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WHAT WILL VOID AN HVAC WARRANTY?

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heat pump unit

What Will Void An HVAC Warranty?

Upon purchasing a new HVAC system, the customer receives a warranty card along with it. In case of technical failure the warranty card will cover the replacement of major parts, and it also covers costs of certain repairs and several other similar expenses. Although many are not aware of it, it is possible to void the HVAC warranty, even if it is done unintentionally.

Hence, it is critical to read the warranty carefully and adhere to all the rules mentioned in it. Make sure not to make any wrong moves and accidentally void the HVAC system warranty.

If you have been seeking help to ensure that your HVAC warranty remains valid, you are in the right place. Let us educate you on how you can prevent the warranty of your system from being voided.

Conditions Under Which The Warranty Stands Void

  • Missing Annual Maintenance:

Be it your furnace or air conditioner, getting annual tune-ups done is essential. Yearly maintenance helps to keep the system working and in the best possible condition. The HVAC warranty will become void if you don’t get the system tuned up by professionals at least once every year. Also, ensure to keep a record of the maintenance costs to prove to the service professionals that you have never missed an annual tune-up.

  • An Unregistered System:

For your system’s warranty to be active, make sure to register it in the first place. The companies require the registration of a system to be done within a specific period. Thus, make sure to get your system registered right after the installation of your system.

  • Getting The System Fixed By An Invalid Contractor:

To keep your HVAC warranty valid, you must always work with a group of contractors or professionals who have the required qualifications, licensing, experience and knowledge to carry out a specific task. If you hire an unqualified contractor to either install or repair your system, the chances are that your warranty will become void.

  • Using Mismatched Or Unauthorized Parts:

Cooling or heating systems are designed to work only with a certain set of parts. You must know that one manufacturer will not offer a warranty on parts manufactured by another manufacturer. Hence, make sure to use parts manufactured by the same manufacturer.

The HVAC warranties offered by the manufacturer become void when you install any unauthorized parts in the system. For instance, if the furnace is replaced without replacing the air conditioner, the warranty will stand null since it is not suitable for a new system to share some parts with an old one.

  • Generic Parts Used:

A large number of technicians in the HVAC industry often use generic parts when they fix your system. They don’t utilize replacement parts that the manufacturer initially approved. If cheap components are installed in the system, manufacturers will void the contract that you signed when purchasing a system and null your warranty. Thus, before choosing a contractor to get your HVAC system fixed, you must check that the professional only uses those parts approved by the manufacturer.

  • Trying To Repair Or Maintain The System Yourself:

Every air conditioning or heating system brand has its own set of guidelines to be followed while an installation or repair is performed. Such guidelines ensure that no damage is inflicted to the system during the process. Every technician in the HVAC industry goes through exclusive training to carry out these necessary tasks. Additionally, every contractor is taught to abide by manufacturers’ instructions while repairs are executed to ensure that they go well.

To prevent your furnace or air conditioner from getting damaged, don’t attempt to maintain or repair it yourself. Moreover, if a licensed technician makes a mistake while fixing your system, they have insurance to cover the costs incurred on the deteriorated part. Whereas, if you choose to get it repaired without a licensed technician, the warranty with your manufacturer will become void.

  • Inevitable Damages:

You must be aware that a manufacturer will not cover every type of problem you encounter concerning your furnace, air conditioner, boiler, or heat pump. Your air conditioner may get damaged due to incorrect wiring in your house, incompatible hardware, floods, etc. Such damages are not covered under the HVAC warranty. Only technical failures or manufacturing faults are covered in the HVAC warranty.

For How Long Does A Manufacturer Warranty Stays Active?

An HVAC warranty may stay active for up to ten years. However, the warranty period depends on the type of system and its brand. Additionally, if a homeowner fails to sign an agreement with the manufacturer before a specific deadline specified by the manufacturer, the warranty will get reduced to 5 years. You should also note that if you purchase a furnace that is seven years old, then several manufacturers will only record the remaining three years of ten years in the warranty agreement.

Problems Covered In HVAC Warranty

A standard HVAC warranty from the manufacturer generally covers problems with a furnace or air conditioner caused during its regular use. It typically covers all types of manufacturing defects and technical issues. For instance, if the condenser coils in the air conditioner break because of a problem during the assembly process, the manufacturer will cover the entire cost of removing the broken coils and installing them again. Additionally, several manufacturers also pay for any other damage inflicted on the system during the replacement procedure.

Conclusion

Most HVAC systems come with a limited HVAC Warranty that covers almost all of the system’s repair and replacement costs. Thus, the easiest way to protect your HVAC warranty is to take your time and read through the HVAC warranty details. Also, make sure to abide by the dos and don’ts mentioned in the contract.

Ask questions while signing the agreement if something mentioned on it doesn’t make sense. If you have registered your system, hire professionals for repair, conduct annual tune-ups, you are good to go. Also, steer clear of the above-mentioned careless mistakes that might void the warranty in no time.

HOW AIR DUCTS ARE CLEANED AND WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A PRO DO IT

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technician checking air ducts

How Air Ducts Are Cleaned And Why You Should Have A Pro Do It.

The air inside your home needs to be free from harmful bacteria. The best way to maintain this is by making sure that the air ducts are thoroughly clean. With time, a lot of dirt particles accumulate within air ducts, especially on hard surfaces. These can lead to foul odors and poor air quality causing many diseases.

Air ducts need to be cleaned at regular intervals. The most common problem is mold growth which needs to be treated with chemicals as soon as possible. Large dirt particles might also clog the ducts. Therefore, you should check the ducts to see if any mold growth is visible or if they are particularly dusty. If you see signs of dirt or if a family member suddenly develops allergies, get the ducts cleaned immediately. To ensure safe cleaning you should hire professional services. A professional team will be able to assess the condition of the ducts and suggest a cleaning method suitable for the level of contaminants that have accumulated inside the ducts.

What Cleaning Method Is Used For Air Ducts?

It is important to keep the air ducts clean at all times. This makes sure that you are breathing in fresh and clean air when you are at home. If you are wondering how air ducts are cleaned take a look at the following points.

  • Inspection

Air ducts need to be inspected thoroughly before cleaning. The inspection will determine if any parts need additional servicing or if any wear and tear have occurred. Professional air duct cleaners might drill holes to check the condition of the ducts but they will seal these afterward. The inspection will also help the cleaners know if any cracks might lead to leaks while cleaning.

  • Vacuum Cleaning

The loose contaminants inside the air ducts need to be cleaned with a powerful vacuum. The vacuum will extract all the dirt particles from the air ducts without allowing them to spread or enter the air. Since these particles are very small they can easily enter the living space and be suspended in the air. But when cleaners use a vacuum, these particles are safely removed. The vacuums used are often large and mounted on a van but handheld vacuums are also used for thorough cleaning.

  • Cleaning with Brushes

Brushes are used to clean more effectively. The brushes can be motorized or manual and are used to clean larger debris particles from inside the air ducts. Professional cleaners might need to drill holes again to push the brushes in so they can access the inside of the ducts through vents or intakes. The brushes shake loose the contaminants and then clean them out. If holes are drilled, the professionals will cover them up after cleaning.

  • Cleaning of Debris

Even after the initial cleaning with the vacuuming and the brushes, there might be some particles left in the corners. These areas are not easily accessible. To clean the leftover debris the cleaners will use the vacuum again. The contaminants, after brushing, will be loose and the second round of vacuuming will extract all of the particles.

Cleaning Of Heating Or Cooling System And Covers

The heating or cooling system will have to be cleaned with disinfectants after all dirt particles are removed. This will improve the air quality. As a final step, the covers of the air ducts will also need to be cleaned. After each part is thoroughly cleaned, the professionals will seal up all the air ducts and check if they are functioning properly.

Why Is It Better To Hire Professional Services For Cleaning Air Ducts?

To thoroughly clean air ducts, you need to have expert knowledge. If you do not know how the ducts work or from where you need to access the interior of the ducts, you will not be able to do a good job. This is why you should get a pro to clean the air ducts in your home. Apart from having the necessary skills, there are few more reasons why you should hire professional air duct cleaners. These reasons have been listed below.

Proper Equipment

A professional team will have the right equipment to clean air ducts. Motorized or manual brushes along with heavy-duty vacuums mounted on trucks or vans are essential. You will not find these in your home so you will have to rely on professionals. Such equipment will help to clean the ducts safely and effectively.

Use Of Antimicrobial Products

To clean the heating or cooling system, the use of antimicrobial products is a must. A professional cleaning team will have all the necessary disinfectants and sanitizers. The HVAC system in your home needs to be treated with cleaning agents that reduce any build-up of pathogens. These chemicals are only used on non-porous surfaces of the system and they also prevent odors.

Maintenance Of HVAC System

Professional cleaners are often able to check and clean the entire HVAC system. While cleaning of the air ducts is important, you can ask a pro to take a look at all the other components of the HVAC system, including coils, grills, drain pan, heat exchanger, air plenum, and air filter. These maintenance services which can be done along with the cleaning will make sure that the system is in good condition.

Final Words

While cleaning the air ducts is necessary, it is better to invest in cleaning the entire HVAC system. If you just have the air ducts cleaned, then dirt and debris from other parts may enter and cause clogging. There might be mold build-up on the other parts of the HVAC system that have not been checked. This can later cause a lot of problems including bad health and malfunctioning of the heating or cooling system. So, when you hire professional services, ask them to do a maintenance check for the entire HVAC system. If no other parts seem dirty or require immediate servicing, you can ask the team to proceed with cleaning just the air ducts.

WHY IS MY FURNACE BLOWING COLD AIR?

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checking furnace unit

Why is my Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Furnaces blowing cold air is quite common and despite a furnace being brand new there can be some unpleasant surprises. There are a few problems that you can fix but calling for professional HVAC assistance is always a good call. Trying to save money by not calling a professional right away can result in a huge loss (both money and time) in the long run. Remaining calm and figuring out the best possible solution would be the best bet in this situation.

Reasons For A Furnace Blowing Cold Air

  1. Thermostat Issues – An improper thermostat setting is one of the most common reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air. In case the thermostat fan setting is changed from AUTO to ON, the fan will just continue to run, but will not produce any heating. Once the setting is turned back to AUTO, the furnace will start providing heat again. Also, in case the thermostat has been installed recently, by an amateur, it’s possible that the unit may not be compatible with the heating system. Try hiring an HVAC professional to check out your system. In case the thermostat is quite old, its battery may be running low. Changing the batteries will resolve this issue.
  2. No Oil – In case yours is an oil-fired furnace, it could start blowing cold air when it runs out of fuel. The blower would keep circulating the cold air even when the burners would not light and/or produce heat.
  3. Computerized Controls – All the new-age furnaces come with an electronic control panel and you might need to reset the system to stop the flow of cold air. So first turn off the furnace using the power switch. Start it up again after a few minutes. It’s almost like fixing a glitch on any computer system. In case, this does not solve the issue, it would be smart to call in professional help.
  4. Furnace Overheating – Replacing air filters is an important part of keeping your furnace functioning optimally. Clogged-up air filters can result in your furnace overheating and in turn, turning the burner off, thus stopping the hot airflow.
  5. Pilot Light – Older furnaces all have a pilot light that stays on all the time. Something as simple as a strong gust of wind can blow the pilot light out stopping the flow of hot air. Even though it is advisable, it is not absolutely necessary to call a professional in this case, as just relighting the pilot light will do the trick.
  6. Valve Issues – Pilot lights simply refusing to light may be a sign that you have issues with your valves. If you have a dirty system that has not been cleaned in a while things like dirt, debris, and other problematic materials can get stuck in your valves(s). It would be a wise decision to have an HVAC professional check out your system.
  7. Thermocouple Problems – In case a pilot light can be lit but has the tendency of going out, your thermocouple (a sensor controlling both the ignition and the gas valve) should be checked immediately. A faulty one is the most likely cause of cold air blowing out of your furnace, in this case. A technician can easily adjust or even replace your thermocouple (if needed).
  8. Oil Filter Clogging – The filter of an oil-fired furnace can easily get clogged with dirt and debris, similar to the air filter getting blocked in a gas-fired furnace system. The ignition is affected when there is a clogged filter and there will be no production of hot air. Repairing and/or replacing the filter is quite complicated and extremely messy, so letting the professionals handle this job would be advisable.
  9. Problems with Electronic Ignition – Modern furnaces are fitted with electronic ignition systems, like an intermittent pilot, or hot surface ignition, etc. The system might be in need of adjustments or repairs or replacement of old components. An HVAC professional can fix this problem easily.
  10. Leaks in the Ducts – Leaks in your ductwork can be the reason why all the hot air produced by your furnace escapes and all you get is cold air blowing from the air vents. This would mean that you must conduct a thorough inspection (preferably by a professional) of your entire duct network and the furnace itself, to find all the leaks. Too many leaks may mean replacing the entire network of ducts.
  11. Flame Sensor – The flame sensor might have complications as well. If you feel your furnace starting to blow warm air but then quickly shifts to blowing only cold air, it’s like a flame sensor issue. In case the flame sensor is completely covered in grime, or if it is damaged in any way, or it’s worn out, it can cause the burner to switch off. Getting a professional checkup would be the best choice in this regard.
  12. Unclean Burner – In case the burner (gas or oil) of the furnace receives a lot of negligence, debris, dirt, grime, etc., that can cause complications during igniting, leading to the production of cold air.

The Massive Importance Of Regular Maintenance

Arguably most of the root causes of furnace problems can be completely eliminated through regularly-scheduled maintenance and cleaning. Regular check-ups mean that any new issues that may be cropping up will be detected early on and the HVAC professional doing the checkup has the means to get the damaged component(s) repaired or replaced. All HVAC service providers offer a lot of maintenance services in their packages whenever they sell any unit. It would be a prudent decision to know about all the services in detail and make sure that all the services are fully utilized.

Ending Note

There can be a number of reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air, as mentioned above. Doing a thorough checkup to diagnose the problem is arguably the first step in the process of resolving the issue. There are loads of contractors who offer maintenance, check-ups, and other such services, at affordable rates. So you can easily ask for professional help and get your heating system fixed immediately.

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT HVAC CONTRACTOR

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choosing the right hvac contractor

Tips When Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor.

The quality of air inside any property with an AC unit will be dependent on the unit. So it is of utmost importance that you get the best one possible. To do that you require an HVAC contractor who perfectly suits your needs. AC units (centralized or not) have to overcome a series of hurdles to provide you with the perfect indoor temperature. Therefore, they require regular maintenance so that proper climate control and pristine air quality can be ensured. As these units age they guzzle more energy and need a lot more maintenance.

That’s why you need a professional HVAC contractor who knows the work in and out, has an airtight reputation and provides after-sales services like maintenance, repairs, replacements, etc.

Why Should You Hire An HVAC Contractor?

It can be seen quite often that individuals decide against hiring a professional HVAC contractor and decide to take care of the installation part of an AC unit on their own. The high cost of hiring any contractor is arguably the biggest reason behind this. However, the problem that arises in such a situation is that it is quite easy to make a mistake and it is almost impossible for a non-professional to know all the rules, regulations, and techniques to follow when installing an AC unit.

It is entirely plausible that the individual will be unaware of all the pre and post-installation that must be completed for an AC unit installation. Finally, you also have to remember that installation faults are among the top reasons causing massive depreciation of longevity in AC units. It’s better to leave it to the professionals.

Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor

  1. Climate – The contractor whom you choose should provide you with an AC unit that can work without any problems in the climate conditions of your region. The AC unit has to withstand that type of climate during the installation and must continue working optimally for a long period after. It might be advisable to select a contractor who provides personalized systems that can easily cope with the weather conditions of the installation space and still maintain an optimal indoor climate.
  2. Background Checks – Do a proper background check on any contractor you may like. A central AC unit is a huge investment and so only select the contractor who has proper licenses, certificates, etc. That way, you can rest assured that the quality of work, services, and equipment will be of the highest quality. If a contractor does not have products with the “ENERGY STAR” (A symbol trusted by everyone which promotes energy-efficient products), and other industry certificates, it would be unwise to hire the contractor. The internet has made it a lot easier to do background checks on any contractor. You can go to each of their websites and search for references. Going through the ones they provide lets you know exactly who you are getting involved with. It would be wise to only hire a contractor who possesses the proper experience, trained employees, a solid reputation, and only provides top-notch service.
  3. Expenses – Cost is another important factor when trying to choose the right HVAC contractor to install an AC unit since it is quite a sizable investment. The expenses of having an AC unit are not just limited to the installation costs. You have to factor in the running costs of the unit since they can add up to be quite substantial, like the maintenance costs, repair costs, etc. So, when choosing the right contractor go through the packages each contractor provides with a fine-toothed comb. Check the extra services that are included in the price for buying the unit. For example, whether the installation of the AC unit comes included in the price, the length and type of warranty on the unit, the kind of maintenance and repair services they provide, etc. Maintenance will be of utmost importance regarding AC units. A prudent decision would be to opt for an HVAC contractor who provides you a very good maintenance plan, even if it may be a bit pricier than packages offered by other contractors. You should also ensure that you have a good warranty.
  4. Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency not only allows you to lessen your bills, but there is also a big impact on the environment. As time passes, each AC unit starts to consume more and more amounts of power and requires a lot of maintenance to function optimally. So, the intelligent decision would be to single out the HVAC contractor providing a very energy-efficient AC unit. That way, you will be saving a lot on your power bills. And, since the unit will consume less energy, it exerts considerably less amount of damage to the environment.
  5. After-Sales Services – Installation of the AC unit, maintenance, repairs and replacement at regular intervals are all important after-sales services regarding AC units. The best option would be to select the contractor who offers the highest quality after-sales services. These services are so important they hold the power to severely extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
  6. References and Referrals – Recommendations from trusted sources will go a long way in narrowing down the list when trying to select the right HVAC contractor. If you are able to call or email them you might be able to find out as much as you can about the contractor. Another thing that can help you here is reviews of each contractor given by past customers. Most prior customers leave these reviews on the contractors’ websites, making it very easy to locate them. You can find out the type of work and quality of the work that any particular contractor provides.

Final Note

Hiring the perfect contractor can turn out to be a very tricky process. Even though you may have a plethora of options on hand, it is the lack of having an objective way to hire an HVAC contractor that may cause an issue. Ensure that you find out all the information you can about the contractors so that you can make an informed decision, as to who the right contractor is for your needs.

HOW LONG DO CENTRAL AC UNITS LAST?

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central ac unit

How Long Do Central AC Units Last?

Central AC units circulate temperature-controlled air through an interconnected system of air ducts (both supply and return), which can include wall vents, floor vents, or even vents in the ceiling(s) covered by grills. They supply the air from the AC unit to the building (your home, or the office, etc.). As warm air starts to build up within the room(s), it passes back to the central AC unit, via all the return ducts and registers.

Central AC units also play a part in dehumidifying the incoming air. If you run a dehumidifier within the air-conditioned building it will push the energy costs up, because both the dehumidifier and the central AC unit will also be guzzling a huge amount of power to reduce the temperature in the building. Also, this continuous extra pressure on the unit, means its entire life span is greatly reduced. The life expectancy of your AC system is heavily dependent on how it is used and strained it is on a regular basis.

Factors Affecting The Longevity Of A Central AC Unit

  1. Size – The size of your unit should be appropriate for the building, or home. Short cycles put more pressure on the AC unit’s components. A system bigger than the size needed is not optimal. Also, smaller units will stay on too long, again putting serious pressure on their components.
  2. Installation – Proper installation is key to increasing the life of a unit.
  3. Regular Maintenance – In the absence of routine maintenance, the longevity of a central AC unit can be severely reduced.

Reasons To Change Your Central AC Unit

  1. It’s More Than Ten Years Old – A Decade is a very long time in the life of an HVAC system. Only the units that undergo regular maintenance and have their parts repaired and/or replaced, ever cross this threshold. Not having your central AC unit serviced at least once each year can prove to be detrimental. Along with that, you must remember that each of the individual components has a different life span. For example, the filter(s) will need washing (or replacing) around 4 times during each year. This number can increase to around 12 times, in cases where it is running for the majority of the day. In any case, you should keep a very close watch over your central AC unit to see if it requires replacement if it’s more than a decade old.
  2. It Uses Freon – Harmful CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) that used to be released, punctured huge holes in the ozone layer and so all AC units that released any CFC were banned quite a few years back. HCFC-22 or R-22, better known as “Freon” its massively popular brand name, is one such banned Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). If your central AC unit uses Freon as a refrigerant get it replaced immediately. Not only is it harmful to nature and will cause you a mountain of expensive problems if it leaks, but almost no supplier stocks it anymore, making it nearly impossible to refill your unit with the chemical.
  3. Multiple Motor/Compressor Break Downs – An aging AC unit with a failing compressor/motor is a disastrous combination. So in case the motor or compressors start breaking down at regular intervals, you should try and replace the entire central AC unit. The costs may seem huge, but the costs to have just these major components replaced are quite high themselves, and even then the unit may break down again.
  4. Too Many Issues – Central AC units often make sounds, especially during cycling. However, if it starts making too much of a ruckus it might be time to have it evaluated to check its condition. Aggressive sounds can be proof of serious problems and even though they may not result in the need for a complete replacement. If you start replacing part after part in a central AC unit you can rack up a bill in the thousands. In fact, any time you see that the cost to maintain the AC unit is getting out of hand, like having to call the technician too frequently, and/or you’re having to replace parts regularly, you should get a new unit installed, because the running costs will only keep increasing.
  5. Issue with Installation – If any mistakes were made during the time of its installation, or issues cropped up during the installation process, it can have a big effect on the longevity of a central AC unit. They can even lead to safety hazards – like fires or even electrocution. AC units perform favorably only when installed correctly. So, in case you find any installation issues when you hire a contractor to inspect the unit, the intelligent move would be to replace it. The results and “costs” if you leave a situation like this unchecked can be severe.

Average Life Expectancy

Central AC units have to withstand a lot of abuse having to continuously control the temperature of entire buildings (in some cases), all year-round. So talking about the average life expectancy of such a unit, you need to check the type of unit that was installed. For units that are well-built and durable and made with top-quality parts the unit should be able to withstand anything thrown at it for a number of years.

However, the longevity of any central AC unit is heavily reliant on the type of repair and replacement policy in place. Conducting regular checkups of the unit and carrying out repairs and/or replacement of parts whenever necessary heavily increases the lifespan of a unit. Going by CNN’s research, well-maintained HVAC systems that receive regular tune-ups can last for up to 25 years. You will, however, require repairs and/or replacements within that period.

Final Words

There are a number of things that are extremely necessary to increase the longevity of your central AC unit, including routine checkups, regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements. However, there will be a time when this will not be enough and you must replace the entire unit. So be on the lookout for the signs, as mentioned above. That way you can stay on top of the perfect time to make the change.

WHAT DOES DUCT CLEANING ENTAIL?

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duct cleaning

What Does Duct Cleaning Entail?

Indoor air pollution is quickly becoming a huge issue and now has proven negative impacts on the human body. One of the biggest reasons for this deteriorating quality of air inside your house can be dirty, blocked, and/or leaking air ducts in your HVAC system(s). So try to get all the air ducts cleaned immediately to make sure the quality of the air you breathe in your own home does not get worse.

Reasons For Getting Your Ducts Cleaned Immediately

  1. Mold – Mold can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies in humans and can also multiply quickly, spreading throughout your entire house. It can easily cause condensation in your temperature control systems and cause damage to your ductwork, even more so in areas with a humid climate. Since temperature control systems are not easily accessible, mold can be quite hard to detect. You can, however, know of its presence from the musty odor that it gives off. Mold can wreak havoc in your system and so you must clean your ducts the moment you detect the presence of mold.
  2. Dust – Dust is another element that can seriously damage your AC unit and system. In case you see the flat surfaces coated with dust, you must get your entire ductwork cleaned at once. The problem is, even clean homes can have buildups of dust in the ductwork. Dust, dirt, and all such types of harmful contaminants can find a safe haven in your air duct. So, you need to look for any signs of dust emanating from the vents each time your HVAC system turns on. Call the professionals and get your ducts cleaned and be sure to replace the air filters of your HVAC system at regular intervals to prevent such buildups in the future.
  3. Rodent and/or Insect Infestation – Mice, rats, squirrels, and small insects like cockroaches can easily find their way into the air ducts, leaving behind a huge trail of bacteria. These rodents can also build nests and fill the entire duct systems with their droppings. Their fecal spores can also travel along the ducts and get into the air in your room(s), severely deteriorating its quality. Signs of such infestations are easy to spot and you will find plenty of them. If you ignore such an infestation it can cause severe structural damage.
  4. Recently Built or Renovated – There is a number of severely harmful particulate matter that is present in construction/remodeling dust. Even if a contractor is diligent about a proper clean-up and closes off construction areas, dust and debris will always find a path inside. Once inside your respiratory system, these pieces of particulate matter can really do damage.
  5. Elevating Energy Expenses – Temperature control bills tend to cost the same amount each month. So if there is a sudden hike or fall in your monthly energy costs, in comparison to the same bill(s) from a year ago, make sure you recheck all of your ductwork to see if you need to replace it. In case there are blockages in the ducts, air will not pass through freely or easily, thus drawing more power and driving your energy costs higher. Apart from blockages if the duct system has leaks the system is losing power. So, it is losing efficiency but racking up more energy expenses.

Preparing To Have The Ducts Cleaned

  • Decluttering Your House – You will need to remove all the clutter to make your duct system easily accessible for the professionals. For example, if your couch is in front of a vent slide it out of the way to provide easy access for the cleaning crew. The less clutter the professions encounter, the faster and less costly the entire cleaning process will be.
  • Test Out the AC Unit and the Furnace – In case you have any items stored close to the hot water tank, or the furnace, or your AC unit, try to move them out of the way so the cleaners can reach each more efficiently. The cleaning technician will then find it easier to clean out the complete duct system.
  • Ensure That Your Pets Are Secure – Always make sure that all of your pets are secured properly. All contractors leave doors open while conducting the clean-up. Pets can get into the room(s) and cause problems for the professionals, or they can also get seriously hurt by the equipment brought in by the contractor(s) or even fall down/get stuck in the ducts. Preferably leave them in a different room.
  • Show All Parts of Your House – Once the contractors get to your place give them a fast yet complete tour of your home. They need to know the location of all of your vents and the other components of the HVAC System. In case you cannot stay at home while the clean-up is happening, provide the contractor with your number so you can be reached, if necessary.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of The Clean-Up

  1. The services that are being offered to you by the contractor.
  2. The size of the entire duct system that is designated for cleaning.
  3. How accessible your air ducts are for the contractor.
  4. The climate of the region where the cleaning is taking place.
  5. The amount of contamination that plagues the ducts.

Selecting The Best Suited Duct Cleaning Contractor

  • Conduct Extensive Research – Make sure that before you select a contractor to get your ducts cleaned you go through the websites of all the contractors that are offering clean-ups. You will find all the services and packages each offers and the reviews of their work left by previous customers. Opt for the one that suits your needs the most.
  • Licensing and Employees – Only go for a contractor who has all the proper licenses to conduct duct cleanings and only hires employees who have experience and high-quality training in their respective fields.

In Conclusion

The process of duct cleaning is unfortunately often associated with scams like “bait-and-switch” practices, which has made potential customers not want to have their air ducts cleaned. However, you must remember that with clean vents not only do you save on energy costs, but you also breathe air free from contaminants.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE AN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT?

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replacing your ac unit

How Long Does It Take To Replace An Air Conditioning Unit?

Air Conditioning has become an integral part of the modern everyday lifestyle. It is hard to think of a place where we do not see an air conditioner unit used. The malls, movie theatres, offices, at homes, AC units are present everywhere. However, we often tend to overlook the need for continual and proper maintenance (and repairs, if needed) for these AC units.

If you take all the units that are present in each city across the globe it adds up to an obscene number – arguably the biggest reason why the HVAC Industry has seen its biggest growth since its inception. On the topic of maintenance and repairs, a common question that crops up is, “What is the amount of time necessary to have an AC unit replaced?”

Now, even though the customer will always want the repairs done in the least possible time, while done at the highest level, several factors impact the time that will be required to replace your AC unit. So let’s take a look at the things involved in installing a brand new unit and the factors affecting how long it takes for a total AC replacement.

Time Required For Installation

Once you’re done with selecting the AC unit you want you can move on to the actual installation of the unit. The first thing that you must take into account before you start trying to install a new AC unit is the size of your home. The installation time will also depend on how accessible the storage space for your internal AC components is. Quality of all your ductwork, the dimensions of your AC unit, and all other factors taken into account the installation of an AC unit should take anywhere between four hours to eight hours, on average.

The Type Of Repairs You Need

The first factor that will greatly affect the amount of time that you need to have your AC unit replaced is its location in your home. The first step you have to take in this situation is to deduce the type of AC repairs that you need. In case you are on a strict budget, you must ensure that you only try to replace one segment of the AC unit. Making an effort to replace the entire AC system will be extremely expensive and take up a huge amount of time. However, on the flip side, that will ensure that you will not require any repairs for a long time.

Dimensions Of Your Home

At the time of replacing your AC unit, there is a chance that you might also need to have the ductwork replaced and the new vents installed. The larger the size of your house, the more amount of work will be required, thus pushing the deadline back even further. Also, the conditions that your vents and ducts are in will play a part in how long the AC unit replacement takes. Dust can easily clog up the airways and mold can keep growing in dark passages and block them up. This will add to your schedule since the ducts must also be cleared first before the AC unit can be replaced. Having to repair the whole duct system will also make the entire replacement process a whole lot more expensive. However, it is always a prudent decision to get an improvement on all of the components, if it’s affordable.

Where Your Home Is Located

You also need to consider your home’s location when you are trying to calculate how long it is going to take you to replace your AC unit. Repair crews find it a lot easier to access townhouses or family homes, making the whole process a lot quicker. High-rises are a lot harder to access and thus repair and/or replacement crew(s) will require a lot longer to complete the replacement.

Calculating The Time For Replacing An AC Unit

The problem is that, since there are a multitude of factors that affect the total time necessary for replacement, it’s virtually impossible to figure out an exact time limit. Just putting an AC unit in for the first time can take up to eight hours, on average. During a replacement, you have the whole process of taking out the previous unit and rechecking the entire system for any faults. Only when every component is in pristine working condition can the new unit be installed. You have to be flexible enough to roll with the ups and downs and accept that there will be variables like availability and budget at play.

The only thing to be sure of is that the simpler the repair, the less it will cost (both time and money) you to get the replacement done. For example, in case your AC unit is outside the walls of your home, and thus easily accessible, the whole replacement could take less than 24 hours. However, if there is a need for upgrading your ductwork along with the entire system, it will cost a lot more time. Accessibility issues, dust and dirt clogging, passageways blocked by mold, etc., tend to complicate things.

In The End

Since it is arguably impossible to get an exact calculation of the time you will need to replace your old AC unit with a new one, what you can aim for is collecting all the information you can about the factors that may affect your replacement process. Spend more time doing diligent research and find out as much as you can about the type of work that you need to be done, the exact measurements of your home, and the state of all the components of your system. Make sure that you hire professionals to do the job.

In case the work does not meet the necessary standards, you will have to do the whole thing again, basically doubling the time and money you have to spend. Contact professionals beforehand to find out what is easily accessible for them, whether your home location has any advantages, how much it may cost, whether they provide discounts, and the type of service they provide. Once you have all the information in front of you, make a schedule and stick to it to the best of your ability.

CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?

Posted on | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment on CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?
furnace replacement

Can I Replace My Furnace Without Replacing My AC?

Do you have problems with your furnace? Do you have problems finding whether your furnace needs replacement or not? Are you confused about whether to replace your air conditioning along with the furnace or not?

These are the questions that plague many customers that have HVAC systems installed. The fact remains that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are very sophisticated and intricate in their design, parts, and components. Therefore one must ascertain the need for the parts, repairs and replacements.

Repair Or Replace?

Furnaces, like any other component of the HVAC system, suffer depreciation. There are wear-and-tear problems that reduce the efficiency of the furnace.

The first consideration while encountering such a problem related to the furnace is whether to repair or replace it.

Many issues can be dealt with by an HVAC maintenance team. Repairing a furnace takes less time, money, and labor than replacing the furnace. Let us consider all the situations that require the furnace to get repaired.

  • Changing the Filters:

Sometimes, a dirty filter causes many issues in the furnace. Due to dirt, the filters get clogged, which reduces the free flow of air. This increases the pressure on the fan motor. This leads to the motor getting burn-out. The burning out of the motor leads to an increase in the electricity bills. Therefore, it is advisable to change the filters in 2-3 months regularly.

  • Inspect the Thermostat:

In many cases, the furnace might not be the actual problem. It would help if you inspect the thermostat. Some of these are battery-run. If the thermostat has a low-battery, it may interrupt its efficient working.

  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker:

If the furnace is not getting turned on, then one must look at the circuit breaker. Sometimes the furnace circuit is not in the same direction as the rest of the circuits. Therefore, one must try to flip it off and then turn it back on.

Issues With The Pilot Light:

The older furnaces have a pilot light. If the light is out, then the furnace does not work. You may relight it on your own or call a professional HVAC team to fix it.

If, after proper inspection and fixes, the issue is not solved, then you may have to replace the furnace. The following are the cases where the only solution is to replace your furnace:

  • When your furnace has crossed 15 years

The average lifespan of furnaces is about 15-30 years. That does not mean that you have to stick to your old furnace for 30 years. Often, a furnace that is over 15 years old becomes less efficient and has some issues consistently. Rather than spending tons of money on repairing the old furnace, you may buy a new one. This would be a more prudent approach to solving your furnace issue.

  • When you see a consistent rise in Electricity Bills

Furnaces, as they get older, tend to burn-out. This makes the furnace work harder. As a result, electricity bills rise. Then, it is appropriate to replace the furnace and bring down the electricity costs.

  • When it becomes too noisy

Soft noise from the furnace can be expected. But any loud hissing, humming, popping, or screeching noise needs to be checked. The louder the noise, the more they need a furnace replacement.

Are You Replacing Furnace And AC Together?

Many salespersons may advise you to replace the air conditioning unit along with the furnace. But this might not be a prudent solution for you. There are a lot of factors to be considered before arriving at such a decision.

Sometimes, when you change one component and introduce the new part with the HVAC system, the system as a whole may suffer and not work optimally. Mismatched parts and components can create many problems like:

  • Reducing the System’s Lifespan

When some parts are introduced in the air conditioning system, the new mismatched furnace may lead to more issues than it intended to solve. The overall efficacy and functionality of the HVAC system are compromised. This may cause more problems and warrant more repairs in the future.

  • Causing Inefficiencies

When the furnace is replaced without replacing the entire air-conditioning unit, and the new furnace is incompatible with the HVAC system, the entire system suffers from reduced efficiency. The air conditioning is less effective. This defeats the whole purpose of the replacement.

  • Doubling the costs

When incompatible parts of the HVAC system work with lesser efficiency, one must pay for two installations. Firstly, the furnace installation in the immediate time frame. The other one is the air conditioning system’s installation costs incurred in the future due to the parts incompatibility and the issues arising thereof.

However, replacing the AC and furnace together might not be a plausible solution in the following cases.

  • If the AC is new:

Suppose you have moved places and the furnace in your new home is ten years old. However, only a few years ago, you purchased your air conditioning system. You may replace your furnace without replacing your AC since the furnace may have irregularities in its functioning while the AC is perfectly well.

  • Checking the air conditioner when the furnace is being replaced:

When the furnace is replaced with a new one, one must check the evaporator and coils of the air conditioning system to determine whether it is functioning well or if there are some leakages. If the air conditioning system is working efficiently, then you may replace the furnace without replacing the air conditioning unit. However, if there are some issues like leakages etc., one must have an HVAC team inspect and let them replace the furnace and the air conditioning system together. This will save on the future costs of repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

To sum up, when you have to replace the furnace and your air conditioning unit, you must consider the factors like parts mismatch, the lifespan of the furnace and the AC system, and future repair costs, among others, to come to a definite conclusion. Replacing the furnace and the air conditioning system is an expensive affair; therefore, one must take a prudent decision by doing a thorough cost-benefit analysis.