When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, both air conditioners and heat pumps play a vital role. You know you should prioritize AC and heat pump maintenance in Helena, MT. But as a homeowner, you may wonder: do these systems require different types of maintenance? The answer is both yes and no. While they share many similarities in upkeep, heat pumps do demand a little extra attention due to how often they’re used. Let’s explore why.
Ambient Air Solutions Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category
How to Know When Your Mini Split Needs Repair
Monday, June 24th, 2024Mini split HVAC systems are popular for their efficiency and flexibility in heating and cooling homes. However, like any mechanical system, they require maintenance and occasional repairs to function properly.
Recognizing the signs that your mini split needs repair can save you from more significant issues down the line. Let’s go over 5 signs your mini split system will show when it’s in need of mini split repair in Helena, MT.
How Many Mini Splits Do You Need?
Monday, June 10th, 2024If you’ve decided on a ductless AC installation in Bozeman, MT, you’re undoubtedly excited about the precise zone control you’ll achieve throughout your home. However, that ability to customize the temperature of every room in your home is dependent on the system being properly sized for your home.
One of the most common questions we get about ductless mini splits is, “How many mini splits will I need for my new system?” The answer depends on certain factors such as how many rooms your home has, the square footage, and your home’s insulation. For a deeper understanding of this system type, explore the pros and cons of ductless mini splits to decide if it’s the right choice for your home. Let’s break it down even further and look at the factors influencing the answer to this question.
Ductless Mini Splits Pros & Cons
Monday, April 1st, 2024If you’ve been considering a ductless mini split installation, you’re not alone. These systems have skyrocketed in popularity not only here in Belgrade, MT, but around the world as well. Although there’s no doubt that these systems can handle the challenges posed by extreme winter temperatures, some homeowners still wonder whether these systems are right for them.
If you’re not sure that a ductless mini split can handle both your heating and cooling needs, keep reading! We’ll go over a definitive list of ductless mini split system pros and cons so you can decide if the initial expense is worth the lifelong savings you’ll enjoy through superior performance and energy efficiency.
It’s Time to Think About Scheduling Heat Pump Maintenance
Monday, February 19th, 2024If you’re a regular reader of our blog, by now you probably know that we recommend heat pump maintenance twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. That’s because heat pumps need maintenance before the start of the cooling season and heating season.
However, here in Bozeman, MT, our heating season runs longer than in other parts of the country. That’s why many homeowners turn to cold climate heat pumps that are built to maintain comfort even in extreme weather. Homeowners could very well start using their heat pumps in September for heating and not make the switch to cooling power until May! That means your heat pump’s heating season could very well be nine months long.
That’s why you could need heat pump maintenance before the official arrival of spring. Keep reading to learn why it’s time to think about scheduling heat pump service.
Ducted Vs Ductless Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?
Monday, February 5th, 2024When reading about HVAC systems, the terminology can be confusing to the average layperson. We often get questions about heat pumps from confused homeowners who have searched online for options to keep their homes cool and “heat pumps” comes up.
Other common questions include, “What’s the difference between a heat pump and a mini split?” and “What’s the difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps?” We’re going to answer these questions so you can be a smart consumer when deciding on heat pump installation in Gallatin County, MT.
Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Modes?
Monday, September 4th, 2023It’s Labor Day and that means you’re probably giving one last hurrah to summer. Unlike some parts of the country that will continue to enjoy warm and sunny weather, here in Montana, Labor Day weekend means fall is just around the corner. And that means you’ll soon be using your heating system.
If your home uses a heat pump system for heating your home, you’ll be making the switch from cooling to heating. But what if you try and switch your heat pump from cooling to heating mode, only to discover it’s still outputting cold air? This is actually a common problem with heat pumps, so don’t worry. Read on to learn what might be going on with your heat pump.
What Are Cold Climate Heat Pumps?
Monday, August 21st, 2023Many homeowners in Montana wonder if a heat pump will be enough to heat their homes on the coldest winter days. A popular option for homeowners who want a heat pump but who don’t have a backup heating source like a fireplace has been a dual-fuel system. This consists of a heat pump along with a backup heating source such as a furnace.
However, cold climate heat pumps are being designed to work in climates such as ours where temperatures are in the single digits for many days of the year. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) go by several names including high efficiency heat pumps and cold weather heat pumps. Let’s learn more about these systems below so you can decide if heat pump installation is the right choice for you.
Yes, Your Mini Split Needs Maintenance
Monday, July 10th, 2023If you have a mini split AC, you’ve undoubtedly been enjoying its cooling power and the zone control it brings to your home. Although it might seem like your mini split will quietly hum along forever without any need for servicing, it’s still a complex piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance to keep performing well.
Although mini split tune-ups should be performed by a professional HVAC company twice a year, there are a few maintenance tasks you can–and should be doing–as a homeowner. Let’s go over the tasks you can complete and also what happens during professional maintenance. These maintenance tasks are essential to the continued functionality of your mini split.
Are Heat Pumps Suitable for Montana’s Winters?
Monday, June 12th, 2023While heat pumps have surged in popularity over the last few years, some misinformation about them has also increased. Perhaps it’s because the name “heat pump” is a bit of a misnomer.
Some people think they “pump heat” and that’s all they do when in fact they supply both heating and cooling. And the heat being pumped isn’t the heat it’s delivering to a home. Heat pumps tap into ambient air, extract heat from that air, and move it into the home.
That leads us to one of the biggest misconceptions about heat pumps: that they don’t work well in cold-weather climates. Many people wonder, how can a heat pump extract heat from the air when it’s below freezing?
Even on a day with below-freezing temperatures, there’s still enough heat in the air for a heat pump to work effectively. According to the city of Bozeman’s website, “Even in cold air, there is still heat available. Heat pump technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Some cold climate heat pumps can operate at temperatures down to -15° F. When selecting a heat pump, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting a cold climate heat pump.”