During the peak of summer, sitting back and relaxing in the air conditioning is a great way to unwind after a long day of work, running errands, or working around the house. As we inch closer to summer, now is the time to think about the condition and effectiveness of your air conditioner, and whether it may be time for a replacement.

How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?

The typical lifespan of a central air conditioner ranges from 12 to 15 years, though high-quality systems can last up to 20 years if they’ve been maintained especially well. Once an air conditioner nears the end of its service life, costly and critical components can start to fail. The evaporator or condenser coil can start to leak from corrosion or physical damage. The brushes and armatures in the blower motor, condenser fan, or compressor may start to fail, and things like expansion valves may stop working. Replacing one or more of these components can be costly, and that cost often represents a large portion of the price for a new, modern system.

Additionally, long before major components start failing, the air conditioner may suffer from declines in performance, efficiency, and reliability. This means that your system may struggle to keep your home cool, and even if it can do so successfully, it will likely use more energy than normal and require more repairs as the system works harder to maintain your comfort.

Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

As long as your air conditioner is less than 15 years old, does not have problems with any major components, and is not costing a fortune in repairs and electricity, it is probably best to keep using it and repair any problems as they come along. Once major components start failing, or when you can no longer depend on it to keep your home comfortable, that is a different story. Here are a few factors to consider as you debate replacing your air conditioner:

• Repair costs – If your air conditioner needs major repairs, like replacing the evaporator or compressor, get an accurate repair estimate and compare it to the cost of a new system. Only you can decide if the cost of a replacement is justified.
• Energy usage – Modern air conditioners can use up to 40% less energy than those made 10 years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The long-term energy savings could offset some of the cost of a replacement.
• Comfort – Older air conditioners offer great cooling when they are working properly, but they lack some of the latest features that can improve comfort even more, like modern two-stage cooling that adjusts the output of the system, or variable speed blowers that are quieter and can improve comfort and humidity control.
• Warranty – A manufacturer’s warranty protects your system from defects and provides peace of mind. If your warranty is expired, or near to it, an air conditioner replacement can provide a modern, reliable system with full warranty coverage.

Air Conditioning Replacement & Repair Services

When you need help to decide between air conditioner repairs and replacement, talk to our team at Rick’s Heating & Cooling. Our expert technicians can evaluate your air conditioning system, provide an estimate for the repairs necessary to make it reliable, and help you determine when replacement will be practical and cost-effective based on the system’s condition. We offer quality, professional air conditioner replacement, repair, and maintenance to help with all your cooling needs.

Give us a call at (513) 899-6005 or contact us online to schedule air conditioner services today!

Indoor air quality has become one of the hottest topics in HVAC and home efficiency in the past few years. But as a homeowner, you might be feeling somewhat out of the loop. Why does it matter? Why should you care? The professionals at Rick’s Heating & Cooling are here to talk about the important role indoor quality plays in your comfort, and why you should consider scheduling a service.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

The air inside of your home is many times more dense with pollutants than outdoor air. All of the dust, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria that we find outside—it’s in your home, too. And once there, multiple things prevent it from getting out.

Modern homes have become heavily sealed in order to maximize efficiency and home comfort, and while that’s great from an HVAC and energy savings standpoint, it creates some problems when it comes to the quality of your indoor air. Pollutants come in and stay in, resulting in respiratory complications and messy homes that can be exceptionally challenging to keep up with.

This is why indoor air quality matters and why the industry has been fast tracking stronger and more effective technology to help us combat our poor air quality.

The Importance of an Indoor Air Quality Service

In a nutshell, it’s all about getting fresh air in, getting pollutants out, and controlling humidity levels in order to maximize your comfort while optimizing efficiency. We understand that all feels a bit vague, so let’s dive into the benefits you can gain from scheduling an IAQ service:

• Healthier home air. Air quality solutions like filtration systems and air cleaners aim to remove and mitigate most of the common spore-sized particles we deal with in our homes. This means cleaner, fresher air, and a lot less mess around the home.
• Less odors. By removing mold spores and common bacteria (as well as particles left by household cooking and cleaning chemicals), your home will smell much cleaner on top of actually being much cleaner.
• Higher HVAC efficiency. Keeping dust and pollen out of your air benefits more than just your lungs. Less of this mess in your air means less of it in your HVAC filter, ducts, and the system as a whole. This can help streamline airflow, helping the system get its job done more efficiently.
• Higher comfort levels. Controlling humidity offers particularly strong benefits to homeowners in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. Our AC systems and furnaces both sap indoor air of vital moisture, leaving skin scratchy and our respiratory systems feeling dry. With a humidifier, you can expect an easier time breathing, and you may even avoid common allergy issues.
• Less health risks and potentially less illness. Minimizing mold and bacteria, as well as dust mites, has been proven an effective means of helping homeowners avoid many forms of illness. If you’re tired of struggling with seasonal colds or a consistent cough, indoor air quality may help.

Indoor Air Quality Services in the Cincinnati Area

Starting to feel like an indoor air quality service in Cincinnati might be just the thing you’ve been looking for? Contact the certified IAQ specialists at Rick’s Heating & Cooling! Our teams offer air cleaner services, duct sealing, humidity control, and more. No matter what challenges your home may face, we’ve got the solution and service to match.

Contact us online today or give us a call at (513) 899-6005 to schedule an indoor air quality consultation!

Keeping your home comfortable requires the right system. For your heating needs, you’ll likely be deciding between a heat pump and a furnace. Since both offer benefits and drawbacks, making the choice about which is right for you isn’t always easy. The team at Rick’s Heating & Cooling can help you determine which type of heating system is right for your needs. Here are some things to consider as you make your decision.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

A heat pump offers an energy-efficient option to heat and cool homes in moderate climates. These systems work like a refrigerator, using electric energy to move heat in order to meet your comfort needs. In the summer, this means moving heat from your home to the outdoors to make you home cooler, and in the summer, it means moving heat energy from the outdoors into your home to make it warmer. This can allow you to heat and cool your home for a fraction of the cost of a furnace or air conditioner. A heat pump serves both functions, so you only need to install one unit for year-round comfort.

Potential Downsides of Heat Pumps

The main drawback of a heat pump is the fact that it doesn’t work well in temperatures below the freezing level. In these instances, a backup heat source is needed. Most heat pumps have backup furnaces, but they use electricity or gas to heat the home during cold spells, which can negate some of the benefits. However, for those days when the outdoor temperatures stay above freezing, the heat pump can be quite efficient and effective. Heat pumps are more costly than furnaces to install, but you will end up saving money in the long run over the life of the heat pump.

Benefits of a Furnace

A furnace uses gas or electric energy to heat air, then pumps the heated air through your home via your ductwork. This is a great option for heating your home that works no matter the outdoor temperature. Another potential benefit of a furnace is a lower installation price.

Potential Downsides of a Furnace

The main drawback of heating your home with a furnace is the cost of heating. The gas or electricity that you need to run a furnace creates expenses that add up. Over the life of a furnace, you can expect to pay more than you would with a heat pump. If you wish to have cooling for your home, you will have to install an air conditioner along with your furnace.

Which Is Right for You?

So which heating option is right for you? The answer depends on your goals. If your goal is a lower initial cost, then a furnace is likely best. If you’re looking to save on your overall energy costs, a heat pump may work better.

Making this choice is complicated, and that’s where the team at Rick’s Heating & Cooling can help. Our experienced HVAC technicians can help you measure your needs and goals to choose the right heating option for your Cincinnati, OH home. If you are in need of a new furnace or heat pump, contact us for help.

You can contact us online or call 513-899-6005 for expert guidance on your search for the right heating option for your property.

Winter in Ohio is notorious for being bitterly cold, which leads to high energy bills. If you’re looking to balance comfort with energy savings for the remainder of the season, follow these recommended thermostat settings in the winter.

Set the Right Temperature

Begin by manually setting the thermostat to a temperature you feel comfortable with while you’re at home. We recommend dressing for the weather and setting the thermostat to 68 degrees, though anything at or below 70 degrees is ideal. Remember, the lower you set your thermostat in the winter, the more money you’ll save.

Next, choose a setback temperature for the hours when everyone is away. Setbacks are worthwhile anytime your house is vacant for more than four hours. We recommend setting the thermostat to 62 degrees or lower while you’re gone to avoid paying to heat an empty house. However, to prevent frozen pipes, you shouldn’t set the furnace any lower than 55 degrees.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat keeps you comfortable when you’re at home and saves you money when you’re away. Once you program the settings you want, you can go about your day while the programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. There’s no need to remember to turn the temperature down when you leave for work in the morning, and best of all, the thermostat recovers a comfortable setting by the time you get home. It’s the best of both worlds!

Consider the specific features of the programmable thermostat you choose:

• Day settings: Seven-day units allow you to program a different schedule for every day of the week. 5-1-1 models let you program Monday through Friday on the same setting and Saturday and Sunday differently from one another. 5+2-day models allow for a different setting on weekdays and weekends.
• Program settings per day: Many programmable thermostats allow you to enter up to four settings per day. These periods are typically named Wake, Day, Evening, and Sleep.
• Wi-Fi capabilities: “Smart” thermostats connect to the internet, making them accessible from an app on your phone. This allows you to check and change the temperature from anywhere.

Get the Most from Your Programmable Thermostat

To maximize heating efficiency and help your new programmable thermostat pay for itself in energy savings, follow these tips:

• Use the hold feature properly: You can pause the regular thermostat schedule when you’re away for extended periods with the vacation/permanent hold setting. You can also override programmed settings on a daily basis if you feel uncomfortable. Just remember that every time you turn up the thermostat, you’re using more energy and increasing your heating costs.
• Refrain from cranking up the temperature: You won’t heat up your home any faster by boosting the setting to 90 degrees. All this does is increase your bills as the temperature exceeds your comfort level. Instead, adjust the temperature by a degree or two at a time to minimize energy waste.
• Consider adding a zoning system: If your home suffers from uneven temperatures, one way to combat the problem is with a zoning system. This incorporates multiple thermostats and dampers in the ductwork to control the temperature in different rooms independently. Be sure to set each programmable thermostat according to the above recommendations to maximize comfort and energy efficiency.

Get More Recommendations for Setting Your Thermostat from Rick’s Heating & Cooling

If you have any questions about the recommended thermostat settings explained here, or you’re interested in installing a programmable thermostat, please contact Rick’s Heating & Cooling today. We perform expert HVAC services in homes and businesses across Southwest Ohio.