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Why Fall is a Great Time to Replace your Heating and Air System
With the persistent heat of North Texas, it may seem like there is never a time you would want to be without air conditioning. However, as the “miles” tick away on your HVAC system, residents in north Texas cities could be using excessive amounts of electricity to keep their house cool…that costs money!
One of the best times for a consumer to switch out an old HVAC system for a newer and more efficient one is autumn. Finding an HVAC service provider that satisfies the expectations you have for your home, your family, and your wallet can take time. Taking that initial time to research and consult with true professionals helps to put you at ease and gives you the confidence needed to make a good decision.
There are four reasons why you should think of upgrading your HVAC system this fall:
1. You have time to think. Replacing an air conditioning unit in the dead of summer can bring a sense of urgency into your decision-making. By waiting until the fall for system replacements, you can take time to research consumer reports, examine contractors’ online reviews and reputation, and visit with different service companies to provide you with peace of mind.
2. You have more options. Because the peak demand season is over, you can compare a wide variety of air conditioning units instead of choosing a system that is quickest to install or readily available at the time. Some of the more complex and more efficient equipment requires additional inputs such as changing thermostat wire, line-sets and duct modifications that simply aren’t cost effective during the busiest time of year. After the summer, contractors can provide these changes at much more reasonable prices as their opportunity cost has subsided. This time of year also brings off-season sales and promotions that make higher end products much more affordable.
3. More comfortable “down time.” Changing out an HVAC system can take up to a day depending on the needs of your new system and the challenges unique to the design of your home. During the time the equipment is being changed out, your home will not have any climate control which can be rather uncomfortable in Texas’ summer heat. Replacing that same system in the cooler temperatures of fall will make for an overall more comfortable experience.
4. You can save money. The fact of the matter is labor rates are higher when temperatures are the hottest…period. Installations simply take longer in extreme heat due to the need for more frequent breaks and the inability to stay in attics for long periods of time. The longer install times come at a cost…higher labor rate. If you plan ahead and are proactive in replacing HVAC systems during autumn, you can avoid paying the consequences brought by high temperatures.
We all are accustomed to live in comfortable homes with temperatures that keep us cool and happy. As the scorching summer days draw to an end, start thinking about the condition of your HVAC system and develop a plan for addressing any areas of need. If you need professional help understanding the current condition of your HVAC system or in purchasing the perfect HVAC system for your McKinney home, let Classic Heating & Air help! For more information, visit our website at https://www.classicheatandair.com/.
Classic Heating and Air | HVAC System Plano | 214-310-2665
AC Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Cooling System Working Well Throughout Summer
The summer months bring with them sunshine, warmer temperatures and thoughts of relaxation indoors away from the heat. Our homes’ air conditioning systems make it possible to enjoy the summer months without the discomfort of extreme temperatures. Proper care of your air conditioning system is vital in keeping your home cool and comfortable. The following AC maintenance tips will help you ensure proper operation of your HVAC system throughout the hot months of summer.
Proper air conditioning maintenance:
- Schedule a system inspection by a reliable service professional at the beginning of the season.
Your service technician will change your filter and check to make sure that all of the system components are clean and operating properly. An air conditioner that is working outside of the manufacturer’s specifications can cost you money in utility bills and potentially lead to costly repair work.
- Make sure equipment has adequate clearance from obstructions and landscaping.
Your AC condensing unit needs enough space around it for the air to circulate freely. Verify that there is a minimum of one foot of open space around all sides of the unit. You should also maintain at least five feet of clearance above the unit, so if necessary, cut back any branches or vegetation that may be obstructing air flow to the condenser.
- Reduce heat sources inside your home
The sunshine that comes with summer months can quickly heat a room as it passes through clear windows. Be sure to close curtains, blinds or drapes to reduce air temperatures inside your home. Be particularly mindful of any rooms with windows that face the west or south. These windows will get the most sunshine throughout the day.
- Be sensible about the expectations you have for your air conditioning system
Setting the temperature in your home to a temperature that is excessively cool can not only make your home uncomfortable, but it will also lead to wasted energy and high utility costs. Turn the thermostat on your HVAC system to a level between 73 and 78 degrees during the daylight hours. By raising the temperature during warmer months, you can reduce your monthly utility bills by up to ten percent.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate the air
Ceiling fans may not reduce air temperatures, but they will keep it circulating. The breeze created by simply moving the air can make a warm room seem more comfortable.
- Lower the humidity levels in your home
Use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of humidity inside your house. Rooms with lower humidity levels can be cooled more effectively. Speak with a professional about the size and type of dehumidifier to fit your situation.
For more information on these AC maintenance tips contact the experts at Classic Heating and Air. Call 214-310-2665 to speak with a friendly representative today!
Classic Heating & Air | AC Energy Use | 214-310-2665
AC Maintenance Tips: Seven Sure Signs Your Unit Needs a Tune Up
Regular AC maintenance is essential to keeping your system running smoothly and avoiding expensive repairs when something goes wrong. Classic Heating and Air loves sharing AC maintenance tips with our valued customers to ensure that their units stay in tip-top shape for years to come. Scheduling maintenance checks and tune-ups with Classic is simple, cost efficient and gives you peace of mind regarding your air conditioner. Do you remember the last time your AC had a tune-up? Check out our tips for determining when your unit is due for a visit.
- Your Energy Bill Goes Up. Of course, you will have a higher bill in July and August than you did in February or March. However, an electric bill that is significantly higher than usual is a big red flag. When your AC is not functioning at peak efficiency, it uses extra energy to cool (or attempt to cool) your home or office.
- Your System Runs Constantly But Only Blows Warm Air. If you have the AC set to “auto,” you never hear it shut off, and you still find yourself sweating, it’s probably time to schedule a maintenance visit. More often than not, your system will continue running in attempts to lower the temperature, even when it can’t put out cold air.
- Your AC Vents Put Out Weak Airflows. If the air coming out of your AC is cool, but the flow seems weak and ineffective, it’s time to consider a tune-up or inspection. Poor airflow is usually a sign of a leaky duct or clogged filters, both of which a simple, inexpensive repair can remedy.
- Your Thermostat Readings Change Dramatically From Room-to-Room. Temperature fluctuations between rooms can mean many different things. Sun light, insulation, or air-tight windows can all be to blame, but an annual AC tune-up will help you identify any potentially serious causes of this change in temperature.
- You Hear “Unusual” Sounds Coming From Your AC Unit. After owning a cooling system for years, you’re probably familiar with the sounds it makes on a regular basis. If you hear any strange or surprising sounds from your AC, schedule a tune-up as soon as possible to identify the issue.
- You Notice Mold-Inducing Moisture or Odors. A strange musty odor is often due to a leaking, blocked or broken drain tube on your outdoor compressor. A tune-up can help you identify and solve this issue before it becomes an expensive repair.
- You Haven’t had a Tune-Up in Over a Year. AC maintenance is critical to keep your system running efficiently and save you money in the long term. If your AC hasn’t had a tune-up in more than a year, contact your air conditioning company and schedule one today!
At Classic Heating and Air, we are committed to providing our clients with quality service at a competitive price point. If you have any questions regarding AC maintenance tips or services we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are available by phone 214-310-2665 or online here: https://www.classicheatandair.com/.
Classic Heating and Air | AC Maintenance Tips | 214-310-2665
What to Expect When You Call the AC Pros at Classic Heating & Air
Regular service appointments with heating and AC pros are important to ensuring that your heating and cooling system is working at optimal levels. Dust and debris can reduce its efficiency, and worn or damaged parts can cause problems with the entire system. By scheduling regular HVAC service appointments, you can increase the lifespan of your system by almost 50% and reduce efficiency losses by up to 15%. That means fewer headaches and more money in your pocket.
Furnace Maintenance
Before the season changes to colder temperatures, it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance check of your heating system. Your service professional will inspect your furnace or boiler depending on your heat source. During the visit your service technician will:
- Inspect and replace your air filters
- Inspect the exterior components
- Inspect the ventilation system
- Inspect the interior parts including the ignition, blower, motor and switches
- Measure the power consumption
- Check, clean and calibrate the thermostat
- Turn the furnace on and off
- Monitor the functioning levels of the furnace
- Test for carbon monoxide leaks
- Ensure that ventilation and pipes are clean
If you have a boiler, your technician will check the controls, pump, safety, and low water cutoff.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
When the air gets warm, your service professional will perform an extensive examination of your air conditioning system to ensure that is working properly and will keep your family comfortable throughout the summer. During the appointment your technician will:
- Check the interior and exterior components including all belts and motors
- Check coolant levels
- Replace coolant if necessary
- Check circuits, drain line, safety controls, condensate pump, valves and caps
- Inspect and if necessary, replace electrical parts
- Check and replace the filter
- Inspect, clean and calibrate the thermostat
You can increase the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce your utility costs by scheduling a regular maintenance appointment with an AC pro. To learn more about taking good care of your HVAC system, contact the service experts at Classic Heating & Air.
Classic Heating & Air provides comprehensive heating and cooling service. As a family owned and operated business, they are committed to meeting any HVAC needs you might have. Their service professionals have the expertise and experience you solve your heating and cooling problems.
At Classic Heating & Air, your comfort is their first concern. Whether you need to schedule an appointment for regular maintenance, repair work or the installation of a new appliance, they are ready to help.
They guarantee their service within two hours, or you won’t pay. Their friendly customer service representatives are available by phone 24 hours a day. Offering an extensive inventory of HVAC services and products, they want to ensure that your home is as comfortable as possible. Call Classic Heating & Air at 214-310-2665 today!
Classic Heating & Air | AC Pros McKinney | 214-310-2665
AC Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Unit Working Well This Summer
The summer months bring with them sunshine, warmer temperatures and thoughts of relaxation at home. An air conditioning unit makes it possible to enjoy the summer months without the discomfort of hot temperatures. It’s important to take good care of your air conditioning unit so that it can keep your home cool and comfortable. The following AC maintenance tips will help you keep your unit working well throughout the warm months of summer.
Keep your air conditioning unit well maintained
Be sure to schedule a system inspection by a reliable service professional at the beginning of the season. Your service technician will change your filter and check to make sure that all of the system components are operating properly. An air conditioner that is working below standards can cost you money in utility bills and potentially lead to repair work.
Make sure there is enough clearance room
Your AC condenser needs enough space around it for the air to circulate well. Be sure there is a minimum of two feet of open space around all sides of the unit. There should also be at least five feet of clearance above the unit, so if necessary, cut back any branches or vegetation that may be in the way.
Reduce heat sources inside your home
The sunshine that comes with summer months can quickly heat a room as it passes through clear windows. Be sure to close curtains, blinds or drapes in order to reduce air temperatures inside your home. Be particularly mindful of any rooms with windows that face the west or south. These windows will get the most sunshine throughout the day.
Be wise about using your air conditioning
Setting your AC unit to an air temperature that is excessively cool will not only make your home uncomfortable, but it will also lead to wasted energy and extra utility costs. Turn the thermostat on your HVAC system to a level between 75 and 80 degrees. By increasing the thermostat during warmer months, you can reduce your monthly utility bills by about five percent.
Use ceiling fans to circulate the air
Ceiling fans may not reduce air temperatures but they will keep it moving. The breeze created by air movement can make a warm room seem more comfortable.
Lower humidity levels in your home
Use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of humidity inside your house. Rooms with lower humidity levels can be cooled more effectively. Visit your local hardware store and speak with a customer service professional about the size of dehumidifier you will need for your situation.
For more information on AC maintenance tips contact the experts at Classic Heating and Air. Call 214-310-2665 to speak with a friendly representative today!
Classic Heating & Air | AC Maintenance Tips | 214-310-2665
HVAC Experts Reveal The Truth About “Money-Saving” Smart Thermostats
One of the most notable technological advances in the HVAC industry has been the emergence of smart thermostats in residential homes.
Smart thermostats come equipped with a variety of impressive features that far surpass those of a traditional programmable thermostat. Users can control temperature settings from a smartphone, view usage history, and more. The primary marketing focus of most smart thermostats centers on both convenience and energy efficiency, which ideally results in a lower electric bill. The convenience aspect of this product is evident; do these devices save you money?
The initial cost of the thermostat itself is the primary factor in calculating the return on investment for upgrading to smart thermostat technology. Yes, smart thermostats have the potential to save you money, but with costs starting at $250, you may be starting off at least $150 behind with respect to a traditional thermostat that runs $100. However, this is not to say that smart thermostats are not worth the investment if you’re looking for convenience and accessibility. The innovative features of devices like the American Standard Nexia thermostats completely reimagine the way you control and potentially automate your home. Regardless, it’s important to factor in the additional cost of the device itself when evaluating savings.
When it comes to the actual energy efficiency of a smart thermostat, many factors will affect your savings. Here are a few of the most influential:
Regional Utility Costs- These usually increase every year, so it’s important to prepare for your energy costs to steadily rise, regardless of what thermostat you use. A thermostat may actually be saving energy, but the savings could be offset by rising electricity cost.
Climate- Those who live in temperate climate regions are more likely to have a lower electric bill than someone who faces harsh winters and blazing hot summers. The return on investment will be much lower in extreme climates.
Seasonal Variations- The severity of winters and summers changes from year to year. If you’ve just survived the “coldest winter on record,” you’re going to see significant savings the next year, but remember that this can work vice versa, multiple data points are always better indicators.
Current Energy Use Habits- If you’re already in the habit of setting back your thermostat when you aren’t home, you will not see incredibly dramatic results with a smart thermostat. The most notable decrease in energy costs will be for those who currently condition the home at a consistent temperature whether home or away.
Your HVAC system- Insulation and HVAC maintenance can have an enormous impact on your electricity bills. Keep filters clean and set up scheduled maintenance calls with trusted HVAC professionals, like our team at Classic Heating and Air in McKinney, TX.
What’s the bottom line when it comes to smart thermostats? The truth is it depends. Realistically, savings will vary based on the factors listed above as well as based on your habits. If you’re thinking about buying a smart thermostat, consider that it may not end up saving you money month-to-month, and then decide if the investment is still worth it for your particular situation. If you have any questions about thermostat replacement or HVAC units, please give Classic Heating and Air a call at 214-310-2665, or visit us online https://www.classicheatandair.com/.
Classic Heating & Air | Smart Thermostats McKinney | 214-310-2665