Author: Jeffrey Bowers

When shopping for a new HVAC system in Houston, TX, you may not have given much thought into the different types of units available, or even realized that there were different types of HVAC’s to choose from in the first place. Well, you are not alone. It seems like the majority of people look at the systems that heat and cool our homes as complicated or unimportant when in all actuality, they are relatively easy to understand once you know some basics. To start, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC can be defined as the entire system that works together to make sure your indoor environment stays comfortable and consistent. These systems currently come in four main types, each having their specific pros and cons depending on your individual needs. Knowing the ins and outs of these systems will not only empower you as a home or business owner, but it will also make it easier for you to decide which HVAC system is right for you.

#1: Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

The most common and straightforward type of HVAC systems is the heating and cooling split systems. As the name implies, this system is actually split between two central units, one dedicated to heating and the other dedicated to cooling. With this type of HVAC, there will be an outdoor unit containing the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit that includes the evaporator coil and blower that are often connected to a furnace or heat pump. HVAC split systems will typically contain:

• An outdoor unit that houses the condenser coil, compressor, electrical components, and a fan
• Refrigerant that circulates to and from the indoor and outdoor unit through a series of pipes called refrigerant lines
• An evaporator coil that usually sits above the indoor furnace
• A blower that sends warm air over the cold evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the air
• Ducts that are put in place to carry air throughout your house or business (the supply ducts pull air in, while the return ducts will blow air out)
• A traditional thermostat that manages the systems and sets your desired indoor temperature
• Optional indoor air quality accessories like humidifiers, purifiers, UV lamps, air scrubbers, etc. (even though most modern systems already contain these features as a means to combat dry and dirty indoor air)

#2: Hybrid Heat Pump System

Heat pumps are air conditioners that are also capable of working in reverse to efficiently heat your home. With hybrid heating and cooling systems, a heat pump is powered by electricity and used in conjunction with a furnace that burns natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. While these systems are similar to traditional split systems, their fundamental differences lie within their ability to diminish energy costs through their electric hybrid heating system. The capacity to switch between quick gas power to efficient electric allows homeowners to decide precisely how they want to heat their homes or businesses, which is why this hybrid system has made a name for itself among consumers. Ideally, a hybrid heat pump system will have:

• A heat pump that works to heat and cool the refrigerant
• A furnace with an evaporator coil for the conversion of the refrigerant and circulation of air
• Ductwork to effectively guide the air around your home or business
• A traditional thermostat for adjusting and controlling the HVAC system
• Optional accessories (similar to those of the heating and air conditioning split system)

#3: Ductless or Duct-Free Mini-Split Heat Pump

Ductless or duct-free mini-split heat pump HVAC systems are ultra-efficient and offer solutions for spaces where conventional duct systems are not always compatible. In most homes and businesses, about 20 percent of energy is wasted with ducted systems, making duct-free a proficient long-term money saver even though they tend to be more costly upfront. This type of system is made up of individual units in varying rooms that are installed directly to walls and usually connected to an outdoor compressor. Ductless mini-split systems will contain the following:

• A heat pump unit outdoors that includes the usual compressor, condenser, and fan
• A compact fan coil
• Tubing and wires for the refrigerant (only requiring a 3-inch hole) that connect the outdoor unit to the small fan coil
• A thermostat or remote-control panel
• The optional accessories outlined before that help clean the air before distribution  

#4: Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System

Packed heating and air conditioning systems are most ideal for homes or businesses that have limited space for all the various components that come with a split system. These unique, all-in-one HVAC units are easy to install and generally work just as well as their standalone counterparts. The main difference with packaged heating and air conditioning systems is that all the heating and cooling equipment will be placed together or “packaged” into a single standalone unit, meaning there won’t be any indoor devices that connect to it. Due to their compact design, packaged heating and air conditioning systems can be used in confined spaces and are energy-efficient when it comes to heating or cooling very large areas. Packaged heating and air conditioning systems will come with:

• The air conditioning and heating pump with the evaporator and fan coil (all combined into a single unit)
• A thermostat or control interface for complete and compact control over the system
• Optional air quality improvers (as previously mentioned, air purifiers, cleaners, ventilators, or UV lamps)

This type of system is most beneficial for areas where warmer climates are typical, as the heat is electrically generated and may fall short in comparison to other, more powerful heating options. With that being said, you can buy advanced combo units that are able to utilize both gas and electric heat output in order to be more powerful and energy efficient when needed. If you are unsure if you currently have a packaged heating and air conditioning system, some indications will be:

• The unit appears to be larger than a split air conditioner condenser
• Installation is outside the home, either on the roof/side of your home or business with no indoor components
• It is connected to the unit using large rectangular or circular ductwork

When dealing with such a significant investment, it’s essential to know all your options. We hope this information has helped you familiarize yourself with the basic terminology needed to express your home or businesses individual needs and your own basic comfort levels. This information can also be helpful if you need to contact a professional if problems arise with your existing system. If you feel like you still need advice on which HVAC system is right for your home or business, or you simply need HVAC repairs done from a company you can trust, contact our seasoned professionals at Air Innovations LLC in Houston, TX today for assistance. (281) 860-2189

If you’re from Houston, TX, you understand how erratic the weather can get. In this climate, we realize that the last thing you want to deal with is an untimely HVAC malfunction. With the summer months upon us, it is not unusual for your electricity bill to rise along with the mercury in the thermometer. At Air Innovations LLC, we promise to provide you with an HVAC system that will do its job keeping your home or business cool without breaking the bank. Interested? Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks our seasoned professions advise to save you some significant money on your HVAC system.

Tip #1 – Don’t settle for just any contractor

One of the top ways to save money on your HVAC system is by working with a trustworthy HVAC contractor. Finding a dependable contractor will ensure that you are receiving a superior commitment to ethics, quality, and overall excellence, no matter what. Not only will a reputable HVAC company charge you fairly for equipment and labor, but since you can’t always plan for the unexpected, they will also offer unbeatable flexible financing options to their customers. Saving money anywhere you can on your HVAC system will add up in the long run, so make sure you look out for all your options before buying.  Some companies will even offer a certain percentage off your service fees for doing something as simple as leaving a review on their website. When working with a company who cares, you won’t have to worry about getting taken advantage of or paying a fortune. You will be receiving quality HVAC installations the first time around, saving you money on HVAC repairs in the future.

Tip #2 – Upgrade your system

Upgrading to a newer and higher efficiency HVAC system will help jump-start your savings by significantly lowering your utility bills within the first few months. If your current equipment is over ten years old, a new heating pump or air conditioning unit will probably be necessary. To properly understand why HVAC modernizations are so beneficial, you can reference the SEER or HSPF rating system outlined below.

• SEER is a maximum efficacy rating that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and determines the annual energy consumption and efficiency of a unit’s total cooling output in day-to-day use. Typically, the higher the SEER AC rating, the less energy an HVAC will need to do its job efficiently, thus saving you money. For example, if your current system has a SEER rating of 9 and you choose to upgrade to a SEER rating of 13, your power consumption could be cut back by about 30%. It may not sound substantial, but this small upgrade can save you upwards of $300 annually depending on variables like electricity costs and frequency of use. You can also take advantage of energy savings calculators to help you compute the savings between your present unit and a newer, more efficient one. 
• HSPF is a heat pumps heating version of SEER and stands for Heating Season Performance Factor and is responsible for checking the heating efficiency of a heat pump. This number represents the total heat output of a heat pump, including the extra electric heat during the typical heating season in British Thermal Units (BTUs), compared to the total electricity consumed in what hours during the same period. For a heating pump to provide significant energy efficiency and savings on monthly heating bills, we want a score of 8.2 HSPF or higher.

Your licensed professional HVAC dealer at Air Innovations LLC in Houston, TX, can assist you in determining which SEER AC or HSPF heat pump ratings are the right fit for you and your budget.

Tip #3 – Government incentives and rebates

Yes, you read that right. Newer and higher rated HVAC units often come with government and private sector incentives and rebates. Since higher SEER and HSPF rated HVAC systems may cost twice as much as some of the lower-rated models, incentives for air conditioning and heat pumps are commonly tied to efficiency ratings and performance. Government agencies and power companies encourage consumers to spend their money on higher efficiency equipment as a means to reduce power consumption during the summer cooling season. Making economically conscious choices when it comes to your home or businesses HVAC system will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but it will also have a positive impact on your wallet. These money-saving options come in the form of tax credits, direct rebates, tax deductions, and can even total out to more than a thousand dollars per system depending on geographical location and equipment purchased. You can also search online for specific rebates and incentive by using sites like:

• DSIRE USA
• Energy.gov
• Energy Star

These resources will provide you with searchable databases that can quickly inform you of any incentives or rebates you might be able to collect for you high-efficiency HVAC purchase.

Tip #4 – Don’t neglect regular maintenance

The easiest and most effective way to save money on your HVAC’s energy consumption it to regularly maintain your system. Over time, dust, debris, allergens, pollutants, and various other small particles will accumulate in your HVAC filter as it pulls in air. Though this is normal, overly clogged filters will inevitably force your system to work harder for the same cooling results, costing you more money. The good news is, HVAC filters are relatively inexpensive and super easy to replace. Though it may seem trivial, the smaller costs related to HVAC maintenance are what prevent the much higher costs associated with untreated damage or premature system failure. Some other maintenance-musts to keep in mind are:

• Cleaning the condensing unit –air conditioners with outdoor condensing unit or heat pumps are prone to clogging up with dirt, pollen, and other environmental debris. Once each season, it’s a good idea to use a hose to spray down the outside out the unit gently.
• Inspect and clean up around outdoor unit – remove any leaves or overgrown vegetation from around your unit to ensure there is no interference with air flow.
• Check your evaporators coil’s drainpipe and pan – Check your HVAC system’s drainpipe and try to clean out any algae or mold that may be causing a blockage. An excellent way to do this is by using a wet-dry vacuum or some bleach to clear any clogged areas.
• Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance services – We recommend having a licensed professional come out and perform preventative services to your system at least once a year.

It is recommended that you get your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once per year by a professional contractor to save money on energy costs and prevent untimely equipment malfunctions.

Tip #5 – Check ductwork for air leaks and damages

Sometimes even when it seems like you’re doing everything right regarding your HVAC system, you may find out that your hard-earned money is unintentionally going towards keeping your attic and crawl space comfortable. Not ideal. That’s why it is crucial to make sure you get your duct system inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor to see if poorly sealed or insulated ducts are contributing to your climbing energy bill. Space heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home’s total energy use, and ducts that leak heated air into unwanted spaces can add hundreds of dollars to your heating and cooling bills annually. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) concludes that the typical duct system loses between 25% and 40% of its heating and cooling energy due to improper sealing or a lack of insulation. The good news is, you can reduce this loss by sealing, insulating, or merely upgrading your ducts, which the DEO estimates would save the average household $160 on their total heating and cooling bill. Some money-saving duct repairs you can carry out on your own include:

• Checking for air leaks/holes in your ducts by looking for sections that should be joined but have separated
• Sealing any duct gaps with professional-grade mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes (despite the name, no duct tape!), while sealing larger gap areas with web-type drywall
• Make sure none of the ducts in your crawlspace or attic are laying on the floor as a way to avoid any water or rodent-causing damage

Additionally, as your HVAC system works to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the air traveling through the tucked away ducts can cause dust, dirt, and grime buildup that can go completely unnoticed. If you see dark stains or patches on your duct’s insulation, that is a sure indication that your ductwork is not sealed correctly, and undoubtedly has an excess particle buildup. To fix this problem, you will need to properly re-insulate the problem areas to ensure maximum comfort and savings. With that being said, we understand that not everyone was born a handy-(wo)man. That’s why Air Innovations LLC offers our services all around the greater Houston area for anyone who may need a helping hand.

Air Innovations LLC Explains SEER Rating

SEER is a maximum efficacy rating that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and determines the annual energy consumption and efficiency of a unit’s total cooling output in typical day-to-day use. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy a heat pump or air conditioning will need to do its job efficiently. To calculate SEER, you must take the total cooling capacity during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input produced during the same period.  

Understanding the SEER Rating

To clear up some confusion early on in this article, we want to break down the SEER rating into less complicated terms. To start, a SEER rating is a maximum efficiency rating, meaning a unit’s score can be as high as 26 SEER. Which does not mean that the unit will always rate 26 SEER. To help break this down even further, we can use the comparable example of miles per gallon (MPG). If you buy a car with a high MPG but are constantly driving it around like a race car driver, you won’t be getting the high MPG rating you had hoped.

Similarly, if you are continually changing the temperature of your house, or if your climates temperature is prone to frequent fluctuation, you will not be obtaining the full potential of your SEER value. That’s why deciding on a higher SEER rating or an average one only matters to you and your individual needs and circumstances. If you are located in Houston, TX and want to learn about which HVAC system and SEER rating would be best for you, contact our specialists today!

Improvements in Heating Pump and AC SEER Ratings

Before the SEER rating had been implemented, HVAC equipment was solely rated off how much energy was used while the system was running at full capacity in a controlled environment. Since this rating-type does not take into account the various factors that affect typical efficiency, SEER was developed as a more comprehensive rating system. SEER provides consumers with a much more accurate representation of the average energy use of an air conditioning unit or heat pump in cooling mode, taking into account important factors, such as:

• Climate
• Part-load efficiency
• Standby mode energy consumption
• Fluctuating load requirements

In the past few decades, there have been many efforts to improve the overall efficiency of heating pumps and air conditioners. While customers used to purchase units based on their cooling power alone, today, rising energy costs have buyers more concerned with operating cost. Operating costs can be defined as the amount of money it takes to produce the level of cooling power a particular buyer desires. SEER ratings for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems manufactured today have a range of 13-14 (depending on your state’s requirements) to 26 SEERs, with dated models having a rating of 6 to 10. With that being said, many people are under the impression that modern 13-14 SEER is bottom of the barrel when in all actuality, a modern minimum SEER will perform drastically better than that of an older 6-10 SEER. The point is, if you’re in the market for a heating pump or air conditioning unit, chances are even with the minimum SEER, your efficiency will already be going up. It’s true that higher SEER ratings typically indicate the most efficient units that offer the most energy savings annually. So whether you prefer a higher SEER vs. an average one, it all depends on your needs.

How SEER Ratings Are Determined

SEER AC and heating pump ratings are based on efficiency tests required by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These tests assume an outdoor temperature of 82˚F, an indoor temperature of 80˚F, and an indoor relative humidity of 50%. This rating system implies that an air conditioning unit with a SEER rating of 16 is 60% more efficient than a 10 SEER unit. Of course, this is only a relevant conclusion if your home just so happens to match the test conditions. The DOE obviously can’t go to every house and rate the efficiency of each condition, that’s why we want to use the SEERs rating as a guideline and not an absolute. The U.S. contains a plethora of varying climates, and in some regions, the maximum temperature could be as high as 102˚F, far above the 82˚F used to rate an HVAC system according to the DOE. It goes without saying that this difference in temperature will most definitely affect the rated efficiency of the unit.

How to Get the Best SEERs Rating for Your Home

If you are looking to buy a new heat pump or air conditioning unit and want to know what SEERs rating is best for your home (or business), here are some critical questions to be asking yourself:

• What is the square footage of your home?
• Where is your home located?
• How hot does your area get in the summer?
• How cold does your area get in the winter?
• Does your home reside in a shaded area?
• Do you have a basement or slab?
• What is your roof’s color?

There’s a lot to factor in when trying to figure out what a good SEER rating is for your circumstances. Our skilled professionals at Air Innovations LLC in Houston, TX would be happy to go through these questions with you if you need assistance.