Get a Headstart on Heater System Maintenance

Early Maintenance Is Ideal Before Winter Starts 

Winter is fast approaching for the residents of Montgomery, Alabama. Soon, temperatures will dip into the 40s, and everyone will rely on the heater to keep them warm. However, more often than not, when a homeowner turns on the heater for the first time in months, they encounter a problem. And good luck trying to get a heater repair service when it’s freezing outside. 

That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to schedule heater maintenance visits sooner rather than later. With early scheduling, they have more options when selecting a time and date for service. They can also ensure that the heater works when they need it most. 

Heating Tune-Ups Promote Energy Efficiency 

saveThe Office of Renewable Energy notes that half of a home’s energy goes into its heating and cooling operations. So, homeowners want to ensure they get the most for their energy and money. By having a professional inspect the heater, one can rest assured that they’re using energy wisely. 

Other benefits of regularly maintaining the heating system include: 

  • Frozen pipe prevention. Keeping the home warm isn’t just about being comfortable; it’s about ensuring the pipes inside don’t freeze. Without a working heater, pipes could freeze and burst, leading to drywall damage and mold growth. 
  • Maintaining indoor humidity. A home needs a little bit of humidity indoors to keep residents comfortable. A working heater does just that, ensuring the air doesn’t feel too dry. 
  • Fewer breakdowns. Nobody wants to deal with a heating problem when it’s too cold to move. By getting an inspection, one can learn about issues beforehand, giving them more options. 

What Heater Maintenance Entails 

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A heating service specialist will rely on their training and years of experience when inspecting a heater. More specifically, depending on the heater’s make and model, they will: 

  • Clean the condenser and evaporator coil 
  • Lubricating any motors or moving parts 
  • Verifying the reading on the thermostat is correct 
  • Seal any air duct punctures 
  • Checking the blower for any obstructions 

A technician may also replace the HVAC system’s air filter if it’s too dirty. EnergyStar notes that by changing these filters once every three months, homeowners can prevent overheating and maximize their heater’s efficiency. 

The Best Time to Schedule an Appointment Is Now 

Why is now the best time to schedule a heating maintenance visit? Well, with prompt scheduling, homeowners: 

  • Have more options when choosing a time and date for service 
  • Don’t have to wait weeks to get an appointment 
  • Stop underlying heating problems in their tracks 
  • Get servicing for other house-related matters, such as air duct cleaning 
  • Can prevent frozen pipes
  • Prevent electrical fires and other hazards that come from overheating 

Many heating services offer online scheduling where homeowners can make an appointment and request service. They could also call and speak with a live professional who can answer questions and provide further insight into a problem. 

About Chad’s AC Direct 

Looking for a reliable heating maintenance service in Montgomery, Alabama? Look no further than Chad’s AC Direct. These professionals offer heating maintenance inspections to homeowners looking to stay warm this coming winter. 

This New Year Invest In Comfort With A New Heating System!

New Heater Installation for the New Year!

The weather outside is frightful, but the weather inside can only be delightful if the heating is working properly. People often want to allow their heater to limp along until it can no longer function because they are concerned about the expense. While heater installation is not cheap, it ultimately saves homeowners money. This article will discuss the various types of heaters and how to know if a heater is getting ready to stop working. 

Warning Signs of a Dying Heater

As previously stated, no one wants to think about heater replacement, but there comes a time when issues with the old heater are very obvious. Only so much can be done when a heating system begins to break down completely. Of course, it will happen gradually, but a few of the problems that come with heater failure include indicators from the following list:

  • Age (more than 10 years)
  • Banging or popping sounds
  • Burning smell
  • Constantly turning on and off (short-cycling)
  • Gas smell(applicable to furnaces and boilers powered by natural gas)
  • Low heat or no heat
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Whistling noises

What Should Be the Heater Replacement?

heaterSeveral types of heaters can be installed, some with older technology and some with brand new. Even those heating systems that have been around for a long time have been improved by modern updates and can prove very useful and efficient for a home. Consulting with an HVAC professional is the best way to determine a particular home's best course of action. Pros and cons of each type of heater are listed below.

  • Furnace: This type of heater uses a flame to create heat and a blower to distribute it. They burn cleanly (no emissions) when functioning properly and are fairly easy to service. They can cause a serious hazard if something goes wrong with the fuel line or there is a gas leak.
  • Boiler: The technology behind the boiler has been around for a very long time. It is a reliable system that provides heat without affecting air quality. The boiler heats water that is then distributed through a closed system of copper tubing that radiates heat throughout the home via the floor or baseboards. The system can be difficult and invasive to repair if the tubing springs a leak.
  • Heat Pump: These highly efficient technological marvels have no direct heat source. They merely pull heat from the air, or from underground(geothermal). They usually are paired with ductless mini splits to create different temperature zones within the home. Though highly efficient, they sometimes have difficulty producing sufficient heat for large open spaces.

Remember Heating Maintenance!

maintainingOne of the best things a homeowner can do for their heating system is to have regularly scheduled professional service or maintenance. Professionals can keep the system working longer and catch problems before they start, saving money by avoiding emergency services.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is all about transparency and leaving their customers in the Montgomery, AL area with no surprises and no mess to clean up. They are available for 24/7 emergency heating service, so give them a call anytime.

How to Get the HVAC System Ready for Fall

Learn About These Preventative Maintenance Tricks 

As autumn approaches, everyone has pumpkin spice lattes and the holidays on their minds. They seldom give thought to how their HVAC adjusts to the new season––that is until the HVAC system malfunctions. Then, it's all homeowners can think about. 

There are many things homeowners can do to ease the HVAC's transition from summer into fall. Even one of the following measures can save time, money, and stress. Some of those measures include: 

Scheduling an Appointment with an HVAC Maintenance Professional 

maintenanceThe U.S. Department of Energy suggests that homeowners schedule annual appointments with HVAC maintenance professionals. These specialists employ a host of services when evaluating a heater or air conditioning system, such as: 

  • Checking the system's refrigerant levels 
  • Testing for any leaks using specialized equipment 
  • Evaluating the belts for any above-average wear-and-tear 
  • Measuring airflow 
  • Testing for any excess pollen, mold, or mildew growth 
  • Cleaning the coils 

Most HVAC systems, with proper maintenance, last about 15 years. Having a professional service the unit can make it last even longer. 

Change the Unit's Air Filter 

filterEnergyStar stresses the importance of changing the HVAC system's air filter. It notes that, for optimal usage, one should change the air filter once every three months––even if they don't notice anything different with their HVAC system. EnergyStar reports that if a home has a lot of occupants (especially furry friends), one should change the air filter even more often than tri-monthly. 

But why are air filters so important? Well, imagine the HVAC system like the home's respiratory system. Depending on the homeowner's preferences, it draws in air and makes it hot or cold. The air filter prevents hair, dust, dander, and other indoor pollutants from clogging up the system. When the air filter is clogged, the HVAC system can't breathe. This can: 

  • Make the home's air feel stagnant 
  • Prevent the thermostat from working properly 
  • Lead to higher-than-average energy bills 
  • Increase the home's energy usage 
  • Increase the home's humidity 
  • Lead to mold and mildew growth 

A clogged air filter also strains the HVAC system, making it "live" shorter than it should. 

Monitor the Home's Energy Usage 

Problems with the HVAC system don't come out of nowhere. Usually, there are small signs that indicate a problem is brewing. One of those signs includes increased energy usage. Homeowners should have a rough understanding of how much their gas, water, and electricity bills are each month. Any deviation from the average bill could mean that the HVAC system is working longer than it should. 

When the HVAC kicks into overdrive to regulate the home's indoor temperature, this can: 

  • Increase the likelihood of a fire 
  • Cause the AC system to short cycle 
  • Lead to higher and higher energy bills 
  • Put unreasonable strain on the heater and AC system 
  • Cause problems to occur more frequently 

High energy bills do not equal high efficiency. They generally point to an underlying problem with the HVAC system, whether an old air filter or a worn belt. 

About Chad's AC Direct 

Out of more than 300 Google Reviews, Chad's AC Direct boasts a solid five-star rating. That's because residents of Montgomery, Alabama, have turned to them for years. They offer discounted, same-day, and a host of other services. If one wants help prepping the HVAC system for the fall, they can make an appointment today.

3 Reasons To Install a New AC System Before the Summer Heat Kicks in!

Get Ready for the Heat of Summer With a New Air Conditioner Today

Many homeowners like to wait until the very last minute for important installations. This is understandable because the most important installations also take a significant amount of money to perform. Installing a new AC is one of these. New air conditioners aren’t cheap, but they do come with all kinds of benefits. And when done strategically, AC installation can be a smooth and easy process that doesn’t have to disrupt the household or cost more than it should. 

Greater Efficiency Means a Cooler Home for a Lower Costcool home

AC systems degrade over time. It’s the sad truth. In a perfect world, every home system would last forever and never need repair or replacement. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. And before AC systems finally gasp out their last cool breeze, they tend to lose efficiency. This means increased energy costs - especially in the summertime.

Installing a new, energy-efficient model may seem like a large upfront cost, but in reality, it can wind up saving homeowners money within just a few years. Technology is constantly advancing, and the AC industry is no different. Today’s AC systems are much improved over those of even eight or ten years ago. More efficiency means a nice, cool home and lower energy bills in the long run! 

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Health Benefits and Increased Home Value

Most everyone is so used to AC systems that the health benefits aren’t often discussed. But AC systems do help improve indoor air quality. Unfortunately, this function tends to fade with older systems as they become less efficient. This is why a new AC can help remove pollutants from the air. Things like pollen, mold, and dust particles are all reduced by installing a new system by professional installers. 

As an added benefit, when homeowners install a new AC on their home, the value of the property increases. This is very important for those looking to sell their home in the next couple of years. But, it’s also important for those who aren’t sure and want the peace of mind that comes with cleaner air and better efficiency. 

Lesser Demand for Installation in the Spring

The last reason to install an AC system before summer hits is demand. Summer is the time when ACs are in full use - and it’s also the time when AC systems break down and need repair or replacement. And HVAC techs are usually very busy during the summer months. So those who want to avoid having to wait in a hot house for days or weeks for their new AC to be installed should take advantage of the low demand in spring and get their new AC now!

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct has been proud to serve Montgomery, AL, for years. They offer no-mess service performed by expert and punctual technicians. They always offer personal service and up-front pricing on every job. Contact them to schedule AC installation today! 

Noisy Ghosts Inside Your HVAC System This Halloween? Very Unlikely!

Why is Your HVAC Unit Making Noises?

October is a month of spooks and chills, not to mention candy and apples and fall weather. But sometimes things that go clunk in the night are not, in fact, ghosts haunting your home but a symptom of a problem with your HVAC system. Below are three reasons your HVAC system may be causing those frightening noises in the dark!

What’s That Hissing Noise?

refrigerant leaksIf you hear a hissing sound in the night, it may not be a snake or another creepy crawly entering your home to give you the shivers, but instead could be the sign of a refrigerant leak.

The hissing noise is the sound of refrigerant leaking from your air conditioner. The leak can cause ice to build on the coil and other parts of the appliance, which will then stop your air conditioner from functioning correctly.

The ice buildup reduces the amount of airflow moving through your unit and therefore stops it from cooling. Another sign of a refrigerant leak is if you notice ice on the copper refrigerant lines. These usually run to the outside condenser.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s important to call a professional to have your system serviced. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful not just to your appliance, but also you. Exposure to the refrigerant can lead to refrigerant poisoning if the leak is large enough.

Rattling Sounds Giving You The Shivers?

If a rattling sound interrupts your day, don’t worry, it’s most likely not an apparition shaking his bones or chains. Rattling sounds are a common occurrence with HVAC systems. Often times a rattle will signify a problem with the outdoor air conditioning unit. If the noise is coming from outside, check your outdoor unit.

Chances are it’s dirty and may have a piece of debris in the unit, such as a twig or leaves. To solve this problem, cut the power to your AC unit for safety measures, and remove any visible debris.

rattling sounds

If you see any other issues with your outdoor unit, though, make sure to contact your local HVAC technician. If the rattling sound you’re hearing is not coming from the outdoor unit but instead from an internal component or your furnace, that’s another sign you should contact a technician to assess and solve the problem.

Electrical Issues Keeping You Awake

electrical issuesWhile sometimes buzzing sounds can come from scary insects like wasps and hornets, if the sound is coming from your HVAC system don’t worry! It doesn’t mean you have a bee’s nest inside.

A buzzing sound from your HVAC system is often a sign of an electrical issue in your system, such as the fan motor. Or, if the electrical voltage flowing through your outdoor AC unit is not at the correct amperage, this can sometimes cause a buzzing noise.

Most AC units will buzz at some point or another, especially if they’re an older unit. But because buzzing sounds can be a sign of electrical arcing, it’s important to contact an HVAC technician, because arcing electricity can be a sign of failing electrical components which can be a fire hazard.

But your local HVAC technician should be able to diagnose the problem and get your system back up and running just in time for Trick or Treating!

Call Chad’s AC Direct for Your Heating and AC Needs

Chad’s AC Direct is a Montgomery, AL HVAC Contractor. They pride themselves on their complete transparency with their work and their red-carpet service. Because they don’t work on commission, they can pass the cost savings onto you, the customer, and they gladly serve the Montgomery area.