Tips When Choosing a New AC: Air Conditioning Service
One of the best investments you can ever make is likely purchasing or building a new home. When purchasing a new home, building one, or even renovating your current home, reasonable climate control is essential. Therefore, you should liaise with an air conditioning service provider for your options. This is because every homeowner’s ideal cooling or heating system is unique. You should have several things in mind when deciding the AC unit that best suits your home, particularly if you are constructing one.
What Air Conditioner is Ideal for Your Home?
When choosing an air conditioning unit, consider the many systems available. The right AC can help you survive extreme weather, especially in summer. Below are the most popular AC units you can choose from;
VRV Reverse Cycle AC Systems
Multi-unit indoor reverse cycle ACs are called VRV systems. They have ducted wall-mounted and cassette ACs and indoor unity options. All the indoor air handlers in this system are normally operated by one outdoor unit. This reduces operating costs.
Window AC
The window air conditioners are best for single rooms. These air conditioners have a single unit that can be window- or wall-mounted and can only comfortably cool a single room. Additionally, installing and maintaining them is easy. They are among the cheapest ACs in the market, if not the cheapest.
Wall Split Systems
Although ductless, these air conditioners can be used for cooling or heating single rooms. Every unit is normally mounted on a wall at your home and to a condensing unit installed outdoors. The wall split systems are highly popular as they can be easily installed and uninstalled. They also run quietly. These units require minimal air conditioning service.
Ducted Reverse Cycle AC Systems
In modern homes and new constructions, reverse-cycle ACs are highly popular. Because the system switches between cooling and heating, the ducted ACs are highly cost-efficient. You also might get the ducted system mounted in different spaces or areas at your home. The specific air conditioning zones can be turned on simultaneously to cool the entire home. Do you have a sensitive respiratory system or want to filter the pollutants such as pollen and dust from your indoor air? Then ducted air conditioning systems should be high on your list. However, these units require lots of maintenance, including duct cleaning.
Air Conditioner Power, Cost, and Size
When determining the type of AC unit to install in your newly built home, it is also critical to consider its capacity, size, and cost.
Size
With air conditioning, larger isn’t always better; the reverse is also true. Choosing the wrongly sized unit could result in overuse, higher utility bills, or even damage to the appliance. Air conditioners that are too large cause humidity issues, while those which are too small could experience excessive wear and tear. Hence, you must determine the right AC size for your newly constructed home.
Power
When choosing an air conditioning system, consider how much electricity the appliance would use. All AC units are standardized by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) and are shipped with a star-rated energy efficiency rating called EER. The better an AC performs and uses less electricity, the more stars it has. Always be bold and ask an AC service professional about the power usage of the various AC systems you are considering.
Inverter Technology
Do you want a smart AC that can provide better and more reliable cooling while remaining energy efficient? Then you should consider investing in inverter ACs. Speed in inverter systems varies depending on room temperature. They are more durable, and quieter compared to non-inverter ACs. Although inverter ACs are slightly costly compared to conventional ACs, with their one-third power usage, reduced energy expenses offset this additional cost.
Installation
It takes lots of effort and time to mount your AC unit. The professionals must hold it in place as the other securely mounts it. Even after the installation, you must give it a regular air conditioning service to ensure it continues serving your home effortlessly and efficiently. A licensed air conditioner installation professional should install your AC. Otherwise, installing the unit yourself or hiring an unlicensed, inexperienced person to install it will void your warranty. Split ACs have a compressor that has to be handled with extra care. No matter where the unit is installed, the process should be flawless if you entrust it to a professional.
Features
With many different models and brands of ACs in the market and each with different features, you should choose the best technology that meets your requirements and needs. Dehumidifiers, antibacterial filters, sleep mode, auto-clean function, cool coils, heating and cooling, and other features are among the most popular today. Choosing a well-known brand offering all the necessary features at a fair price is a great option. The antibacterial filters trap pests, pollen bacteria, dust, dander, and other airborne allergens to ensure your indoor air quality improves. This will make your indoor environment clean and comfortable. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, preventing mold and bacterial growth.
Cooling Speed
AC units featuring adjustable thermostats, variable speeds, and two fans allow you to achieve varying temperatures at different times. It means you’ll use less power. Varying pre-programmed settings provide better cooling and conserve electricity.
100% Copper Advantage
The metal in evaporator coils, connecting tubes, and condenser units influence your unit’s operating costs and long-term efficiency. Because copper is a great thermal conductor, 100% copper units offer a better cooling experience at a lower power cost. Due to the durability of copper, you can have all the components cleaned when the professional comes for air conditioning service. This can be done using a water spray.
Are you planning to install an air conditioning unit in your newly built house? Contact us at Just In Time to book an AC installation appointment.
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Understanding Furnace Safety With Your Reliable Heating And AC Repair Company
A furnace’s importance in ensuring the comfort of your home cannot be overstated. On those freezing nights or the cold season, the single appliance ensures your home is adequately warmed. This helps ensure you sleep comfortably without fearing contracting a common cold. Unfortunately, there are different issues that your furnace might experience, which might lower its efficacy or even render it inoperable. For this reason, it is recommended that you have a heating and AC repair company inspect and service the furnace regularly. While a furnace ensures your home is comfortable in the cold season, it might pose several safety risks to you or your family. For instance, when the wiring in a furnace becomes naked because of rodent chew-up, that could result in electrocution. Below are several safety tips that you should follow to ensure that your furnace keeps operating optimally.
Regularly Vacuum the Furnace
As mentioned above, furnaces are useful during the cold seasons rather than summer. However, this doesn’t stop lint accumulation and dust inside and around the furnace. The buildup of such impurities might result in a fire hazard. For this reason, you should consider having a professional vacuum your furnace and the areas around it. While you might feel that this is something you can do by yourself, ensure that you enlist the help of a professional. Remember, your safety is of utmost importance, and since you lack the professional experience and even tools to vacuum the furnace, you’d better leave it to the pros. Have you noted that your furnace is producing orange and yellow flames? That could be a sign that your furnace requires cleaning or even adjustment. With regular maintenance, you don’t even have to worry about this. The technician will clean the furnace when they come for a maintenance visit.
Only Purchase Furnaces from Certified Brands
Although a furnace is critical in ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable during cold seasons and nights, it is also a considerable investment. Thus, you should conduct extensive research before purchasing a unit or a replacement component. Many dealers are out there selling knock-off replacement parts that appear legit, although they aren’t. They only expose you to significant health risks. Thus, ensure that you choose a reputed brand with a positive market and online reviews. You can even seek references from your family, friends, and neighbors. Even then, ensure to compare different models and brands. This will help you choose the best unit for your home. Consult your reliable heating and AC repair company if you still cannot decide. With their many years in the heating and air conditioning industry, they know quality products and reputable manufacturers.
Establish Furnace Rules
Do you have children at your home? If you do, you must set up some furnace rules. This is because the young ones might begin to play near your furnace, especially when the unit isn’t in operation. Ensure you remind your children of the risks they are exposing themselves to when playing near or around the furnace. It doesn’t end at establishing ground rules. You also must ensure the children abide by them always. More importantly, you must take proactive measures to ensure the minors don’t get near the grill, as it could become too hot. The last thing you want is to pay for medical bills besides the expensive heating costs.
Conduct Scheduled Maintenance
It is recommended that you ensure a heating and AC repair company sends a technician to inspect and service the furnace at least once yearly. Additionally, keep up with these yearly furnace servicing schedules to ensure your unit remains in optimal operating condition. The maintenance should be done before the heating season starts. Ensure that a professional does the maintenance and inspection. Unfortunately, some homeowners opt to go DIY. This will not only jeopardize the safety of their family, but it could also leave the unit damaged. This is because they may not have the required technical skills or tools to perform the maintenance. As a rule of thumb, leave every furnace repair, maintenance, installation, replacement, or inspection to a licensed, insured, and experienced technician.
Ensure No Flammable Materials are Around the Furnace
Some homeowners use the area around the furnace as an extra storage area. If you must, then ensure to leave the space organized and neat. However, if you can, do not store items around the furnace. Ensure there is enough space between the stored items and the furnace. Additionally, NEVER keep flammable materials like wood scraps, gasoline, papers, paint thinners, old rags, or even wood scraps in your furnace room.
Further, don’t store substances like ammonia in the area you’ve installed your furnace. The ammonia fumes might corrode the heat exchanger, resulting in cracks and pinholes. A cracked heat exchanger is a danger as it will allow carbon monoxide to escape into your living space, which is particularly dangerous. Do you suspect that the heat exchanger is cracked? Turn off your unit and have a professional replace it.
Maintaining Sufficient Airflow
If the furnace does not get enough air, it might use that oxygen at your home. The low oxygen levels in your indoor space could prove risky for you and your loved ones. Blocked registers and air ducts also can lead to limited air circulation and uneven heating. This increases the stress levels on your unit’s blower motor, increasing energy consumption. Have you noticed an increase in cooling and heating energy utility bills? Is your home not cooled to the required temperatures within the specified time? You should have a heating and AC repair company come for a further inspection and duct cleaning.
Stay Safe, and Observe Furnace Discipline!
Proper maintenance is critical in ensuring your home is warmed during that cold season. At Just In Time, our technicians have the skills to install, repair, and maintain your furnace to ensure your home is always comfortable. Contact us today for more information on furnace safety.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Do You Need A Plumber? Learn The Top Signs Of Plumbing Trouble
There are a lot of things that you have to handle as a homeowner, but one thing you don’t want to let fall through a crack is your plumbing system. It is easy to miss small problems like a tiny leak or a dripping faucet, but if you miss these simple warning signs then you will notice the bigger ones like a high-water bill or water damage. When it comes to water there is simply no margin for error, which is why it is important to know the top signs of trouble so you can call a plumber.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are experiencing any issues with your home plumbing, then you should call a plumbing company. Not every single problem is likely a plumbing emergency, which means you can wait until a plumbing company has an opening versus paying extra to get pushed into the schedule. However, most plumbing issues can lead to emergencies if they are ignored for too long. After all, no one wants to have their bathtub in their kitchen, but things like this happen when you aren’t paying attention to telltale signs like a leaking ceiling or rotting floor.
While this is a drastic example of what can happen if you ignore plumbing issues, there is still an entire suite of additional issues that can arise from many common plumbing problems. A simple leak can lead to water damage over time or spur the growth of mold under your sink or deep in your flooring. It actually takes very little water for mildew or mold to grow which often surprises people. A lot of people don’t think that a small leak will hurt much, but once mold starts it can affect a lot more than you can control.
With all of these facts in mind, hopefully, you will be willing to spend a little more time thinking about the health of your plumbing system and weighing whether you need a plumber or not. Keep in mind that if you don’t really have a general idea of how healthy your plumbing system is you can always book a plumbing inspection. While most people associate an inspection with buying or selling a home, it is actually a great way to gain some insight into the general health of your plumbing system.
The plumbing in most homes wasn’t created to last forever, and if you own an older midwestern home there is a good chance that your plumbing is getting older in age. The average plumbing system in older homes can last about sixty years, so if you own a home that was built in the sixties or the seventies it may be time to look at proactive repairs. In general, if you have an older home and no one has inspected your plumbing lately it may be a good idea to do so.
During the plumbing inspection, the plumber won’t be attempting to sell you anything; their goal is simply to look at the system and offer feedback on its condition and suggest potential upgrades and improvements. At the end of the inspection, you will receive detailed feedback that may seem a little overwhelming, but you are welcome to ask any questions to help sort out the information. Not everything needs to be done right away, but much like a home-buying inspection, it can help you sort out any major problems before damage is done so that you can save money on repairs down the road.
Most people find that a plumbing inspection is a great way to get a good grasp on the health of their system and their budget. When you know about problems in advance you can budget for repair instead of getting hit by a big bill that you were not expecting. When you plan a bit proactively that bill is also usually a bit less because it doesn’t include water damage and mold mediation due to flooding. As mentioned, when it comes to water you have to be very careful, or you will end up paying for your mistakes for years to come.
That said, there are some obvious signs that indicate a call to a plumber might be in order. Here are a few of them:
- Low Water Pressure
- No Hot Water
- No Water
- Toilet is Running
- Drains are Draining Slowly
- Water is Pooling in the Shower
- Water Temperature is Varying
- Water is Starting to Look Rusty
- Issue With Your Gas Plumbing
- Leaking Pipe
- Burst Pipe
- Dripping Faucet
- Sewage Smells Coming from Drains
- Clog in the Floor Drain
- Sewage Backup
While this is a list of the major reasons why people end up needing a plumbing company, it is not a comprehensive list. Every single home has its own idiosyncrasies which extends to the plumbing system within each home. If you are worried about your home plumbing system, then you should trust your gut and talk to a professional. No one ever complains that they called a plumbing company when they should have waited, while you will hear plenty of people complain that they waited too long to call for help. Don’t become someone whose judgment doesn’t look good in hindsight, follow your gut and get help with your plumbing system if it is not working correctly.
Are you worried that something might be wrong with your home plumbing system? Don’t wait another minute to get help so that you can eliminate the threat of a flood or water damage. Contact Just In Time today to schedule an appointment for plumbing repair.
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All About Cassette Air Conditioners, Their Benefits, And Demerits Per Your Trusted Air Conditioning Service Provider
With the growth and advancement of technology, many sectors of human life have improved. From revolutionizing communication to home systems, technology has played an essential part in making life easier. As such, it has also impacted how homeowners heat and cool their homes to have better and more comfortable temperatures all year round in an energy-efficient way. However, prior HVAC systems are still in use. There are homes that, through the help of an air conditioning service provider, have retained the conventional methods of heating and cooling their homes. One such type is the cassette air conditioning unit. This type of AC was once prevalent among homeowners. Therefore, this article will discuss the cassette air conditioning unit’s advantages and drawbacks. It will help you decide if this is an option for your home.
What is a Cassette Air Conditioning Unit?
When searching for an air conditioning system, the most critical factor is understanding each unit and its operation. This will help you decide if the unit is well-suited for your home. A Cassette AC unit is a split system type of air conditioner that conditions the temperature in a building. The cassette air conditioner has two units: an indoor inside your home and an outdoor unit that an air conditioning service provider can install outside your home. The identifiable feature of this type of air conditioner is that the indoor unit is typically installed in the ceiling, and the piping connecting the two units is hidden in the ceiling.
Cassette AC Installation
A cassette AC unit is installed in the ceiling of a home, with the piping connecting the indoor and outdoor units running in the ceiling. Once installed, this AC is less bulky than most AC types. This discreet design of a cassette AC makes it ideal for small spaces and offices. Therefore, the cassette air conditioner is a perfect choice if you have limited space in your home.
Unlike most modern air conditioner types, the cassette air conditioner is simple to install since it does not require ductwork installation. The indoor unit of a cassette AC will distribute cooled air through the sides of the AC. Therefore, this eliminates the need for an internal fan like in a ducted AC system. However, cassette air conditioning units can be expensive. A cassette AC needs regular cleaning and maintenance from a professional for efficient operation.
Cassette Air Conditioner Operation
A cassette AC has two units, the outdoor and indoor units. The indoor unit is installed on the room’s ceiling that needs cooling. Refrigerant lines connecting the two units run from the ceiling to the outdoor unit. During regular operation, the outdoor unit pumps the refrigerant to the indoor unit through the piping, which absorbs heat from the heated air in your home. The heat energy evaporates the refrigerant, which is then transported back to the outdoor unit to be condensed, cooled, and pumped back into the indoor unit. This process continues in a loop until the system attains your home’s ideal temperature.
Cassette air conditioners are reputable for their energy efficiency, which makes them a popular choice among homeowners. They use an inverter-type compressor that varies its speed to match the cooling needs of your home. Consequently, it consumes less energy, unlike other air conditioners whose compressor runs at a constant speed regardless of the load. Due to their small nature and energy-saving capabilities, the cassette air conditioner is a common choice for apartments and offices requiring continuous and long cooling hours.
Which are the Pros and Cons of a Cassette AC Unit?
Although a cassette air conditioning unit is a traditional cooling method, it has some excellent pros that are hard to compete with, even with newer cooling methods. Finding information on this AC type is becoming increasingly challenging due to its declining popularity. However, before settling on this as your home’s cooling solution, it is advisable to know all its pros and cons. Additionally, you should consult an air conditioning service and installation technician before purchasing the system. The technician will weigh the temperature needs of your home against the capabilities of a cassette AC unit and advise you on the best size.
Pros
Space Efficiency
A ceiling-mounted cassette air conditioning unit is small, making it ideal for homes with limited space. Additionally, since this AC is mounted in the ceiling of your home, it is out of the way and does not interfere with your daily activities.
Sleek Design
Another pro of cassette air conditioning units is their sleek and modern design. When installed in your home, the AC unit increases the outlook of your home, especially since most of the units are white and can match any décor.
Even Air Distribution
A cassette air conditioning unit will evenly distribute conditioned air in your home since they are installed on the ceiling. It can also effectively cool large and small areas, making it ideal for any room in your home.
Energy Efficient
A cassette AC unit is more energy efficient than other cooling methods available. Using inverter-type compressors means the system can vary the speed to match your home’s temperature load resulting in less energy consumption.
Cons
Expensive
One of the downsides of the cassette AC unit is that they are expensive to purchase, primarily since the two units are sold separately. Additionally, the installation of this AC needs a professional air conditioning service and repair technician since mounting it on the ceiling needs training and special equipment.
Declining Popularity
The other disadvantage of a cassette AC unit is that they are less common than other AC systems. Therefore, finding its repair parts in case of a breakdown may take time, leaving you needing a cooling solution.
Cassette air conditioners are an ideal choice if you are looking for a cooling method that distributes cool air evenly in your home. Contact us at Just In Time for cassette installation services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Is Your Furnace Blower Not Turning Off? Inspections A Technician From Your Reliable Heating And AC Repair Company Will Conduct
Most of the time, homeowners do not welcome the cold season with open arms. When the weather becomes chilly and too hard to bear, most people look for artificial solutions, away from warm clothes and a hot beverage. One standard solution is a furnace popularized locally as a heater. A furnace blower is a traditional furnace with a blower motor component. In this article, you’ll learn of the main inspections a professional from a heating and AC repair company will likely carry out if the furnace blower doesn’t turn off.
What is a Furnace Blower?
A furnace is a heating system that provides warmth to a cold room or house. Most furnaces incorporate a unique but similar heating procedure, regardless of using various fuel types. A furnace is connected to a blower fan that draws cold air from the outside. The cold air is then passed through the burner, where it is heated. The resulting hot air is then blown into the ductwork by the blower fan, ensuring warm air is evenly distributed throughout each room with air conditioning. Additionally, a furnace has a component that aids the blower fan in running as it heats the air. This component is referred to as the blower motor.
Generally, when the thermostat setting is achieved and the house is well warmed as required, the furnace should turn off, along with the blower fan. Because the thermostat regulates when the furnace turns on and off, the furnace blower is not required to run without interruption. This indicates that some of the components in your system are faulty, for example, the ductwork, thermostat, limit switch, or air filter. Fault, in turn, requires the attention of a reliable heating and AC repair company.
Inspections a Professional will Undertake If Furnace Blower Does Not Turn Off
Confirm the Settings in the Thermostat
Control units are made so you can manually override some unfavorable settings in your electrical appliances. Since the furnace follows the thermostat setting, it is no exception. In some cases, the blower in the furnace will run continuously due to an incorrect setting in the thermostat. For instance, if the thermostat setting is higher than the furnace can achieve, the furnace blower will run continuously, attempting to heat the room or house up to the specified temperature setting. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the thermostat setting before an assumption is made about the blower. The blower will adjust quickly as soon as you correct the thermostat setting. In addition, the wrong setting in the thermostat affects the blower and your furnace.
Ensure the Limit Switch is Working Properly
If the air entering the room is cool and you have set the thermostat correctly, the technician will next check the system’s limit switch. Unless broken, the fan should be set correctly in the limit switch control unit, and the furnace blower will run normally. If they change the setting and there is no change to the furnace blower, that is a sign that the limit switch is broken. The heating and AC repair company must repair the damaged or broken limit switch. Unfortunately, some homeowners feel that this is something they can do, a particularly dangerous undertaking.
Ensure the Wiring is Done Correctly
Wiring issues are a common culprit when a furnace blower runs continuously. Due to the furnace drawing much current during its operation, a short circuit may occur. Other malfunctions caused by an old, faulty, or disturbed wiring system may cause the furnace blower not to turn off. A fault is likely to happen in the limit switch or the thermostat. Regular maintenance of the wiring system ensures that these faults are detected early.
Unfortunately, electricity presents an extreme risk and is hazardous to the members of your household. Therefore, only professionals can safely handle electric wires and systems. Therefore, contact a skilled and licensed expert in case of a fault. The technician has reliable skills for the job and will know what to do in such an event.
Ensure the Air Filter is Working Properly
In an AC unit, an air filter helps clean up the incoming air, protecting against dirt, dust, and other harmful debris that could reach your home’s interior. Since the air filter is one component of the most important components of your furnace, it requires regular maintenance from a well-equipped and trained professional. The technician will clean and replace the filter effectively. If the air filter is blocked or dirty, it compromises your home’s airflow; thus, the furnace will not work efficiently to heat the interior.
Due to particles blocking air entry from outside, your furnace blower will strain to run and achieve the temperature requirements set on the system. This might mean the furnace blower was not turning off or even starting in the first place. So, what could you do to prevent this? A routine inspection and maintenance could help. Do you have a maintenance plan with your reliable heating and AC repair company? If you don’t, create one. Maintenance is like mini-repairs where the technician addresses any developing AC issues before they worsen. This includes cleaning components such as evaporators, ducts, and furnace blowers, ensuring they always operate optimally.
Things to Do When a Furnace Does Not Turn Off
Like your system’s furnace blower, the furnace should not run continuously. It should go off when the heating and air conditioning system achieves the thermostat setting. Therefore, you should always have a professional check if the furnace blower does not go off. Additionally, ensure that the furnace blower is not faulty if the thermostat setting is correct.
Regular Furnace Maintenance For Continued Heating
The best way to have a functional and comfortable home during the cold season is to ensure that all parts operate efficiently. Contact us at Just In Time to schedule an appointment and create a plan for routine furnace maintenance and inspections.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.