Last updated 2 months ago
Most traditional furnaces generate heat by burning fuel such as oil or, more commonly, gas. In places like Phoenix, however, where the weather is rarely very cold, these types of heating systems can be both unnecessary and inefficient. Heat pumps, which can combine air conditioning with heating functionality, are ideal for mild-winter climates. Read the guide below to learn how these appliances can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The Basic Principle: Heat Transfer
Conventional furnaces create heat—or rather, they release the thermal energy contained in fuels by burning them. This process is never 100% effective, and some of the fuel the unit burns won’t be converted into heat, but rather will be released as smoke or emissions. Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t actually generate any new heat. They take the heat energy already present in the air and pump it through your home’s existing ducts.
The Inner Workings: Coils and Compressor
Most heat pumps use two sets of copper coils surrounded by aluminum fins, one indoors and one outside. When it’s chilly outside, refrigerant in the outdoor coil evaporates, which captures thermal energy. The evaporated gas then passes through the compressor into the indoor coil, where it releases heat as it condenses. When the pump is in cooling mode, the process is simply reversed to remove excess heat from indoors.
The Benefits: Reduced Energy Use and Emissions
Because they do not consume expensive fuels, heat pumps can be more cost-effective than traditional furnaces and boilers. Since they eliminate the need to burn fuel in your home, heat pumps can also minimize the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Best of all, a heat pump can combine air conditioning and heating functions in one unit.
If you would like to replace your current air conditioner and heater with an air-source heat pump, call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating at (602) 903-6442. Serving homes all across the Phoenix metro area, we provide a full range of heating and cooling products and services. We are on call 24 hours a day for emergency repairs.
Last updated 2 months ago
Over the past hundred years, the way people in the U.S. heat their homes has changed drastically. In fact, advances in HVAC technology mean that newer homes can feature heating systems much different even from those that were cutting-edge 10 to 15 years ago. Learn more about how heating has changed over the years by reading the timeline below.
Early Heating Systems
Up until the late 19th century, most Americans heated their homes using cast-iron wood burning stoves. Wood was a plentiful and easily accessible natural resource in most of the country, and it was not until the late 1800s that coal became a common fuel source for home heating systems.
Steam-Based Heating
In the post-Civil War era, steam-based heating systems became widespread throughout the U.S. These designs used boilers and pipes to distribute steam to various rooms inside a home. In 1891, the American Radiator Company united some of the most prominent manufacturers of boilers and radiators in the country to form a near-monopoly.
Central Heating
The earliest central heating systems did not recirculate heated air; rather, they used blowers to capture outside air to heat homes. Early “heat blast” systems, which used a fan to blow air over a surface heated by steam or water, were the precursors of forced air heating systems. The majority of homes today use a forced air HVAC system, which blows climate-controlled air through a series of ducts, for both heating and air conditioning.
Heat Pumps
Unlike virtually all heating systems that came before, heat pumps do not actually generate any thermal energy on their own; rather, they remove the heat from outside air and pump it into your home. Though they don’t work so well in areas that routinely experience temperatures below freezing, they are perfect for mild Phoenix winters. Heat pumps consume little energy, and they can also be used to cool a space down.
If your heating system needs to be cleaned or tuned up, or if you want to install a new heat pump in your home, call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix at (602) 903-6442. We provide homeowners across the Valley with routine and emergency air conditioning and heating services 24 hours a day.
Last updated 2 months ago
Since summer temperatures in the Valley routinely rise to well over 100°F, a properly functioning air conditioner is not merely a luxury in Phoenix area homes. Avoiding heatstroke by drinking plenty of water and keeping your home cool is vital. This is especially true for older adults, young children, or pets living with you.
Air conditioning units do not last forever, and if yours is more than 10 years old you may need to replace it soon. You can keep your air conditioner operating at peak efficiency by changing the filter every month, but if it constantly requires repairs you should have a new unit installed. Watch this video to learn more about the lifespan of HVAC systems.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix at (602) 903-6442 if your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced. We offer 24-hour service, so you can also call us in case of an emergency.
Last updated 3 months ago
As you prepare your home for the cool winter months it’s important to make sure that your heating system is running efficiently. An electric or gas furnace that isn’t running properly can dramatically increase your annual energy bills and contribute to your carbon footprint. Luckily there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your home comfortable and efficient this winter season.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains the importance of having properly sealed air ducts to make sure your house isn’t losing heat and wasting energy.
Learn how regularly changing your HVAC filters can help you lower your heating costs this winter with this information from TLC.com.
If your furnace isn’t blowing enough warm air, you may need to change your air filter. Better Homes and Gardens describes how to identify dirty furnace filters and replace them with clean ones.
Find out how proper furnace maintenance can help you reduce your energy costs with this information from HGTV.com.
MyFoxPhoenix.com provides a detailed checklist to get your home ready for the cool winter months, specifically describing how often you should replace your furnace filter.
Call (602) 903-6442 to speak with the heating and cooling experts of One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Phoenix about your home energy system.
Last updated 3 months ago
Because your furnace isn’t used all year round you may notice some problems when you finally turn it on. The best way to avoid these problems is to have an HVAC professional perform an annual maintenance inspection. During this inspection they will be able to identify any flaws in your furnace that might make it difficult for you to heat your home this winter.
Furnace isn’t turning on
If there is no heat coming out of your furnace it may a problem with the setting on your thermostat. A temperature setting that is too low can be the reason why your furnace is failing to respond to your home’s heating needs. If adjusting the temperature setting doesn’t help, then you may have a problem with your furnace’s pilot light or gas valve. An HVAC professional can check your system and perform any necessary valve or pilot light repairs.
Furnace doesn’t produce adequate heat
Sometimes your furnace may be turned on, but it isn’t blowing warm air into your household. One of the biggest causes of this problem is that you have an old, dirty furnace filter that needs to be changed. A problem with your blower motor or an obstruction in your airflow chamber may also be the reason why your home isn’t heating properly.
Furnace makes strange noises
A problem with your furnace can create either a very high-pitched squeaking sound or a low-pitched rumbling noise. The irritating, high-pitched noise is normally the result of a loose belt or poorly lubricated motor bearing. Problems with the pilot light system and gas burners can create the lower rumbling sound. During a regularly scheduled maintenance appointment your HVAC professional will be able to fix these problems before they create any strange noises.
To schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating call (602) 903-6442. We will work with you to schedule an appointment time that fits with your busy schedule. If you are having any problems with your heating and cooling system, we also offer emergency maintenance services.
