Change is inevitable, and the heating and air conditioning business is no exception to that rule. At Thornton’s, we’ve been staying on top of all of the changes happening in our industry for 49 years, so we can make sure you’re up to date. Major changes are coming to the HVAC industry in 2023. What does that mean for you?

A Change in SEER. If you have an air conditioning unit, you have SEER. SEER is seasonal energy efficiency ratio explained here. You know it as that big bright yellow sticker on your outside unit. To help you understand, SEER is the ratio that measures your cooling efficiency of your a/c unit. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient your unit will be in most cases, causing you a significant savings on your electric bill. SEER ratios can go up as high as 25 for the most energy efficient unit. Currently in North Carolina, the minimum SEER is 14. It’s true that the higher the SEER, the larger the up front investment of your unit, but most owners find that these units pay for themselves over time by the significant savings on energy usage.

According to Duke Energy, “Heating and cooling use the most energy in an average household – more than 40% of your monthly bill comes from the energy needed to heat and cool your home.”

In 2023 The Department of Energy will raise the minimum SEER requirements to 15 in most of the south and southeast, including North Carolina. These changes will take effect January 1^st and yes, due to the higher requirements, this can mean manufacturers will need to increase their prices to meet the minimum standards. Any new units installed prior to January 1, 2023 can still be installed under the 14 SEER requirements.

The Good News. If your existing unit is a 14 SEER or below, you won’t have to make any changes!  That means the majority of homeowners won’t notice any changes until it comes time to install a new unit – normally 10-15 years. However, if it’s time for a new HVAC unit, your unit needs constant repairs or it’s not heating or cooling properly, give us a call for a free estimate.

Why keep old, outdated equipment that is likely costing you hundreds of extra dollars each year on your electric bill when you can easily replace your unit? We even offer *financing options to pay over time, too. Many factors determine which type of unit is right for your home and business but our trained professionals are happy to discuss your options.

Change doesn’t have to be scary. At Thornton’s Heating & Air we’re here for you every step of the way, to answer any questions and explain new changes. Call us today for your free estimate and stay up to date on SEER.

If you’re from North Carolina then you know when you step outside you’ll find hot, even steamy weather until those fall months arrive. Hot exterior air means a higher electric bill and the difficult task of keeping your home cool. However, there are ways you can help by making small changes.

Keep It Covered. Keeping your windows covered during the peak daytime hours can help eliminate the sun’s warm rays from coming in. Whether you have blinds or, ideally, room darkening curtains, pull them closed when you leave in the morning. The department of energy says this act alone can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent! That can mean big savings on your next utility bill, too.

Make Nighttime Hours Count. In the peak of the summer, performing normal household tasks can actually cost you more money during the hot daytime hours. Try drying your clothes in the evening and avoid turning on your oven in the heat of the day. Running your heat producing appliances during the day can actually raise the temperature of your home up to five degrees. Use the microwave or toaster oven, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of your normal range. Even running your dishwasher at night could cost you less since many utility companies have a lower evening rate. And, did you know that according to consumer reports, every time you open your fridge up to 30% of the cold air escapes? Let your food cool down before placing it in the cold fridge to give the compressor a break, making it run less often.

Open Them Up. An “old wives’ tale” states that closing the vents in unused rooms will actually cause your a/c unit to run less. This is actually NOT true. Closing your vents creates an uneven air flow, making your unit work overtime in other areas of your home to compensate. Keep your vents open and filters changed to ensure the air in your home is flowing freely and uninterrupted.

Seal It Up. When you’re paying for cool air during those hot months, you want to keep it where it belongs, inside. Adding weather stripping around drafty windows and doors makes sure the hot air stays outside where it belongs. Not sure if you have an air leak? Try the dollar bill test. Close a dollar bill in your window or door and if you can pull it through, then air can escape, too.

Adjust The Thermostat And YOU! Have you ever been in your home and just felt “hot” when the thermostat hasn’t changed? Drinking lots of water and cool drinks during the day as well as wearing cool, loose fitting fabrics can keep YOU cooler and away from the temptation of adjusting the a/c again. Raising the thermostat by even one or two degrees can cut your energy consumption every day.

Of course the number one tip we suggest for keeping your home cool in those hot months is an efficient a/c unit. If you think your unit is running too much, you have a sudden jump in your power bill or the air blowing out isn’t cool, trouble could be brewing. Thornton’s Heating & Air has over 49 years of experience serving the triad and triangle area and we’re happy to answer any of your heating and air conditioning questions. Call us today to get started on a cooler summer!

We know that you’re asked everyday if you would like an extended warranty, extra insurance or added protection for your purchases. While there are some situations where the extra investment is not worth the cost (remember those old alarm clocks from Radio Shack?), protecting your HVAC system is an investment worth making. Here’s why:

Reduced Electric Bill. Just like giving your car an oil change protects the engine or going every six months to the dentist reduces your risk of cavities, maintaining your heating and air unit can lower your electricity bill. By properly maintaining your HVAC unit, you are making sure that it will run efficiently all season long. Running more efficiently means running less often, therefore reducing your total power bill. Our technicians will come out once in the spring and then again in the fall to ensure your unit is ready for each new season.

Get More Life Out Of Your Unit. Routine tune ups, oil changes, inspections, and tire rotations keep your car running longer. The same is true with your HVAC unit. Our technicians will clean the coils, oil your motors, check air flow, drain lines, vents, gas pressure, burners, and much, much more. As you use your unit over time, it will likely require additional Freon. Avoid a service call in the summer months when your unit isn’t blowing cool air. With our maintenance agreements, we will check the Freon in your unit, adding more or adjusting it as needed.

Keeping You Safe. Your annual check up at the doctor’s office keeps your body healthy. Inspecting and adjusting your HVAC unit can help you avoid a potential unhealthy situation as well. Part of routine inspections include checking your heat exchanger for cracks. If cracked or broken, this component can lead to carbon dioxide leaks, often unnoticed in your home or business. Carbon Dioxide is a deadly, colorless, and odorless gas. We have responded to these repairs in the past, but if caught in time, they can be easily avoided.

Saving You Money When Life Happens. Even though you go for your routine dental cleanings, cavities still pop up from time to time. The same is true with your heating and air conditioning unit. A maintenance agreement can keep it running smoothly and efficiently – but life happens. If your unit needs an unscheduled repair during the year, our maintenance agreements allow you to receive a discounted rate on those surprise situations. And we promise it will be less painful than sitting in that dentist chair.

Sometimes in life, investing in protection is worth the cost. To get the most for your money and keep your HVAC unit running as long as possible, call Thornton’s Heating & Air today to get your semiannual maintenance agreement started.

With all major investments in life, you want to receive a good return and make them worth your while. You may not realize it but that also stands true when it comes to your HVAC system, especially when it comes to SEER.

Who Sets SEER? SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is enforced by the US Department of Energy. ALL HVAC units have a SEER rating which you can find on the side of your exterior unit, often on a bright yellow sticker (see below). Just like you may see “energy efficient” appliances, lawn mowers, and even cars, your HVAC unit can be energy efficient, too. The SEER guideline for your HVAC varies by what area of the country you live in. In North Carolina, the minimum SEER ratio is currently 14. For a full explanation of how SEER is calculated, you can find out more information here.

So What’s In A Rating? You’ve likely noticed that energy efficient home appliances or automobiles are a higher upfront investment compared to their less efficient counterparts. The same is true with your new HVAC unit – the higher the SEER the higher the investment. However, there’s a good reason why and it can lead to great savings for you!

The higher the SEER the more efficiently your unit runs year round, which means savings on your power bill year round, too. This calculator shows the difference between a minimum 14 SEER unit and a 20 SEER unit with an average five year savings of over $600 and 15 year savings of over $1800. Depending on the life of your unit you could save thousands of dollars on your power bill over time from investing in a higher SEER HVAC system. Many older units, which may be true for you, have a SEER even lower than 14 since the minimum requirement was just adjusted a few years back. The minimum is expected to be adjusted again in 2023 by the US Department of Energy to a 15 SEER for North Carolina residents.

There are many factors that can contribute to how long your unit lasts and how efficiently it runs. At Thornton’s Heating & Air, we recommend a bi-annual tune up, once in the warm months and again when it gets cool. SEER can help your unit run more efficiently but our maintenance agreements keep them running smoothly year round. For any of your questions about SEER, HVAC units, ventilation, duct work, maintenance or repairs, give our experienced technicians a call today!

There are a few things in life that you need to live – water, food, and shelter being the most obvious. Staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer is another necessity. Whether you have an existing HVAC unit or, you’re buying or building a home or business and considering a new unit, one question remains, “How long should my unit last?” While there’s not always an easy answer, we’ve broken it down for you.

System. One of the many factors to consider when answering this question is the type of system do you have. In general, a newer model HVAC system should last between 15-20 years, depending on the maintenance performed. Older model units generally aren’t built to last as long, and it may be more difficult to order parts for replacement. In some cases, with lesser quality systems, parts may not be available at all. At Thornton’s, we pride ourselves on using top brands, such as Rheem, which has over 100 years of industry experience and customer satisfaction. Our Rheem units also include a 10 year warranty on parts.  These units are built to last, but just like most important investments in your life, keeping them serviced is a key factor to longevity.

Service. You get your oil changed for your car every 3,000 miles, your teeth cleaned every six months, and your pets vaccinated yearly. A HVAC unit needs the same type of routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and to avoid any unscheduled problems. Our maintenance agreements keep you covered for both hot and cool air. The experienced technicians at Thornton’s will service your unit once in the spring before the hot air arrives and again in the fall to prepare your unit for the cold temps. This preventative agreement includes inspecting electrical parts, oiling motors, checking freon, checking gas pressure, cleaning your drain line, checking air flow, calibrating your thermostat, and much more. One low price not only covers your unit’s “check up” but also provides you a discount on any unscheduled repairs in the future.

By keeping your unit serviced and running smoothly, you can easily extend the life of your HVAC system for several years. When it’s no longer possible or cost efficient to repair, our technicians are happy to provide you a free estimate on a new quality unit and offer financing options as well.

Surroundings. The type of system you have and keeping it serviced are two main factors in how long your unit will last. There are also a few things that YOU can do at home to help. For starters, keep your filters changed at least every two months, more in a home with pets. Clean filters allow the air to flow smoothly and your unit to run less. When completing any yard work, always blow grass and debris away from your outdoor unit to keep it from getting clogged. Don’t constantly change your thermostat, either. Our technicians suggest either using a programmable thermostat, or setting the temperature and forgetting it. Constantly changing the temperature on your thermostat can cause the unit to work overtime to catch up.

Just like any major investment, you want your HVAC unit to last as long as possible to get the most value from it. Call Thornton’s first and we’ll be happy to provide you a free quote on a new unit, set up a maintenance agreement on any existing unit, or answer any of your service and repair questions. Just like your HVAC unit, after serving the community for over 48 years, we believe in keeping a good thing going!

Air conditioning. Those two words can bring all of us complete joy in those sweltering summer months. However, just like your cars, clothing and homes, one size does NOT fit all when it comes to your air conditioning unit.

Too Much Of A Good Thing. It may not seem possible on those hot days, but you CAN have too much air conditioning. A unit that is too large for your living space can actually cause mold and mildew problems on the interior of your home. If your unit is too large, it will only cycle (or run) for a few minutes at a time then cut off before it quickly starts the cycle over again. A quick run cycle doesn’t provide your unit adequate time to remove water vapor from the air. If this happens you will likely begin to see condensation build up leading to possible mold and mildew on your windows, furniture, and even baseboards.

Another sign that your unit may be too large for your home is an increased electric bill. When your unit cuts on and off frequently it uses more electricity – a factor you will see played out on your next power bill. With a too large unit, you’ll also likely feel inconsistencies in the temperature of your home due to short cycles and lack of time for the air to properly distribute through your home.

Bring On The Air. While having a unit that’s too large can cause problems, a unit that is too small brings its own set of issues. There’s nothing worse that sitting in your home on a warm July afternoon and just not being able to get cool. In order to have a system that will effectively remove the hot air from your home, remove the moisture, and blow cool air back through your vents, your unit needs an appropriate BTU (British Thermal Units). The larger your home or business, the higher BTU needed to remove the warm air and start the process over. You will often hear air conditioning units referred to as “tons”. Each ton is 12,000 BTUS. One of the main factors that we consider at Thornton’s when installing a new or replacement unit is the size of the home, insulation, and the total square feet in the living space to make sure the appropriate size unit, or how many tons, is recommended.

Another sign that your unit is too small is that it runs nonstop. As previously mentioned, your unit should ideally run around 25 minutes between cycles. If it’s constantly running to keep up, your home will never be properly cooled to the appropriate temperature AND you’ll notice an increase in your electric bill.

At Thornton’s we offer free consultations and estimates on new any new HVAC units. Our trained, experienced technicians are happy to answer any of your questions, evaluate your home and recommend the proper heating and cooling equipment for your home or business. Call us today and let us size up your HVAC system.