Smart thermostats are becoming more popular because of the convenience and precise comfort control they provide. While several options are available for virtually every type of HVAC system, you need to understand the features of any thermostats you are considering to ensure they are compatible with your system. Here are four features to look for in a smart thermostat.

1. Scheduling Options

Smart thermostats have varying levels of scheduling customizability. For example, 7-day thermostats allow you to set a custom heating and cooling schedule for every day of the week. However, 5/2 models have one schedule for weekdays and one schedule for the weekends.  You could also use a 5/1/1 thermostat, which has one schedule for weekdays and can have unique schedules for Saturday and Sunday.

In general, the more precise your thermostat’s scheduling options are, the more expensive the unit will be. Homeowners who work from home or otherwise spend most of their time in their house would benefit most from 7-day thermostats. Otherwise, you may be able to enjoy significant savings by choosing a thermostat with a less customizable schedule.

2. Heating Stage Compatibility

Many older furnaces have fans that can only run at one speed. These furnaces are called single-stage furnaces. However, modern furnaces have improved on energy-efficiency by offering dual-stage and multi-stage options. Dual-stage furnaces have high- and low-power modes, while multi-stage furnaces can adapt their fan speed dynamically to your home’s heating demands.

You should understand what heating stage options your furnace has to find a thermostat that is compatible. Single stage furnaces only have one heating wire and one cooling wire that run to the thermostat. But furnaces with multiple stages use multiple wires and connectors.

Look at the wiring of your current thermostat to determine what type of furnace you have.

3. Zoning Compatibility

Zoning in HVAC terminology refers to the capability of heating and cooling different areas of your home individually. Duct dampers handle this task in traditional forced-air systems, and individual air handlers accomplish it in ductless systems. The benefit of zoning is that you can only heat or cool the rooms you are using to help save energy.

If your HVAC system uses separate air handlers, it may be necessary to install a thermostat for each zone to control their temperatures individually. This is referred to as system-based zoning. However, many homes can be accommodated with sensor-based zoning, where sensors read the temperature in each zone and allow you to control your system with a single smart thermostat.

4. Wi-Fi Connectivity

Perhaps the biggest convenience that comes with a smart thermostat is Wi-Fi connectivity. With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can use a computer or mobile device to make adjustments to your thermostat without the need to interact with the wall display. Many homeowners also choose to integrate a smart home system, which allows them to control their HVAC system and other devices from one central hub.

Smart thermostats with Wi-Fi connectivity often have additional internet-based features. Some will use online weather forecasts to make changes to their schedule, while others can detect the GPS location of your phone and heat or cool your home for you before you walk in the door.

Review the Wi-Fi features of any smart thermostat carefully so you can be sure it provides the specific functionality you’re looking for.

Not all smart thermostats are made equal, so when you know what to look for, you can ensure that you are happy with your purchase for years to come. Keep these tips in mind, and call our team at Edelman Inc. for all your HVAC needs.

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Whether you want to install an HVAC system for your new home or you’re considering an upgrade for an outdated system, it’s important to know that not all furnaces and air conditioners are created equal. A high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner offers several benefits that you may be missing out on if you choose a more budget-oriented system. Here are four reasons to consider a high-efficiency HVAC system.

1. Cost Savings

When you mention HVAC efficiency, the first thing that many people will think of is cost savings. While more efficient furnaces and air conditioners are usually more expensive up-front, they frequently pay for themselves through savings on your monthly energy bill through years of use. If you look up your current furnace or air conditioner model and compare it to the new units, you can even estimate the level of savings you’re likely to see.

As an example, consider a furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80 percent. If you upgrade to a furnace that has a 90 percent AFUE rating, you can expect to see a ten-percent reduction in your monthly bill. Air conditioners and heat pumps are rated with a different metric called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which can also be used to calculate your estimated energy costs.

2. More Consistent Temperature

A more efficient furnace and air conditioner is not only comfortable for your wallet; it helps keep the rest of your home more comfortable as well. Many high-efficiency air handlers feature a component called a variable-speed blower. Unlike older blower motors that run at a single speed constantly, variable-speed blowers can adjust their speed based on the temperature demands of your home.

A variable-speed blower provides more consistent airflow throughout your home. Instead of shutting off completely, this type of blower can circulate air continuously. The improved circulation of air reduces or even eliminates the occurrence of hot and cold spots, while also removing more moisture from the air to prevent uncomfortably high indoor humidity.

3. Quiet Operation

A more efficient appliance is usually a quieter one, and high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners are no exception. If your HVAC system features a variable-speed blower, it will run much more quietly when the fan is not spinning at full speed. This results in quieter operation on all but the hottest and coldest days.

Other improvements have been made in recent times that allow modern HVAC systems to run more quietly. For example, many high-efficiency air conditioners feature insulation in the outdoor condenser and air handler that reduce vibrations, and therefore noise.

4. Extra Features

Since furnaces and central air conditioners are designed to last for a decade or more, there’s a lot of time for technological advancement by the time you upgrade them. As a premium option, high-efficiency HVAC systems almost always feature the latest advancements to further set them apart from budget options. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system is a great way to improve the convenience of heating and cooling your home.

One feature to look for in any new high-efficiency system is a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can offer several features like a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi control, and automatic scheduling for your furnace and AC. Many high-efficiency systems also feature dampers or other means of zone control, so you can individually heat and cool only the parts of your home where it’s needed.

Your HVAC system is the biggest source of energy use in your home, so upgrading to a high-efficiency system can be more beneficial than upgrading other appliances. For more tips and high-quality HVAC service, contact Edelman Inc. today!

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It’s easy to ignore your HVAC system while it’s working. However, regular maintenance is a crucial part of caring for your system for many reasons. If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned, or you aren’t sure if it’s necessary, check out these commonly asked questions.

Why Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned?

There are two main reasons to have your ducts cleaned. First, it helps the system run better by keeping the ducts clean. Debris in the duct forces the system to work harder, which puts unwanted stress and strain, making it wear down faster. Too much debris can also cause the system to be less effective at heating and cooling.

Second, it improves indoor air quality by removing allergens and irritants. Even if you don’t have a breathing condition like asthma, pollutants can get in the lung and cause bronchial or sinus congestion. As an added benefit, a good cleaning helps eliminate unpleasant odors.

What Happens During the Cleaning Process?

During the duct cleaning, you can expect the technicians to clean the supply/return ducts, grills, blower motor, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, drain, and much more. Special tools and filters are used to remove all the debris inside the duct. They will also clean mold, but the cause of the mold growth must also be addressed.

During the cleaning process, your technician will also look for signs of pest infestation like droppings, dead bugs, etc. Depending on the severity, you may also need to contact a pest control expert to help prevent the problem in the future. Finally, after the debris is removed, the entire system is sanitized to kill any viruses or bacteria that may be clinging to the duct walls.

Should You Try to Clean Your Ducts Yourself?

Cleaning your ducts yourself is a mistake for several reasons. For starters, you probably don’t have the appropriate tools to safely remove the debris. As a result, there is a high probability of sending all that debris into your indoor air. Not only can this cause itchy eyes, sneezing, lung congestion, and much more, but it can also expel unwanted viruses and bacteria into your indoor air.

Another reason to avoid DIY duct cleaning is the damage you may cause. Improper cleaning techniques and tools could scratch, dent, or pierce the ductwork. Damage reduces the efficiency of the ductwork because it allows heated and cooled air to leak out of the ducts before it reaches the desired vents. Therefore, even if you set your thermostat to 70 degrees, the house may feel cooler or warmer.

How Much Does Duct Cleaning Cost?

Depending on the size of your home, duct cleaning could cost between $268 and $485 or more. How often you clean your ducts depends on many factors, including pets and allergies. On average, however, you can expect to wait five to seven years between duct cleanings. Other factors that affect the price include the amount of dirt, accessibility, and necessary repairs.

During duct cleaning, you should have the vents cleaned too. This also adds to the overall cost, but each vent only adds about $35 to the total cost. Overall, however, duct cleaning may save you money because it keeps the system well maintained, efficient, and effective.

Maintaining your HVAC system is the best way to keep it efficient and effective for a long time. DIY cleaning, however, can be dangerous and lead to expensive damage. Regular professional cleaning, however, keeps your system in top shape, and it helps improve the quality of indoor air. If you would like to learn more, or if you need a quote for a duct cleaning, contact us at Edelman.

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