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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!

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

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Many of us tend to think air pollution is only found outdoors. In fact, the air inside our homes can be as much as 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Although many people recognize the hazards posed by outdoor air pollution, there tends to be less concern over the health hazards caused by indoor air pollution—even though it often has the same effects. 

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air in and around buildings—specifically as it relates to human health and comfort. The primary sources of indoor air pollution are items in the home that release particles or gases into the environment. If there’s not enough ventilation to disperse these pollutants, they can build up and become concentrated in the home. High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase the concentration of some pollutants. 

Some of the most common sources of poor indoor air quality include:

  • Gas appliances
  • Tobacco products
  • Building materials and furnishings, such as asbestos-based insulation, carpet, pressed-wood cabinetry, and upholstery
  • Household cleaning products
  • Personal care products
  • Products used for hobbies, such as paint or glue
  • Excess moisture
  • Outdoor sources, such as pesticides
  • Dirty or poorly maintained furnaces or air conditioners
  • Dust
  • Pet dander
  • Cooking

How Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Health?

Indoor air pollutants may cause health issues shortly after exposure or years later. Immediate effects tend to be short-term and go away after treatment. Some immediate effects include:

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Everyone’s reaction to indoor pollutants can vary depending on age, preexisting medical conditions, and individual sensitivity. Long-term health effects may show up years after exposure or after prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants, including:

  • Respiratory conditions
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, it’s still recommended to take steps to improve indoor air quality to prevent potential long-term effects. 

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate allergens and pollutants from your home, there are several simple changes you can make to reduce them and your exposure. 

  1. Clean your home regularly to reduce dust, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. Vacuum the carpets and rugs at least once or twice a week using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Clean up areas of clutter and wash bedding, drapes, and other items that attract tend to attract allergens. 
  2. Use sterile soil for indoor plants and only water them when the soil is dry to prevent mold growth. 
  3. If you have a forced air heating system, change the filters regularly and have the ducts cleaned periodically to remove trapped dust. 
  4. Invest in an air purifier to help capture indoor irritants. 
  5. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home to prevent mold growth. 
  6. Open your windows from time to time to allow fresh air to circulate. 
  7. Use fans while cooking to remove fumes from the kitchen. 

For the Best Air Quality Solutions, Contact PECO

Whether you need your HVAC filters replaced or would like to install an air purification system, PECO Heating & Cooling offers a number of air quality solutions to help you breathe easier. Contact us today at (864) 639-2424 to discuss your needs. 

Getting Your Home Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

Getting Your Home Air Conditioner
Ready For Summer

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Summer may be months away, but spring is the perfect time to get your air conditioner prepped and ready for warm, sunny days ahead!

Your AC unit sits idle for months during the fall and winter, collecting leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you don’t do a bit of maintenance on it, you might need to have it serviced in the summer—and as the busiest time for AC repair, this means you may end up waiting longer to get your unit up and running again. By doing a little maintenance now, you can keep your AC running great all season long. 

At PECO Heating & Cooling, we’re always happy to help you with any of your air conditioning needs. However, if you’d like to perform some basic maintenance yourself, here are a few helpful tips. Keep in mind that repairs should always be left to the professionals!

Understanding Your Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners have two primary components: the condenser, which is usually located outdoors, and an evaporator, which is mounted on the furnace or air handler. These two components work together to extract heat from the room using refrigeration technology. The furnace or air handler then blows the cooled, dehumidified air through the ducts and into the room. 

1.    Clean and/or Replace Your HVAC Filters 

This is one of the easiest and most important types of AC maintenance you can perform yourself. Most HVAC systems use a reusable or replaceable filter, which is usually located inside the air-inlet side of the air handler or furnace. Some systems also use air filters in the return air registers throughout the home. 

Air filters should be cleaned or replaced at least twice a year or whenever start looking clogged. If you have a large household, pets, or family members with allergies or other respiratory conditions, you may want to consider replacing them more frequently. Replacing your air filters will ensure the airflow doesn’t get restricted and allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently. Clean air filters also prevent dust from being recirculated in your home. 

2.    Clear Debris Away from the Condenser

After you’ve cleaned the condenser, remove any leaves or debris that have collected near its base. If your AC unit has a drain, make sure the drain is clear as well. Cut and remove any hedges, weeds or vines that could obstruct the condenser’s airflow.

3.    Check the Coolant Lines

The refrigerant tubes or pipes that run from the evaporator are usually covered with foam insulation. If any of the insulation is damaged or missing, it should be replaced. Foam insulation sleeves can be purchased online or at a hardware store. Wrap the lines in a spiral around the tubes or pipes and secure them using foam insulation tape. 

Your AC unit should start working again! If you have any issues, contact us to schedule an appointment.  

Get Your AC Ready for Summer with Professional Maintenance & Repairs

PECO is here to help! We’ll perform a thorough inspection and cleaning of the entire system, including the electrical connections, wiring, refrigerant levels, and other components. Don’t wait until summer to get your AC in gear—call PECO today at (864) 639-2424 or schedule an appointment online. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Home

Posted on by Mark Pfeiffer

With the frigid temperatures, protecting your pipes from freezing is an essential part of winter home maintenance. Water expands as it freezes; this can cause pipes to crack or burst, resulting in serious flooding and water damage to your home and belongings. Damaged pipes can also make your home more susceptible to mold growth. The pipes that are the most at risk are the ones that run against exterior walls or are located in uninsulated or unheated areas, like an attic or basement. 

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Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of burst pipes—and expensive property damage. If your pipes are already frozen, we’ll also provide some steps to take to thaw them out. 

  1. Disconnect Your Garden Hoses
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Once you’re done gardening for the season, disconnect all your garden hoses. Close off any shut-off valves and open the outdoor faucets so you can drain the line. Leave these open throughout the winter so there’s plenty of space for any water that may be trapped in the line to expand without damaging the pipes. Faucet covers, available at many hardware stores, are also a cost-effective way to give your pipes additional protection from the cold. If you have a sprinkler system, you’ll also want to drain the water from the supply lines.

  1. Add Insulation to Your Pipes
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Insulating your pipes is another cost-effective way to prevent them from bursting. Focus on insulating pipes in unheated areas, like garages, crawl spaces, attics, or basements. The pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks can also be vulnerable to damage when the temperatures drop low enough, so you may also want to consider applying foam insulation to them, too. Wrapping your pipes in thermostat-controlled heat cables or heat tape can also prevent them from freezing. 

  1. Seal Air Leaks

Take some time to look around your home for any openings or cracks that are letting in cold air, and seal them with caulk or insulation. Pay close attention to holes around electrical wiring, pipes in the interior or exterior walls, the sill plates, dryer vents and pipes, and where your home rests on its foundation. Also, make a point to keep your garage door closed, except when you’re going in or out. 

  1. Open the Cabinets and Doors in Your Home

Opening the cabinets and doors in your home will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes and keep the heat evenly distributed. If you have young children or pets, make sure to remove any household chemicals in your cabinets first.

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  1. Keep Your Faucets Dripping

Leaving a few faucets (preferably those fed by exposed pipes) dripping overnight helps relieve pressure on the pipes and prevent ice from forming. 

  1. Keep Your Home a Consistent Temperature

During other times of the year, it’s best to set your thermostat to be lower at night or when you’re away from home; during the winter, however, consistent temperature is the key to keeping your pipes damage-free. If you plan to be away from home, set your thermostat to at least 55°F. Although this might raise your energy bill slightly, it’s worth it to prevent potential water damage from a burst pipe. 

Steps to Take if Your Pipes Are Frozen

If you think your pipes are already frozen, turn on the faucet; if the water is only dripping or trickling out, the pipe is likely blocked by ice. Inspect the exposed pipe for breaks or cracks. If you see any signs that the pipe has burst, turn off your home’s main water supply and call PECO Heating & Cooling right away. Don’t attempt to thaw the pipe on your own, because this could cause flooding. If you’re having trouble finding the main water line, we can guide you. We have a 24/7 answering service, so there’s always someone available to assist you!

If the pipe looks good, turn on the faucet and let the flowing water melt the ice. Use a heating pad, hairdryer, warm damp towels, or a space heater to apply gentle heat to a frozen section of the pipe. Don’t use anything that has an open flame, like a lighter or blow torch to thaw the pipe because this can damage it (and it’s a fire hazard). If you can’t access the pipe or thaw it safely, give PECO a call at (864) 639-2424!

Program Your Thermostat in 4 Easy Steps

Posted on by Mark Pfeiffer
Program Your Thermostat in 4 Easy Steps Image 1

Do the controls on your thermostat leave you feeling frustrated or confused? If so, you’re not alone! Whether you have a programmable model or a smart thermostat, setting a schedule isn’t always as clear as it should be—but it’s worth doing because it can help you save money on energy bills.  

Although some smart thermostats can “learn” and create a schedule by manually imputing a few days’ worths of temperature settings, most of them need you to program a schedule with your desired temperatures. This is usually done through a smartphone app rather than through the thermostat itself. Although it may feel like a daunting task, setting a schedule isn’t that difficult as long as you understand the programming process. 

How to Program Your Thermostat

  1. Know Your Thermostat’s Schedule

Before you start programming your thermostat, you’ll need to know what its scheduling allows. For example, does it allow you to schedule temperatures on a daily, weekly, and/or weekday and weekend basis?

If it lets you set a daily schedule, you can program a different schedule for each day of the week; a weekly schedule will allow you to set one schedule to use seven days a week. A weekday/weekend schedule will allow you to set one schedule for the weekdays and a separate one for the weekends. Nearly all programmable thermostats let you set daily schedules; many of them also offer weekday/weekend schedules. 

After you’ve figured out which type of scheduling your thermostat uses, make a note of the following for each day of the week:

  • When you and your family typically wake up 
  • When you leave home
  • When you return home
  • When you go to bed

This list will make it much easier to figure out scheduling when you’re ready to start programming your thermostat!

  1. Select Your Temperature Settings
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Next, you’ll want to jot down your preferred temperatures for different times of the day—generally, you’ll find these temperature settings listed as “home,” “away,” and “sleep” in your thermostat. To save the most money on heating and cooling costs, follow these guidelines from the Department of Energy:

  • Set your “away” and “sleep” temperatures at 4 to 6 degrees different from your “home” temperature; make sure to set this higher during the summer and lower in the winter. 
  • During the summer, set your air conditioning as high as is comfortable for when you’re home and higher when you’re gone. 
  • During the winter, set your “home” temperature to 68° F.
  • Make sure to update your schedule as the seasons change. 
  1. Create Your Schedule in the Thermostat

Once you have your family’s schedule and your preferred temperatures, you can start programming your thermostat. If you’re using a daily schedule, you’ll need to do the following process seven times; for weekly schedules, you’ll only need to do it once. For weekday and weekday schedules, you’ll need to do it two to three times, depending on your model. 

Start by checking your owner’s manual to find out how to access the scheduling feature. If you don’t have the manual anymore, you can often find a copy online by searching for the manufacturer and model number. 

  1. Select a day of the week and put in the time when you want the first period of the day to start and the temperature you’d like it to be during that period. 
  2. Set the next period and temperature; repeat until you’ve set a schedule for the entire day. Note: some models will let you copy the schedule you set and apply it to the following days. 

If you have a smart thermostat, it should have a scheduler builder feature in the app that will walk you through the steps. 

  1. Start the Schedule

After you’ve set up the schedule, you’ll need to activate it. Regardless of the type of thermostat you have, there should be a button to enable the schedule, or it will say “hold” on the display. Push the hold button, and your new schedule should be active. 

Setting a schedule for your thermostat according to the Department of Energy’s guidelines will keep you comfortable year-round and help you save up to 10% on your energy bills, if you select set points that are not too extreme.  

Turn your thermostat to 80 degrees in the summer when you are away at work, then set it to 72 when you get home. The effect of a high (or very low temp in the winter) is that every item in your living space; furniture, walls, floors and ceils will reach that temperature by the time you get home. This means everything in your living space will have to reach the desired “at home” temperature before you feel the effects.   

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To achieve this temperature your system will run constantly for about 4 hours or more depending upon the efficiency of the system.  Setting the thermostat closer to the 72 desired when you are at home….74/76 degrees, then it will run less overall, because of run time during the day. With the rising cost of energy, it can help you save a significant amount of money in the long run. 

PECO is Here to Help

Hopefully, this has made you feel more confident about programming your thermostat! However, if you can’t find the owner’s manual to get into the schedule settings, or you’re still having trouble getting your schedule set up, we’re always here to help! We can also assist you with troubleshooting issues with your thermostat, installing a new thermostat, and much more. Contact PECO Heating & Cooling today at 864-639-2424 or schedule a service appointment online!

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
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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?

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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.

Can a Heat Pump Save You Money?

Posted on by Mark Pfeiffer
Lennox Heat Pump

Have you been thinking about upgrading your heating and cooling system? If so, you should consider having an air source heat pump installed. Heat pumps act as both a heater and air conditioning unit—and they can help you save money without sacrificing your comfort!

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

Most heating systems rely on burning fuel or converting electricity to generate heat. In contrast, heat pumps don’t generate heat—they move existing heat from the outdoors into your home. This allows them to provide more heat energy than the electrical energy heat pumps need to operate. 

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This works the same as a traditional air conditioner in cooling mode. Air source heat pumps consist of a compressor and two copper or aluminum coils. One of the coils is installed outdoors and the second one is indoors. In the wintertime, the outdoor coil uses liquid refrigerant to convert the absorbed heat from the air into a gas. The gas refrigerant releases the heat through the indoor coil and then reverts back to a liquid. 

You may be wondering how the heat pump can extract heat from the outside air when it’s cold outside. All outside air contains some heat until the temperatures drop to absolute zero (-459.67° F). 

In warm temperatures, the heat pump works in reverse to provide cooling; it essentially moves heat from the indoor air outside. 

How Can an Air Source Heat Pump Save Me Money?

Save Money with Heat Pump PECO

In the past, air source heat pumps were mainly used in moderate climates, but recent technological developments have made them an excellent option for even colder climates. 

A new 16-17 SEER heat pump can reduce energy consumption by an average of 20-30% with a single stage split system. The high-efficiency variable speed heat pumps also do a better job of dehumidifying than single stage central air conditioning or heat pump systems, so you can enjoy lower cooling costs in the summer and better comfort. 

Like a traditional HVAC, heat pumps should be serviced twice a year. If you can only get LP gas for a furnace system you can save money with a high efficiency heat pump by eliminating the need for LP Gas fuel delivery which is more money per BTU.  Natural gas furnaces are still the most efficient at lower temperatures for the dollars spent.   The best of both worlds is a dual fuel system – heat pump with natural gas furnace.  The heat pump is more efficient in heating down to 50 degrees, then the furnace will take over.

Yet another cost-saving benefit is that heat pumps can protect against inflation and the rising cost of energy. According to a report from January this year:

  • Households with natural gas heating systems can expect to spend 30% more this winter than they did in 2021 which is still lower than using a moderately efficient heat pump system
  • Households that heat their homes using electricity are expected to spend approximately 6% more this year than the previous year.
  • Households that heat their homes using propane or heating oil can expect to spend up to 54% and 43% more this year, respectively and these fuels are already more money per BTU. 

As the most effective electric heating system on the market, heat pumps are a great long-term investment. With a variable speed, variable capacity system you can get a return on your investment.

Ready to Install a Heat Pump? 

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It’s clear heat pumps have several advantages over traditional HVAC systems:

  • Heating and cooling capability in a single unit
  • Very efficient – comes in a variety of SEER efficiencies
  • Runs on electricity; lower energy costs

If you’re ready to switch to a heat pump system, PECO Heating & Cooling is here to help! We offer installations, maintenance, and repairs for heat pumps, heat pump split systems and dual fuel heat pump systems with gas furnaces. We’ll evaluate your space and heating needs and make recommendations on the best unit for your home. Although we primarily work with Lennox products, we offer service for all heat pump brands. 

To find out if a heat pump is the right choice for your home, call PECO today at (864) 639-2424 or contact us online.

Maintenance Tips to Get Your Air Conditioning Summer-Ready

Posted on by Mark Pfeiffer

Few things are worse than discovering on the first sweltering hot day of summer that your air conditioner isn’t working! Unfortunately, this is often the case if your annual maintenance is overdue. However, spring is the perfect time to schedule a service call or perform some basic maintenance to ensure your AC is ready to keep you cool this summer. 

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So why does this happen? Central air conditioners use an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor. The condenser (which is the part of the unit that needs to be cleaned and maintained) is usually located outdoors. During the cold winter months, while your air conditioner has been sitting idle, it’s been collecting leaves and other types of debris. To get your AC into shape for the warm weather ahead, it’s important to clean the condenser, replace the filters, and perform some minor checks. 

How to Perform Basic Maintenance 

Although we recommend staying up-to-date with your annual maintenance service, we have several tips to help you get your AC ready to cool your home efficiently this summer.

  1. Shut off power to your AC unit and condenser

Safety always comes first! Before performing any maintenance, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker to your AC unit. You should also turn off the power to the condenser at the service panel. The condenser unit will look like a large metal box with a fan and grilles on the sides. Condensers usually have a 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box containing a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker to shut off the condenser; this will be located near the unit and should be turned off as well. 

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  1. Clean or replace the AC filters

The filters should be cleaned or replaced whenever they start to look dirty and clogged with dust and debris. At the very least, make a point to clean or replace them twice a year. If the air filters are dirty, it will restrict airflow and affect how efficiently your AC runs. Dusty filters can also cause respiratory issues because they recirculate the dust into your home. 

  1. Clean your condenser coils.

It is not recommended you disassemble the outdoor or indoor units as there are electronic circuit boards, high and low voltage wires as well as delicate refrigerant lines.  

  • Gently hose down the outdoor coils with a hose.  High pressure can cause damage to the coils and splash on the electrical circuit boards.  Never use a pistol sprayer or high pressure washer to clean your coils.  
  • If it looks like you still can’t see through the coils after this or there is dirt matting them, call PECO and we can professionally clean them for you.
  1. Remove debris from the base

After you’ve cleaned the condenser coils, clear out all the leaves and debris that have accumulated at the base of the condenser. If your AC unit has a drain, you’ll also need to make sure it’s clear of any debris. 

  1. Check the coolant lines

The coolant lines are usually covered with foam insulation, and run from the AC’s evaporator on the air handler to the condenser. Check the insulation for any damage; if you see areas that are frayed or missing, replace them with new foam insulation sleeves. If you don’t have foam insulation sleeves, you can wrap the lines with foam insulation tape. 

  1. Test your AC unit
Peco AC Blog 3

Once you’ve finished cleaning the unit, it’s time to turn the power back on and test it using these steps:

  • Turn the thermostat in your home off.
  • Turn the power on at the disconnect box and the main panel. 
  • Switch your indoor thermostat to cool. 

If your AC is working as it should, great! If not, you’ll need to schedule a service call. Although basic maintenance can be DIY, repairs should always be handled by a skilled HVAC professional. 

PECO Will Help You Get Your AC in Gear for Summer!

If you feel uncomfortable performing maintenance yourself or your AC isn’t working right, PECO is here to help! We’ll check the entire system, including refrigerant levels, electrical connections, wiring, and other components, so you can be confident your system is in proper working order. Our expert technicians can quickly diagnose any issues and get your AC up and running in no time. Don’t put off your AC maintenance until the dog days of summer! Contact PECO today at (864) 639-2424 and enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures all summer long.

Unwanted Houseguests? Check your Flow!

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling
unwanted houseguests check your flow

Ready to pack your stuff and move into a new place? Before moving in, you might want to see who signed the guest book and never left. Pollen, dust mites, textile and carpet fibers, mold spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria, and smoke are just some of the unwanted house guests that might have been left behind by previous residents. And, without some work, they might not ever leave!

Low residential airflow makes things stuffy, stale, and even unhealthy. It also causes hot and cold spots. You can also suffer from low flow in your wallet because it costs so much more to keep yourself comfortable with an inefficient system.

Don’t go with the flow. Be the flow!

Friction and turbulence slow your flow. It’s the same as being on I-85 at rush hour. Stalled cars and merged lanes cause traffic to crawl. Friction is caused by the buildup of dirt and grime in HVAC components, filters, and ducts. This causes airflow to come to a standstill. Turbulence occurs when air rubs against itself and is caused by poorly installed duct systems with sharp curves.  

What can you do to increase flow? It takes an expert to see trouble spots. We can inspect your duct system to see if it is damaged, badly designed or sloppily constructed. We can also check out your heating and cooling system to make sure that filters and coils are clean and operating right. Once we get things running smooth, we offer a Planned Maintenance Agreement (PMA) to keep it at peak efficiency. For a minimal investment, we can come to your home twice each year. We will clean filters and burners, check coils, motors, amperage, and all other components of your system. You gain peace of mind and lower energy bills. We also give PMA customers a 10% discount on repairs, priority status and never charge them overtime for nights and weekends.

Start Fresh!

At PECO Heating and Cooling, we want you to make a fresh start in your new home! We also provide a wide range of home maintenance and repairs, including home inspection repairs, plumbing, and electrical services. For a housewarming without unwanted guests,  call 864-639-2424 or visit us online to schedule an appointment today.

How to Protect Your Home and AC System from a Lightning Storm

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

Lightning never strikes twice, they say, but it is more likely to strike in some places than others. Despite a tragic, recent Independence Day incident, it is relatively uncommon for people to be struck by lightning in South Carolina. Our homes and electrical appliances, unfortunately, are at much higher risk. It just takes one power surge caused by a lightning strike to ruin your AC unit, leading to costly repairs or replacement. Did we mention the heat you’ll have to suffer through until your air conditioner is up and running again?

how to protect your home and ac system from a lightning storm

When lightning strikes near a power line, it can cause a power surge that flows through your home’s electrical system. The spike in voltage during a power surge can damage components of household electronics by causing an arc of current. This arc overloads the system and damages components due to the sheer heat generated by a surge.

Your air conditioner may not be top of the list when you think of “electronics” or “appliances” but it’s also at great risk of power surges!

How Do You Reduce Your Risk?

The manual method is to turn off the power at the breaker during a storm but it is a hassle, inconvenient to have the power off, and impossible to do when you are not home. A better long term solution is a high-quality, whole-house surge protector that we wire to your electrical service box.

Though installation of a whole-house surge protector is not inexpensive, consider the prices of all the appliances and electronics in your home. Protecting these devices, worth thousands of dollars, may make the investment worthwhile.

If you are relying on insurance to help you out in the event your air conditioner gets fried by a lightning-fueled surge, you may want to reconsider. Insurance policies aren’t always straight-forward. You will be required to establish that your damage was due to a storm, and some policies don’t even cover air conditioners. Let’s not forget deductibles! Maybe the best insurance is to install a whole-house surge protector.

So, you didn’t get a whole-house surge protector?

If a thunderstorm cooks your unprotected air conditioner, we are happy to help you get the cool air flowing again as soon as possible. We can help you diagnose the damage and help you decide if repairs are possible or if you need to install a new unit. We can also make sure that everything is properly grounded when your system is brought back to life. If you would then like to discuss additional levels of surge protection for your air conditioning system we would be glad to research and recommend products that will make sense for your home. Whether you’re looking to avoid costly air conditioning damages or are dealing with a damaged unit now, contact your Home Service Heroes.

We’re a family-owned business and we take great pride in offering high-quality home repair with even higher quality attention to our customer’s needs. We’re available 24/7 and service Oconee, Pickens, and North Anderson counties. As well as maintaining, installing and fixing heating and cooling systems, we are also licensed plumbing contractors. We can fix or build anything that moves gas or water through your house and we even repair and remodel homes. If you’re thinking of insuring your home against a lightning strike with a whole-house surge protector, call the whole-house experts at PECO today at 864-639-2424 or request an appointment online.