DEAN'S CORNER

Gas furnaces, whether natural gas or propane, have been a common way to heat homes, especially in past decades. They function by burning natural gas or propane to produce heat, which is then run through a heat exchanger and then distributed through ductwork. While modern gas furnaces are designed with numerous safety features, the combustion process inherently produces byproducts that must be carefully managed. If you understand how these systems work—and the potential risks associated with combustion fumes—you can be better informed to safeguard your home and family.

The primary concern with gas furnace safety occurs because of the gases produced during combustion. When a furnace properly burns its fuel, it generates carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of other gases. But if combustion doesn’t occur as designed, due to poor maintenance, improper adjustment, or insufficient oxygen, it can produce carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas. Even low levels of carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while higher concentrations can be life-threatening within minutes. This possibility provides the main argument for having well maintained CO detectors throughout one’s household.

To mitigate CO risks, modern furnaces are equipped with safety mechanisms such as heat exchangers, flue systems, and sensors. The heat exchanger does what its name means; it separates the burned gas from the air that circulates through the home while transferring the heat. This method is the most important mechanism to prevent fumes from entering living spaces. Once the burned gas transfers its heat to the indoor air, flue pipes or venting systems safely exhaust the burned gases up, typically through a roof vent, to the outdoors. If any component of this system becomes cracked, blocked, or damaged, harmful fumes can leak into the home. We recommend that regular inspections and maintenance be conducted so that all parts are functioning correctly.

Proper ventilation is required to ensure that the combustion occurs effectively. Gas furnaces need a good supply of air to maintain efficient combustion. If there is restricted airflow, incomplete combustion can occur and thereby will increase carbon monoxide production. Restricted air flow can be caused by utility rooms that are too tightly sealed, very dirty filters, or obstacles blocking the return vents. Once combustion occurs, the flue pipe can be blocked, often by birds or other small wildlife, and that will also force harmful gases into the home.

In conclusion, gas furnaces are generally safe when properly installed, maintained, and monitored. However, the risks associated with combustion fumes, particularly carbon monoxide, underscore the importance of routine inspections, clean ventilation systems, and functional safety devices such as CO monitors. Only 400 Americans die annually from CO poisoning unrelated to fires, and not all of those are due to faulty heating systems. So, while the risk is small, and there is no need for alarm, it’s also important to take reasonable precautions. We encourage home and business owners to schedule biannual professional maintenance, replace filters regularly, and test CO detectors to ensure their heating system operates safely. By taking these precautions, the benefits of a gas furnace can be enjoyed without compromising indoor air quality or personal safety.

Before choosing the right heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for your home, you have to decide whether it’s better to repair your existing system rather than incur the substantial cost to replace. Typically, any system less than ten years old can be cost effectively repaired. A system between ten and fifteen years old may be repairable as a cost-effective solution, and a system over fifteen years old most likely should be replaced if a major part, such as a compressor, is needed in order to repair it. Once repair options have been eliminated, choosing the right type and efficiency unit is an important decision that will impact your comfort, energy bills, and indoor air quality. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right HVAC system for your home:

Size: One of the most important factors to is the size of your home. This shouldn’t be a decision left up to the homeowner, as the HVAC engineer will provide calculations for proper sizing. But a good rule of thumb is that a standard system should be sized at one ton of cooling for every 600-800 square foot of living (conditioned) space. A system that is too small will struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and burn out more quickly, while a system that is too large will waste energy and money and can create problematic moisture conditions, as it doesn’t run long enough to reduce humidity. A qualified HVAC professional should be able to show you standards-based calculations to determine the appropriate size for your home. Of course, if replacing an existing system, it is almost certain the same size new unit will be needed.

Energy Efficiency: Choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system can help you save money on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Look for systems with high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) or annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings. These can be very costly, So, in choosing a more energy efficient system, take the time to consider the return on investment. It might take too long to recover the additional cost. Or it may well be that the additional monies are better spent on, for example, increasing attic insulation.

Type of System: There are several types of HVAC systems, including central air conditioning with gas (natural or propane) furnace, ductless mini-split systems, and heat pumps. Each system type has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that best meets your needs is important. It might be that the current type of system you have is not a good guide for the new type of system. We often see rural homes with propane tank furnaces replace that older system with a heat pump, so they can eliminate the propane (assuming cooking and heating the water also don’t need propane). Or, where ductwork is compromised, a mini split might be needed to replace a central air unit.

Indoor Air Quality: Your indoor air quality is important when choosing an HVAC system. Consider systems with high-quality filters or air purifiers that can help remove pollutants and allergens from the air, or even adding a clean air exchanger, energy recovery ventilator (ERV). In Georgia, with its very high allergen counts, this consideration might be more important than elsewhere.

Budget: Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when choosing an HVAC system. While investing in a high-quality system can save you money in the long run, you don’t want that run to be toooo long. So, choosing a system that fits your budget is also important. And don’t forget financing options that may make the right system feasible.

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home is a big decision, but by considering these key factors, in conjunction with an expert HVAC consultant, you can make an informed choice that will keep you comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient for years to come.

There has been a significant increase in ductless HVAC, or mini-split, systems. They’re increasingly popular among homeowners and business owners for several reasons. Traditional central heating and cooling systems utilize centralized ductwork from a main system furnace/fan motor location (usually in an attic, basement/crawl space or utility closet) to distribute air throughout the building. Ductless systems, on the other hand, use individual units (called remote heads) to heat or cool specific areas. Each of these heads has its own blower motor, so ductwork isn’t necessary. However, each head must be connected to the main (outdoor) unit with a line set and power/control wire. There are numerous advantages to ductless systems, which I’ll elaborate here, but there are also a few potential drawbacks, or at least limitations, to consider before making the switch.

To be clear ahead of time, mini-split systems are mini heat pumps. So, in choosing to implement a mini split, the homeowner also is committing to eliminating gas/propane furnace heat and instead relying upon the heat pump and additional heat strips (if applicable).

Probably the greatest benefit of a ductless HVAC systems is its flexibility. With a ductless system, you can heat or cool specific rooms or zones in your home or business without wasting energy on areas that don’t need it. For example, rooms that aren’t used during the day can have a reduced air conditioning or heating setting and then only increased on a case by case basis as the need to use them arises. This flexibility will save you money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Additionally, ductless systems are relatively easy to install and require minimal disruption to your space. The installer does have to find a pathway from the main unit to each remote head, but the space needed is only a few inches in diameter, rather than the square footage needed for ductwork. The remote heads (about 28” long by 16” high) mount on the area wall, looking very sleek and modern, and the hole to the outside for the line set only needs to be about 2” in diameter.

Another advantage of a ductless HVAC systems is its versatility, which isn’t the same as flexibility. Versatility means that the same system can be used to heat one location while providing cooling to another space, whether in a home, apartment or commercial building. Thus, ductless systems are a great option for any environment where there is either no existing ductwork or the ductwork is not worth salvaging and various occupants may have differing climate control needs.

A ductless HVAC system can have a few drawbacks, however. For example, it may be more expensive upfront than a traditional central heating and cooling system. Additionally, while ductless systems are energy efficient, they may not be the best choice for large spaces or buildings where very large systems operate at greater efficiencies. Further, if there is an existing system with ductwork, replacing that system with another traditional system will almost certainly be less expensive and less intrusive than implementing a ductless system. Also, especially in finished environments, the addition of line sets (usually on the exterior of the building) can be unsightly and difficult to blend in.

The decision to switch to a ductless mini split/HVAC system will depend on specific needs, budgets and aesthetic considerations. Hopefully this short list can help you consider whether that type of system makes sense, although we do recommend you talk with a qualified HVAC technician to assist you with your specific needs.

The southern US, especially Georgia, is a high temperature/ high humidity environment that is sometimes characterized as “high enthalpy,” which simply means that the heat from the environment is transferred into people’s houses (rather than losing heat OUT of the house in cold northern winters). This condition puts an inordinate strain on air conditioning systems in the southern United States; they face unique challenges due to the region’s long, hot, and humid climate. Thus, AC units in the South run for extended periods of time, sometimes nearly year-round. Because of this heavier than typical usage, air conditioners break down more frequently and for reasons that are less common in other parts of the country. No one wants to lose their air conditioning when it’s 95 degrees outside for days at a time—but that is exactly when the air conditioner is most likely to break down, and here’s why: 

When air conditioning systems aren’t maintained and properly cleaned on a regular basis, dirty or clogged air filters and condenser fins significantly reduce air conditioning efficiency and thus strain blower motors, compressor motors, capacitors, etc. In the South—which is notable for high pollen counts, dust (particulates), and humidity—filters and condensors clog quickly, restricting airflow and forcing systems to work harder. This problem not only reduces cooling performance but also increases energy consumption and utility costs. If left unaddressed, it can lead to overheating and even system failure. Regular filter replacement is one of the simplest yet most overlooked maintenance tasks by homeowners that can prevent larger issues. More importantly, professional cleaning of the condenser and coils by qualified HVAC technicians will substantially improve the efficiency of the entire system.

Because of the increased usage of the air conditioning system and reduced efficiency due to various particulates in the South, electrical and component failures are a major concern. Capacitors, contactors, and motors can wear out more quickly when systems run continuously in high temperatures. I serviced air conditioning systems in Indiana for seven years and replaced one capacitor in that entire period of time. In Georgia, we see capacitor failures every single week. (Thankfully, those kinds of problems are easily remedied, and we keep a stock on hand). No one wants to have to wait for hours to cool their house when the loss of air conditioning could have been prevented by regular maintenance. 

Power surges during summer storms—common in the southern United States—can also damage sensitive electrical components. Atlanta is ranked as the second most likely lightning strike metropolitan area in the United States. A surge protector can go far to protect against this kind of air conditioning break down. Preventive maintenance, including routine inspections and tune-ups, is essential to catch these issues early. By addressing these common problems proactively, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their air conditioning systems and maintain reliable comfort throughout the intense southern heat.

Another widespread problem is leaking of the cooling refrigerant—what used to be called freon (technically R12, which was banned for production in 1996 and then R22, which was banned in 2020—both of which are known as CFCs). Air conditioning systems depend on proper refrigerant levels to cool effectively, but lengthy operations, combined with mechanical vibration and aging components, almost inevitably lead to minute leaks from seals and joints over time. In the hot southern climate, even a minor loss of refrigerant can negatively impact cooling performance and, worse, put additional strain on motors and compressors. Homeowners may experience longer cooling cycles or warmer rather than that pleasing cool air. If not repaired promptly, leaks can permanently damage the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace.

Humidity, as mentioned above, creates other problems and it is especially prevalent in the South. Air conditioners are designed not only to cool but also to remove moisture from the inside air so as to increase the comfort level. However, when systems are improperly sized or poorly maintained, they may struggle to control indoor humidity. This can lead to condensation buildup, mold growth, and water damage around the unit or ductwork, which then creates problems with both the air conditioning system as well as the actual home structure(s).

We often see clogged condensate drain lines caused by algae or debris, due to the increased usage of the air conditioning and lack of proper preventive maintenance. When the condensate pump cannot remove the condensation created by the air conditioning system, either the system shuts down or, worse, water leaks can occur that can damage ceilings, walls, or floors. By the way, a very simple and effective way to prevent clogged condensate lines is to put a few drops of bleach in the condensate pump during the summer months every time you replace your air filter (once a month).

The last common air conditioning issue that occurs is thermostat failure, although this is a problem that occurs equally in both cold and warm weather environments. It does often take a professional to diagnose air conditioning problems and rule out other potential issues before confirming a faulty thermostat—with one large exception. People are surprised by how often their system fails, not due to a faulty thermostat, but simply because of a dead battery. Yes, sad to say, some thermostats will stop functioning properly, especially programmable ones, even though they’re receiving voltage from the air conditioning system, if the battery dies.