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Do You Save Money With a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are considered a great solution for a heating and cooling system in a residential property. A heat pump can also provide many benefits for homeowners; like an air conditioner, it can cool and heat your indoors. 

Unlike boilers and furnaces, heat pumps don’t generate heat. Instead, they move existing cool or hot air out or inside of a property. Keep reading to learn more about this great solution for your HVAC system and how it can help you save money by reducing your energy consumption.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps are a part of a heating and cooling system that uses a refrigerant that circulates between the indoor fan coil and the outdoor compressor to redistribute and transfer heat from the heated air they absorb from inside or outside sources in your home. A heat pump will absorb the heat inside your property during the cooling mode and will release it outdoors.

Air-Source Heat Pumps

This is one of the most common types of heat pumps mostly used for residential heating and cooling. This heat pump will work by transferring heat from the indoor and outdoor air.

Ground-Source Heat Pumps

Ground-source, also known as geothermal heat pumps, is a more expensive type of heat pump but also a more efficient option that transfers heat between the air inside your property and the ground outside. 

Benefits of Heat Pumps

  • Low-energy consumption
  • High efficiency
  • Low environmental impact
  • Easy Integration to smart grid systems.

Save Money With Heat Pumps 

Heat pumps are a great solution for an HVAC system because they have a lower energy consumption. This means that it is so much more efficient than other types of equipment. Also, property owners will not have to spend more money on installing separate systems for heating and cooling as a heat pump can do both. 

Get Professional HVAC Services in Greensboro, NC

Suppose you consider installing a heat pump in your residential property. In that case, a professional residential heat pump installation service will be required. Kay Heating and Air Conditioning is an experienced and professional company that offers HVAC services in Greensboro, NC. 

Get in touch with the right choice for all of your heating and air conditioning needs. 

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4 Signs Your Heat Pump Needs a Checkup

A residential heat pump is beneficial for the comfort of your house. It’s safer, more cost-efficient to run than oil and gas boilers, and it reduces carbon emissions. However, heat pumps may run into malfunctions. These kinds of problems require you to call a reliable contractor. We want a skilled contractor that can easily fix a heat pump problem.

If your heat pump isn’t putting out the heat to keep you warm, it isn’t working correctly. If your heat pump is showing any of these signs, it may need a checkup.

Strange Noises

Heat pumps can make strange noises from your outdoor unit, which means that it has loose parts vibrating, an electrical pump causing a popping sound, a failing motor making a buzzing sound, or a failing valve may be hissing.

Ductwork may also be damaged, which causes a whistling sound from your ducts; the system may be installed incorrectly or maybe an old system that needs to be upgraded. If you hear a clicking sound, your fans, pistons, valve, and more may be damaged.

Unusual Smells

Heat pumps can cause obnoxious smells. You shouldn’t ignore this issue if you keep a decent smell in your house. It can be caused by mold or mildew growing inside your duct or in the system’s evaporator coils.

No Warm Air

If your heat pump is not functioning, then you won’t feel warm air during winter. Your heat pump isn’t blowing warm air because the outside unit is dirty, it has a low refrigerant charge, and the air filter is dirty.

It Can’t Be Powered ON

If your residential heat pump is not turning on then, your circuit breakers have malfunctioned. Another issue could be that your system has thermostat problems. A failing start capacitor may cause issues which means that the circuit breakers are tripped. A broken reversing valve will not blow warm air; once damaged, you have to replace it right away.

Kay Heating & Air Conditioning, HVAC Repair in Greensboro

Contact Kay Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC repair in Greensboro. We will fix any heat pump problem fast and efficiently; we provide the best services for our customers. We are the best reliable HVAC contractor in Greensboro.

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7 Common HVAC Problems During Winter

Young electrician or repiar service technician in workwear opening lid of air conditioner to find out problem

Your HVAC system is responsible for providing you with a comfortable and safe environment all year round. During the winter months, your system will likely be running around the clock and withstanding harsh weather conditions. This can result in a few common problems that you should be on the lookout for. Let’s explore seven common HVAC issues you may face this winter:

1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a widespread HVAC problem for homeowners living in cold places. Cold temperatures cause the water inside your system’s pipes and coils to freeze over. Frozen pipes prevent the heating system from working correctly, leaving the house cold and uncomfortable. In extreme cases, pipes can burst as a result of pressure buildup. 

2. Uneven Air Flow & Temperature

There is nothing more irritating than being cold at your own home. While your first remedy should be to check for air leaks around your windows and doors, that may not always solve the problem. Low airflow and uneven temperatures can also be signs of clogged ducts and vents.

3. Air Filters Get Dirty

Your air filter’s purpose is to trap debris that is caught up in the air within your home. When these filters get clogged with dust, dirt, allergens, and debris, they can drastically reduce the effectiveness of your entire system. Dirty filters can decrease airflow, overheat the furnace, and increase the units’ energy use.

4. Broken Thermostat

A thermostat is a standard household device that regulates temperature. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, the heating system won’t perform as expected. 

Broken thermostats have trouble controlling your heating system’s temperature levels, so you may need to clean or calibrate your thermostat. If this doesn’t work, you will have to replace it. 

5.Pilot Light Won’t Ignite

Older central heating systems require a pilot light to ignite correctly. If the pilot light isn’t turning on, it may be due to the flame sensor’s problems. If cleaning the sensor doesn’t work, call a heating contractor for help.

Excellent HVAC Services in Greensboro, NC

The harsh conditions of the winter season bring particular challenges for keeping your home warm and comfortable. When you have any of the problems mentioned above, your first action should be to call a professional HVAC contractor.

At KAY Heating & Air, we are experts in heating and air in Greensboro, NC. Get in touch with us to improve your HVAC system in Greensboro.

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How To Keep Your Home Evenly Warm In The Winter

Full length portrait of pretty young woman covered with plaid sitting on cozy sofa and reading novel, interior of cozy living room decorated for Christmas celebration on background

Winter’s coming to Greensboro, NC, and one of homeowners’ biggest challenges is keeping their entire house warm, at the same temperature. If you have a two-story home, you’ve probably noticed that your second is warmer than the first floor.

Luckily, there are simple adjustments you can make to help the temperature in your home even out, so you can stay warm no matter where you are.

Adjust the dampers

The dampers are the levers on your vents that either cut off or open airflow. If you keep your dampers on the first floor open, and then keep your dampers on the second floor partly closed, you can force some of the hot air to the first floor through the air vents.

Make sure your attic is properly insulated

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, you may be losing heat from the top of your home, de-regulating the temperature inside. Make sure you have not just enough insulation but the right type of insulation for North Carolina weather.

Check your ducts for leaks

If your ducts are leaking, this may be why some rooms are hotter or colder than others. Your HVAC isn’t working as well as it could because of the leaks. Call an HVAC expert to fix it and set up an HVAC maintenance plan to keep an eye on leaks throughout the year.

Keep your HVAC fan on

If you keep your HVAC set to ON and not on AUTO, air will circulate constantly, which helps the temperature even out.

Use your ceiling fans

Did you know you could change the direction of your ceiling fans? A switch at the base of your fans can switch the direction of the blades, causing the fans to push hot air from the ceiling to the floor and distribute heat better.

Get professional HVAC services

If you’ve tried these tips and you still have issues with your home’s temperature, call an HVAC expert. They can pinpoint whether you’re having a larger issue and tune your HVAC system to perform better in winter.

Get Help From Kay Heating & Air

Kay Heating & Air are prepared to help you with your heating this winter. Contact our team of experts for help heating your home properly.

REACH OUT FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE

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HVAC Tips for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  We agree with this favorite Christmas song lyric.  Though we also agree that with all the visitors and extra lights and up-and-down thermostat, the most wonderful time can also mean a less wonderful January power bills.  But with a little attention to common sense and heat management details, the January bill can be less Scrooge-like.  Keep these miserly tips in mind this season:

Mind the Temperature

When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.

When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours.  A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.

Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like leaving a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.

When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly–approximately 1 inch–and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.

Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible.

 

Share more Hot Water with Holiday Guests

Reduce the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.  And you’ll leave more water for extra visitors during the holidays!

Use fans to circulate air.

Set your fan on low to circulate air upward toward the ceiling. This will force the warmer air that rises and gets trapped at the ceiling downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.

 

 

Keep vents and radiators clear.

Ensure your vents are not blocked by rugs or furniture, or that you don’t have any large objects in front of your radiator. This allows the air to circulate freely and you to get the full benefit of the warm air and put less strain on your furnace. This is also safer!

Clean vents, radiators, etc.

Not only is dust an allergen, it is a wonderful insulator. Clean the built-up dust from your radiators and baseboard heat vents often. This allows the air to flow freely into your rooms and promotes equal heat radiation. It is healthier too!

Pay attention to your windows.

Approximately 10-25% of your house’s heat loss can be attributed to windows. To reduce this, open curtains and shades on south facing windows during daylight hours to allow the sun’s heat to enter your house and warm it. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night and when the sun is not shining on them to insulate your house and keep the heat inside. Another tip – place blankets over uncovered windows and drapes, especially at night when the windows are not being used and the temperature is at its coldest.

Shut the doors.

If the room is not used, why heat it? Shut the doors and close the vent when you are not in the room. When you are in the room, shutting the door can increase the room’s temperature by keeping in your body heat and the heat produced by lights or other electronics such as a computer.

Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs

Use light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

Most Important: Safety and Security

While saving on your monthly energy bill is important, safety and security are the top priority.  Be sure to give your home that lived-in look while you’re away by using programmable timers that allow you to manage which lights to turn on, when and for how long while you’re away from home.

Enjoy your holidays! As always, call Kay Heating and Air Conditioning for any needs that arise during this busy season. 336-274-6323 or contact us at www.kayheating.com.

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That Furnace Sounds Like Trouble…

Strange Furnace Noises | Kay Heating and Air

Furnaces are robust machines that can make a lot of noise. Although some noises are a normal part of their run cycle, there are concerning sounds you need to be aware of that spell trouble for you and your heating system. Here are some sounds that should ignite your concern.

Furnace Sounds and What They Might Mean

• A loud bang or pop occurs when the furnace turns on – A popping, booming or banging noise when your oil or gas furnace turns on is not normal. It may indicate that the system’s burner is having trouble reaching a temperature hot enough to ignite the fuel. This causes fuel to build up for longer than it should. When it finally ignites, the excess fuel or oil pops, creating the loud noise. It’s crucial to have your furnace examined to avoid a potential fire hazard and prevent your system from experiencing a critical failure.

• Your furnace rattles and rumbles – A rattling or rumbling noise may indicate there is loose debris, faulty ductwork or a broken fan blade in your heating system. You might believe you can pinpoint the source of the problem and fix it yourself, but it’s best to have a professional furnace technician do it for you. Furnaces have complex parts, and you may end up unexpectedly damaging your system or hurting yourself if you attempt a DIY approach.

• You hear a repetitive clicking noise – A repetitive clicking noise may mean there’s an issue with the ignition or heat exchanger. Although it might only require a simple furnace tune-up, it’s best to avoid trying to fix either one of these components by yourself. Call a professional to perform a tune-up for you and diagnose your system.

• A loud squealing noise is emitting from your furnace – A high pitched squealing or screeching noise radiating from the bellows of your furnace might mean your belt-driven motor is loose or damaged. Your belts and shaft bearings may need to be lubricated. Again, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician lubricate your belts for you.

Have Your Furnace Professionally Inspected and Repaired by Kay Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Silence those odd furnace noises with professional residential heating and repair services from Kay Heating and Air. Our professional HVAC technicians have years of experience identifying strange furnace noises and applying the right solution for any situation.

Whether you need a new gas furnace installed or a dislodged part put back in its place, the professionals at Kay Heating and Air have you covered. Contact Kay Heating and Air today to schedule an inspection!

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Three Most Common Problems with Your Heat Pump

Residential Heat Pump | Kay Heating & Air

All across America, homeowners are trading in their more expensive, less energy-efficient furnaces for heat pumps to keep their homes comfortable all year round. These unique systems extract heat from the outside air through the complicated physics of thermodynamics and shuttles heated air throughout your home to keep the temperature warm in the winter. Heat pumps are able to cool your home in the summer using the same principle in reverse. If you’ve never owned a heat pump before, however, there are a few common issues you should be aware of before installation.

My Heat Pump Isn’t Running

You can’t very well keep your home cozy this winter if the heat pump won’t even turn on, can you? If the heat pump is relatively new, you most likely have an electrical problem with the wires connecting the pump to the rest of your HVAC system. The issue may be with the thermostat, power input or main electrical grid.

First, try checking your circuit breaker. You may be able to solve the problem simply by resetting the breakers. If the issue persists, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Check around your external heat pump. If you notice any frayed or burned out wiring, you’ve probably found the source of the failure. Because this issue is most often associated with your system’s electrical wiring, it’s important you call in a trained professional to handle it. Fiddling with electricity can be exceedingly dangerous for the untrained homeowner.

My Heat Pump Doesn’t Work Effectively

No one wants to turn on the heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer only to realize their system isn’t operating at optimum efficiency. When your heat pump isn’t warming or cooling like it should be, there are a few issues that may be the cause of it all.

• Clogged ductwork can prevent the warmed or cooled air from circulating throughout your home. Make sure your ducts are professionally cleaned occasionally and dust your vents and register frequently.
• Dirty air filters can have an effect similar to clogged ducts. They block airflow and force your heat pump to work harder than necessary.
• Inaccurate thermostat readings can trick your heat pump into heating or cooling less than is needed. Check your thermostat to ensure it’s reading the temperature correctly.
• Low refrigerant levels prevent warmer air from being cooled for use indoors. Have a professional check your refrigerant levels and top them off, if needed.

If you need help checking any of these problems or aren’t sure where to start, call a repair technician for assistance.

My Heat Pump Is Making Strange Noises

Whether it’s clanging, grinding, banging, booming or squealing, no one wants to hear strange noises coming from appliances or machinery. These sounds could be an indicator something’s wrong with your heat pump.

If you notice rattling or clanging when you use the heat pump, there may be some loose nuts or bolts bouncing around inside. Give a technician a call to find them and set them right again.

For squealing, grinding or creaking, a technician may instead look for signs of wear on the motor or its bearings. Don’t let noises like these go without investigation, as loose parts or worn components could cause more damage later on.

HVAC Repair and Installation in Greensboro, NC

If you’re already preparing the rest of your home for the chilly winter months, why not show your heat pump some love, too? Although the cold has already set in, it’s not too late to have your heat pump checked and professionally maintained. You’ll save money, energy and stress later in the season knowing your system has a clean bill of health.

At Kay Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we value the trust our clients place in us to keep their families comfortable all year long. We employ highly-trained, experienced technicians to handle every one of your HVAC needs. No job is too big or too small. Whether you’re interested in installing a new heat pump or repairing your current pump, you can rely on us to help you choose the right installation and repair options for you. To schedule an appointment with a technician today, contact us online or call 336-274-6323.

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