You may not realize this—because you believe them to be true—but there are actually a lot of myths and misconceptions around HVAC use. Cutting through these misconceptions and putting them to rest is key to avoiding premature breakdowns and expensive HVAC repairs. Reach on as we uncover several of the biggest myths that lead to homeowner confusion and costly energy bills.
Common HVAC Misconceptions to Put to Rest
April 20th, 2020How to Use Your HVAC System as Efficiently as Possible
April 6th, 2020
It’s still on the chillier side for now, and you might even still be using your heaters on a daily basis. But as we all know, springtime can bring warmer temperatures quicker than expected, and when it does you need an AC system that can keep up and operate as cost-efficiently as possible.
We’ve shared some tips below that can help you use your air conditioner more efficiently this year, but keep in mind these tips can be applied to your heating system as well—just in case winter decides to last a little bit longer in our parts.
It’s That Time of Year Again! Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Today
March 23rd, 2020
While homeowners in other parts of the country would consider our current weather chilly, around here we know it’s just a matter of time before we need our cooling systems to work full force. When that time comes, are you ready?
The #1 thing you can to do prepare for the cooling season is to make sure your air conditioner is ready to work as efficiently and effectively as possible—through maintenance. During your AC maintenance session, otherwise called a tune-up, our technicians will fully inspect, clean, and adjust components that need it. It’s also at this time that we’ll recommend repairs, if needed, so you can get them on your schedule right away.
Taking Care of Your Furnace Before the Season Ends
March 9th, 2020
For the most part, the weather in our area is relatively predictable throughout the year. As we transition into spring, however, it really could go either way. We may start seeing much warmer temperatures in just a couple of weeks, or we could have some more cold weather ahead. If the former occurs, you’ll likely be tempted to turn off your furnace for the season and not give it another though. However, if you have repair needs, delaying them could leave you with a headache and a costly repair bill.
Ignoring any sort of heating system malfunction can cause it to turn into a much bigger problem, leaving you with a broken down heater next fall when you need the system the most, or depending on the circumstances even a malfunctioning air conditioner—for example if the problem is a ductwork or an air filter problem.
But how do you know when you actually have furnace problems that need managing? We’ve provided some helpful signs below.
Mid-Season Heater Needs to Be Aware Of
February 24th, 2020
What if someone asked you, “what’s the last thing you need right now?”
You probably wouldn’t have a fast answer off the top of your heat, but what if one of the options was “a broken down heater”?
We’re guessing this got your attention! The fact of the matter is, if there is any time of year that a furnace is going to break down, it’s right around this time of the year, when your heating system has already been through a lot of work and is struggling to do more. Fortunately, if you had fall maintenance done before this season began, you likely have little to worry about.
What if you skipped maintenance, though? Or what if you have an aging furnace and you’re not even sure of its status? Well then keep reading for some common problems we get calls for mid-season, and if you notice your furnace exhibiting any of these symptoms, please give us a call!
Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace
February 10th, 2020
Upgrades are always fun, right? Well, not when it means you’re spending money that you didn’t expect to, which very well could be the case if your furnace fails on you suddenly.
The good news is, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Sure, your furnace is eventually going to need to be upgraded just like any other mechanical system or appliance. Scheduling routine maintenance for it every year is one way to keep on top of repair needs and make sure it’s working as efficiently and effectively as possible. It also allows our technicians to let you know if your system’s age is catching up with it.
Even without maintenance, though we don’t recommend skipping your annual tune-ups, there are signs you can watch out for that indicate it’s time to say goodbye to your old furnace and think about upgrading to a newer system. Read on to discover what these signs are!
Does Your Heater Dry Out Your Air?
January 27th, 2020
Many homeowners believe that running their forced-air heating systems nonstop dries out their air and makes the indoor air quality poor, as a result. This isn’t entirely true, though, and we certainly don’t want you to start using your heater less as winter progresses. Dry air is definitely annoying, but restricting use of your heater won’t help your comfort.
In recent years, modern construction has meant that our homes are tightly sealed against the elements. This negatively impacts indoor air quality problems like dust infiltration. But dry air is a whole different ballgame.
Why is it such an issue, though? And what can you do to prevent it? When you work with a company that specializes in all HVAC services in Canonsburg, PA, including your indoor air quality needs, you can count on a quality answer. Our recommendation is the installation of a whole-house humidifier!
Heating Efficiency and Repair Prevention
January 13th, 2020
The way you treat your heating system matters! No, we don’t mean you should be giving it constant praise and attention each day, but you should be following best practices in how you use your thermostat, how diligent you are about scheduling routine maintenance, and how soon you call a professional when you detect signs of a heater in disrepair.
These are all actions that help not only boost the efficiency of your heater, but prevent repairs in the meantime. Read on to learn more!
Common Furnace Repair Needs
December 30th, 2019
Heating is an important part of home comfort around our area! Sure, we may get plenty of use from our air conditioners but our heaters get the brunt of the work throughout the year. That said, you need yours to perform flawlessly, right?
The only way to ensure this is the case is to have it routinely maintained by a professional. Every year, our technicians can come out to fully inspect, clean, and adjust your furnace as needed. If we see areas of improvement, we’ll alert you so that you can make a repair call right away. Tackling repair needs when they are still small is the best way to fend off bigger, costlier emergencies.
Of course, regardless of maintenance, it’s a good idea to be aware of common furnace repair needs so that you can be on the lookout. What are the most frequent? Read on to find out just a few.
Is Your Thermostat Outdated?
December 16th, 2019
And if your thermostat is outdated, does it matter?
Well, yes. Using outdated technologies often means you aren’t getting the most efficient or cost-friendly use out of them, and your thermostat is no exception. Your heater and air conditioner can be the highest-efficiency systems on the market, but with a malfunctioning, or old and ineffective thermostat, that might not mean much.
The thermostat is essentially the brain of your HVAC system, tasked with maintaining a comfortable temperatures inside your home. Today’s thermostats—smart thermostats but even the basic digital thermostat is an upgrade from the old manual slider devices still found in any homes—can do so much more than an outdated device. You may be wondering, “Do I really need a thermostat that can do more than just set temperatures?”
Of course you can keep things basic, but a smart thermostat offers a number of benefits that can save you energy, money, and frustration.