FAQ
HVAC Services FAQs
Air Conditioning Repair & Installation FAQs
This probably means you have a damaged compressor or blocked duct flow. It can be difficult to identify blockages like this, but it’s something we are trained to deal with.
Most likely your air-conditioning unit is operating at a reduced efficiency, leading to more effort and more waste. This is likely because you either (1) simply have an old unit that should be replaced, or (2) your unit hasn’t been well-maintained and needs a tune-up.
Your unit should not be exhibiting any noticeable smells, so you definitely want to take care of this. For example, if you smell a mustiness coming from your AC unit, that could mean mold. Or maybe you smell burning, indicating a burned out wire. In either case, it’s not something you should handle yourself for health and safety reasons. We have professionals trained to deal with hazards like those.
You’ll want to make sure to regularly clean and replace your filters, remove debris caught in outdoor AC units, and check for any leaky ducts as well. You’ll get best results by doing these at least once per month.
Most air-conditioners last about 15 years. If yours is reaching that age, it’s important you start looking for new units and reliable installation services to get it set up, especially if your unit has been encountering any issues lately as well.
It’s not recommended you DIY an air-conditioner. On top of being quite a hefty financial investment, installing one can be a bit complicated as well. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you spend a chunk of money on something only to find you’ve messed up the installation – and don’t even know why. In fact, it can be dangerous if you don’t install it correctly. So in terms of both safety and convenience, we suggest just letting a professional handle this job.
Heating Repair & Installation FAQs
If you find your temperature refuses to stay where you set it, you can first try changing the batteries in your thermostat. But if that doesn’t work, you’ve got a heating system problem that’ll require a professional to come and diagnose it.
This indicates a loss in efficiency with your heating unit. And the likely culprit is some kind of blockage hidden somewhere. It may be hard to identify where that blockage is at, so it’s recommended you just call up an expert to find it for you.
It’s always worth trying if the process is simple. In this case, the primary thing to do is check the safety switch on your heating unit. This switch prevents the heater from activating while the panel is open, so it’s a crucial safety piece. But if you find the switch is broken, then you’ve found a good reason to start looking into a brand new heater instead.
We recommend at least annual maintenance on your HVAC heater so it operates safely and efficiently.
Most heating units last about 15-20 years. Once you’ve reached that point, a new heater should be considered. If this is coupled with problems experienced with your heater, then it’s about time you start looking to install a new one.
Attic Insulation FAQs
There are five main types to consider. The first is blanket insulation, which is best in terms of cost. Then there’s rigid foam insulation, popular for its thermal resistance properties. You’ve also got blown-in insulation, which is great for its ability to fit into tight crevices. There’s also structural insulated panels (SIP), useful because of their thermal resistance and noise-reducing properties. Finally, there’s radiant barriers. If you live in a hot place, you’ll love these because they reflect heat away from your roof and attic.
We assess an attic’s thermal resistance using something called R-Values. Basically, the higher the thermal value, the better the insulation will resist the flow of heat, both in and out of your home.
For some types of insulation, you’ll need specialized equipment you can’t easily get your hands on. For this reason alone, it’s hard to suggest you DIY your attic insulation and get trained professionals to do it instead.
Duct Replacement FAQs
If your ducts are nearing 10 years old, there’s a chance they’ll develop clogs and holes. This will obstruct air flow and strain your heating and air conditioning units, leading to more expensive energy bills. If this is your scenario and you’re also experiencing other issues, it’s time for a replacement.
It’s possible, especially if there’s an incompatibility with your ducts and HVAC units. You’ll need an HVAC expert to come and check to see if there’s any issues with this.
You shouldn’t leave them tangled because it’ll obstruct air flow, which will strain your HVAC units. And that will lead to higher energy bills.
Radiant Barrier FAQs
Yes! In fact, they can lower the overall temperature of your attic by 30 degrees, which greatly reduces the effort on your heating and cooling units. Typically, you can expect to save 5-10% off your total energy costs.
From what we’ve learned, it only takes about 4 years for radiant barriers to start paying for themselves through energy savings. And you’ll definitely be using them for many years longer, so it’s worth getting radiant barrier insulation in your attic.
Not only does it reflect heat away, it can also reflect the heat back into your home itself. This maximizes the existing heat your home has and reduces the need to use your HVAC heater at all.
