Category Archives: Tips

HVAC Brands – Which to Choose?

With all of the different HVAC brands out there, how do you know which one to choose? When you are looking for a new heating and air conditioning system, which brand should you go with?

These are common questions that homeowners and business owners ponder when it comes time to find a replacement unit for their heating and/or air conditioning system. You’ve probably heard of the bigger names out there such as Trane, Carrier, Lennox and York. But, there are other brands out there such as Bryant, Goodman, Rheem, American Standard, Coleman and many others that are not normally in the conversation concerning the top HVAC brands.

So, what are the differences between all of these HVAC brands? Actually, not a whole lot…

HVAC Brands Comparison

Believe it or not, many of the HVAC brands out there are made by the same parent company. Below I’ve listed most of the bigger brand names and their fellow “child” brands.

Does Turning Down the Thermostat Save Money?

You’ve probably heard the question before: “Does turning down the thermostat save money?” And, you’ve probably heard both sides of the argument. Some will say that this method does in fact save money on your energy bill. Others will say that this method does not save money but actually causes the furnace to run even more!

Well, which opinion is correct? Does turning down the thermostat save money?

Turning Down the Thermostat Does Save Money

….if done properly. That’s the key! There are certain requirements that make lowering the thermostat an effective option for saving money. Oh yeah, just some FYI: Lowering the temperature for set periods of time is referred to as a “setback”.

Replace Heat Exchanger or Buy New Furnace?

Should you repair your furnace or would it be a better option to buy a new furnace? This is a very common question when it comes to our furnace systems for our home or business. Normally, furnace repair is the more logical and feasible option, but there are exceptions. One of those exceptions is when the heat exchanger has gone bad and needs to be replaced. 

If you are in the troubleshooting stages of determining if your heat exchanger is bad or cracked, check out this post: Cracked heat exchanger: symptoms and causes

Replacing the Heat Exchanger

The problem with replacing a heat exchanger in a furnace is that it isn’t a simple furnace repair job. It can take anywhere from 5-8 hours to perform the job and cost over $2000 to complete the job. Replacing a heat exchanger is probably the most difficult and labor-intensive repair job to perform on a furnace. This is why considering buying a new furnace is recommended and not limiting yourself only to replacing the heat exchanger. 

High Efficiency Furnace: Is it the best option?

Today, “high efficiency” is a common term used to describe appliances and products, such as a high efficiency furnace, that are much more efficient than those of the past and help keep more money in your wallet. And this is absolutely true…in most cases. But, sometimes the high efficiency option might not be what’s best for you and your specific situation. How so?

I’m glad you asked because I’m going to explain it in this post!

What exactly is a High Efficiency Furnace?

In today’s standards, a high efficiency furnace is a furnace that has an AFUE rating of 90% or more. You are probably wondering what the AFUE rating actually means. Let me explain: AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE rating simply refers to the amount of produced heat that is actually used to heat the targeted area(s). For example, let’s say you wanted a high efficiency gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 90%. This would mean that 90% of the heat that is produced during the heating process is used to heat your home or business. The other 10% is lost during the process.

Fall Preventative Maintenance for Your HVAC Unit

West Tennessee is starting to experience cooler mornings. With Fall peaking from around the corner, it will soon be time to turn the thermostat from cool to heat. There are things that you as the homeowner can do around your home to make sure things run smooth, but you also need an experienced HVAC technician to regularly maintain your unit through the seasons as well. Cagle Service offers a Preventative Maintenance Program to keep your unit running at it’s best through all seasons.

As the homeowner, there are some things you can do around your home to help the life of your HVAC unit:

1) Filters: Homeowners are recommended to change the air filters in their home once a month, especially in high pollen areas. Not only does that help air flow but also keeps allergens and dust from getting into the air system. (Read more on the importance of changing your air filters)

Related: How Often to Replace Your AC Filter

2) Routine Cleaning/Dusting: With the cooler temps coming in, some people are tempted to raise the windows to let fresh air in and give the HVAC unit a break. Dust, mold, allergens, etc. can get inside and settle within the home. Without cleaning and dusting, all of the allergens, dust, and other particles will circulate inside, lowering the quality of air.