What to Look for in HVAC Services

A new air conditioner and furnace can do wonders for your home, but you'll need to find a reputable HVAC provider. With so many companies offering this service, knowing which features you're looking for in an optimum installation is important. Here is what to look for in a top HVAC company.

1. Experience

Before contacting an HVAC company for quotes and prices, you'll want to ensure the company has experience installing furnaces and HVAC systems. An excellent company will have more than 10 years of experience. This experience can guarantee you'll have a problem-free installation. Brothers HVAC, LLC has more than two decades of experience in the industry, offering commercial and residential HVAC services in Oregon, WI.

2. Certifications

Before you contact an HVAC company for quotes and prices, ask about their certifications. The company will probably have at least one kind of certification. These certifications can help you be confident that your installation will be done right by an experienced technician.

3. Reputation

HVAC companies are rated on sites such as Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau. Before contacting an HVAC company for quotes and prices, ensure their ratings are above a B+. This is a good way to be sure you'll get excellent service from a reputable business.

4. References

You should also ask for references from previous customers. It's important to find out what kind of experience these previous customers had with the company's products and services. An excellent HVAC company will have at least 20 references you can call.

5. Reviews

Contact customer review sites such as Yelp and Google to read what others say about the company's products and services. An excellent company will receive positive reviews from customers.

6. Free Estimates

Once you've found an HVAC company that is experienced, certified, has a good reputation, and has plenty of positive reviews, call them for a free estimate. It's important to get multiple quotes to compare prices and see which company offers the best value. A free estimate can help you stay within your budget.

7. Warranty

This is especially important if you have a new furnace and air conditioner installed in your home. An excellent HVAC company will offer at least a 10-year warranty on the installation and a warranty for the parts as well. This can ensure that any problems with the system can be fixed without costing you money.

8. Lease Lines

This is where the HVAC company connects your unit to the existing house wiring. It's important that you're happy with how this line is installed. An excellent HVAC company will have no problems giving you a free inspection of your lease lines before they install the new system.

In conclusion, it's important that you know what to look for in an HVAC company before you hire one. While price is important, it isn't the only factor. Check the company's experience, certifications, reputation, references, and warranty. Consider getting a quote from more than one HVAC company to get the best value for your money.

Basic HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Your HVAC system works hard all-year-round to keep you cozy and comfortable through the change of seasons. Eventually, though, all that wear and tear will take its toll on the unit and cause it to act up or suddenly stop working.

Things can turn uncomfortable really quick when your AC system malfunctions. That being said, having a basic understanding of how to troubleshoot your HVAC unit will allow you to tackle most minor issues on your own and save yourself the cost of professional air conditioning repair.

Here are six common HVAC troubleshooting tips every homeowner should know:

1. No Power

Sometimes, it only takes a flip of a switch to get your HVAC working properly again. Is your unit completely dead or won’t turn or at all? It could be that your circuit breaker has tripped due to a power surge and cut off the power supply. If this is the case, you’ll only need to reset the system to get it up and running again. You’ll also want to check for any damage or fraying on the cord, as rodents or pests may have chewed on them and affected the power supply.

If none of the above issues seem to be the cause of the problem, check the outlet. Unplug the AC power cord and plug another high-voltage appliance into the port. If the appliance doesn’t work, the issue could be with the outlet; if it does, there could be something wrong with the unit itself – possibly a blown fuse or a faulty motor – that requires the attention of an HVAC professional.

2. Faulty Thermostat

Thermostats are generally reliable devices, but they can also malfunction or need maintenance from time to time. Plenty of HVAC problems originate from a broken thermostat. If your system isn’t starting properly or won’t turn on at, check if the thermostat has power.

Many thermostats are battery-powered. They tend to malfunction when the batteries run down and should work properly again after you change the batteries. If, however, a new set of batteries doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to call in a professional to recalibrate your thermostat and fix its on/off and temperature reading functions.

3. Weak Airflow

Another prevalent issue that affects both air conditioners and heaters is lack of sufficient airflow, which usually happens when the filters are clogged with dust and debris. Too much filth in the filters impedes airflow, preventing you from feeling either warm or cold air coming from the unit.

You should clean your air filters and replace them every two to three months. Doing so will not only resolve your airflow problems but improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and the air quality in your home.

Also, don’t forget to check the exterior unit of your HVAC system on a regular basis. Clear the surrounding area of clutter and remove fallen leaves, branches, and other debris can obstruct the unit’s airways or block the airflow.

4. Short Cycling

When airflow is restricted, your HVAC unit may also experience short cycling, causing the unit to shut down before it completes the heating or cooling cycle. Most of the time, this problem is easily resolved by cleaning or changing the air filter.

Another possible cause of short cycling is frozen coils. Check the evaporator coils, which are usually located in the air handler. If they have ice or frost on them, turn the unit off to let the coils thaw.

If it’s not any of the first two, a faulty thermostat that fails to get the right temperature reading could be to blame for the short cycling. This is often the case when the room doesn’t seem to reach your desired comfort levels. Because of the more complex nature of this particular problem, it’s recommended to leave the job to the experts.

5. Unpleasant Smells

Anytime you notice weird smells coming from your furnace or air conditioner, act on it as soon as possible because it could either be mold or burnt wiring; one just as dangerous as the other.

Molds are the likely culprit for foul HVAC odors, and they can pose serious health risks. In case of suspected mold growth, check for any leaks in your HVAC unit and make sure to seal them off. This will prevent the water leaking into your home and creating moisture, which is the ideal breeding room for molds.

If the stench comes from burnt wiring and electrical connections, call an electrician to help you deal with the problem immediately and avoid any hazardous situations.

6. Loud Noises

 Is your air conditioner making loud noises? Then you should start your troubleshooting with the fan motor, which is responsible for blowing cool air into the ductwork and hot air out of the house.

Damaged fans can start making a lot of noise that’s very difficult to ignore. But even trapped dust and debris can make fans noisier than usual. If the latter is the issue, giving your unit a good cleaning might help reduce or get rid of the noise. The thing is; it’s not always easy to determine where the noises in your unit are coming from or what’s causing them. To ensure that correct repairs are made and further damage is avoided, ask an HVAC specialist to check and fix the unit.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros!

Most of these basic HVAC troubleshooting tips are easy enough to perform. But if you’re not sure what to do, you can always call your local HVAC company for help.

Also, consider scheduling at least two HVAC tune-ups every year – one before summer (for air conditioning) and the other one before winter (for heating). Professional HVAC maintenance will help ensure optimal performance and prevent your HVAC system from breaking down during the times you need it most.  

How Rain Affects HVAC System Performance

There are many positive connotations of spring—rebirth, warm weather, the precursor to summer. Alternatively, there are some equally negative aspects we can’t ignore—seasonal allergies, spring cleaning, rain, rain, and more rain. Normal precipitation is enjoyed by some but lamented by others, and our home appliances feel the wrath of Mother Nature during this time of the year.

If you’re hoping to run your AC more often as the weather warms up, you might find minor or major efficacy issues with your air ducts and vents. Here are the different ways rain affects HVAC system performance throughout your home.

Rough Winter? Some Problems!

Snow and ice cause two problems with HVAC systems—reduced airflow and filter clogs. Since winter isn’t too far in the rearview mirror, you may find performance issues linked to the former, aggressive season. Anytime you introduce a solid object into your AC unit, you hinder the efficacy of airflow, straining your machinery with increased workloads.

Additionally, debris found in snow often clogs filters and, like air blockages, this makes your HVAC work harder for inferior results. As we enter spring, ensure you inspect your unit and filters for any issues and hire professional help if the problems are more severe.

Regular Rain? No Problems!

So will regular rain greatly hinder the performance of your HVAC system? In short, probably not! Window and outside units are built to withstand the elements. The materials used for these devices are hardy, durable, and resistant to the negative effects of water.

The real performance problems stem from the indirect results of storms. With rain comes a displacement of branches, leaves, and dirt. Often, these objects make contact with your HVAC machinery and reduce the efficacy of your AC. Simply hose your systems down to remove debris, and rest assured that the insulated, internal components won’t get damaged from water.

Severe Weather? Serious Problems!

Now, spring doesn’t just produce light, rainy days. In some regions, springtime means occasional severe weather conditions. Similar to minor storms, intense winds introduce debris to your HVAC system, causing many similar issues.

However, the most apparent impact of severe weather is flood and corrosion damage. While the materials of your unit are hardy, they aren’t totally protected against persistent water. Same with flooding—this abundance of liquids will cause serious problems that also require professional HVAC services.

The good news is that the springtime isn’t too detrimental to the integrity of your AC unit. However, understanding how rain affects HVAC system performance throughout your home will better prepare you for any urgent situation. Remember, seeking professional services and repairs before problems become an issue is more cost-effective than waiting!

How to Decrease the Pressure on Your HVAC System When It's Hot Outside

During the summer, many people will be relying on their home’s HVAC system to stay cool. However, overuse of your unit can cause it to break down sooner than expected. Here’s how to decrease the pressure on your HVAC system when it’s hot outside.

Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Sealed

If your home isn’t properly sealed, hot air can easily creep inside. This means the HVAC must work twice as hard to keep the interior cool. Before steamy weather arrives, take the time to inspect for any cracks. Most small gaps can be easily filled using a caulking gun. Also, make sure the weatherstripping around your doors and windows is in good condition.

Make Use of Your Fans

Don’t just allow your home’s ceiling fans to just collect dust. They can help reduce the strain on your HVAC system. Simply switch your ceilings fans to rotate in a counterclockwise direction on hot days. This will produce a downdraft, which allows you to feel a cool breeze. Because modern ceiling fans are so efficient, you can run them throughout the day without worrying about increased energy bills.

Regularly Change the Filter

It’s important to properly maintain your HVAC System. By working with experts like STA SO COOL HVAC, you can learn the optimal frequency for changing the filter for your environment and system. Many experts suggest that a dirty air filter is one of the biggest contributors to accelerated wear and tear. When the filter is clogged, this can lead to the unit overheating. Generally, inexpensive fiberglass filters should be replaced every month. Meanwhile, pleated filters can last for up to 90 days.

Limit Sources of Heat Within Your Home

Some families unknowingly cause interior temperatures to rise. Heat-generating appliances, especially ovens and dryers, can put a greater demand on your HVAC system. Try to avoid using these appliances during the day. It’s also a good idea to run the bathroom’s exhaust fan while showering. This simple step will help reduce humidity levels. Furthermore, develop a habit of turning off lights when not in use.

Keep Out the Sun

At the peak of summer, the last thing you want is for the blaring sun to be streaming into your home. Consider installing blackout shades over your south-facing windows. Doing so can keep the room 10-15 degrees cooler. Your HVAC system will then have a lighter workload.

Don’t allow hot weather to put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. By making a few changes, you could potentially extend the life of your unit by several years. Expect to also experience a lower energy bill.