Westland Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category

Why Invest in a New Heat Pump?

Monday, January 9th, 2023

Heat pumps are a unique invention for our particular climate. While we deal with the cold winters and hot summers, it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution for home comfort. We want something that is powerful enough to deal with extremely cold temperatures, but also something that can keep our homes nice and cool when summer heatwaves arrive. This is why a heat pump is so valuable, in theory, but in practice, a lot of homeowners pass right over them.

Today we want to talk about three unique situations that might call for a heat pump to be installed in your home. When investing in heater installation in Berea, OH, there are multiple types of heaters that can be chosen. For many homeowners, they’re going to go with a reliable furnace or boiler, but we’d like to argue today that a heat pump might be a good choice depending on what your budget might be and the look of your lifestyle.

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The Benefits of Professional Heat Pump Installation

Monday, June 15th, 2020

Heat pumps are exceptional pieces of technology, but if you think you can install your heat pump on your own then you’re gravely mistaken. These units are complex and use lines of refrigerant and other components that need to be sized accordingly and installed with the steady hand of a professional. That’s why we’d like to talk more in detail about what kinds of benefits you can expect from heat pump installation that’s performed by a professional technician.

Professional heat pump installation isn’t just for peace of mind, it can also help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. In some bad cases, a poor amateur heat pump installation could lead to the need for a replacement in only a couple of years.

Let’s work on mitigating these problems and avoiding some of them altogether with professional installation services.

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New AC? What About a New Heat Pump?

Monday, July 1st, 2019

AC-technicianSummer didn’t get off to the fastest start this year, but the heat is certainly making its presence known now, isn’t it? Hopefully you already have a reliable and efficient AC in place, freshly tuned-up and ready to go. If you are on the cusp of an air conditioning replacement in Westlake, though, or if you have a new home that’s ready for the HVAC installation step, then we urge you to pause and consider your options carefully.

Yes, there is a lot to recommend the use of a standard split central air conditioning system. However, you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least consider the use of a heat pump in your home. Heat pumps have soared in popularity throughout the country, and trends show that this isn’t changing anytime soon. What is it that makes the heat pump such an attractive residential HVAC option? Well, you need only read the following post to learn more. 

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Don’t Be Alarmed by These Heat Pump Problems

Monday, January 28th, 2019

heat-pump-repairIs your heat pump failing to operate the way you expect? Well, don’t reach for the phone just yet. First, check to see if any of these factors are responsible.

Defrost Cycle

If your heat pump is blowing cold air in the middle of winter—and you’ve made sure it’s not accidentally in cooling mode—go ahead and inspect the outdoor unit. If you find that it’s covered in ice, don’t be alarmed. Your heat pump is most likely using a defrost cycle to get rid of the ice. During that time, it may blow cold air.

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Employee Profile: Christian Wimmer

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

Christian is Westland Heating & Air Conditioning’s newly promoted Comfort Consultant. Christian has been in the HVAC Industry since 1999. Christian was born and raised in Avon where he attended school through graduation. Christian lettered in Football and Basketball and continues to use the lessons he learned on the field and the court at home and in his career.

Here is Christian’s first-hand account of his experience in the HVAC Industry:

I started in the field as a helper, just an extra set of hands and a gopher (go get this or go get that). I learned right away that this business is not always a 9-5 day and sometimes a day could be 16 or more hours. I worked in many different capacities in all the years I’ve been with Westland; from helper to foreman in the install department, maintenance tech to lead service tech on equipment that’s more expensive than a lakefront mansion. Every day was different and an opportunity to learn something new, or teach something new to an up-and-coming tech. Our industry was changing when I entered it and hasn’t stopped to this day. It’s that reason that I really enjoy what I do and feel as though I was very lucky to start my career at Westland. I’ve been a part of many projects at Westland that I’ve said, “Nobody else could do this”. I’m thankful that Jeff Mitchell (the original owner) was the one who hired me and helped me along the way as I worked into different areas within the company. His tireless work ethic and endless knowledge of the industry showed me what it took to be successful in this business. He is still involved in the business as our Service manager, and is has been an incredible resource to me as I move into the Comfort Consultant role. To put it simply, Jeff is Westland’s Siri and Google rolled into one.

As I transition into my new role at Westland, I want to educate our clients and potential clients on proper system operation and help them understand their systems. There are many different options that range from simple Wi-Fi thermostats and efficiency systems, to the filters that will make your home “pet hair free” or “reduce your sick time”. Some of these options sound great, but can actually reduce system performance or eventually lead to costly repairs. Most homeowners are unaware of the products and services that can increase system performance or make their home more comfortable. I feel that my real life experience in the field, and time spent performing projects our clients are looking to have done, provides an assurance to the homeowner that they are in good hands with Westland.

My time away from work is spent with my family, my wife Kristina and our three kids, Madison, Seth and Fynnley; and our dogs Remington and Cole. Kristina has been the most important person in my career. She sacrifices a lot so I can put the time and energy into my work. Our two oldest, Maddie (16) and Seth (13), were the driving force in making HVAC a career and not just a job. Providing for them and giving them a solid foundation was and is one of my top priorities. Our youngest, Fynnley (22 months) gives me energy to keep advancing within the industry and learning every day. With the varying ages, our family is in constant motion and always going different directions. My favorite days are the ones we all are able to sit down together and eat dinner as a family. We enjoy camping and the outdoors together, whether it’s walking the dogs or a family game of horse. My son and I enjoy fishing and taking turns beating each other in intense games of basketball.

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Is a Heat Pump a Good Decision for You?

Monday, November 14th, 2016

Heat pumps form an alternative to traditional heating and air conditioning systems, using the principles of air conditioning to warm your home in the winter as well as cooling it in the summer. We don’t see as many heat pumps here in Bay Village, OH, as we do boilers or forced-air furnaces. But heat pumps have come a long way in the past few years, and depending on your circumstances, a new one might be a great fit for your home. Here’s a rundown on how they work:

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Consider the Benefits of a Heat Pump

Monday, April 25th, 2016

Avon, OH suffers from cold winters and hot summers, and with spring currently in full bloom, now is a good time to considering installing a new heating and air conditioning system in your home. Heat pumps used to be a casual consideration at best: a combined heater and air conditioner that sometimes struggled during the cold fronts in the winter. But recent advances have improved its versatility considerably, and today it has become a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve their HVAC system’s efficiency.

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Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Over?

Monday, December 7th, 2015

We have a fair number of heat pumps in Westlake, OH homes, which combine the function of a heater and an air conditioner into one unit. They work by circulating refrigerant through a series of valves and coils, just like an air conditioner. The only difference is that the cycle can be “reversed,” which vents warm air inside your home and cool air outside. (The opposite of what most air conditioners do.) But what happens if that reversal won’t take place? What if your heat pump won’t switch over and keeps pumping out cool air instead of the warm air you need? You should call in a qualified repair technician the moment you do, but it pays to understand what some of the possible causes might be.

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Did You Know Heat Pumps Need a Special Thermostat?

Sunday, November 17th, 2013

It would require work to locate a superior option for year-round comfort than an air-source heat pump. Heat pumps work as both air conditioners and heaters, giving you the temperature control you need, no matter the season. As a plus, heat pumps require less energy to run when it comes to heating than most other systems, such as furnaces. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a family of four can save 30%-40% off their yearly heating costs when they switch to a heat pump.

If you think a heat pump in Bay Village, OH will work well for your needs this coming year, contact our installation experts at Westland Heating and Air Conditioning. We can also provide repairs for heat pumps and answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding them.

The heat pump thermostat

We often hear questions about how heat pumps differ from other systems—specifically from air conditioners. Among these differences, we discuss the special thermostats that heat pumps need. Why do heat pumps require a particular type of thermostat that’s different from an air conditioner’s?

The reason is that heat pumps must control both heating and cooling. To switch from one to the other, the thermostat needs to signal the reversing valve to change the direction of the flow of refrigerant. Where a standard AC thermostat uses four wires (hot wire, compressor and outdoor fan wire, indoor blower wire, battery wire) to run the unit, a heat pump thermostat requires a fifth wire to handle the change in the reversing valve. These wires are usually color-coded, and the reversing wire is the brown wire.

Don’t try this at home (unless you have experts in your home)

However… please don’t use this information to attempt to install or repair a thermostat on your own. Even if you think you’ve managed a repair correctly and the thermostat appears to be working, even a slight miscalibration can lead to serious problems with your heat pump. It will incorrectly sense the temperature in your home and begin to shut on and off at the wrong time. This means less comfort for you and more wear and tear on your heat pump.

If you need help with the thermostat on your heat pump in Bay Village, OH, look to Westland Heating and Air Conditioning. We have more than a quarter of a century of experience, and our NATE-certified technicians will get any repairs done promptly and accurately. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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How Does A Heat Pump Work?

Friday, October 18th, 2013

Heat pump technology in Fairview Park makes a viable alternative to more traditional forms of air conditioning. Ohio winters can get very cold, but our summers can be equally bad with heat and humidity rising to very uncomfortable levels. A heat pump combines the functions of an air conditioner and a heater in one, making it easier to keep your home comfortable while using less energy to do so. But how does a heat pump work? Individual models vary, but the basics aren’t all that different from a traditional air conditioner.

At the heart of the system is a closed loop that cycles refrigerant gas in order to cool the air. It begins when the gas passes into a compressor, which heats it up while subjecting it to a great deal of pressure. The gas then enters a series of condenser coils, which bleed off the heat and release it into the outside air. The gas reverts to a liquid state, though it’s still under a great deal of pressure. From there, it moves to an evaporator valve, which releases a set amount of the liquid into the evaporator coils. There, it returns to a gaseous state, pulling heat from the surrounding air in the process. A fan then blows the cooled air into your home through a series of ducts, cooling the household.

Heat pumps utilize this system to cool the air in the summer. Then they simply “reverse” it to warm the air in the winter. The heat released from the condenser coils goes into your home instead of the outside air, while the cool air from the evaporators is released outside your home. Heat pumps tend to be more efficient than traditional air conditioners, though they may need a supplemental heater during the coldest days of the year. That helps lower your monthly energy bills while offsetting the cost of installation.

At Westland Heating and Air Conditioning, our technicians can answer the question “how does a heat pump work?” as well as installing and maintaining a new one for you. In Fairview Park, heat pump systems make a lot of sense. If you’re interested in adding one to your home, give us a call today.

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