Next Generation Air & Heat, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Are Temperatures Uneven in Your Home?

Tuesday, February 13th, 2018

If so, then you know how frustrating of a problem this can be. When you walk through your house, you should not feel as if you are entering and exiting separate climates. When you run your heating or air conditioning system, those systems should be able to achieve and maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your home. If they’re struggling to do so, then something is wrong—but what?

There are quite a few potential causes of uneven heating and cooling in Palm Bay, FL. We’ll look at two of the more common today. It is important to remember, and you’ll see below, that the source of the problem may not be your HVAC system itself. The pros on our staff will diagnose the problem accurately in order to resolve it completely.

Tags: Air Conditioning, ductwork, Heating, Insulation, Palm Bay
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What Are the Benefits of Ductless Split Systems?

Monday, February 5th, 2018

If you’re in the market for a new heating and/or air conditioning system, either because you have a new property going up or you just need to replace an old, unreliable system that is already in your home, we recommend doing a bit of homework before choosing your new system. There are the old classics, of course, such as central ACs and furnaces. However, there are also some types of systems out there that you may not be that familiar with.

You don’t want to miss out on what could prove to be the perfect system for your home and user preferences. For many people, that is the ductless mini split. Ductless split systems are not new, really, but they were always more common internationally and in commercial properties than they were in residential homes throughout the US. As more people have caught on to the benefits offered by ductless split systems, however, their popularity has really surged. Here’s why you may want to use a ductless split system in Palm Bay, FL.

Tags: Air Conditioning, ductless split system, Heating, HVAC, Palm Bay
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Forced Air? Fresh Filter!

Monday, January 8th, 2018

Central air conditioning is pretty much the standard for homes in our area. If you are trying to fight the heat and humidity of the Florida summer with window units, you really need to rethink your strategy. Whether you’re using a central AC to cool your home, a furnace to warm it on our occasionally chilly nights, or a heat pump to do both, you really need to keep your air filter in mind. Forced air heating and cooling is going to suffer greatly, in a number of ways, with a dirty filter in place.

Yes, you should be scheduling annual maintenance for your HVAC systems (bi-annual for heat pumps), and yes, your maintenance technician should be cleaning or replacing your air filter as needed. Once or even twice a year is simply not enough, though. These standard air filters typically need changing every 1-3 months. Failure to keep up with this vital maintenance task is going to result in some serious issues for your comfort, your budget, and your system itself.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Filter, Heating, HVAC, Palm Bay
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Is a Heat Pump Right for Me?

Monday, December 25th, 2017

It is certainly a possibility! Here in Florida, heat pumps are very popular home comfort systems. While there are a lot of great heaters and air conditioners on the market today, the heat pump’s unique method of operation makes it an ideal solution for year-round comfort in this part of the country. If you are thinking about replacing a heater or an air conditioner, or if you’re in the process of building a new home and are reviewing your HVAC options, be sure to keep the heat pump in mind.

Also keep in mind the fact that even the best HVAC systems on the market, heat pumps included, are only going to function at peak performance and efficiency levels if they are properly sized, designed, installed, and serviced by trained professionals. Our team is here to help you to determine if a heat pump is the right option for your home, and we’re also happy to handle every heat pump service that you’ll need down the road. Contact us today if you’re interested in using a heat pump in Orlando.

Tags: heat, Heat Pump, heater, Heating, Orlando
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Some Heating Concerns for the End of Winter

Monday, March 3rd, 2014

Heating in Melbourne, FL can be just as much of a concern at the end of winter as it is at the beginning. We may have passed through the worst that this year’s winter may have to offer, but that doesn’t mean you can just assume everything will be all right. Proper care and maintenance must be kept up at all times in order to help your heater function at its best. That doesn’t stop just because the temperatures are warming up. Here are some heating concerns for the end of winter that you may wish to keep in mind.

Heaters and furnaces don’t necessarily need to break down in order to need repair. Problems can arise that sap the energy from your unit, forcing it to work harder to perform the same functions and raising your monthly bills in the process. That can also increase the wear and tear on individual components in the system. The longer you go, the more risks you run of a serious breakdown: costing you far more later on that it will if you deal with the comparatively minor problem now.

That can be compounded by dust build up and general wear and tear that takes place during the normal course of functioning. Screws can become loose, fittings might not be as tight as they need to be, and dust build-up can increase friction on moving parts. Again, none of this will directly interfere with the functioning of your heater, but over time, it could lead to a more serious breakdown, costing you a great deal in repairs.

You can help prevent that by scheduling a routine maintenance session as soon as winter is done. A trained technician will clean off the dirt, tighten loose parts and carefully check for any problems in need of correcting. If serious repairs are required, you can then schedule them at leisure without needing to worry about another cold front moving in.

If you have heating concerns for the end of winter, call on Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. to help. We handle all kinds of problems related to heating in Melbourne, FL, and we won’t rest until you are completely satisfied. Call us today to make an appointment!

Tags: Heating, Melbourne
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3 Causes of Insufficient Heating in Cocoa, FL

Monday, December 9th, 2013

The idea of “insufficient heat” in Florida may seem like a strange one, but during the winter months the evenings can get quite cold. You know that it’s important to have a reliable heater to keep you warm during these times. Most heaters on the market today are dependable and durable, and should provide you the level of heat you need to stay comfortable.

Sometimes, however, you may find that your heater isn’t doing its job as fully as it should. If you discover that your heating in Cocoa, FL is insufficient, it may indicate that you need to schedule repairs for it. If you let the problem go, it will most likely grow worse; you could even face a full breakdown.

Here are three causes that our technicians at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. often find for insufficient heating:

Thermostat problems: A deceptively small component of your heating system, the thermostat is the switch that controls when the heater comes on and off. If it malfunctions, it could start turning your heater off before it can sufficiently warm your house. This could arise from miscalibration or electrical wiring problems. Fortunately, it is easy for technicians to repair most thermostat troubles with only minimal disruptions.
Breaks in ductwork: If you use a furnace or a heat pump, you require ductwork to distribute the warm air. If these ducts develop breaks (from corrosion or construction damage), the air pressure and heat will begin to escape, and lead to a drop in your heating levels.
Broken heating elements: This applies to electric furnaces, which use an array of heating elements containing wire coils to transfer heat to the air. The more heating the thermostat requires, the more heating elements will come on. If one or more of these elements malfunctions and stops working, the heater will begin losing its effectiveness.
Leaking refrigerant: This affects heat pumps, which use a chemical called refrigerant to move heat from outside to the inside. If refrigerant begins to leak, it will impair the heat exchange, and the heat pump will struggle to bring you sufficient heat.

Most of these issues will require professionals to repair them. Don’t try to fix the problems yourself, since you risk causing further damage to the components—and there may be risk to yourself if you are dealing with high voltages or natural gas. Instead of taking the risks, call up your efficiency experts at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. We have technicians available around the clock, every day of the year, to make sure your home heating in Cocoa, FL keeps working for you.

Tags: Cocoa, Heating
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Will Leaky Air Ducts Affect My Heating System?

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Unless you have a ductless system installed in your home, if you use forced-air heating, then you need sturdy ducts to distribute warmth around your home. Because the ducts remain out of your sight in most rooms, you probably don’t think much about leaks or other issues ductwork might encounter. However, as we’ll explain in this post, leaks occurring in your ductwork can have a serious impact on your heating system… all of it negative.

For Melbourne, FL heating services from repair to cleaning your ductwork, call on the skilled staff at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc.

Why leaky ducts spell bad news for your heating system

The main reason that a leak in your ducts will have a negative effect on your heater is that it will lower the air pressure inside the ducts. From the vent to the heater, ductwork needs to remain a tight seal to protect the air pressure. A loss of air pressure means a serious reduction in air flow and heating ability. If you notice reduced air flow coming from the vents, it can indicate leaks.

Leaks can also cause you heating system to start drawing air from other parts of the house, such as between the walls or the attic. These places usually are much colder than the rest of your home, and this will further hurt the heater’s ability to cool you down. (The air from these regions is often musty, so an odd odor from the vents can warn you about this.)

Finally, leaks permit more dust to infiltrate your ducts. This will reduce your indoor air quality, which is worrying on its own. But a dust build-up will also create greater air resistance, and it will start to clog up the air filter, which may eventually lead to damage to your heater’s internal components.

Get those leaks sealed—professionally

You need to get any leaks in your ducts fixed as soon as you can. However, don’t attempt this yourself with duct tape. Despite the name, duct tape is an inadequate fix for this problem. You need the assistance of skilled ductwork repair technicians, who will use mastic sealing to effectively close up any gaps in your ducts.

Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. has extensive experience working on ductwork. We can not only repair your ducts, but provide the necessary cleaning to eliminate any dust and dirt contamination they may have suffered from the damage. Contact us today for any Melbourne, FL, heating needs you have.

Tags: Air Ducts, Heating, Melbourne
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Heating Tip: Essential Heating Maintenance Tasks

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Perhaps one of the best things you can do for your furnace or heat pump is to perform routine maintenance. Here at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc., we’ve put together a list of some easy maintenance tasks that can both help to extend the life of your system and ensure that it runs efficiently all winter long.

Here are a few maintenance tasks you can do outside of scheduling regular service:

Change Air Filters: We all know that we should do this important task at least once a month during the winter, but many homeowners fail to remember this small chore. If you aren’t sure where to locate your filter or what type to buy, consult your owner’s manual or call one of our heating technicians to walk you through it.
Visually Inspect Components for Issues: You can visually inspect the components of your furnace or heat pump to look for any obvious signs of damage or deterioration. Remember to check return and supply vents in forced air systems for bent vent covers. Also, if you have a heat pump, don’t forget the outside unit. Make sure nothing is blocking airflow.
Schedule a Duct Cleaning Service: If you have not had your ductwork cleaned in a long time, it may be time to schedule a regular service. You can also help keep them clean by vacuuming out the vents on a regular basis.
Call for Service When Needed: While it may seem obvious, calling for a repair whenever you are having problems with your heater is an important part of maintaining your system. Don’t let a minor repair turn into a major expense! Call us ASAP for heating repair needs.

If you would like to schedule a routine maintenance visit or need other suggestions, call the Melbourne, FL heating experts at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. today!

Tags: Heating, Heating Maintenance, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay
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Why Upgrade Your Heating System and Your Insulation at the Same Time

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

We all love to stay warm and cozy during the winter. But if your Melbourne heating system is on the fritz and it’s time to replace it, consider doing the same for your insulation. There are several advantages to doing this and we’ve put together a collection of them.

Increased Comfort

Over the last few years there have been significant improvements in insulation and heating technology. Your new heating system is going to provide you with efficient and even heating across your house. But if your insulation hasn’t been replaced in your home, you may not be able to fully benefit from your new system. Old insulation can allow a lot of the heat to escape to the outdoors. This can lead to cold spots in your house and drafts. Sealing up those cracks and putting in new insulation will increase the overall comfort in your home.

Increased Efficiency

You may have decided to replace your heating system in order to take advantage of the increase energy efficient of newer furnaces. But if you just upgrade your heating system and not the insulation, you might not experience the energy savings you had hoped for. Old insulation might be letting all that nice heated air float right out of your house. When you upgrade your insulation, you can help trap that heat in your home and enjoy greater efficiency. This can potentially lead to savings on your monthly energy bill.

If you have questions about upgrading your heating system and the insulation in your house, call the Melbourne heating experts at Next Generation. We have years of experience working with customers in the Melbourne area and would love to talk with you.

Tags: Heating, Indian Harbour Beach, Insulation, Melbourne, Merritt Island
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HVAC Guide: High Efficiency Home Comfort Equipment

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Don’t let high energy costs disrupt your comfort. Do your research, work out a budget, and invest in equipment with the highest efficiency levels that you can afford. It’s true that the higher the efficiency of a heating or cooling system the higher the initial costs generally are, but you can offset that purchasing price by saving money on utility costs down the road. Here is some information to help you heat and cool your Melbourne home more efficiently.

Efficiency Ratings– Heaters, air conditioners and air filters all have different efficiency ratings. It is important that you understand what each of them mean so that you can know what sort of performance you can expect from your home comfort systems.
- AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency measures the efficiency of gas and oil-fired furnaces. It is a percentage that tells you how much of the fuel consumed actually goes towards heating your home and how much is wasted. Industry minimum AFUE requirement is 78%.
- SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps when cooling your home. The higher the SEER number the more efficient the machine. Regulations require a minimum of 13.0 SEER.
- HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor measures the efficiency of heat pumps when being used for heating. Again, the higher the number the more efficient the heat pump. Today’s heat pumps are required to have at least 6.8 HSPF.
Energy Management Systems – Modern technology lets you take more control than ever over how you use energy in your home. With a home energy management system you can control temperature settings and power use in your home remotely from a smartphone or laptop. Shut off small appliances, adjust temperatures and more no matter where you are. You can ensure that you’re always coming home to a comfortable environment while using less energy with greater control.
When to Purchase – It can be tempting to stick with your existing home comfort systems rather than investing in new, higher efficiency models. However, frequent maintenance and repair costs plus higher operational costs can actually wind up costing you more. Take into consideration the quality of your system, its age and, of course, your budget. High efficiency home comfort equipment may have a higher price tag, but the energy savings translate into financial savings. When you’re ready to replace your home comfort systems make sure that you get the most efficiency for your money.

This information should help you understand the benefits and points to consider when contemplating a new home comfort system. Get the most efficient performance you can afford from your Melbourne heating and air conditioning systems. For more information, give Next Generation Air & Heat Inc a call!

Tags: energy efficiency, Energy Savings, Go Green, Heating, HVAC, Melbourne, Merritt Island
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