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Common Tools Used By HVAC Professionals

Taking a Peek In An HVAC Technicians Toolbox

Many people are curious about what their HVAC technician does on a visit to their home, but they are too polite to intrude while the technician is working. Because of this, most of the work that AC contractors do is a mystery to homeowners. Local heating technicians are offering a look inside their toolbox to dispel some of the mystery. Here is a quick list of common tools they use to accomplish their work.

Hand Tools

When an AC contractor shows up on the job, the first objective is to figure out what is going on. The toolbag is the first thing they'll reach for as they leave their truck. The toolbag is home to all necessary tools that an HVAC technician will use on every job. The common tools that are in an HVAC technician's tool bag are things like:

Flashlights to see inside dark closets and into panels of heaters and air conditioners
Screwdrivers to remove panels for diagnostic work
Multimeters to verify voltage on control boards and to troubleshoot switches
Pliers to grip wires and sheet metal
Wrenches to remove bolts

With these simple common tools, an HVAC technician can understand what is going wrong on a service call. They can also perform most of a maintenance tune-up with just these tools.

Safety Devices

The safety devices that HVAC technicians use are pretty similar to any other tradesman. On any construction site, the hazards are faced by everyone. As a result, HVAC technicians always carry safety glasses and gloves. During an HVAC installation, technicians will often have to cut sheet metal used to form ducts.

This can expose the technicians to sharp edges of the metal and metal splinters that could do a lot of damage if they found their way into an eye. Safety glasses and gloves are their first line of defense.

AC contractors also routinely work with electricity when looking for problems on a service call. Most will choose to wear non-conductive "steel-toe" boots. This protects them in the unlikely event that they accidentally contact live electricity. Often they will also use voltage-rated rubber gloves to protect their hands.

Specialized Tools For HVAC Work

Most tradesmen carry a tool bag and keep safety devices close at hand. However, the specialized equipment sets HVAC work apart from other trades. The specialized equipment allows them to do the work that untrained individuals can't do. Some of these devices are:

Pressure Gauges: Pressure gauges verify that refrigerant is holding the correct pressure in an air conditioner or a heat pump.
Vacuum Pump: Vacuum pumps allow refrigerants to be safely removed from air conditioners and heat pumps under maintenance.
Leak Detectors: Leak Detectors find refrigerant and gas leaks after completing an installation or repair.
Coil Fin Combs: Coil fin combs straighten out the delicate metal fins that act as heat sinks on the condenser and evaporator coils. The combs allow for maximum efficiency by allowing for the free flow of air.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is a local heating and cooling contractor. They offer hand-written estimates for all of their jobs and always account for their labor. Call them today for personalized solutions in Montgomery, AL.

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Stay in and Keep Warm with the Right Temperature This Valentine's Day!

Make Sure the Heat Is Working Before Staying Home!

There's nothing romantic about being shivering cold with chattering teeth! Make sure that the heat is set to the right temperature this holiday before enjoying a romantic night in. Optimizing the heating system can help homeowners ensure that they have a warm, cozy environment to spend their holiday in. Here are three easy ways to improve heating efficiency and keep the home warm.

Make Sure There Are No Drafts

One of the reasons why a home may seem chilly even though the heat is on is because there are drafts around the windows or doors. Some windows and doors are made of thin material that does not insulate from the cold outside. To warm up an outside door, adding curtains for extra insulation can help. Windows may need to be plastic wrapped to keep the cold out.

For the cracks around doors and windows, homeowners can use weatherstripping techniques. Weatherstrips close the gaps where the window or door frame meets the wall to shut out any drafts or moisture from outdoors. There are also draft stoppers that one can pick up at a local hardware store. Drafts can make the temperature in the home seem super cold, but luckily it's usually an easy fix.

Switch to ENERGY STAR Certified Windows

Not all windows are the same. There are varying materials and thicknesses of glass that can impact how well the window insulates the home. Some windows can transfer the heat or cold from outside into the house. Switching to ENERGY STAR-certified windows can make a huge difference in how well the home maintains the desired temperature.

ENERGY STAR certified products have been tested and proven to be more energy efficient than other similar products on the market. By looking at the ENERGY STAR certification, homeowners can see exactly how much energy savings they could have if they switched. Homeowners searching for energy-efficient heating solutions should consider updating their windows.

Hire a Reputable Contractor to Work On Equipment

Whenever hiring an HVAC contractor, homeowners should do their due diligence research to ensure that the technician is licensed, insured, and trained in the type of work being performed.

Improper installation of heating and cooling units can be dangerous and lead to higher utility costs as the improperly installed unit struggles to keep up. Improper installation can also void the manufacturer's warranty on the unit.

The technician's insurance protects both the tech and the homeowners. In case of an accident, the insurance will cover the damages. Experience can be very important when it comes to hiring a contractor. The more experience they have and the more training they have, the better they know how to service the heating and cooling system.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is a reputable local heating company in the Montgomery, AL area. Chad's AC Direct provides homeowners with top-of-the-line heating and AC services from experienced professionals. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for a heating service.

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Bad Heating and Cooling Habits to Break in the New Year

Delivery person in uniform handing a package to a customer at a doorway, representing HVAC service interactions.

3 of the Most Common HVAC Mistakes to Avoid This Year

As a new year dawns, many homeowners find themselves with a whole list of things to do to get the year started right. They have lists for the plumbing system, the appliances, and the HVAC system. This can all be a bit overwhelming, as so many people give homeowners advice about what’s best to do. But the good news is that the HVAC system only requires three good habits to keep it running well all year long. On the flip side, these habits can be bad when ignored or performed improperly. Read on to find out what three things to do to maintain a healthy heating and cooling system.

Failing to Replace Air Filter

People who know HVAC techs are probably tired of hearing that they need to stay on top of changing their filters. But there’s a reason heating and cooling professionals keep harping on this habit: because it’s important. Not only does changing the air filter on time help the system function well, but it also helps those in the homestay healthy by keeping the air clean.

The air filter should be changed more often for those with pets — once every one or two months. Those without pets can perform air filter replacement every three months unless directed otherwise by an HVAC professional. When air filters aren’t changed on time, they become choked with debris, making them thicker. This makes it harder for the system to move air through the filter, which can cause the system to work harder until the filter is replaced.

Shutting Air Vents

One commonly misunderstood habit is closing air vents around the house. Homeowners think this will save them money and efficiency by closing off unused rooms. However, this often has a detrimental effect on the balance of the HVAC system. Essentially, it causes the system to push more air through the open ducts to cool the whole house. It’s best to leave vents open instead of closing them. The HVAC components will benefit, and so will efficiency.

Neglecting Maintenance

The third and final habit that drastically impacts the health of any HVAC system is maintenance. Like any complex system with moving parts that work year-round, the HVAC system needs care from professionals trained to care for them. Proper maintenance on the system will help prevent heater repair and AC repair.

Heating and air conditioner maintenance mean an HVAC professional checks all system components. They check connections, lube moving parts, change filters, visually inspect the whole system, run diagnostics, and check the thermostat function, to name a few. Heater maintenance should be done at least once a year, preferably in the fall right before it sees a lot of use. AC maintenance should happen in the spring, just before the home uses the air conditioner. Sticking to this schedule can save homeowners money, prevent HVAC emergencies, and ensure max efficiency.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct has been serving Montgomery, AL, for years. They provide no-surprises service and honest recommendations. They also provide excellent service at competitive prices. Contact them today for HVAC service in Montgomery, AL.

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Breathe Cleaner Air in 2022

Person relaxing on a couch in soft lighting, dressed casually, representing a comfortable setting for HVAC education.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in the New Year

Everyone wants to breathe easy in their own home. Unfortunately, estimates state that the air quality inside most homes is significantly poorer than the air quality outside. And considering all the pollutants that are released into the air every day, this is surprising. But it doesn't mean that there's nothing homeowners can do to improve the air inside their homes. There are several things to do, and they're all pretty easy. Read on to find out what they are.

Replace Air Filters Every One to Three Months

The air filter is the first line of defense that homeowners can take control of for better indoor air quality. It's easy to forget that the air filter needs to be replaced every one to three months. But those homeowners that want cleaner air should do whatever it takes to remember this. Even setting a calendar notification can do the trick.

Filter replacement is not only important for the air inside the home. It's also important to keep the HVAC system running well. Those with pets inside the house should change their air filters more often. More pets mean dirtier air. So if there are one or more cats or dogs in the house, it's important to change the filter every one or two months. For those without pets, once every three months is usually adequate.

Try an Air Purifier

In addition to changing the filter often, homeowners should consider investing in an air purifier. These come in different sizes and styles. Some homeowners opt for the whole-home purifier, while others go with the small portable air purifiers designed to purify the air in one room. The needs of the home depending on how poor the air quality is. Most people would benefit from a powerful whole-home humidifier, but it's unnecessary for everyone.

Air purifiers, sometimes called air scrubbers, are available in many different types. There are plenty to choose from, including HEPA technology, negative ion purifiers, UV, and activated carbon technology. To help decide what purifier is right for the home, homeowners should consult a professional HVAC professional who can also do an indoor air quality assessment.

Keep the House Clean

Keeping the house clean is another easy way to keep the home's air clean. After all, the air in the home is directly related to the general cleanliness of the home. When homeowners vacuum, sweep, and mop regularly, they help keep debris that gets stuck in the carpet or on the floor from getting into the air.

Concentrating especially on the rugs and carpets can help keep the indoor air quality high. This is because carpets and rugs help trap airborne debris. And any time anyone walks over them, they kick up some debris, even though it may not be visible to the naked eye.

When these items are cleaned regularly, the air is cleaner. This, along with the other two factors on this list, can come together to drastically increase a home's indoor air quality.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct has proudly served Montgomery, AL, for years. They are known for their stellar workmanship and competitive prices. They make honest recommendations and provide excellent customer service. Contact them today for indoor air quality assessment and improvement in Montgomery, AL.

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A Better, More Efficient Way to Heat Your Home in the Winter

Modern air conditioning unit with sleek metallic design for efficient home cooling solutions.

Heating Homes Is Easier With Heat Pumps

The winter cold has descended on New Hampshire, which means furnaces and boilers are already getting their fair share of work. Many homeowners are turning up the thermostat with a cringe on their faces, thinking about the costs associated with winter heating. Maybe they’re telling their kids to wear more clothes in the house to save a few dollars on heating for the winter. Perhaps some are even lighting fires in their fireplaces.

Fortunately, there’s a better — and much cheaper — way to save money on heating costs this winter and every winter hereafter. That way is through the use of a heat pump in the home. Installing heat pumps can also help cool the home in the summer. Read on to find out how.

What Are Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?

Heat pumps operate on technology similar to the technology used in refrigerators. Whereas furnaces create heat and distribute it through the home, heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and pump it into the home. Heat pumps can work even in cold weather, although they do limit how effective they will be in freezing temperatures.

Heat pumps do this with the help of refrigerant, which absorbs ambient heat from the air outside the home and then transfers it inside. In the summer months, heat pumps essentially do the same thing in reverse, absorbing heat from inside the home and pumping it outside.

Ductless Heating Benefits

Heating pumps come in two styles: those that require ducts and those that don’t. The most common kind of heat pump is a ductless mini-split system. These heat pumps don’t require ductwork to function, which means minimal changes to the home. But, they’re generally only able to provide heating and cooling to the room in which they’re installed.

These mini-split systems operate on an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Both units contain a fan and a coil. The coils can act to condense or evaporate, depending on the needs of the pump. Perhaps the best thing about these systems is that they only require a small hole drilled through the wall for the refrigerant line. Plus, multiple indoor units in different rooms can operate off of one outdoor unit.

Energy Savings = Money Savings

In mild climates, heat pumps can function as a home’s sole heating and cooling system. But for those in New Hampshire, they’re more beneficial to supplement the home’s existing heating and cooling system. They’re much more efficient than central air systems, as they don’t need to generate heat. Instead, they move existing heat from one place to another. And although they require an initial upfront investment, they pay for themselves through their energy savings over time. Plus, they reduce a home’s carbon footprint by using less electricity.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Every time, Chad’s AC Direct provides its customers with quality services and personal attention. They have been in business for nearly three decades and want to continue providing excellent services at a great value. Call today for HVAC service in Montgomery, AL.