Pros and Cons of Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters

When homeowners need a new water heater, the choice comes down to an electric water heater or a gas water heater. Buyers may initially see only the cost, but energy efficiency, recovery rate, and electronics and components are all factors to consider when comparing the options.

Gas Water Heaters

With gas, the initial cost is not as much of a mitigating factor. Because gas water heaters utilize powerful burners that heat water more quickly and the cost of gas is generally less than the cost of electricity, gas water heaters are the cheaper choice of the two in the short term. When it comes to energy efficiency, the cost of gas water heaters is somewhat hard to pin down. Some gas heaters meet the Energy Star standard, but others fall short. Gas water heaters can typically double the recovery rate of electric water heaters, which means that they can usually heat more water faster. Gas heaters typically have more advanced smart electronics that can notify users of operating status and repair needs. To operate, gas units require the following components: connection to a gas line, a gas control valve, a burner with a combustion chamber, a pilot light, a thermocouple, and a venting system.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters present a more expensive entry price, but they offer the flexibility of placement within the home. In terms of maintenance, electric water heaters are easier to maintain because they are less complicated than gas heaters. Conventional electric water heaters are not Energy Star approved, though there is a specialized model type using heat pumps that costs more. Electric water heaters have heating power ranging in wattage from 1,440 to 5,500. Electric heaters do not utilize the smart technology that gas heaters do. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two, electric water heaters require only heating elements and thermostats to heat the water.

At Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc, we understand the importance of a quality water heater in the grand scheme of your home or business. Wherever you land on the gas vs. electric debate, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc will offer reliable, friendly installation and service. Contact us online or call us at 845-344-3030 for your heating and cooling needs.

Planning Ahead: How to Winterize Your Central Air Conditioner

After the hot months of summer, fall weather comes as a great relief for homeowners. In the excitement, many homeowners end up forgetting a crucial chore: winterizing the outdoor AC unit. Winters in New York can be harsh, and the HVAC unit has to withstand the cold, precipitation, snow, and ice.

Importance of Winterizing an Outdoor AC Unit

Winterization safeguards a central air conditioner from the elements to prevent rust, physical damage, and to keep it in perfect working condition throughout the cold season. It also prevents critters from nesting inside the unit, as this could lead to mechanical damage. HVAC manufacturers provide maintenance instructions for their products, which come handy for winterization. Following these instructions protects the manufacturer’s warranty and helps keep the unit in good condition.

Early fall is the ideal time for AC winterization since the weather is beautiful for working outdoors. The AC unit can also air-dry completely after being cleaned in this weather. For the process, a homeowner needs a fitted plastic or vinyl cover, bungee cords or vinyl rope, foam pipe covers, and duct tape. Here are the steps to follow for winterizing a central air conditioner.

Switching Off the HVAC Unit

The first step is to turn off the HVAC unit to prevent it from turning on automatically on warmer days. When this happens, water gets into the coils and freezes when temperatures fall causing rust and corrosion.

Washing the Air Conditioner

Homeowners should use a garden hose to clean and rinse the unit, removing dirt, dust, bugs, leaves, grass clippings, and other unwanted materials. The unit should dry completely before the next step.

Insulation

The exposed piping should be protected against the harsh winter weather. Installing foam pipe covers insulates the pipes and helps protect them from freezing.

Wrapping the AC Unit

Wrapping the AC unit using fitted waterproof plastic, a vinyl cover, or a specialized winterization cover offers maximum winter protection. To secure the protective cover, wrap vinyl ropes or bungee cords around the unit. Ensure that the unit is completely secured, as a loose covering can trap moisture and cause rust.

Winterizing Heat Pumps

If the outdoor unit is a heat pump and not solely an air conditioner with a separate indoor furnace, homeowners must turn the power back on after the unit has completely dried and keep the side vents and exhaust fan uncovered.

Regular Monitoring

The HVAC unit should not be forgotten after winterization. Regular monitoring is necessary to remove debris, snow, and water, and to secure the cover.

For the most reliable HVAC installation and servicing in Middletown, NY and the surrounding areas, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc is your one-stop-shop. With over 35 years in the industry, we have the resources and expertise to install or repair your HVAC system to keep you and your family comfortable year-round. Contact us today at 845-344-3030 for a free estimate.

Heat Pump Repair: Four Signs Service May Be Necessary

Heat pumps can save homeowners a lot of money on heating and cooling, but only if they're working efficiently. Certain signs indicate that heat pump repair may be necessary to keep equipment running as intended and increase its longevity.

Reduced Heating or Cooling

Some homeowners have noticed that their heat pumps seemed to be producing cooler temperatures the previous summer or that it's become more difficult to keep their houses warm in the winter. This problem shouldn't be ignored; potential causes include compressor malfunction, refrigerant leaks, or a heat pump that has reached the end of its lifespan.

Odd or Excessive Noises

While occasional noises inside the home are common due to the metal in ductwork expanding or contracting, regularly occurring odd noises from the unit itself may signify a problem that requires heat pump repair. Abnormal noises may include frequent rattling, humming, groaning, whistling, or popping.

Increased Electric Bills

Even if no other signs are evident, one of the first things that indicates a larger problem that may require heat pump repair is a sudden increase in electric bills. When the system works overtime to try to compensate for its malfunction, it uses more electricity, thus leading to higher bills. This may also be noticed in conjunction with reduced heating and cooling capacity.

Short Cycling

Low levels of refrigerant in an air pump can cause the system to work harder and sometimes overheat, which leads to short cycling. If a heat pump switches on and off too frequently, it likely needs repair.

Investing in a heat pump for your Orange County home is an efficient and eco-friendly choice that can help keep your family comfortable and your costs low. However, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure you're reaping the benefits. If you've noticed signs that you may be in need of heat pump repair, contact Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc. today at 845-344-3030 for a free estimate.

HVAC Considerations When Buying a Home

When buying a new home, most people focus on location, curb appeal, and square footage. While a home's HVAC system may not be high on everyone's list of things to worry about when buying a home, there are good reasons why HVAC considerations should factor into the decision. Asking the right questions before the purchase can save homebuyers a bundle down the road. Here are a few things everyone should think about before purchasing a home.

Age and Upkeep

The easiest way for a homeowner to understand what kind of HVAC system they may be agreeing to purchase is to ask how old the system is and whether any major repairs or maintenance have been required. ACs and heating pumps generally need to be replaced every 10 years, while furnaces should be swapped out every 15. Regular maintenance can extend these timelines, so it's also important to ask if the HVAC components received annual (at least) servicing by a professional.

Utility Bills

It's also recommended that prospective buyers request a copy of the home's utility bills. Heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average home's utility costs, so checking the bills to make sure they aren't unusually high is a good way to make sure the heating and cooling systems are working as efficiently as possible.

Comfort in Every Room

Prospective buyers should pay attention to the air temperature and flow in every room as they tour a house. If some rooms feel stuffy or drafty, this could be a sign of a problem with the HVAC ducting. While this could be a simple fix, it may be a sign of leaking or poor insulation, which can end up costing buyers money each month.

Whatever problems your HVAC system throws at you, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc has you covered. We are your local heating and cooling experts and can handle everything from small fixes to whole furnace replacements. Keep your home comfortable year-round with HVAC services from Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc. Call 845-344-3030 today for your free, no-obligation estimate.