Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning

San Francisco HVAC Company – Environmentally Friendly Heat Pumps?

by Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning on February 20, 2012

Up until recently the words “heat pump” and “environmentally-friendly” didn’t go hand-in-hand. Heat pumps had a track record of being dreadful for the environment and for being a terribly inefficient method to heat and cool your home. All of this has fortunately changed, thanks to government standards for heat pump efficiency. The heat pump companies have, for many years, fulfilled these government regulations and have also surpassed them. Nowadays, heat pumps are referred to as the eco-friendly choice for homeowners. Much of how these changes have come about boils down to how heat pumps work.

First, take into consideration how central heating and cooling systems operate. They take in air and heat it/cool it to the temperature you want, according to what you’ve set it at on the thermostat. The systems need a power source to get this job done. This means your central HVAC system needs the power from your electric or gas heat system – sometimes both. It comes as no surprise to anyone with one of these systems that the energy used is significant. Operating your heating and air conditioning can raise your power bill by hundreds of dollars every month. Not only can they be a drain on your wallet, these central systems, along with the energy that they use, deplete the environment.

Now, look at heat pump technology. Heat pumps don’t use energy to heat or cool air to a certain temperature. Instead, they merely move air back and forth. Throughout the winter season, heat pumps bring the warm air from outside – even if it doesn’t feel like it, there is hot air in the outside air on the coldest days – and pumps that warm air into your home until the thermostat achieves your desired temperature. Throughout the summertime, a heat pump works in the opposite manner. The pump takes the warm air from inside your home and sends it outside, until the inside temperature reaches the required level of coolness. Since the heat pump isn’t heating or cooling anything using electrical energy or gas, the operating costs are far lower. And since less energy is utilized, the effect of operating a heat pump is far less on the environment than operating a central heating and cooling system.

All heat pumps aren’t built the same, however. If you are living in an older residence and your heat pump had been installed before the new government regulations, then it might be very inefficient. Even new heat pumps can differ tremendously with regards to their effectiveness. Also, heat pumps aren’t efficient in parts of the country with extreme temperature shifts. Of course, in San Francisco, we’re lucky and our climate is pretty consistent!

That being said, heat pumps are great options for eco-friendly heating and cooling.

The experts at Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose and install heat pump systems. To schedule a consultation or a free quote, please contact your local San Francisco HVAC Company, Ortiz Heating & AC at 650.758.4900.

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San Francisco HVAC Company – Decide Which Heat Pump Is Right For Your Home

by Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning on February 20, 2012

Heat pumps were once considered inefficient and unfavorable, but times have changed. Largely due to new efficiency standards mandated by the government, they have become considerably more appealing. They are more energy-efficient than a central heating and air conditioning system. The fact is, by some reports, the best heat pumps are up to 100% more efficient than a central HVAC system. Many people are switching to them to save money on their utility bills, while some are adopting heat pumps due to concern for the environment. For those who have decided to dive right in, there are things you should know prior to buying your heat pump system. This article can help you choose the best heat pump for your home.

Prior to getting into the particulars about heat pumps themselves, it is very important be aware of the installation method. Don’t select your heat pump and then search for an HVAC expert to do the installation work. Your contractor needs to be working with you throughout the process. Their insight is going to be extremely beneficial when it comes to deciding on the best heat pump to meet your needs.

The main thing you should consider is the size of the pump. You’ll need one that is big enough to supply heat and cooling to all of the rooms in your house without overworking or burning out. Your HVAC expert will be able to provide you with advice about the correct sizing. Many people are inclined to downsize, hoping to save a bit of money on the front end. Don’t do it. It’s going to increase your energy costs in the long-run and will result in the need for more frequent repair and maintenance on your system. Furthermore, you won’t be comfortable in your house. It’s truly not worth saving the few hundred dollars.

You’ll also want to take into account the SEER and HSPF ratings of the pump. These types of ratings let you know how efficient the heating and air conditioning systems are in a heat pump. High SEER numbers mean the system will effectively cool your house. The higher the SEER number, the better. A higher HSPF rating means the system will effectively heat your home. Again, the higher the better. It is best to choose a heat pump which fits the climate in your area. If you have plenty of warm weather, a high SEER rating is significant, and if you’ve got a great deal of cold weather, the HSPF rating should concern you the most. As a long-standing San Francisco HVAC company, we can assure you our climate’s somewhere in between. With years’ of experience, we can easily assess the climate based on where you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, and choose which heat pump is best for your environment.

Making an effort to do your research in advance is worth it, so you can ensure you get the most from your heat pump investment. Don’t forget, it can save you money in the long-term.

The experts at Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose and install a heat pump system. To schedule consultation or free quote, please contact your local San Francisco HVAC Company, Ortiz Heating & AC at 650.758.4900.

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San Francisco HVAC Company – Air Conditioning HVAC Maintenance & Tips

February 9, 2012

With suitable maintenance, a new air conditioning system should last 12-15 years, and may last a lot longer than that in many cases. With central air conditioning, as well as window units, it isn’t just essential to have scheduled HVAC maintenance visits. It is also essential to use other means that can help your air [...]

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