Improve Comfort this Summer with a Dehumidifier

 It’s not quite summer yet, but warmer weather is definitely close by. And with warm weather comes humidity, which can unfortunately make your indoor air quality worse than the outdoor air. Your home’s humidity levels should be between 30%-50%; anything higher than 50% could lead to mold development or other negative issues.

In addition to being unsightly, mold can have a seriously negative health impact on you and your family. Fortunately there is a way to prevent too much humidity and the possibility of mold in your home. The solution lies in a whole-house dehumidifier! And we want to help you find out if this is the right move for your home.

Property Protection

Humidity causes excess moisture, which can cause many aesthetic problems for your home, from peeling wallpaper and increased dust to warping your wood floors. When you reduce your home’s humidity levels, you decrease the risk of these problems. Some other benefits of dryer air include clothes drying faster and rust buildup prevention.

Health Protection

This one is obviously very important. Too much moisture in the air can trigger symptoms in people who suffer from asthma or allergies. A dehumidifier will keep this from happening as well as reduce skin and respiratory system irritation. Breathe easier and be comfortable in your home with a dehumidifier.

But do you really need a dehumidifier?

To determine if a dehumidifier would truly benefit your home, look around for signs. Have you noticed water stains on the walls or ceilings? Does your home sometimes smell musty? Is there frequent condensation on your windows or an unusual amount of dust? These are all signs your home has too much moisture and a whole-house dehumidifier is the right solution.

For more information on whole-house dehumidifiers or to schedule a dehumidifier installation with one of our experts, call us at 804-776-5770 and see why W.G. Speeks has been the reliable HVAC Richmond, VA experts since 1943.

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HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

Owning a pet is a rewarding experience. Pets offer companionship and
unconditional love. But owning a pet is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken
lightly. As a pet owner, it’s your job to provide your animal with a safe and
loving home environment. This means you need to put in a little-added effort
when it comes to your HVAC system. Here are some tips to keep your home
safe and comfortable for both you and your pets.

Keep it clean

We’ll start with the most obvious tip; keep your pet clean. Pet dander is a huge
issue when it comes to the quality of your air. Dander from dogs and cats is
actually the leading cause of allergies. This is why regularly bathing and
brushing is crucial in ensuring good air quality in your home. You should also
vacuum and dust regular to keep pet hair at a minimum.

Check for exposed wires

Exposed wires to your HVAC system can be an alluring “chew toy” for many
pets. This is obviously most common in puppies and kittens, but you can never
be too safe even with your grown pets. To keep the wires and your pet safe,
enclose wires in conduits.

Change your HVAC system’s air filter

Having a pet means you should change your HVAC system’s air filter more
often than those without a pet. Check your air filter once a month to make sure
it’s not dirty or clogged with pet hair. A clogged air filter means higher utility
bills and it could even shorten the life of your HVAC system.

Enclose outside condenser units

If your pet has free reign of the yard, they pose a threat to your outside unit. If
your pet claws the fins on the condenser coils, they could injure themselves
and damage your unit. Also, dogs mark their territory by urinating. Your
condenser could be a target. Urine can cause the fins to erode over time and
even cause costly refrigerant leaks. Avoid any of these potential issues by
putting up a fence or some type of barrier around your condenser unit.
The HVAC Richmond professionals at W.G. Speeks can provide you with regular
maintenance to make sure everything is running properly, and if it’s not, we
can fix it. If you live with cats or dogs, give us a call today at 804-276-2800 to
see how we can help you improve the air quality in your home for you and your
pets.

Content Source : HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

3 sustainable HVAC equipment quintessential for your comfort

HVAC equipment is short for of Heating Ventilation Air-Conditioner equipment, which presently is very cardinal for a comfortable stay. People do not consider that as the luxury anymore, especially when the atmosphere is steadily recasting into Heating and Cooling in Richmond, VA.

Below listed are the 5 quintessential HVAC equipment for your homes and offices for

1. A/C: A/C or Air Conditioning in Richmond, VA is the basic requirement of any house in Virginia. It has mountains and valleys which keep the climate moderate and humid continental. Severe weather including tornadoes, cyclones, and winter storms, impacts the state on a regular basis. Thus, it is necessary to install A/C and its regular service to keep them healthy.
   
   
2. Heater: Like A/C, Heaters are also required for Heating in Richmond, VA. As the climate of Virginia could be tricky, there could be storms and tornadoes. The weather tends to be cold and windy during these days. A heater is must required equipment for weather of Virginia.
   
   
3. Furnace: Heater is a primary requirement and so is Furnace. Furnace keeps the whole house warm and is useful when electricity supply is cut off due to storm or tornado. It could be very useful for the commercial purpose. There could be various types of furnaces which are required to maintain and service every once a while.

The W.G. Speeks are HVAC Repairers of Richmond, VA as well as installers. We are experts in HVAC repairs, commercial services, residential services, Air Duct Cleaning in Richmond, VA. Visit them at 10711 Paul brook Drive, Midlothian, VA 23112.

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.

Heat Pump Iced Up During Winter?

It’s normal for your heat pumps to ice up during the winter months. The entire coil might even be covered in frost or ice during cold weather conditions. However, it’s not normal for the entire unit to be covered in ice for an extended period of time.

Heat pumps will naturally ice-up in the winter, but will periodically go into a defrost cycle to de-ice the coils and keep the unit running efficiently. If the coils are blocked by ice, proper heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air cannot occur. This can cause serious damage to your equipment.

The Defrost Cycle Explained

To prevent from icing up, heat pumps switch into air conditioning mode for a while until it unfreezes. This defrost mode only lasts 10-15 minutes, during which time heat strips start up to keep the air warm.

What to check if your unit is freezing up

1. Air filter: If the air filter needs to be replaced, air flow is hindered causing your heat pump not to work properly.
   
2. Air flow: If you don’t feel any air flowing from the vent, the blower motor or another part is malfunctioning. You can test this by setting the thermostat manually to fan and seeing if any blows through the vents.
   
3. Fins: Check the fins for any debris, like dirt or leaves, that might be blocking the air from passing through.
   
4. Leaky gutters: If a gutter is dripping water onto the top of the unit, you will need to repair your gutter. Read More

Thinking About Finishing Your Basement

What to Consider for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Do you have an unfinished basement? Don’t let all of that unfinished space overwhelm you and keep you and your family from gaining the space you need to enjoy your home to the fullest. Finishing a basement is a large home improvement project, but it will offer a great return on investment, about 70% actually. And finishing the space you already have will cost less than adding on to your home.

Whether you’re going to hire a general contractor or you’ll be tackling the renovation on your own, you’ll need to consider if your current heating and air conditioning systems can accommodate the extra space and how to keep their components accessible when you develop a floor plan.

Keeping HVAC Components Clear

Most unfinished basements house HVAC components. When you design your floor plan, you will probably want to enclose your appliances for aesthetic purposes, but you shouldn’t close them off completely. Anytime a gas furnace or other gas appliance is kept in a confined space, that space must be properly ventilated per gas code requirements. You can find that information in the National Fuel Gas Code.

Protecting your family and yourself in the event of future problems by planning a mechanical room, which offers enough space for technicians to work around the equipment, is a very smart idea and could be a possible requirement in regards to your local building codes. Read More

Heating and Cooling Payment Options

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.

• Want to pay when the job’s complete? We now take On-Site credit card payments from Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. We also accept cash or checks.
  
• Need a little extra time to pay for your new system? We offer financing options for new HVAC systems (with approved credit) – call for current rates and details. Check out the online credit application from Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. This online financing program application allows you to access a convenient application for a quick credit decision.
  
• Coming Soon: Online Payments!
  

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.

Coupons – W.G.Speeks

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.

Source Link : Heating and Cooling Richmond VA

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!

Source Link : Heating and Cooling Richmond VA

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.
   
   Source Link : Heating and Cooling Richmond, VA

Commercial Services

WG Speeks is a full service Commercial heating and Air Conditioning Company that can service or install all types of heating/cooling needs for commercial/industrial buildings such as:

• Boilers (gas, oil, or electric)
• Reciprocating Chillers to 100 tons
• Cooling Towers
• Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Furnaces

• Roof Topo Units
• Computer room Units
• Humidification/Dehumidification

Commercial Maintenance:

We offer individualized Commercial Service Agreements to keep your heating and cooling equipment performing at optimal level. Schedule an appointment for us to come out and give a quote.

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!

Fall and Winter HVAC Preventative Maintenance Tips

Fall officially began this past Thursday, Sept. 22^nd and although it doesn’t feel like Fall outside quite yet, cooler days are in our near future. If you haven’t had your HVAC system maintenance serviced for the upcoming fall and winter weather, now is the perfect time to do some maintenance.

Most heating demands in homes account for 33% of the total energy consumption. So before starting up your heating system for the first time this year, here are some helpful tips on making sure your HVAC system is in tip top shape for the cold weather season.

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.

Adjust the Supply Register/Check for Drafts

Cold air falls and hot air rises. So it makes sense that when the weather gets cold, it’s best to open a few of your supply registers on the first floor and close a few on the second floor. This facilitates the heating of your home in a more efficient way. Also, drafts can be a major cause of a cold home when your heating system is running. Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts. Check your seals and frames for signs of wear and damage.

Source Link : AC Repair Richmond, VA

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!

- See more at: 3 Myths About Air Conditioning in Richmond

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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