A heat pump is vastly different than a traditional forced-air system. First and foremost, heat pumps rely solely on electricity to provide heating and cooling. They lack any sort of combustion component, and instead, rely on the basic principles of refrigeration to keep your home and family comfortable. Here’s how:

At its most basic, a heat pump includes a compressor, indoor and outdoor coils that contain a refrigerant, an air handler or blower and some sort of back-up heating element, in case of extremely low temperatures.

In heating mode, the compressor moves the refrigerant through the outdoor coil, where it is able to extract heat, even from the cool winter air. After evaporating into a gaseous state, the refrigerant is passed through to the indoor coil. Here, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid, and transfers heat to the coil. The air handler then picks up this heat, and distributes it via a fan/blower system using the home’s ductwork. The cycle continues, with air circulating through ducts and cold-air returns, until the desired temperature is reached.

When air conditioning is needed, the heat pump uses this refrigeration cycle in reverse. Using the exact same technology, heat is extracted from the air indoors and transferred outside. A reversing valve inside the unit completely automates the switch from heating to cooling, leaving homeowners little to do but relax and stay comfortable.

WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning is working hard to become the premier heat-pump vendor and service provider in Northeast Ohio. Let us show you how a heat pump can make a difference in your family’s comfort and year-round heating and cooling costs. Contact us today to learn more.

Our goal at WeatherKing is to help educate our customers 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.

Heat pump component image via Shutterstock

Ducts are an especially common contributor. Your heated and cooled air travels through them and into your home — and that’s all they’re supposed to do. Right? So, how do energy losses happen?

Energy loss from ducts

Air delivery inside your home can be compromised in a number of different ways. You may think everything is working just fine. But, the bad thing about ducts is that they’re out of sight and, usually, out of mind. Here is a list of some of the factors that can contribute to an energy loss in your ductwork:

• Poor or no insulation on exposed sections
• Leaks in joints
• Collapsed sections that constrict airflow
• Undersized or oversized ducts
• Inadequate returns
• Poor installation and design

As you can see, duct problems can be quite varied. Any of these problems, or others, can cause your HVAC equipment to work harder to keep you comfortable. When your equipment works harder than it should, it costs you in higher energy bills.

Have your ducts checked

Some of the problems listed above may require an upgrade; some are very simple to fix. However, any problem can cost you money if left unchecked. An easy solution is to have your ducts professionally examined. Ask your contractor for suggestions to deal with the problems discovered upon inspection. Then, decide what you can change or what you can have your contractor change. Some projects are easily corrected by the homeowner, such as upgrading insulation or sealing leaks.

Resolving duct problems can significantly lower your bills and contribute to a longer life span for your heating and cooling equipment. If you have questions or need help with your ducts, contact us at WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll be happy to examine your ducts and offer options to reduce energy loss. Call us. Serving Northeast Ohio, we’re always ready to hear your questions and give you the answers that keep you more comfortable for less.

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

Air duct image via Shutterstock

A well-maintained, high-quality filter can extend the life of your furnace, and eliminate some of the particles that can aggravate allergies or even introduce illness into your home.

A wide range of filters is available on the market today, and knowing which one is right for your heating system can be confusing. That’s where MERV filter ratings come in. MERV is the key indicator that a consumer can use to know just how effective a filter will be upon installation.

MERV filter ratings range from 1 to 16, with a rating of 1 offering the least amount of filtration. Most residential filters have a MERV rating between 4 and 12, but many furnace manufacturers recommend only a 2 MERV filter. These inexpensive, disposable filters provide a minimal amount of filtration, but allow maximum airflow through the system—a definite plus from an HVAC perspective with regards to wear and tear on the blower motor and heat exchanger.

For allergy sufferers or those with compromised immune systems, however, a 2 MERV filter may not suffice. These individuals should look for a filter with a MERV rating of 11 or higher to ensure that bacteria, viruses, pollen and household fumes are captured before negatively impacting indoor air quality. Unfortunately, with greater filtering capacity comes greater cost and a need for more vigilance when it comes to cleaning or changing the filter regularly. Additionally, higher-rated filters also decrease the airflow of your furnace, so check with a professional before installing one.

Not sure which filter is right for you? We can help.The team of experts at WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning can show you which filter is best for your family and your home heating system. We can even assess your home’s indoor air quality to help you breathe easier. Contact us today, and let us show you why we’re Northeast Ohio’s preferred heating and cooling vendor.

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

Air filter image via Shutterstock

Energy-efficiency is critical
Today’s high-efficiency furnaces are better than ever, with lower energy costs and reduced fossil-fuel emissions. The key is to select a unit with the highest AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating that your budget will allow. The higher the AFUE rating, the more heat the furnace is able to generate from the fuel it uses. That means more bang for your buck and less impact on the environment.

Size does matter
When buying a furnace, it’s important to take the time to have the system properly sized to ensure optimal performance. A furnace that’s too small won’t be able to deliver enough heat to keep you comfortable, while an over-sized model will tend to cycle on and off frequently — a pattern that increases wear and tear on the furnace itself. Using climate information, as well as details about your home’s design and square footage, your contractor should be able to calculate the exact size of furnace that’s right for you. Take the time to complete this step before making a purchase.

Go with a pro
Make sure the person you hire is a reputable professional. Only work with contractors who are licensed, NATE-certified professionals and have a solid rating history with the BBB or a consumer group such as ACCA, PHCC. Protect your home and your family by choosing an HVAC contractor who can get the job done right.

At WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning, our team of NATE-certified technicians have been keeping customers throughout Northeast Ohio safe, comfortable and 100% satisfied since 2000. If you’re considering buying a furnace, let us help you through the process. Contact us today  to learn more about all of the services we have to offer.

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

Energy efficiency image via Shutterstock

And that’s when things start to get dangerous. Taking the time to prepare in advance for a winter power outage can make all the difference in keeping your family and your home safe.

Before the storm hits:

• Create an emergency preparedness kit. At a minimum, include non-perishable food, water and first-aid supplies.
• Make sure you have operational flashlights and a battery-operated or crank-style radio on hand. Stock up on extra batteries as well.
• Consider your options for providing emergency heating. Wood stoves or wood or natural gas fireplaces will keep a room livable during a power outage.
• Be sure water pipes are insulated to prevent freezing. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to prevent the pressure buildup that can lead to burst water pipes.
• Know how to shut off the main water supply to your home if needed.
• If you use a well, fill the bathtub with water before the storm. The water can be used for sanitation purposes.
• Purchase enough gasoline to power your generator for several hours.

During a power outage:

• Avoid carbon-monoxide poisoning. Never use a grill, camp stove or any other gas-powered device inside your home.
• Don’t use candles or other open flames to provide light. This increases the risk of fire.
• Unplug electronic equipment to avoid damage from electrical spikes when power returns.
• Keep the refrigerator door shut to avoid food spoilage.
• Dress in layers and wear a hat to preserve body heat.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Get medical help immediately for anyone who can’t stop shivering or appears disoriented.

At WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on doing everything possible to keep our customers safe and comfortable. And while we can’t stop the snow from falling, we can make sure your home’s heating system is up to winter’s challenge. Contact us today to learn more about all of the services we have to offer to Northeast Ohio homeowners. We’re here to help.

Emergency kit image via Shutterstock

When pipes are exposed to extremely low temperatures, there’s an increased risk that the water inside the pipe may freeze. Once it does, the pipe starts to expand and one of two things can occur: Either the pipe will be blocked or, if the pressure inside is great enough, the pipe will burst. While the first scenario is inconvenient, the second can cause extensive damage throughout a home—especially if no one is at home.

The best way to avoid dealing with frozen pipes is to take steps to prevent the situation in the first place. The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated spaces like attics or crawl spaces, or those in exterior walls. Since re-routing your home’s entire plumbing system probably isn’t practical, be sure that you’ve properly insulated any problem areas.

Wrap pipes completely in foam or fiberglass material designed for that purpose, making sure to fill in any gaps that would expose the pipe to cold air. Electric heating tapes and cables are also available to help prevent frozen pipes, but be careful. These devices can be a fire hazard if not properly installed and maintained.

If you still end up with frozen pipes, there are a few do’s and don’ts that you should remember.

If your pipes are frozen: 

• Do try to thaw them — safely. A hair dryer is OK — an open flame is not.
• Do open faucets to prevent pressure build-up.
• Don’t hesitate to call a plumber if the problem continues.

If your pipes burst:

• Do shut off the water at the main valve immediately.
• Do call a plumber.
• Don’t use any electrical equipment in a flooded area. You could be electrocuted.

Whether you have frozen pipes or a furnace on the fritz, the team of experts at WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning is always happy to answer your home maintenance questions. Contact us today to learn more about all the ways that we can keep your castle comfortable.

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

Burst water pipe image via Shutterstock

However, before rushing out to change water heaters, there are a few factors that you need to consider with a tankless water heater.

Location

A tankless water heater typically mounts on a wall. This is an advantage, because it can free up space occupied by a conventional model. If it’s a gas-powered system, it should be located where venting is practical. Electric models offer multiple location options but, depending on the size, may need additional wiring.

Locating a tankless water heater nearest to the point of application, or where the most heated water is used, offers a practical solution, if all other factors are in agreement.

Size

Since water is heated on demand, you’ll need to determine the maximum temperature rise needed for the water as it flows. If entering water is 55 degrees and you want water at 115 degrees, the system you select should be able to accommodate that rise in temperature, and consistently raise the incoming water to the desired temperature.

Demand

Although you may not use a great deal of heated water during the day, there are most likely times when it is needed at multiple areas of use. If a shower, clothes washer and dishwasher run simultaneously, that can create a large demand. If this is a typical peak scenario in your household, the demand capacity will need to be determined. In some cases, more than one unit may be required to keep up with peak demands.

Tankless water heaters are great energy savers. However, they must be adjusted to each particular home’s needs. If you would like additional information on these types of water heaters, in the Northeast Ohio area, contact WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today; we’re always ready to help.

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

Hot water image via Shutterstock

Even though it is a non-toxic substance, gas is highly volatile. And detecting gas leaks can be tricky. The best approach is to be vigilant and rely on your senses to alert you to any leaks.

Use your senses

Because gas is colorless, odorless and not obviously detectable, it is infused with a harmless additive called mercaptan to give it an odor. The smell is unpleasant and is similar to the smell of rotten eggs.

Fortunately, even a small leak can produce an overpowering odor. If you ever smell it and are certain that there are no rotting eggs in the home, you’ll know immediately that you have a gas leak.

Also use your hearing. Since the gas is under pressure, you may hear a faint hissing sound if there’s a leak. If you determine there’s no other possibility, to be safe, assume it’s leaking gas.

If you see dust blowing around near a gas line, your sense of sight can warn you of a gas leak as well.

What to do next

Once you determine (or even suspect) you have a leak, extinguish any open flames inside the home and immediately leave the building. You’ll need to call the gas company as quickly as possible, but do it away from your dwelling. A wired phone can be enough to create a spark, igniting the gas. Call outside on a cell phone or from a neighbor’s home. Do not return until you have been given an “all clear” from a company representative.

Preventing gas leaks

Make sure a professional always installs any new gas appliances. These are not do-it-yourself projects. Have an agreement with your HVAC contractor to check heating and other gas appliances once a year to prevent leaks in existing home equipment.

Gas leaks are rare, but they do occur. If you ever suspect problems with your gas appliances, contact Weatherking Heating & Air Conditioning. Serving the Greater Cleveland area, we’ll be happy to check for problems or answer your questions.

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

Natural gas image via Shutterstock

Both kinds of ventilation systems suck stale air out of your home and bring fresh air in to replace it. Unlike opening a window, a majority of the heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air, so you can realize energy savings while still enjoying a breath of fresh air.

The difference between heat and energy recovery ventilation systems is that heat recovery transfers heat only, while energy recovery transfers heat and moisture.

If you have trouble maintaining desirable humidity levels in your Northeast Ohio home during the summer, energy recovery ventilation may be the more suitable system for you, as heat and moisture from incoming air is transferred to the outgoing stream of air. In the winter, energy recovery systems transfer heat and moisture from the outgoing air to the less humid incoming air to help maintain a constant humidity inside.

The overall goal of ventilation systems is to help you breathe easy, despite the fact that your home is closed up tight during extreme weather. By running your ventilation system, you may see a slight increase in your energy bills, as both types of ventilation systems generally reuse about 80 percent of the energy in outgoing air. The fresh, preheated air pumped into your living spaces increases the quality of air you breathe, so you feel healthier and more comfortable.

If you are interested in installing a ventilation system in your new or existing Northeast Ohio home, please contact WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’re always happy to help.

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

Ventilation image via Shutterstock

One of the best ways to determine how efficient a new furnace will be is to look at the system’s annualized fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE,  rating. The AFUE rating will show you how well a system is able to consume energy to produce heat. While a higher AFUE furnace will cost more up front, it will consume less energy, which will lower your heating bills, and eventually save you enough money to make up for the initial cost of the system.

Another important element of furnace replacement is to ensure that it’s correctly sized for your home. An oversized system will cost more initially and will make your furnace cycle on and off excessively. A correctly sized furnace, however, will operate continuously and more efficiently.

There are also a couple of important money-saving features that you can get with your furnace, including:

• Variable-speed blowers — Variable-speed systems will allow you to run your furnace at lower speeds when your home is already warm, which will help reduce your home’s energy consumption.
• Zoning systems — Zoning systems will allow you to redirect energy that is wasted on areas of your home that don’t get used very often to areas that are used more frequently.

For further assistance on furnace replacement, contact the professionals at WeatherKing Heating & Air Conditioning today. Serving the Greater Cleveland area, we’ll be happy to help you select a new furnace for your living space.

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

Energy efficiency image via Shutterstock