Chad's AC Direct Archives - Page 11 of 28

How To Tell If It's Time for an AC Replacement

Is It Time for an Air Conditioning Replacement?

Air conditioners are the undisputed star of the home during the warmer season, and during this long stretch of hot days and nights, nothing is as important as keeping the AC blasting cool air around the clock. But what happens if it comes dangerously close to conking out? When is it appropriate to keep fixing the problems as they come, and when is it time to throw in the towel and consider a new air conditioner installation?

It’s Never Cool Enough Inside the House

If there’s a sign more telling than others that an air conditioner is either in need of repair or on the brink of needing a replacement, then it has to be its inability to cool a house sufficiently. Air conditioners, after all, are designed to do precisely that. If they can no longer function to lower temperatures to desired levels, then it certainly is time to consider going for either an AC repair or a new AC installation.

It’s not difficult to tell when air conditioner repair is needed either. One clue is observing the weakness of airflow coming out of the vents and registers. Another is its actual temperature. An AC struggling to cool the room will likely blow warm air out of the vents. Air conditioners in need of repair will likely also be running for longer periods without making a dent in the temperature displayed by the thermostat, indicating that a problem must be preventing it from bringing down the temperature to the desired setting.

Energy Bills Have Begun To Creep Up

A simple glance at your current energy bill should show whether there’s something wrong with the air conditioner. If the total bill is larger than your average monthly consumption, then this is likely an indicator that air conditioning repair is necessary to fix whatever issue is causing the AC to consume that much energy.

It could be something as simple as dirty air filters or more complex, such as a leak or defect in any of the AC’s major components. Whatever the reason, it could cause the air conditioner to compensate for the problem, run longer than it normally does, and ultimately cause the energy bill to shoot up.

Something Doesn’t Smell Or Sound Right

Another observable sign of AC trouble is unusual sounds or smells from the HVAC’s vents. Most homeowners are attuned to what their HVACs sound like when running normally, so any noises that are out of the ordinary, such as loud banging, clanging, rattling, or whooshing, should be a cause for concern. They could indicate problems that range from loose parts or screws to clogs in the ductwork that could be preventing the proper flow of air.

Strange smells can also be a harbinger of trouble. Musty odors, for example, could be a strong indicator of mold or mildew growth that a homeowner would want to resolve, as mold can cause respiratory issues. On the other hand, a burnt smell is a big red flag and is likely caused by electrical problems. In this case, homeowners must contact their technicians immediately to rule out the possibility of starting an electrical or house fire. Either way, the problem could be severe enough to warrant retiring the old AC and moving for a new air conditioning installation.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.

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Spring AC Maintenance Is The Best Way To Prepare for Summer

How Can Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance Benefit You? Let Us Count The Ways!

Spring is definitely on its way, and while most are pulling up their sleeves and getting ready to work on their gardens, going out for hikes and picnics, and doing the spring cleaning, there’s one other thing that might be worth adding to the list of spring activities: air conditioner maintenance.

One can argue that summer is still a ways away, but spring is the best time to prepare for the heat that summer inevitably brings by getting the air conditioner prepped and ready. Doing this in spring gives homeowners ample time to fix problems that arise so that home cooling goes off without a hitch. But even if AC maintenance isn’t done in the spring, it still benefits homeowners.

Higher Energy Efficiency Equals More Savings

Peak energy efficiency is one of the most important goals of maintaining any equipment. This means that it will only use as much energy as needed to operate and no more. Energy use can spiral out of control when the machine is dirty, broken, or experiencing some sort of malfunction that causes it to compensate for the defect and consume more energy than it should.

AC maintenance avoids unnecessary energy consumption by ensuring that air is flowing properly, no leaks or blockages, air filters, and intakes are clean, the motor is running, joints and connections are sealed tightly, and enough refrigerant to keep the AC cooling correctly. If all these items are checked off completely, ACs should be as energy efficient as possible and help homeowners save money on their monthly energy bills.

Avoids Frequent Breakdowns and Lessens the Occurrence of AC Repair

AC maintenance is also crucial in keeping the frequency of breakdowns low to nonexistent. Completing maintenance checks regularly helps homeowners catch problems before they escalate into bigger issues that will require extensive air conditioning repair, higher costs, and, in some cases, might even lead to outright AC replacement.

Improves AC Life Expectancy

With an expected lifespan of about 10-15 years, air conditioners are pretty heavy duty and don’t just quit that easily and unexpectedly, so homeowners don’t need air conditioner replacement until about that time, especially since the cost of HVAC systems is no laughing matter. At about $5,000 to $12,500 per new installation, air conditioning replacement can quickly become expensive, so it’s no wonder that homeowners would want to stay away from it before this time.

However, homeowners who opt to invest in regular AC maintenance will find that their 10-15-year life expectancy is much longer. Well-maintained AC systems can stretch for up to 30 years. The savings that can be had from delaying the need for AC replacement alone are reason enough to maintain the AC every year for years to come.

About Chad’s AC Direct

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Signs That Heater Repairs Are Needed Soon

A gloved hand uses a wrench on HVAC mechanical components in an industrial setting.

When to Call for Professional Heater Repairs

Plenty of cold weather is still ahead, which means the heater's work isn't done for the season. During the cooler months, the heater works hard to keep the home warm and safe, but hard work can take a toll on a heater and make problems more likely. Before a heater quits completely, it will usually display signs of suffering. If a homeowner is attentive and knows what to look out for, they can call for repairs before the heater stops. Here are the top three signs that the heater is struggling.

Energy Bills Keep Going Up

Every homeowner should be tracking all of their utility bills. Each month, the bills have to be paid, so why not take an extra second and use an app or spreadsheet to keep track of usage and the total cost of bills? Regarding tracking bills, the total cost isn't the most important number. Instead, people should be looking at the usage.

Utility costs tend to fluctuate, hiding one of the biggest signs that a heater needs repairs. Spikes in energy prices tend to occur during the colder season, and at first glance, they can make it seem like the heater may be using more gas or power to heat the home. In reality, the utility price has just gone up. By tracking the usage month to month, homeowners have an easy way to spot spikes in usage.

When the usage spikes, it is likely an indicator of a problem with the thermostat or the burner. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the heater to run longer, wasting more power, while a bad burner can waste gas due to inefficiencies. Spotting the problem quickly and calling an expert can save lots of money during the remainder of the heating season.

New Sounds and Smells are Apparent

The senses of sound and smell are important tools in every homeowner's toolbox. Often, a vague sense that something is wrong is the brain picking up on something unusual, like an unusual scent or sound. This can be especially helpful when finding problems with the heater.

Serious problems with the heater can be heard and smelled like:

Burning smells
Electrical odors
Gas smells
Grinding noises
Thumping
Hissing
Squealing

A professional should be called to investigate if any of these are noticed.

Poor Heater Performance

The final sign that heating repairs are needed is poor performance. During the heating season, it is common for people to blame a perceived lack of performance on particularly cold weather, but that is usually a bad assumption. Heaters should heat the home evenly when everything is operating properly. Hot and cold spots can form around the home when heater repairs are needed, indicating inefficiencies or poor airflow. If the home feels less comfortable on colder days or seems uncomfortable for long periods, heater repairs are probably necessary.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct provides written estimates for residential and commercial heater repairs. Their experts are always available, and they leave their job sites clean when they leave. Call today for heater repairs in Montgomery, AL.

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Everything You Need To Know About Duct Cleaning

Young man performing HVAC maintenance with red hose at Chad's AC Direct in Montgomery, AL.

What Is Ductwork Cleaning All About?

A home's HVAC system is one of its most important components, and as such, it requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly and provide comfort to all who live there. But the HVAC system doesn't stand alone; it is connected to a system of air ducts that allow the cooled or heated air to be evenly distributed around the home. Suffice it to say that HVAC maintenance won't be complete if ductwork cleaning is left out of the equation.

Because a home's ductwork is hidden inside the walls, ceilings, and floors, it is not easily accessible to homeowners. This is why it is important to hire professional duct cleaning services to complete this task, as they not only have the skills and expertise to do a thorough job, but they also have the special tools necessary to complete the task, which often involves cleaning the supply and return ducts and registers, as well as system coils, diffusers, and grills. They will also vacuum, dust, wipe, and drain the different components of the air ducts, such as the condensate drain pan, fan motor, and cabinetry that houses the system.

Benefits Of Duct Cleaning Services

Homeowners who opt for duct cleaning services will be able to enjoy the following benefits:

Improved indoor air quality - Cleaning the air ducts will reduce the dust in the air, allowing people to breathe more easily indoors.
Reduce instances of allergy attacks - Cleaning the air ducts also reduces the presence of allergens that often trigger allergic reactions.
Decrease risk of respiratory illness - Viruses, germs, and other airborne microbes responsible for respiratory illnesses can be reduced with professional-grade duct cleaning.
Save money on electric bills - Cleaner air ducts also mean a more efficient flow of air around the home that is free from obstructions. Efficient airflow equates to more efficient heating and cooling, which in turn helps homeowners save money in energy consumption costs.

How To Tell If Your Ductwork Needs Cleaning

These are some of the most common issues that need to be addressed by scheduling air duct cleaning services:

Unusually visible dirt - A healthy amount of dust within the ductwork is within normal limits. The EPA has found that dust in the ductwork is not a cause for concern since most of the dust that gets inside it sticks to the ductwork and is not recirculated as indoor air at home. However, if there is an unusually thick layer of dust around the vents or if the vents seem to be emitting dust or debris, then it is necessary to have the dirty ducts cleaned.
Vermin infestation - The presence of mice or other vermin is never a good sign, whether it is inside the air duct or any other place within the home, so it is safe to say that a vermin infestation within the ductwork is reason enough to get the ducts a thorough, professional cleaning.
Mold growth - Visible mold growth is a big red flag anywhere in the home. If found in the ductwork, mold spores could spread and become airborne, creating a respiratory hazard for all who live there. It is imperative then that duct cleaning be conducted if mold is found there.

How To Maintain Clean Air Ducts

When it comes to keeping indoor air clean, ductwork cleaning is the big gun - something only brought out when out of options. Most of the time, simple maintenance and prevention tasks are all it takes to keep air ducts clean and indoor air quality at exceptional levels.

Simple activities that homeowners already do regularly, such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming to keep dust levels low, are already a big help. Keeping humidity levels low and leaving air supply vents open also go a long way in ductwork maintenance. It also helps to regularly change the furnace filter, as it traps dirt and dust particles to prevent them from getting into the HVAC system and, subsequently, the ductwork.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.

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This New Year, Make the Smart Choice - Go for a Smart Thermostat

Digital thermostat showing 78°F, hand adjusting settings, highlighting HVAC technology for home comfort by Chad's AC Direct.

Why a Smart Thermostat Is a Smart New Year Investment

Every new year, people automatically assess the past 365 days to look for areas of improvement. Everyone looks for aspects of their lives to make them better, stronger, or smarter. When it comes to the devices that help achieve those goals, anything “smart” enough to save time, effort, and money should cut the list of New Year’s resolutions.

A smart thermostat is one of these truly wise investments. They perform more sophisticated tasks than a programmable thermostat or the even simpler manual thermostat and also allow for greater flexibility and customizability when it comes to timing and temperature settings.

Understanding What Smart Thermostats Are All About

To understand how smart thermostats can have a huge advantage over programmable or manual thermostats, it pays to understand what they are and how they work. Essentially, a smart thermostat is a thermostat that can be connected via Wi-Fi to any internet-enabled device that can control it remotely. This means that it functions like a manual thermostat does - setting temperatures and giving the current temperature reading, but with more added features.

Because smart thermostats can be controlled by an app on a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or even a speaker, remote access is a welcome convenience. Homeowners don’t have to set or change the temperature physically. Instead, they can do it through their devices, wherever they are, even if they’re at work or out of town for a vacation.

Smart thermostats can collect information about how a particular household uses energy and their heating or cooling patterns and then suggest more energy-efficient operations based on the data collected. This ability to provide insight into how we are heating or cooling our homes creates better energy efficiency and lowers energy bills.

Reasons To Install a Smart Thermostat

Aside from the fact that smart thermostats increase energy efficiency while providing remote accessibility, there are a few other reasons why switching to them can benefit homeowners. For one thing, smart thermostat installation allows homeowners to automate some important tasks they would otherwise be doing manually, such as keeping track of service reminders, battery replacements, calibration, etc. Instead of trying to keep these schedules in mind and then finding out that the thermostat has suddenly run out of battery without warning, smart thermostats alert one beforehand of needing these services.

Smart thermostats also provide energy usage reports that give homeowners information about their energy consumption. This can come in the form of a chart or graph that can be viewed on the app, and the information it contains can help homeowners make smarter decisions about their temperature settings to save energy and money.

Is It Time To Replace Your Smart Thermostat?

While smart thermostats last an average of 10 years, thermostat replacement may be necessary even before that. The technology may become outdated in that period, or the thermostat itself may no longer be working as intended - giving incorrect temperature readings or refusing to set temperatures correctly.

While this can be avoided by regular maintenance such as calibration, software updates, and battery replacement, homeowners should still be on the lookout for warning signs that the existing unit is no longer functioning properly and that a new thermostat installation must be scheduled. If the malfunctioning thermostat is ignored and allowed to keep operating, then HVACs may be given incorrect information about temperature settings, which can wreak havoc not just on energy efficiency but on the integrity of the HVAC system as well.