Top 5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs To Be Repaired

September 26th, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

You know the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone?” If there’s one situation where that saying applies, it’s when your air conditioner calls it a day. If you’ve ever tried to sleep during hot and humid weather without being able to cool the room, you know what we mean!

Stay comfortable when the temperature rises by catching air conditioning issues early, and thereby prevent them from blossoming into problems that will really bruise your wallet. Keep an eye and ear out for these five signs your air conditioner needs to be repaired.

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“Is It Time to Replace My Air Conditioner?”

September 12th, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-outdoor-ac-unit

No air conditioning system lasts forever, unfortunately! Here at W.C. Butler, we have no shame in being honest about that–we want our customers to be well-informed about the comfort systems in their homes, and we aim to make sure your expectations about those systems are managed.

HVAC systems are one of the biggest investments people make in their homes, so when it does come time to replace one, it makes sense that you want to make an educated decision. After all, does it really need to be replaced, or can it get by with just a repair for now?

The short answer to this question is, “it depends.” Read on to learn what the longer answer is.

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The Key to a Successful AC Installation

August 15th, 2022
top-view-of-an-air-conditioner

If you’re looking for AC installation tips smack in the middle of August, chances are that you’re likely in a rush to get a new cooling system. As such, you might be tempted to install your own air conditioner. It’s faster and cheaper right?

Unfortunately, the phrase “you get what you pay for” really rings true when it comes to HVAC services. We highly recommend professional AC installation, not just because we’re a trusted HVAC contractor in the area, but also because we know how an amateur AC installation can hurt efficiency, performance, and even the longevity of your equipment.

Read on as we uncover the reason why the key to a successful AC installation is hiring a professional to do the job.

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Signs That Your Water Heater Needs Repair

August 1st, 2022
hot-water-coming-out-of-faucet

Have you ever really given much thought to how much work your home’s water heater goes through? It takes on more work than your other home comfort systems, when you think about it–since you need this system pretty much every day of the year, no matter what the weather is outside (unlike your air conditioner or heater).

All the work your water heater goes through puts strain on the system, leading to wear and tear. Water heaters don’t contain many moving parts, but eventually, it’s going to need repair work to keep running well. Ignoring the signs of a water heater in disrepair could lead to a premature and unexpected breakdown.

To help you determine when it’s time to call for water heater repair, we’ve collected a list of major warning signs for you to watch out for.

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When You Should Repair Your AC Vs. Replace It

July 18th, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

We’re nearing the traditionally hottest time of summer, and if you are experiencing any AC issues right now, then we imagine you’re feeling a bit panicked. We don’t blame you! Fortunately, though, we’re on your side and here to help.

Modern air conditioning systems are significantly quieter and more efficient than older models.

Of course, you’re either going to hear one of two recommendations from us… repair your AC, or replace your old AC. The latter may seem dramatic, but depending on the factors we’re going to cover below, it may be the best choice. Evaluating your current AC is the first step in determining whether repair or replacement is the best solution for your comfort and efficiency. During the initial in-home visit, the estimator reviews the existing air conditioning system and collects important information. A Manual J Load Calculation is performed to ensure proper unit sizing and to prevent short-cycling or constant running.

Be sure to reach out to our team to learn more about what AC system options are on the market today, and how replacing or upgrading your air conditioner can benefit you. Upgrading to a new air conditioning system can also improve indoor air quality by filtering out dust, pollen, and allergens. Homeowners in Virginia typically spend an average of $7,500 on new HVAC systems, with prices ranging from $3,900 to $7,900. When you choose to replace your system, our installation team uses specialized equipment to safely remove the old system and prepare for your new AC unit, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Read on!

When considering what AC system options are on the market today, installing a new line set is often recommended when replacing an old system to ensure efficiency and compatibility.

When should you get a new AC installation?

  • Your current AC is 10 to 15 years old
  • It needs frequent repairs
  • It runs inefficiently and struggles to keep your home comfortable
  • Your energy bills keep rising
  • You want more reliable cooling and lower operating costs

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What Actually Happens During Air Conditioner Maintenance?

July 4th, 2022
two-techs-working-on-air-conditioner

If you’ve been following our blog for a while, then you know we talk about maintenance a lot. This is because preventive maintenance has a number of benefits for your air conditioner. It helps it operate as efficiently and effectively as possible for as long as possible.

It helps reduce repair needs by as much as 85% and helps the system retain up to 95% of its original efficiency rating. But you might be wondering, how? What actually happens during maintenance that allows it to be so beneficial for your air conditioner? Read on to find out.

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Is a Tankless Water Heater Better Than a Tank System?

June 20th, 2022
tankless-system-on-wall

Water heaters are one of those appliances that many people tend to take for granted, even though they are also one of the appliances we rely on the most in our homes.

When it comes time to either replace your water heater or buy the very first one for your brand new home, you’ll want to turn to a pro to help you with installation. You’ll also want to determine what type of water heater you want–with the main two options being a tank or tankless unit.

One of the most common questions we get about these systems is, “Which is better?” Well, the truth is, it really depends. It depends on how much hot water you and your household uses, and how much you use at the same time. Read on as we explore both systems, and when you need help making an educated decision, look no further than our team!

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Your Guide to Air Conditioning Repair

June 6th, 2022

There are few things more frustrating than an air conditioning repair need when you just want comfort on a hot day. Fortunately, we aren’t at the peak of our warmer temperatures yet, so you still have time to schedule maintenance in order to help avoid repair needs and keep your home cool efficiently (more on that below!)

But if you know you already need cooling repair, you may have questions before you give our skilled technicians a call. We get it! We’ve addressed some of the most commonly asked AC repair questions we get in our guide below. Read on to learn more about how our dedicated team provides reliable, efficient service with integrity to protect your home systems and exceed your expectations.

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Are UV Germicidal Lights Worth It?

May 23rd, 2022
uv-light

Homeowners these days are much more cognizant than in the past about the health of their homes, and the occupants within. So, it makes sense that you might be considering the addition of a whole-home air purifier for your space. But it’s important to know that not all air purifiers are created equal–they each have their own features, purposes, and benefits, with the UV air purifier, also called UV germicidal lights, being one option.

The thing is, the quality of your indoor air can actually be worse than that of the outdoors, and this is especially true without the right indoor air quality solutions in place. As for if the UV germicidal lights are “worth it,” we’ll let you decide after reading below. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of our indoor air quality solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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Subtle Signs That Your AC Is Struggling

May 9th, 2022
yellow-flowers-sitting-on-top-of-outdoor-air-conditioning-unit

While our recent weather certainly hasn’t warranted the regular use of our air conditioning systems, summer is closer than you think. When temperatures (and humidity) increase this year, you want to make sure that your cooling system is ready.

The best way to ensure this, and reduce repair needs, is with professional maintenance. Annual tune-ups (or biannual, if you’re using a heat pump system) will help your system work as effectively and efficiently as possible, for as long as possible.

Of course, it’s entirely possible that your air conditioner might need repairs in between maintenance sessions. So if you notice any of the following signs, or anything else that seems amiss, no matter when you turn your air conditioner on this spring or summer, then please give us a call.

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