Tips for hiring an HVAC specialist

When your ventilation, heating, or air conditioning system needs to be repaired or replaced, you will probably have to hire an HVAC expert who has the license and specialization to work on the unit. It is important for the contractor to be properly insured, trained, and have certifications that conform to professional HVAC procedures, in addition to other qualifications.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing an HVAC specialist.

1. Ask your friends, family or neighbors for referrals.
   
   Start your search by asking for advice from family and friends. Also, while requesting other people for referrals, make sure you ask them for the reason that required them to hire the HVAC expert in the first place. This should give you a better idea of whether the specific contractor will suit your needs or not. Apart from this, you can also search the local business directories for customer reviews. Do not make the mistake of choosing a specialist based only on an attractive website.


2. Find out if the HVAC candidate has the certifications and licenses needed by the state or local area in which you live.
   
   If you don’t know about the certifications and licenses HVAC specialists are required to have, you can contact a government representative or official from your state or local area. You can also search online to find out about the licenses required in every state and also to confirm the authenticity of the licenses of a particular contractor.
   


3. Verify whether the specialist has low volume of negative reviews and a decent rating in your local area.
   
   Visit the BBB website to research about the shortlisted HVAC contractors. You can also get in touch with the council of BBB for information on specific specialists or businesses.
   


4. The specialists should have insurance.
   
   You should make sure the expert has worker's compensation insurance. If you let anyone work inside your premises and perform maintenances you become responsible for the cost of any damage or injury that may occur, even accidentally. But if you hire someone with a liability or worker’s compensation insurance you do not risk incidental damage of any kind.
   


5. Choose an expert who is ready to inspect the system in your house before offering estimates or starting the repairs.
   
   HVAC specialists must measure air flow, inspect insulation and look for air leaks to make sure all components comply with the HVAC guidelines and the specifications laid down by the manufacturer before providing an estimate or starting the work.
   


6. Get bids from at least three HVAC specialists to compare pricing and work before making your final decision.
   
   Some of the factors that should be taken into consideration when obtaining bids apart from the overall cost are installations to be done, energy savings during the repair work and the warranties offered.
   

As the technologies supporting the HVAC systems advance to newer levels, repairing these units has become all the more difficult for unlicensed individuals. This is particularly true now that so many machines have smart thermostats and other complex pieces of electronics. Hence, it is best to save money by hiring the right professional. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind and you will have no problem shortlisting a skilled and competent service provider.

Tips to find a good central heating expert

Installing a central heating system can be a huge commitment. Since its expensive and an important part of your home, it should not be taken lightly. When looking for someone to install the new machine, you'll want to ensure that you are choosing the right provider. One of the most important factors to consider is the reputation and reliability. If a company is unreliable or suffers from a bad reputation, chances are they will not be able to offer the desired level of service that should be provided to someone investing in a heating system.

Knowledge:

An experienced and skilled HVAC expert will always be aware of the heating methods (such as, broilers vs. furnace, energy efficiency, and the like) in use. They will be able to provide advice regarding any feature of the central heating system. If a person is not well-versed with the functioning and components of a central heating system, then you are unlikely to receive top rate installations or service.

Ask around:

There are numerous companies that focus on this type of installation. Ask your family and neighbors about who they used and their experience. You should also perform an online research to find out what the general opinion about a company is and whether they are affiliated to Better Business Bureau. All these factors should help you figure out who you'd like to call to discuss further.

Extra features:

Another option to discuss with an expert is the programmable thermostat. This feature can help you save several dollars on energy bills. It's an easy to install equipment with minimal costs, and allows you to modify the settings of your thermostat for specific temperatures at certain times all through the day. For instance, you can program the thermostat to automatically turn-off during the day, and to switch on an hour before you come home so that your house is warm when you arrive.

Central heating is certainly the most effective and efficient way of heating, as it changes the temperature of the entire house rather than attempting to heat small parts of the house. Also, since you have the facility to regulate your thermostat, you can control the amount of money you spend on heating. However, the central heating professional you hire should be able to install the machine correctly and should be able to give you tips on how to run your system in an optimized manner for utmost efficiency. They must required for two-level or bigger homes that will need separate units for different parts of the house. The experts should also advise you on the most cost-efficient central heating systems available in the market so that you get the most out of your investment.

What does installation of central heating system involve?

Central heating helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the house with only minor variations in heating from room to room. The system gets rid of the unpleasant floor or wall-mounted heaters. Although installation of central heating should be left to a professional, with few simple tools, you can also do it yourself.

How is central heating installed?

Create a blueprint:

The first step involves deciding where the ducting will run with the help of an updated plan of the house. The most important thing to see is if the house has a cellar or an attic. If the house has both, you will have to decide between the floors or ceilings to create vent openings.

The next step involves cutting out vent openings in the ceiling or floor and installing duct openings.

Ducts:

Decide where the air handler and furnace will go and mount them as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Move the ducting to the farthest opening from the furnace. 

Also, mount a Y-pipe for every duct opening. Add a second Y-pipe to make two close openings in rooms. Fit hard ducting within a couple of feet of the duct opening and link it with flexible ducting. Repeat the process for each duct opening. If required, cover the main duct with a cap.

Make sure all ducting connections are secure by installing three self-tapping screws around every connection. Coat the connection and screw location liberally with sealing putty.

Thermostat

Direct a 20 gauge cable from the furnace to the location where you wish to mount your thermostat. Connect all the wires at both the ends as per installation instructions for every unit. Thermostat connections will require a screwdriver, while connections at the furnace-side may require twisting together the two wires and securing them with wire nuts or screw blocks.

Rout 12-2:

Direct a 12-2 wire from the air handler and furnace to the electrical breaker/ fuse panel. Connect white to white and black to black. Twist the wire nuts securely onto both the connections. You will also have to fix the bare wire to a secure ground.

The last step involves connecting all the wires to the electrical panel and getting the heating unit ready. This stage involves moving fuses and breakers for balancing the electrical load. 

Although it is possible to install central heating on your own, it is best to leave the technicalities to professionals. The installation of the system is complex and requires technical know-how. There are several expert HVAC installation and maintenance companies out these who can help you with your system and ensure it works seamlessly all season long.

Five most common central heating problems

Having a central heating system is no longer a luxury. For those who live in cold climates, central heating system is a necessity to survive the chilly winter cold. However, installing a quality system isn’t enough, it is also important to make sure your machine remains in good shape the whole year round. By performing regular maintenance, you will be able to avoid costly maintenance charges and a cold house during unbearable winters.

Once you’re aware of the top five problems related to central heating, you will be in perfect position to keep your home comfortable and warm. 

1. Complete heat loss - If switching on your furnace gives absolutely no response, the first thing you must do is isolate the issue – try to analyze where the problem lies. In case the system isn’t getting enough electrical power, it is best to call an electrician. Check out the pilot light. If it’s not igniting, the problem probably lies with the gas supply. You will have to call the gas supplier to tackle this issue. Also, check if the thermostat is “on” and the temperature is high enough to trigger the furnace.
2. Partial heat loss - If your furnace is giving out heat but is not operating at its best efficiency, you may have different problems going on. It is a possibility that your ductwork system is suffering from blockages or leaks. In case you have radiators, it is also possible that the radiators require bleeding to get rid of trapped air.
3. Problem with the ductwork system - Since ductwork is used extensively throughout the house, there can be several blockages due to insects or rodents. A blockage in the ductwork will normally require the services of a professional, who can analyze and fix the problem. Leaks in ductwork, leading to evasion of heat from the ducts also necessitates expert service to mend.
4. Pilot light issues - It is important for the pilot light to be lit continuously for the furnace to work efficiently. If you check the light and it is not lit, you will have to reignite it. In case you see the pilot light is set to “on”, test its strength. The flame has to be blue and strong – not weak and yellow. A weak pilot light can be extremely dangerous, leading to high levels of fatal carbon monoxide. It is best to call a professional if you ever face pilot light issues. 
5. Broken Thermostat - If you observe that your thermostat is malfunctioning, with freezing temperatures one minute and high temperatures soon after, then the thermostat is probably broken. This can cause the machine to misread the real temperature of the room and fail to run properly. It is best to call a professional to recalibrate the thermostat. In case the device is beyond repair, consider getting it replaced.

You may not be able to handle central heating problems on your own; you can certainly diagnose and get a professional to perform the repairs. Use information available over the internet to troubleshoot the furnace. It is also a good idea to call up experienced central heating maintenance providers for professional assistance. 

Water leakage in an Air-Conditioner

A fully functional air conditioner is the most desirable gadget that every household needs during summer. Sometimes even the small cooling issues can lead to big problems forcing you to compromise on cost and comfort levels during hot, sultry days.

One of the most annoying problems that you may encounter with an air conditioner is the dreaded water leak. A water seepage from the air conditioning system can be challenging indeed and difficult to diagnose. It can have multiple root causes and several solutions. This article focuses on few basic things to be considered if there is a water leak noticed in the air conditioning unit.

Main reasons for water leakage in an air-conditioner:

• Faulty pump: The most recurring cause for water leak in an air conditioner is a faulty condenser pump. The main job of this pump is to drive water out of your house. This is the water that is removed from room air by your air conditioning unit. Due to constant presence of water in the pump, it may get clogged and its capacity to pump water may get hindered. This can be tested by pouring water in the condenser pan to see if it can properly pump out excess water.
• Clogged drain line: There is a drain hole in an air conditioner for the wasted water to be driven out. Over time, dirt gets accumulated that may mix with water thereby clogging the drain pipe. Since water flow in the drain pipe becomes restricted due to congestion, water starts leaking through the main unit. By identifying the exit pipe for your drain, the water leak problem can be solved.
• Improper installation: When the main air conditioning unit and drains are not properly installed, it can cause several problems, including water leakage. A window air conditioner must be installed so that it is slightly lower at the rear than the front. This allows easy removal of water from the room towards back of the machine. If installed too low at the front, this water flows into the room rather than moving outside.
• A frozen coil: If airflow is impeded due to extensive use of the air conditioner, frost can form on the evaporator coil which eventually melts thus causing water seepage. The first thing to check in such a scenario is the air conditioner filter. If filters are clogged, air flow to the system is blocked and ice may form on the coil. Even the intake registers need to be checked to ensure that nothing is blocking the air flow into the system. Turning off the unit for a few hours every few days to allow the ice to melt may prove to be a feasible solution.
• A worn-out insulation coil: The insulation coil, at the back of the main unit is responsible for soaking up condensation that is formed on the copper wire. Due to daily wear and tear, this coil may not function properly, thereby causing water to leak from the back of the unit.

Final word of advice, do contact a reliable HVAC technician to ensure professional handling of the water leakage issue.

What To Do When The Air Conditioner Blows Warm Air?

Sultry summer days can turn worse if the air conditioner starts blowing hot air. While it is a general idea that the central air would always emit cool, refreshing air sometimes your air conditioner may just refuse to co-operate and that too when the mercury touches the maximum range. In fact, the cooling unit emitting hot air is one common problem that most households face from time to time.

Discussed below are few reasons why your air conditioner might blow warm air and how to solve this burning issue in time.

Thermostat switched to heat mode:

This is a very basic problem which air conditioner owners often overlook. It might be a very simple one that can be solved by checking whether the thermostat is switched on to the heat mode. If yes, then you need to just reverse it to the ‘cool’ mode.

Problem in Condenser and Compressor:

If you have already checked the setting of air conditioner thermostat, next is the time to take a close look at the compressor and condenser. Make sure that the outside power supply is switched on. If not then the system starts functioning from the inside handler, but you won’t realize the cooling effect.

Checking the condenser coils:

The condenser coil needs to be checked for accumulation of dirt and lint. This could seriously impact the cooling unit. In fact, condenser coils are needed to be maintained on a regular basis during summer months. Unlike changing the air filter professional assistance is needed to clean the condenser coil.

Dirty air filter:

An unclean filter can obstruct the condensing coil of your air conditioner with dust and pollutants thereby causingthe unit to freeze up. To avoid this, make sure the air filter is changed or checked every season, especially before the start of summer. A maintenance plan should be readied by consulting any renowned HVAC contractor from your locality. This would ensure proper cleaning and installation of the air conditioning unit filter.

Refrigerant problems:

Refrigerant related problems are often the outcome of compressor snags or leakage. In worst cases, cool air might stop completely. This primarily occurs due to reduced refrigerant charge. The main symptom is a deposition of ice on the exterior or the interior unit. Just a nominal repair can solve the problem, provided the compressor is in sound shape.

To-do tips:

Fixing problems of the air conditioner is not that difficult. Prompt planning beforehand and executing them sequentially are best ways to handle the issue. Preventative maintenance is suggested for the unit on a regular basis. In order to avoid serious cooling problems during summers you must schedule an annual tune up.

By keeping a check on the above mentioned factors you can easily reduce expensive repair costs. The final piece of advice which every user should follow is seeking professional assistance whenever some snag is sensed with the cooling unit. There are numerous air conditioner servicing companies ready to offer prompt services within reasonable budget. Get in touch with the right one to ensure long life of your precious air conditioner.

Common Air Conditioning Mistakes Which Should be Avoided

Rising mercury has a direct impact on air conditioner usage. The more the air conditioning unit is used, greater remain chances of the system developing snags. Awareness about common air conditioning problems certainly helps ensure optimal energy consumption and comfortable cooling. Listed below are few such common air conditioning mistakes that can easily be avoided:

1.      Skipping maintenance work

A well-maintained air conditioner always works efficiently which becomes evident from the pleasantly cool air that it spreads! Regular maintenance ensures longer life span of the air conditioner. Some work can be done at home like checking duct lines for leakage, cleaning filters and evaporator coil, etc. Never skip or ignore maintenance work. Help is always available in the form of an HVAC technician who can assist you with regular maintenance.

2.      Size misfits

Most people are of the notion that a bigger air conditioner cools better and faster. Even though it is true to an extent, an oversized air conditioner doesn’t generate uniform temperature or reduce humidity. This defeats the whole purpose of using the cooling unit in warm climates. The best option is to refer to Consumer Reports worksheet to help find the right sized air conditioner. An HVAC technician can be consulted too.

3.      Unreasonable thermostat settings

If a thermostat is set too low, then more energy is wasted. Then if it is set too high, then the air conditioner would fail to even turn on or go bust in some cases. To avoid these problems, reasonable thermostat settings are to be adopted. A programmable thermostat best serves this purpose. Another major area of concern is accidental heating up of the thermostat. This usually happens when other electrical appliances like lamps, televisions, refrigerators, etc. are placed close to the air conditioning system. The heat generated by these electronic gadgets causes the thermostat to malfunction inadvertently.

4.      Closure of unused vents and openings

Though it may seem like a good idea to prevent escaping of conditioned air outside, the efficiency of a central air conditioning system might get affected in the longer run. An HVAC expert can be consulted in this regard, especially for the summer months. Another strict no-no would be to close off any room that has a thermostat installed.

5.      Wrong placement of the cooling unit

Most people prefer relatively unused spots to install their air conditioners in homes. However, such placement only puts excess pressure on the unit. Some people choose to place the air conditioning unit behinds shrubs or plants. This hinders ventilation and leads to clogged air filters. Such minor issues ultimately result in decreased efficiency of the air conditioner. An HVAC expert usually suggests the ideal place for cooling system installation, as the east or north side of the house. This is to ensure that the air conditioner is installed in a shady spot and away from direct sunlight.

These above discussed air conditioning mistakes might sound quite simple but most households tend to forget the basic rules while installing/maintaining the unit. Rather than allowing these minor cooling mistakes take a major turn, you should get in touch with a trustworthy HVAC company for unbiased guidance and timely action.