HVAC News
To Repair or Replace that is the Question?
- Published in HVAC News
Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement
The wet basement can develop into a complete disaster especially since many maintenance systems are installed in it. For example: electrical wires, water and sewage pipes, garbage disposal etc. Read these following guide lines to learn how to prevent water damage caused by HVAC systems, ventilation systems, pipes condensations, sump pumps, walls, ceiling, and the foundations.
Be thorough when performing these inspections and be sure to inspect your basement regularly
HVAC Systems
Heating and air conditioning systems must be inspected frequently. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow free flow. Inspect the filters and replace whenever needed. When inspecting the HVAC, look at the ductwork and seal deteriorating insulation.
Pipes Condensation
Pipes condensation is a common plumbing problem caused by sweating pipes. This problem promotes mold corrosion and rot if ignored. Insulating your pipes will reduce condensation.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your home. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Clean the air hole in the discharge line and make sure that the motor is running well. Test the pump by filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly. Check that the pump is actually pumping out water.
Walls and Ceiling
Check the walls and look for moisture signs. Moist walls may indicate an internal leak. Look at the walls and search for stains. If you detect stains, follow them to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.
The Foundations
Foundations are not always waterproof. Gaps and cracks are created as the house shifts and settles over time. Landscape is also changing over time and may lead to excessive water in the soil around your home. Seek professional help if you need to make any landscape or foundations repairs.
Ventilation
When checking the ventilation systems, be sure to inspect all ventilation systems including water heater, exhaust fans, dryer vents etc. if you suspect any failure in these systems, repair it right away.
- Published in HVAC News
Checklist for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Specialist
When your heating and cooling system is on the fritz, need to make upgrades or having to replace your unit, you should consider calling a heating and cooling specialist.
A heating and cooling specialist can make repairs to your existing unit, assist with upgrades, or install a new unit. When selecting someone to come help you with these types of tasks, you want to ensure that you hire a professional who will do the job correctly and within a timely manner.
1. Ask Around
Ask for recommendations from your friends and neighbors if they know a contractor with a good reputation. A greater percentage of the time, you will find a qualified contractor through word of mouth. It’s easier and your one step ahead of the process!
If you don’t know anyone with a good recommendation, try service related referral sites such as Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. These are reputable sites where actual customers are able to rate their experiences, leave comments, and make recommendations.
2. Do Your Research
Once you hear about a good referral, do your research to find out more about them. A fairly simple internet search can pull up any complaints or poor feedback. It is also a good idea to call the Better Business Bureau and see if complaints have been logged in against them. Often, they will have records regarding service, feedback, and if any complaints have ever been filed against them.
3. Ask For Credentials
A qualified specialist in any field should have their credentials on hand. For a heating and cooling specialist, this means that they are licensed and insured. Many professional contractors in the heating and cooling business will also belong to specialized trade organizations such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
4. Prep Work
Before any work is physically done, the contractor should come out to inspect and evaluate the work that needs to be done. After evaluating the situation, he or she should be able to give you a detailed list of the work that needs to be done, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.
You should get a written estimate from the specialist before they ever start work on any project. A professional specialist will have you sign a contract after the estimate is agreed upon.
5. Save A Little
When you are looking for a heating and cooling specialist and find a few that you like, see if there are any special deals or coupons either on the internet or phone book. Hiring a professional contractor to do anything, even just making repairs, can be expensive. Be smart and look for deals, but don’t cut corners in the process. Also, if you find coupons or special deals, many contractors will meet or beat that deal!
If you look for good recommendations and do your homework, you can find a specialist for all of your heating and cooling needs. Follow this checklist to find a professional and reliable Heating and Cooling Contractor.
- Published in HVAC News
Air Conditioning Inspection & Repair: When to Call in a Professional
As with any important appliance, vehicle, etc., maintenance is the key to the life and efficiency of that item. This is also true of your air conditioning system. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and thorough repairs, if and when they are needed, can help your air conditioning system work to its maximum efficiency and purpose.
You can do many of the maintenance and repair jobs by yourself. You will need complete instructions and the proper tools. More involved jobs should be left to a professional. How do you know when to call a professional and when can you do it yourself?
Routine and thorough inspections are one of the most important parts of maintaining your air conditioning system. Inspections should be performed twice a year. The changing of the seasons is usually the best time to inspect and service your air conditioning system.
Specific areas to inspect and what requires a call to a professional are:
Filters: Most everyone knows that you should change your filters every month or so, depending on the type of filters you use and your preferences. In addition, because ducts and vents can acquire a dirty build up, they also need to be cleaned twice a year. A good household cleaning solution of vinegar and water will work perfectly! Make sure that all of the components are thoroughly dried before replacing the filters and vent doors.
Vents: Check all air vents around the house for signs of damage, and clean them as well.
Ducts: Your air conditioning system has a lot of exposed duct work. All of this should be inspected for signs of wear and tear, dents, and loose fittings. Check for signs that air is escaping the ducts, such as dirt streaks. If you notice a lot of problems in the duct work, it is a good idea to call a professional to identify and repair these issues.
Furnace: Carefully, turn on the furnace and actually look at the flame. It should burn blue and steady. If the flame is flickering and is red or orange, this could mean it is not working properly. If this occurs, call a professional immediately to inspect and repair and/or adjust the furnace.
Thermostat: Open the thermostat and check for dust. Dust can cause the thermostat to lose function. Clean out any dust, hair, or other particles with a cotton swab.
Condenser: You should keep an eye on your outdoor condenser. It should be kept free from falling leaves, branches, sticks, and other debris. This should be inspected at least twice a year. Inspect for dents, and take the cover off to check the blades for any damage. If the blades are damaged, absolutely call a professional. It isn’t safe to replace the blades yourself.
Generally, these inspections can be made by yourself. Most of what needs to be inspected is visible to the eye and you can make safe calculations about whether things are acceptable or not. If you have any doubts, or you notice any of the specified issues mentioned, call a professional to complete the work.
- Published in HVAC News
Carrier Cool Cash Rebates Are Back Starting April 2016
Get years of comfort—years of savings with the year’s best offer.
If you’re thinking about one of our energy-efficient systems for your home, your taste is impeccable—and so is your timing. After all, you don’t want to spend another season wishing you had a better home comfort system.
Earn up to $1,650 with our Cool Cash rebate offer. Simply purchase a qualifying heating or cooling product before Cool Cash ends* to get in on this great opportunity. And keep on saving year after year with a high-efficiency system. Financing available with approved credit. We have various financing programs that may meet your needs so Contact us today!!!
*Starts in April and needs to be installed by the middle of July.
Sales Period: Apr 01 – Jun 30, 2016
Installations: Apr 01 – Jul 15, 2016
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Honey, Hide The Jewels, Cash, Grandma’s Silver Tea Set and The HVAC Copper!
Wait…HVAC copper? Who knew?!?! All across Maryland, residents from Ellicott City to Annapolis to Baltimore City and all points in between are experiencing an up-tick in the theft of HVAC copper from their outdoor units. While you’ve always known that you need to safeguard your everyday valuables, the need to protect your HVAC unit from copper scavengers is a relatively new and increasingly occuring phenomenon. Crime records nationwide and, more importantly for Maryland residents, statewide show that the taking of the HVAC copper has proven to be a lucrative way for thieves to make a quick buck at our expense.
Just like all crimes, everyone thinks that they are immune and that it “will never happen to me”; however, I am here to let you know that it can indeed happen to you. We have had several customers recently who turned on their HVAC units, waited for the soothing relief of that ice cold air to push through the vents, and have called us to check out the system because it is just not cooling. Our technician has arrived on site at several locations with this complaint to find that either: A) the outdoor unit is missing the interior machinery and/or B) the copper lines from the unit to the house have been removed. Unfortunately, this crime equates to costly repairs/unit replacements.
Now that I scared you with tales of copper theft, you are no doubt wondering what you can do to safe guard your HVAC investment. Guard dogs, shot guns, and surveillance cameras might sound good to you, but we at Arundel Cooling have more feasible options for you! Arundel Cooling and Heating carries “Copper Keepers” and also offers the option of security cages for around the units. Copper Keepers act as alarm systems for the HVAC units and are tied into your existing home alarm system. If you have no alarm system in your home you can still install the Copper Keepers and they will sound off a loud, continuous noise that will alert you to people fooling with your unit. The other option is a locking anti-theft cage that fits over the unit, anchored into a concrete pad, and locked up tight as a drum. These options both still allow for the service and check ups on your HVAC units but they are specially designed to keep your HVAC investment secure.
As a side note, there has also been an alarming increase in the theft of R22, also known as freon, refrigerant from HVAC units Unfortunately, this can often be attributed to kids “huffing” the refrigerant for a quick high. This translates to high repair costs for you the consumer and is easily remedied with locking service port caps.
Arundel Cooling and Heating would like to help you protect your valuable HVAC investment! If you have any questions please contact us!
- Published in HVAC News
Welcome to our new site!
As you can see we have been busy redesigning our site to be better serve you. It’s now easier than ever to schedule an appointment, learn about our services and check out our latest offers.
We look forward to serving you in 2016 and years ahead.
- Published in HVAC News