How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

With today’s smart thermostats, it is now possible to program your heating and cooling system to maintain the ideal temperature in your home no matter where you are in the building, sometimes no matter where you are in the world! Of course, it is possible that you have experienced a cold or hot room despite the fact that your thermostat indicates that everything should be perfect. A drafty room or one that receives more sunlight in the summer can cause you to constantly adjust the temperature setting, raising your energy bills and making it impossible to achieve the perfect balance. So the best way around this: don’t try to achieve a “perfect balance”. Many homes, particularly older homes, are just not suited to achieving the “perfect balance”.

Remote Sensors: The Brains That Make Smart Thermostats Genius!

Remote sensors, however, can provide the thermostat with a more accurate picture of the temperature in your home.

As is customary, your HVAC system is likely controlled by a single thermostat, which is typically located in a common area such as a living or family room. While new systems still have a single point of control, these can gather information from a variety of different rooms throughout your home by using remote sensors.

The majority of smart thermostat options, from such manufacturers as NEST, Ecobee, and Honeywell, allow you to add additional sensors in other parts of the house. Because these remote sensors communicate wirelessly, they are quick and simple to install, even if you have very little mechanical know-how.

Remote sensors can also help to balance the heat in a home that has several different types of heating. If you have a fireplace in your home, it can provide a wonderful source of warmth and relaxation. However, if the thermostat is located in the same room as the fireplace, the entire house can quickly become a deep freeze. While you’re relaxing in front of the fire, remote sensors can help keep the rest of the house comfortable as well.

While the addition of remote sensors does not provide the ability to control the system directly from each room, it can ensure that your legacy system knows more about the home and works to maintain a more consistent temperature throughout. Certainly, the time when HVAC equipment can address the needs of specific rooms cannot be too far off!

Thermostat Control From Anywhere: A Double-Edged Sword

It is an age-old battle to try to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. But it is important to note that constantly adjusting the thermostat up or down can result in premature wear and tear on HVAC systems, as well as wildly fluctuating utility bills. With a properly programmed or learning thermostat, you can help to maintain control over the situation.

Knowing when you are at home and when you are away can assist in establishing a baseline for your level of comfort. However, your schedule may shift and you may find yourself wishing for a little more heat in the room you are currently in, but not feeling like getting up and running around the house to make the necessary adjustments. Temperature controls that are WIFI based can be adjusted from any room or any location in the world using a smartphone or tablet.

Some smart thermostats now even include voice-controlled virtual assistants that can be instructed to raise or lower the temperature from your phone or any other connected system in your house. You may already have smart devices that can communicate with your thermostat. If so, you should consider upgrading. Consider the example of asking your television to increase the temperature in your home using the Google Assistant. Twenty years ago, this would have been something you saw on an old rerun of the Jetsons. Now, it’s real.

While the new methods of changing the thermostat setting from a distance may not put an end to the battle over the thermostat setting, they will provide you with some additional control in your efforts to keep the family comfortable. Of course, as we all know, there is NEVER anything wrong with putting on a sweater. Never!

What If Your Thermostat Can’t Achieve A Consistent Temperature?

If you are unable to achieve a satisfactory balance of temperature settings that allows you to enjoy your entire home, it may be necessary to consider the supply side of the equation, namely, your HVAC system. Warm blankets and cooling fans will only get you so far if your current HVAC system treats each room the same way in which they are placed.

The team at Air Check Mechanical Service can assess your current heating and cooling system and make adjustments to the way each room is supplied with warm or cold air, depending on your needs. Our experts can also recommend improvements to your current systems as well as alternative options such as mini-splits, which can provide targeted heating and cooling to problem areas of your home. Contact us today for an AC maintenance service!

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-maintenance-services/how-do-smart-thermostats-work/

AC Ducts And Your HVAC System Part 2

To check out AC Ducts And Your HVAC System Part 1, click here.

So basically, there are 4 common air duct designs. The first is the plenum or radial duct system. Radial systems have the HVAC unit and return grill at the center of the home with the supply ducts extending out around the plenum like the legs of a spider.

The second type is the reducing extended plenum system. As the name implies, the plenum reduces in size as it extends across with the air ducts coming out from either side.

The third is the extended plenum system. This time the plenum, which does the distribution or removal of air for the HVAC unit, does not reduce in size as it extends across.

The last is the perimeter loop system – a radial system, not as many spider legs, with a supply duct that encircles the building.

Good HVAC contractors calculate airflow, determine the types of ducts to use to meet the home’s requirements, and sketch the air distribution system for proper placement of equipment and duct sizing.

Typical Air Duct Design Flaws

Air Vent Location Not Optimal

When it comes to air vents, “location, location, location” makes a huge difference. If the air vents are in out-of-sight areas like closets, supply air cannot properly heat or cool the room. Likewise, if the vents are blocked by furniture or some other kind of obstruction, your HVAC system will have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. This wear and tear will shorten your HVAC system’s lifespan considerably, sometimes making air conditioning repairs extremely expensive.

The Central Return Problem

In an ideal world, there would be returns for every room of the house except bathrooms, and utility rooms. But builders like to save on costs. With only one central return duct to feed the HVAC unit, closed doors will starve the furnace or AC and create a negative pressure environment. Dirty outside air then infiltrates the house through fissures, which can be bad for allergies, among other problems.

Too Many Air Ducts Coming Off The Plenum

Plenums, as we mentioned, are boxes connected to the heating or cooling unit that fill with hot or cool air and distribute or remove it, usually at a greater atmospheric pressure. What some call a “ductopus” is a poorly designed radial system with air ducts coming off the plenum in all directions, like the tentacles of an octopus. When too many duct branches are connected, air flow can be all around poor throughout the house.

Long Duct Runs

This is a common problem with the reducing plenum duct system. Not enough air reaches the room at the very end of the supply duct. The solution is usually to install a bigger duct size.

Bad Takeoff Placement

As air moves from a supply plenum or main duct into a takeoff, it changes direction. Airflow has a hard time making turns at high rates of speed, just as you might in a car going 100 mph. With moving air, we want a gradual and smooth turn since we’re moving really fast. When there is a change in air direction in a duct, it takes roughly 24 inches for airflow to restore its pattern. Takeoffs should thus be 24 inches away from any turns, transitions, or the end cap.

Undersized Returns And Undersized Supplies

When an HVAC system has undersized returns or undersized supplies it is like breathing through a straw. Air cannot circulate properly, and the unit struggles to heat and cool the building.

Improper Duct Installation Issues

If you suspect your duct work is designed or installed improperly, there can be a host of heating and cooling issues that you never asked for. Take all your problems as a sign that it is time to make adjustments to your existing duct work.

The good sheet metal workmanship of the 50s and 60s is long gone. Since the 1970s, air duct installations have been typically a lot cheaper and are generally inferior to the craftsmanship of the past. Here are the common air duct installations issues:

Bad Air Duct Seals And Connections

Remember that in a typical home, at least 20% of the air traveling through the ducts escapes through leaks, holes, and bad ducting connections. In many cases, HVAC installers are forced to use cheap materials to keep their business afloat. Using cheap seals instead of proper airtight ones leads to noise, dust, draft, humidity, and much more. This is because poorly fastened air ducts can become loose with the motion caused by flowing air.

Unbalanced Air Flow

Poorly installed ductwork leads to poorly balanced airflow, which leads to hot and cold spots, which leads to higher utility bills. HVAC best practices call for an air balance after installation to determine whether the air is flowing where it’s designed to. If it’s not, dampers can be installed on the duct trunk to adjust air flow. Unfortunately, this is rarely done.

Un-Insulated Or Under-Insulated Air Ducts

Air ducts are frequently made of thin material with little insulating capacity. Insulation keeps the air inside your ducts at the temperature it should be. In the summer, insulation prevents the cool air condensation that can lead to mold and mildew. In unconditioned spaces such as attics and crawl spaces, the recommended air duct insulation level is R-8. Unfortunately, most air ducts are only insulated at R-2.

Unnecessary Ducting Bends

Just like the airplane that experiences heavy turbulence within air pockets, air colliding with the duct becomes turbulent and moves slower. A good HVAC specialist will avoid unnecessary bends when installing the HVAC duct system and opt for smaller tree branch type ducts where possible.

Twisted, Tangled, & Kinked Flex Ducts

The bottom line is many HVAC contractors that are not Air Check Mechanical Service are too lazy to stretch flex ducts and cut them to fit into place fully extended. Instead, the overly long runs are left twisted, tangled & kinked. Remember the metal rib cage in flex ducts? Now airflow is reduced even more, costing you big money.

Unsupported Duct Runs And Butt Joints

It’s a basic fact: flex ductwork cannot be unsupported for more than 4 feet or it will start to sag. The same thing will happen when contractors take two flex duct runs, fit them together with tape, and wrap insulation to hold them together. While this may pass an inspection, neglecting to install a metal butt joint connector creates a weak connection and leads to sagging ducts and escaping air.

Air ducts, like almost anything these days, doesn’t last forever. In fact, because of the thin materials, they can be subject to serious wear.

Air Duct Wear & Tear

Moving air is a powerful force. Your air ducts experience wear and tear over time when air is ricocheting off the walls, so unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Expiration dates vary – metal ducts generally last longer than flex ducts because metal is more rigid and its surface allows air to glide, unlike the coil around flex ductwork. That said, the average air duct lifespan varies from 15 to 25 years.

As your air ducts age, problems begin arising:

Leaky, Corroded Ducts

Old seals will erode with enough wear and tear, letting air slip out (or in). If moisture gets into the air duct, it will corrode the ducts over time. You’ll see the same corrosion if your basement or crawl space is overly humid, or if water is leaking from your roof, plumbing, or humidifier. Unsupported flex duct runs are more likely to sag, and condensation will gather in the dip.

Dirty & Clogged Air Ducts

The nature of duct work is unfortunately that one duct problem leads to many. If your indoor air is dirty, the impurities can accumulate inside your ducts and, if the debris is substantial, clog them. This is made worse with holes, loose connections, and general uncleanliness in your home.

Molds In The Air Duct Are Hazardous To Your Health

Warning: do not let moisture enter your air ducts. Mold will form. And while it may not physically deteriorate your air duct, it will affect the quality of your air and by association, your lungs. Supply vents will blow mold spores to every room. And in worst case scenarios, this could lead to the decay of furniture or walls.

Be sure to contact Air Check Mechanical Service to evaluate all of your options during a ductwork repair.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/ac-ducts-and-your-hvac-system-part-2/

AC Ductwork And Your HVAC System

There’s a hidden system in your home dedicated to circulating your air. Don’t know anything about your ductwork? You’re not alone. When homes have air duct issues that can cause cold or hot spots, homeowners tend to avoid those rooms and also, avoid the problem. And when they do, without realizing it, they’ve lessened the liveable amount of square footage in their homes. It’s not a good situation.

From uneven room temperatures, to excess dust, and high electricity bills, air duct issues can cause daily despair to homeowners and renters alike. What follows is a homeowner’s guide to AC ductwork; we’ll explain everything you need to know so you can rid yourself of those burdensome cold or hot spots and reclaim your rooms.

What’s An Air Duct?

Check this out – Air ducts, or HVAC ductwork, or AC ducts, are conduits that supply warm or cool air to heat, ventilate, and cool each room in your home. Air ducts are connected to the HVAC unit which filters then heats or cools your home’s air before sending it off. Air ducts are a vital part of your HVAC system, providing thermal well-being and good indoor air quality to your family.

Next, let’s see what air ducts are made of.

Types Of Air Ducts

Sheet Metal Ducting

Galvanized steel or aluminum air ducts can be round, oval, or rectangular, depending on your home and its design. Sheet metal HVAC ductwork is the most durable and is also least likely to harbor mold. Metal air ducts are practically rustproof, especially galvanized steel with its zinc coating.

Flex Duct

Simply put, flex ducts are made from a steel wire spiral, wrapped with a polymer (a bendable plastic), and surrounded by insulation. This kind of ductwork is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. Flex ducts work wonders in tricky spaces where more rigid ductwork will not do. While typically a duct system won’t contain all Flex Duct, it may be used sporadically in locations where sheet metal is tough to place.

Fiberboard Duct

This type of duct has two layers: compressed resin-bonded inorganic fiberglass is encased in foil to prevent air and water vapor from penetrating. Typically, this air duct is the least expensive, prevents noise, and is already well insulated when it is first installed. The downside? The rough fiberglass surface inhibits airflow. Admittedly it’s not an incredible level of airflow stoppage, but it does make a difference in air flow.

Beware – old fiberboard ducts aren’t treated to prevent mold or mildew and should be replaced immediately. If you suspect you have old fiberboard ductwork, do not attempt to clean it. The surface damage will release fiberglass into the air and throughout your home.

How Air Flows In A Forced Air Duct System

In HVAC systems, your air goes through a cycle. A negative pressure in the ducts sucks the air in, passing it through a filter in the system. The cleaned air is heated or cooled and sent back to the areas of your house where it stays until it’s cycled again.

Return Ducts

Contrary to popular belief, almost all HVAC systems get their air from inside the building. Return ducts extract air from the living spaces back to the HVAC unit, feeding either your furnace or air handler. Return vents are usually larger than supply vents and are called grills. A filter is often installed either deep inside a return duct or right at the return grill to protect your HVAC unit from impurities.

Supply Ducts

Supply ducts blow warm or cool air to an area inside your home. Supply vents often have dampers to control the flow, called registers. Supply registers will often be installed near windows or doors to better counteract the loss of heat or cold, and two or more supply registers may be installed in larger rooms to evenly distribute your heated or cooled air.

We’ve looked at duct systems, but what happens when you air ducts aren’t up to standards?

Signs Your Ductwork Is Bad

Hot & Cold Spots

This is the ultimate tell-tale sign you have air duct issues. You’ve likely felt it before. You walk into a room and it’s too hot, or you walk down the stairs and it’s noticeably colder, often at least more than 3 degrees. If this is the case, use a thermometer to confirm what you’re feeling. Once you’re certain of the discrepancy you can call an HVAC professional from Air Check Mechanical Service. They’ll pinpoint the cause, come up with a plan, and put the plan to action.

Fair Or Poor Indoor Air Quality

There are two big signs your air quality is compromised. First, the dust collection in your house makes it look like you’ve been in a serious dust storm. Second, everyone is sneezing, especially any family members that have allergies. The main factor you should know is that dust or pollen can seep into your ductwork through holes or loose connections and infiltrate your home. Thus, the sneeze factor.

According to the National Comfort Institute, air duct problems are so common, a typical HVAC system only delivers 57% of its rated capacity. One quick call to Air Check can change that all!

High Utility Bills

Up to 30 percent of the air in your ducts may be escaping before it can do what it needs to do, i.e. heat or cool your rooms. When conditioned air leaks out or heated air is lost through under-insulated air ducts, the charges will show up on your utility bill. The scary part is you probably won’t notice unless there is a major disruption. You may eventually discover through a utility usage report that you are using way more electricity than other similar homes in your neighborhood.

Little Or No Air Flow From Supply Vent

An easy way to check for obstructed air flow is to place a piece of paper in front of the supply opening. If the paper doesn’t bend or flutter at all, something is preventing airflow. If you’re lucky, the damper on your register is closed and simply needs reopening. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call an HVAC expert.

Loud Noise

Wait a minute, doesn’t your heat pump or air conditioner make noise when it’s running? Yes, but the sound shouldn’t annoy the living heck out of you. If you hear loud rattling or whistling, you probably have loose, disconnected, or damaged air ducts. Don’t ignore it or it’ll worsen.

This has been part one of AC Ductwork and your HVAC system. Don’t forget to tune in next week for part 2!

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/ac-ductwork-and-your-hvac-system/

Generally speaking, there are a lot of us that believe that allergies are caused primarily by pollen and pet dander. As a result, why do people who live and work in cities continue to suffer, despite the fact that pollen-producing plants and furry critters are in much shorter supply than in the suburbs?

Many people believe that poor indoor air quality is the cause of their problems (IAQ). An AC maintenance service can assist in reducing contaminants and allergens in indoor air, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.

Talking About Indoor Air Quality, Allergies, and Air Conditioning Maintenance

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t familiar with the pollution statistics; seeing the brown haze hanging over the city gives you a good indication of the quality of the air you are breathing outside. However, it may come as a surprise that the air quality inside buildings in Southeast Houston is frequently far worse than the air outside. Poor air conditioning maintenance is one of the primary reasons for this, and is in fact one of the most significant contributing factors. It’s true: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, poor maintenance of HVAC systems is one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality.

Consider this: your HVAC system filters a lot of the air that you breathe inside your home or office. A good HVAC system is intended to provide what is known as return air or makeup air to your space, which essentially means that they will be bringing in fresh outdoor air into your home. As a result, all of these pollutants are entering the home or business environment and remaining there. AC contaminants can become trapped in your equipment and ductwork and accumulate over time when you fail to perform regular maintenance. When poor air conditioning maintenance results in moisture problems, the situation becomes even worse. Add insult to injury by encouraging the growth of potentially harmful mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses in your home or business. This stuff isn’t just minor – it can be quite dangerous to your short AND long term health.

Having a better understanding of where your allergy symptoms are coming from is quite critical. It’s important to remember that we’re not just talking about sniffling and sneezing here. There are many different symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality, which include the following:

• Headaches or migraines
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Nausea or dizziness
• Rashes or blemishes on the skin
• Nosebleeds

There are three ways that regular AC maintenance can help alleviate symptoms.

Investing in a regular preventative maintenance program for your HVAC system helps to remove dirt and pollutants from your system as well as the air you breathe. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Accessing the filters (and choosing the right ones)

When was the last time you had your air conditioning filter changed? Did you even realize you had an air conditioning filter? If you have an air-cooled system (which frankly almost every building in Southeast Houston does), then yes, you have one. Its purpose is to prevent dust and grime from clogging up the equipment and causing undue wear.

However, if your air filter is not changed on a regular basis (the frequency depends on your system, where you are located and its usage), it will eventually become blocked, and the grime will end up in your equipment, ductwork, and indoor air.

Preventative air conditioning maintenance involves the cleaning or replacement of the filters in your air conditioning system, depending on the type of filters that are currently in use in your system.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have allergies, you can use a special type of filter that will filter out even more allergens from your environment.

2. Controlling the humidity

Remember that sediment clogs are not the only source of water accumulation and mold growth, as previously stated. In the event that your air conditioning system is not performing as well as it should in terms of removing humidity from the air, you may find mold growing in unexpected places throughout your home, including damp spots where you will never notice it. Certainly, any black growths along walls or in corners should ring the alarm that something bad is happening.

AC maintenance is the most effective method of preventing excessive humidity, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. When you have your air conditioning equipment inspected on a regular basis, problems such as humidity control can be discovered and corrected before you suffer any permanent damage to your health or your building. The majority of the time, a system tune-up or the replacement of worn parts can resolve the humidity issues that are causing allergy symptoms.

3. Remove contaminants and standing water from the environment

Standing water in any part of your home is something you should avoid at all costs if you have asthma or allergies. Did you know that your air conditioning system may be generating lingering moisture?

It is possible for condensate lines and drain pans to become clogged with grime and sediment if regular AC maintenance is not performed. That means that the moisture removed from the air by your air conditioning system has nowhere to go. Water begins to accumulate in the pan, and eventually leaks out, causing water damage to the surrounding area. Eventually, all of that accumulating water becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which accumulates on your equipment and eventually finds its way into the ductwork. Before you know what’s going on, you’re inhaling a toxic cocktail of noxious substances. As a result, what happened? Not to mention the possibility of system failures as a result of allergy symptoms.

Maintaining your drain lines and pan on a regular basis helps to avoid water problems by clearing them of all the sediment that can cause clogs and water accumulation.

It is critical to understand that investing in HVAC maintenance actually saves you money while also improving your comfort and reducing your allergy symptoms. Regular maintenance has been shown to lower repair costs, extend the life of your equipment, and even lower your electric bills.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-maintenance-services/ac-maintenance-service-and-your-allergies/

HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible that you were recently burned by high HVAC repair costs? Alternatively, have you recently purchased a new HVAC system and want to get off to a good start by taking proper care of it? It’s possible that you’re considering investing in regular service for AC repair and exploring HVAC preventive maintenance contracts for the first time if this is the case.

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you have questions… and you may not be quite ready for a sales pitch just yet, so you’re hesitant to begin making calls. Listed below is some useful information on what to expect from an HVAC preventive maintenance contract, as well as how to get started evaluating your options.
Most frequently asked questions about HVAC preventive maintenance contracts include the following ten:

Listed below are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive from first-time purchasers of HVAC preventive maintenance contracts, as well as the types of responses you can expect from a reputable and qualified vendor in this field.

1. What are the most common services covered by HVAC preventive maintenance contracts?

A preventive maintenance contract for your HVAC system includes a number of regularly scheduled maintenance visits each year, during which a technician will thoroughly inspect your equipment, clean it, and test it to ensure that it is in proper working order. The number of visits required and the list of tasks to be completed will be determined by the age and type of equipment you have, as well as the operating conditions and usage specifications. Consider the difference between the maintenance requirements of a hospital HVAC system that is constantly running 24 hours a day and the requirements of a small unit for an office that is only open from 9 to 5 on weekdays:

Also available are contracts that cover more than just routine maintenance: a full labor contract covers all of the labor required for repairs or replacements, as well as routine maintenance, but you are responsible for the cost of any replacement or repair parts. In terms of insurance, a full coverage contract is the ultimate policy, as it covers all parts and labor, as well as emergency service and preventive maintenance.

2. When will I be required to make a payment?

If you are signing a smaller contract, you will almost certainly be asked to pay the entire amount up front. When it comes to HVAC preventive maintenance contracts that cost more than $1000, you can frequently choose the payment terms that are most convenient for you: monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

3. What if I have to cancel my reservation?

The majority of vendors are aware that there are times when a contract must be terminated for unavoidable reasons, and they prepare accordingly. Many service providers will allow you to cancel your contract if you give them at least 30 days notice.

4. How long does it take you to respond?

The majority of vendors do not guarantee response times when it comes to HVAC preventive maintenance contracts. They should, on the other hand, be able to provide you with realistic expectations for repair response times. For example, if you call first thing in the morning, you can expect someone to show up the same day you called.

5. Will I be given priority treatment?

This is one of the advantages of HVAC preventive maintenance contracts that first-time customers may not be aware of or anticipate. If you are a loyal and frequent customer, you will be moved to the front of the queue if you have a repair issue, allowing you to receive faster service overall.

6. Will I always be assigned to the same service technician?

It is not only reassuring to have the same service technician show up time and time again, but it is also time-saving to do so. He is familiar with the procedure, he is aware of the location of the equipment, and he is aware of what needs to be done. However, the downside is that what happens when that guy goes on vacation or is absent due to illness?

When a service company assigns a dedicated team to your account, you will be better off. You’ll have that familiarity with people who understand what you’re going through, but you won’t be reliant on a single person to always be there for you in that way.

7. Will I be notified when it is time to schedule my regular maintenance?

Some companies will send you a postcard to remind you to schedule your regular service, so you can post it on your bulletin board and hope that you will remember to call them when you get the chance. The vendors who provide the best service will contact you at the beginning of each month when you are due for service and will work with you to get it set up as quickly and easily as possible.

8. Can I lock in a rate for a period of several years?

If you’re looking to manage expenses over a longer period of time, you may be able to negotiate a 2- or 3-year agreement with a larger contract. If you’re confident in the vendor’s services, signing a multi-year contract can save you money while also providing you with peace of mind, knowing that you can reliably budget for your HVAC maintenance costs.

9. Is it possible to negotiate specific terms of the contract in order to meet the specific needs of my company?

The answer should be yes if the company is truly concerned with providing excellent customer service. In fact, this is one of the most reliable ways to determine whether or not you’re dealing with a company that will rise to the occasion and complete the task at hand. A common example is a restaurant owner who does not want service personnel cleaning the vents in his or her dining room during lunch or dinner service hours. Because of this, the HVAC service company may need to arrive early in the morning before your business is ready to open. The hours during which your service is provided should be negotiable in order to accommodate your requirements.

10. Is it possible for my contract to be automatically renewed?

Generally, your contract will automatically renew at the end of its term with a small cost of living price adjustment included. The absence of a renewal clause in your contract may indicate that the vendor offered you a rock-bottom price in order to win your business, which they will likely be unable to meet the following year. The amount you pay for year two may be significantly higher than the amount you paid for year one.
HVAC preventive maintenance contracts should be tailored to your specific requirements.

One of the most important things you should know before shopping for an HVAC preventive maintenance contract is that they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. According to the equipment you have, the level of coverage that you are comfortable with, and the needs of your company, you should customize the terms of the agreement.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/hvac-preventive-maintenance-contracts-frequently-asked-questions/

HVAC Company Problems You Should Never Tolerate

As a business owner or manager, you may find it easier to simply ignore nagging concerns about your HVAC service provider when you have so many other pressing issues on your mind. The problem is that over time, those things that were merely irritating begin to escalate into critical issues that cost you money and even threaten your company’s survival.

In most cases, unless you live in a very remote area, you will have many options when it comes to selecting an HVAC service company. You have to ask yourself why you should accept less than you deserve, or worse, less than you’re paying for when the market is competitive.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your HVAC service provider may be letting you down, as well as reasons why you should repair or rethink your relationship with him or her.

Putting off routine maintenance tasks

If you have a preventative maintenance agreement, are you confident that your HVAC service provider is performing all of the tasks for which you have paid them to do? Vendors’ definitions of “preventive” tasks can differ slightly from company to company. Some people may suggest that you simply change your filters and belts and call it a day. Another important part of a quality HVAC maintenance visit is checking the refrigerant levels as well as inspecting the electrical connections and condition of parts, cleaning the coils, and checking the drain lines and pans. Again, this depends on the contractor.

Not showing up when they say they will

Inevitably, there will be unavoidable reasons for service providers to arrive late, such as traffic congestion (an obvious to everyone in the Houston Texas area), unexpected issues at a previous job, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, the best service companies are well-versed in how to minimize these issues. Take note of the following: If the response time of your HVAC company is consistently poor, you must wonder if the work they perform will be equally unreliable in the long run.

Not preparing you for the eventuality of equipment obsolescence

If your company has a large number of different pieces of HVAC equipment scattered throughout your facility, the age and condition of each piece is likely to vary. There will be times when your air conditioning or heating equipment fails without warning, but you can minimize the amount of time your equipment is down by planning ahead of time. In order to inform you in advance of which equipment items are approaching the end of their useful life and should be replaced within a specified time period, your HVAC service provider should be willing to collaborate with you. Purchasing ahead of time also allows you to shop around for the best deal.

Several visits to the same location to resolve the same issue

It is possible that you require a new service provider or new equipment if you continue to have the same problem over and over again (and maybe both). While it is always possible that equipment that keeps failing is past its useful life, an HVAC service company that doesn’t do new installations may be taking advantage of you by charging you for all of the repairs rather than recommending replacement. Alternatively, you may be dealing with a technician who is insufficiently qualified to properly diagnose and fix your problem.

Complaints about nagging comfort issues

Your HVAC service company may be overlooking a problem in your space if you continue to experience hot and cold spots, odor problems, or uncontrolled humidity issues after your regular maintenance visit. It’s possible that you’re dealing with system design or configuration issues that need to be addressed. Make sure to inform your service provider of any ongoing issues you are experiencing and to request a more thorough inspection in order to determine the source of the problem.

It is taking an excessive amount of time to obtain parts.

Especially if you have older or off-brand equipment, some smaller HVAC service companies may not have a large enough parts inventory to keep what you need on hand at all times. Consequently, whenever you require a repair, you will have to wait for them to order the necessary parts. Use an HVAC service provider who has a large parts warehouse as well as relationships with several parts suppliers in the area, as this will allow your repairs to be completed more quickly.

The failure to provide adequate explanations for repair issues

If so, your maintenance agreement may be written in legalese, making it difficult to understand what is and is not covered by the agreement. You get scribbled work orders with little or no explanation as to what exactly needs to be done or why it needs to be done. In the worst case scenario, your tech may tell you what’s wrong by using technical jargon that he knows perfectly well is foreign to you. This unprofessional behavior on the part of an HVAC service provider must not be accepted! It is your right to have any and all repair and maintenance issues explained to you clearly and in a language that you understand.

Overall Sloppiness

The fact that this appears to be a minor detail indicates the presence of more serious issues that could be life-threatening. Have you ever noticed that your HVAC service technician appears disheveled, scatters his tools around the room while working, and leaves a mess behind when he’s finished? That shambles has the potential to create a safety hazard in your workplace. And think about it: don’t you find it easier to put your trust in a technician who is dressed professionally with a name tag and tool belt? Remember that the manner in which a technician treats his or her clothes and tools can reveal a great deal about how he or she will treat your equipment.

Not fully comprehending the requirements of your home or business

This is a common area in which your HVAC service company may fall short of your expectations: by taking a one-size-fits-all approach to service rather than operating in accordance with the specific needs of your home or company. A service company should be willing to work around your schedule, for example, if you own a restaurant and are unable to have a service technician performing maintenance during business hours. In order to ensure that your system design and configuration is appropriate for the usage and occupancy of the space, it is also necessary to understand your business.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/hvac-company-issues-you-should-never-tolerate/

HVAC Maintenance Contracts In Houston, TX

As either a homeowner, building owner or property manager, you are well aware that a failure of the HVAC system can result in significant backlash from the people who rely on you to keep the building comfortable. Because your reputation and bottom line are on the line, it’s important to keep an eye on these systems to see if they require maintenance or air conditioner repair. This quick checklist is intended to assist you in avoiding costly repairs and equipment shut-downs by keeping track of the most critical components of your equipment.

Inspect your air handling unit as well, paying particular attention to the outdoor air inlet. Inspect the area surrounding the module to determine if any sources of contaminants exist which can cause contamination to spread through to the interior of the building. Examine the fan’s condition, paying particular attention to the blades and motor. If you notice areas of deterioration, make the necessary repairs or replacements.

Checking your HVAC distribution system should be on your preventative maintenance checklist for your heating and air conditioning system. It is critical that air flow throughout the building, from the supply air to the return ventilation, is not obstructed. Examine any drain pans to ensure that there are no leaks or signs of mold growth in the pans. You’ll also need to replace or clean the air filters located in the furnace area. It may be beneficial to keep a maintenance calendar so that you can keep track of when new filters have been installed and when they need to be replaced again.

Look At Your Thermostat

Additionally, thermostat controls should be included on your HVAC preventative maintenance checklist. Adjust the set points throughout the year, both in the summer and the winter, to ensure that your heating and air conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Make a note of the location of each device, as well as the operations that are controlled by that device. The teams repairing your system will have quick and easy access to this critical information in the event that you are unavailable or off-site at any time.

Grease, dirt, tree branches, and bird feathers can all accumulate on outdoor units, making them vulnerable to contamination. Check the clearance around this HVAC equipment, as there should be approximately two feet of clearance around the intake area of both heat pumps and air conditioning units. If you have outdoor components, you should inspect them more frequently than other parts of your system, perhaps once a week. It’s also a good idea to walk through the house after a big storm because debris that falls during strong winds can become stuck near the air intake.

This checklist should provide you with the tools you need to ask intelligent, pertinent questions and hold your service provider accountable for the terms of your preventative maintenance agreement. Do you have a maintenance agreement but do not have access to it? Always keep in mind that, while much of this troubleshooting can be accomplished on your own, repairs and maintenance should be performed by your HVAC vendor only, as most manufacturer warranties will not cover equipment that has been serviced by anyone other than a licensed HVAC technician.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/hvac-maintenance-contracts/

What to Look for When Evaluating Air Conditioning Service Agreements

Did you know that when it comes to air conditioning service contracts, there are no regulations imposed by the federal government? In other words, not all air conditioning service contracts are created equal. When comparing service contracts from different providers, never make the mistake of assuming that you are comparing apples to apples. This is especially critical for air conditioning repair. The lack of regulation means that trust is a monster component of your relationship with your Houston HVAC provider.

Although this is indeed a negative development, it does mean that reputable air conditioning service companies can tailor a contract to your specific needs, taking into consideration the age and condition of your equipment, the cooling requirements of your space and its occupants, and your budget. All you have to do now is double-check your contract to make sure everything is covered and that you’re getting the features you require.

A service contract or maintenance agreement covers regularly scheduled physical inspections and air conditioning maintenance procedures that significantly improve the performance of the equipment and extend the system’s life expectancy.

A service contract can cover inspections only, preventative maintenance only, full labor coverage, and even full coverage for all labor and parts, depending on the terms of the contract. It is possible to renew your agreement with different terms for an additional year after it has been signed, if necessary.

The below AC maintenance checklist can be used to compare tasks when you’re working with an air conditioning service company under contract. Not everyone requires all of the items on this air conditioning maintenance checklist, and you may be willing to forego some of them in order to keep the cost of the service as low as possible. Consult with your service provider to ensure that the tasks that are important to you are included in the maintenance package that you are paying to receive.

When evaluating service contracts, be especially cautious of those that are written in legalese that is so complicated that you are unsure of what is covered and what is not. Dubious providers will use legalese often in order to skirt responsibilities. Customer service is important to a Air Check Mechanical, and we only write contracts that are clear and easy to understand.

Your Spring AC Maintenance Checklist

The following is a list of tasks that, depending on your equipment and the type of maintenance agreement you have, may be included in your air conditioning service contract:

• Clean or replace filters at least once a quarter to ensure that dirt and debris do not accumulate in the ductwork or system components.
• Check the airflow through the blowers and fan blades to ensure they are working properly.
• Verify that the electrical system is in proper working order, including the wiring, fuses, and contactors; tighten any loose connections to prevent power loss.
• Mold, dust, and debris should be checked for in ducts and airways.
• Check the humidity levels and look for signs of moisture and, in particular, rust, which can indicate a serious problem.
• Pumps should be lubricated.
• Check for leaks in the couplings and check for cracks.
• Check the fan motor’s performance.
• Examine the condition of the belts and replace them if necessary.
• Clean the condenser coil of dirt, soot, and mold, and measure the temperatures before and after cleaning to ensure that it is effective.
• Inspect and clean the evaporator coils as necessary.
• Check the refrigerant charge, repair any leaks, and re-charge as necessary.
• Check the integrity of the cabinet for air leaks caused by cracks, missing screws, loose latches, and faulty gaskets, among other things.
• Check all drain lines for proper drainage, and clear any lines that may be clogged with debris or coated with moisture and dust to ensure that they are working properly.
• Drain pans should be free of any standing water in order to prevent overflows.
• Maintain the lubrication of moving parts that have been idle for the entire winter to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
• Pulleys that have become worn should be replaced.
• Check thermostats and other controls to ensure that the proper temperatures are maintained, that timer functions are set correctly, and that batteries are changed as necessary.
• As needed, clean the starter and cabinet.
• Examine the log readings
• Examine the general condition of the equipment.
• Inspection of the cooling tower fill, support structure, nozzles, valves, fan blades, and wiring should be performed if you have a water-cooled system.

Get To Know An HVAC Contractor You Can Trust

Now that you have this AC maintenance checklist to use as a guide in evaluating the tasks that need to be completed, how do you go about selecting the most qualified company to complete them? You might think that the general contractor or mechanical contractor who installed your HVAC system is the best person to hire to keep it in good working condition. This is not necessarily true.

Many installers are adamant about not getting involved in maintenance and will not even bring it up as a topic of conversation. Once the big job of installation is completed, they want to move on to the next customer without being distracted by the hassles of small maintenance tasks, which is where a solid HVAC company like Air Check Mechanical Service comes in. It is possible that they are not even qualified to maintain your system.

When selecting an AC maintenance provider, it’s important to take into account the company’s reputation as well as the specifics of the AC maintenance contract rather than solely focusing on price. Companies that underbid in order to win your business are more likely to cut corners on service and only perform the bare minimum to keep the system running until the end of the contract, leaving out many of the critical tasks on our AC maintenance checklist.

Turn to a professional HVAC contractor who specializes in service to keep your system in top condition and save money in the long run. As seasoned maintenance professionals, their goal is to collaborate with you to ensure that your equipment continues to operate at peak performance for many years to come. You will receive reasonable pricing, as well as the services of trained and certified professionals who will take good care of your equipment, diagnose problems, and perform dependable repairs.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-repair/spring-ac-maintenance-and-ac-service-contracts/

In the event that you’re considering the installation of a new air conditioning system, you’ve most likely come across a slew of rating acronyms on sales literature. Those abbreviations are all about the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, and they can be used to compare the efficiency of different air conditioner models. These ratings are extremely important because your HVAC system can account for as much as 50% of the total energy consumed in your home or commercial space.

It’s just that the equipment manufacturers don’t make it all that easy to figure out how to interpret those numbers, which is frustrating. To help you understand the various air conditioning energy efficiency ratings, what they mean, and what numbers to look for, here’s a primer on the subject.
You should be aware of the energy efficiency ratings for air conditioning.
SEER is an abbreviation for Seer (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Energy efficiency rating (SEER) is a measure of the energy efficiency of cooling equipment that is calculated based on a seasonal average rather than specific laboratory conditions. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is the ratio of cooling output in British Thermal Units (BTU) divided by electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This number provides you with the most accurate assessment of the unit’s efficiency over the course of the year, as determined by the manufacturer. Generally speaking, a higher SEER rating indicates that the unit is more energy efficient.

The Department of Energy requires that all new air conditioning systems installed in northern states have a minimum efficiency rating of 13 according to federal regulations. In order to be installed in the warmer southern states, new systems installed since January 2015 must have a minimum rating of 14. The most energy-efficient central air conditioning systems available today have SEER ratings ranging from 20 to 28. Heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems are capable of achieving ratings of 30 or higher in some cases.

How much money can you save by upgrading to a more energy-efficient vehicle? By upgrading from a SEER 10 to a SEER 13 air conditioner, you can save up to 30% on your energy consumption.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), every dollar invested in energy efficiency can yield a return on investment of two to three times the amount invested. In the case of equipment that is more than ten years old, upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment can pay for itself in a surprisingly short period of time. It’s possible that your older model is only rated 5 to 10. Using a newer cooling system with a SEER rating of 16 instead of an older unit with a rating of 8 saves half the money on operating costs (Energy Efficiency Ratio)

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) of an air conditioner is a measurement of the cooling output in BTUs divided by the amount of electricity consumed in kilowatts. EER ratings are calculated under specific test conditions that represent peak load during the season’s highest temperatures, as opposed to the SEER rating, which is based on a seasonal average. A higher number indicates a system that is more energy efficient.

When it comes to high-efficiency operation during the hottest months of the year, look for an EER rating greater than 11.6 and up to 16.2. Temperature ratings for heat pumps can reach as high as 19.

Energy efficiency ratings for air conditioners are similar to those for automobiles in terms of miles per gallon (MPG). Using this analogy, you can think of the SEER rating as being equivalent to the MPG for city driving, and the EER rating as being equivalent to the MPG for highway driving It is critical to examine both in order to obtain an accurate picture of the unit’s performance under various operating conditions.

Always remember that a unit with a high SEER rating will not necessarily have a high EER rating, and the opposite is true as well.
HSPF is an abbreviation for High School Physical Fitness and Fitness (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

The heat pump system efficiency factor (HSPF) is a measure of the efficiency of a heat pump system that provides both heat and air conditioning. Air source heat pumps have the ability to cycle in both directions, allowing them to be used to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. The cooling efficiency of the unit is measured using the SEER and EER ratings, while the heating efficiency is measured using the HSPF rating.

When expressed in kilowatt-hours, the heat pump system’s heat transfer efficiency (HSPF) is the ratio of the total space heating required during the heating season in BTU divided by the total electricity used by the heat pump system during the heating season. A higher HSPF number, like the SEER and EER numbers, indicates a more energy-efficient unit. Heat pumps with high heat transfer efficiency (HSPF) ratings of at least 8 and up to 13 are available today.
Maintaining your new system is essential to ensuring that it continues to operate efficiently.

Maintaining your air conditioner on a regular basis is the simplest and most effective way to save money on its energy consumption and thus save money.

Clogged air filters, dirty vents, condensers that have accumulated grime, and worn parts all cause your system to work harder in order to produce the same cooling results, resulting in your system using more energy as a result of the increased workload. At the very least, have your system inspected, cleaned, and serviced twice per year. Not only will you save on energy costs, but you will also avoid equipment breakdowns, which can result in even greater savings.

Set up a preventative maintenance contract with a reputable air conditioning service company like Air Check Mechanical Service to get the best rates on maintenance and to ensure that you don’t forget to do it.

It’s important to shop around because not all maintenance contracts are created equal. The right provider will be able to tailor a contract to meet the specific needs of your company and its equipment.

via Air Check Mechanical Service - https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-installation/air-conditioning-systems-and-efficiency-ratings/