Can A Heat Pump Replace A Furnace?
With cold weather comes the need for a heating solution. Homeowners will want either a heat pump or a furnace to meet this need. Hotter weather brings different challenges. Before choosing one over the other it's important to understand the differences between the two.
Heat Pump Vs. Furnace
A heat pump is essentially the reverse of an air conditioning unit. Heat pumps bring warmer air from the outside to heat a home. They have one advantage over a furnace: cooling mode. If heat pumps have this feature they may double as an air condition unit in the summer.
A furnace, on the other hand, heats a home mostly using oil or naturals gas. Heat pumps use electricity. There are electric furnaces available. However, they consume a high amount of energy and may not be cost-efficient based upon the overall usage.
Weather and Usage
Freezing winters, hot summers, mild climates — these are the types of weather which should be taken into consideration. Freezing winter and hot summer will require the most energy usage. Mild climates will require the least energy usage.
A heat pump is generally considered a better choice for a mild climate. A furnace is generally considered a better choice for a more extreme climate. This is because furnaces work better than heat pumps in freezing temperatures. Therefore, a heat pump may replace a furnace depending on how mild a climate is.
Maintaining the Unit
Heat pumps and furnaces both break down over time. This is why regular maintenance is crucial to extend the life of the unit. Proper maintenance can save the owner hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We offer routine maintenance on both heat pumps and furnaces.
To learn more about our maintenance services click here. We also offer 24/7 service in the event of any system emergency. You may also contact us through our website or by dialing 713-987-4687.
Should I Have an AC or a Heat Pump in Houston?
You have plenty of choices when it comes to heating and cooling your home, each with its own pros and cons. One thing you'll have to consider when you're purchasing a new air conditioning system is whether to get a standard AC or opt for a heat pump. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a heat pump over an AC in Houston.
Versatility
The biggest reason to choose a heat pump over an AC is its versatility. A whole-house air conditioning system will be great during the hot summers, but it's not going to do you much good on cold winter nights. While ACs use a refrigerant to create the cold air that's pumped into your home, heat pumps work by pulling heat from outside to heat your home. This also means that heat pumps can be used to pull the heat out of your home and keep it cool. With a heat pump, you only need one system to handle everything.
Efficiency
Because heat pumps work on a set of basic principals and primarily use air, they're efficient. If you have an older system or your furnace runs on oil, switching to a heat pump can reduce your heating bill while upping the comfort level in your home. Since heat pumps are so efficient, there are plenty of utility companies out there that will give you a sizeable rebate for purchasing and installing a heat pump in your home.
Heat pumps still require ductwork, though—and maintenance. You'll have to measure for airflow and refrigerant charge, check for and seal leaks in the ductwork, make sure your thermostat is working correctly, and inspect various parts of the heat pump.
These tasks aren't for everyone. If you need help choosing a heat pump, getting it installed, and keeping it running for years to come, the heating professionals at P&M HVAC can help. Give us a call at (713) 987-4687 or contact us through our website.
Natural Home Cleaning Products
Did you know that consumer products such as cleaning detergents contribute an average of 20% pollution of indoor air quality? Various researchers have shown that these products released either volatile or semi-volatile organic substances responsible for air pollution. There is a high need to opt for natural cleaning products to maintain air quality in the home. P&M Indoor Air Quality services provide state of the art cleaning services. If you are looking for non-toxic cleaning supplies or information today is your lucky day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the best natural deodorizer with a mild abrasive action. You can use this for cleaning instead of the harsh commercial ones that reduce your home air quality. Baking soda is also easy to use. To remove food deposits in the sink, all you need to do is sprinkling it on a sponge and then scouring. If the grime is too tough, you can create a paste of the soda then applying it on the sink and let it stand for about 25 minutes.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is appreciated by many for its ability to soften clothes and reduces detergent residues. However, you need to be careful if your skin is sensitive. You can manage it by just adding a cup of vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has been used for cleaning for decades because it is not only cheap but also nontoxic. Apart from being antibacterial, hydrogen peroxide is antiviral which is why every home must have it for cleaning. It can be used to remove stains in carpets and on plastics.
Essential Oils
Homemade cleaning supplies must have essential oils. The oils are naturally antibacterial and also have the best smell. If you want to sanitize your kitchen or the bathroom, then the oils are a perfect solution.
Here are some of the all-natural cleaning essential oils:
• Lemon
• Tea Tree
• Rosemary
• White Orange
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
P&M indoor air quality is your reliable, caring partner. When you require home heating and cooling services, contact P&M.
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Carbon Monoxide Safety in Your Houston Home
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from car exhaust, appliances, and the furnace. When the gas is not properly ventilated, the indoor air quality is significantly impacted. Because it can not be seen or smelled, it easily poisons people as they go about their daily routines, and can and can be fatal for those who inhale it while sleeping. But there are ways that you can protect your home and practice carbon monoxide safety.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
The first thing you can do to protect your home from carbon monoxide is to install a carbon monoxide detector. A carbon monoxide detector acts similar to a smoke detector in that it will sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is detected. Remember, you can not see or smell the gas, so do not ignore the alarm. Open windows and doors to let fresh air inside, get everyone outside, and call 9-1-1. Do not go back inside until the authorities have cleared your home, and it is safe.
Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Unfortunately, the symptoms of carbon monoxide are similar to that of the flu and thus are confusing. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and Fatigue. However, unlike the flu, as the poisoning worsens fainting, increased heart rate, confusion, and loss of consciousness can occur. If there is a chance you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.
Service Furnace Regularly
A furnace that is not maintained or is not properly vented can emit carbon monoxide into your home. Have a reliable Houston heating repair and installation contractor perform routine maintenance on your furnace to ensure that it is not poisoning your home. If your furnace is old and can not be fixed, replace it immediately.
Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your furnace serviced. Rest assured we will check that everything is working properly to keep your home safe and carbon monoxide free.
Instead of Wasting Money on AC Repairs, Replace Your AC in Houston
A common question many homeowners ask is whether to keep repairing your current air conditioning system or to spend the money and upgrade. Often, upgrading is a wiser choice. There are a few factors and cost comparisons to consider when making this decision:
To determine which is the right course of action for you, the first thing you should do is total up the cost of repairs in the past few years. Next, find the difference in what you’re currently spending to run your air conditioning system per month to what it would cost to run a new, more energy efficient system each month. Compare how many years it would take for you to make up the cost of a new system with repairs at your current rate. Next, calculate how long it would take you to make up the cost of a new system with the amount you’d be saving every month on your energy bills. With these two cost comparisons, the solution should be fairly simple. Often times newer, more efficient units are the route to take. Not only is it likely that it will save you money on your monthly bills, the air conversion into your home is improved and your concern about costly repairs is diminished.
Whether or not you are going to upgrade your system, or if it makes more sense to continue scheduling air conditioning repair in Houston, P & M has the solution for you. If you’re interested in an upgrade, we have various affordable, energy-efficient cooling systems for you to consider. Contact us today! We look forward to serving you.
Why Tune Up Your AC System?
Sunny days in are fast approaching and you’ll need your AC unit to be performing at its very best. We’ve all been on the receiving end of a busted air conditioning unit. It’s never fun to sweat it out, especially when we could be having cool, comfortable fun indoors. We know the importance of beating the heat and we’re here to help you do just that with our air conditioning service. Summers can be tough but they don’t have to be. At P&M Air Conditioning and Heating, we’re here to provide you the best in AC maintenance and AC repair so that your air conditioning unit runs smoothly.
You might be asking yourself why regular maintenance of your AC unit is so important. There’s a great number of reasons that calling us over to your home to perform maintenance is essential. You never know when you might get hit with a heat wave and it can be difficult to get through those without something to cool you down. Making sure your AC unit is working well can be the difference between suffering through sweating and chilling out in the cool indoors.
Ever notice your energy bill beginning to skyrocket? Chances are your air conditioning unit is in need of a tune up. Things like clogged air filters or dirty coils can put your AC unit through some tough trials that will cause an uptick in energy costs. Regular AC maintenance can lower the amount of energy being used. At [company_name], we want your air conditioning unit to work for you, not suck up your hard earned cash. We’ll work to keep your AC unit running as energy efficient as possible.
Your experience with your AC unit is dependent on you keeping a close eye on its condition. Not maintaining a regular tune up schedule can result in AC unit breakdowns. These types of breakdowns can then lead to an unsafe home environment due to short circuiting or gas leaks. We are devoted to keeping your home safe and comfortable especially during hotter months which is why the dedicated technicians of P&M Air Conditioning and Heating are skilled in AC maintenance.
Your home should be a place of relaxation, not frustration. Call us today to make an AC maintenance appointment and start your sunny days off right!
What to Look For in an Air Conditioning Company
For most of us, a house represents the largest financial investment we’ll ever make. That means finding a company to handle your AC needs is of utmost importance, as well. The company you pick will be your partner in choosing and maintaining our home’s HVAC unit, which has consequences you might not have thought about. Since cooling and heating can account for almost half of a typical homeowner's energy costs, making the right decision can have an impact on our bottom line, and it can affect the comfort of your family, as well.
For years, people in [city] have trusted [company_name] for their HVAC needs. We’ve assembled a list of things to consider when you’re looking for a company to trust with your HVAC unit.
It pays to seek out a firm with that gets consistently good reviews. Do you homework and see what the Better Business Bureau has to say, and check for consumer reviews on Yelp and other sites that post real-life feedback on local companies.
An HVAC company should hire technicians who are certified by North American Technician Excellence. A NATE certification signifies a firm believes in hiring employees who are knowledgeable and know their stuff.
Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers for their recommendations. An honest referral can point you toward an HVAC contractor you might not have considered.
Ask potential contractors for references, and ask those references specific questions about the firm’s previous performance.
You should pay attention to price, but don’t make it your only consideration when choosing an HVAC contractor. You may save a few bucks initially, but often the firm with the lowest price is a fly-by-night operation that may not even be properly licensed and insured. Your best bet is to find a legitimate contractor that offers fair prices and superior service.
A reputable HVAC contractor will check your system before giving you a cost estimate. A firm that quotes a price over the phone before an in-person visit may be up to something.
When you’re looking for an HVAC contractor, do your due diligence, and make sure [company_name] is on your short list of companies you’re considering. We’re not afraid to answer your tough questions, and to earn your trust.
5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your AC Unit
AC units, heat pumps and furnaces seem so self-sufficient. It’s an illusion. They need some simple, regularly AC maintenance. Routine inspection of your cool system by a professional [city]-based technician is important to help extend the life of your AC unit. But between visits, you can properly care for your system by doing the following:
Keep It Clean
Do these simple cleaning tasks to extend you’re the life of your AC unit: clean the evaporator coil annually, replace filters at least every two months, whisk a wire brush through the drain channels, and check window seals for leaks. Contact [company_name] for more tips or assistance!
Give Your AC Unit Some Down Time
Please avoid running your AC all day. It is a tempting thought on a sweltering [city] day, but it is better to install a programmable thermostat or use a timer unit and cool your home before you get home from work. This is more efficient and does not overwork your system. There is no need to blow your AC while you are away. You are only going to keep your houseplants cool and refreshed.
Don’t Crank It Way Down
Do you like your home a chilly, brisk 75 degrees? Then it is not a good practice to come home and crank the thermostat down to 67 degrees. It will not get you to 75 any faster. It will just zip past 75, overworking the system to get you to your requested, exceedingly low temperatures.
Give Your AC Unit Some Space
Lush shrubs and vegetation planted too close to your outdoor AC unit block its air flow. It will not run efficiently. Let it breathe! Don’t try to hide your AC unit’s beauty behind plants. It won’t ventilate properly and the condenser coils can get easily clogged.
Grease the Wheels – AC Maintenance
If your system’s working parts are not properly lubricated, this will cause friction and your equipment will wear more rapidly. Lack of lubrication can also cause the unit to use more electricity and work harder. The best advice is to call a local professional like [company_name] to provide this kind of maintenance
For all your air conditioning needs, call [company_name] today!