When it comes to Gas VS Electric Furnace, making a wise choice between the two requires some calculations about the loss and the benefit so that maximum efficiency can be achieved in a minimum budget.

Gas furnace

It typically operates using a conventional burner, which uses a pilot light and a gas feed to produce a flame that is contained within a refractory burner tile.

The Pros -

- A gas system is less expensive to operate. It is typically cheaper to run due to lower fuel costs and improved energy efficiency. It will typically reach desired temperatures faster, consuming significantly less fuel while heating-up. This results in appreciable savings in the long-term

- The system may last up to 20-years provided the maintenance is properly governed.

- Generally, it heats up the home faster and tend to be more efficient in really cold temperatures because gas systems will achieve a higher temperature than electric units in extreme temperatures so it has better efficiency.

The Cons -

- It has an expensive upfront if it requires plumbing into a supply line – which is typically the case. It can ,however, be costly and infeasible to have them installed

- It has carbon monoxide (CO) safety concerns which can be harmful to personnel. The Gas furnaces emit a low level of CO and the homeowner must be sure the unit is working properly at all times so a CO detector is usually required as well.

- It requires efficient and professional regular maintenance

- Can be noisy except for the latest models with low DB.

Electric furnace

An electric furnace works by turning on a series of electric heating elements that generate heat through coils, much like the heating elements in a toaster or electric oven.

The PROS-

- They are one of the least expensive furnaces to purchase and install since these do not make use of fuel combustion so the initial investment is quite low

- Maintaining an electrical unit is generally not tedious and doesn’t require much professional attention. Many times, if homeowners have issues, they can troubleshoot without calling an expert.

- The durability is from 20 to 30 years

- An electric Furnace causes less disruption to the home environment and poses less of a risk.

For a long time, copper coils were used in condenser and evaporator until recently when Aluminum took over primarily as a result of the price hike in copper. Copper being highly cost-effective (earlier), having a good heat transfer rate (two times greater than aluminum), and very flexible to use has remained the only preferable choice of manufacturers. But as mentioned, the price hike, made it inevitable to look for an alternative and the alternative came in the form of Aluminium. The trend of using Copper in coils hasn't yet completely gone. However, the units with copper coils are evidently expensive now. All aluminum, all copper and combination of Aluminium and Copper is now in the market. You, as a homeowner can choose which unit to go for provided that you have sufficient knowledge about what difference copper and aluminum coils can really make.

Copper is great but not always - Difficult Repairing

We've always discussed why the price factor now makes copper a not so good option. There is, however, another factor and that is of difficulty in repairing. Manufacturers who are still using copper in coils are making the structure very thin, which makes repairing very difficult and brazing, impossible.

Aluminum is a great corrosion resistor. Copper? No!

One of the primary attributes of aluminum as a metal is that it is resistant to corrosion and is, therefore, used in submarines. This factor gives it an edge over copper. Contrarily, the leaking of copper coils is a common thing to happen. They frequently leak and provided the latest structure that they are made in; very thin, the repair becomes impossible. Although the repair is almost equally difficult for Aluminium, aluminum doesn't leak or corrode much. It's in years that an aluminum coil corrodes.

Copper is efficient but beware!

For a fact that had been established; of the efficiency of copper, some manufacturers are bent on using copper coils despite the price hikes. But the solution they have found is that the coils are made very thin which leads to a number of problems when doing maintenance and repair. Therefore, even if you have money to buy a unit with copper coils, reconsider whether the unit is worth the money or it's just similar to buying copper in a false hope of buying a great unit.

What do professionals suggest?

An HVAC professional at PICK HVAC suggests that using an all-copper unit (but clearly not the intentionally made thin coils) is always better than an all-aluminum unit. By all copper and all-aluminum means units in which fins, as well as the coils, are made of the same material. The third best is the copper coil with aluminum fins units.

While this blog was only a basic idea for homeowners to understand what kind of materials are being used in their HAVC units and what replacements are taking place, we highly recommend that homeowners consult a couple of HVAC services in their vicinity to confirm which unit would work best for them. Because the compatibility varies system to system. In addition, climate changes, usage, and some other factors make aluminum coils best for some and worst for others.

Consult before making a purchase.
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While listening or watching to the Furnace advertisements, you must have come across these words; ''single stage, two-stage and variable speed". Ever wondered what does this really mean? If you have no idea what does this mean and if, in your basement, there is still a single-stage Furnace installed, this blog is for you. Let's begin by exploring what these different types mean and what different is made when an upgrade is made.

Understanding the difference between Single Stage, Two-Stage and Variable Speed Furnace

The Single Stage Furnace units, as the name also indicates, are able to operate at only one and fullest capacity of 100% which means a lot of energy is wasted. On the contrary, the two-stage Furnace units have two possible capacities on which they can be operated; 100% or 70%. The variable capacity Furnaces are so far the most efficient and the latest technology in the market. They have the ability to modulate the operational capacity between 40% to 100% anywhere, as the circumstances demand. The variation in capacity of these different Furnace units impact their price tags, their repair & maintenance frequency as well as their durability. Below, we further analyse what benefits the latest technology Furnace units have over the old technology units and why it can be a good choice to upgrade to a two-stage or variable speed Furnace.

- Upgrade to save of operational cost

The purchase of an appliance is a one-time spending, however, the operational cost is ongoing. While the two-stage and variable speed Furnaces are expensive than the single stage units (with variable speed Furnace, almost double the price), the price is compensated on the operational cost. The latest variable capacity models offer up to 30% and more saving on energy bills annually. While the saving may not fully compensate the expense of purchase, there are other convincing reasons to still upgrade to a better efficiency model and one of those reasons is comfort.

- Upgrade to enjoy better comfort

The temperature swings that are created as a cycle ends can create discomfort. With single stage units, this temperature swing is 4 degrees or more. In two-stage units, this difference could be 1-2 degrees. However, the variable speed Furnaces create the most comfortable indoor by creating no difference at all. The indoor is free of hot and cold spots with a variable speed Furnace.

- Upgrade to breathe cleaner

The variable speed Furnace unit has an edge on single-stage and two-stage Furnace when it comes to cleaning the air. Since this type allows longer air cycles, the air keeps circulating through the filters several times a day making it more filtered and cleaner.  

Is upgrading suitable for you?

Which capacity Furnace must be used depends primarily on the type of climate it will be installed in. For milder climates, experts suggest that a single stage or two-stage Furnace works well and this needs the least investment. However, for harshly cold climates, variable speed units work best while offering the most efficient operation. Depending on your climate, the location of the house, the availability and cost of the required fuels and some other factors, a reliable HVAC technician can make the best suggestion regarding whether or not upgrading is a thing you must consider this winter. 

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don’t understand the inner functionality of the HVAC system. All you are concern about is that it continues to produce best performance year round to keep your home cold during summer and warm in the freezing winters.

However, it’s worrisome when there is a sudden decline in the HVAC unit efficiency as it does not produce enough airflow. It may point towards a faulty fan motor. If you are mechanically inclined and want to learn the basics about how HVAC unit functions and what is the major distinction between a blower motor and condenser fan motor, then keep reading!

What is a condenser fan motor?

There are typically two motors in an Air Conditioner: blower motor and condenser fan motor. The latter is the part of condensing unit of an HVAC system and plays an essential role in the sustenance of cooling process in air conditioner. Since condenser fan motor is located outdoors, it cools air by drawing air in from the atmosphere and expelling heat to the outdoor. Also, it improves the life of equipment and reduces energy consumption.

What are signs of a bad condenser fan motor?

Over time a condenser motor develops dirt, debris that leads towards stuffier environment and more deficient airflow. Since condenser motor is located outside, you can visually inspect any signs of abnormality. Consider calling an HVAC technician if you notice the following symptoms.

Indoor air quality is essential, and most homeowners go above and beyond to maintain safe and healthy indoor air to breathe. Reducing pesky contaminants and improving indoor air quality is the only solution to have fresh air within homes.

The thought process of choosing a logical product/service from the available choices has always been strenuous. You weigh the negative and positive of each product and consider all alternatives to make the best decision. However, if you are too busy to do this, look out the following red flags while selecting any HVAC company. Choosing a wrong contractor for the residential HVAC system can be stressful and expensive and you will have no way to get yourself out instead of waiting for hours and ending up paying the hefty amount for repairing or replacing.
To keep money and home comfort intact, invest some time in research and choose a company that has qualities that best meet your need and ensures things can go smoothly for the long run. 

Breakdown of an Air Conditioner costs you an unexpected expense, and the prolonged delay of repairing or replacing, make you to toss and turn in bed at night or to continuously struggle with sweat that seems glued to the skin and clothes. It is disgusting, and you surely don’t want that to happen as life without AC seems impossible.

However, like any other electronic equipment, an AC can also wear and tear with time and will develop a mess that can be sorted out! For the effective functioning of an air conditioner, it is imperative to give proper attention to its service needs and timely maintenance.