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Seriously? If that is all it will take to cool off again, how do you test a thermostat so that you don’t have to pay for that service again? Here are the steps you need to test your thermostat next time you’re having an issue with either cooling or heating your home: 

• Step One: Turn the power off and remove the thermostat cover so the wires are exposed. Typically, the wires are screwed to terminals marked R for red, W for white, G for green, Y for yellow, and C for common. Your thermostat may only have a Red/White or Red/Green setup. You can find videos online to help identify the wires. We recommend taking a picture with your phone for reference. 
• Step Two: Remove the wires by unscrewing them from their terminals, making sure they don’t fall into the hole. Professionals often wrap them around a pencil to keep that from happening. The red and white wires are standard for power and heat.
• Step Three: Twist the wire’s bare ends together and keep them from touching any of the other wires, or each other. That could short-circuit the entire system and you’ll need more than a thermostat replacement.
• Step Four: Turn the power back on and if the blower comes on and the heater furnace ignites, then the problem was an improperly connected thermostat.  Or the thermostat is defective, and you need a thermostat replacement.
• Step Five: If the furnace burner didn’t ignite, it may be the wire continuity from the thermostat to the furnace may have a broken wire. Look for an online video on how to check this with a multimeter. 

Can thermostat wires shock you?

If they do, the thermostat is wired up wrong!  No, thermostat wiring will not shock you; the voltage is too low to cause any shocks or other serious injuries.

Will a thermostat work with dead batteries?

No, and that should be the first thing you check before calling for a professional HVAC visit. The problem can be that simple – replace the thermostat batteries and change the air filter, and your AC could be working just the way it should be.

How do thermostats break?

A thermostat is like anything else in your home, they age and overtime, they quit working. A typical issue that causes a thermostat to break is the wiring inside the thermostat or in the wall between the thermostat and HVAC system has come loose or has gotten old. If you have critters getting into your house, like mice, rats, squirrels, opossums, etc., they may have chewed the wiring. 

Take the cover off the thermostat and if the wire appears to be in place and in good condition, try installing a thermostat replacement. If that didn’t fix the issue, and you’ve changed the air filter, you’ll need to call an HVAC professional to inspect the system. 

Will any thermostat work with my HVAC system?

Most residential HVAC systems are low-voltage, and any type of thermostat replacement will work. With a high-voltage HVAC system, you need to refer to the manufacturer’s manual or website for recommendations to get the right thermostat replacement for your system.

What should I do when a thermostat stops working? 

There could be several reasons why a thermostat is not working. When a thermostat quits working, it could be the batteries are dead or it could be there isn’t any power getting to the unit. This could be from broken wires as we discussed earlier, causing a poor connection to the HVAC system. Or it may be a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. 

First, change the batteries. If that doesn’t get the thermostat working again, check the fuse box or circuit breaker. If those are all in good order, remove the cover again and with a small paint brush or canned air, blow or brush off any dust. If you still get the unit to work, get a thermostat replacement, and if that doesn’t do it, you’ll need to call for professional HVAC help.

How does a thermostat work?

Do you know how a thermostat works? There are two different types of thermostats: Electronic and Electromechanical. Electromechanical is the old school thermostat and is more detailed in how it works. The basics of this thermostat contain a bi-metal coil or a metal strip that moves when there is a change in the temperature. This causes a small mercury-filled vial to tip in one direction or the other, depending on cold or hot. As the mercury moves in the vial, it signals the HVAC to cool or heat. 

If this is the type of thermostat that you have now, you need a thermostat replacement! These are old school and with an upgrade to the electronic thermostat. It will with your energy bills and keep your home more consistently comfortable! 

The electronic thermostat is easier to understand how they work. They are basically small computers that use sensors to determine the right temperature. They have features that are beneficial by lowering your energy bill with programmable settings. You can program them to turn the AC up high when you’re not home and have it turn the temperature setting down an hour before you get home. Then you can walk into a nice cool home! 

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

There is a lot of debate about whether air duct cleaning is beneficial or not, but if you ask anyone that has had theirs cleaned, they’ll probably recommend having it done. The comfort level and easier breathing in a home that has air duct cleaning have significantly improved indoor air quality. 

When you learn what is inside your air ducts and realize the air you’re breathing is blowing across this stuff, you’ll realize why everyone in your home has breathing issues or catches colds. Here, are 8 reasons how to know if your home can benefit from an air duct cleaning service: 

1. Clogged ducts and vents: There couldn’t be a better indicator of needing duct cleaning than when small puffs of dust blow out the vents when the HVAC system kicks on. This is dust that is sitting inside the ducts and you’re breathing it each time your HVAC system runs. 

2. Air filters clog frequently: If the air filters in your HVAC system have to be changed or cleaned more than once a month, your home could benefit from an air duct cleaning service. 

3. Unpleasant odor: Another sign that an air duct cleaning service is needed is when there is constant stale air or odors in your home. If all the candles and room spray aren’t helping, schedule an air duct cleaning. 

4. Mildew and mold: As soon as you see any signs of mildew or mold around your HVAC system or any of the vents, get an air duct cleaning service done as soon as possible.  Your family is breathing in that mildew and mold, leading to allergies and respiratory conditions. 

5. Poor or unstable airflow: If there is inconsistent airflow coming through any of the vents, an air duct cleaning and inspection are needed. They could be clogged and dirty, or they could need repairs. 

6. Infestation: Inside air ducts, it is dark and warm, and that attracts insects and vermin. With annual air duct cleaning, the nest that these creatures have built is cleaned out, making the air blowing through them clean for healthier breathing. 

7. Dusty house: If you are continuously having to dust your home, it is probably coming from the air vents.  An air duct cleaning will minimize, maybe even end the need for constant dusting. 

8. Higher cooling & heating bills: Everything gets a little higher every year, but if the cooling and heating bills seem to be higher than usual, have an air duct cleaning and see if that helps.  If the air ducts are clogged, they’re clogging the filter and the system is having to work harder, which costs more money. 

What happens if you don’t clean your air ducts?

We just listed signs that your home needs air duct cleaning. To recap, the following are 4 of the biggest reasons you want to have air duct cleaning service no further apart than every 2 years: 

• Mildew & Mold Build Up and Spreads Through the Air Duct System
• Air Ducts Get Clogged and Can’t Do Their Job
• Attracts Insects, Pests, Vermin
• Higher Energy Bills, More Doctor Appointments

How is duct cleaning done?

If you have had an air duct cleaning service before and it was done within an hour, or less, then your air ducts were not cleaned! In fact, they probably just stirred up the dust and left more. 

An air duct cleaning done correctly uses a negative pressure technology.  This methodical and straightforward process will give you the best duct cleaning possible. There are a few steps in this process including a duct inspection, the creation of negative pressure, and agitating the remaining dust.

Duct Inspection is a visual inspection of the air ducts, including the return and supply registers is done to assess the level of dirt and dust buildup.

Negative Pressure is created next. The contractor will use a large, portable vacuum device that sucks the debris and dust from the ductwork after they have completed these preliminary steps: 

• The large hose on the vacuum device is connected to an air handler and then an access hole is cut into the duct system. The vacuum hose is inserted into that hole and sealed. 
• Next, each register is sealed with an adhesive covering to prevent dust from blowing out during the process. 
• The vacuum is turned on and creates negative pressure that will suck the particles out of the ductwork. 

Finally, you agitate the dust. Each register is uncovered, and the ducts are cleaned as instructed by the NADCA.  Rotating brushes are used with compressed air tools, and a simple vacuum cleaner to ensure all the dust is dislodged and sucked into the device.

Can duct cleaning help allergies?

With all the debate on this topic, it certainly doesn’t hurt!  When the air duct system has dirt, dust, and pet dander, it is blowing all through your home and everyone is breathing all that in. This includes airborne dust mites, bacteria, mold spores, viruses, and other allergens and contaminants. So yes, having all that removed with air duct cleaning will help your allergies!

Will cleaning my air ducts make my house smell better?

Absolutely, when the insects, pests, vermin, along with the bacteria, dirt, and dust are filling the air ducts, they are creating odors that are spreading through your home.  Getting a duct cleaning removes all that and gives your home a fresher smell. 

Will duct cleaning help with dust?

Yes, as we have mentioned, the duct cleaning will remove the dirt and dust that is blowing out of the ducts and through the vents, coating your furniture.

How do I prepare my home for duct cleaning?

Now that you have decided to get a professional air duct cleaning, here are a few things you can do that will help the technician give you the best service possible: 

• MAKE SURE THE COMPANY YOU CHOOSE IS CERTIFIED AND LICENSED. GET REFERENCES AND CHECK THEM OUT. 
• CLEAR A PATH AROUND EVERY REGISTER IN YOUR HOME. 
• DO A WALK-THROUGH WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ARRIVES AND ASK QUESTIONS. POINT OUT AREAS OF CONCERN. 

How much does it cost to clean your air ducts?

The range for professional air duct cleaning will depend on the size of your home and if any repair or replacement of ductwork is needed.  Anywhere between $275 to $500 with an average of around $374. This is money well spent every five to seven years. 

So, when is duct cleaning necessary?

• Air duct cleaning should be done when you notice there is a substantial amount of mold inside the hard surfaces of the ducts or the other components of the cooling and heating system. 
• Air duct cleaning should be done professionally when you find an infestation of insects, rodents, or other vermin.
• Air duct cleaning should be done when the air ducts are clogged with excessive debris, dirt, dust, or other particles that are released from the supply registers.

What is included in duct cleaning?  

If you’re considering professional air duct cleaning, make sure you ask questions about how air duct cleaning is done by the company. There are some companies that will just basically vacuum inside the ducts yet charge you for what should be a more thorough cleaning. A professional air cut cleaning service should include: 

• The technicians assess the duct layout.
• A HEPA vacuum is connected at a central location of the supply air duct that will have a high intense suction to all supply ducts, registers, and vents throughout your home.
• The technicians will work at each vent or register to open with specialized equipment, tools, and high-pressure air that will loosen any compacted debris and move it to the main trunk line of the air duct system.
• The technicians will clean the main trunk line with the HEPA vacuum system.
• After verifying the supply duct is clear, the same process is done to the return ducts.

A comprehensive air duct cleaning service will include cleaning parts of the cooling and heating system that commonly get dirty. This will improve the efficiency of the HVAC system. The parts that are included in the cleaning with sanitizing agents and specialized equipment are: 

• The indoor coil and evaporator coil.
• The air handler blower assembly.
• the condensation system, including the drain line/pipe and drain pan.

How long does duct cleaning take?

Air duct cleaning for a single-story home can usually be completed within four hours or less. However, a larger or older home – one with a larger number of ducts – can take longer. 

Can duct cleaning damage your ducts?

If an inexperienced technician performs an air duct cleaning process, they can damage flexible, insulated ducts with the equipment and not realize the damage has happened.

Will duct cleaning get rid of dust?

No, air duct cleaning will not rid your home dust, but it will minimize what comes from the ducts, along with dirt and other debris that gets trapped in the ductwork. This all helps the air filter do a better job. 

Can duct cleaning make you sick?

Well, it may be a surprise as we’re amid our current vaccine debate. The government is telling us to get vaccinated and most of the medical industry agrees with them. When it comes to air duct cleaning making homes healthier, the EPA branch of the government disagrees with medical research and studies that have different findings. 

The medical field is telling us that anyone that suffers from pulmonary and respiratory health conditions lives more comfortably and is healthier when air duct cleaning is performed. Air duct cleaning gets rid of the stuff that has been found to cause the “sick building syndrome”. This includes debris, dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and more. 

Not sure who to believe? Then schedule an air duct cleaning and decide for yourself if it helps your family. If a year later your family is beginning to suffer from respiratory issues, get another duct cleaning service. 

How often should you have your furnace serviced?

For a gas furnace, experts recommend an annual service at minimum just prior to winter arriving. As the system ages, perhaps by the fifth or sixth year, it’s also recommended to check your heating maintenance checklist in the springtime, when your heating system has been working for an entire winter season. This heating maintenance checklist should include a thorough examination of all working components and cleaning of all components and parts that are known to malfunction. Those parts include: 

• The air filter
• The fan
• The pilot light
• The heat exchanger
• The air ducts and vents
• The thermostat

Checking these components and cleaning or replacing them as needed once or twice a year can prevent many potential problems that could leave you cold on a winter night. It should also be noted that electric furnaces need to have a minimum annual inspection too. The specific heating maintenance checklist for an electric furnace is slightly different, and should include inspections of the following: 

• The blower fan 
• The blower motor 
• The heating elements or heating strips 
• Cleaning and lubricating the motor 
• All electronic components 
• The filter
• The thermostat
• The air ducts and vents

How often should you clean your central heating system?

The heating maintenance checklist we’ve mentioned for electric and gas furnaces is what you should expect to receive when checked by a professional heating service company.

As a homeowner, you need to keep your furnace clean in between those annual or bi-annual inspections, cleaning, and repairs. When cleaning of your heating system is overlooked or skipped, debris and dust accumulate and will spread throughout the house via the air ducts. 

Air duct systems collect debris and dust, attracting insects, rodents, and sometimes small critters like squirrels. It then blows the debris, dust, and germs from those unwanted creatures throughout your entire home. This can become a health problem for the entire family. Anyone in your family with respiratory issues will struggle even more. 

Make sure you change the air filter every 30 days, keep the vents clean and clear, and schedule a professional air duct cleaning service at least once every two years. 

How do you service a heating system?

An electric or gas-powered forced-air heating system should always have clean airways for efficiency and the best air quality and performance. The following heating maintenance checklist is recommended: 

• Change or clean the air filter once a month. This cannot be repeated enough. For a home with pets or if any residents in the home have respiratory issues, every 14 days is recommended. 
• Have the ductwork checked every 12 months for any dust and mold build up or open joints. Any open joints can be repaired with metal duct tape. Any corroded ducts should be replaced.
• Clean ductwork and registers as needed or annually. 
• Clean dust and soot from the combustion chamber on a monthly basis through the winter months. Have a professional technician check the chamber annually or bi-annually. 
• Clean the blower gently with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
• Inspect the blower belt and if it appears cracked or worn, have it professionally replaced. 

How do you maintain a central heating system?

A central heating system will need cleaning and regular maintenance to keep it working at prime capacity in an energy-efficient manner. Following a set cleaning schedule and keeping a heating maintenance checklist will help you to minimize possible unexpected breakdowns and avoid major problems while getting a longer life expectancy from the unit. That heating maintenance checklist should include the following: 

• Check, Clean, Change Air Filters Regularly
• Clean Air Vents and Keep Them Unblocked
• Clean Pilot Light with Small Wire Brush If Gas System
• Flushing The Heating System if An Oil System

Before you deny the air in your home is questionable, ask yourself, “How can I tell if my home air quality is bad? What are the symptoms of bad air quality in your home?” Here are seven indicators your home could use indoor air quality services: 

1. Breathing Problems, Coughing

A common poor indoor air quality symptom is breathing problems and consistent coughing. Today, we seal our homes up for energy efficiency, but that creates a lack of ventilation which is a cause of respiratory issues. Without indoor ventilation, the concentration of particles we’re breathing is increased and the fresh oxygen is decreased. 

2. Allergies and Sneezing 

Along with breathing difficulties and consistent coughing, sneezing is another symptom that is often misdiagnosed and misjudged. Sneezing is usually accompanied by watery eyes and an irritated nose and throat. While this can be from season hay fever and allergies, it can also be from contaminants inside your home. These contaminants can be removed with indoor air quality services to make your allergy symptoms lessen, or even disappear.

3. Dry and Irritated Skin

Does anyone in your home suffer from dry skin, rashes, or redness? If you haven’t been able to pinpoint possible causes, like detergent or bath soap, it could be the indoor air quality. The pollutants in the air become concentrated inside our home then latch onto our skin, blocking nutrients flowing as needed, creating dry skin. 

4. Headaches or Nausea

Lingering headaches that can be diagnosed are not normal, so if you’re thinking there is something in the air, you’re right.  Even in your own home, there are chemicals and other contaminants that are affecting indoor air quality. These are causing issues with your health causing you to feel dizzy, have nausea, and have frequent or even constant headaches. 

5. Sleeping Issues

One thing that indoor air quality services have found with testing is that sleep is severely affected for about 60% of us. That lack of sleep affects other areas of your life too, even impairing your other senses. Setting the thermostat at a cooler temperature helps. It is recommended to keep it between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing your brain and body to match temperatures. 

6. Dust Buildup

Keeping air filters changed every 30 days and keeping your home dusted on a regular basis is the key to better and easier breathing. Experts in indoor air quality services recommend upgrading your air filter to a hyper-allergenic style, having the air ducts cleaned, and keeping your home dusted, all of which will help with breathing issues.

7. Cold and Hot Spots

Are you noticing cold spots along with hot spots inside your home? The air is probably not getting good flow with your HVAC system. Have the system inspected and make sure you are changing the air filter every 30 days or more frequently. Your HVAC technician can also advise you if your system is too small for your home’s square footage, or simply is reaching its prime and should be replaced.

What is an air quality test and what does an air quality test detect?

An indoor air quality test is the only way to find out what you’re breathing in inside your home. Indoor air quality services will measure the air in your home for three different pollutants:

• Biological
• Chemical or VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Combustion Pollutants

When the results of your indoor quality air tests follow the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. Indoor air quality services focus on things that are health hazards like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and radon. 

Is there a device that measures home air quality?

Would it surprise you to know that the air quality inside your home is five times more polluted than the air quality outside? A shocking statistic for many, but many outdoor and indoor air quality services have been completed and compared, only to produce the same result. Here are some ways you can do your own indoor air quality testing: 

• Indoor air quality monitors: These are available online and at home improvement stores in various price ranges. This device is left on constantly and will measure the IAQ, providing reports on the pollution level inside your home. Each device will vary in what it is testing, but the main things they all test are chemical pollutants, humidity, and particulate matter.

• Mold Testing: Mold is common in most households, and the IAQ device we described above doesn’t report on mold levels. There are inexpensive home mold testing devices available online or t home improvement stores, but indoor quality services experts will tell you they are a waste of money. Mold is everywhere, so the readings will be inaccurate. The best way to test for mold is with a professional service. 

• Carbon monoxide alarms: CO (carbon monoxide) is the silent killer. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Exposure to large amounts for a long period is deadly. If your home has any gas-powered appliances, you should have a CO alarm in your home. 
• Radon testing: Another colorless, odorless, and tasteless concern. Having a detection device installed in your home is the only way you’ll know your home has radon. 

Can phones detect air quality?

Technology!  What would we do without it, right? Yes, cell phones can download a free app now that will measure the AQI for your country. It will alert you about air issues and pinpoint major cities with issues. All that without any advertising or in-app purchases while using the app. 

What is good indoor air quality?

Approximately 25ppm is recommended by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) as a threshold limit for an eight-hour workday. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)  recommends a 35ppm exposure limit.

And if you need any other help with indoor air quality services, you can count on our team to be there for you. Just give us a call at 478-781-9107 if you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule your service.

What does your HVAC thermostat do?

If you’re asking, “What is an HVAC thermostat?” you must not be the one that adjusts the temperature!  A thermostat in general is a device that monitors the temperature of something. Your oven, clothes dryer, water heater – they all have a thermostat. Even your car has a thermostat. A thermostat, in general, works the same way as the thermometer you use to check your child’s temperature when they’re sick. 

An HVAC thermostat measures the temperature inside your home and is connected to the HVAC unit. It automatically adjusts the cooling or heating to the temperature you have it pre-set to, telling it to blow out warm or cool air depending on if you have the HVAC system on ‘cool’ or ‘heat’. 

How do you know if a house thermostat is bad?

So, maybe your house hasn’t been as cool as you think it should be. Of course, when the temperature is in the high 90s and the humidity is too, every HVAC in the state is working overtime, right? However, if your HVAC thermostat isn’t working properly, then your HVAC system isn’t going to be running efficiently. Every part of the HVAC system needs to be in the correct working order or you’re spending money on electricity and not getting the full benefit.

So, how to tell if your HVAC thermostat is bad – the following are six ways.

1. The System Turns Off and On 

Remember, the HVAC thermostat has to communicate with the HVAC system, and it does this by sending signals back and forth. If the HVAC thermostat isn’t getting or sending the right signals to the HVAC system it will keep turning the system off and on, repeatedly. This could be a wiring issue or, if your HVAC thermostat is older than five years, you may need a new one. 

2. Faulty HVAC Thermostat Readings

When the HVAC thermostat readings are right, your home should be comfortable and cozy. If the HVAC thermostat is incorrectly registering the indoor temperatures, it is time to replace it. 

3. Questionable Energy Bills

Okay, it is summer and the electric bill is going to go up, but if it seems to have gone up more than expected, you might need to have the HVAC thermostat replaced. 

4. Temperature Shifts Constantly

A faulty HVAC thermostat is able to maintain the settings you have in place and will continuously change settings without you doing anything. Lower the setting and see if the HVAC system turns on and stays on or goes back up then down again and up again. 

5. Thermostat Is Old

As we mentioned earlier, the HVAC system has a lifespan of about 10 years, but if you’re having problems with it at five years, switch it out for a new programmable HVAC thermostat. It’ll work better and actually save you money each month. 

6. Fails to Respond to Changes

If the HVAC thermostat doesn’t respond as soon as you make an adjustment, indicated by clicking sounds, then you need to replace the HVAC thermostat. 

When should I replace my home thermostat?

Well, we just gave you six ways to tell that your HVAC thermostat isn’t working, and if you notice any of these problems it would be time to replace it. Another time would be if it is 10 years old or older, at which point we suggest you upgrade to a programmable unit. You can set a time for it to cut on and off, so your home is cooled off by the time you get home.

How much does it cost to replace an HVAC thermostat?

It can all depend on how fancy an HVAC thermostat you choose and if you install it yourself or have it installed. The thermostat itself can cost as little as $20 and up to $300 or more, with most homeowners spending around $100. If you have it installed by a professional electrician the cost will depend on their hourly rate or if they have a flat rate for this type of job – always ask! The hourly average is around $60, and some go as high as $100 per hour. You can expect them to bill you for a minimum of two hours. 

This is a variable-speed heat pump style cooling system that operates directly from current that sun powered photovoltaic panels produce. In straight terms,  it is  using DC power – directly – and doesn’t have any of the associated power loss as you with an AC-DC inverter. 

What is there to know about solar driven air conditioning system? 

The hot summer sun adds to your energy bill, right? It doesn’t have to though with solar air conditioner. Instead of the sun heating up the outside and causing your current air conditioner to work harder, about it make an air conditioner cool better? That would be pretty awesome wouldn’t it? 

Well it is happening in homes more and more every year. Solar energy is a harnessed source of power. This can actually help lower your cooling and heating cost. The sun  has an abundance of sustainable energy that can be converted into energy for your home for free. Why not take advantage of it?  If you’re not sure about solar air conditioner, read these six facts that will probably surprise you: 

1. You may not have to have a completely new HVAC system installed to use solar air conditioner. You may be able to have your current HVAC system modified with a solar powered air conditioning kit. .
2. In addition to the savings on your monthly energy bills, solar air conditioner may have federal and state tax credits available to offset the installation costs. 
3. Your home’s value will increase with updated energy efficient cooling and heating system. 
4. When the sun’s energy isn’t power the HVAC system,  it is used to power other appliances like the refrigerator.
5. Some utility companies allow you to sell back extra energy when your system is tied into the grid. Watch your utility meter run in reverse.
6. Many solar air conditioner systems have monitor performance that shows you each day how much money you’re saving.  

Does solar air conditioning work?

If you, like so many other homeowners are wondering “Are solar air conditioners any good?”, the answer is yes! Solar air conditioners work just as good as conventional ones, but better when you consider the amount of money you’re saving on your monthly energy bill. In fact, many homeowners say their energy bills are cut in half with solar air conditioners.  

On the average Americans spend over $15 billion annual to cool their homes. That much cooling releases as much as 140 million tons of carbon dioxide into the environment. That makes our climate warmer, then we run the air conditioner more. 

Additionally, carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is a contribution to our climate change, which has been increasing 100 parts per million since 1950. Solar air conditioner can curb the use of those systems and processes.

If you had to choose one, solar powered air conditioner or a refrigerator, which would be the better choice? Being that refrigerated food can spoil, and if you have a solar power system that doesn’t have a battery backup, go with solar power air conditioner.  

An air conditioning maintenance examination will include the following:

• Thermostat assessment –  The technician will check the settings making sure they are keeping your home comfortable. 
• Electrical connections – The technician will check all the electrical connections to make sure they are snuggly connected, and the voltage is reading correctly. 
• Lubricate –  The technician will lubricate all moving parts to assure there isn’t any resistance. Resistance in air conditioning means the system is working harder and that is costing you in utilities. 
• Condensation Drain – The technician will check the condensation drain to make sure it is clear of any clogs or other obstruction.
• General operation – The technician will make sure the system is starting, running, and cutting off as it should. 
• Outdoor unit – The technician will check the outdoor unit to make sure there isn’t any debris or dirt sucked up on the coils. They will check for any leaks of coolant or oil at the connections.  
• The Fan – The technician will check the fan blades and motor for any damage. 
• Air filter  –  The technician will change or clean the air filter if needed to keep a good air flow quality. 
• Clean coils – The technician will clean the condenser and evaporator coils. This step in air condition maintenance ensures your unit to work as efficient as possible.
• Check refrigerant – The technician will check to make sure the proper level of refrigerant is in the unit, adding if needed. This step of air condition maintenance is a safeguard in proper operation of your unit. 

Is it necessary to service AC every year?

inspection and annual heating maintenance and inspection. Is it really necessary? Probably not until your system reaches its 10^th anniversary. By that point, you may need to consider the twice a year appointment to make sure your system is in top condition. 

How often should you have your air conditioner serviced?

As we just mentioned, when it comes to your ac maintenance, how often is really up to you, but experts and manufacturers recommend at least one a year for air conditioning maintenance and inspection in the spring and heater maintenance and inspection in the fall.  

How much does AC maintenance cost?

Our immediate answer could be, “Cheaper than replacing the unit.”, but we’ll advise you that typically, a regular air conditioning maintenance service will cost as little as $75 and up to $200. This would give you a basic inspection and tune up. 

What if you skip getting the annual inspection and your system quits working one hot summer night? You can expect to pay as much as $150 per hour for the technician service all plus the expense of what they do and any parts needed. 

2. Energy Efficiency
Part of the air conditioning maintenance process includes inspecting the entire system and cleaning the blades, cooling coils, and other key components. When these areas are clean, the system works easier and pulls less electricity.

3. Better Comfort
With a preventative air conditioning maintenance visit, the skilled technicians inspects all components carefully and advises the customer of any issues or problems that need repair or replacing. When all the components are in proper working order, the home is more comfortable all around.

4. Fewer Service Calls, Fewer Repairs
Regular air conditioning maintenance allow a technician the opportunity to find small issues and repair them before they become expense problems. 

5. Longer Lifespan
Preventative air conditioning maintenance will keep your system in top working order correctly so that it can last longer.

Need help with AC maintenance in Macon, GA? Call 478-781-9107 today.

First, you need to determine what and why you have cold floors, then you can determine what to do about them. The most common causes for cold floors: 

• Insulation: The insulation on the ground floor of a home are usually the coldest. This is because heat rises, and the floor is on top of the basement or crawl space. Basements and crawl spaces are rarely insulated sufficiently, most aren’t even insulated at all, resulting in cold floors. 

• Air Leaking and Drafts: As the hot air rises, a vacuum is created that pulls the cold air up, and if there are air leaks or drafts, that cold air seeps through and hangs around the floor, the basement, the foundation, and windowsills, which radiates to the walls. 

Can you heat a whole house with radiant floor heating?

Absolutely! The thought that radiant floor heating is just keep your tootsies warm in the winter is misguided, although it does feel good in the winter. When you compare radiant floor heating  to other heating systems, you don’t have the dusty ductwork, noisy vents, or rattling radiator. What you do have is an even distribution of quiet  heat. 

The heating system is heated by electricity or water, goes into the floor, and can be used room-specific, bathrooms and bedrooms are often the first choice, or it can be used as an effective, energy efficient, viable way to heat your entire home. 

Energy efficient you say. Yes, a radiant floor heating is and energy efficient way to heat because it works on demand. If you don’t need heat, you don’t use and no waste! Because heat rises, it starts at the floor and rises up through the house. Thus, it is generating more heat and using less energy to do so! 

Do heated floors use a lot of electricity?

Surprisingly for most people considering radiant heat flooring, no, they do not use more electricity. A normal electric floor heating element produces fifteen watts per square foot and when used in a 35 square foot bathroom, set to run eight hours a day, it uses just over 4.0 kWh. That comes out to less than $7 per month based on the nation’s average of .12 kWh.  A window air conditioning unit cost almost $37 per day.

How long does radiant floor heating last?

One hundred years!  Yes, you read that right. A radiant floor heating system is made from high tech materials and with proper care and maintenance, you can expect that radiant heating to be preventing cold floors 100 years from now. This is 4 to 5 times longer than the average lifespan of a conventional HVAC system. 

In addition to proper care and maintenance adding to the longevity, proper installation is key. A radiant floor heating is not a DIY project and must be installed by a certified and licensed contractor. If you desire cold floors to be a thing of the past in your home, choose a technician that is experienced, certified, licensed, and insured. The right contractor will know how to help you choose the system best for your home based on your budget and needs. 

Is radiant floor heating worth it?

You can’t deny that no more cold floors sounds wonderful, right? You can however, wonder if it is worth the investment, because it is expensive, like a new roof. The roof you need, cold floors you can deal with carpeting or rugs.  For now, let’s look at the pros that radiant heated flooring can offer: 

• Energy Efficient: Radiant floor heating can be installed using electricity or a water-based system. Both provide consistent, efficient warmth. The traditional radiator heating has to reach a 149 to 167 degrees to be effective versus a radiant heated floor only needs to reach 84 degrees to be effective. A radiator heater heats the nearest area first and then radiates out. It takes a while for the other rooms to benefit from the heat, so you have cold air between floors and rooms. A radiant heated floor will warmth the floor ad that heat rises up throughout the rooms.  
• Effortless Operation: Once a radiant heat floor is installed, there is little to no maintenance. The heating controllers ensure that the heat runs in and efficient manner automatically or you can connect with a smart thermostat. 
• More Design Options and More Space: A radiant floor heating system allows you to decorate the entire room without having to working around the radiator or vents. 
• Works with Any Floor Covering: Underfloor radiant heating works with any floor covering. 
• Comfort & Safety: With underfloor radiant heating, there isn’t the hot surfaces of a radiator to worry about with children or pets. The air quality is better because the air is kept fresh and oxygen-rich. 

What is Zoning System?

Are you wondering what a zoning system is? If you have ever heard this phrasing in terms of an HVAC installation, it will be essential to clarify the facts. A zoning system is understood to be a professionally installed control system that consists of a damper and a thermostat that is allocated for each room or zone of a household. This control system will be wired into a central control panel that sequences each thermostat’s call with the zone dampers in the ducts and the HVAC system.

Is Zoned HVAC Worth It?

If you invest in a zoned HVAC system, it will be important for there to be associated benefits. A good cost-benefit analysis diagram will display whether indeed a zone HVAC system is worth it. Here is a list of advantages to keep in mind. 

• Zoned HVAC systems have thermostats that individuals can control in their space.
• You will increase the energy efficiency of your household determined by your needs.
• Your zoned HVAC system will exhibit a longer HVAC lifetime than other units.
• Zones HVAC systems are very convenient.
• Your qualified HVAC repairman will be able to install it with relative ease.
• A ductless zoning system will combine the heating and cooling services into one unit. This will cut down on maintenance costs.

In order to discover more, please be certain to consult with your verified HVAC company. The more credentials and experience a company has, generally speaking, the better. 

Does a 2 Story House Need 2 AC Units?

If you have a two-story house, it will be essential for you to have the indoor climate needs of your household managed. With two units, you can expect a better outcome when it coems to balancing the desired temperature in your home. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, heat rises, which is why your upstairs rooms will typically be warmer than your downstairs rooms. If you invest in two AC units for your home, you will be able to balance out the temperature of your household far more efficiently.

Does HVAC Zoning Save Money?

When you have a zoned HVAC system, you can stand to benefit in a number of ways. While it is true that zoned HVAC systems seem luk they are complex, they can indeed regulate your energy use and inevitably save you money. There is evidence to back up this statement. The United States Department of Energy estimates that an HVAC system with zoning can save households up to thirty percent on a usual heating and cooling bill. 

What Zone Control System

A zone control system, as mentioned previously, has the ability to utilize strategically placed thermostats that are connected to a central control panel. This central control panel will open and shut dampers distributed through your ductwork. That means that hot or cold air can be released as necessary.

What Does the Zone Control System Do

The zone control system takes a lot of the guesswork out of controlling your HVAC system. The thermostats which are strategically placed throughout your household will control dampers that both release and block hot air and cold air from entering the space.

Zone Control Systems

One of the important things to remember about zone control systems is that they consist of three basic components. These components include multiple thermostats, a control panel, and electronic dampers. Your home will be divided up into different rooms or “zones” which can then be heated according to the specifications of the individuals living in your home. 

When you need a high-quality zone control system in Macon, GA, you can give our team a call. Our friendly and capable staff is available to set up an appointment once you contact us at 478-781-9107. We look forward to serving you.