Air Conditioning - Bob Jenson

HVAC Troubleshooting: 6 Articles to Help You Solve HVAC Issues

Written by Kevin on April 12, 2018. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on HVAC Troubleshooting: 6 Articles to Help You Solve HVAC Issues

Articles to Help You Before You Need a Pro

HVAC systems are designed to keep your home environment comfortable for years, but that doesn’t mean you won’t face the odd rattle or creak every now and again.

Though in some cases you’ll need to hire a heating and cooling professional to fix your HVAC system, you can do some troubleshooting of your own to get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem. At Bob Jenson, we’ve rounded up our best blog posts for helping you solve the most HVAC common concerns.

1. Spending a Fortune on Temperature Control?

For you to get the most out of your HVAC system, your machine not only needs to be effective, but efficient too. If you’ve noticed your energy bills going up, you may simply have air leaks that you need to fill so your HVAC can perform at its best.

If you notice signs of air leaks within your home, such as drafty spaces or a rising energy bill, check out our useful infographic for an easy-to-follow guide on how to eliminate gaps for good.

2. Does Your HVAC Smell Terrible?

You can’t enjoy the satisfaction of a well-heated or cooled home if it means living with an unpleasant and mysterious odor. Because HVAC systems are designed to circulate air around your entire home, a bad smell coming from the unit will be blasted into every room in no time.

The good news is, if you can get to the bottom of what’s causing that terrible smell, you can fix the problem. Read through our helpful article about the 5 most common causes of unexpected aromas, and discover how you can solve your problem pronto.

3. Have You Noticed a Strange Sound?

Chances are you’ve heard the whines and crackles of various mechanical devices around your home at one time or another. Machines often make strange noises – particularly as they begin to grow older – but certain sounds are a bad sign if they’re new or disruptive.

If the soft buzz of your HVAC system has recently evolved into a clank or rattle, then it’s time to get to the bottom of the clatter. Our handy blog post on common HVAC noises will help you to identify what each noise means, so you can decide whether to fix the issue yourself or call in the experts.

4. Is Something Just Not Right?

Sometimes the problem with your HVAC might not be so obvious. There may not be any strange smells or sounds, but you have noticed your system isn’t performing as well as it used to, and you can’t figure out why.

Whether your unit is taking longer to heat up and cool down than it did when you first had it installed, or you’re struggling to maintain the same temperature across your house, it helps to understand the most common issues that come up with HVAC systems. Our list of the top 8 common HVAC problems will help you figure out if your problem is an easy fix or a case for a professional.

5. Has Your Air Conditioner Suddenly Failed?

If your heating and cooling system suddenly stops working, or if it’s been showing signs that it might be about to give up, you’ll find yourself facing a difficult question: Do you call out a technician for a repair, or do you replace the entire unit?

Our in-depth article “When Is It Time to Replace Your AC?” will take you through all the elements you need to consider before making a careful and informed decision between these two options.

6. Not Sure Who to Call?

Whether you’re in need of repair or a fully new unit, you’ll need the assistance of a professional engineer to get your HVAC back on track. The problem is, it can be difficult to distinguish a reliable HVAC expert from one who’s going to charge you a fortune for a low-quality job.

Our step-by-step guide to hiring an HVAC expert covers everything you’ll need to consider before you hire a professional, to help you make a more confident choice. You’ll learn which questions you need to ask, what you need to know, and how you can ensure you hire the expert that’s right for you.

If you’re in need of HVAC maintenance and repair, or you simply have a question about managing your home temperature, Contact Bob Jenson today to speak to a team of experienced HVAC technicians you can trust.

The Perks of Having Ductless Air Conditioning

Written by Kevin on June 23, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Ductless. No Comments on The Perks of Having Ductless Air Conditioning

Reasons to Consider Ductless Air Conditioning

Comfort doesn’t come cheap. Trying to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter is expensive – even in relatively moderate climates, like San Diego. Across the U.S., heating and cooling represents about half of the average homeowner’s utility bill.

So, why would anyone ignore opportunities to save on their energy bills?

The answer is simple: many people aren’t aware of all the cost-effective opportunities available. The option to install a ductless system, for instance, is often overlooked — despite the fact that it can bring significant savings on cooling and heating.

Here are four of the best reasons to invest in ductless heating and cooling technology in your home or office.

More Money in Your Pocket

Ductless heating and cooling systems operate by using less power overall, significantly cutting the monthly energy bill. Property residents also benefit from the ability to personalize the perfect temperature for each zone of the house, depending on your needs and preferences. This unique feature ensures that energy isn’t wasted in an unoccupied room of your home — further lowering your bill each month.

Reduction of Your Carbon Footprint

Saving money is a worthwhile perk — but how many home improvements allow you to save money and improve your planet at the same time? Going “green” has a reputation for being the more costly option, but that’s not true in every case. Ductless heating and cooling systems enable both financial and environmental benefits, by using significantly less energy than traditional HVAC systems. These innovative mini-split designs are manufactured to reduce the effects of HVAC systems on the environment, through a zero-ozone depleting refrigerant called R410A. And because they take up very little space — often as much as the average microwave — ductless air conditioning allows homeowners to vastly increase their energy efficiency.

Individual (and Improved) Air Quality

Ductless heating and cooling systems keep your indoor air fresh and void of irritants. Clean indoor air isn’t just vital for people suffering from nasal allergens, but for the overall health of yourself and your family. These revolutionary ductless mini-split systems offer multi-stage filtration — stopping dust, dander, bacteria and pollen from invading your precious indoor airspace. Ductless systems also give individuals control over the temperature of a certain room, allowing for customization of air flow that isn’t possible with traditional HVAC systems.

Easy Installation

While traditional duct system installations are incredibly disruptive, installing a ductless mini-split system is a much easier and smoother process. Basic ductless systems can be installed in a matter of hours, instead of taking an entire day. Instead of making space for heavy duty space-hogging hardware, installation for ductless vents simply requires drilling a few holes in the existing architecture of your home. Despite its ease of installation relative to a traditional duct system, it’s still wise to have an expert do the work for you, to ensure it’s done right. Find an HVAC technician who knows the ropes and can quickly and efficiently get your system up and running.

A ductless air conditioning system really is the complete package: energy efficient, cost effective, health restorative, and easy to install. By switching to energy-efficient ductless cooling and heating vents, you can take control of your energy consumption — and keep more money in your wallet each month.

Brand Highlight: York

Written by Kevin on April 18, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: York

The History of York

Whether it’s a furnace to keep your home warm in winter, or an HVAC system for constant cooling during summer, it’s important to find a company that you can rely on to offer dependable comfort, year after year. With over 130 years since their inception, the York company works to offer confidence and peace of mind to commercial and residential buyers, across the United States.

As a company that focuses on home-grown talent, hard-work, and the latest in high-quality techniques and materials, York has made a resoundingly positive name for itself in the HVAC industry.

Although it first emerged in 1874, York’s official journey into cooling and heating began in the early 1900s. As the years passed by, the company earned its place as one of the largest heating and cooling suppliers across the globe, offering a comprehensive range of products for interior comfort.

Over the course of York history, the company has made its mark on the timeline of HVAC development. York installed the revolutionary “air washing” system in the Empire theatre during 1914, and created the world’s first air-conditioned structure in 1924.

During 2006, York joined forces with Johnson Controls, an alliance which allowed both organizations to achieve incredible things for the future of interior comfort. Today, York products are still used throughout some of the most famous buildings in the world; from the Sydney Opera House, to the Empire State Building.

York Products

When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere, York offers one of the most comprehensive lines on the market. Every product is designed and built in the company’s warehouse in North America, with stringent testing to ensure reliability that lasts for years to come.

York Furnaces:
The York furnace line includes the Affinity Series, LX Series, Latitude Series, and commercial grade products. Affinity models are the most efficient options, providing up to 98% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). These models operate alongside the ClimaTrak system, which automatically adjusts temperature cycles to fit your unique needs. The LX series is a low-price and compact option; measuring at 33-inches, with an impressive AFUE rating of 96%.

Finally, the Latitude furnaces provide 95.5% AFUE — ideal for those in search of quality at a low price point.

York Air Conditioners:
York air conditioners are available from both the Affinity and LX Series. The options in the Affinity Series provide up to 18 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), for more efficient cooling — plus a QuietDrive system for whisper-soft operation. The LX Series are efficient and cost effective, using Microchannel coils for a smaller carbon footprint.

Heat Pumps:
Like the air conditioner line, York heat pumps come in Affinity and LX Series models. The Affinity series offers higher efficiency and QuietDrive comfort, while the LX Series provides a budget-friendly solution for quality performance.

Indoor Air:
When it comes to indoor air, York offers LX air handlers that provide comfort and luxury in indoor environments. They also offer air quality systems, designed to infuse the interior of any property with fresh outdoor air — without sacrificing the contained temperature.

Thermostats:
York offers a range of innovative thermostats, taking comfortable living to the next level. With the Affinity series, you can connect to your comfort system using Wi-Fi, and adjust settings for up to 6 individual rooms. You can control temperature from anywhere with the York touchscreen. The LX series thermostat provides a digital temperature management solution to match your unique preferences.

Other products from York include:

Residential packaged equipment
Mini-Split systems
Evaporator coils

Why Choose York HVAC?

So, why should you consider York for your residential or commercial needs? Benefits of York brand products include:

Higher efficiency for lower utility bills
Low sound levels
Attractive and innovative design
Simple operation
Compact in size

The York company uses the latest technology and equipment to create the innovative solutions in their state-of-the-art American facilities.

Although York may not give the most volume to its environmental efforts when compared to other companies, a large aspect of their growth is connected to the creation of more efficient systems. Many York products carry the Energy Star seal of approval, and York is active with the UNFCCC, Energy Efficiency Forum, and Clinton Climate Initiative. Most importantly, the company puts customer service and satisfaction first — a focus that has helped them to develop and maintain incredible technology, year after year.

Why Does My HVAC Smell Bad?

Written by Kevin on April 18, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on Why Does My HVAC Smell Bad?

When HVAC Stinks…

There’s no denying our society’s love for air conditioning — it’s what allows us to live comfortably in beautifully sunny climates. The cool air moving through our homes is a welcomed bliss during hot summer months. But, what happens when that cool, refreshing air is also spreading a bad odor throughout your home? Unfortunately, air conditioners are prone to mildew, malfunctioning, and more.

Different odors point to different problems, which is why today we’re going to walk through the 5 most common reasons your air conditioner may smell bad:

Dirty Sock Smell

While we rely on air conditioners to cool our homes, it’s easy to forget these systems are also used to remove moisture (or, dehumidify). In some cases, a system may be too large for the home, causing it to move through its cooling cycles too fast. This opens up the possibility for moisture to remain in your home. On days where humidity is particularly strong, mold and mildew growth on air conditioner parts can push this stink, “dirty sock” smell throughout your home. Call an HVAC professional to assess whether your system is too large for your space; if so, an expert can help you adjust your system needs based on the size of your home.

Mildew or Dirty Feet Smell

As we mentioned above, air conditioners are prone to mold and fungus growth, which tend to cause the smell of mildew, or dirty feet. Clogged or dirty filters can cause this fungus growth, due to trapped organic particles being exposed to this moisture. Clogged condensate drain lines can also lead to moisture build-ups around the coils of the air conditioner. If your moist ducts aren’t sealed correctly, you may find mildew growing as a result. Drip pans that aren’t positioned properly — or are overflowing too fast — can accelerate this growth even more. Sometimes cleaning the clog around the drip pan is all it takes; though, professionals should be brought in for more serious issues.

Rotten Egg Smell

Of course, the smell of mildew is nothing compared to the rank smell of rotten eggs wafting through your home. If you’re experiencing this smell, it’s most likely due to a dead animal in your air duct. You probably haven’t done anything wrong — unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for an animal to climb inside a duct during the winter, and then pass away without anyone knowing. At the end of the winter season, when you restart your unit in the spring, the resulting odor can be a wakeup call for your home — and will require professionals for carcass removal. Talk about spring cleaning!

Skunk or Raw Sewage Smell

Surprisingly, although the “rotten egg” smell often correlates with animals, the recognizable scent of skunk could actually signal something more serious than a dead animal. Methyl mercaptan is a gas that smells a lot like a skunk’s icky spray, and could indicate a gas leak in your home.

Similarly, the smell of gas or sewage could indicate a sewage leak, or ruptured vent pipe near your system’s air duct. Both methyl mercaptan and methane are very dangerous to inhale — so if you whiff these smells, leave your home immediately and call an HVAC professional to deal with the issue.

Carbon, Gunpowder, or Exhaust Fume Smell

You may have frayed wires, a burned-out circuit board, or a burned out fan motor in your system — all three of these issues can produce the smell of carbon or gunpowder, rather than a traditional burning or smoke scent. If you notice the scent of exhaust, this signals that something other than water is leaking from your HVAC system (nothing except water should leak from your system). In either case, professionals should be contacted immediately.

Turn to the Experts

While homeowners can change air filters or drain drip pans on their own, sometimes this isn’t enough to remove smells from your home. Fortunately, all the issues listed above can be taken care of by HVAC experts, who know what to look for and how to safely deal with these problems within your system. You should already be scheduling professional maintenance on a regular basis, in which case many of these issues can be caught and prevented by your HVAC expert before they cause a real problem. While some smells indicate more serious danger than others, either way, there’s no reason to live inside a smelly home — so call a professional to get an expert solution, and you can go back to living amid cool, fresh, and clean air.

Brand Highlight: Tappan

Written by Kevin on February 6, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Tappan

The History of Tappan

You may take it for granted, and most days you likely don’t even notice it; but there are few things more important to your comfort than having efficient, reliable temperature control at home.

From air conditioning that works silently to refresh the hot, humid air in your space, to furnaces and heat pumps that keep your rooms warm during winter — the right temperatures keep us happy and healthy.

For the environmentally conscious and budget-minded consumer, Tappan Heating and Cooling products provide the extra boost their customers need in terms of innovation, creativity, and durability. Driven by a desire to pursue the most energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and trustworthy temperature control products on the market, Tappan has earned a reputation for providing complete peace of mind.

The Tappan company was initially founded in 1881 by W.J. Tappan. It was originally called the “Ohio Foundry Company,” and Mr. Tappan’s company distributed cast-iron stoves from door-to-door — ensuring homeowners could cook hot, healthy meals for their families. A few years later, after moving from Bellaire, to Mansfield, Ohio, the company went through a rebranding and settled on the name “Tappan Stove Company.”

Tappan’s insight and innovation decades ago helped shape the world we know today. During the World Wars, the company was responsible for providing cooking equipment to the armed forces of the U.S. By 1955, they had come up with a revolutionary new method for cooking: the microwave. Only five years later, Tappan invented the system for electronic ignition in stoves — irrevocably changing the world of modern convenience.

Over more than a century, the innovative, imaginative, and durable Tappan products have truly defined this brand. Today, the company continues to offer the same attention-to-detail in each of its products, from clever solutions for indoor air quality problems, to air conditioners built for efficiency.

Tappan Products

The Tappan brand offers a wide collection of home comfort products, designed for comprehensive climate control. Easy to maintain and inherently durable, Tappan has something for every home, including:

Air Conditioning — Capable of up to 25.5 SEER ratings.
Heat Pumps — Available with up to 19 SEER.
Air Handlers and Coils — Designed for long-standing durability.
Furnaces — Capable of up to 97% AFUE ratings.
Indoor Air Quality Systems — Everything from UV light purifiers to full home comfort products.
Thermostats — Programmable to your specifications.
Zoning Control Systems — Available for multi-zone home comfort.

Each product in their line uses the highest possible quality standards, though the most interesting products may be in the “Tappan Green Collection.” Using the latest technology for efficiency and energy performance, Tappan Green gas furnaces produce up to 97% AFUE ratings, with whisper-quiet motors. Tappan’s high-performing air conditioners can achieve up to 25.5 SEER ratings, with sound levels as low as 59 decibels. The green collection includes:

Ecologic products — Compatible with the latest smart control systems.
iSEER products — Created to boost cooling efficiency, provide greater humidity control, and more.
iHybrid products — A heating and cooling packaged system that features high efficiency for lower prices.
The iQ Drive — Designed to save users money on their energy bills by only using the “right” amount of energy at any given moment.

Why Choose Tappan?

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the Tappan brand is the ability to access energy-efficient new technology. Tappan takes its devotion to quality a step further, by ensuring long-lasting durability in each product. In 2014, the company received a “Dealer Design” award, and was voted as the top choice by a consumer magazine for premium heat pumps.

Tappan is the only brand in the industry to use the “Demand Flow Technology” process to stringently test each product for optimum performance. Each air conditioner endures around 144 tests, while gas furnaces receive around 234 checks. Not only does this examination work to offer customers peace of mind, but it also gives Tappan the confidence required to offer their “Tough Quality Pledge” and long-term warranty.

Every Tappan product offers a ten-year warranty on all parts. The 10-year Tappan Tough Quality Pledge also dictates that if the heat exchanger or compressor in a product fails within a decade of purchase, the product will be completely replaced.

Where To Locate Your A/C Vents?

Written by Kevin on January 30, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Ventilation. No Comments on Where To Locate Your A/C Vents?

Why It Matters

Here’s the thing many homeowners don’t realize about air conditioning — where you place vents in your home has a big impact on the efficiency of the system.

Whether you’re looking to replace your A/C unit, or add new ductwork to your home, it pays to think about where in your home the vents will be located. Take a look at the science behind why we place air conditioning vents and units where we do, and why that contributes to the most efficient and comfortable space possible.

Keep Air Ducts Near the Ceiling

You’ll notice that in most older homes, the vents are placed near the floor. The problem with this is furniture tends to get pushed over the top, blocking the vent from working properly. Another drawback is that things like dust, toys, and moisture can find their way down into the ducts, resulting in air restrictions and mold. Vents cut into floors lack the size needed for modern airflow requirements as well.

Placing your air conditioning vents high keeps that cool air circulating throughout the room. In this setup, the air is pulled back into the system by way of a large return air vent placed low on a central wall in the home. This solution cools or heats your home evenly without uncomfortable hot and cold spots, reducing your energy use and therefore saving you money.

Install Ducts to Complement Your Lifestyle

The height of your air conditioning vents isn’t the only thing to consider. You should also think about where these vents will be most useful in complementing your lifestyle. For example, you may want to place a vent above your bed, or pointed toward your couch so you can easily cool your body when it’s needed most. That way, you don’t have to wait for the entire room to cool in order to be comfortable.

Keep in mind other layout aspects of the room; not just where you’d like to feel the cool air most, but also where the cool air could be blocked or interrupted. You don’t want an air conditioning vent installed right where you might place a bookcase, or behind a door that could block the airflow. You should also avoid placing units directly above electrical fitting, or in areas that are difficult to reach for cleaning and maintenance.

Determine not only where in the room to install a vent, but also which rooms to place the vents in — since not all units will blow air into every room. If you spend most of your time in your home office, it’s a good idea to have cool air circulating throughout that room. If you don’t work from home, you might be better off blowing the cool air through your bedroom, so you can sleep better at night.

Place Ducts Based on Your Home’s Layout

In addition to assessing your lifestyle, and which rooms you use most, it’s also important to take a look at how the system will work with the overall layout of your home. The goal is to balance your unit or vents from room to room, so the whole house becomes comfortable.

Finding the right location to place your air conditioning vents and units isn’t difficult if you have a licensed installer there to help you. He or she should be able to find the best location for the unit, based on your personal situation. Keep the abovementioned tips in mind when working with your installer, so you can decide on the most efficient solution for your home and lifestyle together.

Brand Highlight: Comfortmaker

Written by Kevin on January 24, 2017. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Comfortmaker

The History of Comfortmaker

When it comes to accessing absolute comfort at home, there’s no space for compromise. Maintaining the perfect climate for you (and your family) requires a temperature control system that is reliable, effective, and efficient.

With a focus on comfort right in its name, Comfortmaker provides energy-efficient, value-based heating and cooling solutions. With a reputation for designing durable, high-tech options for residential temperature control, Comfortmaker is a great brand to consider when updating your system, or installing something new.

Originally, Comfortmaker began life as a brand within the American Furnace Co. organization in St. Louis. By the time 1968 rolled around, the company had expanded to become a division of the Singer Co. climate control division – a move that marked their rapid expansion over the years.

In 1982, Singer transformed into a unit of SynderGeneral Corp, and in 1991, Inter-City Products, known today as “ICP,” obtained the entire business for the price of $72 million – a sale that included both the internal Arcoaire, and Comfortmaker brands. Finally, the pair of corporations, renamed to the “ACO” division, were sold on to United Technologies Corp. in 1999.

Despite transitioning through various parent companies, Comfortmaker has continued to be well regarded in the industry, continually gaining popularity and delivering customer satisfaction.

Comfortmaker Products

From its conception, Comfortmaker devoted its business to developing temperature control solutions with reliability, energy efficiency, and durability. Today, they’ve gained the respect of customers by implementing top-of-the-range technology into a variety of their already-impressive products; to provide a customized heating solution for any home.

The Comfortmaker product line includes:

Air conditioners – including the SoftSound Deluxe variable-speed air conditioner, with SmartSense technology for high-efficiency cooling and heating.

Gas and Oil furnaces – which can combine with the “Observer” communicating wall controls for high-tech home comfort.

Air purifiers – designed for optimum efficiency and 100% air treatment, giving the cleanest possible air.

Ductless systems – the quietest and most efficient models they’ve ever made, with up to 30.5 SEER ratings, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Geothermal solutions – which can save homeowners up to 70% on heating and cooling bills, while reducing a home’s overall carbon footprint.

Thermostats – made with the latest technology, including touchscreen surfaces and seamless connectivity across devices using “SoftSound.”

Using the latest in communication-based technology, Comfortmaker provides consumers with a complete system for overall house temperature management. Beyond their high-tech pieces, they also offer entry-level systems for heating and cooling – they’ve got a system to suit almost anyone.

Why Choose Comfortmaker Products?

The reliable operation of their energy-efficient machinery, combined with advanced technology and stellar customer support, has made Comfortmaker a brand worth praising for many happy consumers.

Through superior engineering and top-quality manufacturing, the brand’s products offer unbeatable comfort. In fact, Comfortmaker is so sure of its ability to provide excellence that it offers an amazing warranty time: up to 10-years no hassle replacement. On top of that, customers can expect:

Exceptional and immediate customer service solutions
Reliable and effective heating and cooling systems
Energy efficiency in most of the Comfortmaker products
Quiet operation for a better home atmosphere

HVAC For New Homeowners: What You Should Know

Written by Kevin on December 9, 2016. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on HVAC For New Homeowners: What You Should Know

Learning About Your HVAC Can Pay Off

Buying a new home is an exciting experience — but it’s also one filled with hurdles, and requires constant learning. If this is your first home, you may become overwhelmed by the number of tasks that are now yours to manage. Remember all of those issues your landlord took care of on your behalf? They’re now your responsibility; including those related to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

As a new homeowner, it’s crucial to learn everything you can about your property, so you can ensure it runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely. The School of Refrigeration indicates that HVAC systems account for as much as 45% of our utility bills — making it even more important to pay attention to your HVAC system, if you want to avoid sudden high expenses.

Here are some HVAC basics all new homeowners should learn:

Size and Age are Things To Consider

The first step in evaluating the efficiency (and remaining lifespan) of your home’s HVAC system is to determine the manufacture date of the machine. Most systems in the United States last between 10 and 15 years; and while some can function perfectly for decades, many begin to stutter and fail after 10 years, when repair issues emerge more frequently.

It’s not just the age of your system that has an impact on its function and efficiency. Many homeowners don’t realize that the size of their AC unit may be incorrect. Until recently, it was common for companies to install oversized systems into a home — unfortunately, this compromises system longevity and energy efficiency, through issues of short-cycling. To check whether the air conditioning system in your new home fits the structure, call a professional HVAC technician for a proper inspection.

Regular Inspections Are Important

It’s easy to assume that a general inspection of your new home will automatically cover any issues evident in your HVAC system — the truth is that most of the time, if there isn’t a visual problem, your heating and cooling will be marked as functional. It’s important to ask for the report from the latest HVAC inspection the house received, so you can identify pre-existing problems and potential issues.

On average, your HVAC system needs checking twice a year. During these visits, the technicians should conduct a number of services; including cleaning and inspecting coils, replacing or adjusting fan belts, inspecting and cleaning fans and blowers, checking refrigerant, lubricating bearings and motors, and tightening all electrical connections.

Your System’s Efficiency May Need Tweaking

Once you know the history of your HVAC system, you should check how its current efficiency levels may impact you in the future. For instance, ensuring that all air filters are clean before you run the machine at full blast will reduce the amount of energy you use; air cannot flow as easily through clogged filters. Other aspects to consider include:

1. Leaks in your ducts — Make sure you aren’t losing air flow in your ducts, by holding a candle near the connections, to see whether the flame (or smoke) remains stable. If it wavers, you could have a leak.

2. Proper insulation — The right insulation can dramatically improve the efficiency of your system, making your utility bills less severe.

3. Placement of units — Ensure that your condenser unit and thermostat aren’t situated in areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight, as this can lead to misunderstandings in the way your system works.

It’s Possible to Spot Common Signs of Malfunction

Once you’ve thoroughly evaluated the HVAC system in your new home, educate yourself on the most common signs that could indicate failure, or malfunction, in the future. Identifying certain symptoms can help you troubleshoot issues and repair them faster. For instance, look out for:

1. Lack of airflow — Your HVAC system may be cooling and heating as it should, but a blocked air filter, or faulty blower, could be impacting the amount of treated air you receive.

2. Unchanging temperature — If you can feel the airflow from your HVAC system, but no change in temperature, this could be a sign that your refrigerant levels are low; meaning you need to charge the compressor, or fix a leak.

3. Strange noises — Rumbling, creaking, or popping sounds may indicate mechanical damage to the bearings, motors, or other moving parts in your HVAC.

Caring for Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is an investment in the comfort of your family — just like the overall investment you made on your house. When you buy a new house, check the HVAC system thoroughly, make sure it’s the right system for your home, and educate yourself on proper maintenance and repair. Sometimes, being a good homeowner is all about recognizing what you don’t know. For issues you aren’t sure of, or can’t solve on your own, call an expert HVAC technician to help assess your system, and ensure it’s functioning efficiently. Arm yourself with the right knowledge, and you’ll be able to save money on utility bills, and make the most of your new property.

Replace vs. Repair: When Is It Time to Replace Your AC?

Written by Kevin on October 10, 2016. Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy. No Comments on Replace vs. Repair: When Is It Time to Replace Your AC?

Important Factors To Consider

If your air conditioning system suddenly fails, you have an important decision to make. Do you look for a dependable company to repair your existing unit, or do you invest in a new, upgraded solution?

Many of the small issues that arise with AC units can be quickly, and inexpensively repaired — enabling you to get a longer life out of your current unit. If your system has had a significant breakdown, or simply isn’t performing as well as it used to, you might benefit more from replacing it. Updating to a system that uses new refrigerant substances will lessen your negative footprint on the ozone layer; and innovative units allow you to use half of the energy you might use with an older model.

When you’re debating whether to repair or replace, there are three important factors to consider: life expectancy, energy efficiency, and the unit condition.

Evaluate the Life Expectancy of Your Current Unit

Perhaps the most common reason to choose replacement over AC repair is that the current unit is old, and no longer functioning at its best. While regular maintenance can keep an air conditioner running for 15 to 20 years, you may start finding problems with ongoing maintenance when the unit hits the ten-year mark. As a unit ages, it becomes more complicated — and expensive — to repair, because older parts are more difficult to find, and long-term problems require a great deal of ongoing maintenance.

Making the decision to replace an old, worn air conditioner not only saves you money on repairs; a newer model can also provide increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and improved indoor air quality. Carefully consider how long you can reasonably expect your current AC unit to perform at its best — if your unit is over ten years old, and requiring increasingly more maintenance, it may be time for your system to retire.

Consider Your Energy Efficiency Levels

Upgrading to a new AC unit offers the opportunity to access a more energy-efficient temperature-control solution. After all, even if you pay the price to completely restore an aging unit, at best you can only achieve the same efficiency the machine produced when it was manufactured. Thanks to increasing energy standards imposed by the government, newer air conditioning units are much more efficient — benefitting both your wallet, and the environment.

AC units are rated according to a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER value. The more your AC equipment can do with a single unit of energy, the higher its SEER rating will be. In other words, a high SEER rating suggests that you can consume less energy for the same level of cooling. Energy star recommends upgrading any AC unit that is more than ten years old, as the government imposed a new requirement in 2006, demanding all units to be at least SEER-13.

If you need help assessing the efficiency of your current model, you can take the EPA home assessment test to determine whether your AC unit is using energy efficiently, or hiking up your energy bills.

Recognize When Your Unit is Approaching Failure

Once you’ve assessed the energy-efficiency and life-expectancy of your AC model, your last step is to evaluate the current condition of your unit. Think about the number of breakdowns you’ve experienced in the last year, and how much time you devote to maintenance. There are a number of important warning signs that can indicate your air conditioner is on its last legs:

Inconsistent Temperatures
If the AC unit cannot maintain consistent temperatures, it’s not doing its job. This may just mean you need to inspect the valves, filters, condensation drains, and coils for obstructions — but, it could also be a sign that your unit can no longer perform at optimal level.

Noisy Operation
Most fully-functional AC units can operate almost silently. If your machine is ticking, buzzing, or rattling, this could indicate serious problems with the internal mechanisms.

Excessive Dust
If dust seems to settle across your home, despite your efforts to clean regularly, it may be a sign that your AC has malfunctioning ducts.

Humidity
If your home is plagued by constant humidity problems, this could indicate that the AC unit is no longer working properly — a good model should control air quality, as well as temperature.

Health Concerns
If people in the property complain of nausea, headaches, or burning sensations in their eyes, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the AC unit.

Know When to Replace your AC

It’s often tempting to call the repairman, rather than spend the time and effort to replace your entire air conditioning system — if the issues are small, and the unit is young, this is usually a good call. When the issues are costly, the model is outdated, or you’re facing constant repairs, it’s ultimately going to be more cost-efficient — and more beneficial in the long run — to replace your AC unit. Pro tip: you may want to consider replacing your heating system at the same time as your AC unit; as connecting an older furnace to a new, efficient AC may prevent it from performing at optimum level.

Brand Highlight: Goodman

Written by Kevin on October 10, 2016. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Goodman

The History of Goodman

It’s easy to take heating and air conditioning for granted — in fact, some go so far as to say we’re addicted to our air conditioning systems. Without these devices, we’d often find ourselves struggling to focus in sweltering heat; or unable to keep warm when the winter chill sets in. Maintaining a temperature-controlled climate — in an office building, home, or large commercial property — requires the use of a reliable, and efficient set of products.

Fortunately for you, Goodman air conditioning equipment has a reputation for providing a comprehensive line of residential and commercial solutions, designed to last.

The Goodman brand runs from local factories in Tennessee and Texas — following a set of key principles that outline everything they do, and refine every product they make. Originally founded by Harold V. Goodman in 1975, the company began as a business for flexible ducts, and evolved as needs for temperature control systems grew.

In 1954, Goodman was working as a contractor installing air conditioners — a process which allowed him to build experience, and learn more about the pain points of the industry. When he chose to open his own company, Goodman’s driving motivation came from a desire to create air conditioning solutions that were more affordable, and needed less maintenance. From its conception, the Goodman manufacturing company focused on manufacturing high-quality items at the lowest possible prices.

Since then, the brand has followed Harold V. Goodman’s promise to revolutionize the industry; with high-quality equipment, manufactured by experts and sold at affordable prices.

Goodman Products

In order to address a wide range of residential and commercial air conditioning needs, the Goodman brand has produced a range of high-tech solutions. Their products have established them as an industry leader in reliability, dependability, and performance. Some of their heat transfer products include:

Air conditioners
Gas furnaces
Heat pumps
Packaged units
Indoor air quality systems
Air handlers and coils
Ductless systems
Controls

Within this wide selection of products, consumers can find the only dual-diameter gas furnace heat exchanger available in the industry — alongside efficient heat pumps, and air conditioners that use patented “SmartCoil” technology for incredible energy efficiency. Goodman provides ComfortNet control systems, which communicate with each other within a property, to provide a comprehensive approach to temperature management. The brand’s air quality products include everything from purification to ventilation, filtration, and humidification.

Goodman’s dedication to high-quality service means that they only sell their products through independent distributors, who also uphold their strict standards. Consumers can rest assured that Goodman products come with unbeatable service.

Why Choose Goodman Products

The Goodman brand has established itself as a significant presence in the world of heating and cooling — leading the industry when it comes to durability, and affordability. Not only do their systems provide high quality at a low cost; their dedication to reliability means that you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance, over the course of your system’s lifespan. Goodman uses some of the best components in the industry, with proven low-failure rates. They even provide some of the best warranties in the market, including:

10-year parts limited warranty coverage on functional parts
Lifetime compressor limited warranties on air conditioning systems
Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranties on furnace systems

If an incredible warranty isn’t enough, Goodman products are also approved by a range of environmental organizations. The dealers who sell Goodman solutions are comfortable in the knowledge that these products will keep customers satisfied for a long-time. Goodman brand products are also ISO 9001-certified — a standard respected across the world as a benchmark for eco-friendly quality manufacturing, and management. On top of that, these products are also ISO 140001-certified, for their efforts in preserving the environment.