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Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.

Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

Geothermal Heating And Cooling: Get The Facts

by Billie Carlson

Most people heat their homes from traditional fuel sources such as electricity, oil or natural gas. A new alternative, however, is becoming more prominent. This option is known as geothermal heating and cooling and takes advantage of the abundance of energy under the surface of the Earth. Here is a closer look at this intriguing heating and cooling method for homeowners.  

The Way It Works  

Geothermal heating and cooling relies on the fact that the Earth absorbs much of the sun's heat energy. This energy is stored under the ground and is available for anyone who has the right technology. During the winter, a heat pump is used to extract the energy from beneath the soil. The heat pump is connected to a series of underground pipes, also known as a loop system, that circulate water throughout a loop system. As the water circulates, it draws heat from the ground and becomes warmer. The heat pump uses the heated water to create warm air and distribute it throughout your house.  

When the weather is hot during the summer, this process is reversed. The heat pump draws heat from your home and transfers it to the ground.  

Cost Analysis  

Installing a geothermal system has both drawbacks and benefits in regards to cost. The cost to install the system is significantly higher than the costs to install a traditional system. The exact cost will depend on what type of loop system is used. If you install a horizontal system that places the pipes under the soil horizontally, this will typically cost less than if you place the pipes vertically. You can save even more money of you have a lake or pond on your property. In this case, the loop system is installed under water and can extract energy from the pond or lake rather than the soil.  

The main advantage of geothermal heating and cooling is that it's more energy efficient than traditional fuel sources. This means that your monthly energy bills will be much lower and you will recoup your installation costs over time.  

Right for You  

Whether or night a geothermal system is right for you depends on several factors. For instance, the size of your lot could affect the installation cost, since a vertical system, which might be required on smaller lots, is more expensive. Also, if you don't plan to remain in your home for the next several years after the installation, you might not have time to recoup your investment. Another consideration is whether your have any extensive landscaping that you don't want to disturb. The excavation necessary to install the underground pipes can severely damage some landscaping features, such as shrubs and flower beds. 

If you believe that a geothermal heating and cooling system makes sense for your home, contact a local heating and cooling contractor, such as those at Mike's Bremen Service Inc.

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