Category: HVAC Maintenance

Tips to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Posted on | by 360 AIR TECH

As the weather starts to cool off, it is time to think about getting your heating system ready for the colder months. Don’t wait until you wake up shivering because the heat went out. The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with 360 Air Tech for a Precision Tune-Up. During a Precision Tune-Up, a technician will ensure every part of your heating system is ready for winter. In addition to a tune-up of our system, there are a few things you can do on your own:

  • CHECK FOR LEAKS: Look around your home for any places that air might be leaking in or out specifically around doors and windows. You should also check the roof and around the chimney. Warm air rises, so high spaces are more likely to leak warm air. You can add caulking to areas or slip a draft stopper under your door to create a tighter seal. You can also schedule to have an energy audit done of your house. This allows you to see where leaks are, and where you can improve on your home’s energy efficiency. A snug house can significantly bring down your energy bill.
  • EXAMINE DUCTS: Air ducts are the way your heating system moves air throughout your home. If they are leaking, you can lose a lot of energy and money. Hire a professional to check your ducts for any issues and prevent heated air from seeping out into unwanted areas.
  • UNBLOCK VENTS: Take a quick walk around your home and make sure that no vents are blocked. They should be open and able to allow air to flow smoothly into a space. Vents that are blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions can cause your heating system to work harder, in turn using more energy. A vent that has been closed purposely should be opened. If you don’t use a room often, you may think closing the vents there may help lower energy costs because you aren’t heating that room. However, that’s not actually true. Your HVAC system is going to create the same amount of heated air - it doesn’t know that you have closed off a room. So the air travels to the blocked room, hits the closed vent, and then is forced back. This creates a sort of traffic jam in the vents and actually causes your HVAC to work harder than if you’d just left the vent open. If you do have a space that you only use occasionally, ask 360 Air Tech about zoned heating and cooling.
  • CHANGE FILTERS: One of the easiest things you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system is to change the air filters regularly. This will help throughout the year, not just when it’s time to turn on the heat. The filter catches airborne particles like dust, dander, and bacteria. This helps keep the air you breathe cleaner and your home healthier. However, a clogged filter that is overdue for a change can’t do a good job. The filter blocks air from flowing through it, causing your HVAC to work harder. It also cannot filter the air so more particles are slipping through. Most filters should be changed out every 3 months, but the filter itself will tell you when it should be changed. Purchasing a higher quality filter will keep the air cleaner than a regular filter. You can also sign up for regular filter deliveries so you don’t have to keep track. Once the filter arrives, you know it is time to change it out.
  • LOWER TEMP: It may seem counter-intuitive to lower the temperature in your home during the colder months, but this is something you can do without sacrificing your own comfort. By lowering the thermostat a few degrees, you can save about 2% on your energy bill each month, which can add up. You will also get other savings that you might not see written out on your bill. By lowering your thermostat a few degrees, your heating system is able to work more efficiently, which can lead to a longer lifespan. So instead of replacing your heating system after 12 years, you might not have to for 15 years, and that is more money in your pocket. Just add an extra layer of clothes or a spare blanket to stay cozy.
  • REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Most HVAC professionals recommend having your system checked out twice a year: once in the fall, before turning on the heat, and once in the spring, before switching over to air conditioning. HVACs that have regular maintenance live much longer than those that are neglected. You could add an additional 5 or more years to your system’s lifespan, saving yourself lots of money. During a Precision Tune-Up, our highly trained professionals can make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible.

Give 360 Air Tech a call today to schedule a Precision Tune-Up. We are here to help with any questions you may have and to make sure your system is in tip-top shape, ready to keep you and your loved ones warm this winter.

Don't Get Stuck In The Cold

Posted on | by 360 AIR TECH

Experts recommend that homeowners have their heating system checked twice a year.  Don't wait until you and your family are stuck in the cold to have 360 Air Tech look at your heating system.  There are 5 reasons to have a system tune-up each fall:

  • SAFETY: carbon monoxide leaks account for almost 500 deaths a year, and about 50,000 people visit the ER due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the US. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless so it is hard to detect it. You can install a carbon monoxide detector to check for it. Another precaution you can take is to have a furnace check up completed every year. If the heat exchanger cracks, it can allow carbon monoxide or other gases to leak into your home. A trained professional will check to make sure that there are no cracks, and that there are no other signs that a crack might form.
  • INCREASE FURNACE LIFESPAN: like any machine, regular maintenance will increase the lifespan of your furnace. Making sure there are no broken or damaged parts will increase the efficiency of the furnace’s heating process and decrease the wear and tear that would shorten its lifespan. Most furnaces can last from 15 to 20 years, and a new furnace will cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $6,500 depending on size and quality. The longer a furnace can operate, the less money you are paying.
  • EFFICIENCY: Having a furnace that operates efficiently is important for a number of reasons. The top 3 reasons are: increased lifespan (as previously discussed), lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home. If a furnace can operate efficiently, that means it is using less energy to produce heat. Less energy means a lower bill for you to pay at the end of the month. Efficiency also means that your home will maintain a comfortable temperature because the furnace is able to produce the desired amount of heat. Rather than dealing with a home that is too cold, or too hot in some places, you want a furnace that is just right. By having a yearly visit from a trained technician, you are making sure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently, no parts are damaged or wearing out, and there are no warning signs of a bigger issue.
  • WARRANTY: For most parts in a furnace, there is a 5-year warranty, but there can be longer warranties, depending on the company you go with. Most warranties require you to have regular maintenance completed each year. If you don’t have documented receipts and something breaks on the furnace, the warranty could be voided and you’d have to pay for parts out of your own pocket.
  • AIR QUALITY: as part of maintenance, the filters in your furnace should be replaced. The filter’s job is to remove dust, debris, and other floating particles from the air, before it is circulated throughout your home. The furnace and HVAC system share the same filter, so you can easily change it on your own. Most filters need to be changed out every 3 months or so, but higher quality filters can last longer. Ask your furnace technician about what type of filter they would recommend for your home.

Regular maintenance for your furnace is key to maintaining an efficient and healthy machine. You can help increase the lifespan of not only the furnace but your entire HVAC system, by joining 360 Air Tech’s Maintenance Club today! We help you to schedule your annual furnace and HVAC checkups so that you don’t have to keep track. For our club members, there are a lot of perks, including:

  • 10% discount on all service repairs (parts and labor)
  • 1 year warranty on all parts and labor done by 360 Air Tech
  • Transferable club membership to another location, or to a new owner if you sell your home

Don’t wait until your furnace quits on the coldest night of the year! Call 360 Air Tech today to schedule your annual furnace check-up, so you and your loved ones aren’t left out in the cold!

The Importance of HVAC Filters

Posted on | by 360 AIR TECH

Your HVAC system is key to keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. Whether you are dealing with a blistering heatwave, or if you are snowed in, having an HVAC unit that works well year-round is important. One of the unsung heroes of the HVAC is the filter. It is on the first line of defense in terms of air quality in your home. If you or a loved one have asthma or another respiratory issue, having a good filter can make life at home much better. Even if you don’t have any breathing problems, having clean air in your home can improve your overall health. The number one thing you can do for yourself and for your HVAC system is to change the filter regularly. Check out 360 Air Tech's maintenance club to make sure your HVAC is properly maintained throughout the year!

When should I change the filter?

The general rule for changing a filter is about every 90 days. The filter itself will tell you how long to go between changes. Higher quality filters might last longer. Other factors to consider are your living environment.

  • If you live in a home with someone with breathing issues.
  • If someone in your home is a smoker.
  • If you struggle with allergies or live somewhere with heavy pollen.
  • If you have pets in the home.
  • If you live in a heavily industrialized area or near congested roadways.

If any of the above scenarios apply to you, consider changing your filter more often, or upgrading to a higher quality filter. If you struggle to remember when to change it, you can sign up for a delivery program. A filter is delivered every 90 days and when it arrives, you know it’s time to change. You should also have regular maintenance completed on your HVAC system twice a year - once in the spring, before turning on the air conditioning, and once in fall before you switch over to heating. If you ask your HVAC maintenance technician to change the filter during their regular visits, that means you only have to do 2 out of the 4 annual changes.

Why should I change the filter?

According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is, in part, because outdoor air is naturally filtered through clouds, wind, and the water cycle. Indoor air is usually recycled through your HVAC system, so any pollutants, irritants, or bacteria in your home just stay there. Think about the chemicals you use for cleaning, the germs that become airborne when your kid sneezes, and all the hair and dander that come off your dog. All of those things are floating through your home, cycling and cycling and cycling. It is the filter’s job to remove all those particles from the air so you don’t breathe them in. However, a filter that is overdue for a change isn’t doing its job. It can become clogged, which means that particles it may have been able to trap previously will still be circulating through your air. It also means you are putting unnecessary strain on your system. HVAC systems are built to circulate air as efficiently as possible. A clogged filter means that the machine has to work harder to push air through, which is inefficient. A system that doesn’t run efficiently can result in a shortened life span (you’ll have to buy a new HVAC system sooner) and higher energy bills (the system is using more energy to run). Change the filter regularly - save money, breathe healthier.

What kind of filter should I use?

HVAC filters are rated on the MERV scale, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. While there are other scales, MERV is the most commonly used. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective a filter is at cleaning the air.

  • MERV 1-4 ratings remove the basics, such as pollen, dust mites, spray paint particles, and fibers from textiles. These lower-rated filters are usually used in residential window units and are not very effective, especially when it comes to removing smaller particles.
  • MERV 5-8 ratings are able to remove smaller particles, including mold spores, pet dander, and some cleaning chemical particles. This rating is used in basic whole-house HVAC units.
  • MERV 9-12 ratings can remove legionella (a bacterium that causes pneumonia), emissions from vehicles, lead dust, smoke, smog, and particles from coughs and sneezes. These types of filters are a step-up from the basic residential filters and are also used in medical lab facilities.
  • MERV 13-16 ratings remove dust from insecticides, smoke, and particles that contain viruses and bacteria. These are the top-of-the-line filters that have the capability to filter out the widest range of airborne particles, which is why they are used in sterile environments, like hospital surgeries.

How do I actually change my filter?

Changing the filter in your HVAC system is really simple. Generally, all you have to do is remove the grating that covers the filter, take out the old filter, and put in the new filter. If you aren’t sure where your filter is located, or you’d just like some more in-depth direction, schedule a maintenance appointment with 360 Air Tech today, and we can give you a one-on-one lesson on filter changing as part of the service.

Changing the filter on your HVAC is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can help your system run efficiently. Save yourself money on energy bills, and lengthen your HVAC’s lifespan. Call 360 Air Tech with any questions, we are happy to help!

HVAC Maintenance and A/C Repair

Posted on | by 360 AIR TECH

Whether you are at the height of a summer heatwave or preparing for a cold front in the winter, it is vital that your HVAC system is well taken care of. Scheduling maintenance twice a year will lengthen the life of your current HVAC and it will keep it operating efficiently. You save money by not having to buy a new heating and cooling system, and you save money on your energy bill. Trained specialists recommend having your system tuned up every spring, before turning on the air conditioning, and every fall, before switching on the heat. Check out 360 Air Techs maintenance club to make sure your HVAC system is always running efficiently. With spring on its way, here is what to expect when you schedule a maintenance visit with a trained HVAC specialist, to prepare for summer:

Walk-through

A trained technician will complete a walk-through of your home or office, looking for obvious issues, such as air vents blocked by your couch, or large gaps in exterior doors. They are looking for anywhere that the airflow could be impeded or leak out. You can also be on the lookout for places that reduce airflow efficiency in your home. Anything that blocks air vents, or spaces along doors or windows that air can escape can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Air-conditioner Check

In the Mid-Atlantic, our summers are hot, muggy, and humid. Having a reliable air conditioning system is key to the comfort of your home. Technicians will generally complete a specific checklist to make sure your cooling system is ready to run.

  • Check and change the air filters: The filters should be changed multiple times a year. It is an easy way that you can help maintain the system by yourself. Ask the technician to show you how to replace the filter. The filter will say how frequently it should be changed - usually every 3 to 4 months. If you live in a home with a smoker, lots of pet dander, a high pollen area, or with someone with breathing issues, you may want to consider purchasing a filter with higher quality.
  • Check connections and motors: The technician will make sure all the parts of the air conditioner unit are moving smoothly and are well lubricated. They will also check and tighten connections and measure the voltage of the unit.
  • Calibrate the thermostat: By checking the thermostat, the technician will be able to tell if it is properly calibrated. If it isn’t, they will be able to recalibrate it, saving you money and increasing the system’s efficiency.
  • Check the drain near the boiler or furnace: A clogged drain can cause overflow when water condensation builds up. This is also something you can check on your own, just ask the technician what you should look for.
  • Note if any parts of the air conditioning unit need repair: The technician can see if there are any existing issues, or if there are any warning signs for things that may become a problem.

According to the Department of Energy, there are few air conditioner repairs that are quite common:

  • Refrigerant Leaks: Air conditioners run most efficiently when they have the proper amount of refrigerant - not too much and not too little. If your unit is low on refrigerant, it could have been undercharged during installation, or you could have a leak. A technician can identify the issue, repair the leak, and double-check to make sure that it is sealed. Leaking refrigerant causes the system to run inefficiently and it is also bad for the environment.
  • Electric Control Issues: the air conditioner operates with a fan, motor, and wire connections. If any of these wear out or have a bad connection, it can cause big problems when cooling your home or office. Regular maintenance can point out any upcoming problems or fix any existing ones. Instead of thinking you need to buy an entirely new air conditioner, you may just need a bit of new wiring or a fan.
  • Sensor Problems: If a sensor is knocked out of place, it could cause the system to run constantly, which will significantly reduce a system’s lifespan. A sensor that is out of place can’t measure the temperature properly. Replacing the sensor properly is an easy fix for a trained technician.

Don’t wait until your air conditioner gives out in the middle of a heatwave this summer! Give 360 Air Tech a call today to schedule a spring maintenance walk-through with one of our highly trained technicians.

Benefits or Regular HVAC Maintenance

Posted on | by 360 AIR TECH

Maintenance on your HVAC System is Vital!

360 Airtech can help you with all your HVAC maintenance needs, check out the maintenance club and let us help you reap the benefits listed below!

  • Lower energy bills: according to Energy Star, about 42% of our annual utility bills go toward paying for heating (29%) and cooling (13%). To lower your energy bills, you need to make sure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. The less energy the system uses, the less money you will have to pay toward the bill.
  • Fewer repairs to pay for: an HVAC system that has been well-maintained will need fewer repairs. By having regular maintenance done, HVAC technicians can see what problems might be forming and nip them in the bud. A small fix at the beginning of an issue can prevent a bigger, more expensive repair in the future.
  • Longer lifespan: an HVAC system that runs efficiently will save you money, on your bills, and on the cost of a new system. The average lifespan of a system is between 10 and 15 years, but a well-maintained one can last upwards of 20 years. A new system can range anywhere from $5,000 to over $15,000 - depending on the quality and the size of the home it will be installed in. The longer your current HVAC can last, the longer you can go without having to pay for such a big-ticket item. Having maintenance completed by a trained professional each year will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
  • Air quality: depending on who lives in your home, you may be very aware that air quality is very important. According to the EPA, indoor air can actually be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Because the HVAC system’s job is to move and filter the air in your home, a well-maintained system is a key to keeping your loved ones healthy and comfortable. Clean air in the home is not just important for people with allergies or breathing issues, it is important for everyone. If a system is not taken care of, it could mean that the air in your home is not as clean as you think.

Spring/Summer DIY Maintenance Checklist

Remove debris and leaves from the outdoor condenser unit

The best way to lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system is to allow it to move air as efficiently as possible. Any type of clog can reduce efficiency and cause the system to work harder. While the inside part of your air conditioner absorbs heat from the air, the outdoor condenser’s job is to release that heat to the air outside. The outdoor unit can become covered or blocked by leaves and other debris that have fallen and built up over the winter. Take a few minutes to clean the area around it, to ensure that the air can move freely. You can also purchase a cover to place over the condenser unit during the winter. The condenser only runs when the air conditioning is on.

Replace filters

This should be done year-round, about every 3 months or so, depending on the quality of the filter, the people living in the home, and the number of air pollutants in and around the home. Your filter will say how often it should be changed. A clogged filter can cause the air to flow through your home less efficiently, which causes it to use more energy and can reduce the lifespan of the HVAC system. The filter’s job is to catch pollutants, irritants, and other airborne particles so that you and your family are not breathing them in. You should also think about the people in the home - if you have a family member with allergies or breathing issues, a better filter might give them relief. If you live in a home with pets, a smoker, or in an area with lots of seasonal irritants, you may also want to invest in a higher-quality filter.

Remove standing water from drain pans

This will prevent any overflow. When the air conditioning portion of an HVAC system is running, condensation can build up. To prevent this from dripping all over the floor, there is usually a drip pan located below the unit. Generally, natural evaporation will prevent the pan from overflowing. However, sometimes overflow can happen. Protect your floors by removing any standing water from the pan.

While it is important for you to monitor your HVAC system, check for debris, and change the filter, there are a lot more things that need to be checked and maintained. Hiring a certified HVAC technician to maintain your system will be extremely beneficial. They are highly trained, with years of experience that help them to spot upcoming issues, make sure things are running as efficiently as possible, and to see that everything is clean and safe. Most technicians would recommend that you schedule maintenance on your system twice a year - once in the spring before turning on the air conditioning, and once in the fall, before switching to heat. Give us a call today at 360 Air Tech to join our HVAC maintenance club and let us handle your seasonal cleanings!