4 Benefits of Annual Furnace Tune-Ups

When was the last time you had a complete tune-up on your furnace? If it has been over a year, you are past due for service. Annual tune-ups keep your furnace maintained, which can lead to many benefits down the road. Here are four benefits you can reap from keeping up with your annual maintenance on your furnace.

  1. More efficiency. The immediate reward you may get from annual tune-ups is more efficiency for heating with your furnace, and lower utility bills. A well-maintained furnace runs better, with less fuel or energy, saving you money all winter long.
  2. Longevity. Like any mechanical system, a furnace will last longer when it is properly cleaned, lubricated and maintained. Extend the time between replacements with annual tune-ups on your furnace, saving you more money and making the most of your investment.
  3. Better air quality. Your furnace circulates the air in your home and can impact the quality of the air. Tune-ups can help improve the air quality with regular filter changes and other services to maintain clean, healthy air in your home.
  4. Tune-ups often catch issues that need to be repaired before they cause a break down of the system. Instead of waking up to a cold house and needing to call a repair company, keep your system working consistently with tune-ups every year.

Keep your heating costs as low as possible by sticking to a routine schedule for annual tune-ups on your furnace. It is a small investment that can pay for itself in better energy efficiency and fewer emergency repairs, as well as extending the life of your furnace.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

5 Factors that Impact Your Home Air Quality

There are few things that are more important to your health than the air you breathe. Your home’s air quality is a vital component of keeping your family healthy, yet many people are unaware of issues that maybe contaminating the air they breathe every day. Here are five factors that can create poor air quality in your home that should be monitored and inspected.

  1. High moisture levels in your home can cause mold, mildew and air quality issues that can impact your health. High humidity can also damage the materials in your home.
  2. Dirty air ducts. If there is dust, debris, mold and other contaminates in your air ducts, these can be distributed into the air you and your family breathe.
  3. Dander and dust. The amount of people and pets you have in your home effect your air quality. All animals, including humans, shed skin and hair that can impact air quality, requiring extra attention to filtration.
  4. HVAC service. Regular HVAC system maintenance is critical to your home’s air quality. Regular changing of filters and routine maintenance are important to keep your indoor air climate-controlled and healthy.
  5. All homes need appropriate ventilation to allow smoke, chemicals and other contaminates to be eliminated from the air.

The easiest way to determine the level of air quality in your home is to have it tested. Your local HVAC service can provide an air quality test, as well as evaluate your HVAC system for efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining the preferred climate in your home. Make sure your indoor air quality is maintained at a high level with regular HVAC service and routine air quality testing.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

Maintenance Checklist for Your Heating System

Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, maintaining your system can help it run more efficiently and extend the life of your equipment. Maintenance is key to keeping energy and repair costs low. Don’t wait for a problem to arise before you get your heating system the maintenance it needs. Here is a checklist of maintenance items that should be done throughout the year on your heating system.

  • Check and replace filters as needed. Many heating system filters need to be changed monthly or bi-monthly during the colder seasons. Make sure to check your filter each month and change out as needed. This improves your air quality and energy efficiency.
  • Check and clean vents. Blockages in your vents can waste energy when heating your home. Make sure all vents are delivering warm air and clean them as needed.
  • Program your thermostat. Save money on your heating bill by making sure your thermostat is properly programmed. Lower the heat when no one is home and set the max setting at 68 degrees when you are home.
  • Schedule a tune-up. At least once a year your heating system should be serviced by your HVAC company. Fall is a good time to get your system tuned-up, but if you missed your maintenance, it is better late than never. Get on a routine of servicing your A/C in the spring and your heating system in the fall to keep your HVAC system in good shape all year round.

Routine HVAC maintenance can ensure your heating system is ready to tackle the winter months. Keep up with filter and vent checkups every month to ensure the best efficiency for your heating system all winter long.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

Professional Maintenance Is the Key to Efficient HVAC Operation

Heating and air conditioning issues can be a major headache for homeowners. You rely on your system to provide comfort in your home year-round, so you need a professional HVAC repair service you can trust.

When the frigid days of winter come knocking at your door, make sure your heating system is in good repair and working efficiently. Professional HVAC repair technicians are trained and qualified to inspect and repair your heating system for you.

Got a cooling emergency in the sweltering heat of summer?  Licensed HVAC professional repair techs will inspect and repair your air conditioning system quickly for you.

Tired of skyrocketing utility bills? Heating and air conditioning repair specialists can conduct an efficiency analysis of your system to determine energy consumption and how you can save energy. Keep your heating and cooling air inside where it belongs; make your home more energy efficient with our blown-in insulation service.

Want to avoid spending a fortune on heating and cooling your home? Find local HVAC technicians who will install a new energy-efficient system in your home. Enjoy the comforts of home at a fraction of the cost.

Your comfort and safety are too important to leave to chance. Professional HVAC repair technicians provide installation of dehumidifiers and carbon monoxide detectors to protect your family’s health. If you’ve got an attached garage especially, a carbon monoxide detector can be a life saver in your home.

For whatever heating and cooling needs you may have for your home, you can rely on the HVAC professionals in your area to do what it takes to get the job done. Don’t sweat through another summer, and keep old man winter at bay.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Marietta, GA
(770) 475-9564

It’s Time for an HVAC Tune-Up

To prevent HVAC failure and expensive repairs, your system should receive at least an annual tune-up, with many systems requiring bi-annual service. Spring is the perfect time to have your system inspected and regular maintenance performed, right after the colder months of winter and before the hot summer weather starts.  Regular tune-ups on your HVAC offers many benefits, including:

  • Prolonging the life of your HVAC system. A new HVAC system can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Make your system last as long as possible with a small investment into regular tune-ups and maintenance.
  • Prevent inconvenient and expensive breakdowns. According to Murphy’s Law, your air conditioning unit will wait until the hottest week of summer to go on the fritz. Many common repair problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.
  • Reduce energy costs. Tune-ups include filter changes and other maintenance services that help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. This can help lower your energy use, saving you money all year long off your utility bills.
  • Keep your warranty valid. If you have a newer HVAC system, you may be required to have tune-ups to protect your warranty. Don’t miss a scheduled service that could cost you thousands of dollars on repairs or replacement that could have been covered under the manufacturer warranty.

To make it easier to remember when your HVAC needs the annual tune-up, plan to have service every spring, or every spring and fall for bi-annual maintenance requirements. Your local HVAC service provider can perform all the needed maintenance, ensuring your HVAC system is ready for the hot summer weather ahead.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA
(770) 475-9528

Plan Now for a Cool and Energy Efficient Summer

Late winter and early spring aren’t usually times when most people are worried about their air conditioning, but it’s actually the best time to start thinking about getting your HVAC system ready for the hotter months ahead. Most people wait until the weather starts warming up before they call their local HVAC service company to have their air conditioning unit serviced. Beat the rush and make sure your A/C is ready before that first hot spring day. 

Save Money on A/C with a Spring Check-up

The best way to avoid summer A/C repair costs and reduce energy bills is to have your unit inspected and tuned up each spring with an annual check-up. Before you ever turn it on for the first time this season, call your local HVAC service company to schedule a full inspection and service of your unit. This should include:

  • Checking and fill refrigerant levels
  • Checking all electronic components and thermostat
  • Changing or cleaning filters as needed
  • Cleaning coils
  • Lubricating, cleaning and inspecting all motor parts as needed

A full check-up on your air conditioning system can ensure that all parts are in good repair before the hot summer months arrive. It can also help reduce your energy costs and increase the life of your unit, making it a worthwhile investment into your home.

Don’t wait until your A/C needs repair to call your HVAC specialists. It can save you time, money and inconvenience to get your air conditioning unit serviced now, before the weather starts turning warmer. Call your local HVAC service company today to schedule your check-up. and be ready for summer when it finally arrives.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

HVAC Energy Saving Tips

One of the largest expenses in most households is the cost of energy, especially cooling and heating your home. Except for a few months in the spring and fall when temperatures are generally milder, the rest of the year an HVAC system must work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. While increased energy bills during the hottest and coldest months are to be expected, there are ways to reduce these costs with a few home improvement tips: 

  • Insulation. Insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home at the temperature you desire, with less strain on your HVAC system. Adding extra insulation in the attic, crawlspace or walls of your home can make a large difference in your energy bills.
     
  • Drafts. Any crack which allows outdoor air inside your home can also be leaking your warm or cold air. Seal cracks in ductwork, around windows or below doors to reduce the amount of temperature-controlled air which is lost.
     
  • Windows. Old windows can also be poorly insulated, allowing air to escape or outdoor air to move into your home, affecting the interior temperature. Replacing your old windows can make a significant difference in your energy bills. Another option is to use heavy drapes or blinds to help insulate the windows, plus keep out the hot sun during the summer months.
     
  • HVAC maintenance. Your HVAC system needs regular HVAC maintenance to stay efficient. Reduce energy costs by scheduling annual maintenance with your HVAC service company and ensuring that filters are replaced as needed throughout the year. 

By adding a few home improvements, you can reduce how hard your HVAC system needs to work in order to keep your home comfortable. Even one or two of these improvements can have a big impact on your monthly and yearly energy expenses.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

Google

Tips To Protect Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is an expensive and necessary part of your home, offering heating and cooling to keep your house comfortable year round. To keep this system working at its best, it is important to provide it with the necessary maintenance and repairs, as well as protecting it from preventable stress. On top of regular annual HVAC maintenance from your local HVAC service company, here are a few tips to reduce stress on your HVAC system: 

–        Programmable thermostats. Constant heating or cooling can add extra stress to your HVAC unit. Use a programmable thermostat to give your system a break when you are away from home or sleeping at night. Even a few degrees can save on over-taxing your unit, plus save money on your energy bills.

–        Filters. One of the easiest ways to protect your HVAC system is to ensure that the filter is regularly changed. This keeps your unit protected from dust and other air particles while removing them from the air your family breathes.

–        Outdoor units. If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, make sure to keep it clear of excess foliage and dirt. Keep grass clippings away from the unit, as well as leaves and other debris. Anything that can block air flow into the system could create problems, from poor efficiency to costly repairs. 

By reducing the stress on your HVAC unit, you can help prolong the life of the system and make it more energy efficient. Just by keeping the system well-maintained and clean, you may be able to get years of extra comfort from your existing HVAC components.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

Google

Which HVAC Filter Is Best?

The filter for your HVAC system does two things: clean the air and protect your HVAC components. These filters catch and remove particles from the air, making sure your air clean to breathe while also keeping these same particles out of the working components of your system. Although any filter is better than none, there is quite a difference in the quality of filters and what particles they can capture from the air. 

Three Types Of HVAC Filters

HVAC filters are rated on the MERV system, the minimum efficiency reporting value. This rating runs from 1-16, with 16 at the highest level of efficiency. Three of the most common types of HVAC filters and their MERV ratings include: 

–        Fiberglass. The most basic filter uses fiberglass as a filtering agent. These filters are very cost effective, yet have a low MERV rating of between 1-4 in most cases. While these filters will help protect your system, they are not designed to improve air quality in your home.

–        Pleated and polyester. The next step above fiberglass filters is the pleated and polyester filters. These also will protect your HVAC system, plus remove more of the harmful contaminants in the air. The MERV ratings on these filters usually ranges between 8 to 13.

–        High-efficiency. The highest level of air quality from an HVAC filter comes from the high-efficiency filters. These filters are also pleated, removing up to 85% of pollutants from the air. These filters have the highest MERV rating of between 14-16. Although these are the highest rated filters, they are usually reserved for commercial use. 

Whatever filter you choose, make sure it is changed as part of your regular HVAC maintenance. Your local HVAC service company can check and replace your filters for you when performing tune-ups or other scheduled maintenance.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

Google

Avoiding Common Air Conditioner Problems

It always happens on the hottest day of the summer. In the midst of the sweltering heat, your air conditioner goes out, blowing hot air instead of cold. What is more frustrating is that hundreds of other air conditioners have also gone out in your city on the same day, causing a backup of service calls to every HVAC repair company in the area. The majority of air conditioner breakdowns fall under only a few categories of repairs, many that can easily be avoided through preventative maintenance. 

Common Air Conditioner Problems

There are only a few things that will cause your air conditioner to stop working. Some are easily fixed, while others require a professional technician to repair or replace. Some of the most common issues include: 

  • Refrigerant. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it’s leaking or was not fully charged when it was installed, it will malfunction. Adding refrigerant without evaluating the cause of the loss is not the solution, however. It needs to be inspected for leaks and charged to the correct manufacturer specifications.
     
  • Sensor. An air conditioner which is running constantly or erratically may have a broken or misplaced sensor. Most units have a thermostat sensor which measures the temperature of the air before it enters the unit. If this gets moved or stops working properly, the unit will not cool correctly.
     
  • Electrical failure. Both the electrical controls and fan can wear out over time, especially when the unit turns on and off frequently. This is common in homes where the unit is too large for the space it is cooling. 

The best way to avoid any of these problems is to have preventative HVAC maintenance performed by an HVAC professional before the summer heat hits. They can inspect the unit, replace filters and repair any problems ahead of time, so you can enjoy your cool home all summer.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

Google