We Specialize in Residential and Light Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning

24 Hour Air Conditioning Repair.

Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance Plans.

Heating and Air Conditioning Replacement.

Heat Pumps, Heaters, Mini Splits.

Thermostats, Ductwork, Air filters, Air cleaners, and Humidifiers.

New Construction Homes.

New Construction/ Replacement Multifamily Living.

SS&B Heating & Cooling is fully recognized as an ACCA Quality Assured New Homes/Existing Homes, RSI, and Certified Energy Star Contractor.

Serving Springfield Missouri, Ozark, Nixa, Battlefield, Strafford, Republic, Rogersville, Willard.

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Most modern HVAC systems are built to be efficient and durable—but nothing lasts forever. Generally speaking, an air conditioner or heat pump has a service life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, while you can expect a furnace to last for 15 to 20 years. Those spans are affected by a number of factors that you can control, such as regular maintenance and filter changes, and some that you can’t, including weather conditions and how hard the system runs during the heating and cooling seasons. If you’re starting to wonder if your time is almost up—or if you’ve recently Googled “

should I repair or replace my air conditioner?

”—here are a few of the warning signs that it’s time to replace your HVAC.

HVAC Warning Sign #1: The system is requiring more frequent repairs


A system approaching the upper end of the age range isn’t necessarily a problem, but more frequent or expensive repairs can indicate that your HVAC is failing, has damage, or is leaking. This can be particularly problematic for older air conditioning units and heat pumps that use Freon©, which the government is phasing out to protect the environment. Rather than doing a retrofit with the new R410A refrigerant, it might be time to invest in a new system. There’s also a handy rule of thumb known as the “$5,000 rule” to help you decide if it’s better to 

: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated cost to repair it. If the number is over $5,000, a new system probably makes more financial sense. For example, a 10-year-old system needing a $600 repair would come out to $6,000—indicating it’s likely better to replace.

HVAC Warning Sign #2: Your utility bills are going up


Even normal wear and tear can diminish the efficiency of your HVAC components over time. As a result, you might see higher utility bills even if you’re keeping indoor temperatures the same as you always have. In an era of rising fuel and electricity costs—not to mention inflation—that’s just throwing money away. A new, high-efficiency system will cost you money upfront but can represent savings over the longer haul.

HVAC Warning Sign #3: The air conditioner or furnace is making odd noises or emitting strange odors


A properly running HVAC system should be relatively quiet. If you start hearing unusual squealing, screeching, banging, whirring, or grinding, it’s time to contact a service technician. Similarly, strange smells may be normal or could be a cause for further investigation. Turning on the heat for the first time since the previous winter may result in a brief 

, which is normal. The first time you run the air conditioner in the warm season, you might need to address so-called 

. On the other hand, a burning electrical smell can indicate a much more serious issue with your furnace or air conditioner—so shut off the unit immediately and contact a licensed HVAC professional to fix the problem.

HVAC Warning Sign #4: Inconsistent temperatures in the home


Let’s face it: The purpose of an air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace is to keep you comfortable. Check the thermostat, filters, and air vents as your first step. But if your HVAC has been reliable in the past and it’s starting to fail at that job, it may be a sign that there’s trouble ahead.

HVAC Warning Sign #5: Your air is dusty or musty


Diminishing air quality isn’t just unpleasant, it can be a health risk. Abnormally high humidity can indicate that an air conditioner or heat pump is having efficiency issues, and may be spreading allergens such as mold and mildew into the air your family breathes.

HVAC Warning Sign #6: The warranty is expired or will be soon


HVAC warranties from most manufacturers last five to 10 or 20 years, depending on the type of unit, whether it was registered, and whether you are the original owner or if it was transferred with the sale of a home. Bottom line, if parts and labor are covered for the repair, it might extend how long the unit makes sense. If a repair isn’t covered and major components are involved, refer back to the rule of $5,000 to help make your decision.

Keeping your HVAC system well maintained pays dividends over time, but eventually, even the most durable equipment needs to be retired. Contact your 

 to help further diagnose your system’s problems and guide you to a solution that’s right for you and your budget.

Warning signs that it's time to replace your HVAC

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SEASONAL CHECKLIST

Keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly by following these maintenance tips and scheduling regular service checkups before heating and cooling season. Your system will last longer and run more efficiently if cared for properly.

Clean any dirt, leaves, and debris outside the main cabinet.

Inspect the base pan for blocked drain openings.

Inspect the coil and cabinet for any holes and leaks.

Inspect the fan blades while they’re in motion and stationary to determine wear and damage.

Inspect and clean outside of control box associated with the unit.

Check for any unusual odors when your system starts.

Listen for abnormal noises when your system starts.

Inspect your control box wiring and connections.

Here are a few tasks that you can do regularly to help your system run efficiently all year long.

Inspect the return air filter every month and replace it as needed.

Keep vegetation 18 inches away from each side of the outdoor unit.

Clean debris away from the compressor to maintain proper airflow.

Tell your technician if you hear any unusual noises.

Even if you schedule all routine service checks and follow our preventive maintenance checklists, sometimes heating and cooling systems break down. It’s important to know what to listen and look for and what problems need immediate attention.

If your energy bills increase but your usage rate remains the same.

If your air conditioner or furnace can’t keep a consistent comfort level.

If you notice bent or damaged fins or other parts of your outdoor unit.

If any part of your furnace has been underwater.

If you notice an electrical burning smell. Turn off your unit immediately.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

These suggestions can help you save money on energy bills and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Make sure your attic is properly ventilated.

Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise.

Use your grill and cook outside as much as possible.

Make sure your home is properly insulated so heat doesn’t escape.

Lock the windows to reduce the warm air escaping your home.

Make sure all heating vents are clear of obstruction.

Lower the thermostat when hosting a large number of guests.


2x Each year schedule a service appointment in the spring and fall to prepare for both the heating and cooling season.




1x Each year service your air conditioner in late winter or early spring, before cooling season.




1x Each year schedule an appointment in late summer or early fall, before the heating season.


Servicing your HVAC system matters 

DIRTY SOCK SYNDROME (YES THIS IS A THING)

 Dirty sock syndrome is that moldy odor you get when you turn on your air conditioner for the first time of the season. As the name suggests, the smell is musty – not unlike a gym locker room – which is how we got the name Dirty Sock Syndrome. After a long period of time without use, mold and bacteria can build up on your evaporator coil or other areas of your HVAC system.


 If the smell lingers after repeated use we recommend having your evaporator coil cleaned by a professional. Especially for asthma and allergy sufferers, the mold spores and bacteria that is circulated in the air can cause problems. Other steps you can take include:

You can do this yourself, but your Local Trane Dealer will be able to diagnose any larger problems and solve them faster for you.

: Generally no. It’s also possible that the smell is not related to mold – and even if it is, most molds are not dangerous in most cases. It is however annoying and embarrassing and not something you want to let linger throughout the cooling season.


 are your first line of defense against mold and bacteria build up. If the smell doesn’t go away, you should first 

 If your filters are new or cleaning doesn’t improve the smell, contact us to clean and inspect your ductwork. If you or someone in your family has asthma or a reduced immune system, our 

 air cleaner provides an even greater level of protection by removing 99.98% of airborne particles, 100 times better than a 1” standard filter.

 A burning electrical smell could mean you have a problem with the fan or compressor motor.


 Get help. An electrical burning smell could be a sign of a serious problem. Turn off your unit and call an expert for help. 

The best way to get the most out of your air conditioner (and avoid unwanted odors and issues) is to have a Trane Comfort Specialist™ 

 your heating and cooling system regularly. We recommended:


 – Service once a year. Schedule in spring before hot weather arrives.

 – Service once a year. Schedule in the late summer or fall before cold weather arrives.

Does your air conditioner smell? Here’s what it means

The heating and air conditioning system in your home is the most complex and important part of the home. It keeps you comfortable in all weather. It cleans the air that you breathe. It controls a tremendous amount of energy that can be dangerous if not installed or maintained properly. This is the one thing in your home that should never be touched by a “handyman” or “fly by night” type of person.

A professional heating and cooling company will have invested a tremendous amount of time and capital into research, development, training, tools, employees, etc. They will have a physical place of business with office staff, sheet metal shop, warehouse, labeled vehicles, and be open to inspection. They will do professional work and warranty anything that they do. They will also provide 24-hour service because if your heat quits working at 9:00 p.m. on Friday night when it’s 10 degrees outside you don’t want to have to wait until Monday to get service.

I hope this information has been helpful and I wish you and your air conditioner a long comfortable life.

First off, is the temperature remaining at the thermostat setpoint? When the outdoor temperature is high it is not unusual for your air conditioner to run a lot. In fact, the longer the air conditioner runs the more humidity it will remove from the air in your home. This will make you more comfortable. However, if you think that your air conditioner is running excessively, check your air vents. The return air vents should be clear and unobstructed. The supply air vents should be open to allow for full airflow. The air filter should be clean.

You should also make sure that there are no obstructions around the outdoor unit. Keep shrubs cut back at least a foot away from the air conditioner and at least 5 feet above the unit to allow for proper airflow.

If you can access it, you can also inspect your ductwork to ensure that no ducts have come apart allowing for air leakage into or out of the duct system. This can not only affect the performance of the system but can also drastically reduce the air quality in your home.

If you have checked all of these measures and still believe that your air conditioner is running too long or if it is not maintaining the temperature set on the thermostat then it is probably time to call a professional to come service or repair the system.

Some of the more common problems found are dirty evaporator coils, condenser coils, or blower wheels. Refrigerant leaks can be a mirror repair or sometimes may require removing the refrigerant to solder a leaking line or joint. This can run up the cost substantially. Indoor or outdoor fan motors can fail and can be fairly expensive to repair. The most expensive repair is replacing a compressor. If you are facing a compressor replacement you should evaluate the age of the system as it may make more sense to replace the air conditioner than to put a new compressor in an old unit.

Some of the less common problems may include an undersized air conditioner or duct system. When designing an air conditioning system for a home there are many items that must be taken into consideration. The first step is to do a Manual J load calculation on the home that will tell what size of an air conditioner is required to properly cool the home. A Manual J room by room load calculation along with a Manual D duct design will ensure that the right size ductwork is in place to deliver the right amount of air into and out of each room so that comfort is achieved. It is unfortunate but there are companies that use the rule of thumb instead of scientific calculations to design and install air conditioning systems. These are rarely comfortable homes and sometimes are completely inadequate.

An undersized system will not keep up with the air condition or heating load on the house and therefore may run nonstop.

An oversized system will run short cycles which can lead to uneven temperatures, excessive humidity in the home, and higher utility costs.

It’s summertime and your central AC is running non-stop

Is it Bad for My Central Air Conditioning to Run Constantly?

What are a ductless heating and cooling system?

Also known as a mini-split system, a ductless heating and cooling system consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit or recessed ceiling cassette and an outside compressor. The indoor unit delivers heated or cooled air directly into the space where it's mounted. No ductwork or air registers are needed. A multi-split system can connect multiple indoor units to a single outside unit, allowing individual control for each area. Again, no ductwork or registers are needed. We have free appointment estimates, the starting costs $3000.00 for about 700 sqft.

Ductless systems are one of your best bets for custom temperature control in added-on rooms, especially when you want an energy efficient air conditioner and heating system that is cost-effective.

A ductless system may be a great solution for homeowners in many situations

Older homes with no existing ductwork or room to add ductwork

Heating and cooling a room addition or renovated space such as a sunroom, bonus room, she shed, man cave, or guest apartment

Multiple needs in one home - Independent temperature zones

What to Know Before Speaking with a Dealer

What premium and value brand options are out there?

What’s the size of the space you need to heat/cool?

As a leading HVAC company based in Springfield Missouri, we know you’ll be satisfied with the end product. Not only will we install your new ductless heating system, but we’ll do so with minimal disruptions to your home or business.

If you have questions or concerns about ductless systems, please call (417) 866-0990 today and let SS&B Heating and Cooling help you get the answers you need. Life is too short to be uncomfortable in your own home so call now!

Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating

Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating Solutions


Heat pumps can be a smart and energy efficient HVAC solution no matter where you live, but they’re especially popular in the South or Southwest where temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Even if you live in colder areas of the country, a heat pump may be the right choice for your home when matched with a furnace or other electric heating device that will only kick in when temperatures reach below freezing. This way, your home will continue to stay warm on the coldest days and run more efficiently for the bulk of the season.



AT WHAT TEMPERATURES ARE HEAT PUMPS MOST EFFECTIVE?


The heat pump is most effective on its own at temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, either a gas furnace or an air handler with supplemental electric heat will kick in to help heat your home. The most efficient heat pumps like the Trane XV20i can operate in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.



HEAT PUMPS MAIN BENEFIT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY


The main advantage of a heat pump is energy efficiency. Heat pumps extract heat from the air and move it, efficiently creating a comfortable space regardless of the outdoor temperature. In the summer, a heat pump acts just like an air conditioner and has similar energy output and efficiency based on the model you choose. During the winter, it reverses to pull heat from the air outside and move it inside.




Compared to a traditional furnace and air conditioner home heating and cooling setup, a heat pump can save you as much as $526 a year in energy costs**





The cost to purchase and install a heat pump is usually very similar to a furnace with an air conditioner. There are some exceptions to this, and your local Trane dealer can look at your home and help suggest what system is best.




A heat pump has similar operating costs to an air conditioner in the cooling season. During the heating season, the operating costs for a heat pump can be much lower than a traditional furnace.




The average lifespan of a heat pump is generally 15 years. This is comparable to most furnaces and air conditioners.



*The majority of systems installed prior to 2006 are 10 SEER or lower. Potential energy savings may vary depending on your personal lifestyle, system settings and usage, equipment maintenance, local climate, actual construction and installation of equipment and duct system.

**Based on ENERGY STAR's Savings Calculator for a 3-ton 21 SEER/10 HSPF heat pump and programmable thermostat versus the industry standard 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF 3-ton heat pump and standard thermostat in St. Louis, MO.

Trane Heat Pump

Is a Heat Pump right for your Home?

If a failing AC system no longer keeps your home comfortable, it may be time to consider an air conditioning replacement. An air conditioner nearing 10 or 20 years old likely needs an upgrade. Newer models run more efficiently than older systems, which can also reduce your monthly energy bills.

However, AC replacement costs can range from $5,800 to $14,000, according to Trane’s air conditioner 

. And access to a new system may be limited, as recent supply chain issues, labor shortages and shipping delays have made it difficult for manufacturers in some areas to get their hands on materials. You’d likely need to place your order as soon as possible if you want to replace your AC.

Beyond AC equipment itself, several factors affect air circulation in your home, such as ducts and insulation. Before shelling out money on an air conditioning replacement, consider having a professional take a closer look at your current system to determine whether a 

Repair or replace? 3 questions to ask before deciding

 is, especially if it’s more than 10 years old, the sooner you should consider replacing the equipment. An older system may frequently break down, and over time, the manufacturer might discontinue certain mechanical parts. Not being able to replace broken parts would be a key sign it’s time to replace your air conditioner.

Here are a few other indicators to look for:



 AC systems can lose efficiency over time and older units may use more electricity than they did when they were new. You may notice an increase in your energy bills as your AC unit becomes less efficient. Damage to the unit, such as a leak, could also cause the unit to work overtime to cool your home, which could raise your bill. Either way, expensive bills may be a good reason to purchase a new unit.



 doesn’t always indicate inefficiency, you may want to consider an upgrade if your unit scores lower than the minimum standard rating of 13. A SEER rating measures the energy efficiency of air conditioning units. The minimum rating will increase in 2023, putting older units even further below standard.



 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency phased out the use of 

, or freon, in air conditioners in 2020. If your AC unit runs on freon, start shopping for a replacement. You may not be able to access freon when your unit needs a repair.

Consult with a licensed HVAC professional to inspect your AC unit and diagnose the issues.



 As your air conditioner ages, the unit may need repairs more often. If you feel that you’re putting too much time and money into frequent repairs, you may want to consider investing in a new unit. We’ll discuss the “$5,000 rule” in a later section.



 would include the price of the unit plus installation fees. As mentioned earlier, the total cost could range from $5,800 to $14,000. However, many variables would impact your final price, including but not limited to:

HVAC manufacturers or dealers may offer special discounts or rebates to customers. For example, you can check out 

 to see how much you could save. Meet with an HVAC professional to learn more information.

Keep in mind that upgrading your AC unit, or any piece of your HVAC system, is an investment that would pay off over time. Here’s how much you could save in one year when you buy a new air conditioner or furnace:

Product type average yearly energy cost savings

*AC results based on PickHVAC’s SEER Savings Calculator for a 3-ton 22 SEER air conditioner versus the industry standard 14 SEER air conditioner in St. Louis, MO. Furnace results based on PickHVAC’s AFUE Savings Calculator for 95% AFUE rated furnace compared to a 60% AFUE rated furnace in a 2,700 square foot home in St. Louis, MO.

 Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit. If it’s less, a repair may be the answer. For example:

A system that is 10 years old and has a repair cost of $300 = $3,000. It’s probably best to repair it.

A system that is 10 years old and has a repair cost of $600 = $6,000. You should likely consider a replacement.

 Air conditioner warranties from most manufacturers last five to 10 years. Your repair may be covered. If you are the original owner of the unit, check the paperwork you receive upon installation for warranty information. You may also be able to look up your warranty on the manufacturer’s website using the unit’s serial number. New homeowners should check with the HVAC manufacturer to see if a 

 Regular repairs and maintenance can extend the life of your AC unit. Servicing your AC unit once or twice a year and covering periodic repairs may be more affordable than buying a brand new system. But keep in mind that a new AC unit would likely offer more savings in the long run if you can front the cost.


REPAIR OR REPLACE? 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE DECIDING

When determining whether you need a full air conditioner replacement or a single repair, ask yourself these key questions:

1. How often does your air conditioning unit break down?

 Annual maintenance is common — and recommended — for AC units. If your equipment needs fixing more frequently, it may be more reasonable to purchase a new unit rather than paying for ongoing, expensive repairs.



 Air conditioning systems are generally made up of two 

 — an indoor furnace or air handler and an outdoor air conditioner or condensing unit. Replacing either the indoor or the outdoor unit without replacing the other could reduce the system’s overall efficiency and cause additional failure. If you need to replace your entire air conditioner, you’ll likely need to replace the furnace as well to ensure you have a matching set. Keep this in mind if you’re considering an AC replacement.



 A new cooling system comes with considerable upfront costs compared to a repair. However, there are 

 available to make the investment more manageable.

Remember to bring in an HVAC professional to inspect your AC unit and diagnose the issues you’re facing to help you make the right decision for your home.

Air Conditioning Replacement or Repair. What's Right for You?

Confused about home heating and cooling? Don't know where to begin? Don't worry. Before you start or make a major purchase, get up to speed on what you need to know to make the best choice for you and your home.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home and includes products like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps as well as ductwork, thermostats, and other home comfort controls. 

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW AIR CONDITIONER OR FURNACE COST?

Prices can vary from state to state and depend on multiple factors like the make and model you choose and even the size of your home. We perform an HVAC load calculation on your home and that’s why we recommend scheduling free custom, in-home evaluation, and estimate.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF A NEW HVAC SYSTEM?

Good news, there are many ways to save on a new Trane that you can only get when talking to your local dealer. They include local rebates, tax credits, and special limited time offers. In addition, here are some of the main factors that affect the cost of a new heating and cooling system.

Region and climate matter when finding the right system for your home and saving energy. The heating and cooling needs will differ in the hot and humid south and cold north.

A large home will need a larger unit or even multiple systems to properly maintain a comfortable temperature — which of course will cost more than a smaller home. In addition, proper seals on windows and doors and the quality of your home’s insulation will affect your monthly heating and cooling costs.

Ductwork plays a crucial role in determining how comfortable your home is from room to room. When properly designed and installed, a duct system can maximize comfort and minimize energy use. If you’re installing a new HVAC system in a newly constructed home or replacing ductwork in a current home, adding ductwork will add as much as $4,000 – $6,000 to the total cost of your HVAC system.


If your new system is planned for a hard to reach space or if you live in a historic home that requires retrofitting, you’ll see your HVAC installation price increase. Only with an onsite evaluation will these kinds of costs be discovered.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND CONNECTED SMART THERMOSTATS


Along with your traditional heating and cooling system, you have options to enhance the overall air quality of your home with a 

 or and take advantage of the latest smart home, 

 consist of four main components: 1) burners that deliver and burn fuel, 2) heat exchangers, 3) a blower and 4) a flue that acts as an exhaust for gaseous by-products. A furnace burns fuel and distributes it throughout the house.


 draws heat energy out of the house and transfers it to the outside air. The most common setup for residential homes is a split system, which includes an inside-the-home evaporative heat exchanger and an outside condensing unit heat exchanger.


 is an energy-efficient option to consider if you live in a mild climate zone. It uses the outside air to heat a home in winter and cool it in summer.

 most commonly works with a heat pump to circulate air throughout your home. If you’re searching for a traditional air conditioner or furnace, you won’t need an air handler as those systems have the internal parts needed to circulate air.

 are a great option to heat or cool a single room in your home without the hassle of adding ductwork.


 are generally split into two classifications: traditional or connected controls. Basically connected controls can integrate with other smart home systems and learn over time how to most efficiently heat and cool your home. Traditional controls are simpler – but several offer programmable features as well.


Measures a furnace’s efficiency in converting heat to energy. A higher percentage means higher efficiency and lower energy costs.



Measures air conditioner or heat pump cooling efficiency. A higher number means greater efficiency and lower energy costs.



A ratio for the heating efficiency of heat pumps. An HSPF of 8 or more is considered high efficiency.



A split system has two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Split systems are the most common HVAC systems in modern homes.



Packaged systems are all-in-one solutions, with most of the components for heating and/or cooling housed in a single cabinet.



Refers to the number of settings a furnace or heat pump has. Variable or multi-stage systems offer more precise temperature control and run more efficiently than single stage systems.



Refers to the number of settings an air conditioner or heat pump has. Variable or multi-stage systems offer more precise temperature control and run more efficiently than single-stage air conditioners.



The ENERGY STAR designation is designed to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.


A hybrid dual fuel system is an electric heat pump combined with a gas furnace.

Whether your system is new and still under warranty or over 10 years old, routine maintenance service can get you ready for the upcoming season, extend the life of your system and catch problems before they become costly repairs.



Schedule an appointment in late summer or early fall, before heating season.


Schedule an appointment in late winter or early spring, before cooling season.

Is rated 10 SEER or less | 8 HSPF or less.


Take the age of the equipment and multiply that by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.

A dealer is your best and only resource to truly evaluate your home's HVAC needs. Plus they can work with you to recommend a custom solution that fits your home and budget. They can help you with:

Emergency repairs and seasonal maintenance

Over half of the energy usage in your home goes towards heating and cooling.*

You can save an average of up to $576 on energy costs each year by upgrading to a more energy efficient HVAC system.

If you upgrade to a qualified, energy efficient HVAC system, you may be eligible for tax credits and rebates.

Your local dealer can offer special offers and local rebates.

Learn the basics of home heating and cooling like costs, key terms, products, basic maintenance schedules, and more.

Heating and Cooling Basics

There are 3 basic styles of operating features with forced air heating and air conditioning systems. These features themselves do not save money but rather improve indoor comfort. Typically the systems with the added features are more efficient but the efficiency is only part of the picture. Most of these features boil down to 3 main benefits as you go up the scale. More even air temperatures, lower humidity, and quieter operation. I will try to do my best to describe them by making a comparison to a car.

- These are the most common type of system. The system comes on full blast with enough power to cool the home at 100 degrees or heat the home at 0 degrees whether it is needed or not. It is like having a car that is either stopped or doing 100 with no in between. While they will do an effective job at maintaining the temperature in the house they do not run very long cycles so they turn off before the air between rooms is mixed and dehumidified effectively. If these systems are paired with zoning you have to “bypass” or recirculate the excess air if only one zone is calling which hurts efficiency. The 95% efficient furnaces and XR16 outdoor units are in this type of system are at or near Energy Star level.

- Two stage systems have a low speed the unit can run at on a mild day with the full capacity available when needed for the extreme days. It is like having a car that will either drive at 70 or 100 MPH. With the ability to run at a lower capacity these systems will run longer which helps to get more air mixture between rooms and gives the system a chance to do more dehumidification. The longer run times do not cost more they actually cost less as the system is using less electricity or gas on the lower setting and they cycle off and on less often which is when the systems draw the most energy at startup. Starting and stopping is also what wears out motors. When paired with zoning two-stage systems reduce the need for bypassing air as they will run at the lower speed if only one zone is calling. The 95-97% efficiency on the furnaces and 16 to 18 SEER on the outdoor units are at or near energy star level and typically use 8 to 12% less electricity for air conditioning when compared to single-stage units. With a full two-stage system (indoor and outdoor) the furnace will have a variable speed fan motor that uses less electricity and ensures proper airflow through the duct system as it has the ability to ramp up to overcome restrictions in the duct system and deliver air to harder to reach rooms.

 Variable speed systems have the ability to ramp up or down depending on demand from 30% to 100% on the outdoor units and 40 to 100% on the furnaces. This is the same technology that made ductless and VRF systems all the rage for efficiency in a ducted unit so you don’t have the boxes hanging on the wall. They operate more like we are used to in our vehicles, set the cruise at 70 and it will accelerate when going uphill or let off the gas as it goes down. Another way to describe it would be that when it is 100 outside it will run full tilt like any other unit but as the day cools off instead of shutting off it simply slows down, again using less energy at the lower rate. As they slow down the noise is reduced and with the longest run times they can keep the evenest air temperatures, have fewer temperature swings between the on/off cycle and do the best job dehumidifying in the cooling season. If the outdoor unit is a heat pump it will have higher supply air temperatures to lessen the chance of the air feeling cold if a vent is located in a place where it is blowing on you and they extract more heat from the outdoor air reducing the amount of backup heat needed which helps with energy bills. When paired with zoning these systems eliminate the need for a bypass damper as they will only deliver the amount of air that is needed for the zone(s) that are calling. The 95-97%% efficiency on the furnaces and 18 to 20 SEER on the outdoor units are at or near energy star level and are the most efficient option for air source systems. The furnaces will a variable speed fan motor which uses less electricity and ensures proper airflow through the duct system as it has the ability to ramp up to overcome restrictions in the duct system and deliver air to harder to reach rooms.

Selecting a Home Heating System

 will increase the level of humidity in the air by heating up water until it boils. Once the water is boiled the steam from it will be pushed through your home’s vents by the system’s fan. This type of humidifier is the fastest and most efficient method of increasing and maintaining the right level of humidity in your home. Steam humidifiers also produce the purest and natural humidity for your home and will run regardless of your home’s heating situation. 

Having trouble with dry skin, static electricity, hardwoods shrinking, or asthma? All of these problems and more can be caused in part by low humidity during the winter months. In Springfield Missouri, we have a lot of months that we run our heaters. As a heating system operates it dries out the air, this is particularly true with a gas furnace. There are various types of humidifiers that you could choose to use in your home. As for the ones that will integrate with the heater in your home, there are 3 basic types, bypass, powered and steam. The steam humidifier is the only one that SS&B Heating & Cooling recommends. The reason for that is that the bypass and the power humidifier both rely on the heat of the heating system to change the water particles to humidity which can only be accomplished if the system is on and heating. There are many days that the central heating system does not run enough to deliver an adequate amount of humidity to the home. If you have a heat pump the fact that the supply air temperature is so low it makes these types of humidifiers even less appealing. The steam humidifier has its own heat source giving it the ability to produce humidity, turn on the furnace fan, and send humidity through the ductwork and into the home without the help of the heat from the furnace.

. The installed cost will range between $1690 and $2100 depending on the configuration of the heating system and the ease of installation. These steam humidifiers also require a dedicated electrical circuit which should be installed by a licensed electrician and is not included in our price range estimate.

Maintenance Is a Must - For All Humidifiers

The steam humidifier requires yearly maintenance. If you are on SS&B Heating & Cooling’s peak performance maintenance program the yearly maintenance cost is approximately $120 if done as a part of the regular maintenance visit. We are happy to service your humidifier if you do not participate in our program. Feel free to give us a call to schedule your free in-home estimate!

Aprilaire Steam Humidifiers

Steam Humidifiers

The health and safety of you, our customer, and our staff are our top priority every day. Heating and cooling is a vital service and we will remain open for business unless local regulations require closure. Our associates are encouraged to stay home when sick and we have required technicians to practice proper hand hygiene, avoid handshakes, and keep a distance of six feet as suggested by the CDC to avoid close contact.

The new CDC guidelines call for workers in essential industries to “test the use of face masks to ensure they do not interfere with workflow.” We have provided all of our technicians with face masks that are to be used if the technician or the homeowner feels more comfortable with the use of the face mask. We have also provided every technician with a wash station in their van and instructed them to wash their hands before AND after each service call as well as provided rubber gloves and disinfectant spray. The technicians have been instructed to stay home if they even think themselves or a family member might be sick and we are checking their temperature each morning at the start of the day before they are sent to anyone’s home.

We ask that you please inform us in advance of your appointment if you or anyone in your household are showing signs of any of the symptoms of the Coronavirus. The World Health Organization has identified shortness of breath, fever, and persistent cough as current symptoms.
Please inform us if anyone in the household has tested positive for the Coronavirus.
The CDC is providing continuous updates at the following website: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


As usual, if we find that any changes to our scheduling are necessary during this time, we will let you know as soon as we know.

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