Can I increase the efficiency of my HVAC system?
When it comes to the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system, having it on a regular maintenance plan is key. This includes having it cleaned and inspected regularly, and changing the filters often. If you want to avoid the problems that can arise from a dirty HVAC system, then you need to make sure that it is maintained.
Keeping your system clean
A build-up of dust and dirt inside the HVAC system can cause it to work harder than necessary, leading to decreased efficiency and early failure. By keeping the system clean, you can help ensure that it runs at its best for as long as possible. The following are some tips for keeping your system clean:
Regular cleaning and vacuuming of the vents, ducts and air filters will help to keep them working at their best. Regularly check the filters and replace them when needed. (This tip is especially important for those with pets which can produce a lot of hair.) Regular filter changes will help keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens and other pollutants.
There are many different types of air filters, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. For example, there are HEPA filters, which are effective at removing dust mites and pollen, as well as other allergens.
Have your Duct Work Inspected
Most people only think about their HVAC system when it’s not working properly, but it’s important to have your duct work inspected on a regular basis. Leaks and damage can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause you to lose money on your energy bills. An annual inspection will help ensure that your ducts are in good condition and functioning properly.
If you have any questions about your duct work, call us today to schedule an inspection. As a professional HVAC contractor with years of experience, we can help you maintain your system and keep it working efficiently.
Have a Professional Help
Inspections for your heating and cooling system are also important, as they can help identify any potential problems before they become serious. When it comes to a professional home inspection, you want to make sure that they are thorough and detailed. This will let you know exactly what is wrong with your furnace system and how much it may cost to fix.
If you are looking for a HVAC company that can provide you with thorough and professional home inspections, please contact us today.
Putting your HVAC system on a regular maintenance plan is one of the best ways to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Heat & Air Controllers has been servicing Eden, Reidsville, and Summerfield, N.C
Should I get a heating system tune-up before winter?
There are some real benefits to be gained by having your heating pump or furnace inspected and maintained every year. It is a sound investment that will help keep your system running all season long as well as extend the life of your HVAC. Scheduling furnace maintenance can feel like an inconvenience, but we believe it’s the best way to keep your system running all season long and to avoid more costly repairs.
Preventing a complete system breakdown
The best method to prevent breakdowns is to receive furnace tune-ups every year. Most of these appointments involve inspecting your system, cleaning its parts, and ensuring the connections are correct. Technicians will also look at potential issues, including damaged or cracked heat exchangers.
The natural buildup of dust, dirt, and debris in your heating unit causes the unit to work harder than it normally should in order to heat your home to the desired temperature. If you do not opt for yearly tune-ups, the strain on your furnace can decrease the longevity of your equipment. Like any technology, the harder your unit’s parts have to work, the less they’re going to last.
Keeping your system running efficiently
ENERGY STAR estimates that the average household spends over $2,200 every year on utility bills, with almost half of this total budget going to heating and cooling expenditures. Furnace tune-ups are a simple way to reduce these expenses with minimal effort.
A poorly maintained heater will have to work much harder to heat your home. Not only does this put extra stress on the unit, but it also degrades its efficiency, as well.
Having a furnace tune-up can improve your system’s energy efficiency by up to 30%. This is because a clean system makes it easier for your furnace to heat your home, because of this it will also lower your monthly bill.
Maintaining your system’s warranty
Keeping your furnace up to date with an annual furnace tune-up will keep your system protected with the terms of your warranty. Make sure to document any furnace tune-ups you make with a licensed professional like those at Heat & Air Controllers so that your warranty will remain in effect.
Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tune up and protect your system from untimely breakdowns.
When to Schedule a Tune Up?
With the winter season gone, it’s a good time to begin preparing your air conditioner for summer. If you ran regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment and did not have any breakdowns last summer, it is most likely safe to turn on your air conditioning once or twice during the summer time. However, you should have your system checked by a professional contractor in order to prevent any unintended breakdowns.
Changing your Air Filters
Usually during a maintenance visit the unit is cleaned and the filters are changed. If you have a central heating and air-conditioning system, the same filters work for both the heating and the cooling. They are used to knock outs dirt, dust, and debris from the air inside your home. It is important to have these changed regularly in order to keep the air inside your home clean and to prevent extra strain on your air conditioning system.
The kind of filter you’re using will determine whether you need to change your filters as often. In general, pleated air filters should be replaced every 90 days. Low-maintenance, throwaway fiberglass filters should be replaced every 30 days.
Damaged or clogged equipment in an HVAC can cost a significant amount of money to repair or replace. Changing air filters is a great way to increase the life expectancy of your machine.
Cleaning of your Air Conditioner Unit
The outside unit, whether the device is a heat pump, a condensing unit, or a package unit, activates when in cooling mode for the summer. It is essential that the area surrounding your equipment is free from debris, lawn clippings, or trash. Such obstructions may prevent the system from functioning effectively. Possibly the most important element of a heat pump is its compressor. These are large machines that work by compressing refrigerant. The refrigerant flows through pipes to cool your home.
Organic matter, such as dust, grass, and leaves can accumulate in and around your unit. This matter can hold and bread bacteria that can find their way inside your home if left in the vicinity. Leave at least a foot and a half clearance around your outside unit to secure the area, and make sure to have your unit cleaned regularly.
Steps to check your unit
It is crucial to prepare air conditioning equipment for the summer just like you’re preparing your vehicle for a long trip.
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.
Technicians deal with an entire checklist to prepare your system for summer, including checking your connections and the operation of the condenser coil, compressor, condenser fan motor, and refrigerant. Such as if you hear a humming sound from your unit’s compressor, the humming noise is probably caused by the fan motor. If so, it should be replaced.
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!
SHOULD I HAVE MY HEATING SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE I RUN IT IN SUMMERFIELD?
Even though you may be enjoying the end of summer, it is a good idea to start thinking about getting your furnace ready for winter use.
If you keep good maintenance records of your HVAC equipment and did not have any issues the previous winter, it is probably safe to turn on your furnace once or twice when a cool night comes along. However, you should get your system inspected by a professional contractor to prevent any unexpected break downs.
What does furnace maintenance cover?
A good furnace check-up has many benefits. During an inspection, your technician will check your gas ignition system, tighten all the electrical connections, and verify the gas pressure and test the ignition system. More importantly, he will inspect the heat exchanger for any damage or cracks.
In a gas furnace, the heat exchanger is an airtight vessel which transfer’s combustion gases which exit the home through the flue. A damaged or cracked heat exchanger is very dangerous. The system should be shut down immediately until it can be repaired or replaced.
Professional technicians can identify and address small problems before they progress into inconvenient, serious issues.
Summerfield, NC homeowners have trusted Heat & Air Controllers since 1983!
Maintenance is so Important for Summerfield, NC residents
We often find that no-heat calls in the winter are related to the lack of HVAC maintenance. By not scheduling your fall maintenance, it could lead to a health hazard in your home.
Your maintenance visit can reveal carbon monoxide leaks, which are difficult to detect because the gas is odorless and colorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even death.
If your furnace is found to be unsafe, your technician will shut your furnace off to ensure your family’s safety.
Summerfield Homeowners Can Help by Doing These Simple Things
There are a few things homeowners can do to get the furnace ready for winter. Look for drafty areas around your home, such as cracks in doors and windows and make necessary repairs. Replace the batteries and test your carbon monoxide detector. Make sure it is working properly and test the device. Make sure to keep the area surrounding your furnace unobstructed, especially items considered a fire danger. Replace the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, decreases the efficiency of your system and forces components to work harder. Also, walk around your home and clean the air vents, removing any dust or pet hair.
Of course, an in-depth maintenance should be scheduled with a local HVAC contractor to ensure your heating system is operating at optimum performance for the upcoming winter season.
Contact the local professionals at Heat & Air Controllers to have your heating system checked today!
TRUSTED LOCAL SERVICE SINCE 1983!
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.