Author Archives: Elite HVAC

A whole house filter maybe in a housing or it may be a cartridge that is installed into the ductwork right in front of the HVAC unit in your home. Some varieties fit in prior to being installed. Whole house air filtration systems purpose is to remove harmful particulates from the air in a home. Particles like the airborne viruses we don’t see along with mold, pet dander, pollen, and those everyday odors that we become accustomed to in our homes. Whole house air filtration systems clean and create healthy air for the whole home, not just one or two rooms. 

Where should I put my air purifier in my house?

Experts recommend that you place a stand-alone air purifier where the odor is the most offensive, the strongest. For instance, where the smoker in your home does most of their smoking or in a room that tends to have that funky odor. A few pointers where to place a stand-alone air purifier: 

• An air purifier should not be placed  behind furniture or under furniture or shelving. 
• An air purifier should be elevated, but not any higher than 5 feet from the floor. 
• All exterior doors and windows should be closed when the air purifier is on. 
• An air purifier should not be placed near electronics like microwaves, stereo equipment, or near a television. 
• Keep your air purifier opposite side of the roof of a humidifier. 

Trapping odors that aren’t originated inside your home can be difficult, but placement of an purifier where the odor(s) are coming is recommended along with following the above listed pointers. 

Can air purifiers be harmful?

Yes, but no, maybe?  Indoor air purification systems and unit have become widely popular with more and more homeowners concerned with air pollution and the health of their family. While an air purifier targets airborne particles, dust, pollen, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), there are some unit that produce ozone in the process of cleaning the air. 

There are ionic air purifiers that charge airborne particles and attract them electrostatically to metal electrodes, then as an ionization byproduct, emit ozone. Even if only a few milligrams of ozone are emitted each hour, it is the same amount as what dry-process photocopier emits with continuous operation.

Ozone has been known to cause chest pains, coughing, and damage, irritate throats and cause shortness of breath. Where air purifiers are intended to help those with respirator disease and issues, the ozone created can worsen them and compromise the body’s ability to fight a respiratory infection. 

 If you’re in the market for an air purifier, here are some tips as what to avoid: 

• Ozone Production. There are air purifiers on the market that produce ozone, a known lung irritant. Choose an air purifier that doesn’t emit ozone. 
• HEPA Filters. Choose an air purifier that uses a HEPA  air purifier, the gold standard for creating pure air. Hospitals and other healthcare settings use only HEPA filters for a reason. 
• Individual Room Units. Experts recommend whole house air filtration systems versus individual room unit. Keeping clean, fresh air for the entire home makes more sense then pick and choosing rooms. 

3. Rid Odors

A home with persistent odors from cooking or tobacco can be hard to eliminate. Whole house air filtration systems with activated carbon filter or charcoal filters are ideal in helping with those odors and more.

4. Reduces Everyone Getting Sick

Whole house air filtration systems remove some bacteria and that are keeping everyone in your home from being in good health, especially during the winter  months when houses are shut up. pathogens.

Whole house air filtration systems are the best way to go, but not always affordable or feasible. When that is the case, household air purifiers comparison is better than nothing, and when combined with replacing the central air filter, dirty air has less chance of making everyone sick.Call (714) 464-6622 today for your air purifier installation in Orange, CA.

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in the home?

Your family’s health is one of the best ways to determine if the indoor air quality of your home is bad. If any member for your family suffers from these things, it may not “just allergies” causing them:

• Congestion and coughing
• Sneezing and watery eyes
• Headaches
• Frequent nosebleeds

Pay close attention to anyone that shows these symptoms and if they didn’t show them until they had been in your home for period of time.  Things that can cause poor indoor air quality include asbestos, off-gassing, and toxic mold spores.  These can all create and lead to your family suffering extreme health consequences and developing into a chronic sickness including and beyond chills, dizziness, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, nausea/vomiting, rashes, and shortness of breath.

Your home could be telling you that you have poor indoor air quality too with things like:

• Dust Buildup: If you have a significant buildup of dust on surfaces and around the vents, your home probably has indoor air quality issues. Simply upgrading your air filter to an HEPA filter could be all the fix your home needs.
• Inconsistent Air Distribution: Does your home have cold and warm spots? This is indicative that your home has poor air distribution which probably means you have poor indoor air quality. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and consider either new windows or having the windows tinted.
• Humidity Issues: The relative humidity in your home should be between 35% and 50% for ideal comfort and prevent the grown of microorganism. When there isn’t enough humidity, it creates a poor indoor air quality everyone suffers from dry and itchy eyes, sinus, and skin. There is n increase in upper respiratory infections and furniture begins to warp. When the humidity is too high, it creates the perfect setting for mildew, mold, and microbe growth. These things can be remedied by adding dehumidifiers and humidifiers.
• Mildew & Mold Growth: Mildew and mold growth typically happen when the relative humidity level is high the air circulation is poor.  A musty odor accompanies mold issues with black and green spots around sinks, tubs, and other moist areas, all creating poor indoor air quality.
• Unpleasant Odors: A home with that musty, unpleasant odors of mildew and mold will usually have a pest infestation, and decomposition of dirt, debris, and dust on surfaces in your home.

What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?

The Environmental Protection Agency says there are thirteen common sources for indoor air pollutants within four categories:

• VOC
• Biological pollutants
• Combustion byproducts
• Legacy pollutants

 Yes, polluted air isn’t just from factories and vehicles. Four of the most common factors to poor indoor air quality are:

• Carbon Monoxide – an invisible and odorless gas from fossil fuels.
• Radon – a colorless and odorless gas from uranium breaking down in the Earth.
• Nitrogen Dioxide – a corrosive and toxic gas.
• Secondhand smoke – containing over 4,000 chemical ingredients from tobacco smoke

How do you test indoor air quality?

Technology today provides us a less expensive and smaller types of indoor air quality tests using sensors. By strategically placing these sensors around your home as instructed, one very ten thousand square feet is recommended, you’ll be able to test your home for measurement of the following pollutants:

• Carbon monoxide
• Formaldehyde
• Humidity
• Particulate matter
• Radon
• VOC’s

There are sensors that can measure bioaerosols, methane, and more that can all effect the indoor air quality of your home.

How much does an indoor air quality test cost?

 There are indoor air quality testing kits for various pollutants you can purchase for as little as $10.00 at your local hardware or big box home improvement stores.  Along with those kids, you an also purchase alarms for carbon dioxide, fire alarm, smoke alarm, and radon.

Or you can have your home tested by a professional, with rates starting around $250.00 up to $500.00 and more.  The professional tests are more detailed and extensive, including samples collected for analyzing. The more extensive testing, the more it will cost and the longer it will take to get results.

• Energy Bills Lowered: Examine your energy bill and you may notice slight increases. This is can often be because of the HVAC system isn’t operating as efficient as it could. With a professional HVAC maintenance and inspection, it will be tuned up and operating better. Keeping a routine of annual HVAC maintenance and inspection by a professional HVAC contractor will keep it in that condition. 
• Less Unexpected Repairs: With routine professional HVAC maintenance and inspection, those pesky issues get found and taken care of before they become an expensive repair. When you notice any odd odor or sound coming from your HVAC system, take that as an indication it is time to schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment, then keep a routine of an annual appointment to avoid those unexpected repairs.
• Breakdowns Become Minimal: Even nonexistent! Having the air conditioning quit on the hottest day of summer or the heater does not turn on the coldest night of winter is the last thing anybody wants to happen. With a professional routine of HVAC maintenance and inspections, the things that cause either of those are less likely to happen. 
• Extended Lifespan: A new HVAC system is a huge expense for any homeowner. To get the most out of your expenditure, having a regular routine of HVAC maintenance by you and routine professional HVAC check-ups and inspections, you’ll extend the life of your HVAC system, and delay the need to purchase another one anytime soon. 
• Safety: Safety is one of the most biggest things why hvac maintenance is important. With regular HVAC maintenance checks and inspections by you on a monthly routine and by a professional annually, potentially dangerous problems are found and resolved. A malfunctioning heater can be hazardous to the health and lives of your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. The possibility of fires become more possible when HVAC maintenance has been ignored. 

What is routine maintenance on a furnace?

A routine HVAC maintenance for the furnace is a common sense and small amount of effort. The TLC you extend to your air conditioning and furnace will keep your home comfortable and safe while extending the life of the system. Routine HVAC maintenance will give you all the benefits we listed above, and the biggest two that you’ll notice is energy bill savings and possible down time on a cold freezing night or blistering hot day.  

How do I maintain my heating system?

We offer this  simple checklist for your furnace HVAC maintenance: 

1. Clean or change the air  filter

The air filter has a crucial job of the air delivered from the furnace being clean. The air filter removes particulates out of the air it takes in from your home before it heats it and sends it back out. Those particulates can affect your family’s health include bacterial, dust and dust mites, pet dander, pollen, spores, and more. Cleaning or changing the air filter every 30 days is an easy and an inexpensive way to provide your home a basic HVAC maintenance and protection. 

2. Correctly Functioning Blower Motor

The blower motor in the furnace is what drives the fan to get the air movement through the furnace over the heating element and through the heat exchanger. All of that activity is what keeps your home at a comfortable and desired temperature as the blower motor pushes that air out. Keep the blower motor surface clean and if you hear loud noises like metal grinding or scraping, call a professional furnace technician for service. 

3. Reduce the Load

Keeping your home’s structure sound and stable will reduce the load on the furnace for keeping your home comfortable and warm.  The more leaks to the attic (remember hot air rises), and around the doors and windows, the harder your furnace has to work. Part of your HVAC maintenance routine is check for any weakness in these areas and addressing them promptly.   

4. Keeping Vents Clear and Free

For your furnace heating system to work as well as you expect and the warm air circulating, throughout the system, make sure all the vents are opened and clear of anything blocking them. From boxes and curtains to furniture and toys, anything that is in front of or on top of the vents will eliminate that furnace warmed air from circulating and the furnace will work harder to maintain the temperature you desire. 

5. Keep Exhaust Flue Clear

The exhaust flue is on the outside of your home and should be included on your regular HVAC maintenance routine. A flue that is blocked or malfunctioning can create dangerous setting with carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide that will fill your home. These can each cause multiple health issues and even death. 

6. Keep the Furnace Clear

A furnace is often located in a basement, a closet, the crawl space, or a storage room. Keep flammable things away from the furnace like aerosols, gasoline, and paint that are usually found in garages. Or things like boxes, clothes, and furniture found in attics and closets. These things are flammable and having them stored around or near the furnace is a dangerous risk. 

7. Keep Ductwork and Vents Clean

To get the most from your cooling and heating system, an important part of the HVAC maintenance process is keeping the ductwork and vents clean. You can do this yourself or hire an air duct cleaning service, once every 2 to 3 years is recommended. This will also minimize the dust in your home! 

Is annual maintenance on furnace necessary?

Manufacturers of furnaces and HVAC systems recommend having a professional contractor inspect your hvac for maintenance and longevity. These annual inspections and HVAC maintenance appointment with a qualified technician will not only keep your system operating correctly, but guarantee the warranty is honored. A HVAC system that is not properly maintained can void any manufacturer warranty, citing owner neglect.

Need help with your HVAC system in Orange, CA? Call (714) 464-6622 today!

Of course, it all depends on who you speak with in determining electric or gas furnace choices. Everyone has an opinion such as electric furnaces aren’t as energy-efficient than a gas models. However, like current technology has improved with gas furnaces it has with electric furnaces as well, and they can hold up in fair comparison today.

Why does an electric furnace need maintenance?

An electric furnace works through resistance heating, meaning its power comes from the heating element coils inside the furnace cabinet. When the electric furnace is on, it heats up the coils and elements and that heats up the air that blows through the ductwork.

What is electric furnace maintenance?

All of this puts stress on the coil and heating elements, and without professional electric furnace maintenance and routine care by the homeowner, they will need replacing, usually at the most inopportune time. During a professional electric furnace maintenance service call, the technician will perform the following:

• Inspect the heating elements
• Inspect the entire system, adjusting, cleaning, tightening as needed
• Inspect the air handler
• Inspect the motors, cleaning and lubricating as needed
• Inspect the capacitors, replace any that may be failing

At the end of the electric furnace maintenance checkup, the technician will advise the homeowner is any additional work is recommended that my need their approval for expense.

What is electric furnace maintenance?

An electric furnace maintenance routine is when the components inside the electric furnace are inspected, cleaned, tightened, repaired, or replaced. The technician will check the blower motor, making sure it is sending the heated air through the heating elements and on through the air duct and ventilation system.

Electric furnace maintenance checks of the blower fan and motor will make sure they aren’t damaged or near being worn down. Cleaning and lubricating these parts are an important part of the electric furnace maintenance routine.

How often should an electric furnace be serviced?

The electric furnace should have an annual cleaning by a professional included with the electric furnace maintenance. Is electric furnace maintenance necessary? If you want your electric furnace to keep working through the winter without downtime, yes. A professional electric furnace maintenance will include looking for indications of deterioration.

There are five indicators of an electric furnace deteriorating, that the technician will be checking:

• Electric furnace is over fifteen years old
• Your energy heating bills are skyrocketing
• You’re having constant repairs to your electric furnace
• The temperature is uneven throughout your house
• There is  soot around the registers
• The electric furnace is loud and noisy

How often should you clean your furnace?

A complete electric furnace, duct cleaning, dryer vents and other components can cost between $200 to $400 on average, maybe more in some areas. So, it only makes sense that a homeowner on budget is going to question the validity of how often.

Experienced electric  furnace cleaning technicians recommend no less than every 2 year and if there are pets in the house, once a year. Other signs that could be telling you to it is time for an electric furnace maintenance service would be:

• Wisps of dust blow out of air vents
• Dust or pet hair stuck in vent?
• Vent grill are covered in dust?
• You have to dust more frequent?

Or have you noticed any increase in the following:

• Excessive coughing
• Eyes and throat are irritated
• Respiratory illnesses
• Seasonal allergies off-season

Just how long should an electric furnace last? With proper maintenance by the homeowner and professional electric furnace maintenance and inspections, you can expect a lifespan between twenty and thirty years. Need help with your furnace in Orange, CA? Call (714) 464-6622 today!

What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?

Well, there are more than four, but the major pollutants that an air filtration system could minimize or even eliminate are: 

• Carbon monoxide – A colorless, odorless gas produced by natural gas, kerosene, propane, oil, or wood burning appliances or heaters, and an element of car exhaust.
• Tobacco smoke – Over 3,000 chemical compounds are composed together are released into the homes of smokers. 
• Radon – Another colorless and odorless gas but is radioactive and comes from the earth in the form of a uranium breaking down in the soil below our homes, then seeps through the floors, foundation, and walls. 
• Mold – Any damp area in your home, air conditioner, basement, carpeting, ceiling, humidifier, mattress, refrigerator, will grow airborne mold spores.

Other pollutants found in home are pesticides and solvents. Both provide dangerous breathing situations with their ingredients. If a humidifier can be good for the home, then what about the mold mentioned earlier? What is the difference between an air purifiers vs dehumidifiers? 

An air in your home is circulated through an air purifier. Inside that air purifier is the air filtration system where air-borne pollutants are trapped in a filter, including irritants like dust, pollen, and smoke. 

A dehumidifier reduces the humidity by sucking in moisture from the air. Once that moisture is sucked in, the microbes and mold in the air are killed.  So, because a humidifier sucks in mold, if the filter isn’t changed on regular schedule, those air-borne mold particles are released back into the air you’re breathing. An air filtration system will suck in those particles and minimize how much is escaping into the air. 

Should I sleep with the air purifier on?

The  air purifiers benefits your family can have should be around the clock, and if they are more important at any point, it is while you’re sleeping.  The pollutants inside your home are coming from things like formaldehyde in the flooring and furniture. These are things escaping into the air 24/7/365. Fortunately, an air filtration system or air purifier doesn’t use much energy, and most have a low speed you can set the unit at while it is constantly running. 

Do air purifiers cool the air?

While an air purifier circulates air with an internal fan, it does not cool the air. There is nothing inside an air filtration system, like a mechanism that cools. 

Do air purifiers dry out sinuses?

No, and air purifier will not dry out your sinuses. There are a series of filters inside an air filtration system and air moves through those, getting rid of any airborne molecules. An air purifier is only taking in particles, not the air, which is what dries sinuses out. 

Humidity is different every season, so we have to approach and treat it differently. When the weather is at its hottest, summertime, the humidity is sometimes intolerable for many. So, using a method that will lower the humidity makes us more comfortable, like a dehumidifier. 

During the winter, the humidity is different and actually drop too low, causing your home to be extra dry when the heater is running. So, you need a piece of equipment that adds the moisture back into your home.    

Keep your carpets cleaned, daily vacuuming once a month shampoo, and twice a year professionally cleaned. Installing air purifiers or mold removers in areas that are damp and prone to have mold, bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen. Anyone that smokes, ask them do take it outside and when you enter your home, take off your shoes!  These are tracking in more pollutants and toxins that you’re breathing in. Want to get started with an air filtration system for your home? Call (714) 464-6622 today!

While having an energy efficient air conditioner is on obvious way to save on energy cost, how do you know you’re getting the best energy efficient air conditioner? Homeowners that start shopping for an energy efficient air conditioner often will ask the salesperson, “Which air conditioner is most energy efficient?” All the manufacturers will tell you theirs are, but truly, which is the most energy efficient air conditioner and how do you know? 

Experts in air conditioning will tell you that the models and units that are the most energy efficient are ENERGY STAR® compliant. Manufacturers must meet standards that are above the basic standards to receive this certification as an energy efficient air conditioner unit with criteria like:

• minimum ten percent more efficient than government standard requirements
• made with better materials and parts that are more efficient for energy use
• superior performance for consumers
• provide consumers reduced energy costs for recouping their upfront expense
• eco or energy-saving mode, filter cleaning reminders

Is it cheaper to run your AC all day?

When the temperatures will be hot, it is less expensive to live your air conditioner on during the day, even if you’re not hope. However, it shouldn’t be left at full blast and cold the whole time. This isn’t only to be energy efficient or cost effective. It can wear your unit out faster and you’ll be having repair cost or replacement cost sooner.

At what temperature AC consumes less power?

To maintain an ideal setting for the air conditioner, set the thermostat at 25 degrees cooler than the expected high for the day. Each 22 degree drop uses as much as four percent less power.

What are 7 ways that you can reduce yfour own personal consumption of energy?

We listed five things you can do to reduce energy consumption earlier, but there are more things you can do. The following is a list of energy efficient tips that you can implement in addition to purchasing energy efficient air conditioner, because not all energy efficiency is electrical. Look:

1. Energy Efficiency the Refrigerator

Setting the temperature at 37 degrees will lessen how much  energy this appliance uses. Make sure all the gaskets around the freezer and fridge door are sealing too.

2. Switch on Fluorescent Bulbs

CF (compact fluorescent) bulbs use just one-fifth of the incandescent light bulbs and they have a longer lifespan up to six times.

3. Automatic or Timed Light Sensors

Outdoor lighting provides security, but you don’t need them on all the time isn’t necessary though. Have a professional electrician install automatic and timed sensors for all your outdoor lighting so they only come on at dusk and turn off at dawn.

4. Solar-Powered Lighting

Nothing says welcome more than a walkway lit up, or flowerbeds with soft lighting shining on your home’s architecture. Having all those lights burning when you don’t need them is a waste of energy. Switch out all the landscape lighting with solar-powered lights and let the sun power them! 

5. Buy Appliances with EnergyStar Rating

As we mentioned above when buying energy efficient air conditioner, the EnergyStar standards indicate you will get a money saving air conditioner. The same is to be said about all appliances and electronics. These all cost more to purchase, but to be in line with the EnergyStar guidelines, the appliances have to be guaranteed to have a lower operating cost.

6. Insulation Is the Big Winner

If your home has electric heat, the more insulation you can have in the attic, basement, and walls, the more you’ll mitigate the energy loss and reduce your home’s electricity consumption during the winter. During the summer, it does just the opposite and keeps the cool air in and the heat out. Insulating your home will help keep that cool air from your new energy efficient air conditioner inside where it belongs!  

7. Insulate the Water Lines and Water Heater

Wrap your electric water heater with an insulation jacket will reduce how much electricity it uses and wrap the hot water lines will keep the water hot from the water heater to the faucet.

Is it worth replacing the compressor on AC unit?

Among HVAC technicians, there is a general agreement that the compressor in an AC unit gets a lot of blame but is not necessarily the cause of most problems. In reality, this part of the air conditioning unit tends to last as long as the system, boasting a general lifespan of 12 hears and sometimes more. Normally as well, when a homeowner has the compressor replaced, it generally is apart of an entire air conditioner replacement. As it stands, most problems that occur in the compressor can actually be prevented. One will find that these problems include:

• Too much or too little refrigerant: The compressor needs a specific amount of refrigerant to effectively fulfill its purpose. Too little can lead to a strain in the system whereas too much can lead to subcooling and further damages.
• Suction line size: When the size of the suction line is too small or large, the compressor can fail prematurely
• Ill kept coils: Air passes through and around the condenser coils, building up any manner of filth like dust and grime. When not cleaned, the compressor can overheat and eventually fail. 
• Lack of lubrication: As a machine, each part needs to be properly maintained and oiled so it does not catch or eventually fail
• Blockages: In many parts of the entire air conditioning system, blockages can damage the compressor directly even if it’s not in contact with the problem. 

While other problems also occur in the electrical and cleaning aspects of the compressor, each of the mentioned issues can be avoided. While a person should check up on their system every so often, the best way to keep it in good condition is to have a technician inspect it. The best way to avoid the need for air conditioner repair services is to have the system inspected at least once to twice per year in the spring and fall.

Can a dirty filter cause AC not to work?

While many problems that call for air conditioner repair are often not the compressor, it is common for problem to arise when the filter is dirty. A dirty filter can be considered in the same conversation as a blockage, which forces the compressor and other parts to work harder in order to cool the home. The general consensus among technicians, therefore, is that the filter should be replaced at a frequency depending on the home.

• 20-45 days for homes with pets and occupants that suffer allergies
• Every 60 days when occupants just have pets
• 90 days for homes without pets

When your home is not necessarily cooling efficiently, it tends to lean towards dirty filters, dirty parts, or a blockage that has formed in the ventilation. As mentioned, the system needs to be well maintained to a larger degree to constantly cool the home and to last for the 15 years that it can achieve.

Is it cheaper to run central AC or window units?

The cooling and heating of your home can take up to 50% of your budget every month. With summer coming, you already know a lot of that expense will cool costs, especially if the kids are home all day. So, before summer settles in, maybe you need to consider getting an energy efficient air conditioner? 

You may replace your central air conditioning with window units, and what the air conditioner energy efficiency ratio between the two methods is the best. It is important to find a method to cool your home with a method that is air conditioning energy efficient. Besides energy efficient air conditioners, homeowners want convenience and easy operation for the HVAC system.

That is where the programmable thermostats on the market today are a big part of the energy efficient air conditioner shopping. These thermostats allow you to set the temperature to fluctuate with various times of day and night. Window unit air conditioners today come with an EnergySaver option that will only turn the air conditioning (or heat) on when it senses the room temperature isn’t where the thermostat is set. It turns on the cooling feature or heating feature accordingly. 

Comfort is another motive for upgrading to a newer energy efficient air conditioner too. The newer the system, the more it will keep the temperature at an even point all through the house. With the EnergySaver option mentioned above, window units can keep the temperature more consistent throughout the house, but each room may still feel a little cooler or warmer than other rooms. However, with window units, you can turn off a unit to one room that isn’t being used. 

Can a faulty thermostat cause a high electric bill?

If your electric bill reached extraordinarily high numbers last summer, making you dread the upcoming summer, try replacing your thermostat first. Even with the highest energy efficient air conditioners, a thermostat can begin to malfunction as it wears out. Fortunately, air conditioners don’t go out as often!  

Thermostat manufacturers don’t give an expected exact lifespan on the units, but on average, they last around ten years. On average, you can expect them to last at least 10 years. After 10 years they may begin to malfunction from dust accumulating and wiring getting brittle.

When this happens, they aren’t able to detect the temperature properly in the house and cut off and on frequently or don’t turn off or on. Even with a brand-new energy efficient air conditioner installed, if the thermostat is old, you will not get the most from your new unit.

Need energy efficient air conditioner installation in Orange, CA? Call the experts at Elite HVAC at (714) 464-6622 today!

How does a Humidifier work?

Depending on the installed device, humidifiers result in the emission of water vapor into the air. Some heat water and carry the mist through a wind tunnel caused by a fan or are dispersed into the air through vibration. It is not uncommon for a humidifier to be connected to an air conditioner and heating unit, providing a constant environment each time the appliance turns on. Before going into the general air of the home, the moisture runs through a filter to effectively grant the best experience. 

There are common misconceptions with humidifiers versus vaporizers. While some humidifiers do heat water into steam and disperses it into the air, that technique is far more common and specialized in vaporizers. As mentioned, humidifiers use multiple different different kinds of methods to disperse water particles into the air. While both are effective to use for allergies, humidifiers are more common in larger models like those seen in whole house humidifiers. 

Humidifiers can be used at all times when having a source of water to disperse into the air. While mobile units depend on constant refilling to keep the area relatively humid, whole house humidifiers have constant access to your water while making very little difference on your water bill. In fact, in areas with colder weather, humidifiers use around 12 gallons of water per day when the heater is in constant use. In a sense, whole house humidifiers activate and are in use when your HVAC is in use.

Should I install my Humidifier on my Furnace?

Humidifier benefits can be best felt when connected to a heater, due to the lack of moisture in the air due to the appliance warming the air in a way that dehydrates the interior of your home. A humidifier would apply a light level of moisture to the outgoing air, helping it stay warmer longer and putting less strain on the heater as a result. 

To avoid common problems in whole home humidifiers and receive humidifier benefits, we recommend a Elite HVAC visits your home at least once a year to apply maintenance to your HVAC and humidifier systems. With a lifespan of ten years, a whole house humidifier tends to break down on rare occasions. The issues owners should stay observant for is mold and leaking in your unit. Due to the nature of the product passing moisture through your air ducts, there are infrequent occasions where mold pops up. This and general technical issues that can easily be fixed by one of our technicians in Orange, CA. 

To keep from having that happening, it is important to practice regular gas furnace cleaning and inspection year-round.  Even when you’re not using your gas furnace, it is still collecting dust along with cobwebs, so cleaning your gas furnace periodically year-round will help in keeping it in good working order.

How do you know if your furnace is dying?

Well, if it isn’t heating your home at all, that would be one sign that it has died. Or, if your gas furnace is short cycling, meaning it turns off and on a lot during a short time without ever heating the house, it could indicate any of the following:

• Air filter clogged – A gas furnace with a clogged air filter will keep the blower fan can’t move air over the heat exchanger, causing it to overheat and trip the fan limiter, which shuts the system down.
• Clogged flue – If the flue or vent pipe is clogged or damaged, the flue limiter shuts down the furnace. This is a protection step to keep the gas furnace from emitting carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Dirty thermocouple – Older gas furnaces have a thermocouple that senses the flames from the burner, allowing the flow of the natural gas. When it is damaged or dirty, the gas valve and furnace off to prevent the accumulation of gas.
• Damaged igniter – If the igniter isn’t working or on an older gas furnace, the pilot light blows out, the furnace shuts down to prevent the accumulation of gas.
• Failed fan limiter – The fan limiter inhibits the heat exchanger from developing hot enough to start a fire, which could damage the heat exchanger that could lead to cracking for carbon monoxide leaks. When this isn’t properly working, the gas furnace shuts off.
• Oversized furnace – Sometimes, bigger is not better, and that could be the case with your furnace. A furnace that is too big for a house will cycle too frequently, and while this isn’t dangerous, it uses more energy, thus costing more.

Do high-efficiency furnaces save money?

Definitely!  It is estimated that you lose approximately 4 percent of the energy with a top-of-the-line gas furnace, while96% is heating your home. This is a great improvement over gas furnaces of the past.

Should I replace my 30-year-old furnace? 

Thirty years is a good lifespan for a gas furnace, no matter what logic you’re told to follow. A furnace may last past that 30^th birthday, but it won’t be as efficient as it was at 10-year, 15 years, even 20-year mark. Experts recommend that you should start shopping or a replacement unit at the 15-year mark.

Does a new furnace increase home value? 

Probably not, but it won’t hurt either. You shouldn’t expect a large ROI of replacing your gas furnace, but you will gain the benefit that buyers like to hear the words “new roof”, “new carpet”, “new furnace”, etc. If there are houses similar to yours on the market, the same time yours is having that “new furnace” could be what grabs that buyer.

Electric Furnace or Gas Furnace

Wrapping up this piece, we will list the pros and cons of an electric furnace and a gas furnace:

Using the information that we’ve provided in this piece can help you in choosing your next furnace or getting the most out of your current gas furnace. The important thing is to make sure you have the safest means of heat while being energy efficient for the environment and your budget. When it is time for a new furnace in Orange, CA, the experts at Elite HVAC are here to help! Call us today at (714) 464-6622!