Month: February 2022

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Pets are a beloved part of many families. However, they can significantly impact the indoor air quality in your Crystal River, FL home. Check out some ways pets affect your indoor air quality and how you can reduce those effects.

1. Pets Can Cause Allergies and Asthma Attacks

Allergens from pets, such as fur, dander and saliva, can cause allergies and asthma attacks in some people. If you’re allergic to pets, it’s crucial to keep them out of your bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.

2. Pets Can Increase Dust and Dander

Dust and dander are two of the biggest causes of poor indoor air quality. Pets can increase the levels of both of these substances in your home. Pet hair can also get caught in air filters, necessitating frequent HVAC repairs in Crystal River, FL.

3. Pets Can Track in Dirt and Mud

Pets can track in dirt and mud from outside, which can then be tracked throughout the house. This can create a mess and increase dust and allergens in your home.

4. Pets May Bring Fleas or Other Parasites

If you don’t keep your pets groomed and parasite-free, they may bring fleas or other parasites into your home. These parasites can cause serious health problems for you and the people you live with. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your home.

• Keep pets out of the bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.
• Brush your pet’s coat regularly.
• Vacuum regularly and dust often to reduce the levels of pet dander in your home.
• Use an air purifier to remove allergens, dust and pet dander from the air.

If you’re concerned about the impact of pets on your indoor air quality, contact us at Senica Air Conditioning for air purification services. We can help you keep your home healthy and comfortable.

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No one enjoys discovering a leak in the home. But what if the leak is coming from your air conditioner? It might not seem like as big of a deal as a pipe leak but it is still a problem. Depending on the type of system you have and where the leak is, your refrigerant leak can create problems for your comfort and can even run the risk of damaging your home.

Refrigerant is like the lifeblood of your air conditioner. And a key factor to remember is that your air conditioner has the exact amount of refrigerant needed to do its job until the day it is replaced. If you start to lose refrigerant, it is a problem that should prompt a call for AC repair in Miami.

What Refrigerant Does

Let’s make one thing clear now: refrigerant is a transfer medium, NOT a fuel source. This is a common misconception that many people have which can create some problems–mainly that they think it is normal to have less refrigerant over the years.

When we say that refrigerant is a transfer medium, we mean that this chemical is used to pull heat out of your home. The refrigerant absorbs the heat and carries it to your outdoor unit where it is condensed and releases the heat. This is essentially what allows your AC unit to cool your home. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner is just an over-expensive fan!

Why Less Refrigerant Is a Bad Thing

Refrigerant is vital to the cooling process. You might wonder if having less refrigerant is really that bad. We are here to tell you that losing refrigerant is a serious problem for your system. Let us explain.

Loss of refrigerant, first and foremost, incidates that your system has a leak in the refrigerant line. This requires prompt repair. A refrigerant leak that is allowed to go unattended or unpatched will lead to a variety of problems for your home’s air conditioner which includes:

• Slower cooling: Less refrigerant will slow down the cooling process.
• Increased energy use: Your air conditioner will begin having to work harder to cool your home, thereby forcing it to use extra energy.
• Short cycling: Your air conditioner will turn on and try to cool things off but will either overheat and shut off early, or simply be unable to cool things off and will shut off the cooling cycle prematurely. Short cycling puts a major strain on your AC system.
• Frozen coils: It may sound odd but less refrigerant absorbing heat will put your evaporator coil at risk of freezing which can and will cause additional damage to your system.

If you notice the signs of a refrigerant leak in your AC then it is best to reach out to a professional to address the problem. This is about more than patching the leak. You also need an expert to recharge (refill) your refrigerant properly and make sure it is pressurized right to allow your system to return to its proper operation.

When you need help with your air conditioner, contact Air On Demand for your system repairs.

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When it’s running as it should, your heat pump offers better efficiency and lower costs than a standard furnace in Clute, TX. However, if you’ve noticed that it’s blowing cool air even though it’s running in heating mode, read on to learn some reasons why this is happening and what to do about it.

You Recently Converted From a Furnace

If you converted from a furnace to a heat pump this year, you’re likely expecting more heat from your vents. A heat pump works differently than a furnace, so the air isn’t heated as high as a furnace.

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces to supply heat because they don’t produce heat but simply transfer it. That means that what’s coming from your vents won’t be as warm as what you were used to with a furnace. Professionals use a detailed equation to make sure the system is producing the right amount of heat.

The System Is in Defrost Mode

Your system has an automatic defrost mode to prevent damage to the coils if it freezes. The compressor shuts off, but the fans continue to run while this mode is active, allowing the coils to thaw.

While the mode is active, it’ll feel like your air is cooler. This should only last about 10 minutes.

You Have a Stuck Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is what allows your heat pump to switch from cooling to heating. If the valve is failing or faulty, it’ll get stuck and won’t switch over. If you suspect this may be the problem, call a professional for heat pump repair services.

The System Needs Maintenance

Your HVAC system slowly collects airborne contaminants on the indoor coils. This begins affecting the system’s heating ability by restricting airflow and creating a kind of insulation on the coils. If you haven’t had maintenance recently, then your system may simply need the cleaning that’s included with these visits.

Don’t let poor performance from your heat pump ruin your winter. Call to schedule heat pump maintenance with our experts at Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., today.

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Daikin is a multinational air conditioning company based in Osaka, Japan. Founded more than 90 years ago, Daikin is known for pioneering innovations in the air conditioning market. In fact, Daikin claims to have developed the first ductless mini split.

If you’re considering a Daikin mini split for your home, read on to find the best model for your needs.

Daikin mini split systems overview

Daikin mini splits are designed to heat and cool homes (or parts of homes) that don’t have ductwork. They can also be used in partnership with systems like central heat and AC, a furnace, or a wood-burning stove. 

Mini splits typically consist of an outdoor compressor and an indoor evaporator cabinet. They are connected to each other via refrigerator tubing and electrical wiring. The compressor heats or cools the air, depending on the season. Then it pushes the air into the home through the evaporator. 

Daikin mini split installation is usually a simple process compared to other types of heating and cooling systems. An evaporator can be mounted indoors wherever warm or cold air is needed. Your installer will create an opening of about 3 inches in diameter in an external wall. The installer then feeds the wiring from the evaporator (indoor unit) out to the compressor (outdoor unit) through the hole. This means there’s no structural impact on your home. 

Things to know about mini splits

When shopping for a mini split, keep an eye on the following features.

• Number of zones: Multi zone systems, or ductless mini splits, come with a single compressor and multiple evaporators to heat or cool different areas in your home.
• AC vs. heat pump: Daikin’s line of mini split air conditioners can only cool your space. However, the Daikin mini split heat pump products both cool and heat.
• SEER rating: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Ratings generally range from 13 to 21 for modern AC units. The higher the number, the more efficient the system.
• HSPF rating: HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Generally, HSPF should be between 8 and 13 for a new heater. A higher number signifies better efficiency.

Daikin mini split multi zone units

Daikin mini split multi zone systems are available for heating or cooling larger spaces. They also help users keep different areas at different temperatures. With a Daikin mini split multi zone system, you can create up to eight separate zones with a single outdoor compressor.

Daikin mini split multi zone systems work with a variety of indoor evaporators, including wall- and floor-mounted cabinets and ceiling cassettes. You’re able to choose which evaporator works best in each space, and control it independently.

Daikin mini split prices

The cost of a Daikin mini split varies based on a number of elements like:

• Your location
• Installation factors unique to your home
• The dealer from whom you purchase the system

Generally, a single-zone Daikin mini split AC ranges between $400-$700. The cost of a single-zone Daikin mini split heat pump is a larger investment at $600-$2,500.

Daikin mini split multi zone system prices depend on the number of indoor units and which outdoor compressor you choose. Some dealers offer specialized packages. For example, one popular online dealer offers a package consisting of one compressor plus three Daikin Emura wall-mounted units for $5,879.

According to HomeAdvisor, the cost for a professional to install an HVAC system runs $300-1,500. Additional evaporators may increase the cost by $300-1,000. 

How does Daikin’s mini split stack up against competitors?

Daikin is known for HVAC systems that are high-quality, reliable, and affordable. However, some industry experts feel the company doesn’t offer the most cutting-edge features and technology compared to competitors.

Daikin vs. Mitsubishi

Daikin systems tend to be a little less expensive than Mitsubishi’s. When comparing mini splits, Daikin’s have better heating efficiency.

Mitsubishi mini splits operate quieter and can function at a lower outdoor temperature (-15℉). Mitsubishi also has a better reputation for reliability. Both brands offer the industry’s best warranty on many units, a 12-year parts limited warranty.

Daikin vs. Trane

Mitsubishi and Trane formed a joint company in 2018 to bring the strengths of the two companies together and create high-quality mini split systems. So, comparing Daikin mini splits to Trane will give you the same outcome as with Mitsubishi.

The Trane-Mitsubishi name carries a strong reputation for equipment reliability. While Daikin will likely cost less up-front (depending on your dealer), points for durability and technology go to Trane-Mitsubishi.

Daikin vs. Carrier

Daikin’s selection of mini split systems is much larger than that of Carrier. If you need a custom heating or cooling solution for your home, you’ll fare better with Daikin.

That said, you’ll pay more for a Daikin system and the units are generally louder than those from Carrier. If your purchase motivator is value or low noise level, Carrier is your brand.

When examining performance and quality, Daikin generally outranks Carrier. Daikin’s air filtration features air generally better than Carrier’s, which is especially important for allergy sufferers. 

Daikin is also praised for holding a consistently comfortable temperature better than Carrier.

Daikin vs. Lennox

Daikin has more favorable reviews than Lennox when comparing residential air conditioning systems. Additionally, its parts warranties are generally longer and therefore more attractive. 

Overall, it’s more difficult to secure replacement parts for Lennox HVAC systems, which makes Daikin a better investment for people who plan to stay in their home long-term.

Connect with an HVAC dealer to find out if a Daikin mini split is right for your home.

Types of Daikin mini split air conditioners

Model	SEER	Coverage areae	Price tier	Available parts replacement warranty
17 Series Wall Mount	Up to 17	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰	10-year parts limited warranty
NV Series Wall Mount	Up to 17.5	N/A	💰💰💰	10-year parts limited warranty
19 Series Wall Mount	Up to 19	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty

17 Series Wall Mount Daikin mini split AC

The Daikin 17 Series Wall Mount mini split is a good alternative to a window air conditioner. Instead of blocking your view, this sleek, unobtrusive system mounts to the wall. 

This unit offers top-of-the-line features at an affordable price, including a digital display, air-purifying filter, and ultra-quiet fan.

We like that the high SEER rating and overall energy efficiency will reduce cooling bills for users.

NV Series Wall Mount Daikin mini split AC

The Daikin NV Series mini split air conditioner is a newer, enhanced version of the 17 Series. Most notably, it comes with a smart thermostat you can adjust via Daikin’s Comfort Control app.

Additionally, the NV Series is equipped with an “intelligent eye” that senses where individuals are located within the room. The evaporator changes the direction of where it’s blowing to ensure people aren’t blasted with cold air.

We especially like that this unit runs quietly and quickly cools down a room.

19 Series Wall Mount Daikin mini split AC

The Daikin 19 Series mini split air conditioner is a slightly upgraded version of the 17 Series. It’s ideal for cooling larger spaces, such as living areas, basements, and home additions. 

Unlike the 17 Series, you can control the Daikin 19 Series with the Daikin Comfort Control app. It comes with a 12-year parts limited warranty compared to the 17 Series’ 10-year warranty.

We appreciate the 19 Series’ efficiency, reliability, and quiet fan.

Types of Daikin mini split heat pumps

Model	SEERE	HSPF	Coverage area	Price tieer	Available parts replacement warranty
Daikin EMURA	18	9.3	250 – 1,200 square feet	💰	12-year parts limited warranty
17 Series Wall Mount	17	9	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰	10-year parts limited warranty
19 Series Wall Mount	19	10	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
Daikin AURORA – Floor Mount	20	11.7	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
Daikin AURORA – Wall Mount	20.3	12.5	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
LV Series Wall Mount	24.5	12.5	250 – 1,600 square feet	💰💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
Quaternity	26.1	11	250 – 1,200 square feet	💰💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
VISTA Ceiling Cassette	20.9	11.7	N/A	💰💰	12-year parts limited warranty
NV Series Wall Mount	17.5	9.3	N/A	💰💰💰	10-year parts limited warranty

Daikin EMURA

Available in silver or matte white, the Daikin EMURA is an affordable system that heats and cools. Notable features include the ability to control the mini split remotely, a built-in air purifying filter, and a quiet fan. 

This is a dependable Daikin mini split heat pump. It runs quietly and can really cool down a warm room.

17 Series Wall Mount

Daikin touts its 17 Series Wall Mount mini split heat pump as a replacement for a traditional window unit. This system’s slim evaporator mounts to a wall, with a compact and unobtrusive outdoor compressor. 

One of the most notable features of the 17 Series mini split heat pump is the self-diagnostics ability with digital display.

19 Series Wall Mount

The Daikin 19 Series Wall Mount heat pump is intended to heat and cool bigger spaces within a home. It’s perfect for rooms that aren’t sufficiently served by the current HVAC system, garages, or home additions. 

More robust than the 17 Series, the 19 Series can be controlled remotely with Daikin’s app and has a better warranty. It’s a reliable unit priced attractively.

Daikin AURORA – Floor Mount

The Daikin AURORA – Floor Mount system is designed to replace window HVAC systems and radiators. It can sit on the floor or mount low on a wall. Many users choose to install it just beneath a window. 

We like the evaporator’s sleek front panel and ease of use.

Daikin AURORA – Wall Mount

The Daikin AURORA – Wall Mount mini split heat pump is similar to the Floor Mount version, but with a smaller evaporator cabinet. It mounts to the wall and blends more seamlessly with your interiors. 

We appreciate the efficiency of this system as well as its filter, which both purifies and deodorizes the air.

LV Series Wall Mount

The LV Series Wall Mount is one of the company’s top-of-the-line mini split heat pump systems. It earned the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient rating, so it helps users significantly cut power bills. Additionally, it features an intelligent eye and auto swing outlet fins, improving air flow and directing it away from people in the room. 

If you’re ready to make a big investment in your heating and cooling comfort, the LV Series Wall Mount model is for you.

Quaternity

The Daikin Quaternity mini split heat pump is designed especially for heating and cooling in extreme weather conditions – it can heat at -4℉ and cool at 109℉. No matter the temperature outside, the Quaternity mini split delivers a comfortable temperature indoors. 

This Daikin mini split is extremely efficient with a high-quality filtration system.

VISTA Ceiling Cassette

Ceiling cassette mini split heat pumps like the Daikin VISTA are designed for rooms where there is no space to install an evaporator cabinet on the wall. A benefit of mounting your mini split heat pump on the ceiling is that it better distributes air through the room. However, if you need an HVAC solution for lower floors of a multi-story home, a ceiling cassette won’t work. 

The VISTA Ceiling Cassette is unique because it offers optional floor and presence sensors to ensure optimal air flow. Additionally, its louvers can be closed and opened as needed via remote control.

NV Series Wall Mount

The Daikin NV Series Wall Mount mini split heat pump is a match for people who want the latest in technology and design. Its evaporator cabinet is slim and streamlined, and it can be controlled via smart thermostat or the Daikin Comfort Control app. 

Additionally, the NV Series ductless mini split features an intelligent eye sensor to automatically adjust the temperature based on whether or not someone is in the room. 

Mini split DIY or hire a pro?

A homeowner who is comfortable with mid-level home improvement projects may be able to install a Daikin mini split on their own. However, you should check with the manufacturer to ensure it doesn’t void the warranty if the unit isn’t installed by a pro. Just want to put it in an HVAC professional’s hands? Click below to get started.

Mini splits are ideal for homes without existing ductwork for central heat and air conditioning. They can also supplement existing heating and cooling systems that leave certain rooms hotter or cooler than other parts of the home. 

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Winter can bring shimmering snow, beautiful evergreens, and that uncomfortable draft in the hallway. With a ventless propane heater, you can keep your space toasty without ductwork or a chimney.

This buyer’s guide is your cheat sheet for all things propane ventless heaters. We cover the pros and cons, things to consider before buying, and our favorite models in 2022.

How does a ventless propane heater work?

A ventless propane heater can warm your home without the need for vents or ductwork. The heater doesn’t need an outside air source, because it draws in oxygen from the room where it’s placed.

The two components of a ventless propane system are the indoor heater and the outdoor propane tank, which connect through wires.

The heaters we cover in this review use propane gas as their fuel source. When the propane gas is exposed to oxygen, the gas ignites and turns into a flame to create warmth.

Once the flame heats the air nearby, the warm air is circulated throughout the room. Some heaters come with zoned heating, so you can control which rooms get more airflow.

Radiant vs. blue flame heaters

There are two varieties of ventless propane heaters. Blue flame heaters work like a convection oven. They pull in cold air, heat it up, and send the warm air back through the room.

Infrared, or radiant, heaters are less sophisticated. They radiate heat, but they aren’t powerful enough to create hot air or blow it through your home.

Most infrared heaters use electricity, so many propane-fueled models have been discontinued. That’s why our best-of list focuses mainly on blue flame heaters.

If you’re looking for powerful heat, go with a blue flame model. An infrared heater can only heat a few hundred square feet, and they’re harder to find in stores and online.

Propane ventless heater: pros and cons

We think of ventless gas heaters as a double-edged sword. While they are more convenient and affordable than vented options, they also have the potential to be less safe.

Thankfully, most models have features that tackle the biggest safety concerns, like carbon monoxide and tip-overs. We dive deeper into safety tips below.

✅ Pros of ventless propane heaters	🚫 Cons of ventless propane heaters
Higher energy efficiency than vented heaters	Generally can’t heat large spaces
No chimney or pipe is needed for ventilation	Oxygen depletion risk increases with ventless models so a window or door should be available in installation areas
Many models are easy installation or DIY	Propane can be dangerous; there’s potential for fires or carbon monoxide poisoning if the heater is not installed properly
Sleek, modern designs to many blue flame models	Oversized unit can create high humidity levels in the home
Propane burns clean and is more environmentally sound than other methods of heating

Propane vs. electric heaters

An electric space heater is another option to explore. Electric heaters are more affordable than propane on the front end, but they’re likely not going to cut it for your heating needs.

Propane heaters can produce much more heat and energy than electric models. Most electric models max out at 1500 Watts, which converts to about 5,000 BTU.

On the other hand, propane heaters operate at 30,000 BTU. With six times more power than electric heaters, propane brings you more bang for your buck.

Plus, propane will work even when the power goes out. We recommend an electric model as a supplemental heat source, but it can’t heat more than one to two people comfortably.

Unless you’re heating a space under 200 square feet, propane is the way to go.

Things to consider with a ventless gas heater

Propane ventless heaters can vary in quality, heating power, and more. No matter which model you’ve got your eyes on, make sure the specs are setting you up for success.

• Safety features: With a ventless model, we can’t overstate the importance of solid safety measures. Every model in our best-of list has an oxygen depletion sensor, and we don’t recommend you buy one without this added touch. Other features to keep in mind are an overheating sensor and a tip-over sensor.
• State and local laws: Some states have tight restrictions on the use of ventless heaters. For example, California effectively bans them. Check your state and local guidelines, as well as electrical codes, before making the purchase.
• Heating power (BTU): The heating capacity of a ventless gas heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The higher the BTUs, the more powerful your heater is and the more energy it will use up. Most ventless heaters operate at 30,000 BTU, but premium models can run at a lower capacity for better efficiency.

Best ventless propane heater

Our criteria for selecting the best ventless propane heaters was heating power, cost, safety features, and customer ratings. We only chose models with oxygen detection sensors.

We focused primarily on blue flame models, but there’s also a portable pick in the mix. No matter your budget or living space, we can find the best ventless propane heater for you.

Installing your ventless propane heater

Ventless propane heaters make for easy installation. If you’re comfortable drilling a small hole in your wall, it’s DIY-friendly.

First, choose a location for your heater. As long as the indoor heater and outdoor propane tank can connect, you have a lot of flexibility.

Screw your mounting bracket onto the wall. Some models come with mounting equipment, but most have to be ordered separately.

Finally, slip the heater onto the bracket. After you drill a small hole through the wall with a 2-inch drillbit, you can connect the propane tank to the heater.

If drilling a hole in your wall makes you uneasy, call your local HVAC professional.

Troubleshooting your ventless propane heater

If your heater is not working properly, try our common troubleshooting tips.

First, check the pilot. This is the small flame that should always stay lit in your heater. If the pilot is out, make sure your propane is connected to the heater and there’s gas in the tank.

If the pilot is weak or flickering, we recommend calling a professional to check it out. The thermocouple, a component that controls the pilot, may be broken.

Another common problem involves the igniter. If the electrical connection around the igniter is malfunctioning, you may not be able to turn your heater on.

Any time your heater smells like burning plastic, chemicals, or electricity, immediately shut it off and call an HVAC technician.

Safety tips

Ventless heaters carry some safety risk, but a few small steps go a long way in keeping you safe.

• Keep a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your heater.
• Mount your heater away from any flammable items.
• Mount the heater in a room with proper ventilation. For your safety, you should be able to open a window or door to let in fresh air if needed.
• If your heater starts to smell of burning plastic, rubber, gunpowder, or chemicals, turn it off immediately.
• Make sure your unit has grills or some barrier covering the heat, especially if it’s infrared.
• Get your heater inspected at least once a year.

If you’re looking for some extra warmth this winter, a ventless propane heater may be right for you. They’re more convenient and budget-friendly than traditional vented systems.

Ventless models are commonly used as supplemental heat, but they can often warm spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Going vent-free can keep your home’s temperature high and your energy bills low this winter.

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Getting reliable HVAC service for commercial facilities may seem like a double edged sword. It’s sometimes tricky (translation: expensive) to get everything right, but not spending the money to get it right can cost you even more in wasted energy, decreased productivity and even lost business. Related article: Your Uncomfortable Office Temperature Is Hurting Your … Continued

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