When Does a Maintenance Plan Make Sense?
The short answer is always. A maintenance plan is designed to encourage homeowners to take good care of their heating and cooling equipment by offering benefits they wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for. In addition to annual tune-ups, there are discounts, additional savings, priority service, and more. If you’re already getting an AC and a furnace tune-up every year, you’re missing the gravy. Here is what you get when you join the Lancaster Brothers Maintenance Club:
Maintenance Club Plan
An annual Maintenance Club plan from Lancaster Brothers will keep your HVAC system in top condition all year to save on energy costs. You also save money on any needed repairs and can rest assured that your furnace will keep you warm during the cold winters in the Kansas City area. When summer comes, your air conditioning system will be in top condition as well, so you stay cool.
Look at all the perks you get besides just two tune-ups a year:
- Two tune-ups a year scheduled at your convenience
- Accurate upfront pricing with a 10% discount on repairs
- No overtime charges
- Top priority with emergency service
- A friendly reminder when it’s tune-up time
Tune-Ups Reduce the Chance of Breakdowns
Our special Maintenance Club plan gives you two complete tune-ups during the year. This covers a complete check of both the heating system and the air conditioner to make sure they work efficiently during extreme weather. Both new and older HVAC systems need this routine maintenance. You save energy when your furnace and air conditioner work efficiently. You can schedule the seasonal tune-ups at your convenience online or by calling us. We will remind you when a tune-up is due for either the heating or air conditioning system as part of our service.
Save on Every Repair
You always receive accurate upfront pricing on all repairs. We offer a 10% discount on all repair services to members of our Maintenance Club at any time during the year. Plus, you’ll never be charged for overtime. They work until the job is completed.
Get Top Priority on Emergency Service Calls
We know that emergencies happen occasionally and we are on call 24/7 to help you when your furnace or air conditioner stops working when you need it most! Our technicians will respond immediately to your call, and you will get preferential service before non-members. Plus, we provide written guarantees on all of our service work.
Special Deals on Lennox Home Comfort Systems
If you think your current furnace is too old and you are worried about staying warm in bitter winter weather, you need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you’d like to sign up to join our Maintenance Club, give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online!
Chris Lancaster October 16th, 2018
Tags: heating facts
“Auto” or “On” – How to Set Your AC Fan
If you’re not really familiar with air conditioners, or maybe you’re a new homeowner and haven’t had to deal with them too much yet, you may not realize that your air conditioner has two components: the part that cools and the part that moves the air. The thermostat temperature setting adjusts the part that cools. The fan affects the part that moves the air. The blower motor uses the fan to force the air through your ductwork to deliver cool air to all of the rooms in your home. There are two choices on your thermostat for your AC’s fan setting – “on” or “auto”. So which one is best? The team at Lancaster Brothers is here to help.
“On” Vs. “Auto”
Let’s first define what the fan settings mean. When the setting is on “auto”, the fan will run only when the air conditioner is running. When the setting is on “on”, the fan will run 24/7 whether the air conditioner is running or not. So, which is better? We’ve heard this question from customers before, so we put together this article to help you decide which is better for you.
The Argument for Setting the Fan to “On”
Keeping your fan running 24/7 keeps the air moving constantly which does have some advantages.
Cleaner Air
If you set your fan to the “on” position, it will run nonstop. One advantage is that you are constantly cycling the air through your filter, which means your indoor air will be cleaner. You may want to check the filter slightly more often in case dirt builds up faster. This could be helpful if you have an allergy or asthma sufferers in your home.
Can Help Reduce Hot and Cold Spots
Keeping the fan on creates a more even distribution of heated or cooled air, which can help if you have a room above a garage or in a partially finished basement that’s hard to keep cool.
The Case for Setting the Fan to “Auto”
There are several advantages to having your fan run only when your air conditioner is running.
Lower Energy Bills
Since the fan is always running when it is set to “on”, you’re using more energy than when the fan is set to “auto”. The average air conditioning unit has a 500-watt fan, which uses almost as much energy as a refrigerator uses during the course of a year. Running the fan constantly can increase your electric bill by about $50 a month.
Lower Humidity
While the air conditioning cycle is running, the indoor coil gets cold. Water from the air passing over it condenses on the coil. When your fan is on “AUTO,” moisture is able to drip from the cold cooling coils and drain outside because the air isn’t blowing across the coils. When the fan is running 24/7, that moisture doesn’t have a chance to drip outside. Instead, it blows back into your house, and, as a result, your AC then has to work even harder to suck that extra moisture out of the air. Your home will have lower humidity levels if you set your thermostat to “auto” instead of “on”.
Less Energy Loss through Leaky Ductwork
According to Energy Star, leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent. If you set your fan to “on” it will be running 24/7 so instead of air leaking out only when the AC is running, it will be a constant leak, thus increasing your total duct leakage.
Variable Speed Units Provide a Compromise between the “On” and “Auto” Settings
So, ultimately, the answer is up to you. If you have people with asthma or allergies in your home, cleaner air (the “on” position) may be your choice, but if you like the idea of energy savings, the “auto” setting is most likely your best choice. If you like the sound of the comfort and air quality improvements that the “on” setting can provide, but higher energy bills don’t sound too good, a variable speed unit may be your best choice. A variable speed unit runs nearly all the time (allowing for the advantages of the “on” setting), but it can operate at a number of different speeds depending on how much airflow is required (allowing for the energy-saving advantage so of the “auto” setting).
If Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Your Home, Lennox is For You
If you experience issues with your older AC, we will be happy to take a look and either repair or replace the unit. We always recommend Lennox air conditioners because they are one of the best on the market, so if your air conditioner is starting to drag along, we will be happy to provide a free estimate. Check out our rebates and financing options for qualifying systems, and our comfort specialist will let you know about available programs.
If you have any questions about your air conditioner, fan settings, or energy savings, give us a call. One of our technicians can answer them and even provide tips to keep you more comfortable. Call us at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster August 13th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling
Tags: AC Maintenance
How to Avoid Top 4 Homeowner AC Mistakes
Summer has arrived, and with it, the scorching KC summer temps. Your air conditioner will be working at maximum capacity. Considering that your heating and cooling bills are responsible for roughly half of your energy bills and the average household spends about $2,200 on energy bills per year, these tips should go a long way in saving you some serious money. Plus, they’ll keep you feeling more comfortable too.
Mistake #1- Setting the Thermostat Too Low
When temperatures outside get extremely high, it can be tempting to turn your thermostat down even lower to keep things nice and chilly. What most homeowners don’t understand is that air conditioners are designed to maintain a 20-degree difference between inside and outside temperatures.
If the temperatures outside are in the 90s, your AC should be able to keep your home in the 70s. However, when temperatures skyrocket to the low 100s, it may only be able to keep your home in the high 70s or low 80s.
This doesn’t mean your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. It just means you may have to lower your expectations on super hot days. Otherwise, your AC will just run nonstop costing you more and comforting you less. Constant running also creates a massive load on the system and can lead to your entire system freezing up. This is not what you want during the hottest days of the summer. To keep this from happening, find a temperature you can tolerate and leave the unit set there, even if you’re tempted to turn it down.
Mistake #2 – Not Using Ceiling Fans
While ceiling fans do not affect the temperature in your home, they do make you feel cooler due to the “wind chill effect”. By running your ceiling fans, you create air movement. As the air moves and cold air comes into contact with your skin, heat is lost. This heat loss is caused by conduction, the transfer of heat through direct contact. Because your body is losing heat faster than it would with no air movement, it feels colder than it really is. The nice thing is that you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees and not feel uncomfortable. TIP: In the summer, make sure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise (when you look up at it) to push air down into the room.
Mistake #3 – Close the Blinds
Don’t let the sun undermine your air conditioner. Keep all blinds and curtains closed. Believe it or not, the sun can add exponential amounts of heat to any room through solar gain. Solar gain refers to the increase in thermal energy of a space as it absorbs incident solar radiation. The trapped heat thus causes solar gain via a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Keeping the sun out will keep the temperature down throughout your entire house.
Mistake #4 – Change the Filter Monthly
Make sure you change your filters religiously, so as to avoid overworking your system. It sounds simple, and it is, but you’d be surprised at how many homeowners forget this little maintenance item. Pushing air through a dirty filter makes your air conditioner work harder than it has to. The Department of Energy says the average household spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills. When you change your air filter monthly, you can save from 5 to 15 percent on your utility costs. Dirty air filters worsen the air quality and can exacerbate symptoms of allergies. So changing your air filter gives you the added bonus of cleaner air.
A Tune-Up Will Increase Your AC’s Efficiency
Try these simple tips to lower your utility bill and feel more comfortable in your home. The 20-degree temperature drop is applicable when your system is in good working condition. If your AC has dirty cooling coils, frozen coils, poor airflow, or is low on refrigerant, the temperature drop it is capable of achieving will be much smaller. In order to make sure your system is running at peak efficiency, schedule a tune-up for your air conditioner.
Still having problems? It’s time for a new AC from Lennox.
There is a reason we tell our customers about Lennox: we think you deserve the best. We are proud to install Lennox air conditioners. Call us for a free estimate! There are also rebates and financing available for qualifying systems, and our comfort specialist will let you know about available programs.
To discuss even more money-saving summer tips, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re here to help!
Chris Lancaster July 20th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling
Tags: AC Maintenance
5 Signs of a Refrigerant Leak in Your Air Conditioner
It’s a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the children are running through the sprinklers, and your air conditioner is blowing hot air…what a bummer. One common problem when your AC is blowing warm air is a refrigerant leak. Since the refrigerant is in a closed system, the only reason a system would be running low on refrigerant would be either it was undercharged during installation, or you have a leak. It does not deplete due to normal use, so it should not need to be refilled regularly.
1. Your Home Takes a Long Time to Cool
The term refrigerant refers to the chemical blend that cycles through the air conditioner absorbing heat and carrying it outside; it used to be commonly referred to as Freon, but only older systems would contain Freon because the EPA banned it due to its negative effect on the ozone layer. Today’s newer systems run on R410a (sometimes called Puron). Either way, if your home is taking a long time to cool, it could mean the refrigerant is running low.
2. Rising Energy Bills
As a result of the AC taking longer to cool down the house due to a refrigerant leak, you may see an increase in the cost of your energy bill. Refrigerant leaks cause your AC to work harder and longer. It will keep running and running but never reach the desired temperature.
3. Warm Air Coming from Vents
On a hot summer day, warm air blowing out of the vents in your house is the worst. Since refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat and carrying it outside, when it leaks, the heat is not carried outside and the warm air blows into the house.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils on Inside Unit, Ice on Outdoor Unit’s Line
Believe it or not air conditioners can freeze, although they are not supposed to. Low refrigerant can cause two parts of your AC unit to freeze. First is the evaporator coil, which is located in the indoor unit. Second, if the leak is large enough, the refrigerant lines leading to your outdoor unit will freeze. If either one of these parts of your AC are frozen, you definitely have a problem with your refrigerant.
5. Hissing or Bubbling Noise
If the leak is large enough, you will be able to hear it leaking out the refrigerant lines in either gas or liquid form. This tends to make a bubbling noise if it is liquid, and a hissing noise if it is gas.
The refrigerant is a potentially dangerous substance that should always be handled by a professional. This is not a problem that you should attempt to fix yourself.
Think Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced?
No problem! Replace your struggling air conditioner with a quality Lennox Home Comfort System. Be sure to check out check out these great deals from Lennox!
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or are having any trouble with your air conditioner not cooling, call the pros at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster June 12th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance
Tags: AC Maintenance
5 Tips to Make It through Summer with a Struggling Air Conditioner
Air conditioner problems aren’t usually at the forefront of your mind. A great AC just works. It keeps you in comfort and lets you go about your daily life…until it doesn’t. Most homeowners know when it’s time to replace their air conditioner. There are signs that let them know they are sitting on a ticking time bomb. But let’s face it, no one wants to buy a new air conditioner if they can squeak one more year out of the old one. So here are 5 tips from the AC pros at Lancaster Brothers for making it through the summer with an aging AC.
1. Set Your Expectations a Little Lower
On super hot days, your old AC may not be able to keep your home comfortable. If it’s 100 degrees, your home may stay in the upper 70s to 80 degrees. Even brand new air conditioners can only support a maximum temperature drop of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit between supply and return air (although it will likely be a bit lower since your indoor return air is usually cooler than the air outside).
2. Expect to Pay for Refrigerant
If your AC is older, chances are it runs on Freon. Since Freon was banned by the EPA (because it damaged the ozone layer) and is no longer being manufactured, the price has skyrocketed as demand has built and supply has decreased. If your system leaks refrigerant, more will have to be added to allow it to be able to keep your home cool. It will cost hundreds to recharge your system and leaks are very difficult to locate and fix. If you are paying for Freon, most likely you will continue paying for it until you replace your system. Newer systems use R410a, an environmentally safe refrigerant that costs much less. Unfortunately, older units are not designed to use the newer refrigerants.
3. Expect Higher Energy Bills
An older system won’t run as efficiently as a new one. New air conditioners are much more efficient by design, but an older system is not only built with less efficiency in mind, but also parts are older, connections are weaker, the system is dirtier, and most just don’t run smoothly or quietly anymore. The harder your AC has to work, the longer it will have to run to reach the temperature on the thermostat and the higher your electric bills will be.
4. Get a Tune-Up
A tune-up on an older system is a great idea. Not only will it help it run more efficiently, it will reduce the number of unwanted breakdowns and emergency service calls. It may be what gets your AC through the season. A technician will replace any worn parts, check all electrical connections, lubricate any moving parts, clean your system and repair any broken parts. Simply cleaning your air conditioner will help it run more efficiently too.
5. Change the Filter Monthly
A dirty filter will impede your system’s ability to push air through it, making it work harder and cost more. Make sure to change your filter every month. You’ll have cleaner indoor air too!
How to Decide Whether a Repair Is Worth It
If your air conditioner breaks down, the immediate question is: do you repair it again or do you replace it entirely? Thankfully, there’s a simple way to figure out which way to go. It’s called “the $5,000 rule”: It’s simple. Note the age of your AC and multiply the age by the amount of your most recent repair bill. If this results in a number less than $5,000, a repair is likely the best way to go! Of course, this is meant as a first step; a professional consultation from a trusted repair provider is another great data point to gather. But the decision is ultimately yours, and this is a great way to pin down what might be the best way to spend your money in the long run.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your AC
The formula above is a start, but a few extenuating circumstances mean you might be better off with a full replacement anyway.
- Three repairs over the course of three years is a red flag. This implies a larger issue that a fourth repair might not address fully.
- If your energy bills remain exceedingly high after a repair, that’s another major warning sign that the overall health of your AC system is ailing.
- And finally, post-repair Freon leaks after multiple repairs implies that patching it up and refilling it yet again will not solve the systemic issues with your AC.
Don’t Wait Until Your AC Breaks This Summer to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Your local Kansas City HVAC professionals at Lancaster Brothers are always happy to help! We’re here for cultivating long-term relationships with our customers, not to upsell, so after you’ve thought about whether you think you need a repair or replacement, we can definitively point you in the right direction.
Call us today at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. If you do decide to replace, we can offer a great deal on a quality Lennox system.
Chris Lancaster May 8th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling, Geothermal, Maintenance
Tags: AC Maintenance
Fast and Affordable Ways to Landscape around Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is a vital component when it comes to your comfort in the summertime. But, let’s face it. It’s not the most attractive piece of equipment in your lawn. If your air conditioner is sticking out like a sore thumb, there are ways to help it blend into your landscaping better and they don’t have to cost you a fortune. The team at Lancaster Brothers has put together these great ideas from Pinterest to help you beautify your yard and keep your AC functioning at its best.
One Important Safety Rule for Outdoor ACs
First, there are some rules to follow to make sure you don’t hinder your unit’s ability to function efficiently. In order for your AC unit to effectively transfer air, it needs at least 36 inches of space around it. If you decide to camouflage your unit with plants, make sure to leave at least one foot around your air conditioner in all directions so it is able to easily draw air from the outside to stay cool. This is also important so that it is easily accessible for service. If you build a fence or lattice to hide it, make sure to leave plenty of room between it and your outdoor unit.
This homeowner used tall grasses and flowering bushes to hide the unit from view. This is the easiest way to improve your yard. While it doesn’t hide your air conditioner completely, it does help it blend into the landscape better and keeps it from standing out like a sore thumb.
No building skills? Don’t worry. Simple shutters make a much better impression than your metal air conditioner. Plus, they are easy to remove so you can take them inside for storage during the winter and repaint them in the comfort of your own home when necessary.
A simple lattice fence perfectly breaks up the view. Tropical looking plants grow tall while ivys and hostas make great companions to cover the lower area. Where is that AC unit again?
Don’t be afraid to expand your landscape footprint away from the foundation. More landscaping is never a bad addition to your yard. Small trees can even provide shade for your unit helping it to run more efficiently in the heat of summer. If you have the budget, go bigger!
Best Plants to Hide Your Air Conditioner
Tall, stand-alone plants are great. Tall grasses come in many varieties and heights and if you don’t cut them down in the fall, they will provide a natural screen all winter. Flowering bushes like hydrangeas, roses, and rose of Sharons are all tall enough for great coverage. Vine type plants work well if you build a trellis or something they can climb on. Try roses, clematis, sweet pea, morning glory, and trumpet vine. Just pay attention to how much sun/shade the area gets when choosing your plants. Small, ornamental trees can also be useful for shading your air conditioner.
Have You Checked to Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Works?
The summer heat is on its way! Before your air conditioner lets you down, make sure to consider if your air conditioner is too old to last. Stay cool this summer with a Lennox Home Comfort System. Be sure to check out check out these great deals from Lennox that will save you money.
Good luck with your landscaping endeavors this season. Remember, if you need any help with your air conditioner, inside or outside, give the friendly technicians at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster April 13th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance
Tags: AC Maintenance
3 Reasons to Perform Spring Maintenance on Your AC
The heat of the summer months might seem like only a speck on the distant horizon, but before you know it, it’ll be here. Beating the heat is easy with air conditioner. However, failing to inspect your AC prior to the first heat wave could leave you without the cooling relief you’re looking for. Any number of issues can affect how well your AC works. That’s why spring is the perfect time to perform maintenance on your AC.
Lower the Cost of Your Energy Bills
How well your air conditioning works directly effects your wallet. Any number of issues, such as dirty condenser coils or loose electrical connections, can cause your AC to work harder than it should. Therefore, more energy is being used. The more energy being used means the higher the electric bill will be. Even more frustrating is knowing that you’re paying for something that isn’t even helping to keep you cool.
Increase Your AC’s Energy Efficiency and Lifespan
Performing spring maintenance on your air conditioning unit is the best time to find and resolve problems. Issues with the ductwork, electrical connections, and other parts directly impact the overall function of your AC. Even dust and debris that build over time up can disrupt how efficiently it works. Making sure that parts are cleaned, securely connected, lubricated, and replaced if needed not only improves the function of your AC but the lifespan as well. Units that receive regular maintenance also run more quietly.
Better the Air Quality in Your Home
Just like the furnace, your air conditioning unit needs its filter replaced regularly. If the filter is dirty, restricted air flow can cause your AC unit to use more energy. It’s also less effective at purifying the air. As part of your regular maintenance, you should change the filter before using the AC for the first time every summer. How often it should be changed after that depends on various factors, such as whether or not you have pets or occupants with allergies.
Limping Along with an Old AC?
If you think your current air conditioner is too old and you are worried about the coming summer, we can help. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. If you are considering replacing your air conditioner, check out check out these great deals from Lennox that will save you some serious money.
If you need help performing maintenance on your AC or need to replace your old AC, just reach out to the professionals at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling. Give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster March 18th, 2018
Posted In: Cooling, Indoor Air Quality
Tags: AC Maintenance
How to Set Your Programmable Thermostat for the Biggest Savings
Utility bills are the biggest expense most households incur. According to the latest statistics (Dec. 2017) from Expatistan, an international cost of living website, the average price of utilities for one month (heating, electricity, gas…) for 2 people in 900 sq. ft. home in Kansas City, Missouri is $230. Multiply that by 12 and it’s approximately $2,760 per year. The larger the home, the larger the utility bills. Reducing your utility bill is one of the best ways to put a significant amount of money back into your pocket. The good news is, it’s easy to do with a programmable thermostat.
The team at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling has put together this simple tutorial on how to save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply using your programmable thermostat. The Department of Energy reports that turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting will save you up to 10%. If you live in a 900 sq. ft. home, this means you save about $276! Read on to learn the secrets to saving big.
How Do I Program My Thermostat to Save Money?
Since you don’t need to heat or cool your home as much while you are away at work or sleeping, those are the times to lower or raise the temperature to reduce the amount of energy you use. The good news is, you won’t even notice! Here are some simple guidelines for year-round programming:
Winter Settings – for the winter months, we suggest setting the thermostat to 72 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re awake, and set it seven to ten degrees lower while away or asleep.
Summer Settings – for the summer months, set the thermostat for 72 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home and warmer than normal while you are away. We suggest that you set your thermostat up no more than five degrees at any point in time. With the open floor plans of modern homes today, the volume of space your air conditioner is trying to condition makes it counterproductive because it’s too hard for your system to catch up on really hot days.
Tips for Choosing a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t yet own a programmable thermostat, you’ll find there are a lot of choices out there. Here are some tips for purchasing a programmable thermostat. Some of the features to consider include:
- User-friendly digital displays so you can easily preset the temperatures for different parts of the day.
- Wi-Fi compatibility. Homeowners are able to adjust the settings using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Alerts for changing the filter in your HVAC unit.
- Allow manual overriding of a setting without losing preset programming.
- Programs that differentiate between weekdays and weekends.
If you need help installing a new programmable thermostat, just give Lancaster Brothers a call.
Lennox Makes a Wide Variety of Programmable Thermostats
We are proud to install Lennox brand furnaces and air conditioners, and when you install a programmable thermostat, you are sure to gain the most efficiency you can from your new heating and cooling system. Lennox makes a wide variety of programmable thermostats. If you need help choosing one, give us a call and our comfort specialists can give you all the details.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a programmable thermostat and keep a few hundred more dollars in your pocket each year, contact us and let our dedicated and knowledgeable technicians install one for you today! Or call us at (913) 270-0698.
Chris Lancaster December 12th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Geothermal, Heating, Indoor Air Quality
Tags: heating facts, thermostats
You Don’t Need Two Air Conditioners for a Two-Story Home – You Need Zoning
House too hot upstairs in the summer? Downstairs too cold in winter? If you struggle with making your whole house comfortable at the same time, there’s a solution and it doesn’t involve purchasing another furnace or air conditioner. It’s called zoning and the team at Lancaster Brothers is here to tell you how it works. Zoning can help you save on your heating and cooling bills and make your home more comfortable and it can be added to your existing heating and cooling system.
What Is Zoning?
Most homes rely on one unit to heat or cool the home. A zoned home breaks your home into different segments based on your heating and cooling needs. Instead of trying to control the temperature throughout the entire house, zoning allows you to control temperatures in individual areas. Zoning can be added to your existing heating and cooling equipment. A zone control panel communicates with your thermostat, dampers and your furnace and AC. The thermostats in each zone send a signal to the control panel to send air to that area. Dampers placed in your ductwork are wired to a specific zone on the control panel, which is controlled by a specific thermostat. They automatically open and close depending on what the thermostats tell them they need.
Related Reads: Is your furnace acting up? Make sure you know the signs of trouble here!
What Kind of Homes Benefit from Zoning?
If you have a home with more than two stories, a home with a finished basement, areas with large windows or high ceilings, or unused rooms that you close off in the winter or summer because they aren’t comfortable, you are an ideal candidate for zoning. Older homes can benefit from zoning as well because many older houses are unable to be equipped with traditional heating and cooling ductwork. Empty nesters can also benefit because empty rooms don’t need to be heated and cooled every day.
Zoning Gives You Flexibility
Sometimes examples help make the benefits of zoning more clear. Let’s look at a few. With zoning you would be able to have the master bedroom set at a colder temp than the kids rooms if you like it colder when you sleep. Or let’s say you’re having a party and lots of people would be gathering in the kitchen and family room. You would be able to direct additional cooling to the kitchen/family room to balance the heat from extra bodies, heat from cooking, and heat from soaring outdoor temperatures. With a zoned system you can control the temperature when and where you need it.
Air Conditioner Zoning Saves You Money
Zoning saves you money on heating and cooling bills because you only heat/cool the zones you’re using, instead of the entire house. It gives you more control over which zones are heated or cooled, saving you money on the zones you don’t need to be heated or cooled all day, every day.
Lennox iHarmony Zoning System
At Lancaster, we install quality Lennox products including the Lennox iHarmony zoning system. The iHarmony system makes heating and cooling your home simple and convenient. It allows you to control up to four zones and each zone has its own independent thermostat. Adjustments to zone temperatures can be made at each thermostat, and you have the option of adjusting every zone at your main thermostat as well.
If you’d like to learn more, call us at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online and one of our professional technicians can answer your questions and customize a zoning plan specifically for your home.
Chris Lancaster September 5th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Heating, Indoor Air Quality
Tags: AC Maintenance, Lennox
Repair Your AC or Replace It? Use The $5,000 Rule
So you have an older air conditioner. You know eventually you’re going to have to replace it, but no one wants to think about that. The cost is not something any homeowner looks forward to paying. So you’ve been limping by, year after year, adding Freon every year, and paying the repair bills to keep it going. So where do you draw the line and say, “It’s finally time to replace it with a new one.”? At Lancaster Brothers, our technicians get asked this question a lot. So how many AC repairs are too many? Luckily, there’s a simple formula you can use to help you decide. We call it the $5,000 rule.
Replacement Rule of Thumb
So what is the $5,000 rule?
Simply multiply the age of your AC unit by the repair cost, and if that exceeds $5,000, then replace the unit. If less, go ahead and repair it.
For example, if your unit is 10 years old and the repair will cost $350, multiply 10 x 350 to equal $3,500. It is less than $5,000, so it is okay to have it repaired. It’s a great guideline to help you decide.
Inefficiency Leads to Higher Energy Bills
Do you ever wonder if your AC is just nickel and diming you to death? Here’s another rough rule to follow. Generally, if you have had your air conditioner repaired three or more times in the last three years, it’s time for a replacement. Parts are wearing, motors are losing their power, it’s losing efficiency every day and that is leading to higher energy bills. If your air conditioner is costing you in repair bills, chances are it’s also costing you in higher energy bills. It may make more sense to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model and start recouping your investment in energy savings.
Consider the Rising Cost of Freon
Most older systems use a refrigerant called Freon (R-22). If your repair involves adding Freon because of a refrigerant leak, you have something else to consider – rising Freon costs. If you have a Freon leak, you will have to add more every year. There’s just no getting around it. The price of Freon is rising each year. That’s because about 25 years ago, the EPA ordered the phasing out of Freon as part of an international treaty focused on protecting the ozone layer. Because production is limited, costs to charge existing units that are leaking R-22 refrigerant are rapidly increasing. By 2020, production of Freon will end, so the price will only continue to rise until then.
Production also ended in 2010 for new air conditioning units “charged” with R-22. Today’s air conditioners use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant (R-410A) instead of Freon, but it is not compatible with older models.
Let Lancaster Help with Repairs or Replacement
If you experience problems with your older AC, we will be happy to take a look and either repair or replace the unit so you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Lancaster Brothers is proud to install Lennox air conditioners, so if your air conditioner is on its last leg, we will be happy to provide a free estimate. There are also rebates and financing available for qualifying systems, and our comfort specialist will let you know about available programs.
Our Customers Say It Best…
“Please pass along to Chris and Curt how much we appreciate them getting to us right away and for sending down two very professional men to do the job of replacing our AC/heater. They were very conscientious about doing the job right. It’s nice to have a hometown business we can count on. ”
– J & P, Louisburg, KS
Call us today at (913) 851-3399 with any questions, repair or replacement needs, or just to get a free quote on a new Lennox system!
Chris Lancaster August 24th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance
Tags: energy savings