Press Releases Archive - Page 13 of 28

How to Start Troubleshooting a Heater That Isn't Working

Three Places to Check the Heater Before Calling an Expert

Losing a heater is never a good thing. Coming home to a cool house or waking up in the middle of a frigid night only to find no heat can be stressful. Immediately, homeowners start doing the math. How much will this cost to repair? Will the heater repair service charge extra for an after-hours call?

Before spiraling, homeowners should take a breath. There is plenty of information they can gather on their own that can, at the very least, help the technician make repairs faster and, at best, restore the heater to service. Here are the first things every owner should check when they suspect a problem with the heater.

Make Sure the Thermostat Is Working

The thermostat is the piece of central heating that is most familiar to people, but it also can be a source of problems, especially early in the winter. The thermostat controls the entire system, so no heat will be available for the home when something is wrong with it.

To rule out the thermostat, first verify that it is getting power. Many thermostats are powered by simple AA batteries that slowly drain. Even when indicator lights or LCD screens are lighting up, the battery may not have enough power to switch on the system. As cheap as batteries are, it never hurts to replace them to rule this out as a possibility.

Once it is verified that the thermostat has power, the next thing to check is obvious, but every year, owners spend thousands of dollars on trip charges from experts simply to change a setting. Before calling an expert, always verify that the system is switched to heating mode for the winter.

When in Doubt, Replace the Air Filters

Heaters and furnaces are luxury devices that keep the home comfortable, but they are necessarily dangerous. Containing immense heat and flames requires safety measures to prevent disasters. These safety devices can sometimes be tripped and prevent the heater from running.

One of the main causes of this problem is dirty air filters. When air filters are dirty, their pores are clogged with grime that slows down the airflow through the system. This can allow a dangerous heat level to build up inside the unit, tripping safety devices. By replacing air filters, owners can be sure this isn't a cause of a heater that won't come on.

Make Sure Power Is Getting to the Machine

The power source is the final thing that homeowners should check before calling an expert. Heaters and furnaces have breakers or fuses that protect them and shut off switches to make maintenance and repairs more convenient. These devices can sometimes trip or be accidentally turned off, breaking the circuit and preventing power from reaching the system. Before calling a heater repair service, always take the time to check the breaker panel and shut off switches near the unit to make sure they are receiving power.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct gives personal attention to their residential and commercial HVAC customers. They offer heater repair services at fair and convenient pricing with financing options. Call today for HVAC service in Montgomery, AL.

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A Thanksgiving Tribute to Montgomery's HVAC Specialists

The Importance of Heating and Cooling Services

In the mind of Montgomery, Alabama’s inhabitants, when they imagine hometown heroes, they imagine firefighters and policemen. Rarely do they pause to consider AC repair professionals who keep the town going. While their work may not involve life-threatening situations, they do their part in keeping the community happy and healthy.

Below are just some of the services that homeowners have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving:

They Keep Homes Warm in the Winter

A properly functioning heater in the colder months is not merely a luxury but a fundamental requirement for comfort, well-being, and safety. As temperatures fall, the need for experienced, skilled heating technicians skyrockets. That’s because they offer heating services designed to:

Enhance comfort: A functioning heater creates a warm and inviting indoor atmosphere, allowing homeowners to remain comfortable throughout winter.
Promote health and safety: Adequate heating is essential for maintaining good health, especially for those who are more vulnerable, such as children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Heaters are vital in preventing the spread of common winter illnesses, such as the flu and Covid-19.
Protect property: Pipes that freeze because of poor heating can burst, leading to gallons of water waste and damage. Proper heating insulates the home and safeguards against water freezing within the plumbing system.

The importance of annual heating services cannot be overstated. A homeowner can have peace of mind knowing they’re safe from most HVAC inconveniences by having a professional check out the heating and cooling system once a year.

They Keep Homes Cool in the Summer

Nobody wants their AC to quit during the summer. This can create unpleasant indoor conditions that make it difficult to remain comfortable, spend time with family, and be productive. That’s another reason why community members should thank their local HVAC technicians.

When they come to a job site to inspect an AC system, they:

Ensure that air filters don’t need replacing
Repair any refrigerant leaks (and measure the refrigerant’s levels)
Clean the condenser and evaporator coils
Check for holes in the air duct system
Recommend replacing outdated appliances when necessary

An HVAC technician can also share any simple tips to keep the HVAC system from breaking down again. For instance, they may recommend a specific air filter for households with pets. They may also schedule a follow-up appointment to check back in on how a system is operating.

They Promote Good Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (also known as “IAQ”) refers to the quality of the air within a building or another enclosed space. Air conditioning service professionals may do the following to improve one’s IAQ:

Clean the home’s air ducts and vents
Recommend installing ceiling fans to move around stagnant air
Weatherstripping gaps in the windows and doors
Install a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth
Remove any already-existing mold and mildew growth

About Chad’s AC Direct

Red carpet service. Same-day appointments. Years of service. That’s what residents of Montgomery, AL, have come to expect from the professionals at Chad’s AC Direct. These licensed and bonded repair wizards stand ready to help homeowners prepare their HVACs for winter. One can call today for a heating service!

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Heat Pumps 101: What to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pump Repair and Replacement

Heat pumps are an important component of a functioning HVAC system. They manage heating and cooling and consume more than half of a home's energy consumption, per the U.S. Department of Energy. So, it's natural to question these systems and how they operate.

Some commonly-asked inquiries include:

What's a Heat Pump?

There are four main types of heat pumps, and they include:

Ducted air-source pumps. These rely on air ducts throughout the home to channel conditioned air from one zone to the next.
Ductless air-source heat pumps. As the name suggests, these units do not require ducts.
Geothermal heat pumps. These units transfer heat from the home to the ground or a nearby water source.
Absorption heat pumps. These units rely on heat or thermal energy to operate. They're fairly large, making them uncommon for most domiciles.

All of these units do the same thing at their core: take the cool air from outside, heat it up, then funnel it indoors. They can also do the opposite, generating cool air from hot air. These are a convenient, cheaper alternative to centralized heating systems for many homeowners.

Many heat pumps (namely, those procured by EnergyStar) are eligible for tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislature makes installing energy-efficient appliances affordable for various households based on their earnings.

What Are Some Heat Pump Benefits?

There are many benefits to having a heat pump, including:

They're energy efficient. New heat pumps on today's market are amazing at giving homeowners the most bang for their buck. That's why the U.S. Government has included them in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, hoping to reduce the nation's carbon footprint over the next few decades.
They offer "zoning" features. Heat pumps control certain "zones" in the home, giving homeowners more control over their residences' indoor air quality and temperature. These appliances are versatile, allowing for installation regardless of air duct infrastructure.
They lower homeowners' energy bills. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average Alabama homeowner spends about $150 a month on utility bills. One could spend well below the state average with an energy-efficient heat pump.

When Does a Heat Pump Need Servicing?

A heat pump system may need a professional's attention if:

The home never gets to the desired temperature
The heat pump leaks
The home's energy bills are more expensive than usual
There's weak airflow coming from the appliance
The heat pump turns on, then quickly shuts off
A homeowner smells something burning
Ice builds up on the inside or outside of the unit
The system itself is more than 10 years old

As a good rule of thumb, a homeowner should schedule a heating maintenance visit every year. This way, a professional can service the system and ensure that it doesn't incur any unexpected problems.

About Chad's AC Direct

At Chad's AC Direct, they're direct. When they get a call, they go directly to the client's home, ready to repair, replace, or install HVAC systems. They also offer straightforward advice, honest estimates, and dedication that comes with years of service. Residents in and around Montgomery, AL can call now.

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Are Those Goosebumps, or Is Your Heater Just Broken?

Does Your Home Need Heater Repair Services?

A good old-fashioned scary movie in time for Halloween may give homeowners goosebumps and send chills down their spine, but that should be the only thing giving them shivers this Halloween. A broken heater shouldn’t be one of them, especially as we enter the fall and winter seasons. If the cold is invading the home, and one is wondering if the heater is still up for another brutal winter or if it’s time to call in professional heater repair, then here are some signs to look out for to make this crucial decision.

Your Home Doesn’t Get Warm Enough

Most heaters are designed to work with a thermostat, allowing homeowners to set the temperature to which they would like their homes to be heated. When that temperature is reached, the heater can shut off automatically to keep the space warm without overheating it. There are some instances, however, when homeowners notice that their heaters have been running for a while, yet their homes don’t seem to be getting any warmer. The heaters continue under the strain of reaching a set temperature and not making any progress.

This is certainly a sign of a heating system that is broken and in need of professional heating repair. Heaters that aren’t heating their assigned spaces and are allowed to keep running for long periods are subject to additional stress that could exacerbate the problem it is already experiencing. This is why getting a broken heater repaired as soon as possible is important so that the problem doesn’t worsen.

Odd Noises

Any machine, appliance, or equipment, whether for residential or commercial use, hums along to its own mechanical or electrical sound, and heaters are no exception. Homeowners know these sounds instinctively and are often alerted to problems with their appliances because of subtle yet recognizable changes in their sound. These “problem” sounds often present themselves as clanging, rumbling, and even clicking noises, each specific to a problem it is experiencing. A clanging sound, for example, usually indicates a problem with the fan belt, while a rumbling noise could be a sign of an overheating boiler. Clicking noises, if heard on a natural gas heater, could indicate a more serious problem involving the heat exchanger. In this instance, it would be wise to call a professional to conduct immediate heating system repair to nip the problem in the bud.

Higher Than Normal Energy Bills

Most common signs that a heater is broken often occur in real-time. They are the noises one hears, the lack of warmth they feel - all happening at the present moment. One indicator, however, presents itself as a delayed symptom of a heating problem, and it comes in the form of a surging energy bill.

Heaters under the stress of a heating problem tend to use up more energy than they are intended to and subsequently lose their efficiency, resulting in a higher energy bill than normal. Taken with other signs of a problematic heater, high energy bills should be enough to prompt homeowners to schedule immediate heating repair.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.

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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

The 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

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.