If you’re one of the many homeowners that doesn’t think you need air conditioner repair or service, think again! Routine air conditioning service can help maintain your system in peak operating condition for maximum efficiency, safety, and life span. Here are just a few of the ways regular A/C repair and maintenance can keep your system working its best.

Refrigerant leaks: Many older air conditioners still use Freon as the refrigerant. This is perfectly safe, that is until the air conditioning system develops a leak. Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon and will damage the ozone layer if not handled properly. Routine air conditioner maintenance can turn up minor leaks before they become major problems–both for the performance of your A/C and the safety of the planet–while repairs can be done to fix the problem if a leak has already developed. Professional air conditioning contractors are qualified to safely handle Freon, patch refrigerant leaks, and replace the leaked coolant. So whether you’re due for regular maintenance or you need repairs done, bringing in a pro is the right answer when it comes to dealing with coolant.

Dirty evaporator coils: Think a little bit of grit and grime never hurt anything? Well, you might want to reconsider. That’s because dirty evaporator coils prevent effective heat transfer. Essentially, when dust, debris, and other gunk builds up on the surface
of your evaporator coils, they can’t generate cold air as efficiently, making your air conditioner run more to achieve the same cool temperature in your home. Regular A/C service and cleaning can help make certain your air conditioning is performing at its most efficient. Your air conditioning contractor has the specialized tools and skill to correctly clean debris and dust off your evaporator coils, getting them completely clean without damaging your cooling system. For the most efficient cooling–and the lowest energy bills–you’ll want to invest in evaporator coil cleaning on at least an annual basis.

Bent condenser fins: Air conditioner condensers are equipped with fins to radiate heat faster and make your A/C work efficiently. If they are bent, these fins aren’t able to work as well. Evaporators also have fins, but because your condenser is located in the exterior part of your A/C, it’s at greater risk of damage. Everything from fallen branches to hail storms and even animals can bend the fins on your condenser. As part of routine air conditioning maintenance, your service company will inspect and straighten any bent condenser fins to ensure your system can work as efficiently as possible. Keep in mind that condenser fins are rather delicate, and they can only be straightened with a special comb tool. For the long-term health of your A/C, it’s probably best to let the pros handle this routine air condition service.

It can be easy to forget about air conditioning service. After all, who doesn’t wish there were more hours in the day to accommodate our busy schedules. But it’s important not to skip your annual service or to skimp on A/C repairs. By bringing a professional air conditioning company out to look at your unit at least once a year, you’ll be able to maintain your air conditioner safely and correctly for optimal performance, longer life, and overall safety.

Having hot water at your fingertips is one of the many benefits of living in the modern age. However, that hot water does not just magically come with your house. It’s generated by an often forgotten, but essential, appliance–your hot water heater. There are two major types of hot water heaters: traditional models and modern tankless water heaters. Learn what the differences between the two are and which is best for you, your home, and your hot water needs.

A traditional water heater works by keeping a tank of water hot and ready to go. This type of water heater is also sometimes known as a storage water heater because it literally does store hot water for when you need it. The water is heated by means of a heating element powered most commonly by electricity or natural gas, but also sometimes by propane, oil, or even solar power. Although they often work very well, storage water heaters do have some downsides. If they cycle off to conserve energy, the water, obviously, cools down. This means that you have to then wait for the whole tank to heat back up when you need hot water again. Additionally, you can run out of hot water. Once you use all the water that’s in the tank, you have to wait for the tank to fill and heat up again. If you’re in the middle of your morning shower when this happens, it can be a less than pleasant experience.

The main alternative to a storage model can be found in the range of modern tankless water heaters available today. As the name implies, these units do not have a tank. Instead, the heating element is positioned so that it heats the water that you need as you use it. You don’t have to keep a whole tank of water hot (or pay for the energy it takes to do so), and you’ll never run out of hot water because it’s provided more or less instantaneously. Most new homes are being outfitted with this type of heater because it is more energy efficient and convenient than a traditional model. This does not mean, however, than you need to run out and purchase a tankless model right away if you still have a storage-style heater. If your traditional water heater is still working for you, go ahead and weigh your energy savings against the cost of buying and installing a new model. It may be in your best interest to wait until you truly need to install a new unit before you make the switch to tankless.

A water heater is an essential component of every modern home. Make sure you know what type of unit you have and consider the pros and cons of keeping a traditional storage model or upgrading to a tankless variety.

For many people, air conditioning is the only way that we are able to get through the summer. When heat and humidity levels reach a certain point in your home, it can be nearly unbearable. Luckily, we live in an age of energy and cost-efficient air conditioning options. Installing air conditioner units, however, takes a little pre-planning if you want to make sure you get the maximum benefit for the least expense. The primary question to consider is: will central air conditioning or window units be best for your needs and your space? Once you have that down, you can work out the other specifications that you need for your unit, and then start enjoying a blissfully cool home.

When it comes to window units versus central air, the main question in play is: how much space do you want to cool down? If you have a large home and you need to be able to cool a number of rooms at the same time, central air is probably your best bet. If, on the other hand, you only need to be able to cool a couple of rooms at a time, a window until might suit you better. The bottom line is, you don’t want to have to pay to cool down spaces you don’t use, especially when it’s possible to install air conditioner units that can cool and dehumidify only the rooms you want. You know your home, and how you make use of it, the best. When you’re in the market for air conditioning, think through your realistic cooling needs before you start shopping around.

Once you’ve decided what type of air conditioning system you want, then it’s time to get even more specific. If you’ve decided on a window unit, the next thing to do is to measure the room or rooms that you intend to cool. Different models of air conditioners are designed to cool different sized spaces. A unit that is too small for your space won’t cool it effectively. A unit that is too big might cool it too quickly and won’t dehumidify it well–it will also guzzle power that you don’t need to be wasting or paying for. Get the correctly sized unit, though, and you’ll be cool all summer long. If a window until won’t meet your needs and you’re more interested in the world of central air conditioners, the same general principle applies: these units too come in various sizes. Because they’re integrated into your home and your duct work, an air conditioner professional might need to help you figure out what size unit to get. It’s still up to you to make sure you ask the right questions though, so don’t simply assume that they’ll address this aspect on their own.

Air conditioning is a marvelous invention, but it’s not a “one size fits all” solution. If you want to cool your home without breaking the bank, find out if a central air conditioner or a window unit is best for your situation, and then make sure that you get the right size unit to best meet your cooling needs.

Knowledgeable DIYers are often loath to call in experts for household tasks. However, there are times when that is the best course of action. For the most part, furnace and air conditioning repair jobs require skills, knowledge, and tools beyond what most laypeople have available. If you’re experiencing heating or cooling difficulties in your home, or know that your system is due to be serviced, make an honest assessment of the situation at hand: Do you understand the issue thoroughly and have the time, experience, tools, and knowledge to handle it? If the answer to any aspect of this question is “no,” then your best bet is to call a furnace or air conditioning repair service. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your heating or cooling system, causing you and your family discomfort, and probably increasing the overall cost of the project in the long run.

Aside from major repair work, though, there are some basic heating and cooling system maintenance tasks that require only minimal involvement and are perfect for DIY fans to take on. Perhaps the most important of these is keeping the system clean. Before going in, make sure you turn off the power supply to whatever unit you’re working on! For a furnace, “cleaning” involves changing the filter on a regular basis (monthly is recommended). Not only will this help the furnace run better and more efficiently, but it will also increase the overall air quality in your home by allowing the filter to better catch any particles before the warm air gets pumped through the vents into your home. Consult your owner’s manual on how to change the filter (and what type of filter to buy), or consult a print or online DIY resource for further instructions. When it comes to air conditioning service and cleaning, the process is a little more involved, but is still within the capacity of an intrepid DIYer. You’ll need to remove the grille and clean the evaporator or condenser coils, which you can do by gently vacuuming them to remove dirt and debris. If you’re really ambitious, you can buy a fin comb from a hardware store to straighten any bent coil fins. Keeping your furnace and/or AC unit clean like this can make a huge difference in how they run and how often they end up needing more serious repairs.

When it comes to tasks beyond this type of regular maintenance, however, calling a professional heating and air conditioning contractor is highly recommended. This is because both furnaces and AC systems involve mechanical, electrical, and power supply elements, all of which have to work in concert in order for the system to function optimally and safely. If you attempt a repair job without being aware of even one little aspect of how all of the parts work together, you could damage the system. At best, this could cost you more down the line, and at worst, could endanger your or your family’s health. If your furnace or AC system isn’t pumping out hot or cool air as appropriate, is making strange sounds, or is cycling off unexpectedly, these are all issues that need to be looked into by a pro. Before you call, make sure you’ve checked all the basics first–that the thermostat is set correctly, the central unit has full power, and the circuit breaker is on. If all of those things are in place and you’re still experiencing a problem, a professional will be able to take the situation from there to determine what’s wrong and what needs to be done to fix it.

Air conditioning and furnace repair or service work should, on the whole, be left to the pros. However, regular maintenance and cleaning of your heating or cooling system can make a huge difference in how it works and can be safely completed on a DIY basis.

You don’t have to live in an area with a high water table to experience flooding or excessive moisture. Water can enter your home or business in any number of ways, but what matters most is that you deal with it as efficiently and effectively as possible. The longer you have standing water and elevated moisture levels in your building, the more extensive and serious the damage will be. Your building could be susceptible to water damage if it has experienced any of the following situations:

• Flooding (particularly in basements and crawl spaces)
• Major roof leaks
• Storm damage
• Leaking water heaters or boilers
• Burst pipes
• Water used to put out a fire

If you suspect that your residential or commercial property may be vulnerable to the effects of damaging moisture and excess water, or if it’s already showing small signs of deterioration, getting the proper flood restoration services is crucial. Water-related damage not only affects the integrity of your structure, but it also puts you and your fellow building occupants at severe risk. From weakened supporting walls to dangerous bacteria and mold, the results of water damage can be very serious. That’s why it’s absolutely vital that you perform the flood, fire, or water damage restoration as soon as possible.

The typical process for flood restoration follows this general outline:

1. Identify what can be salvaged.
2. Dispose of materials and property that are irreparable.
3. Get rid of standing water (usually by vacuuming).
4. Identify saturation levels and locations using moisture meter (or comparable tool).
5. Extract water from carpet, furniture, and other fabrics.
6. Dehumidify damp air using air scrubbers, air movers, dehumidifiers, etc.
7. Disinfect and remove mold spores.
8. Eradicate odors.
9. Diminish stains.

Following all of these steps precisely and completely is the only way to maintain the health and stability of your home, office, or business. Keeping the damaged areas disinfected, deodorized, and moisture-free is essential to preserving your building’s condition, so you’ll need to make certain that you do a flawless job.

However, if you don’t have a lot of experience in the handyman services trade, you won’t want to attempt restoring your property on your own. Not to worry: you still have a few different options. The most obvious choice, of course, is to contact your local water damage restoration experts for assistance. Their handyman service will have all of the required moisture-measuring tools, disinfecting solvents, and dehumidifying equipment to complete the flood damage restoration as effectively as possible.

When it comes to water damage restoration, the faster you respond, the better. However you decide to tackle the problem, make sure you act as efficiently as possible.

If you are experiencing an issue with your hot water heater or furnace, call an appliance specialist right away. They will be able to find out what the problem is and fix it so that you can enjoy your home again.

Having a warm home and plenty of hot water is not only a matter of comfort, but also a practical and health concern. When you can’t have those things, it’s nearly impossible to live in your home or to do the work you need to do in that space. The good news is, if you’re having a problem with hot water heaters or furnaces, help is just a phone call away. Repair experts deal with these appliances on a regular basis and they have the know-how, tools, and experience to find out what is wrong and fix it in a timely and efficient manner.

Anyone who has ever had to take a cold shower first thing in the morning knows how essential water heaters are. Not only do they supply hot water for bathing and washing, but they also supply our dishwashers and washing machines. When there’s a problem with a hot water heater, it negatively affects the whole rest of the household. If it takes a long time for your water to heat up, or if you can’t get any hot water at all, contact a repair expert right away. Whether you have a modern tankless water heater or an older model, these professionals will be able to investigate, diagnose and treat the problem so that you can use and enjoy the hot water that you need in your home.

Malfunctioning furnaces cause just as many problems as poorly working water heaters when it comes to trying to live in your home space. We go into our houses expecting to be warm, but when your furnace isn’t working right, it may feel colder inside than outside! If your furnace isn’t heating up your house like it should be, contact your local major appliance expert to schedule an appointment for furnace service. This repair professional will be able to tell you what’s wrong and perform whatever furnace cleaning or service is needed to get the system back on track. There’s no sense putting up with a freezing house. If your furnace isn’t working right, call an appliance professional to help you today!

Having hot water and a well-heated home are essential to both comfort and the basic practicalities of domestic life. If you’re having an issue with your water heater or if you need a furnace repair, contact your local major appliance repair specialist right away. They’ll set everything straight so that you can stay warm and enjoy your home again.

Malfunctioning, broken, or outdated heating units such as boilers, furnaces, and radiant heat systems are ineffective and can even be dangerous. If you need a new heating system installed, or if your current system requires repairs or updates, get smart and stay warm by calling your local residential and commercial heating experts today!

Every year, Old Man Winter just keeps coming back! Be fully prepared for his arrival by making sure that the boiler, furnace, or radiant heating system in your home or business is working properly. Inadequate heat sources can cause more problems that just chattering teeth and cold toes. They can also be a money sink, and even a fire hazard! Some signs that your heating unit may require replacement or repairs include:

• Lack of heat
• Insufficient heat
• Noises from unit
• Broken thermostat
• Frequently cycling blower unit
• Giant temperature swings, either overall or room to room
• Leaks
• A burned-out pilot light

If any of these issues sound familiar, call your local HVAC company right away so the issue can be taken care of before the first frost. Your local experts are experienced in furnace installation and repair, boiler installation and repair, and radiant heat installation. They can recommend heating unit upgrades; help you select the most effective fuel type, size, and shape for your boiler or furnace; and determine which heating solution would be the best choice for your building. From diagnostics to maintenance to installation, your local heating and furnace company can give you complete, satisfactory service.

Having a modern, fully functional heating unit in your building is:

• More pleasant than being able to see your breath at the dinner table!
• A great way to save money
• More energy efficient and therefore greener
• An incentive for potential buyers if your home is on the market
• A way to increase the worth of your home

You’re not out of the woods just because you have a palm tree in your front yard! Even warm climates experience freezing cold nights from time to time. No matter where you live, being prepared for the cold sure beats shivering!

Your local furnace, boiler, and radiant heat experts have another specialty–water heater service! There is perhaps nothing more jarring than an ice-cold shower, and if you don’t have hot water available, your dishes and clothes will never be truly clean! That’s no way to run a home, or a business! Quality water heater repair and unit replacement is just a phone call away.

If you suspect a problem with your current heat source, need a new one installed on your new or existing building, or just want to have routine maintenance performed to ensure a toasty warm building, call your local experts today!