Well Dallas we just got our first glimpse of summer this past week and for some of us it was a real eye-opener. Air conditioners we hadn’t turned on in over 6 months either didn’t start, tripped the breaker, made loud noises or ran and ran but couldn’t get the house down to the set temperature. Whatever your individual case was, take solace in knowing you were not alone. From Dallas to Coppell to McKinney to Rockwall homeowners and a/c systems across the metroplex felt the heat and humidity. One of the major problems our technicians found in the field were faulty A/C compressors, most of which had trouble starting up after a prolonged winter without use. There are several reasons this occurs, those technical specifics and detail we won’t get into in this blog. However, our April HVAC Product of the Month is a wonderful way to cure the compressor blues. Often referred to as a ‘start assist kit’ or ‘compressor saver’ this product works wonders in extending the life and performance of your air conditioners compressor. In a nut shell what the compressor saver does is reduce the amount of time it takes for your unit to start. This is important because of the large power surge your unit experiences at start up often times can burn up electrical components and cause damage. Reduce the start up time and power surge on system…reduce the cost of start up…decrease the need for ac repairs…increase the life of your compressor and air conditioner and you see why Classic Heating and Air recommends calling today about our Product of the Month. Our Classic Compressor Revive package includes this start assist kit along with a few other components to make sure you are getting the most out of your air conditioning system not only his summer but many summers to come!  In an average Texas summer your air conditioner can start up more than 6,000 times.  Give us a call today and make sure you’re ready for the heat!

- Reduce damaging in-rush current by up to 50%

- Extend compressor life

- Protect internal components

- Save from costly repairs

Often forgotten, but regularly used, this month’s Classic Heating and Air Product of the Month serves as the communicator between you the homeowner and your home’s HVAC system.  With a punch of a button or in the programmable mode no punch at all, this industry favorite digital, programmable thermostat gets you to a comfortable, accurate temperature ASAP!  Compatible with split air conditioning systems and heat pumps our Classic Honeywell thermostat combines both user friendly controls and the most up-to-date technology, making it a no brainer if you’re having a difficult time understanding your current t-stat, it’s as old as Christmas, or it isn’t controlling your comfort level properly.  Just give us a call today and take advantage of this awesome thermostat deal!

• Large, Backlit Display
• Accurate Comfort Control
• Easy 7-day programming (never touch your thermostat again!!!)
• 5 year parts and labor warranty
• Save between 5%-15% on annual energy bills 

As spring approaches quickly and summer isn’t too far off, tens of thousands of Dallas residents are contemplating A/C replacement.  The prospect of getting rid of that old, inefficient HVAC system and replacing it with a technologically advanced, high-efficiency new system is an idea that gets homeowners both excited and anxious.  And in fact this time of year is a great time to be proactive in replacing furnaces, coils, condensers and heat pump.  Truly “tis the season” to invest in your home’s comfort and to also start saving serious money.  In this month’s blog we wanted to dedicate a few minutes to what we at Classic Heating and Air think is the MOST important part of the air conditioning installation (sometimes repair) process, pulling proper vacuum.

Pulling vacuum is the process of evacuating a refrigeration or air conditioning system (including refrigerant lines, coils, etc) of all unwanted contaminants and particulate primarily dirt, water and air.  This is done by lowering pressure within the system to reduce the boiling point of water, at which point (generally 27.75 inches Hg) vaporization occurs.  The process of pulling vacuum is performed to rid the system of these potentially harmful substances to ensure that the refrigerant in the system has a clean, pure environment in which it can operate best.  Not pulling proper vacuum can lead to:

1. Premature corrosion
2. Line restrictions
3. Mechanical breakdown (compressor, expansion valves)
4. Lower efficiency
5. Ultimate system failure

From industry manufacturers and popular HVAC resources there are several guidelines and requirements of pulling a good, proper vacuum.  This list includes:

1. Using a high-accuracy digital micron gauge
2. Removing valve cores
3. Larger, high-rated hoses and manifolds
4. Changing the vacuum pump oil after every installation
5. Pulling system down to at least 300 microns
6. Allowing system to stand for 20-30 minutes following pull-down

At Classic Heating and Air we are proud to follow these steps and others during EVERY air conditioner installation.  We believe that a job done right the first time is both expected and appreciated by our customers and actually is more profitable to our company by avoiding callbacks, repairs, and warranties. The common problem throughout our industry however is that many companies and/or technicians are either not properly trained or do not dedicate the proper amount of time to correctly pull vacuum and properly repair or install air conditioners.

So as one can see an installation is not just an installation. Pulling proper vacuum is essential for your air conditioning investment to operate properly, efficiently and ensure a long trouble-free service life. This spring and summer whomever you choose to install your air conditioning system make sure they are doing it right…ask questions, get involved. If that company cannot answer your questions or show you exactly what,when, or how they are installing your new air conditioner then give Classic a call!  When we say our service “goes Two”, that means our installation process does as well!

The indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home is something you should be conscious of all the time, but this time of year in particular is when our immune system or runny nose remind us that we forgot again and now we’re suffering the consequences.  According to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) flu season has peaked in the month of February 47% of the time since 1982 and here in North Texas we know that spring green-up in just around the corner.  These yearly occurrences along with other molds, odors, allergens and particles are constantly trying to invade your home and ruin your comfort experience.  At Classic Heating and Air we have your solution to prevent those unpleasant experiences and keep you and your family healthy!  Our February Product of the Month features an air purification product from RGF Environmental that will leave you raving about the clean smell and clean air that your home now has!

Check out the video below and give Classic Heating and Air a call to get yours installed!

214-310-2665

RGF – February Product of the Month

In 2012 our HVAC technicians saw improper drainage, faulty drain pans, and severe water leaks way too many times.  From Frisco to Dallas to Rockwall there was a recurring theme of customers unhappy because they were having to fix sheetrock and replace carpet due to water damage from their air conditioning system.  The Classic Heating and Air solution was our Ceiling Saver Package, with which we turned hundreds of unhappy customers into raving Classic fans.  Thus, we decided to start 2013 with one of our most famous products.  The first Product of the Month of the new year ensures the condensation and water from your air conditioner will go exactly where it is supposes to all the time.  Installed with a new galvanized drain pan, a QB isolation valve and two safety float switches, you will never have to worry about water leaks or damage again, WE GUARANTEE IT!

Start 2013 off right and get ahead of the upcoming A/C season with a great deal from Classic Heating and Air with our Ceiling Saver Package.

And for all your other heating needs, furnace repair or HVAC issues give us a call today

214-310-COOL

We had so many inquiries and response to our October blog about carbon monoxide we decided to write a follow-up to help customers further understand the infamous gas, where it comes from and how it can become a  potential in-home threat.

Most metroplex homes utilize gas furnaces as their source for heat and put in simple terms a furnace is a controlled fire that when installed and operating properly is a very safe, efficient way to heat your Dallas, Plano or McKinney home.  In fact an author of HVAC operation manuals recently put it quite bluntly stating, “they do not make these things to catch fire, blow up or kill people.”  However, if problems do develop you and your home’s heating system system could be the victims of a carbon monoxide leak.  Here are the 5 most common problems we encounter here at Classic Heating and Air that can lead to CO leaks and what you can do to prevent them.

1.  Compromised heat exchanger – A heat exchanger (HEX) is arguably the most important (and expensive) part of your furnace.  A cracked or rusty HEX not only reduces heat transfer but allows CO to leak outside the furnace cabinet.

2.  Insufficient combustion air – International Fuel Gas Code has very strict requirements when it comes to gas furnaces in enclosed spaces.  Many numbers, calculations and     considerations must be accounted for to ensure the proper air flow for the proper fuel burn off.  If not done perfectly your furnace will not doubt produce sulfuric acid, black soot and carbon monoxide.

3.  Broken or disconnected flue pipe – Serving as your furnaces exhaust pipe, the flue pipe is responsible for getting all the gas and fumes up and out of your home.  If that pipe is restricted or broken somewhere along the line, the exhaust has nowhere to go but out into your home.

4.  Incorrect gas pressure – Too much or too little and your furnace operates outside it’s intended range.  Just like a car running too rich or too lean, not all the fuel is burnt off which leads to waste and excess fumes and byproducts.  Not to mention an inefficient furnace and your paying higher energy bills!

5.  Worn out draft inducer motor – This mechanical component is installed in the direct stream of flue gas, if seals and bearings aren’t in great condition CO gas is allowed to slip through and escape.

These are just a few of elements and details that go into safe, proper, efficient gas furnace operation.  Our best recommendation is to have a reliable, trusted HVAC contractor out at least once a year to inspect the above mentioned items as well as many other things on your home’s system.  Doing so will not only save you money, but ensure your family’s safety.  Here at Classic we have several ways to tackle that task, either with our one-time famous CLEAN/CHECK/TUNE or by signing up for our yearly heating and air conditioning maintenance you can sleep well at night knowing your system is in tip-top shape.

Give us a call today and

Happy Holidays

214-310-COOL

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

American Standard AccuClean Filtration System

• Removes 99.98% allergens
• 100 times more effective than standard 1″ filter
• Cleanable, reusable filter