10 SIGNS IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

September 8, 2021| Kent Hansen| 0 Comment| 5:09 am

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Many homeowners across Hampton Roads wrestle with deciding the right time to replace their heating and cooling systems. Here are 10 indicators that point to the fact that your HVAC system is ready for an overhaul. In most cases, you will find investing in a new, energy-efficient system, will save you money in the end. With a new heating and cooling system, you should not have unexpected repair bills nor increased utility costs. If you find yourself checking yes to these ten items, then it’s time for a new HVAC system.

1. HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM UNIT IS 10 YEARS + OLD

If your heating and cooling system is older than ten years of age, then chances are, it utilizes freon (or R-22) coolant. Owing to its harm to the environment, the manufacturing of R-22 has been retired across the globe. There are options to convert the coolant chemical to a safer agent. However, you should weigh the costs of this repair in addition to others on the horizon of an aging system. If your HVAC system is 10 years or older, you may be saying, “it’s time.”

2. BLOWING WARM AIR OR NOT BLOWING COOL AIR

When the temperatures warm up from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg homeowners will be clicking on their air conditioners. Your heating and cooling system has one purpose in life – to keep your home comfortable. Cool in the hot summer months and warm in the cold winter months. If you run your air conditioner and find that warm air or no cool air is blowing out, then you know you have a problem. Your HVAC system may have an issue with the compressor. Another reason could be an issue with refrigerant. Refrigerant may be leaking or low. Depending on the age of your HVAC system, the refrigerant cost may be more expensive than investing in a new cost-efficient system especially if your system uses the now-retired R-22 coolant.

3. POOR OR WEAK AIRFLOW

If you turn your system’s air conditioner on for the first time this spring and notice that the airflow from the AC return vents is barely pushing out cool air, then your system may have a problem. The issue could be as small as a clogged air filter (air filters require regular replacements). Lack of airflow could be an indicator of a broken motor, blower fan, or an even more serious problem. The bottom line, if your HVAC is not performing at its optimum level then greater energy bills are on their way. A cooling system running harder than it should to meet average output will be more taxing on the unit (on a track for greater repair bills) and will cost more in overexerted utility bills.

Woman on couch sweating

4. LOUD OR UNUSUAL NOISES

It is normal for a heating and cooling unit to make low-level sounds as it starts up and shuts down. However, if you are hearing uncommon noises – loud bangs and thuds, grinding, grating, and whistling – then your HVAC system is not well. If your system makes a buzzing or rattling sound, your heating and cooling system may have a loose part. No matter how you describe the noise, if it is uncommon to your system – then it requires attention. Call in a Smith & Keene expert technician to give your system an evaluation to determine the extent of the repair required.

5. HUMIDITY IN THE HOME

An air conditioning system should be equipped to keep moisture levels under control. If you notice that the inside of your home is just as humid as the weather outdoors, then your system needs a recalibration. HVAC systems should naturally be pulling humidity out of your home. If they are not doing this job, then other issues could be on the horizon.

6. FOUL ODORS

If you notice foul smells coming from your HVAC system not only is it annoying, it could be an indicator of a greater problem with your unit. Musty smells from your air conditioner vents could be an indicator of mold or mildew growing in the ventilation ductwork. A professional duct-cleaning could remove the microbial causing the odor. Worse odors, such as burning metal or melting plastic, are signs of a serious HVAC malfunction. These smells could indicate burned-out wire installation or motor. Turn your AC unit off immediately and call for a professional to evaluate the extent of repair required.

7. LEAKS

While minor condensation around your cooling system is expected, heavy drainage or leaks are signals of an issue with your HVAC. A drainage tube is the element of your HVAC that draws condensation away from your cooling system and outside of your home. If the condensation drain is clogged, then your system’s condensation drip pan may overflow causing water damage to ceilings or walls (depending on the placement of your AC system). Spotting a leak could also indicate that there is an issue with your refrigerant. Refrigerants are the chemicals used to maintain that your system does not overheat. It also keeps the air in your home cool. If the refrigerant is leaking in your system, then your system will not have sufficient coolant, and overheating could occur.

8. FREQUENT OR SHORT CYCLING

It is normal for an HVAC system to flip on or off in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. However, it is not normal for air conditioners to short-cycle. Short-cycling is when your HVAC turns off before a cycle is completed. While one cause of short-cycling could be that your HVAC is too large for your home, another cause will lead you down the road of repairs. Short cycling is an indicator that your system is running harder than it should because of an issue. Whether it is a simple clogged air filter, or refill on your refrigerant, or it could be that your HVAC compressor is failing. Regardless of the cause, short cycling is a reason to call in a heating and cooling expert.

9. HIGH OR RISING ENERGY BILLS

If your utility bill for your HVAC suddenly spikes and is not in line with the temperatures outside, it could be an indicator that your system is working harder than it should. A heating and cooling system that is overworked means it is not running efficiently. The less efficient your HVAC system, the higher the utility bill. Additionally, if your cooling system is constantly running overtime then more repairs could be in the near future. Take steps to have your system evaluated by a professional to determine the cause of your system running above its means. If your system requires hefty repairs you may be saying “it’s time” to invest in a new, more energy-efficient system to lower utility bills.

Man reading bill

10. FREQUENT REPAIR BILLS

Every family has a tipping point for major repair bills. Whether it is a vehicle, a major appliance, or your heating and cooling system, there comes a time when the cost of a repair outweighs the investment of a replacement. If you are frequently sinking money repairing an aged HVAC unit, then a new more energy-efficient system could be your best bet. If it’s time for a new unit for your home’s HVAC, contact the experts at Smith & Keene to evaluate your out-of-date system and guide you in the most efficient heating and cooling system for your home.

CALL THE EXPERTS

If your home’s HVAC has one or more of these indicators, then chances are a new system is in your future. Be proactive! Don’t wait for mounting repair bills or until your unit completely breaks. Contact us to schedule one of our expert HVAC technicians to evaluate your existing cooling unit. If repairing your system is the right route, our team can handle it. If it’s time to get a new unit, our team is specially trained to guide you in selecting the ideal HVAC unit for your home. Don’t be afraid to say “It’s Time” and invest in a new heating and cooling system for your family.

5 Tips For Hiring An HVAC Contractor5 Tips For Hiring An HVAC Contractor

April 19, 2022| Kent Hansen| 0 Comment| 12:22 am

Chester, South Carolina - Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor - Cudd Heating & Air Conditioning

Finding a reliable heating and air conditioning contractor in the greater Chester, South Carolina area can be both challenging and annoying. Challenging because there are tons of contractors to choose from, and annoying because you don’t have an objective way of knowing which HVAC company you should hire. That’s why the Cudd Heating & Air Conditioning team has put together our five top tips for hiring and HVAC contractor.

1. Know What You Want

Before you even begin to look for potential HVAC contractors to hire, you need to know what exactly you want from a HVAC company. Do you need a company that offers financing options? Do you prefer a company that offers 24/7 emergency heating & air conditioning service? Is location important to you? These are all some of the questions you should ask yourself before beginning your HVAC contractor search.

2. Do Your Homework

Now that you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you will want to do your homework and research as many HVAC companies as you can. Use your resources to locate reliable local heating and cooling companies in your area – whether that’s in Chester, SC or elsewhere. Create a list of potential candidates so you can begin to check the reputation of each company.

3. Read Online Reviews

Online reviews are a wonderful resource to really get to know a company before you begin working with them. Do they have majority good reviews or bad? Do they respond to their reviews? How do they handle the bad review? Make sure you read reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc. to really get a good idea of your prospective HVAC contractors.

4. Look Into Professional Standards

When hiring a HVAC contractor, it’s important that you know they are reliable and trustworthy. Reliable HVAC contractors are professional in all aspects of their business. They should have prompt and courteous technicians as well as friendly and knowledgeable office staff. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the company’s shop or office either. Their facility can tell assure you that this contractor has been in business and intends to remain in business for years to come.

5. Request a Written Estimate

Finally, make sure you request a written estimate or quote from your final prospects. It is vital that you get details in writing rather than over the phone. Additionally, you will want to make sure that your HVAC contractor has actually seen your home before giving you a quote as it is impossible to tell what kind of unit a home will need over the phone. If you have any other questions about hiring a HVAC company, please give Ottos Heating & Air Conditioning a call today! we are always happy to help our customers!

5 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Used HVAC System5 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Used HVAC System

June 28, 2023| Kent Hansen| 0 Comment| 2:31 am

HVAC unit against a white background.

Summer without air conditioning can be downright miserable in the Fairfax area. If your air conditioner goes out and money is tight, you may be considering buying a used HVAC system to save on the cost of a new one. Today we’re going to answer some common questions about buying used HVAC equipment.

1. What Do You Know About the Equipment?

When you buy a new HVAC system, you generally focus on buying a good brand. You don’t have to worry too much about the individual unit you’re buying. Since it’s new, it’s unlikely to have developed any problems. If you find that there’s a manufacturer’s defect, that’s typically covered by warranty. You can be pretty confident you’re getting a machine that will work well for the foreseeable future.

When you buy used, you don’t have that assurance. You have to learn what you can about the equipment’s history. If you’re buying a barely used system from a reputable dealer, you may be getting a good deal. If you’re buying it from a homeowner, you need to ask yourself why he’s selling it in the first place. Does it even work? Did he maintain it? How often has it needed repairs before now? If you can’t be confident that the equipment is in as good shape as the seller says, you’re taking a huge chance by buying it.

2. Is There Any Kind of Warranty?

New equipment typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. The coverage of the warranty varies based on the manufacturer, but major brands typically offer a 10-year limited warranty.

While you can transfer many warranties if you sell your home, you can’t transfer them if you remove your HVAC system from the property where it was originally installed.

3. Are You Buying the Right Equipment For Your Home?

Correct air conditioner sizing is vital for good performance. When your A/C is the wrong size, you either waste energy with a system struggling to keep up, or you end up with moisture build-up from a system cycling off too frequently. If you don’t know how to calculate the correct size of the HVAC system you need, you run the risk of buying equipment that causes more problems than solves.

4. Who Will Install Your Equipment?

Professional HVAC installers are often reluctant to install any system that they can’t guarantee will work. If an installer puts in a used system and it doesn’t work, there’s no way of telling if the fault was with the equipment or the installation.

That leaves you with general contractors — or your neighbor’s cousin — who may or may not know much about air conditioner installation. Since one of the biggest causes of A/C malfunction is improper installation, you’re taking a big risk.

5. What If I Want New Equipment But I’m Not Made of Money?

There’s no doubt new HVAC equipment is a big investment. However, the benefits of having a new system with a full life ahead of it can’t be ignored. New systems tend to be more energy-efficient, so you save money on your energy bills. The security of professional installation and warranties are important factors to balance against the lower cost of used equipment.

What are the benefits of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)?What are the benefits of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)?

November 7, 2023| Kent Hansen| 0 Comment| 6:10 am

The three functions of heating, ventilation and air conditioning of HVAC are interrelated, and this purpose is to provide people with a comfortable temperature at reasonable cost of installation, operation and maintenance. The air conditioning function of HVAC, which can adjust the air pressure relationship between indoor and outdoor or between different rooms. In modern buildings, if it is a small building, the contractor will directly select the air conditioning system and equipment according to the needs. If it is a large building, it is necessary to select the air conditioning system through calculation and analysis, and have a professional installation agency to install it.

HVAC is the central air conditioner for households. The biggest feature of central air conditioner is that it can create a comfortable environment for people. However, the general split air conditioner for furniture can only solve the problem of heating and cooling, but it cannot solve the air treatment process. However, the emergence of HVAC has solved this problem for us. The steps of its air conditioning treatment are: advanced cooling treatment, and then filtering treatment, which can add several features, namely: the first is the addition of electronic dust collectors . It can capture very small dust, most of the captured dust is bacteria, germs, smoke or odors, etc., so that it can be filtered out; the second is to add a humidification device, which can make our room The humidity increases to 40% relative humidity, which makes us feel very comfortable.

The fundamental purpose of HVAC is to achieve temperature regulation and to achieve people’s control of temperature. In the early days, HVAC systems were designed using constant flow hydraulic systems. The temperature of the air is regulated through the end of the zone. This is a relatively simple, rough, decentralized adjustment, and no adjustment to the hydraulic system is required after the initial adjustment.

With the continuous improvement of people’s low level of environmental comfort, this simple system can no longer meet people’s needs, and people begin to use variable flow water conservancy systems and variable air volume systems. And later, the emergence of electric regulating valve has greatly improved the ability to adjust the ambient temperature, making people’s lives more comfortable.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is a combined system of indoor and outdoor air circulation. It also helps to heat and cool buildings in winter or summer. But HVAC is more than just raising or lowering the temperature, here’s a summary of the benefits of HVAC

1) Improves air quality: The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system filters any dust, dirt or any other particles from the air before it flows into the house.

2) Save money and space: HVAC is a combined system, so it does not have to be installed separately, which saves a lot of space. While the system is a bit pricey at first, it can also run with solar panels installed. So, it saves money in the long run.

3) Maintains moisture and temperature: The HVAC system helps keep the moisture in the air at an optimal level at all times, so it doesn’t allow mold to grow anywhere, keeping the house clean. Also, it maintains temperature. Cool in summer and warm and comfortable in winter, making life more comfortable.

4) Long life: HVAC system can be used for a long time. Once properly installed, the device will last for years. There is a one-time fee and no additional equipment is required.