Is It Time To Replace Your HVAC Unit?
June 25, 2020
What to look for so you can know if you should replace your HVAC:
Summer is officially here. In Chattanooga, that means that there will be many hot and humid days between now and October. Your HVAC unit will be working hard to help keep you and your family cool despite the temperatures outside -- assuming of course that it is still working properly. What if your house is not cooling off? Could it be time to replace your HVAC unit?
An HVAC that isn’t working as it should doesn’t always have to be replaced. However, there are some things you can look for to help you know whether or not it may be time to replace your existing unit.
First, you should check your energy bills. Are they consistently increasing? This could be a sign that your unit needs attention. Second, if your bills are going up, are repairs the most cost-effective solution? If you are paying hundreds of dollars every few months to keep your unit functioning, it may be time to consider saving yourself money in the long run by replacing your HVAC.
An HVAC that constantly runs may need to be replaced. When your system constantly runs, it is an indication that it is having to work harder to produce the results you desire. If your HVAC is running continuously it will increase your energy costs, too. A replacement will be more efficient and cost you less to operate over time.
Finally, consider the age of your HVAC. Units more than 10 to 15 years old will likely need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Keep in mind that these machines are outside and subject to harsh conditions and virtually constant use. Eventually, this combination proves to be too much for every unit.
If your HVAC isn’t working as well as it used to, call us. Our team of trained and experienced technicians can come to your house, diagnose any issues, and recommend the best course of action. You and your family don’t have to be uncomfortable. Call American Air HVAC today and let us keep you cool.
Virtually every home has a room or area that doesn’t have the type of cooling or heating you need to get the most out of it. From a garage or sunroom to a basement or unfinished room, controlling the climate can be difficult. Installing ductwork and connecting to your current HVAC unit can also be expensive. Fortunately, there is another option. Mini-splits have continued to develop over the years and provide effective heating and cooling without putting additional strain on your existing HVAC and without breaking the bank. Mini-splits are quieter, more efficient, and better than ever. Unlike those unsightly window units, a mini-split can be placed high on a wall and requires only a small opening to connect the indoor and outdoor units. A licensed contractor can install the system quickly and easily. You can transform an entire room at a fraction of the cost and without blocking one of your windows. I f you are looking to create a comfortable climate in an existing room, a mini-split is the perfect solution. It is affordable, easy to install, and is remarkably efficient. With a mini-split, your garage or sunroom won't be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. A mini-split can also help transform your basement into a usable space. Get the most out of your home at a price you can afford by adding a mini-split. For more information about mini-splits, including the right type and size for your needs, contact American Air HVAC, Inc. Our team of experienced technicians and installers is ready to help you transform your space.
Fall is right around the corner, and that means cooler temperatures are heading our way. In the Chattanooga area, there will be both cooler evenings and warmer days. It’s important to make sure that your HVAC is ready to handle the temperature transition and fluctuation. We’ve put together a list of a few things you can do to ensure that your system is prepared and functioning well as fall approaches. 1) Change your air filter. If you can’t remember the last time you swapped out your air filters, now is a great time to do so. Clean filters help your unit perform at its best. Changing your filters is also an easy, cost-effective step you can take to limit potential issues. 2) Clean off your outdoor units. Remove any debris that may be on top of your unit(s). Also, clear out around the base of the units to prevent anything from getting inside. Now is also a good time to trim plants or trees near the units so that their leaves, twigs, or berries do not fall in and cause issues with the fan or other parts of the unit. 3) Turn on your heat. It’s been a few months since your heat has been turned on. In that time, considerable amounts of dust have accumulated. Turning your heat on will help to clear this dust (this can produce an initial burning smell, but that’s normal). If the heat will not come on, call American Air HVAC and let one of our technicians come out to help you. 4) Schedule a maintenance check-up. Call our office and schedule a routine maintenance inspection. Our team will come out, inspect your unit, and make sure that it is ready for the cooler temperatures. These routine checks can also identify potential problems and help you avoid emergencies or costly issues down the road. Cooler temperatures are right around the corner. Make sure that you are ready for them. Completing these simple steps can help you get the most out of your HVAC and prevent more significant issues when the weather gets much colder. Call American Air HVAC today, and let us get you prepared for the winter months ahead!
Reducing costs and saving money is more important than ever before. With all that’s going on around us, it’s important to control the things that we can control. That’s why routine maintenance checks for your HVAC systems are such a good idea. These types of checks can discover potential issues like coolant leaks, mechanical issues, and more. When you have your HVAC units checked twice per year, you’re helping yourself in the long run. Not only are you identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems, but you’re also helping to reduce overall energy costs. You may be wondering how maintenance checks can reduce your energy costs, but the answer is pretty clear. When your unit has problems, it has to work harder to maintain the thermostat setting. In the summer, that means that the HVAC will have to run more frequently and for longer periods to keep things cool. In the winter, that means that either more electricity or more gas (depending on your particular unit) will be required to keep the house warm. A tune-up or maintenance check in the spring and fall can help you determine whether or not things are running as efficiently as possible. The team at American Air will conduct a thorough evaluation of your unit, examine its parts, and ensure that it is running at its best. We can perform service or replacement work that will ultimately save you money and prevent you from having an unexpected breakdown at the worst possible time. Preventive maintenance is always easier to perform and less expensive than emergency work or complete system replacement – both of which are potential outcomes for HVAC units that are not regularly maintained. Don’t ignore higher than usual electricity or gas bills. They are possible indicators that something isn’t working as it should. Call American Air today and let our team visit your home or business to evaluate your HVAC unit. We will put our extensive knowledge to work for you and help you quickly and accurately determine the cause of your higher energy bills. We’ll provide the best recommendations and help you choose the right course of action for your HVAC unit. Don’t pay more than you have to; contact our team for the most dependable HVAC service in Chattanooga.
It’s not just your imagination – it’s hot out there! July and August are the “Dog Days of Summer” for a reason, and Chattanooga area residents certainly understand that better than most. This area is susceptible to high temperatures, high humidity, and high dew points. These combine to make it seem even hotter than it really is. Some of the best ways to beat the heat are to go for a swim, enjoy an ice cold beverage, or just stay inside. But, what happens if your plan to stay inside and beat the heat doesn’t work because your air conditioning unit isn’t cooling as it should? If you don’t have access to a pool and you’re all out of drinks, you could be headed for a hot few days or weeks. There are several reasons that your air conditioner might not be cooling the way it should. One of the most obvious reasons is age. If your unit is more than 10-15 years old, it’s likely not going to cool like it once did. The hotter it is outside, the harder it has to work. If it’s old and worn out, it may not be capable of meeting demand. Another common cause of poor cooling could be low refrigerant. If you haven’t had your unit serviced or maintained in the last few years, you may have used all of the refrigerant that was in the unit. However, it is also possible that you may have a leak somewhere in the system, and the refrigerant is escaping. Power issues may also explain your unit’s poor performance. A faulty dual capacitor or issues with wiring could lead to reduced power and, subsequently, a reduction in cold air. There could be other power problems as well. It’s also important to remember that you need to change your filters. Dirty or clogged filters can hurt performance. If you can’t remember the last time you swapped out filters, go ahead and take that step now. It may not solve the issue, but it certainly won’t make things worse. If your air conditioner is not working as well as it should, call American Air HVAC. Our technicians will come to your home, perform a complete assessment of the unit, and determine the source(s) of your problems. They will then provide the best solutions for your specific needs. Don’t settle for uncomfortable. Call American Air HVAC today and let us get you cooled back down.
