Happy Holidays from Your Local Louisville HVAC Contractor!

December 24th, 2012

Everyone at Accutemp Heating & Air Conditioning wishes you a very happy holiday! We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers who make our business possible. We look forward to working with you in the future. Have a wonderful celebration, and enjoy this time with friends and family!

And a quick reminder, if you haven’t yet scheduled a maintenance visit for your heating system, you could be losing money. Annual maintenance will not only cut down on repair costs, but it also ensures that your system is running as efficiently as possible, which lowers utility bills. A comfortable, efficient home is a gift that everyone can appreciate.

Happy Holidays from Accutemp Heating & Air Conditioning!

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Louisville Heating Question: Why Did My Heater Break Down?

December 17th, 2012

There is really no convenient time for your heater to break down. It is never a pleasant experience, and a lot of times it is made all the more frustrating by the fact that the breakdown could have been easily avoided. As a homeowner in Louisville, it is important that you understand some common causes of heater breakdowns and what you yourself can do to reduce the risk of this occurrence. The home Louisville heating experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning have put together some information to help you keep your home warm with confidence. For more information contact your professional service provider.

There are a lot of different reasons why the heater in your home may break down. If you are lucky it may just be a matter of an electrical outage or a blown circuit. Check your breaker to ensure that this quick fix is not the case.

Forced air systems may suffer from the blockage of air flow, causing the furnace or heat pump to shut down. Make sure that all of your registers are cleared and that air filters are changed regularly. There may also be a problem with the ignition system or pilot light.

The best way to ensure that you do not get stuck in a cold home waiting for an emergency heating system repair this winter is to schedule regular, professional maintenance for your heater. Do not make the mistake of operating a heater in compromised condition. It puts your comfort and the condition of the heater in your Louisville home at risk. Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule the services you need to minimize the risk of a heater breakdown this heating season.

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Louisville Heating Tip: Top 3 Benefits of Heat Pumps

December 10th, 2012

Are you in the market for a new heat pump for your Louisville home? Although there are many benefits to having a heat pump installed in your home,  there are three main benefits that we have seen make a difference for our customers.

1. Heat Pumps Provide Heating and Air Conditioning in One System

Air source heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, either in a traditional split system that uses ductwork as in a forced air system. Or you can choose to install a ductless mini split heat pump that distributes the air with individual units. These are more efficient because there’s no potential for energy loss through leaky ductwork.

2. Higher Efficiency Ratings

Heat pumps tend to have higher efficiency ratings than furnaces and boilers because they transfer the air from outside to heat or cool the inside. The only energy used is the electricity used to run the compressor. Heat pumps have an HSPF rating for the heat and a SEER rating for the AC.

3. Split System Heat Pumps Work with Existing Ductwork

If you are trying to choose between a ductless system and a standard heat pump or high-efficiency furnace, talk with an HVAC contractor to help you choose. You may decide that it is worth the investment for a ductless system over a forced air if your ducts are in poor condition, or if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork.

Call the Louisville heating experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning if you would like to know more about the benefits of a heat pump.

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When to Schedule Heating Repair Service in Louisville

December 3rd, 2012

During the winters here in Louisville, having a good heating system is critical to remaining comfortable. But every heating system eventually needs to be repaired. It can sometimes be hard to know when that time is. We all want to avoid having to pay for repairs, but knowing when it’s time to call a heating contractor can help you keep warm through the winter. At AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning, we are passionate about keeping all of our customers’ heating systems working well. We thought that it would be a good idea to put together some of the signs that should tell you that you need heating repairs in your home.

Furnace Sounds

Furnaces are one of the most popular heating systems in the United States. They provide reliable and comfortable heat. But if you start to hear strange sounds coming from you furnace it could the symptoms of a very dangerous problem.

  • Rattling – While furnaces can make a lot of differences sounds, rattling can indicate that your heat exchanger is cracked. Your heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that goes into your home and also for exhausting all of the dangerous combustion fumes that result from burning fuel. If the heat exchanger is cracked, harmful fumes like carbon monoxide could be entering your home’s air supply.

No Heat

If your heating system has stopped producing heat it could be time to call for a contractor to perform heating repairs at your Louisville home. Here are some of the common causes of no heat.

  • Furnace – If your furnace has stopped providing heat to your home, if could be the pilot light as well. It might also be the thermostat in your home or it could be something as simple as a clogged air filter.
  • Heat pump – If your heat pump has stopped producing heat, it could also be because of thermostat or clogged air filter. But it might also be because of a refrigerant leak.

While these are only a couple of the problems that need heating repairs, they should give you some good ideas to think about the next time you start your heating system. You should always try to pay attention to how much your heating is costing you and any unusual things your heating system is doing.

Give the experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning a call if you suspect anything is wrong with your heating system. Contact us today!

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Home Heating Options in Louisville, KY

November 26th, 2012

Are you in the market for a new heating system in the Louisville, KY area? Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning if you are looking for a heating system for a new home or to replace an older furnace or heat pump. We can go over the different options and help you select the right one.

First, here are few things to consider as you start to think about what type of system is right for you and your heating needs.

Switching from Central Heat and Air to a Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump

If you have a central heating and air conditioning that is run by a furnace, heat pump, or combination system, you may want to think about a ductless system. While air source heat pumps can be highly efficient, the air loss from leaky ductwork can cancel out those energy savings. Older homes tend to have poorly-designed ductwork, or air ducts that are in bad condition. If you have known problems with airflow or any part of your duct system, a ductless heat pump may be the most cost-effective solution for you. However, it’s always best to speak with a professional heating contractor to help you make the best choice.

Heat Pump vs. Furnace

After you’ve spoken with a professional about your options, say you have decided on a heat pump or simply a furnace to heat your home. You may want to use a gas furnace to back up an electric heat pump. In that case, you can also choose a dual fuel automated system that will automatically switch to the backup heater when the heat pump is not working as efficiently during colder weather. This is also something to go over with your contractor as you decide what the best option is for your needs.

Zone Control

You can also choose to upgrade your forced air system to a zone control system. This is done by adding dampers inside the ductwork and a control system that will close the dampers to the rooms that are not being used. Zone control is a more efficient way to heat only the areas that are occupied at any given time in your home. It also helps provide more comfort to suit individual needs.

Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning if you have further questions about heating your Louisville, KY area home.

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3 Reasons to Replace Your Louisville Furnace

November 19th, 2012

If you have an older furnace then you’ve likely enjoyed years of consistent heat and comfort for your home in Louisville. But there are several good reasons why you may want to think about replacing your furnace. If your furnace has stopped working, then it’s obviously time for a new one to be installed. We’ve also included some information to think about before you decide on a new furnace. As with most things around your house, using the services of a professional Louisville heating contractor will make the process much smoother.

Efficiency

If you’re considering getting a new furnace, one of the main benefits that you will most likely experience is an increase in efficiency. Older furnaces typically have about a 60% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. The AFUE rating measures the percentage of fuel that is actually converted into heat. So a 60% AFUE rated furnace means that 60% of the fuel you’ve bought gets turned into heat while the other 40% is wasted. Newer furnaces can have a 95% or higher AFUE rating. So you can see how much more efficient newer furnaces can be.

Safety

Another reason to consider a new furnace is that there have been many developments when it comes to the safety features available on them. New furnaces have high limit switches on them that can sense the temperature of the air leaving the furnace. This helps them detect fires that occur in the air handler or in the combustion chamber. When activated, the switches will shut down the furnace to extinguish the flames. Newer furnaces also have sensors for the burners. It can detect when the entire burner is lit in order to prevent gas from leaking out. All of these features are designed to give you peace of mind and to keep you and your family safe.

Repair Costs

If you have an older furnace, you may have noticed that it requires more repair services as it ages. This is a natural part of the furnace’s life. Replacing it when you start to notice those signs can potentially reduce the amount of money that you have to spend to keep it working. It will also mean that you receive more consistent heat in your home. With a reliable furnace, your home will be more comfortable.

If you have any questions about the installation process for a new furnace in your Louisville home, contact the experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning. We have years of experience working with all types and brands of furnaces. We would be more than happy to talk with you about the options for your home. Give us a call today! 

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Furnace Noises and What They Mean: Louisville Furnace Tip

November 12th, 2012

We hear all kinds of noises coming from our homes in Louisville. In particular, your furnace can produce some very strange and eerie noises. But how do you know if this is just part of the furnace’s normal operation or if it is a problem that needs attention? We have answered countless calls for service to homes whose furnace is making a strange sound. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common ones that we’ve encountered. If the furnace in your Louisville home is making strange sounds, call the heating experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Rumbling

If you hear a rumbling sound in your furnace this can be cause by a couple of things. This could the a sign that your burners are dirty and need to be cleaned immediately. But if you have an oil-burning furnace, it might mean that there is oil in the combustion chamber. This could lead to fumes or carbon monoxide leaking into your home. Call a contractor immediately.

Squealing

Have you ever heard a car start up and make a terrible squealing sound? This sound is caused by an old or worn out belt. This is normally the case with the belt for your blower’s fan. If the fan’s belt is worn out it will rub and make a squealing sound. However, this could also be the result of old bearings.

Rattling

This is an extremely serious problem. Rattling can sometimes mean that you have a cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchange does two things: heat the air and exhaust dangerous fumes. If you have a crack in your exchanger, carbon monoxide and other exhaust fumes could be entering your air supply. But this may simply be a loose cover panel. You should call a licensed contractor immediately.

If you have any questions about the furnace in your home in Louisville and the noises that it makes, call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today. Our heating experts have years of experience working with all types and brands of furnaces. We can help you figure out exactly what the noises are and if you need immediate repairs. 

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Gas vs. Electric Furnaces in Louisville

November 5th, 2012

Furnaces are one of the most popular ways that people choose to heat their Louisville homes. Once you’ve decided on a furnace, though, there is the fuel choice to consider. Is a gas or electric furnace right for your home? Both options have their pros and cons, and it can be a difficult decision to make. At AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning we believe in educating our customers so that they can make the best decision for their homes, so here is some information about both furnace options to get you started. If you find that you still have any questions about whether a gas or electric furnace is right for your Louisville home, call the home heating experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.

A major deciding factor whenever investing in a new heating system is the cost of the investment. This is where many people make a big mistake. As with most other purchase, it is not advisable to simply choose the cheapest model you can find of any furnace, whether it is a gas or electric. While the upfront cost may be lower you will probably wind up paying more for operational costs, maintenance and repair services due to the fact that the cheapest model is probably not the most reliable. It is important to think about not only the purchase price of your new furnace, but also the long term pros and cons.

For many consumers natural gas is the best option. Natural gas is almost always less expensive to purchase than electricity, and it tends not to waste as much energy as electricity does when heating your home. Again, though, this is not as clear cut as it seems. It is important to take into account the energy efficiency ratings of the furnaces that you are considering. While natural gas is a cheaper fuel option, an electric furnace with a better efficiency rating may actually be cheaper to operate, saving you money in the long run. Electric furnaces are also considered to be safer by some consumers, as there is no pilot light or combustible gas to deal with and if there is an overload the automatic breaker will simply cut off the furnace. Fewer moving parts also make electric furnace maintenance and repair service less frequent, which can also save you money.

Ultimately the best decision that you can make when choosing a new gas or electric furnace for your Louisville home is to do your research and ask questions. The more information that you have the more prepared you will be to make the best decision for your home heating needs. Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a professional furnace installation or to ask any questions that you may still have.

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Tips for Making Your Louisville Heating System More Efficient

October 29th, 2012

During the winter you will most likely be running your heating system every day to keep your home in Louisville comfortable. With energy prices on the rise, everyone is looking to save money while keeping their home as cozy as possible. We’ve put together some tips that you can use in your home to cut back on your heating bills and make your system more efficient.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

A dirty air filter can be the cause for many different problems with forced-air heating systems like heat pumps and furnaces. It can cause the furnace to overheat, to cycle on and off frequently and can restrict airflow. Changing the air filter can normally be done in a matter of seconds. A dirty air filter causes your system to have to work harder to push the air throughout your house. This kills its efficiency and can potentially be the cause of higher utility bills.

Have Your System Regularly Maintained

Regular maintenance might be able to greatly increase the efficiency of your system. During a regular maintenance visit, the heating technician can check for wear or repairs that need to be done. Keeping your system in good repair is critical to getting the most efficient performance out of it. Annual or bi-annual tune-ups will keep your fan blades, fan motor and any moving parts well lubricated and in good working order.

Make Sure You Aren’t Leaking Air

Another cause of inefficiencies is leaks or cracks in your heating system. One of the main culprits for this is insulation. If you have old insulation, it could be letting your heated air escape right to the outside. Your attic insulation might be the primary location for this waste. Another cause for leaks is your duct work. If your ducts have never been inspected, you may be losing heated air to the outside. Cracks and holes can develop in your ducts.

If you suspect that your Louisville heating system might be operating below peak efficiency, then call the heating experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Louisville Geothermal Guide: Different Types of Geothermal Repairs

October 22nd, 2012

Geothermal heating and air conditioning systems are gaining some popularity with homeowners in Louisville because of their potential to cut down on utility bills. But like every other heating and air conditioning system, something can go wrong and they can break down. We’ve put together a short list of some of the common repairs that we see with geothermal systems. If you’re experiencing any of these problems then call your local Louisville geothermal technician right away.

How Geothermal Systems Work

If you’re unfamiliar with how a geothermal system works, basically, they use renewable energy stored in the ground to heat and cool your home. When geothermal systems are installed, the technicians bury a system of pipes in the ground below your house where the temperature stays consistently 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. In heating mode, heat is absorbed from the ground and moved into your home using a geothermal heat pump in your house. In cooling mode, the process is reversed.

Common Geothermal System Repairs

While the concept of geothermal heating and air conditioning system might seem unfamiliar, the system is really pretty simple. The problems they experience are similar to other traditional heating and AC systems.

  • Not Enough Hot or Cold Air – This can be the result of a number of different issues. It could be that your thermostat is broken and not communicating with your geothermal system. It could also be that the geothermal heat pump is working incorrectly. Call your local Louisville geothermal company to come take a look at your system.
  • Low Airflow – This could the result of a number of different issues. One of the most common is a clogged air filter in your heat pump. If you change the filter and the problem still exists, it could be your ductwork. Often, ducts will crack or break and begin to leak air to the outside which can greatly impact performance.
  • The Slinky Problem – If your geothermal system was installed with a slinky layout—where the pipes in the ground are coiled to conserve space—then you could be experiencing some efficiency problems. The slinky layout is a highly efficient design—too efficient in some cases. This happens when too much heat is extracted from the ground and the system actually ends up losing heat into the ground (when it’s supposed to be drawing heat from the ground).

These are just a few of the problems that we have encountered as we provide geothermal services throughout the Louisville area. If you are experiencing these or other issues with your geothermal system, call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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