Author: northlandhvac

Mini-Split vs Central Air: Making the Right Cooling Choice.

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

When it comes to cooling your home, there are various options to consider. Two popular choices are mini-split systems and central air conditioning. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision for your cooling needs. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of mini-split systems and central air conditioning, providing you with the knowledge to choose the right cooling solution for your home.

Mini-Split Systems:


Mini-split systems, also known as ductless systems, offer a flexible and efficient cooling solution. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, connected by refrigerant lines.

Here are the pros and cons of mini-split systems:

Pros:

  1. Zone Cooling: Mini-splits allow for individual temperature control in different areas or rooms, providing customized comfort.
  2. Energy Efficiency: By cooling specific zones, mini-split systems can help save energy and reduce utility bills.
  3. Easy Installation: Since no ductwork is required, installation is typically easier and less invasive than central air conditioning.
  4. Versatility: Mini-splits can be installed in various types of buildings, making them suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

Cons:

  1. Higher Initial Cost: Mini-split systems can have a higher upfront cost compared to central air conditioning in certain applications.
  2. Aesthetics: The indoor units of mini-split systems may not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic preferences, as they are visible within the room.

Central Air Conditioning:


Central air conditioning is a traditional cooling system that distributes cooled air throughout the entire home using existing ductwork and a furnace/air handlers blower.

Here are the pros and cons of central air conditioning:

Pros:

  1. Whole-House Cooling: Central air conditioning provides consistent cooling to every room in your home.
  2. Aesthetics: The cooling equipment remains hidden, as the system relies on ductwork to distribute air.
  3. Home Value: Central air conditioning is a desirable feature that can increase the value of your home.

Cons:

  1. Ductwork Required: If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork, installation can be more complex and costly.
  2. Limited Zone Control: Central air conditioning typically cools the entire home simultaneously, limiting individual temperature control.

Choosing between a mini-split system and central air conditioning depends on your specific needs and preferences. Mini-split systems offer flexibility and energy efficiency, while central air conditioning provides whole-house cooling and aesthetic appeal. Consider factors such as initial cost, desired level of control, and existing infrastructure when making your decision. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can also help you determine the best cooling solution for your home.

Have any other questions? Feel free to send us an email at NorthlandProHVAC@gmail.com or message us. We can also be reached by texting or calling 715-580-0741

Categories AC

10 frequently asked HVAC Questions, Answered

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Every homeowner who has heating, cooling and ventilation systems, wants it to work efficiently and effectively. Here are some questions we frequently get asked:

1. How do I choose an air filter for my HVAC system?

Every system has their own specific sized filter, this can be found on the current filter in the system. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, a higher-grade filter is best. Pleated air filters are good for reducing allergens; however they cannot be left in the unit for too long or they will become clogged.

2. How do I know if my HVAC system is running safely?

We always recommend having working carbon monoxide and fire detectors in your home. This is also a Wisconsin state requirement. This can give you peace of mind that your HVAC system is not a hazard. 

3. How can I increase efficiency and the lifespan of my HVAC equipment?

The best way to improve your systems efficiency and increase it’s lifespan is by regularly changing its filters and keeping it clean. We recommend having your system serviced once a year for a tune-up. Other ways to increase efficiency include having a programmable thermostat, keeping curtains closed and making sure no vents are blocked from airflow, etc.

4. Does adjusting the thermostat up or down really save money on energy bills?

The short answer is yes, adjusting your thermostat up or down can save you money on your energy bill. However we do not recommend – Starting up and shutting down consumes a lot of energy so changing the temperature frequently causes unnecessary wear and tear on not only t6. he thermostat but on your HVAC system as a whole. 

5. How often should I have my heating & cooling systems serviced?

It is recommended to have your heating and cooling systems serviced at least once a year. This will increase the lifespan and efficiency.

6. What size system does my home require?

If your HVAC system is too large, then you are paying more for no reason and adding additional wear and tear to your equipment. If your HVAC system is too small, you may not be able to cool or heat your house efficiently enough. To determine the correct size system, you will need to calculate your square footage, determine your base BTUs and pick your unit. Technicians will do a Rescheck or Manual J, which helps increase the accuracy of your system size by looking at other factors such as your local climates, insulation of your home, etc. 

What is SEER rating and why is it important?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER is the ratio of cooling output of an AC over a regular cooling season, then divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. This ratio is calculated over an entire cooling season using a constant indoor temperature. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency of the system. 

8. How long will my HVAC system last?

Your HVAC system should typically last 15-20 years, but there are factors that play into this time frame. Changing your air filters often and regularly servicing your systems can help increase longevity. If you have any worries about your heating & cooling system, it is best to have it checked out sooner than later. 

9. Does Furnace or AC brand matter?

The brand of your furnace/AC can make a difference, but is not the most important part in the life of your HVAC system. No matter the brand, if your system isn’t installed to the manufacturing code, you could be losing out on money. Who installs your system and the attention to details is more important than the equipment itself. 

10. How much will my new Air Conditioner or Furnace cost?

The only way to have an exact price on your installation is by having a technician come out to your home to do a free estimate. This ensures that you are getting the best price. 

Factors that go into pricing include: 

  • Efficiency of the equipment
  • Whether your system is single-stage, two-stage or variable speed
  • The size of your home
  • Whether or not ductwork is needed
  • Condensation pump considerations

Typically:
Air Conditioner replacement can range from $4,500 – $12,000
Furnace replacement can range from $4,000 – $8,000
Full system replacement can range $8,000 – $18,000


Have any other questions? Feel free to send us an email at NorthlandProHVAC@gmail.com or message us. We can also be reached by texting or calling 715-580-0741

Fall Energy Saving Tips

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Save money and be comfortable in your home with these fall home energy saving tips.

1. Maintain your Heating System

To maximize the life of your furnace or boiler, schedule regular service and replace filters as needed. We recommend scheduling a tune-up every year. Get on our schedule here.

2. Lower your Water Heating Costs

Lowering the temperature of your water heater just a few degrees could save you money. Another option to increase energy-efficiency is adding an insulating blanket over your water heater. This can be found in hardware stores or online in all sizes to easily fit around your unit to hold in heat. 

3. Seal any Leaks

In order to make your house as efficient and comfortable for you, it’s important that all the air leaks around utility pipes be sealed. There are many other places where this can happen such as recessed ceiling lights or cupboards in kitchens–so get up there with some caulk!

4. Adjust your Thermostat

When you are at home, try to set your thermostat to a lower temperature that is still comfortable! At nighttime we recommend turning your thermostat back 5-15 degrees (or what you can be comfortable with). This will also help with energy efficiency, so it pays off in more ways than one! Many people forget to lower their thermostats at night, which is where you can benefit from choosing a smart thermostat to adjust your temperatures according to a set schedule. 

5. Drafty Windows

Keep your curtains tight to the windows and or use heavy duty plastic sheets that can stick to your window frames. The tightness will reduce infiltration on cold air.

6. Use the Sun 

The sun is an incredible source of heat. Open up your curtains where the sun is facing during the day to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill effect.  

7. Check Registers

Make sure your registers are not covered.  If you have a register that is obstructed or covered in any way, it could lead to that particular room being colder than the rest of the house. If you have furniture that is blocking registers and cannot be moved, consider vent extenders that redirect the air.

8. Add a Humidifier 

Adding a humidifier can help make lower temperatures feel warmer. This option can also help protect your home furnishing from the dry air. If exposed to dry air too long, furniture can splinter and crack. A humidifier can also improve your family’s overall health. 

9. Reverse your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans should be moving clockwise to help push warmer air from the ceiling back down. This can help in maintaining evenly warm temperatures in your home. 

Air Conditioner FAQ:

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Ever hear a funny noise from your air conditioning system and wonder what is that sound? Or wonder if it is time to replace your system? Here are some frequently asked questions that we get about AC:

How do I know if my air conditioner (AC) is broken?

  1. If your AC won’t turn on, try turning on the fan to see if the blower has any power.
  2. If your air filter hasn’t been changed in over a month, the built up debris could be preventing proper airflow.
  3. If your thermostat is blank, it may need new batteries.
  4. If you checked all of these items, you may need to call a professional.

Why is my AC making noises?

  1. A light humming sound is normal for an AC, but if you start to hear unusual sounds like buzzing, banging, rattling, this could be a sign that something is definitely wrong. Do not ignore the loud noises and call an expert.

What should I do before turning on my air conditioner?

  1. Before you fire up your AC you should change your filter and clean the condenser and surrounding yard. Then have a professional AC tune-up to prepare for the hot spring/summer days.

When should I replace my AC?

  1. AC’s can last somewhere between 10 to 20 years, sometimes longer if well taken care of. If you are continuously having problems with your AC and it is older, it may be more cost effective to have it replaced.

Why is my AC freezing up?

  1. Most of the time when an AC freezes up it is caused from lack of refrigerant or air flow to the evaporator coils. If you notice that the AC is freezing up, we recommend turning it off to prevent further damage.

Why is my AC leaking condensation? Should I be worried?

  1. A little condensation can be normal, however leaks can usually indicate that there’s a problem with the way the condensation is draining.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, we always recommend changing your filter and to get advice from an expert. To ensure that your air conditioner has a long life expectancy, we recommend yearly tune-ups before the hot season begins.

If you have any other air conditioning questions, feel free to give us a call at 715-580-0741

Or send us a message!

What to expect from a Maintenance Service Call

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

By regularly scheduling heating and cooling maintenance service visits, you are adding additional years of life to your systems. 

Before your Maintenance service call with a technician: 

If you can, identify the manufacturer and model number of your equipment to your technician. It is very helpful to know your equipment information ahead of time, but if you are not sure you should not try to open any equipment yourself. 

During technician service:

The HVAC technician will perform a complete system check. We will inspect all parts of a system, clean it, and perform routine maintenance specific to your system.

A routine HVAC maintenance service call may include:  

  • Inspecting main HVAC components
  • Checking for adequate air flow
  • Inspection of refrigerant lines
  • Clearing drain lines and pans
  • Inspecting exterior fan
  • Tightening electrical connections
  • Inspecting system controls
  • Inspecting and lubricating moving parts
  • Replacing parts that are showing wear and tear
  • Replacing air filters
  • Checking electrical connections

Steady airflow is crucial for indoor comfort. If you think you may have poor airflow, talk to your technician about checking ductwork. If we discover that your ductwork is leaking, we may recommend duct sealing.

Follow Up:
Routinely servicing your systems by a licensed professional HVAC technician is just as important as taking your car to a mechanic for oil changes and maintenance. If you are interested in a possible extended service contract or agreement, talk to your technician about setting up a maintenance agreement. This is where the customer agrees to pay a set fee for routine maintenance to extend the life of your HVAC equipment. 

Schedule maintenance today! or give us a call/text at 715-580-0741

We are an Amana dealer, but service all brands

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Improve Air Quality with a UV Air Purifier

Being comfortable in your home is about more than just the temperature, it is also about the air quality. Protect your home from bacteria, pet odors, allergens, musty odors and more.

Top reasons I recommend having an HVAC tech install a UV Air Purifier:

  1. Helps prevent the spread of bacteria in the air
  2. Helps save time cleaning
  3. Helps prevent you from breathing in bad airborne particles
  4. Helps exposure to allergens
  5. Helps prevent unwanted odors

The air purifier removes dust, smoke and particles from the air with the power of UV to kill unwanted bacteria. This system is installed directly into your forced air system and will start getting to work right away. 

Contact Andrew Check, at Northland Professional Heating & Cooling to learn more about installing a UV Air Purifier. Call/text us at 715-580-0741 or email us at NorthlandProHVAC@northlandhvac

Learn more about the brand I recommend: Fresh-Aire UV

Signs You Need to Replace Your Heating Unit

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Is it time for a new boiler or furnace? 

  • Old age 
  • Poor Indoor air quality
  • Rising energy bills
  • Constant repairs needed 
  • Uneven distribution of heat into rooms
  • Visible signs of rust or cracks
  • Excessive Condensation/Humidity problems

How old is too old? 

If you are unsure the age of your furnace, you can find this information on the owner’s manual or by looking up the system’s model number that is on the furnace or boiler. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years. This depends on how the system was taken care of (do you get a yearly tune up? Change your filters?) and also can depend on how it was previously installed. A furnace that was not installed correctly, may not last as long. 

Think it might be time to retire the old furnace? We offer FREE estimates. Andrew, the owner, will come to your home, look over your current system and discuss your wants and needs. You will ALWAYS get an honest answer about if he thinks it is time to upgrade. He will work on a proposal for your new system and it will be sent to you within the week. 

Give Andrew a call/text at 715-580-0741 or an email at NorthlandProHVAC@gmail.com

Contact us today!

Schedule a Furnace Tune up Today!

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Did you know that 75% of no heat calls are because of a lack in proper maintenance?

Why should you schedule a yearly furnace tune up?

Just like your car or any other expensive equipment, your furnace needs maintenance to keep operating for many years. A neglected system has to work overtime to keep your home conditioned and can cause failure. A tune up can also help improve energy efficiency and lower your utility bill. A yearly tune up is recommended to support the lifetime of your HVAC system.

What do they check when doing a furnace tune up?

First thing we do is a good cleaning of your system. A technician will adjust the parts and mechanism inside your furnace if necessary to catch any potential problems before they escalate. Other things we do during a tune up may include:

  • Thermostat Calibration
  • Test safety switches and limit switches
  • Inspecting ignition system
  • Checking heat operations
  • Cleaning the burners
  • Inspecting electrical connections
  • Change air filters

Schedule a furnace tune up today!

For early bird customers, we are offering a $20 off coupon on a tune up. Get on the schedule today. Let us know you saw the deal on our website. Offer expires October 15th! 715-580-0741

Consequences of Not Changing Your Air Filter

Published on by northlandhvacLeave a comment

Do you know how often you should be changing your air filter?

It is best to change your air filter every 30 to 60 days, but this can also depend on the type of air filter you are using and the circumstances of your home. If you have multiple pets or family members with allergies, you may want to change your air filter every 25-45 days. If you have no pets, you could possibly be fine with waiting up to 90 days. 

What Happens if you do not change your air filter?

When you do not change your air filter, it will start to build up and become clogged. If the air filter becomes clogged, then there is a barrier that does not allow the air to flow through it. This can have an effect on your entire HVAC system including:

  • Higher power bills – the entire system has to work hard to get through the filter.
  • Poor temperature regulation – if the air can not go through, this can affect the temperature of your home.
  • Health concerns – long-term health issues can happen due to breathing in the contaminated air.
  • System failure – overworking of the system can cause it to completely fail and may cost you an entire new furnace. 
  • Clamped-up coils – your coils can freeze up from being over used and not cooling the room like it is supposed to. 

If you look at your air filter and it is very clogged up, and you know it has been a very long time, I suggest giving your HVAC professional a call to make sure there isn’t further damage. To keep this from happening, change your filter regularly and create a reminder on your calendar! 

Signs Your AC Needs Repair

Published on by northlandhvac1 Comment

Air conditioning problems always seem to occur at the worst possible times. Having an AC system that works is very important to your family’s comfort and well-being. If you can notice small issues early enough, it could save you more money in the long run. Some signs that you may need a repair or replacement soon include:

  1. Strange noises 

When the AC is turned on, if you hear any abnormal scraping, grinding, or squealing noises, there may be a problem with the blower being out of place within the unit itself. Contacting an HVAC technician as soon as possible can help cause additional damage to other parts in the unit. 

  1. Blowing warm air 

No one purchases an air conditioning system for it to blow warm air. If your AC is not blowing out refreshingly cool air, this is a sign to have an HVAC technician take a look at it. 

  1. Weird smell

If there is an odor coming from the air conditioner, then there is a problem. A smell can be a sign of a burned wire or even mold somewhere inside of the unit. This can cause your family to get sick, and we recommend having someone come to your home as soon as possible.

  1. Weak airflow 

If you are feeling cool air, but very weak airflow, this is a sign of a dirty coil or a dying blower motor. An HVAC specialist will need to investigate the uncertainty of this issue. 

  1. Leaking moisture 

This is a sign of a refrigerant leak. You should contact a professional as soon as possible because refrigerants can cause unhealthy breathing air. OR the moisture may be from a blocked tube that is getting rid of the condensation. You may notice leaking or you may have ice inside the AC unit on the refrigerant lines outside of the condenser. Either way, call an HVAC specialist. 

  1. Expensive energy bills

Is your energy bill higher than normal and you haven’t been using AC anymore than you usually do? This could be from an outdated thermostat, leaks, or the age of your air conditioning unit. 

  1. High humidity levels

One of the jobs of an air conditioning system is to also help keep lower the humidity in your home. If you notice increasing humidity in your home, you may need a repair. 

  1. Thermostat not working

Think of your thermostat as the command center of your AC unit. It communicates to the AC to let it know how much cold air it needs to create. If it is turning itself off after periods of time, or not turning on at all, this may be a thermostat issue. 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to give your heating and cooling specialist a call. It can save you money in the long run, by fixing the problems sooner than later. If you have had your air conditioner for over 15 years, it is a possibility that it may be time for a new air conditioning unit. 

Call Northland Professional Heating & Cooling today, explain the issues you are having, and a specialist will be able to help get you on the schedule as soon as possible.