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Honeywell Thermostat Troubleshooting – A Six Step Guide

Thermostats serve one purpose – to set the indoor temperature. To this end, they all display different features in terms of accuracy, reliability, size, and more. While there are slight deviations between models, design, ease of installation and maintenance are usually the main deal makers for most customers. Somehow, the criteria list seems too short. Did we overlook something? Why yes, brand. When choosing for a sleek-looking, top-notch home appliance, you trust the giants in the field to sell you ingenious devices that border on sci-fi territory. Honeywell is one such label present in almost every household on the American continent. Along with straightforward management software, their products adapt well to your indoor climate demands. However, if problems arise, you might have to engage on a Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting crusade.

Don’t let the thought discourage you, though. You may not realize it, but when it comes to issues with your Honeywell thermostat, you just might have it in you to resolve the issue yourself. Even if you don’t have much knowledge about Honeywell thermostats, just like all appliances in your home, you can always try out a couple of troubleshooting tips that may get you back in business. Today, we are going to be doing just that. In our article, we are going to explore a few of the most important troubleshooting tricks that every owner of a Honeywell thermostat must know. While our tips may not fix every issue you will deal with, these tips certainly are the right steps to take in order to help guide you on what to do next. You will likely find that with a couple of lid flips, clicks, and disconnections, you may be able to save yourself the hassle of having a professional come out to take a look at your unit. And if you don’t have any issues with your Honeywell thermostat yet, then knowing these tips can save you the stress of freaking out when something does go awry. Let’s get started!

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Our Favorite Honeywell Thermostats

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Whichever issue arises, we can all agree that a faulty thermostat is not a great way to start the day. You wake up in the morning and it’s too cold to get out of bed. On the other hand, you might roast in global warming temperatures in the middle of the night if your thermostat decides to cross the Fahrenheit thresholds. Identifying the problem is part of the solution, so let’s see if your device has reached the end of its shelf life or you can still count on the old heating/cooling system for comfort in your home.

Even if your system does pose problems not listed below, try these Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting tips first. Who wouldn’t want to avoid the expense of calling an outside specialist to deal with an internal problem?

Honeywell Thermostat Troubleshooting Guide – Fix the Temper on Your Temperature Stat

Analog or Digital Thermostat?

if Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting fails, Replace your thermostat

Depending on the Honeywell thermostat in your home, the issues to address will vary. The thermostat conditions the indoor climate – the AC, the heat pump or the furnace – to generate the desired temperature.

Electronic Thermostats – Honeywell Thermostat Cool On Flashing and Battery Check

An electronic thermostat basically runs on an automatic switch. Its mission is to turn your AC on and off at certain temperatures. If your unit is on the blink, the issues usually root in:

  1. Compressor protection. In this case, along with the Honeywell thermostat flashing, a “cool on” or “heat on” message pops up as well.
  2. Low Batteries. If your analog thermostat is on the fritz and you have no doubt that it has been installed and programmed properly, try replacing the batteries. A lot of homes have electronic thermostats that run on battery power. While a ‘Replace bat’ message always sounds the alarm when your thermostat runs low on batteries, a wise move would be to change them periodically nonetheless.

Several other issues may occur. The older models of thermostats are usually the analog kind displaying the minimal features. They come equipped with the basic three buttons for heating, cooling and turning off. They are not programmable as their digital counterparts. As it goes, you may be able to fix the troubleshooting with a few simple adjustments.

First, be sure your thermostat is mounted on the level with the wall. Otherwise, the mercury switch may be tilted and the reading of the room temperature off. Check that with a small torpedo level. Usually, it should be located about 5 feet from the floor. Never put it in a corner or behind a closet. Ideally, it should be able to sample the air in the room with no interference.

Start by removing the thermostat cover. Check the insides for dust, dirt, or corrosion. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe it off, if that’s the case. Usually, the main culprit is the one you least suspects. In our case, dust.

Next, make sure the colored wiring is connected properly inside the unit. Use your guiding manual for the test. If all is fine, then the issue is either with the furnace or AC. In the worst case scenario and if all Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting fails, you need to get a new thermostat.

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Fix the Mood Swings on Your Digital Thermostat

Opening up a Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting

Digital programmable thermostats work around your schedule. If you install them in a business set-up or your home, you know you’re dealing with smart response technology. Some Honeywell devices feature keypads with digital displays. Others work via a touchscreen so there are no fiddly buttons of the yesteryear. While the newest generation of thermostats allows you total control from a distance via your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Of course, the more options in a thermostat, the more can go wrong. However, before calling the serviceman, make sure you’ve tried all the easy fixes to treat the problem yourself.

Honeywell Programmable Thermostat Manual for Troubleshooting

Step 1 – No Life Signs on the Display

Honeywell digital thermostats share one common problem. Sometimes, the display screen doesn’t read anything. If your thermostat is connected to a furnace, check the furnace door. If it’s not shut properly, then the door switch will not activate the central HVAC system. you can find details about these processes in the Honeywell programmable thermostat manual.

Step 2 – Bring Out the Room Thermometer

Honeywell programmable thermostat manual

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Just an intuitive flash, but before disassembling the device and pronouncing it irreversibly dead, you might want to check the room temperature on a thermometer. If your thermostat doesn’t match your findings, then the temperature sensor is probably malfunctioning.

This might prove to be more of a burden than you think, since purchasing an entirely new unit will be more cost-effective than buying a replacement for a broken part.

In the case of a thermostat connected to a furnace, set the thermostat temperature five degrees higher than the room temp. At that point, the furnace should kick in.

Step 3 – Balance the Two Temperatures

Calibrating while Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting

This next step is to tick off the set point calibration test. That means you need to match the set point, or desired temperature with the room sensors on your thermostat, that is your surrounding space temperature. Read the instruction manual for further guidance. Thermostats come in different models, so they might exhibit various calibration techniques.

You can also check if your thermostat has any guided assistance written on the inside of the cover. Remove the baseplate and check before calling the manufacturer.

Step 4 – A Unit with a Short Fuse and Honeywell Thermostat Blank Screen

If your thermostat is acting up, check your unit’s fuses. One reason the thermostat display might read blank it’s because the circuit breakers on your central air conditioner or furnace might have tripped.

First, try flipping the breaker switch to the Off and back to the On position. Resetting the fuse will let you know if the circuits are disconnected. If in the end you need to replace the fuses and you don’t know how to proceed, you might want to call a professional to the scene.

Step 5 – Your AC or Furnace Must Have Its Wires Crossed

Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting by fixing the wiring

Typically, inside a Honeywell thermostat, small colored wires are labeled R, W, Y, G, C. If any of these are not in the correct positions, then you have a really crossed AC. You just need to defuse all that and reinstall the loose wiring.

The Red wire usually represents the 24-volt main power supply for the thermostat, White is for heat, Yellow is for cooling, Green is the indoor fan, while the C terminal stands for common ground. This wire provides power from the heating or cooling unit to the thermostat through low voltage. If you can’t spot any wires connected to C, then the thermostat is powered by a battery.

We mention this again – not all thermostats follow the rules above so it’s safer to refer to the color code chart in your instruction manual before operating on the wiring hookups.

Also, apart from being disengaged, your wires might suffer from a severe case of corrosion. On the other hand, you might be dealing with a short-circuit. To ensure electrical continuity, try hooking your wires with twist-on wire connectors, or wire nuts. Make sure all connections are tight so that electricity runs properly through. Most of the times, Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting boils down to coupling a few wires together.

Warning Tip! Even if only 24 volts run through the thermostat, it’s always a good idea to turn off the main power supply when touching wires together.

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Step 6 – Set the Right Day and Time

If none of the above works, don’t lose hope. One last step to take in your Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting crusade before you throw your stat out the window is to verify the clock is set to the correct day and time. Electronic thermostats have these minor hiccups where the wrong day and time can impede proper function.

Typically, the default setting reads four segments of the day:

  • 6:00 a.m. is Wake.
  • 8:00 a.m. is Leave.
  • 6:00 p.m. is Return.
  • 10:00 p.m. is Sleep.

Of course, you’re free to readjust the settings if your schedule runs on a different course.

Step 7 – If All Else Fails, Consider a Replacement

New Digital Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting

If you’ve run your Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting through all these simple tests, and the device is still not responding properly, you could be dealing with less of an electrical problem and more of a mechanical one. Or the thermostat itself might be faulty.

Make sure your thermostat is indeed broken before you start snapping the wires loose and unplugging it from your furnace or AC unit. To keep the transition to a newer thermostat to minimum hassle, just choose a new model that abides by roughly the same size and shape as the old one.

Your thermostat is the control center for your HVAC system. Understandably, you wouldn’t want to get to the point where you’re operating Honeywell thermostat troubleshooting on and off. So the just aim at the issue at the hand with all the handyman weapons at your disposal and blast the trouble away.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Your Thermostat Wiring Step by Step Guide

This guide will walk you through removing your old thermostat and connecting the thermostat wiring to the new one. If you haven’t removed the old one yet, wait!

There’s important information here about what to do with the thermostat wiring when disconnecting it from the old unit. It will help you avoid confusion when wiring the new unit.

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thermostat with clock

Why You Might Need to Replace the Thermostat

There are three common reasons to replace a thermostat.

If your HVAC system is having any of these problems, there’s a possibility the thermostat is the cause:

  • Your HVAC system won’t start or it won’t stop: Broken thermostat wiring or terminals prevent the HVAC components from getting the signal to start. A miscalibrated thermostat will misread the temperature and not start the system when it should or start it when it should not.
  • Hot and cold swings: A faulty thermostat can cause heating and cooling cycles to run too long or too short leading to temperature fluctuations.

Secondly, you might have to upgrade the control if you’ve installed two-stage or variable-capacity equipment and your current thermostat wiring doesn’t support it.

Finally, you might want the convenience and potential energy savings of a programmable thermostat or a WiFi thermostat like the Nest, Ecobee or Honeywell Lyric.

Tools & Specs to Keep in Mind

The tool list for replacing a thermostat is short:

  • Narrow flat screwdriver;
  • Phillips screwdriver;
  • Vise-grip pliers;
  • Drill or driver;
  • 3/16” or 1/4″ drill bit;
  • 12” to 24” level;
  • Cellphone with camera or masking tape and a marker.

The new control must match your system’s capabilities. If you don’t know these, pull the cover off to check the thermostat wiring on the old unit. Yellow wires are typically for AC. If there is one yellow wire, it’s a single-stage AC; Two yellow wires indicate a two-stage or variable-capacity unit. White wires are for the furnace, and the same principle of one or two wires applies. There might be one or two wires not connected to a terminal. They are for HVAC components or functions your system doesn’t have, such as a heat pump reversing valve typically connected to the orange wire.

When shopping for thermostats, their packaging or the control’s online description should list what type systems each supports. With the preliminaries out of the way, here are step-by-step thermostat wiring instructions. Please also look at the below extra tips extracted from the steps.

Replacing a Thermostat in 14 Steps

  1. Turn off the power;
  2. Remove the thermostat cover;
  3. Open the new thermostat package;
  4. Take a picture and label the wires;
  5. Remove the wiring from the old unit;
  6. Remove the baseplate from the wall;
  7. Attach vise grip pliers to the wires;
  8. Mark the new baseplate holes;
  9. Install the new baseplate;
  10. Attach the wires to the new thermostat;
  11. Install batteries in the thermostat;
  12. Mount the thermostat on the baseplate;
  13. Program the new thermostat;
  14. Turn on the power, and test your HVAC system.

Extra Info and Instructions for the Steps

  • 1: Turn off the circuit or circuits in the electrical box that powers your HVAC system.
  • 2: Most unclip at the top and can be pulled forward and off.
  • 3: You’re looking for ready-made labels marked Y, G, W and so forth.
  • 4: Before removing any wires, take a picture showing to what terminal each is attached. Then, use the new labels or marked tape to label each wire with the letter on or next to its terminal connection. These two steps are redundant, but a safeguard against miswiring the new control.
  • 6: Hold the wires with one hand, and pull the baseplate away from the wall with the other. When there’s room, reach behind the baseplate, and grab the wires. Remove the baseplate.
  • 7: This ensures the wires aren’t pulled into the wall
  • 8: Place the new baseplate over the wires and mark the holes.
  • 9. Drill the holes and install wall anchors before securing the baseplate with screws
  • 10. Loosen each terminal screw first. Then, attach the wires to the terminal with the same letter. Double-check yourself using the picture you took of the old thermostat wiring scheme.
  • 11: Most units require one or more batteries for lighting.
  • 13: The thermostat might have a switch indicating the type furnace you have gas/oil is one option, and electric is the other. Position the switch appropriately as well as switches for AC/Heat and Fan On/Auto. Follow the included instructions to program, monitor and use your new control. If there’s a phone app for it, download it, and get familiar with its operation.

Caution Notes

There is an industry standard regarding the color of the wires used for each function, yellow for cooling and white for heat, for example. It is surprising how often the standard isn’t followed. This is why labelling and taking a picture of the thermostat wiring on the old unit are essential. When installing the new unit, connect the wires to the same terminal on the new unit they were connected to on the old thermostat, regardless of color. If you rely on color, and the standard was not followed, your system won’t run. The worst-case scenario is that you might short the control board on the furnace or air handler, and that is a pricey repair.

If your HVAC system doesn’t work properly once the new thermostat is installed, make sure each wire is secure in its terminal. If problems persist, turn off the system and get assistance from a local HVAC professional.

Save Money on Thermostat Wiring

Replacing a thermostat is DIY-friendly. Just go slow, take a picture and label wires. Hiring an HVAC technician for the work will cost $75+, and that’s money that should stay in your pocket.

An easy way to save your family and friends that cash is to share this thermostat wiring guide with them. They’ll appreciate the tips! After you replace your thermostat, feel free to chime in here on how the job went for you. It will encourage others to tackle thermostat wiring rather than spending money on pro installation.

Image from pixabay.com.

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All You Need to Know about Current Home Energy Efficiency Standards

Living with Home Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency is essential in today’s eco-conscious world and there is little inside a residential property that does not come into play, toward creating more energy efficient homes. From light bulbs to water heaters, from home appliances to the way a home is insulated, energy savings always start in the home and they always lie in the details. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home uses 42 per cent of its total energy expenditure on space heating, 18 per cent on water heating, 6 per cent for cooling the home, 5 per cent for lighting and refrigeration (each), while the remaining 24 per cent is spent on other uses. This is why regular home energy audits are important and why they can dramatically improve any home’s energy savings standing.

What makes a home energy efficient?

According to the generally accepted energy efficiency definition, a home is efficient in terms of energy expenditure, when its occupants actively manage and maintain energy consumption levels. The more energy efficient a residence, the more performance and services it manages to deliver, for the less energy consumption. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) with the U.S. Department of Energy designs, improves, and enforces energy-efficient standards and technologies in several aspects that relate to home building and ownership.

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  • Current Home Energy Efficiency StandardsHome building efficiency.  The EERE runs several research and development plans, as well as a host of market stimulation plans, such as Building America and the ENERGY STAR approach to building homes as a whole. It also awards homes an energy score, which gauges their overall energetic performance, encourages students to develop energy efficiency programs and designs, and enforces residential energy building codes.
  • Lighting standards. The Office is currently working to promote LED lighting better and to make sure the facts circulated about this technology are accurate. At the same time, it is encouraging the use of SSL (solid state lighting), which may one day cut down nationwide energy consumption levels to half their current values.
  • Equipment and appliance standards. The Building Technologies Office of the EERE is already enforcing energy savings standards for some 50 discrete categories of equipment and appliances. Thus far, this has resulted in saving some $55 billion on power bills in 2014 alone. The office projects that the amount of money saved from 1987, when the standards first came into effect, until 2030, will surpass $1.7 trillion.

What is energy conservation?

Energy conservation is closely tied in with energy efficiency. It is a concept that stems from physics, as the energy conservation definition illustrates. In terms of the home use of energy, conservation refers to cutting down on the amount of power used, by saving energy, reducing waste, and making sure the energy available is used rationally.

Nowadays, with several programs across the country aimed at improving energy consumption levels in the residential segment, it’s actually not that difficult to create a tailored energy conservation plan for your own home. For instance, best practice recommendations from the University of Colorado state that an occupied house can reach its maximum energy efficiency when its thermostat is set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The same recommendations advise against installing a central A/C system, save for the situation in which the whole house requires cooling down. Other tips include recycling old appliances and having them replaced with newer ones, which observe ENERGY STAR standards. Finally, if you’re thinking of building yourself a home, or of purchasing a new residential construction, you shouldn’t underestimate the potential of sun-tempered homes. By using passive solar energy, a super-insulated home of this type stands to cut down your energy consumption levels by up to 40 per cent.

Here are some other useful tips for homeowners interested in devising a customized energy conservation plan:

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  • Thermostats should be set back during the night (by some 8 F) or when the house is not occupied for 24 hours (down to 50-55 F);
  • Unused rooms can be heat-sealed by keeping their doors, windows, and heat registers closed.
  • Heating systems need to be regularly cleaned, with filters replaced about once a month during the months when heating systems are in use.
  • Hot water leaks and other losses can also render a home less energy efficient. As such, owners should make sure none of their faucets are leaking and have low-pressure shower heads installed. Make sure the water temperature on your washing machine is set to an appropriate level and invest in an ENERGY STAR water heater.
  • Refrigerators should be set to 35-40F, with freezers at 0-5F. Don’t hold fridge doors open for too long and keep ice buildup levels in the freezer down to an absolute minimum.
  • Reduce the intensity of any gas cooker to the point where the flames are blue instead of yellow.
  • Only run the dishwasher when it’s full and let them air dry in there. Newer models no longer require that you rinse the dishes before washing them.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Pros and Cons

The heat pump vs furnace question is not as subjective as others; Sure, preference has a say in every decision we make for our homes, but when talking about HVAC systems there are other things to keep in mind. Climate area, fuel availability, and costs determine the feasibility of a furnace vs heat pump system. Here are the most important facts everyone needs to know before deciding which acclimatization system is the right one for them:

heat pump vs furnace climate areas

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Heat Pump vs Furnace: Some Basics

Here is some ground info to get you started into the whole heat pump / furnace discussion:

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are reversible acclimatization systems that can cool and warm an inside space efficiently. During the summer months, a heat pump will extract the heat from your house and eliminate it outside. There are two types of heat pumps based on their fueling system: Electric and gas. There are three types of heat pumps based on where they collect the heat from in the winter months:

  • Air heat pumps are the most common. They take heat from the outside air and transfer most of it indoors.
  • Water heat pumps need a constant water source like a river, lake, water tables, or man-made reservoirs. They use the water heated by solar radiation to provide warmth but are not as dependable as other systems.
  • Geothermal heat pumps use the ground to provide constant temperatures all year around. The piping is installed at certain depths where heat is stored naturally, hence they are considered a modern technology that uses renewable resources. They are considered more efficient than solar panels.
heat pump vs furnace for cooling and heating

How a geothermal heat pump works.
Note: All heat pumps work by the same principle and have the same main components. Air and water heat pumps have different heat exchangers, but they function the same way.

Pros of Heat Pumps:

  • Work well all year around since they can cool and heat the air.
  • Efficient, they generate up to 3 times more energy than they consume.
  • Very environmentally-friendly.

Cons of Heat Pumps:

  • Heat pumps usually cost more than furnaces, no matter the latter’s type (but it pays off in the not-so-long run).
  • If temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so, an additional heating system might be needed – like a furnace.
  • Heat pumps generally have shorter lifespans because they are used all year around & higher maintenance costs. To protect their components from wear, you need to get professional help with selecting the appropriate size of heat pump.

Furnaces

Furnaces are only able to provide warmth, but they have no restrictions when it comes to outside temperatures. They use a variety of fuels like methane (natural gas), propane, etc. There are 4 types of residential furnaces, based on the principle behind them and their efficiency:

  • Natural draft furnaces: This type of atmospheric burner furnaces use warm air’s tendency to rise up to effectively heat a home. They are the least efficient and the simplest HVAC devices that exist since the early 20th They use wood, coal, natural gas, or oil to produce heat, which is then distributed through large ducts all over the house.
  • Forced air furnaces: Also a type of atmospheric burner furnaces, these are an upgrade to the previous systems. They cannot surpass 65% fuel efficiency.
  • Forced draft furnaces: These mid-efficiency furnaces use a steel heat exchanger and a multi-speed blower to compliment an air conditioning system.
  • Condensing furnaces: These high-efficiency furnaces register at least 89% fuel efficiency and can go as high as 98%. They are the most common modern furnaces and require at least 26% less fuel than other furnace types.

Modern residential furnaces can also be classified into one of the following 3 categories:

  • Single-stage furnaces, also known as standard furnaces, only have on/off settings; The fuel flow cannot be controlled further. They are about 80% efficient.
  • Two-stage furnaces have an additional transition option which only uses about half of their capacity. They use a thermostat to conserve energy by regulating their activity between off, mid, and high. Most two-stage furnaces have an efficiency rate of about 90%.
  • Modulating furnaces are the most efficient heating systems at the moment. They work by permanently adjusting their activity and output with as little as 1% increases or decreases.

heat pump vs furnace environmental effects

Although furnaces can use a multitude of fuels and resources to heat up your home, the gas furnace vs heat pump debate mainly refers to gas furnaces. They can either have a large tank that is to be refilled yearly or whenever needed, or be connected to the residential gas distribution system and be billed monthly.

Pros of Furnaces:

  • Generally, a furnace will be less expensive than a heat pump.
  • Gas furnaces are the most efficient: They convert up to 98% of the gas into heat.
  • A furnace will efficiently heat a home during the coldest winter months and can also act as a backup to a heat pump when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • About 15-years lifespan, a bit longer than a heat pump.

Cons of Furnaces:

  • A furnace will only heat the air; To get a comfort and efficiency that is similar to a heat pump’s, an upgraded air conditioner is needed.
  • Gas leaks and fumes can endanger your life. In addition, there’s always a risk of fire if the controlled gas combustion goes wrong. Always use a professional installation service and never cut corners on maintenance.

Now that we know how the two systems work and which are their most important characteristics, let’s see how these pros and cons influence some important criteria everyone needs to keep in mind.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: A Point-by-Point Breakdown

Here is a breakdown of the info we discussed in this article, which will hopefully make it easier to find the best acclimatization system(s) for your home:

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Health & Safety Concerns

The electric heat pump definitely wins this round, given that no combustion takes place inside your home. other than the refrigerant, no fumes can escape from a heat pump. They are also environmentally-friendly.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Costs

Operating costs generally tip the balance in favor of heat pumps for warmer areas. Installation costs are similar, but we need to take into account the fact that heat pumps can also cool off a house. If you choose to go with the furnace, you might also need an air conditioner for those hot summer months.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Efficiency

New gas furnaces can be up to 98% efficient – which is an impressive rate. However, a heat pump can be as much as 300% efficient if outside temperatures don’t drop too low. This is possible because heat pumps do not use fuel to heat up or cool off your home, but amplify the heat that is already present in the outside air, water, or ground.

In the heat pump vs furnace debate on efficiency, heat pumps win if talking about hotter climates or mild ones with few extremely cold days. Otherwise, a furnace will be the right choice. It is important to note that heat pumps register their highest efficiency rates when warming up the house.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Reliability & Comfort

Furnaces are more reliable for heating since they work well at any outside temperature. However, some heat pumps also incorporate an electric backup system for when temperatures drop below 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps offer comfort all year around in areas with mild winters.

heat pump vs furnace in winter

Frozen heat pump

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Lifespan

Gas furnaces have an average lifespan of about 15 years. Heat pumps generally have shorter lifespans since they are used twice as much as furnaces. This can also increase yearly maintenance costs to considerable amounts. However, if the capacity of the heat pump accurately matches the space it needs to acclimatize, these costs are drastically reduced.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Ease of Use

Both systems can be easily operated and have multiple safety mechanisms; Nevertheless, furnaces should never, ever be operated by children.

What Else to Look Into

  • Resources & local infrastructure: Fuel availability and cost are important variables that need to be taken into account. Natural gas,
  • Global location and climate;
  • Volume of the space you want to heat up and cool off;
  • Feasibility of different systems for your area.

Heat Pump vs Furnace Recap

The heat pump vs gas furnace debate is only controversial for areas where temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In the heat pump vs electric furnace debate, the heat pump will always prevail as the most efficient. If you live in the Southern part of the U.S. or on one of the coasts, a heat pump might be the best investment if you did not just replace your air conditioner.

Having a heat pump and an air conditioner is redundant and will drastically increase the energy costs, since air conditioners and heat pumps (when cooling the air) are big consumers. unlike ACs, however, heat pumps make up for these losses during the winter months.

All in all, a furnace is a good choice for those who do not need to cool off their homes or already have an air conditioner installed. They are highly functioning no matter the outside temperature and provide warmth and comfort throughout cold months. Heat pumps are great for areas with gentler winters and extreme summer temperatures.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3.

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Heat Pump vs AC: Costs vs Effectiveness

The heat pump vs AC debate is about 100 years old but stronger than ever. A quick look at their reviews illustrates this better than anything else. While a customer praises a product for being the best and most efficient, another one condemns it for not working properly or breaking down.

Surprisingly, they can both be right. Most performance issues in HVAC appliances are due to improper installation or an uneducated choice when it comes to which one would be more fitting. Here are the main differences between heat pumps and air conditioners, and how to decide which one is the best for you:

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heat pump vs AC cooling efficiency

Heat Pump vs AC:
The Ultimate HVAC Battle

The air conditioner vs heat pump discussion is far from short or simple.

Many factors influence which appliance works best under certain conditions, some that can be controlled and others that are independent of our will or actions. Here are the most important:

Heat Pump vs AC: How They Work

ACs and heat pumps use coils to circulate refrigerant which is expanded and/or compressed when moving through coils. The expansion process cools off the refrigerant, while compression heats it up. Unlike most air conditioners that only have air cooling functions, heat pumps are able to use both processes to provide comfortable temperatures all year around.

Excessive humidity makes us perceive the air as warmer or colder than it actually is, so removing moisture is essential for a comfortable environment. Even though air conditioners are known to control moisture, more heat pumps offer this option as well.

There are many variations to these products. Heat pumps, for example, can come in all sizes and capacities – and so can air conditioners. Ductless heat pumps, or mini split heat pumps, are recommended for smaller rooms or garages that do not need cooling and heating 24/7.

But is the heat pump vs AC battle really necessary?

You might have noticed we mentioned most wall air conditioners are only able to cool off the air inside a home; This happens because some AC units make use of the inverter technology to also heat the air. To put it simply, they incorporate heat pumps to create a highly efficient heat pump air conditioner combo. However, they are only to be used occasionally since central air conditioners with heating functions are not efficient and will drastically increase energy costs.

A portable air conditioner with heat pump is a great choice for small rooms that only need climate control from time to time. They take up little space and can be stored far away from guests’ eyes when not in use.

Heat Pump vs AC: Effectiveness

Other than the fact that ACs usually have higher SEER than heat pumps when cooling off the air, there is no major functionality difference when the outside temperatures are high. However, heat pumps are considered the most effective electrical heating systems at the moment.

It’s impossible to assert which one of these two HVAC appliances is more effective because there are many variables involved. Climate is the most important one, but local electricity prices and the staggering variety of air conditioners and heat pumps also add to the difficulty of this question.

Heat Pump vs AC: Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in buying, installing, and running a heat pump vs AC:

Note: The values mentioned below are approximates only. Running costs heavily depend on local energy prices and frequency of use.

Heat Pump vs AC: Acquisition & Energy Costs

When looking at the acquisition prices, heat pumps usually cost more than air conditioners: Up to $2,000 more than a central air conditioner and about $500 more than a ductless one.

However, if installed in appropriate climate areas and under the right conditions, they can save energy from day 1. The U.S. government often provides rebates for saving energy to citizens who only use heat pumps to regulate the temperature inside their homes. Air conditioners initially cost less, but even the most effective one will not help you save as much as a heat pump on the long run.

Heat Pump vs AC: Installation & Maintenance Costs

There are no major differences when talking about installation costs of a heat pump vs air conditioner. Troubleshooting and maintenance costs are not much different either if used in the right climates. No matter your choice, we recommend only buying new appliances that have not been used as display models. To verify this, you can look for an original manufacturer’s seal on the outside of the packaged item.

How to Choose Between a Heat Pump vs AC

For those who live in warm areas where heating is only needed a few days or weeks per year at most, an air conditioner is the right choice. Its generally higher SEER and ability to cool off the air like no other appliance makes it the best HVAC unit in these cases. If you live in an area where temperatures rarely go beyond the freezing point, a heat pump can be the right choice. It can successfully act as a furnace and an air conditioner with heat pump if the outside temperatures are not extreme.

However, heat pumps have limited capabilities and functionality when it comes to extremely cold climates. When temperatures drop well below freezing points for prolonged periods of time, its outside coils collect ice which interferes with their efficiency. Many heat pumps have special burners to remove the ice, but they are only effective above certain temperatures and can drastically increase annual operating costs. Therefore, a furnace could be a much more fitting choice for colder areas (under 30F).

heat pump vs AC running costs

How to Choose a Heat Pump or AC

No matter your choice, there is one aspect you need to take into account when deciding how powerful the HVAC appliance will be. A higher BTU air conditioner or heat pump is not always the best option – especially if we’re talking about humid areas.

A powerful climate control appliance will, indeed, heat or cool the house faster, but it will not fix an important aspect: Humidity. Given it will only function at reduced capacity and from time to time, the AC or heat pump will not be able to properly control the moisture and will lead, in time, to mold and respiratory issues.

For moist climates, the best HVAC appliance is one of small capacity since it will work at a steady speed and permanently remove moisture from the inside air.

Those living in sunny areas might benefit from a solar panel compatible heat pump or AC. Although considerably more expensive, once installed they will require little to no running costs. If you already have an environmentally-friendly house which converts solar power to energy, these might be what you need. They can be used as standalone HVAC appliances or as auxiliaries that will help keep a steady and comfortable temperature while maintaining expenses to a minimum.

Some Energy-Saving & Health Tips

Acquiring a highly efficient HVAC appliance is a must for keeping energy bills low. The latest models have a SEER of up to 25, but anything above 18 is considered very efficient. But efficiency isn’t all: Extra functions are just as important. We already mentioned moisture and how it can enhance the perceived temperature. Other useful features can be mobile control or programming.

Regularly changing the filters can also help with keeping the bills to a minimum, since dirty and clogged ones will make the appliance run at higher than needed capacities. This results in extra monthly expenses that can be easily avoided and can even lead to the appliance breaking down which will add to the costs.

Changing filters is also recommended for health reasons since over time they gather dust, spores, allergens, or bacteria that can be harmful to our wellbeing. Itchy or runny nose and eyes are signs the filters need changing or cleaning. This should be done as often as possible, at least twice per year for temperate climates and 4 or 5  times for areas where the appliance is used all year around.

When using an HVAC appliance, keep the windows closed to avoid wasting energy. Inside ducts or vents and outside units should not be obstructed by furniture, walls, or other objects since this might impede proper functioning and can also damage the obstructing object. For example, heat pumps or air conditioners which can also increase the amount of moisture in a room can deter furniture, doors, or other woodwork items.

Window coverings are another energy-saving tip that is often overlooked. Thick textile coverings can keep the house a few degrees cooler or warmer by stopping sunlight and draught from coming in.

Heat Pump vs AC: Bottom Line

Although we mentioned heat pumps involve lower running expenses, the cost effectiveness of a heat pump vs AC heavily depends on the frequency of use, global positioning, the needs of individual customers, and local energy costs. There is no universally right choice when it comes to cooling and/or heating systems: Every type and model of appliance on the market is someone’s best choice, as well as the most unfit product for someone else.

Image sources: 1, 2.

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Economy Effects HVAC Buying Habits

Economy Issues Affect Change in Consumer Shopping Habits
By Betty Stephens

econ
American household buying habits accounts for around 70% of the U.S. economy. What consumers shop for is seperated  into two main categories.  First, they spending on  such items as food, clothing and shelter.  Second, there is more  discretionary spending.   This is on items such as entertainment or non-essentials.
The good fortune of some and mis-fortune of others have caused financial ups and downs  and a shift in the  shopping habits of Americans have led to uneven outcomes for retailers. Companies like WalMart and Mattel have continued to struggle as people  spend more cautiously in this type of uncertain economy.   Amazon has  however done well, as more consumers choose to shop on line.
Americans are very price conconscious, and will check as many as seven store or web sites for the best price before makes their  purchases.   I believe frugal is the the best word to describe the average American these days.   Internet shopping rose 10% to $46.5 billion in November and December, according to research firm Comscore.  However, sales at  retail stores rose just 2.7% to $265.9 billion, according to ShopperTrak, which tracks data at 40,000 stores in the U.S. And the number of customers in stores dropped 14.6%.

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Industry exucutives are starting to say this new American frugallity may be beccoming a new reality and a new permanet way of life in America and they don’t expect to see it go away anytime soon, if ever, even as the economy shows signs of improvement.  With family budgets under pressure since the recession of 2008, consumers have headed to discount stores, switched  from name brand goods to private-label alternatives and shopped more often at discount  stores or online rather than spending on expensive fuel to drive to out-of-town hypermarkets.

Those trends have benefited discounters as well as retailers that have the widest own-label ranges and networks of smaller stores, prompting consumer goods firms to retaliate with brand promotions and smaller packaging.

“If you look at data from Millennials, who have really sort of grown up with this, price is more important to them than it was to the last generation,” WalMart U.S. Chief Executive Bill Simon told the Reuters Global Consumer and Retail Summit, referring to the generation born between 1980 and 2000.

WalMart U.S. is the largest unit of WalMart Stores Inc (WMT.N), the world’s largest retailer which benefited from trading-down during the recession, but cut its forecasts last month, citing weak results in many key markets.

The U.S. economy is expected to pick up towards the end of the year, helping cut unemployment, while Europe’s lack luster recovery looks set to continue, although wage growth will continue to lag inflation, hurting consumer purchasing power.

The Dollar Channel
Dollar store  has been on an upward trend for several years now.  They have had a big impact on the discount store market and are competing head to head with other discount stores on the routine shopping trip stop.  The  Family Dollar Stores are adding cooler space to more than 1,000 locations this year, and Dollar Tree is adding to its food and beverage assortment as well as opening a third-party pharmacy in a Florida location. Efforts like these have contributed to dollar  retailers winning over shoppers from other discount stors.  The most sizeable change  is the shift of heavy drug store  shoppers—the top one-third of spenders within the catagory -into the dollar store family of stores. This is not a big surprise, as the both dollar stores and drug stores  carry many of the same type of goods and both are well positioned, geographically, for easy-access, fill-in trips.
Changing Habits
During the last year, Americans have been making less  but larger shopping trips. Trips declined across grocery and large box stores.  You might think the decline in stock-up trips would hurt Sam’s Club and Costco type stores, however trips have actually increased by 2.1% during the past year due to a number  of factors. The club retailers are expanding the number of stores. Also, club trips are being bolstered by lower gas prices and low food inflation, which makes it easier for them to absorb bulk pricing. The dollar stores  also saw trips increase significantly during the past year, which reinforces the notion that consumers are viewing dollar stores as a “smarter” choice for affordable solutions.
While people will continue to shop, the question now is what will they purchase, when will they purchase and where will they purchase. Name brand items are taking a backseat to generic or store brand products.  Malls are beginning to show signs of weakness – a lot  more stores are closing while consumers make their way to other, more affordable  alternatives. Instead of going to one of the mall’s “anchor stores,” they are now going  to places like WalMart, Target or K-Mart to purchase the things their families “need” rather than the things their families “want.”

econgraphics from Google Images

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Do It YourSelf WebSites

Online Sites for HVAC Do-It-Yourselfers
A Review
By Betty Stephens

DIY

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Need help in getting started on a Do-It-Yourself HVAC project? Here are some links to resources that may help you out.

Ductworks: The Original On-Line DIY Heating & Cooling – A Help site for Do-It-Yourself homeowners and builders to set them save money by offering initial help when they cannot find what they are looking for. May call or fill out a “Contact Us” form and they will find it for you. They are providers of HVAC products
https://www.ductworks.net/

Mold in HVAC System – Mold Removal Guide | Air Conditioner
removemoldguide.com/do-it-yourself/remove-mold-in-air-conditioning.
You are guided through the steps for your DIY air conditioner mold removal project.
www.central-air-conditioner-and-refrigeration.com/central_air_condition
o

HVAC Parts: If you’re not, changing the filter once a month, it will help. You’ll be … You may read this “Fix It Yourself or Do It Yourself” material online and it sounds great. You try it … You won’t find any professional hvac site that will teach how to installs it.
http://http://www.hvacpartsoutlet.com/

Need assistance finding your furnace or air conditioner parts? This site caters to do it yourself (DIY) homeowners and handymen, as well as HVAC Help Desk. McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud..
www.doityourself.com/

Website and internet advice for HVAC businesses: Office manager or unlucky ones that been told to “get us on the internet” or “fix than website! A couple of great do-it-yourself website software), goal is to cut through the noise and demystify the online marketplace, and to help you achieve a better understanding.
www.energystar.gov

HVAC Maintenance Tips • For Home Improvement Homeowners choose to take on duct sealing as a do-it-yourself project. Do-It-Yourself Air Conditioning Repair – YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCGpX2ru2Xc

Denver, CO Plumbing & HVAC Parts Department:
http://www.bellplumbing.com/denver-remodeling/plumbing-parts-departme

Do it yourself plumbing and HVAC projects in the Denver area: If an exact replacement is no longer available, we’ll help you find the best HVAC Training Videos, Watch and learn how to do hvac.
www.hvac-for-beginners.com/hvac-training-videos.html

Do It Yourself Geothermal Installations:
www.geothermalgenius.org/…/diy-geo-do-it-yourself-geothermal-installa

Web site for HVAC Repair Beginners. If you are having problems with your heating or cooling system, you should be able to find most of the common problems by using the air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, or boiler troubleshooting.
http://www.hvac-for-beginners.com/

Do-it-Yourself Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation: Contact for all of your do-it-yourself heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating needs.
http://dalehuberco.com/

HVAC Installation: Doing a home HVAC installation is rather straight forward. Do it yourself what you may think will be the easiest part of a home HVAC installation is probably is not.
www.doityourself.com/stry/hvac-installation

Ductwork Design Services and heating & cooling products for the Do-It-Yourself homeowner. The design services start at $275 and include a Free Step-by-Step Ductwork Installation DVD with each design package. Half of your design fees can be applied to the purchase of your complete HVAC system.
https://www.ductworks.net/

DIY

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Solar Power

Solar Power
By Betty Stephens

Solar panel

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Today human’s energy production is derived mainly from fuels, such as coil, oil and gas. Most of that energy is the sun’s stored energy. Sunlight is actually the Earth’s primary source of energy. Solar Power is the energy generated by sunlight. Solar energy is being increasingly adopted throughout the globe because of its environmental benefits. This type of energy produces no waste and does not give out any harmful emissions. Also, it does not put a strain on the Earth’s ecosystem by using up too much land.
The amount of energy generated by photosynthesis about six times larger than the whole human power consumption. There are two ways to convert sunlight into electricity: directly or indirectly.
1. Direct conversion is achieved by using Solar Panels. The solar panels are constructed with silicon PV cells/ Solar Panels can be installed on the ground, on countryside houses, or massive power plants, or on rooftops.

2. Indirect conversion is achieved by concentrating sunlight using lenses or mirrors to generate heat. The heat is then transferred to a transfer fluid for a conventional power plant or it can even be combined with PV arrays to improve their efficiency. It is the same basic process as using a magnifying glass to burn something.
How Solar Panel Work
Solar cells work because of the tendency of certain natural materials, called semiconductors, to convert light energy into an electric charge. Each cell produces a small voltage, and when you connect many cells together in a panel, their voltages add together to produce enough electrical power for home or industrial use. Solar panels produce free energy, but their production and installation involve significant expense.

Solar panels produce a DC voltage that fluctuates with the intensity of the impinging sunlight. To use this voltage to charge a battery, you have to regulate it and match it to the battery voltage by connecting the panels to the battery via a charge controller. This controller not only regulates voltage, it also monitors the batteries and disconnects the current when they are full to prevent overcharging. In order to use the DC current from the batteries in your house, you must route the electricity through an inverter, which converts it to usable AC current.
To approximately measure the efficiency and solar power output of your installation you can use one of the available online solar calculators. They can provide you with a rough estimate of your need.

Solar Calculators
1. PVWatts is the standard and most accepted one inside the solar community. A tool developed and hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
You can use the following link: PVWatts map viewer
There you can either pick your location by using the map or directly entering your ZIP code. When found, you should click the “Send to PVWatts” button.
Then you will be sent to the PVWatts Calculator page where you will be asked to fill in some details corresponding to your hypothetical PV array setup. The application is well documented and provides help for every field.
2. Solar Estimator is a very good application from solar-estimate.org that has a wider variety of options such as solar hot water systems and solar spa/pool heating. You can test it by clicking this link. The approach is different from PVWatts since it returns the necessary setup to provide a determined percentage of your electrical consumption. The information output is complete, showing charts and lots of useful data.
1. Find Solar Calculator is an application similar to the Solar Estimator with much less output information but with interesting data like carbon emission savings. You can test it by clicking this link.
2. The rest. Most contractors’ website have their own solar calculators.
When considering installing your own PV solar system, speak to a qualified and licensed solar professional about your specific situation. Keep in mind the following benefits. Advantages:
• Free Energy – The sun provides the “fuel” to generate power for the home’s electrical system and components. This saves money on electricity bills
• Clean Energy – Electricity generated by the sun produces no harmful emissions. This reduces the home’s carbon footprint.
• Installation Incentives – Federal, state and local jurisdictions periodically offer grants, tax breaks, discounts and rebates for the installation of renewable energy products, including solar systems.
• Reduced Dependency – Generating your own solar power using panels on your roof means you are not as dependent on utilities and the electric power grid to provide your electricity.
Disadvantages:
• Inconsistent Fuel Source – The sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day. Some locations have trees or taller buildings that could shade your roof.
• High Initial Cost – Even with multiple incentives, a solar power system may still cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Site preparation – If the system is a retrofit (not part of new construction, but built on to an existing structure), expenses related to reconfiguring the house’s electric system will be necessary.
• Maintenance – Generating your own electricity means that the upkeep of the system is in your hands

How solar works

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R134A Quest – Auto Re-Charge Kit

Auto Freon R134A Recharge Kit – Quest
By Betty Stephens

Quest

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Auto Cooling
The auto cooling system protects the engine from overheating as the vehicle runs. Since the engine burns fuel, it produces energy: one third of it turns into mechanical power, while the rest is transformed into heat. But not all that heat goes straight out of the tail pipe. Even on the hottest summer day, the temperature will never be higher than it is under the hood. If it weren’t for the cooling system, the engine would be damaged by the excessive heat.
The processes in the cooling system, first, the water pump pushes fluid to the engine block to absorb heat. Then, the mixture travels to the radiator, where it is cooled by the fan and the air stream coming from the outside. Once the fluid is cooled, it goes back to the engine, and the operation starts over again. The thermostat controls the engine’s temperature and doesn’t allow the flow of coolant from the engine back to the radiator.
Do It Yourself AC Recharge Kit
If you are looking for an air conditioning kit that will get your car back on the road, then you might want to check out the auto Freon R134a Kit called Quest at Auto Parts. This AC kit is backed by our industry leading warranty, and the best USA based auto parts customer service and repair knowledge professionals in the business.
Quest is three 12 oz. cans of High Mileage R134a for a full system charge plus a recharge hose with gauge handle for checking system pressure while adding refrigerant. Also includes R134a high side and low side retrofit fittings and a third fitting for pre-1976 vehicles and late model imports, caps, EPA approved label, and complete instructions. Auto Parts stocks a wide range of ac kits for every make and model of car, truck and SUV. The AC Kits are manufactured to the highest quality standards. This AC kit is backed by industry leading warranty.
R134a is a long-term, HFC alternative with similar properties to R-12. It is the new industry standard refrigerant for automotive air. R-134A with sub-zero synthetic air conditioning boost increases cooling capacity by improving lubricity and creating better heat exchange. It provides up to 18 percent colder air and is compatible with all PAG and ester lubricants. It comes with a reusable recharge hose and low pressure gauge with temperature dial indicator built into the handle

Quest R-134a Retrofit Kit
This Kit can quickly convert an R12 system to R134a in 10 minutes. It contains 3 oz. can of retrofit oil with special conversion additives:
a. Stop Leak,
b. O-ring conditioner,
c. Patented R134a recharge hose with quick-connect and can tap.
Also includes R134a high side and low side retrofit fittings, caps, EPA approved label, and complete instructions.
Note: ‘R-134A also known as HFC-134A is a hydro fluorocarbons refrigerant essentially used as residential and automotive refrigerants.’ It was developed to replace ‘chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)’ refrigerants that were detrimental to the ozone layer.
Note: A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back.
Note: HFC = Hydro FluoroCarbons

auto charge

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Yeti Coolers

Yeti Coolers  By Betty Stephens

Yeti

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The Seiders brothers (Roy and Ryan) set out to make a cooler that could stand up to abuse. A cooler that could be used as a seat, a casting platform, storage for fish, and keep drinks cold. The Seiders brothers founded the company, Yeti Coolers, Austin, TX. They developed a boxy design with a simple white paint job to deflect the sun’s rays. You can find the coolers at construction sites, oil fields, and camping sites. They are found at Coast Guard’s and military bases. They are used by doctors and veterinarians to transport organs. A lot of your college kids are buying them too.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee has granted the coolers a seal of approval. They are made like a normal cooler, but have more plastic and polyurethane foam walls. Yeti’s Tundra line comes in 11 different sizes, ranging in price from $229 to upwards of $1,300. The Tundra 420 is a 110-pound ice chest.
According to the company, total revenue has exploded, from $30 million in 2011 to more than $100 million so far in 2013. Bass Pro Shops (Outdoor Equipment Shop) states they can’t keep them in stock. They are appealing to campers and hunters. Buyers may select from several models; Realtree camouflage, Green Egg grills, Copenhagen snuff, and Mello Yello.
Go to Yeti’s official website and watch a video of a grizzly bear trying unsuccessfully to pry the coolers open. LINK: http://yeticoolers.com/grizzly-proof/
Quoted from YETI:
“YETI Coolers are built to be indestructible and keep ice for days. Built for going toe-to-toe with hungry grizzlies.
Built for the prepared. Built for better Monday morning water cooler talk. Built for the long haul. Built for the wild.”

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