How to Diagnose HVAC Problems

October 19, 2016

If you’re having an issue with your heating or cooling system, there are some things you as a homeowner can do before deciding whether to call in a professional. Check the Breakers The first step is to check the power. Locate the fuse box and examine the breakers. Look to see if any of them are flipped in a different direction than the rest. Both the furnace and air-conditioning unit should have independent breakers that are (hopefully) labeled. If the breakers look normal, flip the switch for whichever unit is not working properly. Wait about 10 seconds before turning it back on. If you’ve got fuses instead, switch off the main power to the box and replace any blown or burnt fuses. Check the Thermostat If that does not solve the problem, check the power to the thermostat. Most models receive power from your home’s electricity, but some rely on batteries. Switch the batteries if you can. If there is still no power, it may be the cause of the issue. It Could Be the Filters It’s also important to check the filters. If they’re clogged, broken, or incorrectly sized, they could restrict airflow. This puts extra stress on the...

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Is Your Heating System Winter-Ready?

September 26, 2016

You cannot overlook your heating system during winter because it’s the system you rely upon to keep your family warm and safe. During this time of the year, a breakdown in your HVAC system is not only inconveniencing but can cause serious discomfort and health problems for your family. Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can go haywire with a central heating system, particularly during freezing temps, when it is needed the most. The good thing is that there are several maintenance checks you can do to ensure the heating system keeps running smoothly throughout winter. How to Test HVAC System for Winter No one wants to get left out in the cold. Here are a few steps that you can take to test your heating system for winter: Check whether your pipes are insulated. Water pipes running through your home may or may not be insulated. Non-insulated pipes are more likely to burst when they freeze than those that are insulated. Having your pipes covered with foam pipe insulation safeguards them from the issues caused by cold weather. A bursted pipe can easily ruin your boiler. The boiler also struggles to work if the pipe is moist....

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How to Detect HVAC Inspection Scams (& Avoid Them!)

September 15, 2016

Installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC systems can be an expensive affair. Whether your system fails when it is hot or in the middle of winter, do not just call the cheapest HVAC repair technician or the first one you find. As much as you desire the comfort – especially quickly and affordably – take your time and look for a reputable home comfort expert to handle the system. Avoid HVAC Inspection Scams Use these simple tips will help you avoid HVAC inspection scams: Nothing is free. Avoid providers that request for free tune-ups once you place your initial service call. Any trustworthy company will offer you a free estimate or a free site visit – but businesses need to make money. Scammers are interested in offering free service in order to come up with an expensive sales pitches and up-sells. You don’t need to bother with hagglers. Trust your intuition. Some HVAC contractors will request a lofty down payment. This should cover spare parts and transport, which is fair. However, If you feel the down-payment is on the higher side, the provider might be taking advantage. Avoid so-called experts who request the entire payment upfront as  they will never...

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Do Programmable Thermostats Really Benefit Me?

March 23, 2016

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, you may be wondering whether it’s time to switch to a programmable variety. Programmable thermostats have a number of features and benefits that can help you save money on your utility bills and also experience increased comfort at home. Preset Solutions for Heating and Cooling A programmable thermostat allows you to set your heating and cooling for a specific temperature instead of having to manually change the setting. To shave money of your utility bill, have a “setback” period for at least eight hours each day. If you set your thermostat back just one degree for eight hours, you can shave 1 percent from your heating and cooling bill. Each additional setback back will save 1 percent more. Many people have their thermostats set to decrease by 10 degrees at night or at work, which lowers their expenses. Increased Comfort The ability to program your thermostat means you can set it to begin heating or cooling your home before you get there, or before you wake up in the morning. With this convenience, you don’t have to wait uncomfortably for your home to reach the ideal temperature. It’ll also save you money, as...

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Maintenance Checklist for Your Home HVAC System

January 27, 2016

Maintenance is extremely important for your HVAC system, can you remember the last time your system was serviced? If you can’t then I would say it is time for your to make a simple call and have us come and have us perform a Quick and Simple HVAC System Maintenance on your unit. We service the greater Dayton, Ohio area.

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Top HVAC Technologies For The Coming Year

November 19, 2015

According to the AHR expo that took place in January this year, the HVAC industry is changing for the better. The expo revealed that business men and women should be taking advantage or these changes that are coming. The main focus is on changing the way HVAC systems are made to become smarter, save more energy and become more convenient than ever before. As expected machines and control are becoming smarter than before. This is the main focus when creating these machines. The smarter these machines get, the efficient they work and the more money they save the customer. Even as construction continues to grow and more houses are being built, so does the need for the installation of HVAC systems. These installations are estimated to be on the rise for 2015. It is also rumored that HVAC service and maintenance will become more efficient via mobile. According to business development companies, HVAC systems will be linked to mobile phones and assist contractors in the preventive maintenance programs. As these HVAC systems become more complex and more integrated with smart phones, the amount and level of maintenance that they will need will also increase. As the construction industry becomes busier,...

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How To Ensure That Your HVAC System Is Free Of Legionnaires Disease

October 21, 2015

You’ve heard of the recent Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak in New York. The condition spread so quickly that more than 100 people were affected and ten have died. People living in the infected South Bronx building as well as people living six –seven kilometers away were affected with the disease. You are worried as you have a HVAC system in your building as well and you have a weak respiratory system. How do you make sure that building/residence HVAC systems are disinfected and clean? Let’s find out. Carry out a visual inspection of your building’s HVAC system. Check for particulate matter in the air vents and ensure that there is musty or dusty odor when the system is switched on. Make sure that your filters are replaced at least once in two months. Your HVAC system will have evaporator coils and condenser coils. These are very susceptible to fungus and mold growths. You may not be able to clean the coils at home by yourself. Anti-microbial treatments may be necessary. Regular maintenance is absolutely necessary. For a combined heating and cooling system, a maintenance check is necessary in the spring and fall. For a cooling system, an annual maintenance before the...

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Is A Ductless Split System Right For Me?

September 21, 2015

Though Ductless split HVAC systems have been popular in other parts of the world for many years, U.S. consumers are just starting to appreciate their many benefits. These units provide targeted cooling and heating. They’re often used where conventional HVAC systems would be impractical or too expensive to use. How the Units Work Conventional HVAC systems are often inflexible, complicated and unwieldy. Most buildings need redesigning to accommodate the complex air distribution network. The ductwork usually degrades the equipment’s performance due to inaccurate sizing, leakage and accumulation of debris. Ductless units eliminate the need for registers and ductwork. Each unit has all the components needed to heat or cool a specific room. A ceiling/wall mounted cabinet houses the indoor fan coil with a separate condensing unit set outdoors. Removing the ductwork gives the engineers a chance to expand the building’s design. Ductless air handlers placed in strategic locations also reduces the noise caused by moving air, reduces energy consumption and increases comfort. The equipment can be installed in a short time. Such units are suitable for garage and basement conversions, media rooms and recording studios. In whole-house applications, a single condenser can be connected to multiple air handlers with compatible...

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