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 Not only will some of the parts be difficult to replace since they are outdated, but a newer unit will operate more efficiently and use components that are friendlier to the environment.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!
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
What Is the Ideal Temperature for your Home AC in the Summer?
When the heat of the summer arrives, it seems like your AC unit is constantly running. There has always been a debate about what the ideal temperature is to set your thermostat to. While everyone has different preferences, there are some guidelines to consider to avoid unnecessary residential HVAC service. Here are some situations to consider. Best Temperature To Maintain Your HVAC Unit If you want to maintain your HVAC unit and extend its lifespan, then you need to give it a break occasionally. AC systems that run nonstop can make the evaporator coils freeze and create the need for residential HVAC service. The perfect temperature depends on your home, the temperature outside, and other factors. It’s ideal for your AC to run for 15-20 minutes non-stop before turning off. For some homes, that might mean keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees. For smaller homes, 78 degrees might accomplish the same goal. How You Can Reduce Energy Usage Reducing energy usage doesn’t always mean setting your AC thermostat as high as possible when you aren’t home. Keeping your AC set for 78-80 degrees when you are away is ideal so it doesn’t have to work as hard to get to the comfortable 72-75 degrees you may enjoy when at home. These temperatures can prevent repair and maintenance work on your unit since it likely won’t be running for hours constantly without getting a break. What AC Temperature Are People Most Comfortable At? Everyone is different, but a general guide is to keep your thermostat set to around 75 degrees during the day and around 70 degrees at night. However, as a homeowner, you have to balance what you prefer with what could keep your AC in the best shape possible. Experiment with your thermostat to see what keeps you comfortable, while giving you peace of mind knowing you won’t need repair and maintenance services regularly. PRK Services, Inc. provides professional residential HVAC service to ensure your home stays cool all summer long. If you need a tune-up or if you have any questions about your AC unit, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Continue Reading
How to Enhance Indoor Air Quality
Pollutants are everywhere and they can easily make their way into your home. Prolonged breathing of poor-quality indoor air can lead to health issues. While it’s virtually impossible to breathe completely pure air, you can take steps to improve your indoor air quality. Opting for ductwork repair is one service to consider and here are a few other tips to consider. Replace Air Filters Replacing air filters in your HVAC system should be a routine service you perform. You don’t need to hire professional HVAC services to do it either. Most air filters should be changed every 60-90 days, with some of them sooner than that. Homes with pets or people with serious allergies should consider replacing air filters monthly to keep the air as clean as possible. Repair Air Ducts You might not realize you need ductwork repair until an HVAC company inspects your system. Air ducts can get dirty from dust, dirt, mold, pests, and more. All of these factors contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can make allergens more prominent and impact your family’s health negatively. Have An HVAC Company Clean Your Condenser Unit Most homeowners don’t think about cleaning their condenser unit in their HVAC system. This component should be cleaned regularly by a professional to ensure as little dirty air is entering your system as possible. It’s not as simple as changing an air filter, so it’s always best to call a reputable HVAC company to perform this service. Install An Air Purifier Installing an air purifier can go a long way in cleaning your indoor air. There are various types of air purifiers available, so it’s important to research the options to find the right unit for your home. You can contact an experienced HVAC company to provide expert recommendations as well. PRK Services, Inc. wants homeowners to live as comfortably and as healthy as possible in their homes. If you have concerns about the indoor air quality of your home, we can perform an inspection to find the root cause and propose the best solutions. Be sure to contact us to schedule a consultation with our team and take the first step in improving your indoor air quality.
Continue Reading
Advantages of Utilizing a Smart Thermostat
Chances are you have at least one smart device in your home. From smart televisions to smartphones and anything in between, convenience is a big reason why people enjoy smart devices. If you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC services, then consider investing in a smart thermostat. Not only will it be more convenient to control the temperature in your home, but you could also save some money. Here are some of the many advantages of utilizing a smart thermostat. Save Energy If your residential HVAC unit has a smart thermostat, you could enjoy an abundance of energy savings. Smart thermostats can control the temperature based on whether you are home or not. So if you’ve ever left for work in the morning and forgot to turn up the AC during the heat of the summer, you won’t have to worry about cooling an empty home again. By saving energy, you’ll also be putting more money back in your pocket. Control Your Thermostat From Anywhere Another benefit of having a smart thermostat as part of your HVAC installation is the ability to control your thermostat from anywhere. So when you’re coming home from work, vacation, or anything else, you can set the smart thermostat at the appropriate time so your home is comfortable when you arrive home. This can also provide you with peace of mind knowing you can check the temperature of your home at any time in case you forgot to change the setting when you left, or if there is a power outage. Reduce Wear And Tear On Your Residential HVAC System You can reduce wear and tear on your residential HVAC system by ensuring it only runs when it needs to. This can prolong the life of your HVAC systems, while also reducing the amount of maintenance and repairs required over the years. Your HVAC unit can work more consistently to keep you comfortable rather than running for consecutive hours at a time, which can wear it down prematurely. PRK Services, Inc. can answer any questions you might have about installing a smart thermostat in your home. We provide a wide range of HVAC services to help you live comfortably. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about your options for smart thermostats and our HVAC installation team.
Continue Reading
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Air Conditioners
Most homeowners are familiar with central air conditioners as being one of the most popular types of air conditioners in homes. But if you need residential HVAC replacement services, then you can choose among many different other types. We’ve explored the pros and cons of several different types of air conditioners to help you decide which is best for you. Central Air Conditioners Central air conditioners are ideal for large homes since they can cool every room in the home quickly. It works by pushing cold air through ductwork and out of the vents placed throughout the home. You can easily set the temperature on your thermostat to the desired temperature. It’s worth noting that central air conditioners are expensive and tend to use more energy than other types of air conditioners. The duct system can also require maintenance over time, which can add to the overall cost of the unit. Ductless Mini Splits If you need residential HVAC replacement services, consider opting for a ductless mini split. With a ductless mini split, you can cool your home by using an outdoor condenser system and indoor blower unit rather than ducts. These units are more compact than central air conditioners, so they won’t take up as much space indoors or outdoors. They are also very quiet compared to other types of units. Ductless mini splits are not ideal for large homes and are better suited for individual rooms. They can also be fairly expensive when you consider the size of the area they can cool. Window Unit Air Conditioners Window unit air conditioners are some of the most affordable units available. They are easy to install and can cool rooms very quickly. However, many homeowners opt against these units since they are noisy, block part of the window, and could potentially be dangerous since they can fall out of the window. Having window air conditioners inspected regularly can prevent this from happening. Geothermal Air Conditioners Geothermal air conditioners transfer heat in the air to a liquid and move it underground for cooling. The biggest benefit of geothermal air conditioners is they can save a lot of energy, which can add up significantly over time. They also typically have a longer lifespan than most other types of air conditioners. The main factor to consider is the cost since they tend to be more expensive than other types. Whether you need an emergency air conditioning service or simply want to have a residential HVAC replacement service you can trust on standby, PRK Services, Inc. is here for you. If you have any questions about the different types of air conditioners and how we can help, contact us at any time.
Continue Reading
5 Factors Why Your AC is Blowing Warm Air
Getting your AC ready for the heat of summer is ideal so you don’t have to live in uncomfortable conditions for any amount of time. Your AC unit blowing warm air is a cause for concern, but a residential HVAC maintenance professional can likely figure out the reason why pretty quickly. Here are five of the most common reasons why your AC is blowing warm air. Dirty Air Filters Or Blocked Air Vents It’s hard to remember to change out air filters routinely, but it’s important to do so. A dirty air filter can cause evaporator coils to freeze since the cool air can’t be spread around as much as it needs to. Air vents could be blocked as well and prevent proper airflow. So if your AC is blowing warm air, replace any dirty air filters and ensure no vents are blocked. If your evaporator coils froze as a result, then try turning off your AC for several hours to allow them to thaw before using again. Faulty Thermostat A faulty thermostat is another thing a residential HVAC maintenance professional will look at. Sometimes it’s as simple as forgetting to switch your thermostat from heat to cool. Other times it simply might not be working as it should. Call for HVAC services to have your thermostat replaced if you’ve changed the batteries and are still experiencing problems. Refrigerant Leak If you hear a hissing sound when your AC is blowing warm air, your first thought might be to call for HVAC emergency repair. Most of the time this is just a refrigerant leak and is the reason why your AC is blowing warm air. When this happens, just turn off the unit and call your residential HVAC maintenance professional to repair the leak and refill the refrigerant. Electrical Problems Electrical issues require the expertise of a licensed residential HVAC maintenance professional. Once you check your breakers and discover there are no issues there, then it’s best to contact a professional since electrical problems can be very hazardous to deal with. Frozen Evaporator Coils Or Dirty Condenser Coils Frozen evaporator coils can be caused by dirty air filters and could potentially damage your AC unit. Dirty condenser coils won’t freeze, but they can make the air coming from your AC unit warmer than it should be. You could clean them yourself by removing debris and cleaning the unit with a water hose. Or if you are uncertain, feel free to reach out to a professional. PRK Services, Inc. is here to ensure your AC is operating properly at all times. Don’t hesitate to contact us if your AC is blowing warm air and we will have the problem diagnosed and fixed in no time!
Continue Reading
Why Isn’t My Heat Pump Emitting Enough Heat?
If your heat pump isn’t producing as much heat as it should, it’s a big bummer. What caused it? What can you do about it? We’ll tell you.
Continue Reading
How to Know When It’s Time to Repair and When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
Is this repair worth it? Or should I consider replacing my furnace instead? We’ll give you some tips for how to make that decision.
Continue Reading
Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Ductless Heating System Maintenance
These things cause your ductless system to become less efficient. How can you bring the efficiency back up? By being diligent about regular maintenance.
Continue Reading