Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

5 Ways Maintenance Saves Money

January 22nd, 2024

We talk a lot about air conditioning maintenance and why it is so important to invest in the service. We may sound a little bit like a broken record, but we just can’t stress the importance enough. You may see AC maintenance as just another expense. But we encourage you to look at the service as an investment.

In fact, we are highlighting five ways that maintenance can actually save you money so that you can look at it more as an investment than an expense. In many cases, AC maintenance in Lake City, FL actually pays for itself. You can keep reading to learn more about five ways that you can save money when you schedule this valuable service.

Air Handlers: What They Are and How They Can Malfunction

January 8th, 2024

Your air conditioner is made up of a variety of different components that contribute to conditioning the air in your home. But perhaps one of the most important components is the air handler. If the air handler is not working the way it should, your air conditioner may malfunction and stop working to cool your home the way it should.

If you suspect that you have air handler problems, you need to give our team a call to schedule AC repair in Madison, FL. You can also keep reading to learn more about what the air handler is, what it does inside of your air conditioner, and why it is so important. When you can identify the signs of an air handler malfunction, you can stay ahead of an AC breakdown and address problems before they get worse.

Pros Vs. Amateurs: A Customer’s Guide

December 25th, 2023

When you need service for your residential HVAC system, you want to partner with a team of experts. You may have friends or family members with the best intentions offering to help with any HVAC issues at your home, but it’s a bad idea to have anyone work on your heater or air conditioner if they don’t have the proper certifications.

Instead, give our team a call if you’ve been looking for a professional HVAC company in Fort White, FL. We can help you with all of your HVAC problems, big and small. You can keep reading to learn more about the difference that you experience when partnering with a team of HVAC professionals.

How to Measure Your Heat Pump’s Efficiency

December 11th, 2023

Person using a tablet to control a smart home HVAC heat pump system in a modern bedroom setting.

When purchasing any type of HVAC system, you want to understand the energy efficiency so you can make the best purchase decision. But heat pumps are a little different since they operate as both air conditioners and heaters by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it inside. Unlike traditional furnaces that generate heat, heat pumps transfer it, which highlights their efficiency in both heating and cooling modes. This means that there is a unique method for measuring heat pump efficiency and cooling capacity. Additionally, heat pumps are increasingly powered by renewable energy sources, which enhances their environmental benefits. Ground-source heat pumps are typically more efficient and have a lower operating cost due to the consistency of the ground temperature throughout the year.

An air source heat pump is a versatile and energy-efficient heating and cooling solution. It can absorb heat from the outside air even in colder temperatures, making it suitable for various climates and offering potential cost savings through installation subsidies and tax credits.

Additionally, the efficiency rating of a heat pump, such as SEER and HSPF, indicates its energy performance and cost-saving potential. Homeowners can receive tax credits worth 30 percent of the cost to buy and install qualifying heat pumps, up to $2,000 a year. Furthermore, homeowners can offset the cost of improving insulation with a federal tax credit worth up to $1,200, which can enhance the overall efficiency of their heating and cooling systems.

Will you need to schedule HVAC service in Madison, FL, our team is here to help. We can help you pick the best heat pump option for your home and family. Before you schedule an appointment, you can keep reading to learn more about heat pump efficiency ratings, what they mean, and how to choose a high-efficiency heat pump. Proper installation of heat pumps is crucial and usually requires the expertise of a qualified installer or contractor. Regular maintenance of heat pumps is recommended to ensure efficient operation and longevity of the system. Homeowners should avoid overtiring the electrical service in older homes when installing a heat pump system.

5 Quiet Signs of a Malfunctioning Furnace

November 27th, 2023

Is your furnace malfunctioning? Problems don’t always have to be blatant and in your face for something to be wrong. Many homeowners wait to call for furnace repair until something major happens. But by that time, the damage is already significant.

We encourage you to take a different approach. Be proactive in scheduling furnace repair in Newberry, FL whenever you think that something might be wrong. It’s better to stay ahead of the issues by taking care of your furnace to prevent major problems. You can keep reading to learn more about five less obvious signs that your furnace is experiencing issues.

Can You Save Money By Upgrading Your Furnace?

November 13th, 2023

If you have an older furnace, it could be costing you a lot of money. Older furnaces are less efficient and can be significantly more to operate from month to month. And aside from the actual costs, older furnaces can also lack overall comfort.

If you have a furnace that is 15 years or older, it’s time to schedule furnace service in Alachua, FL. Our team can assess your current unit and talk to you about your options for upgrading. You can keep reading to learn more about how investing in a new furnace can actually save you money.

Your Furnace Might Not Be Safe Anymore

October 16th, 2023

There is a period of time toward the end of your furnace’s life when you have to decide between investing in repairs or replacing the entire unit. Sometimes repairs make sense, but when repairs cannot address safety concerns then it is time to replace your old system with a newer and safer model.

Since many heaters can last for upwards of 30 years, there’s a very good chance that your older heater may be highly outdated. If so, it’s time for a furnace replacement in Lake City, FL. Keep reading and learn more about the reasons that your older furnace may not be safe to operate any longer.

Is Your Furnace Going Bump in the Night?

October 2nd, 2023

It may be a spooky season, but that doesn’t mean you want your furnace to participate by giving you scares. If your furnace is showing signs that something is wrong, it is better to address your concerns now instead of putting off service until later.

Our team is here to help with heating repair in Alachua, FL. You can keep reading to learn more about the signs that your furnace is facing some struggles that need to be addressed before temperatures drop even more this winter. Then give us a call to schedule your service and rest easy knowing that your furnace is in the best shape possible.

3 Uncomfortable Noises and What They Mean

September 18th, 2023

There are some sounds that your air conditioner makes that can actually feel soothing. The gentle whir of the blower motor and the sound of air flowing through the system to reach the walls of your home often fade into the background as white noise. But there are other sounds that can be very alarming.

You can keep reading to learn about the top three sounds that indicate trouble for your air conditioner, as well as what causes the sounds. If you have an AC making sounds in Newberry, FL, it’s time to schedule a service appointment. Give our team a call and we can troubleshoot the problem to get down to the root cause, fix it, and hopefully prevent it from happening again in the future.

Upgrade Your Whole HVAC System With a Heat Pump

September 4th, 2023

Are you ready to upgrade the HVAC system in your home? If you’re considering replacing your central air conditioner, a heat pump is a great option. These particular HVAC systems are great for our climate because they offer high level of energy efficiency in how they operate.

Give our team a call when you’re ready to schedule HVAC installation in Newberry, FL. You can also keep reading to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your system from a standard central air conditioner to a heat pump. Even though the two systems are very similar, heat pumps offer unique benefits that set them apart.