HVAC Blog - Part 9

Don’t Ignore These Heater Noises

December 20th, 2021

During this time of year, there are probably some noises you welcome. Maybe carolers traveling through your neighborhood, or holiday music on your radio. There are other noises, however, that aren’t so pleasant, and definitely should never be turned out or ignored–we’re talking about strange noises coming from your heater.

Now, there is not such thing as a completely silent heating system. You will always hear it cycle on and off. Plus, if you’re using a furnace that has ductwork, you might hear a slight rattle as the ducts expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. And then of course, you’ll hear the whoosh of air coming through the vents.

You really shouldn’t hear much beyond this, though. If you notice noises that you’ve never heard before coming from your heater, no matter how subtle, it’s probably time to give us a call. Read on as we uncover what some of these noises might be.

Signs That It’s Time for a Water Heater Upgrade

December 6th, 2021

Sometimes, you want a cold shower. Perhaps you just got back from a run, or you’ve been working out in your yard all afternoon on a summer day. But getting surprised by icy water coming out of the showerhead is a whole different story.

In the first scenario we just mentioned, you probably wouldn’t be worried about your water heater, while the second scenario could lead you into a panic.

Fortunately, it is possible to know if you may need a water heater replacement long before it completely stops giving you hot water! And don’t you want to try to address any problems with your home comfort systems before it means you can’t use them anymore? We agree, this is a great idea! So read on as we uncover some of the most common signs that it is, in fact, time to replace your water heater.

Heed These Signs Your Furnace Needs Help

November 8th, 2021

Sitting around worrying about your heater breaking down at any moment is not an ideal way to live, and certainly not what we want for you. Of course, if you’ve had your system professionally tuned up within the last year, and you know the signs of a heater that’s in disrepair, you don’t have to worry about this!

But, what if you don’t know the signs of a heating system in disrepair? Well, that’s alright, we’re here to help.

It first warrants mentioning that fending off heavy repair needs requires that professional tune-up we just mentioned. It doesn’t matter if you use a gas-powered or electric furnace, you need professional maintenance to keep it working as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible.

Still though, it’s good to know the signs that a furnace needs repair, because even between maintenance sessions, good ol’ wear and tear can have an impact. Read on as we uncover just a few of the most common signs of a struggling furnace, then give us a call if you notice any of them!

Water Heater Installation: Should You Go Tankless?

October 25th, 2021

When you picture a water heater in your head, what do you see? If you’re like most homeowners, probably a big storage tank that holds gallons and gallons of water.

Now take away the tank. Do you still have a water heater?

You’re probably scratching your head at this one. And no, we aren’t trying to trick you with a riddle. The fact of the matter is, you don’t need a tank installed in or on your property in order to get hot water!

Enter, the tankless water heater.

This is pretty much exactly what it sounds like–a piece of equipment used for heating water, but without the need for a tank. Not only is this a pretty great home comfort system, but it also has a number of benefits. Read on as we uncover some of them!

Is Professional Duct Cleaning Worth It?

October 11th, 2021

If you’re like the typical homeowner, you probably do not think about the ductwork running through your home very much. And this makes sense! After all, your ductwork is hidden from view for a reason–nobody really wants to see that in their home, right?

You shouldn’t need to think about what kind of shape your ductwork is in too often. However, every once in a while they do need attention. While you won’t need to know all the ins and outs of this HVAC component, there are a few things we’d like to share with you about how dirty ductwork impact your indoor air quality.

Professional duct cleaning is a way to clear out this ductwork, which transfers your heated or air-conditioned air into your living space. Read on as we uncover why, yes, professional duct cleaning is totally worth it.

Heed These End-of-Season AC Repair Needs

September 27th, 2021

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Here we are at the official start of fall! This means it’s time to start thinking about our heating systems, and how well equipped they are to get us through the cooler weather we’re about to be graced with.

Chances are you’ve been using your cooling system on a fairly consistent basis though, so even though your heater should be on your mind, you don’t want to forget about all the work your air conditioner has done. Doing so could leave you with a surprise repair need!

The good news is, most air conditioner repair needs make themselves known before the system actually fully breaks down. We’ll share some signs and symptoms below!

We have to emphasize how important it is to only have a trained and experience professional check on your air conditioner. Trying to formally diagnose or repair your air conditioner yourself can do more harm than good to the system. Plus, it can void out your HVAC system warranty!

Read on to learn some of the signs of a failing or struggling air conditioner.

Tips for a More Efficient Central Air Conditioner

September 13th, 2021

Staying cool throughout one of our hot and long summers can be quite the feat, but with a reliable and effective central air conditioner, it’s entirely possible. Even if your AC system is working “okay” it doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement.

Read on as we share some great tips for how to boost the energy efficiency of your central air conditioner without sacrificing comfort. Between these tips and our expert AC services, you can rest assured that you can get through the rest of our summer weather without any unexpected mishaps.

What Goes Into a Great AC Installation?

August 16th, 2021

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The first thing we’re going to say is, a great AC installation starts with hiring a great AC installer–that is, a trained and experienced professional. We understand the temptation to install an air conditioner on your own, but unless it’s a window unit or some other portable air conditioning system, we really advise against this.

The fact of the matter is, there are very careful steps that must be taken in order to successfully install an air conditioner, and if any of these steps are missed or done too fast, it could lead to problems such as refrigerant leaks, inefficient system operation, and even a premature system breakdown.

Of course, if you’re shopping for an air conditioner this time of the year, when temperatures are at their highest, then we do understand the sense of urgency. Rushing into a large purchase like this could leave you sacrificing comfort and efficiency. Read on as we outline a few of the main reasons you should only trust a trained professional for the job, if you truly want a successful AC installation.

Signs That Your Central Air Conditioner Is Struggling

August 2nd, 2021

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The central air conditioner you have installed in your home is one of your household’s most prized resources, even if you don’t think of it as such. Consider how much it does for your quality of life!

Central air conditioners are also one of the most specialized home comfort systems that can be found in a household–while the average homeowner can typically handle small tasks like fixing a leaky faucet, replacing an outlet plate, or changing their air filter, anything that involves adjusting or repairing the components of an air conditioner must be done by a trained and experienced professional.

Just like your vehicle or any other big piece of equipment, your AC system needs routine professional maintenance to keep it working as it should, and it’s a lot easier, and more affordable, to address a problem when it’s just begun rather than when it’s had time to build up and create further problems within the system. But how do you know when your air conditioner needs repair service? Read on to find out!

Need a New AC? Pay Attention to Sizing

July 19th, 2021

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Summer isn’t going away any time soon, so if you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to ensure that your air conditioner is fully equipped to handle the rest of the heat this season is bringing. Of course, for some homeowners, this might mean investing in a brand new air conditioner altogether. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that the air conditioner you purchase is the right size, first and foremost.

We get it, when it’s this far into the season and you find yourself needing a new cooling system, it’s tempting to rush into your purchase. But we really want to encourage you to take your time and not just find the biggest system on the market that will fit your budget. Size and power matter here–not just making sure your air conditioner has enough power, but also ensuring it doesn’t have too much.

Read on to learn more about the problems with both an undersized/underpowered unit and an oversized/overpowered air conditioner.