Category Archives: Useful Tips

Maintaining and Repairing an HVAC System – What you Need to Know

Maintaining an HVAC system is multifaceted. On the one hand, there is the regular maintenance that must be done to keep things in good working order. On the other hand, there is a great deal of troubleshooting that can, and sometimes must, be done when something goes wrong. Generally, the likelihood of big problems occurring is the most reduced when HVAC system cleaning is performed regularly.

The Regular Maintenance

All HVAC systems use filters. If these filters are not replaced regularly, the system will become inefficient. The inefficiency is twofold. As the filters age, more and more dust gets into the filter fibres. This is a problem because filters that have already captured their maximum amount of dust become ineffective, so there is a degradation in air quality. Secondly, those dirty, clogged filters create a resistance to airflow. Because the air is not allowed to pass through the filter fibers, there will not be an adequate delivery of hot or cold air to keep the room at its pre-set temperature. The net result is that the HVAC uses more energy to deliver the same temperatures. Without HVAC system cleaning, these inefficiencies will lead to increased energy bills and will likely reduce the lifespan of the unit as a whole.

in addition to blocked filters, there can also be blockages in the ducts, and the heating and cooling hardware. Debris tends to pile up and collect in deposits along the walls of the ductwork. These deposits tend to be more disruptive to airflow then clogged filters. The most disruptive are blockages in the heat exchangers or air conditioning coils. Because these interfere with the heating and cooling directly at the source, it is not uncommon that they will affect the performance of the system acutely. For example, the temperature may not go above a certain value in the winter, or below a certain value in the summer. HVAC system cleaning on a regular schedule is the best way to avoid these issues.

What goes wrong when you skip the maintenance

Blockages in ductwork that go unattended can be hard on the blowers. Sometimes, blower motor failure will occur if there is increased load on the system caused by resistance to airflow. This is a major problem because an HVAC cannot run at all without blowers. Parts for the motors are not always available especially if your make and model is no longer in production. Replacing the blowers entirely is very expensive. However, this will be the least of your concerns if you have to relocate until the problem can be fixed. Given the problems that this can cause, having a simple HVAC system cleaning to ensure that the blowers are not overloaded might be a good precaution.

Clogged or dirty coils can cause refrigerant leaks. Air conditioners use special liquids called refrigerants to cool down high volumes of air in a way that is highly efficient When these fluids are no longer contained in their housing, the whole unit will shut down, as there is no longer any medium to use for cooling. Not only will this leave you without air conditioning, but it is often difficult for service technicians to deal with because the refrigerant housing styles vary by make and model. Being proactive by scheduling an HVAC system cleaning will help avoid this.

When you hire a contractor to perform your HVAC system cleaning, make sure to use someone who takes the time to clean the ducts thoroughly, inspects the coils and heat exchangers, and looks at the blowers. Anybody can replace the filters and walk away. A quality technician will be able to tell you about potential problems you may be prone to in the future, and make the right recommendations. Maintaining an HVAC system is a never-ending battle. The best thing you can do is to form the right habits so that everything stays under control in the long run.

Air Conditioner Repair Solutions for Common AC Problems

Human life has undergone a whole lot of changes when compared to the former times. This change is conspicuous and is precisely in sync with the advent and advancement of technology. For instance, these days, air conditioners have become par for the course of modern life. This situation is all the more true in countries that experience severe summer and winter seasons. One cannot even think of passing through such crushing climatic conditions without the support of air conditioners. The same has become unavoidable during both the summer and winter seasons. Consequently, when a breakdown happens to air conditioners, it’s natural to feel uncomfortable. In addition, harsh climatic conditions are harmful to humans, which will cause serious health problems. Besides, when such a failure comes to pass, one will have to shell out a lot of money for repairing the same. In many cases, there will be the need to replace some spare parts, which itself will cost very much. Therefore, proper air conditioner maintenance is a must, and for this, one should hire the services of a specialized air conditioner repair Jacksonville Beach FL agency.

Air Conditioner Repair Solutions for Common AC Problems

• Water Leakage: Water leakage outside the air conditioner is a common snag. Such a situation can occur even when the unit is working. If this problem is excessive, there can be some grave problems, which only technicians can solve. The main reasons for this can be a drain-pipe block, soiled air filters, low coolant level, or an installation problem. You can consult your air conditioner repair Jacksonville Beach FL Contractor Company.

• Unit Not Cooling As It Should Be: This situation is the most common air conditioner problem that people face. There are several causes for such a situation. These possible reasons include air filter clogging, defective motor, low refrigerant, etc. Here, you must not try to solve the problem on your own. This self-diagnosis can be dangerous. For taking the corrective steps, one must know the basics of air conditioning, electrical connection, etc. When you try to do the restoration task on your own, without the help of a technician, you are inviting trouble. That said, you must get in touch with the air conditioner repair Jacksonville Beach FL Company, with which you have a maintenance contract.

• Drainage Clogging: Generally, there is a possibility of drain pipeline clogging. This situation occurs due to the accumulation of dirt and dust. Besides, when the drain does not work properly, fungus, mold, etc., will grow. Here, the main thing that you must ensure is the regular maintenance of the drain line. You must monitor the area. This monitoring is for ensuring the cleanliness of the area. When you have the assistance of a professional air conditioner repair Jacksonville Beach FL, the process of monitoring becomes easy. Thus, you will be able to maintain the functional nature of the drain line perfectly.

• Evaporator Coil: An air conditioner requires an adequate supply of air for running smoothly without any problems. When there is no sufficient air, the evaporator coil will stop working. In turn, this situation will affect the system, and it will have a breakdown. For sufficient air supply, the ducts and vents must remain clean. Hence, cleaning the air filters is very much important. Here also, the assistance of a competent air conditioner technician is essential.

• Noise coming out from the Unit: At times, you may hear some weird noises coming out from the unit. Remember, there can be a leak, compressor problem, relay problem, etc. An expert technician can solve the problem easily.

A Google search is the best bet to get the list of the leading air conditioner repair Jacksonville Beach FL companies. That said, it is advisable to shortlist some of the proximate companies. Here, you must compare the possible services, the quality of the same, the customer reviews that will project professionalism of the company, the technical expertise of the employees, and the pricing. Such a comparison will empower you to make a sensible selection. Once you select a particular company, you can sign an installation and maintenance contract.

The Benefits of Goose Down Comforters

It’s safe to say that sometimes the best part of your day is climbing into bed, so it makes sense that we try to make our bedtimes as nice as possible. When you’re trying to get comfortable, bedding can be almost as important as the mattress itself, so selecting a proper quality comforter can be key. While goose down comforters often cost more than other materials, they’re well-worth the expense! Down comforters offer many advantages in keeping you cozy!

Keeping Warm and Cool

It can be incredibly frustrating trying to sleep in an unpleasant temperature, or to wake up in the middle of the night shivering because of a blanket that’s too thin or sweating because of a blanket that’s too thick. To avoid these unpleasant experiences, a goose down comforter is a fantastic choice!

Down is one of nature’s best insulators. A goose down comforter will be breathable enough to let excess heat out but hold enough heat to keep you at your optimal sleep temperature all night!

Longer lasting and Hypoallergenic

Down being a very breathable material has another positive effect to help your sleep: allergens. A goose down comforter won’t allow dust mites, allergens, or other foreign particles to accumulate in your comforter, keeping you from waking up to clogged sinuses or itchy skin.

They’re also an incredible investment in your sleepy time! A goose down comforter is likely to last 10-20 years! When you compare that to the longevity (or lack thereof) of other materials, down bedding is going to end up saving you money in the long run, despite the higher initial costs. “You get what you pay for” is definitely a good thing to keep in mind when you’re investing in your own sleep.

Easy to Clean

Goose down comforters will keep out dust mites and the like but even if they get a bit dirty, they’re also very easy to clean! Most down comforters are machine washable for your convenience, and as for drying they’ll fluff back up to their full volume after drying out. Down comforters stay fluffy and comfy throughout their lifetime!

Huge Selection of Patterns and Fabric

Since down is such an amazing natural insulator, it’s stayed a hugely popular material and the market has produced option after option as a result.

Goose down comforters are available in all colors and patterns so they can fit in with any bedroom’s look or theme. You’ll also have a wide range of fabric to select from in your comforter, from your material to your thread count. Select higher thread count comforters to ensure their durability. If you are interested in changing up your décor by using a duvet cover, choose one that is easy to remove and wash to help lengthen the life of your down comforter.

With the gigantic selection out there, it won’t be a surprise to find out that there are goose down comforters in almost every price range. Though whenever you’re comparing the cost of two comforters, make sure you’re taking their quality, make, materials and other stats into account. You’ll see some comforters coming in for just a few hundred dollars, while others might cost several thousand. Only you know what you’re looking for, so read up on your potential investments before you make a final choice.

Down is Superior

At the end of the day, comparing pretty much any metric, you’re going to gain the most from a goose down comforter. They’re lighter and longer lasting than almost any other kind of comforter. They’re a better and natural material that helps regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable. Down comforters are the whole package, and they’re a great way to make sure you get the best sleep possible.

With the wide variety of high-quality duvet covers also available, you can ensure your investment in a goose down comforter goes the distance by matching it to any décor as your style shifts through the years. This is one piece of bedding you are going to have for years to come, so choose the right one.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Moving Company

• No Need to Become Anxious or Nervous: It’s natural to get a bit nervous whenever the need to change residence or office. Such situations occur more often to employees. There will be numerous things that one will have to take to the new place, and giving a tidy nature to the process will be practically tedious. Another point is that there will be various valuable and valued items, and one will have to take double care and attention while transporting the same. However, you can sigh of relief when you hire the professional skill of a moving company near me. They will cover each point as regards the transportation and will do the process safely.

• Dependable: When you hand over the task to a professional company, they will take care of the entrusted works in a skilled manner. There will be a professional approach, and this will be much favorable to you. For sure, there will not be any damages to the items. They would have undergone thorough and accurate training programs. On the contrary, if you are hiring a greenhorn company, the whole process will become a mess, and there is a possibility of damages to your items. The best way to ensure the safety of your items during a residence or office change is to hire the professional services of a moving company near me.

• Responsibility: A professional moving company will be responsible. The management will take all the needed steps to avoid damages. Both the employees and management will have dedication regarding the job they undertake and will answer any of your queries respectfully. A professional moving company will be responsible and will take all the needed steps for avoiding the damages. The management and employees will be dedicated and will answer your queries respectfully. They will accept the accountability as regards the safe movement of the items and will take all the desired and required steps to deliver the items promptly. If the moving company is amateur, you will have to involve in the process to make the shifting trouble-free and without causing any damages. Hence, you must ensure the reliability and practical experience of the company even if you are looking for a moving company near me.

• Insurance: It’s also a must that while fixing a moving company near me, you must make sure that the company is insured. Remember, you will get the precise compensation if something happens to the transported items only when the moving company has insurance coverage. That said, such incidences will happen only rarely. However, it’s practically prudent to hire a moving company with proper insurance coverage.

• Trained Employees: Professional moving companies will have efficient employees. They will be very much active physically. They can easily lift and carry heavy furniture items. There will be the need to move furniture items from upstairs, corridors, etc. Hence, when such experienced employees handle the matter, you will not have to worry about any damages. Besides, they will have the practical experience of handling such items and will work at ease. This easy way of working will keep you relaxed.

• Secured Packing: Make sure that the moving company near me has all the relevant tools and vehicles that will make the task easy. If the company is professional, they will have these tools, and hence the packing will be safe and secure.

• Storage Facility: In some cases, you may need the furniture items only when you reach the new home or office. However, you may have to vacate the present residence or office. In such cases, you must choose a moving company that has warehouse facilities or some storage houses where they can keep the items for the interim period.

That said, you must pick out some of the top moving companies and compare the services they provide, the quality of the same, and the pricing. The pricing of the top companies will be comparatively reasonable. Remember, experience, expertise, and reliability are the key factors to consider before choosing a moving company near me.

How Often Should HVAC Vents Be Cleaned – Everything you Need to Know

When dirt and debris become trapped in HVAC vents and ducts this causes two problems – it creates resistance to airflow and diminishes air quality. The best defense against these is to have the ducts and vents cleaned. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that HVAC vent cleaning be done every 3-5 years. This is a generalized guideline. Surely, an industrial space would have differing demands for air quality than an office or private home. How often to clean ultimately depends on the level of air quality you are shooting for, and the kind of activity happening in the space.

Why worry about air quality?

Air quality is measured by a filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The MERV rating tells you how effective the filter is at catching fine, airborne particulate. So, the filters are designed to catch all this stuff in the air, but when they do not, what remains gets deposited into the vents and ducts. As this builds up over time, it can impede airflow and cause problems. Because the furnace filters play such a big role in mitigating dust and debris, the type of filters installed and the rate at which they are replaced, will be a key factor in determining when HVAC vent cleaning will be needed.

Suppose we have a homeowner who has a basic MERV 4 furnace filter, and he replaces the filter every 18 months, as the filter manufacturer recommends. This individual could likely get away with HVAC vent cleaning every 5 years. The reasoning behind this is that the homeowner is using the right furnace filter for its intended duration, so it is unlikely that there would be a need for extra cleaning. Now let’s suppose that the homeowner’s mother who has bad asthma moves into the home. In this case, the homeowner may decide to be aggressive and jump up to a MERV 8 rated filter. Even if the homeowner continues to replace the new filters diligently, he should start having the vents and ducts cleaned more frequently. Because the higher rated filter is less porous, it will cause a greater resistance to airflow. The elevated resistance now means that the air is traveling through the vents and ducts at a reduced rate, so the vents will be at a higher risk for dust and dirt deposits collecting in them.

It is important to remember that the filters are typically placed inside the vents, kind of like a lining between where the ducts and vents meet. In our scenario, the need for more frequent cleaning is because there is a bottleneck effect. As the air is approaching the end of the duct, it begins to slow when it gets near the filter. If this slowing of air is not too much, then there will not be many deposits of dust and debris around the filter. However, if the air slows too quickly, then there is likely to be more deposits near the filter, which will mean more HVAC vent cleaning.

This does not mean that the higher the MERV rating, the more cleaning will be needed. If the homeowner decided to get a whole new HVAC system for the house when his mother moved in, he could get a furnace and air conditioner that are calibrated to handle a MERV 8 filter. Because the whole system would be pushing air through at a rate that is optimal for that rating, there would be no bottleneck effect and he could go back to cleaning every 5 years. As long as the filters you are using pair nicely with the specs of your system, HVAC vent cleaning should not be needed too often.

The wild card

There is another variable at play with all of this. Sometimes when certain things are present, the bottleneck effect is always worsened. One example would be the presence of a dog or cat. Regardless of how well your filter furnace pairings are, the minute a fur bearing animal is brought indoors, you will need more HVAC vent cleaning. The same is true for indoor smoking. If nothing else, getting rid of these two things will reduce your need for vent cleaning.