HVAC Maintenance Tips

It’s very important that your HVAC system is maintained to avoid unwanted problems and costs. A contractor can help you keep your heating and cooling system running at peak performance by doing annual checkups. It’s best to have your heating system checked in the fall and the cooling system in the spring. A good rule of thumb is to have the unit checked when the time changes each spring and fall.

A professional should check the thermostat settings as part of the maintenance checkup. The thermostat settings should work so that the temperature is comfortable when you are home and should save energy when you are away. All electrical connections should be tightened and the voltage measured. The parts should be lubricated. If lubrication is lacking, friction will increase the amount of electricity use. The condensate drain should be inspected when the unit is in cooling mode. If the drain is plugged, water damage can occur and humidity levels can be affected. Making sure that the controls of the system are working properly is also significant.

For cooling specifically, the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils should be cleaned. The system’s ability to cool is reduced by dirty coils. The refrigerant level should be checked and adjusted if necessary. If the refrigerant is not at the right level, it can cause the system to be less efficient, which increases energy costs and reduces the life of the unit. The blower components should be cleaned and adjusted to provide proper airflow, which will allow for greater levels of comfort. Your systems efficiency can be reduced by up to 15 percent if it has problems with airflow.

When it comes to the heating checkup, a professional should check the gas connections, gas pressure, heat exchanger and burner combustion. If gas connections are operating improperly, fires can occur, and if the burner is dirty or the heat exchanger is cracked, the burner won’t operate correctly. Both can cause the equipment to work less safely and efficiently.

There are some things that a homeowner can do to help ensure that the HVAC system is working properly. It’s a great idea to inspect, clean and change air filters monthly. A contractor can show you how to do this. Most people don’t understand that a dirty filter can damage your equipment and increase energy costs, which can then lead to early failure of the system.

EPA Finalizes Rule to Reduce Climate-Damaging HFCs

Today, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a rule to prohibit certain uses of chemicals that significantly contribute to climate change in favor……read more

The Advantages of Hiring a Pro for Your HVAC Needs

 

Every homeowner knows and understands the importance of having their HVAC system running properly during the long, hot months of the summer and for the harsh, cold winter nights.  For that reason, it is best to have regular maintenance performed on your HVAC unit.  There are three,distinct advantages to hiring a professional.

1. Knowledge

A professional technician has the proper knowledge and ability to ensure that your system functions that way that it should.  He has been trained and educated and understands when a problem requires repair or when a new system needs to be installed. 

2. Experience

An experienced technician can assess the problem and complete the job quickly.  He can help you choose what system is best for your home and execute the installation by following energy-efficient guidelines.  A professional will save you time and more money on energy costs in the long run.

3. Safety

Safety is imperative when working with your HVAC system.  It requires coming into contact with the motor and flame sensors.  A certified technician will know how to handle these specific parts without putting the safety of your family at risk.

It is not necessary to put yourself into an unsafe predicament when you have little knowledge and no experience.  To maximize the temperature of your home and the comfort of your family, it’s best to give the job to those who are qualified.  Please visit the website for additional information on this and other topics and for HVAC installation in Apex.

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How to Tell When You Need Furnace Repair

When you pay attention to your appliances, you know when they aren’t working efficiently. Your furnace is no different. There are signs that will alert you that it needs repair and maintenance. Even if you aren’t an expert, you can recognize things that warn you to get a service technician before your heater completely dies.

The most obvious sign that your heater is struggling is when you keep cranking up the thermostat, and your home isn’t getting warmer. However, finding the cause might be trickier. It could be your thermostat, or it could be a problem with your pilot light, or even leaking ducts.

If your electric bill is rising in the winter, it means your heater is performing inefficiently. Again, the root cause could be a number of things. If you are experiencing drafts around your home, or ice on the roof, the heat from your home could be escaping through the attic. The best course of action is to get a professional technician to diagnose the problem instead of attempting to do-it-yourself.

Unusual noises from your furnace is another sign of problems. Grinding or banging could be the fan or a fan belt or another component that is failing. If the heater doesn’t stay on, you’ll want a service technician to come out and make the repairs.

The normal color of your pilot light is blue. If it is yellow, it is a sign you have a problem, and your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide. You should not see excessive rusting on the pipes or streaks of soot around the furnace. Get these things check out quickly to protect your health.

If your family is experiencing more colds or respiratory problems than normal, your HVAC system could be one of the problems. If your ducts have mold, mildew, or dust, the heater could be circulating these irritants into the air. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If all of your family are experiencing these symptoms, get medical care immediately and have your furnace checked out before you go back home.

If you have had repairs in the last two years, you may want to consider replacing it before it needs more repairs. A furnace lasts between 10 -20 years, with the average lifespan around 12-15 years. If your furnace is past 15 years old, you will be replacing it soon. With a newer furnace, you should see a reduction in your heating costs because of greater efficiency. To learn more about HVAC service in Apex, please visit this website.

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Why Picking the Correct Size Air Conditioner Matters

Getting through the summer is much easier with a good air conditioning system that fits your home. Many people aren’t aware that air conditioners come in different sizes or why it matters. To have the most efficient system, you need the AC that fits your needs.

Why Does the Size Matter?

It’s easy to think that you should get the biggest AC you can afford. However, this isn’t the right solution, because an AC that is too big quickly cools the air in your home, but it shuts off too soon. The walls and wood do not get cooled, which lets heat and humidity into the air. Then, the AC turns on again. This cycle means that your system runs far too often, which ends up costing you money. If your AC is too small, it won’t cool your home effectively no matter how much it runs. This wastes your money by raising your utility bills.

Factors That Affect the Size of Your AC

• The volume of your home’s living space
• The amount of sun-exposed walls
• Age, orientation, and condition of windows. South-facing windows pick up more sun
• The age of your home
• Your existing ventilation system and ductwork
• Shading from trees and shrubs

Choosing an air conditioner for your home is not a simple matter of choosing one based on the square footage of your home. It’s important to get a professional technician help you find the correct unit. To find a contractor for commercial air conditioning in Apex, please visit this website.