Heating System Tune-ups Save Money and Promote Safety

October 9th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Although you might not be thinking of cranking up your furnace, cooler weather is not far away. Now is the time to schedule a heating season tune-up, including:

  • combustion adjustment
  • professional cleaning
  • safety check

Ensuring that your home’s heating system undergoes an annual “tune–up”, is a great investment.

Failure to schedule regular HVAC service is usually penalized with:

  • Increased fuel bills (up to 15%) resulting from inefficient operation. This is essentially the same as burning money. It’s always better to have a trained HVAC service professional perform the necessary tests to determine your system’s combustion efficiency prior to, and after it is tuned up.
  • Accelerated wear and tear of equipment. You can extend the life of your equipment by as much as 10 years with annual maintenance.
  • Avoidable and preventable HVAC system repairs. Maintenance costs much less than repairs. Furthermore, it’s never convenient to experience a breakdown. Regular maintenance helps you to avoid such breakdowns.
  • Life-threatening carbon monoxide gas. Yearly heating inspections are also important for the safety of you and your family. Occasionally, issues with a heat exchanger or flue system problem can allow deadly gas leaks in your home. Unfortunately, too many people die each year because of such tragic leaks. Trained technicians are able to spot warning signs in HVAC systems.

Today’s HVAC systems are incredibly more sophisticated than those in the past. Well–equipped and trained service professionals use a variety of electronic devices and tools to ensure your system is properly serviced. If you’re ready to have your unit tuned-up, contact a professional to do the job right.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Why Your Furnace Filter Is Important

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Both the forced-heated air we use in the winter and our central air conditioning flows through the house in the same ducting in most of our HVAC systems.  And, as mundane as they look, our HVAC systems could not properly do the job they are intended to do without an appropriate air filter. Many homes today are also equipped with air exchange systems that literally exchange the air in our homes without our awareness. All of the air that we breathe in our homes, regardless of the season, flows directly through the furnace filter. 

As you can see, an extremely important component of your HVAC system maintenance is that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. Your air filter has a major affect on the quality of the health and safety of your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. If you suffer from allergies, or have pets at home, it is even more important to remember to change your filter regularly. When your filter becomes dirty from the gradual build-up of trapped particles, it becomes more difficult for air to get through which will ultimately increase your energy bill and decrease the lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Furthermore, there are several different kinds of filters today and having the right furnace filter for your home may also contribute more to your comfort.  You can choose from the relatively inexpensive disposable fiberglass filters, disposable pleated or electrostatic, permanent electrostatic or high-efficiency pleated. Be sure to discuss these options with your local HVAC professional to make sure that you filter meets the individual needs of your home..

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Gain Energy Efficiency with a Furnace Tune-Up

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Fall is quickly approaching and, just as we monitor and change our clocks and fire alarms by the seasons of spring and fall, so should we give our attention to a tune-up of our home’s HVAC systems. According to some reports (depending on your location), having your furnace tuned-up in the fall could save you approximately 10% on heating energy costs throughout the winter.

The cost of regular residential HVAC system maintenance is minimal, compared to potential energy savings, as well as the cost of preventing potentially costly repairs. Of course, there is nothing like the peace of mind in knowing that your heating system is safe, efficient, and dependable when winter’s cold temperatures arrive in earnest. 

Your local HVAC technician will test all of your gas or combustion systems, to ensure that carbon monoxide levels are safe and that your system is operating efficiently. Your HVAC contractor will check the flue temperature, take draft measurements, clean the burners, combustion and heating surfaces, and make adjustments to the air flow rate, as well as fuel flow, to ensure optimum functioning. 

Once your tune-up is complete, you will only have to check and replace the furnace filter about once every month. Also, make sure that your heating registers are cleaned, and free of objects that can block the flow of heated air; you may also want to close the heating vents in rooms that are unused. Furthermore, consider maintaining your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees and turning it down at night when you are covered with blankets, as well as when you aren’t home. Lowing your thermostat in this way can save you an additional 10% off your energy bill.

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Time to Schedule Your Fall Heating System Check-Up

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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As the seasons change and our bodies begin to notice the change in temperature, it is a natural reminder to pay attention to our household HVAC systems. When summer and winter actually arrive, contractors seem to be the busiest; so, as the warmth of spring begins, have your cooling system checked and, likewise, as the chill of fall begins, make sure you get the heating system checked. It is always preferable to keep your system maintained, preventing the unnecessary expense of costly repairs. It is also better to not be caught unaware by a potential heating malfunction in the middle of winter’s coldest temperatures. 

As part of your regular residential HVAC system maintenance, have your local HVAC professional check your thermostat settings to make sure that you are comfortable while at home, but also to ensure that you’re saving energy when the home is empty. Your HVAC contractor will tighten all electrical connections and lubricate all moving parts, inspect the drainage of condensate, and check to ensure that your system controls are safe and operating properly. With regards to your heating system, you can expect them to check all connections having to do with gas (or oil) including the burner and its combustion, as well as the heat exchanger; thus, eliminating any potential fire and health hazards while ensuring that your system is safe and efficient. 

Also, if you are currently unaware of the location of the furnace filter, have your HVAC technician show you where it is and how to change it. Once your fall heating check-up is complete, the only thing you’ll have to do is change the furnace filter about once a month to maintain energy efficiency, clean air, and prevent possible system damage.

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How Long Will My HVAC Last?

July 30th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The life span of a typical residential HVAC system depends upon a number of variables including the initial proper design of the system as well as proper HVAC system maintenance.  In general the equipment will last 10 years or more, while the ductwork will last for the life of the home. 

The key is the proper design of the system, which includes the proper sizing of the equipment.  This means that the HVAC contractor will consider a number of factors while designing the heating and cooling system including the outdoor temperatures during the winter and summer.  In addition, they will calculate the heat loss and gain of the home thru the building envelope, especially the exterior doors and windows.  A system that is undersized will typically run into issues before one that is properly sized.  This is due to the undersized system running more than a properly sized system because the heating and cooling needs can never be met. 

However, the biggest factor impacting the lifespan of a HVAC system is the lack of maintenance, including regular filter changes, cleaning of the units, checking the refrigerant levels, periodic duct cleaning and thorough periodic inspections.  The best way to increase the lifespan of your HVAC equipment is to have a periodic check of the system prior to the heating and cooling systems.  Most qualified HVAC contractors have a dedicated service department that can provide this periodic service at a very reasonable cost, which will extend the life of the mechanical equipment in your home!

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All About Indoor Air Quality

July 30th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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One of the biggest concerns people have in their homes and offices alike is the indoor air quality (IAQ), which refers to the quality of the air that the occupants breathe.   The quality is impacted by the presence of both naturally occurring items as well as man-made pollutants.  Examples of items impacting indoor air quality include plant pollen, mold spores, germs and fumes given off by building products.   All of these items ultimately impact the health of the building’s occupants with such items as asthma and other respiratory conditions. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three means to improve indoor air quality in homes.  They include source control, improving ventilation and air cleaners.  A qualified HVAC contractor that specializes in both commercial and residential HVAC service and repair can assist in improving indoor air quality by limiting the source, improving ventilation and air cleaners. 

While the complete elimination of the sources of both naturally occurring, as well as man made pollutants is not possible, they can be greatly reduced by a modern HVAC system that brings in fresh air continuously to condition the air within the home or office building.  As the air is brought in and continuously distributed thru the HVAC system, where it is filtered using modern air filters or state of the art electronic air filters.  This process is continuous, resulting in cleaner and cleaner air for the occupants to breath, which ultimately improves the indoor air quality positively impacting the occupant’s health. 

HVAC contractors have a great deal of experience in designing and installing complete modern HVAC systems that will result in improved AIQ.   In addition, they can also make recommendations to improve and existing system quickly and economically.  There is no need to suffer from the results of bad indoor air quality!

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Residential Emergency HVAC Service

May 21st, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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A vast majority of residential HVAC service contractors have a service department that offers 24-hour emergency service.  However, not every heating or cooling issue is considered an emergency.  Many HVAC contractors consider conditions that threaten either life or property to be an emergency.  

In many cases, especially during dramatic seasonal changes such as the first really hot day of the summer or very cold winter days, the contractor will need to prioritize emergency service calls in the same way an emergency room prioritizes patients.  That being said, the HVAC contractor is committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible.  

A home with no heat is considered and emergency when the temperature is at or below freezing by most HVAC contractors.  Obviously the occupants could be in danger due to the cold and the property is in danger if the pipes freeze.  In homes with two furnaces, if one is still functioning, it is not considered an emergency, as the occupants of the home can easily relocate into the heated part of the home until the HVAC contractor can get there. 

A home with no air conditioning is not considered an emergency.  The only exception for most HVAC contractors would be if one or more of the occupants was sick or elderly and could not be easily moved to a cooler place.  Obviously, this could be life threatening if they could not be relocated to a cooler place. 

In many cases the consumer can benefit from developing a relationship with a residential HVAC contractor before an emergency occurs.  One way to develop this relationship is to consider a semi annual maintenance plan where the HVAC contractor performs an inspection of the HVAC system and performs preventative maintenance before the heating and cooling seasons.

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Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

May 21st, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Most people think of air pollution as something that is only of concern when we are in the great outdoors. However, the truth is that the inside of our homes or offices can be even more polluted that the outside. The air inside your home can be polluted by chemicals found in your mattress, carpet or paint; house dust can contain lead; and chemicals used in fragrances or cleaners can be volatile or become health hazards. 

In all of that mix above, you can find major allergens, mold and pet dander (whether or not you own a pet). Many people are particularly vulnerable to allergens or indoor pollutants, especially those who suffer respiratory conditions, be they young or old. As we spend more time indoors, clean and healthy indoor air quality becomes more important.  Change your furnace filters regularly and be sure to have your local HVAC professional service your heating and air conditioning system as you approach those hot and humid months ahead. 

In the meantime, simple things that you can do include using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Use a new microfiber mop (and dust cloths) to capture more dust, using just water without cleaners or chemicals. Keep a large floor mat at every door. Keep the humidity in your home around 30%-50% to keep dust mites and other allergens under control. Inasmuch as cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, make your home a no-smoking zone. Have your home tested for radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Finally, limit your use of cleaners and spray products that contain synthetic fragrances, which can emit any number of toxic or hazardous chemical compounds.

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Why You Need to Change Furnace Filters in the Summer

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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At first glance, the words “furnace” and “summer” just seem incongruent; they don’t go together!  Why worry about changing your furnace filter in the summer? Because, most of today’s HVAC systems consist of ducting through which your furnace’s forced-heated air flows and your central air conditioning flows, in addition to an air exchange system that literally exchanges (in/out) the air of your home. Most of us just naturally tend to be fairly cognizant of changing that filter in the winter, but think of it less often, if at all, during the summer months.

Since all of the air that you breathe in your home flows through the furnace filter, it is extremely important that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. The same HVAC system that moves air throughout your home during the winter, will be moving the  air throughout your home in the summer. Your air filter has an affect on the quality of  your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. Your filter can become clogged as it collects dust, pet dander, pollen, etc., making it more difficult for air to get through. It can cause the fans to work harder, thereby increasing your energy bill.  Frequent filter changes will help to increase the lifespan of your entire HVAC system.

So, yes, your furnace filter needs to be changed even in the summer. Don’t let dirty filters hinder the work of your HVAC system or harm your indoor air quality, regardless of the season. Anytime you need maintenance or repairs, make sure to call your local HVAC professional who can ensure the proper functioning of your ventilating system all year long.

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Why Schedule Your Air Conditioning Checkup in the Spring?

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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To give your HVAC contractor a break? No! Seriously, many have made the mistake of waiting until the scorching heat of summer to make that call to schedule a checkup of the AC, only to find that the waiting list is long. Furthermore, too often, a spring checkup is entirely overlooked until the AC system fails to cool or some other problem becomes apparent (again, it’s usually on the first very hot day of summer).

Oh, how much better is it to be proactive, prepared for the eventual onslaught of heat and humidity, knowing you can relax in the comfort and security of your tuned up AC. There are many things that can need repair or replacement, rendering your air conditioning less efficient. A significant percentage of your cooling efficiency can result from small seemingly insignificant wear and tear, such as worn fan belts or damaged insulation. A simple blocked filter can place extra strain on your motor. Keeping your air conditioning system running at peak performance will extend its life, save on utility bills and prevent potential future problems.

Your local professional HVAC contractor will check that your air conditioning unit is fully functional and ready to operate at peak efficiency when the heat of summer arrives. They will ensure that your entire coolant line is properly insulated, straighten all coil fins that may be bent, to allow proper air distribution and that make sure that nothing is obstructing air flow. To lower your energy bill and make your home a cool oasis from the summer sun, call  your local heating and air conditioning contractor and arrange for your HVAC system service in the spring!

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