Should I Go Ductless?

Woman Pointing to Air Conditioning

Should I Go Ductless?

Nov 26, 2018 

Woman Pointing to Air Conditioning

Managing indoor comfort in your Longview, Texas, home can be a challenge. With unpredictable temperatures and weather spikes, you may feel like you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat. One way to boost home comfort while improving energy efficiency is to install a ductless HVAC system. Take a closer look at this option to figure out if it’s a good fit at your home.

How Ductless HVAC Systems Work

A ductless HVAC system, as its name suggests, doesn’t rely on ducts to move heated or cooled air. Instead, this type of system uses multiple mini-split units placed in various zones around the house. Mini-splits have two main components: the indoor air-handling unit and the outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor.

For many homeowners, ductless units supplement central heating and air conditioning systems. You can add several mini-split units to provide more targeted heating and cooling, which reduces the pressure on your central HVAC system while maintaining a more comfortable atmosphere. When you want to cool or heat certain rooms, simply adjust the temperature on that room’s unit rather than heating or cooling the entire home.

Advantages of Ductless HVAC Systems

Ductless HVAC systems come with a number of benefits, one of which is flexibility. It’s easy to adjust one unit in the room you’re currently using without having to worry about the AC running all day to cool the entire home. In two-story homes, a ductless unit on the upper level can provide much-needed cooling when it’s hotter upstairs. Many models can connect up to four indoor units via a single outdoor unit.

Improved efficiency is another benefit of ductless HVAC systems. Because the air isn’t moving through ducts, you don’t have to worry about air loss through gaps and leaks. Air loss can account for a significant portion of energy usage in your HVAC system, especially when ducts are installed in an area of the home that isn’t air conditioned, like the attic or crawlspace. Ducts can also harbor contaminants, decreasing the indoor air quality.

When you rely on a ductless system more often, you can reduce the amount of pressure put on your central HVAC system. As a result, you’ll extend its lifespan.

Disadvantages of Ductless HVAC Systems

One of the drawbacks of installing a ductless system in your home is the expense. The cost varies, depending on the size and needs of your home. The average cost of a ductless HVAC installation is around $1,500 per 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity per hour.

Some customers don’t like the look of the indoor units, which are often mounted on the ceiling or the wall. A central unit, on the other hand, relies on ducts, which are hidden behind the walls or between the floors. That way, you won’t see the components as much in your home.

Installation Process

If you decide to move forward with a ductless system, it’s important to contact an HVAC team with experience in this area. Not all HVAC companies offer ductless options, nor are all service technicians experienced enough to handle the installation process.

At JD’s A/C, installing ductless systems is one of our specialties, so we’re happy to install a system at your home. We start by calculating the load and determining the needs of your home. These calculations will involve analyzing the layout of the house, the number of rooms and the overall size.

Improperly sized HVAC units can cause problems. A unit that’s too small can’t keep up with the needs of the space. An oversized unit tends to run on a shorter cycle, which can waste energy and cost you more each month. When we install your ductless system, we’ll make sure to choose the proper size and provide you with units that will deliver the benefits you want.

Do you want to learn more about ductless HVAC and the benefits these heating and cooling systems can offer? Contact JD’s A/C at (903) 336-6041 for expert advice and friendly service.

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What is Wrong With My Furnace?

Furnace Basement

What is Wrong With My Furnace?

November 20, 2018
Furnace Basement

Are you experiencing problems with the furnace in your Hallsville, Texas, home? When the weather cools down, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning heating system that makes your home feel uncomfortable. Here are three common furnace problems that require professional servicing:

Constantly Turning On and Off

If your furnace is always cycling, it may mean it’s struggling to control the house’s temperature. There could be simple issues, such as closed or blocked vents and registers. Your heating system’s air filter could also be dirty, restricting airflow into your home.

However, there could be more serious issues that are mechanical in nature, such as:

  • A faulty ignition switch
  • A fan blower problem
  • Thermostat trouble
  • Poorly mixed fuel

These issues require professional servicing. The constant cycling can take a toll on your heating system, leading to costly repairs or a replacement.

Ignition Problems

If your furnace has an electric ignition, and it’s an older model, it could be that the ignition is simply worn out and needs replacing. As a safety feature, ignitions have a temperature limiting switch that’ll turn the burner off before it gets too hot.

If you feel like your furnace’s burner is not lighting properly, have the temperature limiting switch checked. This is a task that requires special knowledge, and only a professional technician should perform a check.

Strange Noises

If your furnace is making a rattling, squealing, thumping or other noises, it could indicate a mechanical problem. You must address it before the system breaks down completely. Funny noises could be caused by:

  • A frayed belt
  • A broken blower wheel
  • Bad bearings in the motor
  • Dirty furnace burners

If you hear any strange or unusual noises coming from your furnace, call a professional right away before it becomes a major problem.

Are you having issues with your furnace? Call JD’S A/C today at (903) 759-7483 to have one of our knowledgeable service technicians look at it.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Heat Pump Performing Efficiently

Heat Pump Outside

3 Ways to Keep Your Heat Pump Performing Efficiently

November 16, 2018
Heat Pump Outside

If you have a heat pump in your Kilgore, Texas, home, it’s important to keep it clean and serviced regularly. That way, you’ll ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are three ways to keep your heat pump performing well so you can save money on energy bills and repair costs:

Change the Filter Regularly

Heat pumps are a very efficient way to heat or cool your home. There’s an outdoor unit that absorbs and releases heat. It then transfers that heat into your home via the inside air handler. In the summer, the process reverses. Similar to any HVAC system, heat pumps use air filters to capture dirt and dust. You must change your heat pump’s air filter every 30 to 90 days to maximize efficiency.

Have It Serviced Seasonally

One of the keys to keeping your heat pump performing efficiently is through regular maintenance. The tasks involved in a heat pump inspection and servicing are quite complex. Therefore, they should only be performed by a highly trained service technician.

A few of the tasks performed include:

  • Making sure all the controls and thermostats are functioning properly
  • Inspecting the blower wheel and motor
  • Inspecting all electrical connections
  • Checking the belts and pulleys for alignment
  • Inspecting the lubrication levels
  • Checking the refrigeration levels

Investing in a preventative care agreement can help to ensure your heat pump is serviced and cared for on a regular basis.

Clean the Area Around the Unit

You need to clean regularly around the outside unit, removing any debris from the area. Keep the condensation drain and tubing free from obstructions to allow proper draining of water buildup. Keeping your heat pump in good condition will help it run efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and repair costs. In addition, maintenance of your heat pump will help to extend the lifespan of your system.

To have your heat pump inspected and serviced, give JD’s A/C a call today at (903) 759-7483. We’re standing by to ensure it operates efficiently and keeps you comfortable all winter.

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