Month: August 2023

Move over traditional HVAC systems – ductless mini splits are becoming an increasingly popular type of heating and cooling equipment for homeowners across Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While a mini split is a highly efficient, versatile alternative to a traditional HVAC system, a lot of people don’t know much about this newer equipment.
The experts at Novak Heating & Cooling have gathered some important information to help you operate your mini split to its fullest potential in our latest blog about how often you should run your ductless systems.

Check it out below, and contact Novak Heating & Cooling for all your mini split needs from installation and replacement to repair and maintenance.

What is a Mini Split?

A ductless mini split is a dual heating and cooling system that creates separate zones in your home for more enhanced temperature control. If you have drafty rooms, new additions not connected to your central HVAC system, or have family members who live in separate rooms and prefer different temperatures, then a mini split is a perfect choice for your Cedar Rapids home.
Since they don’t require ductwork, mini splits are relatively simple systems and don’t require much construction to install. These systems consist of an outdoor unit called a condenser and one or more indoor units, which are called air handlers. A single condenser can support up to 8 indoor units at a time, so you can ensure your entire home is made comfortable by a mini split system.
The two units are connected through a small hole in the wall by a copper refrigerant line that transfers heat between the units in different directions depending on your desired temperature. When you want cooling, the mini split brings air into the indoor unit, pulls heat out through the refrigerant lines, and dispels it outside, returning cool air into your home. When you need efficient heating, the system works in reverse.

Can You Run Your Mini Split Continuously?

If you’re wondering when and how often you should run your mini splits, the answer is simple – as much as you want or need. A mini split can be left running 24/7 because the systems are designed specifically for non-stop use.

In fact, keeping your mini split system running actually makes it more energy efficient and increases its ability to regulate temperatures with its internal temperature settings. Turning your ductless system off can have a negative effect on the mini split efficiency.
If you start noticing issues within your mini split systems and mini split settings, despite consistent operation, call Novak Heating & Cooling for fast and affordable mini split repair.

Mini Split Operation Tips

When it comes to using less energy and understanding how mini splits work, our skilled technicians at Novak Heating & Cooling have some additional tips and tricks to help your ductless mini split run continuously and efficiently.

Here are some common operational tips for your modern mini splits:

Set Fan to Auto

Your indoor unit is designed to automatically adjust the speed of your mini split fan when it’s in auto mode. This way your desired temperature will always be met, while also minimizing energy usage.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by pre-setting different temperatures for different times of day. These thermostats allow you greater control over the comfort level in your Cedar Rapids home and are easily connected to your mini split.

Schedule Routine Professional Maintenance

The most important thing you can do to ensure your mini split is at peak efficiency is to schedule regular maintenance with professionals like the team at Novak Heating & Cooling. We can inspect, clean, and conduct needed repairs on all of the heating and cooling systems in your Cedar Rapids home.

Installing, repairing, and maintaining all HVAC equipment, including mini splits, should be done by an experienced technician. Our team is well-versed in the challenges facing this equipment and the benefits, and we can educate you on everything you need to know to get the most out of your ductless system for years to come.

Contact Novak Heating & Cooling Today

In conclusion, you should run your mini split 24/7 if you want to conserve energy and ensure your equipment runs at optimal efficiency to cool and heat your home. And when your ductless system does experience an issue, even with consistent operation, Novak Heating & Cooling is here to help. For more than 86 years, we’ve proudly served Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the surrounding area with expert repair, replacement, and maintenance services on all HVAC systems, from your heat pump and air conditioner to your mini split.

Contact Novak Heating & Cooling to schedule your next HVAC service appointment today.

Residents in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, know just how cold winter can get. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable, long-lasting heating system to keep you warm all season long. When properly maintained, your furnace can ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your family throughout the winter. Unfortunately, there are times when your furnace breaks down beyond repair.
When you’re without heat in the dead of winter, it may be time to buy a new furnace. Luckily, there are also times when you can replace a failing furnace proactively before it leaves you without heat. As local experts in furnace repair, maintenance, and installation, Novak Heating & Cooling is here to help with all the information you need to replace your furnace without disrupting the comfort of your Cedar Rapids Home.

Check out our helpful guide below and contact our skilled technicians when you need quality furnace replacement or emergency furnace repairs at any time.

Signs Your Furnace Needs to Be Replaced

Sometimes, your furnace will break down with no warning, causing you great stress trying to call for repairs and then trying to find an HVAC system replacement all in the cold Iowa winter. Other times, there are clear warning signs that your current furnace is in danger and will soon need to be replaced.
An HVAC professional from Novak Heating & Cooling can help you buy a new furnace if notice the following signs:

Old Age

A well-maintained furnace should last anywhere from 10-20 years depending on a variety of factors such as quality and usage. But once your heating system ages past 10 years, it is time to start thinking about a replacement. Older equipment can break down easier than newer equipment, costing you more money in the long run fixing a dangerous gas leak or broken heat exchanger.

Insufficient Heating

The whole point of a furnace is consistent heating throughout your Cedar Rapids home. So when you notice your home is colder than normal despite a working thermostat, or it takes much longer to get warm, it’s a clear sign your furnace is experiencing issues and it’s time to replace it.

Increased Energy Bills

When your furnace needs replacing, it’s likely due to an improper combustion process or type of mechanical failure, or old age. When it runs into these problems, it won’t operate efficiently, using more energy to run harder and more frequently. This will result in higher-than-usual utility bills until the issue is addressed and your furnace is replaced.

Odd Sounds

While some noise can be expected when your furnace cycles, it should be loud. If you start to notice excessive noise or sounds such as scraping, banging, wheezing, or screeching, it’s a sure sign that your furnace needs an HVAC inspection completed to determine if it needs to be replaced.

Frequent Repairs

There are times when your furnace will exhibit the above warning signs and our HVAC professionals will discover a simple repair is all that’s required to resolve the issue rather than a complete replacement. However, if you find yourself calling for repairs month after month with no end in sight, it’s time to purchase a new furnace. Pouring money into repairing your old furnace every time it breaks is much less cost-effective than getting a brand-new, more efficient system.

The Basics of Buying a New Furnace

Now that you know when it’s time to call our professional team for fast and affordable furnace replacement and installation, it’s time to decide what furnace you’re going to purchase. At Novak Heating & Cooling, we specialize in furnace installation for all models and sizes from the top brands and manufacturers in the industry.
To ensure you get the most efficient, compatible heating system for your home, consider these factors when buying a new furnace.

• Type of Furnace: You can choose from an electrical, oil, natural gas, or propane furnace.
• Size of Furnace: Our trained technicians will determine your home’s heating load and help you choose a furnace size that works efficiently for your needs.
• AFUE Rating: Consider the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, which calculates how efficiently each furnace uses fuel. In order to maintain efficiency and reduce new furnace costs, we recommend a rating between 80 and 98.5 percent.

Why You Should Choose Professional Furnace Replacement

No matter the new furnace you choose to purchase, the most important decision you’ll make when replacing your heating equipment is who you hire to install it. When you choose Novak Heating & Cooling for furnace replacement, you’re working with the top HVAC company in the Greater Cedar Rapids area.
We’re committed to the safety and comfort of you and your family in every season. That’s why we worked diligently to ensure your furnace installation is done right the first time. We’ve replaced thousands of furnaces in the area in the last 86 years, making our team one of the most qualified for the job.

Contact Novak Heating & Cooling Today

You should buy a new furnace when it reaches the end of its lifespan or exhibits signs of inefficiency. At Novak Heating & Cooling, we understand the feelings of stress and uncertainty when it comes to furnace cost and replacement process, but our team is eager to make your new installation experience a good one. We’re highly skilled in HVAC service for all types of heating and cooling equipment and can help save you money with more efficient equipment with every replacement.

Contact Novak Heating & Cooling for your furnace replacement needs today.