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Top 5 Questions About HVAC

When it comes to your heating and air conditioning, there is a lot to know and remember. You probably have many questions about HVAC systems and how they work, which practices are preferred, and how much you should be spending. Here at Complete Heating and Air Conditioning, we want you to feel like you have enough knowledge to make good decisions when it comes to your systems. So we tried looking at it from our customer’s point of view.

What are the Top 5 Questions About HVAC?

So to help you, we’ve come up with the top five questions about HVAC! Today we’ll give you brief answers and in future posts we will delve into each topic more deeply. With these topics, we hope you will learn how to use and maintain your system, and know when it’s time to call professionals for your repairs.

Top 5 Questions About HVAC:

How long will my system last, and why should I replace my existing HVAC?

The lifetime of your system will depending on how well it has been maintained over the years. With proper maintenance and services your air conditioning unit will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, while your furnace will last 15-20 years. Replacing your system means getting a more advanced and efficient HVAC that can save you money in the long run.

What are the most common repair issues and what should I look for?

There is a myriad of things that could go wrong with your HVAC system. Your vents may be blasting cool air when it’s supposed to be hot, your electric bill may be too high, your thermostat might not be working properly, or there is water leaking from your unit. These examples are just a few of many. Most HVAC issues will be caused from poor maintenance practices. As you systematically check out your system you will see warning signs for minor and major repair issues.

Does spending money on regular maintenance really pay off?

We can unequivocally answer yes! Spending time and money on regular maintenance will pay off. As we have already mentioned, most repair issues happen because of poor maintenance practices. Doing your own maintenance and minor repairs will save you time and money in the long run. And when bigger issues arise, you’ll have the funds necessary to call a professional.

How can I reduce my expenses?

Conserving energy is a great way to reduce your monthly expenses for both your air conditioning and heating system. There are many ways to conserve energy. One example would be to take advantage of a programmable thermostat. The efficiently of your HVAC will also play a big part in your monthly bills.

What kind of system is right for me?

While forced air heat and central air are well known HVAC systems, there are other options like radiant heat and heat pump systems. To decide you’ll need to consider the cost, your contractor, and what size system you need.

We hope the Top 5 Questions About HVAC have been able to supply some answers for you. For other any other questions about HVAC that you may have, don’t hesitate to call Compete Heating and Air.

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Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It?

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – maintenance and preventive care is the best way to avoid unnecessary costs and unexpected problems with your HVAC. While there are many maintenance items you can do on your own, what if you have an exceptionally busy schedule and often get behind on those system check-ups? The good news is that there are annual HVAC maintenance plans available from professionals who can take care of all that for you. We know maintenance is worth it, but is a scheduled and cost for maintenance plan worth it too?

To help you decide if an HVAC maintenance plan is right for you, let’s take a closer look at what some of these plans include. Energy Star outlines a maintenance checklist to give you a detailed idea of what your system needs twice a year. Your plan will likely include most, if not all, of the items on that checklist. Most importantly your plan will include at least an annual inspection and cleaning of your cooling and heating systems. Ideally, someone will come in for a heating system tune-up just before winter, and an air conditioning system checkup just before summer.

Some plans will also include parts and services for repairs necessary that may be found during those maintenance checks. Generally, with an HVAC maintenance plan, you’ll get faster response times to any problems that may arise.

Why HVAC Maintenance Plans?

Still not sure about a maintenance plan? Your more familiar with it than you think. You schedule regular maintenance for your car by change your oil, rotating your tires and changing the filter. Doing this avoids bigger problems in the future. Regular checkups keep your furnace safe, prolongs the lifespan of your systems and avoid major repairs. Nipping a little repair in the bud means avoiding disastrous repairs later.

But how much do maintenance plans cost? Prices can vary depending on who you go to. Consider whether your HVAC is still under a manufacturer’s warranty, which may be redundant when it comes to repairs. However, you’ll want to keep on up maintenance regardless. Consider your annual repair costs and routine maintenance to decide if the price is right for you.

When you choose an HVAC maintenance plan, go to someone you trust. Sandy Heating and Air Conditioning is a locally operated and family owned company with expertise in heating and air. There’s no one better to handle you HVAC maintenance plan. Another benefit of choosing an HVAC maintenance plan is that you get to work regularly with trusted professionals. It’s comforting to know that with each maintenance trip and any necessary repairs, you’ll know who is coming to the rescue.

And if you are putting the effort into preventative maintenance, you’ll save money in the long run. Some companies offer discounts when repairs are necessary. Regular tune-ups, especially when it comes to things like consistent filter changes, mean a more efficient HVAC which will save you even more.

Take the time to consider if a maintenance plan is right for you. For more information about HVAC maintenance plans, and for a free quote, visit Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning.

4 Signs I Need An Air Conditioner Replacement

So, Think You Need and Air Conditioner Replacement?

How do you know you need to replace your AC? As the weather continues to heat up, this is a great question to ask yourself. If you think an air conditioner replacement is in your future, now is a great time to make that decision before you really start to depend on cool air for a comfortable summer. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your AC.

Age

The lifespan of an AC unit usually ranges from 10 to 15 years. Whether our system makes it all

the way to 15 or barley makes it to 10 before calling it quits will depend greatly on the care of your system throughout the years. Better care and preventative maintenance will mean your AC system will last longer. But old age alone isn’t necessarily reason enough for get a new system. If your air conditioner is within this range and has any of the issues listed below, then it’s time for an air conditioning replacement.

Inefficient

Often if your AC system is older, it will be less efficient than newer models. Despite the age of your air conditioner, if your system is constantly running without actually cooling your home very well or at all, it’s probably inefficient. In either case, inefficiency means you’ll be paying more for your utility bill than necessary. Take a look at your bills, do some research for normal costs in your area, and if your system is too inefficient, look into something newer and more efficient.

Expensive repairs

With time, there will be parts of your AC system that may breakdown or need some service. For these repairs, call the professionals at Complete Heating and Air. Locally owned and family operated, you can trust them with your repair needs. That said, as your system gets older sometimes the repairs become more serious; these repairs are beyond regular maintenance and can be quite expensive. If you find yourself in a situation where the cost of a repair has you thinking a whole new system might be a better bang for your buck, you’re probably right. It’s time to consider an air conditioner replacement.

Your home isn’t comfortable

If your home isn’t cool in the summertime, it’s obviously going to be a big problem for your household. You’ll probably be overheated and frustrated. If your system runs but doesn’t cool the air, there can be some serious issues that mean it’s time for an air conditioner replacement. If your system seems more humid than it should be, also it’s time for a replacement. Extra moisture in the air can mean a few things. One is leaking refrigerant which is a health risk for your family and should be fixed immediately. No cool air could mean your compressor failed, or the Freon levels are too low. If that’s the case, it’s time to move on.

Whether your system has one or all of these signs, if you have any questions regarding your air conditioning system and repairs or replacement options, give the experts at Complete Heating and Air a call.