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As the confetti settles and the calendar flips to a new year, it’s time to think beyond personal goals and more about your hardworking HVAC system. Just like us, our heating and cooling systems benefit from a little TLC and attention to start the year off right.
Whether your goal is to boost efficiency, enhance air quality, or simply ensure cozy comfort throughout the year, these HVAC resolutions will help you and your home breathe easier in 2025.
Understanding Your HVAC System’s Lifespan
The lifespan of your HVAC system can vary greatly, typically lasting anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on factors like the type of system and the level of maintenance it receives. Committing to regular upkeep not only extends the lifespan of your system but also enhances its efficiency, which means savings in both money and energy over time.
Luckily, Madsen offers service plans designed to keep your system running smoothly and maximize its lifespan.
To Repair or Replace?
Is your HVAC system showing signs of distress? While some issues, such as poor air quality or strange noises, can often be fixed with simple repairs, sometimes replacement is the best choice. Factors like your system’s age, warranty status, and the frequency of repairs can signal that it’s time for an upgrade. Keep an eye out for these red flags…
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Skyrocketing energy bills
- Difficulty breathing or excessive dust in your home
- Unusual odors or sounds coming from your system
- Noticing your system constantly turning on and off for short periods
Other Resolutions to Consider:
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Ditch the outdated dial and invest in a programmable thermostat. This modern upgrade allows you to control your home’s temperature even when you’re away, creating a tailored schedule for optimal comfort without precious energy (and money!). By upgrading your thermostat, you’ll witness improved efficiency from your HVAC system.
- Commit to Preventive Maintenance
This year, prioritize your HVAC system by scheduling annual preventive maintenance. A professional tune-up can identify minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Make this resolution a priority and contact us today to get it checked off your list.
- Regularly Change Air Filters
Want cleaner air and a healthier home in 2025? Replace your air filters regularly and add some houseplants to your living spaces. These small changes can make a big difference in your indoor air quality and overall health.
- Seal Air Leaks and Enhance Ventilation
Don’t let your precious heated (or cooled) air escape! This year, resolve to seal up those sneaky air leaks around windows and doors. Proper insulation, especially in your attic, prevents energy loss and keeps your home at the perfect temperature. Don’t forget about ventilation – it’s vital in promoting healthy airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
- Explore Zoning Systems
Want personalized comfort and lower energy bills? Imagine having the ability to customize temperatures in different areas of your home—keeping bedrooms cool for sleep while warming living spaces during the day. Plus, you’ll save energy by only heating or cooling the rooms you’re using. It’s a smart upgrade that puts you in the driver’s seat of your home’s climate.
As you step into the new year, remember that your home deserves a fresh start too. Your HVAC system is the heart of your home’s comfort, and Madsen is here to keep it beating strong. From seasonal checkups to innovative upgrades, contact Madsen to achieve the perfect balance of comfort, health, and efficiency in your home. Let’s make 2025 a year of breathing easy together!
As the temperatures drop, you might find yourself playing thermostat roulette, trying to find that perfect balance between comfort and not breaking the bank. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this seasonal struggle! Let’s break down the ideal winter thermostat settings and share some money-saving tricks that won’t leave you shivering.
The Magic Number
Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all perfect temperature. But before you throw your hands up in frustration, we do have some tried-and-true guidelines to share:
- When you’re home and active: Aim for 68°F. This might sound a bit chilly at first, but it’s the sweet spot for comfort and energy efficiency.
- When you’re sleeping or away: Drop it down to 60-66°F. Don’t worry; you’ll be cozy under those blankets!
Making the Transition (Without the Shock)
If the thought of setting your thermostat to 68°F has you reaching for your heaviest sweater, here’s a pro tip: ease into it! Start with your usual comfortable temperature and lower it by just 1 degree each week. Your body will adjust gradually, and your wallet will thank you. Each degree reduction maintained for 8 hours can trim about 1% off your energy bill.
Beyond the Thermostat: Smart Ways to Stay Cozy
Want to stay warm without cranking up the heat? Try these budget-friendly tricks:
- Seal the sneaky spots: Those tiny cracks around windows and door jambs? They’re basically leaving the door open for cold air. Seal them up!
- Show unused rooms the cold shoulder: Close the vents and doors to rooms you’re not using. Why heat space you’re not living in?
- Bundle up (yes, even inside): Embrace the cozy vibes with warm socks, sweaters, and blankets. Think of it as bringing hygge to your home!
- Get smart about your thermostat: If you haven’t upgraded to a programmable thermostat yet, you’re missing out on some serious convenience and savings. These smart devices can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
Location, Location, Location
Did you know your thermostat’s location can make or break its effectiveness? Keep it away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Air vents
- Kitchen heat
- Drafty hallways
- Doors and windows
If your thermostat is in one of these spots, it might be getting mixed signals about your home’s actual temperature, making it work harder than necessary.
When to Call the Pros
Even with perfect temperature settings, your heating system needs regular TLC to run efficiently. Schedule annual maintenance before the cold really sets in:
- Replace or clean filters
- Check for system issues
- Ensure everything is running at peak efficiency
Need a Hand?
Is your heating system winter-ready? Or are you thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat? Contact Madsen Inc. today! We’re here to help you stay cozy all winter long without watching your energy bills go through the roof.
Remember, settling on your perfect winter temperature is a bit like Goldilocks–it might take some experimenting to see what’s “just right” for your home. But with these guidelines and a little patience, you’ll find that sweet spot between comfort and efficiency!
Winter is coming… But as the temperatures drop and the heat comes on in your house, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is your Air Conditioning. In fact, you may have already gotten it ready for hibernation by throwing a cover on it. And you’ll open it back up again when spring has sprung. That’s the responsible thing to do, right?
Wrong.
It’s ok, you’re not the only one who thinks they’re supposed to cover their HVAC all winter long. But we are here to tell you to stop. There comes a time and a place to cover your unit, and it’s not the winter. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Don’t Need a Cover for your HVAC
In theory, it makes sense to cover your AC unit to protect it from the harsh winter elements — especially in PA where the snow and ice can get pretty brutal. But in reality, modern HVAC units were built to withstand those elements and tested against extreme temps and precipitation. They’re made with durable metal finishes to withstand snow, rain, and heat, and have built-in drainage to get rid of melting snow and slush.
In fact, not only is protection not necessary, but it can also actually be harmful to your system. Here’s why:
- Covers lead to rust.
You may be thinking that a cover will help you keep precipitation out. But it actually does the opposite. Plastic covers, like tarps, are made of non-breathable materials that trap in moisture and condensation. As a result, the inner workings of your unit will become susceptible to rust and corrosion, which can ultimately cause major damage to your system and require replacement parts.
- Covers cause mold.
Similarly, any additional moisture that gets trapped under the cover creates the ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. There is no real way to completely prevent precipitation from entering the unit, so the last thing you should do is prevent it from drying out with a cover.
- Covers attract critters.
Sure, a cover may prevent wild animals from nesting in your unit. But a snug, air-tight cover actually creates a nice, warm retreat from the cold for bugs, mice, and rodents — which is a lot more likely. These creatures can fit into much smaller spaces than you probably realize!
So when should you cover your air conditioning?
Wait. Before you go and throw that outdoor cover away, there actually is a better time to use it: the fall. Covering just the top portion of your unit can be very helpful to keep leaves, twigs, and other falling debris from getting lodged inside, preventing issues in the long run.
Just make sure the cover is breathable and doesn’t fully cover the sides of your unit (maybe 6 inches or so at most). This way, the top of your unit will be protected, while still allowing air flow to keep from condensation getting trapped inside.
What you should actually do to prepare your AV unit for winter.
If this advice is coming to you a little too late, and your unit has been exposed all fall, head out there and take a look. A good winterization plan includes inspecting your system for leaves, pine needles, branches, animal nests, and other build up. If you are noticing some debris stuck in your system, contact Madsen to schedule an annual maintenance and make sure it doesn’t become a bigger issue once spring rolls around!
And remain cognizant of icicles that may form surrounding your unit. If these heavy chunks of ice fall and land on the unit, they can cause serious damage. If they’re not removable, try placing a thick piece of wood or some sort of study top cover for protection.
If you have some questions about your HVAC or would like a professional to come out and take a look, contact Madsen Inc today. We’re happy to help properly protect your AC unit throughout the seasons and get it ready to run as efficiently as possible when you need it most!
Take a deep breath. Isn’t it nice when the air you’re breathing in is fresh and clean? Well, it’s not only nice — it’s essential for our health. But it’s possible that the air inside your home that you’re breathing in everyday is actually dirtier than you realize. In fact, according to the EPA, the concentration of certain pollutants is usually 2-5x higher inside than outside.
But sometimes removing the source of the problem isn’t always possible (you’re probably pretty attached to your pup). So instead, you have to focus on removing all the bad stu from your air once it’s there. And that means having an air purifier.
Don’t worry, we’re experts in this kind of thing — which is why we’ve created this helpful guide to help you understand, choose, and get the most out of an air purifier that ensures only the highest quality air in your home.
What is an Air Purifier & Who Needs One?
An air purifier removes allergens that are floating through the air (because once they’re settled on the ground, it’s your vacuum’s time to shine). Air purifiers using HEPA filters — with a very fine mesh — are certified to collect 99.97% of “hard-to-capture” particles, or those <0.3 micrometers in size. This could include pet dander, dust mites, particulate matter from cigarette smoke or burning, or viral droplets.
There are two main ways to purify your air: room-by-room or whole-house.
Portable air purifiers are designed to filter the air within a single room and function completely separately from your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. It’s a supplemental unit, functioning like a space heater helping to cure a pesky draft, while a whole-house air purifier or filter is integrated into your house’s system. A portable purifier is the least effective way to clean your air but can be a helpful addition where you need it to be.
Types of Air Purifiers & Filters
There are a variety of air purifiers that use dierent types of technology to help clean the air in your home — some safer and more eective than others.
Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners
Ozone is a colorless gas in the atmosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet solar rays, but it can also react with certain pollutants to change their chemical composition — which can be dangerous to indoor air quality. Ozone-generating air cleaners actually produce ozone to create chemical interactions that are meant to alter the compounds of pollutants. And while manufacturers will claim they produce safe levels of this molecule, some generators will quickly exceed the FDA’s limit. Too much ozone in the air can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and more. All the while, lower levels of ozone have been proven to be ineective in destroying indoor pollutants.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Ionizers, electrostatic precipitators, hydroxyl generators, and UV light are all types of electronic air cleaners. They use electric voltage to convert oxygen molecules into charged ionic components that make airborne contaminants inactive. In this process, known as bipolar ionization (BPI), negative and positive ions surround the air particles to destroy germs and pathogens, while the added mass helps the particles fall to the floor versus circulating throughout the home.
However, BPI can omit some ozone and other free-radical species as a bi-product, while also being less eective than other techniques.
Filtering Air Cleaners
Air cleaners that use a filtering process sequester any particles or gasses as the air passes through a filter, returning only clean air through the other side. There are several debates about the extent of which these filters can handle removing
larger particles, such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, etc. But most of these particles don’t stay suspended in the air for long anyway, landing on surfaces of the home and becoming the responsibility of other home cleaners.
There are two main types of filters:
- Mechanical Filter
These purifiers use fans to push air through a web of fine fibers that trap harmful particles, removing them from the air flow. They can remove both microscopic particles and larger particles when suspended in the air.
HEPA (high eciency particulate air) filters are a type of pleated mechanical filter with a very fine mesh. They are rated for containment ability of 0.3 μm particles — or the most challenging size to capture — which means their eciency of capturing other size particles is higher than 99.97%. That’s hard to beat.
- Carbon Filter
These filters are activated by carbon in the air to capture odor-causing gasses, but they’re not the best fight against formaldehyde, ammonia, or nitrogen oxide. Since these filters are limited in the variety of particles they can remove, they’re often paired with a mechanical filter. They also get saturated faster than mechanical filters, which means they need to be replaced more often.
What to Consider when Choosing an Air Purifier
1. Cost of Replacement Filters
In general, you should replace pleated filters every six to 12 months and activated carbon filters every three months. But the cost of filters vary greatly, from $20 to over $200 — so do your research as to not only what works the best, but also what works in your budget.
2. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
Every air cleaning unit has an air volume limitation which is identified by
CADR, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It indicates how much filtered air a cleaner delivers per unit time across three separate scores: smoke, pollen, and dust — representing dierent particle sizes. The higher the number, the faster the unit is able to remove pollutants. So shoot for as high as possible!
3. Energy Star Certification
Since air purifiers run around the clock, energy cost is a factor you have to consider as well. If your air purifier has an Energy Star certification, it ensures 40% more energy eciency than standard models.
4. Room Size
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recommends that the CADR of your air cleaner is at least two-thirds of your room’s area. So if your room is 180 square feet, the CADR should be at least 120. If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet, this will aect the recommended rating as well.
5. Particle Size
If you’re a smoker or have pets, you’ll want to consider the air purifiers that can handle the smallest particles, such as HEPA filters. If you know you have VOCs, which can result from new furniture, consider a carbon filter, since it’s most eective for cleaning these types of gasses. If you notice an odor in your room, you’ll want to ensure you take the best course of action to eliminate and control the source itself, and Madsen can help you develop a plan to do so. Contact us for an air filtration assessment today, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.
6. Noise
While performance is going to be your top determinate, noise should be a close second. Because having clean air shouldn’t come at the cost of your sanity. These machines will run constantly, so you want them to be quiet. Look for units that have around 50 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a typical refrigerator. This decibel level should be written on the model’s packaging or website.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Purifier
Once you’ve chosen the right purifier(s) for your home, there are also ways you can ensure it’s running eciently and performing at its very best.
- Clean or replace the filters regularly. A dirty filter isn’t going to help your purifier do its job. Remember, a good rule of thumb for replacement or cleaning (if yours are reusable) is six to 12 months, and every three months for carbon filters. Most filters will have an indicator light to help you know when it’s time.
- Be smart about placement. Even portable units can be dicult to move around, so if you only have one unit, make sure it’s being used wisely. Place it in the room you spend the most time (and breathe in the most air). Also make sure it’s in a spot where nothing is obstructing the airflow — like curtains or furniture — so you know it’s able to do its job.
- Adjust the speed. Similar to your thermostat, you can adjust your unit’s speed based on when you’re actually in the room. But in this case, due to the noise these units can make, you may want to turn it to its highest setting when you’re not in the room and lower it when you are. You can also buy an air purifier certified for a larger area and run it at a lower speed to be efective.
If you’d like to have a professional come assess your home’s air quality and make recommendations for your unique needs, or you’re simply looking for other ways to improve your air quality, contact Madsen today. Our experts are happy to help you make the best decision for your home or workplace.
We know, we know. Most of you are not scouring the internet for the latest HVAC trends and news. But as homeowners, you do care about how efficient and effective your system is. And like any other industry, the technology and solutions of HVACs are constantly changing and evolving. The good news is you don’t have to stay on top of — because as your trusted heating and cooling experts, we do it for you.
So to ensure you’re capitalizing on all the savings, sustainability, and performance that today’s HVACs can provide, check out the top trends this year.
Important HVAC Usage & Expense Stats
- 91% of US households have some type of air conditioning.
- Heating and cooling make up about 43% of a home’s utility bills.
- Nearly 29% of your home’s energy costs come from heating.
- Households spend 35%–42% more on electricity bills when they own air conditioners. (actual increase depends on weather conditions and location)
- Air conditioners account for 6% of electricity usage at an annual cost of $29 billion to homeowners in the US.
1. Systems are Getting Smarter
It would be nearly impossible to name an industry that hasn’t been impacted by advancing technology, and HVAC is seeing that big time. The infiltration and evolution of smart home products show no sign of slowing down, with forecasts showing 68.6% of homes will have this technology by 2027 (compared to 56.62% in 2022).
As part of that growth, more and more homeowners are opting for smart thermostats or smart AC controllers to save on their energy bills. The residential sector leads the market share at 71.9%, with 8 out of 10 homeowners with smart thermostats likely to buy another device in the future.
And this product satisfaction makes total sense — given smart thermostats (EnergyStar) save 8% on heating or cooling or $50/year on electricity bills, or up to $100/year for larger homes or those often unoccupied for most of the day.
Even further, as more and more HVAC units are being connected to Wi-Fi to be controlled by portable devices, sensors can also be placed on HVAC equipment, allowing the entire system to communicate and respond to data. This means users won’t even have to adjust their air conditioning, their HVAC network will do it for them. It can also detect occupants and outdoor conditions to automate heating and cooling in real-time, ensuring optimal comfort with zero effort.
2. They’re also Getting Greener
With CDDs (cooling degree days) increasing in 95% of cities since the 1970s, and global energy demand expected to almost triple by 2050, the use of energy efficient systems is also expected to rise to offset the environmental cost.
This goes beyond just smart technology and thermostats to the main source of energy fueling heating and cooling systems. The demand for solar-powered HVACs is increasing in residences, while companies are looking to build hybrid energy sources, including solar and wind power for larger scale systems.
More homeowners are also willing to pay more for these eco-friendly products, including 46% of Baby Boomers and 61% of Millennials. But that also comes with a nice return.
High-efficiency HVAC systems — such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, geothermal heat pumps, and dual-source heat pumps — can cut the annual energy bill by nearly $140. And installing an advanced unit can result in a payback in 5 to 7 years in operating costs — all this while cutting future cooling demand by 45%. A win, win for homeowners and the environment.
3. Ductless Solutions are More in Demand
Older buildings pose a nearly impossible, and extremely expensive, task when it comes to updating their AC, especially when the structure doesn’t already have ductwork in place. And if there are ducts, it’s a less than perfect system, likely plagued with gaps and leaks, leading to endless repairs.
As a proactive solution to these issues, more HVAC technicians are turning to ductless technology. Thanks to their smaller size and greater flexibility for heating and cooling individual areas, ductless mini-split heat pumps are a great option for both a retrofit install and extending current system distribution into a new addition.
From easier installs to fewer energy losses, ductless solutions are becoming more popular in homes and new construction.
4. Customer Experience is Changing
As technology and sustainability change the way our systems cool and consume, customer expectations are changing along with it. Greater understanding of these technologies and capabilities means gone are the days where good work and competitive pricing will cut it. Competition within the industry is only increasing, and the difference maker will come from the type of customer service they provide.
Companies are now forced to ensure their technicians are trained in the latest technological advances to streamline services and meet the expectations of today’s tech-savvy homeowners. And with online testimonials, social media comments, and websites now playing a major role in consumer decision-making, having a strong online presence and reputation is vital.
These expectations also include delivering immediate, on-going attention to their customers. There’s been a rise of electronic communications to schedule appointments, send reminders, deliver invoices, and more. Field service management software is facilitating calendar syncing, cost tracking, and profit analyzation to ensure smoother operations that translates to better customer service.
Stay Cool & Current with Madsen
When it comes to all your HVAC needs, you never have to worry with Madsen. We stay on top of all the newest technology and solutions to ensure we can deliver the industry’s very best for our customers. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the latest HVAC technology, increase your energy efficiency, or simply get the best customer service in the area, contact us today.