HVAC

March 16, 2022 HVAC

How to Determine the Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System of Your New Home

March 16, 2022 HVAC

Your HVAC system accounts for approximately 40% of your home’s cooling needs. Efficient heating or cooling equipment can reduce the energy consumption in your home. When moving to a new house, it’s wise to assess the efficiency of the existing unit. Here are tips on how to determine the performance of your HVAC system.

Inspect the Equipment for Deterioration

When moving to a new home, you ought to assess your heating and cooling system. You can start by inspecting the HVAC unit for signs of deterioration around the equipment. Pools of water and corrosion on the casing imply the system is aging and inefficient.

Corrosion can damage the condenser coils by gradually creating a patchwork of cracks on the tubes. Statistics suggest rusting is responsible for up to 40% of equipment failures.

When the copper coils succumb to corrosion, the system will leak the refrigerant and reduce the efficiency of your system. Every HVAC system has a specific refrigerant charge corresponding to its heating and cooling load. Inadequate amounts of the fluid could force your furnace to overheat or the coils to freeze over in winter.

You can arrange for HVAC system maintenance so that technicians can clean the coils and restore their efficiency. Grime can also create an insulation layer that impacts heating and cooling. If the copper tubes are defective, a professional will recommend a replacement.

Determine the Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System

After examining the equipment’s condition, locate the energy rating label. HVAC systems have a yellow and black sticker with SEER and AFUE ratings. An Energy Star label indicates the system’s performance is higher than standard equipment of the same size.

The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) indicates the air conditioner’s efficiency. SEER calculates the cooling output against the fuel consumption for the entire season. SEER ratings start from 13 and can go up to 25.

SEER values will be on the manufacturer’s energy guide with the rating, which often includes additional characters. For example, the rating could be written as AC15. It means the air conditioner has a 16 SEER rating.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a rating that measures the heating component’s efficiency. Older boilers and furnaces have an AFUE rating of 78 and 80%. The latest heating and cooling equipment can have an AFUE of up to 98%.

Keep in mind the efficiency of the HVAC system can deteriorate due to aging or insufficient maintenance. Even a new system can deteriorate in performance and raise the operational costs for the system. Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling technicians can inspect your equipment in Jacksonville to determine its performance.

Examine the Ductwork

When assessing the performance of the new home’s heating and cooling system, be sure to examine the ductwork. The ductwork distributes conditioned air to different rooms through the supply vent and expels it through the return vent.

According to Energy Star, improper installation of air ducts is among the leading reasons new systems become inefficient. Leaks and holes on the ductwork allow conditioned air to escape, increasing your equipment’s energy consumption.

Besides improper installation, the ductwork can develop holes and gaps between connections. Lack of ductwork insulation may lead to energy losses that force your HVAC system to work harder. Your equipment can overheat and damage components.

A visual examination can spot inefficient ductwork. Tangled and loose connections indicate the tubes need sealing or a replacement. Strange noises such as hissing and banging could be a symptom of a leak.

Also, check if the vents are open to avoid damaging your HVAC system. It is a misconception that closing the vents can reduce energy consumption. But the ductwork is designed to match the building’s heating and cooling needs. Closing off the vents will only force your AC and furnace to overwork.

Some issues are not easy to identify through a visual inspection. That’s why HVAC technicians recommend consulting a professional for an assessment. Professionals can evaluate the sizing and insulation and can advise you on the best options for your Jacksonville home.

Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality Issues

Your new home’s indoor air quality is another factor that may indicate the heating and cooling system’s performance. Be sure to check surfaces for dust accumulation. Dust is a sign of poor circulation, probably caused by clogged filters or leaky ductwork.

Dust can start a vicious cycle that rapidly deteriorates your unit. Dusty condenser and evaporator coils can force your HVAC system to overwork. Your HVAC equipment will eventually break down and may require a replacement.

Unusual odors could be an indication of mold and mildew growth. Improper ductwork insulation or air leaks can introduce moisture into the system. The humidity could trigger corrosion or cause premature failure of your HVAC equipment.

Inconsistent Temperatures Across the House

An inefficient HVAC system will overwork to circulate conditioned air throughout the house. You may detect temperature differences across different rooms. The imbalance in temperature could be due to ductwork leaks or substandard equipment installation.

Your equipment may fail to heat or cool the house if its capacity is too big or too small. If its size exceeds the needs of your home, the AC will shut on and off to avoid overheating. The continuous on and off operation can speed up the deterioration of critical components.

If your equipment is too small, it will keep running continuously to meet your home’s energy demands. The system can overheat components, causing premature failure. The longer heating and cooling cycles will cause temperature imbalances across the house.

Therefore, it is best to schedule an inspection when you suspect temperature imbalances across the room. Our technicians can assess the ductwork and the quality of the installation. Talk to Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling for top-notch heating repair solutions in Jacksonville.

How to Determine if You Need a Replacement

An aging HVAC system approaching the end of its life can be expensive to run. Not only will it raise your energy bills, but you’ll also have to schedule repairs frequently. The equipment will deteriorate faster, requiring costly parts replacement in the long run.

The lifespan of an HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years. Consider replacing a system that is more than a decade old, especially if it is inefficient. Acquiring a new system may make sense in the long term compared to spending money on multiple repairs.

However, you don’t have to replace a system more than a decade old. It depends on the quality of installation and the frequency of maintenance. You can request a history of the HVAC maintenance records to evaluate its performance.

A professional inspection is the best way to determine if you need a replacement. A certified technician can offer insights on improving the system’s efficiency. You can also get more information on new technologies and features and the ideal HVAC equipment for your needs.

Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling is a trusted HVAC company providing quality services in Jacksonville. We are committed to offering transparent and consistent services to keep our clients comfortable throughout the year. You can contact our team for furnace and AC services, indoor air quality, maintenance, and replacement solutions. We have a flexible schedule, and you can consult our staff 24/7, 365 days a year. Call us today for a 100% guarantee.

6 Great Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

November 20, 2021 HVAC

With winter right around the corner, it’s an especially important time of year to have your HVAC systems running in the best possible condition. There are multiple ways to care for your appliances and ensure that they give you great results, but providing regular maintenance is perhaps the most important of them all.

By bringing in trained professionals to perform scheduled tune-ups on your heating and air conditioning systems, you’re making an investment in your household that will pay dividends in both the short and long term. We recommend providing each of your HVAC appliances with maintenance at least once a year. By doing so, everyone in your household will be able to enjoy all of the following benefits.

1. More Consistent Climate Control

Of course, your HVAC system has a huge impact on your ability to keep your home comfortable year-round. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure that your furnace and AC will always be able to do their jobs effectively.

When a furnace or air conditioner doesn’t receive regular maintenance tune-ups, it gradually loses its efficiency over time while accumulating excessive wear and tear. This wear makes it more difficult for the appliances to effectively circulate the warm and cool air that they need to provide. In many cases, you will start having to crank the heat or air conditioning up much more than usual to reach a comfortable temperature or wait significantly longer for your home to achieve your desired climate each day.

With regular HVAC maintenance conducted by skilled professionals, you will be able to always retain complete control over the temperature of your household. This way, you and your home’s other residents will enjoy more consistent comfort, even when the weather conditions are extreme.

2. More Money Saved

Providing your heating and air systems with regular professional maintenance can be viewed as a worthwhile investment for your household. When your furnace and air conditioner are properly cared for and maintained regularly, they require less energy to do their jobs effectively. This is because when our skilled HVAC technicians get to work on a tune-up, they’re able to perform the necessary tweaks to make sure that each appliance is running at optimal efficiency. In many cases, you will immediately start to notice that your monthly energy bills have gone down.

In addition to saving money on your monthly bills, regular maintenance will also save you money by greatly lowering the chances of malfunctions and breakdowns. This is true for a couple of reasons. First, because a well-maintained furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work quite so hard to do its job, it will accumulate less wear and tear. This means that the appliance’s many components will be less likely to wear out or experience problems.

Secondly, during these routine HVAC tune-ups, your trained technicians will be able to inspect your appliances for any potential issues or breakdowns that may be on the horizon. By finding these issues ahead of time, you will have the opportunity to have them taken care of before they begin to present serious problems for your household.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

Many people are unaware that their HVAC systems can actually have a significant impact on their indoor air quality. On average, the quality of air indoors tends to contain many more irritants and pollutants than outdoor air, and this can be particularly concerning for anyone who suffers from allergies or respiratory issues. You may not necessarily notice it, but your home contains particles of dust, dirt, and other debris.

If your HVAC systems aren’t maintained regularly, it’s a very real possibility that these irritants are being circulated throughout your home’s air, causing you and the other members of your household to breathe them in regularly. However, when your heating and cooling systems receive regular tune-ups, they are better able to filter out these irritants and prevent them from entering the flow of warm or cool air that is being circulated.

4. Longer Appliance Lifespan

On average, heating and cooling systems will be able to do their jobs effectively for around 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, this is typically only true of systems that receive regular maintenance. Systems that are not maintained regularly suffer undue wear and tear.

Over time, the excessive wear on your system will lead to more frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. Eventually, a poorly maintained unit will become too costly to fix, and this could occur much sooner than expected. If you want to get the most from your system, regular maintenance is a necessity.

5. A Safer Home

Did you know that when an HVAC system isn’t properly cared for, it can actually present certain dangers for your household? When any fuel-burning appliance is struggling or malfunctioning, it can create the risk of a carbon monoxide leak. If your heating or cooling systems are well-maintained, however, they produce only a minuscule amount of carbon monoxide that can be safely carried out of your home via your ventilation system.

Neglecting maintenance can result in your system producing too much carbon monoxide during operation. Poorly maintained systems are also prone to equipment failures that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. To keep you and your family safe, a little maintenance will go a long way. Also, regardless of how well you keep up with your HVAC maintenance, you should be sure to always have a working carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

6. Greater Peace of Mind

Of course, you want to feel safe and comfortable in your home. Investing in HVAC maintenance is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. After a maintenance visit, you will have peace of mind knowing that all components of your HVAC system are operating optimally. You can also rest assured that your unit will be ready to keep you warm or cool when you need it to. One of the easiest ways to keep up with your regular maintenance is by signing up for a maintenance service agreement with a trusted company like Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling.

Get Help From the HVAC Pros

At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, we are proud to offer high-quality, customer-focused HVAC services to Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas. We are a family-owned and -operated company, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. We put the word “reliable” in our name for a reason, and we strive to make sure that it always represents the service that we provide. In addition to our full slate of heating and cooling services, we also offer residents of the Jacksonville area duct cleaning and repairs and indoor air quality solutions.

Make sure that you only trust your important HVAC needs to professionals who you can count on. Call us up at Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling today, and get an appointment scheduled with one of our friendly experts.

The Basics of the Thermostatic Expansion Valve

October 20, 2021 HVAC

The thermostatic expansion valve (TEV or TXV) is a device that is essential in managing refrigerant flow. For this reason, the TXV is useful in refrigeration and air conditioning units and is found next to the evaporator.

Functional Parts of the TXV

The TXV comprises several functional components that work harmoniously to achieve the needed efficiency. The valve body houses all these components; an opening called an orifice controls the refrigerant flow. Additionally, the valve body houses the diaphragm, a flexible material made of metal, and it flexes to apply the needed pressure to the pin.

The needle is another crucial functional component that moves rhythmically up and down to change the opening size in the orifice, thus regulating the refrigerant flow. There is also the spring located within the valve body, and its primary purpose is to counter the pressure exerted by the pin and works in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the valve body has a sensing bulb responsible for detecting the temperature level at the exit point of the evaporator. The reactions of the sensing bulb dictate whether the valve opens or closes.

Pressures Acting Inside the TXV

Typically, three pressures act on the inside of the TEV. The first pressure is exerted at the top area of the TXV and is usually within the power element. As a result of this pressure, the diaphragm moves down, and similarly, the needle also moves down, causing the valve to open.

An increase in the temperature within the evaporator leads to the gas expansion in the feeler bulb, causing the gas pressure in the power element to increase. As a result, the needle moves down, causing the valve to open.

Another pressure operates on the lower side of the diaphragm, resulting from the pressure inside the evaporator. This pressure usually moves the diaphragm upward, closing the valve opening. The third pressure is the spring pressure, which tends to be constant and works to close the valve opening.

The two latter pressures typically work to counteract the pressure at the top area of the diaphragm. Overall, the first pressure aims to open the valve, while the second and third pressure combination tends to close the TXV. As a result, if the valve has to open at a point, the first pressure must be greater than the combined force of the second and third forces.

How the Thermostatic Expansion Valve Works

Typically, the valve works to hold the liquid refrigerant, which has high pressure from making its way into the condenser and regulating the refrigerant flow. The thermostatic expansion valve causes a significant decrease in refrigerant pressure, thus allowing boiling at low temperatures. The boiling is essential as it helps the refrigerant to acquire heat and direct it into the compressor.

Next, the liquid refrigerant, which is under high pressure, is forced through the orifice opening, which significantly causes a reduction in its pressure when it flows past. As the pressure reduces, it causes some of the refrigerant to vaporize while some remains in a liquid state. This process has a similar operation to how a spray bottle nozzle works. When the trigger is pulled, the high-pressurized water inside is ejected through the small opening into a low-pressure external environment. This makes the water comes out as part liquid and part vapor.

The combination of the gas and liquid is injected into the evaporator and gains heat from the pipe. As the refrigerant flows, it is exposed to extreme thermal energy and changes state into a complex gas in the evaporator coil. As a result, the temperature remains constant because of the latent heat.

The refrigerant continues gathering thermal energy, and after the phase change, its temperature begins to increase, resulting in the superheating of the refrigerant vapor. The sensing bulb is alert to these temperature variances to regulate the refrigerant in the main valve body.

Effect of a Rise in the Cooling Load

When there is a significant rise in the cooling load, it results in more refrigerant evaporating within the evaporator. At the exit point of the evaporator, both the superheat and the temperature start to rise.

Since it’s desirable to keep the superheat temperature within correct limits, it’s essential to reduce its high temperature, which is made possible by letting more refrigerant flow. As a result, the pin is pushed downwards and exerts a force on the spring, which adjusts to facilitate the refrigerant to flow past the orifice in the valve body.

The sensing bulb notes the temperature change, and as a result, the refrigerant, usually held in a constrained space within the bulb, evaporates. Because of the limited area where this refrigerant is held, pressure builds up, moving through the capillary tube into the top of the TEV. The diaphragm is pushed down, exerting a downward force on the pin, which in turn exerts pressure on the spring, and it moves to enable the refrigerant to flow in the evaporator.

Next, the valve readjusts to ensure the pressure directed on the diaphragm is more than the pressure produced by the spring. This readjustment allows the desired refrigerant level to make its way through; consequently, the superheat lowers.

Lowering of the Cooling Load

If the cooling load faces a significant decrease, it leads to a decline in the superheat temperature. The sensing bulb detects this change, reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant. The refrigerant that is held in the capillary tube begins to settle back into the bulb, and the valve opening is closed. Eventually, the TXV equalizes, and the desired amount of refrigerant flows through and equalizes with the superheat settings.

Suppose the valve doesn’t respond to the superheat, in that case, it can allow the liquid to pass through into the compressor. The result can be fatal for the compressor since fluids aren’t easily compressible and lead to severe internal compressor damages.

The TEV is crucial in keeping the evaporator active by allowing refrigerant to flow per the cooling load. The valve allows the evaporator to operate as per the requirements and eliminates any possible wastage of evaporator capacity. The valve enables the enclosure air conditioner to work at optimal capacity to deal with the heat loads. For instance, it can function at a greater capacity when the heat load rises.

The TXV, therefore, is a significant part that works with precision to regulate how the refrigerant flows as a response to systematic conditions. For this reason, the TXV has gained popularity in the manufacturing of HVAC systems. This is all you need to be aware of in regards to the primary function of the TEV.

Are you in need of cooling and heating services? Get in touch with us at Reliable Ducts. We specialize in residential AC repair and installation services in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas. Additionally, we also provide air quality services.

Contact Reliable Ducts today for more information or to get a quote.

Tips for Saving on Your Heating Bills in Winter

September 20, 2021 HVAC

On average, your heating system is responsible for 40% of the energy you consume in your home. You can reduce your utility bills by addressing energy usage by your system. Here are the top tips for saving money on your heating system in the winter.

Address Insulation Problems and Air Leaks
Insulation can boost your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bill. Without insulation, the wall or ceiling will conduct heat to adjacent rooms.

You also require the correct grade of insulation for different parts of your home and your climate. For example, EPA recommends R-values between R30 and R60 for houses in Jacksonville. For the attic, the R-value is between R25 and R38.

The R-value is an indication of the material’s resistance to thermal energy. Without the correct insulation grade, you could be losing up to 50% of the heat from your system. An upgrade of the insulation can reduce your heating bills and extend the life of your equipment.

The type of insulation you need will depend on the availability of space in that room. Fiberglass may require multiple layers to attain the desired R-value. Spray foam, which has a higher insulation rating, is more suitable for smaller rooms with a shortage of space.

An energy audit can help spot areas of your home that have insulation deficiencies or leaks. Leaks around doors or windows can let the air out, leading to high utility bills. You can talk to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling in Jacksonville for dependable heating solutions.

Take Advantage of Natural Lighting and Heating
You can manage your heating bills by taking advantage of the energy from the sun. During the day, you can open the windows to let sunlight heat the room. If the day is sunny, keep the blinds, shades, and curtains open.

At night, close the curtains or shades as soon as the sunsets. That way, you’ll be trapping the warm air and, in the process, reduce your heating bills.

You can use heavy curtains, especially if you have air leaks around the window. It can be a temporary solution before you can seal the gaps around windows and doors.

Using ceiling fans in reverse can facilitate the distribution of air around the house. As the fan moves in the counterclockwise direction, it pulls air upwards. You can push a switch at the base of the fan to force it to run in reverse. When you stand beneath it, the draft should be blowing down on you.

You may also want to reconsider the furniture arrangement. Bookshelves and couches could be limiting the airflow and, in turn, forcing your system to overwork. Leave some clearance around the vents to allow air to flow freely in and out of the room.

Lower Thermostat Settings or Use a Programmable Device
According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% of the heating costs by lowering your thermostat. The agency recommends turning down the temperatures by between 7 to 8 degrees for eight hours a day.

You can set different temperatures when you are home during the day and at night while you sleep. For example, the setting when you are awake can be 68 degrees and 60 degrees at night. The colder interiors are more suitable for sleeping, as too much warmth can interrupt your sleep.

You may also reduce temperatures during the cold season when you are away on vacation. Turning down the system can reduce the energy consumption of your home.

However, it is not always a good idea to switch off your systems completely. Heating is necessary to prevent your plumbing from freezing. Additionally, any pets you have will need temperatures close to your regular setting to keep them warm.

When you want to save energy while away, one of the best options is to use a programmable thermostat. You can easily set the system to heat your home half an hour before you return home. When you step through the door, the room will be cozy.

A programmable thermostat has other convenient features to boost your comfort. You can check on your system while on vacation. Some devices can send you a report of your monthly energy consumption. Our technicians at Reliable Heating & Ducts can work with you to find a device suitable for your system.

Consider Zoning for Unused Rooms in Your Home
One way to save energy is to close off any unused areas of your home. If those rooms are always unoccupied, heating them will only waste energy. Ensure the door is closed to trap the heat inside the room.

However, it is not advisable to close off the vents. Air can accumulate and can increase the pressure in the ductwork. Eventually, the air may leak into the unconditioned areas of your home. Your heating system may cycle on and off, trying to keep up with the demands of your home.

Additionally, the design of vents and ductwork is tailored to fit the needs of the building. As a result, components of your furnace may overheat. Your equipment will cycle on and off and will deteriorate faster as a result.

Zoning is the most effective way to lower your utility bills if you have unoccupied rooms. It involves using multiple indoor air handlers connected to an outdoor unit. Heating depends on the needs of each room.

Zoning optimizes comfort in your home by addressing varying temperature needs. It also ensures that all rooms are heated to prevent pipes running behind the wall from freezing.

By zoning parts of the house, you can increase the longevity of the system. Since it only runs when it is necessary, it reduces the rate of deterioration of your equipment. It also strikes a balance between energy consumption and comfort. You can talk to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling staff to explore your options in Jacksonville.

Keep Your Furnace Efficient with a Tune-up
The average life of a furnace is between 16 and 20 years. As it starts to age, your system may develop issues such as ignition problems or frequent cycling. A malfunctioning unit works hard to keep the interior warm in winter. As a result, the faulty components will draw more energy in the process.

If your furnace is faulty, a timely repair service will prevent further complications. Ideally, you ought to stick to your annual maintenance routine. Experienced technicians can find fault during the service and replace parts to restore the system’s efficiency.

The frequency of the maintenance service will depend on how often you use the system and the equipment. Once a year is sufficient for a forced-air system. Heat pumps should be services at least once every six months. Busy homes with pets and multiple occupants can schedule a tune-up twice a year for the best results.

If you need trusted heating repair and installation services in Jacksonville, don’t hesitate to call Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling. We offer a wide range of solutions from indoor air quality to duct cleaning and heat pumps. When you call on our team, you can expect personalized solutions designed to meet your specific needs. For your peace of mind, we offer a 100% guarantee for the service we provide. You can call Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling’s trusted team today for trusted services in Jacksonville.

Don’t Make These Summer Cooling Mistakes

August 9, 2021 HVAC

Most people are looking for ways to get the most out of every dollar and make good decisions about home cooling costs. When you’re looking for ways to cut down on your air conditioner costs, you might turn to friends, family, and neighbors to learn more tricks that could save you a few dollars here or there. But the sad fact is that there are a lot of myths floating around that could end up costing you more than what is necessary. We would like to take some time and help you sort through the misnomers to find better strategies for saving on cooling costs this summer.

Turning Your Air Conditioner Totally Off Only Saves in the Short Term
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about saving on cooling costs is how much it takes to cool a house down from a very high temperature. Lots of people completely turn their air conditioners off when they go to work and come home to an extremely hothouse. Then, they turn the air conditioner back on to cool the temperature down. This seems like a reasonable strategy for cutting costs because you don’t have to pay to keep your house cool when you’re away at work.

However, the amount of energy that your air conditioner has to expend to get it back down to a comfortable temperature is enough to offset any gains you made by turning the air conditioner off all day. To top it off, you have to spend even more on the price of electricity if you’re coming home at a peak time of day. The much better option is to turn your temperature up somewhat higher than what you would set it to if you were at home. This is a good way to save some money rather than paying for cool air that you won’t be around to enjoy. Also, it takes your AC unit longer to cool down your home after it has been off all-day

Closing Doors and Vents to Rooms You Don’t Use Isn’t Actually Helping
You should also be careful about the misnomer about closing the vents and doors to rooms that you’re not using to save on energy costs. This, again, sounds like a genius idea, but the reality is that your HVAC system was set up to work with the entire house. When you close doors and vents, what you end up doing is stopping free airflow throughout the house. This will force your air conditioner to work even harder than it would normally, which will cost more energy and money in the long run.

It Turns Out That Appliances and Electronics Add a Lot of Extra Heat
When you want to cut down on the heat in your home, you should avoid using too many appliances and electronics when it’s hot outside. It’s a myth that things like television sets, clothes dryers, and other household items don’t put out enough energy to matter. The reality is that even a curling iron that’s turned on can often heat up a small bathroom. When you multiply the number of televisions, computers, stereo systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and any other appliances that put out energy together, you have a lot of extra heat.

While you obviously can’t unplug your refrigerator and freezer, there are several other steps that you can take to cut down on the amount of heat that various things in your house are producing. For instance, the clothes dryer and dishwasher are two items that put out a lot of heat, but you can use them in the early morning hours when it’s not as hot outside, or you could turn them on before you leave for a few hours so that you don’t have to be around when it’s hot inside. When it comes to cooking with the oven or stovetop, skip it. Either use the barbecue outside or make a meal you can either heat up in the microwave. Or, better yet, make a cold-cut sandwich.

Don’t Fool Yourself Into Thinking That a Lower Thermostat Setting Will Cool Off the House Faster
This might be people’s wishful thinking when they’re frustrated because of the heat, but it’s actually somewhat common for people to turn their thermostats way down to a very cold temperature in an effort to get the house to cool off faster. The reality is that your air conditioner cools off the house at the same rate regardless of whether you set the thermostat to 50 degrees or to 72 degrees. When you turn the thermostat to 50 degrees, you just have to remember to manually turn the air conditioner off.

A better plan of attack is to not let your house get so hot that you have the urge to have it instantly cold. Otherwise, you could have your air conditioner set to turn on about half an hour before you get home so that you can come home to a house that’s already at a pleasant temperature.

Bigger Is Only Better With Some Things
Bigger might be better to some people when it comes to appliances, but it’s just not the case when it comes to air conditioners, which require that you buy the correct size for the square footage of your house. When you buy an air conditioner that’s too big for your space, the air cools too quickly. That might sound like a nice problem to have, but when the air cools down too quickly, the air conditioner shuts off, and it doesn’t have time to pull all of the moisture out of the air. This leaves the house feeling cool but clammy, and most people don’t like this effect. A better option is to buy the right size air conditioner for the size house that you own.

Don’t Think That Doors and Windows Are Your Biggest Problem
It might seem like the majority of the heat that leaks into the house would be around the windows and doors. You may have always been told how important it is to have enough sealings around the edges to keep the house cool and free of humidity. However, you’re going to be surprised to learn that the walls are actually a much larger source of heat transfer than anywhere else in the house. You have pipes and electrical outlets in the house, and if your home is made of wood, there’s a very good chance that you’re losing quite a bit of heat. Brick homes tend to fare better because brick can insulate better than wood. But if you want to cut down on the amount of heat transfer between the inside of your house and the outside, have a professional inspect your home to find all of the key places where you could insulate.

When it’s time to find some ways of getting the best out of your air conditioner, find tips and excellent customer service for your air conditioner and furnace at Reliable Ducts in Jacksonville, FL. We also offer air quality solutions, too.

How To Make the Best Use of Your Air Conditioning

July 19, 2021 HVAC

Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances you have at home, especially during sweltering summertime temperatures. And while operating an AC unit seems very simple and straightforward, most homeowners and business owners tend to run theirs inefficiently. Whether it is constantly changing the thermostat settings or placing the compressor unit of their AC in direct sunlight, these habits and decisions not only lead to higher monthly utility bills but also higher AC upkeep costs. To help you run your AC unit more efficiently, here are 12 tips to follow:

1. Avoid Touching Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat to speed up the process of cooling your home is one of the most common fallacies of AC unit operation. Most people are good about maintaining the AC at the recommended 78 degrees. Others might set the temperature higher when the space is unused or lower when temperatures are especially high. Playing around with your thermostat’s setting won’t help with either the rate of cooling or energy consumption. Set your thermostat to the recommended temperature and walk away.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Your AC unit should not be operating during the coolest hours of the day or when nobody’s home. It is unnecessary and adds to your monthly utility bill. In some cases, you might forget to switch it off. It is an honest but costly mistake that can be avoided through the use of a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, your AC unit can be scheduled to kick on a few minutes before you get home from school or work. This makes sure that you walk into a cool and relaxing haven while also helping you cut down on energy usage.

3. Use Auto Mode
There are two settings on your thermostat that control the air conditioner’s fan: “Auto” and “On.” While there are some benefits to using the “On” setting, opting for the “Auto” setting is typically the better choice. With the fan in Auto mode, air will only blow until the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, and then it will shut off until the next cycle. In addition to reducing the amount of time that the fan is working, the Auto setting also supports better dehumidification by giving moisture from cold cooling coils the time it needs to drip and be drained to the outside. When your AC’s fan is continually running, moisture doesn’t have the chance to drip outside and is instead blown back into the home where it adds to indoor humidity levels.

4. Use a Dehumidifier
During hot days, it is often the humidity that makes the atmosphere unbearable. In addition to cooling your home with your AC, invest in a good dehumidifier to remove the humidity from your home. Some higher-end AC units will have a dehumidifying mode, so you may not have to purchase a separate appliance.

5. Clean or Replace Your AC’s Filters
Your AC’s filters are one of the most important components of the whole system. For reusable filters, experts recommend that you clean them at least once every month and replace them annually. For quick and efficient cleaning, simply vacuum the filter or rinse the filters off with warm soapy water. Disposable filters should typically be replaced every three months.

6. Clean Your AC Fins
Your air conditioner’s fins are the grille-like siding found at the exterior portion of the unit. Similar to filters, the fins help direct airflow. Clogged or bent fins can result in inefficient heat dispersion. Clean the fins using a soft brush such as a toothbrush, or use a fin comb. The latter is a special device to clean and realign bent fins.

7. Clean Your Vents
If you have an air-to-air heat pump unit, you’ll want to regularly check and maintain the vents for efficient cooling. Vents that are blocked by dirt and debris or have structural damage can affect airflow and your AC’s ability to get rid of hot air. If you do not wish to regularly maintain your AC’s vents, consider switching to a ductless system. Each type of heat pump has its own pros and cons that you will want to talk about with a qualified HVAC technician.

8. Use Blinds
Of course, we all know that natural light can be great for lowering your lighting costs by keeping rooms well-lit without having to use electricity. In terms of temperature regulation, however, natural light can account for roughly 25% of the heat indoors. Keep the blinds and curtains closed in empty rooms, especially during the day and in rooms that are facing east or west.

9. Use Fans
During the cooler hours of the day, such as nighttime when the heat starts to taper off, you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees and use ceiling or tower fans instead of the AC to cool your home. The energy consumed by fans is significantly lower than that of an AC unit, especially for older AC units that are not ENERGY STAR-certified. You can also use fans in a support capacity to help your AC unit move cold air around larger spaces.

10. Eliminate Hot Air
Exhaust fans are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchen spaces. You can use them to expel hot air from the premises. In addition to hot air coming from outside, certain domestic activities, including running your washer, dryer or dishwasher, can generate heat that lingers inside your home. Cooking is another common activity that generates a significant amount of heat. If your home does not have an exhaust fan, you can use a tower fan in the kitchen while you cook.

11. Avoid Cooking or Washing at Noon
Perhaps the easiest way to eliminate hot air generated by the domestic activities listed above is to reschedule them to the cooler hours of the day. Put off dishwashing or cooking until at least late afternoon or early morning the next day. Roasting a whole chicken in a 400-degree oven while it is a sunny 90 degrees outside forces your AC unit to work harder to cool the place down.

12. Keep Your AC Unit Out of Direct Sunlight
The recommended location of a central AC unit is on the north section of your property. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an available option. You can instead make use of landscaping techniques to provide cover for your AC’s compressor unit. Not only does it give your AC unit some shade, but planting shrubs and trees around your home also helps cool your home naturally.

Get Help From the Professionals
These tips can help improve how efficiently you run your air conditioner all year long. If you want to further improve your unit’s efficiency, consult one of our certified and insured HVAC technicians at Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling.

We have been serving Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding neighborhoods for years now. We offer a full range of both heating and cooling services, including installation, repair and maintenance. We also offer affordable air quality solutions such as duct cleaning and UV air purifiers to help your family live a healthier life. To find out more about how we can help you, contact us today.

How To Reset Air Conditioning Unit

June 29, 2021 HVAC

The worst thing that can happen to any homeowner is the breakdown of their air conditioning unit in the middle of summer, especially when you are not financially prepared. Learning how to reset your AC will help you reboot it to correct glitches. Note that ACs contain a protection circuit breaker meant to prevent fire and explosion. In case of a blackout, your unit may fail to kick on immediately once power gets restored. In such a case, you need to reboot the system to restore its functionality. Also, if you set your AC to cool but it fails to blow in cool air, rebooting can sometimes help fix such an issue. Here are some ways you can reset your AC.

1. Use the Reset Button
The easiest way to reset an AC is by using the reset button. Most units have one, usually a small red button located on or around the AC body. It’s tiny to prevent it from being accidentally activated. If you can’t find it, read through the manufacturer’s manual, or do a quick online search for your brand. Once you find the button, long-press it for around three seconds, and observe whether your AC responds. If it doesn’t, check if there is power, then press the reset button once again for three more seconds. The AC should respond by beeping three times before it kicks on. If you don’t find the reset button, you may want to try another method.

2. Reset the AC Via the Power Point
If your unit doesn’t have a reset button, you will need to reboot it manually. However, this might take longer for your system to get back to work. Locate the power point. For a portable, window, or wall split system, it’s usually at the indoor unit. First, turn the power off for safety purposes. Next, remove the power cord from the electrical panel to ensure that the AC isn’t receiving any power. Leave it disconnected for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow all the charge to dissipate.

Once the time elapses, plug the AC to back to power, turn it on and see how it functions. If it still fails to work, unplug it again and plug in another appliance to the power point. If the device works, then the power point isn’t faulty, so try out another restarting method. However, if the device doesn’t work, then the power point has a problem, and you need to call a technician to fix it.

3. Use the Isolation Switch
Look for the isolation switch located by the outdoor unit. It has a shape similar to an inverted letter V with an on and off position. For older models, the isolation switch might be near the indoor unit. It looks like an ordinary light switch, so you will need to confirm this from the manufacturer’s manual. The primary role of the isolator is to disconnect the power supply to the unit when it detects unusual electric currents to reduce the risk of electrical problems.

Turn the isolator to the off position, then leave it for about 30 minutes. This is to allow the AC to reset and troubleshoot mechanical issues. After 30 minutes, turn the isolator on, switch on the AC and observe if it’s working as expected. If it still doesn’t work, you can try out the next method.

4. Reset the AC Via the Circuit Breaker
First, turn the AC’s thermostat to the off position, look for the shut-off button located on the unit and turn it off for safety purposes. Now find the circuit breaker box, usually in the basement, crawl spaces, or closet. Open the switchboard’s door to gain access. Your circuit breaker should have clear labels of each item on the circuit control, so look at it carefully. Look for the breaker linked to your AC and flip it to the off position. Wait for about 30 minutes, then turn the circuit breaker back on.

Note that some models have fuses. Once you open the switchboard door, you might need to remove a second cover to access the fuse. To reset the AC, pull out the fuse and fit it back after some time. Replace a damaged fuse with a new one, but if it’s still in working condition, you can refit it. Once you reinstall the fuse or turn the safety switch back on, set the thermostat to cool, turn your AC on, wait for it to cool, and observe whether it’s working well.

5. Seek Professional Assistance
After trying out all the solutions above and your AC still fails to restart, check if there is a power supply, and then call a professional to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Also, if your AC completely stops working after restarting it, have a professional examine it. You should never attempt to reboot the AC if it frequently malfunctions. This indicates the presence of an underlying issue that needs professional assessment.

If your AC cools your house slowly and it’s old, you don’t need to restart it. Instead, call a technician to service it, and if it still doesn’t work as expected, it might be time to replace it.

Additionally, if the breaker keeps tripping and you need to restart your AC multiple times, there is an issue that needs immediate attention. Continuing to run the AC at such a state will cause more damage to the interior components calling for expensive repairs and replacements.

You should never attempt to restart the AC if the switchboard panel has exposed wires. This will only put your safety and that of your loved ones at risk. Exposed wires can cause shock, electrocution, and even a fire breakout. Also, if you restart the unit, you might end up causing permanent damage, and you will replace the AC sooner than expected. In such a case, call a qualified technician immediately to address the issue.

Are You Having Trouble Restarting Your AC? Seek Professional Help
When your unit stops working, you shouldn’t just rush to call a technician while you can try resolving the issue by simply resetting. Restarting your AC can help solve minor mechanical problems and get your unit back to work. However, resetting your AC isn’t always the solution. If the above tricks don’t work, you could be dealing with a clogged air filter, low refrigerant level, frozen evaporator coils, fan problems, or leaking duct. In such a case, you need to call a professional to check the root of the problem. Regular AC maintenance will also help prevent such issues. During tune-ups, the technician will change or clean the filters, clean and inspect the coils, lubricate the moving parts, recharge the refrigerant and fix any loose electrical connections to ensure that the AC runs smoothly. They can also easily detect minor problems and resolve them before they escalate into significant issues.

If you have any questions concerning restarting your AC, get in touch with Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling. We offer AC and heating systems installation, repair, and replacement services. We also deal with humidity control, duct cleaning, ventilation testing, duct repairs, and new construction services in Jacksonville, FL, and the nearby areas. Call our friendly team now to schedule an appointment.

Does Humidity Affect My Air Conditioner?

May 16, 2021 HVAC

High levels of humidity indoors are not only uncomfortable but can damage valuables in your home. Additionally, high moisture levels will impact your air conditioner’s ability to regulate temperatures. In regions where it is hot and humid, your AC will struggle to maintain comfort. This article will explore the different ways humidity affects your AC and some practical solutions for addressing humidity levels.

How Humidity Levels Affects Comfort and AC Efficiency
The primary role of an air conditioner is to draw out hot, stuffy air and replace it with cold and fresh draught. But your HVAC unit has another function, which is to regulate humidity and keep the levels low. When the humidity level rises dramatically, most systems cannot handle the excess moisture in the interior.

Even when the AC is at its optimum performance, considerable amounts of vapor can affect its function. When it’s humid, the air feels hotter and muggier than it is. As a result, there is a temptation to turn up the air conditioning to raise the comfort levels in your home.

The ideal humidity levels are typically between 30% and 60%. Above 60%, and the atmosphere is moist and damp. The concentration of vapor can be high enough that your skin starts to feel clammy. Another critical sign is a musty or pungent smell coming from parts of your home. It is an indication that microbial growth is beginning to spread due to excess moisture.

When humidity is below 30%, it can also have adverse effects on your valuables, health, and comfort. It can cause itching and skin irritation. Additionally, dry air damages valuables made of wood, forcing them to crack and weaken. For optimum comfort, the challenge is to keep humidity levels between 30% and 60%. In such situations, we recommend using a humidifier.

Humidity Levels and AC Sizing Factors
It is a myth that you need a high-capacity air conditioner to keep your home cozy through the summer. Accurate sizing is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of your unit. An oversize system will not only raise your utility bills but will also affect your home’s comfort.

When AC is oversize, it will cycle at a frequency higher than a regular cooling system. It will keep switching on and off to prevent overcooling the room. As such, your equipment does not run enough to remove excess moisture from your home’s interior.

For that reason, it is essential to have an HVAC system that is the correct size of the interior. It will also be challenging for an undersize or aging cooling unit to keep humidity levels in check.

Ventilation System Design and Impact on Humidity
Another factor that can impact humidity levels is the type of air conditioner you use in your home. A single-speed air conditioner will have the same effect as an oversize HVAC unit. It will keep running until it reaches the desired temperature levels and then switches off until temperatures rise again.

A variable-speed motor can run at varying speeds, as the name suggests. With variable speed systems, the temperature regulation is gradual and slower. Your equipment has a better chance of removing humidity in the air than a conventional single-speed AC.

A variable-speed AC unit works best when you pair it with Smart systems. You can change the settings of a programmable thermostat to ensure temperature regulation is accurate. Not only will you be reducing your equipment’s energy consumption, but also manage the levels of moisture in the building.

Poor ventilation design allows negative air pressure to accumulate inside the ductwork. The AC draws too much air into the ducts, creating negative pressure. When the air is very moist outside, it will pull the vapor into the interior, raising humidity levels.

Maintaining Healthy Humidity Levels
When indoor moisture levels are high, your body struggles to remain cool. That is because vapor makes it harder for sweat on your skin to evaporate. It is the evaporation process that absorbs heat from your body. As a result, you have a higher risk of heatstroke due to high humidity levels.

Indoor moisture levels can be higher than in the outdoors. That is often due to air finding its way into your home through crawlspaces or openings on the wall. Activities taking place in your home can also raise the humidity to unhealthy levels. You can optimize home comfort by doing some tasks outdoors or taking practical precautions.

Showering, cooking, and hanging clothes to hang outside are some activities that could raise moisture levels. If you must carry out these tasks indoors, consider using an exhaust fan. Exhaust fans are used in bathrooms and kitchens or rooms where humidity is likely to be a problem.

Another way to control moisture is to encourage circulation around the house. Leave doors between rooms open to allow movement of air across spaces. That way, heat moves to cold surfaces preventing condensation and the accumulation of moisture.

Moisture Problems and Weatherization
Moisture issues tend to vary depending on your location and climate. In Florida, the air is often hot and humid, as opposed to hot and dry, in the southwest regions. The solutions to these humidity problems must consider the climates and their implications.

For example, using a single-speed or oversize air conditioner could worsen the moisture problems in places like Florida. You will be tempted to raise the thermostat settings to keep your home cooler. But you’ll only overwork your AC and increase energy consumption.

The design of your cooling system is, therefore, most crucial in maintaining healthy humidity levels. At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, we offer exceptional air quality services in Jacksonville. Our acclaimed team can carry out ventilation testing and duct cleaning. Our humidity control solutions will keep your Jacksonville home cozy even in extreme weather.

When to Use Dehumidifiers
When it is hot and muggy in Florida, you can reduce moisture levels by using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the indoors, preventing microbial growth and musty odors. You can use it when you experience discomfort, but how you utilize it will impact energy savings.

The best time to run the dehumidification system is before humidity accumulates in the house. If moisture accumulates, occupants will feel like the interior is hotter than it is. So you can run it as soon as you notice humidity levels rising.

Ideally, the dehumidifier should run for about 12 hours a day when moisture levels are in the upper range. Home comfort specialists consider that to be the best way to eliminate humidity at optimum energy efficiency.

The high levels of humidity in your home could also be from indoor activities. In such situations, it is advisable to determine the precise moisture levels using a hygrometer. Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling will be glad to assess your Jacksonville home for humidity and energy efficiency.

We provide indoor air quality solutions such as ventilation testing, duct cleaning, UV light, and humidity control. As a family-owned company, we have a reputation for offering customer-focused services. Our range of services includes AC installation, maintenance, and repairs. Our services come with a 100% guarantee. You can count on Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling for unbeatable solutions in Jacksonville.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

April 6, 2021 HVAC

Most people love to spend time in a cool air-conditioned house when summer hits. However, when the AC unit starts making some strange noises, it could make your home less comfortable. Ignoring such signs can cause major issues in your cooling system, resulting in expensive future repairs. The sooner you can spot the cause of the noises and fix it, the better. Beware of the following noises from your air conditioner.

1. Banging or Clanging Noises

Any time you hear clanging sounds from the outdoor unit, it means that something is disrupting the fan’s operations. It could also be a sign that the AC unit has some broken components. Due to normal wear and tear, various compressor parts may become loose, creating loud banging sounds. Unfortunately, you might need to get a new compressor.

Other times the blower motor can get out of balance, hitting other components. Such issues can worsen when ignored, so immediately turn off the system and call a professional to check the issue before it damages other parts.

2. High-Pitch Screeching or Screaming Noise

If your AC unit produces loud screaming or screeching noises, it could be having issues with the compressor or fan motor. If the unit kicks on and you immediately hear the noises, the compressor is likely operating at very high pressure. In this case, you need to shut off your system and immediately call a professional. You might need to replace the compressor or the entire appliance. On the other hand, if the noise is present the entire time while running the air conditioner, you could have a loose fan motor. Again, contact an experienced HVAC technician to replace it.

3. Rattling Noises

Rattling sounds indicate a problem with the blower or assembly motor. This happens when a part of the assembly motor or blower becomes loose and begins to toss around inside the outdoor condenser unit. Turn off the power, and then inspect the condenser unit for any loose parts you can fasten. Additionally, your AC unit may produce rattling noises when clogged with twigs or leaves. Clean the area around the outdoor unit.

4. Unusual Hissing or Bubbling Noise

Hissing sounds from the indoor unit are signs of a refrigerant leak. During normal operation, the refrigerant runs in a closed loop. When these capillary tubes corrode or wear off, they create holes where the refrigerant escapes at a high pressure, producing hissing sounds.

Shut off the system immediately and call a professional. Note that a refrigerant leak can reduce the system’s efficiency and cause some health risks to your family.

If the hissing sounds come from above the ceiling or under the floor, it could be due to leaky ductwork. This will not only cause annoying noises but also waste energy. Depending on where the leak is, you can fix it yourself using duct tape, or you may seek professional assistance.

5. Loud Humming Sounds

A neglected fan can cause humming sounds. Your air conditioner requires constant maintenance to clean its components and keep them in working conditions. If one of the blades in the fan motor bends, it can also cause humming sounds. Sometimes it’s due to electrical problems that need immediate attention. Other times the AC unit produces humming noises due to loose wiring.

6. Loud Clicking Sound

A consistent clicking sound signifies a defective thermostat, contractor, or controls. It’s a good idea that you leave electrical issues to professionals. You can sometimes hear loud clicking noises when an object finds its way into the blower fan, so it continuously hits against the fan as it runs.

7. Buzzing Noise From the Outdoor Unit

A buzzing sound from your air conditioner means that you could be having electrical issues. It mainly happens due to loose wiring or issues with the fan motor or circuit breaker. For the circuit breaker, the cause of the problem is usually dirty air filters or debris around the unit. Although it might seem like a simple issue to fix, electrical problems are hazardous and require a professional approach.

Other causes of buzzing noises include a dirty condenser coil, an imbalanced blower, a loose outdoor fan motor, copper lines rubbing against obstacles, and refrigerant leaks.

8. Unusual Whirring Sounds

Whirring sounds in an air conditioner usually appear due to mechanical problems in the indoor or outdoor fans. When the fan blades become loose, they produce some helicopter-like whirring sounds. The noises may also result from broken belts, and you need to call a professional to assist you with this.

Additionally, this can happen when a piece of paper or other debris gets trapped in the blower motor, causing rapid whirling sounds. If you can, remove the obstruction. Be sure to also keep the area around the unit tidy and discourage your kids from playing too close to it.

9. Pulsating Noises From the Outdoor Unit

A little pulsing noise from your air conditioner shouldn’t raise concerns since this happens with the unit’s normal operations. However, if the outdoor unit makes excessive pulsating sounds, such that you can hear them inside the house, you need to have the unit inspected. It’s a sign that there’s a loose part inside the appliance, like the fan motor, which may need replacement.

Other times this happens when the refrigerant line comes into contact with walls as it passes through. Contact a professional to move the refrigerant lines away from the walls and add insulation to stop the pulsing.

10. Whistling Noises

Whining or whistling noises from your AC unit signifies problems with airflow. It can happen if the ductwork is incompatible with your HVAC unit. Also, if the ductwork is too narrow for the air blowing through the appliance, it can cause whining sounds. This can happen when you have cracked ducts or clogged filters too. You can resolve this by cleaning or changing the filter, or you can call a professional to seal the ductwork.

Additionally, if you have an older unit with multiple repairs or replacements, it can produce whistling sounds if the parts fail to fit correctly.

11. Cracking or Popping Noises

If you notice constant cracking noises from your air conditioner, ice could be forming inside your unit. This happens when you set the temperature too low or when the system fails to drain appropriately. You can resolve this by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature. If the sounds persist, have a professional technician assess the issue. Additionally, pull out the drain pan, empty it, and clean it to prevent backup of cold water that can freeze in the air conditioner.

Summing Up

Investigate the cause of noises in your AC unit before calling a technician, as you may be able to resolve some issues with simple adjustments. If the problem persists or involves complex tasks like electrical faults or compressor replacement, contact a professional. Note that regular air conditioning maintenance can help prevent noise occurrence. An HVAC technician can identify problems early on and fix them to eliminate disturbing noises.

If you experience any noises with your AC unit, reach out to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling. We offer a range of services, including heating and air conditioning installation, replacement, and maintenance. Our company also deals with duct cleaning, duct repairs, ventilation testing, and humidity control services. We serve Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding regions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

How Often Should You Get HVAC Maintenance?

February 12, 2021 HVAC

When the weather is a little too much to bear, most people seek relief from their air conditioning and heating systems. However, as your HVAC unit runs, it can accumulate dirt in areas like the filters or condensing coils, which affects its efficiency. It is therefore essential that you have your unit serviced regularly.

The best time to schedule HVAC maintenance is just before summer or winter. Have the heating system serviced during the fall season and the air conditioner in the spring. HVAC technicians are less likely to be on emergency calls at such periods, and they will be able to service your unit at your convenience.

The technician will fix any form of damage right away to prepare the HVAC system to handle your cooling or heating requirements. Here are the benefits of having a professional perform regular maintenance on your HVAC unit.

1. Improved Comfort

The main reason for installing an HVAC system at home is to maintain comfortable indoor conditions no matter the season. However, malfunctioning HVAC components can hinder your unit from meeting the desired temperature requirement set on the thermostat.

If you ignore regular maintenance, after a while, you might begin to note that some rooms appear chilly during the winter or extremely hot in the summer. Regular maintenance helps your unit distribute warm or cool air evenly. Some simple tasks like cleaning your ductwork or air filter allow steady airflow to eliminate chances of hot or cold spots in your house.

2. You Will Save More Money

It is worth noting that a neglected HVAC unit can work around 20 times harder to produce a similar amount of cooling or heating with a well-maintained system. During maintenance, a technician can unclog any blocked part of the unit that could be restricting airflow. This helps lower the level of stress on your unit’s components, reducing chances of wear and tear.

Regular tune-ups also keep your system in peak operating condition, so it expends less energy, thereby lowering your utility bills. Additionally, it is worth noting that most manufacturers will request maintenance proof if you submit a repair claim under warranty. So, investing in regular maintenance keeps you insured, and you can file your claims with ease since you already have evidence of care. Remember that most HVAC components are relatively expensive, so investing in regular maintenance will save you a lot of money should anything go wrong.

3. Fewer System Breakdowns

It is very frustrating to have a faulty HVAC unit in the middle of the summer or winter. With regular maintenance, you minimize the chances of your system breaking down when you least expect. Tune-ups, therefore, make your unit more reliable to avoid inconveniences.

4. It Extends Your Unit’s Lifespan

If your HVAC runs continually, it gradually begins to wear and may eventually shut down. Yet, when you have a clean, well-repaired, and lubricated unit, the parts move freely, and the unrestricted airflow ensures more years of optimum performance. Keep in mind that the better you maintain your HVAC unit, the longer it will last.

Routine maintenance will prolong your HVAC unit’s operating lifespan and extend the time between replacements. A properly maintained air conditioner can last between 12 and 15 years, while a furnace can operate for up to 20 years. When neglected, you will need to replace some components or the entire unit sooner.

5. It Keeps Your Home Safer

The main reason why you should opt for regular HVAC maintenance is to keep your house and its occupants safe. Routine tune-ups can help uncover some safety issues in your unit that could endanger your family members. For instance, a technician can spot a leak on the heat exchanger that can allow carbon monoxide gas to seep into your house. It is a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly kill, and only experienced personnel can detect it.

The technician can also check for any electrical faults that could otherwise cause hazardous fire outbreaks. If you are away from home during a cold season and your heating system stops working, it can freeze or burst your pipes, causing massive water damage.

If your unit malfunctions in the middle of the hot or cold season, extreme conditions can negatively impact your family members’ health. These conditions mainly affect younger children, the elderly, and people with compromised immunity. When you stick to a regular maintenance plan, one of our technicians will inspect the entire unit to identify and fix potential risks before they pose threats to your family. It also helps prevent any likelihood of floods, fires, or dangerous gas leaks.

6. Maintenance Helps Minimize Expensive Repairs

At one point, most HVAC units will require emergency services, especially during months of hard use. If you fail to clean and lubricate your HVAC system’s moving parts, they can cause a system failure. However, if you perform preventive maintenance at least twice a year, it helps you detect any minor issues before they escalate into major problems.

For instance, if you set your thermostat to a specific setting and the HVAC unit fails to respond, it could be that your thermostat needs new batteries or there is a significant problem within the system. When ignored, such an issue can lead to a pipe freezing and costly flooding that you could have avoided by calling in an experienced technician for repairs.

7. Enhanced Air Quality

Most people think that air pollution mainly happens outdoors due to congestion and industrial emissions, but indoor air is not as clean as we would wish to believe. Though you might not be aware, your house may contain dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander. Therefore, it is essential to have your HVAC unit serviced to improve its ability to filter out as many contaminants as possible. An improperly maintained HVAC unit with dirty filters is more likely to recirculate pollutants into your home. As a result, it might aggravate issues like asthma, chronic respiratory problems, and allergies.

8. You Will Have Peace of Mind

If you have a faulty HVAC unit, you will continuously worry about whether it will run through to the next season. However, if you plan for regular maintenance, it puts your mind at ease, knowing that your unit will operate properly. If you need a replacement, one of our technicians can suggest that you do it in advance before the cold or hot weather arrives. Again, throughout the maintenance process, you will get more familiar with your unit, so you can easily spot problems and call in a professional as soon as they arise.

Summing Up

You must have your HVAC system inspected and serviced at least twice a year just before regular use starts. Some people overlook the need to have tune-ups scheduled for their HVAC unit. Although it might seem like an extra expense, it will help you avoid costly repairs later on. If you need HVAC maintenance services, reach out to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling.

We offer various services to help homeowners in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas stay comfortable all year. You can depend on us for duct cleaning, repair, humidity control, UV lighting, and ventilation testing services. We also deal with heating systems and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance services. Call our friendly representatives today to schedule an appointment and enjoy our high-quality services.

Inspect the Equipment for Deterioration

Determine the Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System

Examine the Ductwork

Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality Issues

Inconsistent Temperatures Across the House

How to Determine if You Need a Replacement

1. More Consistent Climate Control

2. More Money Saved

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

4. Longer Appliance Lifespan

5. A Safer Home

6. Greater Peace of Mind

Get Help From the HVAC Pros

Functional Parts of the TXV

Pressures Acting Inside the TXV

How the Thermostatic Expansion Valve Works

Effect of a Rise in the Cooling Load

Lowering of the Cooling Load

1. Banging or Clanging Noises

2. High-Pitch Screeching or Screaming Noise

3. Rattling Noises

4. Unusual Hissing or Bubbling Noise

5. Loud Humming Sounds

6. Loud Clicking Sound

7. Buzzing Noise From the Outdoor Unit

8. Unusual Whirring Sounds

9. Pulsating Noises From the Outdoor Unit

10. Whistling Noises

11. Cracking or Popping Noises

Summing Up

1. Improved Comfort

2. You Will Save More Money

3. Fewer System Breakdowns

4. It Extends Your Unit’s Lifespan

5. It Keeps Your Home Safer

6. Maintenance Helps Minimize Expensive Repairs

7. Enhanced Air Quality

8. You Will Have Peace of Mind

Summing Up

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