowners to increase heating and cooling efficiency in their homes. Programmable thermostats are particularly helpful for individuals who cannot access their homes during specific periods or occasions throughout the week. According to Energy Star, you can save approximately $180 annually if you properly use a programmable thermostat. Various types of programmable thermostats exist, and selection relies on your schedule.

You can manually set what time of day the programmable thermostat should adjust your home's heating and cooling conditions. Conversely, new thermostats come with Wi-Fi connectivity that permits access of its settings remotely through your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can combine a thermostat with household fans to improve air circulation in your home.

Seal All Gaps

Gaps in your home can significantly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The holes allow warm air to escape during cold seasons, making it difficult for the air conditioner to maintain set temperatures. You can locate such openings around the fireplace chimney, windows, doors, and air ducts. Once you find the leakages, use caulk, weather-strips, or foam gaskets to minimize heat and air loss from your home.

Homeowners should follow the above steps to minimize their energy bills while improving heating and cooling in their homes. Many additional options exist that can help you ensure your air conditioner systems function efficiently and create a comfortable environment.

9 Benefits of Renting vs. Owning a Home

There is a lot of talk about the benefits of owning a home, but not much is talked about renting one. A lot of young people are struggling with the decision. They are unsure whether they should be renting or owning a home, and to be fair it is an understandable problem to have. Both of these choices have their advantages and disadvantages, and the factors I’m writing in this article are something you should keep in your mind if you are having this choice.

Both renting and especially buying are big financial commitments, but in different ways and also in different degrees. So when you should consider renting? I’m listing the 9 benefits for renting a house vs owning a home you should always consider should you be making your move.
It’s Way Less Expensive Up Front
Non-refundable application fees, security deposits, last month’s rent at signing are just some of the financial hurdles renting has. But all of them together, do not even compare to  closing costs and the steep requirement of a down payment. And even though your monthly rent rate might be a bit higher than a monthly mortgage cost, you do not have to be concerned about fronting for things such as taxes or home repairs.
It’s Not So Risky
Buying a home should be considered as an investment, and investments do carry risk. When you rent a house, you do not need to worry about the market crashing or that a costly and unexpected home repair on your house will cost you a lot of money from your savings accounts. Whether you’ll be happy with the place you rent is the biggest risk  you take on when renting. And that’s a risk most of us can afford to take.
You Have More Flexibility
The freedom that it provides you is definitely one of the biggest benefits of renting against owning. When you want to pack and move across the country it is harder to sell a house than to break a lease. It is a lot quicker too. Renting sets some defined terms that you can base a big living decision around, even if you don’t cut out early.
Repairs are Someone Else’s Problem

Broken dishwasher? Running toilet? Warped window trim? These repairs, when you rent, costs and other accompanying costs are the responsibility of your landlord or management company, and not you. But of course depending on your terms of lease, you may have to contribute to some of the repairs of your living space, and there are some hidden charges when you buy a home.

No Property Taxes at all

One thing that makes a major expense on homeownership is property taxes...which affects the buyer's price range. But in terms of paying the property taxes on your part, when you are renting the space you have no obligation, unlike owning the property that you should pay. In some states the property taxes are high, and that can be a huge burden off your back— and that means a lot more money in your wallet every year.

You Know What You’re Paying Each Month

We all know that the benefits of renting a home are mainly financial - that is no surprise. 

Homeownership is a variable cost endeavor. That depends on the terms of a contract, interest prices may change over time — going up or down without the input of the owner. The same goes for property taxes, which almost always fluctuates. When you rent, you have to leave aside a monthly amount for the entire term of your lease so that is the only 'variable cost' you have to worry about.
Some Utilities May Be Included

When renting, you may end up with free internet, water, or heat - most owners cover these specific utility costs for their residents. But, for those utilities that aren’t included with the rent, they’re normally a lot cheaper than when you buy them since many rentals have less square footage than family homes.
Don't pay attention to the details

Things like chipping paint and yellowing grass aren’t the end of the world...but they do require a lot of time and effort to deal with. You do not need to think twice about the things that make homeownership a big day to day responsibility, actually, often you will not even notice. So if you enjoy spending your weekends hanging out with friends instead of clearing leaves out the drain, then renting might be one of the best options you have chosen so far.

There Is No Pressure to Upgrade

When you choose to rent a space, you should keep in mind that it's not that easy to be satisfied with an old kitchen or badly designed bathroom. Homeowners are in it for a long time, however, the upgrades aren’t just part of the experience, they’re also usually expected if you want to make a good return when you want to sell. 

As a renter, you can be happy with the fact that what you’ve got is not going to stay forever.

Ultimately, the decision of renting versus buying comes down to what you can afford and how much responsibility you want to have when it comes to your home. There’s nothing wrong with the flexibility that comes with renting, neither is there anything wrong with going all in and buying a home. Just be sure to make the right decision for you and your finances, and you should be happy with wherever you end up.

Common signs your ducted air conditioner has leaks

Leaks can occur in the ducts of an air conditioner. However, because these are hidden in the room or basement, they are challenging to inspect. There may be leaks, and you are entirely unaware of them. Repairing leaking ducts is the easy part – how do you know there are leaks? Here are some commons signs you can look out for. 

The aircon isn’t keeping you comfortable

You had an air conditioner installed to keep your house cool on hot days. So it's frustrating as a homeowner when you feel the system is running, but the temperature never reaches a comfortable level. Your aircon surely should be able to make your hot home more comfortable than it is within an hour or two, right?

If you’re not getting the relief from the heat you want, even when the aircon's been pumping for hours, it's a sign that something's not right with it. One possibility is that there is an issue with the air ducts connected to your ducted air conditioning system. When these ducts have leaks, the entire system's seal is essentially broken, and you're going to lose cold air. 

When this occurs, the air conditioning system will not be able to cool your home or warm it, with ease. You'll should call in an air conditioning technician to investigate possible leaks and repair them. 

Individual rooms never get cool enough

If you find that there are particular rooms in your home that never seem to cool off or others that are ice-cold compared to the others, you need to investigate the cause. Ideally, your A/C system should distribute cold air evenly throughout the home to cool it. Each room in your home should get cooler at a similar rate.

When rooms cool unevenly, it's a sign that there could be leaks in the air ducts. The holes or gaps prevent sufficient cool air from reaching the rooms in different parts of your home. If the rooms on the second floor are warmer, don’t be concerned as they will always be slightly warmer on the floor below. 

Your energy bills are higher

There are peak times you will use your HVAC system, and it's accepted that you will see an increase in energy usage in those months. However, if the bills suddenly skyrocket, it's worth investigating if your ducted aircon is behind it. When air ducts are leaking air, the aircon is forced to run for more extended periods to cool your home off.

Your house is getting dusty

Every home accumulates dust, but if you're noticing your surfaces are getting extra grimy, something could be up with your air ducts. Leaky air ducts can make a home dustier than usual because they allow dust to enter ductwork and travel throughout a home.

Your air conditioner keeps breaking down

As A/C system ages, more regular repairs will be needed. However, if your unit is only a few years old and you're calling technicians in all the time, it could be a sign you have leaking air ducts. Find the leaky air duct, and you'll soon discover that you no longer have to call out a team for repairs as regularly. 

When your system is aging

Air ducts aren't designed to last forever, and experts estimate they should be replaced every 15 years. By ensuring your air ducts are correctly maintained as part of your annual air condition service for your ducted air-con, you'll extend their life expectancy. The technicians will inspect, repair, and clean the air ducts during maintenance. Ignore them at your peril. Air ducts that are leaking and damaged could lead to further damage to the A/C compressor and other parts. 

Know your ducts

There are multiple types of ducts in use in the aircon business. Here are a few:

Flexible ductwork

• Made of a wire coil.

• Covered with a bendable, plastic, surrounded by insulation. 

• Tube shaped.

• Used for best tricky spaces where rigid ducts can’t be installed.

• Need to be secured correctly so there are no kinks or other issue that reduce airflow.

Rigid ductwork

• Can be cylindrical or rectangular. 

• They are often insulated.

• Hardy, enduring, and reliable. 

Sheet metal ducts 

• Usually galvanized steel and aluminum.

• Light and easy to install. 

• Have non-porous surfaces.

Fiberboard ducts

• Made from fiberglass strands compressed and bonded with a resin

• Covered with a sheet of foil laminate 

• Suitable for cooling and heating systems because well insulated. 

• It is not recommended for ventilation in humid climates because of mold and mildew buildup. 

When installing an air conditioning system, ask your contractor which is the best type of duct to use for your home or property. They will also recommend a maintenance program that will keep the ductwork in good condition and free of leaks.