When temperatures dip below freezing in Indianapolis and across the Central Indiana area, homeowners rely on their furnace or other heating system to keep them warm and comfortable. But like all appliances, furnaces will break down over time. Unfortunately, this can sometimes happen during the worst possible time, such as the middle of the night when it’s freezing outside.

Sometimes, your furnace only requires a quick and simple fix. However, there are other times when the problem is a little more serious, such as a faulty furnace ignitor.

What Is a Furnace Ignitor?

Without the ignitor, your heater won't blow hot air. It's a critical part of the furnace system since it is responsible for lighting the burner that starts the combustion process that turns fuel into heat. In older units, the furnace ignitor is a traditional pilot light. Most newer furnaces are instead equipped with an electronic ignition system for safety reasons.

Once the thermostat kicks on, you might hear a “click” from the furnace. This is the sound of the spark that “ignites” the gas connected to your heater.

A faulty ignitor is one of the most common furnace problems homeowners encounter, with a typical lifespan of about seven years for a furnace ignitor. Fortunately, when it is time, you can replace the ignitor without replacing the whole appliance.

5 Signs That Your Furnace Ignitor Is Bad

The sooner you address an issue with your furnace, the better. Here are a few indications that you have a faulty ignitor.

1. The Furnace Won’t Turn On

As the temperature starts to drop and you notice that your furnace doesn’t kick on despite how cold it is in your house, there could be a problem with your ignitor.

Before calling in an HVAC expert, you can try the following to rule out other causes:

• Make sure the thermostat setting is on "heat" instead of "cool."
• Adjust the temperature so that it is set high enough to tell the furnace to blow hot air.
• Go to your breaker box to make sure the switch connected to your furnace hasn't tripped to "off."

If all of this is correct, you might have an issue with the ignitor and will need to call a furnace repair company to come assess the unit for you.

2. No Cold Air

If your furnace is running, but all you feel is cold air coming from the vents in your home, that’s another major warning sign of an issue with the furnace’s ignition. Remember that without a functioning ignitor, it’s impossible to create heat with no spark to start the combustion process.

Double-check your air handler and your furnace. If the air handler is on and your thermostat is set to heat, but the furnace isn’t kicking on, your ignitor failing to light the fuel is most likely to blame.

3. Your Furnace Turns On and Off

When a furnace turns on and off repeatedly without staying on long enough to adequately heat your entire home, it’s referred to as short cycling. It is a safety feature that is triggered when the furnace senses a potential problem.

Short cycling can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty ignitor. As the ignitor wears down, it can’t hold a charge long enough to heat the furnace air, so it turns off. After a brief period of time, the unit tries to start again.

Over time, short cycling can negatively impact your furnace as a whole, which is why it’s critical to get it looked at by an HVAC professional immediately.

4. Tripped Circuit Breaker (More Than Once)

If you’re experiencing continuous trips in the circuit breaker after the furnace turns on, this is a sign of a voltage issue with your ignitor. Specifically, it means that the ignitor might be pulling too much electricity, which causes the breaker to trip over and over again.

Not only is repeatedly tripping the breaker dangerous for your furnace, it can have a long-term impact on the electrical system in your house as a whole. It’s best to leave the breaker set to “off” until the furnace issue is assessed and repaired. This is a situation that deals with high-voltage electricity, so it’s safest to leave it in the hands of a professional.

5. Ignitor Isn’t Glowing

When the furnace turns on to start a cycle, the electric ignitor should glow. If there isn’t a glow, that’s a major indicator that there is likely a problem with the ignitor. In this case, it is best to call a trusted HVAC company for help because a problem with the electronic ignition means there isn’t power to turn on the furnace.

Common Reasons a Furnace Ignitor Fails

There are many things that can cause your furnace ignitor to stop working. It is a complex component with a few safety features in place to prevent major issues. Here are some of the most common causes of problems with your furnace ignitor:

• Loose electrical connections that heat the ignitor
• Damage to the ignitor or electrical connections from a power surge
• Improperly sized ignitor
• A build-up of carbon monoxide near your boiler (this triggers a safety feature that prevents your ignitor from heating up)
• Detection of a gas leak (again, this triggers the safety feature to prevent your ignitor from lighting)
• Damage and loss of continuity from constant use and old age

No matter the reason, the best thing to do if you suspect an issue with your furnace ignitor is to call in a professional, like the Indianapolis furnace experts at Chapman.

Don’t suffer in your cold home any longer than necessary. Contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for help repairing your furnace ignitor.

If you live in Indiana, you know you can always expect the unexpected when it comes to the weather, as Mother Nature can be quite unpredictable in the Midwest. With the help of a variable speed furnace, your home will be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Bryant variable speed furnaces are manufactured in Indiana, so they're made to work with the unpredictable Midwest weather. Want to learn more about variable speed furnaces? Keep reading our latest blog about the benefits of variable speed furnaces and why one might be a good fit for your Central Indiana home. For all of your home's heating and cooling demands, contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing today.

What is a Variable Speed Furnace?

A variable speed furnace is a good choice for all Indiana residents because this gas furnace is extremely energy efficient and is great for year-round use.

The term variable speed refers to the furnace's fan motor. The variable-speed motor moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home, which results in better airflow control. Better airflow control means an improved balance of temperature and humidity. These furnaces better and uses two-thirds less electricity than a single-speed furnace. So say goodbye to high energy bills!

Advantages of Variable Speed Furnaces

As previously mentioned, a variable speed furnace is great no matter what time of year it is. With various speed settings that allow for lower speeds and energy savings over time, they can be a great option for many families. Some of the benefits of having one installed include:

Humidity control

In the summer months, the variable speed technology provides airflow that provides humidity control. Compared to a single-speed furnace, a variable speed furnace is more effective at drawing moisture from the air. If you live in Indiana, you know that humidity is a killer during July and August.

Improved performance

Variable-speed furnaces will also keep you warm and cozy during the winter months. It provides quiet performance and even temperature comfort. If your indoor temperatures aren't where you'd like them to be, the benefits of a variable speed furnace will allow you to maintain more consistent temperatures all year long.

Perfect Heat technology allows for longer cycles with more even heating on a low stage. It even closely manages your comfort by adjusting the system operations to changing weather conditions. The days of complaining about a noisy furnace are long gone. When you opt to get a variable speed blower, you'll immediately notice how much less noise you're hearing from the unit.

Improved air quality

A variable speed furnace also improves the quality of air in your home. Even when the furnace is not heating or cooling, the fan is in constant operation. This will continue to slowly and inexpensively circulate air throughout your home. This allows the filters to capture and contain debris and allergens so you and your family can breathe easier.

Contact Chapman Today to Have a Variable Speed Furnace Installed in Your Home

Bryant variable speed furnaces are made in Indiana to work with the ever-changing weather. It could be 82 degrees today, but tomorrow it might be 55. Your variable speed furnace will be there to keep you comfortable while dealing with the temperature fluctuations and temperature swings that we have come to expect.

Don't let the Midwest's unpredictable weather drive you crazy anymore. Contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing about having a variable speed furnace installed today. For more information about variable speed furnaces, give us a call at 317-953-4897 or schedule an appointment online. Chapman carries a full line of high-efficiency furnaces. Call us to recommend the best services for your home.

Do you consider yourself to be an eco-friendly homeowner? When it comes to an efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC unit, nothing compares to a geothermal heat pump system.

Although geothermal heat pumps , which are also referred to as ground-source heat pumps , are more expensive upfront than traditional heating and cooling systems, they can increase the value of your home and lower your energy bills dramatically for years to come.

In our most recent blog, we discuss the advantages of having a geothermal system installed by the HVAC technicians at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical. For all of your heating and cooling needs, contact the NATE-certified technicians at Chapman today.

How do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?

Geothermal systems have been around for more than 50 years, but they have recently gained traction due to their eco-friendly operation and lower energy consumption. As many as 50,000 systems are installed each year in the United States.

The ground absorbs almost 50% of all solar energy and remains a constant temperature of 50°F to 70°F, depending on geographical location. A geothermal unit utilizes this constant temperature for heating and cooling your home, instead of using the outside air temperature as typical HVAC systems do. Geothermal systems consist of a heat pump and a ground loop, which is a network of fluid-filled pipes that are buried underground at a depth where temperatures stay consistent throughout the year.

• For heating: the ground loop absorbs heat underground, and the fluid inside the ground loop cycles it to the heat pump. Geothermal heat pump components transfer the heat to the air, which is then circulated by the air handler into the rooms in your home.
• For cooling: the heat pump absorbs heat from the inside air. The heat is then transferred to the ground loop fluid, which releases it within the Earth.

The Benefits of a Geothermal System

Although geothermal units are more expensive to install, you can recoup the costs through energy savings over time. Other than that, geothermal units are a great addition to your home. They provide clean, quiet and efficient geothermal heating and cooling through the use of renewable energy. Some of the benefits include:

Longevity

According to Energy Star, a geothermal's inside components can last an estimated 50 years, while the ground loop is serviceable for up to 50 years.

Quiet operation

Without a compressor or fan that traditional air-source heat pumps and air conditioners use, geothermal units run in almost complete silence, guaranteeing you a good night's sleep!

Fewer breakdowns

Geothermal systems have fewer moving parts than other heating and cooling systems, which decrease maintenance costs and the chance of breaking down. This will also keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet.

Environmentally friendly

Geothermal units are the number-one most environmentally friendly HVAC option on the market today , and second place isn't even close. Geothermal systems require no combustion, like gas and oil furnaces do, and they use renewable energy to heat and cool your home. Geothermal units can reduce enough greenhouse gas emissions that's the equivalent of taking two cars off the road or planting 750 trees!

Energy efficient

These systems can save homeowners as much as 20 to 50 percent on cooling and 30 to 70 percent on heating. That's more of your money in the bank!

Tax incentives

Speaking of savings, federal tax credits allow for homeowners to get 26% of the cost of purchasing and installing a geothermal system back in 2020 and 22% in 2021.

Contact Chapman for Installation of a Geothermal System

If you liked hearing about the energy-efficient, eco-friendly benefits of owning a geothermal, or ground-source, heat pump and want to learn more, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing today to speak to a representative or to schedule an appointment. The experts at Chapman can perform installation, repairs and maintenance on all types of heating and cooling systems. We can't wait to hear from you about how we can improve the comfort of your home!

Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing is proud to keep homes cool all across Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Day in and day out you will see our trucks in residential neighborhoods Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville and Westfield too!

With a service fleet of 35 trucks it is easy for us to keep homeowners in Carmel comfortable all year long. Our trained technicians are ready to take care of all their air conditioning, heating and plumbing installation and repair service needs.

Here's what some folks in the area had to say about us:

I am very impressed with the service I received, I had a furnace repair. I received a phone call that the technician was on his was 40 minutes prior to the four-hour window I was given for him to arrive; he arrived 10 minutes after that. He was polite and professional, and was able to quickly diagnose and repair my furnace and thoroughly explained and showed me what the issue was and what he did to fix it. , Rachel

I can't thank Chapman Heating enough for getting their team together and helping me out of an HVAC jam just before the Thanksgiving holiday. They have an amazing group of people working for them who show respect for their clients and the business they represent. Chapman Heating and their loyal team will forever be the "Good Guys" in my book! , Julie

Chapman installed our new water heater and heating/air units. If you want excellent, fair, timely and clean service, call Chapman. You won't be disappointed. I thought customer service was a thing of the past, but not at Chapman. They seem to really appreciate your business! , Connie

Chapman is excellent in service and installation work. We love our clean air system and the entire house is fresher. It has been several years since the installation and the Chapman team continues to impress my family with their service. The clean air system has eliminated allergies in our household. , Martha

Do you live in Carmel, or the Carmel-area, and need quality air conditioning repair, air conditioning installation, furnace installation, furnace repair, plumbing installation and plumbing repair? Call your friends at Chapman. Chapman | Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing is your source for qualified HVAC repair and installation contractors in Central Indiana.

Oh, and if you catch on of our trucks out and about be sure to take a snap shot and put it up on Facebook or just say 'Hello' to us!

More and more folks are hopping on the geothermal bandwagon, and Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical couldn't be happier!

Homeowners across Indianapolis are discovering the incredible benefits of geothermal systems for year-round comfort. Whether you're considering replacing an aging furnace or air conditioner, or simply want to save on energy costs while reducing your environmental impact, geothermal heat pumps offer an innovative solution that's both practical and sustainable.

For those of you who don't know, geothermal systems use the natural insulating properties of the Earth as the means of keeping the inside of your home at a consistent temperature all year long. Even with the dynamic changes in temperature with each season, geothermal heat pumps keep your home just right.

How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work

Here's something remarkable: no matter how cold it gets or how hot it gets above ground, the ground temperature below the frost line actually stays relatively consistent at around 50-60°F year-round in the Indianapolis area.

Geothermal technologies take advantage of this stable ground heat to provide efficient heating and cooling for your home. The system works through a heat exchanger loop buried underground, which transfers heat between your home and the earth.

Here's how the process works:

A series of underground pipes (called a loop system) circulates a water-based solution that absorbs or releases heat depending on the season. This geothermal energy is then transferred to your home through a heat pump unit, providing incredibly efficient heating and cooling.

When It's Cold: Geothermal Heating Mode

During the bitter cold winter months, a geothermal unit can be set to heating mode. Here's what happens:

• The underground loop system absorbs heat from the earth (which remains warmer than the freezing air above)
• The heat exchanger transfers this ground heat to a refrigerant
• The heat pump concentrates this heat and distributes it through your ductwork as warm air
• Your home stays comfortable even when Indianapolis temperatures plummet

This process of extracting heat from the ground and pulling it into the main system provides consistent, reliable heating without the fluctuations common with traditional furnaces.

When It's Hot: Geothermal Cooling Mode

In the hot, hot summer months, the unit can then be set to cooling mode. In a role reversal, the geothermal heat pump cools your home, not by bringing in cool air, but by extracting the hot air from your home and either:

• Sending it back to the earth through the underground loop system
• Using it to preheat water in your hot water tank (a feature called "desuperheating" that provides free or nearly-free water heating)

This dual-purpose capability means your geothermal system works smarter, not harder, to maintain comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Why Switch to Geothermal: The Benefits

Now you know how it works. Here's why we love it as an alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, and why Indianapolis homeowners are making the switch.

Switch to Geothermal to Save on Energy Costs

Geothermal heating and cooling units operate at around 300-600% efficiency compared to traditional systems. Let that sink in for a moment.

Here's what that means for your wallet:

• Geothermal heat pumps typically deliver 3 to 6 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed
• Across all heating, cooling, and hot water expenses, owners can potentially save up to 40-70% on heating costs and overall energy bills
• The average Indianapolis homeowner can save $500-$1,500 annually compared to conventional heating and cooling systems
• Monthly utility bills remain stable and predictable year-round

That is a pretty good reason on its own! But there's more to it.

These systems also carry a longer life expectancy and require less general maintenance, helping you save money in the long run as well. While conventional air source heat pumps last 10-15 years, geothermal systems can operate efficiently for 20-25 years, with the underground loop lasting 50+ years.

Geothermal System Incentives and Tax Benefits

The financial benefits of switching to geothermal extend beyond monthly energy savings. Homeowners who install geothermal heat pumps may qualify for substantial incentives:

• Federal tax credits: Up to 30% of installation costs through the Residential Clean Energy Credit
• State and local incentives: Indiana offers various incentives for renewable energy installations
• Utility company rebates: Many local utility providers offer rebates for geothermal installations
• Financing options: Special low-interest loans may be available for renewable energy systems

These incentives can significantly offset the upfront cost of installation, making the switch to geothermal more affordable than ever. Chapman Heating can help you navigate available incentives and maximize your savings.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact with Geothermal Energy

Geothermal heat pumps are extraordinarily environmentally friendly, making them the ideal choice for eco-conscious Indianapolis homeowners.

Why geothermal is clean heating:

• Geothermal heat pumps do not emit any carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or any other pollutants during operation
• Harnessing the Earth's heat means the pump uses a renewable and clean source of energy
• No combustion means no greenhouse gas emissions at your home
• Reduces your household's carbon footprint by 40-70% compared to traditional systems

By choosing clean heating and cooling through geothermal technologies, you're not just improving your home comfort—you're contributing to a more sustainable future for Indianapolis and beyond.

The renewable energy advantage:

Geothermal energy is constantly renewed by the sun warming the earth's surface and by natural geological processes deep underground. Unlike fossil fuels that deplete over time, ground heat is an infinite resource that will never run out. This makes geothermal one of the most sustainable heating and cooling options available.

Experience Better Overall Home Comfort

More than money or environmental impacts, geothermal heat pumps just make your home more comfortable. Here's how:

Consistent, Precise Temperature Control

Geothermal systems are more precise in their distribution of hot and cold air throughout your home. Unlike conventional systems that cycle on and off frequently, creating temperature swings, geothermal heat pumps maintain steady, even temperatures.

You'll notice:

• No more cold spots or hot spots in different rooms
• Consistent comfort from floor to ceiling
• Gentle air delivery without dramatic temperature fluctuations
• Better humidity control year-round

Built-In Dehumidification

Due to their design, geothermal systems also act as dehumidifiers during cooling season. This dual function means:

• Your home feels more comfortable at higher thermostat settings
• Reduced moisture helps prevent mold and mildew growth
• You can save additional energy by running your thermostat at more moderate temperatures
• Indoor air quality improves significantly

Whisper-Quiet Operation

Geothermal heat pumps are also quieter than regular air conditioners or furnaces, giving you and your neighborhood better peace. Since there's no outdoor condensing unit making noise, you'll only hear the gentle hum of the indoor heat pump unit—similar to a high-efficiency furnace.

Benefits of quiet operation:

• Sleep better without outdoor unit noise
• Enjoy your outdoor spaces without mechanical sounds
• Better relationships with neighbors (no noisy equipment)
• Increased property value and curb appeal

Is Geothermal Right for Your Indianapolis Home?

While geothermal systems offer tremendous advantages, they're not right for every situation. Here's what to consider:

Ideal candidates for geothermal include:

• Homeowners planning to stay in their home for 5+ years to recoup installation cost
• Properties with adequate land area for loop installation (typically ¼ acre or more)
• Those replacing aging HVAC systems or building new homes
• Homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency and environmental responsibility
• Properties with high heating costs using propane, oil, or electric resistance heating

What about installation cost?

Yes, the upfront cost to install a geothermal system is higher than conventional systems—typically $20,000-$30,000 for a complete installation. However, when you factor in available incentives, long-term energy savings, and reduced maintenance costs, most Indianapolis homeowners see a complete return on investment within 5-10 years.

Types of Geothermal Loop Systems

When you decide to switch to geothermal, you'll work with our experts to determine which loop configuration works best for your property:

Horizontal Loop Systems:

• Most cost-effective option for residential installations
• Requires sufficient yard space for trenching
• Pipes installed 4-6 feet deep in trenches
• Ideal for new construction with available land

Vertical Loop Systems:

• Best for smaller lots with limited space
• Boreholes drilled 100-400 feet deep
• Higher installation cost but minimal landscape disruption
• Excellent for retrofitting existing homes

Pond/Lake Loop Systems:

• Most economical option if you have a suitable water source
• Coils placed at the bottom of a pond or lake
• Requires adequate water depth and volume
• Simple installation with excellent efficiency

Why Choose Chapman Heating for Your Geothermal Installation

Better savings, better for the environment, and better for your comfort. No matter how you look at it, geothermal heat pumps are just better.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical carries a full line of geothermal heat pumps and has the expertise to design and install the perfect geothermal system for your Indianapolis home.

Our geothermal services include:

• Comprehensive property assessment and system design
• Expert guidance on loop system selection
• Professional installation by certified technicians
• Help securing available incentives and rebates
• Ongoing maintenance and service for geothermal systems
• Performance monitoring to ensure optimal efficiency

Start Saving with Geothermal Heat Today

The benefits of geothermal heating and cooling are clear: lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, superior comfort, and long-term reliability. With generous incentives available and energy costs continuing to rise, there's never been a better time to make the switch.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is your source for qualified HVAC repair and installation contractors specializing in geothermal technologies. We're committed to helping Indianapolis homeowners discover the advantages of clean heating and cooling through renewable geothermal energy.

Join the growing number of Indianapolis homeowners who have made the switch to geothermal. Contact Chapman Heating today at (317) 207-9378 and start enjoying the comfort, savings, and peace of mind that comes with geothermal heat pumps.

Experience the future of home comfort. Experience geothermal.

 

With a “3-season room,” you have the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with your loved ones.

In the spring and summer, you can sit out with a book or open up a few of the windows to enjoy the breeze. You can watch the beauty of a thunderstorm while staying safe and dry. Then, in the fall, you can sit with a sweater and a cup of coffee and watch the leaves change colors.

However, one of the most challenging parts of maintaining your three-season room is controlling the temperature.

Without insulation, your room is just about useless in the winter. The cold may be too intense for you to stand without bundling up too much. In the summer, you may not want to open the windows because of allergies or the extreme heat. Even in the spring and fall, the fluctuating temperatures can make it difficult to maintain comfort.

Enter a ductless mini-split system. Sometimes called a ductless heating and cooling system, mini splits are the perfect answer for maintaining the temperature and comfort of your three-season room. You can almost turn your three-season room into a four-season room.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split System?

These versatile systems offer flexible heating and cooling options for individual rooms in your home, including your three-season room.

A ductless mini-split is made up of two main pieces:

1. The outdoor compressor, which includes a condensing coil.
2. An indoor air-handling unit, which is typically mounted on a wall.

Other than a three-season room, you’ll also find mini splits are common in garages, master bedrooms, and room additions. Like regular AC and heating systems, ductless systems need regular maintenance and service.

What Are the Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split?

There are a few benefits to having mini-splits installed in your home. A few of these are outlined below.

They Always Keep the Perfect Temperature

As the name implies, mini splits are completely independent heating and cooling systems from the rest of your home. This unique setup allows for total control and finding the perfect temperature.

A little hot in the summer? Crank up the cooling. Chilly fall evening, but still want to enjoy the outdoors? Turn on the heater. This control even gives you the ability to spend some comfortable winter afternoons in your three-season room.

They Are Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient

Since the mini-split is controlled separately and only when you want it, you don’t have to worry about the mini-split driving up your energy bill.

Instead of cranking the central AC in hopes of cooling off the room and draining the cool air in the house, just fire up the mini-split as you need it.

They Are Quiet While in Use

A mini-split is not like a normal fan that is constantly whirring. After all, you want to enjoy your three-season room in peace and quiet without the constant, loud buzzing of a fan.

A ductless mini-split is relatively quiet and will provide that sense of tranquility you want. It is also small, compact, and on the wall. That means no maneuvering around a bulky box fan or tripping over cords.

They Are Easy to Install

Another benefit of using a mini-split in your three-season room is how easy the installation process is. With traditional heating and cooling systems, extensive ductwork and space-consuming central units are required.

Ductless mini-split systems, on the other hand, only have a few components (outdoor unit, indoor unit, and conduit that connects them). Overall, this saves homeowners time, money, and hassle during installation.

They Improve Air Quality

Not only do these systems provide cost-effective temperature control, but they also help improve the air quality in your Indianapolis home. Since there is no ductwork that can become clogged and dirty over time, there is a smaller chance of dust, allergens, or other debris accumulating inside the ducts and causing respiratory issues.

Plus, many ductless mini-split systems have air filtration systems that can trap and remove harmful particles from the air, such as dust, mold, and bacteria.

Ready to upgrade your three-season room or thinking about putting one in in time for summer? Take advantage of the temperature comfort and control that only a ductless mini split can provide.

Call your friends at Chapman to help get the installation process started. We carry top-of-the-line heating and cooling products built to battle the extreme and spastic Indiana heat and cold.

Most people are familiar with what ductwork looks like in a typical ceiling, wall or floor. Those ducts are there to move warm and cool air throughout a home. But what do you do if you don't have ducts?

While most homes built in the last sixty five years certainly do, that is not the case in older homes.  Those wonderful pre-war homes and apartments have great windows, beautiful floors, interesting wood woodwork, and heating and cooling challenges.

For these homes and buildings ductless, mini-split-system heat pumps are a great way to bring modern heating and cooling to these classic structures without tearing up and completely rebuilding walls.

They are also a good choice when you are adding on to an existing structure like a sun room, where extending the distribution ductwork from the rest of the hose is not practice

How do they work?

In many ways the ductless unit, also called a mini split works like a traditional air-source heat pumps.  There are two main pieces: the outdoor compressor complete with a condensing coil and an indoor air-handling unit. Instead of being installed in a closet or basement, the indoor unit is mounted on a wall.  A conduit links the outdoor and indoor units recycling the refrigerant as needed.

The connection between the outdoor and indoor units usually only requires a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. The outdoor unit can actually be placed as far as 50 feet from the indoor unit. So even if you are using mini splits to condition rooms on the front side of a house you can tuck the condensing units away on the side or back of your home.

Attractive indoor units

The indoor units are designed to blend into your room. They are typically about seven inches deep with a sleek, high tech exterior. The units can be hung high on a wall, suspended from a ceiling or mounted flush into a drop ceiling. With a hand held remote control you can control the temperature in your room from the comfort of your couch.

The small units are designed to condition an individual room so you have an opportunity to create custom comfort zones. Some systems can have as many as four indoor air-handling, each one with its own thermostat. This allows you to control the temperature in each room. Southern facing rooms with lots of windows can get a little more cool air while rooms throughout the rest of the home do not.

And since each room has its own thermostat, you can actually turn off units in unoccupied rooms, saving energy and lowering your utility bills.

No ductwork means less energy loss

There is one more energy benefit owners of mini splits enjoy since there is no ductwork , no energy loss in the ducts. In a traditional forced air system, you often see as much as 30% of the energy consumption lost in unconditioned spaces as the ducts run through attics or crawl spaces. No ducts? No wasted energy.

Compared to traditional duct central air systems, ductless mini split air conditioners have a slight advantage in Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratings (SEER). On average, central air systems have a rating between 21-18, whereas ductless units range between 23-21.

New technology requires new skills

At Chapman Heating and Cooling, our technicians have been specially trained to correctly size, install and service these units. Call us today to see if a ductless heat pump is a good solution for your home.

Looking for ductless air conditioner or heat pumps contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today

With a geothermal heating and cooling system, you use the Earth’s natural heat to warm and cool your property. These types of systems offer many benefits, but some might be hesitant to install one because they believe it will cause damage to their yards and prevent them from keeping a thriving garden.

This blog dives into what geothermal heat pumps are, the benefits of using them, and dissects the question, “Can I have a garden and geothermal heat pump, too?”

What Is a Geothermal Heat Pump?

Geothermal heating and cooling systems tap into the constant temperature of the Earth just below the surface, which remains relatively consistent throughout the year. They are made up of three main components:

• A loop of pipes buried in the ground
• A heat pump
• A duct system

During the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the ground through the loop of pipes and compresses it to a higher temperature. Then, the warm air is distributed throughout your home via the duct system. During the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump takes the heat from your home and transfers it back to the ground, effectively cooling your home.

Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The most common types of geothermal heat pumps are closed-loop systems shown. However, it is possible to use an open-loop system that circulates surface water or water from a well through the system and returns it to the ground through a discharge pipe.

Horizontal Loop

This type of system is popular for residential, especially for new construction where an adequate amount of land is available. It requires digging trenches that are at least four feet deep. A 2,000-sq.-ft. house requires 400 ft. of two-foot-wide trenches.

Vertical Loop

For larger commercial properties, vertical systems are often the more appropriate choice because the land area required for horizontal loops would be restrictive. It’s also best to use vertical loops where the soil is too shallow for trenching.

Pond/Lake

Another option for a closed-loop system is possible if there is an adequate body of water nearby. This system draws heat from water rather than from the soil. This can be one of the most cost-effective options available.

Choosing the right type of heat pump for you depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Climate
• Soil conditions
• Available land
• Heating and cooling needs
• Installation costs at the site

Working with a knowledgeable HVAC technician can help you determine the right system for you.

What Are the Benefits of a Geothermal Heat Pump?

There are several choices for homeowners when it comes to heating and cooling their homes, and geothermal heat pumps offer some unique benefits:

• Low Operation Cost: Geothermal heat pumps use 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Geothermal systems can heat and cool a 2,000-square-foot home for as little as $1 per day
• Environmentally-Friendly: These systems run on clean, renewable energy with no onsite combustion. They can reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions by up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps.
• Design Flexibility: You can use geothermal heating and cooling systems in new constructions as well as existing properties.
• Low Operation Noise: With no outdoor compressor or fan, you will not be bothered by a noisy machine.
• Long System Lifespan: The indoor components of a geothermal heating and cooling system typically last about 25 years, and you can expect that ground loop to last more than 50 years. This is significantly longer than the 15 years or less associated with a furnace or conventional AC unit.

Can I Have a Garden and a Geothermal Heat Pump?

Many homeowners love the opportunity to grow and maintain their own garden. Whether it’s a passion project or a more serious endeavor, everyone should have the chance to use their lawn to grow food and herbs if they want to.

Even so, wanting a garden shouldn’t prevent anyone from also experiencing the benefits of geothermal heat pumps. Many homeowners often raise concerns about what will happen to their yards, but it’s a misconception that a garden and a ground source heat pump can’t exist side by side.

However, it does require some planning. Depending on the type of loop you install, you will have to dig up a portion of your yard. Whoever installs the geothermal heat pump should work with you to select a path that will cause the least disruption to your garden.

What Can I Plant After Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump?

As you plan your landscaping and garden after the ground heat pump is installed, you have a few options to consider:

• Grass is often the easiest thing to plant. Whether you lay down sod, or simply reseed the area, the loop underneath will not affect the growth of the lawn. Once the grass comes in, you can mow this area just as you would any other part of your lawn.
• Wildflowers are a more decorative option to plant. The climate in Indianapolis gives you a wide range of choices. With some blooming in early spring and other varieties appearing late in the summer or even early fall, you will have color in your garden almost half the year.
• Smaller ornamental grasses or non-woody perennials are another smart choice because of their shallow root systems, which will not interfere with the functioning of your geothermal loop.

Remember, you’ll want to take into consideration a plant’s ability to handle slight temperature changes before planting it. When a geothermal heat pump is working correctly, it uses the water at the end of the loop to heat or cool the refrigerant going through its lines. As the refrigerant moves through the loop, you may see slight changes in the soil temperature. Plants that will do well are those that adjust to a range of temperatures easily.

While small shrubs are fine, it would be best to avoid trees directly on top of or close to the loop. Trees send out roots to look for water, which is why you have probably seen tree roots disrupting a sidewalk or creating hills and ridges in the yard.

Professional Geothermal Heat Pump Services in Indianapolis and the Surrounding Area

At the end of the day, never let a desire for a beautifully landscaped yard and garden stand in the way of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system at your house. Contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for all your geothermal heating and cooling inquiries and needs today.

We like to think of our team at Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning as a family. Since our customers are such an important part of our business we want them to feel like part of the Chapman family too! What better way to get to know our family than by introducing some of our employees to you on our blog. Meet Chris, our Service Manager and learn about everything he does to make Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning the best business it can be.

Q: What is your official job title and what are some of your responsibilities?

A: I'm the service manager at Chapman and I basically run the service department. I work with 10 technicians and keep their schedules running smoothly. I order parts, work on payroll and make sure my guys get to their appointments. Nothing too glamorous, but it's important to our company.

Q: How long have you worked for Chapman?

A: It will be 16 years in June. I previously worked at a bigger company and I felt like just a number, I didn't really know my coworkers or have connections with them. Once I started working at Chapman I knew this was the right place for me. The company feels like family to me. We get along great and that's important to the success of a business.

Q: What is an average day like for you at the office?

A: Well, I come in about 7 a.m. and I look at the service calls and schedule for the day. I see if we need any parts and go over the schedule with dispatch. Then I will look at logs from the previous day. I'll go over the numbers and orders from the previous day too. I'll quote repairs, order stock and do my best to solve any problems.

Q: What's the best part of your workday?

A: The best part is taking care of the customer. Seeing a happy customer makes all of our hard work worth it. It's nice to see your team members happy too. Our main focus is the customer and sometimes we forget about ourselves, so whenever another employee is having a good day it definitely makes your workday better.

Q: What's the most stressful part of your workday?

A: Oh man, probably when I have five technicians calling me at once. I try and get to everyone and sometimes it will take me a while to get to someone so they might think I'm ignoring them or forgot about them, but I didn't. That can cause a little bit of stress.

Q: What is one heating and cooling tip you like to pass along to your customers this time of year?

A: Our customers need to know that most appliances fail because of lack of maintenance. Just make sure you get your appliances checked. Your heater and air conditioner should each be looked at once a year.

Q: Why should people choose Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning?

A: I know it is cliche, but Chapman really is the best in the industry. We have good people working here and Jeff is great. He takes care of the customers and the employees. Chapman is fair, we don't overcharge and we don't oversell to our customers either. We do our job properly. It's not about the sale, it's about making sure the customer is happy and satisfied with our service.

Now that you know a little more about Chris, hopefully you feel more connected to the Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning family. We have a great staff that can't wait to work with you so give us a call at (317) 207-9378 or stop by our office today!

Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!