Why Heating Systems Need the Air Filter

October 20, 2020

Every furnace and heat pump has an air filter in the return vent, the purpose of which we’ll outline below for you. Needless to say, it is an essential component and, assuming that you own a disposable filter and not a washable type, must be replaced on a regular basis. Keeping Components Clean Many people think air filters are meant to keep the indoor air clean, but this is not their primary purpose. Filters first of all capture pollutants before they enter the furnace or, in the case of a heat pump, air handler. There are sensitive components inside that would not work as efficiently if covered in dirt and dust. Take the burners in a furnace, for example. Covered in dirt, they won’t allow the heat exchanger to heat up the air, which means that whatever circulates through your home will be lukewarm. The furnace will also run longer, raising your utility bills. Another component you don’t want to be dirty is the furnace fan blade; it won’t spin as efficiently and may even cause the system to overheat. Cleaning the Indoor Air Filters will, at least indirectly, help you maintain healthy indoor air. Depending on their type, they...

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Creative Ways To Hide Your Outdoor AC Unit

September 20, 2020

When you spend a lot of time enjoying the backyard of your Mount Airy, NC, home, you might want to hide the outdoor AC unit. These units are large and made of metal on a concrete slab, so they’re not the most appealing things to have in your view. Keep in mind that the unit needs at least three feet of clearance on all sides and above it so that it can release the heat from your home’s air. ‘s Mount Airy technicians also need to service the outdoor unit, and we suggest one of these three ways to hide it while still allowing it to be accessible. 1. Build a Lattice Wall A lattice wall is a simple way to hide your outdoor AC unit. In the springtime, you could plant annuals that grow up the lattice. Morning glories, sweet peas, and clematis are some good options. The lattice should be placed on two sides, such as the south and west or east sides, which have the most sunlight. 2. Use a Privacy Fence A simple four-sided privacy fence with a gate is another way to hide the AC unit. You could use vinyl, composite, or wood fencing. If...

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The Benefits of Electrostatic Air Filters

August 11, 2020

The air filter is a critical component of your heating and cooling system. If you’re shopping for a replacement, you’ll notice that there are many filter options, such as electrostatic, pleated and HEPA. The following are the advantages of an electrostatic air filter. How do Electrostatic Air Filters Work? An electrostatic air filter doesn’t need to be replaced unless it’s damaged in some way. You take it out of your HVAC system once a month, clean it and put it back. This makes them cheaper than disposable filters over the long term. They have multiple layers of slotted metal that air passes through. Air molecules passing through create friction, which causes dust particles to become trapped in the filter. Allergy Relief This type of air filter is good at capturing pollen, animal dander, mold spores and dust. This provides relief to people with allergies or other respiratory issues. Environmentally Friendly Since they’re not disposable, electrostatic air filters are much more environmentally friendly than disposable air filters. Disposable filters end up in a landfill, which isn’t good for the environment. At of Mount Airy, NC, we’re quite familiar with all types of air filters, including electrostatic options. Our technicians can explain...

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Should I Leave the AC on During the Day When I’m Out?

July 15, 2020

Without your air conditioner, your Mount Airy home would be hot and uncomfortable all summer long. As great as your air conditioner is, though, operating it comes at the cost of a higher utility bill. It makes sense to limit the amount of time that you operate your air conditioner so that you don’t end up with a utility bill that makes your wallet’s heart skip a beat. If you’re not home during the day, that may seem like a great opportunity to turn your air conditioner off. However, turning your air conditioner off during the day might not actually save electricity, and it could lead to other problems. Heat and Humidity Heat is only one part of what makes summer air uncomfortable. The other ingredient of summer discomfort is humidity. Since air from outside enters your home throughout the day, the humidity that’s in the air comes into your home as well. Your air conditioner is responsible for removing this humidity as part of the cooling process. If you leave your air conditioner off entirely while you’re away, it won’t have a chance to remove the humidity. This can lead to problems such as sticking doors, moldy food that’s...

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Why Does My AC Smell?

June 16, 2020

You may notice an odd smell in your home that seems to get worse whenever your air conditioning system is on. Identifying what it smells like can go a long way toward figuring out what the issue is. Here are some smells that you may notice and what they mean. Smelly Feet The scent of smelly feet means that your air conditioning system is either dirty or clogged. This bad smell is coming from water that has pooled because it cannot drain properly. This means that your AC system is in need of a thorough cleaning. Gunpowder This smell indicates that your outdoor AC unit has had either its motor or circuit board short out. You’ll need to have the unit serviced by a professional HVAC contractor. of Mount Airy, NC, diagnoses and resolves problems with your air conditioning system. Our certified technicians can handle any make and model. Rotten Eggs This smell is usually the result of a dead animal in your HVAC system. Birds and rodents can get into your air ducts, die and start to decompose. A professional can remove the animal remains from your ducts, which will remove the smell. Exhaust Fumes Since air conditioners are...

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What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

May 13, 2020

It’s important for a few reasons to get the right-sized air conditioner for your home. The right size of AC unit will run efficiently, keep your utility bills down and continue to operate for a long time. Here’s how to make sure you select the right-sized unit. It’s Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears You can liken getting the right-sized air conditioner to the fairytale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” A system too big can’t run a full cycle. It will instead kick on and then quickly shut off as it’s cooled your home too quickly. This costs you a lot of money. An AC system that is too small can’t cool your home. It will run continuously in a vain attempt to cool your home properly. This, too, will cost you a lot of money. An air conditioning system that’s just the right size will cool your home efficiently by running a full cycle. It will then shut off for a while before starting the next cycle. This is the best way to save money on your utility bills. “Old School” Way of Getting the Right AC System The “old school” way of getting the right-sized AC system for...

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Energy Saving HVAC Tips For Earth Day

April 16, 2020

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year. A great way to take part is to save energy in your home. Heating and cooling your home consumes half your energy, so reducing these costs is a priority. Here are ways you can reduce your energy consumption for Earth Day. Change Your Air Filters Dirty air filters make your heating and air conditioning system work a lot harder than it needs to. You should check your system’s filter every 30 days and replace it when needed. They need to be replaced at most every 90 days. Earth Day is a great time to pull out your system’s manufacturers manual and see what they recommend. Schedule HVAC Maintenance A well-maintained HVAC system uses less energy than one that has been neglected. You should have a professional technician tune-up your system annually. Energy savings will often pay for tune-up visits. For those living in Mount Airy, NC, offers furnace and air conditioning maintenance performed by NATE-certified technicians. Inspect and Repair Duct Work In the average home, 30% of heated and cooled air is lost in the ductwork. You should occasionally inspect your ductwork and seal any leaky sections. Earth Day is a...

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What Should be Included in HVAC Maintenance?

March 12, 2020

Regular care and inspection are necessary to keep your HVAC unit running efficiently. Without proper maintenance, your system could be working harder than it has to, leading your energy costs to rise. It could also lead to high repair or replacement costs. Professional maintenance involves more than you might realize. Here are four things that are involved in HVAC maintenance checks. 1. Changing of Filters The filters of your heating and cooling units are a very important part of your system, but, of course, they get dirty with use. This can cause your unit to perform poorly, leading to inefficient use and excess wear on parts. Inspection and replacement of filters are some of the easiest and most essential ways to keep your system in peak condition. 2. Thorough Inspection of the Complete System An annual inspection by a qualified HVAC professional can detect any issues so that they can be addressed immediately. This can save you both money and frustration. You don’t want to find yourself without heat on the coldest day of winter. Nor is an unexpected repair or replacement something anyone wishes to face. can provide regular maintenance to keep your system running great. 3. Cleaning and...

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Electric vs Gas Furnaces

February 13, 2020

When it comes to replacing your furnace, it’s important to find the right upgrade. Your options include electric and gas furnaces. Each option has pros and cons. The following information can help you determine which type of furnace will meet your needs. Installation Gas and electrical furnaces require professional installation services. Experienced and certified technicians know how to safely install furnaces. Professional technicians possess the knowledge, tools and specialized equipment for installation services. Electric furnaces are powered by high-voltage electricity. Gas furnaces are powered by combustible gas. If the components aren’t installed properly, it could result in a carbon monoxide leak, electrical outage or injuries. Maintenance Electric and gas furnaces must be properly maintained to maximize efficiency. If you’re looking for a furnace that’s easy to maintain, an electric furnace may be right for you. With each use, gas furnaces emit carbon monoxide. You’ll have to install carbon monoxide detectors. Both types of furnaces can develop cracks. In gas furnaces, carbon monoxide can leak through these cracks. When you schedule annual maintenance appointments with , technicians will check your gas furnace for carbon monoxide leaks. Pros and Cons Electric furnaces offer several benefits. They are easier and less expensive to...

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What Heating Systems Are Best For The Environment?

January 6, 2020

Of course, you want your home to be warm and comfortable during the winter but not at the expense of the environment. These days, there are choices to reduce your carbon footprint and lessen your contribution to climate change while still maintaining a pleasant indoor habitat in the winter. Here are some of the best ways for heating your home while limiting your negative environmental impact. Solar Power Throughout large swaths of the United States, solar energy is a great way to power your home. There is a fairly large initial investment, but your energy bills thereafter will be significantly lower. You can even make money if you generate more electricity than you consume. If you have south-facing windows, you can also generate heat in your home by simply opening the blinds on sunny days. Geothermal Geothermal systems take heat from four to six feet beneath the surface of the ground and use it to heat your home. Even in the winter, this underground area can provide warmth. A geothermal system has buried pipes that collect heat while a compressor is utilized to send it throughout the home. For customers in and around Mount Airy, North Carolina, can install this...

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