Home Improvement

Landscaping Around Outdoor HVAC Units

Home Improvement
Landscaping Around Outdoor HVAC Units

Trees and bushes can damage your HVAC system without proper care. Discover the best ways to landscape around your outdoor system.

 

 

Leave the proper clearance

When planning the landscaping around your air conditioning unit, you want to leave adequate space between the unit and your plants to avoid restricting airflow around the coils. Make sure plants are at least 2-3 feet from the unit on all sides, and plan the landscaping so that the air conditioner is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. If you have trees or other plants growing above the unit, trim regularly to keep a 5-foot clearance between them and the air conditioner.

Make the most of the shade

In addition to making the area look more natural, landscaping around your air conditioner can actually help improve its efficiency. Shade cast on the air conditioner keeps the temperature down so the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.

Choose the right plants

There are a lot of plant options to choose from when planning landscaping around your air conditioner. If possible, look for plants that don’t lose their leaves during the colder months. This will reduce the amount of sweeping and raking you do to keep the area clear of debris. Hedges are a common choice, and can be trimmed to your desired shape and height. Building a lattice around the A/C unit and landscaping with climbing plants is also a relatively simple and attractive option. Whatever landscaping options you choose, make sure to trim plants, hedges and trees near the air conditioner regularly to maximize airflow and efficiency.

Buying an Older Home: HVAC Checklist

Home Improvement
Buying an Older Home: HVAC Checklist

Ask your inspector the right questions during your home evaluation.

When purchasing an older home, make sure the HVAC system is working properly.

Classic craftsman old American house exterior in red and white.

Check the furnace

With any home purchase, make sure to have the furnace checked by a certified technician during the home inspection. Your technician should be able to tell you the condition of the older furnace, and let you know about any potential repairs or costs you could face in the near future.

With your realtor’s help, you may even be able to subtract all or part of the cost of the furnace from the seller’s asking price. If the existing furnace does pass inspection, have it rechecked annually. Be sure to keep your family safe by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Check the air conditioners

If your older home does not have an air conditioning system, you may be wondering how much it will cost to install a new central air conditioner. Your local Trane dealer can provide you with a quote including the cost of installation, labor and equipment.

Even if the home does have an existing central air conditioning system, you may still consider replacing it. Older air conditioners are usually less efficient than newer models, and replacing old systems could result in significant energy savings over the life of the system. Check out SEER ratings to compare the energy efficiency of different models.

Check the ductwork

Keep in mind that some older homes have electric or steam radiant heat. If that’s the case, and your home has no ductwork, you have two options:

 

  • Ductwork can be installed throughout your home. While this can be an invasive and expensive option, you can work with your contractor to minimize the ductwork visibility, while still efficiently moving air to all parts of the house.
  • You may also opt for a ductless system. As the name suggests, these systems do not require ducts, but rather run small refrigerant and drainage lines from an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units.

Renovating an Older Home

Home Improvement
Renovating an Older Home

Here are a few things you need to know before you start a home renovation project

Historic homes are full of character, but sometimes they also need repairs and renovations.

couple picking paint colors for their house

Changing kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom updates are often first on the list for many homeowners to tackle. From knocking down walls to simply repainting your cabinets, you can update your kitchen to reflect a modern style while still maintaining the charm of your older home.

Bathroom remodeling may include updating the plumbing or replacing the shower and tub depending on the age of the home. You can start small with a coat of paint and a new vanity, or remodel the entire bathroom for a fresh, new look.

A huge upside to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms is that it will increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell.

Updating windows, insulation and heating/cooling

Many homeowners are drawn to cosmetic updates, but maintaining a comfortable, efficient home should also be top of your list. Depending on your budget, there are many heating and cooling options for older homes.

A home built some time ago may not have a whole-house air conditioning system installed. There are several ways to approach this, and a we can walk you through your options. You may also find that the heating systems for older homes are inefficient and need updating. For best results, consider new windows and insulation to prevent drafts and keep cold air out in the winter and warm air out in the summer as a great addition to installing a new HVAC unit.

Make quick, low-budget updates

Don’t have the budget for a major overhaul? Start small. Replace the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms for an instant, modern look without breaking the bank.

You can also stop by your hardware store and pick up paint and supplies. Painting a room yourself will save you on the cost of hiring a painter and fresh paint can transform a room. Don’t forget to apply fresh paint to the ceilings, too. New curtains or blinds and colorful accent furniture can also brighten a room.

Heating and Cooling and In-Law Suite

Home Improvement
Heating and Cooling and In-Law Suite

Add more living space to your property by adding an in-law suite

Despite the common name, in-law suites don’t have to only be for in-laws. You can use your new living space for family members, or even rent it out as an apartment to tenants for extra income.

An in-law suite is simply a smaller residence, usually near the main house. These suites are often converted garages, basements or attics. Before beginning construction, talk to a us and be sure to consider local regulations.

Square footage

Since the square footage will be significantly smaller than a typical home, heating and cooling the in-law suite will require a less powerful system. Your local dealer can help you find an HVAC system configuration that will match the size and layout of your home’s added living space.

Ductwork

During the planning stage, you’ll have to decide whether ductwork will be installed, and where it will be positioned in relation to the HVAC system. If you decide not to install ductwork, ductless heating and cooling systems are a popular choice for smaller-footprint homes.

Utilities

If your home’s added living space will be fed by both natural gas and electric lines, you’ll have a wide range of heating and cooling options for your in-law suite. However, if the residence will be electric only, your choices will be more limited. Talk to your local Trane dealer to learn about the HVAC options available with your utility configuration.

Get an estimate from your local dealer

Planning the heating and cooling system is a vital part of building an in-law suite, so be sure to contact your local Trane dealer to learn about your HVAC options before breaking ground. Choosing the right HVAC system at the outset will be much more cost effective than adding a new system to an existing structure.

Heating and Cooling an Addition to Your Home with Ductless Systems

Home Improvement
Heating and Cooling an Addition to Your Home with Ductless Systems

Find the best way to heat and cool your new space

Thinking about adding on to your home, but not sure about the best way to heat and cool your new space? A ductless system may be the most cost-effective option for your addition and it could help you reduce energy costs.

Man is turning on ductless air condition by remote control

How Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating Works

Ductless HVAC systems create a comfortable environment for separate indoor spaces where it might be impractical or expensive to add new ductwork. These types of systems have two components — an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

The outdoor unit will be similar to a traditional HVAC system. The only difference is whether it’s connected to a single indoor unit or multiple indoor units. The indoor ductless units come in a variety of styles, including high wall units, concealed and cassette designs, as well as floor/ceiling and console units. You can choose your indoor unit based on your personal style, space design and desired features.

3 Reasons to Go Ductless

  1. You’ll save energy (and the planet!)
    Ductwork for central air systems can lose energy, especially if it runs through unconditioned spaces like attics or basement to get to your addition. A ductless system makes sure all the air goes right into your space, reducing your energy costs and impact on the environment.
  2. You’ve got creative control
    Most ductless heating and cooling systems use wireless or wired controllers that let you easily operate your system, even if your indoor units are mounted on the ceiling or wall. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience try Trane Ductless Systems. Their controls take comfort to the next level with an “I Feel” function. This feature allows your controller to read the temperature from your exact location in the room and adjusts the heating and cooling for maximum comfort. No more hot spots or cold zones!
  3. You can keep things flexible
    A ductless system provides spot heating and cooling that operates separately from your central system, so your new master bedroom or media room can be as cool or warm as you like. You can also mix and match multiple indoor units to create a multi-zone system for customized comfort. Think you may continue to add on to your new space later? Go ahead and get additional ports to allow for future expansion.

Ductless systems are one of your best bets for custom temperature control in added-on rooms, especially when you want an energy efficient air conditioner and heating system that is cost-effective.

5 Steps to Prep Your Home for Sale

Home Improvement
5 Steps to Prep Your Home for Sale

Make your home more appealing to buyers, so you can sell faster at the right price

Selling a house can be stressful. But if you take the time do your homework (we know, bad joke), you can quickly tackle a few improvements to make your home more appealing to buyers.

greg goad realty

1. Talk to a Realtor.

Before you start making any changes to your home, consult a realtor who knows what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood. Greg Goad a realtor in Atlanta, GA , is always ready to help — “When I first meet with a new client, I guide them on market conditions, pricing, expectations for time on the market and repairs and updates needed for listing.”

Your realtor can give you insight into which updates will pay off and which ones are a waste of time and money. They can also recommend preferred contractors, such as HVAC experts like Trane Comfort Specialists.

2. Consider getting an inspection before listing your house.

“Known issues that are not addressed must be disclosed to potential buyers and could tarnish their impression of the home”, says Monzitta. That’s why you might want to be proactive and schedule your own home inspection before you put your house on the market.

Inspections can help you competitively price your house and alert you to problems that require repairs or replacement. The more you know, the less there’s a chance for surprises to pop up later in the selling process. Plus, you can manage your repairs budget, instead of answering to the demands of a buyer.

PRO TIP: Don’t be afraid to spend a little money to fix a potential dealbreaker like a leaky roof, broken window or old appliance. An example — if your inspector discovers that your air conditioner is on its last leg, consider replacing it with a more energy efficient HVAC system that could appeal to buyers and add value to your selling price.

3. Make a few cosmetic improvements.

Curb appeal matters, so invest in a handful of upgrades that’ll make your home look great. According to Monzitta, “Updated kitchens and bathrooms are very important to buyers. Extensive outdoor living space also makes your home more marketable”.

Improving these areas could be as simple as new paint or seasonal plants. Landscaping and trimming your yard, cleaning gutters, pressure washing, neutral colored paint and a fresh welcome mat can make your home look more inviting to buyers.

4. Clean from top to bottom.

If you want to make your house really shine, then literally make it shine by cleaning every nook and cranny. Hire a professional window washer to let the light in and make your home look brighter. Bring in a house cleaner to make sure every spot is spotless. Find a professional organizer who can thin out your closets and clear the clutter. They can also help you figure out the best way to store your stuff while you’re staging your home for potential buyers.

PRO TIP: Hit the dollar store to snag some affordable decor to freshen up your kitchen or bath. A new set of towels, shower curtain and rugs will make a big difference at your open house.

5. Take It One Step at a Time.

If you can’t make all the improvements at once, it’s okay. Work with your Realtor to determine which ones will get the most bang for your buck right off the bat. Then have a plan to try different upgrades over time if your home isn’t selling. Trying doing one big repair and a few smaller cosmetic fixes to start.

Don’t forget to set aside extra money in case you need to make more improvements after the buyer’s inspection or if your home stays on the market for longer than expected.

Make Your Rental Home Appealing To Guests

Home Improvement
Make Your Rental Home Appealing To Guests

Boost your summer rental income with these cool updates

With over 4 million short-term vacation rentals competing for bookings on sites like HomeAway and Airbnb, catching the eye of a great guest can be tough. Keep your vacation rental top of mind this summer by making it look easy and breezy for vacationers to rent your space. Make a few summertime tweaks, update your listing and off you go!

 

Teapot between two potted plants on windowsill

 

Brighten Your Decor

You don’t have to completely redecorate, but making a few adjustments can quickly add a summer vacation feel to your Airbnb or HomeAway rental. Ditch the fuzzy blankets and dark, wintery colors. Then create an island vibe with greens, blues, oranges and yellows. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Add seasonal throw pillows and linens with vibrant colors. Liven it up even more with vacation-themed decor.
  • Replace fuzzy winter rugs with summery sisal rugs.
  • Turn your bathroom into a tropical paradise with a fresh shower curtain and coconut-scented soap.
  • Fill a mason jar with water and pop in some beautiful blooms.
  • Take down dark artwork and put up your most memorable vacation photos, maps of local attractions and cool travel art.
  • Include some locally-sourced decorations in your space. This could be as easy as filling a small dish with shells or stones you’ve picked up on your own travels.
  • Use keepsakes from your favorite trips to decorate the rooms, inspire your guests and spark conversation.

Play Up Summer Activities

Your guests aren’t just sleeping and showering at your rental property — they’ll be hanging out, having fun and ready to live it up like a local. Help them enjoy their stay even more by giving their summer adventures a jump start. Summertime essentials like these will make them hit that Book button!

 

  • Outdoor dining and lounging area with great patio furniture
  • Fire pit for friends and family to gather around
  • Hammock or porch swing for afternoon relaxing
  • Local guidebooks and magazines, plus a personal list of your favorite activities and restaurants
  • Toys — bicycles, floats, kayaks, hiking poles or whatever the locals use to play
  • Books and board games for rainy days

Showcase a Cool Air Conditioning Unit

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a beautiful vacation rental and discovering that it’s hot, humid and you can’t sleep at night. Make sure your guests’ environment is as comfortable as their own home — with the right air conditioning unit.

Before your summer rental season starts, change your air filters and get your air conditioning unit serviced. You should also consider investing in a regular maintenance agreement that includes spring and fall service, so you’ll be ready for guests year-round. It’s an affordable way to take a vacation from complaints and have peace of mind that your renters will be comfortable during their stay.

If you’re outfitting a new Airbnb rental or upgrading your HVAC unit, look into getting a ductless cooling and heating system. Ductless systems, like Trane single- and multi-zone ductless, are very popular for rentals and allow your guests to control their own temperature and comfort. And because ductless systems are a closed system with no ductwork, they’re more energy efficient and will help you save money on electric bills.

Spread the Word (and Pictures!)

Once you’ve turned your space into a vacation haven, be sure to take new photos and update your rental listing — even show off your awesome air conditioning! Don’t forget to update your property’s title and description to mention the updates you made for the summer travelers. It’s could be as simple as GREAT SUMMER GETAWAY. These words and images will paint the perfect picture, so potential guests can imagine themselves enjoying the ideal vacation week or weekend in your home-away-from-home.

How Loud is a Decibel? Why Quiet Appliances Make a Difference

Home Improvement
How Loud is a Decibel? Why Quiet Appliances Make a Difference

The secret to buying appliances that aren't too loud for your home

The question really isn’t how loud is a decibel, but how loud is too loud?

A decibel (dB) is simply a unit used to measure the intensity of sounds. On the decibel scale, near total silence is 0 dB. A sound 10 times as intense would be measured as 10 dB. A noise 100 times as intense would be registered as 20 dB. Decibels can add up quickly and make a lot of noise.

Why does this matter to you as a homeowner?

Decibels come into play when you’re choosing appliances and household items that make noise. Ideally, you want appliances that are silent. At the very least, you should have ones that won’t drown out a conversation or your favorite TV show.

To better understand the power of decibels in your home, check out this list:

Common sounds and decibel ratings

Near total silence 0 dB
Whisper 15 dB
Typical conversation 60 dB
Lawnmower 90 dB
Jet engine 120 dB
Firecracker 140 dB

How does this impact your appliance choices?

The important number to remember is 60 dB, the level of an average conversation between two people. You don’t want to buy any appliances that run louder than that. Otherwise you’ll be competing with your dishwasher for the last word during dinner.

That said, appliances with a dBA rating of 38-40 dBA are considered to be silent. Which means you won’t hear it over your conversation and other background noise. Many common appliances do creep above the conversation range — garbage disposals and blenders usually run in the 80s. But they don’t bother most people, since they’re only running for a short burst of time.

You run into trouble when appliances that run for extended periods are too loud. Like your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or air conditioner. When you shop for appliances that are located inside your home, shoot for a rating between 40-50 dB. Equipment that’s outside of your home, like an HVAC system, can go a little higher to 70 or 80 dB, since you won’t be exposed to the sound all the time.

To make it easy on shoppers, most product websites will display their decibel ratings. For example, Trane does this for its air conditioners and other systems..

Remember, purchasing quieter appliances won’t only make the sound levels in your current home more bearable, but it’s a smart upgrade to look for in a new home or make when you’re selling your house.

KEY TAKEAWAY: When shopping for appliances, remember that the average conversation is 60 dB. With this number in mind, also consider how long the appliances will be running during its normal cycle, if it’s located indoors or outdoors and how close you’ll be to the appliance during your day-to-day routine. Those factors will help you decide if it has a decibel rating you can live with.

How to Hide an Ugly HVAC Unit

Home Improvement
How to Hide an Ugly HVAC Unit

Clever ways to disguise an HVAC unit that’s ugly or in the way

Not all HVAC systems can be as good looking or unstoppable as a Trane. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and disguise an ugly unit or hide nice, new equipment that’s simply in the way. Fortunately, there are great products and tips available to help make the job easy. Just make sure they are placed far enough away from your unit that they don’t compromise the airflow and efficiency of your HVAC system. Now, check out these clever disguises!

Greenery Privacy Screen from Brylane Home

Here’s a smart way to hide your HVAC unit. Pretend it’s a bush. This faux ivy leaf netting mimics a tall hedge, so no one will guess what’s behind it and they’ll think you’re a great landscaper. It’s also easy to clean and maintain — just spray it with your hose. Keep in mind that you will need a fence to attach it to. If you prefer the real thing, here are some tips for doing your own landscaping around your HVAC unit.

Wicker Screen Enclosure by Suncast

This charming wicker screen will give your backyard a cottage garden feel and keep your HVAC unit tucked out of sight. It’s made from steel and resin so it’s extra durable. It’s also powder-coated to resist rust, mildew and fading. One of the best features is that it’s flexible and can be arranged in multiple ways to suit your needs. You will need to assemble it, but it’s freestanding so you don’t need to attach it to another structure.

3-Panel Wood Screen at Bonanza

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward covering, this low lattice-style screen might be right for you. It’s easy to assemble and the hinged design makes it flexible to configure. One of the wins for this enclosure is that it comes in 4 colors — brown, natural, white and grey wash.

Red Cedar Lattice Panels on Ebay

If you’re the handy type who likes a little extra help, these pre-assembled panels are perfect. The red cedar blends well into natural settings, but you can easily paint it if that’s your style. The design isn’t your traditional lattice look, which will make your screen stand out — in a good way. Because these are sold as individual panels, you have the flexibility to order as many as you need and build the screen of your dreams.

Striped Screening from Dream Products

A geometric design like this is right at home in a modern outdoor area. You can choose from green and white stripes or brown and white stripes. The only snag is that you’ll need a fence or wooden structure to hang the plastic mesh screen on. It may work best as a decorative element on top of one of the other wooden screen options.

4-Panel Bamboo Screen by Master Garden Products

This screen has an Asian flair and an interesting bamboo design that would look great in a Japanese garden or tropical backyard retreat. The 4-panel design is a nice feature because it will be big enough to conceal any size HVAC unit you want to hide. The folding panels also make it flexible to configure.

Cedar Garden Fence by CritterGuard

Technically, this is a garden fence designed to keep animals from eating your vegetables and plants. But the creative homeowner with a green thumb may want to try putting this around their HVAC unit as a screen. Then you can grow flowering vines on the fence for a one-of-a-kind disguise.

What does the R-22 phase out mean for you and your home heating and cooling system?

Home Improvement
What does the R-22 phase out mean for you and your home heating and cooling system?

Effective January 1, 2020, Freon will be illegal to import or manufacture in the US. Find out what you need to do if your heating and cooling system was made prior to 2010.

Freon, or R-22, the most common refrigerant in residential air conditioners over the past several decades, will be illegal to import or manufacture starting January 1, 2020. How does this affect you and your home heating and cooling system? Here’s everything you need to know about the new regulations and what you should do if you’re still using an R-22 HVAC system.

What is the R-22 phase out?

In 2010, the EPA banned the production of any new systems that used R-22 due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. In addition, they mandated a complete ban on manufacturing or importing the chemical itself starting January 1, 2020.

What is R-22?

Freon is the common name for HCFC-22 and R-22 – the chemicals that are the most popular refrigerants that have been used in AC units over the past decades. In a properly working unit, your Freon level shouldn’t change. However, if a repair is needed and the Freon leaks, replacing this Freon will be difficult and increasingly expensive.

What type of coolant is legal?

The EPA has a list of acceptable coolants for multiple products. All Trane units manufactured since 2010 use R-410A.

What does the R-22 phase out mean for me?

Honestly, it depends. First thing you need to know is whether your current system uses R-22 or not. If it does, you can continue to service your system but at some point in the future, any replacement Freon will be increasingly hard to get and more expensive – so an upgrade to a newer model may make more sense rather than costly repairs.

How do I know if my air conditioner uses R-22?

If you’ve purchased a new HVAC system since 2010 you should be fine. However, if you have an older system, you can check your unit to find out what type of coolant is uses. Look for the sticker on the side, if it says “HCFC-22 or R-22” your system uses the older coolant that the EPA is phasing out.

I have an older air conditioner that uses R-22. Do I need to replace it?

No. If your system is running smoothly, you don’t need to change a thing. Your Freon levels should not change in a properly running system. However, if you have a leak or other issue, replacement R-22 will be hard to find and expensive. You may find that a newer air conditioner makes more sense now and over time.

Can I swap out R-22 for an approved coolant in my unit?

For some systems, it’s possible to retrofit your current unit to operate with one of the approved coolants. However, depending on your unit and the type of coolant it uses, this process can either be very simple or incredibly difficult and expensive. Talk to a us to see what’s possible for your system.

Subscribe to Home Improvement

Need Help?

Give us a call
Trane
Complete Heating & Cooling System from $109.99/mo

Includes: up to 5 ton AC, Cooling Coil, 80% AFUE Furnace and Thermostat. All Repairs & Service - No Charge EVER. No money down with approved credit.

Get Discount
Schedule Service Today
Schedule Your Free Estimate