How Does an Air Duct System Work?

How Does An Air Duct System Work

HVAC ducts and air vents are hidden components of your HVAC system, and they are responsible for ensuring adequate air circulation in your home. The hidden HVAC ductwork may malfunction, causing excess dust, uneven room temperatures, high electricity bills, and other air duct issues.

While some homeowners may keep up with regular HVAC maintenance and even air duct cleaning, they may not know the air duct system exists or how it works.

So, what is HVAC ductwork, and how does the air duct system work?

What is HVAC Ductwork? 

Air ducts or AC ducts are the collections of conduits responsible for supplying cold or warm air to cool and heat each room. The air ducts connect to the HVAC unit, which filters and heats or cools the air before sending it off to your rooms.

Therefore, HVAC ductwork installation is a vital component of your HVAC system. The air ducts reduce the strain on your HVAC equipment, prolonging its life and saving you money in energy costs. Proper air duct cleaning ensures fewer dust particles and eliminates excessive allergens and germs floating in the air.

If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC unit, it could be time to have an air duct repair or replacement. To understand why air duct replacement and repair may be necessary, let’s look at how the hidden air ducts work.

How Do Air Duct Systems Work? 

To understand how the HVAC ductwork functions, let’s break down the different components of your air ducts.

Pipes and Trunks 

The pipes and trunks are often the main channels connecting to an air handler and providing the conduit for warm or cooled air that flows into each room. The duct trunk is the large main trunk made of steel and flows from the furnace. On the other side, the flexible piping made of aluminum connects the trunk to each room of your home.

Duct Connectors and Specialized Transitions

During HVAC ductwork installation, the HVAC installers must connect the air ducts according to the shape of your house. The pipes and trunks mentioned above use duct connectors and specialized transitions to follow the correct paths and allow air to pass through your rooms.

Plenum

The plenum is a significant component that stores air for the HVAC systems, and it is attached to various ducts. Your ductwork features the supply and the return plenums. The HVAC system fills the supply plenum with cooled or heated air sent through the ductwork. Ducts transfer the returned air to the return plenum, and the returned air flows to the outside through a flue or flows to the filtration before heading back to the system.

Flues 

The flues carry the toxic gases created during the heating and cooling process and vent these gases to the outside. If the returned plenum fails to recycle the returned air, it is vented outside through the flue.

Refrigerant Lines 

The refrigerant lines occur inside the HVAC system, bringing refrigerant into the compressors. The refrigerant allows the HVAC unit to cool or heat your air.

Air Handlers

The air handler is the component where the blower fan and the filter move the air through ductwork. The air handler includes the heating and cooling coils.

Drain Pans and Lines 

Finally, the HVAC ducts consist of the drain pans responsible for draining water due to condensation in heating, cooling, and dehumidifying the air.

Conclusion 

The HVAC ductwork plays a critical role in the air quality in your home. If your HVAC unit shows deteriorated functioning, maybe the HVAC experts should examine the ductwork and perform the necessary maintenance. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician for proper HVAC ductwork inspection, repair, or replacement.

duct

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Replace or Repair HVAC Ductwork? 

Contact HVAC technicians for air ducts inspection if you are experiencing hot and cold spots, little or no airflow from the supply vent, sudden surge of utility bills, loud noises from the HVAC system, or poor indoor air quality. The HVAC specialist will conduct air duct testing and inspection and recommend whether repair or replacement is the best option.

What are the Types of HVAC Duct Systems? 

The two main types of ductwork are flexible ductwork and rigid ductwork. The flexible round tubes feature steel wire helixes covered in flexible but durable plastic. Rigid ductwork features sheet metal or fiberglass-lined ducts.

Does Cleaning Air Ducts Make a difference? 

Air ducts get dirty over time and should be cleaned regularly. To ensure proper air duct cleaning, engage the services of a professional HVAC technician. A careless or untrained technician can damage the air ducts, leading to an increased cost of heating and cooling.

How To Choose The Right Size Heater

How To Choose The Right Size Heater

To get the most out of your heat pump, choose the right size heater and use a professional heat pump installer.

If the heat pump is too small for your house, expect to pay more in utility bills because it runs longer to provide enough heat. Likewise, if the heat pump is too big, it emits too much heat, resulting in waste.

Therefore, knowing how to size a heat pump saves your money and ensures your home stays warm and comfortable.

This post focuses on how to choose the right size heater. We simplify how to calculate what size heat pump you need for your home.

How Do I Calculate What Size Heater I Need?

Before you learn how to size a residential heat pump, it helps if you understand the unit used for heater sizing.

Heat pump size depends on how much heat it produces per hour. British thermal unit (BTU) is the amount of energy required to heat a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Therefore, the higher the BTU rating, the more warmth you get from the heat pump.

Before purchasing a heat pump, calculate how many BTUs you need to heat the house.

According to HVAC experts, you should install one ton (12,000 BTUs) of air conditioning capacity for every 500 square feet of conditioned floor area.

Here is a chart to help you size the heat pump for your space based on square meters.

Home size (in square feet) Heat pump size (in tons) Heat pump size (in BTUs)
500 square feet 1 ton 12,000 BTUs
1,000 square feet 2 tons 24,000 BTUs
1,500 square feet 3 tons 36,000 BTUs
2,000 square feet 4 tons 48,000 BTUs
2,500 square feet 5 tons 60,000 BTUs
3,000 square feet 6 tons 72,000 BTUs

heater

How HVAC Experts Calculate Heat Pump Size Using Manual J

HVAC experts follow a standard heat pump sizing formula, referred to as Manual J. The standards require that you go room-by-room to determine the correct heat pump size.

Manual J looks at eight factors to develop the appropriate heat pump size for your home.

They are:

  1. The local climate and how many days a year you need active heating and cooling
  2. The building’s layout, such as square footage and the shape
  3. The number and location of windows
  4. Amount of air infiltration in the house
  5. Your current insulation and whether the insulation meets the region’s efficiency rating
  6.  The number of people occupying the building.
  7.  How residents use the home and their temperature preferences
  8. Other appliances used to generate heat

While we have the formula and the guide for calculating heat pump size, it is still an overwhelming task. That is why you should talk to a professional about correct heat pump sizing.

Is a Heat Pump Better Than a Furnace?

Ideally, heat pumps use the outside air to heat a home in winter and cool it in summer. Therefore, the heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air or ground and distributes it into the home in winter. On the other hand, a furnace converts fuel (gas) into cozy heat and then distributes it throughout your home.

Compared to furnaces, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative.

How Do I Calculate How Much Heat I Need For My Home?

Follow these steps:

  1. Determine the size of your home in square feet
  2. Multiply the square feet by a factor of six for BTUs/by 0.0606 for KW
  3. You will find the minimum heat output you need to keep the room heated

How Many BTUs Do I Need For a 1,700 SQ Foot House?

For every 500-square-foot house, you need 12,000 BTUs. Therefore for a 1,700 SQ Foot house, you need approximately 36,000 to 48,000 BTUs.

Conclusion

Now you understand how to size a heat pump for your home. If you live around the Coachella Valley area – Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or La Quinta – a reputable heating and air conditioning repair company is nearby.

heater

Let Anthem Heating & Air help you with all your air conditioning and heating questions and needs! Visit us at www.anthemcv.com/ or call now at (760) 895-2621.

What to Look for When Buying a New Heating System

What to Look for When Buying a New Heating System

A heating system is a significant investment. Having a good heating unit means fresher air, and makes your home livable.

Whether you are buying a heater for a new home or looking for an HVAC upgrade near you, you must make the right decisions. Otherwise, you end up with an inefficient system and incur high maintenance costs.

In this post, we feature vital considerations to bear in mind when sourcing for a new heating system. Read on to find the top insights for a high-quality heating unit.

TECH Solutions Heater Rebate
TECH Solutions Heater Rebate

Consider Your Home’s Heating Needs

Home heating requirements differ based on various factors. A common factor is the climate of your home area. A space heater could be convenient if you live in regions that experience warm weather year-round. However, a central home heating system is the most effective for a person who lives in areas experiencing extremely cold temperatures in winter.

Another element to consider is physical occupant characteristics. The bigger the rooms you need to heat, the larger the heating system, and vice versa.

Considering your home and your heating needs is critical to buying a suitable heating unit.

Energy Efficiency

Most efficient home heating systems cost much less to operate than low-efficient models. The high-energy efficient model may cost more than the low-energy efficient system. But they come with significant savings in the long run.

In addition, homeowners with gas heat energy-efficient HVAC systems qualify for a $3,000 rebate. The California Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program targets homeowners willing to upgrade to more energy-efficient heating systems such as heat pumps.

Consider Your Budget 

Installing the best heating systems of 2022 is the best consideration. Unfortunately, homeowners often consider the least expensive AC/Heating systems, thinking they are saving money. When such a thought comes to your mind, consider that “cheap” can often be costly.

To ensure an affordable heating unit for your home, understand how various types of heating systems work. Then, determine the correct size HVAC unit for optimal heating and cooling your home. Do not forget to compare quotes from top-rated local HVAC technicians. That way, you will eventually purchase a system that suits and matches your budget.

The Benefit of Upgrading to a Heat Pump

California is incentivizing all homeowners with gas heat to upgrade to an environmentally friendly electric option, such as heat pumps. Ask Anthem Heating and Air how YOU can receive the $3,000 rebate for switching to a heat pump!

Heat pumps are also very efficient and can warm up a home quickly, with a touch of a button on a remote, from the comfort of your chair. In comparison to other forms of home heating, heat pumps offer between 300% and 400% efficiency.

Inquire About Maintenance Requirements and Cost

HVAC systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The maintenance cost will depend on the availability of spare parts locally and trained experts.

If an expert has to come from overseas to replace certain parts, the cost of maintenance is high. Likewise, the cost of maintenance may double if you have to import a replacement part.

It helps to purchase a low-maintenance and cost-effective HVAC system. Besides, consider HVAC installers willing to offer discounted rates for ongoing maintenance.

Indoor Air Quality Components

Humidifiers, energy recovery ventilators, ductwork UV lights, and high-efficiency air filtration solutions are the air quality components of the HVAC systems. Some HVAC models do not include these parts as add-ons to your unit.

If you are purchasing the HVAC system, ask whether the heating system comes with air quality components. Proper air quality components guarantee fresh indoor air and improve your HVAC solution’s efficiency.

heater replacement

Talk To A Professional HVAC Expert Near You

HVAC experts will guide you when choosing the best HVAC systems for your home. The professional HVAC installer will inspect the property and develop the heating system recommendations. Besides, skilled HVAC technicians understand which HVAC models work efficiently and provide optimal performance. The professional workers will advise you on the best times for HVAC maintenance, so you enjoy fresh indoor air all year round.

Conclusion

Are you planning to purchase a new or a replacement heating system for your home?

If you live around the Coachella Valley area – Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or La Quinta – a reputable heating and air conditioning repair and provider company is nearby. Let Anthem Heating & Air help you with all your air conditioning and heating questions and needs! Visit us at www.anthemcv.com or call now at (760) 895-2621.

How to Make Your Heater More Efficient

Are you ready to increase your heater efficiency

Summary: While striving to stay healthy, it is often a nightmare to have a malfunctioning heater in winter. Irrespective of your furnace type, this article discusses simple ways to keep your heating system efficient and shares tips for lasting improvement.

Even if you live in the Coachella Valley area, you still need to get ready for the freezing winter days. Thus, you need a comforting, warm atmosphere in your home. The solution is often a central gas furnace designed to generate and blow heated air into your living space.

Since replacing an old HVAC can be pricey, the best option is to make the existing gas furnace efficient.

We discuss four simple ways to improve the efficiency of your gas furnace and share tips on switching to a more efficient heating system.

Heater

Hire a Competent HVAC technician

HVAC installation is a costly home improvement expense, and you need a competent technician to handle it for efficiency. One important job of a furnace technician is conducting regular preventive maintenance on your heating system.

With a professional heating system inspection once a year, usually before the heating season, you can keep your family safe.

Ensure the Installation Structure is Perfect

In the hand of a competent HVAC technician, your system will be checked for structural efficiency, and the following tasks will be performed:

  • Seal the seams

Research shows that 20% of heated air is lost due to avoidable leaks. Upon the annual furnace inspection, any seam leaks need sealing to prevent warm air loss.

  • Ensure proper insulation

Due to old age, the ductwork seal and insulation will leave some gaps for heated air to escape. Your technician will find the affected insulation error and fix it to conserve heat.

  • Update the thermostat

There is no guaranteeing efficiency of an old thermostat. Where the device is faulty or inefficient, it could lead to inefficiency in the heat distribution. An experienced HVAC technician can detect a faulty or malfunctioning thermostat and fix it.

Regular maintenance

For continued efficiency, you should maintain your furnace regularly. For maintenance, you need to do the following:

  • Change the air filter

A dirty or worn filter in a furnace can heavily reduce efficiency. Follow your HVAC technician or the equipment manufacturer’s recommendation on cleaning or changing the filter. The rule of the thumb is to observe the three months cleaning or replacing of filters.

  • Clean the vents

The vents are outlets where the heated air enters your living space. It is recommended to clean these vents and remove any obstructions for efficiency.

  • Clean the furnace

It is important to clean your furnace system at least once yearly. This process eliminates any debris or dirt that has accumulated in the system over time.

Upgrade to electric heat pumps

  • Why upgrade?

Generally, you shouldn’t expect 100% efficiency from an old system. The best you can get after you have diligently followed all of the above-suggested activities is 98.5% efficiency. However, you can dramatically make your system new by upgrading to more efficient equipment like the electric heat pumps.

  • Why switch to electric heat pumps?

Electric heat pumps are efficient modern home heating technology. While the gas system is known and widely used, electric heat pumps are the best alternative with many benefits, including less electricity consumption and savings on running costs!

Due to its eco-friendly nature, it is highly recommended for good health and a happy home. The best part is the incentives! In California, there is a $3,000 rebate program to encourage homeowners willing to switch.

Heater

Are you ready to increase your heater efficiency?

If you live in the Coachella Valley area and are ready to improve the efficiency of your heating system, ANTHEM can help. Also, you can talk to them about switching to electric heat pumps to benefit from the ongoing rebate!

Anthem is a locally owned and operated HVAC company with over two decades of quality industry experience. Call now (760) 895-2621 to discuss the efficiency of your heater.

Upgrade From Gas Heat To A Heat Pump And Qualify For A $3,000 Rebate!

Upgrade to Heat Pump

Making the switch from gas heat to a heat pump could mean big savings on your energy bills! Not only that, but you could also qualify for a $3,000 rebate by making the switch. If your home has gas heat, upgrading to a heat pump could be the perfect solution for keeping your energy bills under control and still enjoying all of the benefits that come with heating your house and helping the environment.

Benefits of a Heat Pump vs. Gas

There are a number of benefits to upgrading to an electric heat pump. First and foremost, electric heat pumps are much more energy-efficient than gas heating systems. They help you save a lot of money on your energy bills. Additionally, electric heat pumps don’t produce any emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option than gas heating. Finally, electric heat pumps often come with warranty and rebate programs, making them a more affordable option in the long run.

Cost of Electric Heat Pumps vs. Gas Heat

When it comes to comparing the costs of gas and electric heat pumps, it’s important to consider a few different factors. First, electric heat pumps are often cheaper to buy and install. The average price for a new gas heater is between $1,200 and $2,400, while an electric heat pump is generally in the range of $700 to $2,000. Installation for a natural furnace can range around $5,500, while an electric heat pump installation is often around $3,000.

The monthly cost of operating a furnace is often less than an electric heat pump; however, a homeowner must also take the improved efficiency of the heat pump into consideration. Plus, California is offering amazing incentives to switch to heat pumps as a way to balance out the cost.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of heat pump is right for your home is to compare the costs and benefits of both options. Contact a local contractor to learn more about the cost and efficiency of electric vs. gas heating systems.

TECH Rebate
Heat pump rebate

What is the California rebate for upgrading to an Electric Heat Pump?

The Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program is designed to make it easier for customers to enjoy the benefits of new energy-efficient technologies by offering rebates on qualifying heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. It is a win-win situation where homeowners receive efficient appliances while also reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This $3,000 rebate is currently active, and if you currently have gas heat, you can qualify and take advantage of this amazing deal.

More About Heat Pumps

-Heat pumps last longer than furnaces. The lifespan of a gas heating system is about 10 to 20 years, while an electric heat pump lifespan is about 20 to 30 years.

-Gas heaters need a chimney, ducts and vents throughout the home. Electric heat pump installation is easier as their designs are simpler.

-Air quality in the home is often better with electric heat systems. With gas furnaces, there is always the worry of carbon monoxide exposure.

-Electric heat pumps are quieter than gas furnaces.

-Heat pumps require less maintenance since they have no burner to inspect or clean annually.

Install an Electric Heat Pump in Your Home

In today’s world, it can sometimes seem as though there are more negatives to the “old way of doing things.” If you install a gas heating system in your home and want to make sure that you enjoy all the benefits that come with electric heat pump systems but don’t want to pay for expensive installation or any other upfront costs, then we have good news! The Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program is designed to help qualifying homeowners receive rebates on qualifying heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. This $3,000 rebate covers an entire new electric heat pump system for your house — gas furnaces just aren’t worth it anymore! Contact Anthem Heating and Cooling today about upgrading from gas to electric!

If you live around the Coachella Valley area – Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or La Quinta – a reputable heating and air conditioning repair and provider is nearby.

Let Anthem Heating & Air help with all your air conditioning and heating questions and needs! Visit us at www.anthemcv.com/ or call now at (760) 895-2621.

In The Market For A Heat Pump? Check Out Our $3,000 Rebate Program!

New Heater Rebate

Has it ever occurred to you why the use of gas heat is heavily criticized today? If not, here is why. Gas heaters use natural gas as the main source of fuel. For heat to be released, natural gas has to be burned in large quantities. This releases carbon dioxide, which is believed to be the main cause of climate change. No one wants that.

Luckily, climatologists, HVAC technicians, and other stakeholders realized that switching to renewable energy sources like electricity can reduce carbon emissions significantly, thereby reducing the extent of climate change. Right now, you have the chance to participate in this movement. In return, you could end up earning up to $3,000 in rebates here in California.

TECH Rebate

The Energy Solutions TECH Rebate Program 

The Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program is designed to make it easier for customers to enjoy the benefits of new energy-efficient technologies by offering rebates on qualifying heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. It is a win-win situation where homeowners receive efficient appliances while reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This $3,000 rebate is currently active, and you have a chance of getting it by switching to heat pumps.

Why Switch from Gas Heat to Heat Pumps?

There is much to gain and little to lose from switching from gas heat to heat pumps. We just saw that gas heat is harmful to the environment, non-economical, and unhealthy. On the other hand, heat pumps produce much cleaner energy which saves you money on energy bills. It gets better when you top this with a chance of earning $3,000 in incentives. More so, most gas heaters in use today have outdated technologies making them less effective at heating and cooling by today’s standards. Take a look at the various types of heat pumps and what makes them so effective.

What Types of Heat Pumps Are There? 

As the name suggests, heat pumps transfer rather than generate heat. When an enclosed area is humid, they transfer warm heat to it and repeat the process when it’s warmer. This model depends on how the heat exchange occurs. Basically, heat pumps are grouped based on the mechanisms used to exchange heat with the outdoors. There are water or ground source and air source heat pumps.

  • Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) 

These types of heat pumps extract thermal energy from the outdoor air. The pumps can be powered by renewable sources such as solar or wind. While these energy sources are more expensive than gas, the output and performance of heat pumps compensates for the energy use. More so, heat pumps require minimal and inexpensive maintenance to keep them running. In more humid conditions, an ASHP could struggle with heating, so that’s where a GSHP comes in.

  • Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

GSHPs function by transferring heat between your house and the ground or a nearby water source. Given that ground temperatures are constant in most areas, GSHPs are quite effective in heating and cooling. However, this convenience is reflected in the high cost of installation associated with these types of heat pumps. However, before settling on which type to go with, seek consultation from HVAC technicians for an assessment of what best fits you.

Conclusion 

Trends show that heat pumps are the new standard in heating and cooling systems in most modern households. Most homeowners know the benefits heat pumps have compared to gas heaters. To recap, you will be saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and living in a safer home.

Again, this rebate program is beneficial in many ways. It’s a chance for us to give the generations to come a cleaner environment in which to thrive. The state is counting on you not only for that but also to help you save money and earn some more in return. Collectively, we can achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

IF YOU’RE A HOMEOWNER WITH GAS HEAT, YOU CAN QUALIFY FOR A $3000 REBATE!

New Heater Rebate

California introduced a way for you to save energy costs, care for the environment, and get rewarded for it. How cool is that? The new Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program is a rebate program targeting mostly homeowners using inefficient HVAC systems who are willing to upgrade to more energy-efficient solutions.

If you live in the area codes that are eligible for the program, you might already be qualified for a $3,000 gas-heat rebate. However, there are guidelines controlling the issuance of the rebates, including location, type of household, and product options. Read on to learn more about the qualifications, terms, and how to apply.

TECH Rebate

Qualifications for the Energy Solutions TECH Rebates

Gas heat upgrades that can earn you a rebate are facilitated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) through licensed technicians. PG&E has laid down a set of terms that act as an eligibility criterion. Click here to read the terms and conditions in detail.

Qualifying customers have to be PG&E customers and be using qualifying products. Also, you will be required to apply for the rebates online after ensuring you are eligible to receive them.

A summarized process looks something like this;

  1. Ensure you are within the rebate window, which runs from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
  2. Read the terms and conditions for the energy efficiency rebates.
  3. Browse the catalog of qualifying products and pick out the products you want to use
  4. Purchase the product, get it installed before the rebate term lapses, and apply for a rebate within 60-days from the date of purchase
  5. Await communication from PG&E

Low-emissions heat pump technology is a relatively new and promising tech. But since most of the products in this category are quite expensive, the majority of homeowners are shying away.

By incentivizing, companies like PG&E are encouraging the adoption of change. This is why the rebate program is mostly targeting low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities.

Benefits of the Rebate Program

This rebate program works the same way grocery stores reward customers for purchasing items. Who wouldn’t want to earn a cashback of $3,000? On top of this cashback, you will experience a reduction in energy bills and live in a much safer environment. These are exciting reasons why we think all qualified homeowners should take advantage of the rebate program.

Another big reason we are advocating for the rebate program is what’s in for California as a whole. In past decades, carbon emissions remained high, which has the consequences of environmental pollution. To counter this, TECH Clean California launched this rebate program to help speed up the adoption of low-emission technology that helps California achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

Anthem Air is Participating in the Rebate Program

Energy Solutions have outsourced most of the labor by working with already existing HVAC contractors in California for several reasons. Theirs is to assist where necessary and make sure the objectives of the program are met. Our very own HVAC company, Anthem Air, is privileged to be taking part in the program. Choosing to work with us will guarantee you a big step towards getting compensated by the rebate program. Reach out to us at 760-895-2621 for more information on this or any other help with your HVAC systems.

If you live around the Coachella Valley area – Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or La Quinta – a reputable heating and air conditioning repair and provider company is nearby. Let Anthem Heating & Air help you with all your air conditioning and heating questions and needs! Visit us at www.anthemcv.com/ or call now at (760) 895-2621.