Why You Need an Air Conditioning Maintenance Schedule

If you've got air conditioning in your building, then you'll want to make sure that it's running properly at all times, and that it's giving you the heating and ventilation that you need.

Here's why an air con maintenance schedule is essential.

1. Like many electrical and mechanical items, your heating and ventilation system needs regular service to ensure that it's running at its best. Having it serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations will ensure that it's running properly.

2. A more efficient heating and ventilation system is likely to more effective and cheaper to run too. This means that you can get the right temperature without having to pay more for it. It's also less likely to break down too.

3. An air conditioning maintenance schedule will give you peace of mind. Your business might not be able to cope if it had to close for several days due to a lack of heating and ventilation.

4. Having the right level of air con will create a better environment for staff to work in, and for customers to buy in. If your staff are productive, or your customers are not buying, then perhaps it; due to the temperature. With an air conditioning maintenance plan, you can call an engineer any time you like.

5. As prevention is better than cure, you'll want to make sure that if there are any issues with your heating and ventilation, that you get them looked at straight away, otherwise it could be a time consuming and costly mistake.

6. You'll want to choose a reputable and experienced firm to carry out your air con maintenance. Perhaps your air conditioning installation company will be able to recommend a plan to you, so that you've covered in case of any problems with your air con.

7. If your air con hasn't been well looked after, and serviced regularly, then you don't want to risk it suddenly failing. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

8. You'll definitely save time and money in the long run by having a maintenance plan for your air con. In addition, you won't have to wait days for an engineer, or have your business interrupted.

9. Different brands and air con systems will need different maintenance schedules, so one air con system may need servicing more often than another.

10. By having a maintenance plan for your heating and ventilation, you can have any necessary work carried out at your convenience, rather than when it fails. This means that you can plan the work so that your business and customers are not disrupted.

Now you know why it's so essential, have you got an air conditioning maintenance contract?

Air Conditioning Units - Preventive Maintenance in 3 Steps

Regular maintenance is important for the life of your air conditioning units. Preventive maintenance of units is far easier than correcting problems down the road. As, it is said, prevention is better than cure. On an average, normal life of a residential air conditioning system is around eleven to fourteen years. If maintained properly, these systems can run even more without any need to repair.

If your residential air conditioning system both cools and heats your home, you must maintain it in fall and the spring season each year. If it is only for cooling purpose you must get it checked at least once a year before the season requiring cooling begins.

For your air conditioning units, preventive maintenance can be done in just 3 simple steps to save you from sudden annoying breakdowns or improper functionality. The following 3 steps can also be referred as a checklist for carrying out the maintenance work systematically and thoroughly. I suggest using a trusted HVAC contractor to follow through with the 3 steps:

Step #1: Check the outdoor units

With the help of a technician, you can inspect the complete system for an adequate level of the refrigerant, cleaning the debris from the inside cabinet, clear the drain openings, clean the coil and check the fan blades and the motor for visible sign of wear and tear. You must also check the control box, other related accessories including wire networks and connections. It is advisable to ensure all the electrical units are functioning properly and safely. You should also check the compressor and the attached tubes for any signs of damage.

Step #2: Inspect the indoor units

Clean the blower wheels and motor, and provide lubrication to the motor if necessary. If any faulty functioning is observed, replace that part immediately. You must inspect the combustion blower for debris and clean it. Checking gas leaks from furnaces is also important to ensure a proper functioning air conditioning unit. If your system also has heating facility, you should also check the ignition system and other safety elements. You should inspect if the flue system is properly attached to the furnace, look for sign of corrosion and for any dislocated element. Then you clean the air filters and inspect the wiring connections. An overall inspection for the system is also important to find out if there is any leakage in the airflow system.

Step #3: Inspect the system while it is operating

When you switch the system on, look for its starting characteristics and notice if there is any abnormality. You can get a hint from the noise it creates when switched on. You must also look for any unusual odor that comes with switching on the system. You can then measure the temperature and adjust the airflow according to the level desired. You must check the vents or openings in your home for proper airflow. Another important inspection you should make is about the energy load it takes to perform.

With air conditioning units, preventive maintenance is vital to saving yourself from breakdowns at unexpected times, often when you need your system to be operating the most.

How To Choose The Best Furnace Repair Contractor

Though the furnace is an important part of the house we seldom give it much thought until we are in need of furnace repair. Most of the times, it is an emergency situation which could mean no heat on a cold night and you are left with no option but to settle for any contractor who is willing to take on the work at the earliest. Unfortunately a hurried choice could mean that you end up either paying more or choose a contractor with substantial work ethics. To avoid this you can ensure that your furnace is periodically checked. The other thing to do would be to do some research and select the contractor beforehand.

Ways to choose the furnace repair contractor:

Tip #1 - Study the problem - It helps to know a bit about the problem so that you cannot be taken for a ride. Spend some time to learn the basic mechanism of the furnace yourself. This way when the contractor comes in, evaluates the problem and gives you a report you will know whether he is an honest mechanic or just out dupe people.

Tip #2 - Check for licenses - A certified furnace repair contractor will come armed with the necessary state required licenses and registrations. These are produced readily if the customers ask for verification. The easiest way to ensure that you are getting an experienced and verified contractor is to choose them from the local directory or association.

Tip #3 - Get references - Once you have shortlisted the contractors ask for references of past jobs. You can make some calls to find out how good they are at their jobs and if they are fit for your budget and need. Those who have the strongest word of mouth publicity make the best and safest choices.

Tip #4 - Study the process - One way to know if you have the right guy is to see how he works. Any contractor who takes ample time to study the problem and work out a solution is a serious mechanic. Someone who is too busy and hurriedly takes a look will not just do a hurried job but will also be overpriced. In the end you will just get a few months respite before your furnace breaks out again.

Tip #5 - Compare prices - One very important criterion is the price. Instead of opting for the first furnace repair contractor who makes his bid, accept bids form several and compare their prices as well as service offerings. This does not mean that you choose the cheapest option. Weigh the price against their service record and references before you decide on one.

Tip #6 - Sign a contract - Never go ahead with a job without first signing a contract. This way both parties are liable to abide by their words. In case a problem arises in the job - whether it is bad service or late payments, no action can be taken without a signed contract.

Tip #7 - Comfort factor - Strange as it sounds, it pays to choose a furnace repair contractor you feel most comfortable with. Of course, he needs to be a thorough professional and do a good job. But you are letting a stranger into your home so you have every right to choose someone who feels safe and trustworthy.

Feeling at Home With Your Service Providers - Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Plumbing

Reliability and trust in a service provider is a lot like the wheels of a car: without them you're not going to get anywhere. Be it air conditioning, plumbing, or landscaping, there are dozens of companies (some good, many bad) who are out there right now hoping that they can convince you that they have what you need. You should consider you choice of maintenance provider the same way you would consider your choice of a new car with respect to its coat of paint: while the coat of paint is nice to look at it typically does not say a whole lot about the engine underneath. It's this "pages, not the cover" approach to choosing a service provider that will have you ready to read their attitude like a book.

Service Through the Internet: One of your best tools in the fight to win good service is the World Wide Web. There are currently dozens of websites that evaluate and keep stock of various maintenance providers and hundreds of blogs and message boards that will give you "straight from the horse's mouth" takes on the different companies in your area. While it would be tempting to say that the posts that you read on online blogs and on different sounding boards are full of insightful and objective information, much of the time the people who post on these websites are simply looking for an excuse to sound clever through aggressive and cynical comments. Don't be sold by just one or two negative comments that completely trash the company. If it appears that a particular user has had an especially bad experience with an air conditioning service provider or a plumber, for instance, consider sending them an e-mail to get more information about how the service affected them. If they are unwilling to answer your response, it may be a good sign that they weren't all together too serious about helping their neighbors to begin with.

(Respectable) Word of Mouth: The advice of trusted friends and family is invaluable when considering a new service supplier. These people are the type of resource that you can really mine without worrying about what they think of you. Because your close friends and family have already formed opinions about you to begin with you can feel free to ask them the silly, naïve questions that you would have otherwise kept to yourself. There is no question that is too dumb to ask.

Phone Interviews: Once you have established a short list of suppliers that you may consider patronizing, give their offices a preliminary phone call to create a relationship outside of your specific situation. Talk to their manager about a broad range of topics, from the price of individual services, to the company's history, to the type of attitude he takes to his job. So long as you keep this interview within five to eight minutes (which you absolutely should do out of respect to their time) they should be more than happy to indulge any questions you have about their products. Again, if they are reluctant to provide answers, this information may be the most valuable of all as it is a sign that this particular maintenance provider is not interested in your satisfaction.

While it may not seem like a terribly important topic to consider, having a good labor provider (and acknowledging the steps it takes to get one) can be an invaluable resource to have at your disposal. Many people cite a lack of trust with their provider as a significant impetus to their ability to fix the problems in their home. Ensure the foundations for real trust by establishing relationships with service providers with whom you feel at home.

Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioning Problems

If you own an HVAC system with air conditioning, chances are you either have or are going to run into problems. HVAC systems and air conditioning units malfunction all the time, but knowing how to troubleshoot the problem will get it going again so your home can be cool and comfortable on those hot summer days.

Some troubleshooting requires a familiarity with electrical wiring; so if you are not comfortable with either high or low voltage electrical wiring, do not attempt these techniques. Instead, enlist the help of a professional HVAC service technician.

When your air conditioner stops working, the first thing you should do is check the most obvious problems, starting with the power. Go to the electrical panel and find the breaker for the air conditioning unit. Turn it to the OFF position, and then reset it back to the ON position. Your breaker may have been tripped but not automatically switched to the OFF position. Resetting it in this manner will get the power running again. However, if when you turn reset the power the breaker sparks, pops or trips to the OFF position, there is a more severe electrical problem. Only a professional HVAC contractor will be able to adequately remedy the problem. Leave the power in the OFF position and call in the pros.

If there is nothing wrong with the electrical, move on to the next step in troubleshooting your air conditioning system. Check the outdoor air conditioning unit and inspect the secondary breaker inside. This breaker may need to be reset. There may be a red reset button on the exterior of the outdoor unit. If the unit has power, try pushing this button. You may need replacement fuses, depending on the model of air conditioner you own. If the problem doesn't lie in either of these electrical instances, move on to the next step.

If the outdoor unit has power, and the power is running correctly from the electrical panel, there may be a problem with the low voltage circuit. Check to make sure the outdoor unit's wires are in good shape and have not been chewed by insects or animals. A transformer either located at the outdoor unit or at the indoor air handler powers the low voltage circuit. Again, it is important that a certified and licensed HVAC service technician perform tasks that have to do with electricity and wiring, especially if the homeowner has no experience or knowledge in that area. The transformer will have to be inspected for continuity using a volt-ohms meter.

If you are still having trouble with your air conditioning unit after performing all of these tasks related to the electrical wiring, you should contact an HVAC service professional. There will need to be tests done on the refrigerant levels and the circuitry of the unit that an average homeowner can no do on their own. If your air filters are clean and your electrical service is normal, the issue can only be resolved by having a qualified HVAC specialist inspect and repair the air conditioner.

Ongoing Air Conditioning Maintenance Assures You a Long Life of Cooling

One of the most important things that a person can do for their A/C system is to get a precision tune up. This is also known as a full cleaning and inspection of your air conditioner.

Every home owner should have their A/C systems cleaned once a year to help prevent parts from breaking and to help maintain the efficiency of their system. In warmer clients the air conditioner is running almost all day and everyday during the summertime, particularly if the temperature is 90簞 or hotter.

Changing the oil in a car is just as important as having maintenance on your unit. Not having your A/C units cleaned once a year is exactly like not having the oil in a car changed for 166,000 miles. This may sound extreme but just think about how long the ac runs during the summer months in the blazing heat of Florida.

So what should this process involve and how do you know that it was done correctly.

Maintenance on the air conditioner should include the cleaning of the condenser coil (outside unit) and the air handler evaporator coil (inside unit), checking the pressures, flushing the drain line, inspecting the connections and a basic cleaning of the units (wiping off dirt and dust).

By getting maintenance done every year the technician will be able to notify the homeowner if they notice an initial problem beginning with the air conditioner. The older the system is, the more important it is to get maintenance done yearly in order to avoid costly repairs.

A properly maintained A/C unit can also help you avoid the effects of air pollution in your home

It's a proven fact that the air in your house is dirtier than the air outside. Keeping the air clean in a house is often one of the toughest things for a consumer to maintain. There are many different effects of air pollution on humans that can easily be prevented.

Some of these include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Worst case scenarios can result in upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

There are a several things a person can do to help keep the air in their house clean. Simply opening the windows in your house will help bring in fresh air and move the pollutants out. Having a reliable air filter for your air conditioner system and changing it as often as necessary will also help control the dust in your home.

Having a good air filter that cleans the air before it goes through the A/C system and re-enters the house is also essential. Trane offers a product called CleanEffects. The Trane CleanEffects utilizes patented, breakthrough air cleaning technology to remove up to an astounding 99.98% of airborne allergens and pollutants from the air that passes through the filter. Having the air ducts throughout your house sanitized can also help kill any mold, prevent it from growing, and keep the air in your home as fresh as possible.

Remember, if you keep your A/C unit properly maintained annually and do some basic things to keep the air in your home clean, you can expect a long life of fresh air and great cooling from your Air Conditioning unit.

Wood Burning Stoves - Do You Have The Tools Needed To Be Using One In Your Home?

Whether you installed your wood stove yourself to reduce the cost of your heating bill, or you're utilizing the stove that came with your house when you purchased it, wood stoves can help to serve multiple purposes, including heating as well as a place for the family to gather around on those cold winter nights.

There are certain tools you should have before having a fire in your stove. Some stove tools include a poker, which can be used for stirring up the fire and moving logs around. Another tool you will need is some kind of scoop for shoveling out ashes, if your wood burning stove doesn't have any kind of ash drawer, this is a must. Another accessory you should add to your supplies arsenal, is a set of tongs for picking up logs. You may also want to purchase fire retardant gloves, so you reduce your risk of burn when working with a fire.

Blowers can be utilized in a way that is beneficial to a wide range of wood stove owners. The purpose of wood stove blowers is to redistribute the heat throughout your home. Many people don't realize the savings potential in purchasing a wood stove blower. It may be 85 degrees Fahrenheit by the stove but if the heat isn't being distributed throughout the house, other rooms in the house may only be 60 degrees or lower. The benefits in purchasing a blower are both money and peace of mind, in knowing that you are getting the most out of your wood burning stove.

Having a log holder near your wood burning stove is also a recommendation. A log holder will help to keep wood chips and saw dust consolidated all in one place. Another option is a wood carrier to help you transport your wood from wood pile to stove without losing a single chip. Log holders can be a worthy investment if you don't enjoy the mess associated with having a wood burning stove.

If you have a fireplace, you may want to consider investing in a fireplace insert. Fireplaces are not airtight structures, so most of your heat will just get sucked straight up the chimney. This is fine if you only have a fire a few times a year for special occasions, but if you are looking to use your fireplace for heating your home, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove that fits inside your fireplace. A fireplace insert is airtight so it will burn slower and it won't suck in air sending all your heat up the chimney.

When using a wood stove or fireplace, it is very important that you get your chimney checked regularly for creosote buildup. Creosote buildup is more common with slow burning such as wood stoves and fireplace inserts, but you should still get your chimney checked if you are just burning with a fireplace. It is imperative that you check for creosote in that it can potentially cause chimney fires.