Choosing the Right HVAC System: Key Considerations for Efficiency and Comfort

When it comes to selecting a new HVAC system, making informed choices can significantly impact both your comfort and energy savings. At Leonard’s HVAC, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you make the best decisions for your home. Here are some essential factors to consider:

1. ENERGY STAR Qualified Equipment:

If your current HVAC system is over a decade old and struggling to keep your home comfortable, it’s time for an evaluation by our experienced team. Inefficient or outdated systems can lead to discomfort and high utility bills. Consider replacing your old system with an ENERGY STAR qualified unit.

Depending on your location, upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can result in annual energy savings of nearly $200. However, before investing in a new HVAC system, it’s crucial to address any significant air leaks in your home and inspect your duct system. Often, these factors contribute more to efficiency issues than the HVAC equipment itself.

2. Proper Installation Matters:

Choosing energy-efficient models for your heating and cooling needs is a step in the right direction. However, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency, it’s imperative to have your new equipment professionally installed. Improper installation can reduce system efficiency by as much as 30%, leading to higher utility costs and potential premature equipment failure.

At Leonard’s HVAC, we prioritize not only the selection of the right HVAC system but also its precise installation. Our trained and certified technicians guarantee that your new equipment operates at its best, delivering the comfort and savings you deserve.

Don’t compromise on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Contact Leonard’s HVAC today for expert guidance on selecting and installing the ideal HVAC system for your needs. Enjoy year-round comfort and savings with a system that meets your home’s unique requirements.

1. Regular Air Filter Maintenance:
   • Change your air filter regularly to optimize HVAC performance.
   • Check your filter monthly, especially during peak usage months (winter and summer).
   • Replace the filter if it appears dirty after just a month.
   • At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months.
   • A clean filter ensures efficient airflow, reducing energy consumption.
   • Prevents dust and dirt buildup, minimizing maintenance costs and extending system lifespan.
2. Annual HVAC Tune-Up:
   • Schedule a yearly tune-up with us for your heating and cooling equipment.
   • Similar to a car tune-up improving gas mileage, this enhances system efficiency and comfort.
3. Programmable Thermostat Installation:
   • Consider installing a programmable thermostat, especially if you’re away from home during set periods.
   • Properly pre-programmed settings can save approximately $180 annually in energy expenses.
4. Duct Sealing and Insulation:
   • Address energy loss by sealing and insulating ducts that transport air to and from your HVAC system
   • This step can improve heating and cooling system efficiency by up to 20% or more.
   • Focus on sealing ducts in spaces like the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage.
   • Utilize duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape for sealing seams and connections.
   • Wrap insulated material around ducts in these spaces to regulate temperature.
   • Additionally, identify and seal any accessible ducts within the conditioned living areas of your home.

The Importance of Professional Heating System Inspection: Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Peace of Mind

Your heating system is more than just a source of comfort; it’s a critical component of your home’s safety and well-being. At Leonard’s HVAC, we understand the significance of regular professional inspections and why they should be a priority for every homeowner. Here’s why:

1. Safety First:

Even if your heating system is only a decade old, it can potentially pose safety risks. The image above illustrates a ruptured heat exchanger in a 12-year-old system, still in use by the homeowners. This dangerous condition allows carbon monoxide to enter your home when the heater operates, putting your family’s health at risk.

Regular annual inspections and servicing are crucial for preventing such extreme failures. By identifying and addressing issues early, we ensure your heating system operates safely, providing warmth without endangering your loved ones.

2. Efficiency Matters:

Beyond safety concerns, professional inspections also contribute to the efficiency of your heating system. Over time, wear and tear can lead to decreased performance and higher energy bills. Our expert technicians will assess your system’s condition, clean components, and make necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency.

3. Peace of Mind:

Knowing that your heating system has been professionally inspected and serviced offers invaluable peace of mind. You can rest assured that your home is heated safely, efficiently, and reliably. With our thorough inspections, potential problems are detected and resolved before they become major issues, saving you time, money, and potential discomfort down the road.

In addition to these critical benefits, consider enhancing your heating system with UV lighting from Leonard’s HVAC. UV lights help sanitize the airflow within your HVAC system, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of airborne contaminants.

Don’t wait until problems arise or safety concerns become a reality. Contact Leonard’s HVAC today for professional heating system inspection and servicing. Protect your family, ensure efficiency, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe and well-maintained heating system.

Just like an annual visit to the doctor, a fall furnace tune-up is a crucial preventative measure that can help you identify and address minor issues before they escalate into costly problems. Our furnace tune-up service is designed to ensure your heating system’s optimal performance, providing you with peace of mind and comfort throughout the year.

Key Benefits of Our Furnace Tune-Up:

• Preventative Maintenance: Our thorough furnace tune-up is akin to preventative medicine for your HVAC system. It helps in identifying and rectifying potential problems, ensuring your furnace runs efficiently.
• Optimal Airflow: We assess and enhance your system’s airflow to guarantee consistent heating throughout your space. Proper airflow is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
• Cost Savings: Addressing minor issues during a tune-up can save you from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and uncomfortable cold nights while waiting for a technician. Our tune-up service can also contribute to extending the lifespan of your furnace.

R.E.S.T. Program – Your Solution for Year-Round Maintenance:

Leonard’s HVAC Energy Solutions offers the Residential Energy Saving Tune-Up (R.E.S.T.) Program, providing you with a comprehensive maintenance solution for an entire year. With RE.S.T., you can enjoy worry-free comfort and peace of mind, knowing that your furnace is in top-notch condition.

Maintain Your Warranty Coverage:

Many heating and cooling systems require annual furnace tune-ups to uphold the warranty or extended warranty terms. Keeping your furnace well-tuned is crucial to ensure your warranty remains valid. Even if your heating system appeared to operate efficiently last winter, scheduling a furnace tune-up is a prudent preventative measure against potential costly issues.

Regular Filter Replacement and More:

In most HVAC systems, the central air conditioning filter is the same filter used in your furnace. Neglecting to replace your furnace filter can lead to reduced system efficiency. Our R.E.S.T. maintenance program includes a meticulous inspection, lubrication, and fine-tuning of all furnace and blower components. As part of your seasonal furnace preparation, we recommend installing a fresh filter and ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance.

Count on Leonard’s HVAC Energy Solutions:

Our team of professionals at Leonard’s HVAC Energy Solutions is dedicated to optimizing your furnace’s performance, ensuring your comfort, and saving you from unexpected hassles and expenses. Schedule a furnace tune-up with us today to keep your heating system running smoothly throughout the year. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 618.401.6338. Trust us for all your furnace maintenance and repair needs.

Introducing the R.E.S.T. PROGRAM: Residential Energy Saving Tune-ups by Leonard’s Energy Solutions

Unlock a new level of energy efficiency and comfort for your home with our exclusive R.E.S.T. PROGRAM. At Leonard’s Energy Solutions, we understand the importance of maintaining your HVAC system to ensure peak performance while keeping energy costs in check. That’s why we’ve designed this comprehensive program to provide you with year-round peace of mind and significant savings.

Here’s what you get with our R.E.S.T. PROGRAM for just $225:

• Priority Service – 24-Hour Response: Enjoy the benefits of priority service with a rapid 24-hour response time. We’ll be there when you need us most.
• Scheduled Service Appointments: Our program includes two scheduled service appointments: a spring A/C tune-up and a fall heating tune-up. These proactive check-ups keep your system running optimally throughout the year.
• Discounted Diagnostic Fee: Receive a $100 discount on diagnostic fees for service calls, ensuring cost-effective solutions to any HVAC issues.
• Equipment Installation Discount: Enjoy a 5% discount on new equipment installation, saving you money on upgrading your HVAC system.
• Repairs Discount: Take advantage of a 15% discount on any needed repairs throughout the year, further reducing your maintenance expenses.
• 18-Month Parts Warranty: Rest easy with an 18-month parts warranty on all repairs, providing added protection and peace of mind.
• Maximize Energy Efficiency: Our program is designed to extend your equipment’s life and maximize its energy efficiency, helping you save on energy bills.
• Fully-Transferable Maintenance Report: Receive a fully-transferable, written maintenance report for your records, adding value to your property.

With the R.E.S.T. PROGRAM, you’ll experience improved comfort, enhanced energy savings, and the assurance of a well-maintained HVAC system. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to optimize your home’s energy performance. Contact Leonard’s Energy Solutions today and take the first step toward a more efficient and comfortable home environment. Your investment in the R.E.S.T. PROGRAM is an investment in lasting comfort and savings.

Air Conditioner Service:

1. Check and inspect the drain line.
2. Evaluate safety controls to ensure your system operates safely
3. Lubricate the fan motor for optimal performance.
4. Clean the condenser coil to maintain efficiency.
5. Conduct an infrared camera inspection of the evaporator coil.
6. Monitor refrigerant levels for proper cooling.
7. Calibrate the thermostat for accurate temperature control.
8. Check fan blades for tightness and balance.
9. Measure temperature differences to achieve optimum cooling.
10. Tighten electrical connections for safety and reliability.
11. Clean or replace filters for improved air quality.
12. Monitor the expansion valve for efficient operation.
13. Check start and run capacitors to ensure proper function.
14. Inspect start and run delays to prevent issues.
15. Adjust operating pressures as needed for performance.
16. Measure voltage differences for electrical stability.
17. Adjust bypass dampers where applicable for balanced airflow.
18. Measure for proper amp draws to avoid overloading.
19. Evaluate overall efficiency to optimize your system.
20. Check the integrity of accessible ducting for even airflow.

Furnace Service:

1. Check and inspect the burner assembly for safe and efficient operation.
2. Examine the ignition system to ensure reliable startup.
3. Inspect the heat exchanger for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Monitor flue draft to maintain proper ventilation.
5. Check sequencers for accurate timing.
6. Test starting capabilities to prevent issues.
7. Test safety controls to prioritize your well-being.
8. Clean or replace the furnace filter for improved air quality.
9. Check and inspect blower components to enhance performance.
10. Measure for correct airflow to maintain efficiency.
11. Tighten electrical connections to prevent electrical problems.
12. Measure volts/amps on motors for electrical health.
13. Lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
14. Visually inspect condensate drains for blockages.
15. Measure temperature difference to ensure proper heating.
16. Check all breakers to prevent electrical faults.
17. Test cycle unit to confirm reliable operation.
18. Check thermostat calibration for precise temperature control.
19. Visually inspect all accessible ducting for efficient airflow.

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner and furnace is essential to ensure their longevity, efficiency, and safety. Our comprehensive service checklist covers all critical components, helping you enjoy year-round comfort and peace of mind. Schedule your service today to keep your HVAC systems in top condition.