Wondering if it’s time to invest in heater repair? While it’s hard to predict when heater problems will arise, there are some warning signs to look for if your heater isn’t running as well as it should.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a professional HVAC technician to spot them. Here are some of the common signs you need heater maintenance.
Strange noises
One of the most common indications of problems with your heater are odd, unusual noises. If you’re hearing pops and squeaks, it usually means some components have come loose in the heater. It’s hard to self-diagnose heater problems by ear, so call your preferred HVAC technician to come take a look at the issue before it turns into a bigger one.
Thermostat problems
Thermostats communicate with your heater, telling it how much heat to produce. If you’ve set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and are finding it hard for your heater to keep up, it’s a surefire sign you need heater repair. Whether the issue is due to blown fuses, loose wiring or tripped circuit breakers, you shouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment for heater maintenance.
Higher energy bills
Noticing a sharp increase in your energy bills? A failing heater may be to blame, especially if you haven’t set the thermostat to a higher temperature than usual. The problem may be a ductwork issue, which always requires the help of a professional.
Dusty air
Part of a heating system’s job is to clean the air. If you’re seeing a high volume of dust escaping from your vents, you likely need to swap your filter with a clean one. Reach out to an HVAC professional to help you select the right filters for your system.
Weak airflow
If the air flowing from your vents is weak or inconsistent, you should invest in heater repair. The issue could range from a minor problem with the fan to major motor and belt complications. No matter the source of the problem, don’t rely on a DIY job to fix it—call a professional instead.
Pooling water
Spotted pooling water around your heater? The cause of the problem is usually a clogged condensate line. Not only does this fix require help from an experienced HVAC technician, but you also need to call in a plumber.
Strange odors
If you’re noticing strange odors inside your home—particularly a gaseous odor—you likely have a problem with your heater. You should turn off your heater immediately; then shut off the gas supply valve. Be sure not to turn off any lights or ignite any matches, and call a trained technician to take a look at the problem immediately.
If you need heater maintenance, don’t hesitate to schedule service with a professional HVAC technician. By addressing minor problems early, you can save yourself from major issues and expenses, like complete replacement of your heater, down the road. Schedule your maintenance appointment with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, and keep your heater running efficiently now and into the future.
Thermostat settings are a constant source of disagreement in households across the United States, especially in regions of the country that see cold winters. But one area where you may find common ground is a desire to save money on your energy bills.
Even if you don’t have a smart thermostat or programmable features, you can still find ways to save money on your heating by adopting a few simple energy-saving strategies over the winter. You may be able to save around 10 percent per year on energy bills just by adjusting some of your heating and cooling habits.
Here are a few money-saving tips for heaters this winter that you can put into practice.
Consider your lowest comfortable temperature
Setting your thermostat to the lowest temperature at which you will be comfortable will significantly slow down heat loss for homes that have either baseboard heating systems or regular furnaces. This is not true for heat pumps, though, as turning down the heat can actually make the pump less efficient.
The standard “lowest comfortable temperature” is 68 degrees, but this can vary for some people. You may be able to go a couple degrees lower, or 68 might still be a bit too low for you. But consider what your specific lowest comfortable temperature is, and keep it there.
Consider the location of your thermostat
You shouldn’t place the thermostat in a spot where you will have inaccurate temperature readings. If you place the thermostat near sunlight, doorways or drafts, this could result in it giving temperatures that do not actually reflect the conditions in most of the home.
Try installing the thermostat on an interior wall that gets natural airflow. This will usually produce the most accurate readings and thus set you up for better efficiency.
Adjust temperatures when you’re not home
Consider lowering the temperature on your thermostat when you’re not at home. Make sure the home remains comfortable for pets (typically not an issue if they are furry) and that you don’t set the temperature so low that your pipes will freeze. But if you’re going to be gone at work all day, there’s no need to have the heat cranked up. Lowering the thermostat for eight hours a day can save you money.
You can also adjust temperatures while you sleep. Most people sleep better in slightly cool conditions, so don’t keep the heat cranked when you’re going to bed.
Let your household acclimate
Everyone in your home will need a little bit of time to adapt to the colder temperatures after the warmth of summer and early fall. You can lower the temperature gradually after you adjust to the new conditions. Until your body finally acclimates, make it a point to wear layers, use warm socks and bust out the cozy blankets.
These are just a few tips that will help you get more efficient operation out of your heater this winter. For more money-saving tips for heaters that involve your winter thermostat settings, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
It’s understandable to be reluctant to pay money for ongoing HVAC maintenance. However, the last thing you want is to have to shell out a lot more money than necessary to pay for emergency HVAC repairs, and the best way to avoid this is to make sure you stay on top of routine maintenance.
Still, there are some circumstances in which you might need emergency repairs for air conditioning or heating, even if you’ve been good about performing preventative maintenance. Here are just a few signs that you should call in a professional for emergency HVAC repairs:
Strange noises: Every furnace or AC unit will make at least some degree of noise during its normal operation. However, if you are noticing excessive noise coming from the unit, this could be indicative of a major problem with the mechanics or with certain components of the system. If you notice loud hissing noises, this could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which must be addressed before it can cause further, even more significant damage within the system.
Rapid cycling: Does your air conditioner turn on and off more frequently than usual? This is either a problem with your thermostat or a problem with the electrical connection to the unit. This is a problem you’ll want to have looked at by a skilled HVAC professional as soon as possible to get it corrected.
Ice forming on the system: Visible ice forming on the air conditioning unit is generally a sign that your evaporator coils are malfunctioning. Usually this is a result of a clogged filter, a buildup of grime somewhere within the system or a refrigerant leak. These issues must be resolved immediately, because ice buildup could result in more significant damage to the rest of the unit that will be very expensive to repair.
Strange smells: Have you noticed weird smells coming from your vents or from the AC unit while the air conditioning is running? Have a professional come out and investigate the source of the smell. It could be grime or debris buildup, a problem with mold or dead animals that got trapped somewhere in the system. All of these issues must be resolved quickly to ensure the health and safety of people within your home.
High indoor humidity: When the air conditioning is working properly, you should experience consistent indoor humidity levels of between 30 and 50 percent. This will keep your home comfortable and also prevent the formation of mildew and mold, which thrive in the presence of excessive moisture. If the system is not functioning properly you may start to notice elevated humidity levels, even when the temperature is low. It’s important to have a professional come out to inspect your system when this problem manifests itself.
These are just a few examples of some of the signs you need emergency HVAC repairs to your air conditioning. To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
Every homeowner knows they’re supposed to routinely change their HVAC air filters, but not everyone knows when. Truthfully, the time when you should change an air filter can depend on many different factors, including the type of air filter you have and if there are any pets living in your home.
Below, we provide plenty of information for those asking themselves, “How do I know when to replace my air filter?”
Why change your air filter
Routinely changing your HVAC air filters promotes good air quality within your home. You don’t want dust, pollen and other allergens constantly cycling throughout your home. This would be terrible for you and your family’s health.
Changing air filters also helps ensure the longevity of your HVAC system. When your air filters are clogged with dust and other allergens, your HVAC system has to work harder. This puts a lot of strain on the system, which will likely result in it breaking sooner than expected.
Neglecting to change your air filters on time often results in higher energy bills. An HVAC system with dirty air filters can’t effectively heat or cool your home, meaning you’ll have to run it longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
What type of air filter do you have?
One of the first things to consider when asking yourself, “When should I replace my air filter?” is the type of air filter you have. Most homes and apartments come equipped with fiberglass HVAC air filters. These are the air filters you can find in just about any supermarket for around $10 a pack. Most experts recommend changing these air filters once a month.
Washable air filters have become more common these days, as they prevent the need to constantly buy new air filters. You just need to wash them after noticing a large presence of dust and dirt. Some washable air filters can last over five years before needing a replacement.
If you have pets
If you have pets, your air filter might need changing more frequently than homes without pets. This is because pet hair can easily get caught in the air filter, which only adds to the layer of dust and other allergens. Check your air filter more frequently if you have pets. You still may only need to change them around once a month.
Does anyone in your home suffer from respiratory issues?
It’s important that those suffering from respiratory issues, like asthma, live in a home with good air quality—that means changing your HVAC air filters at least once a month. It might also be a good idea to invest in an air purification system if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma.
Don’t put off changing your air filters
As you can see, it’s extremely important to know when to replace your HVAC air filter. Doing so can help save energy, prevent allergy symptoms and much more. It’s also a good idea to have your HVAC system routinely inspected by a professional.
HVAC zoning offers a great way to save energy and money by controlling the temperatures in specific areas or zones. But what is HVAC zoning?
Below, we cover the basics of HVAC zoning as well as its many benefits. Read on if you’re considering HVAC zoning and would like to know more.
What is HVAC zoning?
As mentioned above, HVAC zoning allows one to control the temperature of certain areas of the home. This can help increase comfort and energy efficiency throughout the home by creating customized temperature zones. Many homes have one centralized thermostat that controls the temperature for the entire space, though this can sometimes make things uncomfortable.
Two-story homes, for example, may experience cooler temperatures upstairs, and turning up the heat could make it unbearably warm downstairs. An HVAC zoning system uses dampeners to redirect air in the home, thus preventing uncomfortable temperatures. In a zoning system, each zone of the home has its own dampener and thermostat.
Why should I invest in HVAC zoning?
There are many benefits of HVAC zoning. As we’ve already mentioned, it’ll make your home much more comfortable. Controlling the temperature throughout your entire home (especially during winter and summer) can be extremely difficult. With HVAC zoning, however, you can easily control the temperature in each separate zone.
One of the best things about HVAC zoning is that it helps save energy. Do you plan on spending all day in bed? Then there’s no point in wasting energy by heating or cooling your entire home. Simply adjust the thermostat for the zone with your bedroom, and enjoy comfort all day. This can help drastically lower energy bills. Plus, it’s better for the environment.
How much does HVAC zoning cost?
One of the first things people wonder when considering HVAC zoning is the cost of installation. The cost of installation can vary based on many different factors, including the number of zones in your home; however, the average cost of installation is usually somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000. If your home has four zones or more, the price could increase a little past $3,000.
Some people avoid installing an HVAC zoning system because of the initial costs; however, a good HVAC zoning system can help you save plenty of money in the long run by lowering energy costs. Working with a reputable HVAC contractor will ensure you get a good price for the system.
Have your HVAC zoning system installed professionally
While it’s possible to install an HVAC zoning system on your own, this is never a good idea. Improperly installing the zoning system could result in major usage issues. Even if you’re trying to save money, it’s best to contact a professional to install your HVAC zoning system. Trying to install one on your own could result in a mistake that requires professional repairs anyway.
If you’re still wondering, “What is HVAC zoning?” contact the experts at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer HVAC repair and maintenance services to commercial and residential properties. We even offer 24-hour emergency service.
