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.

Home Page


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?

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

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.

COVID-19

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

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

A toasty home is welcomed when escaping chilly weather. Less welcome are the heating bills that can come with keeping that abode cozy By taking a few preemptive steps, however, it is possible to optimize energy usage, get the most from your heating system and still live comfortably.

 – Keep cold air from seeping into your home. Insulate windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulking. Capture natural heat by opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close them when the sun goes down to keep the warmth inside. If feasible, consider replacing old windows and updating insulation with newer more efficient versions that will make your home both more comfortable and cut down on heating bills

Make sure your heating system is working properly

 – Test your heater in advance. Consider scheduling a service check-up with a Trane Comfort Specialist to assure it’s running at its best. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted can save about five percent on heating costs. A pro can assess your system, suggest any repairs it might need and make sure you are ready before the coldest temps arrive.

 – Agreeing on where to set the thermostat isn’t easy. To save money, set it as low as possible while still maintaining a comfortable temperature, usually between 65 to 70 degrees. If you aren’t home during the day, consider lowering it even more. And if your household can manage it, lower your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees at night to sleep comfortably while saving on that utility bill. Compromise with the family by placing warm throw blankets on the couch, adding layers of bedding and investing in fuzzy socks.

 – Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

 - A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow and increases energy usage as your system works harder to push air through it. Replace or clean filters once a month when the system is being used most to ensure that air can pass through freely.

 – Sealing ductwork connections could increase your furnace efficiency and provide better airflow to keep you warm at a lower cost. If you are uncomfortable trying to seal the ducts yourself, call in an expert to help you make certain it is done properly.

SS&B Heating & Cooling is a professional HVAC provider and Trane Comfort Specialist in Springfield, Missouri. For additional questions, please email us at info@ssbhc.com, visit us at 2607 W Bennett or call us at 417.866.0990

Tips for Keeping your Heating Bills Down this Winter

 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 it 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 humidifier 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

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, also known as HVAC systems, combines all climate and temperature control in one package. Not only that, but any facility size can benefit from one or two systems, according to how big the place is. In short, it can improve the air and temperature of a room of any size, either for work or for your home. That said, HVAC systems are not cheap.

In fact, you're going to spend a significant amount of money to have an efficient HVAC system. Not only that, but HVAC systems won't work properly for a long time if you don't take care of them regularly. Stuff, like regular maintenance, cleaning, etc., is needed for it to last longer and with that alone, you could save money.

Hence, HVACs are not that cost-effective if you don't take care of them properly. But how will you make them more efficient? Here are some tips on how to make your HVAC system be more cost-effective with little effort.

Let's start with the obvious. Yes, the obvious one, and the most important one too. Without proper maintenance and upkeep, your HVAC systems would be in disarray earlier than expected, which is a real waste of money if you think about it. Even if it's a modern model with a lot of features, it still needs proper maintenance, or it'll end up in the trash.

Many people think that merely changing the air filters is enough to be called "proper maintenance." That's wrong. There are many things you also have to take care of other than just the air filter.

Hot air rises, especially during the summer, where there is a lot of heat around. This means that the hot air will accumulate inside a room and stagnate, which causes your AC to expend more energy towards cooling the place. On the other hand, hot air will continue to be distributed during the winter, even in a place where you don't spend that much time.

That said, you would want to get that air moving for it to be distributed properly and the best way to do that is to install fans to reduce the amount of energy your AC uses.

However, there are two things you need to remember when using fans. The first is that fans will only create a cooling sensation on the human skin but don't really cool down rooms. That said, never turn on a fan in a room that isn't really important, or you don't spend much time in.

The next thing is that during the winter, you can leave your fans running at low speed so they can distribute the hot air more effectively. The fans will collect the hot air and reduce the energy expenditure of your AC.

A programmable thermostat is a huge help when you want to make your HVAC more efficient and 

. That said, reducing the temperature by a few degrees will make a huge difference in your energy expenditure and bills in the long run. Not only that, but there are also automated thermostats that analyze your household's habits and adjust accordingly.

One good example of this is that automated thermostats will figure out when and where you will need less warmth, and so it will adjust based on the situation. You can also manually make a schedule with your thermostat to be adjusted based on a specific day. The best thing about all of this is that your newer thermostats have their own mobile apps, so you can control them anytime and anywhere.

If you're having problems with your establishment's load capacity, there are some ways for you to reduce it. The first thing you have to do is make your building envelope tighter instead of wasting further energy expenditure. Another good example is to take a look at your lighting systems. Lighting systems could generate heat, which constantly increases your load capacity. That said, you can invest in energy-efficient lighting like LED lights.

Not only light, though, as there is a lot of equipment you can typically see in an office generate a lot of heat. Of course, to combat this, you can cut off these devices' usage by powering them down when not in use. Or you could also tinker with the HVAC's system to also power down when not in use or to maintain a steady temperature throughout the day to stabilize its energy expenditure.

Although HVACs are helpful both in a residential and commercial setting, they can be costly, depending on how big the place is. That being said, it's a reason for you to make it more cost-effective by following the tips mentioned above. These tips will help you make your HVAC more effective while also reducing its energy expenditure, ultimately reducing your bills.

Tips on How to Make Your HVAC Devices More Cost-Effective

How Sealing Your HVAC Ducts can Reduce Your Energy Costs

Did you know that one of the single biggest sources of wasted energy is leaky HVAC ductwork? The ductwork that snakes all over your home and provides conditioned air to most of its rooms is usually made from a material that is easily damaged and worn out over time. This leads to little gaps, cracks, and holes that allow conditioned air to leak out instead of being sent to the areas it was meant to.

Especially if these leaks are located in parts of the ductwork that go through unconditioned areas of your home like basements, stairways, attics, and more, this can have a big impact on your energy bill.

In case you’re one of the many homeowners across America with leaky ductwork, let’s take a comprehensive look at how sealing your HVAC ducts can greatly reduce your overall energy costs.

The insulation in your ductwork is meant to keep the air that travels through it at the correct temperature. The desired result of your insulation is that your HVAC system works as efficiently as possible with little to no wasted energy use.

If you have leaks, however, your HVAC system will be far less efficient at doing its job. You could be losing up to 30% of the energy you use to heat and cool your home if you have leaky ducts.

With the right type of insulation, you can prevent ductwork leaks, temperature drops, and condensation build-up as well. This is crucial because condensation buildup can lead to the growth and spread of mold, as well as rot and other undesirable effects.

When cool air passes through the warm areas of your home, condensation will build up inside the ducts. If the ductwork is torn at all, this condensation will leak out and cause mold and rot to spread.

As stated above, leaky ductwork in unconditioned areas is the most problematic. That’s why you need the right type of 

 if you want to maximize your energy efficiency. In addition to this, you need the proper amount of insulation in your ductwork.

If you’re using fiberglass insulation or duct wrap in your ductwork, all of your joints and seams should be sealed with mastic before this insulation is installed. This will prevent leaks from developing in vulnerable areas.

If you’re using closed-cell spray foam insulation, the seams and joints will be automatically sealed as the insulation is being applied.

Ductwork Insulation is Key to Preventing Higher Energy Bills

If you don’t have the right insulation in your HVAC system, you are almost certainly going to suffer significantly higher energy bills. By making sure you seal the joints and seams in your ductwork as well as installing additional roof insulation and sealing doors and windows, you will lower your energy bill and make big strides towards maximum energy efficiency.

ls blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

Heat pumps are one of the most misunderstood and often times most cost effective options to heat your home. There are many types of heat pumps. The most common type and the type being discussed here is an air source heat pump. A heat pump performs the same function as an air conditioner in the summer time, in fact unless you know what to look for internally you cannot tell them apart. The difference with a heat pump is that in the winter time the cycle is reversed, instead of absorbing heat from the indoor air and rejecting it to the outdoor air as it does in the cooling season, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the evaporator coil to warm the home. Typically the heat pump can accommodate the heating demand for an average home down to about 40 degrees and below that temperature the heat pump must have an auxiliary heat source such as a gas furnace or an air handler with auxiliary heat strips. The balance point of a home is the temperature the heat pump can heat the home down to without any back up heat source. The balance point varies depending on heat loss of the structure and the size of heat pump installed.

Over the years poor installation practices have given heat pumps a bad name. A heat pump is not the best solution for every home there are many factors that need to be taken into account such as duct insulation and sizing, air infiltration, etc.. One drawback for some people is that the heat pump can sometimes produce supply air temperatures lower than your body temperature making the air coming out of the ducts feel cool if it blows directly on you.

With the costs of propane skyrocketing to as much as $3.65 per gallon in the southwest Missouri area this winter a heat pump is a great solution to people looking to save money on their propane bill. A heat pump can save propane customers from 50% to as much as 75% of their heating cost. A heat pump is also up to 360 times more efficient than an electric furnace making it a great solution to those with all electric homes. Natural gas prices on the other hand are relatively cheap currently so the cost savings are not as drastic as it is for someone heating with propane or electric resistance heat. A properly installed heat pump can be a great solution to save energy dollars for many years to come.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/heat-pump.htm

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/air-source-heat-pumps

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are one of the most misunderstood

Many people make a sound investment in HVAC units but fail to maintain it properly. An HVAC system will only function well if you take proper care of it, and that involves regular maintenance. Read on to learn about the importance of HVAC importance.

There is no denying that one of the chief reasons individuals ought to maintain their HVAC unit is to save money. An HVAC unit that functions properly and smoothly, along with a house that is insulated properly, translates into less cash spent on cooling and heating costs. HVAC maintenance is also extremely critical to prevent the need for complete replacements or major repairs.

The better an individual maintains their HVAC unit, the longer it will be able to function correctly and provide heating or cooling to a building or home. With proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance, a unit can easily last more than a decade without breaking down. When you consider the amount of cash an individual forks out to install an HVAC unit, it should be run smoothly for as long as you possibly can.

An HVAC unit that is maintained will keep a house cool or warm and prevent all kinds of issues with air quality. Clean coils and filters mean better and safer breathing for every family member living in the house. An HVAC unit that is not maintained can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and dirt, all of which can result in or exacerbate respiratory problems for those residing in the building or home.

Many HVAC units require some type of emergency repairs at one point or another. Units that are properly and well maintained are less likely to malfunction or wear down during the months of extreme use (December through March and June through September). Keeping an HVAC unit fully up-to-date on all maintenance and inspections checks mean less concern that the said unit will break down and fail when you need it the most.

As stated above, if you keep an HVAC unit in a well-maintained state, it will most likely run with greater efficiency. Research has revealed that unmaintained or filthy units have to work at least 20% harder to generate the same amount of heating or cooling as a properly maintained HVAC unit. When it is running, it will expend smaller amounts of energy, and that means less stress on the machine’s components. With less wear and tear on the HVAC unit’s parts, you have simple and easy maintenance during the fall and spring months.

Maintenance will indeed be much smoother and quicker if an individual takes all the preventive steps and measures to keep an HVAC system/unit running smoothly and in the best possible shape.

As you might have figured out already, HVAC maintenance is of paramount importance for several reasons, like the ones listed above. Scheduling frequent checks regularly and following through on correcting small issues will help homeowners enjoy a unit’s comfort without worrying that it will fail. A properly maintained HVAC unit is likely to have fewer major concerns resulting in lower unnecessary expenses and less hassle.

Alex Capozzolo is the owner of the Brotherly Love Real Estate blog and a content writer for the real estate industry. We pride ourselves in answering the question 

how do I sell my house fast in Philadelphia

. Our focus is on helping people through one of the most important investment decisions of their lifetime by seamlessly providing fast, honest, and professional real estate services.

Importance of HVAC Maintenance

1. Be reasonable in your expectations: In this region, the summer design temperature for cooling equipment is about 95°. That means when it hits that temperature outside, your AC unit will run full tilt to keep your house cool. Higher outside temps may cause your house to be a little bit warmer than what you’d really prefer. Most AC units can only offer a 20-degree difference from outside to inside.

2. Do NOT crank the thermostat down: Leave it set where you normally have it. Moving the dial from 76° to 72° will not change the temperature of the air coming out of the registers; it just makes the unit run longer to reach the desired temperature. If your unit is already running full time to keep the house at 76°, moving the dial down will not make the house any cooler.

3. It may not be the equipment’s fault: Leaky ductwork, poor insulation levels, and air leaks in the home’s envelope all contribute to comfort issues. We tend to notice these issues more during the extreme summer heat. Be sure to note areas in your home that are particularly uncomfortable this week so that you can do some further investigation when things cool down. Many modifications related to the home’s envelope don’t cost as much as you might think.

4. Is the filter clean: Take a look and change it or clean it if you even THINK it’s dirty. A dirty filter will slow airflow and make your AC unit work harder than it needs to. That costs you extra money and you won’t be as cool.

5. Close your curtains, shades, or blinds: Keeping the sunshine out will help keep the rooms as cool as possible. If you don’t like feeling like you are in a cave then just close them on the east side in the morning and the west side in the afternoon. If you have south-facing windows you may want to keep them closed all day to keep the heat down in those rooms.

6. Do not block supply registers OR returns: The key to comfort is to keep the air flowing. Move furniture around so that you are not blocking any supply or return registers.

7. Use ceiling fans and/or box fans: Even warmer air feels cooler if it’s moving.

8. Avoid using your dryer and oven in the hottest hours of the day.

9. Check the outdoor unit: Be sure it’s free of grass clippings, leaves, pet hair, and other things. If the fins are plugged up, carefully brush them off. You can also carefully wash them with your garden hose. Having the fins clear allows the air to flow better and the unit to dissipate the heat it is pulling from your house.
And probably the best advice is the hardest: be patient. Getting upset just makes you warmer! So put on cool, light-colored clothes, drink lots of water and take it easy. And if you have outdoor pets, remember to provide them with lots of water and shade in these “dog days” of summer!

10. If your air conditioner won't keep up in extreme heat precool your home in the morning to a lower temperature.

We are happy to help if you are unsatisfied with your current system. We offer free load calculations with in-home replacement estimates.

Air Conditioner won’t keep up with hot weather?

First-time home buyers may overlook features of the home that aren’t clearly visible. These can often include the heating and cooling system. Whether you’ll be experiencing humid summers or chilly winters throughout the year, it’s necessary to know what kind of HVAC system you are getting.

Unfortunately, the average home inspection doesn’t include HVAC testing. All you can do is turn on the furnace and air conditioner to see if it is working. Even if the AC and furnace are in working condition, there could be underlying problems that you may not be able to detect at first.

While you cannot fully analyze the HVAC system by just looking at the equipment, you can deduce some ideas about its condition. Furnaces, air conditioner units, and boilers are usually present in the basement or utility area. You have to go there to see the condition of this equipment.

See if the equipment suffers from any major rust. Check that the wires and units look functional. Also, check to see if mice and other pests have caused any damage. Look at each part or unit of the equipment carefully, and keep an eye out for anything that looks concerning or broken.

HVAC systems works efficiently for a certain time period. Once the system is around 15 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement depending on how well it still functions. Although not ideal, it does happen where people move into a house with an old HVAC system. Overall performance and output may suffer due to the age of the system. It can also consume a high amount of energy because it’s not as efficient, which will hike up your gas and electricity bills.

You should ask the seller or the estate agent how old is the HVAC system is. The 

 estimates that replacing a 12- year-old AC with a new 

 model will save a lot of energy. Doing this can reduce the AC bill by 30%.

The source of energy of an HVAC system greatly affects your bills. For furnaces and boiler, see if they are fueled by natural gas, propane, oil, or other fuel. Natural gas and propane are typically the cleanest and most cost-effective sources of fuel. If the HVAC system runs on another type of fuel, you may want to change it.

Also, make sure that all the heating and cooling equipment have yellow energy labels. The yellow energy label ensures durability and cost-effectiveness.

Ask About Repairs and Maintenance History

Heating and cooling equipment requires regular maintenance for long-lasting efficiency. You want to make sure that the previous owners have maintained the HVAC system of the house. If you’re showing interest in a house, I recommend you ask about the past repairs and maintenance of the HVAC system.

Sometimes HVAC technicians leave a dated job ticket when they service a furnace, boiler, or air conditioner. These tickets are attached to the back of the equipment. These tickets are mini-maintenance records. If you see too many of these on equipment, that could indicate the HVAC system has undergone multiple repairs and services. Large repairs on items like a blower, motor, or compressor could mean that you may need to get future items also replaced.

You may have found the perfect house in terms of price, design, and locality but are unsure about its HVAC system. If you have the slightest doubt about the HVAC system, calling an inspector is the best thing to do.

HVAC inspections take a bit of time and money at first, but it will save you from the trouble later. HVAC inspections will help determine the exact condition of the home’s heating and cooling system, and how much longer it will last until a replacement is necessary. The inspector should highlight any initial repairs needed, along with the overall status.

Alex Capozzolo is the owner of the Brotherly Love Real Estate blog and a content writer for the real estate industry. We pride ourselves in answering the question how do I 

HVAC Tips for Home Buyers

When furnaces are designed and operated at the factory it is in a
clean and controlled atmosphere.
In the real world, conditions are much different. There is dust, debris,
cobwebs, etc. that affects the safety and operations of your furnace.
For instance, a small cobweb can interrupt the flow of gas from the
burner orifice causing a delayed ignition. A condition where the gas
builds up prior to ignition creating a small explosion within the
furnace. This is a dangerous scenario that can be avoided by having your
furnace regularly cleaned, adjusted and serviced by a professional
technician.
Besides the potential safety hazards of a neglected furnace, there is
also the efficiency and capacity that are affected. A clean and properly
tuned furnace will cost less to operate and deliver the full amount of
heat that it was designed to produce.
There is also your health to consider. The furnace moves the air that
you breathe. A dirty furnace will emit dirty air. The entire system
should be cleaned and new filters should be installed at regularly
scheduled intervals.
If you are not on a planned maintenance program you should contact a
qualified professional heating company and sign up today.
Your heating and cooling system is the most significant mechanical
component within your home. A properly maintained heating and air conditioning system will last longer, operate cheaper and break down less often.

Why should I have my furnace cleaned and inspected?

The heat and humidity are just around the corner.

All air conditioning systems should be serviced at the beginning of each cooling season by a qualified service company. There are many components that can only be checked with specialized tools like refrigerant pressures, air volume, electrical voltages, and amperage. In addition to those items, some other components need regular cleanings like the blower wheel, evaporator and condenser coils, the condensate drain, and filter. Maintenance is different than service in that the system is operational but still needs to care for to ensure it is operating cleanly, efficiently, and most important all safely. Just like your automobile needs to have an oil change or tune-up, your heating and air conditioning system will perform better and last longer when it is provided with routine maintenance.

For example, automobiles in the 1960s were relatively easy to work on. As the cars became safer and more efficient they also became more complex, and it now takes special tools, equipment, and training to work on the cars today. The same thing has happened for the heating and air conditioning industry. The government has mandated that they be more efficient and safer than the units of the past. In the past, systems were simple by design and easy to work on, and had fewer moving parts but they have become more complex due to safety and efficiency standards.

Some things a homeowner can do for themselves would be to ensure that there are no grass, shrubs, or other items impeding the airflow around the outside unit. Replacing the air filter indoors. The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, the air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%. A clean, properly serviced and adjusted system will operate for less money, last longer, and is less likely to have an untimely breakdown.

Our maintenance agreements are more than just replacing filters. They provide you with peace of mind, knowing your system is clean, safe, efficient, and ready for the upcoming season. Maintain your system to assure a long reliable life. Ask about our Comfort Club maintenance contracts by having your furnace, air handler, heat pump, or air conditioner maintained on a regular basis and cared for by professional, highly-trained technicians available to serve you 24/7.

The best thing you can do is to leave all the stress and worries to the professionals you can trust. Here at SS&B Heating & Cooling always listen to our client's wants, wishes, and needs to then make a suggestion based on all the information given. Just give us a call at (417)866-0990, or stop by our Springfield location. We would love to help!

Getting your Air Conditioner ready for the Summer.

Here at SS&B, we seem to sell a lot of systems that qualify for the City rebates, an example is our highly popular 16 seer line of air conditioners and 95% line of gas furnaces. The rebate opportunities offered by the utilities a lot of times pay for the upgrade from the baseline products. Making it a no-brainer to look hard at these systems. The highest single-stage unit we offer, great for achieving co-op rebates. Energy savings compared to a 20-year-old system could be approximately 30% on your summer energy usage. It includes a 10-year parts warranty on the outdoor coil, compressor, and all parts. With a sound decibel rating as low as 53dB. There whisper quiet. The powder coat painted cabinet makes it as pretty as it is efficient. Like all Trane units, their torture tested in Tyler Texas, running under the most extreme conditions. This unit hits a sweet spot in the Trane lineup, coupled with the correct indoor coil and furnace can achieve Seers of up to 17 and EER’s of up to 14. This has been our most popular and largest-selling air conditioner.

Every Trane home air conditioning system is packed with high-quality components. Each helps ensure that time after time, your unit will provide total comfort your family can rely on. The XR16 includes:

Full-side louvered panels protect your investment

Corrosion-resistant Weatherguard™ fasteners

Unique DuraTuff™ non-corrosive base pan

Quick-Sess cabinet with full coil protection

Sound insulator on the compressor (select models)

Achieves up to 96% efficiency, great for co-op rebates as well just like the XR16 air conditioner. Savings of up to 16% when compared to an 80% furnace. This furnace has a 10-year parts warranty from Trane and a limited lifetime heat exchanger warranty. It comes with a shorter cabinet making it easier to fit in tight spaces. It’s also available in a Variable Speed motor if you have a furnace located in a closet next to a bedroom this option is a must-have, it is super quiet. This furnace is like all other Trane systems, it is run through a series of tests for reliability, the industry standard is 10,000 cycles for a furnace, Trane runs them through 25,000 cycles, and these are built to last. Also made in the USA. This is our most popular and largest-selling furnace.

Every Trane furnace is packed with high-quality components. Each helps ensure that time after time, your unit will provide total comfort your family can rely on. The S9X2 includes:

Re-designed cabinet platform to fit in tighter spaces

Heavy gauge, two-tone powder-painted cabinet

Stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchanger

We are one of the largest Trane Comfort Specialist dealers in Missouri. A Trane Comfort Specialist is a recognition of being the best at what we do. Our Techs attend a required amount of training, we offer 100% customer satisfaction and will ask for a review when we have completed. Our Consultants will not sell you something you don’t need or want, we consult with our customers to find what’s important to them, maybe a comfort issue, high energy bill concerns, while offering systems that work within their budgets. For more than 100 years, Trane has manufactured a full line of residential HVAC equipment that provides consistent comfort, exceptional efficiency, and trouble-free operation.

The Home of Comfort & Quality Since 1969.

Our Current Promotion

We Specialize in Residential and Light Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning

Come in and visit our showroom.

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

Latest News & Updates

Is a Heat Pump right for your Home?

Categories:

Heating and Cooling Basics

Categories:

COVID-19

Categories:

Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating Solutions

Categories:

Selecting a Home Heating System

Categories:

Tips for Keeping your Heating Bills Down this Winter

Categories:

Steam Humidifiers

Categories:

Tips on How to Make Your HVAC Devices More Cost-Effective

Categories:

Ductwork Insulation is Key to Preventing Higher Energy Bills

Categories:

Working to meet all your heating and cooling needs. Learn About Financing.