Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX – Repair or Replace
With the significant rising costs associated with electricity, you may wish to consider looking into installing a new heating and cooling system if yours is more than ten years old. The following information in this article may help you decide on whether you should upgrade your system to a newer, more energy efficient one, or correct problems with your HVAC system that may be affecting how efficient it is. For all of your Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX needs contact Minuteman Heating and Air.
First, let’s go over if your heating and cooling system is more than ten years old. If so, you should seriously consider upgrading to a newer system as there has been significant innovation with energy efficiency over the past ten years and in most cases by having a new system installed you can recoup your costs in a short period of time.
Second, if your current unit needs frequent repairs, then you may wish to weigh the costs associated with these frequent repairs versus how much you can save monthly on electrical usage and the costs associated with purchasing a new one versus the continual costs in repairs.
Other Problems that can Arise
If you are experiencing rooms that are either too hot or too cold then there could be problems with the ductwork, inadequate insulation or even a bad seal. Inspect the ductwork for joints being sealed, and whether you have sufficient insulation. Inspect any location where there are wires, pipes, or duct exits the walls, basement or foundation. With the exception of a hot flue, use latex expanding foam or caulk to seal holes you find in the home. Ductwork issues and inadequate sealing can cause your home’s heating and cooling system to overwork itself and that will cause it to need frequent repairs for your Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX.
Your tonnage need may be different than your old system. If you have added insulation, new energy star windows, and sealed air leaks, your system needs may be smaller. Your old equipment may have been too large in the beginning. Also, if you have a new addition, this will change your system needs. Your contractor will need to gather the following information about your house: floor area, level of insulation and type and size of windows. He will do this by performing the following:
- Measure the square footage of your home noting the direction it faces
- Measure the square footage of windows and doors and note the direction they face
- Look in the attic to estimate the value of the insulation
- Look in basement or crawl space to estimate the value of the insulation
- If possible, look into the walls to estimate the value of the insulation
- Look at the duct system for leaks and estimate insulation value
- Note the number of appliances
- Note the presence of any leakage from a fireplace
- Note the number of bedrooms for fresh air needs
- Note the temperature you plan to keep your home
A professional will calculate these things, so be careful that your contractor is licensed, and insured. Sizing is the most common mistake according to national surveys. Many installers simply replace the same size as your old system without considering changes made to your home or the increased efficiency of new systems. Your contractor can use an ACCA/ANSI Manual or the equivalent sizing tool that takes all the above and other factors into consideration including proper size duct. Computer software is also available to contractors to calculate your home’s needs.
Choose a high efficiency Energy Star rated system for the best value and the least impact upon the environment.
If your system is not ten years old or older, you may want to beef up your home by sealing it, installing energy efficient windows and doors, and adding insulation. Even sun blocking window films or awnings can help. Reflective blinds and drapes can also assist your wallet. Open the curtains on sunny windows in the winter and close them to the sun in the summer. Consider installing a programmable thermostat, lower it to 68 degrees during winter days and wear a sweater. Raise it to 78 degrees in the summer and turn on ceiling fans and other fans. Using a humidifier in the winter can make it feel warmer. Rugs on cold floors can make you more comfortable in the winter.
Certainly, have your system checked and serviced every year. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly does apply to your homes heating and cooling. Clean coils make for a more efficient system.
If you’re still in doubt, your HVAC contractor can advise you on whether you should correct any problems with your old system, or invest in a new energy efficient system for your home.
About Minuteman Heating and Air
Minuteman Heating and Air is one of the predominate leaders in the field of Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX. Experience, education and unparalleled professionalism make us one of the most respected companies in Arlington, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area. Minuteman Heating and Air is the go to source for full key solutions whenever you need Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX or surrounding areas. When you reach out to us you can rest assured knowing that will receive the highest quality heating and cooling service in the metropolitan area by professional technicians that have the skillset, experience and know-how to provide you with the best service and satisfaction possible.
Minuteman Heating and Air provides heating and cooling solutions to Arlington, Mansfield, and the surrounding metropolitan area. Our NATE certified technicians provide our customers with unparalleled services. We service both residential and commercial, and whether you are looking for installation, maintenance or even repairs, you can count on us. If you are in need of assistance with your heating and cooling system for your home or your business and you are looking for reliable and professional Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX that you can count on then give Minuteman Heating and Air a call today. When you hire Minuteman Heating and Air, one of our professional and NATE certified technicians will come onsite to assist you and provide you with the professional heating and cooling services that you require. For superior Heating and Air in Mansfield, TX that you can count on every single time, Minuteman Heating and Air is the right choice.