5 Signs You Need a New HVAC System
A reliable HVAC system is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round and managing energy costs. However, even the best HVAC systems wear out over time, and knowing when to replace them can save you from the hassle of sudden breakdowns or skyrocketing bills. At PRK Services, we often see homeowners needing clarification on whether they need a new HVAC installation or if repairs will do the trick. Here are five clear signs that it might be time to consider a residential HVAC replacement. Rising Energy Bills If your energy bills are unexpectedly rising beyond normal rate increases, your HVAC system could be to blame. As heating and cooling systems age, they lose efficiency and require more energy to maintain the same level of comfort. By comparing recent bills to ones from previous years (in similar seasons), you may spot unexpected spikes. An aging HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain your desired temperature, which directly affects your energy costs. If you’re seeing this pattern, it might be time to think about a new HVAC installation. Frequent Repairs and Breakdowns As HVAC systems age, the need for repairs becomes more frequent. While minor fixes are sometimes all you need, constant breakdowns can be a sign that your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. The cost of continuous repairs can add up quickly, and you might find that, over time, they approach the cost of a new system altogether. If your HVAC system requires repairs more than twice a year, it’s likely worth looking into a residential HVAC replacement for a more reliable, long-term solution. Uneven Temperatures in Your Home One telltale sign of a failing HVAC system is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout your home. Ideally, your HVAC system should evenly distribute warm or cool air across every room. When it doesn’t, your system may be struggling to do its job properly due to age or wear. While it’s worth checking for simple issues like blocked vents or dirty filters, if the uneven temperatures persist, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is ready for an upgrade. Strange Noises or Smells Unusual noises—like banging, rattling, or hissing—or strange odors from your HVAC system are often signs of trouble. These signs could indicate worn-out parts, dust and debris buildup, or even mold issues. Unusual odors, especially burning or musty smells, may indicate serious problems that could pose a safety risk to your household. If you notice any of these, it’s best to call HVAC services to evaluate your system and determine if replacement is the best course of action. Age of the System Finally, one of the simplest indicators that you may need a new HVAC system is age. Most HVAC systems last between 10-15 years with regular maintenance. After that, even the most well-maintained systems lose efficiency and performance. If your system is over a decade old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue to pay for repairs and live with reduced performance. Upgrading your HVAC system can also improve energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and providing a more comfortable living space. Considering a New HVAC System? If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to consult with a professional. PRK Services offers comprehensive HVAC services, including residential HVAC replacement and HVAC installation, to help you enjoy a more efficient, reliable system. A new system is an investment that can increase your comfort, reduce energy costs, and bring you peace of mind for years to come.
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Preparing Your HVAC System for Texas Winter
With winter just around the corner, it’s essential to consider how to prepare your HVAC system for the heating season. Scheduling residential HVAC maintenance is just one way to get your system ready to maintain comfort as the temperature drops. However, HVAC preventative maintenance is only one part of what you should do. The following tips will help you prepare your HVAC system for the Texas winter weather. Schedule Professional Maintenance While you can take some steps yourself, such as replacing your air filter, professional HVAC preventative maintenance is still essential. An HVAC company has the expertise and training to identify potential problems with your unit and complete any necessary repairs to get the system in good working order before the heating season begins. Proper HVAC maintenance keeps systems running efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns. Insulate Your AC Lines One step you can perform yourself is insulating your AC lines. This step will help protect your AC lines from damage during cold weather. Inspect the existing insulation and remove any worn-out or damaged insulation. Clean and dry the lines before applying new foam insulation around the pipe. You may need to use tape to hold the foam in place. Make sure the entire line is covered. Cover The Unit In Fall, Not Winter Fall is a time when fallen leaves and other debris can clog the outdoor components of your HVAC system. Covering your unit during this time of year is recommended to keep this debris out. However, once the fall season is over, remove the cover as part of your residential HVAC maintenance. These units can withstand winter weather conditions. Keeping it covered increases the risk of moisture buildup and related damage. Consider A Ventilated Shelter Just because you remove the cover on your outdoor HVAC unit doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve some protection. You may want to consider installing a ventilated shelter that protects your unit while maintaining airflow. The walls and top of this shelter should be at least three to five inches from the unit and should be removed when spring arrives. Test Your Thermostat Testing your thermostat as part of your HVAC preventative maintenance tells you two things. First, you will need to check if the thermostat turns on your furnace. It should trigger within five minutes of turning it on. Secondly, wait to see if the furnace turns off at the desired temperature. If either of these things doesn’t happen, you should call for service. Change The Filter A change in the seasons is a good time to change your air filter. This essential maintenance task maintains clean air in your home and keeps your system running efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns. Check your owner’s manual or ask your maintenance team how often your air filter should be replaced. Preparing your furnace for the winter months is essential to ensure it’s ready to go when the temperature drops. Residential HVAC maintenance is just part of the process. When you’re ready to schedule your HVAC preventative maintenance, contact PRK Services, Inc. to help you get ready for the heating season.
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Getting Peak Performance in the Winter From Your Furnace
Summer is winding down, and winter is setting in. One of the first things you should focus on as winter approaches is residential HVAC service. Furnaces require routine repair and maintenance to keep them running efficiently so you can keep energy bills low and enjoy a comfortable home. Here are some things you should do to prepare for the winter and ensure your furnace is working at peak performance. Read The Owner’s Manual Your furnace’s owner’s manual is the best starting point to determine which types of maintenance it requires. Reading this manual will give you valuable information about how your furnace operates and what it needs to maintain its performance. Your manual will include information on the following: Air filter replacement Recommended maintenance schedule Furnace cleaning Component compatibility How to troubleshoot and identify problems The owner’s manual for your HVAC system is your guide to taking care of your unit. When you know how your system operates and what it needs, you’re less likely to experience problems and more likely to enjoy peak performance. Schedule HVAC Maintenance Services Every furnace, no matter its age or condition, requires routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Different models require specialized HVAC maintenance services with unique schedule requirements. Your unit requires professional maintenance at least once a year. For your furnace, it can be best to schedule this service as winter approaches so you can rest easy knowing that your unit is in good condition. When seeking professional maintenance, look for a company that works on your brand and model. Technicians should have certification from the manufacturer so you can feel confident that your HVAC unit is in good hands. Keep Your Furnace Clean When the air flowing through furnaces is dirty, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear. A high-efficiency HVAC air filter is vital to clean the air before cycling through the system and your home. You may also want to consider installing a whole-house air filtration system. These systems remove dirt particles from the air, eliminating 99.99% of all contaminants. Finally, routine air duct cleaning will remove dirt and debris from the ducts, further keeping your system clean. Invest In A Programmable Or Smart Thermostat A programmable or smart thermostat is a valuable addition to your HVAC system. These thermostats have features that will help furnaces run more efficiently and keep your costs as low as possible. You will be able to set specific temperatures for your schedule, such as while you sleep, are away from home, or relaxing at home. Many newer thermostats allow you to connect remotely through your smartphone, so you can control or monitor its operation, even while you are away. In addition to a schedule, some thermostats are capable of zoned temperature control. You can set certain temperatures for the rooms you use and reduce energy usage to heat rooms you don’t use. Using these features not only saves you money on energy bills, but they can also reduce repair and maintenance costs. PRK Services, Inc. is ready to help keep your furnace running at peak efficiency. We recognize the value of HVAC repair and maintenance to maintain functionality and keep your bills as low as possible. Contact us today to schedule your routine furnace maintenance before winter sets in.
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Is Your Heat Pump Playing Hot and Cold? Discover the Causes of Short Cycling
If you’ve noticed your heat pump turns on and then off quickly, it could be short cycling. Short-cycling heat pumps can lead to higher energy bills, less energy efficiency, and an uncomfortable home. Most importantly, it could reduce the life of your HVAC system since it’s working harder to keep your home comfortable. Discovering the cause of heat pump short cycling is essential to protect your system. Check Your HVAC Air Filter One of the first things you can do as a homeowner is check your HVAC air filter and see if it is clogged. This issue is one of the simplest reasons why heat pumps short cycle, and the good news is that you likely don’t need to call a heat pump repair professional to fix it. Simply change out the air filter and stay on a regular schedule with changing it to ensure your HVAC system operates as smoothly as possible. Thermostat Issues Many homeowners don’t realize that their thermostats might be causing short-cycling problems. The thermostat itself might be damaged or faulty, or it could be installed in an improper location. If it receives direct sunlight at any time throughout the day, it makes it seem warmer in the home than it actually is. This illusion can cause short cycling since the thermostat thinks your home is already at the set temperature. Low Refrigerant Levels Low refrigerant levels are another common cause of short cycling since heat pumps rely on refrigerant to function properly. If you’ve checked your thermostat and air filter and see no issues, it may be time to reach out to professional HVAC services. Refrigerant leaks should not be handled by anyone other than trained professionals. Incorrect Heat Pump Size If you end up contacting HVAC services for heat pump repair, the professional might determine that your heat pump is the incorrect size. Heat pumps that are too large can heat or cool your home too fast, which makes it turn off quickly. Most of the time, replacing your heat pump is the best solution. PRK Services, Inc. can diagnose and fix any short-cycling issues you may be having with your heat pump. Don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will have your HVAC system running smoothly again in no time.
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End-of-Season AC Maintenance: Tips to Avoid Winter Surprises
Now that the temperatures are cooler outside, you may notice your HVAC system isn’t running as often as it was during the heat of the summer. There’s no better time than now to perform end-of-season HVAC preventative maintenance to ensure your system is in the best shape possible for the winter. Here are some valuable tips to consider and why you won’t regret doing them. Inspect Air Ducts Many homeowners neglect inspecting their HVAC air ducts because they are out of sight. Air duct damage can present when your home doesn’t cool properly and can be caused by heavy objects creating pressure on them, mold, debris, and more. When you schedule residential HVAC maintenance services, your air ducts will be inspected thoroughly so your system will run efficiently and prevent future breakdowns. Take Care Of Any Strange Noises Pay attention to your HVAC system and call a professional if you notice any unusual noises it’s making. These sounds may include buzzing, humming, hissing, or anything else out of the norm. Not only could these be causing your HVAC system to run inefficiently, but a major breakdown could be coming soon. Have a residential HVAC maintenance professional take a look to prevent unexpected issues and ensure system efficiency. Look Out For Short Cycling Short cycling occurs when your HVAC system turns off shortly after turning on and before it reaches the desired temperature on the thermostat. This cycle is indicative of a serious problem and can add significant wear and tear to your system. Short cycling could be caused by electrical problems, frozen evaporator coils, low refrigerant, or even a clogged air filter. Don’t delay in reaching out to a residential HVAC maintenance professional if you notice short cycling with your unit. PRK Services, Inc. wants to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently all winter long. Right now, we are offering a complete fall and winter tune-up of your HVAC system for just $69 for up to 2 systems, a small investment that can give you great peace of mind and prevent larger HVAC maintenance bills months later. HVAC preventative maintenance is the key to a healthy unit, so contact us today to schedule a time for our team to come check yours out and get ahead of any issues.
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From Crisis to Comfort: HVAC Restoration for Your Business
When natural disasters strike, the first thing people tend to think about is the building structure. However, the commercial HVAC unit is also critical to get businesses back up and running. Without proper preparations, it could take a long time to get commercial HVAC systems working properly again. Here are some of the many benefits of working with the best contractor to restore HVAC for your business if a natural disaster strikes. How Can Preventative Maintenance Help In A Natural Disaster? Reducing the risk of potential damage can help your business get up and running quickly. Regular commercial HVAC maintenance can prevent premature breakdowns so the system will operate as long as possible. Sometimes proactive commercial HVAC repair can solve problems before they become major issues as well. When you perform preventative commercial HVAC maintenance, your system will be as prepared as possible for any unexpected natural disasters. The Right Contractor Will Always Look Ahead Working with the right commercial HVAC repair contractor is essential to ensure all bases are covered. They should inspect the ventilation system and other factors that could become compromised during a natural disaster. While it might not be possible to be fully protected from these disasters, the best contractors will always look ahead so you can have a better chance of being up and running again as soon as possible. Commercial HVAC Maintenance Can Save Money In A Disaster Having a routine commercial HVAC maintenance plan can save money in the long term, especially during a natural disaster. Depending on the type of business you run, a non-functional HVAC system for more than a couple of days could lead to property damage and having to replace numerous items. Commercial HVAC maintenance is an investment in your business and should be prioritized in your budget. PRK Services, Inc. offers commercial HVAC maintenance to help your business keep operating even in the toughest of times. Our maintenance plans are designed to keep your building as comfortable as possible, while protecting against unfortunate natural events. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your first maintenance appointment and learn about our regular plans.
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Breathe Easy: HVAC Maintenance for Allergy Relief
Anyone who deals with allergies knows how great it can feel when relief is provided. One of the best things you can do to reduce allergens in your home is to have a routine HVAC tune-up performed to ensure your system is blowing clean air. You can perform some maintenance tasks yourself at home as well and here are some of the HVAC maintenance tips that allow you to breathe cleaner air. Change HVAC Air Filters Regularly The simplest HVAC preventative maintenance task you can complete is changing the air filter. Most filters can be changed every 30-60 days, but if you have pets indoors, then it’s ideal to change it every 30 days. Dander from pets can clog air filters and reduce the air quality circulating through your home. Schedule HVAC Preventative Maintenance An annual HVAC tune-up from a professional can ensure your system is working correctly so the air quality is as good as possible. HVAC professionals will inspect cooling coils, heat exchangers, ductwork, and more. Dirty components can reduce ventilation, which can make the indoor air quality suffer and lead to more allergy symptoms. Identify And Fix Air Leaks. Another thing your HVAC professional can do is identify air leaks throughout your home. These are commonly found around doors and windows and can significantly increase the allergens entering your home. Caulking or weatherstripping can effectively seal the leaks and significantly improve your indoor air quality. You may even experience lower energy bills as a bonus since your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at the desired temperature. PRK Services, Inc. can help homeowners with any of the preventative maintenance needs they have. While many people choose to change the air filters themselves, we are happy to do so for you while performing a full HVAC tune-up. Breathing quality air in your home makes a big difference in your overall health. Be sure to contact us to schedule your HVAC tune-up and get back to breathing clean air again.
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Conquering the Condensation: Simple Hacks to Control Humidity
High humidity levels in a home can cause all sorts of problems. Mold and mildew can develop in some areas and your furniture, clothing, and other items could begin smelling musty. The best way to regulate humidity levels in your home is to keep up with your HVAC services. Here are some of the top tips to consider. Change Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly Residential HVAC air filters need to be changed at different times depending on the types and sizes. Some require changing every 30 days, while others recommend changing them every six months. However, it’s ideal to change your air filters at least every couple of months or no longer than every 90 days. This is especially true if you have pets or kids who can track in extra debris and dust. A clean air filter allows clean air to pass through, which can help maintain proper humidity levels. Clear The Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Things like leaves, branches, grass clippings, and overgrown shrubs can block the air vents on the outdoor unit. Without proper airflow, your residential HVAC unit might not work properly and could develop grime on it. Luckily, you don’t always need to rely on professional HVAC services to clean the area. Take care of any landscaping duties as needed and hose off the coils on the outdoor unit to clean off any dirt and grime. Have Your Ducts Cleaned By A Residential HVAC Professional Your air ducts can become damaged or dirty over time and could be a primary culprit of high humidity levels inside your home. This is one of the most common HVAC services that homeowners neglect since the ducts are out of sight. It’s a good idea to rely on a professional to clean and inspect your ducts every 3-5 years to ensure there are no issues. PRK Services, Inc. provides residential HVAC services to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. High humidity inside your home is a sign that something isn’t right and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you’re still experiencing uncomfortable humidity after following the DIY tips, then don’t hesitate to contact us to take a look and we’ll have you fixed up in no time.
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Upgrade or Repair: Signs You Need a New HVAC System
There will come a time when you need to decide whether to replace your HVAC system or pay for repairs. While there’s no general rule to go by in this regard, there are several signs to look out for. Here are some factors to consider when you’re deciding whether to opt for HVAC replacement or repairs. Repair Costs Are Adding Up If your HVAC technician is doing work on your system regularly, then pay attention to how much the costs are adding up. Small HVAC maintenance costs usually lead to a larger component failing that could end up being half of the cost of a new unit. Ask your HVAC maintenance professional to balance the benefits of repairing versus replacing. Sometimes installing a new unit is worth it when you know it will be more reliable than your current system. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Normal Take a look at your monthly energy bills to ensure they remain consistent. Higher energy bills are common during the summer, but they should not be excessively high. If they are, then it could be a sign that your HVAC system is working harder than it should. And if your unit is old, then it likely isn’t running as efficiently as a newer model would anyway. Your HVAC System Is More Than Ten Years Old A general rule of thumb is to consider HVAC replacement if your unit is more than ten years old. Some units may operate longer than this, but repairs are generally not worth the cost when the unit reaches ten years old. Not only will some of the parts be difficult to replace since they are outdated, but a newer unit will operate more efficiently and use components that are friendlier to the environment. PRK Services, Inc. can help you diagnose your HVAC system and determine whether repairs are sufficient or if HVAC replacement is the better choice. Be sure to contact us right away when you notice problems with your HVAC system and we will be happy to help solve the problem for you!
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What to Expect During HVAC Installation
When you need a new HVAC system, you may have a lot of thoughts rolling through your mind. There are plenty of questions to be answered, but working with the right HVAC installation professional can ease any worries you have. Knowing what to expect throughout the installation process can give you peace of mind. We’ve explained the process here. Preparing Your Home For HVAC Installation Services Preparing for residential HVAC replacement is key to a successful installation. For the inside unit, clear out as much of the area as possible so the technicians won’t hurt themselves or your belongings. For the outside unit, do some yard work and landscaping maintenance to ensure the area is accessible. You might be without your HVAC system for a full day, so plan accordingly if it’s expected to be an extremely hot or cold day. Removal Of The Old HVAC Unit When removing the old HVAC unit, the professional will first go to the outside unit to remove the refrigerant for disposal. They will then take detailed measurements around the space and inspect the ductwork and other areas to ensure there will be no issues with the installation. Once the appropriate measurements have taken place, the old HVAC unit will be disconnected and removed. Connecting The New HVAC Unit Once the old unit is removed, the new HVAC installation process can begin. When the new unit is in place, the technician will connect it to the existing ductwork. Then the system must be flushed entirely before new refrigerant is added to ensure no dirt or debris is present. These HVAC services can take a couple of hours to ensure everything is connected properly. Test And Inspection Once your residential HVAC replacement is complete, the technician will test the new unit. They will ensure proper airflow and cooling and look for any defects or issues so they can be troubleshooted immediately. When the unit is confirmed to be operating properly, the homeowner will receive detailed instructions on how to use it and what maintenance needs to be performed. PRK Services, Inc. strives to make your HVAC installation process as smooth as possible. Our friendly technicians will work to get your HVAC up and running quickly so you can be comfortable in your home again. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your HVAC replacement or installation and we’ll be happy to help.
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