Author: Gee! Heating and Air

10 Common Plants That Improve Indoor Air Quality

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on April 18, 2022. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on 10 Common Plants That Improve Indoor Air Quality

Most of us don’t think about the air quality inside our homes or offices until we start feeling ill. In fact, the EPA has stated that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than typical outdoor air concentrations. Poor indoor air quality can cause a number of health problems from asthma to allergies. Therefore, it’s important to have plants that improve the quality of air to help us breathe easier and fight allergies. Here are some plants that are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality.

1. English Ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a beautiful, fast-growing vine that is often used as a decorative plant in homes and offices. In addition to its aesthetic value, English ivy can help to purify the air in indoor spaces. The plant is effective at removing harmful airborne pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. English ivy is also known for its ability to reduce mold spores in the air, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.

2. Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese evergreen, also known as the aglaonema, is a popular choice for indoor plants. Not only does it add a touch of greenery to any room, but it is also known for its ability to purify the air. The Chinese evergreen filters out harmful toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde, making it an ideal plant for homes and offices. Additionally, the Chinese evergreen is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in low-light conditions. For best results, place the plant in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight, and water it when the soil is dry to the touch.

3. Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm is a popular indoor plant that is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in warm, humid climates. The plant gets its name from its slender, bamboo-like leaves, which grow up to 5 feet wide. The plant is an effective air purifier thanks to its ability to remove toxins from the air. In addition, the plant helps to increase humidity levels, which can be beneficial for people suffering from dry skin or respiratory problems. In addition, it is a low-maintenance plant that requires one to three waterings weekly. However, it should not be placed in direct sunlight or overwatered.

4. Dragon Tree

The dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is a popular houseplant that is known for its ability to promote healthy indoor air quality. It is native to Africa and Asia, and it thrives in warm, humid climates. The plant is available in a variety of sizes and colors, making it a versatile option for indoor spaces. What makes it stand out is that it’s an excellent aesthetic addition to many homes and offices. In addition, the dragon tree helps to improve airflow and humidity levels. During the process of photosynthesis, the plant can help to remove chemicals and allergens from the air.

5. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

When it comes to choosing plants for indoor spaces, many people opt for mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata). Not only is it an attractive plant with its long, strap-like leaves, but it is also known for its ability to promote healthy air quality. Mother-in-law’s tongue is especially effective at filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, the plant releases oxygen into the air, making it a refreshing addition to any home or office. While mother-in-law’s tongue does best in warm climates, it can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it an easy plant to maintain.

6. Gerbera Daisy

The Gerbera daisy is a beautiful flower that has a long history. It was first discovered by Robert Jameson in South Africa in 1884, and it was named after German botanist Traugott Gerber. The flower is characterized by its large, brightly-colored petals. The most popular colors are yellow, orange, and pink, but the Gerbera daisy can also be found in white, red, and purple. Besides being an excellent air purifier, this flower is also a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements, and it’s also a common gift for Mother’s Day. In addition, the flower has a long blooming season, and it is relatively easy to care for. As a result, the Gerbera daisy is a popular choice for both home gardeners and professional florists.

7. Peace Lily

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is a tropical plant that’s also known as the closet plant because it’s often grown indoors. While it is known for its beautiful white flowers, the peace lily is also an excellent air purifier. In addition, the plant can also help raise humidity levels, making it ideal for rooms that are dry or have little ventilation. For best results, place the peace lily in a bright room with moderate temperatures. It will thrive in humid environments and can even tolerate low levels of light. With proper care, this plant can provide many years of enjoyment.

8. Flamingo Lily

The flamingo lily gets its name from its showy pink flowers that resemble the plumage of a flamingo. In addition to its delightful appearance, the flamingo lily has some unique benefits. For example, it is known to improve indoor air quality by filtering out air pollutants. The plant does best in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it an ideal choice for a bathroom or kitchen windowsill.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is native to Africa. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that are filled with a gel-like substance, aloe. This gel is often used in cosmetics and skincare products because it is thought to have numerous benefits for the skin. In addition, aloe vera gel has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective in treating conditions like acne. But did you know that aloe vera can also help to promote healthy indoor air? This plant is very effective at absorbing air pollutants that are often found in household cleaning products. Note that aloe vera does best in warm, dry climates.

10. Rubber Plant

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and versatile in its placement. The plant can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of 10 feet or more. The glossy, dark green leaves are what give the rubber plant its name, as they are thick and rubbery to the touch. The leaves are also oval-shaped with smooth edges. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, India, and Malaysia. But this popular houseplant is not only pretty to look at — it can also help to purify the air in your home.

Improve Your Indoor Air Today!

Improving your indoor air quality today is as easy as giving [company_name] a call! We specialize in heating and cooling system installation, and we’re proud to offer financing for air conditioning and furnace installations, service, and maintenance for residents in Gainesville, GA area. We understand that the quality of your indoor air can have a profound impact on your health, so we’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible service. Call us today to learn more about our services.

How Often Should You Replace Your Home’s HVAC Air Filters?

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on March 11, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on How Often Should You Replace Your Home’s HVAC Air Filters?

Without clean HVAC air filters, your household wouldn’t function nearly as well. The quality of the air you breathe would be significantly worse, and your heating and cooling systems would have a hard time doing their jobs. That’s why it’s imperative that you stay on top of replacing your air filters when they get dirty. If you allow them to become packed or clogged with contaminants, your comfort will suffer, your monthly energy costs may skyrocket, and your HVAC unit will be more at risk of breaking down. There are several factors that determine how often you need to switch these filters out for new ones.

Which Type of Filters Do You Use?

There are two common kinds of HVAC air filters used in households: pleated filters and fiberglass filters. Each type has its own guidelines for how often it needs to be replaced with a new unit. Pleated filters, which are the more expensive and more effective type, can last for about 90 days on average. Alternatively, fiberglass filters are more affordable, but they may not catch quite as many contaminants. With fiberglass filters, the typical lifespan is about one month. However, these are just the average life expectancies. Depending on a variety of household variables, those figures can become significantly longer or shorter.

Who’s Living in Your House?

The number of residents in your home has an impact on the status of your HVAC air filters. For example, if you live alone and spend many hours each day away at work, it’s unlikely that your HVAC system is circulating air all that often. As a result, your filters probably won’t get dirty that quickly. However, if four or five people are living there, and there’s usually someone home at any given time, those air filters are working much harder.

You should also consider the ages of the people living with you. Children are usually more sensitive to pollutants in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. If you have any little ones around the house, you should be more careful about keeping your air filters clean and functional.

The Time of Year Plays a Role

Ultimately, relying more heavily on your HVAC system for comfort results in your filters becoming dirty more quickly. So, during the milder seasons, you probably won’t need to replace them quite as often. However, during the summer and winter, when you likely have air circulating frequently, those filters are going to be catching far more dust, dirt, dander, and small debris.

That being said, there are other seasonal factors to consider aside from the temperature outside. During spring, the air outside is filled with high quantities of pollen. When that pollen makes its way into your house, your air filter will likely become packed with it. Even though you may not be running your heating or cooling system as often this time of year, that doesn’t necessarily mean your filters will remain clean.

How Large Is Your Home?

Many homeowners don’t consider the fact that the size of their household impacts the condition of their air filters. However, it plays a significant role in how often those filters need to be replaced. If you have a house with a large, open living area, your heating and cooling systems need to circulate more air to maintain even, comfortable temperatures. As a result, more air will cycle through your HVAC filters, and they’ll catch more contaminants, which will clog them up more quickly.

Usually, smaller homes mean that your HVAC filters will last for longer. However, in some cases, smaller homes will have smaller appliances with custom-made filters. That means that the filters will be proportionate to the size of the home. So, verify the size of yours before making any assumptions.

Do You Have Allergies?

Do you or does anyone in your home suffer from allergy symptoms? If so, it’s especially important to change your air filters regularly. If your HVAC filters are too clogged to continue catching contaminants, that means that all of the pollen, dust, dander, and mold spores in your home will remain floating around the indoor air. Before you know it, anyone with allergy symptoms will be dealing with itchiness and irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. To avoid this, purchase new, clean filters more often than you otherwise would need to, especially during the pollen-filled springtime.

Furry Pets Make a Huge Difference

It’s great to have a few furry friends living in your house, but your HVAC air filters probably don’t agree. One of the few downsides to having cats, dogs, and other fuzzy pets is the extra work they create for those filters. For one thing, pets produce quite a bit of dander that will become airborne and get cycled through your HVAC unit. If your pets regularly shed, that hair will also end up being trapped in your air filters. Additionally, if any of your pets spend time outside, they’ll track dirt, pollen, and even mold back into the house when they return. As a general rule, the more pets you have, the more diligent you need to be about replacing your HVAC filters.

What Are Your Home’s Surroundings Like?

The nature of the area you live in can also affect your air filter’s cleanliness. For example, if you live in the middle of a big city, there’s most likely a lot of air pollution that your filters must deal with. However, if you live out in the middle of the country or an area surrounded by pine trees, the air is probably relatively fresh and clean. Consequently, your HVAC filters will probably take longer than average to get dirty.

When in Doubt, Turn to Visual Inspection

The variables listed above are all guidelines to help you develop the ideal routine for switching out your HVAC filters. That being said, you can always visually inspect your filters if you aren’t certain of their status. The best way to do so is to hold the filter in question up to a bright source of light. If you can see the light shining through the other side, the filter is still clean enough to do its job. While you’re figuring out how often your home’s filter needs to be switched out, you’ll likely be relying regularly on visual inspections.

At [company_name], we’re a reliable provider of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services for Gainesville, GA and the surrounding area. Whether you’re located near Balus Creek Park, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, or anywhere in between, you can call us to handle your home comfort solutions. We’ve been proudly serving this area for over 30 years, and our excellent ratings on Google and with the BBB are testaments to the quality of our work. As a third-generation family-owned business, we take great pride in a job well done, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every service we provide. Contact our offices at [company_name] today if you’d like to schedule an appointment!

SEER ratings and Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on February 17, 2022. Posted in Energy Efficiency. No Comments on SEER ratings and Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

If your HVAC system is over 10 years old and is showing signs of failure, you should consider a replacement. Getting an energy-efficient system can reduce your home’s energy consumption and enhance indoor comfort. Here’s what you need to know before acquiring an energy-efficient HVAC system for your Gainesville home.

What Makes an HVAC System Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider before replacing your HVAC system. Heating alone can account for one-third of your home’s utility bills, according to the Department of Energy.

Generally speaking, energy efficiency is defined as the amount of fuel that equipment consumes for a unit of work. An energy-efficient furnace will need less fuel to heat the room at the same rate compared to an older system.

The efficiency of HVAC systems is measured in AFUE and SEER for heating and cooling equipment, respectively. Your equipment may also have an Energy Star logo. An Energy Star rating shows it meets specific requirements set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Energy-Efficiency Ratings for Heating Systems

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the unit that measures the efficiency of a heating system. It is a percentage of the ratio of the input in energy over the heat output.

The minimum requirement for a furnace sold in the U.S. is 78% AFUE. The most efficient furnaces have ratings of between 90% and 98%.

Most residential HVAC systems have a mid-efficiency AFUE rating between 80% and 85%. An 80% AFUE means it generates eight units of heat for every 10 units of fuel it consumes.

The primary drawback of an energy-efficient furnace is the high upfront cost of purchase and installation. However, you can reduce a considerable portion of your monthly electrical bill by upgrading. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can reduce your utility bills by 50% if you upgrade from 56% to 90% AFUE.

Keep in mind that HVAC systems can lose their efficiency with time. An aging furnace will require more repairs and can pose hazards in extreme cases. Our five-star-rated staff at [company_name] can evaluate your HVAC system’s performance and propose a solution in Gainesville.

The heating component of a heat pump is measured in HSPF. The minimum standard for heat pumps is 8.2 HSPF. Nevertheless, the minimum value is expected to rise to 8.8 HSPF in the coming years.

SEER and Energy-Efficiency Ratings for Cooling Systems

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a unit that measures the efficiency rating of a cooling system. In particular, it is a ratio of the air conditioner’s energy output during the cooling season over the input in watt-hours.

The lowest SEER rating is 13, and the highest is 22. The higher the value, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is.

SEER captures the maximum efficiency over a typical cooling season. Therefore, the performance can vary depending on the size of the room, weather, grade of insulation, and other factors.

The minimum requirements from the U.S. Department of Energy vary depending on the region. In the northern parts of the United States, the current minimum is 14 SEER. SEER ratings must be above 15 for residential cooling systems in the South.

You can realize considerable savings by upgrading to a high SEER HVAC system. The formula (1 – SEER A/SEER B x 100) gives the approximate reduction in energy consumption. For example, upgrading from a 13 SEER AC to an 18 SEER can offer 27% energy savings.

What Is the Difference Between EER and SEER?

EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) differs from SEER in that EER excludes the seasonal component in the calculation. Therefore, it is the ratio of output energy in BTUs over the input in watt-hours. EER is calculated at a specific humidity and temperature points. It indicates efficiency at 95 degrees Fahrenheit for outdoor air and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for intake air at a relative humidity level of 50%.

Should you use EER or SEER? SEER is suitable for places with moderate summer temperatures EER is considered more accurate at determining efficiency for areas where temperatures are 95 degrees Fahrenheit most of the time.

What Features Can You Expect From an Energy-Efficient HVAC System?

Different HVAC models may incorporate varying features to boost energy efficiency. The air handler may have variable-speed motors, fan-delay switches, and two-stage heating and cooling.

A variable-speed motor will adjust according to the temperature requirements of the room. The compressor doesn’t have to run at maximum capacity to regulate heat. In contrast, a single-speed motor runs at a constant speed or not at all.

Another advantage of a variable-speed motor is that it reduces deterioration. A single-speed system will constantly run or will keep switching on and off. A short-cycling HVAC system will shorten the lifespan of your equipment. [company_name] staff recommends scheduling repairs when you detect your HVAC system short cycling in Gainesville.

An automatic fan delay keeps the fan running seconds after the compressor switches off. It ensures no conditioned air remains trapped in the air ducts. The delay switch repeats the process after every cycle to reduce energy usage.

A two-stage air conditioner or heat pump has two settings on the compressor. In mild weather, it operates on the low mode. When it’s hot and humid, the system switches to the high setting.

A two-stage system has longer cooling cycles, which keeps temperatures even throughout your home. It enables efficient humidity control and has a quieter operation than a single-stage system.

An energy-efficient HVAC system may also include a variable expansion valve. It regulates how much refrigerant flows into the evaporator coils. It prevents an overflow of the coolant from escaping back into the compressor.

Other Factors That Can Determine Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of your HVAC system will be influenced by other factors in your home. The room’s dimension is one of the variables to factor in calculations for your HVAC system’s capacity.

An HVAC system with a capacity smaller than the house will run constantly to maintain room temperatures. A larger system will keep cycling to avoid overheating. It will waste energy and will speed up the wear of critical components.

Additionally, your home’s insulation should match the grade for your region and part of the building. More than 90% of households in the USA are under-insulated. An energy audit will determine whether the insulation meets the region’s requirements.

Installation and Maintenance Implications for Energy Efficiency

Besides the equipment’s ratings and capacity, installation and maintenance can determine the HVAC system’s efficiency. Installation is an intricate process that requires expert skill and industry experience.

A substandard installation is fraught with faults that can shorten the equipment’s lifespan. Inexperienced homeowners can make mistakes that could damage components. Even loose wires can trigger a fire emergency.

Routine maintenance is also essential for keeping your HVAC system efficient throughout its lifetime. A tune-up service will unearth errors during installation or defects in their earliest stages of development.

Maintenance is also a requirement that is included in your warranty’s terms. Routine service will prevent the manufacturer from voiding the warranty.

You can trust [company_name] and our A+ BBB-rated team for unrivaled heating and cooling services in Gainesville. As a family-owned and -operated business, we are committed to offering an exceptional customer experience. With over three decades of experience, you can trust our crew for ductless mini-split, indoor air quality, and installation solutions. Call [company_name] staff today in Gainesville for timely, 24/7 emergency repair services.

Tips for Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Home

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on January 18, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Tips for Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Home

Your furnace is a necessary component of your residence. It keeps you and your family safe and comfortable throughout the colder winter months. When you’re investing in a new furnace, it’s important to choose one that will work with your requirements and your budget. Here are some of our best tips to ensure that you get the ideal furnace to meet your needs.

The Four Furnace Fuels

Before you determine the right furnace for your home, you need to know which type of fuel your furnace should utilize. Currently, there are four different types of fuels that furnaces can use. They are electricity, natural gas, oil and propane. Knowing the differences between them before purchasing equipment can allow you to discover which fuel type best suits your needs and fits within your budget.

The cheapest furnace that you’re going to find on the market today is the electric. These are very simple to have installed and easy to maintain. However, the main downfall of these systems is that they run solely on electricity. As you likely know, electricity can be very expensive, and relying on it throughout the entire winter can mean a big power bill for your family.

The most popular fuel of the four types is natural gas. When it comes to running your furnace consistently throughout the winter, this is an extremely affordable option. However, natural gas isn’t available in all areas. If there isn’t a natural gas line running through your location, you’re not going to be able to use this fuel. Additionally, it is essential to note that if you purchase a natural gas furnace, you’ll need to have a flue for the exhaust stack at your home. This will need to be maintained with a yearly inspection by a professional.

The second most popular furnace type is one that burns heating oil. This costs around the same price as the natural gas furnace. However, heating oil naturally burns hotter than natural gas, so your house can be heated up much more quickly with heating oil. The downfall of heating oil is that you’ll need to have a tank either in your basement or outside of your home to store all of your fuel.

Lastly, we have propane furnaces. These work like natural gas furnaces. However, they do not require any sort of flue. Rather, they can utilize a direct vent to one of your exterior walls to exhaust the harmful fumes out of your home. Propane furnaces tend to be very efficient when compared to the cheaper natural gas options. Just as with the heating oil furnace, you’re going to need to have a tank for your propane storage.

Understanding Furnace Stages

Once you figure out what type of fuel you want your furnace to burn, it’s time to think about how many stages you want to have. There are three main options on the market today. These are single-stage, multi-stage and modulating furnaces.

The most prominent type of furnace is the single stage. With this type of furnace, there is only one size flame, and it’s either on or off. With a single-stage furnace, it will turn repeatedly on and off throughout the day as the temperature fluctuates. It’s not extremely precise as far as getting your home environment directly to the temperature that you have set on your thermostat. Rather, it will only make it to within a few degrees of your setting.

The multi-stage furnace, also referred to as the two-stage, has two types of flames inside it. The smaller flame is used when the weather is fairly mild, and the larger flame is used when the weather gets really cold. When compared to the single-stage furnace, the two different flame options make it more precise for being able to get you to the temperature that you have set.

Lastly, we have the modulating furnace. It’s the most accurate of the three. This is because the flame inside it can be micromanaged by the system to meet whatever temperature requirement you have. This furnace provides a steady heating source that allows your home’s temperature to be within 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit of what you have set. While modulating furnaces are the most effective at getting to an exact temperature, they are much more expensive than single-stage and multi-stage furnaces.

Know Your Desired Heating Capacity

If you’ve ever bought a space heater for your home or apartment, you know that they come in many different sizes. You need to purchase one that matches the square footage of the room that you’re trying to heat in order for the heater to be effective. Furnaces work in much the same manner. You need to purchase a furnace that has the heating capacity to handle the amount of square footage in your home.

You want to start by determining what the actual square footage of your home is. For example, let’s say that the area of your home is 1,000 square feet. HVAC experts recommend that those living in our part of Georgia get a furnace with a heating capacity of 40 BTUs per square foot. If you’re unfamiliar with this designation, BTUs are simply a measurement that HVAC professionals utilize to describe how powerful a furnace is.

To calculate the heating capacity required for our example home, you’ll need to take the total square footage and multiply that by 40. This equals 40,000 BTUs. Consequently, when we go to purchase a furnace, you should make sure that it has a heating capacity of at least 40,000 BTUs.

It can be easy to think that in this scenario purchasing a furnace with 70,000 BTUs is an even better idea, but that’s not the case. In reality, purchasing a furnace that’s too big can be detrimental to both your budget and your personal comfort. An oversized furnace will short cycle, meaning that it will turn on and off much too quickly. This will create excessive wear and tear on the system components. Additionally, that constant on-and-off cycling increases your energy bill significantly. Lastly, an oversized furnace will heat up parts of your home too quickly and fail to sufficiently warm others, creating an uncomfortable environment for your family.

Consider the AFUE Rating

When you’re investing in a new furnace, it’s crucial to consider its energy-efficiency rating. To help determine which furnaces are most efficient, HVAC experts have given them AFUE ratings. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. The number simply reflects how much heat is produced for every dollar that is spent. The higher the AFUE rating is on a furnace, the less money you’re going to have to spend on fuel costs to run it.

At the very low end of the scale, a furnace must have an AFUE rating of 78% or higher. Anything with an AFUE rating between 80% and 90% is going to be considered in the middle range for energy efficiency. These tend to be the most affordable options. However, you can opt for a high-efficiency furnace with a rating of 90% or higher if you’re prepared to pay more. While a unit like this will cost more up-front, it can save you a lot in fuel consumption over the course of its lifetime.

Quality Furnace Services

Gee! Heating and Air provides quality furnace services to the Gainesville, GA, area. We’re also available for all of your cooling and indoor air quality needs. Of course, this includes installation, repair and maintenance. If you’d like to schedule a consultation about selecting a new furnace, pick up the phone and call us today to get the professional assistance you deserve.

8 Reasons Why Your Is Furnace Making Noise

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on December 15, 2021. Posted in Heating. No Comments on 8 Reasons Why Your Is Furnace Making Noise

It is usual for your furnace to make low sounds while it’s operational. However, if you hear very loud, unusual noises coming from your furnace, something could be wrong. Typically, when you start your furnace, it produces some noises when the heating cycle starts. It can also make a pop or click as it fires up, followed by a dull hum. All these noises are normal and should not worry you.

As your furnace gets older, wear and tear increases, and it tends to be a bit louder. It may produce noises that may lower your comfort. Newer furnaces have insulation and additional features that limit the noises coming from the system. They can operate with minimal noise. Loud noises could indicate loose components in the furnace or other serious HVAC issues. Here are eight reasons why your furnace is making noise.

1. Faulty Blower Motor

If your blower motor is experiencing some issues, you may hear a high-pitched squeal or whistling sound. You may also experience rattling and loud screeching noises. The motor blower pushes warm air out of the furnace through the ducts into your home. The blower motor has bearings that can overheat or age, increasing wear and tear leading to loud noises.

If your house is experiencing reduced airflow, the blower may strain to pull air which causes a whistling sound. Damaged or dirty air ducts, closed air vents, and dirty air filters can reduce airflow in your home. A broken motor mount can also cause rattling noises when it makes contact with the housing.

If you hear these noises, you need to contact an HVAC technician to fix the problem. Ignoring the noises can lead to damage to other parts of the furnace leading to a breakdown. It can also lead to more costly repairs, which may force you to replace the entire furnace. If you hear whistling sounds coming from your furnace, you can try opening your vents or replacing the air filters.

2. Dirty Burners

Loud bang sounds can indicate your furnace has dirty burners. When the burners are dirty, they can delay the ignition leading to gas buildup in the combustion chamber. This causes a bang sound or explosion after ignition. Scheduling annual cleanings and inspections can help prevent these issues and prevent these noises.

Other causes of delayed ignition include a broken pilot light, too much air mixed with the gas and low gas supply. Your furnace requires a balanced air to fuel ratio for it to work efficiently. If there is limited gas with too much air, it may lead to a loud booming sound due to the gas buildup.

However, you may also experience boom sounds as the metal air ducts in your home expand or contract due to changes in temperature. This is normal and not cause for alarm, but you can seal, insulate or replace the ducts if the sounds affect your comfort.

3. Faulty Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is an essential component of the furnace that prevents the mixture of gas and combustion fumes from escaping. It is a thin metal shield located between the blower and the combustion chamber. It consists of metal coils that heat cold air from your home and turns it warm before it’s circulated throughout your home.

If there is a loose component or panel in the furnace, you may hear rattling noises. This can be fixed by turning off the furnace and fixing any loose parts with a screwdriver. However, if the rattling sounds persist, it may be a sign that there may be a crack or leak in the heat exchanger. This is a serious issue that can lead to carbon monoxide leakages in your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas that is fatal when inhaled for a prolonged period.

A lack of airflow can cause a crack in the heat exchanger. If you have dirty coils, filters, or blowers, they can restrict airflow and cause heat to build up in the heat exchangers causing cracks. You should contact professional HVAC technicians to fix your furnace and prevent further damage. The technicians will inspect the heat exchanger for leaks and repair or replace the furnace.

4. Loose Components

Your furnace has numerous components and a lot of moving parts. Over time, increased wear and tear can cause the parts to become loose and make rattling noises. Panels around the furnace or connections in the ductwork can make noises while the furnace is running. It could also mean your furnace was not installed properly, and some screws were not tightened.
Ensure that you have qualified and experienced technicians to install your furnace correctly. Annual tune-ups can also help prevent having loose components in your furnace. The technicians will tighten any loose screws or panels and lubricate all the moving parts.

5. Faulty Ignition

The ignition system in the furnace creates combustion that produces heat. You may hear a clicking sound if the ignition system is faulty or struggles to light. Some of the issues that can cause the ignition system to make a clicking sound include a broken sensor or faulty pilot light. Additionally, a defective ignition board or valve can prevent gas from reaching the system. An HVAC technician can inspect your furnace and fix the issue to restore the efficiency of your furnace.

6. Loose Fan Belt

Some furnaces have a belt-driven motor which can become loose and produce screeching or squealing noises. Lack of lubrication in the shaft bearings and other moving parts can also produce a squealing noise as the parts rub against each other. A qualified HVAC technician can lubricate the moving parts of your furnace during a tune-up to prevent friction and ensure your furnace is operating at peak performance.

The fan belt is subject to wear and tear over time and requires adjustment or replacement. It is advisable that you do not try to adjust the belt on your own as it is dangerous and can add more problems. An experienced HVAC technician will have the necessary tools and expertise to repair, adjust or replace the belt.

7. Faulty Blower Wheel

The Blower wheel is a part of the blower motor that pushes air through the duct system. When the blower wheel becomes loose, it can make a loud clanking sound as it hits the blower house casing. If you hear loud clanking noises, you need to contact an HVAC to perform an inspection. You can turn off your furnace to prevent further damage. If the damage to the wheel is minimal, your HVAC technician can fix it. However, if the damage is massive, you may need to replace it entirely to restore the efficiency of your furnace.

8. Electrical Problem

You may experience a buzzing or humming noise coming from your furnace when it has an electrical problem. Although a dull hum is normal, it could indicate a problem when the sound is too loud. Some of the issues that can cause a bussing sound include:

A faulty transformer
Aging blower motor
Bad inducer motor
A failing blower motor capacitor

You may require a professional technician to check the electrical components of your furnace.

[company_name] provides quality HVAC services, including repairs, installations and maintenance in Gainesville and the surrounding area. Our technicians are Nate-certified and have a quick response time. They are also very friendly and available for 24/7 emergency repairs. Contact [company_name] today for more information!

Common Heating Problems in Gainesville During the Winter

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on November 20, 2021. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Common Heating Problems in Gainesville During the Winter

Discovering that your heater or furnace isn’t working is an unpleasant surprise, especially during the middle of winter. While all heating systems must be replaced eventually, some issues can be resolved without taking such drastic steps. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most common home heating problems encountered by our Gainesville, GA, customers.

What Causes Furnaces to Fail?

Our customers often ask why their heaters aren’t working, and there may be several different answers to this question. Home heating systems are quite complex, and they require a significant level of maintenance. These systems consist of hundreds of moving parts, and all of them can cause problems when they stop working. For instance, the air filter may need to be changed, the heat exchanger may be cracked, or the blower motor may need to be replaced. Furnace maintenance is an important step here in Gainesville, and if yours isn’t working as well as it should, call us for an evaluation.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons for heating system failure, we’ll go over a few of the problems that lead our customers to call us for service.

The System Blows Cold Air

If your heater is putting out cold air, the solution may be a simple one. Just check the thermostat and ensure it’s set properly. However, if the issue persists, it may be due to:

• A dirty or torn air filter that needs to be replaced will affect the system’s performance
• Leaking ductwork that lets outdoor air into the home and causes the system to work harder
• An unlit pilot light that’s due to a gas flow issue or a valve that’s shut off
• A lack of fuel (electricity, oil, or gas) that will cause a system to run improperly

If you’ve checked for these issues and none seem to be occurring, contact us for a thorough and professional heating system evaluation.

The Unit Won’t Stay Lit

Newer furnaces may not have pilot lights; rather, they use electronic ignitions. These units use flame systems to ensure that fuel doesn’t flow when the heater isn’t on. Sensors often get dirty or need replacement, and it’s important to look for these issues when performing a pre-season inspection.

The Heater Won’t Turn Off

If your home’s heating system won’t turn off, check the thermostat. It should be set to “auto” rather than “on” so the furnace will turn off when the desired temperature is reached. In other cases, furnaces keep running because of broken thermostats or malfunctioning blowers. In either instance, it’s best to leave the repairs to a qualified professional.

Inconsistent Heating

If the system is distributing heated air to some parts of the home and not others, it may be due to inadequate ductwork or a dirty air filter. Check the filter for debris and change it if necessary. If the filter is clean or replacing it doesn’t solve the problem, the ductwork may be to blame. Contact us to learn how we can fix your ductwork issues and help heat your Gainesville home more consistently.

Non-Functional Controls

If you can’t control the furnace, there may be a thermostat problem. Again, ensure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, then replace its battery to see if that helps. As a last resort, you can reset it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When that doesn’t work, call us for a fast and easy thermostat replacement.

The Fan Isn’t Working

When the furnace’s fan doesn’t come on, check the thermostat setting first. Then, look at the air filter and change it if needed; a dirty air filter may cause the fan to stop working completely. Check the circuit breakers to ensure they’re on, and if that doesn’t work, the issue may be too complex for you to address. Call us for fast, friendly, and reliable service in the Gainesville area.

Burning Odors

A burning smell or the presence of smoke is a clear indicator of a serious problem. If the furnace smells like it’s burning, shut it off right away, as leaving it on may increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. After you’ve turned the unit off and cleared the area, give us a call for emergency service.

A Blown Fuse

Blown fuses are another common cause of home heating issues. Check the furnace’s fuses and ensure that they haven’t blown. This normally happens after an electrical short, which may be due to low-quality wiring or system overload. If there’s a blown fuse, make sure you’re not overworking the home’s electrical system.

Short Cycling

When a unit short cycles, it turns on and off in rapid succession, resulting in inconsistent heating. This issue may be caused by:

• A dirty air filter
• A unit that’s too big
• The thermostat’s placement

Home heating systems are designed to function optimally when they’re on for a minimum of 15 minutes, as shorter runs may affect the heat exchanger’s operation.

Poor Maintenance

Just like other machines, your home’s heating system needs occasional maintenance to work at peak efficiency. Pre-season furnace maintenance and regular inspections do much to prevent expensive breakdowns. Contact us today to schedule a fall furnace tune-up.

Units That Are Too Old

Heating systems have ways of telling us when things go wrong. When your furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, it may send signals in the form of reduced efficiency or limited function. The average furnace lasts 12 to 15 years, and if yours is about that age, we can help you install a new one.

A High Energy Bill

Dirty or clogged air filters can affect your quality of life in many ways, with utility spending being a major factor. A dirty air filter may increase your energy bill by 15% or more! No one wants to spend more than they must, but you can prevent it by changing your filter regularly.

If your Gainesville home is fitted with a swamp cooler, be sure to put a damper in the ductwork leading up to it. Otherwise, the heated air your system makes will escape—and you will waste money and energy.

Get in Touch With Us

While heating repair is a great way to prolong a system’s lifespan, it’s just not worthwhile in certain cases. Sometimes, it makes more sense to replace an old, worn-out unit than it does to continue fixing it. For complex repair jobs, it’s best to consult us at [company_name] rather than doing the work yourself. Our trained technicians can perform comparisons that help you find the most cost-effective option.

Whether you want to repair or fix a forced-air furnace or a mini-split system, our technicians at [company_name] are highly trained to meet your expectations. We also offer cooling repair and new system installations. Our company has been in business in Gainesville for over 30 years, and we have achieved a 5-star Google rating and A+ BBB rating proving our dedication to excellent customer service. We also offer cooling repair services. Contact us today!

Space Heater Safety Protocols for Homeowners

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on October 14, 2021. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Space Heater Safety Protocols for Homeowners

If you consistently find that your living room seems to be chillier than other rooms of your home, you may want a heating solution that doesn’t involve turning up your thermostat. Fortunately, a space heater can provide you with that much-needed heat without having to waste as much energy as turning up your home’s thermostat. However, these heaters can be dangerous when not used correctly. By knowing the safety protocols below, you can better prevent having a fire outbreak in your home due to your space heater.

Follow the Three-Foot Rule

One of the most critical safety protocols about using space heaters inside homes is that they need to have three feet of space around them without any flammable objects. When it comes to flammable objects, they come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of the most common are curtains, bedding, blankets, blinds, and books. By giving them space, you can ensure that the heat produced by your space heater does not cause any damage to your household items.

Place on a Level Surface

Whenever you’re picking out a location to place your space heater, you want to ensure that it’s a level surface. The best choices are hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. The surface must be level so that the space heater doesn’t accidentally fall over and end up overheating or catching something on fire.

Use Wall Outlets Only

You may not give it much thought when you go to plug in your space heater, but it’s important that it goes into a wall outlet. You should never plug a space heater into a power strip or an extension cord as it could overheat and cause a fire. It’s a good rule of thumb to leave the second outlet in the receptacle open as you don’t want to draw too much electricity to the receptacle and blow the circuit.

Only Run When You’re There

One of the biggest causes of fatalities due to fires created by space heaters is the heater catching on fire while the homeowner is asleep. You should never have your space heater running whenever you’re asleep or whenever you’re not at home. You want to be able to react quickly to any problem that may happen with the space heater, whether it gets knocked over or starts to catch on fire.

Install Smoke Detectors

Absolute necessities when you’re using space heaters in your home are smoke detectors. You should have at least one smoke detector installed on every floor of your home. It’s also highly recommended to have a smoke detector installed right outside of the main bedrooms of the home. Make sure that you change out the batteries every few months and test each smoke detector once a month to ensure that it’s actively working.

Purchase Ones With Safety Features

To help eliminate many common space heater problems that result in fires, manufacturers have come up with new safety features. When looking for your new space heater, it’s a good idea to look for ones that have tip-over protection, cool-touch housing, and overheat protection.

Tip-over protection simply means that the space heater will shut off whenever it senses it’s been knocked over. Cool-touch housing helps to keep the outside of the space heater unit cool so that you do not get burnt. Lastly, overheat protection will shut off your space heater in the event that it senses it’s overheating.

Look Over Your Heater Routinely

It’s always good practice to look over your space heaters on a regular basis to ensure that there’s no damage. Specifically, you’re looking for any wiring that has become frayed or has lost its rubber insulation. Additionally, you also want to check the actual housing of the space heater to see if there are any cracks in it.

Always Read the Instructions

Whenever you purchase a new space heater, it’s important that you read the whole way through the instructions. Each space heater is a bit different from the next, and you’ll want to ensure that you understand how to work the specific one you have.

Ensure It’s Got a Safety Label

Whenever you purchase a space heater, you’ll want to look for a specific safety label. This safety label is put on by nationally recognized consumer safety associations when products meet their rigorous safety specifications. The three most common labels that you’ll find include UL, CSA, and ETL.

Opt for Electric Only

Just like most heating systems, space heaters can be designed to use different types of fuel. Most readily available on the market are electric, oil, and gas space heaters. It’s best to invest in electric space heaters when you’re going to be using them indoors. You want to avoid oil and gas space heaters in an enclosed space because they require proper venting. Otherwise, they can be dangerous to your respiratory health.

Keep Clear of Water

Most of us know that the combination of electricity and water can be highly dangerous. You want to keep this in mind when you’re using your space heater. You should not have it plugged in anywhere where it can come into contact with water. This means not putting it in a basement that is susceptible to flooding. Also, you want to avoid using your space heaters in your kitchen and your bathrooms.

Teach Your Children the Dangers

While the potential dangers of a space heater may be pretty clear to you as an adult, your children may not understand them. It’s important to take the time to discuss with your children why space heaters can be dangerous. You’ll want to create a child-free zone around each space heater in your home. Some of the newer space heaters do come with a safety feature that will shut the space heater off if it senses that there is a child or pet too close to it. If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider buying a space heater that has a safety feature.

Use It for Heat Only

A space heater is specifically designed to create heat for a designated indoor area. They’re not meant to dry your clothing, thaw out the pipes in your home, or even warm up your dinner. Make sure that you’re only using your space heater as a supplemental source of heat for your home.

Unplug It When Done

It’s always good protocol to physically unplug your space heater whenever you’re done using it. This helps to ensure that it doesn’t turn back on due to its built-in thermostat or from one of your children turning on the buttons. This also helps to protect the cord from any damage while you’re not using your space heater.

Reliable Heating Services

[company_name] offers reliable heating services in the Gainesville, GA region. We also provide indoor air quality, ductless mini-split, commercial HVAC, AC installation, AC maintenance, and AC repair services. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Typical Residential Furnace Problems

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on September 15, 2021. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Typical Residential Furnace Problems

Having a furnace in your home can help to ensure that your family stays comfortable when the weather gets colder. However, with any sort of home system, your furnace is prone to having problems over its lifetime. It can pay to understand what some of the most common issues are, as you can quickly identify the problem and fix it.

Decreased Amount of Heat

One issue you may notice with your furnace after running it for a while is that it’s providing less heat than it used to. This typically indicates that there’s a problem with the airflow throughout the furnace and your ventilation system. In most cases, you can simply change out the air filter for a new one and fix this problem. In other cases, it may be a more complex problem like a rodent infestation inside of the ducting for your home.

Furnace Not Turning Off

One frustrating issue you may notice with your furnace is that it won’t turn off. It’s best to first check your thermostat to ensure that it’s set to auto function instead of the on function. If your thermostat is set to the on function, it will continuously run until you manually shut it off at the thermostat. If your thermostat is definitely set to the auto function, it’s likely that you have a problem with your access panel.

The access panel is most likely to be an issue when you’ve recently worked on your furnace. Your furnace’s access door has a built-in safety switch. When the door is ajar, it prevents your furnace from turning on. This is to ensure that you don’t get injured while working on the system. Unfortunately, if the access door isn’t shut properly, the safety switch won’t disengage. Fortunately, this is a very easy fix. All you need to do is reclose the access panel door the whole way.

Blank Thermostat Display

Whenever it starts to feel cool inside of your home, the first thing you likely do is go over to your thermostat to see what the temperature is. If you notice that the thermostat display screen is completely blank, it could be an indication of a couple of different issues. The first and most obvious is that the batteries for your thermostat have gone dead.

Simply pop off the thermostat cover and put in new batteries to see if that works. If putting in new batteries still does not get the display screen to come up, you want to head down to your electrical panel. Check the circuit breaker for your thermostat to ensure that it wasn’t tripped. If neither of these solutions works, it’s likely an indication that the internal components of your thermostat have gone bad, and you’re going to need to upgrade to a new thermostat.

Flickering Pilot Light

Your furnace has a pilot light that is responsible for helping it burn fuel to heat your home. When this light is working properly, it should be on full blast and have a blue tint to the flame. If you notice that the pilot light is constantly flickering, it’s an indication that there’s a problem with your system. In most cases, you’ll just need to clean off the gas tube that supplies the fuel for the light. If this hasn’t solved the problem and you’re sure there’s enough fuel in your system, you need to call in a professional to handle the situation from here.

Squealing Sound

One rather annoying noise that you may hear your furnace make is a high-pitch squealing noise. As soon as you hear this noise, you want to turn off your furnace right away. This will help to prevent any further damage from happening to your system. The most likely cause of the squealing sound is going to be a bad fan motor belt. These belts tend to wear out over time and can start to fray or even pop off the pulley. You’ll need to replace the belt with a new one in order to get rid of it.

Scraping Sound

Another quite alarming noise that your heating system may produce is scraping. Again, as soon as you hear this noise, you want to shut off your system completely. This is an indication that the ball bearings inside the motor have gone bad. You need to call in an HVAC professional to replace the motor before turning your system back on.

Yellow or Orange Pilot Light

Your furnace has a pilot light that burns blue. If you notice that it turns to burn a shade of orange or yellow, that means that it’s producing carbon monoxide. This is a dangerous gas that can be harmful to your family. It’s imperative that you turn your furnace off before too much carbon monoxide accumulates inside of your home. You’ll want to proceed to call in an HVAC professional to fix your system.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

Your furnace has a unique component known as the heat exchanger. This component is responsible for separating the burning of fuel from the air inside of your home. When this exchanger becomes cracked due to excess heat exposure, it can allow dangerous gases and soot to seep through to your indoor air. If you notice that your heat exchanger is cracked or your heat goes out, it’s time to call in a professional to handle the situation.

Faulty Limit Switch

Your thermostat relies on a limit switch to determine when your indoor air reaches the temperature set. When the limit switch malfunctions, your furnace will continue to run. This is because the thermostat doesn’t know that your indoor air has reached your desired setting. You’ll likely need to call in a technician to successfully replace your limit switch.

Noisy Ductwork

When your heating system kicks on after it’s been cold, it’s likely that your ductwork is going to make some noises. These are described as rattling, pinging, and popping. It’s important to note that these noises aren’t dangerous as they simply indicate that your ducting is expanding due to the furnace’s heat. If you become annoyed by these sounds, you can easily work to eliminate them by installing insulation around your ducting.

Not Blowing Air

If you notice that your furnace is on, but your blower fan doesn’t seem to be working, it could be an issue with the fan belt. When the fan belt breaks apart or slips off of the pulley, the blower no longer works. Without the blower, your system can’t circulate air throughout your home.

This is a fairly easy fix. You’ll need to turn off your furnace and locate the faulty belt. If the belt has broken apart, you’ll need to purchase and install a new one of the same size. If the belt has slipped off the pulley, you’ll want to closely examine the belt. Slippage could be due to a fraying of the underside of the belt. If you notice any fraying, it’s best to replace the belt so that it doesn’t slip off again.

Outstanding Heating Service

[company_name] is here to provide outstanding heating service in the Gainesville area. We also provide quality cooling and indoor air quality services. Just give us a call today to get the assistance that you need with your home!

9 Benefits of Purchasing an HVAC Maintenance Contract

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on May 6, 2021. Posted in HVAC, Maintenance Plan. No Comments on 9 Benefits of Purchasing an HVAC Maintenance Contract

HVAC concerns are one of the biggest sources of conflict between tenants and landlords. They can also be serious sources of stress for homeowners.

Losing your heat or air conditioning in the middle of a vicious cold snap or oppressive heatwave is a miserable experience. Having vulnerable individuals in your home such as infants or the elderly who tolerate temperature variations poorly can make it even worse.

Fortunately, keeping your home and family safe and comfortable doesn’t have to be a headache. Purchasing an HVAC maintenance contract can make it easy and affordable. Keep reading to discover the top nine benefits of these contracts can offer you.

What Does An HVAC Maintenance Contract Include?

Contract specifics vary between companies and systems. Homeowners can often choose between several options to get the contract best for their personal needs and the design of their homes.

In general, however, they include:

Regular service reminders
Routine seasonal equipment check-ups
Periodic filter replacement
Cleaning of condensers, coils, and other components
Lubrication where appropriate
Preventative inspections and maintenance
Adjustment of controls as required

While the list may look simple at first glance, these services offer key benefits for busy homeowners.

1. Convenient Reminders And Appointments

Life is busy and the older you get the faster the days seem to fly by. When you have an HVAC service contract, you never have to worry about keeping track of when your system needs service. The company will do that work for you and contact you by phone, email, or text to schedule an appointment when service is due.

There’s a hidden benefit here, too. Most homeowners don’t think to call for service or check their systems to make sure they’re working until after temperatures take a sharp jump or dive. This leads to a high demand for service and low availability of ideal appointment times just when they need service the most.

When you’re on contract, the service company will contact you to schedule an appointment before the seasonal rush. You’ll have your pick of great appointment times and the confidence of knowing your home is ready before the weather changes.

2. Priority Service

Homeowners with an HVAC service agreement often fall in a “priority customer” category. This means that when they call for service, they get bumped to the head of the line. That can be a lifesaver during peak seasons!

Priority service may come standard or may be an added feature to your contract. Be sure to check with your service provider at the time of signing.

3. Documentation

Manufacturers may require that homeowners have their HVAC systems routinely serviced by qualified professionals to remain eligible for warranty coverage. An HVAC maintenance agreement not only ensures that requirement is met, but provides the necessary documentation to prove it.

Insurers may also require documentation of maintenance.

4. Cost Savings

Cost savings can come from several directions. Contract holders may receive pricing discounts in that:

Bundled services often cost less than a la carte services
Priority or Preferred customers can receive lower rates
Their pre-season appointments are cheaper than peak-season appointments

Most contract holders also benefit financially from catching potential problems early. Routine maintenance means that professionals are examining your system and can intervene while issues are still small and inexpensive to fix, rather than after an expensive catastrophe has occurred.

5. Maximum Efficiency

Properly installed and maintained HVAC systems are a crucial part of achieving energy efficiency in your home. With an HVAC preventive maintenance contract, you never have to worry about clogged filters or sluggish equipment wasting energy or struggling to keep your home comfortable, no matter what the weather.

6. Longer Equipment Life

Properly maintained equipment not only runs better, but it also lasts longer. With new HVAC systems costing between $5,000 and $13,000 to install, it’s in your best interest to keep the one you have running smoothly for as long as possible!

7. Fewer Emergencies

When your heating or cooling goes out, your home is suddenly at enormous risk. Infants, children, the elderly, and people who are ill are much less able to safely regulate body temperature than others and may face real danger. In cold weather, your pipes may freeze and burst, causing massive and costly water damage.

Having your HVAC system routinely cleaned and maintained by professionals can reduce or eliminate the likelihood of HVAC emergencies in your home.

8. A Healthier Home

Indoor air in American homes can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Considering that the average family spends up to 90 percent of their time indoors, this has huge implications for health.

With an HVAC service contract guaranteeing that your filters are changed on time and that all equipment is running properly, you can maximize the air quality in your home. This is particularly important for families where one or more members have asthma, allergies, or respiratory illnesses.

9. Peace Of Mind

Your home should be safe and comfortable. Life comes with too many worries we can’t avoid to waste time fretting about things that are easy to fix. An HVAC service contract can take a load off your mind.

Contract holders have the added benefit of getting to know their service providers. Gone are the days of feeling awkward or anxious during service appointments. Contract holders enjoy the comfort and safety of seeing the same trusted faces whenever service is due.

Sign Up For Your Maintenance Contract Today

Are you ready to take advantage of these great benefits for yourself? Call, text, or email your neighborhood experts and set up your HVAC maintenance contract today.

7 Reasons an Air Duct Cleaning Service is Worth It

Written by Gee! Heating and Air on April 6, 2021. Posted in Duct Cleaning, Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on 7 Reasons an Air Duct Cleaning Service is Worth It

Is Duct Cleaning Worthwhile?

Our HVAC units are integral to the comfort of our home. They keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But as they keep the air moving, dust and debris can clog up the ducts leading to problems.

Read on for our 7 reasons why you should consider an air duct cleaning service to help your HVAC unit out.

1. Reduce Allergens

One of the biggest reasons to get your ducts cleaned in spring is the increase in pollen counts. There is also a general increase in allergens in the air. Dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen can all build up. Allergies are a pain to deal with at the best of times, so you don’t want your family suffering in your own home too.

If these allergens build-up, it’ll be impossible to find relief from your symptoms. You can dust, sweep, and vacuum but it will only do so much. You need to deal with the source head-on.

Getting your ducts cleaned out at least once a year will help prevent allergens from building up. You won’t get high quantities spreading through the air every time you turn your unit on. By removing the source of the issue, your air will be safer and healthier for all the family.

2. Reduced Air Pollution In Your Home

It’s important to know that indoor pollution comes from a variety of sources. Each source has an impact on your air quality. Inadequate temperature, poor ventilation, and poor circulation all have an impact.

Contaminants like mold, dust, bacteria, etc. also play a role. If your air pollution is too high, you might notice symptoms like:

Dry, irritated eyes
Runny, itchy nose
Sore, scratchy throat and skin
Headaches
Sneezing
Coughing and congestion

Chemicals, smoke, and gas will also pollute your air. If you’re painting a room, for example, with poor ventilation, the chemicals linger in the air.

You must clean your ducts to get air flowing as much as possible. Removing pollutants will help your HVAC unit keep your air quality clean and safe.
For added protection, get your technician to install an in-duct purifier. This will use UV light to sterilize the air to prevent the spread of particles, bacteria, and viruses.

3. Increase the Efficiency Of Your HVAC Unit

Years of dust and dirt build-up can reduce the airflow of your HVAC unit. This makes it less efficient, more expensive to run, and put a strain on the mechanics.

Air duct cleaning will help you maximize your HVAC’s efficiency and airflow. All that dirt and debris will be gone! It’ll take the pressure off your fans and moving components that might be struggling.

4. Remove Lingering Smells

You might not know of this benefit, but cleaning your ducts can reduce lingering smells in your home. Every home has a unique scent, but your ducts actually contribute to how your home will smell to any guests and family.

Bacteria and mold pollute the air quality, but they can also leave unpleasant smells. Small rodents can also make their homes inside your ducts. They’ll leave behind droppings, bedding, and might even die inside. A dead rodent is a smell you won’t forget in a hurry!

Cooking smells, tobacco, and pet dander can all build up too. This can lead to strong odors flowing through your home that are hard to get rid of. Anyone who’s burnt onions in the kitchen knows how that smell can linger. Duct cleaning will get rid of pollutants, debris, and dirt that are causing these bad smells.

5. Save Money

According to the US Department of Energy, we waste 30% of the energy used to heat and cool our homes. Clogged and dirty ducts put a strain on your unit, making it work harder to get the same amount of airflow. So keeping them clean will be invaluable to the way your home breathes.

Not only will it save money on bills but also on repairs. Making sure your HVAC unit is well-maintained will lengthen its lifespan.

Hiring an air duct cleaning service might seem like a big spend, but it’ll be a worthwhile investment. It’s far better than having to invest in a new HVAC unit which could set you back up to $10,000.

6. Ensure Your Unit is Safe

It’s not uncommon for debris stuck in the ductwork to catch fire. You can help prevent this tragedy with regular duct cleaning and proper maintenance.

The risk grows with older HVAC units and if you use propane or other fuels for your furnace, stove, or fireplace. When debris comes into contact with these appliances, it poses a fire risk as they can set alight.

A simple air duct cleaning can bring a huge reduction in risk. Your technician can also take a look and spot any other HVAC-related fire risks you might have.

7. Refresh Your Home if You’re Selling or Renting

Having your air ducts cleaned is essential if you want to sell, rent, or buy your home. If you’ve recently bought, you’re going to have the previous owners’ dirt and debris in the vents. It might even be the first they’re cleaned at all.

If you’re selling or renting, cleaning your air ducts means you’ll leave them in the best condition you can. It’s likely that when you’re selling, you’ll have done some renovations. This will likely generate a lot of dust and debris.

Hire An Air Duct Cleaning Service Today

So there you have it! Hiring an air duct cleaning service is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. It’ll keep your HVAC running in top condition.

Not only will it take the strain off, but it’ll also improve air quality, reduce allergens, and reduce fire risks. It will also help boost your unit’s efficiency, translating into savings on your bills.

If you’re looking for an air duct cleaning service, book online with us today. At [company_name], we’re here for all your HVAC needs.