ACI Northwest Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating System Replacement’

Heating Tip: Is it Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

When you live in Coeur d’Alene you need to know that you can depend on your home heating and air conditioning system to keep you comfortable all year long. A proper installation and regular, professional maintenance can help your heating and air conditioning system achieve that goal. No mechanical system can last forever, though, and eventually you will need to replace your home comfort system. When to replace your home comfort system can be a difficult decision to make. If you are having problems with you heating and air conditioning system or are frequently putting money into it it may be time for a replacement. Contact ACI Northwest for the guidance you need when considering the installation of a new HVAC system.

One of the main factors to keep in mind when considering the installation of a replacement heating and air conditioning system in Coeur d’Alene is the age of your existing system. If it is more than ten or fifteen years old chances are it is not as efficient as models on the market today. You may be able to offset some of the expenses of the initial investment with energy savings over time.

If you home suffers from very bad air quality, including heavy humidity, excessive dust or other allergen problems your ductwork or heating and cooling units may be the cause. Repairs may fix the problem, but at a certain point replacement becomes the best option.

Finally, if you are frequently paying for HVAC maintenance and repair services only to see you utility costs going up you should really consider the installation of a replacement system. Sometimes machinery is simply worn out, and not amount of maintenance or repair can restore it to its former performance levels. Get the peace of mind, efficiency and exceptional performance you deserve with a replacement HVAC system.

Any investment on this scale is a big decision. Do not let that intimidate you into inaction, though. Contact ACI Northwest to discuss the installation of a replacement heating and air conditioning system in your Coeur d’Alene home. Sometimes it is the only solution to your HVAC issues.

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Heating FAQ: How Are Furnace BTUs Measured?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

One question that we get from customers on a regular basis is how to size a furnace and how BTUs are measured to help determine the right size. Your furnace’s heating capacity is measured by a unit called a “British Thermal Unit” (BTU). A BTU unit is essentially a measurement determined by the amount of heat it would take to heat one pound of water by one degree; therefore, the BTU capacity for a furnace can help determine fuel costs by converting it into cost per 1000 BTUs.

When you are comparing furnace models, you should see a BTU number provided in the general information section. You’ll also see AC capacity measured in BTUs, but there are variations in the calculations according to whether you are purchasing a heating or cooling system.

The type of fuel will have an effect as well. For instance, natural gas is usually metered in CCF (hundreds of cubic feet) of energy consumption, so about one thousand BTUs of natural gas is provided by 1 cubic foot, so when you divide the cost of the fuel by 1000 BTUs of propane heat you can determine how cost-effective it will be to run a furnace on natural gas. Propane would require the same type of formula. Only combustible fuels are measured in BTUs. Determining the cost of an electric furnace will involve other factors.

Here are some additional factors to consider when sizing according to BTU output for a particular furnace model:

  • Location, size, and layout of the home.
  • How well the home is insulated and sealed.
  • The amount of natural light the home gets in the winter.
  • How many rooms require heating.
  • Ventilation and moisture levels.
  • Condition of all other heating components and equipment in the home.

For new home constructions, you’ll need to work with your builder to help determine square footage and the other factors mentioned above before choosing a furnace. Having the right furnace size is vital to maintaining high performance and efficiency levels.

Don’t hesitate to call the Spokane furnace experts at ACI NORTHWEST if you have any questions about selecting the right furnace for your home.

Call ACI Northwest for all your Spokane heating questions and services. Whether you want to know more about sizing a new heating system, or you would like to discuss your options for replacing your furnace, one of our friendly staff members will be glad to help you out.

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