Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

A professional HVAC system cleaning may not be in your budget, but that’s okay. While you may not be able to solve every issue with preventative maintenance, there are some things you can do to keep your HVAC system healthy. Here are some DIY tips for keeping your HVAC system in good condition through the Fall season.

1. Check and replace your air filters. This is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to keeping the air in your home clean. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system less efficient and cause unnecessary strain on its parts. Set a monthly reminder to check your air filter and to replace it if needed. The general rule is to change it every 30 to 90 days.

2. Keep your HVAC system free of debris. Check your unit every week or so for debris like leaves, pollen, dirt and sticks. Clear out any debris that may be on it to allow the maximum airflow to the fan. This will increase your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

3. Clean your registers. You should keep your registers and ducts clean of dust and debris as well. Wipe down your registers often to keep them clean and free of debris.

4. Listen for unusual sounds. Strange noises coming from your HVAC system usually means there is a register blockage, debris in the vents or loose bolts. If you notice a strange sound, try to locate the source. If you can’t figure out what the problem is, it may mean you need to contact a professional.

5. Give your system a break. Occasionally, giving your HVAC system a break is a good way to lengthen the life of the equipment and save you money on your energy bills. The fall is a great time to do this because the weather is starting to become cooler and milder.

6. Know when to call a professional. If you experience problems with your HVAC system that are out of your control or wheelhouse, call a professional. Fall is a good time for a check-up. HVAC professionals with check your system thoroughly, adjust anything that needs fixing and address any other issues you may have.

Having regular maintenance on your HVAC system has numerous benefits for you. Bi-annual maintenance calls are one of the easiest ways to stop small problems from becoming big ones. You’ll save money in the end due to efficiency in performance and energy consumption.

For more questions, to schedule routine HVAC maintenance or for any of our other services, call us at 804–776–5770 and see why W.G. Speeks has been the reliable Richmond, VA heating and air conditioning experts since 1943.

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Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor

Richmond, VA summers can get hot, and it’s not uncommon for us to get calls from panicking homeowners saying their AC unit has broken down during the summer months.

 

One of the most common causes for this is a failing AC compressor, a part that generally gives signs and symptoms of failure before breaking down completely. Unfortunately many homeowners don’t call until their entire unit stops working, which is why it’s helpful to know how to tell if your home AC compressor is bad. Taking action before the compressor completely goes out can save you from suffering through summer heat and the avoidable cost of fixing a broken HVAC system.

The Importance of a Comfortable Office

Are your employees keeping their coats on and complaining about the temperature in the office this time of year? Studies have shown that uncomfortable office temperatures can decrease productivity, which inevitably means your business’ bottom line could take a hit. For decades, available research has suggested that keeping the office temperature between 70 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit is best for the majority of workers.

Whether it’s too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, no employee should have to work in an environment with an inadequate heating and cooling system. Plus, the more pleasant the work place is, the happier your employees will be and the more efficient they’ll be at work, which means more money in the bank.

Commercial HVAC Services Offered

At WG Speeks, Inc. we service, replace and maintain HVAC equipment for Commercial/Industrial buildings in the Metro Richmond area. This includes banks, doctors’ offices, apartment complexes, churches, retail stores, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, industrial buildings and even warehouses.

We can service or install all types of your office heating/cooling needs, such as:

• Boilers (gas, oil or electric)
• Reciprocating Chillers to 100 tons
• Cooling Towers
• Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Furnaces
• Roof Top Units
• Computer Room Units
• Humidification/Dehumidification

Call W.G. Speeks Today

We offer individualized Commercial Service Agreements to keep your heating and cooling equipment performing at an optimal level. For more questions about our Commercial Services or any of our other services, call us at 804.776.5770 and see why W.G. Speeks has been the reliable Richmond, VA heating and air conditioning experts since 1943.

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THE EXPERTS IN HEATING RICHMOND, VA RESIDENTS TRUST

Heat Pumps work well in our climate. They heat and cool your home by moving air rather than generating it. That makes a big savings for your energy bills. High efficiency heat pumps are a great cost effective way to heat and cool your home. WG Speeks can service, repair, and assist you in choosing the best new heat pump for your home.

If you are interested in implementing heat pumps to increase the efficiency of the heating and cooling in your Richmond, VA home, contact us and we would be happy to give you a free consultation.

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Air Duct Cleaning For indoor air quality and air duct cleaning, call our HVAC experts and they will explain to you how to maintain air quality clean and healthy.





Experts in heating and air conditioning – Richmond

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THE EXPERTS IN HEATING RICHMOND, VA

Heat pumps work well in our climate. They heat and cool your home by moving air rather than generating it. That makes big savings for your energy bills. High-efficiency heat pumps are a great cost effective way to heat and cool your home. WG Speeks can service, repair, and assist you in choosing the best new heat pump for your home.






If you are interested in implementing heat pumps to increase the efficiency of the heating in your Richmond, VA home, contact us and we would be happy to give you a free consultation.

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Heating and Cooling Richmond -VA

In this 21^st Century, we want luxurious and lavishing life that includes amenities like a Mansion, a Car, an A/C, other appliances to make our lives easy. But this includes a bit of discipline and a bit of maintenance. For maintenance of house and car we have housemaid but for electrical appliances we do require a trusted company who provides premium quality service at low cost. Thus, introducing to you W.G.Speeks, Virginia’s most trusted company for Heating and Air Conditioning, Richmond. They are experts in HVAC in Richmond since 1943.

Their services include:

• Air Conditioning repairs: We help you keep your home cool and comfortable by providing service and making sure that it is running properly. When you want to replace your air conditioning system, our sales staff can assist you in choosing the best replacement air conditioner for your home.
• Heat pumps: Specialty of heat pumps is they move air rather than generating it. They are cost effective and efficient way for heating and cooling in Richmond.
• Furnace: We perform furnace service, repairs, and installations. We make sure it is functioning properly and help you for replacement if you want.
• Commercial services: All kinds of commercial and industrial services provided for Banks, Doctor Offices, Apartments, Churches, Retail Stores, Shopping Centers, Restaurants, Hotels, Industrial Buildings, and Warehouses
• Boilers: We provide boiler installation and repair services. We help you choose correct boiler for your requirement.
• Indoor air quality and Air Duct Cleaning: For indoor air quality and air duct cleaning, call our HVAC experts and they will explain to you how to maintain air quality clean and healthy.

Any kinds of HVAC repair problems; we are here to help you. Experts in heating and cooling - Richmond, Virginia – only one name W.G.Speeks.

Take Control – Zone Your Home!

Have you been suffering from uneven cooling in your home? Experiencing maximum comfort in one room only to notice several other rooms are hot and stuffy? If this is the case in your home, it may be time to think about a zone control for your HVAC system. Here at W.G. Speeks of Richmond, VA we believe that comfort is essential to a happy home. If you haven’t considered zone control in your home here are a few benefits:

1. Energy saving – Reduce your utility bills by stopping air from entering unoccupied rooms. This will cut down wasted energy.
2. Even out hot and cold areas of the home – Evenly distribute temperatures in multi-story homes and multi-room and offices.
3. Increased comfort – Each family member can set the thermostat to their own preference in certain areas of the home. Keep everyone in your home happy!

If you are considering zone control, feel free to contact WG Speeks professionals, we are here to serve your HVAC needs. Call us today!

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My AC Is Blowing Hot Air! What Now?

If you’ve spent a day outdoors only to come home to even warmer indoor temperatures in the midst of summer, it may be time to take a look at your HVAC unit. Units blowing constant hot air can have many reasons as to why they are performing improperly. If you are in need of immediate professional HVAC service, call a WG Speeks expert today. We can get to the root of your AC issues. Here are a few reasons why you may be experiencing hot air output:

1. A dirty filter – It may be time for a filter replacement. Be sure to have a pro check and or replace your filter if this is the cause.
   
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Cut Back On Cooling Costs

Summer is approaching very quickly and the heat is already beginning to crank up. It is very important to make sure you’re keeping utility costs low and affordable. During warmer months, your AC can take a toll on your wallet, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few tips for keeping your AC usage controlled.

1. Keep it Steady – Leave your AC set at one consistent temperature or make a gradual increase or decrease every few hours. A programmable thermostat is good for keeping temperatures consistent. Cutting your system off pushes your system work harder to get the inside temperature back down to a cool and comfortable degree.

2. Avoid heated appliances – We know people who stray away from frying foods, baking and blow drying their hair during the summer and they may be on to something. Cutting back on appliances that generate heat will keep from allowing temperatures to rise, in return, helping your house stay cool.

3. Place plants – Place plants in and around your home to help create shade and counter sunlight; thus creating a more cool temperature and less need to crank your AC.

4. Replace your AC unit – Replacing old worn out systems with newer, energy efficient systems can cut energy costs nearly in half. Keep the filter clean for proper air flow and you will be well on your way to a lighter bill. more about

If you are thinking of upgrading your AC unit or need an expert opinion call W.G. Speeks of Virginia today!

Clean or Replace Air Filters

The first thing you should do is check your HVAC filter for buildup of dust and dirt. Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system, causing your heating costs to increase over the fall/winter season. You should clean your air filters monthly, and if you’ve forgotten to clean over the summer, it is probably time for a replacement.

Clean Vents

Much like your HVAC filter, dirty and clogged vents can have repercussions for your home’s air quality and heating system’s efficiency. Dirty vents means dust, dirt, allergens and mold could be circulating throughout your home. These things mean poor air quality and potential allergic reactions for family members. Just like your air filters, when vents are clogged, the airflow is reduced and your HVAC efficiency is compromised.

Changing Your Furnace Filter Will Add Years To Your Furnace And Saves You Money

Spring is in the air! But what also might be in the air is dust, and dirt-if that is the case, it’s time to change your furnace filter. Changing your furnace filter is the quickest and easiest way to make your furnace run more efficient, not to mention it also aids in purify your air. Furnace filters are your furnaces’ first line of defense against dust and airborne particles that can get trapped in the system, potentially damaging the fans or heating coil. Regular filters will prevent damage, while more expensive filters help purify the air, protecting against bacteria, pollen and mildew.

How often should you change your furnace filter? Simple, whenever it is dirty. Most manufacturers of furnace filters will give an indication about how long they will last, typically 30-60 days. But other factors can influence the frequency of build-up on furnace filters, such as, the quality of your air, having pets, smoking, occupancy of the home, air pollution, construction work nearby, etc. It’s a good rule of thumb to check your furnace filter frequently, and to replace whenever you notice excessive buildup.

Not changing your filter can be hazardous. Dirty filters can pollute the air you breathe and make you feel sick, while also causing your furnace to work harder and less efficient. Changing your filter will give you cleaner air –less dust and debris in the air, in your lungs and on your furniture. And will also add years to your furnace and save you money. Changing your filter frequently will ensure your furnace is working at maximum capacity. So, don’t delay, it’s very simple and inexpensive.

Furnace filters, vary from furnace to furnace, you might need to measure your filter to make sure, and you get the right size when you go shopping. There are also a variety of furnace filters to choose from with different levels of protection. As an added reminder, you can also pick up a furnace filter whistle, which will omit a high-pitched noise alerting you that it’s time to change your filter. To change your filter, you’ll want to remove and discard the dirty filter and replace with the new filter. Simple instructions included on the package will direct you on how to insert the filter properly. For more heating/cooling advice in Richmond, VA, contact us and breathe a little easier.

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3 Myths About Air Conditioning in Richmond

Air conditioning Richmond, VA is a fact of life. We need it in order to stay cool and comfortable during those hot Virginia summers. Air conditioning systems have made a lot of improvement on our way of life; many can’t imagine life without this modern convenience, especially when temperatures reach unbearable highs. While most people are familiar with these cooling systems, there is a lot of common misinformation about air conditioning systems. Discerning the fact from fiction, will help your air conditioning unit work more efficiently and keep your home cooler. Here are three myths about air conditioning systems that really aren’t true:

• “Setting a lower temperature will cool my home faster.” If you like your house to be at 72 degrees, you may think that setting the thermostat at 68 will help it cools down faster. Air conditioning units don’t work that way. The unit can only cool your house at a set rate of speed, which means setting it at 68 only increases its running time. You won’t reach 72 any faster or slower by setting a lower temperature.

• * “A more efficient unit will automatically lower my bills.” While an air conditioner with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) will cool your home more efficiently than one with a lower rating, which assumes that you run the new air conditioner for the same amount of time that you ran the old one. Run it more often, you might be using more energy (but for a greater amount of cooling). Other factors, such as leaky ductwork or poor insulation, will also prevent your high efficiency unit from cooling your home effectively.

• “Turning on a fan will cool the room.” Fans don’t cool the air. They just move it around, creating a cooling sensation against your skin. If you run a fan, you’re incurring energy costs and if you’re not home to enjoy it, you’re essentially wasting that energy.

If you have questions or concerns about your air conditioning system, don’t hesitate to contact an expert. The professionals at W.G. Speeks Inc can help you select an air conditioning service that matches your needs without the distortion of misconceptions. We handle air conditioning installation in Richmond, VA and throughout Greater Richmond Region, so give us a call today!

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Fall Into HVAC Savings!

Energy efficiency plays a huge factor in monthly bills and budget savings when it comes to your HVAC system. By searching for the right options that will effectively impact your savings you can begin to have a bit more freedom in your family budget. Here at W.G. Speeks we love to speak with customers about the positive impact an efficient unit can have on not only your comfortability but your wallet as well. Here are a few ways to seek savings this fall!

1. Check the SEER Ratings – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measurement used for heating and cooling systems. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient your unit and the better the savings. Ask our professionals about SEER ratings on a unit you have been checking out.
2. Keep your cool – Try turning off your units unless needed. Since it is now the time to start tucking away your AC and not really the time to begin turning on the heat; try getting all of your maintenance professionally done, furnace checked and filters changed before the temperatures drastically change.
3. Ask about deals and financing options – We currently offer financing on our heating and cooling systems. Our consumer credit card program is a great way to learn more about getting proper financing if needed for your HVAC options.

If you are in need of HVAC maintenance or looking to have save on energy, stop by W.G. Speeks of Virginia today!

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Save on Energy This Winter!

You’ve probably began gearing up for all sorts of holiday cheer. With expenses like gifts and food for festivities and family we know all too well the value of a dollar. Here are a few tips from W.G. Speeks on how you can save on energy and keep some extra funds to your wallet for the winter season.

1. Insulate – If you haven’t thought of insulating your home now’s the time. If you can’t afford to insulate your whole home start with the attic and or basement and watch as your home starts to retain heat and set temperatures.

2. Complete all upgrades – Having an efficient and properly running system will allow energy to run at peak performance. Be sure all upgrades are made and ask about financing options on new appliances.

3. Set your thermostat to a set temperature and allow it to circulate the home. Recommendations fluctuate anywhere between 68 and 73 degrees. If you are leaving your home it is wise not to turn off your unit but to set it down five degrees for the duration of the time you are away.

If you have been thinking of ways to save money start today with your HVAC systems. Be sure to contact W.G. Speeks professionals of Richmond, VA for any questions surrounding installation, repair, upgrades and more. Happy Holidays!

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The Season to Give!

With the holidays coming and going the spirit of giving is in the air! If you have wanted to get your loved ones like grandparents a lasting gift: why not look into HVAC options. Many have received Christmas gifts that are easily forgotten or thrown away. So, if you are still seeking to provide those you love with a sense of comfort and an ease of mind, here are a few good options:

1. A duct cleaning – Give the gift of a good duct cleaning. You will be surprised how the quality of air increases with proper maintenance and care of your HVAC units and counterparts.

2. Replace units – Is it time for an upgrade? Help out with financing costs or inquire about current financing options on all of our HVAC units.

3. Furnace maintenance – If your loved ones are long overdue for maintenance and you’ve noticed during this holiday season, it is never too late to give the gift of a professional maintenance appointment.

At W.G. Speeks of Richmond, VA we are all about taking care of our customers and their families as well as their HVAC units. Be sure to ask about current deals and specials on units and more. Wishing you a very happy holiday season from your friends at W.G. Speeks!

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