Balanced Air, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Installation’

Ductless Systems Can Work for Homes With Ducts: Here’s How

Monday, August 31st, 2020

ductless-acCentral ducted heating and air conditioning systems only started to become common parts of home construction during the 1970s, which was when central AC became standard for homes. Older homes have often had to get by with window AC units. However, the spread of ductless heating and air conditioning systems, a.k.a. ductless mini split heat pumps, made it possible for older homes without ducts to enjoy excellent comfort throughout the house without adding any ducts. These ductless mini splits also permitted home construction without surrendering any space to putting in a ventilation system.

But when it comes to ductless heating and air conditioning in Tampa, FL, there are more uses than just to accommodate homes that have no ductwork. If you live in a house with a standard central AC and heating system, there are still ways a ductless installation can benefit you.

Continue Reading

Is a Used Air Conditioning System an Option for Installation?

Monday, September 16th, 2019

ac-units-in-scrapyardThe simple answer: no. We do not recommend shopping for a used air conditioning system and calling a contractor to install it. (Or worse, trying to install it yourself!)

We know that purchasing used is often a great way to save money. Used books, furniture, cars, and laptops can all make good, cost-effective investments. But this doesn’t work for all purchases, and in the case of an HVAC system, it’s a major mistake. No reputable HVAC contractor will install a previously owned central air conditioner. The only case where you’ll hear about people buying used HVAC equipment is with window ACs—and even then, it’s not something we recommend.

(We don’t recommend window units, period. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, we advise looking into installing a ductless mini split system.)

We’re going to look at the big reasons why installing a used central air conditioner isn’t worth it.

Continue Reading

If It’s Time for a New AC … What Type Should You Get?

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

New-air-conditionerIn our last post, we addressed one of the most serious troubles an air conditioning system can run into—the fried compressor. If you have this problem and discovered the best solution is to replace the AC entirely, the next dilemma is making the choice about what type and size of AC to replace it.

You can decide to get a new one just like the old one—but that’s rarely satisfactory, especially with recent advances in cooling technology. You have choices to make, although relying on an HVAC professional will make the choices easier. In fact, the help of a licensed professional is necessary to avoid a major error, as we’ll explain later.

Continue Reading

Air Conditioning vs. Heat Pump Installation: What’s YOUR Best Choice?

Monday, May 13th, 2019

heat-pump-backyardWhen you decide you need a new air conditioning system for your home (and now would be a great time to do it and beat out the worst of the summer heat), you’ll have to make a few decisions. If your previous AC was a standard central system, then the easiest choice is to put in a similar type of air conditioner. You can make upgrades, such as going for a higher efficiency unit or one with a variable speed blower fan. But the new air conditioner will do the same essential job as the last one.

But … there’s another option, which is to install a heat pump. A heat pump is similar to a central AC—and takes up the same amount of space inside and outside the house—but it can switch the way it operates so it can work as a heater when necessary.

Continue Reading

Figuring Out AC and Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings

Monday, November 12th, 2018

air-conditioner-units-near-grassIt’s another warm fall here in the Tampa Bay area, and air conditioners are still doing steady work. You can expect to have your air conditioner whirring away at least a few times during the coming winter as well. So there’s never a “bad” time for replacing central air conditioning in Clearwater, FL. If your AC is falling down on the job, older than 15 years, or driving your electrical bills into the stratosphere, then now is when to call us to arrange for a new air conditioner (or heat pump if you use one).

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new AC/heat pump. Our technicians will help you with all the steps so you end up with the ideal new system for comfort. In this post, we’re going to look at a part of air conditioner and heat pump performance that often confuses homeowners, and that’s the efficiency rating. Understanding how efficiency is rated on ACs and heat pumps will make the selection process easier.

Continue Reading

Is a Heat Pump a Good Option for Our Climate?

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

air-conditioner-cabinetsIf you’ve heard any word about heat pumps—beyond the basics of how they work—it may be a warning they don’t work ideally in all climates, causing them to struggle with energy efficiency in extreme weather conditions. This often holds back homeowners from choosing a heat pump for a new HVAC installation when they’re ready to change out their old AC and furnace.

It’s not a myth that heat pumps can run into efficiency troubles in certain climates. But the certain climate you’re worried about is our climate here in the Tampa Bay Area. What’s the word on heat pumps ‘round about these parts?

Continue Reading