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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Should You Consider Installing a Boiler System This Fall?

The colder seasons are almost here, and for some of us that means it’s time to consider installing a new heating system. If this applies to you, you might want to consider installing a boiler system. Here is how a boiler system operates and how it might benefit you and your family. 

Boiler Heating

A boiler heating system works by pumping hot water through a pipe network installed in the walls and subfloors of each room. As the water flows through the pipes, the heat from it radiates through them, warming up the house. This is a method known as “radiant heating.” Sometimes there are terminal devices, such as radiators or baseboard heaters, installed as part of pipe network. 

Benefits of Boiler Heating Systems

Hot water boilers are extremely energy efficient. Massive amounts of energy can be lost in issues like duct leaks in furnaces. Air is also a worse thermal transport medium than water because it holds less heat and it cools off faster. Boiler systems overall deliver more heat in a more productive fashion than furnaces.

Boiler systems heat the structure of your home in a uniform manner that provides ultimate comfort. Warm air rises and sinks as it cools, but boiler systems keep heat near the bottom of the room, since the thermal energy is transmitted through solid objects. This type of heating prevents hot and cold spots that are common with forced-air systems like furnaces. 

Richmond, VA’s reliable heating and air conditioner experts since 1943

 If you’re thinking a hot water boiler may be the best choice for your home, or if you are having issues with your current water boiler, contact WG Speeks today at (804) 276-2800 and one of our sales staff will assist you or give you a free estimate on a repair.

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Which 5 mistakes you should never make with your heating and cooling equipment

The heating and cooling equipment are sensitive to handle and they need to be taken care of with the experts. Most people try to be HVAC technician at their homes but it could be a huge mistake. So, here are some of the mistakes which you should not do:

1. Installation: The installation of HVAC equipment should not be a DIY thing. You could make mistake with the size of the equipment or the weight. If you install it in a load bearing wall, you could have problems in future. Thus, consult an expert HVAC technician for installation of HVAC equipment.

2. Buying a large unit: Most people think that buying the large unit of HVAC equipment is a better idea; however, it is not true. The bigger is not always the best. This is a common as well as the costly mistake. Homeowners tend to think that it is better to choose a unit from your local home improvement store and typically push for bigger units, but it is wrong, units that are too big will result in wasting a lot of energy.

3. Cheaper Price: Like there is a myth about buying larger units, there is myth about the price. Buying the cheaper units will not be beneficial in long run and it will cost you more. While in other areas of the home bargain shopping can be a plus, but when it comes to your HVAC you want to make sure you are always using a company you can trust! A cheaper unit costs more due to frequent damages and repairs.

4. Skipping out on maintenance: The lethargic behavior will not only lead to costly repairs but also inefficient performances. Having your unit checked out and maintained by a professional will keep your system reliable while also prolonging its life.

5. Choosing repairs over replacements: Well the option of choosing repair over replacement is a waste of time. This can end up meaning you need additional repairs and will have more frequent service calls. Buying a new unit will cost more up front but will save you a lot in the end.

Remember the above DIY tips that you should never DIY because it could cost you more – moneywise and accident – wise too. Call the Heating and Cooling Richmond, VA experts and let them handle the installation and repairs.

Two Ways You’re Losing Money Without Knowing

Do you feel like your utility bills are unusually high? Some of your money may be going to higher utilities because of poor habits, like leaving lights and fans on by accident. But there could be other reasons your utilities are high that you don’t even know about. Become aware of the ways you’re using energy to save money and cut off these issues at their source.

Vampire Energy

No, this isn’t the blood sucking kind of vampire. This vampire is out for your energy. Whenever you leave small appliances or electronics plugged in, even if they’re technically turned off, they are still sapping power. These are things like TVs, game consoles, hair tools, microwaves and toasters. Avoid paying for energy you aren’t really using by unplugging these when not in use or to make it easier, use a power strip that you can switch off every time you aren’t using the item.

Air Leaks

Leaks cause air from inside your home to escape, while it allows warm summer air inside. This reduces efficiency and increases utility costs. If there is dirt on the floor and windowsills, there is probably a leak. You can seal doors with weather-stripping and windows with caulk.

Leaks can also form in your duct system, which means that every time air passes through your HVAC system you are losing some of it. W.G. Speeks offers duct-sealing services to fix this problem.

Ensure you’re staying aware of these potential energy losses and get them fixed early on. This will help you save money in the long run. To further cut utility costs and raise the efficiency of your HVAC system, call us today at 804.276.2800 and see why we’ve been the reliable  heating and air conditioning experts in Richmond, VA since 1943.

Reference : Two Ways You’re Losing Money Without Knowing

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.

Refrigerant leaks and what to do about them

Is your HVAC system making weird sounds and not cooling your house very well this summer? If so, chances are you have a refrigerant leak.

Refrigerant is an essential part of your HVAC system. It is the liquid/gas that actually turns your home’s warm air into cold air. When your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, your AC can’t cool your home efficiently and you risk damaging your air conditioner. We’ll tell you the cause of refrigerant leaks, how to get it fixed correctly and how to keep it from happening again.

What causes a refrigerant leak?

Whenever your system was installed, the proper amount of refrigerant was added. If working and sealed correctly, this refrigerant should stay inside your AC’s coils and constantly recirculate.

However, sometimes holes and cracks develop in the coils, which causes the refrigerant to leak. As the refrigerant level drops, your space gets harder to cool, causing the air to become warmer. Usually these leaks happen due to the age of your HVAC system because the metal coils wear over time. A leak could also be due to corrosion on the coils, like grime and pollutants, due to neglected maintenance.

How to properly fix your refrigerant leak ?

Some unscrupulous HVAC companies may recommend that you just add more refrigerant to get you through the summer, but this is a very shortsighted solution. Doing this will damage your system and eventually leave you paying just as much as you would to properly fix the leak.

There are two options for fixing your refrigerant leak the correct way:

1. Find and repair the hole(s). Quality HVAC service providers have equipment that quickly detects leaks and repair them.

2. Replace the AC coil. If your system is old or in poor condition, it might be time to replace the entire coil. This option is the most expensive, but when your system is properly repaired you’ll experience better performance, lower energy bills and no more recurring leaks.

How to avoid refrigerant leaks in the future ?

In most cases, refrigerant leaks are preventable with regular system maintenance. At least once or twice a year, invest in maintenance to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition.

The HVAC 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. Call us today at 804-776-5770 and see why W.G. Speeks has been the reliable Richmond, VA heating and air conditioning experts since 1943.

Reference : Refrigerant leaks and what to do about them

The Importance of Maintaining Cooling Towers

WG Speeks services and installs all types of heating/cooling needs for commercial or industrial buildings, and this includes cooling towers. Cooling towers allow the majority of the water being used to be recycled, eliminating an enormous amount of water wastage.

They are also the key to maximizing chiller efficiency and ensuring longer overall system life. But just like other HVAC units, they require proper maintenance to ensure they’re running at peak efficiency.

=>> Here are few cooling tower maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Inspect your motors

In many water-based cooling systems, cooling tower fan motors draw the most electricity out of any component. The standard motors operate at only one or two speeds, which can leave them using too much electricity as the overall system load decreases.

It’s important to have your motors inspected by a professional over time. You may opt to install a premium motor, because they can reduce electricity use by 8%. These high-efficiency motors are more expensive than the standard motors, but in a large commercial building with cooling needs, savings will add up quickly.

2. Manage Water Levels

Cooling towers must have the correct water level to perform that their optimal efficiency. It’s also important to note that overfilling can lead to roof damage. With daily inspection, it is easy to keep this in check. Having a meter installed to monitor water levels can simplify this process.

 

3. Ensure Contamination Compliance

There are special inspection and decontamination rules for cooling towers. These rules are mainly in place to prevent outbreaks of the deadly legionella bacteria, which causes pneumonia like symptoms. Because cooling towers are outside, they are vulnerable to contaminants like leaves, dirt and soot. This also poses a health risk. Make sure your cooling tower is tested regularly for these issues.

Call W.G. Speeks Today

For more questions about our cooling tower services, to schedule an installation 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.

Reference: The Importance of Maintaining Cooling Towers