Tag: HVAC system

Furnace Repair Colorado Springs: Your Guide to Warmth and Savings

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Save money with HVAC repairs

Hey Colorado Springs! Dealing with a broken furnace in the middle of winter is the worst, right? As an HVAC expert with 15+ years of experience at Elevation Mechanical, I’m here to help you avoid that nightmare.

This guide covers everything you need to know about furnace maintenance in Colorado Springs:

  • Why it’s important
  • What it costs
  • DIY vs. Professional Service
  • Benefits of a Monthly Maintenance Plan
  • Furnace Maintenance: It’s an Investment, Not an Expense

Think of your furnace like your car. Regular tune-ups prevent breakdowns, and the same goes for your home’s heating system. Factors like the age and condition of your furnace will affect the price of a tune-up.

Investing in regular maintenance now can save you big bucks on repairs later.

What Happens if I Neglect My Furnace?

filter

Ignoring furnace maintenance can lead to some expensive problems:

  • Higher energy bills: A dirty furnace has to work harder to heat your home, using more energy and costing you more money.
    Frequent breakdowns: Neglected furnaces break down more often. Repairs can be pricey and inconvenient. Furnace replacement in Colorado Springs can vary in cost, so it pays to get multiple quotes!
  • Shorter furnace lifespan: A poorly maintained furnace won’t last as long, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner.
  • Safety hazards: A malfunctioning furnace can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.

While you can handle some basic tasks yourself (like changing your air filter), it’s usually best to leave major repairs and tune-ups to the pros at Elevation Mechanical. Here’s why:

  • Expertise: Our HVAC technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and fix problems correctly. They can spot potential issues before they become major headaches, saving you time and money.
  • Safety: Furnaces have gas lines and electrical components. DIY repairs can be dangerous. Our professionals have the knowledge and equipment to work safely.
  • Efficiency: Elevation Mechanical can optimize your furnace for peak performance, saving you money on energy bills.
    Discounts: We offer discounts on repairs, especially if you have a maintenance plan with us.
    DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips

Want to keep your furnace running smoothly between professional tune-ups? Here are a few things you can do yourself:

schedule your hvac maintenance

  • Turn off the power: Before any maintenance, turn off the electricity to the furnace at the breaker panel. For extra safety, turn off the gas supply too.
  • Change the air filter: Aim to change your filter every three months. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder.
  • Check the pilot light (older furnaces): Make sure it’s burning blue. A yellow flame means it’s time to call Elevation Mechanical.
  • Clean the vents: Remove the vent covers and vacuum out any dust or debris to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
  • Clean around the furnace: Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of clutter to prevent dust from getting into the unit.
  • Clean the drainage tube: This tube drains condensation from your furnace. Make sure it’s clear of any blockages.
  • Inspect the heat exchanger: Look for any cracks. This is a serious safety hazard that needs immediate professional attention from Elevation Mechanical.
  • Listen for unusual sounds: Scraping, screeching, or banging could indicate a problem. Call us if you hear anything concerning.

Benefits of a Monthly Furnace Maintenance Plan in Colorado Springs with Elevation Mechanical

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We offer monthly maintenance plans that provide regular check-ups, cleaning, and tune-ups for a fixed monthly fee. Here’s why they’re worth it:

  • Peace of mind: Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
  • Priority service: You’ll get faster service if you have a breakdown.
  • Improved efficiency: Regular tune-ups keep your furnace running efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
  • Avoid higher costs: A maintenance plan helps you address issues proactively and avoid more expensive problems down the line.

Need furnace help? Call Elevation Mechanical today!

IS HVAC MAINTENANCE WORTH IT?

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Is HVAC Maintenance Worth It?

You must have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system at your home or office. It is common to find some issues with an HVAC System. That is why one needs to have a good HVAC team in their phone contacts.

The HVAC glitches are mostly during the peak seasons – summer and winter. One may have to call someone from the HVAC team to solve a problem 2-3 times or more in a year. Paying the HVAC team every time can be an expensive habit. Therefore, most people tend to enter into a service contract with an HVAC team.

There Are Different Types Of Service Contracts, And The Service Coverage Varies From One To The Other. HVAC Maintenance Contracts Mainly Fall Into Three Categories, Which Are:

  • Service Contracts cover the Labor Cost components with annual or semi-annual plans including scheduled visits for proper HVAC maintenance.
  • Service Contracts that cover Labor Costs and Scheduled Visits along with Non-Scheduled Visits for unforeseen repairs.
  • Service Contracts that cover the Labor costs and the scheduled and unscheduled visits and the Device repair parts if need be.

Thus it can be inferred from the above contracts that when it comes to HVAC Service contracts, the first category has minimum coverage. In contrast, the last category has maximum coverage.

Other sub-plans within these categories have coverage options for only furnace or only air conditioning or heating issues. A person may find a suitable plan for their requirements, considering the usage and climate.

People tend to become skeptical about the worthiness of HVAC Maintenance costs since it can be so expensive and since they are already paying their HVAC team. It is a genuine question most people have to answer before investing their hard-earned money in an HVAC maintenance plan.

Here Are Some Of The Reasons That Would Let You Know The Real Worth Of The HVAC Maintenance Plans And Their Respective Costs.

  1. HVAC maintenance plan to prevent Emergencies .

Our HVAC systems are the most overlooked things. People seldom notice them until there is some emergency like the refrigerant pipe is leaking or if the ventilation ducts are clogged, or if there is some issue that arises with clogged drains, and so on.
In order to avoid emergencies, a person must seek the help of an experienced and professional HVAC team to detect the problem and nip it in the bud.

  1. It leads to Lesser Electricity Bill Payments.

An HVAC system is an integral part of our lives. Sometimes, if the HVAC system is not taken care of some issues will arise, like improper cooling or heating of the home. That can lead to you using your HVAC system more often. This leads us to consume more electricity and increases the cost of our electricity bills.

Having an HVAC maintenance plan helps us fix scheduled visits from an HVAC team who would look into the issue and take care of the problem so that heating and cooling are optimal. This would then lower our electricity consumption, and thus, we spend less money on our electricity bills!

  1. HVAC Maintenance for longer Service Period.

HVAC Systems are expensive as they cover the heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements of your entire house. These purchases have heavy price tags attached to them. Therefore, one may think to elongate their working life to have as little depreciation as possible.

HVAC maintenance plans cover regularly scheduled visits to your home to do proper servicing for your system. If you don’t mind getting your car serviced to prolong its life, then you should also care to purchase an HVAC maintenance plan as it tends to elongate your HVAC System’s working life.

  1. HVAC Maintenance for Priority Service.

Suppose there is some unforeseen issue that has arisen causing the air conditioning to stop working. It is the peak summertime with scorching heat. How do you manage?

If you do not have an HVAC maintenance plan, any HVAC repair team will do a service visit and demand an exorbitant price to fix your HVAC issue.

However, if you have an HVAC maintenance plan, the HVAC team will prioritize your request and fix your problem right away. Moreover, they will not take any extra money beyond what the plan covers.

  1. To have insurance for Repair Costs.

Even if you regularly check your HVAC system something amiss may occur, which might damage some parts of the HVAC system. It could be the refrigerant tube or the compressor, and so on.

If you have not subscribed to any HVAC maintenance plan, then you might have to cover a huge sum of the cost to repair the damaged parts.

However, if you have an HVAC maintenance plan, the HVAC team will take care of devices’ costs if you have the device repair coverage in the Plan.

Conclusion

HVAC maintenance plans come in a variety of price ranges from below $100 USD to above $400 USD depending upon the Plan’s coverage. While the minimum coverage category starts from a little below 100 bucks, the Maximum Coverage covering sufficient device part repairs costs you over 400 bucks a year. All Plans have their benefits. While the minimum coverage plan covers your regular maintenance, emergency prohibitions, and electricity bill savings, the Maximum coverage tends to include the priority requests and repair costs for device parts too.

The cost incurred by a person not having an HVAC maintenance plan is far beyond the cost incurred for an HVAC maintenance plan. This means that if we do a Cost-Benefit analysis for the HVAC maintenance plan, the benefits in terms of cost savings like electricity bill savings, device repair costs, home visit costs outweigh the payment that one pays for the HVAC Plan. One must choose an HVAC maintenance plan that suits their HVAC maintenance requirements keeping in mind the usual local climate. These are the reasons HVAC maintenance plans are worth every precious penny!

HVAC GUIDE FOR NEW HOME OWNERS

Posted on | by Elevation Mechanical | 1 Comment on HVAC GUIDE FOR NEW HOME OWNERS
hvac guide for new homeowners

HVAC Guide For New Home Owners.

Have you recently bought a new home? That’s great news! Perhaps, this is not the first time you have bought one. Whether it is your first time or fourth, there are a few things that you should take care of in your new home.

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or the HVAC provides heating and cooling to residential buildings. If you have one installed at your home, you must take care of a few things. To ensure that the system remains in good and functioning condition, you need to conduct yearly tune-ups.

Apart from the annual maintenance, you need to take care of a few other things as well. To ensure the HVAC system’s optimal working, we have formulated an HVAC guide that is a must-read for new homeowners.

Know Your HVAC System Better

Be it an air conditioner, a water heater, boiler, or a heat pump; you should be aware of how it works to understand how the house gets cooled or heated. There are a few things that you must be aware of about your HVAC System.

  • Efficiency Rating: The heating and cooling system installed in your home has some specific ratings, as listed below.
  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.
  • Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
  • A highly efficient system has a higher rating and vice versa.
  • Unit’s Age: If the home that you have purchased is five to ten years old there is a chance that the HVAC system installed is old too. You should find out your HVAC system’s age and plan to get it replaced with a new one if it is too old. An old system requires relatively high maintenance and breaks down often.
  • Warranty: If your new home’s HVAC system is still in warranty read through the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully. If you have recently bought a new HVAC system understand the terms properly so that it doesn’t become void because of a minor mistake.
  • Inspection Reports: You should ask the former owner to provide you with the HVAC inspection reports. These reports prove that the HVAC system has gone through annual maintenance and you can learn about any problems previously reported. These reports will also help you understand what kind of performance to expect from the system.

Maintain Your Grounds

Make sure the area around your HVAC system is well-maintained so that the system can operate efficiently. You should always keep your plants, shrubs, and all other foliage at least two feet away from the HVAC system’s outdoor unit. Also, all garden tools should be kept away. In case dirt and dust fall on your HVAC system, get it cleaned as soon as possible.

Change Filters When Required

Changing the HVAC system’s filters on time and when required will help you keep it in working condition. Manufacturers recommend changing filters after a regular interval. A few systems are equipped with alarms that will remind you to get your filters changed when it’s time.

Even if you have a unit in the attic you should get its filter changed too. An unclean filter will disrupt the cooling or heating system. Moreover, dirty filters reduce the system’s life expectancy, and its efficiency is hampered. If required, get your filters changed even during the summer season.

Check The Ductwork Of Your Home

If you experience a musty smell in your home, if it feels extra humid, you experience fluctuating temperatures, or if you are receiving extremely high bills, get your ductwork inspected. These are the signs that something is wrong with your ductwork. It would help if you got it inspected by a team of specialists as soon as possible. If your ductwork has leaks, then the performance of your HVAC system will be negatively affected.

Do Not Close Your Vents

A few homeowners often close the vents to a few rooms that they don’t use much. As a new homeowner, you should not make the same mistake. Even if you have a few extra rooms, keep the vents open. People do it to save energy costs, but you should know that it doesn’t help save energy costs. It is simply because, when you close the vents, the HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature level throughout. Because of that, it helps if you keep the vents open and you keep the areas near the vents clear of any clutter.

Maintenance Of Your HVAC

Annual maintenance of the HVAC system is critical. You should get your furnace and AC checked every year to know if there are any potential damage. The best time to have your system serviced is during spring or fall. It will help increase the life expectancy and efficiency of your system.

Remove The Ice

During the winter season, call for a professional as soon as you see ice forming on your HVAC system. If your HVAC system develops tiny heaps of ice, large sheets, or blocks of ice, you should get the system assessed by professionals to get to the root cause and protect your HVAC from getting damaged further.

Hire A Professional Company

You should always hire a trusted company for all your HVAC repair and replacement needs. It would be best if you did not wait until there is a severe problem with your system, and you will then have to look for an expert service provider. You should also check if the contractor has been in business for enough years to have the required expertise in the field. Professionals will be able to provide emergency services as well. Reliable and genuine contractors are aware of the tips and tricks to keep your system in perfect working condition.

Conclusion

Owning a new home will give you a sense of security. Though homeownership is exciting, it brings several responsibilities along. Follow the steps mentioned above and take care of your HVAC system to keep it working as expected.

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 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.

CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?

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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.