Restoring Your HVAC System After Flooding

Flooding is almost always unexpected and the damage to your home can be extensive. Hurricanes, heavy rains and other disasters can bring water into your home – even your plumbing can flood the inside of your house. Flood clean up is expensive and tedious, but you want to make sure that all the water damage is fixed. This includes restoring your HVAC system once the water and moisture have been eliminated from your home.

Once your home has been inspected for safety and you can begin flood restoration, make sure your HVAC system is completely turned off at the breaker. Mark the water level on your furnace and HVAC equipment so a technician can inspect those areas.

When the water cleanup is completed, you should have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected by a HVAC professional. They can determine if any or all of the components are damaged, or if the system will need replacement. Unfortunately, severe flooding can lead to a complete failure of many HVAC systems. Even if the system still works, the water damage can lead to rust and early component corrosion and failure. Your HVAC professional can let you know the extent of the damage and whether replacing the entire system is the best option.

Getting your HVAC system up and running again can be a crucial part of recovering from flood damage. A working heating and cooling system will be necessary to keep a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent mold and other problems. Make sure getting your HVAC system inspected, repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible is on your priority list. Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if repair or replacement of your HVAC system from flood damage is covered by your insurance carrier.

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

Are Pests Causing Problems with Your HVAC System?

Most people do not want pests in their home. Rodents, insects, snakes and other critters are not welcome in most homes and with good reason. However, there are parts of your home that extend to the outside and can invite pests to live on the outskirts without coming inside. Your HVAC system may be a haven for unwelcome pests and they could be causing problems without your knowledge.

Pests Living in Your Ductwork

The ductwork for your HVAC system could be harboring pests like rodents, reptiles and insects. Rodents are known for their ability to chew through almost anything, including metal. If they create a hole in the ductwork, they may find their way in and allow other pests to follow.

Holes in the ductwork can cause lost energy efficiency and impact climate control. Plus, those pests may be living, and dying, in your ducts. This can create air quality issues as their remains contaminate the air that flows through your ducts.

Pests Living In Outdoor AC Units

Another place an unwanted pest may want to visit is your outdoor AC unit. They even decide to make it their home, especially during the winter. Birds, rodents and snakes can create nests in your outdoor unit that can cause major damage once the unit begins working again in the spring. Rodents can also chew wiring, hoses and other components, causing significant damage.

Unfortunately, you may not know there are pests causing HVAC issues until you have your system inspected or it breaks down from damage. This is a good reason to have an annual HVAC inspection and tune-up performed to ensure your ducts and outdoor AC units are sealed properly to keep out those destructive pests.

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

5 Reasons to Call an HVAC Service for a Diagnostic

Rarely does an HVAC system stop working without giving some warning signs. Usually your HVAC system will start acting differently before it breaks down. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid a complete loss of climate control on those hot or cold days when you need it most. Here are five signs that should have you reaching for your phone to call an HVAC service for a diagnostic.

  1. Strange sounds. Often an HVAC unit will become louder or make strange noise right before it finally stops. Do not ignore odd sounds from your HVAC system; call for a diagnostic to find out what is wrong.
  2. Unpleasant odors. Do you smell burning or an electrical odor when your HVAC system is running? There may be trouble in the wiring. Not only could this impact your HVAC system, it could be a fire risk.
  3. Thermostat not working right. Does your HVAC turn on or off at the wrong temperature settings? Thermostat problems can cost you on your utility bills and eventually lead to a breakdown.
  4. Moisture. If you notice condensation on or around your unit, there could be a leak or other issue with your air conditioning.
  5. No heat or cold air. If only the fan is blowing, but no heated or cooled air, your HVAC is already in need of service and its time to call in the experts.

Save your less the time and frustration of a HVAC breakdown by proactively watching for signs of trouble. A quick diagnostic can help your HVAC professional find and fix the issue before it causes more damage to your unit and a possible shutdown.

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

Does Your HVAC Need a Tune-Up?

Like any machinery, your HVAC system has many moving parts that need occasional lubrication, cleaning and even replacement. When regular maintenance or service is not performed, eventually the system will come to a halt. With HVAC systems, Murphy’s Law says it will stop on the hottest or coldest day of the year, when you need it the most. So how you know if your HVAC system needs a tune-up?

For most HVAC systems, a tune-up consists of a full inspection of the system. This includes making sure everything is working correctly, looking for visible issue and listen for any odd sounds. The safety of the unit is also checked, including wiring and plugs. The system is usually lubricated where needed and cleaned. Cleaning includes the condenser coils, vents and filters. Coolant levels are checked, filled if needed, and a check for leaks is performed. The thermostat is checked and all controls.

For most systems, an annual tune-up is sufficient to keep on top of needed maintenance. A good time to schedule your tune-ups is either in the spring or fall, between the two cooler and hotter times of year. With regular tune-ups, many issues can be prevented that may cause a breakdown. Repairs can be made proactively, saving you the hassle of being without heat or air when you really need it.

Make sure you are scheduling your regular tune-ups before the busiest times of the year. If it has been over a year since your last HVAC tune-up, call to schedule yours right away. Maintenance can help improve efficiency and prevent system failures down the road, also extending the life of your unit.

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