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What to Do When Your HVAC System Stops Working

October 23, 2020 by Mandy

It’s difficult to be productive in an office or feel comfortable at home if your indoor climate control is not working. A hot day can seem unbearable if your air conditioning stops working while a snowy day can make you feel miserable if you don’t have enough heat.

If your HVAC system is not working, there are three practical steps that you can take: You can try and fix it yourself, call up a heating and air conditioning company, or hire an HVAC repair contractor. You don’t have to take all three steps. Try one step at a time. If the first one doesn’t work, then go on to the next. One of them will resolve the problem.

Step #1: Fix it yourself

Although you might not know the first thing about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology other than how to turn it on and off, the problem may not be as bad as you think. There may be some simple steps that you can take to resolve the problem quickly and get wonderful cool or warm air circulating in your home or office again.

Here are some things to consider:

Read your HVAC manual — there may be some simple troubleshooting steps that you can take to fix the problem.
If your air conditioning does not turn on, check your unit on the outside to see if the condenser is working. It’s also possible that the plug has gotten loose, a circuit breaker has tripped, or someone in your home or office has incorrectly set the thermostat. If none of these appear to be the problem, then lower your thermostat by 10 degrees. Sometimes this is all you have to do to get your unit to work again.
If your HVAC system runs but is not cooling or heating the air, it’s possible something has blocked the air filter. Check the outside unit. Weeds or leaves could be blocking air circulation. Removing them may be all you need to do to fix things. Also, check to see if the air filter is clean. Dust or pet hair can block it. If you are not sure if it’s dirty, then pull out the filter and take it outside. If you can’t see through it, then it’s dirty. It might be easier to buy a new one rather than try to clean it.

Step #2: Contact an HVAC company.

If these do-it-yourself steps don’t work, then contact an HVAC company. They will be happy to help you in any way they can. If they can’t help you over the phone by suggesting a few things to try or can’t analyze the problem over the phone, then they will suggest a site visit. An estimator will schedule a time when you are at home and can come over to inspect it. The estimator will do their best to meet your needs and even advise you on whether your unit conforms to the current codes. Sometimes all you may need to get your HVAC system running again are some repairs. Conversely, the unit might have several serious problems and it would be cheaper to replace it.

Step #3: Hire an HVAC repair contractor

Another way to get help is to do a Google search for an HVAC repair contractor, a service professional who understands how to repair or service your HVAC system.

After tinkering around with your HVAC system and running several tests, the contractor will be able to tell you what repairs the unit needs. You’ll then get a quote and might receive a discount as a first-time customer. If the quote appears unreasonably high, don’t give up. Since the expertise and fees of HVAC repair contractors vary, shop around for the right person. Make a few more phone calls and create a shortlist of HVAC repair contractors who appear to have the knowledge and experience you need and whose fees are within your budget.

Although you might feel overwhelmed about what to do if your HVAC system breaks down, is either not working at all or is not working properly, one of these steps will put the problem behind you.

7 Benefits of Hiring an HVAC Repair Contractor

September 25, 2020 by Mandy

The global HVAC market is worth a whopping $180 billion. As temperatures continue to rise, we expect demand for HVAC units/services to follow suit.

While owning an HVAC system can bring tremendous benefits to your household, you likely know that HVAC systems are not all butterflies and rainbows. Units can be costly, complicated, and are prone to malfunction without proper care.

Households that are dealing with problematic units often contemplate whether or not hiring an HVAC repair contractor is worth the expense. We’re here to tell you that it absolutely is!

Bringing an HVAC professional into your home is a great way to save money, improve the quality of your living space, and more. Below, our team shares benefits you can expect to enjoy when you choose to ask for professional help!

1. Fast and Reliable Service

It feels like a right of passage for homeowners to take a DIY stab at appliances when they go haywire. Sure, it can be fun tinkering with a vacuum cleaner or a showerhead but when it comes to your home’s climate, it’s best to leave the job to pros in your area.

Professional HVAC repair contractors can be relied on to show up on time, follow pervading safety measures, and get your unit fixed right correctly.

Compare that quality of service/result to what you might come away with after futzing with your unit all weekend and the advantage of hiring a pro becomes clear.

2. Extended Appliance Life

An HVAC repair contractor may save you more money than they cost! There are a handful of ways they can achieve that end but one of the most common ones is that they can increase the life of your HVAC unit.

Repair contractors can come by your home on a bi-annual or quarterly basis to service your unit with the purpose of keeping deterioration at bay. If deterioration has already set in, contractors can recommend creative fixes that can help you avoid replacing your unit if money is tight.

3. Energy Savings

An HVAC unit that’s running efficiently is one that’s saving you money. We’ve heard stories of several families that turn their units “all the way up” because they feel they’re not heating or cooling enough.

That overcompensation can cost you hundreds of dollars more per month during hot or cold seasons.

With the help of a repair contractor, you can work through performance barriers and get your house to a desirable climate, all while using as small an amount of electricity as possible.

4. Avoidance of Serious Malfunctions

Given the amount of energy HVAC units pull, they are very susceptible to electrical malfunctions and even fires if not maintained properly.

Home electrical fires kill nearly 500 people every year. With that in mind, you’ll want to be safe rather than sorry and forgo ignoring your HVAC maintenance or managing it yourself.

5. Cleaner Air

When you think about the value your HVAC unit brings to your house, you likely start and stop at the fact that HVAC systems control your home’s temperature. What if we told you though that HVAC units also had an impact on your air quality?

HVAC systems cycle air in and out of your home while conditioning it. If your HVAC unit hasn’t been properly maintained, dust, allergens and other airborne irritants could be blown into your home at an alarming rate. That can cause asthmatics in your household to have reactions and even people without breathing conditions to feel under the weather.

With the help of an HVAC contractor, you can breathe easy knowing that they’ll make sure your unit’s air filters are clean and functioning.

6. Discounted Prices

We appreciate that money is tight right now. That financial stress may make it so hiring an HVAC contractor is low your to-do list.

When your unit is acting up though and your family’s comfort is suffering as a result, we implore you to explore local HVAC contractor rates as you might be surprised by the great deals that are out there.

Not only have rates been trending down due to the soft economy but several HVAC professionals offer first-time customer discounts that could save you a considerable amount on services.

Every HVAC professional will vary when it comes to the prices they offer. To explore what deals might exist in your area, create a shortlist of professionals you find online and start making phone calls.

7. Stimulate the Economy

While perhaps not a self-serving benefit of hiring an HVAC contractor, stimulating the economy by being a patron of services at this moment can have a powerful impact on your community. Businesses all across America are shuddering on the heels of government-imposed lockdowns.

By forgoing DIY and instead, putting money into an HVAC professional, you enable others to stay paid, healthy, and content for a little longer. That’s a powerful thing that’s always worth taking pride in.

There’s an HVAC Repair Contractor Near You That’s Ready to Get to Work

No matter where you live if you’re struggling with your HVAC system, there’s an HVAC repair contractor that’s standing by and ready to help you out. So what are you waiting for?

Don’t suffer through another uncomfortable day at home. Hop online, find a contractor to work with, pick up the phone, and schedule your house call.

Are you hungry for more insight into all of life’s niche yet important topics? If you are, check out additional content on our blog!

DIY Home Repairs: Why You Should Always Leave Home Damage to the Professionals

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

As a responsible homeowner, your to-do list seems to go on forever. There’s always another repair or maintenance project that needs to be done.

Consider the following statistic regarding homeowners throughout the United States. It indicates the average homeowner spends one to four percent of the home’s overall value on home improvement every single year.

That can add up to a lot of money. That might be why you like the idea of DIY home repairs if possible. You’d rather avoid hiring someone else for your home improvement projects.

Still, some home damage is not worth trying to handle on your own. This is true, in particular, when it comes to severe structural damage from a natural disaster or something.

The good news, though, is you’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is everything about why it’s best to hire professional home repair services.

Consider the Long-Term Cost of Doing an Improper Home Repair

You probably want to handle your home repair project to save some money. It’s true that investing in professional home repair services can get expensive. Still, investing in those professional services is a worthwhile endeavor.

Consider the long-term effects of mishandling a home repair project. You might tackle that project on your own, thinking you’re saving money. It’s possible, though, that you only worsen the issue since you’re not experienced with these projects.

As a result, you’ll only be costing yourself even more money in the long run. Instead of taking that financial risk, leave it to the professionals right off the bat. That way, you can trust that the home repair is done properly the first time.

DIY Home Repairs Put Yourself and Others at Risk

One of the key reasons to avoid handling home repairs on your own is for your own safety. It’s an unfortunate truth that many home improvement projects can be dangerous. This is true, in particular, when the person doesn’t know what he or she is doing.

For example, it’s dangerous to try and trim tree branches by yourself. That’s why professional tree trimming services exist in the first place.

Instead of putting yourself or others in danger, leave it to the professionals. That way, you can trust that they have a better idea of what they’re doing while avoiding injuries, too. You and your family should remain safely out of the way.

It’s No Secret – Home Improvement Projects Are Stressful

At the end of the day, you and your family want to live in a comfortable, secure environment. You already work a full-time job. It’s understandable that having to handle home repair projects on top of that can be stressful.

Don’t underestimate the value of convenience when it comes to home repairs, then. Save yourself the headache of handling these projects by relying on professionals, instead. After all, that’s what they deal with on a regular basis.

Plus, many times, home repair projects can put a strain on relationships. Avoid that stress, then, by hiring someone else to deal with it on your behalf.

Some Home Repair Projects Can Be Covered by Insurance

There’s another significant perk to relying on professional home repair services. In some cases, the cost of those services could be covered by your insurance company.

This is true, for the most part, in many cases of home damage from natural disasters. If your home is experiencing severe structural damage from a major storm, for instance, check your insurance policy. It might be the case that your home repair project is entirely covered.

If it is, this alleviates the concern of spending your hard-earned money on a home repair project. For more specific details, check out more information on property damage claims to see if you may be eligible.

Professionals Will Have All of the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Many home repair projects require specific tools and equipment. This is yet another reason to rely on professionals to handle the project on your behalf. They have everything necessary to complete the project.

For example, it’s not likely that you have a large set of plumbing tools. A professional plumbing service, though, will be sure to have everything needed to get your home in working order again.

It’s true that you can go out and buy those tools and equipment on your own. Still, if you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not spend it on a plumbing service? That’s why it’s worthwhile to invest in professional labor to handle your home repair projects.

Establish a Long-Term Relationship with Your Professional Home Repair Service

As mentioned above, you have a lot of responsibilities as a homeowner. There will always be another repair or maintenance project for you to handle.

When you hire professional home repair services, then, you’re establishing a long-term relationship. By working with those services, you’ll get insight as to whether you can trust them for future projects. That way, you can give them a call the next time you need something repaired around the house.

Continue Investing in Your Ideal Home and Lifestyle

At this point in the article, you have a thorough understanding of why it’s best to avoid DIY home repairs. It’s understandable that DIY projects are tempting to save yourself some money. There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to your safety, though.

Plus, home repair service pros have more knowledge and expertise on the matter. You can trust these qualified professionals to complete your home repair project in an efficient and timely manner. That way, you can rely on the fact that the home repairs will stand the test of time.

After all, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure. You and your family should feel comfortable enough to live your lives with ease and fun.

In fact, that’s where this website can come into play. We prioritize bringing our readers the latest and greatest advice in maintaining beneficial lifestyle habits. For that reason, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website for more guidance on making the most of the rest of your life.

Common Heating Issues You May Face

March 1, 2018 by Mandy

In most cases, if you are suffering from heating issues, it is best to call in a professional. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know a few things about your unit. That way you know when there is a problem. Having general knowledge may help you prevent problems before they occur.

Ignition System

Ignition problems with older heaters usually meant the pilot was out and needed to be re-lit. Most of today’s furnaces rely on electric ignitions. The pilot uses electricity to create a spark that lights the burners. It is an intermittent pilot, so it only lights when needed to conserve energy.

Signs that you have an ignition system problem may include frequent cycling, limited heat, or an overactive blower. Problems can be quite varied when it comes to the ignition. Some common causes include

Temperature limiting controller: This is a safety switch that turns the burner off if it becomes too hot. Blocked air filters or a faulty switch can cause the igniter to turn off prematurely.
Igniter: Sometimes the problem is as straightforward as an old igniter system. If you have recently had or installed your own ignition, the issue could be an incompatible igniter. It needs to be matched with your furnace’s voltage to work correctly.
Current: An overpowered current can easily burn out an igniter. If you have experienced a surge of power either from a lightning storm or something else, you may need to replace your ignition system. Check your breaker before calling a professional for heating repairs. Large surges of power often trip the breaker cutting power to your heating unit.

Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently. The cycles are typically too short to actually heat your home appropriately. The two main culprits are often a dirty filter or a broken fan motor. Unfortunately, it could also mean your current system is sized too small for your home and cannot keep up with the demands. This will cause it to run constantly. Conversely, if it is sized too big, it will start short cycling. Incorrect sizing ultimately leads to you needing to replace your heater prematurely. Hiring a professional technician to install your furnace can help make sure you get the appropriately sized system.

Wear and Tear

Over the years, your system will experience normal mechanical wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help manage mechanical deterioration. Consider scheduling a complete system inspection and tune-up each fall to help prevent the need for major repairs.

Dirt and Grime

It is important to keep your air filters changed and your unit clean. Clogged filters can cause a noticeable effect on efficiency that only gets worse over time. Regular maintenance makes sure that dust and dirt don’t build up on other parts, like coils, and cause other heater issues.

Cleaning coils should be left up to HVAC professionals. The accumulation of dirt and dust may restrict or clog the A-coil reducing and preventing airflow. Dirty coils often lead to a less efficient system and higher utility bills. It can also cause your unit to overheat. In the best-case scenario, this will cause the safety switch to flip and cut power to your furnace. Unfortunately, it could also cause more extensive damage.

When the cold winter days become more frequent, you rely on your heating system to keep your home warm and cozy. Furnace maintenance is important. It prevents major problems during the time of year when temperatures are plummeting and your home could become rather frosty in a short amount of time. Having some basic knowledge about your HVAC system allows you to notice problems before they escalate. One of the most simple tasks that can help your heating system last is to change your air filters religiously.

What Do Technicians Inspect When Looking At LPG Boilers?

December 19, 2017 by Mandy

Image by Heat Haus via Flickr

LPG, or Liquid Petroleum Gas, is a combination of both butane and propane stored under a moderate pressure. Since LPG is approximately 250 times denser as a liquid compared to a gas, you can store relatively large quantities in a pretty small space. This means it is a feasible alternative for both rural and urban homes that are not on the natural gas grid.

In general, LPG boasts the least amount of carbon emissions of all other fossil fuels available to homeowners, emitting just about 20% less than CO2. More and more people are opting for LPG boilers. They are the ideal solution for any size of home. You just need a fuel feed and a storage tank that can be kept in the garden or installed underground.

The LPG tanks hold around 1,000 to 2,000 litres and you refill them through a tank delivery. You can even automate the delivery so that you don’t forget to reorder. You can also fuel the tanks via exchangeable cylinders and bottles. Whichever you prefer, you can shop around for the best fuel deal to suit your needs and budget.

Boiler Repairs

LPG boilers do require regular maintenance, and there may be times when you require Manchester LPG boiler repairs. Whether you need a repair or a service, your boiler will be able to run more efficiently afterwards, saving you money in the long-run. Regular services will further help to identify any issues early on and help prevent future breakdowns and repair bills.

An annual service for your LPG boiler is relatively the same as a mains gas fed boiler. Things that the technician will look for when inspecting your LPG boiler include:

Checking to ensure that your boiler has been installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions and the current gas safety regulations.
The technician will carry out a flue gas/combustion analysis.
The burner will be cleaned if needed.
The technician will conduct a visual inspection of the chimney or flue.
Check for spillage of fumes on any open flue appliances
Check for the correct burner gas/pressure rate
A visual inspection of the chimney or flue
Testing of safety devices and checking for the right amount of ventilation
Lubrication of the fan
Inspection of all moving parts
Inspection of all electrical connections
Check for the right polarity and electrical safety

When inspecting LPG boilers, technicians will also check the integrity of the case seal on any room sealed appliances.

A gas boiler has several moving parts that tend to wear out with use. They are just subject to wear and tear, which means that as your boiler ages, so the likelihood of a breakdown increases. That’s why regular inspections services are essential to pick up on repair any issues before they become major problems. Technicians are careful in their fault finding and analysis of LPG boilers when they do breakdown, since no one wants to waste time and money on unnecessary repairs. It’s worth trying to fix a part before it needs to be replaced altogether.