Firmly positioned as one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool homes, heat pumps have come a long way. Today’s systems use advanced technology that leads to improved home comfort, lower energy bills, and a longer life span for the system.

If you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC equipment, or need to replace an older heat pump, look for high-tech heat pump features to maximize your investment.

To choose features to optimize performance, you first need to understand how a heat pump works. A heat pump essentially moves already-existing heat from one place to another, depending on the season. That makes it far more efficient than a furnace that burns fossil fuels or uses electricity to generate heat.

Among the heat pump features you should consider to increase performance:

• A two-speed compressor. This component reduces wear and tear on the system, as well as the amount of electricity consumed during heating and cooling.
• A multi- or dual-speed motor. Powering the air handler, these motors can operate at several speeds to deliver a more even velocity of air at a lower cost.
• A desuperheater. This component uses excess heat to provide hot water for your home.
• A high-efficiency compressor. Generally called a scroll compressor, this component uses refrigerant more efficiently due to its increased surface area. It also lasts longer and operates more quietly than standard compressors.

Homeowners living in hotter climates like ours in San Antonio often choose a heat pump because they can invest in one system to provide both heating and cooling. In summer, heat pumps are about as efficient as conventional A/C systems. Their real benefits are their ability to heat more efficiently and to deliver conditioned air at a steady rate often making them more comfortable than standard forced-air systems.

When upgrading, look for these heat pump features to improve your comfort and leave more money in your pocket each month. For help selecting a system, contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Heat pump image via Shutterstock

Smart homeowners know the value of a furnace system tune-up. Regularly servicing your heating equipment helps ensure that it operates at peak efficiency, improves home comfort, and lowers your energy bills.

Without regular preventive maintenance, you could leave yourself vulnerable to several problems, including:

• Lower system efficiency. If you were to never service your furnace, it would eventually operate at a much lower efficiency than it would if it were serviced annually. You see, your system is prone to dirt buildup, because debris that floats around in your home’s air eventually makes its way into the system. When this happens, buildup creates friction within the furnace’s components, causing it to work harder to produce the same level of comfort while consuming much more energy.
• Compromised home comfort. When buildup occurs, you’ll begin to notice that your home isn’t as comfortable as it once was. And that dirt that’s built up inside your furnace? All the air that’s delivered into your home passes through the system, picking up dirt as it goes and sending it into your home, hurting your home’s indoor air quality.
• Higher energy bills. As your system’s efficiency slowly diminishes, you’ll start to see higher energy bills. A furnace consumes more energy when it has to work harder to overcome buildup.
• Safety problems. As part of a comprehensive tune-up, a heating technician will help ensure home safety. A gas-powered furnace should ventilate carbon monoxide, produced as a byproduct during combustion, outdoors. If it’s not inspected regularly, improper venting could lead to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Shorter life span. Over time, furnaces are susceptible to wear and tear, as the system’s parts work hard each season. Without maintenance, however, wear and tear will eventually lead to a system failure, sooner than it would happen if the system were well maintained.

There’s no reason you should have to experience any of the problems listed above. With regular furnace tune-ups, you can rest assured that your system will operate efficiently — and without fail — throughout the winter season. For expert help, contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning today. Serving the San Antonio area, we’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Furnace repair image via Shutterstock

Deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system is a big decision. Replacing a heating or cooling system requires a significant investment, but you end up with efficient, durable equipment. Repairing a system can extend its life, but investing any money in an old, inefficient system often runs counter to efficiency and energy savings.

Here are five tips that will help you decide where to invest your money:

• Life span: If your system is at least 10 years old, replacing it is a wise move. Newer systems can reach much higher efficiencies than systems manufactured just 10 years ago, through technological advancements. And the higher monthly energy savings will help you recoup the investment more quickly.
• Efficiency: Along the same lines, if you have an older system with a low efficiency rating, such as an 80 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) furnace or an A/C with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) below 10, upgrading makes sense. Investing in the repair of an inefficient system might make it last a little bit longer, but you’ll still have high energy bills. And the money you spend on repairs could go toward the purchase of a new system.
• Maintenance: If your system has received annual preventive maintenance, then it’s probably operating at peak capacity. And, in this scenario, investing in a repair makes sense.
• Frequency: San Antonio homeowners generally don’t use their heating systems a great deal, so investing in repairs could be a wise move. However, it might be better to replace an A/C, which gets a lot of use, even if it’s not all that old.
• Duration: Replacing your system might make sense if you’re moving, as it will increase the value of your home.

If you’re thinking about whether to repair or replace an HVAC system, make the best decision possible for home comfort and energy savings by taking the above factors into account. Get expert help by contacting Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning today. We will assess your existing system and determine the best course of action. We have served the San Antonio area since the mid-1970s.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Energy efficiency image via Shutterstock

Your attic is one of the most effective locations for implementing energy-efficiency measures. Boost attic insulation to keep conditioned air inside your home, which in turn boosts your home comfort.

Why the attic needs attention

Because hot air rises naturally, as you heat your home in the winter that heat is at risk of rising into your attic. If the insulation in your attic floor doesn’t prevent heat loss, your furnace will have to work overtime to produce enough warmth to maintain home comfort. Additionally, if the attic walls and ceiling are not well insulated, you’ll lose heat through the attic to the outside.

In the summer, insulation also impacts comfort. It’s at this time that insulation works in the reverse. Because insulation acts as a heat barrier, it helps keep cool air in and hot air out in the summer. With less-than-ideal attic insulation, the blazing summer heat can access your attic, driving it to extremely high temperatures. And that can seep into your home’s living spaces, causing your air-conditioning system to consume more energy.

What you can do about attic insulation

The best course of action when you want to upgrade insulation is to have an expert conduct an assessment. An expert technician should evaluate:

• The condition of your existing insulation. If it’s moldy or shows evidence of wear and tear, it should be replaced.
• The levels and efficiency of your insulation. For most San Antonio homes, an R-value of R-38 is required for attic spaces, and there should be up to 12 inches in insulation thickness to get the job done.
• Air leaks. Since they also contribute to an inefficient attic, the technician should seal up any exposed areas.

Need to give your attic’s insulation an overhaul? The experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. We’ve been assisting San Antonio area homeowners since the mid-1970s in all areas of home comfort and energy efficiency.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Attic insulation image via Shutterstock

When it comes time to select a new heating system, it’s important that homeowners prioritize furnace efficiency ratings. Efficiency ratings in general are the primary indicator of how well a heating system will perform, so here’s what you need to know:

The efficiency rating you want to look for when assessing a furnace system is AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiency. This is a basic measurement of how well a system will use fuel, natural gas or propane for instance, to produce heat for your home. High-efficiency systems start at 90 AFUE, and they will get you the best results as far as energy efficiency goes. Mid-efficiency systems start at 80 AFUE, while the minimum efficiency manufacturers must produce is set at 78 AFUE. It’s best to talk with your HVAC contractor to determine which system will best fit your home.

Many homeowners in the San Antonio area use a heat pump as their heating source. And this type of system gets good results for two reasons:

• These systems don’t generate heat from fuel (electricity); instead, they use electricity to move heat around (from the outside to the inside during winter, and vice versa during summer), which allows them to reap a four dollar return for every dollar spent.
• They also act as a heating and cooling system, which makes them a smart investment if you need to replace both. A heat pump’s efficiency rating is heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), and high-efficiency ratings begin at 8.

To maximize home comfort and efficiency, you should also have your new system sized. You can choose a top-of-the line heating system, but if it’s not sized correctly, you won’t get a good return on your investment — as the system won’t reach peak efficiency.

If you’re facing a heating system replacement, use furnace efficiency ratings, along with heat pump ratings and sizing factors, to guide your choice. The HVAC experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning are happy to help. Just give us a call today. We’ve been assisting homeowners in maximizing comfort and efficiency in their San Antonio homes since the mid-1970s.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Decision image via Shutterstock

Most homeowners in San Antonio give their air conditioning systems more attention than furnaces, and rightly so: Our region sees much more extreme temperatures during the summer, and the season lasts longer.

However, it’s important that you don’t ignore your furnace system, particularly because it’s a hazardous combustible system. Give your furnace a tuneup to ensure that your heating system operates safely.

A furnace system that runs on natural gas can be hazardous, because it produces carbon monoxide (CO). A furnace system is designed to safely vent gases outside of the home; however, venting can become compromised over time, especially if it’s not regularly serviced and inspected. Additionally, a furnace that doesn’t operate efficiently can produce increased amounts of CO.

When operating in a closed-up home without proper venting, a furnace that leaks CO can lead to CO poisoning, which can be fatal. Further compounding the problem, CO is a fast-acting gas that can cause significant damage to your health at low concentrations. It’s particularly hazardous to the very young and old.

A regular furnace tuneup once a year will help ensure that your system operates efficiently, that it doesn’t produce excess CO, and that the system’s venting is in good working condition, safely exhausting CO outdoors.

However, safety is not the only benefit of a furnace tuneup. Because you rely on your furnace to provide heat when necessary throughout the winter, a tuneup will:

• Ensure that the furnace operates consistently.
• Help keep your home comfortable.
• Keep the furnace operating efficiently. A clean system is not inhibited by a buildup of dirt and grime, which can cause the system to consume more energy.

Stay safe and comfortable with a furnace tuneup, knowing that your combustible furnace system is properly and safely maintained and vented. Remember, even if your furnace is heating just fine, it can still be leaking deadly carbon monoxide into your home. That’s what makes an unattended gas furnace so dangerous. Need help? The highly trained and knowledgeable experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning are available for a consultation. Just give us a call, or contact us online.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about giving your furnace a tuneup and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Advancements in heating and cooling technology have made it increasingly easy for San Antonio homeowners to decrease their annual energy costs. One such breakthrough was the introduction of variable-speed air handlers. Updating the traditional one-speed system, variable-speed air handlers allow for multiple operating capacities, making it much easier to condition your household without wasting energy.

Consider the benefits:

• Because variable speed air handlers aren’t forced to run at full capacity at all times, they don’t experience the constant burden of the single-speed air handler; this extends the life of your system.
• Variable-speed operation also means lower energy consumption, which translates to lower energy costs for San Antonio homeowners.
• Where single-speed systems whip air through your filters at a constant, breakneck speed, a variable-speed air handler allows for a slower passage of air. This leads to a more thorough filtration of air and better dehumidification (when cooling). Thus, indoor air quality is much improved.
• Since a variable-speed air handler can change speeds gradually, you are no longer subjected to sudden puffs of hot or cold air. Nor do you have to worry about the noise that accompanies the operation of a single-speed system.

If you are interested in increased efficiency and energy savings, a variable-speed air handler may be a good place to start your research. In fact, it is estimated that variable-speed air handlers can save homeowners up to 40 percent annually in heating and cooling costs – a significant savings.

For more information regarding these energy-efficient systems, speak to one of our trained technicians. Contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about variable-speed air handlers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Jon Wayne Heating and Air Conditioning services  San Antonio and the surrounding communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Boerne, and Comal County. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

The benefits of preventive maintenance are significant. HVAC professionals often extol the virtues of maintenance; however, we’re backed by manufacturers who require maintenance in order to maintain warranties – because a well-maintained system will last longer and run more efficiently. 

Manufacturers and HVAC contractors stand firmly in the corner of homeowners, and we know that preventive maintenance provides you with a multitude of tangible benefits, including:

• Ensuring efficiency. When HVAC systems are maintained, dirt is prevented from building up in your systems. And a clean system can operate as efficiently as possible, so you get a full return on your investment. When dirt and other debris gain entry to your air conditioner’s internal components, for instance, the coils and motor work less efficiently. The dirt leads to friction, causing the system to work harder to produce the same amount of conditioned air. In fact, dirt in the evaporator or condenser can contribute to up to a 50 percent loss in efficiency.
• Saving money and energy. If you provide regular maintenance for your HVAC systems, and ensure efficiency, you’ll see energy savings each month on your utility bills. You also guarantee that those energy savings will help you pay back the cost of the system quickly.
• Reducing repairs. When a system is clean, less friction occurs on its internal parts. Friction decreases efficiency, but it also increases the wear and tear on the parts, requiring repairs that could have been avoided with maintenance.
• Extending the life of the system. When the system’s parts can move freely and uninhibited, you extend the life of the system, getting more value from your money.
• Offering peace of mind. Maintenance ensures your peace of mind. It’s an intangible cost, but what price would you put on a service that helps to ensure your comfort and continuous service?

Why not take advantage of the protection and energy savings of preventive maintenance today? The heating and cooling experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning are available. Contact us to schedule a maintenance appointment, or ask us about our planned maintenance programs to save even more.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about annual service and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Jon Wayne Heating and Air Conditioning services  San Antonio and the surrounding communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Boerne, and Comal County. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

Keeping your heating system in the best shape possible is really fairly easy, and it won’t break your bank. It does require consistency over the years, however: To help ensure ideal comfort conditions in your home and to maintain your system’s efficiency, give the heating system regular maintenance. 

Most experts will agree that consistent, annual furnace maintenance is the most effective contributor to a system’s health. And a healthy heating system is better able to operate efficiently, keep you and your family comfortable, last as long as possible, and avoid unnecessary repairs.

A scenario where furnace maintenance does not occur reveals a bleak picture for homeowners. When a system isn’t regularly cleaned and inspected, three results are almost inevitable:

• Buildup happens. Over time, dirt will gain access to your system and begin to build up a layer of dirt on the system’s components. This dirt forces the furnace to work harder, and use more energy, to produce the same level of comfort as a clean system.
• Buildup leads to more serious consequences. Buildup causes your system’s components to wear down faster than they would if maintenance was consistent. As a result, repairs might be required down the road, and it’s likely the system will fail sooner than it should.
• Safety is compromised. Regardless of the fuel source you use, there are safety hazards connected with any fuel-powered equipment, but especially with gas furnaces that produce the deadly by-product carbon monoxide. Annual maintenance will include inspecting the system for safety, and it will help ensure that you and your family are safe.

Keep up with easy, low-cost maintenance each year, and you’ll get more efficient results from your system – that also lead to energy savings for you each month – and you’ll lock in optimal comfort for you and your family. Want to do something to contribute? Change the air filters on your heating system every month when you start to use it frequently.

To schedule a maintenance appointment, or to get your maintenance questions answered, contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning anytime.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home energy efficiency  and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Jon Wayne Heating and Air Conditioning services  San Antonio and the surrounding communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Boerne, and Comal County. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

When shopping for a new heat pump system, homeowners should explore a variety of models, from basic ones to the more advanced. It’s worthwhile taking the time to consider available features of a heat pump, and consider whether investing in a high-efficiency system is cost effective and fits within your budget.

One primary feature to look for are those that offer a choice in speed, as these greatly increase efficiency possibilities.

A system with a two-speed compressor gets better energy savings because it allows for a better response to weather conditions. This system will generally operate at a low speed during mild weather, and ramp up to high speed on the most extreme days. Better energy savings comes from decreased electricity consumption, and these systems will last longer because they don’t work as hard. A properly sized system will run in low speed around 75% of the time.

You can also select a model that allows the air handler’s motor to operate in either dual- or variable-speeds. In climates such as Texas’, variable-speed models are worth the investment because homeowners have to use their heat pumps for continuous cooling over a long summer season. They also allow ideal comfort, because fans can ramp up slowly, and you get a more even comfort level — without the noisy “whoosh” of systems with only one option for motor speed.

A system with a scroll compressor takes advantage of high-tech cooling. With one spiral coil that is motionless and one that circles the other, these coils are able to better compress refrigerant and maximize its use. These compressors also have a longer lifespan, while providing homeowners with up to a 15-degree increase in the heating mode, providing significant energy savings in both seasons.

While higher-efficiency systems generally cost more initially, their ability to provide optimal comfort and increased energy savings make them a wise investment.

For help exploring heat pump systems, contact the experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving San Antonio residents for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Jon Wayne Heating and Air Conditioning services  San Antonio and the surrounding communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Boerne, and Comal County.  Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!