residential furnace unit

The Truth About Variable Speed Features for HVAC Systems

If you’re considering a new furnace or air conditioner for your home, you may hear the term ‘Variable Speed’ and see the letters ‘VRV-VRF’ while you research your options.  

We’re here to explain to you what it means and if it’s worth the added costs attached to equipment with this feature.  

 

Here’s the truth . . .

Today’s heating and air conditioning systems are incredibly sophisticated machines – far superior to their predecessors. They’re fine-tuned, highly-sensitive operating systems designed with controls and sensors to maximize efficiency. Efficiency that results from:

  • Keeping more treated air inside your home (less exhaust).
  • Maintaining a more constant temperature level in your home.

It’s the second result, maintaining more consistent temperature, that is the product of advanced technologies like Variable-Speed features.  

 

Multi-Speed Difference

Buck’s HVAC can fully explain the technology, but since it is a costly feature, we want to offer our thoughts. Simply stated, Variable Speed technology automatically alters the speed of the flow of air throughout your home. A multi-speed blower automatically changes from high-to-low to create consistent room temperature.  

This is different from the traditional operation of a furnace with a single HIGH-speed that goes on-and-off in cycles as the thermostat setting and room temperature varies.

 

Downfalls to the single HIGH-speed blower fan:

  • Tends to be noisy
  • Wares out parts quickly due to frequent on-and-off cycles
  • Uses more energy in starting and stopping the High-speed blower
  • Overall reduced efficiency

 

Benefits Variable Speed technology

  • Quieter
  • Affords greater comfort
  • Offers humidity or dehumidification control
  • Delivers more even temperatures throughout your home  

 

Variable-Speed technology is already part of many high-efficiency furnaces. It’s recognized as superior technology, and it delivers greater comfort for your home.

 

Value Driven

While Variable-Speed features make HVAC equipment more expensive, they save homeowners in energy costs each month and over time pays for itself. The time in which you recoup your investment will vary from house-to-house.

 

Do the Math

As you consider Variable-Speed for your furnace, a Buck’s HVAC expert can help as you weigh the value. We can offer advice on manufacturers’ discounts and rebates and applicable government tax credits.    

 

You’re making a multi-year investment in your home. Careful study is necessary to weigh the variables and project your future comfort level. There’s no easy answer. Each situation is truly unique.

 

We Help Homeowners

Whether you’re replacing your furnace, central air conditioning, adding a dehumidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your system, our knowledgeable experts will deliver the service you need. Superior quality equipment and Trained Certified Technicians – Buck’s HVAC truly delivers for you.

 

Reliable and Trusted

We’ve been serving homes in our neighborhood for years with prompt, dependable, and reliable service that meets the highest standards. Experience counts! Your neighbors rely on and trust us to treat them right.    

 

We’re Just One Phone Call Away!

They rely on us for advanced products and expert service. We make the HVAC updating and maintenance process as stress-free as possible. Call us today to set up an appointment!

Saving Energy on Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season the team at Buck’s would like to take a moment to express how very thankful we are for the opportunity to service your heating and air conditioning needs. We hope that you get at least a moment or two to enjoy the holiday in a way that is meaningful to you and your family.

For many in Northwest Indiana Thanksgiving means family, football and lots of food!  When preparing to heap your table high with food, here are a few tips to make sure your holiday gathering stays at a comfortable temperature.

Keep Comfortable While Cooking

Before you bring out your favorite orange sweater or start mashing potatoes, here are some tips to help you enjoy a tasty meal without a big spike in your electricity bill.

  • Lower the thermostat by a couple of degrees before you start your meal preparation.  Chances are, you’ll be using the stovetop and your oven, and the temperature inside your home will heat up too.  Hosting dinner guests in your home will also generate more heat. Keeping the temperature around 68º will ensure your guests are comfortable and keep your heating costs to a minimum.

 

  • If you haven’t already adapted your home for the winter season, please check our September Blog.  It’s full of simple, helpful hints that will make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.  You can find this valuable blog in the archives on this website.  Your family will notice the difference.

 

  • If you have a variable speed furnace, much of this temperature adjustment is done automatically by your ‘smart furnace’.  Furnaces with variable speed airflow automatically adjusts the heat level in each room as your guests move from dining, to family room, to kitchen.  It adds comfort and savings.

 

  • Avoid peeking.  Opening and closing the oven door causes heat to escape and will increase cooking times.  It’s tempting – but costly.  Also, use tightly fitted lids on pots to help keep the heat in.  You’ll be able to keep the temperature setting lower and cook more efficiently.

 

  • Whenever possible, use a microwave or toaster oven as both use less than half of electricity of your regular oven.

 

Leftovers the Smart Way

The second-best part of Thanksgiving dinner – Leftovers!  Place leftovers in sealed, reusable containers and allow the contents to cool before placing in the fridge.  Putting warm food in the fridge causes it to work harder to keep cool – increasing your home’s electricity use.

 

We Help Homeowners

Whether you’re replacing your furnace, central air conditioning, adding a dehumidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your system, our knowledgeable experts will deliver the service you need. Superior quality equipment and Trained Certified Technicians – Buck’s HVAC truly delivers for you.

heating and cooling maintenance agreements

The Truth about Maintenance Agreements

We’ve all heard the ‘pitch’. Sign-up for a maintenance agreement and be certain your heating and air conditioning system is operating efficiently and extend the life of your equipment. But, is it true? Are maintenance agreements really worth it?  

Without a doubt – YES! Maintenance agreements deliver.  They protect your investment, save you money, improve your comfort and simplify your life.  

With a maintenance agreement, a certified technician from Buck’s HVAC is scheduled to inspect your HVAC system in the spring and again in the fall to ensure that the air quality in your home is meeting quality standards.   

Greater Protection
Today’s high-efficiency HVAC systems are fine-tuned, highly-sensitive operating machines. They’re designed with controls and sensors to ensure maximum efficiency. Like with any precision equipment, your HVAC system needs care and maintenance.

Without regular maintenance checks, your home is at risk for poor air quality and circulation. Cleaning filters, coils, and maintaining Energy Star standards are critical. You’ll protect your family and your investment.

Save Money
Buck’s HVAC service agreements offer priority emergency response time, no overtime fees, and 15% discount on parts.

With regular check-ups, potential problems can be spotted and corrected while they are still minor. Plus, regular check-ups extend the life of your equipment and likely save on energy bills.  

Improve Comfort
Keeping your home comfortable with clean air circulating is the goal of a well maintained HVAC system. We understand that you simply want your family to be cozy warm in the winter and cool and comfortable during Midwest summer humidity. You can’t put a price on getting a good night’s sleep in the comfort of your home with fresh, clean air surrounding you.  

Simplify Your Life
There is never enough time in our schedules. Between your daily demands of running kids to school events, activities, doctor appointments, grocery runs and more – where do you fit in home maintenance?

With a maintenance agreement, Buck’s HVAC keeps track of your HVAC system’s history and know when it’s time for a check-up. We will contact you with a reminder and fit the appointment into your schedule.  

While servicing your system, we will also check for issues like air-quality, humidity, leaking vents, and other issues that impact your health.  

Sign-up for Our Maintenance Program Today
Without a doubt, a Maintenance Agreement protects your home, saves money, improves your comfort, and simplifies your life.   

We Help Homeowners
Whether you’re replacing your furnace, central air conditioning, adding a dehumidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your system, we are knowledgeable and expert in delivering the service you need.   

Look to us for installing advanced, state-of-the-art high-efficiency Armstrong Air furnaces and Air Conditioners.  Superior quality equipment and Trained Certified Technicians – we’re the Team that truly delivers for you.

the truth about humidity and dehumidifiers

The Truth about Humidity and Dehumidifiers

It’s easy to recall a hot, humid day where you couldn’t get relief from that sticky, uncomfortable feeling. But, humidity is not just an outdoor condition. Your home can be an uncomfortably humid environment too. Beyond being uncomfortable, high indoor humidity is also a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria – mildew, mold spores, dust mites – that can harm your health. It is reported that people who live in homes with consistent high humidity get sick more often and suffer from overall poorer health.  

Beyond the personal discomfort and potential health issues, high humidity and poor ventilation also take a toll on the structure of your home. Examples include serious issues like mold and mildew spreading inside walls, floorboards creaking and bending, peeling paint, and warped woodwork. In addition, condensation on windows and walls can cause structural damage. Older homes are particularly prone to holding excess moisture due to poor insulation and ventilation. Even newer construction in the Midwest risks damage from frequent freezing and thawing.  

You can’t put a price on your family’s health, but repairs to your home can be significant.  Don’t let humidity ruin your health, your home, and your budget. There are solutions available to help you manage the issue.

The Dehumidifier Solution

You can immediately lower high humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier.  Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air by using a fan to suck HOT air into the compact unit then cooling the air as it crosses refrigerated coils and expelling the excess water into a drain.  

Portable Dehumidifiers

There are both portable and comprehensive dehumidifiers available for your home. You can find portable dehumidifier units in most big-box retail stores. Often these units can be wheeled into a room and controls allow you to manage the desired performance level. Unfortunately these portable units only treat the humid air in that area but do nothing for the rest of your home.

Full-Home Dehumidifiers

The most effective and comprehensive solution to reduce humidity throughout your home is a system that attaches to your home’s central heating and cooling system. The desired performance level is usually set at the thermostat that controls your central heating and cooling.  Since air is a “whole house” matter, many experts believe that the best solution is a dehumidifier that is attached to your furnace with the goal of improving air quality throughout your entire home.   

Your Buck’s HVAC team member can help you determine the appropriate state-of-the-art dehumidifier that best fits your home’s needs.

We Help Homeowners

Rely on our industry knowledge and experience when replacing your furnace or central air conditioning, adding a dehumidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your heating and air conditioning system. We are just a phone call away when you need to schedule your annual heating and cooling inspection or duct cleaning. We even help you take advantage of rebates from manufacturers and energy companies.

We make the HVAC updating and maintenance process as stress-free as possible.