Should I Replace My AC and Furnace at the Same Time?

Making the decision to replace your air conditioner and furnace can be challenging, and often comes with one of the units underperforming or altogether failing.

When you’re faced with the need to replace your AC or furnace, we wanted to review some of the benefits of replacing both units at the same time. If your year-round comfort matters in both your home and wallet, then replacing your entire HVAC system might be a good idea and this may be the guide for you to explore.

Replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time if it is over a certain age

Remember, the average lifespan of your air conditioner, if properly maintained, is 10-15 years. For your furnace, it could be longer (According to the National Association of Home Builders – “Life Expectancy of Home Components”).

So, if you do the math, it makes sense to consider replacing your furnace and your air conditioner at the same time only if your furnace is over 15 years old. When you replace your furnace, you need to detach it from the evaporator coil and other internal components. The thing is, these components will already be detached if you are replacing your air conditioner, so it actually makes more financial sense, in this situation, to replace the furnace at the same time as the air conditioner. This is because you will be paying a lower amount in labor work completed.

Replace your air conditioner and furnace at the same time if your job is difficult to access

Is your furnace buried in the corner of a storage room in your basement? If so, then you might want to consider replacing your furnace and air conditioner at the same time.

One of the biggest factors that affect the price of your new furnace or air conditioner installation, is the difficulty. Difficulty truly is a huge job factor for us to consider when writing a contract, so if you there are access challenges for your project, maybe you should have them replace the furnace and air conditioner at the same time.

Consider replacing your furnace and air conditioner at the same time if you are retiring soon

We get a lot of calls from elderly people who are retiring, or have already retired, and want to get their houses in tip-top shape before living on a fixed income. In these circumstances, it is also worth considering replacing your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. That way, you have hit the reset button, and can live comfortably in your house without worrying about it for a while.

If you are thinking about replacing your AC and Furnace in Madison, WI or Dane or Jefferson County, contact us today!

Why a Daikin Fit Air Conditioner Might Be Right For Your Home

The Daikin Fit is a side discharge variable speed air conditioning system.

All residential A/C systems can be broken into three categories:

  • 1-Stage Systems (efficiency and comfort control are standard)
  • 2-Stage Systems (efficiency and comfort control are better than standard, but not perfect)
  • Variable Speed Systems (you have great control of your comfort while maintaining excellent efficiency)

We wanted to compare a 1-Stage AC system and a Daikin Fit system to show just how different a Daikin can be for your home.

There are a lot of benefits when a consumer chooses to install a Daikin Fit system compared to a standard AC system:

  1. Longer run times means the AC system will adjust its cooling or heating output capacity to what the home requires at any given time. For example, in the middle of the night your home may only require 40% of the AC system’s “effort” because the sun is not out and the outside temperature has dropped. As the sun rises and outside temperature increases, the Fit system will automatically increase its cooling “effort” to meet your desired temperature. A standard 1-stage system, on the other hand, has only one stage: On.
  2. Greater comfort means the Daikin Fit will produce a more even temperature in the home and remove more humidity than a standard A/C system. Since the Fit is a fully communicating system, the thermostat can make changes not only on temperature, but also on the humidity in the home. The Daikin One thermostat will automatically adjust itself for max humidity removal when needed. If you are hosting guests, it will also automatically increase the cooling to compensate for the extra heat load. In any case, an A/C system that will adjust to your lifestyle and needs is, simply put, smart.
  3. Higher efficiency means less of your money is spent on your electric bill each month. The inverter compressor is the heart of the Daikin Fit system. Since it varies its capacity depending what your home requires, there is typically a 30% or more energy reduction compared to standard 1-stage systems.
  4. Design benefits means the compact size and footprint of the Daikin Fit is considerably smaller than traditional AC systems. The depth of the Fit ranges from 12.6” to 13.8” with clearance space as little as 4” from a wall.
  5. Low sound levels means the Fit not only works with limited space, but is very quiet with the ability to reach sound level as low as 56db(A). A traditional AC system usually operates in the range of 69 to 79 db.
  6. Blue Fin Corrosion Coating means longer condenser coil life and reliability.
  7. 12-Year Warranty mean peace of mind. The Fit is backed by a 12-year parts warranty and 12-year unit replacement warranty compared to the 10 year parts only warranty offered on standard A/C systems.

As you can see, there are many benefits when you choose to install a Daikin Fit system as opposed to a traditional air conditioning and heating system. If you would like more information or to receive a free estimate from our team, please contact us today!

8 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Low air quality is bad for our health, and can even even affect our skin. Nowhere is this more important than in the home where we spend the majority of our time. But how sure are you that your home air is safe?

The truth is, your home air can carry particles and pollution just like outdoor air pollution like smoke and smog. But, don’t worry! We have got you covered with our tips on improving indoor air quality inside your home.

1. Regularly Change Air Filters

The most important tip for your home is regularly changing the air filters in your furnace. Make sure to change the air filter in your air conditioner, fan, and furnace at the beginning of every season. If you notice the filters are clogged or restricting air flow, change them immediately.

2. Carpet Cleaning

The carpet in your house continues to collect dust and other impurities, even if they are regularly vacuumed. The best way to clean your carpets is to call a professional carpet cleaner. They have the right supplies and equipment to get rid of all the dust and grime accumulated inside your carpets.

3. Install an Air Purifier

Whole-house air purifiers can improve the indoor air quality of your home. These purifiers attach directly to your furnace and provide filtration whenever the furnace fan is running. An air purifier can help remove bacteria, mold, mildew and viruses from the air in your home.

4. Use a Dehumidifier

Your home will become humid during the summer, and the humidity can breed mold. With the use of a dehumidifier, you can easily control the moisture and get your home and your family healthy again. Several products attach directly to your furnace to help keep the whole-house at a consistent humidity level.

5. Inspect Your Air Ducts

If you have HVAC systems in your home, you need to inspect your ducts. You can call a professional to do this task or do it yourself. This is a crucial step in either case, as regular duct inspection and maintenance can prevent you impurities from entering your air.

6. Install Kitchen Vents

The kitchen is one of the dirtiest areas in your house as you are cooking food all the time. Installing vents in your kitchen is a great way to get the impurities out of your home. However, you need to ensure that the vents are functioning correctly.

7. Buy Indoor Plants

Plants are one of the most efficient natural air filters. They are known to detoxify your house and stop dust mites. So, it will be a good idea if you buy some indoor plants and they can work to clean your home.

8. Avoid Scented Candles

Candles are a popular home décor item. However, scented candles are also a source of indoor air pollution. The scented candles release toxins that are not good for your health. So, even if you enjoy the ambiance that scented candles provide, it’s best to keep them out of your house.

Conclusion

With these tips, you can be assured that the air inside your home stays clean. So, you can easily enjoy your time at home without worrying about the indoor air quality. It’s your job to ensure that your home is clean and healthy.

High Tech Heating and AC is a heating and air conditioner service company, providing quality products for homeowners in the Madison area including Dane County and Jefferson County in Wisconsin. We also offer HVAC repair services to ensure that you have the best air quality at home. Get in touch with us for more information.