Our HVAC Blog | Total Comfort Solutions in Kennesaw, GA

Mini Splits vs. Central Air: Which Is More Efficient?

August 10, 2022

You’ve probably seen the commercials: a sleek, energy-efficient mini split heat pump that can be installed in just about any room and provides both heating and cooling. Central air conditioners have been the standard for years, but are they really more efficient than mini splits? Let’s find out. What’s a Mini Split and How Does It Work? A mini split is a type of heat pump that doesn’t require ductwork. Instead, refrigerant lines are run from an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units. These indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit through those

When Should You Install a New HVAC Unit?

July 16, 2022

Every appliance has a lifespan, and your HVAC unit is no different. That’s why, as a homeowner, it’s essential to know when to replace your HVAC unit. Whether it’s because it’s reached the end of its lifespan or become less energy efficient, some signs indicate that it might be time for an upgrade. Energy Bills Gradually Increasing If you’ve noticed your energy bills gradually increasing, even when there hasn’t been a change in your usage, it could be a sign that your HVAC unit is losing its efficiency. Over time, all appliances and

Does Air Conditioning Cause Air Pollution?

June 20, 2022

As warmer weather arrives, chances are you’re using your air conditioner more often to stay cool. With the world focusing more on issues of climate change, though, you might be wondering about your AC’s impact on the air around you. Read on for information about how HVAC systems contribute to air pollution. Toxic Refrigerants There are a few different kinds of refrigerants used in air conditioners. Older units often use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were eventually found to contribute to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer. Manufacturers no longer produce air conditioners that use CFCs, but

Why Does My AC System Have a Water Leak?

May 16, 2022

Having a well-working AC unit during the summer months can feel like a godsend. However, if you notice that your system is starting to leak water, it can be very alarming. It’s important that you fix the issue as quickly as possible because water can create extensive damage when allowed to penetrate the components inside of your house. Where Is the Water Coming From? Many people don’t realize that their air conditioning system works to remove humidity from inside of their home. In order to do that, it needs to pull the moisture out of the

Smart Thermostat Installation Guideline

April 18, 2022

If you’ve been searching for ways to help lower your monthly bills, one wise investment is a smart thermostat. This type of thermostat will learn your family’s needs and make suggestions for the most eco-friendly use possible. If you’re a DIY homeowner, then installing your own smart thermostat shouldn’t be overly complex. Turn Off the Power If you’ve done any reading on replacing thermostats, you’ll know that the thermostat wires are very low voltage. This means that they won’t cause you any bodily harm if you touch them when they’re live. However, it’s very important to

What Impacts Do Leaky Windows Have on My Home’s Heating?

March 17, 2022

Although Kennesaw has mild winters, you’ll still need your heating system for warmth and comfort during the season. If your home has old, leaky windows, you’ll notice that your heating system cycles more frequently, and despite the heater running more often, your home might not be as comfortable as you prefer. Leaky windows affect how your home is heated, and they have considerable impacts on the heating system’s performance and longevity. Uncomfortable Areas Leaky windows allow cold outdoor air to seep into your home in the wintertime. The areas near those windows will be cold and

3 Ways You Can Fix an Uneven Heating Problem

February 15, 2022

When all aspects of your home’s HVAC setup are functioning well, you should enjoy evenly distributed heat throughout every room. However, if even one component of your household is struggling, malfunctioning or damaged, things can become unstable quickly. If uneven heating is an issue you’re having, then before you panic, try the following troubleshooting techniques. 1. Have Your Ducts Looked At Ductwork problems are the culprit for a high percentage of uneven heating issues. These ducts distribute heated air to the different areas of your residence, but obstructions or leaks can prevent certain sections from getting

Signs Your Ductwork May Be Damaged

January 11, 2022

In the average home, about 25% of the air in ductwork is lost through leaks and ill-fitting connections. While some signs your ductwork is losing air are subtle, there are also ones that are glaring and hard not to notice. What are the obvious signs your ductwork is damaged? Dust and Dirt Around Registers When your ducts are damaged, dust and dirt get into them. This debris is then blown into your home and appears around registers. This is a problem that severely reduces the indoor air quality in your home, as it may contain

Heat Exchangers: What They Do and How They Work

December 20, 2021

Understanding the various parts inside a furnace could help homeowners stay on top of maintenance. If you see your furnace acting strangely, act quickly. This is also true if you suspect that there are issues with a heat exchanger. Here is some more information about this critical component. What a Heat Exchanger Does In between the blower and the combustion chamber inside a furnace is the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises metal coils designed to move heated air through the furnace. The burners inside a furnace apply heat to the heat exchanger, which absorbs the

The Ultimate Heating Option for a Basement

November 20, 2021

In many homes, basements are built unfinished to begin with. If this is the case with your basement, it may not make sense to connect your existing ductwork to this additional room if you are adding living space to your home. Luckily, there are a number of additional options for your basement heating. Read on to see some of the different choices to heat a basement or other room addition. Ductless Mini-Split Ductless mini-splits work like heat pumps for individual rooms. They are a great way to add an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning appliance.

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