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FAQ page
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Arent Boilers Old Fashioned?Not at all! Boilers have come a long way since the one you might remember from your grandparents’ house. Today’s models operate much more efficiently than those of long ago, and some models can double as water heaters. A boiler can last 10 to 15 years—or even longer with proper maintenance.
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Can A Leaking Water Heater Be Fixed?Yes, there are times that a leak from your water heater can be fixed with repair and avoid replacement, but in troubleshooting, you should schedule a visit from a local hot water heater contractor to ensure the best route of recovery for your system
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Can You Deal With Drain Blockages on Your Own?Drain cleaning and minor unblocking are key facets of proper drain maintenance, but some problems are too severe for your household handyman. If your blockage is below your U-pipe, everyday solutions are unlikely to work. Household drain cleaners shouldn’t be used on toilets, so they need the kind of attention only professionals can manage. If your connections are rusted, only industrial tools will be effective.
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Different Heat Pump Compressor TypesWhat’s the difference between single, two-stage, and variable speed compressors? Single-stage compressors have one output speed – high. Two-stage compressors operate most often at about 65% of total capacity, but full capacity during extreme temps. A variable-speed compressor has a fan motor that can move at different speeds and controls the amount of air dispersed in a home. A single-stage unit may offer the lowest initial investment, but it can cause high monthly energy bills. A two-stage unit is quieter and more efficient, while variable speed units are the most intelligent on the market and can save you big on energy costs over their lifetime.
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Do A Slow Moving And Clogged Drain Indicate The Same Problem?Slow-moving drains can be an early sign of clogging, but they’re also a red flag for myriad other problems. Your pipes might have narrowed from sediment buildup, which needs heat treatment rather than mechanical strength. A universal blockage may also be caused by a badly graded drainage plan. If so, your land might need to be reshaped.
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Do Plumbers Fix Garbage Disposals?Disposal repair falls into an odd place in the world of home services. Many electricians, plumbers, and general contractors handle this service—though if you had to pick one, we would recommend the plumber. Luckily for you, Bovio Rubino Service covers all of the above, and we have no trouble performing complete repairs. Note that if you need garbage disposal replacement, you need to get in touch with a plumber to ensure drain lines and water lines are intact
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Do Several Drain Blockages Indicate the Same Problem?Simultaneous blockages warn you of a serious blockage that usually involves your main sewer drainage pipe. Bubbling in your sinks and toilets is also a red flag for this problem. If your plumbing fixtures are causing blockages in other fixtures, the issue is usually further down where both drains connect. That generally requires an industrial snaking tool and a professional plumber.
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Does A Duct Cleaning Help My HVAC System?YES! A duct cleaning clears out the debris and buildup in your ducts, giving your HVAC system an easier path to blow the treated air. If you have a duct system that stops this air, it only makes the system work harder, costing you more in energy bills and shortening the lifespan of the system.
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How Can I Keep My Warranty Valid?With a warranty usually comes some fine print about what you need to do to keep it valid. Most of the time regular service is required, and certain aftermarket parts are not allowed to be used on your system. Making sure the service is done yearly is most important for a warranty, and for the health of your HVAC system!
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How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Building?Making sure the air in your building is clean is more important than people realize. It’s the air everyone in your building is putting into their lungs for hours a day and can have a significant impact on health. A few easy ways to improve the air quality in your building are to install an air scrubber, which will clean the air in your building, or to do the minimum—just make sure the air filters in your HVAC system are changed regularly
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How Do I Avoid Clogged Drains?Avoid flushing anything but paper and waste down the toilet, and do not flush “flushable” moist wipes, hygiene products, or paper towels. Dispose of cooled cooking oils and grease in the garbage, and use baskets or strainers on drains to keep food particles, hair, and foreign objects out of sink and tub drains.
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How Do I Know I Need Heating Repair?
It’s important to call for heating repair at the first signs of a problem so you can prevent further damage to your heating equipment and avoid an unexpected disruption in service. Signs include:
- Lack of comfort – A heating repair expert will quickly diagnose the issue and find a solution to restore comfort to your home.
- Strange noises – Call for heating repair if you notice any sudden, loud, or unusual noises coming from your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, including rattling, banging, squealing, humming, and more.
- Unusual odors – An acrid, metallic smell may be a sign of damaged wiring, while a smell resembling rotten eggs is indicative of a gas leak, and you should immediately evacuate your home and call for emergency heating repair.
- Weak airflow – This issue may be caused by a clogged air filter, disconnected, dirty, or damaged ducts, or the vents may be blocked by draperies, furnishings, or other objects.
- Increased dust production – If you find yourself needing to dust more often, it may be time to change your air filter or have your ducts inspected and/or cleaned.
- Rising energy bills – An unexpected rise in the cost of energy is a sign your heating system is losing efficiency and may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Uneven temperatures between rooms – If some rooms are warmer than others, your heating system may be improperly sized for your home or there may be issues with your ductwork. Check to ensure all supply vents are open and free of obstruction before calling for heating system repair.
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How Do I Reset A Breaker?Breakers will move toward the “off” position when they trip. To reset a breaker, turn it fully off, then back on
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How Do I Thaw A Frozen Pipe?While gentle heat can thaw a pipe, it is often best to call a professional. Pipes can crack or burst in hidden locations, and thawing may actually increase the chances of water damage as the ice melts and water pressure returns
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How Do You Reset A Garbage Disposal?The reset button located on the bottom of your disposal (the big red one!) is functionally like a breaker. If the disposal makes no noise, isn’t working, or has overheated, it may “trip” and need to be reset. This is your go-to in an attempt to fix the disposal, but if it trips twice in one day or this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to start dialing your garbage disposal repairman!
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How Long Does A Garbage Disposal Typically Last?Provided that the disposal has been maintained and used correctly, you should be able to expect around 10 years of good service without needing a garbage disposal replacement.
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How Long Does a Water Heater Last?Typically, most water heaters can perform well for 10 years. After that, it’s time to consider a replacement
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How Long Does HVAC Equipment Last?Most furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps will last 12 to 15 years, though some can last up to 20 years. A replacement should be considered when your equipment is over 15 years old, it develops major problems, it needs frequent repairs, or it becomes extremely inefficient and costly to operate
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How Long Should Your Commercial HVAC System Last?HVAC systems are a lot like cars. You should have them for 10+ years as long as you also have regular service, and make sure you don’t leave them unattended for years at a time. Anything between 10-15 years should be considered a success when it comes to the lifespan of your HVAC system!
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How Long Will a Heating System Last?
Even the most well-maintained heating system will eventually need to be replaced—but how long can you expect it to last? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the frequency of maintenance, proper sizing, usage, and more, and the type of heating system in place:
- Furnace – 15 to 20 years
- Boiler – 20 to 25 years
- Heat pump – 10 to 15 years
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How Much Does It Cost To Install A Furnace?The answer can depend very heavily on a wide range of factors. The efficiency of your furnace or central heating system, its size, the type of home the system is being installed in, and which of the local furnace installation companies you choose will all impact furnace installation cost.
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How Much Does It Cost To Install A New HVAC System?A new central heating system installation or HVAC system installation in New Jersey can cover a wide range of prices based on the type of system you choose, whether or not you need ductwork installed, and the rates offered by your heating contractor.
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How Often Should My Ducts Be Cleaned?Your ducts should be cleaned every 2-5 years depending on the situation. If you have people in your home with respiratory issues, you should absolutely consider this once every other year. If you have smaller children or elderly people in your home, this may also require more frequent cleanings. If your system is serviced regularly and your filters are changed, you may be able to wait longer than 2 years.
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How Often Should My HVAC Equipment Be Serviced?Annual service is the minimal requirement for most systems. At Bovio Rubino Service, we recommend two maintenance visits a year, typically in the spring and fall. This allows both the heating system and the cooling system to be serviced before and after the appropriate season. Our maintenance agreements are a great way to ensure your HVAC equipment receives all the care it needs on a regular schedule.
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How Often Should My System Be Serviced?Your commercial heating and cooling systems should be serviced at least once a year. You wouldn’t go years without changing the oil in your car, so why would you go years without having one of the key components of your building checked on? It’s important to remember that keeping your system serviced regularly will not only keep it running for years longer, but it will keep it running efficiently, for less money!
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How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?Your drains might be hidden, but they still need regular maintenance. Uncleaned drains harbor dangerous microorganisms, so disinfect them every week. A deep monthly clean is a key preventive habit, but you should hire a professional to perform a deeper clean every year
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How Often Should You Replace Your Heating System?If you’re religious about your annual maintenance schedule, your equipment can last you two decades. With preventive maintenance in place, you’ll only need to start considering replacing your equipment after 15 years.
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Im Pretty Handy Can I Install A Boiler Myself?The answer is not just no, but no way! Boilers seem simple, but they are actually complex machines—that’s what gives them some of their best advantages, like quiet, consistent operation. These are not DIY projects. To make sure you have the right size boiler for your home, and to keep it working well for years to come, you should have a professional install and maintain it. Our technicians are NATE-certified and factory-trained, so you can trust they’ll provide you with a quality installation service.
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Is Duct Cleaning A Long And Messy Process?n one short word… nope. A duct cleaning should take no longer than one day, and we clean up after ourselves! The end result is a house that will stay CLEANER than it was before we arrived.
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Ive Never Chosen A Furnace Before And It Seems Pretty Complicated What Do I Need To Know?Good news: It doesn’t have to be complicated! Bovio Rubino Service’s NATE-certified technicians can help you every step of the way as you choose the right furnace for your home. There are essentially three decision points when it comes to choosing a furnace: fuel (gas or electric), efficiency (a more efficient model will cost more upfront but save you money on utilities in the long run), and size (based on several factors, including your home’s square footage, layout, and number of windows).
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My Drain Keeps Getting Clogged How Can I Prevent That?
Frequent drain blockages can usually be avoided. Flushing large objects can cause stubborn indoor problems, so throw hard-to-flush items like paper towels and sanitary products in the dustbin. Hair is another frequent offender, but it’s a little more difficult to manage. Installing a mesh screen over your drains can help, as can brushing before every shower. Use a baking-soda-and-vinegar rinse once a week.
Oils and grease are also notorious for their blocking powers. They harden when cooled, so it’s best to pour them into a container for trash disposal.
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My Furnace Is Older Than 20 Years But Its Still Working Fine Do I Need To Replace It?You don’t have to, but you should start thinking about your replacement plan. When furnaces die, they die fast, and a dead furnace in the middle of winter is no fun for anyone. Planning your replacement for a convenient time means you can ensure a new, functional furnace for cold weather. Plus, newer models operate more efficiently, so you’ll use less energy for the same amount of heat. Translation: A new furnace means lower energy bills. Until you’re ready to replace, keep up with annual maintenance and filter changes to keep your older furnace in good working order.
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My Old Furnace Works Fine Why Should I Consider Replacing It?
The benefits of replacing an old but functional furnace include:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Enhanced comfort with options such as variable speed and zoned heating
- Correct sizing to resolve uneven temperatures between rooms
- Cost savings through reduced energy usage
- Prevent unexpected mid-season breakdowns or system failure
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My System Starts Fine But Then It Shuts Off And My House Never Gets Warm Whats Happening?This is one of the most common HVAC problems. It’s aptly called short-cycling and is often caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. It can also be a sign of inadequate insulation or flawed installation practices. If your system short cycles the moment it’s installed, your HVAC professional might have given you an under or oversized system. If your insulation and airflow are suboptimal, a simple air filter cleanse might be enough. If your luck has run out, though, you might need a more substantial improvement in your attic and wall insulation.
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Should I Call A Plumber For A Clogged Drain?If basic plungers, pipe snakes, or other at-home methods fail, it’s best to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Too much force or the use of harsh chemical drain cleaners can actually damage the pipes, making the problem much more expensive to repair.
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Should I Leave The Ac On All Day?If you are not at home, you can save money by turning the air conditioner down or shutting it off. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the system automatically so that your house is cool and comfortable when you arrive home from work.
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Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?Most water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be considered for replacement. There are also warning signs that failure is pending, including rusty water, rumbling and noise coming from the unit, water pooling around the unit, and more.
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Theres Hot Air Coming From My Ducts But It Smells Awful Is The Problem In The Ducts Or Heater?It could be either. If you’re picking up a chemical or electrical scent, something might be overheating. If the scent is more moldy than electrical, your vents or air filter might be damp or clogged. Restricted airflow can cause mold, so you might have a problem with both your ducts and heater. Hire a certified professional to make sure your motor wiring is intact.
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What Are Some Of The Advantages Of Boilers?If you’re accustomed to heating your home with a furnace, you might have never considered installing a boiler. But consider this: Boilers operate without any ductwork, making them a great choice for older homes and eliminating the chore of maintaining ducts and checking for air leaks. Not only that, boilers operate silently, heating your home consistently (no cold spots!). And because they operate through radiant heat (versus forced air), they’re great if you suffer from allergies or dust sensitivities.
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What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze?Typically, freezing occurs when airflow or heat transfer is impeded by a clogged air filter, a duct obstruction, dirty coils, or a faulty fan. Other causes can include low refrigerant or compressor problems.
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What Causes Hot Water Heaters To Stop Working?There are many components of your water heater that could lead to failure, including issues with the pilot light, heating element, thermostat, and more. It’s best to have a professional water heater repair contractor take a look to diagnose the real issue.
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What Do Air Conditioner And Heat Pump Ratings Mean?If you see a rating associated with your furnace or air conditioner, it usually has to do with the efficiency of your equipment. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy efficient your system will be. This goes a long way at the most extreme times of the season when your energy bills are normally very high.
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What Does HSPF Rating Mean?HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is the ratio of BTU heat output and the watt-hours of electricity used over the heating season. BTU is a measurement of the energy efficiency of an appliance: how much heat is required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. So an HSPF rating compares how much heat a heater produces to how much energy it uses. the higher the percentage the more efficient the product. HSPF can range from 6.8 to 10. The lowest HSPF rating for a heating pump to be considered ENERGY STAR rated is 8.2 for single package units and 8.5 for split systems.
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What Does SEER Rating Mean?SEER, Seasonal Energy Efficient Ration, is “The total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in BTUs, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner or heat pump during the same season, expressed in watt-hours,” according to the Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute. Basically, it’s the heat removed compared to the energy used in the warm months, a measure of the efficiency of a cooling system. The higher the SEER rating the better the system. By comparison, most window air condition units have SEER ratings of 10, while home systems have SEER ratings of 14 or better.
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What Happens In A Duct Cleaning?With the use of Roto-Vision Video Inspection Cameras, we take a look at your system to see where there is buildup. Then we use state-of-the-art tools to vacuum your duct system, then use the cameras again to be sure your ducts are clean!
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What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Gas Furnace?Typically, a gas furnace should operate effectively for between 10 and 15 years with no issues at all. However, keep in mind that even with the best heating system on the market, these projections assume you’re scheduling annual heating maintenance!
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What Is The Most Efficient Home Heating System?The question of efficiency can be a fairly complex one. At face value, a gas furnace or high-efficiency electric furnace can be excellent for many homes, while some homeowners might get better mileage out of a heat pump.
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What Is Variable Speed Technology And How Does It Apply To Air Conditioners?Variable speed technology allows your system to operate at different capacities. If you only need some cooling, instead of max cooling, this system can operate at the speed necessary to get the job done without using too much energy. A single-speed system can only operate at 1 speed, meaning the same energy is used no matter what temperature is needed, and this can sometimes waste energy, as well as your money!
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What Is Zoned Heating Cooling?Zoned heating and cooling is different from a traditional system because it doesn’t heat and cool the entire building, only the zones that are needed. This can be a huge help when not every space in your building needs to be heated or cooled. This goes a long way to saving energy and money that doesn’t have to be used.
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What Should I Do If I Lose Heat?If your boiler or furnace has a pilot light, make sure that it is lit. Check for tripped breakers and reset the power. If your furnace will not start back up or stay running, call Bovio Rubino Service for more in-depth diagnostics and repairs.
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What Should You Know About Changes In Refrigerants?The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Clean Air Act, is regulating the production and use of refrigerants. In response, Lennox has developed cooling products that use the new, chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant, instead of the standard R-22 refrigerant (freon) currently in use. Because R-410A contains no chlorine, it’s ozone- and climate-friendly. Plus, R-410A allows higher efficiencies than R-22, so it not only makes sense environmentally, it also makes sense from an economic standpoint. The introduction of air conditioners with the latest in refrigerant technology reflects Lennox’s proactive approach to protecting the environment.
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Whens The Best Time Of Year For Annual Furnace Maintenance?Generally speaking, you want to schedule maintenance for shortly before you turn the furnace on for the season. In New Jersey, that means your maintenance check should happen in late summer or early fall. But if it slips your mind and you’re well into snow season before you remember, don’t panic: It’s better to have a late maintenance check than none at all.
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Where Can I Find Commercial HVAC Services In New Jersey?If you are located in the Gloucester, Camden, or Burlington County, NJ area, Bovio Rubino Service is your local commercial HVAC expert. We have taken care of many different offices, restaurants, retail stores, and other commercial buildings. If you are located somewhere else in NJ, or any other state for that matter, simply Google “Commercial HVAC “Your Town Name” and you should be directed to your local experts quickly!
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Where Should GFCI Outlets Be Used?GFCI outlets should be used within six feet of sinks or other plumbing fixtures and in all potentially wet locations like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or outdoor receptacles.
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Why Do I Need My Ducts Cleaned?Having your ducts cleaned is a great way to keep the indoor air quality of your home in tip-top shape. An air filter doesn’t catch everything, and the buildup of dust and debris can add up over time. A duct cleaning is essential to keeping the air in your home clean.
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Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming And Not Working?When a disposal hums or produces other noises but isn’t otherwise working, the odds are high that either the disposal blades have worn down or that there is something jammed in the disposal that is preventing normal operation. DO NOT attempt to address this on your own! Disposals are designed to chew up meat, food waste, and bone, and it doesn’t care who the bones belong to.
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Why Is My Gas Furnace Producing Yellow Flames?A clear blue flame is a sign of a healthy system. If yours has changed color, it’s usually a symptom of a dirty burner or heat exchanger. Never leave a yellow flame unchecked, though, because it could also be a sign of a natural gas leak.
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Why Should I Choose Energy Star Qualified Products?ENERGY STAR® qualified products are great because they are scientifically proven to use less energy than traditional systems. This will not only help you reduce your energy bills, but will also help reduce your carbon footprint, doing your part to help the environment!
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Different Heat Pump Compressor TypesWhat’s the difference between single, two-stage, and variable speed compressors? Single-stage compressors have one output speed – high. Two-stage compressors operate most often at about 65% of total capacity, but full capacity during extreme temps. A variable-speed compressor has a fan motor that can move at different speeds and controls the amount of air dispersed in a home. A single-stage unit may offer the lowest initial investment, but it can cause high monthly energy bills. A two-stage unit is quieter and more efficient, while variable speed units are the most intelligent on the market and can save you big on energy costs over their lifetime.
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