Don’t Wait To Get Your Annual HVAC Service

March 25th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Although spring has just arrived, now is the time to get your HVAC system serviced for its annual check-up. While in most regions the temperatures are still mild, it wont be long before the days begin to get warmer, instigating calls to local HVAC companies for A/C service. Annual tune-ups of your A/C unit can ensure that it’s ready to keep you and your family cool through the hot summer months; plus, it can extend the life of your unit by a few years or more. 

Recommended Annual Service

Spring is the best time to schedule your residential HVAC service, getting it ready for the hot months ahead. Although you can perform this service any time of the year, scheduling this service every spring is what most A/C professionals recommend. After sitting dormant for several months, the unit needs to be cleaned, oiled and inspected before beginning months of regular use. Some of the things which need to be checked each spring on your A/C unit include: 

  • Filters – Filters should be cleaned, inspected and replaced if necessary.
     
  • Refrigerant – Low levels of refrigerant can be a sign of a leak. Refrigerant should be checked, looking for any signs of leaking.
     
  • Condenser –  An inspection and cleaning of the condenser, condenser coils and evaporator should be performed.
     
  • Thermostat – Calibrating the thermostat can ensure that your A/C unit is not working overtime. 

The entire unit will be inspected, oiling the motor and checking electrical components as well. Your local A/C professional can identify any issues that should be fixed before summer, reducing the chance of an A/C breakdown during the hot months. Many HVAC companies may even offer a spring service special, making this a great time to save money and get your unit ready for summer.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Tips To Reduce Your Heating And Cooling Utility Bills

March 25th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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A large portion of most utility bills throughout the year is spent on temperature control of the home. Whether it is heating in the winter or cooling in the summer, your monthly energy bills can skyrocket with heavy use of your HVAC system. However, there are ways to reduce the load on your system, making it more efficient,  and possibly saving hundreds of dollars each year on your utility bills. 

Tips To Reduce Heating And Cooling Costs

There are a few basic ways to save on heating and cooling costs. First, make sure your HVAC system is working properly and efficiently. Secondly, ensure you are conserving the temperature-controlled air in your home. Here are a few tips on how to accomplish both of these steps: 

  • HVAC service – Your HVAC system needs regular air conditioning service to work efficiently. Annual inspections and tune-ups will keep the unit clean, well lubricated and running smoothly.
     
  • Insulation – Increasing the insulation in your attic and crawl places can preserve the temperature in your home, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
     
  • Ducts – Your ducts should be cleaned and inspected to ensure they don’t have any leaks or cracks which are losing air.
     
  • Windows and doors – Replacing your windows and doors with energy efficient models can have a large impact on your utility bills.
     
  • Programmable thermostat – Having a thermostat that can be programmed to turn off when not in use can result in significantly increased efficiency and savings. 

Your HVAV professional can discuss the best ways to save money on your energy bills during your annual service appointments. Talk to them about adding a programmable thermostat or other energy saving devices to your existing HVAC system.

Posted on behalf of Western Aire

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Condensate Drains

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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All HVAC units with air conditioners will have condensate drains, which drains water created during the air conditioning process, into the home’s plumbing system.  This is even the case on homes where the unit is located in the attic of the home.  While it may seem that there is no maintenance involved in a condensate system, it is critical that this be regularly checked, especially on HVAC units located in the attic of a home. 

On the ground floor of the home, the condensate line usually terminates into a floor drain connected to the homes plumbing system.  There is a gap between the two, so the homeowner can see if water is flowing into the drain.  On attic units, the unit itself, the condensate line is also terminated into the home’s plumbing system.  In addition, there are two backup system in place as well to protect water created during the air conditioning process from leaking onto a ceiling and causing damage to the home.  First the unit is placed in a sealed “tub” so that the “tub” catches the water if the primary drain fails for any reason.  There is an independent drain in the tub that is usually terminated in the soffit of the home over a window.  It is located there so that if the homeowner sees water dripping out of the soffit and will be aware that the primary drainage system is not working properly.  Finally the “tub” has a “float” system installed, which will shut off the HVAC system if water rises within the “tub” because of a drainage issue. 

It is critical that these systems be periodically checked to verify that they are working as designed.  A qualified HVAC contractor that specializes in residential HVAC service and repair will check that as a part of their regular seasonal maintenance of your home.  If you fail to see water draining into the floor drain, see water dripping out of the soffit or you attic unit stops working, call your HVAC contractor immediately!

 

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Lower Energy Costs With Solar HVAC

May 21st, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Have you been thinking about converting your building’s HVAC system to solar? Some statistics indicate that a building’s HVAC system accounts for forty to sixty percent of the building’s energy use. While it is a given that HVAC systems are a necessity, nevertheless they are largely responsible for sending utility costs soaring. 

Replacing older units with up-to-date high efficiency rooftop units will immediately save you energy costs. As aging equipment tends to require costly repairs and service, this step alone will eliminate such costs. Furthermore, decreased overall energy consumption will lower operating costs, in addition to requiring less peak electrical demands. 

With the addition of solar energy, an increase in operational cost savings can be realized by harnessing the sun’s power to run a building’s entire HVAC system and more. Through reduced dependence on the utility electric grid and lower carbon emissions, building owners can control their energy costs much more effectively. Solar energy can be integrated without costly changes to the building’s electrical infrastructure and can help the rooftop unit achieve net-zero energy status. Because solar modules can generate more power than the rooftop unit consumes, power is returned to the utility grid when the energy is not being utilized; thus, potentially providing building owners with a utility tax credit. 

As the building industry continues to evolve with more green building requirements, upgrading to a solar HVAC system can help your building achieve such sustainability goals, in addition to substantial energy and cost savings. If it is time for your building to go solar, contact your local HVAC professional to ensure that all of your individual needs are met during that transitional process.

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Tips for Keeping Summer Cooling Costs Down

April 10th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Yes, summer is on its way! With continually rising energy costs, here are some easy ways to keep those cooling costs down, without giving up the air conditioning on those hot evenings.

Plug up any holes. On those warm summer days, you don’t want to cool the neighborhood with your air conditioner. Foam and caulking can help seal problem areas, as well as extra insulation.  Lighten the load of your air conditioning unit by shutting the doors and vents of unused rooms in your home. Also, it will be easier for your air conditioner to maintain a cooler temperature in your home if you keep the shades and curtains on your windows closed to prevent the sun from shining in. This is especially important for those windows on the west side of your house, which would receive the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Keeping the filters clean on your air conditioning units will help them to work more efficiently.  Consider programming your thermostat to allow the temperature in your home to rise during the day if no one is home. Unplug all electronics that are not being used or use a Smart Strip that cuts power when it’s not needed. Electronics, turned off but plugged in, can still draw power from the outlets. Consider other means of cooking instead of turning on your oven, which heats up the rest of your house and overworks your air conditioner.  Taking cooler showers in the summertime will also save on costs over time.

Finally, bring in an air conditioning professional to service your HVAC system once a year and have them check for potential problems that could hinder efficiency (like mold or rusting). Your home may also benefit from an overall check by a professional energy auditor. 

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Signs That Your Air Conditioner is Failing

March 26th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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When your air conditioner is in good repair and working as it should, it’s easy to take for granted. Just like anything else in your home, though, your air conditioner is fallible and subject to problems as it ages. The last thing that you want, however, is for a complete breakdown to take you by surprise when the mercury is rising. Keeping an eye out for certain warning signs can help you catch a breakdown before it happens, reducing the amount of time you’ll spend sweltering as your air conditioner repairs or replacement are underway. 

No air conditioner will cool your entire home instantly, but one that takes significantly longer to affect a noticeable change on the temperature of yoru home is probably struggling. In some cases, the problem is as simple as a low coolant level; others, pipes could be rusty or corroding, or the entire system needs to be replaced. 

If you’ve changed your air filters and the air conditioner is still blowing lukewarm, partially-cooled air or the airflow from your vents is weak, those things can also be signs of trouble. Clogged filters are the most common cause of weak airflow, but a frozen unit, malfunctioning blower fan or other mechanical failure could also be the culprit. 

Rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself, you should always contact a licensed and experienced HVAC professional in your area to discuss the issue. Some problems with your air conditioner may actually be quick and relatively inexpensive to repair, but all issues will require the attention of a professional. There’s no safe HVAC repair outside of changing an air filter than you can do yourself, and neglecting problems could be even more costly in the long run.

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How a Heat Pump Works

February 19th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners or furnaces, and are primarily used for climates that need moderate heating or cooling. But most people aren’t aware of just how heat pumps work. 

Heat pumps use electricity like a refrigerator, in order to make a cool space even cooler, and a warm space warmer, as the pump moves heat out of a cool space and into a warm space. Because they simply move heat rather generating it, heat pumps are able to put out up to 4 times the amount of energy that the pumps consume. If you use electricity to power your heat pump, it can cut down on the electricity you use to heat or cool your home by 30% to 40% when used on a regular basis. 

In the wintertime, heat pumps draw heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house, while in the hot summertime, it expels heat from your house into the warmer outdoors. Heat pumps are highly efficient, and they dehumidify the air in your home better than the more common central air conditioners used by most homes. Using a heat pump also requires less energy and can make your house cooler in the summer months. However, the efficiency of most air-source heat pumps as a heat source drops dramatically at low temperatures, generally making them unsuitable for cold climates, although there are systems that can overcome the problem. 

Making the choice of a heat pump for your home is an important one, something that you should discuss with your HVAC contractor in order to make the best selection for your needs and those of your family.

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Balancing Room Temperatures

February 14th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Many homes seem to be difficult to balance temperature. While one room is the perfect temperature, others seem to be too cold or too hot. There are several reasons that the temperature can be out of balance from room to room so the first step is to find the problem and work on getting it fixed. 

Common Causes

Temperature fluctuations are often due to airflow, meaning one room is getting more air and others are lacking. Checking the airflow is something most people can do themselves. Some systems have a damper on the individual supply runs that come from the main source. These are usually small metal handles that open or close the airflow to each room. Adjusting the dampers can increase the airflow to those needing it. 

If there are no dampers or they are not accessible, you can also adjust airflow at the registers in each room. This is not quite as effective but still can do the trick. Make sure all vents are open, including the return vents. 

When To Call A Service Technician

If balancing the airflow does not help, there may be other problems with your air conditioning and heating system that need to be checked by a professional. Some areas a technician can look at that can affect temperature balance are: 

  • Fan speed and function
  • Check duct work
  • Evaluate insulation
  • Check for obstructions 

Some amount of temperature imbalance can be expected, especially in two-story homes. However, if you have adjusted the airflow and you still have dramatic differences in room temperatures, it is time to have a professional check your system.  A system efficiency analysis by your HVAC professional will help you identify the source of the problem.

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Choosing A Programmable Thermostat

February 14th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair, Thermostats
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An easy way to save money on your air conditioning and heating bills is to replace your standard thermostat with a modern programmable thermostat.   Programmable thermostats automtically adjust the temperature in your home to keep you and your family comfortable and switch to an energy savings setting at night or during the daytime hours when you and your are away at work or school.  Depending on your lifestyle, there are many different features and models that can help lower energy costs while maintaining a comfortable home temperature. 

Additional Features

The additional features beyond the standard four pre-programmed settings can make one thermostat stand out from another. Some of the additional features that models may come with are:

  • Voice programming
  • Smart phone programming
  • Vacation or hold features
  • Troubleshooting indicators
  • Adaptive recovery/smart recovery 

Daily Settings

In general, there are three different kinds of models to choose from to program your day and week temperatures. The model you choose will depend on how much your schedule changes throughout the week. 

  • 7-day model. If your family’s schedule changes from day to day, a seven-day model allows you to program it for each individual day throughout the week. For example, if the kids are home early on one day, but later on others, you can set the timers differently for each day.
  • 5 + 2-day model. For those who have a set schedule Mon-Fri and a similar schedule for the weekends, this model can let you set one program each.
  • 5 +1+1-day models. If you are on a routine for 5 days and then the other two days need to be individually set, this may be a good choice for you. 

Once you choose the model that best fits your lifestyle and schedule, your service technician can professionally install it and help you learn how to program your new programmable thermostat. By using the various settings you can make sure your heating and cooling system is always on when you need it and off when you don’t.

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Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioning System

January 14th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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When it’s hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk the last thing you need is an air conditioner on the blink. It can happen, though, because the hottest weather is when power systems are stressed and can easily be overloaded. What to do if your AC suddenly stops working? Well, before you call the HVAC service  hot-line there are some steps you can take yourself. 

The following list includes some of the most common air conditioning repair problems you are likely to face, as well as some advice on when to call in the HVAC repair experts. 

  • Air conditioner stops, won’t turn back on – First, check that the thermostat is set to cool and that the power switches are turned on. At this point you should also check all fuses and circuit breakers to make sure the home electrical system is working.
  • “Funny” noises coming from AC unit – Turn unit off, then go outside to see if fan blades are dirty.
  • Unit leaking refrigerant – When the unit is leaking or is low on refrigerant, don’t simply add more refrigerant. This is “call the repairman” time. Your HVAC tech will come out to address the issue, test your unit and make sure it is properly charged with refrigerant.
  • Unit is leaking water – It’s likely that the unit isn’t cooling properly and that cooling coil may be freezing over. The problem could be an inadequate air supply or low refrigerant. This will require a tech to diagnose and fix.
  • Thermostat disagrees with thermometer – This might be a simple DIY fix; recalibrate and reposition thermostat  so that it accurately senses room temperature. 

If you are at all uncomfortable performing any of these steps don’t hesitate to call yoru residential HVAC contractor.

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