Heating for your air conditioning system is accomplished by generally one of two methods.

1) Producing heat by means of an energy source or,

2) By transferring heat from one area to another such as from outside air to indoor air.

How is warm air produced?

Heat generally comes from two likely energy sources. The 1^st, natural gas… is combusted within a heat exchanger and then vented to the outdoors. The 2^nd, electricity… energizes electric heat strips which are in the airflow directly from your blower assembly.

Which is the most economical choice: natural gas or electricity?

Natural gas heating is by far the most economical. The main reason is that it produces substantial energy (heat) and natural gas is reasonably priced. Data shows the average natural gas heating system (80% efficient furnace) that each $1.00 of gas is converted into $0.80 worth of heat.

While higher efficiency natural gas furnaces are available, our mild winter conditions for the Texas gulf coast area typically make them less cost effective.

Electric heating systems are by far the most simple and in fact are 100% efficient in that each $1.00 worth of electricity converts to a $1.00 worth of heat.

While 100% efficiency may sound appealing, electricity is a less cost-effective way to produce heat due to the cost of producing electricity.  Another option for homeowners without natural gas service available should consider another option; transferring heat rather than produce it from electricity by investing in a heat pump.

What is a heat pump & how do they work?

 A heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy from a source of heat to what is called a thermal reservoir. Heat pumps move thermal energy in the opposite direction of spontaneous heat transfer, by absorbing heat from a cold space and releasing it to a warmer one. A heat pump uses external power to accomplish the work of transferring energy from the heat source to the heat sink. The most common design of a heat pump involves four main components – a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a compressor. The heat transfer medium circulated through these components is called refrigerant.        Wikipedia    

Read More About American Standard Platinum Series Heat Pumps On Our Website

Contact your AirVantage technician to discuss what heating system is best for your specific home… Call or Text Now 409-925-6171.

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It’s hard to believe that such a small maintenance item like a not changing your AC filter regularly can have such a huge effect on air quality but, it does.

Generally AC filters are out of the way. It isn’t until you notice being slightly hotter in the summer and colder in the winter (because of reduced air flow) that you then remember to change your Air Conditioning  filter.

Changing the A/C filter on a schedule can help reduce the need for A/C and Heating Repairs in League City. Homeowners need some type of reminder or trigger to prompt their thoughts to get it done.

At AirVantage, we recommend this little trick to help remember to change your filter/s. Associate the Air Filter with the payment of a utility bill. The reason this association is a good one is because a dirty air filter can in fact increase the energy usage of the Heating and Cooling System by about 10%. Changing the air filter can save you money on utility bills and any savings are helpful, right?.

What Are The Best AC Filters?

The best Air Conditioning  filters meet MERV Standards. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers – ASHRAE. MERV values vary from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV value the more efficient the filter will be in trapping airborne particles.

MERV filters are more expensive than standard filters but, you don’t have to change them as often.

Here are the general guidelines for MERV filters.

Furnace Filters Replacement- Recommended furnace filters replacement is as follows: MERV 8 every 3-4 months, MERV 10 and 11 every 6 months, MERV 16 every year. If you have pets it is recommended that you check your filter monthly because having pets tends to send more particulates into the air.

There are a wide variety of air filter options available and finding the right air cleaning solution that works best for you is easy.

If you have a question about ridding your home or office of dust and pollen or a question concerning budgeting and cost… Call AirVantage Today at 409 354 1234 to talk to one of  our air quality experts.

Contact us at http://airvantageco.com

The post What Happens If You Don’t Change Your AC Filter Regularly? appeared first on AC Repair League City TX.