A heat pump regulates temperatures by trapping thermal energy from the home’s interior and transferring it outdoors during summer months. In cooler conditions, latent thermal energy is captured from outdoor air and moved indoors. Energy Star-rated heat pumps are also proficient dehumidifiers, but only niche systems suit harsh winter weather.

A geothermal heat pump captures heat from the earth instead of the outdoor air and uses it to regulate indoor temperatures. Because it’s earth-powered, it’s the leading overachiever in terms of energy efficiency in heating technology, capping Energy Star ranked-alternatives by more than 45 percent. The federal Energy Star program offers tax incentives for the installation and purchase of geothermal heat pumps that meet their defined criteria.

Water-source pumps carry greater loads of thermal energy and can function remotely via solar or boiler technology. The traditional air-source heat pump uses a fan to transfer thermal energy efficiently. It’s appropriate for homes located in temperate climates. In sub-freezing weather, air-source pumps lose their potency, but new innovations using air-source technology are emerging to keep families comfortable in below-freezing temperatures.

In order for heat pumps to be as efficient as possible, your home should be properly insulated. Wall, window and ceiling foam and air barriers boost a heat pump’s potency by retaining the thermal energy that it transfers. Zoned heating capacity amps up HVAC systems, allowing each room its own temperature by selectively blocking airflow.

For more information about heat pumps or to schedule an appointment, contact the experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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It’s important to know when to use caulk and when to use weatherstripping. Caulk is a flexible seal but shouldn’t be used around moveable joints like doors and windows. Weatherstripping was designed just for this purpose. Installing weatherstripping doesn’t require and tools, just a steady hand and a clean surface.

• Clean the areas to be weatherstripped thoroughly.
• Measure the length of stripping needed and cut the stripping to length.
• Apply the stripping against surfaces on either side of the movable joint so that they compress against each other when the joint is closed.
• Only apply the stripping if the temperature is above 20 degrees.

While caulk isn’t hard to install, it does require a bit of technique to leave a consistent joint around an air leak.

• Clean the area to be caulked. Remove any old caulk, paint or debris and dry the area completely.
• Angle the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle.
• Use steady pressure and speed to deposit a consistent bead of caulk in the area to be sealed.
• Start from the bottom of the air leak and move upward to avoid any bubbling in the caulk line.
• Use a putty knife to smooth over any areas that caulk oozes out.
• For large areas, a second application may be necessary.
• Remember that caulk shrinks as it dries. Check the area around the seal for coverage after it dries.

For more expert advice about sealing air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping, contact the experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving central Indiana since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about caulking, weatherstripping, and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Keep the carbon monoxide out - Any system that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide. This gas is odorless, invisible and can cause serious health problems. Your technician will clean and  inspect the unit and look for leaks in your ducts. Show the HVAC technician your carbon monoxide detector to see if placement is appropriate for your home.
• Breath of fresh air - Your HVAC system pulls air into the main compartment for the combustion process to heat your home. The air passes through an air filter which removes debris before it can enter the unit. Eventually the air filter becomes clogged and inefficient. The clogged material can grow mold, mildew and bacteria. Changing the filter is essential to keeping your home fee of contaminants.
• Choosing the right path  - Once your heat leaves the HVAC unit, it’s pushed through the duct system. If a duct has developed a hole, the heat escapes. If the heat is leaving the duct before reaching the desired destination, your home is not being heated efficiently. A technician can examine the ducts to see if the system is heating each section of your home properly.
• Keep the parts moving - HVAC units are mechanical devices constructed out of different parts which must function together as one. HVAC units operate continuously so there’s bound to be wear and tear on moving parts. Your technician can examine each component, replace ones that are worn out and lubricate pieces that need a little nudge to move smoothly.

If you’re looking for a HVAC technician to perform your annual service call, contact Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We provide superior service to homeowners throughout central Indiana.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about annual service calls and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Safety: Carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks are difficult, if not impossible, for the average homeowner to detect, but they can be deadly. A pre-season service call can make sure that your heating system is free of leaks and the venting system is free from blockage. Having your furnace checked for possible leaks is especially important for homes with older heating systems, since older furnaces don’t have the safety shut-off features you generally find on newer models.
• Energy savings: A clean furnace is an efficient furnace, taking less gas, heating oil or electricity to operate. Leaky ductwork can reduce your furnace efficiency, and a fan that’s set too high can waste energy. Pay attention to possible wasted energy and reduce your usage.
• Save that big repair bill: Finding a small problem with your heating system at the beginning of the season can stop that problem from growing and creating a much more expensive issue.
• Comfort. A well-tuned furnace works more efficiently and keeps you and your family warmer during the winter months than a furnace that’s struggling to keep up with the demand for heat.

To schedule an annual service call for your central Indiana furnace, contact the experts at Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’ve been helping Indiana homeowners with their heating and cooling needs for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about annual service calls and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Clues your duct system needs cleaning

Short of a visual inspection by an HVAC professional, there are clues and signs that indicate your ducts may need to be cleaned. One obvious sign is debris discharge from the air-supply registers. The debris could be dislodged from accumulation on duct walls, or it could be due to a clogged air filter.

Check the components of your heating and cooling systems for debris and mold. If debris and/or mold are present, you may very well have the same contaminants inside the ductwork. Insects and rodents like to take up residence inside duct systems too. During your visual inspection, make a note of disconnected joints where air infiltration will occur. All duct joints should be securely sealed by your HVAC professional.

Upon confirmation of any clues and signs of dirty ducts, make an appointment with an HVAC professional who is reputable and qualified to perform duct cleaning. A qualified pro can spot other duct issues, like airflow inefficiencies, damaged ducts, leaky ducts and more.

Your HVAC pro should communicate clearly with you the process involved with duct cleaning. Steps should be taken to protect the occupants and belongings. A duct cleaning that’s not properly performed may actually cause more harm than good. Your HVAC pro needs to explain the chemicals to be used for health purposes. Problems with mold, if any, need to be discussed with you, and proper measures should be taken to prevent mold and other duct issues in the future.

For more information about duct cleaning, contact Summers Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling. We’ve helped central Indiana homeowners with HVAC and plumbing issues for more than 42 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct cleaning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The amount of money you save each year depends on a few factors, including your home’s square footage, insulation, local climate and your furnace model.

Today’s high-efficiency units

To analyze the savings accurately, you must first look at the annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE. This rating determines the percentage of fuel your furnace uses to generate heat and the amount that’s not sent through the flue as exhaust. Energy-efficient models must have an AFUE rating of at least 78 percent for residential properties.

Older furnace models hover around 65 percent, which means 35 percent of the fuel is wasted through exhaust. Though 78 percent is the minimum for today’s units, most units are capable of providing a 98.2 percent efficiency, meaning 98.2 percent of fuel is used, but only 1.8 percent is lost.

If you replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace, you could see a savings of up to 25 to 30 percent on your heating bills. To get a more accurate estimate of how much you will save with your new furnace, use the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual estimated savings table.

Are you ready to amplify your annual heating and cooling savings? Learn more about how a high-efficiency furnace can help you do just that by contacting the experts at Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about high-efficiency furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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An HVAC professional will include these key points in a comprehensive furnace tuneup:

• Lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction, saving you money on electricity costs.
• Check gas pressure and burner combustion for efficient and safe operation.
• Tighten electrical and gas connections to prevent fire hazards.
• Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and test CO detectors.
• Check the system controls to ensure your system cycles properly.
• Inspect the vent, caps and flue for damage.
• Measure the current and voltage on the motor for efficiency.
• Check your thermostat for accuracy to keep you warmer at lower settings.
• Check the blower assembly for proper operation.

Between annual furnace tune-ups, there are several things you can do to keep your furnace operating at maximum efficiency and safety.

• Stock up on furnace filters and replace your filter every one to three months. A dirty filter impedes airflow, making your system work harder to keep you warm. A clean filter prevents the buildup of dust inside your furnace, which can cause overheating and tiny cracks to develop on the heat exchanger, increasing the risk of CO leaks.
• Keep your furnace area clean and accessible. Store flammable materials at least 15 feet away from your unit.
• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down and keep the warm air in your home circulating for increased comfort at lower costs.
• Check your ducts for loose joints and repair them with metal tape or mastic.

For more expert advice on the benefits of a furnace tune-up or to schedule service with one of our highly qualified HVAC professionals, please contact us at Summers Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served central Indiana with honesty and integrity since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace tuneups and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Install carbon monoxide detectors. Position a CO detector on every floor of your home, including right outside bedrooms. Since carbon monoxide rises, install it on or close to the ceiling. If you only install one CO detector in your home, make sure it’s at least 15 feet from the gas furnace and in a place where sleepers can hear it in the night.
• Change the filter often. A dirty furnace filter causes premature wear, inefficient operation and poor airflow. Over time, the heat exchanger inside a gas furnace may overheat because of these issues and crack, releasing harmful carbon monoxide into your home. Change the filter once every month or two to prevent a red-tagged furnace.
• Store flammable materials in a safe place. These should be kept as far away from the gas furnace as possible. Also, avoid using flammable aerosol sprays in the winter unless you can open a window to help the gas dissipate safely.
• Report emergencies immediately. If you smell gas, don’t delay in reporting the situation to your utility provider. If you don’t know the number off-hand, call 911 for additional help.
• Take the gas meter seriously. Do not cover the meter, paint over or let your children play near it. Instead, know where the meter is so you can shut it off quickly in an emergency.
• Schedule annual preventative maintenance. Professional tune-ups ensure the safest, most efficient gas furnace operation. Plan to schedule maintenance every fall for your heating equipment and every spring for your cooling equipment.

For more information about safe gas furnace operation this winter, please contact Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling today. We serve residents in central Indiana.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Insulation is rated based on its thickness and called the R-value. Sixteen inches of attic insulation has an R-value of 38, providing 38 hours of protection from heat gain or loss.
• Cellulose has a slightly higher R-value per inch than fiberglass batts, and it’s a good product to use if your attic is difficult to move around in or has tight spaces. Cellulose is made from recycled newspaper and treated with borates to retard fire and insect damage.
• It’s fairly simple to install batt insulation, since it comes on long rolls that are easy to cut to length. However, it’s important to wear protective clothing since the fiberglass is a skin and respiratory irritant. Wearing gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a dust mask make installing this type of attic insulation more comfortable and safer.
• If your attic is unusually small and doesn’t have adequate insulation, consider types that have higher R-values inch for inch, like rigid or sprayed foam. Rigid foam board is available in large sheets or precut to fit the space between the joists. Sprayed foam usually requires professional installation, since it uses special equipment to apply.

If you’d like more information on attic insulation, contact Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’ve provided plumbing and HVAC services for central Indiana since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Central Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about attic insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” –Edith Lovejoy Pierce