Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) companies near you

How to extend the life of your AC unit

There are easy ways to extend the life of your AC unit. Follow these steps to help save money in the long run and ward off an emergency AC repair.

• Clean the unit. Periodically clean the unit and remove any dirt, pollen, or leaves that may be stuck in and around it.
• Clean the vents. Even if your AC unit is running perfectly, the cool air won't be able to pass through if the vents are blocked.
• Change the filters on a regular basis.
• Schedule yearly checkups. Prevent any sudden breakdowns by scheduling an annual maintenance check with your AC repair person.
• Give the unit a break. On days when the weather is nice, turn it off.
• Protect the air in your home. Weatherproof the walls, doorways, and windows to keep the cool air inside.

 

What to ask a heating and air conditioning company before hiring a technician?

Selecting the right heating and air conditioning company is an important task for every homeowner. Here are a few key questions to ask before making your hiring decision:

• "How long have you worked in this business?"
• "Are you licensed?" Laws vary from region to region, but all technicians and companies should have a certification or permit.
• "Can you provide references?" Positive testimonials from customers are proof of a trustworthy company.
• "Which brands are you familiar with?" Most technicians can work on any brand, but you may get better results when working with a heating and air conditioning company that specializes in the same brand as the unit you already own.
• "Can you provide me with an estimate?" Request an itemized estimate of the job.
• "What is your warranty or satisfaction policy?"
• "How do you accept payment?" Make sure the company will accept scheduled payments if you cannot afford to pay the cost in one lump sum.
• "What is your average response time? What about during an emergency?" Find out if they have a policy about timeframes, such as a discount if they are more than fifteen minutes late.

 

HVAC troubleshooting tips

A broken AC can be expensive, but there are few initial steps you can take to have a better understanding of the problem before calling an AC repairman or searching for “HVAC companies near me.” Check these components:

• Thermostat. Surprisingly enough, your AC issue may be caused by a faulty or low-battery thermostat. Inspect your thermostat first to ensure it is working correctly.
• Air conditioner unit surroundings. Ideally the system should have two feet of clearance to function properly. Often times as plants in your yard grow, they can begin to infringe on this space.
• Air ducts. Dirty air ducts and leaks in the duct system can cause issues. Air ducts should be cleaned every one to five years depending on the number of people and pets living in the home.
• Air filters. Replacing air filters regularly protects your HVAC system by blocking dust build-up in your unit. If you use HEPA air filters, ensure your AC system is equipped to handle them.
• Condenser coils. If your HVAC unit is outside, the condenser coils are exposed to the outdoor elements and can get dirty and clogged quickly.
• Blower fan. The job of a blower fan is to move the air through your ducts. If the fan is dirty, it can reduce the air flow. A professional can clean this component for you.

 

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