Heading into the colder months in upstate New York, now is the time to make sure your home heating equipment is ready to run. Beyond replacing filters and vacuuming vents, annual maintenance and routine cleaning are imperative. And further, with energy costs on the rise, now is the time to start looking into energy-efficient options. The newest, cleanest heating and cooling method on the market is heat pumps. Heat pumps are an outstanding high-efficiency heating option as they use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer without the need for a fuel source. Traditional sources of heat can rack up high energy bills in the winter months. Whether you need to refill propane tanks or suffer from inconsistent temperatures throughout your home, a heat pump can solve all of these issues.

At Potter HVAC, we love helping homeowners solve efficiency concerns and with the integration options and variety of heat pump types, we can help you find the right solution for your home and budget. You can check out how a heat pump is different from a traditional furnace here. Today, let’s take a look at the types of heat pumps available and how we can get them into your home.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

There are three main types of heat pumps: air-to-air, water source, and geothermal. They collect heat from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside your home. During the heating season, heat pumps move air from the outdoors into your house. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from inside your house to outdoors. Because they transfer heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can much more efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home. No fuels are needed to burn and far less energy is consumed. For our purposes, we will talk about the air-to-air and geothermal options available.

Two Types of Heat Pumps

Air-Source Heat Pumps

The most common type of heat pump used in homes today is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in the US, but are relatively new for locations that experience subfreezing conditions during the winter. Now that air-source heat pump technology has improved, these heat pumps offer significantly improved heating methods in these colder regions.

To cool a home during the summer, the same process is done in reverse, extracting heat from inside the home and moving it out. To heat or cool an entire home, Air Source Heat Pumps can be integrated with existing ductwork. For homes without ducts, air-source heat pumps are also available in mini-split heat pump versions. Mini-Split Units can be installed separately from ductwork to control the temperature of single rooms within a house. Air-source heat pumps are more affordable to install than ground-source (geothermal) air pumps and far more efficient and cost-effective than traditional HVAC units.

Ground-source or Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat Pumps work in much the same way as Air-source heat pumps, but they use underground pipes to extract heat from the ground to warm a house in winter and reverse the process to cool a home during the summer. Ground-source heat pumps are extremely reliable, long-lasting, and require very minimal maintenance.

They have the ability to heat and cool entire homes with such high efficiency, that they can completely offset monthly energy costs. Ground-source heat pumps have more requirements (sufficient lawn space, landscape, and subsoil, for example) and up-front costs associated with their installation. Although this is the case, many feel the upfront costs and planning are worth it because of their low operating costs.

They take advantage of consistent ground temperatures and have a number of other benefits. They can reduce energy use by 30%-60%, adequately control humidity, and are extremely durable and far more reliable than traditional systems. If you have the right lot size and quality for a ground-source heat pump and are concerned about the associated costs up-front, NYS has current incentives for making the switch and the Inflation Reduction Act will provide incentives in the very near future.

What are the Benefits of Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are one-and-done heating and cooling systems. With less maintenance required than traditional HVAC systems, a reduction in your electricity and energy consumption overall, and better dehumidifying ability than standard air conditioners, it’s clear to us at Potter HVAC that Heat Pumps are the heating and cooling way of the future. And the future is now. With clean heat rebates from NYS available at up to $1000 per ton on Mini-split heat pumps, we can get you set up with a clean energy solution at a price that will fit your budget.

We can’t wait to assist you in determining which style of heat pump will work best for you. We will take a look at your up-front budget availability and the location and size of your lot, home, or business to figure out the type of heat pump that best suits you. Now is the time to look into equipment replacement or schedule an annual maintenance visit, before the cold really sets in. At Potter HVAC, we are experts in providing heat pump installations and energy efficiency services for your home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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There are a lot of HVAC companies out there. A close look at the statistics shows that there are 122,638 nationwide options for home and business owners looking for HVAC professionals. It’s hard to stand out in that crowd. Yet year after year, our customers come back to us, knowing that of that large number, we are best suited for the job.

So we asked… why is that? What sets us apart from the competition?

After reflecting on our processes, our organizational standards, our staff, and our service offerings, we think we might have found the answer.

We Think Big, But Work Small

Our company operates like a large company. We keep high standards regarding our work, our staff, and our practices. That means we have all the professionality and top-quality training for our staff that you might find at some of the largest companies in the nation.

So why not go with one of those companies? As much as our standards match the big guys, they often get lost in the rigmarole of their bureaucracy and can’t help individuals, families, and businesses on a personal level.

That’s why we work small. We work on the individual level to accommodate a wide host of different expectations. We work with different budgets, different-sized buildings, and different-sized families and staff.

For all the organizational standards we have as a company, we don’t feel like one of the big guys. We have a small business flavor that helps our clients identify with us and makes them know they are in capable hands.

Quick Response Teams

When an HVAC system goes down, a timely response is critical. Too many times, families and businesses are put out by long wait times and slow service calls. Other companies are guilty of this because to minimize their expenditures, they will often wait until multiple service calls are concentrated in a single area to not send valuable few crews too far out of their service path.

That’s not us. We have multiple professional crews that are ready to launch at a moment’s notice. The size of our team provides the flexibility to cover multiple service areas. This means that no matter where you are – a crowded neighborhood or a town with only one gas station – we can respond quickly.

Our quick responses are also built on our dependability. We act fast. We perform well. This service has built trust between our clients and us and we continue to work hard to maintain that trust.

Our Clients as Individuals

Our penultimate service is knowing our clients are more than names on a sheet of paper. We see our clients for who they are. Sometimes we are servicing a small business. Sometimes we are servicing a family that has lived in their home for over 80 years. Sometimes we are servicing a young couple worried about their first winter in their first home.

These are the stories of our clients who shared their stories with us and confirm why we work so hard to provide the best service. By operating big but working with personable service and providing quick response teams, we are happy to stand out in the crowd.

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HVAC Maintenance Checklist

There is a lot to enjoy about winter, but having the cold seep into your home without proper HVAC maintenance is not one of them. A neglected HVAC system leaves your house open to cold conditions. Not only is this uncomfortable for you and your family, but the cold can cause lasting damage to the structure of your home.

By getting a professional overview of your HVAC system, the winter won’t leave any permanent detriments to your home.

Our professionals provide a thorough walkthrough of your home system. To make sure your HVAC’s functionality is optimal, we perform in-depth tasks including:

• Monitoring unit for cracks and other damage
• Cleaning burners and purifying ignitors
• Inspecting of all components for electrical fidelity
• Gauging the efficacy of blower units
• Synchronizing thermostat readings
• Fixing any kinetic functionality
• Checking fuel and electrical component

These tasks as well as our experience with the complexities of HVAC units can provide a solid buffer against the winter chill. However, the benefits of a fully maintained HVAC system can sometimes be surprising. Read on to learn about the many ways your home will be enhanced with a fully maintained system.

Lower Your Utility Bill

A poorly maintained HVAC system spends valuable energy working extra hard to stave off the cold. This leads to a lot of wasted value and ultimately leads to higher utility bill costs. High-functioning, well-maintained systems don’t waste as much energy. That efficiency means you are spending less over the winter months for heat that you’re not using.

Extends Lifespan of HVAC System

One of the worst things for an HVAC system to do is break down in the middle of a winter storm. The damages can be tremendous and surviving the sub-optimal temperature is something no family wants to deal with. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system extends the lifespan of a unit. In fact, pre-winter maintenance can sometimes alert homeowners to catastrophic failures, giving households enough time to fix (or sometimes improve!) the lifespan of their units.

Make Your Home Comfortable Temperature

The most obvious benefit of a well-maintained unit is the comfort an HVAC system can provide. Warmth and proper circulation are essential when living in low-temperature areas. Extended exposure to winter months can put a great strain on neglected units, giving the indoors a poor resistance against the outside elements. However, cared-for units will give your home or business much-needed warmth until the summer comes.

Reduces HVAC Repair Costs

Something homeowners may not recognize right away is the long-term savings early maintenance can have on the wallet. Early caught problems in the HVAC system can mean less overall damage to crucial units. When the damage is lower, owners don’t have to shell out as much money to fix units that are on the verge of being unrepairable.

Be First In Line

As you can imagine, the winter is busy for professionals qualified in HVAC maintenance. The urgency of winter problems means that many professionals are tied up which makes the line to get serviced longer and longer. Early HVAC intervention means you can expect shorter wait times and will be in front of the line before disaster strikes.

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As we all know, winters in Western NY can be brutal. While the snow may be beautiful to look at, the cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. It’s important to take some time before the cold weather hits to make sure your home is ready for those frigid temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for extreme winter temperatures:

Keep your home well-insulated to prevent heat loss

Proper insulation will help to keep your home warm in the winter (and cool in the summer). If you notice certain areas in your home being drafty, or if you notice your heating and cooling system kicking on more than usual, you may need more insulation. Some areas may be easy to insulate by a DIYer, while others may require the help of a professional.

Seal windows and doors

One way to keep heat from escaping your home is by properly sealing windows and doors. You can do this yourself by caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and you can also use a Window Insulator Kit to prevent heat loss from your windows. Improperly sealed windows are one of the most common ways heat escapes from a home, so this is an important step in preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures.

Close off any unused rooms to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate

If you have any rooms in your home that are not being used, turn off the heat to those rooms and close the doors. This will help to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate and can save you money on your energy bill. Less square footage to heat means less work for your furnace, which can help significantly on those very cold days.

Install a programmable thermostat so you can adjust the temperature when you’re not home

A programmable thermostat can be a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can set the temperature to be lower when you’re not home and then raise it again when you return. This can help to minimize the amount of heat you’re using when no one is home, which can make a big difference on your energy bill.

Use alternative heat sources if possible

Supplement the heat from your HVAC system with safe alternative heat sources to help minimize the strain on your whole-house system. This could include using a wood stove or fireplace, or even electric blankets. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of alternative heating source.

Protect your pipes

One of the most important things to do when preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures is to protect your water pipes. Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures are at risk of bursting, so it’s important to take measures to prevent this from happening. You can insulate your pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape, and you should also let faucets drip a little bit to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Service your HVAC system

Before the cold weather hits, it’s crucial to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. This will help to ensure that it’s running properly and can help prevent any problems from arising during the winter. A well-maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently and can help you save money on your energy bill.

Potter Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing offers a full array of installation, cleaning, and repair of boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps, so you can rest assured your home will be warm all winter long. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!

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Furnaces and heat pumps both provide warmth to your home, but they do so in different ways. A furnace uses a system of heated aluminum or stainless heat exchangers and a blower to circulate warm air throughout your home, while a heat pump moves heat from the outdoors into your home. In addition, furnaces typically use natural gas or propane as their source of heat, while heat pumps only use electricity.

How to choose the right furnace or heat pump for your home

There are a few things you should take into account when deciding whether to install a furnace or heat pump in your home. The first is the climate you live in. If you live in an area with mild winters, a heat pump may be the better choice for you. Keep in mind there are cold climate heat pumps, but those are slightly different applications. However, if you live in an area with very cold winters, a furnace will be more effective at keeping your home warm.

The second thing to consider is the cost of installation and operation. Furnaces are typically less expensive to install than heat pumps. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are more expensive to install but less to operate because they use electricity instead of natural gas or propane, and they have fewer moving parts.

The benefits of each type of heating system

Benefits of heat pumps

1. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces because they use electricity to operate.
2. Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, making them a versatile option for temperature control.
3. Heat pumps do not produce any carbon emissions, making them a more environmentally-friendly option than furnaces.

Benefits of furnaces:

1. Furnaces are typically more powerful than heat pumps, meaning they can heat your home more quickly.
2. Furnaces can be a good option if you live in an area with very cold winters, as they will be more effective at keeping your home warm.

How to maintain your furnace or heat pump for optimal performance

There are a few things you can do to maintain your furnace or heat pump and keep it running at peak performance. First, be sure to change filters regularly. This will help to remove any dust or dirt that could clog up the system and cause it to work less efficiently. Secondly, have your heating system serviced by a professional every year to ensure that all the parts are in good working order. Finally, make sure to keep any areas around your furnace or heat pump clear of debris so that the system can work properly.

If you’re not sure which type of heating system is right for your home, contact a professional HVAC contractor. They will be able to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Tips for saving money on your energy bills this winter

1. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you’re away from home or asleep.
2. Seal any drafts: Drafty windows and doors can let cold air into your home, causing your furnace to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
3. Insulate your home: Proper insulation in your walls, attic, and floors will help to keep heat from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient.
4. Limit the use of exhaust fans: Exhaust fans can remove heat from your home, making your furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Limit the use of exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure to turn them off when they’re not needed.

By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bills this winter without sacrificing comfort. If you have any questions on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, contact a professional HVAC contractor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your home.

Let Potter HVAC help you decide

With decades of experience in installing and servicing furnaces and heat pumps, Potter HVAC is a trusted name in HVAC in Rochester, NY, and Finger Lakes regions. We can help you choose the best heating system for your home, based on your needs and budget. We offer a wide range of options, from furnaces to heat pumps, and we have a team of experienced professionals who can install and maintain your system for optimal performance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and to schedule a consultation.

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