Installing A New AC System In Kingsport, TN

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Nate Kiser

Installing A New AC System In Kingsport, TN

We recently installed a new air conditioning system for a business in Kingsport, TN. One of the best compliments we can receive from a customer is when they recommend us to their friends and family. That was the case with this project, which we were happy to be a part of.

We had recently been out to a home to replace an old AC unit for a homeowner. They were so pleased with their estimate and consultation, that they decided to recommend us to her boyfriend, Timothy. He has a business in Kingsport, TN, and their supply warehouse was in need of a new cooling system.

One of our HVAC experts. Nate, went and visited Timothy’s business to see what would be the best solution to keep the warehouse cool and comfortable. When he arrived he saw that this warehouse was used to store ammunition. It’s VERY important for ammunition to be properly stored, for safety reasons, and for longevity. Extreme highs and lows in temperature are not good for storing ammunition, so the proper AC system for this warehouse was crucial for more than just feeling comfortable.

Installing A Trane HVAC System

This business owner decided to go with a 4 ton Trane RunTru AC System. These systems are reliable, and energy efficient. The AC system is going to have to run all day and night during the summer to keep the warehouse temperature regulated. It’s important that they have a system that isn’t going to break down, and won’t use up too much energy in the process. The last thing Timothy wants is to incur new costs for the business, so keeping the energy bills down is important.

The old AC system just wasn’t getting the job done anymore, and it was becoming uncomfortable to work in the warehouse, moving boxes of heavy materials. Now with the new Trane system, the space is cool consistently.

Why Do Warehouses Need To Be Cool?

The last thing any business owner wants to do is spend money unnecessarily. In some cases, you may be able to get away with not cooling a storage space, depending on what was being stored there. In lots of cases with businesses that have a warehouse, there are materials that you don’t want to expose to extreme heat or cold.

This project is a perfect example of that. This business is a munitions supply warehouse. The materials in this warehouse shouldn’t be exposed to very hot or cold extremes. This is the case for LOTS of different businesses, especially ones that have raw materials on hand.

For example, if you are storing building materials like wood and metals, you will want them to be properly stored so heat and cold can’t cause them to warp and change. So not only is it important to make sure that the employees are comfortable, but it’s also important to make sure you are protecting whatever is being stored.

Installing The New Trane Air Conditioner

Timothy decided the day we gave him the estimate to go with our suggestion. We were out the following week and had the system installed in a single day. Whenever we can finish a project in a single day we are always happy about that, and the customer usually is too.

He decided to finance the system after seeing some of the amazing financing options available. The estimated payment is around $127 per month for the new air conditioning system. If he wants to pay it off quicker he can, but he was very pleased with such a reasonable price.

Now the warehouse is cool, and his girlfriend gets some bragging rights for helping him take care of his HVAC problems at work!

Is It Cheaper To Run An Old AC Or Install A New One?

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Nate Kiser

Is It Cheaper To Run An Old AC Or Install A New One?

Air conditioning is one of the essential systems of your home that help you stay comfortable in the Summer. Almost everyone loves to have that AC blasting when they walk in the door from a hot day. The thing people hate about their air conditioners are the costs associated with them. I know when I was growing up, my dad waited until the very last second to turn the AC on, so he could avoid those large energy bills that come along with running the AC. It leads us to the question: Is it cheaper to run an old AC or install a new one?

I have been installing and repairing air conditioners in the area for years, from Emory to Marion, and have seen it all. From systems that haven’t had service in countless Summers, to beautiful well kept ACs that last for 20 years. In some cases, it makes sense to run the old AC, while in others, it could have actually been costing the homeowners more in the long run.

In this article, I’ll go over a little more about how an old AC could be costing you money, and what you should look for to make a decision about installing a new system. If you want to speak to an air conditioning expert right away, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!

How Is Your Old AC Costing You Money?

There are certain cases where an air conditioning system works, but is subtly costing you money. In some situations, it’s obvious that the old AC is putting a dent in your wallet, and in others it may not be so evident.

Frequent Repairs

This is one of the obvious reasons. If your air conditioner is in need of repairs, it is clearly costing you money. It is inevitable that your AC is going to run into some issue over the decade plus lifespan it has, but if it’s happening often, it’s a clear sign this AC is costing you more than it should, and it needs to be replaced.

If the repair is inexpensive, go for it. As long as the system is running well after the repair is performed, you should be in good shape. If the repair is very expensive, it’s a good time to consider an AC replacement.

Your Energy Bills Are Very High

If your energy bills are soaring through the roof, it’s a sign your AC may not be running as efficiently as it should be. Every summer when you turn the air conditioning on, the energy bills are going to rise. But, if they are rising more than in the past, it could be an issue with your system.

We recommend comparing your energy bills to last year’s, and to your energy efficient neighbors’. Lots of energy providers will give you data and statistics about your energy use compared to others, and to your own usage in the past. If you notice that you are using more than you think you should be, it could mean problems with your AC.

We recommend asking a professional to assess the air conditioner, and let you know if this is what is causing the increased energy consumption. This is a clear case of the old AC costing you more than it should.

Your AC Uses Freon

If your air conditioner uses Freon (R-22), it could mean that this older AC is going to cost you a few extra dollars. Freon is a refrigerant used in older AC systems. This gas is harmful to the environment, and in 2020, the U.S. halted production and importation of the substance. Now, if you have an older AC that needs a Freon recharge, it’s going to be VERY expensive.

Today, no AC systems installed are going to use Freon. Most of them use cleaner, more efficient material, notably Puron. This does less damage to the ozone, and also does a better job of providing cooling.

Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?

So if you are experiencing issues with your AC, or you feel that the old system is costing you more than it should, the question of replacing your AC arises. A few things I would consider:

Is Your AC 10+ Years Old?

If your AC is having issues, and it’s 10+ years old, you are close to having to replace it anyway. Sinking money into repairs, especially expensive ones, is just putting off the inevitable replacement.

Is Your AC Cooling The Home?

If your AC isn’t cooling the home properly, have an HVAC technician come out and take a look at your system. You may be in need of service, or an adjustment to your ductwork. You could also just be at the end of the system’s life and need to find a replacement.

Benefits Of A New AC

If you notice these issues with your cooling system, and decide it’s time to make the upgrade to a new air conditioner, it comes along with more than just a cooler home.

Lower energy bills
10+ year long lifespan
Increased comfort
WAY fewer repairs needed
A new warranty
Rebates and tax credits to curb the costs
Better indoor air quality

If you factor in the savings on energy bills, potential rebates and tax credits available for high efficiency HVAC equipment, and the savings from no repairs being needed, sometimes a new AC is the more cost effective option. Especially if you are going to have to replace your air conditioner in the next few years anyway. If you run the old AC into the ground, it could cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars more than it would if you made the switch now.

If you are looking for help with a new air conditioner, just let us know! Complete Comfort has been working in the area for years, servicing, repairing, and installing air conditioners. We can assess your system, and let you know what the best options are to keep your home comfortable all year long!

Can Heat Pumps Cool Your Home?

Posted on February 16, 2024March 7, 2025 by Don Lafferty, Jr

One of the most energy efficient and best ways to keep your home or business comfortable is with a heat pump. Not only do they heat your home in the winter, but they also have the ability to cool your home in the summer. In Bristol, VA and the surrounding areas, heat pumps are one of the most popular ways to keep a home or business comfortable all year long.

I’ve been working with heat pumps for years now, installing heat pump systems, repairing them, and servicing them. It’s become one of my favorite kind of HVAC systems to work with, and that’s because it does such a great job for all of our customers.

This article delves into what heat pumps are, how heat pumps work, and their ability to provide air conditioning as well as heating. We also talk about the advantages of replacing old air conditioners with heat pumps, energy savings, year-round usage, and potential eligibility for rebates or tax credits.

If you are interested in a heat pump for your home or business, but want to learn a little more, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click here to contact us online.

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another using a small amount of energy. It operates on the principle of heat exchange, utilizing refrigerant to absorb heat from one area and release it in another. During colder months, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air or ground and transfers it inside to warm your home. Conversely, in warmer seasons, it reverses the process, removing heat from the interior of your house and releasing it outdoors, thus cooling the indoor environment

Heat pumps use electricity to function. Most heating systems use oil or gas as a source of fuel, but not a heat pump.

Can A Heat Pump Provide Air Conditioning?

Yes, a heat pump can absolutely provide air conditioning. In cooling mode, the heat pump works similarly to a standard air conditioner by extracting indoor heat and expelling it outside, thereby lowering the indoor temperature.

The versatility of a heat pump lies in its reversible cycle, which allows it to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, making it an all-in-one climate control solution. If you have a traditional heating system, you also need to install a separate cooling system, and visa versa.

Why You Should Replace Your Old Air Conditioner With A Heat Pump

Replacing an old air conditioner with a heat pump can be a wise decision for several reasons:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are designed to be highly efficient, as they transfer heat rather than generate it by burning fuel. This process results in lower energy consumption compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
Cost Savings: The improved efficiency of heat pumps translates into reduced energy bills. Over time, these savings can offset the initial investment in a heat pump system.
Environmental Impact: By reducing energy consumption, heat pumps also lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment.
Versatility: A heat pump serves as both a heater and an air conditioner, eliminating the need for separate systems and thereby saving space and maintenance efforts.

Do Heat Pumps Save Energy?

Yes, heat pumps save energy. It’s the reason they qualify for the biggest tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and homeowners are becoming so fond of installing them.

They utilize electricity to move heat rather than generate it, which is a more efficient process. For every unit of electricity used by a heat pump, it can transfer up to three times more heat energy. This efficiency can lead to significant energy savings, especially when compared to conventional heating and cooling methods that rely on the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy.

They also have less of an impact on the environment. This is the reason they were included in the IRA, and are part of the solution to reduce our emissions.

Can You Use A Heat Pump All Year?

Absolutely, heat pumps are designed for year-round use. In the winter, they provide efficient heating by extracting heat from the outside air—even in cold temperatures—and transferring it indoors. During the summer months, the process is reversed to cool your home by removing indoor heat and releasing it outside.

Being able to both heat and cool make heat pumps an excellent investment for anyone who is interested in replacing or upgrading their home comfort situation. If you have an air conditioner or a furnace that seems to be on its last legs, think about installing a heat pump and reducing the amount of HVAC systems you need from 2 to 1.

Do Heat Pumps Qualify For Rebates Or Tax Credits?

The short answer is yes! Heat pumps qualify for tax credits up to $2000 as a part of the Inflation Reduction Act, depending on the level of efficiency. In our area, Appalachian Power is also offering rebates on Heat Pump Water Heaters, and Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps.

The government and local utility companies want to reduce the amount of energy we consume, and the impact we have on the environment. This is why they offer a few incentives and discounts for homeowners and businesses that install energy efficient equipment!

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Tag: ac installation