HVAC

Most homeowners don’t think give much thought to their HVAC systems unless happens to make them take notice. It’s usually a lot more efficient and cost effective to not wait until something breaks before having an HVAC system serviced. Homeowners should call for regular maintenance and ask their HVAC professional whether it might be time for improvements or an upgrade to the system. There have been many recent advances in HVAC technology that homeowners can take advantage of to improve energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. Here are a few factors to consider.

Rise in Energy Costs

If you have recently noticed a rise in the costs to keep your home comfortable, it may be your air conditioner or heat pump is not operating as efficiently as it once did. Have your unit inspected to be certain.

Increasing Noise Level

Do you notice an increase in the amount of noise produced when your system is operating? This could be a problem with your heating or cooling unit, but sometimes the sizing of your ductwork can contribute to this as well.

Frequency of Repairs

If you find your heating or cooling unit needs regular repairs, it may be time to weigh the costs of repairs against the purchase of a system upgrade.

Inefficient

If your heating and cooling unit can’t keep up with your comfort needs, it might be the wrong size for your home – especially if you recently put an addition on your house. Poor performance could also be due to leaks or weaknesses in your ductwork.

Age of System

Your heating or cooling unit will only perform efficiently and effectively for so long. Consider replacing your air conditioner or heat pump if the unit is older than 10 years.

Rooms Too Hot or Too Cold

Rooms that are too hot or too cold can be symptomatic of several issues including poor airflow, duct problems, inadequate insulation, or failing equipment. For a proper diagnosis, contact a professional.

Excess Humidity

Excessive humidity inside your home can be symptomatic of poorly performing equipment or leaky ductwork. Have your unit inspected to be sure. A professional may recommend a dehumidifier for your home.

Excessive Dust

An excessive amount of dust inside your home might indicate problems with your ductwork. They may need to be sealed or cleaned.

Is a home sale on your horizon?

Upgrading your HVAC to a new more energy efficient system offers great incentives to potential buyers. The cost of upgrading can often be counterbalanced in the sale price of your home.

For questions, give Chuck’s a call any time or get a free estimate.

Contact Chuck’s today to learn more about energy efficient alternatives, special financing, or to learn more about our HVAC services.

Winter is over which means that spring is here around the corner in Vermont. Chances are you may have put some level of strain on your heating system during the winter months to keep warm. You don’t depend on your heating system in spring which makes it the perfect time to do HVAC maintenance to make sure your cooling system is running properly and efficiently for when summer hits.

Below is a spring HVAC checklist for Vermonters.

Change Your Air Filter

You should be changing your air filter on a regular basis in order to ensure the proper airflow throughout your home. If you don’t change your air filter regularly, dust and dirt will build up to the point where it will obstruct your airflow. This will make it harder for your HVAC system to cool or heat your home properly, affecting both your comfort and your energy bills. Check with Chuck’s to find out the proper frequency for your particular system.

Check Operation of All HVAC Units

Turn on all of your HVAC system’s units to make sure that they are working properly. If your HVAC system isn’t cooling or heating your home to the temperature you’ve set, then you have an issue with either your thermostat or your HVAC system and you’ll want to schedule professional maintenance.

You should also make sure that none of your HVAC units are making strange sounds or producing strange scents – these are all signs of potential problems and should never be skipped as part of your spring HVAC checklist.

Tighten Electrical Connections

Electrical connections that are faulty can make the operation of your HVAC system unsafe and can also end up reducing the lifespan of your HVAC’s major components. This should be a regular step in a spring HVAC checklist for Vermonters.

Clean & Lubricate Indoor HVAC Components

All of the HVAC system’s indoor components, including the blower fans and coils, should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure that they work as efficiently as possible. Cleaning and lubricating these components will also help to prevent any problems from developing in the near future.

Clean the Outdoor HVAC Units (Your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump!)

Clean out any leaves, grass or dirt that may be blocking your vents. If you don’t clean them out, it will restrict the airflow in your home, which will reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Check Your Air Conditioner’s Refrigerant Levels

Because temperatures are going to begin going up as summer gets closer, you’re going to want to make sure that your air conditioner is in peak operating condition. Check the refrigerant levels to make sure that the unit will cool your home efficiently and effectively. Read more about checking your air conditioner’s refrigerant.

These maintenance tasks should be performed to make sure your HVAC system is performing properly after experiencing heavy use during the winter, and also to prepare it for the upcoming summer months.

While many of these tasks can be performed on your own, we recommend that you have a professional technician perform an HVAC inspection every spring.

Contact Chuck’s today to learn more about energy efficient alternatives, special financing, or to learn more about our HVAC maintenance services.