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Geothermal Heat Pumps vs. Traditional Heat Pumps

June 22, 2015

The main concept of geothermal energy is one that’s relatively easy to grasp. For example, the Earth has a constant core of 50°-60°F at all times no matter the temperatures above ground. It makes sense then that we can harness that energy and use it to heat or cool our homes, but here’s where the process gets a little murky – not so much a matter of why, but how? The two main components of geothermal energy are the multiple tubes/pipes that run underground in the Earth to absorb that 50°-60°F temperature (ground loops) and

Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons

June 18, 2015

Instead of using natural gas or oil and as an alternative to incurring high electricity bills, geothermal energy works to draw off the Earth’s constant core temperature to both heat and cool the home. At first, glance, incorporating geothermal energy into a house or business would seem like a no-brainer and while there are definite cost and economic savings involved with the process, all that glitters isn’t gold. Here are the definitive geothermal energy pros and cons: Pros Environmentally friendly compared to gas or oil furnaces (no combustion). Not a significant source of

Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze?

March 25, 2015

An air conditioner unit has the potential to freeze. It’s a strange sight, especially in the middle of a hot summer day, but that’s when it’s most likely to happen. A frozen air conditioner is a common problem and can sometimes be fixed easily. Other times, however, you’ll need an air conditioner repair technician to take a look at it. Why does it freeze in the first place? First things first: why is it frozen? There are 2 possible scenarios in which your air conditioner can freeze up. On a hot

Common AC Problems

March 23, 2015

Throughout the years, we’ve seen and repaired a lot of AC problems. The more complex the system, the higher the potential for problems. Knowing the symptoms and what the problems are can potentially add a few years to the life of your system as you may be saving other parts in the process. Here is a list of the most common AC problems and their symptoms. Broken Thermometer In most systems, the thermometer is the key to proper functioning; without the thermometer, most systems don’t even know when to turn on. A broken thermometer can mean

Geothermal Maintenance

March 19, 2015

One of the main benefits of a geothermal heating system, besides economic friendliness, is a relative lack of maintenance. A majority of the geothermal components are buried underground so much like a radiant underfloor heating system: What you can’t see you can’t maintain (because the parts shouldn’t go wrong). The lack of maintenance perception is a common misnomer because all heating systems need regular upkeep, especially ones that feature a conventional ductwork and air handler as the geothermal pumps do. The required maintenance shouldn’t be a deal-breaker in purchasing a system though, because the savings still produce roughly $5 of

Geothermal Savings in PA (Tax Incentives, Grants, and More)

March 17, 2015

In recent years, geothermal heat pumps have gained popularity. However, the cost of installation for geothermal heating is still more expensive than other forms of heating and cooling. Don’t let this initial cost scare you, though, as the cost to run the systems over time will result in savings that pay for the system in full. Most families see savings of equivalent or greater value to the cost of the installation within 5-7 years. The savings aren’t the only assistance available out there. The government is pushing for renewable energy sources in residential and commercial establishments. For

What is the Life Expectancy of My HVAC System?

March 12, 2015

Whenever we install a new heating/cooling system we are always asked the same question: “How long will it last?”. The simple answer: it depends on how well you maintain it. Every manufacturer makes its system slightly different than another and one part could last longer than another. For example, if a manufacturer produces systems that have poor quality compressors, then the overall life expectancy could drop significantly because compressors are sometimes more expensive to replace than the system itself. Here is a chart that outlines the average life expectancy of HVAC systems based on how much maintenance

Why Does My Hot Water Heater Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

February 5, 2015

The hot water heater is one appliance that we often take for granted. When you hop in the shower or in the bathtub you expect that when you turn the nozzle to “hot”, you’ll get hot water. For some homeowners, the water comes out cold because, quite simply, the water heater is completely off. Hot water heaters go off for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons we find is the pilot light simply won’t stay on. What is a Pilot Light? First and foremost, a pilot light is the small gas

Why is My Furnace so Loud?

December 22, 2014

Loud furnace noises come from all kinds of reasons. The problem is to understand the cause, and from there, see how the situation can be remedied. You may be able to fix some of the problems yourself; others will require the expertise of an HVAC specialist. Loud noises coming from your furnace while it is running could be caused by any of a number of issues. For example, you may have a problem with the fan that blows hot air through your vents. That might be due to the fan bearings being worn out. In that case,

Furnace Not Kicking On? Here’s Why

December 11, 2014

A furnace not kicking on is one of the most alarming things of the winter. There you are nestled in on a chilly winter night watching movies. You press the thermostat up a couple more times and nothing. What once was just a nuisance is quickly turning into a cause for panic as the potential dangers start to run in your head – what if the pipes freeze, what if your electronics are damaged, what if we freeze? Ideally, the problem of your furnace not turning on will happen during the day and

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