Homeowners who are looking for a way to cool their homes more efficiently may want to consider investing in a heat pump. Heat pumps are a type of HVAC system that move heat energy to generate temperature change, and can be used both as an efficient cooling system and as a heating system. If you’re not familiar with this technology, you may wonder, does a heat pump cool as well as an air conditioner? Let’s find out.
A heat pump efficiently uses energy to transfer heat from one area to another. It works for cooling a space by taking the existing heat in the indoor air and transferring it outside. This process can be reversed depending on the season, making it a great option for both heating and cooling when used with an appropriate climate control system. Heat pumps have become increasingly popular due to their efficient use of energy, allowing them to save users money without sacrificing comfort.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a metric used to measure the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. This means that a higher SEER rating is indicative of a system that will help save energy when cooling, leading to lower monthly power bills. When selecting an air conditioning system or heat pump, checking the SEER rating should be at the top of your priority list to ensure your unit is running efficiently and helping you conserve energy while keeping your home comfortable.
The answer is “yes.” There really isn’t much difference between heat pumps and air conditioners when it comes to cooling power. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer the heat from inside your home into the outdoors, which helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature during warm weather months. A heat pump and an air conditioning unit with equal SEER ratings will be equally as energy efficient as one another in cooling mode.
The big efficiency differences are between heat pumps and other types of heating systems. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient than traditional heating systems, such as furnaces, boilers, and electric baseboard heaters. While traditional systems need to create heat by burning fuel, heat pumps simply move or “pump” heat from one place to another. This makes them up to 400% more efficient, totaling in enormous energy bill savings.
Heat pumps also don’t emit the same hazardous gases that come from the combustion of fuel that a furnace creates, making them a much safer and eco-friendly option. All of these factors combined make heat pumps an incredibly advantageous heating solution when compared to traditional methods.
Overall, if you are looking for an efficient way to cool your home without breaking the bank on monthly energy bills, then investing in a heat pump might just be the way to go! Heat pumps provide not only excellent cooling power but also boast impressive efficiency ratings which can save you money over time. If you live in Crofton, Maryland and would like more information about installing a heat pump in your home, then contact Grove Heating & Cooling today! We can provide all of the information you need about choosing and installing an energy-efficient cooling system that fits your needs and budget best.
“What size air conditioner do I need?” is one of the most important questions to answer when buying a new cooling system. Choosing the wrong size AC will not cool your house adequately and can also lead to unnecessary energy costs and shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
To help you make an informed decision when buying an air conditioning unit, let’s take a look at why air conditioner sizing is so critical and how the HVAC technicians at Grove Heating & Cooling determine the right size AC for homes.
Many people have been led to believe that bigger is better, leading them to consider buying an air conditioner that is larger than necessary.
However, when it comes to air conditioning sizing, what matters isn’t how much equipment you purchase, but what size it is. And when we talk about an air conditioner’s size, we don’t mean the unit’s dimensions! Air conditioners are sized in tons, and here, a ton isn’t a measure of weight – it’s a measure of cooling capacity.
One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat removed from an area in one hour. For homes, air conditioner sizes typically range between 1.5 to 5 tons.
Having the right size air conditioner for your home is extremely important. An AC unit that is too large or too small can be a major inconvenience resulting in either an inefficiently cooled room or unnecessarily high energy bills. To make sure you get what you need, it’s best to research what size air conditioner you need and work with a qualified HVAC professional to ensure the proper measurements and calculations are conducted to find the right fit.
There are several factors an HVAC contractor takes into consideration to find you the right fit. The square footage of a home helps us calculate how much cooling will be necessary to cool the area efficiently. Other factors include climate, insulation levels, window sizes/orientation/shading levels, ceiling height, and the orientation of rooms (south-facing rooms get more sun than north-facing rooms). All of these factors work together to ensure that your new air conditioner is adequate enough to keep your house cool during hot summer days without overworking itself or consuming too much energy.
It’s easy to overlook why sizing matters when buying an air conditioner, but it’s essential for comfort, the longevity of use, and efficiency. With all these factors in mind combined with a professional assessment by an experienced HVAC contractor, you can rest assured knowing that you have chosen the correct size AC unit tailored towards meeting all of your needs while saving money in the long run. Don’t guess when it comes to picking the right sized air conditioner – contact Grove Heating & Cooling today to receive a free estimate for a new air conditioner system.
Humidity levels in your home are essential for both your comfort and health, but too much or too little can lead to problems. Fortunately, a whole house dehumidifier can help counteract any issues caused by relative humidity levels that are too high. But how does a whole house dehumidifier work? Grove Heating & Cooling breaks it down and shares how these systems help improve your indoor comfort.
Aside from providing cooling for your home, an air conditioner and heat pump are also tasked with balancing humidity levels. However, older, inefficient systems can struggle to keep up, making it beneficial to install a whole house dehumidifier to combat high indoor humidity levels.
Integrating a whole house dehumidifier with your air conditioning system is the most efficient way to reduce humidity in your home. Installation typically consists of connecting the return air duct to the dehumidifier. It also requires electrical wiring for power.
A whole house dehumidifier draws warm and moist air from the inside of your home into its evaporator coil. The coil contains refrigerant which helps cool down the warm air being drawn in, causing condensation which collects at the bottom of the coil. This collection of condensed water then drains down into a reservoir tank located at the base of the unit and then out of your home via a drain line.
Once all of this moisture has been extracted from inside of your home’s air, what remains is dryer, more breathable air which is then pushed back into circulation by way of an integrated blower fan located within the unit itself, moving on to the heating or cooling unit.
A whole house dehumidifier can help provide better indoor air quality by removing excess moisture that would otherwise lead to mold growth or excessive dust mites. Not only will this make breathing easier, but it can also reduce energy costs due to less strain on cooling systems during the summer months. A whole house dehumidifier also benefits your belongings and the home itself by preventing damage due to excessive dampness. Finally, having proper indoor humidity levels helps keep those nasty allergens away!
Whole house dehumidifiers are an excellent tool for ensuring proper humidity levels throughout your entire living space while also improving indoor air quality for better overall health and comfort. By understanding how a whole house dehumidifier works, you can make sure that you get maximum benefits from using one in order to keep yourself and those around you feeling comfortable year-round!
Summer is right around the corner, and so is higher humidity. Get ready for hot and humid air conditions by installing a whole house dehumidifier now – call Grove Heating & Cooling today to learn more or request a quote!
When homeowners have to ask, “why is my thermostat blank?,” this can be a frustrating and confusing problem. It can prevent you from controlling the temperature in your home and make it difficult to know what’s going on with your HVAC system. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of a properly functioning thermostat and the role it plays in the overall comfort of your home. Read on to understand the reasons why your thermostat’s display could be blank and what you can do about it.
There could be several potential causes – some are easy to troubleshoot while others require more specialized assistance from a professional HVAC technician. Let’s take a look at the reasons that are most likely behind a blank screen:
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting tips above and your thermostat display is still blank, consulting a professional who can troubleshoot the issue quickly and efficiently is the best way to get your thermostat back up and running again. At Grove Heating & Cooling, our team of experts is ready to help you with all your thermostat needs – from repair to replacement. Give us a call today!
Air conditioner maintenance is an important aspect of keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. Regular maintenance provides many benefits for your home, household, and the air conditioning unit itself! So, how often should I service my air conditioner? Grove Heating & Cooling has the answer.
The answer is simple. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we recommend that air conditioner maintenance be performed at least once a year. In fact, most HVAC equipment manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to uphold warranty terms.
How often to service your AC system isn’t the only question you should be asking – you also need to know when to schedule AC maintenance. We recommend you try to schedule air conditioner maintenance each year in the spring, before the start of the cooling season. Here’s why:
During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will thoroughly inspect and tune up your air conditioner. This includes checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning or replacing the air filter, cleaning the coils and condensate drain, and inspecting the electrical components, amongst many other tasks. The technician will also check the system airflow, thermostat, and other components that require adjustment. As we inspect and tune up your air conditioner, we’ll be on the lookout for any potential system issues that may cause problems currently or are likely to in the future.
One of the most important benefits of regular AC maintenance is that it can help improve the unit’s energy efficiency. A well-maintained air conditioner will use less energy, resulting in lower energy bills. The tasks performed during air conditioner servicing are designed to reduce wear and tear to the cooling system and eliminate stress during operation so performance is optimal.
Additionally, regular maintenance can help to identify and fix small problems before they become larger and more expensive to repair. During a maintenance visit, the technician will check all the vital components of the air conditioner, allowing them to catch small issues and inform you so you can make a plan to repair them before they have a chance to escalate into bigger and more costly problems. Regular maintenance can help identify issues that may be causing problems and causing the unit to work harder than necessary, increasing energy costs and reducing the lifespan of the unit. By addressing these issues early on, regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and breakdowns in the future.
Another benefit of regular air conditioner maintenance is that it can help to extend the life of the unit. A well-maintained air conditioner is less likely to break down, and if it does, the repairs will be less expensive. Less wear and tear accumulation plus fewer breakdowns help to keep your AC unit in service as long as possible.
Regular air conditioner maintenance is an important part of keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. How often should I service my air conditioner? The answer is once a year. If you’re due for air conditioner maintenance, call Grove Heating & Cooling today to make an appointment!
Are you trying to figure out how to maximize efficiency when upgrading your cooling system? If so, then familiarizing yourself with SEER ratings is essential. As a homeowner, choosing an efficient HVAC system can help bring down energy costs and keep your home comfortable in any season. In its most recent blog, Grove Heating & Cooling explains what a SEER rating is and what’s considered a good one.
SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is applied to air conditioners, heat pumps, and other cooling equipment. This rating gives an indication of energy efficiency for these appliances during the cooling season. It is calculated by taking the total output of cooling over the cooling season, divided by the amount of energy it consumes during the same period of time.
SEER ratings are important because they indicate how efficient your cooling system is. An appliance with a higher SEER rating provides more cooling power while consuming less energy compared to one with a lower rating. A higher rating means that your air conditioner will use less energy to do the same job, saving you money on energy bills. Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision when researching what is a good SEER rating for a new air conditioner.
When shopping around for a new air conditioning system, the system’s SEER should play an impact in which system you buy. A good SEER rating indicates an efficient cooling system and will impact ongoing operational costs.
The Department of Energy has set a minimum standard of 14 SEER for residential AC unit equipment starting in 2023. This will be the minimum SEER available, but it isn’t necessarily a good SEER rating. There are different types of cooling units on the market that go up to around 30 SEER.
You should look for a cooling system with a minimum SEER rating of 16 or higher. With this rating, you can enjoy all the benefits that come from having a modern energy-efficient cooling system in your home or business, like saving money on energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.
Any cooling or air conditioning system with a higher SEER rating will be more expensive initially, meaning that it typically costs more to have a unit with a higher SEER rating installed versus one with a minimum SEER rating. However, investing a little more upfront can save you money and energy over time. The money you save on your electric bills can quickly pay you back for the higher price you paid for the more efficient air conditioner.
By taking into account your home’s size and other factors that influence an AC unit’s efficiency, you can make an informed decision about what is a good SEER rating for your needs. A licensed air conditioning technician will be able to recommend the right kind of cooling system for your needs.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, it’s important to know what SEER rating to look for. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC will be. Grove Heating & Cooling can help you choose the best air conditioner for your home and install it quickly and efficiently. Give us a call today!
A ductless air conditioner can be a great tool to ensure your home stays comfortable and energy efficient, but like any other HVAC system, they require regular maintenance and sometimes need repairs. Grove Heating & Cooling explores some common signs that indicate you should call an HVAC technician for ductless air conditioner repair. Keeping an eye open for these signs will help take care of problems quickly and keep your ductless AC running smoothly all season long!
There are certain signs to watch out for that indicate when ductless air conditioner repair is necessary. Knowing when something appears off with your ductless system and responding immediately may help avoid expensive repairs or the risk of a malfunction in the future. Here are some signs that may point to the need for ductless air conditioner repair.
If your ductless air conditioner is making strange noises, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Common sounds that may indicate a problem include grinding, squealing, or clicking noises. If you hear any of these noises coming from your ductless air conditioner, it’s best to call for help.
If the air coming from an indoor unit is not as cold as it used to be, it may be a sign that your ductless air conditioning equipment is not working as efficiently as it should. This could be due to a number of different issues, such as a dirty or clogged air filter or low refrigerant levels caused by a refrigerant leak. If you notice these problems, it’s time to call us for ductless mini split air conditioner repair.
If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual, it may be a sign that your ductless air conditioner is not working properly. A number of different factors can cause this issue, such as an inefficient compressor or obstructions of the outdoor unit. When there’s a problem present, the system can consume excess energy to make up for any loss of performance it causes. If you notice this problem, professional ductless air conditioner repair can help bring your energy bills down again.
Water pooling below ductless air conditioning systems can be a sign of a clog in the condensate drain line. If you notice this problem, it’s important to call us for help right away so that the leak can be repaired before any further damage occurs.
When it comes to ductless air conditioners, a frozen indoor coil is a common problem. Moisture in the air can freeze the evaporator coil if the coil is dirty or if there’s a problem with condensate drainage from the unit. Running the unit with ice on the coils can cause damage to the coils and elsewhere in the system. Fixing this problem requires specialized knowledge, tools, and cleaning products that an ordinary person won’t have access to – that’s why it’s important to call us for ductless air conditioner repair when this happens.
If your ductless air conditioner’s controls aren’t working properly, the problem might lie with the system’s reversing valve or an electrical malfunction. These issues require the help of experienced ductless air conditioner repair technicians who are trained in diagnosing the cause of the problem accurately and implementing the necessary fixes.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, it is time to call in a professional for ductless air conditioner repair. Grove Heating & Cooling has been serving homeowners and businesses in the area since 2004, so we have plenty of experience in dealing with all sorts of issues with ductless AC systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
If you’re in the process of buying, replacing, or upgrading your home’s furnace system, it can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options out there from various types to sizes and more – how do you even begin to figure out what works best for your home? Don’t worry – we have all the information you need! Grove Heating & Cooling provides an overview of how to choose a furnace for your needs so that you can enjoy warm and comfortable winters for years to come.
Choosing a furnace for your home doesn’t have to feel like an overwhelming decision. With the right guidance and tips, you can make the process easier on yourself and ensure that you get the right furnace for your home’s needs. The following tips will help you choose the right furnace for your home.
Choosing the right size furnace is an important decision when it comes to purchasing a new heating system. The installation of a furnace that’s too large or too small can cause costly problems and it just won’t function properly, which is why it’s essential to work with a licensed HVAC contractor who will properly size your new electric or gas furnace.
Manual J is a crucial element when choosing a furnace. It’s an industry-standard calculation method used by air conditioning and heating contractors to accurately size the right equipment for the job at hand. This calculation considers multiple factors, including how you use your home, how many occupants are present, and how much insulation you have. In this way, your HVAC contractor can recommend the right size of furnace that will best fit your needs, providing comfort levels that are both reliable and cost-effective. When armed with the proper information, your HVAC technician will help you make sure that you get a correctly sized furnace that works efficiently and effectively for years to come.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a furnace is its fuel source. How your furnace is powered can have a significant impact on how much money you spend on energy costs over the life of the appliance. Using a fuel source that has a lower utility cost can lower operating expenses and allow you to save money on heating throughout the year.
Additionally, when it comes to choosing your furnace, look at how that particular fuel source will work in your home. Not all homes are equipped with the necessary gas lines to enable a transition from electric heating to a natural gas model. If you’re shopping for a furnace and you want to switch from electric to gas, the decision needs careful consideration. You may need to install appropriate gas lines before your new furnace is installed, which will add additional cost and time.
While there are several important elements when buying a furnace, asking yourself how efficient the furnace is is a great way to narrow down your search. Buying a high-efficiency furnace will save money on energy bills and protect the environment.
The AFUE rating is one of the most important factors when considering how energy efficient a furnace is. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is measured in percentages – a higher rating means it is more efficient at converting fuel to heat. Compare the AFUE ratings of any furnace models you consider so you can make sure your investment pays off!
So, what’s the best gas or electric furnace for your home? It depends on a lot of factors, including the size of equipment you need as well as the furnace’s fuel source and energy-efficiency rating. With so much riding on this decision, it’s important to consult with a professional like Grove Heating & Cooling when considering how to choose a furnace. We can help you choose the right furnace for your needs and install it properly so that you stay warm all winter long. Give us a call today to learn more about our offerings of electric furnaces and gas furnaces.
If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system, you may be considering a geothermal heat pump as a good option for your home. Since the price of the system is higher than other types of HVAC equipment, homeowners want to know if there are geothermal tax credits currently available to help make the purchase more affordable. Grove Heating & Cooling explains if a federal geothermal tax credit exists for the installation of a geothermal HVAC system.
Geothermal tax credits have been around since 2005. You may have heard over the past few years that the benefit was being stepped down and due to be phased out by the end of 2023. Fortunately, geothermal tax credits have recently been extended for homeowners.
This past August, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the residential energy-efficiency tax credits, including geothermal tax credits. Currently, there is a 30% federal tax credit for residential geothermal heat pumps installed by December 31, 2032, which can be applied retroactively to systems installed on or after January 1, 2022. The benefit will fall to 26% for qualifying heat pump installations performed in 2033, and lower to 24% for those installed in 2034. As of now, the geothermal tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2034.
Geothermal energy is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly forms of energy available. This is why the US government offers geothermal tax credits to encourage homeowners to switch to a geothermal heating and cooling system. These credits can be applied to the cost of equipment and installation services.
In order to receive geothermal tax credits, there are a few eligibility requirements that must be met.
A geothermal heat pump is a type of HVAC system that uses the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home. Geothermal heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient systems on the market, and they can save you up to 50% on your heating and cooling costs. However, the initial cost of installation can be prohibitive for some homeowners. The average geothermal heat pump system costs between $5,500 and $30,000 to install, although this price can vary depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose.
Due to their high price, geothermal tax credits make geothermal heat pump systems more affordable for homeowners. By offering a tax credit to offset your tax burden, it reduces the upfront cost of geothermal system installation. In addition, the geothermal tax credits can be used in conjunction with other energy-efficiency tax credits, such as solar energy systems and small wind turbine tax credits, as well as those for energy-efficiency upgrades.
As a result, homeowners who install a geothermal heat pump system can potentially save thousands of dollars on their taxes. Check with your financial advisor to verify if your geothermal system installation will qualify you to receive geothermal tax credits and to determine the amount of your incentive.
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, geothermal is definitely something to consider. Geothermal systems are becoming more and more popular, thanks to their energy efficiency and the geothermal tax credits that can help homeowners save money on installation costs. If you’re interested in learning more about geothermal or want to schedule an estimate, be sure to call Grove Heating & Cooling.
Are you noticing that your skin is feeling a bit dry lately? Or maybe your throat has been sore more often than usual. If so, it might be time to consider investing in a humidifier for your home. In our most recent blog, Grove Heating & Cooling discusses a few signs you need a humidifier in your Maryland home. We’ll also explain how a whole house humidifier can help alleviate these symptoms and balance moisture for better indoor comfort.
As the weather gets colder, it’s important that you watch for signs you need a humidifier installed in your home. Take action if you notice any of these symptoms to avoid further discomfort and to create a more comfortable indoor environment.
Dry, itchy skin is a common problem during the colder winter months, when indoor air is typically drier than outdoor air. While there are several possible causes of dry itchy skin, one of the most common is simply exposure to dry indoor air. First, when the air is dry, it robs the skin of its natural moisture. This can lead to dry skin that causes flaking and irritation. Second, dry air can also irritate the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Finally, dry air can also aggravate conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
This can happen when homes and office buildings are not properly humidified, causing the air to evaporate moisture from the skin. As a result, people who spend a lot of time indoors during winter may be more likely to experience dry itchy skin.
Most of us have experienced the discomfort of a dry, scratchy throat at some point. Low humidity indoors is one of the leading causes of this condition, as dry air can strip away the protective mucus that lines the throat and nose. This can leave us vulnerable to infection and make it difficult to breathe. In addition, dry air can cause nosebleeds and congestion by drying out nasal passages.
Over time, wooden furniture and flooring can begin to warp and crack as a result of dry indoor air. This is because wood is a natural material that contains moisture. When the air is too dry, the wood will lose moisture and shrink. This can cause the wood to warp, as well as crack and splinter. In addition, dry air can also cause the finish on wood furniture and wood floors to fade or peel.
Dry indoor air is one of the leading causes of static electricity. When air is dry, it doesn’t have as much moisture to hold onto particles of dust and other materials. As a result, these particles become charged with electrical energy and are attracted to surfaces like walls, furniture and your body. When you touch one of these surfaces, the electrical charge is discharged and you feel a shock.
Dry air can be a problem in any season, but the signs you need a humidifier are especially noticeable in the winter. A whole house humidifier can help to combat dry air and the problems associated with it by increasing moisture levels in the air. Depending on the model you install, the humidifier will release steam into the air or add moisture to the air as it passes through the unit and HVAC system. This moisture will then be circulated throughout the house through the HVAC ducts. By maintaining healthy relative humidity levels, a whole house humidifier can help you enjoy a more comfortable and healthy home all winter long.
Installing a whole house humidifier will increase the humidity level in the entire house, making it more comfortable for everyone who lives there. In addition to improving your comfort, you won’t experience the bothersome signs you need a humidifier.
If you notice any of the signs you need a humidifier mentioned above, call Grove Heating & Cooling today to request a quote for the installation of a whole house humid
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
