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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Routine Maintenance Time



It's that time of year again!  The weather is mild, not too cool, not too warm.  In other words, we are in between peak seasons of heating and a/c usage.  So, if you are willing to get your spring Preventative Maintenance done a little early this year, the chances of getting any replacement parts you may need or any other service done that you may require as identified by your Preventative Maintenance technician, you will receive the fastest service available!  That often means same day parts replacement appointments.  Turn around time on these appointments is the fastest during this time of year.

A Preventative Maintenance Contract can more than pay for itself in fewer emergency repairs and lower utility bills alone.  As with your vehicle or really any mechanical item, routine maintenance is a must!  There are a multitude of things that can cause your heating and a/c unit to fail as well as take years off it's life, and most of these things can't be found unless you are proactive and have someone with a trained eye who can spot the immediate warning signs.  Whether it's low refrigerant in your heat pump(which can cause your heat strips to stay on all the time during the winter and/or your a/c to run continuously during the summer = high energy bill) or a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger(which produces the deadly gas Carbon Monoxide), or just all around dirt and grime(which greatly decreases efficiency), there really is no downside to signing up for a Preventative Maintenance Contract.  If nothing else, it will be to have the peace of mind knowing that you don't have to worry about your heating and a/c, as we keep a detailed record of your system's specifications and tendencies.  To learn more about Environmental's Preventative Maintenance Plan or if you have any questions about anything else we can help you with, please visit our website or give us a call!

Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422
enviro-nc.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Installation Importance


When homeowners need to upgrade their air conditioning / heating system(s), they expect the newly installed system(s) to perform as advertised. However, poor installation methods can lead to a significant drop in efficiency as well as negatively affecting comfort, too. In fact, Energy Star, a government-funded energy-efficiency website, reports that up to half of all air conditioning / heating system installations are compromised, meaning poor installation practices have led to countless homeowners spending more money over the life of their systems to keep them operating well and efficiently. If you’re looking at purchasing a new system, you should know that it's installation counts for a lot, perhaps more than you think. Here are a few things you should expect from a quality air conditioning / heating system installation:

  •  Careful sizing. Expert sizing methods are critical during any system installation. Factors that affect sizing include heat gain from the sun through windows, insulation levels and the home’s square footage. Without taking into account all factors that affect sizing, you could end up with a system that’s either too big or too small for your space. And that means your new system won’t operate efficiently or create a comfortable home.
  • Well-maintained ductwork. Of all of the factors that affect efficiency, ductwork leaks generally contribute to the largest energy losses. Before installing the new system, your ductwork should be looked at to determine it's efficiency status. If the ductwork is saggy and/or needs to be resealed, these items will be addressed and the recommendation will be made for the repair prior or during new system installation.
  • Precisely measured refrigerant. With an a/c, efficiency rests on the refrigerant’s ability to cool. Improper refrigerant charges can greatly affect your cooling bills, comfort and equipment life span. Proper methods are to be taken so as to achieve the optimal level of efficiency.

As I've stated in a previous blog, even the most efficient top of the line air conditioning / heating system means nothing if it isn't installed correctly. At Environmental, our heating & air system installation expert, John Van Orden, strictly follows the above mentioned steps as well as any additional steps that may need to be taken into account to satisfy you, the customer. John will ensure that you are happy with your new system's performance, rest assured that he isn't the type to go missing once the money is collected. With your new, efficient system in place, you can expect to see a dip in your energy bills, better comfort and long-lasting equipment. So give us a call if you have any questions at all about getting a new system, FREE ESTIMATES on all system replacements!

-Nick
Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422