Your ventilation system in your home is one of the key elements of your family’s health. The air in your home can be filled with contaminants like airborne spores and germs and can be prone to mold and mildew. Poorly ventilated homes are far more susceptible than those with air conditioning and ventilation systems.
For allergy and asthma sufferers, poor ventilation is a well-known trigger, and creates a very unhealthy environment, causing unnecessary illness. By reducing dampness in the air, by lowering condensation levels, and removing dust and pollen from the air, ventilation systems makes the air cleaner, and your family healthier.
Ventilation systems undoubtedly improve the quality of the air you breathe and can also save you a lot of money. One important thing to know about ventilation systems is that with regular use, comes the requirement to maintain it. Maintenance can include cleaning filters, and general servicing to clean and ensure the system is working to its full capacity. There are of course many other reasons you should service your ventilation system.
Here are 4 Reasons You Need Your Ventilation Systems Serviced:
Preventative maintenance
The thermostat that helps to monitor the temperatures of your home is a critical part of your heating, cooling and ventilation system, and without regular maintenance the thermostat can stop working at the capacity or stop working altogether. This can cause your home’s temperature to become out of balance, resulting in the loss of your preferred thermal comfort levels. Preventative maintenance will pick up any small thermostat issues early, allowing you to replace it before it is too late.
Dirty Filters
Regular maintenance includes the cleaning or replacement of dirty or faulty filters. Dirty filters mean air flow will be restricted and the air will not be cleaned as it should be. The only way to ensure the filters are doing the job they are designed for is through maintenance. Filters should be cleaned seasonally, and if you are in a dusty area, it might pay to purchase an extra set of filters to keep in clean storage to replace between seasonal servicing. Dirty filters also reduce the efficiency of the system, forcing the system to run harder and cost you more.
To Rectify Improper Installations or Imbalanced Dampers
Sometimes installation can be rushed or not correctly carried out for many reasons, however servicing your ventilation system allows the technician to find and repair any errors that were previously made upon installation or adjustments. Your ducting can often become unattached inside your roof or walls if it isn’t installed correctly, which can cost hundreds of dollars a year on air going inside your walls rather than where you need it to be.
Incorrectly balanced ducting can also lead to hot or cold spots in areas of the home and servicing the system can easily rectify this problem. Ducting balance can also be altered for the seasons. You house position has a big impact on how the heat is circulated through your home, and some parts are almost always hotter or colder than others naturally. Your service technician can alter the ducting and rebalance it to suit the seasons, to ensure your home is a consistent temperature throughout, all year round.
To Ensure It Runs at Optimum Capacity
For your system to run at its peak performance level, a service technician needs to be able to find and fix problems or faults. This enables your system to run at its best all year. Maintenance is a cost that you might be hesitant at paying for, however when you think about costs of maintenance versus costs of repairs, the money really is worth spending. Just like you service your car, you should service your ventilation system to prevent large costs when something breaks.
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.
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.
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.
HVAC is a year-round necessity; these systems help us keep warm in the winter and cool during the summer. With continuous usage such as this, an air conditioner can be under plenty of strain, and it can eventually break down. To prevent this from happening, it is good to perform routine HVAC maintenance and catch a problem before it has occurred.
Moreover, apart from HVAC system repairs, completely replacing an air conditioner can result in even more costs. It is thus imperative to adopt the essential tips for preventing costly HVAC repairs. The sooner you realize that there is a problem, or the more checks you deploy to avoid a problem from occurring in the first place, the lower will be your HVAC maintenance costs.
An HVAC system is like a car – it needs proper care and maintenance to function correctly and extend its lifespan. A properly working HVAC system is one that will keep your home snug or cool for several years to come. But the pre-requisite for this longevity is HVAC maintenance, which is essential.
There are multiple benefits for keeping your HVAC system in top-notch condition:
1. Maintenance Can Lower Utility Bills
Reducing utility bills is one of the main reasons households should well maintain their HVAC units. An HVAC unit operating efficiently, plus a home that is correctly insulated, will result in less money spent on electricity, heating, and cooling costs. HVAC maintenance is also essential to prevent the need for major repairs or complete replacements.
2. Ensure Healthy Air With Maintenance
An adequately repaired HVAC unit will not only keep a home cozy or fresh, but it will limit problems with air quality. Cleaner filters and coils equate to better breathing for an entire household. Unmaintained HVAC units are a magnet for dirt, mold, bacteria, and many other pathogens, all causing or worsening respiratory problems for those living in the home.
The better you maintain your HVAC unit, the longer that unit will be able to perform. Considering the astronomical amounts people spend on installing HVAC units, it makes sense to want to keep that unit operating in tip-top shape for many years.
4. Improve Efficiency With HVAC Maintenance
It’s clear that a more efficient HVAC system will cost less to run. Dirty or unmaintained units require twenty percent more energy to generate the same cooling or heating level as a perfectly maintained AC unit.
5. Fewer Emergency Repairs
Sadly, it’s a fact that HVAC units will require emergency repairs from time to time. Well-maintained units are less likely to breakdown during months of sustained use, namely the summer months from June through September and the colder winter months from December to March. Keeping your AC unit up to date with regular inspections and maintenance will remove the worry that your HVAC will break down during the months you need it most and save you from HVAC maintenance costs in the future.
Costs of Replacing HVAC Units in the USA
Households who neglect to adhere to monthly HVAC maintenance will see a higher probability that the system will fail. In this case, you will need to replace the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.
If this happens, you will need to cough up anywhere between $8,000 to $15,000+ should you replace your damaged units. While this price can seem steep for many homeowners, the actual cost is dependent on:
The size of the units
The efficiency levels of the units
The features/technology you choose
The contractor chosen for the installation
Furnaces typically last much longer than AC units, meaning that if a household initially had these two units installed simultaneously and the AC is failing, likely, you don’t need to renew the furnace for another five or more years.
The best way to consider this is that the AC and furnace are like conjoined twins; they each have their separate compartments, yet both utilize the indoor units (blower motor).
Thus, if households spend additional funds on upgrading their existing AC yet leave the furnace and blower motor as they are, instantly, you are wasting money since the AC is really only half-upgraded and won’t work as efficiently as it’s originally designed to do.
The tip here is that if you are required to upgrade to an AC unit with a SEER rating over 16, it is best to update the furnace simultaneously.
Good to know:
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is a rating from 13 to 21+ that measures an AC unit’s efficiency. The higher the score, the more efficient an AC unit is at cooling your home and reducing your energy bills.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% that measures a furnace’s efficiency. The increase in the percentage number equates to how efficient the furnace works and reduces your energy bills.
6 Must-Know Tips to Prevent Costly HVAC Repairs
With details on why HVAC preventative maintenance is essential and how it can affect your household, let us look at the six crucial steps you need to take regularly to ensure the proper functioning of your air conditioner.
1. Clean the Condenser or Heat Pump
Outdoor air conditioners and heat pumps can get notably dirty, causing the system to work harder to create the necessary cold and warm air you want in your home.
Cleaning condensers and heat pumps reduce the likelihood of damage to any internal components. Households must ensure that there is no debris on the top and sides of their outdoor air-conditioning pumps and units.
Use your garden hose on the fins, making sure that you get in-between the crevices to get all the gunk out.
Also, double-check that your unit is level. If lopsided, the refrigerants that are so important in helping your A/C work well, will be disjointed. Your condenser and compressor could be at an increased risk of breaking down as a result.
2. Check the Filter
One of the most apparent reasons for air conditioner repair is a dirty air filter. Changing the filter is one of the more straightforward ways of doing HVAC maintenance to improve the air conditioner’s efficiency, reduce energy costs of heating the home, and decrease the likelihood of needing repairs.
Check your filter monthly to ensure it isn’t dirty or clogged. If it is, it’s a good idea to give it a good wash and run air over it. As for changing the filter, about once every three months should suffice. If it looks dirtier than usual, then replace it at once, especially if your households have pets.
The AC filter can freeze if it is too dirty and then thaw, causing water damage.
If you have a reusable filter, clean it gently with a soft cloth. After that, add some mild soap and water.
If it’s not reusable, head to the store and buy a new one. If you or your family have allergies, it’s good to get a HEPA or hypoallergenic filter. These filters will help the most purify the air.
3. Regular or Annual Professional Check-Ups
A check-up comprises an on-site visit from an HVAC technician who will examine the HVAC system and ensure it operates at optimum performance. Depending on the technician involved, the inspection may include doing any of the following:
Ensuring the fan is working correctly
Cleaning the coils
Checking (or possibly changing) the air filter
Cleaning drain lines
Checking the refrigerant level
Checking for leaks in the heat exchanger
A check-up can be a one-time event or provided yearly as part of regularly scheduled maintenance.
A professional check-up only needs to be completed once a year and aids households to ensure that their HVAC does not break down when they need it most during the high summer and winter months.
Getting your HVAC serviced means that all the components will be cleaned and inspected, and working at their optimal best, preventing costly energy bills, not to mention expensive, unexpected repair bills.
4. Clean the Drain Lines
An air conditioner, along with cooling, also takes out the moisture from the air. This moisture then accumulates within the drain lines of the air conditioner and is directed outside. Over time, with the accumulation of dirt and dust, the drain lines can become clogged and even be a home for algae and mold.
It is thus a good idea to periodically clean the drain line. Take off the air conditioner’s outer cover and clean the drain line with a clean piece of cloth. Moreover, you can rinse it with a mixture of water and vinegar, removing any mold which might have formed.
5. Keeping the Outdoor Unit Clear
The outdoor unit is continuously exposed to weather and other environmental factors such as dirt and debris. Furthermore, growth and vegetation can cover the outdoor unit over time and prevent the exhaust air from being ejected effectively. Sometimes, the branches and leaves can even get inside the outdoor unit and interfere with the fan’s smooth functioning.
It makes sense to monitor the area around the outdoor unit, and observe any bushes or leaves that might need trimming. This is a DIY job, which does not take up a lot of time, but can save you significant expenses later on.
6. Get a Smart AC Controller
By making your HVAC system smart, you can access additional features that can help with preventive maintenance. For instance, smart air conditioners or smart AC controllers allow you to monitor your usage history and receive alerts every time your AC may need a filter status cleaning.
Some thermostats can even detect when your AC is not performing optimally or if there is an issue with indoor air quality. These are significant signs of a defective HVAC system.
With other modes such as scheduling or geofencing, you can activate your HVAC systems depending on your set-time or location. This ensures your HVAC system performs efficiently, does not run unnecessarily, nor wastes energy.
Final Thoughts on Preventing HVAC Maintenance Costs
For many obvious reasons, HVAC preventative maintenance is essential. Scheduling routine examinations and following through on correcting minor problems will ensure you enjoy the luxury of a system without the concern of it failing. A well-maintained unit will have less severe problems, meaning less hassle and unnecessary costs.
Don’t wait until winter storms or sweaty summers hit to ensure that your home HVAC system is in good working order. A little effort now will prevent a significant hassle amid a mid-January snowstorm or a Fourth of July sweltering day. Moreover, with HVAC maintenance costs going through the roof, it is best to avoid them.
To lessen the burden and guarantee everything is adequately maintained, consider hiring skilled technicians to handle your HVAC inspection and maintenance. Furthermore, consider backing this up with regular cleaning and smart devices to reduce the burden on your system and save thousands of dollars in the process.
It’s no secret that a properly functioning HVAC system is crucial to the comfort of your home. But when it comes time to hire an HVAC contractor, how can you be sure you’re getting someone who will do the job right? Here are some important questions to ask before hiring an HVAC contractor in Annapolis, MD:
ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?
When hiring an HVAC contractor, you want to be sure the company is properly licensed and insured. This protects you in case something goes wrong during the job. Be sure to ask for proof of both before moving forward.
When you ask about licenses and insurance, inquire about other credentials the contractor may have. This can include things like industry certifications or training. The more credentials a contractor has, the better.
WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE?
You’ll want to hire a contractor with plenty of experience. Ask about the contractor’s history, how long the company has been in business and the types of projects the company typically works on. The more experience contractors have, the better equipped they will be to handle your project.
With these, you can also ask about references. Good contractors should be able to provide you with a list of past clients who can vouch for their work. This way, you can get first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work with them.
WHAT’S YOUR POLICY ON OVERTIME CHARGES?
Some contractors will charge you extra for overtime, and others won’t. It’s important to know the policy before hiring a contractor because this can be a significant cost if you’re not careful.
You need to understand how contractors charge for overtime. If they charge by the hour, you need to know their hourly rate. If they charge a flat fee, you’ll want to know how much that fee is.
CAN YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE?
When hiring a contractor, you’ll want to get a written project cost estimate. This way, there are no surprises down the road. The estimate should contain a list to show exactly what you’re paying for.
Be sure to ask about any other documents the contractor will need, such as a contract or proposal. These can give you additional information about the project and help you make an informed decision.
WHAT’S YOUR WARRANTY POLICY?
Most contractors will offer some warranty on their work. This protects you in case something goes wrong once the job is complete. Be sure to ask about the warranty terms, such as how long it lasts and what it covers.
You should also inquire about any other guarantees the contractor offers. For example, some contractors may guarantee their work for a certain period. Others may offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the results.
This will help you understand what type of protection you have if something goes wrong. It is also safe practice to save all paperwork related to the warranty in case you need to use it later.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?
HVAC contractors will typically require some payment upfront. This is usually a deposit that goes toward the project’s total cost. Be sure to ask about the payment terms before hiring a contractor.
You’ll also want to know when the final payment is due. Some contractors will require full payment upon completion of the job, while others will give you a grace period to make the payment. It’s important to know this so you can budget accordingly.
WHAT’S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Sometimes, you may need to cancel your project after hiring a contractor. Knowing the contractor’s cancellation policy is important so you don’t lose your deposit.
Some contractors will allow you to cancel without penalty if you give them enough notice. Others will charge a cancellation fee, which could be a percentage of the total project cost. Be sure to ask about this before hiring a contractor.
