When it comes to Big Bear Heating and Air Conditioning a home, every area is unique. Colder climates require a furnace that can keep up during the many days of subzero temperatures, while extremely warm areas need an air conditioning system that can keep you cool during 100-degree heat.
For Big Bear HVAC systems, temperatures may not hit those extremes, but the area can see 90-degree summers and 20-degree winters. When it’s time to replace your heating and air unit, it’s important to partner with a service provider that knows the area well. With three decades of experience in servicing the Big Bear area, our technicians are well-equipped to recommend a unit that can provide lasting comfort to your home. Here are three of the most popular HVAC types installed in the Big Bear area.
High-Efficiency AC
Everyone from the Department of Energy to air conditioning manufacturers wants appliances that use less energy. For that reason, today’s HVAC systems are more efficient than in past years. But even within the newer designs, there is a range of efficiency, denoted as the Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER). As of 2015, AC brands were required to have SEER ratings of at least 14, but ratings are available up to 25.
To be considered a High-Efficiency AC Unit must have a SEER rating of 16 or more, but does this pay off? Each home is different, but in the Big Bear area, a high-efficiency AC unit can make a big difference during those 90-degree months. We can recommend a unit that will reduce your energy bills enough to make the extra expense worth it.
High-Efficiency Furnaces
Like central air conditioning systems, furnaces are graded on a rating scale. Furnaces follow the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating system, with the requirement of a minimum of 80 percent of used fossil fuel being converted into heat. At the high end of the scale, furnaces burn 98.5 percent of the fuel they consume each year. Although these furnaces are designed to reduce your carbon footprint, they have the added benefit of operating more efficiently, lowering heating bills and keeping your home warm.
For Big Bear HVAC customers, a high-efficiency furnace can make a big difference during the coldest winter months. However, it may not be worth the extra expense for a model with the highest AFUE rating. Instead, merely getting your home to a capacity of 90 percent or more may be sufficient to reduce your electric bills without increasing the cost of your equipment.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Some homes are built in a way that requires separate heating and cooling for different areas. A bonus room or top story may run warmer by nature than the first floor of a home, allowing residents to reduce the HVAC output to those areas. For Big Bear HVAC customers with this type of home, we often recommend a mini-split system that can handle the unique needs of their home.
Mini-split systems can also be a good fit for a home in which ductwork installation would be complicated. Since mini-split systems require no ductwork, they can be easily put in place. As a bonus, they also save a home from the energy loss that happens as energy escapes through ductwork.
If it’s time for a new HVAC replacement, your Big Bear HVAC experts are here to help. We can assess your home’s unique setup and recommend a unit that will offer you the best energy savings while also keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. With thirty years of experience in the Big Bear area, we know exactly the type of heating and air systems necessary to match the area climate and can put our knowledge to use in your home.
Signs for An HVAC Replacement
We may be aware of some of the great options that are offered in Big Bear for HVAC replacement. But how many residents out there actually know the signs that it is time to replace the unit?
Knowing these common signs will help prepare you financially and mentally for the inevitable replacement. The replacement of an HVAC is a costly and time-consuming process. If you know some of the signs that it may be time for a replacement, you will have the chance to set aside some money in your budget to make that new investment. Below are the top signs that your HVAC system is getting ready to be replaced.
Excessive Repairs
One surefire sign that your HVAC system is coming to the end of its lifespan is that the need for repairs is becoming more frequent. This is especially common in units that have been used for 15 to 20 years. Over time, the unit wears out. Its various parts will require repair or replacement, costing you a lot of money in the long run.
You and your HVAC repair technician will inevitably encounter a problem that will make you consider whether replacing the unit is a more cost-effective option. This issue will need careful consideration because, as a wise homeowner, you will want to consider the short-term and long-term expenses of keeping that unit versus replacing it.
Decreased Efficiency
The efficiency levels of your present HVAC system are also a good measurement of a needed replacement. As time goes on, the efficiency of your unit will decrease. This is inevitable and is part of the aging process of HVAC units.
If you continue to see your energy bills going up without a change in how you use your HVAC unit, that is a sign that the HVAC’s efficiency isn’t what it used to be in the past. Here are some reasons for poor HVAC efficiency:
- Clogged air filters
- Refrigerant fluid leaks
- Dirty coils
- Failed blower motor
- Clogged air ducts
- Frozen refrigerant coils
- Failing AC capacitator
If you or your AC repair tech in Big Bear did not find any of these issues in your unit, then its age may be the culprit of poor efficiency. At that point, you will have to weigh your options carefully because poor efficiency will cost a lot of money in the long run.
Poor Air Quality
Another reason why you would want to consider replacing your AC unit is if the indoor air quality continues to decrease, regardless of your efforts to improve it. It isn’t uncommon to see an increase in dust, debris, and even mugginess coming from an old HVAC unit.
When this is the case, the HVAC unit won’t just be costing you your money but your health as well. The poor air quality will lead to chronic respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, and even chronic pulmonary diseases. You may also experience quite a few headaches and increased levels of fatigue with that poor air quality.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues that are coupled with an old HVAC unit, it may be time to contact a Big Bear HVAC repair technician for help. They will be able to assess the situation and provide a list of options to improve your indoor air quality. You never know; maybe all you need is a few adjustments to your AC unit to see the improvements you need.
Leading HVAC Replacement Services in Big Bear
Have you recognized any of the aforementioned signs of an old HVAC system in your home? If so, Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating can assist you in replacing your unit. Contact our office today to set up a consultation and estimate for these services. Our techs will be able to assess the condition of your unit and make recommendations that will fit your needs. Call us today at (909) 347-5931.
Original article revised on Dec 27, 2022
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If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Air Conditioning Replacement, Heater Replacement
