Tag: HVAC Maintenance

Tips For the Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Air Conditioning Systems

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio
Technician performing HVAC maintenance by adjusting a heating unit, highlighting the importance of regular service for energy efficiency and comfort.

About 90% of homes in the United States have air conditioning. After all, as summer temperatures soar, a well-functioning air conditioning system is essential for comfort and health. You can do your part by maintaining your unit, minimizing the problems you’ll encounter on the year’s hottest days.

Imagine thinking you’re returning home to a cool, refreshing oasis, only to find your AC blowing warm air or, worse, not working at all. The discomfort can be unbearable, and malfunctioning systems can even lead to health issues like respiratory problems due to poor air quality.

Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding these scenarios and ensuring your AC runs efficiently. By taking simple, proactive steps, you can not only enhance the performance and longevity of your system but also save on energy bills and costly AC repairs.

Completing some easy maintenance tasks and learning a few troubleshooting tips will keep your AC in top shape. Here’s a look at how you can create a cool, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment all summer long.

We should also mention that it is important to have the proper air conditioning installed for your home or business. The SEER rating of an AC unit will help determine the energy efficiency of your unit, while the BTU and tonnage of the system determine the cooling capacity for the amount of square feet coverage. Schedule a meeting with one of Hunt’s Services Comfort Consultants to accurately evaluate your needs and assist with choosing the best AC system for you.

Simple Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Unit Running

The goal is to ensure your air conditioner fires right up the first time you use it in the summer and keeps your house cool for the next few months. Completing a few simple maintenance tasks will keep your AC in top condition and reduce the problems you’ll encounter.

A technician can also help with this maintenance, offer guidance, and handle the repair whenever something is amiss. Regular maintenance jobs include:

Cleaning Filters

Filters trap dust and debris, ensuring clean air circulation. There are different types of filters: disposable, reusable, and HEPA.

You should replace disposable filters every 1-3 months. Reusable filters need to be washed and dried thoroughly before reinstallation. HEPA filters, which do an excellent job of trapping fine particles, require regular checking and replacement per the manufacturer’s instructions.

To access and clean filters, locate the filter compartment, usually behind the return air grille or inside the AC unit. Carefully remove the filter, and if it’s reusable, wash it with water and mild soap, then let it dry completely before reinserting.

Checking Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is vital for the cooling process because it absorbs heat and releases it outside. Low refrigerant levels can reduce your cooling efficiency. To check for leaks, inspect the refrigerant lines for any oily residue or hissing sounds. Since handling refrigerants requires professional expertise, it’s best to call a technician if you suspect a leak.

Inspecting and Cleaning Coils

Coils help heat exchange, so keeping them clean is essential for efficiency. This job requires a soft brush and a commercial coil cleaner.

First, turn off the AC. Next, you’ll use your brush to remove any dirt and debris present from the coils. Then, apply the coil cleaner as directed and rinse with water if necessary. Ensure the coils are dry before restarting the unit.

Checking and Clearing Condensate Drains

The condensate drain removes moisture from the AC. Some signs of a blocked drain you’ll want to be aware of include water pooling around the unit or musty odors.

To clear blockages, use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out the clog from the drain line. Regularly checking and clearing this drain prevents water damage and mold growth.

Performing these maintenance jobs can keep your AC system running smoothly and efficiently. Of course, you can also sign up for a maintenance package to ensure you never miss a step or forget the necessary upkeep.

Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioning Issues

Numerous symptoms could arise that point you toward the cause of your AC problem. Before you panic, try figuring out the cause of the issue because it could be something straightforward.

If your AC isn’t cooling as it should, start by looking for dirty filters and blocked vents. It can also help to double-check your thermostat settings to confirm the system is set to cool.

Other causes of this problem could be low refrigerant levels or dirty coils, which you’ll want a technician to check to ensure the job is completed correctly.

Unusual sounds coming from your AC can signal various issues. For instance, rattling likely means the unit has loose parts or debris, which you can check yourself.

However, if you hear a buzzing sound, you could have a loose component or electrical issue requiring professional assistance. The same goes for clicking noises, which indicate a failing thermostat, or grinding sounds, which could mean you have a failing motor or bearing.

Troubleshooting your air conditioning issues can save you money by avoiding unnecessary technician visits and ensuring you complete repairs at optimal times. Keep an eye on your unit to guarantee you’re on top of potential problems as soon as they start.

Tips for Ensuring Optimal AC Performance

You must maintain your air conditioning system to ensure it runs efficiently. Air conditioners are responsible for about 6% of all electricity consumption in the country, so finding ways to reduce energy use is vital.

Regular professional maintenance is the most straightforward way to maximize efficiency because your technician can proactively make repairs while ensuring all the necessary maintenance is complete.

While professional maintenance will cost a bit upfront, the benefits far outweigh this expense. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs, improves energy efficiency, and extends the life of your unit, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.

Call Hunt’s Services to learn more about maintaining your air conditioning unit and ensuring it’s ready for summer. We’re available to prolong your AC unit’s life at 253-533-7500 in Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Olympia, and dozens of other communities in Western Washington.

The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio
HVAC unit installed outside a brick home with green grass and blooming flowers, emphasizing the importance of HVAC maintenance for homeowners.

As a homeowner, you have many responsibilities on your plate. One of the most important is looking after your HVAC system. It’s necessary to schedule professional maintenance to protect your costly investment.

Your Warranty Requires It

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the fact that most HVAC manufacturers have annual maintenance requirements in their warranty contracts. If you read the contract for your heating or cooling system closely, you’ll likely discover that you’re required to get professional maintenance service performed on the unit at least once per year to keep your warranty active. Ensuring that you have warranty coverage on your heating or cooling system is a great reason to invest in regular maintenance by a licensed HVAC technician.

Ensure Optimal Operating Efficiency

There’s no denying the fact that paying to heat and cool your home can get costly for any homeowner. To ensure that you’re not throwing money down the drain, it’s in your best interest to get professional service on your equipment. A licensed HVAC technician will be able to lubricate moving parts, repair minor issues, and ensure that your HVAC system is operating as efficiently as possible. The more efficiently your system runs, the less money you have to spend on utility costs each month.

Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Purchasing a new heating or cooling system can be a costly investment. As with most people, you want to get the most life out of your investment. One of the best ways to do this is to have professional service performed on your HVAC system. When all of your system’s internal components are getting the care they need, they’re much less likely to prematurely wear out. Regular maintenance can help to extend the overall life of your system by years.

Be Alerted of Problems

Another hidden advantage of having a professional HVAC technician perform maintenance on your system is that they can let you know if there are any problems. From identifying dirty ductwork to underperforming parts, we can let you know where your HVAC system is falling short and how to fix the problem. This way, you can have it remedied before you need to rely on your HVAC system on a consistent basis throughout the long winter and summer months.

Learn About New Upgrades

One of the lesser-known advantages of regular HVAC maintenance is that you can learn about new HVAC upgrades that can make your life easier. From smart thermostats to higher-quality air filters, your HVAC technician can listen to your needs and provide you with information about new products. Unless you do your own research, it’s unlikely that you’re going to know about many of these available upgrades.

Understand How Much Longer Your System is Likely to Last

No one wants to be blindsided by a broken heating or cooling system that is beyond repair. These systems are expensive. When you get regular maintenance performed by a licensed HVAC technician, they can provide you with an estimated remaining lifespan for your system.

This will give you the ability to prepare your budget and look into necessary financing programs. This can help you pick the best funding route for your new system. Even better, you can schedule when your system gets upgraded so that it can be at a convenient time.

Reduce Your Risk of Unexpected Breakdowns

It can seem like there’s nothing worse than having a broken HVAC system when you need it the most. Fortunately, regular maintenance is a great way to help reduce your overall risk of experiencing an unexpected system breakdown. Most issues that your system may have can be identified when they’re small during regular maintenance so that you can get them fixed before they become a significant problem.

Peace of Mind

Apart from extending the lifespan of your system and ensuring optimal energy efficiency, regular HVAC maintenance is always a great way to provide yourself with peace of mind. When you have a service technician look over your system, you feel more confident about its operation. You don’t have to worry if it’s going to break down today or tomorrow.

Optimal Safety

Furnaces that burn heating oil, propane, and natural gas can let off harmful fumes. This includes carbon monoxide. When your heating system is operating correctly, these fumes are vented to the outside of your home. This keeps your home and family safe from harm. Having regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system helps to ensure that your furnace is properly vented so that no harmful fumes are making their way to the interior air that your family breathes.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Part of our HVAC maintenance service is changing out the air filter on your system. This helps to enhance your system’s ability to remove harmful airborne pollutants. This, in turn, improves the quality of air inside your home. Even more so, your HVAC tech will take the time to clean your system’s internal components. This way, they don’t contribute to poor indoor air quality.

When to Schedule HVAC Professional Maintenance?

Now that you’re convinced that you need to get regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system, it’s time to discover just when to call in a professional technician. Your home heating system should be serviced by an HVAC technician in the early fall months. Your cooling system should be serviced in the early spring months. By scheduling service early, you can ensure that your HVAC system is ready to run efficiently.

Homeowner HVAC Maintenance

Apart from scheduling professional service for both your heating and cooling systems, it’s important to do your own maintenance to keep these systems operating at their peak efficiency level. One of the most important things you can do is to check and replace the air filter on your HVAC regularly.

Most homeowners will find that they need to replace their air filters every two to three months. However, many factors play a role in how quickly a filter becomes dirty, such as the number of pets and people regularly in your home. Do yourself a favor and check the state of your air filter each month. Make sure you have at least one spare filter on hand so that you can replace a dirty one when necessary.

It’s also a good idea to start off the summer and fall months by turning on your HVAC system and checking the airflow at each supply vent. You want to ensure that each vent is free from restrictions and delivers warm or cool air, depending on the season.

Call for Professional Maintenance Today

Hunt’s Services offers professional HVAC maintenance services for the entire Tacoma, WA area. Our helpful technicians can also assist with all of your cooling, heating, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality, including working with ductless mini-splits. Our plumbing services include water filtration, water heaters, sewers, and drains. You can also rely on us for electrical services, including installing generators and EV charging stations. Call our office today to schedule your next maintenance appointment.

5 Ways to Make Your Heating and Cooling Systems More Environmentally Friendly

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio

We all have a responsibility to do whatever we can to protect the environment, as even implementing a few small changes can make a big difference over time. One method of making your home heating and cooling more environmentally conscious is reducing your energy consumption.

The good news is that limiting your energy use doesn’t have to make your life more difficult or your home less welcoming because you can easily invest in more efficient heating and cooling units, or make improvements to the systems that you already have.

The following HVAC tips can help you reduce your carbon footprint and assist you in doing your part to protect our environment for future generations.

1) Go with an Energy Efficient Furnace and Air Conditioner

If you have an older furnace or air conditioner in your home, it probably isn’t a high-efficiency model. In these situations, you’re likely using more energy that you need to, which is not only bad for the environment but is also costing you money every month.

In fact, some older furnaces only run at about 60% efficiency, while newer models are mostly above 95%, so you can see that there is a significant discrepancy.

Have a look at the age of your existing heating and air conditioning systems to see if it’s time for an upgrade. Remember that most furnaces last 15-25 years, and once you approach those years, you’ll probably start running into some costly repairs, making it cost-effective to replace the unit.

When the time does come to replace your system, commit to one of the more energy efficient models for the best results.

2) Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Your thermostat influences how much energy you use. The majority of homeowners turn their thermostat higher than it needs to be in the winter and leave the unit turned on while they’re not at home. Of course, no one wants to return to a cold home at the end of the day, so what’s the solution?

Why, a smart thermostat, of course. Smart thermostats have a variety of options, as you can control the temperature remotely through your phone or set it to turn on and off at certain hours. Perhaps the best benefit of a smart thermostat, however, is that it learns your schedule and will adjust the temperature in your house accordingly.

For example, if everyone is usually away between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM during the week, the thermostat will pick up on this after a couple of weeks and start turning the furnace or air conditioning down when no one is there. It will then switch your system back on before you return home, so your house will always be a comfortable temperature when someone is there.

3) Install Some Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are highly efficient and can reduce the amount of energy you use heating and cooling your home. This point is particularly accurate if you’re currently using electric baseboard heaters or window-mount air conditioners, as heat pumps use up to 50% less electricity than these other devices.

There are a few different types of heat pumps on the market, so you can make a choice based on how much you want to spend and whether or not you want the unit to operate within your ductwork. No matter which version to go with, however, you can expect lower energy bills and a more environmentally friendly home.

4) Have Your Ducts Cleaned

It sounds simple, but having a professional company clean your ductwork could reduce the amount of energy that you use. When ducts fill up with dust and debris, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to push air throughout the home, which means you’ll use more energy.

Go with a brush through and negative air duct cleaning service because this is the best way to get absolutely everything out of your ducts. A bonus is that cleaning your ductwork limits the dust and other pollutants that enter the air you breath in your home.

5) Maintain Your Heating and Cooling Units

A properly maintained furnace or air conditioner will always run more efficiently than one that is ignored. It makes sense when you think about it, as units that don’t receive regular maintenance end up with dirty filters and much like with clogged ducts, air can’t flow through the unit properly.

Luckily, your HVAC service provider can put you on a regular maintenance schedule, so you don’t have to worry about your furnace or air conditioner performing at anything less than an optimal level.

Doing Your Part for the Environment

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to reduce your energy consumption by making your HVAC system more efficient. And these steps won’t make your home any less comfortable; they will merely make it easier to keep your living spaces at the ideal temperature.

Hunt’s Services can help you with all of these jobs and will ensure that your home is not only as energy efficient as possible, but that you will never have to compromise your comfort as you become a more environmentally friendly family.

5 Common Air Conditioner Repairs

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After the wettest winter on record and a long, cold spring, Western Washington is experiencing some of the driest weather in its history this summer and residents are looking for any way possible to keep comfortable. In fact, the dry streak is approaching the all-time high of 51 straight days without rain, which was set in 1951, leaving people in Greater Seattle and Tacoma with very little relief. While at the same time the National Weather Service is predicting continuing dry and hot weather in the foreseeable future.

Combine the dry weather with the scorching temperatures that area officials expect in the coming days, and it is easy to see why it is an absolute necessity to have your air conditioner functioning at its full capacity. Have an expert look at your air conditioning unit before these incredibly high temperatures hit to ensure that you can keep your indoor air quality optimal this summer.

If you notice that your heating and air conditioning isn’t working as it should, give Hunt’s Services a call at 253-533-7500 to have one of our technicians have a look and fix the problem.

Some symptoms of an HVAC or air conditioner repair include:

1) No Cold Air

Perhaps the most alarming symptom of an air conditioning problem is finding that you don’t have any cold air coming out of your vents. When you run into this issue, you will have turned the unit on, only to find warm air coming out of the vents, much like you had turned on your furnace.

This situation certainly isn’t ideal, but the good news is that it is usually a simple problem for a professional to fix. The likely cause is a refrigerant leak, as this refrigerant is what cools the air before the unit pushes it through the vents. When refrigerant levels dip below a certain level, the unit won’t have the ability to do its job any longer, causing your house to heat up.

Luckily, a heating and cooling technician can fix this leak and replace the refrigerant, so you won’t have to worry about it being a long term issue this summer in the Greater Seattle area.

2) Squeaking Noises

Keep an ear out when you turn your air conditioner on this summer because it could provide potential clues regarding a problem. For example, if you notice that your air conditioner is squeaking or squealing, the fan belt could be the culprit. What the noise is doing is letting you know that you have a problem and that you could end up with a service disruption.

This issue is easy for a technician to fix, as it involves removing the old belt and replacing it with a new one. A broken belt is also an issue that you can catch ahead of time if you put yourself on a maintenance schedule. The gist of this plan is that you will have a professional inspect your air conditioner every year to ensure that the fan belt and other components are in good shape.

3) Poor Air Flow

Check your air flow and make sure that it is at an acceptable level. You could run into an issue where the air coming out of your vents is cold, but there isn’t enough of it to cool the house the way you had envisioned when you purchased the air conditioner.

Poor air flow is a common problem that develops in air conditioners over the years and is usually the result of a dirty filter. Much like a furnace, your air conditioners requires its filters to be changed every six to 12 months, depending on how often you use it. A duct cleaning might also be necessary. Signing up for scheduled maintenance on your unit is a good way to make sure that your filters are always new, your ducts are clean, and that you have the proper air flow.

4) Not Cooling Enough

An air conditioner that seems to be cooling the home, but is not quite up to your standards, could require various repairs. For starters, the lines that carry the refrigerant between the different parts of your unit might not have the proper insulation. This problem often arises due to the insulation wearing out over the years, which means that the technician will have to put a new sleeve over them.

Even an air conditioner that is running at full capacity could have problems. A potential issue is that your air conditioner might not be large or powerful enough to cool your home during a heatwave. While heatwaves are not common in Puget Sound compared to our neighbors to the South, you might consider upgrading or even replacing your air conditioning unit if it has outlived its usefulness and reliability.

5) Turning On and Off

You might notice that your air conditioner switches on and off throughout the day, regardless of the weather outside. This issue is common in homes where the thermostat is in a less than optimal position, as external components could be influencing the temperature in that part of the house, causing the malfunction.

All you will have to do if you find yourself in this position is have your technician move your thermostat, as this should lead to your air conditioner or heat pumps performing at a higher level.

Beating the Heat

We could end up with temperatures in the triple digits this summer, and if this occurs, you’ll be glad that you had your air conditioner serviced ahead of time. Do your part by having your HVAC system or heat pump looked at by a professional, so that you can keep yourself comfortable this summer.

What Extreme Weather Means for Puyallup Residents

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When the Puyallup River overflowed in November and December, it caused a fair amount of chaos in the area. Governor Jay Inslee was forced to declare a state of emergency in the region, as heavy rains and winds led to flooding, mud slides, road closures, and power outages.

Residents might also remember that an even stronger storm struck Puyallup and neighboring Orting in 2006, leading to the largest urban evacuation in the history of Washington state, as 30,000 people were displaced. Extreme weather is nothing new to Piece County, so residents should be prepared to deal with such issues again in the future.

While in some cases there is simply nothing that you can do about natural disasters, as they will strike your home no matter what precautions you take, in other situations you can limit the damage by being prepared.

Stay in Touch With Local Authorities

Once flooding occurs in a city, it can often wreak havoc on the drain and sewer systems. These systems become over-saturated with water from the flood and it can hinder your ability to flush your toilet or wash the dishes. Whenever there is a flood in your area, keep an eye on any advisories that are on TV or the radio, as they will inform you if it is OK to continue using your plumbing like you usually would, or if you should ease up a little bit.

Even though with the plumbing in Puyallup, your sewer line isn’t directly connected to the storm drains, over-saturation throughout the system can still cause problems.

Consider the Quality of Your Drinking Water

Another thing to consider during a severe storm is the quality of the water. Often times, if too much water is running through the city’s filtration system, it can lead to sediment sneaking through. You will probably notice a different color to the water during extreme weather and, just to be safe, you might want to avoid drinking it.

Of course, you could always install a Puyallup water filtration system in your home and then you won’t have to worry about water quality. This system will remove any sediment that gets through the city’s system, ensuring that you have clean drinking water, no matter what is happening outside.

Think About Adding a Sump Pump

Many homes in Puyallup already have a sump pump installed because of the amount of rain that the region receives. While a sump pump probably won’t do much good if the river overflows onto your property, it can help remove rain water, even when it falls in large quantities.

A sump pump simply involves digging a drainage pool to collect water that is heading toward your house. Once a certain amount of water has been collected, the pump activates and moves it to a safer area.

Having a plumber in Puyallup complete a drain cleaning is another good idea, as it ensures that your system is in good shape. You might also consider keeping your home on a service schedule throughout the year.

Have a Plan in Place

Finally, if you do find yourself in a situation where the water is rising, have a plan that you and your family can follow. If you will be evacuated from your home, make sure that you plug the floor drains in your basement. This can prevent sewage from backing up and entering your home and ensures that external water pressure won’t damage your floor or walls. It is also recommended that you turn off the gas, electricity, and water before leaving. If your home, for whatever reasons, doesn’t have a water shutoff valve, contact a Puyallup plumber to have one installed.

If you will be staying in your home, but will be without power for an undetermined period, it is a good idea to stockpile some water and non-perishable food. This ensures that you can ride the flood out at home and won’t have to leave in an attempt to pick up supplies until the worst of the storm has passed. You should also have the contact information of a Puyallup emergency plumber to inspect your drains and pipes after the water has subsided.