Alessio Heating & Air, Inc.

Heat pumps transfer the warmth in air outdoors inside a home by using electricity. Almost all heat pumps can also be reversed to function similarly to an air conditioner by transferring indoor heat outside. Know More Keep Learning... How does the Trane heat pump work? Why should you choose an electric heat pump? What is the electricity usage of a geothermal heat pump? Full Answer When air is compressed, it heats up; when decompressed, it cools down. This principle is used in air conditioners and refrigerators. Air is collected and compressed. Once its temperature drops to room temperature or lower, it is expanded, and the resulting air is colder. For these systems to work, the warm air has to be removed from the system. Air conditioners and heat pumps vent this air outside, while refrigerators release it into the room. Heat pumps, when in heating mode, reverse this process. Air from outside the home is collected, and the warm, compressed air is used to generate heat, which is then spread through the home through ductwork or other systems. By reversing this process, the heat pump functions as an air conditioner. Temperate air, when compressed, is warmer than compressed cold air. As a result, heat pumps are more efficient when the air outside is warmer. Because of this, heat pumps are typically not used in areas where frigid temperatures are common. However, their efficiency and versatility make them a popular choice for homeowners who need both heating and cooling

It’s a good idea to hire a HVAC company to inspect and do maintenance on your system every fall and spring. They’ll do things like inspect and clean the wiring and mechanisms of the unit, which is bit more challenging for the average homeowner. But you can prolong the life and increase the efficiency of your system if you follow this simple maintenance plan: HVAC checklist for homeowners ... Read more: http://www.houselogic.com//heating-cool/hvac-maintenance/ Follow us: @HouseLogic on Twitter | HouseLogic on Facebook See more

Use fans instead of central A/C to save up to 90% on cooling costs. Set your central A/C thermostat to 78F or higher. Set your furnace thermostat to 68F or lower. Weather-strip and caulk your doors and windows. Keep vents clear of obstructions.... Change or clean your HVAC filter regularly. See more

Don't plant prickly bushes like roses or holly around the unit. No one will want to service it! 2.Don't grow a garden or plant exotic flowers around the outdoor unit and expect the service technician to tip-toe around everything. 3.When planting shrubs, don't block the access panels or the coil. Plan to keep 18 to 30 inches around the unit. Don't forget to plan for the growth of the shrubs - five, ten, even fifteen years down the road.... 4. outdoor unit crowded by shrubs, not enough airflow through outdoor coil Many people like to completely hide the outdoor unit behind shrubs. If you do this don't be surprised if the technician refuses to service the unit. Please have some consideration, and leave a path wide enough to accommodate the technician, his tools and enough room to work. 5.Having crushed stone around the unit is best. It allows for good drainage, keeps the unit level and from sinking, keeps the coils clean from washed-up grass and dirt, and also keeps the service technicians shoes clean. This will also keep your floors and carpeting clean. 6.If building a fence around the unit, allow for room to service, or even replace the unit. If any major repairs need to be made, the service technician may need access to all sides on the unit. Don't expect the service tech to have to jump or climb over a fence - it's not safe or practical. The unit should be serviced on a regular basis. Install a gate that can be easily opened. We often see fences without gates - and the customer expects the technician to unbolt and remove the fence and then re-install it when he is finished. Not very considerate! A fence is fine if properly thought out... fence installed around heat pump fence installed too close to service outdoor unit Outside view of fence looks very nice But it's too close to service

Control your temparture away from home