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How To Most Efficiently Use Your Air Conditioner

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

How To Most Efficiently Use Your Air Conditioner

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As temperatures rise and energy costs soar, it’s time to unlock the secrets of running your air conditioner like a pro. With a few simple tips and strategies, you can unleash the full potential of your cooling system, slash energy consumption, prevent inconvenient breakdowns, and watch those utility bills shrink—all while staying blissfully comfortable!

Here’s what you can do to get your AC running as efficiently as possible:

Set It and Forget It

When you’re hot and sweaty, the temptation to tinker with the thermostat is strong. However, it’s best to find a temperature that’s tolerable for you and stick with it. Whether that’s 75 degrees or 82 degrees, once you’ve settled on your ideal setting, resist the urge to adjust it. Cranking your AC down to 60 degrees won’t cool your home any faster than your preferred setting of 75 degrees, so let your air conditioner work its magic at a consistent setting.  

Embrace the Power of Curtains & Blinds

During warm, sunny days, keep your curtains and blinds drawn. Sunlight streaming into your home, even indirectly, can turn up indoor temperatures faster than you can say “heatwave.” Blocking out the sun’s rays will prevent your home from becoming a sauna and give your hardworking AC system a break. 

Use Fans to Keep the Air Circulating

Fans aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re also an incredibly effective way to cool down any room. Ceiling fans, floor fans, and even small desktop fans can work wonders by circulating the air and bringing down temperatures. Even better, if you need some instant relief from the heat, you can position fans to blow on you directly. You may even find that with your fans in action, you can adjust your air conditioner to a warmer setting. 

Banish Hot Air

When it comes to cooling your home, you don’t want to counteract your AC’s efforts by inadvertently adding more heat to your living space. If you’re cooking, make sure to use the exhaust fan to whisk away steam, smoke, and heat. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, you can use your trusty floor fan to move hot air away from the kitchen.  

Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity can turn even moderate temperatures into a sticky, uncomfortable ordeal. Fortunately, a dehumidifier can help make warm temperatures feel less oppressive. You might even discover that you can dial up your AC to a warmer temperature or use it less frequently when you combine your dehumidifier with floor and ceiling fans. 

Give Your Outdoor AC Unit Some Shade

Although placing your outdoor AC unit on the north side of your home is optimal, it’s not always feasible. If your unit is located in a sunny location, consider planting trees or shrubs strategically around it to provide some natural shade. This will shield your unit from the scorching South Carolina sun and help it operate more efficiently. Not only will this keep your unit cooler, but it will also prolong its lifespan and reduce energy consumption. 

Save the Evenings for Chores

Cooking, using the dishwasher, and doing laundry all generate heat—so why not save them until later in the day when temperatures have dropped? By shifting these chores to the cooler evening hours, you’ll not only keep your home pleasantly cool but also potentially save money on your electric bill. With summer peak-hour electricity rates, doing your chores after the sun goes down can also help you avoid higher charges. 

Clean Your Filters

The simple act of cleaning or changing your filters can work wonders for your AC system. Clogged filters force your system to work harder, leading to unnecessary strain and potential breakdowns. By keeping the filters clean, your air conditioner can operate smoothly and effortlessly, resulting in a cooler home with minimal energy expenditure. 

A common misunderstanding of central AC system

It’s often thought: “If you’re not home or certain areas of your house are unoccupied, there’s no need to waste energy cooling them so close the vents in that room” OR “Only use the AC when you’re home turning it off when you are away”  

Seems to make sense….right…this is a common mistake that can cost more money, add stress to your AC system and possibly introduce mold into your home. The duct system in your home is designed for your AC system to allow the proper air flow and capacity of your system.  If you purposely shut off that air flow you can risk freezing your coils (which leads to future leaks) or cause refrigerant problems for your compressor. Your HVAC system will still use the same energy whether vents are closed or not.   Since ducts are designed for specific air flow, shutting the vents or door to a room will not give you more air in the other spaces.

Turning your system off when you are away will cause the entire contents of your home to reach higher or lower than normal temperatures.  When you return home to a house that is 8+ degrees off your desired setting and turn on your AC, you will not feel the effects of the heating or cooling until your furniture, walls, floors, ceiling, etc. in your home reaches that temperature first.  This means your system will be running continuously for hours….and typically you’re tempted to set it lower than you want hoping it will change temperature faster. Setting it outside your normal temperature range will not speed up the process.

Set it and forget it is best….or adjust the range within 3 degrees of what you like, but not more.

Contact PECO Heating & Cooling For All Your Air Conditioning Needs

Whether you need AC maintenance or repairs, or you’d like to upgrade to a more efficient system, PECO Heating and Cooling is here to help you stay cool all summer long. Our HVAC experts offer a wide range of services, from checking freon pressure and testing electrical systems to repairing electrical and plumbing issues, replacing water heaters, and installing air quality systems. To protect your HVAC investment and ensure optimal performance, we also offer maintenance service plans that include regular inspections, cleanings, and discounts on repairs.

Don’t let inefficient cooling get you down—contact PECO Heating & Cooling today at (864) 639-2424!

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act: HVAC Federal Credit & Rebates Explained

Posted on by Mark Pfeiffer
HVAC Federal Credit Rebates Explained 1

Have you been planning to upgrade your HVAC equipment? Great news—the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was signed into law in August, may be able to help you save some money. 

Investing $369 billion into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest federal legislation designed to include significant rebates and tax credits for homeowners who install new energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and water heaters. Here’s a breakdown of each of these incentives.

The 25C Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit

Although this tax credit has been available for a while, the IRA increased the value of the tax credit by 20%. Instead of being limited to 10% of your project costs, it’s now up to 30%—and it’s now possible to receive a benefit each year. 

The tax credit, which can only be used to offset tax liability, has an annual cap of $1,200, including:

  • Up to $600 for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace
  • Up to $2,000 for gas and electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and boilers
HVAC Federal Credit Rebates Explained 2

This incentive goes into effect in 2023, and if you’re eligible, can be claimed when you file taxes in 2024. There are no income requirements and it can’t be combined with other federal programs such as HEEHR or HOMES. However, the tax credit may be able to be combined with local or utility rebates. Homeowners who had eligible equipment installed on or after January 1, 2022, may also be eligible for retroactive tax credits under this program.

The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Program

This new $4.275 billion program covers 100% of electrification project costs for low-income households and up to 50% of project costs for moderate-income households—up to $14,000 for both income groups. Qualifying projects and maximum rebate values include:

  • $8,000 for electric heat pumps
  • $4,000 for an electric panel upgrade
  • $2,500 for electric wiring
  • $1750 for an electric heat pump water heater
  • $1,600 for home insulation

Project costs include both purchase costs and installation costs; rebates are given as point-of-sale discounts. 

The HOMES Rebate Program

Unlike the HEEHR program, the all-new $4.3 billion Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House (HOMES) rebate program isn’t restricted by income levels; instead, they’re based on the performance of energy efficiency and electrification improvements installed in your home. For example, homeowners who install energy-efficient appliances that allow them to cut their energy usage by at least 35% can get up to $4,000 in rebates—and that amount is doubled for low- and middle-income households. 

It’s important to know that you can’t participate in both the HEEHR and HOMES programs, so you’ll need to decide which program is right for your project. If you would like help deciding which program would be best, we’re always happy to help!

Should You Get Home Upgrades Now or Wait Until 2023?

HVAC Federal Credit Rebates Explained 3

Although these incentives can provide significant savings, there are several reasons why you may not want to wait until 2023 if you’ve been considering upgrading your home:

  • The current state and utility rebates you qualify for now may not be around in 2023—and depending on your income, the federal rebates may not be as much of an incentive. It’s not clear at this point how the federal rebates will work with existing state and utility programs; it’s possible the federal rebates will result in lower local rebates. 
  • Inflation will likely continue (and possibly worsen) in 2023; the rise in equipment prices may offset some of the savings you would receive from the rebate programs. 
  • Energy costs are rising, especially the cost of natural gas—and although costs are expected to stabilize, reducing your home’s energy use today is an excellent way to mitigate uncertainty about energy prices in the future. 
  • Due to the rebate programs, there will be a higher demand for work for HVAC contractors in the future, which could delay your project. Getting ahead of the demand will ensure you have your new equipment installed in a timely manner. 

In addition, you deserve comfort! If your existing equipment isn’t keeping your home comfortable, it’s not worth putting off the work for potential savings. 

Contact PECO to Learn More

Regardless of when you’d like to upgrade your home, PECO Heating & Cooling is here to help! We’re happy to work with you to find the best upgrades and rebate programs to help you save money and improve your home’s energy efficiency. 

If you’re interested in the 25C tax credit, all Dave Lennox Signature Collection products in the Ultimate Comfort System qualify; Lennox also offers an assortment of ENERGY STAR-certified products that are eligible for the rebate program, including the most efficient heat pump (SL25XPV), air conditioner (SL28XCV), and furnace (SLP99V) on the market. For more information on the IRA incentives contact your accountant or to schedule an installation, contact PECO today at 864-639-2424.

What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Stops Working

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling
air conditioning Clemson

It’s a hot summer day and your AC stops working. Don’t panic, PECO has created a basic troubleshooting guide on what to do for the three main problems facing air conditioners. It’s true that many problems need to be addressed by a professional HVAC technician, but there are some problems – like a tripped circuit breaker – that are easy and fast to fix yourself.

We have to point out that many common issues with air conditioning units can be caused by inadequate maintenance. In order to avoid future problems, we recommend our Planned Maintenance agreement, which can help ensure your AC stays running smoothly.

1. Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

A common problem is that the AC simply won’t turn on. The first thing to do is to go outside and see if the condenser is running. Look to see that the electrical disconnect is plugged in.

Next, ensure that the thermostat is set properly. Sometimes setting the thermostat 5-10° lower and making sure the thermostat is switched to “cool” is all it needs the AC needs to trigger on. You’ll also want to see if a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse is to blame, which would deprive the unit of energy.

If these simple tips don’t work, and especially if your coil is frozen, it’s time to contact the professionals. It may be a larger problem involving the compressor, coil, or motor.

2. The Air Conditioner isn’t Cooling the House Enough

Is your AC the little engine that could? It’s pumping out cold air but it’s simply not enough to cool the house as much as you want? Check the return filters – they should be changed monthly to allow proper airflow for the system.

It’s possible that your air conditioner is not adequate for your home’s square footage or the temperatures are unseasonably warm. AC units are built to cool certain square footage, so if you have a large and/or multistory home, the unit might not be appropriately sized for the space. AC systems are also sized also for average seasonal temperatures.

It’s important to remember that AC units are designed and installed with the expectation of cooling your home 20-25° on an average summer day. That means if it’s 100° outside, your unit is not designed to cool your house to 68°.

If it’s an average summer day and your unit is struggling to keep the house cool, it could be that you need a bigger unit or there’s a problem with your existing unit. If you see any icing on the unit, immediately shut it off and call PECO for a professional inspection.

3. The Air Conditioner is Not Blowing Cold Air

You’ve set the thermostat, and the AC is running, but the air coming out of the vents doesn’t feel too cold. First, go outside and check your unit. If the condenser is blocked by weeds and debris, it cannot properly work. Clear anything piled up around the system away. Is there ice on the copper line set or condenser? Contact PECO for repairs, there will be ice blocking the indoor coil and the system cooling must be set to off and the blower fan to on to deice the system. Your PECO technician needs the system free of ice to properly diagnose.

Then inspect your air filter to ensure it’s clean. Can you see through the filter? If not, it’s time to replace it. If the air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through easily, and when limited air gets to the evaporator coil, it can freeze. Do you run your AC a lot? Do you have pets? We recommend changing the standard pleat filters monthly, but you may have to replace them more often depending on your circumstances.

If your outdoor condenser and air filter are clean, it may be an issue with the refrigerant or the compressor.

Whatever the problem, your local air conditioning pros can help! PECO has an experienced team of HVAC experts who are ready to assist you in all maintenance and repairs of AC systems. We proudly serve Anderson, Pickens, Greeneville, and Oconee counties. Call (864) 639-2424 for service today – we make emergency calls, too!

Lennox Pure Air

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling
lennox pure air

The past year has amplified how disease spreads in contained indoors. We all learned profoundly serious lessons in the importance of sanitizing commonly used surfaces, wearing masks, and the very air we breathe. 

For years PECO has recommended quality HVAC systems and regularly changing air filters to reduce contaminants in the air such as pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander. A high-functioning heating and cooling unit keeps your air cleaner and healthier, helping to reduce the impact of allergies and cut down the dust in your home. 

With the spread of COVID-19, the need to remove contaminants from the air has only intensified. That’s why we are so excited about the latest news from Lennox, a top-quality HVAC manufacturer, releasing the PureAir™ and PureAir™ S Air Purification Systems. When used with the Lennox Healthy Climate™ Carbon Clean 16® air filter, these heating and cooling units remove over 99% of the virus that causes COVID-19 from the air!

We have all missed spending time with family and friends. Make this summer fun and safe by investing in technology that scrubs the air. These PureAir™ systems are created for residential use, yet they have medical-grade filtration that removes 99% of virus particles such as the common cold, influenza, and the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Learn more about these new systems from Lennox >>> here. Want to discuss air filtration for your home or business? Let’s talk! 

How To Get Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling
Air conditioner inside the room

Welcome Spring! Now is the time to enjoy the blooming flowers, bask in the not-to-hot sunshine, and…prepare for summer! The first hot day of summer means turning on the AC. But will your air conditioner be ready? You haven’t been using the AC while the days have been chilly, but as it warms up, you’ll need to know to prep your unit for summer.

We recommend scheduling a maintenance visit with PECO, your local air conditioning professional, before the weather gets too hot. The last thing you want is to turn on the AC on the first hot day of summer and realize your unit isn’t working properly!

The Importance of Scheduled Maintenance

Why is it important to schedule maintenance with a professional? First and foremost, cleaning and maintaining your HVAC unit can be dangerous. We make sure to turn off the circuit breaker to the unit as well as check for 240-volt boxes near the unit outside. Making sure everything is powered down is a crucial step for safety.

Our experienced crew also is well trained in HVAC parts and mechanics. We ensure all safety protocols are observed to keep our employees and your unit safe. Unfortunately, an inexperienced person can hurt themselves and/or damage the unit. But with PECO, you never have to worry about HVAC maintenance!

Preparing your AC System

To prepare your AC system for summer, we can change the filter, clear the outdoor condenser of debris, clean the coils inside the unit, clear the drain at the base of the condenser, wipe the fan blades, and make sure there is no standing water inside the system. We also inspect the refrigerant tubes that run from your AC’s evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside. These tubes are generally covered with a foam coolant line insulation. We check out the lines, and if the insulation has deteriorated in any spot, replace it with new foam insulation sleeves or wrap with foam insulation tape.

Finally, we test out the unit! We make sure the unit is dry, clean, and powered on. We switch the thermostat to cool and make sure the unit is doing its job properly before leaving, ensuring you have a working AC. You can count on PECO for regular maintenance visits as well as repairs and new unit installations. When it comes to HVAC, call PECO.

Banish Dust from your Home

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

Do you HATE dusting? Even people that enjoy cleaning often bemoan the need to constantly dust their house. After dusting, then you have to clean the floors and walls and wherever the dust has spread. The worst part? The dust seems to come back immediately! 

If you hate dusting (does anyone like dusting?), it’s time to consider the culprit. While some accumulation of dust is normal, if it feels like you can’t ever get ahead of the grime, your HVAC filter may be to blame. A dirty filter in your air conditioning pushes dust out into your home and is unable to capture contaminants. It can’t pick up new dust because it’s already too choked with old dust. This not only makes your house dusty, but it also decreases air quality. Improve indoor air quality and cut your cleaning time by making sure to change HVAC filters regularly! 

Dust on the floor in vent

When you have clean filters, your HVAC system can actually help you clean. What!? My air conditioning can help me clean? It’s true! An efficient system with a clean filter can help remove particles from the air. Consider running your fan, especially after dusting, to help circulate air and catch large particles. This will help reduce dust and cut down the hours you need to spend time cleaning! Here are some other suggestions to reduce dust:

  • Keep outdoor areas like patios, driveways, and porches well-swept so you’re not tracking dirt in
  • Keep mats and rugs at entry points so that you can wipe your shoes at the door 
  • Use a filter with a higher MERV rating to capture finer particles 
  • Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration 
  • Consider reducing the upholstered items in your home (carpets, upholstered couches, drapes, pillows) in favor of hard services like hardwood that are easily cleaned and don’t harbor dust 

What are your best tips for beating dust?

How to Prolong the Life of Your AC Unit

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

Whether you’re purchasing a standalone AC unit or a central AC unit, air conditioners are a significant investment – but a worthwhile one! Since AC units can be costly, it’s important to try to extend their life as long as possible. What’s the best way to do that? Simply put, take care of it. Like other types of equipment, air conditioners need care and maintenance. With care, you can expect your unit to last an average of 10-15 years, although some models have been known to make to about 20 with routine maintenance. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your unit.

Outdoor AC Units

If you have an outdoor AC unit, you should make sure to place it in a cool, shady spot. Being in a cool location (for example, on the shady side of your home) will help the unit work less, which will prolong its lifespan. However, be sure that there isn’t too much grass or debris surrounding it. AC units need ventilation to work properly and keep the air following smoothly. Yard debris can block the vents and make the unit work twice as hard.

How To Prolong The Life Of Your AC Unit

If your unit is in a clear spot, you should check the area around it periodically. While it may have been clear when it was first installed, storms, windy days, or seasonal changes can cause debris to collect. If there are any blockages around the vents, turn the power off and clear them away. It’s also an excellent idea to schedule a regular cleaning and maintenance appointment once or twice a year.

Central AC Units

One of the most important things you can do for your central AC unit is to replace the air filters regularly.   A dirty air filter will make your AC work harder than it needs to – which leads to higher electricity bills, premature repairs, and a shorter lifespan. Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced every 30 – 60 days.

The ducts for your central HVAC system push the conditioned air from the heating and cooling units in your home. Dirty air ducts can lessen the efficiency of your unit. Likewise, leaks, gaps, loose seams, or obstructions in the ducts can allow cool air to escape before it reaches the rooms of your home, which can make the unit work harder to cool your home. Ducts should be inspected regularly and should have adequate insulation.The bottom line is, treat your AC unit well and it will provide many years of cool, comfortable air for you. If it’s been a while since your AC unit has had maintenance, schedule a service call with our expert technicians. We can check the health of your unit, replace filters, clean ducts, and more. We also offer a planned maintenance agreement, the easiest way to keep up with your AC maintenance. We’ll come out twice a year and perform a wide range of maintenance and inspections on your system. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on all repairs, no after-hours charges, and priority service! Schedule your appointment today by calling 864-639-2424.

Heat Pumps Vs. Air Conditioning: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

If it’s time to replace the cooling system in your home, you may be trying to decide between an air conditioner and a heat pump. While both can provide cooling for your home, they have different benefits, so it’s important to choose a system that fits your needs.

Heat Pumps | Air Conditioning

In warm weather, a heat pump and an AC unit work essentially the same; they both cool indoor air. During the winter when you need to heat your home, an AC unit can’t help; this is why homes with AC typically also have a furnace or electric heat. A heat pump can provide heat as well as cooling. Here’s a deeper look at the advantages and limitations of each type of unit.

Types of Heat Pumps and AC systems.

Heat pumps are devices that transfer the heat inside a home and the air outside. In warmer climates, heat pumps extract the heat from indoor air and transfer it outside; during cold temperatures, it reverses the process.  

There are two main types of heat pumps: air sourced and geothermal. An air-source heat pump uses heat from the outside air, while geothermal ones extract the heat from the ground. There are two different designs for heat pumps/AC systems as well: split type and packaged units.

A split type heat pump has a separate indoor and outdoor unit.

Packaged heat pumps contain all the system’s components housed in a single unit. Heat pumps can be connected to an air handler with heat strips or a gas or propane furnace (known as a dual fuel system) that supplements heating during extremely cold temperatures. Heat strips are only utilized during the defrost cycle of the heat pump or when temperatures hit below 30 degrees when the heat pump has difficulty extracting heat from the air.

A mini-split system can be cooling only or heat pump… The indoor unit is mounted on the wall or as an air handler connected to a small duct system.

A window unit can be either cooling only or a heat pump and combines all components into a single box-like unit that can be fit onto a window. These are typically best for a single room.

Portable air conditioning units are similar to window units, but they can be moved easily throughout the home. Most are cooling only.

Heat Pumps Benefits

  • Generally more cost-effective and energy-efficient than other types of heating
  • Safer than gas furnaces and relatively environmentally friendly
  • Provides both cooling and heating, which eliminates the need for separate systems
  • Reliable with a long lifespan averaging 10 – 15 years
  • Purchasing an energy-efficient model may qualify for tax rebates
  • Requires less maintenance than traditional heating and cooling systems like stoves or fireplaces.

Costs

The cost of a heat pump with installation can vary greatly, as it’s dependent on factors like unit type, size, energy efficiency ratings, installation location, and the amount of ductwork needed. Averagely, it can cost anywhere from $4,100 to up to $20,000 for geothermal unit installation.

Air Conditioners

Like heat pumps, air conditioners transfer heat from indoors to the outside, but they’re only able to provide cooling. Air conditioners consist of both outdoor and indoor units. The outdoor unit consists of a condenser, compressor, and fan. This connects to an indoor unit with a blower and evaporator coil. Air conditioners are connected to either an air handler with heat strips or a gas or propane furnace. Refrigerant circulates through the condenser and evaporator, which allows the air conditioner to absorb heat from the indoor air. The cold air that results from this process is then pumped through the ducts using the fan.

Air Conditioner Benefits

Air Conditioning
  • Offers an optimal indoor climate even during the hottest temperatures
  • Can encourage better sleep due to steady, comfortable room temperatures
  • Can help improve air quality by reducing allergens and pollutants
  • Can reduce dehydration
  • Long lifespan averaging 10 – 15 years

AC Costs

Like heat pumps, air conditioner costs can vary significantly depending on the type, energy efficiency rating, installation location, and unit size. The unit itself can be anywhere from $150 to $10,000. Another factor that can affect the installation costs is the amount of ductwork needed to set up the system. While purchasing a more energy-efficient model can be more expensive initially, it can save you money on energy costs over time.Since both air conditioners and heat pumps last for over a decade, it’s important to consider which system is best for your cooling needs. If you’re unsure which system to choose, we’re always happy to offer recommendations and find the best solution for your needs. We also provide complete installation, repairs, and maintenance for your HVAC systems. Give us a call today at 864-639-2424 to learn more or schedule an appointment.