Is My Air Conditioner Ready for Summer in Summerfield, NC?
It is never too early to make sure your air conditioner is up to the task of handling those hot and humid summer days. You can start by scheduling a spring preventative maintenance with your trusted HVAC contractor before the temperature soars.
Once the hot weather hits, most service companies fill their schedule quickly and customers without any AC become the priority. Having your equipment serviced in the spring will give you peace of mind when you turn the thermostat to cool.
As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do now, while waiting for your maintenance appointment. Click here to learn more about Heat & Air Controller’s Pre-paid Planned Maintenance Program.
Change Your Air Filter in Summerfield, NC
If you have a central heating and air-conditioning system, the same filter or filters work for the heating and the cooling. The filter(s) clean out all the debris, dust, and allergens from the air circulating throughout your house.
Depending upon which type of filter you are using, depends on how often your filters should be replaced. As a general rule, pleated air filters should be replaced every 90 days. Low-cost, throw-away fiberglass filters should be changed out every 30 days.
Clogged filters can lead to expensive breakdowns. Changing the air filters is an easy way to increase the efficiency of your equipment.
Summerfield Residents—Keep the Area Around the Condenser Clean
The outside unit, whether it is a heat pump, condensing unit, or a package unit engages when in cooling mode for the summer. It is important to keep the surrounding area free from debris, lawn clippings, or trash. Such items can restrict air from circulating into your system, which can damage your equipment.
Also, lawn clippings, weeds, and leaves contain organic matter which hold bacteria. If left around your unit, the bacteria can infiltrate the air circulating throughout your home. Keep at least one foot clearance surrounding your outdoor unit to avoid any issues.
If you see branches, sticks, or debris inside the unit call a professional service contractor to remove it.
How to Determine if Your Air Conditioner is Ready For Summer in Summerfield, NC
It is important to prepare your equipment for summer use, much like you would service your automobile before an extended vacation.
The following steps will help you determine if your AC is really ready for summer:
- Turn on the system in AC mode and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
- Put a thermometer in the supply register vent, which is pushing cool air into the room.
- Choose a vent close to the unit.
- Hold the thermometer there for 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.
- Find the nearest return vent, which is drawing air from the room, leave the thermometer there for another 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.
- The temperature from the supply vent should be 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the return vent.
If it is not, you should schedule a service appointment with your local HVAC contractor. Heat & Air Controllers is here to help and answer any questions you may have about your air conditioning system.
Service technicians cover an entire checklist of items to prepare your system for summer including, checking all connections, the condenser coil, compressor, condenser fan motor, and refrigerant levels.
By scheduling a tune-up ahead of the soaring temperatures, you are more likely to avoid an emergency service call during the hottest days of summer.
Contact Us Now, Your local experts at Heat & Air Controllers will ensure your Air Conditioner will keep your family cool all summer long!
5 Benefits of a Maintenance Agreement in Eden, NC
Your home heating and air-conditioning system is very similar to your automobile. You would never consider driving your car for thousands and thousands of miles without some sort of tune-up or maintenance on the engine.
Well, the equipment for your heating and air-conditioning system, regardless of what type of system you have, needs periodic maintenance too. Most equipment manufactures require proof of regular maintenance to validate warranty for any parts.
All reputable HVAC contractors offer some sort of maintenance plan, here are the benefits and what you should look for when shopping for a maintenance agreement.
Maintenance prevents breakdowns in your Eden home
Research indicates regular HVAC maintenance can reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Many contractors refer to their maintenance plans as “preventative or planned maintenance agreements.”
A maintenance visit is designed to “prevent” emergency breakdowns by catching a problem before it presents itself. A few of the ways a technician checks for potential issues include, meter voltage, amperage, check wiring, and measure sub-cooling temperatures.
Most contractors have a “checklist” you can peruse and familiarize yourself with exactly what a technician does during a maintenance visit.
Increase the life expectancy of your HVAC system in Eden, NC
Equipment manufacturers expect homeowners to keep the system in good working condition because it will save them money in the long run. No one wants to pay for an untimely replacement installation.
By scheduling a routine maintenance at least annually, if not twice a year, helps keep components lubricated; wearable items such as capacitors and contactors replaced; and the filters changed. As a result, you will increase the life of the equipment. Similar to regular oil changes increase the life of your car, maintenance can increase the life of your HVAC system.
Heat & Air Controllers provides you “Priority Service”
Even regular maintenance cannot prevent all repair scenarios and unexpected breakdowns can happen, but as a “prepaid planned” maintenance agreement customer, you will receive priority service from Heat & Air Controllers in Eden, NC.
Priority service means, you get your air conditioning or heating system serviced before someone else who “Googled” and called the contractor.
As a “pre-planned maintenance customer,” you will be guaranteed SAME-DAY SERVICE if you call in before 10:00 am. Consistent yearly inspections by Heat & Air Controllers will build a relationship with your local technician, so he or she can be more familiar with your particular HVAC system or systems.
Discounts on repairs
Despite a technician’s best efforts, some repairs may be needed from time to time. Mechanical systems are prone to failure and wearable components will need to be replaced, however, if you are a prepaid planned maintenance agreement customer, you will receive a discount on any needed repairs.
Heat & Air Controllers offers a 10% discount on repairs, including after-hours service calls.
Click here to find out all the benefits of being a Prepaid Planned Maintenance Customer.
During a maintenance visit, a technician should not only inspect your equipment, but also examine your duct work. The duct work which carries the air throughout your home is just as important as the equipment pumping the air. Checking for damage, loose tape, and proper connections should also be something a homeowner can check periodically as well.
Schedule your Planned Maintenance Visit Now.
Lower utility bills in Eden, NC
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a routine preventative maintenance plan can save you up to 30% on your annual energy bill. Keeping the equipment in good working condition ensures you system is running at peak efficiency. A thorough heating maintenance helps safeguard your family against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks comes from a cracked or failed heat exchanger. When conducting a heating preventative maintenance, a technician will check for these cracks or any leaks which could be a potential hazard.
Investing in a Prepaid Planned Maintenance Agreement from Heat & Air Controllers will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating at peak performance. And if something does go wrong, you can trust Heat & Air Controllers to take care of your needs in a timely and professional manner.
Can You Afford to Buy Cheap?
Can you afford to buy cheap when it comes to Air Conditioning in Rockingham County?
The answer is absolutely NOT!!!!
In today’s world, we as consumers are always looking to save money when we can, right? When we go to the grocery store, we buy the generics over name brands. We buy the off-brand laundry detergent. We may even buy the store brand cereals for our kids. Even the dog may get the less expensive dog food. But I am here to tell you that “buying cheap”; when it comes to purchasing a new HVAC system is not a lesson you want to learn the hard way…..
Let’s look at the facts
FACT #1:The average homeowner only purchases a new heating and air system 2.5 times in their lifetime…. Think about how many cars you’ve owned in your lifetime?
FACT #2: Your home’s heating and cooling is the most expensive appliance in your home.
FACT #3: Air conditioning accounts for about 12% on your home’s annual energy costs in the Southeast. Hint: This does not include the heating side….
FACT #4:Your home’s comfort system keeps your family comfortable year-round. The typical HVAC system runs 2-3 cycles per hour and these last 10-15 minutes each. So, let’s do some conservative math: 2 cycles per hour at 10 minutes each, that’s 20 minutes per hour. We all know there are 24 hours in a day, but let’s be conservative and use 18 hours. 20 minutes per hour times 18 hours = 360 minutes each day or 6 hours per day. This is a conservative estimate.
ADDENDUM to FACT #4: Newer HVAC systems that have multi-stage or variable outdoor units and/or indoor variable speed furnaces/air handlers are designed to run much longer and cycle less.
FACT #5:Improperly installed hvac equipment can account for more than 30% more energy usagethan necessary. This can mean bad ductwork, under or oversized equipment, improper refrigerant charge, or incorrect equipment matchup…..just to name a few!
It’s all about choosing the right local contractor in Rockingham or Guilford County
In the HVAC business, it is always about the proper installation. Unfortunately, these days almost anyone can purchase heating and cooling equipment, even though you are required to be licensed in most states. You can take the BEST system and install it incorrectly, and you can have a disaster on your hands. This is why you need to choose someone that has the experience and expertise to the job properly. Heat & Air Controllers has been the local company of choice for 37 years. Contact us now!
Check their credentials
Before you choose an installing contractor to purchase that new high-efficiency air conditioner, you should do a little homework. How long has the company been in business? Take a look at their website, does it look professional? Check out their reviews: Google, Social Media, Better Business Bureau, etc. A good ol’ recommendation from a friend or co-worker goes a long way!
Ask questions, do your due diligence
Ask the contractor about what is the best system for your home? Is it gas heat and electric air conditioning or a heat pump? What efficiency level are they recommending? Ask yourself, how long do I plan to be in my home, and how many hours per day are you at your residence? Many people work from home, so that can make a big difference. Ask about your existing ductwork, does it need repair or replacing? Do they offer financing? You can get a lot more for your money for just a few extra dollars in your monthly payment.
Work with a Real Business, one with a “Brick and Mortar” location
This may be the most important tip you get from this article, so listen closely…. Choose a contractor that will be there to back you up after the job has been completed. The installation of a heating and air conditioning system is complex. This is why the contractor has to have and keep a license in order to do installations. They also must have insurance to safeguard you and their employees. What if someone gets hurt on the job at your house? So, if you hired the moonlighter or “Chuck in a truck”, they may not have insurance to cover an accident. If they don’t, they could come after you for medical bills or even sue you!
We’ll give you two real-world examples of what can happen when you try to save a few bucks.
Example #1: You decide to use a friend of a friend. Your buddy tells you, “he’s great, he’s the best guy in the business.” He works for an HVAC company as his real job, and he moonlights on the side installing equipment for friends. He tells you he can save you $500-1000 bucks on the job. So, you have him do the installation. It works great for the first few days, and then it stops working. You call him back, and he says, “I’ll come by after work and take a look.” Well, he comes by, and he gets you back up and running. Then it stops working again the next day. You call “Chuck” back, and he won’t answer his phone or return your phone calls. So, what do you do? You call the licensed professional company. The one you should have called in the first place. They come and fix it, but they hand you a hefty bill for the repairs. Now you’ve paid more than you would have in the first place, if you had contracted the reputable company to begin with.
Example #2: You purchase your equipment on the internet. You know how to size equipment properly for your home? Well of course you do, you Googled it right? So, you get the equipment and have that friend in the HVAC business install it. It works great the first night. This is the best decision you’ve ever made, you’re telling yourself. The second day is another story. It stops working all together, and you have a newborn baby in the house. Now you’re in panic mode!!! You call your friend…..Your friend is too busy to come by after work. He’s working overcome at his day job, hint: An HVAC company. You plead with him to come out and see what’s wrong the following day. And guess what, he had his tools stolen, so he can’t come and see what’s wrong with the system. So, back to example #1, you call a reputable local heating and air company. And here is what they tell you, “Sorry sir, but we don’t work on equipment purchased online by the homeowner.” Just a note here, this is a TRUE STORY.
In conclusion
There are some things in life you can look to save a little money when purchasing. Heating and air conditioning is not one of them. Contact your local trusted contractor, check their credentials, look at their reviews, and ask for recommendations from them. Trust me, you may invest a little more, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.
Heat & Air Controllers has been serving Rockingham and Guilford County for over 37 years. Contact us now to have the local experts show you why we’re the best!
The Phase-Out of R-22 Refrigerant
R-22 refrigerant was for many years a commonly used refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps. It is a compound that includes chlorine and fluorine, both of which can potentially deplete the ozone layer and contribute to the enhancement of the Greenhouse Effect, resulting in negative impacts on our planet.
In 1987, the internationally accepted and universally ratified treaty, The Montreal Protocol, was written to phase out substances known to contribute to ozone depletion. As a party in accord with the treaty, the United States, and the EPA in particular, implemented a plan to phase out the use of R-22, setting a date of January 2020 as its deadline. After this date, all R-22 was banned, making it illegal to import or to manufacture this refrigerant in the United States.
Prior to this date, there were exceptions for the use of R-22. While the EPA began scaling back and limiting the production of R-22, it allowed the continued use of this refrigerant in existing HVAC systems using R-22. Typically this occurred when HVAC systems experienced refrigerant leaks or required substantial repairs to the refrigerant mechanisms. Now that production has been discontinued, the cost of available R-22 continues to rise, causing the costs of repairs to rise along with it.
Exercise Caution with R-22 “Substitutes”
While existing R-22 systems are aging, there are still many that are operational today and facing the dilemma of a dwindling R-22 supply to sustain them. In response to continued demand for R-22 following its phase-out mandated by the EPA, some refrigerant manufacturers have introduced products promoted to replace R-22, such as R404a, R407c, R438a, and R453a.
There are problems regarding the new replacement refrigerants, however, not the least of which is that many manufacturers do not support the use of these products in their equipment. In addition, our company is seeing a rise in the number of systems with contaminated or “mixed” refrigerant, which can potentially cause damage to the system’s operation. Often touted as safe, some other service companies are using the replacement refrigerants as a “drop-ins”, mixing new refrigerant into existing R-22. To introduce a new refrigerant, it is critical to first fully recover and then properly evacuate the existing R-22 before the replacement refrigerant is added. Also, it is important to understand that the refrigerant controls designed for R-22 may not work properly with the replacement refrigerant, so often the controls must also be changed out, adding to the repair cost substantially.
The highly trained personnel at Heat & Air Controllers are recovering more and more mixed refrigerant because a prior service company “dropped-in” the less expensive refrigerant, some even still charging for the more expensive R-22. Homeowners often do not know that the substitution has been made until they begin experiencing other refrigerant-related failures. Costs to repair systems with mixed refrigerant is quite prohibitive and often is not possible.
The “drop-in” method is also causing environmental issues since there is no way to “clean” and re-use mixed refrigerant. Our industry is faced with the additional operational cost of having to pay for mixed refrigerant disposal. Consulting with experts such as Heat & Air Controllers can provide assurance that no cross contamination occurs when refrigerant repairs are conducted, and those same experts are glad to consult with homeowners about the facts of their recommended repairs.
Breakdowns: Considering Costly R-22 Repairs versus Replacement
Homeowners and business owners alike who have aging air conditioners or heat pumps can be faced with a difficult decision when repairs are required. Since the cost of R-22 is on the rise and the availability of R-22 is on the decline, the costs for refrigerant repairs will continue to rise over time, probably at a staggering rate. For older systems, it could be very informative to consider the cost of repairs requiring R-22 versus the cost of replacing the equipment. The experts at Heat & Air Controllers can provide the information needed to make the best decision possible to maintain your home or office comfort.
Before experiencing breakdowns during the uncomfortable heat and humidity of summer, consider discussion with the experts at Heat & Air Controllers regarding the best long-term plan for your air conditioner or heat pump using R-22. While the system is operational, some things to consider include the following:
• Age of existing R-22 system
• Recent Repair Costs and Potential Future Repair Costs
• Energy Costs
• Manufacturer rebates or incentives on new equipment
• Manufacturer extended part warranties
• Heat & Air Controllers’ extended labor warranty
• Heat & Air Controllers’ FREE Prepaid Planned Maintenance for 3 years
Being proactive in discussion with the experts at Heat & Air Controllers about the possibility of replacing your old R-22 system before costly repairs become critical or necessary allows sufficient time to make a decision without the pressure of no air conditioning during peak season. Remember, failures that require replacement during the middle of summer are also impacted by the following:
• Contractor Schedules – High demand during the summer can mean delays in scheduling date of replacement.
• Manufacturer Availability – High demand during the summer can mean long waits for equipment to ship. At times, the equipment selected could be out of stock for long periods of time, limiting choices.
• Scheduling delays and Equipment delays can mean days without air conditioning.Regardless of the nature of your R-22 refrigerant repair strategy (repair vs replace), Heat & Air Controllers has the staff and the experience to help you make the best decision for your home and office comfort needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
Should I Schedule My Fall Heating Tune-Up Before It Gets Cold in Eden?
After a long Summer, it’s finally Fall. Yay!! With record-breaking temperatures in the Carolinas, it’s hard to imagine needing to turn your heat on, but you will before you know it. Winter is just a short time away and you should make sure your home is ready for the cold weather.
Here are some things to remember to prepare for winter. Make sure to check your windows and doors for cracks and potential leaks. Caulk your windows and replace the weather stripping on your doors. Don’t forget to get the winter blankets from the closets or storage bins and get them ready for use. It’s not a bad idea to do a visual inspection of your heating system if it is accessible. Take a look at the indoor furnace or air handler to see if you see any noticeable visual problems; such as water, tearing of the ductwork, or torn insulation. But most importantly, make sure you schedule your Fall Heating Tune-Up with Heat & Air Controllers before it gets too cold!
Why Schedule a Fall Tune-Up? And Why Schedule It Before Winter?
A Fall Tune-Up gets your heating system prepared for the impending cold temperatures. Your highly-trained HVAC professional from Heat & Air Controllers will ensure that your unit is clean and working properly. If your technician finds a problem, then they can fix it before it gets to be a bigger problem or before it’s cold. If a problem isn’t discovered until winter, then you may find yourself without heat while waiting on parts for a repair.
Just as summer is a busy time for HVAC technicians, so is the winter. Whenever there are extreme temperatures, heating, and air conditioning techs are busy. If you have an emergency during winter, you may experience longer wait times. A Fall Tune-Up is all about prevention: preventing problems with your heating system and preventing you from having to wait in the cold while they’re fixed.
A Fall Tune-Up is also about keeping it clean. A dirty and dusty unit causes unnecessary wear and tear on your heating unit and can potentially be unsafe.
A Fall Tune-Up is also about safety. Your certified HVAC technician will ensure that your unit is safe to use. Learn more about Heat & Air Controllers Prepaid Planned Maintenance program for your home’s heating system.
Keep to a Regular Maintenance Schedule for Your HVAC System in Eden, Reidsville, and Madison, NC
Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule is a great habit to keep for the longevity and health of your furnace. Having a trained service technician ensure your furnace is in good, working order and running effectively and efficiently is crucial to maximizing the lifecycle of your furnace. A regular maintenance schedule keeps your unit clean, cuts down on unnecessary wear and tear, and gives you peace of mind that you’ll stay warm all winter long. It also protects your manufacturer’s or extended warranties. Read more about the importance of HVAC equipment maintenance.
Heat & Air Controllers has been serving Rockingham and Northern Guilford County homeowners and businesses since 1983. We are a family-owned and family-run organization. Let us show why we are the BEST!
Advice for Disabled Homebuyers Seeking Accessible Housing
If you’re a disabled individual entering the home-buying market, you have a lot of factors to take into consideration. You’ll probably have an idea of where you want to buy a home based on location and neighborhood, then there’s the school district to look into, as well as the price range, square footage, and the number of bedrooms. And of course, you’ll also need to bear in mind floor plans and accessibility, especially if you’re in a wheelchair. It’s a lot to take into account, and it takes time and plenty of patience to find what you’re looking for.
Using the internet and finding a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent can help matters considerably. Keep an open mind and be willing to compromise throughout the process.
Online Resources
There aren’t a lot of resources available online for disabled house hunters, but you can find useful information and detailed listings on sites like Barrier Free Home, which includes basic information such as square footage and the number of bathrooms, as well as information about disabled accessibility features like external wheelchair ramps and stairway chair lifts. AMS Vans offers information about wheelchair-accessible houses and apartments, and Easy Living Homes is a voluntary certification program that encourages the addition of cost-effective features that improve accessibility in housing.
Mobility
If you’re a disabled person, finding a home with sufficient mobility means you need to look for properties with hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility assistive devices. Hard, smooth flooring (such as tile, cork or laminate) is preferable to carpeting where a wheelchair is involved, and smooth, even transitions between rooms is also an important feature. However, bear in mind that some things can be added or altered later, so don’t automatically dismiss homes that don’t have everything you’re looking for.
Modifications
Doorways should be at least 32 inches across, a modification that most contractors can handle, either with structural adaptations or through the installation of expandable door hinges. Threshold ramps provide level transitions between rooms. Bathroom accessibility is a major factor — grab rails near the toilet and in the shower/bathtub are essential, as is non-skid flooring in front of the toilet and sink, all of which can be easily added.
Creditworthy
Creditworthiness is a must-have if you intend to secure a mortgage loan on favorable terms. It’s advisable to know your credit score and review your credit report so you’re aware of any outstanding debt, can address inaccuracies, and formulate a plan for clearing up outstanding debt before applying for a mortgage. Be diligent and patient about your credit standing – it’s well worthwhile because it can save or cost you money, depending on where it stands.
Lining Up Your Move
Planning ahead for moving day can save a lot of headaches and more than a few dollars. Do some research to find the best moving company at the best price. Pay attention to customer reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings; always get several quotes before signing a contract (which should include every relevant detail). The last thing you’ll want is to spend a lot of time cleaning before moving in with all your stuff, so spend some time finding out about cleaning companies so you can concentrate on getting settled and oriented in your new home.
The first thing you should always do upon moving is to have all the locks rekeyed, which means you’ll need to find an experienced locksmith. Plan on spending from $96 to $210 for new locks — it’s a wise and affordable investment in your safety and the security of your belongings. Talk with several to make sure you’re getting the best price for this valuable service.
Finding a home where you can be both safe and happy requires patience and careful attention to detail. Follow your search criteria, but be prepared to compromise if you’re not able to find a home that checks everything off your list (it happens sometimes). Remember, safety and accessibility modifications can often be made once you’ve moved in.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Should I Sign Up for a Maintenance Agreement Rockingham County?
You’ve heard the commercials and seen the advertisements. You might have even heard the spiel when you had your air conditioner repaired. Or maybe you just purchased a new air conditioner and heard it then. You know what I’m talking about…. The one where you feel the heating and air company is trying to sell you something and get you to commit to a regular maintenance schedule. The HVAC technician probably told you that regular maintenance extends the life of your air conditioning system. That it cuts down on unnecessary wear and tear and the frequency of service calls to repair your unit. Is it all a ploy to get you to spend more money or is it actually important to do regular maintenance?
Maintenance agreements are very important to the care, longevity, and efficiency of your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Consumers are constantly bombarded with offers to purchase extra services, extend contracts and warranties, and spend more money on their homes and personal property. Some of these offers are worthwhile and will ultimately save the homeowner time and money. A prepaid planned maintenance agreement with your Heat & Air Controllers is worthwhile and will benefit you and your HVAC system.
What are the Benefits to a Prepaid Planned Maintenance Agreement for Eden and Reidsville homeowners?
Your Heating and Air System
First and foremost the most important benefit to a maintenance agreement is to the HVAC system itself. A maintenance agreement includes two annual inspections: the first inspection is for your air conditioner and typically takes place in the spring. The second inspection occurs before heating season, during which your certified technician from Heat & Air Controllers makes sure your heating system in ready for winter.
During these inspections, we will ensure that your system is clean and working efficiently. It is vital that your outdoor coil on your A/C is cleaned annually to ensure its best performance. The system will operate more efficiently and reduce wear and tear on the system’s compents. Keeping your unit clean is the first step in maintaining your unit and maximizing its efficiency. If your system isn’t operating at its peak efficiency, our technician will be able to diagnose the problem and potentially prevent costly and inconvenient repairs.
Priority Service When You Need It
Summer is a busy time for HVAC companies in Rockingham County. If your HVAC unit is going to stop working, it’s probably going to quit on you at the worst time…..during the middle of summer! If you’ve ever had this happen, you’ll appreciate the added benefit of priority service. Priority service is just what the name implies. If you have a prepaid planned maintenance agreement with Heat & Air Controllers, you get to cut in line and receive service faster.
It Saves You Money
When there is a problem with your A/C system and a repair is necessary, a maintenance agreement will give you a discounted price on repairs. Not only will the service agreement decrease the frequency of repairs, but it will save you money when the time comes to make a repair.
Also, an inefficient HVAC system can increase your utility bills. so when your HVAC technician tells you that your system is running efficiently, you can rest assured that you are not spending unnecessary money on your utility bills. Here are more benefits to having an annual planned maintenance agreement with Heat & Air Controllers
Don’t Void Your Warranty
If you have a manufacturer’s warranty on your unit, keep in mind that failing to keep to a regular maintenance schedule could void your warranty. HVAC units need proper care by a licensed professional. If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain and keep to a regular maintenance schedule, you may find that the warranty is no longer valid.
For more information on our prepaid planned maintenance contact us!
What Causes a Cracked Heat Exchanger on My Furnace? Should I be Worried About my Family’s Safety?
The heat exchanger is an important and potentially dangerous component to your heating system. The heat exchanger is a set of coils or tubes inside the furnace that is responsible for heating the air in your home. These coils are contained within an airtight combustion chamber. The burner ignites the gas that enters the heat exchanger. As the heat exchanger warms, the blower or fan motor forces air across it. The warm air is then circulated throughout your home for heat. This process produces exhaust gases, which are expelled outside the home through your furnace flue.
The heat exchanger is vital to heating your home all winter. Unfortunately, heat exchangers can crack and leak, which poses a potential threat to your family’s safety. When a heat exchanger cracks it can cause carbon monoxide to enter into your home. Carbon monoxide, also known as the “silent killer”, is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be potentially
What can you do to keep your family safe? First, always have carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Make sure you have at least one on every floor of your home. Now, let’s look at understanding what causes a cracked heat exchanger and how you can prevent it.
Poor Air Flow in Eden, NC
The number one culprit for poor airflow is a clogged air filter. When filters are clogged with dust and debris, it impedes return airflow back to the furnace. If the return airflow is significantly reduced, the heat exchanger can become overheated and crack. Make sure to change your air filters regularly.
Undersized Return Air Flow in Madison, NC
When the return ductwork in your home is undersized, then your furnace does not receive the proper return airflow. Air needs to be evenly distributed throughout your home for your heating system to work efficiently. When there is too little return airflow, the heat exchanger may overheat and crack. Have your certified HVAC technician from Heat & Air Controllers check your return to ensure it is sized properly for your heating system.
Oversized Furnaces That Short Cycle in Reidsville, NC
Another reason for a cracked heat exchanger may be that your furnace is too large for your home. When you have an oversized furnace, it will frequently cycle on and off again, causing your heat exchanger to expand and contract too frequently. It is satisfying the thermostat temperature too quickly and not giving the furnace adequate run time. Eventually, this can lead to a cracked heat exchanger. The experts at Heat & Air Controllers are highly trained to determine the appropriate size furnace for your home. If we determine your home has an oversized furnace, it may be in the best interest of safety to replace the furnace.
Age of Your Rockingham County System
Normal use of your furnace causes wear and tear. The heat exchanger expands and contracts during the normal heating process. Years of expansion and contraction may lead to cracking. The trained team at Heat & Air Controllers can help you determine the best solution for your home.
No Maintenance Can Shorten its Life
While heat exchangers will crack due to old age, a properly maintained furnace should last you approximately fifteen years. Proper care and regular maintenance from the team at Heat & Air Controllers will maximize the life of your heat exchanger and furnace. If you have further questions, please contact us.
Air Conditioning Options for Old Houses
Old homes and modern air conditioning seem to contrast, but there are options!
When renovating an older home for modern living, adding modern conveniences can prove challenging. A prime example is an air conditioning system.
Aside from overcoming ductwork challenges and figuring out how to upgrade HVAC systems without harming the charm of your old Buckhead home, experts have to face numerous obstacles.
That notwithstanding, air conditioning options do exist for old houses. There are a couple of things to consider before embarking on the project. These tips are provided by Derek Dawson of Dawson Property Management, who has experienced this issue many times during his career.
- You may need a larger electrical supply. Modern HVAC systems will overpower a home that’s equipped with a 110-V service.
- You can do without ducts. Believe or not, modern HVAC systems can operate without ducts. Whether you use high-velocity equipment or unobtrusive ductless systems, contractors can keep ductwork to a minimum.
- Proper sizing is crucial. During installation, much of the project’s success depends on how well your contractor has sized the system. Big systems will create challenges when it comes to humidity control, and small systems may end up over-working and having a shorter life-span.
- Your contractor must be creative. Older homes were built before modern HVAC existed. Thus, you’ll need contractors that can get around the challenges posed.
With that in mind, now let’s look at the air conditioning options available for older houses.
High Velocity Systems
A high-velocity, mini-duct HVAC system can bring an old house up-to-date with minimal damage to its historic fabric. Some of the benefits that these high velocity systems provide include:
- Flexible installations. A high velocity system uses small outlets designed to mesh with the current home’s aesthetic. This means that you don’t have to drill any holes or worry about streaks and stains left behind from metal ducts.
- Less draft. High velocity systems use suction to cool a room. Therefore, unlike traditional systems, heating and cooling tend to be less drafty.
- Few alterations. High velocity HVAC systems use flexible ducts that can be installed anywhere.
Ductless Mini Splits
A ductless mini-split air conditioner works like a regular central air conditioner but without the ducts. Like central systems, mini splits have two main components: an indoor air-handling unit, and an outdoor compressor/condenser.
There are many benefits to choosing a ductless mini-split system for your home. They include:
- Air quality improvement. By choosing a ductless option, you can eliminate a substantial number of particles in the air that affect your home’s air quality.
- Ductless options require little installation. Ductless air conditioners take significantly less time to install and require little modification to your home. On the other hand, large duct options require significant upheaval in your home, impeding your daily routine.
- Silent operation. Major parts of a ductless air conditioner unit are placed on the exterior of your home. As such, they won’t distract your ability to relax or work at home.
- Better for the environment. Each component uses significantly less energy than their more traditional counterparts.
VRF Systems
VRF stands for variable refrigerant flow. It works by simultaneously cooling and heating different zones in a building. They are one of the best modern air conditioning options for old houses.
Here are some of the benefits of VRF systems:
- Fewer breakdowns. Inarguably, one of the big benefits of a VRF system is they tend to break down less frequently.
- State of the art controls and smart technology. You can actually use your mobile device to set temperature settings in different zones.
- Heat and cool simultaneously for zoned heating and cooling. VRF systems capture heat recovered from the cooling process and can redistribute this excess heat to an area that requires heat.
- Installation flexibility. Water pumps, hefty pipes to circulate fluids and distribution fans aren’t required for its operation. Essentially, there’s no need to tie up space for a large maintenance room or service shaft.
- Energy efficiency. A VRF system is able to capture heat as part of the cooling process and channel it to other locations in the building, which may need heating.
It’s now easier to retrofit older homes with increasingly compact air conditioning systems. With these three options, you can renovate your older home for modern living without spoiling the character of your charming old house.
If you have further questions please reach out through our website or simply give us a call at (336)627-4989.
3 Things to Know About your HVAC When You Move into a New Home
After months of searching, you’ve finally found and purchased the perfect home. While buying a home is an exciting venture, it can also be quite the headache, particularly when you consider all the work you need to do to make your home as perfect as possible.
Somewhere between closing the paperwork and booking your North Carolina moving company, it’s easy to forget all about one of the most important features of your new property – your HVAC system. In fact, whether you’re buying your first home, or you’re just moving somewhere new, your HVAC system is one of the most important parts of enjoying a comfortable life in your new neighborhood. Here are a few things you’ll need to know before you’re ready to settle in.
1. Learn What Your HVAC System Includes
The first thing you need to do is find out as early as possible what’s included in your HVAC system, including the age of every part of your system. Ask for documentation from the previous homeowner and call an experienced HVAC contractor to come and inspect the equipment. An HVAC professional will be able to give you a rundown of the system and provide insights into what you need to do to keep it running smoothly.
HVAC experts can also answer any questions you might have about your new HVAC system, and provide you with an insight into how much longer the solution is likely to last. Remember, older systems don’t necessarily need to be replaced straight away, but they may be more prone to issues.
2. Know How the Thermostat Works
While figuring out how your thermostat worked in the past might have been a breeze, the advent of new technology and air conditioning systems means that there’s countless different types of residential heating and cooling solutions available to choose from today. To make sure that you can take full advantage of your HVAC system when you move in, ensure you know how to use it.
If your thermostat isn’t programmable, then you might want to make an upgrade after you’ve purchased your home. Programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money in the long-term by helping you to make your home more energy efficient.
3. Remember to Replace the Filter
Finally, one of the most important things you can do after you buy your new home is replace your filter. Replacing a filter is very simple to do, and it’s a great way to boot the efficiency of your system from day one. It’s not like replacing a roof, or changing the carpet in your living room, replacing a filter can take seconds – but most previous homeowners will forget to do it for you.
Remember, even if you buy a brand-new home, it’s best to replace the filter as quickly as possible, as there could be dust and debris in the system from the construction. Remember, simple things like replacing the filter, and accessing the help of a local HVAC team can help to improve your home comfort for years to come.
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