Jeffersonville, IN | VanKleef Heating & Air Conditioning

Author: Rosie Baker

  • R410A vs. R22: New Refrigerants in the Air Conditioning Industry

    R410A vs. R22 RefrigerantsA new refrigerant has emerged in the air conditioning industry that might affect you as a consumer. R410A is the refrigerant that’s replacing R22. That might seem like mumbo-jumbo to you, so VanKleef Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has broken down what it means and how it will affect consumers.
    According to Comfort Incorporated, R410A refrigerant was invented in 1991 as an alternative to R22 refrigerant. In the United States, all newly-manufactured air conditioners use R410A refrigerant. R410A refrigerant works at a higher pressure than R22 refrigerant, so new air conditioner parts had to be developed in order to use the new refrigerant. As a result, R410A cannot be used in units that currently use R22 refrigerant. In order to use R410A refrigerant, you must install a new unit.
    This chart illustrates how R22 will be phased out over the next few years.
    So what do you as a consumer do? First, it’s important to educate yourself on the type of unit you currently have, how much of your energy bill results from keeping your house cool, and if it’s beneficial for you to install a new unit. Keep in mind that R22 refrigerant is less environmentally friendly than its counterpart, one of the main reasons for R22’s phase out. R410A also operates more efficiently than R22.
    The best advice we can give consumers is to contact VanKleef Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. with questions. We can evaluate your situation, help you understand the logistics, and decide a suitable solution for you.

  • Heating Tips: Make Sure your Carbon Monoxide Detector is in Place

    Louisville heating and coolingAs colder weather begins to roll around, many preventative measures in our homes are important to protect us from the elements and common indoor hazards. One hazard that is more prevalent in the winter season is gas leaks. These leaks can come from a furnace or water heater and may produce carbon monoxide (CO) fumes that can be deadly.
    Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete burning of fuels like coal, wood, charcoal, oil, propane or natural gas. If your furnace or water heater’s burners become dirty or are not working properly, you could be at risk.
    Since carbon monoxide can’t be detected by the senses, you might not even know it’s there until you begin to experience symptoms. With low-level exposure you may begin to detect:

    • headache
    • fatigue
    • shortness of breath
    • nausea
    • dizziness

    When exposure becomes ongoing, symptoms worsen and become more severe:

    • mental confusion
    • vomiting
    • loss of coordination
    • loss of consciousness
    • death

    Experiencing these symptoms inside your home is very serious and requires further investigation by a professional. Here are some common tips to avoid furthering carbon monoxide invasion.

    • Have electrical and burning appliances inspected and serviced regularly
    • Never use portable generators with gas engines in an enclosed space
    • Never leave the car running in the garage (even with the door up)
    • Don’t use appliances for warming the inside of your home
    • Never use portable fuel or burning camping equipment inside your home or garage

    Most importantly, buy and install a carbon monoxide detector. Most detectors will sound before the CO reaches a dangerous level, which will allow preventative measures to be taken. Having a carbon monoxide detector can literally save your life.
     

  • HVAC Filters

    Air conditioning systems in Southern Indiana and Louisville are under a tremendous strain because of the mold due to the Ohio River Valley. One big thing you can do to help is using the right filter and changing the furnace air filter.
    Best thing to do is to set a schedule with your cell phone alert, or change your filter as you pay monthly bills.
    If you have house animals, you will definitely want to change your filters once a month.
    As always, please feel free to ask any questions in the comment sections. If you need service or a new system, give us a call at 812-280-0510 at VanKleef Heating and Air Conditioning

  • Jeffersonville, Louisville and surrounding areas Heating News: A.F.U.E. vs. S.E.E.R.

    Louisville heatingThere are two terminologies used  S.E.E.R.(seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and A.F.U.E.(annual fuel utilization efficiency)? Why are both important to understand and how do they complement each other?
    AFUE measures how much heat is actually making it into your home verses how much fuel or energy is required to produce that heat. What you are left with is a percentage that represents your AFUE. For example if your AFUE  rating is 70%, that means 70% of the heat produced is making it into the home while 30% is escaping out the chimney or flew. The minimum in Indiana minimum is 90% while in Kentucky is 80%.  SEER reflects, much in the same way as AFUE, the amount of cooling delivered to the home verses cooling loss. The current minimum SEER rating is 14. There are products with SEER ratings in the 20s now.
    When thinking about changing out your heating and cooling system, you want to consider both the SEER and AFUE ratings of new equipment. You may review our page that assists in helping to decide to  Repair or Replace that helps you determine what to do with your HVAC. This is a great tool to help you decide whether you should invest in repairs for your older HVAC system or should you replace it with higher efficiency products.
    The more knowledge you have about the actual savings you will get from newer, high efficiency products, the better. The decision is made simple when you can calculate your savings verses up front costs. If you have your heating and cooling costs for the last year or two it will be a huge advantage in calculating and knowing exactly what your short-term expense and long-term savings will be. You want your SEER and AFUE to be as high as possible and at a price point that makes sense for you.
    As October approaches there will be many furnaces needing repair. If you can arm yourself with good information now you will be prepared to make a wise decision this fall. Now you can tell your friends what AFUE and SEER mean and why they are important. It can save you money when you choose the right products.
    Call us today for additional help 812-280-0510

  • Repair or Replace

    When our Southern Indiana and Louisville clients have a major AC repair, we are often asked if they should replace the HVAC system or simply repair the air conditioner.
    Two factors influence the decision the most: age of your HVAC system and cost of the repair.
    If it’s greater than ten years old and you have a major repair (compressor, condenser fan motor, evaporator coil), you should seriously consider a new heating and cooling system. An HVAC system of that age is not nearly as efficient as today’s system. Plus, a new Air Conditioning system can have a 10-year parts warranty standard with 10-year labor warranties available.
    If you’re on the fence regarding a new system, here are some things to consider.
    1) Your old system is considerably less efficient than a new system. So, your energy consumption is higher the longer you wait.
    2) Air Conditioners and Furnaces increase in price roughly 3% each year. You’ll pay more for that new system the longer that you wait.
    Combine those two, and you can see why waiting to purchase a new HVAC system may not be the best choice.
    If your HVAC system is under 10 years, then repairing it may be your better choice. We can show you ways to save money on future repairs through our preventative maintenance program
    Give us a call today at (812) 280-0510