New HVAC System Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know About the Transition to R32 Systems

As a homeowner, you may have heard about upcoming changes in the HVAC industry, specifically regarding the new R32 refrigerant systems. If you’re wondering what this means for your heating and cooling system, don’t worry! In this post, we’ll break it down in simple terms and explain why now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your HVAC system.

What Is R32?

R32 is a type of refrigerant used in HVAC systems. A refrigerant is a liquid that moves through your air conditioner or heat pump to absorb and release heat, allowing the system to cool or heat your home. Until now, most systems have used refrigerants like R410A, but the industry is moving toward R32 for several reasons.

Why Is R32 Becoming the Standard?

The move to R32 is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. Here’s why:

1. Eco-Friendly: R32 has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than older refrigerants like R410A. This means it causes less harm to the environment when it’s released into the atmosphere.
2. Energy Efficiency: HVAC systems that use R32 are generally more energy-efficient, helping you save on utility bills while reducing energy consumption.

Deadlines and Compliance

The HVAC industry is transitioning to R32 systems to comply with new government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. By January 1, 2025, most newly manufactured HVAC systems will be required to use R32 refrigerant instead of the older types like R410A. This means that after this deadline, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will likely be equipped with R32.

What Does This Mean for Your Current HVAC System?

If your current system uses R410A or another older refrigerant, you don’t have to replace it right away, but there are some important things to consider:

• Repair Costs Could Increase: As R410A becomes phased out, it will be harder to find, and the cost of repairs could rise if your system develops a leak.
• Availability of New Systems: If your current system is nearing the end of its life (typically 10–15 years), it may make sense to replace it now, before prices go up and inventory gets tight with the new requirements.

Why Replace Your HVAC System Now?

There are several benefits to upgrading to an R32 system sooner rather than later:

1. Save Money on Energy Bills: New R32 systems are more energy-efficient, which means your system will use less electricity to heat and cool your home. This can lead to significant savings on your monthly utility bills.
2. Eco-Friendly Option: By switching to an R32 system, you’re helping reduce your home’s carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.
3. Avoid Rising Costs: As the industry shifts, the cost of maintaining and repairing older systems will likely increase. By upgrading now, you can avoid potential price hikes and take advantage of current promotions and rebates for energy-efficient systems.
4. Improved Performance: Newer HVAC systems come with advanced features like better temperature control, quieter operation, and improved air quality. These enhancements can make your home more comfortable and your system easier to manage.
5. Rebates and Incentives: Many utility companies and governments are offering rebates or tax incentives to homeowners who switch to more energy-efficient systems like R32. Replacing your system now could help you take advantage of these financial benefits.

What Should You Do Next?

If your HVAC system is older or requires frequent repairs, it’s worth considering an upgrade to an R32 system. Here’s what you can do:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Contact your local HVAC professional to assess your current system and discuss your options for upgrading to an R32 system.
2. Check for Rebates: Ask about any available rebates, incentives, or financing options that can make the transition more affordable.
3. Plan for the Future: Even if your system is running fine today, keep in mind the upcoming 2025 deadline, and consider starting your research now.

Final Thoughts

The transition to R32 refrigerant systems is a big step toward a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future for HVAC systems. By upgrading now, you can ensure your home is ready for the new standards, save on energy costs, and avoid potential price increases down the road.

If you have any questions or are ready to make the switch to a new R32 system, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Contact us today to learn more about the new HVAC requirements and how you can prepare your home for the future!

The post “Get Ready for the Future: What Homeowners Need to Know About New R32 HVAC System Requirements” appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

September HVAC Maintenance Tips: Preparing Your Home for Fall

As we transition from the heat of summer to the cooler days of fall, September is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the changing weather. Regular maintenance not only improves your system’s efficiency but also extends its lifespan and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are some essential HVAC maintenance tips to keep your home comfortable as the seasons shift.

1. Change Your Air Filters

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your HVAC system is to change the air filters regularly. After a long summer of running your air conditioning, your filters are likely clogged with dust, dirt, and allergens. Replacing your filters at the start of fall ensures that your system can operate efficiently and improve your home’s air quality. We recommend changing filters every 30–90 days, depending on your household’s needs.

2. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

Before the cooler weather sets in, it’s a great idea to schedule a professional HVAC inspection. A certified technician will check your system for any potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure everything is working properly. This preventative maintenance can save you from unexpected breakdowns when you need your heating system the most. September is the perfect time to get on the schedule, before the winter rush!

3. Clean and Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

Throughout the summer, leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate around your outdoor HVAC unit, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency. Take a few minutes to clear away any obstructions, trim back overgrown plants, and gently hose down the unit. A clean outdoor unit ensures optimal performance when you switch from cooling to heating.

4. Check Thermostat Settings

As temperatures fluctuate in September, it’s a good idea to adjust your thermostat settings for the cooler evenings and mornings. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. It allows you to set schedules based on your routine, saving energy when you’re not home and ensuring your house is comfortable when you return.

5. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks

Leaky ducts can lead to energy loss and uneven heating, meaning your system works harder than necessary to maintain comfort in your home. Inspect your ductwork for any visible leaks, gaps, or disconnected sections. If you find any, it’s best to have them sealed by a professional to prevent unnecessary energy waste and higher utility bills.

6. Test Your Heating System

After months of not using your heating system, it’s essential to test it before fall arrives in full force. Turn on your furnace or heat pump to make sure it’s operating correctly and that your home heats up as expected. Strange noises, unpleasant odors, or delayed heating can indicate a problem that needs attention from a professional.

7. Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

As you prepare to use your heating system, it’s crucial to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Replace the batteries and ensure the detectors are working properly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be dangerous if undetected, especially when heating your home.

8. Consider an HVAC Upgrade

If your system is more than 10–15 years old and has required frequent repairs, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model. Modern HVAC systems are designed to provide better heating and cooling while using less energy, saving you money in the long run. September is a great month to explore your options before the colder months arrive.

Conclusion

Taking the time to perform these essential HVAC maintenance tasks in September will keep your system running smoothly and efficiently as we head into fall. If you need help with maintenance, repairs, or a new system installation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced technicians is ready to ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.

Schedule your HVAC tune-up today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained system!

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While there are lots of things to worry about when creating a budget that you’ll have to allot for building your dream home, there are a ton of things to consider.

However, while your roof, walls, toilets, sinks, and sockets are definitely items that you’ll have to think about when getting a brief estimate of what you’ll need to shell out, the HVAC system that you’ll use every day in your new home is one that you’ll definitely have to take into account.

The importance of having a good HVAC system
With the right HVAC system at the right price, you’ll be able to have a comfortable amount of warmth and coolness in your home while keeping your bills as low as possible. Although there are many types of cooling and heating systems to choose from on the market, finding the right one entails having to take into consideration the power usage, installation costs, and overall value for money according to your needs.

Calculating the costs of your new home’s HVAC system
In order to find out exactly just how much a new HVAC system in your home will set you back, there are several components that you’ll have to take into account when coming up with the final figure:

● The cost of your furnace
● Your central air conditioning unit,
● The means of transmitting air (such as ductwork or radiators)
● Your thermostat

Other than the “big 4” of your HVAC system, you’ll have to worry about these complementary appliances as well:
● The brand and grade of each and every one of your system’s components
● The size and scope of your new home’s construction
● The certain type of each component in your HVAC system that you’ve chosen
● The difficulty or complexity of your HVAC system’s installation according to the structure of your home
● The need for duct work
● The cost of living in your area

Another way to compute the costs of your HVAC system and its ductwork
If you aren’t up for tallying each and every individual cost that your HVAC system is going to incur, you can use another approach in trying to estimate the full cost: the cost per square foot. Typically, a 1,200 to 2,200 square foot area will cost around 1,000.00 USD to 4,000.00 USD in ductwork, depending on the type of material that you’ll be using. While some construction firms may include your home’s ductwork in the overall package, it’s best to just go with trying to include the HVAC system costing in your overall budgeting to have a bit more of a conservative estimate in your overall budget.

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In spite of purchasing it as an investment for your comfort, AC units are not as indestructible as their owners hoped they would be when making the hefty downpayment for it. At times, your air conditioning unit has the potential to break down for no reason, putting an abrupt end to the comfort that you look forward into your home and swapping it with uncomfortably high internal temperatures. While calling your local AC expert or HVAC contractor might seem like the best thing to do, you might find yourself at a point in time where you definitely have to troubleshoot things on your own.

3 common reasons behind air conditioner systems that don’t cool
If your air conditioning system isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, here are a few reasons behind the sudden malfunction that might surprise you:

1. Your air filter might be filled with dirt
While AC system ownership seems like it costs most in terms of ownership than other types of appliances, the small adjustments and maintenance procedures that you carry out can actually make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your aircon unit. If your AC isn’t cooling the house properly, then chances are that you have forgotten to clean the air filter after overlooking the need to clean them out at least once a month. Assuming normal use, AC system filters can fill up with dust, dirt, small items, and other types of debris, resulting in a clog that compromises your system’s functionality. You can fix cooling problems by changing or cleaning your air conditioning unit’s air filter if you can’t take the sustained periods of heat. However, if it’s within your budget, you can even invest in higher quality filters that don’t clog as quickly and facilitate air circulation better for improved cooling.

2. Your thermostat settings aren’t properly set
A lot of people assume the worst when their AC system decides to quit on them, but the truth is that the source of the problem might be much simpler than you would assume. Inefficient air conditioner performance and cooling abilities may be caused by high thermostat settings. If you have set your AC system at a high temperature, it isn’t going to keep you as cool as you’d like. It’s best to check the thermostat before making any other assumptions. Typically, thermostats are also configured with auto settings that allow you to set and forget, but at times they may completely reset and require you to configure your AC unit’s settings again.

3. Your air conditioning system itself might be dirtier than it could possibly handle
Aside from the air filter, the overall presence of dirt in your entire air conditioning system might be the root cause for the lack of cool air coming out. If your AC system uses an outdoor air conditioning unit, perhaps you have neglected its monthly cleaning. This is a simple mistake that can compromise your unit’s functionality. Certain factors, such as the refrigerant not being cool enough or shrubbery being too close to your outdoor air conditioning unit can cause your AC system to blow out hot air instead of the cold air that you yearn for as well.

The post 3 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Might Not Be Cooling appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Something that needs to be regularly inspected is your home’s air conditioner. AC units play a vital role in keeping your home comfortable. An AC unit also aids in the maintenance of good indoor air quality. When it’s not regularly checked for issues, you won’t be able to determine if there’s a problem with it or not. That could be bad, as some problems with your AC unit might compromise not just your comfort, but your health as well.

If you’re considering to have your AC inspected sometime soon, read on. We will share with you what you can expect from a professional AC inspection.

Physical Inspection: Inspecting the Parts and Other Aspects of the AC Unit and HVAC

There are various things that an AC inspection is concerned with. When all of these aspects are not carefully checked, issues that will deal a serious blow to the unit’s efficiency will arise. Your AC may even be the reason why you or your family members are suffering from asthma attacks and allergies.

During the inspection, the HVAC technician will check the ductwork. This area is prone to dust and mold buildup. When dust and mold are released from the ductwork into your home, they can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. The technician will conduct an inspection in an effort to determine if air duct cleaning is in order. The ductwork will also be checked to see if it’s stable enough to withstand rigorous cleaning. This is because the ductwork in older homes may have weakened due to age and wear and tear.

The HVAC inspector will also check other components and features for problems, including the thermostat, fans, and coils. They will also check for condensation and humidity levels. Of course, temperature levels will be checked to see if they match the capacity of the AC unit.

Inspecting for Energy Efficiency

Many think that as long as their AC unit is able to cool their home, the system is doing well. However, if your bills are higher than normal, take it as a sign that there could be something wrong with your AC or your entire HVAC system. It’s true that your AC is not the only thing to blame for energy inefficiency, but it’s a huge part of it.

To determine if your AC is contributing to energy wastage, the HVAC technician will seek to determine your energy consumption averages throughout the year. You will also be asked if you notice excessive noise coming from any part of the AC unit and the entire HVAC assembly.

What’s Next?

After the thorough inspection, the HVAC personnel will recommend the best course of action if any issues have been found. They will tell you whether the problems of your AC or HVAC system can be repaired or if a replacement is required. They may also suggest additional products or services you can avail of that will further improve your AC unit’s performance.

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Keep an eye on the thermostat

The first thing you need to do when you’re looking to maintain the longevity of your AC is to make sure that it’s not overworked. One way you can do that is to check your thermostat to see the settings. You don’t want to keep the temperature too low from the get-go, especially with an older model. Start off with a higher temperature, ideally around 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, and make your way down the scale if it’s not cool enough for you. For modern thermostats, you can set up an automated program to make it less of a hassle.

Set up regular maintenance and repairs

The AC has to go through an incredible amount of air every day, which means that it will have to filter out a considerable amount of dust, debris, and other particles. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your unit is well-maintained and that there is no dust or dirt buildup inside it. You can easily do some maintenance work by yourself, such as cleaning the filter, but more intricate and complicated processes are best left to professionals.

Always keep your SEER rating high

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating indicates how well your AC unit converts energy into performance. AC units with higher SEER ratings consume less energy to generate the same amount of cool air, which means that they are more energy efficient. This is something you won’t have to worry about if you buy a new AC, but for older models, you always have to check their SEER rating. Not only does it tell you how much money you can save, but it can also indicate what condition your unit is in. For instance, if your unit’s SEER rating drops significantly, it’s a sign that it’s is no longer in the best condition and needs to be fixed or replaced right away.

Use a fan in conjunction with the AC

You may have heard that it’s not a good idea to turn on the fan while the AC is running, but this is one of the biggest myths in the industry. A fan can help distribute cool air from one part of the room to the other, thereby lightening the workload of your AC. Therefore, if you’re looking to increase the energy efficiency and longevity of your AC unit, turning on the fan in your room will help immensely.

Provide some shade to your condenser

One thing that not many people fail to do when trying to increase the longevity of their AC is to provide shade for the condenser or exterior system of the AC. This will help the condenser avoid dealing with so much heat, which will help it distribute the cool air into your room much more effectively.

The post 5 Tips to Keeping Your AC in the Best Condition – Our Guide to AC Repairs appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Complete understanding of the functions of the HVAC unit

It should go without saying that HVAC contractors should know everything there is to know about the HVAC unit. Not only should they know how to install the unit, but also how to choose the best one for the home and how to maintain it in the best condition. While many may say that this information can be learned from the internet, it’s still very confusing and overwhelming for people who don’t know much about HVAC systems.

Therefore, your contractor should be more than just a service provider, but also an educator and advisor to make the most of your unit. If the contractor you work with doesn’t want to cooperate with your needs and is trying to get as much money as possible, it’s safe to say that you should keep looking for a better option.

Experience in the field

The next thing that you should look for in HVAC contractors is their experience. Since the HVAC installation and repair industry is and always has been a competitive business, different companies are still on the lookout for new ways to overcome their competitors. The ones who are willing to offer the most and have the best quality service to give to their clients are usually the ones that can stay in business for the longest. Therefore, you should ask when the company was first established and their work history so that you have a better picture of what to expect when working with them.

For example, some companies may run their HVAC parts chain, which allows them to offer their services at much lower costs. Other companies may rely on the quality of their service and long-lasting warranty, which can help to save a considerable amount of money in the long run. You will need to find out the best company according to your needs to enjoy all the benefits of your HVAC system.

Aftercare services

The last thing you should look out for is their aftercare service. While most HVAC units are usually quite durable and can last up to decades with minimal care, they are not invulnerable to damage, especially in areas where the elements are less forgiving. For example, if you live in a desert area, the HVAC unit will have to deal with intense heat, high amount of dust and dirt, as well as a higher workload as it will be turned on for most of the day. This will result in a significantly shorter lifespan of your HVAC unit, which means that you will need to call in a repair service much more regularly. This is something that HVAC services understand, and the best ones will take advantage of this situation. Some may offer a repair package to make sure that you don’t have to spend an absurd amount of money every year and you can pay for it once and have everything taken care of.

It would help if you talked to your HVAC service provider to make sure that they have everything you need so that you won’t have to deal with these issues throughout the year.

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Why do I have to change my air filter?

When you don’t change your air filter for a time, there will be an increased amount of dirt, dust, and other pollutants in your home. The severity and prevalence of conditions such as allergies and asthma will also go up. Changing your air filter will also help you cut down on your energy bills by reducing the workload of your AC system. Since the filter is clean, your AC won’t need as much energy because it won’t have to work hard to keep the room cool.

What’s more, a dirty air filter will also reduce the quality of air in your home, which will make you feel more tired when you do any type of exercise. This may make your home uncomfortable, so it’s essential that you follow a strict schedule for replacing your air filter.

You should also consider that each season comes with a particular concern you should be mindful of. For example, there’s a lot of pollen in the air in springtime, which can cause issues for those who have allergies. Therefore, if you know you’re sensitive to certain allergens, it’s best to prepare your AC unit for an increased workload during that season.

How often should I replace my air filter?

For a standard suburban home, you should change your air filter every four to five months on average. However, this number will change according to the environmental conditions of your home. There are other factors you have to consider as well. For example, if you live in a dusty area or have a pet, the longevity of your air filter will be reduced to two months or so. This is because animal hair can get stuck in your filter and cause it to become clogged. The same is true for the dust from the outside, as those particles will be filtered out by the AC unit before they end up in your home.

For a summer home that you don’t live in all year round, you can expect to change the air filter of the AC at least once a year. Since the AC won’t be turned on as often, its filter will last much longer.

Do some DIY filter cleaning

You can extend the longevity of your air filter by cleaning it regularly. You can do this by yourself by removing the filter from the socket and washing it with a garden hose. If you see a bundle of dust or animal hair stuck to the filter, you can use an old toothbrush to remove it. Be gentle so as not to damage the mesh, because if you do, that will affect the quality of the air filter.

You should also consider the condition of the other parts of your unit, as the filters prevent the dust from getting into the unit and prevent the particles inside the AC from getting out. You will have to call an inspector to your home and have them inspect the of the unit to make sure that it’s in the best possible condition.

If you’re looking for an experienced, licensed AC repair service, Penguin Cool is your best option. Call us today and see what we can do for you.

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An air conditioner may lack refrigerant because of two reasons: a leak or a defect during installation. In either case, you would need to have a professional come over to take a look and make repairs. But what are the tell-tale signs that your air conditioner has refrigerant problems?

You have higher bills

When your AC lacks refrigerant, less air is cooled in a given amount of time. Thus, the AC’s compressor takes more time and energy to cool the air in your room. This added effort would push your bills sky-high. If you notice an unusually steep increase in this month’s electricity bills compared to last month, you need to revisit your bills for the same month last year. See if there were increases in generation and distribution charges increased. Recall if your place experienced a severe heat wave during the previous year. If there were no significant increases in utility charge rates nor heat waves, the increase in your bill could be attributed to a problem with your AC’s refrigerant.

Your room feels uncomfortable

Refrigerant problems can cause you to have to wait longer before your room cools. It can also contribute to the feeling of warm air coming from the AC’s vents. However, before you conclude that it is indeed the problem, you have to make sure that the setting of the unit is on cool mode instead of fan mode. Clean your filters, vents, and compressor. If the air still feels too warm or cools too slowly, then you need to call a professional. There are other causes behind inefficient AC performance and you will need expert help to single out refrigerant issues.

Your evaporator coil is frozen

When there is insufficient refrigerant passing through the evaporator coil, the warm air may nor get cooled enough to keep the coil’s surroundings dry. When this happens, moisture forms on the surface of the coil. Additionally, lower refrigerant means lower pressure inside the coil, which also lowers the temperature on its surface. The temperatures become so low that the moisture formed on the coil’s surface freezes. Leaks within the coil can also directly cause the formation of frost.

You hear hissing noises

Aside from manufacturing and installation defects, the only other cause of a low supply of refrigerant in your system is a leak. The refrigerants air conditioners use are a type of gas that makes a hissing noise when it leaks from a tube in your system. When you hear a hissing noise somewhere within your system, chances are that there is a stream of refrigerant escaping from somewhere.

Nevertheless, not all leaks involve major cuts, wears, or breaks. However, minor leaks can also lead to loss of refrigerant. If you suspect that this is the case, call a professional to have your system checked. They have the tools and equipment needed, including a sniffer that can detect abnormally high amounts of refrigerant even when the leak source is tiny.

// Get in touch with a professional to deal with low refrigerant levels

Regardless of how big a leak is, it is bad for your bills and the environment. Leaking refrigerant is also something that untrained people like you can’t handle safely on your own. Thus, you need to have a professional check your unit immediately and have it undergo repairs, or possibly, even replacement.

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