HVAC System Tips

Close up on Mini Split System

Mini Splits vs. Window Air Conditioners

Mini-splits are compact, space-friendly, and efficient alternatives to window air conditioners. On the other hand, it isn’t easy to install. That’s because experts have to spend time judging the best installation spot for each unit.

Window air conditioners are easy to install, more efficient, and low-cost compared to mini-splits. However, they’re bulky and not versatile enough to suit every room’s décor. Plus, they require you to direct the drainage water for safety purposes.

Mini-Splits vs. Window Air Conditioners: What is Good for You?

Since both indoor cooling systems bring a lot of features, it’s not easy to pick one. However, weighing the pros and cons of each can make the decision easier.

·        Energy Efficiency

Although mini-splits cost more than window air conditioners, they offer a better return on investment thanks to higher energy efficiency. A window air conditioner consumes more electrical energy input to produce the same amount of cooling as a mini-split.

Mini-splits are also comfortable as they don’t make a lot of noise. They impose low running costs because of cheaper maintenance routines. Window air conditioners require more maintenance and higher running costs.

However, the efficiency of window ACs is unmatched for large buildings compared to mini-splits. In rare cases, window ACs can be uncomfortable because they can create highly unpleasant temperatures due to a lack of automatic regulation.

·        Installation (and Upgrading)

If you don’t know already, installing mini-splits is difficult because they’re smaller than window ACs. Since they’re smaller but efficient, it’s important to choose a strategic spot for them in their installed room. That takes time and expertise on the installer’s end.

On the other hand, window air conditioners are more powerful, so choosing a strategic location isn’t always necessary. Plus, installing a window air conditioner doesn’t usually require professional installation.

A mini-split system has only two main components, including an indoor and outdoor unit. To connect both components, you only have to fix refrigerant pipes adequately.

·        Aesthetics (Versatility)

Installing a cooling system to remain cool during the day is vital. But, you wouldn’t like to install an odd-looking, rusty air conditioner in your luxurious house. Therefore, considering the aesthetics and versatility of an air conditioning system is also necessary.

Mini-splits come in a range of designs and options. That means they’re highly versatile and could be suitable for nearly all types of interiors. The winner of aesthetics is definitely mini-splits because of their sleek appearances and stylish finishes.

It’s worth mentioning that you can install a mini-split subtly, whereas that’s not possible for window air conditioners. For one, window ACs could be eye sores. They obstruct the view and rarely come in versatile designs or finishes. They’re also noisy, while mini-splits aren’t.

Which One is Right for You?

Mini-splits offer more versatility and heating and cooling facilities to homeowners’ advantage. They are ductless heating/cooling systems. With a single button, you can make the ductless mini-split systems go from heating to cooling.

So, what’s got you waiting? If you’ve decided between the mini splits and window air conditioners, contact Cape Cod Energy Solutions to install them for you. The experts at Cape Cod Energy Solutions are knowledgeable, reliable, and timely.

Saving Energy in Summer

Energy Saving Tips You Can Do At Home for the Summer

You may be looking for ways to save energy, but it is hard to do so when temperatures outside are so high. After all, you must use the air conditioner and other appliances to stay comfortable on hotter days.

So, how can you stay cool this summer without breaking the bank? We have created an easy-to-follow list of tips that will help you save more during the summer. Use these tips to keep yourself comfortable.

Keep Your Windows Open

In most regions, summers tend to be warmer during the day and cooler during the night. So, it is a great idea to keep your windows open in the evening and let the cool breeze blow in.

You can also turn off your HVAC system if your home gets too cold. Doing so can help you save a lot on your energy overnight.

If you wish to save more, keep the windows open during the day. But, you will need to prevent heat gain from the windows by installing window coverings. Investing in solar-blocking drapes that can contain the cool air inside is especially great.

Keeping your windows open can reduce your electricity bills and keep your home cooler.

Check Your Air Conditioner for Maintenance

Air conditioning systems require regular maintenance to run smoothly and work efficiently. Neglecting an HVAC system’s maintenance hugely affects its performance throughout years of service. Don’t forget, that you’re also reducing its life span by skipping maintenance.

Likewise, regular maintenance has many benefits, with energy efficiency being the best one. After all, your air conditioner won’t need to work unnecessarily hard and use more power.

So, it is crucial to check your air conditioner for maintenance if you want to cut down on unnecessary costs. Start by cleaning your air vents to make sure you don’t block any airflow. Typically, you will need a certified HVAC technician to check the coils, heat pump, fins, etc.

Replace the Air Filter

One of the easiest things you can do to increase your home’s energy efficiency this summer is to replace the air filter. An AC filter replacement has many comes with many perks, from ensuring that the AC runs smoothly to maximizing energy efficiency in your home.

Dirty and clogged filters block normal airflow, decreasing your AC’s ability to absorb heat. So, replace your old and dirty AC filter with a new one and watch your AC’s energy usage decrease by up to 15 percent.

Typically, it would help if you replaced or cleaned the filter at least once every two months. You will need to pay more attention to the filter if you constantly use it or have pets.

Ready to Save Home Energy this Summer?

The tips mentioned above will increase your home’s energy efficiency and help you save money all year. Cape Cod Energy Solutions can significantly help if you’re looking for AC experts who can help increase its cooling without increasing your bills. We can help you maintain your AC and replace the filter during the summer.

Man Inspecting a HVAC System

What Happens During an HVAC Inspection

An HVAC unit offers numerous benefits for your home and workplace. The system keeps the air clean and safe to breathe. However, it may not properly work for various reasons. However, your HVAC system may not work because of the shift in weather and other technical problems. Therefore, you need to hire a professional team for inspection. Below, you will understand how an experienced team will inspect your HVAC unit and identify the problem.

 

Heating Maintenance

 

  • Physical Components

When you hire a professional team to inspect your heating system, they will start the process by ensuring that the boiler or furnace is functional. The technician will check the furnace filter and replace it with a new one. Once done with the filter, they will identify the issue by inspecting your heater’s ventilation and exterior system by looking for any damage and tear in the system.

 

They will repair the problem upon identification. Subsequently, the team will inspect and clean the interior components of the furnace. The inspection location includes a blower, ignition assembly, pressure switches, and motors.

 

  • Electrical Components

Now, the team will check the electrical component for power consumption and measure the power usage. They will also check your thermostat and clean and calibrate it. They will turn on the furnace, monitor the performance, and ensure that all the components are functional. A professional technician will also check for any leaks and clean the pipe.

 

Cooling Maintenance

 

  • Physical Components

Your technician will switch the cooling system on and off to examine the working process of the air conditioner. They will make sure that the system is in great condition. They will check the indoor and outdoor components, including motors, internal parts, and belts. Professional technicians will measure the coolant levels and replace them if necessary. They will also check the circuits, condensate pump, drain line, safety controls, and all valves and caps on their visit.

 

  • Electrical Components

Once the professionals inspect the physical component, they will search for the problem in the electrical components. If they identify any damaged wire or component, they will immediately replace it. This instant replacement will avoid any failure. The pros will also inspect the performance of the outdoor unit. If the filters are causing a problem, replacing them will avoid debris and dust accumulation and prevent them from entering the duct. The final step would be the inspection of the thermostat. The technicians will clean and calibrate the thermostat if they find any need for it.

Conclusion

We at Cape Cod Energy Solutions provide the best team in your neighborhood. We have highly qualified technicians with extensive experience and skills. They will inspect your cooling and heating system and identify the problem using advanced tools to fix and clean the component. For more details or to book an appointment, contact us at 774-205-2001 or learn more from our website.

 

HVAC

Ways to Reduce Stress on Your AC System

The weather has a significant impact on your HVAC system’s performance. When the weather in your neighborhood is humid and hot, it will stress your air conditioning system. Furthermore, the energy consumption and utility expenses will also increase from this stress. If you do not solve the problem in time your system will fail. Taking precautionary measures and routine checkups can extend the life expectancy of your cooling system. Here are some ways to reduce stress on your AC system:

1.     Have the System Inspected Twice a Year

You can enhance the performance and improve the life of your HVAC system through routine maintenance. Hire a professional team twice a year for a complete inspection. The team will also clean the coils and air filters to improve the efficiency of the system. When your system is in optimal condition, you can reduce energy consumption and utility expenses.

2.     Replace the Air Filter Often

Clogged filters can cause many problems to your system and indoor air quality. Therefore, it is essential to check the air filters every month. If you notice dust particles clogging the filters, you need to immediately replace them. Clogged filters will decrease the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce efficiency. You also have to check the outdoor condenser for debris and accumulation of leaves. By cleaning the outdoor unit along with the filters, you will notice that the system will run smoothly.

3.     Seal and Insulate the Air Ducts

Your AC system will consume more energy if the duct system is not properly insulated or sealed. You can consult a professional team to inspect the air duct and find the leaks. They will insulate and seal the ductwork reducing energy consumption. After the maintenance, you will notice that the system will work efficiently.

4.     Install a Programmable Thermostat

You can also reduce stress from your AC system by increasing the temperature a bit especially when you are not home. As a result, you can reduce a significant amount on your utility bills and decrease stress. You can also install an automated thermostat that maintains the temperature according to the condition.

5.     Minimize Heat Gain

Solar energy can increase the heat in your home stressing the system. When your curtains are open, sunlight will directly enter your home, making it warm. When this happens, the cooling system will stress due to overheating. You can close the shades or blinds during the daytime. Also, avoid heat-generating activities such as bathing, cooking, washing clothes or dishes when the sun is up. You can perform these activities at night when the temperature is naturally cooler.

Conclusion

You can hire a professional team to guide your methods of reducing stress over your AC system. At Cape Cod Solutions we have a team of experts in your neighborhood who will diagnose your HVAC system. They will advise you on the optimal solution to increase the longevity of the system. So, contact us now and let the professionals take care of your cooling system.

hvac system

How to Make Your HVAC System Run More Efficiently?

Department of Energy reported that an HVAC system could consume about half of the energy on your utility expenses. This indicates that heating and cooling system is the largest consumption of energy in a U.S. home. But, you can improve the efficiency of the system and reduce the utility expense. In this article, we will share some pointers to help you reduce your energy consumption and make your HVAC system run more efficiently. So, let’s begin with our tips:

1.     Clean Your Outdoor Condenser Unit

With time your outdoor consumption accumulates debris and dust. The build-up will reduce the performance of your HVAC unit. You can improve the efficiency by properly cleaning the unit. But, keep in mind that you will need a professional service provider for in-depth cleaning of the unit.

2.     Vacuum Indoor Vents

Dust and debris do not target your outdoor unit, but it also builds up in the indoor supply vent. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris and dust from the vent. This will maintain the airflow passing through the system. Also, avoid blocking the vents with toys, furniture, and blinds. This will negatively influence the air quality.

3.     Change the Temperature

You can save plenty of money by reducing temperature up to few degrees. During the winter season, you need to turn down the temperature to five to eight degrees. However, when the weather is hot can turn up the temperature. Adjusting the settings on the HVAC system will help reduce the energy and expense. You can install a programmable thermostat to automatically change the temperature.

4.     Keep Heat Producing Products Away from Thermostat

When you keep the heat-producing appliances near the thermostat, it will miscalculate the room temperature. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature. That way, the system will run longer and harder. Therefore, you need to change the position of heat-producing objects such as a lamp.

5.     Clear the Drain Line

Your indoor cooling coil contains a drain line that drains water from the basement. When the drain line is clogged, the water will flood in your basement. You can add a cup of chlorine bleach to the air conditioning drain. Now add water and thoroughly rinse the drain line. Make sure that the drain line is clean during summer.

Conclusion

Your central air conditioning system won’t cost more with proper maintenance. But, for that, you need to understand the different parts and problems of the HVAC system. When you understand the complete mechanism of the system identifying the faulty component becomes easier. You can hire a professional HVAC cleaning and maintenance service once a year to keep your equipment run more efficiently. You can give us a call and consult with our experienced team. Our technicians will identify and solve the problems caused by the HVAC system. This will exponentially reduce your utility bills as well as increase the system’s longevity.