Author: Kevin

Should I Be Worried About Carbon Monoxide in My Home?

Written by Kevin on December 8, 2020. Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

When thinking through common home threats in Hanover, most people tackle the visible threats first. After all, it’s much easier to set up a home security system to protect against potential intruders that you can see than it is to install security measures for a threat that you can’t see. When protecting your home from threats, though, it’s sometimes the threats that you can’t see that pose the biggest risk. That’s why at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we recommend taking these unseen threats seriously, such as the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

The chemistry behind carbon monoxide is simple. Carbon monoxide is a gas whose molecules are each made from one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Similar to other carbon-based gases, carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless. This means that carbon monoxide is impossible for humans to detect, even in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide occurs naturally but can also be produced through the burning of fossil fuels.

How Is Carbon Monoxide Produced?

As mentioned, carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels are burned. Specifically, carbon monoxide is released when incomplete combustion occurs. Since oxygen is a necessary ingredient for combustion to occur, complete combustion results in the production of carbon dioxide, representing the extra oxygen atom that is added to the molecule. However, if combustion occurs in a low-oxygen environment, carbon monoxide will be produced.

How Does a Furnace Produce Carbon Monoxide?

The burner on a gas furnace from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating produces a large amount of flame in a small area. Thus, although the burner is quite efficient at combustion, there is typically some carbon monoxide that is produced during this combustion process. Fortunately, any carbon monoxide that is produced is typically vented through the furnace’s exhaust vent to allow it to escape into the outside air.

However, if the exhaust vent isn’t properly maintained, some of the carbon monoxide that is produced can escape into your home. Additionally, a furnace can produce carbon monoxide if there is a problem with the burner. If the burner is dirty or damaged, it can result in an incorrect mix of oxygen and gas, resulting in an increase in the amount of carbon monoxide that is produced.

What Are the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure?

In small concentrations, carbon monoxide generally won’t cause any ill effects. However, as the concentration increases, you will begin to experience the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Some carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and even loss of consciousness.

These symptoms occur because the carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in your lungs, leading to low blood-oxygen levels that impede your body’s normal functioning. If you aren’t able to escape to fresh air quickly enough, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in death, meaning that carbon monoxide is something that you should take very seriously.

How to Avoid Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Given the serious side effects of carbon monoxide exposure, it’s important to avoid exposure at all costs. The most important way to do this is to have Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating inspect and maintain your heating system.

A routine inspection will include a check of the burner and exhaust vent, plus a test of the draft inducer. The draft inducer is a component that’s mounted in your system’s exhaust vent and pulls air into the exhaust vent. This helps create negative pressure to ensure that any exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, are safely vented out of your home.

Early Warning Is Key

While it’s vital to keep your heating system properly maintained, it’s also important to have a way to alert yourself if carbon monoxide finds its way into your home. That’s why carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have item for every home. These devices work similarly to smoke detectors in that they monitor the air in your home 24/7 for any sign of danger.

If a detector senses carbon monoxide, it will beep loudly to alert you to leave your home immediately. This beeping is loud enough to wake you up if a carbon monoxide release happens at night. Since a carbon monoxide release can happen anywhere at any time, it’s important to have detectors on every level of your home. Make sure that the alarm can be heard in every bedroom. If your detector goes off, but you aren’t experiencing symptoms, it’s still important to exit your home, as a carbon monoxide detector is designed to alert you of a problem before you become incapacitated.

What to Look for

Although it’s impossible to detect carbon monoxide by itself, there are some signs you can look for that can indicate a possible carbon monoxide leak. Of course, the pros at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating do not recommend substituting these signs for the protection that a carbon monoxide detector can provide since these signs don’t always show up.

If you notice brownish-yellow stains around the exhaust vent or elsewhere on your heating system, it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Since carbon monoxide is released largely due to incomplete combustion, these stains serve as evidence that such combustion is occurring. Stale air, the smell of other gases, such as natural gas, and unusually high levels of condensation on windows can also serve as signs that carbon monoxide is lurking in your home.

How to Help

Even if you have your furnace properly serviced by Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, you may still experience issues with carbon monoxide in your home. That’s because carbon monoxide can be released from other sources in addition to heating systems. For example, if you have a fireplace in your home, you need to make sure that the chimney isn’t blocked and that there’s a good upward draft at all times.

Also, if you have an attached garage, make sure to never leave your car running in the garage, as that could allow carbon monoxide to enter your home, even if the garage door is open. Finally, if you have a gas stove, pay close attention to it, as dirty burners can create the conditions that are necessary for carbon monoxide to be released.

What to Do

If there is a carbon monoxide release in your home, the first thing you must do is to evacuate your home quickly. Fresh air is the only cure for overexposure to carbon monoxide. Once everyone in your family is safe, you’ll want to call the fire department so that they can enter your home with respirators and try to stop the carbon monoxide at its source. After the threat has been cleared, you’ll need to call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating or the appropriate service company for the affected appliance to ensure that the problem is taken care of for good.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Every employee of Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating has your safety as their top priority. That’s why we work hard to properly maintain and repair your furnace. Of course, we can also repair and maintain your air conditioner or install new HVAC equipment when you have a need in the greater Annapolis, MD, area. We can also install heat pumps, custom ductwork and indoor air quality control equipment. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can be sure that you’ll be treated with respect when you contact us at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today.

1. How Does a Geothermal Heating System Work?

Although the outdoor temperatures fluctuate when the seasons change, underground temperatures remain constant. Just a few meters below the earth’s surface, temperatures don’t vary all year-round. A geothermal system, also known as Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), typically has a buried earth loop and an indoor unit.

It capitalizes on the constant temperatures to provide thermal energy. During winter, the fluid found in the system’s earth loop absorbs heat and transfers it indoors. The indoor unit plays the role of compressing the heat from the ground to a higher temperature before distributing it throughout your home. During summer, the process reverses so it pulls heat from your home, carries it through the earth loop, and deposits it in the earth.

Generally, geothermal heating systems are the most environmentally friendly and efficient systems on the market today. Unlike other conventional systems, these systems work by taking advantage of the earth’s absorbed and stored solar energy. The ground usually maintains a fairly constant temperature below the frost line.

Since a lot of this energy comes from the ground, your system will use less electricity to convert this heat to comfortable temperatures all year-round.

2. What Makes a Geothermal Heating System Different From Ordinary Systems?

A conventional heating system uses fossil fuels such as propane and natural gas for space heating and has a separate AC unit for cooling. On the other hand, a geothermal system has one heat pump that uses the ground’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home.

Therefore, rather than burning fossil fuels to produce heat, a geothermal heating system transfers heat from the earth, providing an affordable, environmentally friendly, and more efficient method of heating your home. You’ll only use electric power to operate the system’s compressor, fan, and pump.

3. What Are the Different Types of Geothermal Heating Loop Systems?

All types of geothermal heating systems have a mesh of interconnected pipes that they use as heat exchangers. During winter, refrigerants in these pipes absorb heat and transfer it into your home.

Geothermal systems are categorized differently according to their heat exchangers. They can be vertical loops, horizontal loops, open, closed, slinky, or pond loops. A closed-loop system works by recirculating the already present fluid within the system. However, an open-loop system continually changes the refrigerant.

The loop system is connected to your geothermal heating system. It comprises the pump, an air handler unit, and the compressor.

4. Do Geothermal Heat Systems Need Much Maintenance?

No. The geothermal components of your heating system are practically maintenance-free. When installed correctly, the buried loop should last for years. This is because they simply circulate fluid at low pressure.

All the other components are safe inside your home, protected from weather conditions. In most cases, you’ll only need to change your air filter a couple of times a year, and you’re good to go.

5. What’s the Installation Cost for Geothermal Heating?

Unlike other contemporary heating systems, geothermal systems have a higher up-front initial investment. On average, buying a geothermal heating system can cost you $10,000 to $30,000. The exact amount varies depending on various factors.

These factors include the type of geothermal heating system, the area to be dug up, the installation quality, and prior ductwork. However, advanced versions of geothermal systems can cost you even more than $30,000. Additionally, drilling and digging can sum up to more than half the total installation cost.

6. How Big Should My Land Be to Install a Geothermal Heating System?

Here, space varies depending on the type of loop system you consider using. Mostly, it depends on whether you want to install a vertical or horizontal loop system. A vertical loop dives deep into the ground and takes up less space.

On the other hand, a horizontal loop stays closer to the base and consists of pipes placed horizontally along the ground. Generally, the depth ranges from 1 to 3 meters. It can run up to 400 feet, depending on your specific requirements. If you’re staying in a large farmhouse or a countryside estate, you can consider installing a horizontal loop system.

7. What Are the Cons of Installing a Geothermal Heating System?

Geothermal heating system installation can take a very long time. This process happens in 3 steps. First, your plumber drills and installs the vertical ground loops. The ground loops are then connected to your home. Finally, the plumber installs a ground source heat pump to replace your indoor heating system.

Each of these steps can take up to two days. However, different municipalities have different approval processes. Some towns may take two weeks, while others take months to process the permit.

Installing a geothermal system is also costly. This is because you might need to coordinate a drilling technician, an indoor heating system expert, and an evacuating technician separately to get the work done. This may result in charges of over $50,000.

The process can also be messy since installers will need to drill the ground loop into your yard. Removing dirt from the hole causes a mess, and the situation might even worsen when there’s a high-water table.

8. Should I Consider Installing a Geothermal Heating System?

Of course, you should. The emission cuts and energy savings you’ll obtain by installing a geothermal heating system make it an attractive proposition. With an average lifespan of 25 years, using a geothermal system can result in $75,000 savings in energy during its entire lifetime. However, the payoff period is shorter, ranging between five to eight years on average.

All in all, the final decision will depend on your specific needs and situation. These include the heating capacity you need if you’re having a new home or older one and your living space. It’s in your best interest to also put into account your budget.

Contact the Geothermal Heating Professionals

Beltway Air Conditioning & Air has the expertise and experience required to offer top-notch heating services. We take great pride in providing world-class products from Goodman, Trane, Daikin, and Lennox. Our licensed and certified technicians can handle your unit regardless of its make and model.

From geothermal systems, furnaces, and boilers to air conditioning units, you can rest assured that we’ll keep you comfortable throughout the summer and winter season. With quick response time, professional technicians, and affordable prices, heating service is stress-free with us by your side.

Contact Beltway Air Conditioning & Air today for more information about upgrading from a conventional system to a geothermal heating system.

Reasons Your Furnace Blows Cold Air

Written by Kevin on November 10, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

When those chilly nights arrive, you want to know you can rely on your heating system. However, there are times when the heater blows out cold air from the vents. This situation may be annoying, but the solution is often a simple fix, so don’t panic. In most cases, you can correct the problem by yourself. However, if these quick fixes don’t remedy the issue, you may have to call a professional HVAC technician to handle the job. If you’re experiencing cold air problems with your heating system, here are a couple of tips.

Thermostat Settings Need Adjustment

It may seem like a silly problem, but many homeowners forget to set their thermostats back to heat after the summer. If there is cold air blowing from the vents in the summer, you don’t think twice about the settings. Before you call a repair company, you want to check that the thermostat is set to blow warm air into your home.

Wrong Fan Settings

Wrong fan settings can cause problems with the furnace. Furnaces use a fan to push warm air throughout your ducts. For those homes with cold air blowing into the house, you need to check the fan button for your system. If the button is positioned to the “on” setting, you need to switch it over to “auto.” When it is set to “on,” the fan will continuously operate throughout the day. With this setting, the furnace burners will shut off as the heating cycle ends. However, your fan will continue to operate. Since the furnace is no longer producing heat, the air will feel cold.

These settings are very important for your system. The thermostat should be switched to the heat setting, and you will want to set the fan to “auto.” The “auto” setting allows the fan to operate when the heating system is producing heat. If this step has not fixed your problem, it may be time to call a professional to inspect the system. You might have another issue causing the furnace to produce cold air.

Leaky Air Ducts

If your system’s settings are correct, there might be other issues causing your furnace to produce cold air. You may want to check your ductwork. For most systems, there are ducts traveling throughout your home. They take the hot air from the furnace and distribute it around your home. A leak in your ductwork means that cold air can get sucked into your house. As the cold air mixes with the warm air, the air will be cooler than normal.

Leaking ductwork can cause other problems around your home. You’ll probably notice your cooling and heating system struggles to reach the desired temperature in your rooms. There might even be individual rooms that can never cool down or warm up. These spaces might feel stuffy or have an excess of dust in the air. Finally, leaky ductwork can cause your energy bills to spike. If you’re noticing these issues around your home, it could be the result of leaky ductwork.

While you may want to tackle this problem by yourself, a home’s ductwork needs to be inspected by a professional. A trained technician will examine your ducts for any signs of leakage. For those small leaks, the technician can usually repair a single leak in the same visit. However, any excessive leaks will require a complete resealing of your ductwork system.

Limit Switch Problems

Limit switches can cause problems with your furnace. There are a few symptoms associated with this problem. When the system starts, the air coming from the vents will feel very chilly. The air may eventually warm up, but then the furnace could produce cold air again. Your fan will operate, but it gets cut off between the heating cycles. If this is the case with your home, the limit switch might be the cause of the problem.

The fan’s limit switch is located under the hood of the furnace. It is responsible for turning the fan on and off. When it stops working, the fan and furnace will have an irregular heating cycle. Under normal circumstances, the switch allows the burners to warm up before the fan is activated. The fan will continue to operate until the burners have cooled down. With this process, the system can avoid overheating. You will want to check that the limit switch is set to the correct position. If there is cold air coming from your vents, you might have to replace this component.

Overheating Furnace

Finally, your furnace might be overheating. There are a couple of ways to know if this is your issue. A furnace that blows out hot and cold air might be the result of overheating. If your furnace randomly shuts off, then it could have overheating issues. For those homes that have quick heating cycles, it is often an issue with an overheating furnace.

If the furnace starts to overheat, the heat exchanger is getting too hot in your system. When that happens, the fan limit switch will shut down those burners. However, the fan continues to operate until the heat exchanger cools down. Once the exchanger cools down, the furnace may turn on to warm your home. You will notice that your heater might be operating in quick on/off cycles. The air vents blow out cold air from the fan since the furnace is no longer producing heat.

There are a few ways to fix this issue. You’ll want to check the air filters in your home. Filters with excessive dust and debris must be replaced. A clogged filter will restrict the amount of air that flows through your furnace. When the airflow is blocked, then the furnace can overheat.

You should also check all those supply vents around your home. If the vents are blocked, then excess pressure builds up in the duct system. All that extra pressure can put a strain on the furnace blower. In turn, the system will start to slow down, and it will not push out air over the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger cannot cool down, it will overheat. An air filter replacement and open vents should resolve these issues, but you may continue to have problems with your system. In those cases, you need to schedule a service call with a trained HVAC technician.

We Can Help With Your Furnace Issues

Located in Hanover, MD, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is a locally owned business. We specialize in residential and commercial heating, cooling, and ventilation services. If you’re having cold air issues with your furnace, our technicians are ready to help. With our extensive experience, we’ll find a solution to your heating, cooling, and ventilation problems. If you would like to schedule a service call for your Hanover home or business, give Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating a call today! We’d be happy to serve you!

Smart Thermostats and Zoning

Written by Kevin on October 20, 2020. Posted in Energy Efficiency.

Traditionally, American residences have had an air conditioner and/or furnace that provides cooled and heated air to the entire home through a duct system. In these scenarios, a single thermostat has a target temperature that it maintains for the entire house. This approach can be less than ideal both in terms of comfort and energy consumption and cost. Setting your preferred sleeping temperature, for instance, means that you are paying to heat or cool entire areas of your home that will go unused for hours.

The alternative to this whole-home approach is zoning. A zoned HVAC system has two or more discrete sectors that can have their own temperatures and other comfort settings. It allows you, for example, to maintain the upstairs cooler than the downstairs or vice versa. One of the modern HVAC innovations enhancing this concept of zoned heating and cooling is the smart thermostat.

What Equipment Is Required for Zoning?

There is no one-size-fits-all HVAC zoning implementation. Your configuration will depend on a number of factors, including the unique layout of your home and whether the home is new construction or an existing building that is being retrofitted.

There are two basic approaches to zoning. One uses a single air conditioner and furnace but features an advanced variable-speed air handler that can adjust the pressure balance in the system as zones are fully or partially opened or closed. The second approach has an air conditioner and a furnace but an additional heat pump and usually a variable-speed air handler.

Two zones are most common in both cases, but many more are possible, and larger homes can have even more equipment than the configurations described above in order to meet the needs of the home. A smart thermostat is not absolutely necessary, but it does make zoning more convenient and efficient.

How Does a Smart Thermostat Enhance Zoning?

Basic thermostats require you to have a dedicated thermostat for each zone. If you have an upstairs zone and a downstairs zone, two separate thermostats may not be a major downside, but having to go downstairs just to change the temperature in that zone can be a tad inconvenient. A smart thermostat can provide you access to the entire home from any interface. You can still have multiple thermostats for convenience, but they can control any zone in the home. They can also allow you to control them remotely such as from your phone while you are lying in bed and getting ready to turn in for the night.

Support for Multiple Zones

Many of the most popular smart thermostat models on the market provide support for at least eight zones, and you can get support for even more if needed for a large home. Smart thermostats let you have recognizable names for your zones and provide separate settings for each. As zoned systems have become more advanced, so have smart thermostats. You can, for instance, control the second-floor zone as a whole but also control the bedrooms as a subzone, which helps to conserve even more energy.

Controlling Your Thermostat Remotely

If you are going to invest in a zoned cooling and heating system for your home, it is highly recommended that you invest in Wi-Fi-capable smart thermostats as well. Smart thermostats with Wi-Fi capabilities can connect to the Internet via your home network. Most such thermostats have a dedicated app that you can use on your smartphone and other devices. This feature lets you adjust the zones in your home while on the couch watching TV, at the office, or riding the train on your way home from work. Mobile support also makes alerts and geofencing possible. Geofencing allows your system to adjust temperatures automatically when it senses that no family members are currently home.

Reduced Energy Consumption and Costs

Zoned systems allow for greater comfort. It allows different people to use various areas of the home for distinct purposes to choose a temperature that best suits those situations. They also allow you to reduce your energy consumption and thus your costs. The EPA estimates that the average home can cut energy costs by 10% to 30% through the use of a smart thermostat. Having a zoned system makes it easier to maximize those savings because you are providing the thermostat with even more potential.

Behavioral Learning

The EPA advises that even a programmable thermostat can achieve those estimated savings, but the problem with a basic programmable thermostat is that you have to program it. In other words, its performance is only as good as the effort you put into analyzing your energy consumption. Many smart thermostats employ behavioral learning. They track your usage and employ algorithms to recognize patterns. The thermostat can then adjust the programming for you based on those patterns. It can also adjust to exceptions, such as when you work a half-day and return home in the middle of the afternoon.

Logging and Reporting

Another useful feature of many smart thermostats is the ability to log data. If you have a Wi-Fi-capable smart thermostat, it can store that data in the cloud, which eliminates local storage space concerns. Modern smart thermostats have an onboard chip dedicated to analyzing that collected data and providing you reports. These reports can show you how you are using and wasting energy, and having a zoned system enriches these reports by allowing you to see this usage on a more granular level.

Air Quality Monitoring

If you have a zoned system, then you probably have CO2 sensors. It is, after all, code in most jurisdictions. But modern smart thermostats allow for even more sensors. You can have sensors, for instance, that detect pollution levels in the home, and your thermostat can provide alerts when danger levels are reached. You do not need zoning to have this kind of monitoring, but this is another case where it enriches the technology. You can see where the problem areas are and target them specifically.

Interfacing With Other Smart Devices

The smart thermostat may be the original smart home device, but these technologies have evolved at a staggering pace since the early 2000s. There are smart home assistants with speakers and displays, smart outlets, smart light switches, smart security cameras, smart ceiling fans, and so on and so forth. When these devices are Wi-Fi capable, they can communicate with each other either directly through an ad hoc mesh or through your home network. This exchange of data allows for even greater possibilities. Imagine your HVAC system enabling smart ceiling fans and receiving data from a smart shade that has just closed because the direct sunlight had gotten too intense.

Your Cooling and Heating Zoning Experts

If you are considering zoned heating and cooling for your home or want to pick out new smart thermostats for an existing system, Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating in Hanover is here to help. We are a locally owned and operated HVAC company that has zoning and smart thermostat experts on staff and offers a full range of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Call us today or contact us online with any questions about zoning and smart thermostats or to schedule an appointment!

Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing – Identifying & Avoiding AC Repair Scams

Written by Kevin on September 21, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

How to Identify and Avoid AC Repair Scams

An air conditioner is essential between April and August in Maryland. It keeps the indoors of our homes and businesses cool during the searing heat of summertime. However, an AC that stops working can be devastating. When faced with a non-working air conditioner, you will immediately delve into a desperate search for someone to fix the problem. There are plenty of genuine AC maintenance and repair services in Maryland, but these businesses may not be able to immediately come out and solve your problem. If the luxury of time is unavailable at such a moment, you are more likely to make rushed and unwise decisions.

Like in any other trade, deceitful technicians do exist in the industry. It is advisable to be watchful about them. You do not want your AC handled by someone who could cause more havoc instead of improving the situation. However, it is not an easy task to find out who’s genuine and who’s not. This article will help you recognize some ways to identify and avoid AC repair scams.

1. Shallow Company Details

A bad AC contractor will provide very little or no information about their company. For instance, they might have a one-page website that doesn’t give sufficient details on what the company offers. Some will lack a website all together since they are not versed with vital information to display on the site. Besides that, they do not have registration and certification documents to prove their legitimacy. Unlike legitimate service providers, false contractors will not have a license to show you. You should quickly sense a scam if an AC repair technician cannot produce a permit upon your request. Keep in mind that a license is proof that the technician has the necessary qualifications for the job. It also shows they are complying with the set-out rules and regulations in conducting business.

Ask a few questions before signing a contract, and request that your AC service provider show you their license. You also want to check their certification to know their areas of expertise. You should avoid service providers who won’t issue these documents right away.

2. Asking for Upfront Payments

Be suspicious of anyone who asks for full payment before the service is completed. Unscrupulous AC repair service companies will ask for full payment and will not accept a down payment. Genuine companies will ask you for a small amount of money at the start of the project, while the rest of the payment is made upon its completion. Others will have an after-the-service payment policy where you settle the whole amount when the work is finished. This is never the case with shady contractors. They will demand full payments before they start the project. Their mission is usually to pocket the money and vanish into thin air.

Avoid being ripped-off by checking the payment policy of your prospective AC repair company. Make sure that the company doesn’t include hidden charges or demand upfront payment.

3. Unrealistic Estimates

While low prices can be rather enticing, they could be another scam. An illegitimate company is likely to cut corners by providing low-priced services while compromising on quality. Why would a company that’s in business to make money offer huge discounts or free services? Simply, it is because they have under-qualified technicians who perform sub-standard work. Similarly, outrageously high prices are a red flag to watch out for. These prices are inclusive of hidden charges, which allow the company to make big profits at your expense.

To avoid this scam, ask for estimates from several AC repair companies. With a list of quotes, you will have an idea of the price to expect when you hire an AC technician. Essentially, the prices of different professional AC repair services will not differ much. Choose the company whose price is not only within your budget, but also looks realistically true. Also, make sure the estimate is done in writing to avoid surprises in the future if additional expenses begin to pop up.

4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Scammers will do whatever it takes to sell their services. They will persuade their customers to make unwise decisions using their high-pressure sales tactics. For instance, they will get you to believe that your AC will break down completely if you fail to have it repaired now. Of course, this is to scare you and get you to hire them immediately. You also need to be wary of companies that always have limited time offers such as huge discounts and free services. It is often a tactic used by false AC repair companies to lure unsuspecting customers.

Avoid these scammers by simply following your instincts. A broken AC isn’t a matter of life and death. You should take your time to find reliable and professional services if you want quality in return. Remember, when the deal is too sweet, you need to think twice.

5. No Reviews, No References

An obvious clue you are dealing with a scammer is when you fail to locate even a single review about the air conditioning company. Worse yet, is when they become reluctant to provide you with a list of references whom you can contact before bringing the contractor on board. Essentially, a professional AC repair company will pride itself on having as many online reviews as possible. This is meant to give you a chance to ascertain the quality of their work by reading past clients’ experiences.

To make sure an AC repair company can make good on its claims, check out their online reviews. These could be on their social media platforms such as Facebook or on the Better Business Bureau website. Ask for a list of genuine references as well. Make sure you call them and verify everything you want to know about the AC repair company you plan to hire.

6. A Long List of Unnecessary Parts

Replacing one or two parts in the AC is common. However, replacing almost all the parts, all at once, is uncommon. If your AC repair technician does such a thing, you may be dealing with a fraudster. This stunt is intended to spiral up your repair costs as the technician benefits from added profits. They could also be attempting to convince you to replace your entire AC unit, which implies increased service charges. Another red flag to watch out for is when the technician keeps insisting on recharging the refrigerant. They use this trick to keep coming back for recharging services instead of repairing the leak in the refrigerant.

You can avoid being the victim of a scam by contacting Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover. We have qualified technicians who can correctly diagnose and provide permanent solutions. Furthermore, our crew can provide same-day services in many instances. We offer fair prices with no hidden charges, and we encourage you to visit our website to learn about the products we offer from Lennox, Trane, and more. In addition to air conditioners, we work with heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. Please contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for more information.

A Guide to Attic Insulation

Written by Kevin on August 15, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

In many homes, the attic is just a storage spot that is rarely entered. However, even if you never use your attic, it is still important to pay attention to its insulation. The right attic insulation can make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs. At Beltway Heating and Air Conditioning, we want you to make informed decisions about your attic insulation. You can learn about the different types of insulation and get some helpful installation tips right here in this guide.

Benefits of Attic Insulation

Your attic plays a very important role in balancing temperatures inside your home. It is very easy for cool and warm air to pass through all the tiny holes and cracks around a roof. When your attic is uninsulated, your HVAC-treated air leaks out of the attic. Insufficient insulation leads to a home that is hot in summer and cold in winter. Attic insulation is especially important in the winter. Since heat rises, you can end up with almost all of your heat heading up to the attic. In fact, 85 percent of the heat lost in a home leaves through the attic.

Adding insulation to your attic does more than just improve overall comfort. It also saves you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills. Increasing attic insulation can lower your heating costs by roughly 10% to 50%. Furthermore, attic insulation improves air quality since dust and pollen from outside won’t be able to leak in as easily. It also helps to protect your roof by preventing ice dams and moisture buildup that can lead to torn and missing shingles.

How to Tell If Your Attic Needs More Insulation

Of course, the simplest way to tell if your attic needs insulation is just looking at it. If your insulation is so flattened that your floor joists are sticking out over the top of the insulation, you definitely need more. Another easy way of checking to see if you should add more insulation is by looking at your roof in the winter. If you are getting ice dams, you need more insulation. These happen when heat escapes from your attic and melts the snow on your roof.

An uninsulated attic also tends to cause higher energy bills, so try comparing your home’s energy bills to the average bills for a similar-sized home. If they are abnormally high, it can mean your uninsulated attic is causing your HVAC system to run too much. A final way of checking your insulation is by measuring it and calculating the R-value. As long as you can take the time to do some research and measurements, this can tell you exactly how well your attic is being insulated.

Understanding Insulation R Values

When you are assessing your current insulation or shopping for new insulation, R values frequently come up. An R-value is essentially a measurement of how well a material resists heat flows. Generally speaking, the higher the R-value, the better the insulating properties of a material.

For attics, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value of at least 30, with an R-value of 60 being preferable. Keep in mind that an insulation’s stated R-value only applies to the insulation when it is brand new and uncompressed. Things like moisture and material degradation can reduce R-value with age. Some types of insulation lose R-value when stacked because compression can reduce R-values.

How to Choose the Best Insulation Type for Your Home

Fiberglass batts are one of the most common types of insulation because they are very easy to install. Made up of thin fibers of glass rolled into sheet sand backed with a vapor barrier, fiberglass batts are budget-friendly and moisture resistant. Per inch, they have an R-value of around 3. Due to their bulkiness, installing them in very low clearance attics or attics with small corners can be tricky.

Cellulose is recycled insulation made from a blend of paper. Typically, it is installed by spraying down a layer with a blower, so even small areas are easily coated. It also comes in loose-fill bags that you can dump into small areas as needed. This insulation usually has an R-value of about 3.5 per inch. Cellulose is both cheaper and more insulating than fiberglass. However, it can easily be destroyed by moisture, rodents, and insects.

Loose-fill fiberglass is another type of blown insulation, but it is made out of fiberglass instead of paper. Loose-fill fiberglass tends to have an insulation R-value of 2.5 per inch. Like blown-in cellulose, it easily gets in all the tiny nooks and crannies of an attic. Keep in mind that it has some unique safety concerns due to being loose fiberglass. It may cause lung problems if it is left uncovered and you enter the attic without proper protection.

Spray foam has an extra high R-value of 3.5 to 6.5 per square inch. This insulation is sprayed on as a liquid, and then it expands and hardens rapidly into a foam. Closed-cell foam is more insulating than open-cell foam, but both are very effective. However, the higher effectiveness comes with a higher price tag.

In addition to the four most common types of insulation, there are also some less common options like rigid foam panels, mineral wool, and recycled denim insulation. These can have benefits like extra sustainability or fire resistance. However, you may have to spend more time shopping around to find these options and get someone who can install them.

The Insulation Installation Process

The installation process typically involves spraying insulation or laying down pre-made batts of insulation on the floor of your attic. Whether or not you can do insulation as a DIY project will depend on the type you choose. Common types of insulation for DIY projects include:

Fiberglass batts
Mineral wool
Loose-fill cellulose
Cotton/denim batts

When working with spray foam, you will probably want to leave the installation to the professionals. It is hard to apply the foam evenly unless you have proper tools and experience. Blown insulation, like fiberglass or cellulose, is also best left to the professionals. Though technically it is possible to do it yourself, managing to get an even layer with the heavy machinery can be tricky.

Whatever the type of insulation you select, be sure to fix roof leaks and seal around any exhaust fans, chimneys, or flues beforehand. Make sure that all vents are venting to the exterior. If there are any light fixtures on the ceiling below your attic floor, create a safety barrier around them to prevent fire hazards. Most types of insulation can benefit from a vapor barrier near the warmest side of the insulation to keep condensation from damaging your insulation.

When you want to improve energy efficiency, call Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating. Our technicians help residents of Hanover and Annapolis stop air leaks and install energy-efficient HVAC systems. We can also help with any heating or cooling repairs or maintenance checks. Schedule your appointment now.

Pleated Filters: Why They Are So Effective

Written by Kevin on August 2, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

Lots of things go on behind the scenes of your HVAC system. In particular, air filters remove dust and dirt particles from your home’s air. Without these filters, individuals with underlying health conditions would be at risk. However, there are different types of filters that have different benefits. Pleated filters have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Let’s examine pleated filters and why they are so effective.

Less Porous

First, pleated filters are less porous from the start. The existence of pores means that air can easily pass through. When air passes through, some particles are bound to go undetected by the filter. While pleated filters still have pores, they are much smaller than those of their fiberglass counterparts. You never really know what sort of particles will pass through the filter. Bacteria and contaminants can be so microscopically small that only the least porous filters can catch them. In a nutshell, fiberglass filters are porous and pleated ones are not. This isn’t to say that fiberglass filters are useless at all times. There definitely is a time and place for a fiberglass filter, but if your aim is to purify your air, you’ll want to make the transition to pleated filters.

More Resistance

Pleated filters provide more resistance. This is the other side of the same coin from above. A pleated filter is made of a tightly woven material that doesn’t let many particles through. Aside from air, not much can get through this resistance. If you have traditional fiberglass filters, feel the two in the palm of your hand for comparison. You can easily tell the difference by breathing on the material. It’s hard to stress just how intricate the pleated filter is. At first glance, it nearly looks like a solid surface that won’t let any air through. However, you have to remember that your cooling system is blowing air at a very rapid pace. The air might also be pressurized to a certain degree. This allows for a constant air stream while separating out all the solids.

Handles All Particles

Now, think about all the hairs from your pet and dirt particles that get tracked in from your child’s shoes. You can rest assured that the level of resistance that pleated filters offer will catch these contaminants in your HVAC system. Furthermore, it’s not all about how porous the material is. The actual design of the filter matters as well. Pleated filters come with an array of microfibers that latch on to the particles. When you can’t risk anything getting through, you want your filter to be pleated above anything else. Particles can range from innocent specks of dirt to bacteria that can infect your nose and lungs. On the latter end of the spectrum, for those who have health and breathing conditions, it is absolutely necessary to catch these particles. Just a couple of specks can be enough to send someone to the hospital. Pleated filters are amazing for the safety of your family as well as your guests.

Maximal Surface Area

Pleated filters also maximize the available surface area of the filter. A large surface area is good for stopping particles from passing through. There are more opportunities for the particle to get stuck. For example, this is evident when you take apart the filter for replacement. With a pleated filter, you’ll notice that there is so much dust and debris on all the surfaces. A flat filter has less surface area, and as a result, fewer particles can be caught at one time. Pleated filters take advantage of the most basic geometric principles.

Not Too Large

At the same time, pleated filters don’t take up an excessive volume. It’s quite an engineering feat to get the best of both worlds: The surface area is respectable because of the pleats, yet the filter itself is compact. If you have a modern cooling system, you can take advantage of this design every time you turn the system on. The pleated filter will get the job done without interfering with other components of your HVAC appliance.

Many Types of Pleated Filters

It’s important to note that there are many types of pleated filters. You’ll want to acquire one that is compatible with your system and brings out the best in its filtration capabilities. As a homeowner, you can experiment with these variations. After using a certain pleated filter for a week, try a different one and test the air quality. If you notice a significant improvement, go with the latter filter. This sort of adaption is one of the biggest selling points of pleated filters. Moreover, this is a relatively modern form of technology. Researchers make developments each year, and there are always improvements to be made. If you can stay up to date with the latest news, you’ll always have the best efficiency at your fingertips.

Higher MERV Ratings

The MERV scale measures how many particles can pass through a filter. A higher MERV rating means that fewer contaminants can pass through. In general, pleated filters have some of the highest MERV ratings on the market. While this number isn’t the end of the discussion, it’s definitely important to consider. At the very least, it is a way of quantifying how effective a filter is. When you’re choosing between a pleated filter with an impressive MERV rating and a cheap filter, the decision is almost obvious. The pleated filter is going to do a better job in almost all circumstances.

Equal Safety

Finally, pleated filters provide all of the above benefits without sacrificing safety. Contrary to popular belief, pleated filters don’t make your AC work harder than usual. It’s a common misconception that pleated filters block too much of the air and force your HVAC system to use a stronger air stream. Tests have shown that these filters don’t require extra power. There isn’t an additional risk of overheating, and even on the hottest summer days, you can use pleated filters without worry.

Safety is paramount when it comes to your HVAC system, and pleated filters meet safety standards without sacrificing efficiency. Overall, they don’t have many downsides at all. Moreover, handling these filters can be even easier than before. You’re able to wash these filters and reuse them as long as the manufacturer has given a thumbs up.

Call Professional Services

When all is said and done, pleated filters are effective for a number of reasons. Moving forward, they could very well be the best type of filter for your HVAC system. A professional company such as Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating in Hanover, MD, is a great resource to help you get started with changing to a pleated filter. We’re experts at everything from HVAC installation to repair to replacement. We can also manage heating, air quality and other HVAC concerns. Give us a call right away so that we can bring you the best pleated filters for your home!

Is Super Cooling Bad for your Cooling System?

Written by Kevin on July 20, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

Updated September 18, 2023

As AC units become more advanced yearly, homeowners look for ways to take advantage of these products. One practice that has become commonplace is supercooling. Supercooling is a variation of regular cooling that seems powerful beyond belief. However, there are questions about whether it can have adverse effects on the system at its core. So, is supercooling bad for your cooling system?

What Is Supercooling?

Supercooling is the act of turning your AC down during off-peak hours, typically at night and in the early morning. Then, you turn your AC back to an average temperature during peak hours. Because many electric companies offer varying rates depending on the time of day, you will be saving money in the process. It is no secret that AC units consume a great deal of energy, and operating them during peak hours hurts your energy bill.

Cool air becomes trapped in the confined space of your home, and your home remains cool throughout the day. As the name suggests, supercooling requires you to turn the thermostat almost as low as possible. If you simply turn it to your preferred climate, things will warm up during the day, and the effect will be lost. When you supercool, you have to go all in on the commitment.

Dangers of Supercooling

What could be bad about supercooling? Not much. The biggest danger is that you will overwork your unit at its maximum setting. It is true that you unit cannot handle a full day of working at maximum capacity. This is why you only use this setting for a couple of hours on end. As long as your AC can handle ultra-cooling at night, you should be good to go.

Supercooling can also have negative effects when done at the wrong time of year. In the summer, go ahead with supercooling for the comfort of you and your family. However, in the winter, there is really no need to supercool. If you proceed with supercooling for whatever reason, you are simply taxing the system for no reason at all.

Benefits of Supercooling

On the other hand, there are many benefits of supercooling. You can save so much money in the process. During the day, electric companies charge their clients much higher rates for using electricity. This makes sense as so many residential and commercial properties are running at full power. This puts additional stress on power plants, and the company needs compensation for all of these demands. However, when you consume electricity at off-hours, rates tend to be much lower. In essence, think of it like putting in a retirement fund or bank account. You bank energy and coolness in the early morning so that you can enjoy it throughout the day.

If you have never done this sort of practice before, you might be surprised just how well your home retains coolness. Make sure to close all windows and doors in the process. While your home certainly is not airtight like a refrigerator or freezer, it does a solid job of creating a barrier between you and the outside world. In particular, air does not seep out as much as you might think.

Caring for Your Cooling System

Overall, supercooling does not harm your cooling system. What are some related ways you can take care of your cooling system? One important approach is to run the AC in cycles. If you put your AC on full blast all the time, it has to work overtime to meet these high demands. If you can alternate your settings and at least provide your unit with some time to recover, you will extend its lifespan by many years. Supercooling helps this approach. You work the AC to an extreme in the early morning and let it recover in the afternoon, perhaps on a fan mode.

Other methods of cooling are also good for the system. Anything besides running the unit all day to exhaustion is essentially a good thing. This can range from supercooling to periodic cooling to lukewarm temperatures that can be complemented by a fan. As a homeowner, there is more to cooling nowadays than just turning the unit on. With so much smart technology at your fingertips, you will want to take advantage of all this with intelligent cooling strategies.

Supercooling in the Evening

One interesting idea is to supercool in the evening. Depending on your county, electricity rates could be low at this time, and you can get in many hours of supercooling before you head to sleep. This could lead to a solid night of rest. It is a slightly unorthodox approach, but it can definitely work if you do not mind staying up late. In general, it results in the same effect on your cooling system. You have simply shifted the cycle to the opposite part of the day. Homeowners who are out at work or in the community all the time can look into this method. After a couple of weeks of supercooling in the evening, you will condition your AC to operate at these hours. It is a net benefit for everyone and all appliances involved.

Supercooling Properly

There are right and wrong ways to supercool. If you supercool improperly, it is possible that you incur damage on your cooling system. However, supercooling the right way is fundamentally harmless. One of the best practices when supercooling is to monitor the system as much as possible. There is no doubt that you do not want to have to keep your eyes on the interface at all times, but you should still oversee your AC as it does its job. You will be able to turn off the unit immediately once your home reaches the correct temperature.

Another good way to supercool is to close as many doors as possible in your home. It is clear that you need to shut all the windows, but doors often get overlooked in the grand scheme of things. If you can create confined spaces, cool air will get trapped in these spaces for the rest of the day. It is well known that cool air settles and warm air rises. This means that the basement or ground floor of your home is an excellent target for supercooling.

Contact Us for Supercooling

The bottom line is supercooling is not bad for your cooling system. In fact, it is one of the most efficient ways to cool your home when done correctly. A professional service like Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Columbia, MD, and the surrounding areas, can get you started on the basics of supercooling. We will set up your AC unit and prepare it for a season of supercooling. Moreover, we can handle AC maintenance, furnace repair, and heat pump installation. Get in touch with us right away so you can reap all the benefits of supercooling.

Benefits of an Automated Thermostat

Written by Kevin on July 10, 2020. Posted in HVAC.

Many homeowners control the temperature in their homes by manually adjusting thermostats that regulate their air conditioning and heating systems. If you have an automated thermostat, you will enjoy setting temperatures for different times of a day. That means you do not have to turn any dial from the unit’s panel to adjust the temperature according to your needs. Instead, you can command your HVAC unit to turn off or on from an application on a mobile gadget.

Your automated thermostat will not only regulate the temperature in your home, but it will also show you the duration it’ll take to make the changes you requested. Furthermore, you can also keep track of how much you are spending on heating and cooling costs. Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy after switching to an automated thermostat.

1. It Lowers Your Energy Bills

One of the biggest benefits offered by automated thermostats is saving on energy costs. Energy costs continue to skyrocket in every part of the globe, and one of the best ways to combat that is to try to minimize your energy usage. However, with automated thermostats, you can precisely regulate the temperature in your home to suit your comfort.

For each degree you lower or raise your home’s temperature during winter or summer, you can save a maximum of 2% on your energy bill. For instance, you do not have to keep your heat or air conditioning system high when you are not at home. You can develop a schedule that follows the routine of your family to avoid wasting energy. You can keep the temperatures warm or cool when you are at home and ease up using power when you are away from your home.

2. It Uses High-Tech Tools and Features

Most automated thermostats come with a wide array of technological tools and functions, including Wi-Fi capability and the ability to control your smart thermostat with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Having a programmable thermostat that’s linked to your home’s network can assist you in creating a connected home that you can easily control virtually from any place, including the comfort of your favorite couch. If you are on vacation or a business trip and you realize there is an unusually cold or warm day back at home, you can easily regulate the temperature of your thermostat from your gadget.

3. It Maintains a Constant Temperature in Your Home

The other advantage of automated thermostats is their capacity to maintain the ideal constant temperature in all parts of your home. Rather than setting your HVAC system high during summer, an automated thermostat can operate at a steady level. When the weather is cold, your heat can remain constant because it follows the programmed temperature schedule you’ve set for your home. With programmable thermostats, you can avoid cold and hot spots in various parts of your home, and your family can enjoy a cozy home throughout the year.

4. It Is Easy and Quick to Adjust

A manual thermostat takes some practice and a lot of time to read through the many steps of setting temperatures for different times. You will have to go to your wall unit to make some adjustments every time you leave your house, which is a practice most people neglect in the first place. You will also have to readjust the thermostat whenever you return home, once you wake up in the morning, and when going off to bed.

Homeowners can spend less time regulating their thermostats with an automated version. Using automated thermostats can eliminate all the time that you spend adjusting your manual unit. You can set your schedule one time every season and forget about the device. That will help you focus on other important things in your home or life.

5. It Reduces Your Air Conditioner’s Wear and Tear

Without an air conditioning system, it might be almost impossible to keep your residence cold during the summer or warm during winter. However, as your HVAC ages, its efficiency will most likely decrease, making your residence less comfortable while also increasing your energy bills. The best way to optimize your air conditioner’s performance and to minimize its wear and tear over time is by installing a programmable thermostat.

An automated thermostat helps decrease your air conditioner’s typical workload, which prevents severe damage and assists in optimizing efficiency. While every air conditioner can benefit from an automated thermostat, these options are particularly beneficial for older units. If your HVAC unit is not efficient or is older, before you can get another one, you can try to help it do its job better by pairing it with an automated thermostat.

6. It Maximizes Zoned Cooling and Heating in Your Home

An automated thermostat can also help keep your home running well if you have multiple climate zones in your residence. Having different climate zones around your home can significantly increase your property’s energy efficiency. An automated thermostat allows you to customize each temperature and climate throughout your residence’s square footage using programmable controls in every zone.

7. It Allows You to Take Advantage of Different Times During the Day

The other benefit of having an automated thermostat is that it will enable you to take advantage of the temperature variations based on the season and the sun’s position as well as the different times during the day. Once the afternoon or morning sun begins to heat your residence during the summer, you can change your cooling schedule.

Similarly, during the winter season, you can minimize your heating energy and allow the sun’s warmth to take over some of your furnace’s warming duties. During cold nights in winter, you can boost the HVAC system’s heating energy to keep your home warm and comfortable.

8. It Increases the Efficiency of Your Home

Keeping your residence energy efficient is one of the major problems that every homeowner thinks about when the seasons change. An energy-efficient residence uses the available resources more effectively and does not cause a lot of wear and tear to major household systems and appliances. Your home should not contribute to adverse environmental impacts and energy wastage, and using an automated thermostat is one of the ways you can help control your waste.

Conclusion

As you can see, having an automated thermostat for your heating and cooling needs might be one of your home’s most cost-efficient investments. You can enjoy the benefit of additional energy savings that might reflect in a reduced utility bill. Apart from the money savings, an automated thermostat can assist you in maintaining the best and most comfortable environment in your interior spaces.

If you are interested in upgrading your residence with a programmable thermostat, your best solution is consulting a Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating professional in Hanover. We offer a wide array of cooling and heating services to keep your home cozy.

Our team of professionals can advise you on the best automated thermostat that will suit your needs. We also offer other services, including AC installation, AC repair, AC maintenance, heat pump installation, furnace installation, furnace repair, heat pump repair, furnace maintenance, boiler service, and heat pump maintenance. Contact us to schedule your automated thermostat installation and to learn how you can keep your residence comfortable throughout the year.

How to Go Green With Your HVAC Installation

Written by Kevin on May 1, 2020. Posted in Energy Efficiency.

When you replace an old HVAC system, you receive many benefits in return. One of the most obvious benefits you receive is reliable heating and cooling versus your old system that likely couldn’t keep up during extreme weather in Hanover.

Another unexpected benefit, though, is that your new system will likely save quite a bit of energy compared to your old system, making your new system much more “green.” Plus, with some basic adjustments, you can make your system even more efficient, resulting in an environmentally conscious HVAC installation. Here are five ways you can make your new HVAC system from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating as environmentally friendly as possible.

1. Utilize a Programmable Thermostat

With a new HVAC system comes new possibilities for increased comfort. The best way to customize this comfort and increase the efficiency of your new system is to install a programmable thermostat alongside your new system. The most efficient thermostats are smart thermostats that learn your living patterns so that they can automatically adjust the temperature in your home, meaning your HVAC system will run only as often as is absolutely necessary.

However, even a basic programmable thermostat is still better than a manual thermostat. All programmable thermostats can be set to keep your house at one temperature while you’re away from home and then change to a more comfortable temperature when you return. Rather than keeping your home at a constant temperature all day, these temperature changes save significant energy, making your system more environmentally friendly.

Even if you opt for a basic mechanical thermostat, though, you can still set it so that your HVAC system runs less. By adjusting the thermostat by just one or two degrees, you can see a significant drop in energy use that results in lower utility bills for you.

2. Use a Heat Pump

Thanks to the temperate weather in Hanover, a heat pump from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is another great way to supercharge your energy savings from your new HVAC system. The biggest advantage of using a heat pump is that it uses heat that is present in the air outside to heat your home during the winter.

Rather than using electricity or natural gas to heat the air, a heat pump pulls in heat from the outside and brings it inside to warm your home. In the summer, this process is reversed, much like a traditional air conditioner, as the heat pump pulls heat from inside your home and expels it outside. All throughout the year, this process of heat exchange is far more efficient than a traditional HVAC system, allowing you to be environmentally conscious while still keeping your home at an optimal temperature.

3. Use Zones

If you have a larger home, one of the best ways to keep your new HVAC installation “green” is to use zoned heating and cooling. Rather than using one HVAC system to heat and cool your entire home, a zoned system uses two or more closed-circuit HVAC systems to heat different areas in your home. This allows you to keep the different areas at different temperatures, which is especially handy if you don’t use these areas very often.

Of course, if you have a smaller home, that doesn’t mean you have to be left out of the “zone fun.” At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we install mini-split systems in addition to zoned HVAC systems. A mini-split system is essentially a small heat pump that is meant to heat and cool just one room in your home.

These systems are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any other rooms that you occupy for long periods of time. Since they are smaller, these systems are highly energy-efficient, meaning you can keep essential rooms comfortable while not wasting energy to heat and cool rooms around your home that you don’t use.

4. Optimize Your Ductwork

The ways in which conditioned air moves throughout your home make a big impact on your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. That’s why at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we believe that your home’s ductwork is just as important as the other components in your HVAC system.

Before we begin a new HVAC installation, we will analyze your ducts to ensure that they’re properly routed, with no tight turns or other unusual elements that could restrict airflow. In addition, your ducts will be checked for signs of damage that could allow air to escape from your ducts before it reaches its intended destination.

The main goal in optimizing your ductwork is to ensure that all of the air that you are paying money to heat or cool makes it to the areas that need to be heated or cooled. This is important because the more conditioned air that reaches these areas, the less time that your HVAC system will have to run to bring these areas to a comfortable temperature.

5. Hire Quality Installers

Another great way to have an efficient HVAC system is simply to ensure that the new system is installed correctly. If any component of your HVAC system isn’t installed correctly individually and then optimized to work correctly with the other components, you will have efficiency problems from the first day you use your system.

For example, when your system is charged with refrigerant, the volume of refrigerant needs to be carefully measured to ensure that the system isn’t over- or under-pressurized. If the wrong amount of refrigerant is present, your air conditioner will struggle to remove heat and humidity from the air in your home, meaning your system will have to work longer to keep your home comfortable.

This is just one of the many elements that have to be correct to ensure your system works well, which is why it’s crucial that you choose an experienced HVAC contractor such as Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. We say that “our work reflects our passion,” meaning that we take great pride in every job we complete because we are passionate about doing great work and keeping you and your family comfortable in your home.

Trustworthy AC Installation

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover, MD, we work hard to provide the HVAC solutions you need so that you can heat and cool your home as efficiently as possible. That’s why, compared to some HVAC companies, we offer solutions that aren’t as common, including heat pumps and mini-split systems. Along with operating efficiently, we offer humidifier and air purifier installation services to ensure that your HVAC system provides you with air that is healthy to breathe. If instead, you need to increase the efficiency of the HVAC system at your business, we are proud to offer a full range of commercial services for a variety of applications.

Our commitment to each project we do is reflected in the phenomenal feedback we receive from our customers. Five-star reviews are common on Yelp, Google, and other review sites. That is why we are a Google Guaranteed business and are Screened & Approved by Home Advisor.

If you want your next HVAC installation to be as efficient as possible, give us a call at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today. We offer comprehensive heating and cooling services.