It’s Time for an HVAC Tune-Up

April 8th, 2015 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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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

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Save Money This Summer Cooling Your Home

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Hot summers and high energy bills go hand in hand. Trying to stay cool can cost a small fortune in electricity alone. Before the summer heat hits, there are a few things you can do now to reduce your cooling bills. While there may be an initial investment, in the long run these tips can save you money by reducing your energy bills for years to come. 

  • Duct repair. You may not realize it, but your ducts may be seeping your expensive cold air into the crawl space or attic of your home. Poorly sealed or cracked ducts can wreak havoc on your energy bills. Have your ducts inspected for any leaks, having them sealed or replaced if necessary.
  • Programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat has dual benefits. One, you can set your thermostat to begin cooling the home right before you arrive home, so you come into a nice, comfortable house. Second, you are not spending money to cool the home when no one is there to enjoy it, saving you money off your energy bill.
  • Regular air conditioning service. Keeping your air conditioning unit serviced is paramount to ensuring that it is running efficiently. Most units should have semi-annual services, usually spring and fall, to check the filter, inspect and tune-up the system. 

Call your local HVAC service team to discuss scheduling a spring maintenance inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning unit and ducts. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, talk to your HVAC professional about the models they have available. Taking these steps now can mean smaller energy bills this summer, and many summers to come.

Posted on behalf of Western Aire

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Clearing a Clogged Condensate Line

December 6th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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A central air conditioner or heat pump not only cools the air in your home, it extracts moisture from the air which makes the air feel cooler and keeps your home comfortable.  The moisture collects (or condenses) on the coils inside the air handler which is the unit inside your home.  The condensate drips into a drip pan and is carried away by gravity through the condensate line which is typically a white PVC pipe.

Depending on where your system is installed, the condensate flows by gravity into a drain or outside the home, or it may flow into a small sump pump.  The sump pump is activated by a float switch and pumps the condensate safely out of your house.

On occasion, your condensate line can become clogged.  This is usually due to an accumulation of dust and dirt or algae growth.  Whatever the cause, a clogged condensate line should be cleared.  Otherwise, the condensate will overflow and can cause damage to walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and your personal property.  In some locations, up to a gallon of water per hour will accumulate so you should get the clogged condensate line cleared before all that water causes damage to your home.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to clear a condensate line.  Sometimes just blowing through the line is enough to dislodge the clog.  If not, try using compressed air or a shop vac to clear the line.  A small plumber’s snake will also usually do the trick.  If you still can’t clear the line, call a good local HVAC contractor.

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Fall HVAC Maintenance

November 17th, 2010 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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With winter weather rapidly approaching, now is a good time to have your HVAC system serviced by a reputable HVAC professional to make sure your system will operate at peak performance levels throughout the cold winter weather.

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will help keep it functioning smoothly and extend the life of your system.  Your HVAC service technician will inspect and service your system.  Normal residential HVAC maintenance includes checking and tightening electrical connections, inspecting burners for leaks corrosion, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, checking and topping up refrigerant as needed, clearing the condensate drain, and lubricating moving parts.  Your HVAC service technician will let you know if any addition maintenance or repairs are needed.

Between service intervals, there are a few things you should do yourself.  First, you should change your air filters monthly.  This is an easy and inexpensive way to maximize the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system.  Dirty air filters cause your system to work harder and less efficiently.  If you do not know how to chang your air filters, your HVAC professional will be happy to show you. 

In addition, make sure your condenser (the unit that sits outside your home) is free from dirt, leaves, grass clippings and other debris.  Allowing dirt and debris to build up on the condenser fins makes it work harder, reduces its efficiency, and shortens it’s lifespan.  It’s a good idea to use a soft bristle brush or broom to clean out any debris rather than a hose which can drive the material further into the fins.  Be careful not to damage the fins – they are made of thin metal and bend easily.

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