Project Spotlight: New High-End Luxury Home on Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington

Bill Reilly and the crew at Top Notch Heating & Air were pleased to be chosen by Senko Construction for HVAC installation at a newly-constructed luxury townhome on Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington.

This high-end single-family home, one of several Senko Construction is building along Grandview Avenue, is ideal for anyone wanting to live in one of Pittsburgh’s most visited neighborhoods.

Grandview Avenue runs the length of Mount Washington and provides many unique views of Pittsburgh’s breathtaking skyline. While there was interest in building apartment buildings, duplexes, condos, and even a boutique hotel along this street, it was decided single-family homes are what’s best for the neighborhood right now. Especially luxury homes like this one, which will include a scenic rooftop deck, small swimming pool, and jacuzzi tub.

In this video posted to YouTube, Bill Reilly takes us on a walkthrough of the property. Of course, Bill spotlights the ductwork and HVAC equipment installed – in this case, Trane heating and cooling systems – which the space was fit for. Air filtration and humidifiers were also part of the install. Being that this is a high-end home, nothing from an HVAC perspective was off the table.

Senko Construction – specializing in both residential and commercial construction – has built more than 50 townhomes in Pittsburgh neighborhoods such as the North Side, Lawrenceville, and Oakland. Their typical time to complete a build is eight to ten months. They are the owners, developers, and contractors on eight high-end single-family homes planned for the corner of Grandview Ave. and Merrimac St. – right at the top of P.J. McArdle Roadway.

Please check out the video. If you’re shopping for a luxury home in the Pittsburgh area, you absolutely must inquire about these high-end single-family homes designed by Hart Architectural Services and being built by Senko Construction. In addition to living along one of Pittsburgh’s premier tourist destinations, and having a view all of your guests will envy, you’re also just a short walk from the neighborhood’s business district on Shiloh Street – host to a number of restaurants and stops for ice cream, baked goods, or an ice-cold beer or refreshing cocktail at the end of a workday.

Here are more images from the project! And, don’t forget, if you are a homeowner, business owner, or a residential or commercial builder, choose Top Notch for the best HVAC in Pittsburgh!

Benefits of Replacing Your AC and Furnace at the Same Time

If you want year-round comfort in your home, it all comes down to the HVAC systems you choose to cool your home in the summer and warm your home in the winter.

When it comes time to replace a unit, it’s tempting to replace them one at a time. Most homeowners will replace the system that’s giving them the most trouble at the time. The one they’ll rely on the most in the next few months.

For example, if your furnace is on the fritz in December, you’ll want to install a new one ASAP with more blistering cold on the way. No different than how you’ll replace your home’s AC system if your current unit craps out in July with the heat and humidity of August still to come.

Few people stop to realize that they’d conserve more energy and save more money over the long haul if they replace both systems at the same time – even one that’s seen better days but is still working.

Here are a few reasons replacing your furnace and A/C systems at the same time will benefit your home and your wallet.

Energy Efficiency

The heating and cooling systems manufactured today are incredibly energy efficient – much more than the HVAC systems built just 10 to 15 years ago.

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is how you’ll compare the efficiency of different air conditioning systems. The higher the SEER, the less energy it uses and the less it will cost to operate. Newer systems will have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the government’s minimum standard for cooling systems.

Furnaces are measured by their AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). A unit with an AFUE of 90% or more is considered an energy efficient furnace system.

Did you know? Depending on the quality and efficiency of the unit, today’s furnaces will generally last you anywhere from 15 to 20 years; a central air conditioning system can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years.

Optimal Performance

Replacing just one component of your HVAC system can actually decrease the overall performance and efficiency of both your heating and cooling system.

For instance, if you install a new high-efficiency central AC, but you’re still hanging on to an older less-energy efficient furnace, you’re not getting the best bang for your buck from the newer more energy efficient system.

Think of your furnace and air conditioning system as a powerful one-two punch. Matched systems will complement one another. After all, your AC and furnace share the same air handler/blower. A matched system with an efficient handler will result in optimal system operation and home comfort.

Simply put, a matched system might cost you more right now but it will save you more in the long run. There are a few reasons for this:

  • Matched components will work in sync together for maximum efficiency.
  • Matching a new system with an older inefficient one can quite possibly decrease the lifespan of the new system you’ve just invested in.
  • When it comes to warranties, manufacturers aren’t required to honor warranties of new systems that break down during the warranty period if they were combined with an older system.

You also have to remember that both new systems will be under warranty, which will save you money if repairs are ever needed within a few years. That’s a luxury you won’t have if you have an old dated furnace in need or repairs every remaining year you rely on it.

Overall, new systems will require fewer repairs. Additionally, you’re likely to save money on installation by purchasing both systems together and having them installed by the same HVAC pro. For them, their job becomes much less complicated when installing both a new heating and cooling system at the same time.

NEED NEW AC & FURNACE INSTALLATION IN PITTSBURGH?

If you’d like a comprehensive assessment of your current HVAC system and to go over your options for air conditioning or furnace replacement, contact Top Notch Heating & Air at 412-381-0598 or visit https://topnotchair.com. We specialize in both air conditioning and furnace installation in Pittsburgh.

New Furnace Installation Done Right

A new furnace is a significant investment. To get the most of this investment, your new furnace needs to be properly installed. Proper installation will help ensure your furnace runs optimally for up to 15 to 20 years. A system that isn’t installed to correct specifications is more likely to fail earlier. Components will wear and tear

You typically purchase a new furnace for improved indoor comfort. A warmer house. More reliability. If it’s a high-efficiency rating, you might also be looking to lower your heating bills.

However, a furnace that isn’t properly installed won’t sufficiently heat your home. It may have to work harder to get the job done; consuming more energy in the process. It is said that a poorly installed furnace can decrease performance efficiency by up to 30%.

In today’s post, TopNotch Heating & Air offers some helpful tips to ensure this big job is done right.

Find the Right Contractor

Furnace installation is a job for only a licensed and qualified HVAC professional. You should never attempt to install such a complex mechanical system on your own. Only a qualified HVAC contractor can properly install your system to ensure it runs optimally all winter long.

When choosing an HVAC tech for your new furnace installation, be sure to do the following:

Check Contractor’s Website: Most reputable HVAC contractors these days have a website. Review their site, its content, and customer testimonials. If it resonates with you, give them a call.

Check Contractor’s Online Reviews: Be sure to check the online reviews and customer ratings of any contractor you’re considering. Happy satisfied customers are always a good sign.You should get plenty of insight into your technician’s professionalism and quality of work.

Be Sure to Budget Properly

The average cost to install a new furnace is roughly $4,000. Quotes from contractors will vary depending on equipment factors such as fuel types or features. Any additional work the contractor must complete as part of the installation – for instance, installing ductwork – will also bump up the price. You have to also keep in mind that every contractor will charge differently for their time and labor. Someone in your area with a solid reputation may have higher fees.

Prep The Area

While nobody but a professional HVAC tech can install a new furnace, there are a few things homeowners are encouraged to do. Be sure to clear the area. Any items stored within six feet of the installation site should be removed. Make sure any door or gates your contractor will need access to are open or unlocked. You want the contractor to have complete accessibility and adequate space to work in. It’s in the homeowner’s best interest that the installation goes as smoothly as possible.


NEED A NEW FURNACE INSTALLATION IN PITTSBURGH? CALL US TODAY

If you need a new furnace installation in Pittsburgh or one its surrounding suburbs, call TopNotch Heating & Air today at 412-381-0598 for a free estimate.

Installing a Furnace in Pittsburgh – When Installing a Furnace Remember that Sizing Matters

Before installing a furnace in your home, make sure the furnace has been properly sized for its space. Finding an appropriately sized furnace for your home or property can be challenging. Individual furnaces come in a wide range of sizes and can be either too small or too large for a particular space.

The home’s size is the first determining factor of what size furnace will be needed. However, it’s not the only factor to consider. The “heat load” of the space to be heated must also be taken into consideration. This means knowing the required amount of heat needed for a desirable comfort level. Things that factor in here are whether or not the home is an open space with a few large rooms or a closed space with many small rooms.

Another consideration is the home’s build and construction. If the home is brick, it will be more insulated more than a home with siding. The home’s orientation must also be considered – for example, if the home faces south it will generally get more heat from the sun in winter months. A townhome nestled between neighboring properties with little space between each house will be better protected from winter winds.

Properly sizing your furnace will make a substantial difference in how effectively it works. Balance is needed.

If Your Furnace is Too Small…
Obviously, if a furnace is undersized, it won’t properly heat the space. Certain rooms will be colder than others since an inadequate level of heat is being supplied. To reach the chosen thermostat setting, the furnace will practically have to run constantly, which doesn’t necessarily make an undersized furnace cost-effective.

If Your Furnace is Too Large…
Going big isn’t the solution to everything. While it may be preposterous to think you could have “too much” heat, a furnace that is too large will elevate the interior temperature so rapidly that the unit will shut down before it completes a full heating cycle. This is known as short cycling. A furnace that short cycles is overstressed and will generally have a much shorter lifespan, incur more repairs, and raise electric bills since it will drain more power seeing as furnaces use the most energy when they first kick-on.

Why You Need a Pittsburgh HVAC Company…

Avoiding this Goldilocks dilemma is easy when you work with a reputable Pittsburgh HVAC company with professional installers that will size your furnace utilizing a procedure known as a heat load calculation. Through this method, the HVAC technician will determine your home’s heat load and match it to an appropriately sized furnace. They’ll then swiftly and effectively complete the furnace installation while you relax.

Let TopNotch Heating and Cooling be your dependable heating service provider in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh-area residents have trusted Bill Reilly and his team of HVAC professionals for over 20 years and we have an A+ rating on Angie’s List. Contact us at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 today.