Press Releases Archive - Page 13 of 28

Heat Pumps 101: What to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pump Repair and Replacement

Heat pumps are an important component of a functioning HVAC system. They manage heating and cooling and consume more than half of a home's energy consumption, per the U.S. Department of Energy. So, it's natural to question these systems and how they operate.

Some commonly-asked inquiries include:

What's a Heat Pump?

There are four main types of heat pumps, and they include:

Ducted air-source pumps. These rely on air ducts throughout the home to channel conditioned air from one zone to the next.
Ductless air-source heat pumps. As the name suggests, these units do not require ducts.
Geothermal heat pumps. These units transfer heat from the home to the ground or a nearby water source.
Absorption heat pumps. These units rely on heat or thermal energy to operate. They're fairly large, making them uncommon for most domiciles.

All of these units do the same thing at their core: take the cool air from outside, heat it up, then funnel it indoors. They can also do the opposite, generating cool air from hot air. These are a convenient, cheaper alternative to centralized heating systems for many homeowners.

Many heat pumps (namely, those procured by EnergyStar) are eligible for tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislature makes installing energy-efficient appliances affordable for various households based on their earnings.

What Are Some Heat Pump Benefits?

There are many benefits to having a heat pump, including:

They're energy efficient. New heat pumps on today's market are amazing at giving homeowners the most bang for their buck. That's why the U.S. Government has included them in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, hoping to reduce the nation's carbon footprint over the next few decades.
They offer "zoning" features. Heat pumps control certain "zones" in the home, giving homeowners more control over their residences' indoor air quality and temperature. These appliances are versatile, allowing for installation regardless of air duct infrastructure.
They lower homeowners' energy bills. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average Alabama homeowner spends about $150 a month on utility bills. One could spend well below the state average with an energy-efficient heat pump.

When Does a Heat Pump Need Servicing?

A heat pump system may need a professional's attention if:

The home never gets to the desired temperature
The heat pump leaks
The home's energy bills are more expensive than usual
There's weak airflow coming from the appliance
The heat pump turns on, then quickly shuts off
A homeowner smells something burning
Ice builds up on the inside or outside of the unit
The system itself is more than 10 years old

As a good rule of thumb, a homeowner should schedule a heating maintenance visit every year. This way, a professional can service the system and ensure that it doesn't incur any unexpected problems.

About Chad's AC Direct

At Chad's AC Direct, they're direct. When they get a call, they go directly to the client's home, ready to repair, replace, or install HVAC systems. They also offer straightforward advice, honest estimates, and dedication that comes with years of service. Residents in and around Montgomery, AL can call now.

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Are Those Goosebumps, or Is Your Heater Just Broken?

Does Your Home Need Heater Repair Services?

A good old-fashioned scary movie in time for Halloween may give homeowners goosebumps and send chills down their spine, but that should be the only thing giving them shivers this Halloween. A broken heater shouldn’t be one of them, especially as we enter the fall and winter seasons. If the cold is invading the home, and one is wondering if the heater is still up for another brutal winter or if it’s time to call in professional heater repair, then here are some signs to look out for to make this crucial decision.

Your Home Doesn’t Get Warm Enough

Most heaters are designed to work with a thermostat, allowing homeowners to set the temperature to which they would like their homes to be heated. When that temperature is reached, the heater can shut off automatically to keep the space warm without overheating it. There are some instances, however, when homeowners notice that their heaters have been running for a while, yet their homes don’t seem to be getting any warmer. The heaters continue under the strain of reaching a set temperature and not making any progress.

This is certainly a sign of a heating system that is broken and in need of professional heating repair. Heaters that aren’t heating their assigned spaces and are allowed to keep running for long periods are subject to additional stress that could exacerbate the problem it is already experiencing. This is why getting a broken heater repaired as soon as possible is important so that the problem doesn’t worsen.

Odd Noises

Any machine, appliance, or equipment, whether for residential or commercial use, hums along to its own mechanical or electrical sound, and heaters are no exception. Homeowners know these sounds instinctively and are often alerted to problems with their appliances because of subtle yet recognizable changes in their sound. These “problem” sounds often present themselves as clanging, rumbling, and even clicking noises, each specific to a problem it is experiencing. A clanging sound, for example, usually indicates a problem with the fan belt, while a rumbling noise could be a sign of an overheating boiler. Clicking noises, if heard on a natural gas heater, could indicate a more serious problem involving the heat exchanger. In this instance, it would be wise to call a professional to conduct immediate heating system repair to nip the problem in the bud.

Higher Than Normal Energy Bills

Most common signs that a heater is broken often occur in real-time. They are the noises one hears, the lack of warmth they feel - all happening at the present moment. One indicator, however, presents itself as a delayed symptom of a heating problem, and it comes in the form of a surging energy bill.

Heaters under the stress of a heating problem tend to use up more energy than they are intended to and subsequently lose their efficiency, resulting in a higher energy bill than normal. Taken with other signs of a problematic heater, high energy bills should be enough to prompt homeowners to schedule immediate heating repair.

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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Get a Headstart on Heater System Maintenance

Gray metal furnace system with visible control panel and white piping in an industrial HVAC setting.

Early Maintenance Is Ideal Before Winter Starts

Winter is fast approaching for the residents of Montgomery, Alabama. Soon, temperatures will dip into the 40s, and everyone will rely on the heater to keep them warm. However, more often than not, when a homeowner turns on the heater for the first time in months, they encounter a problem. And good luck trying to get a heater repair service when it’s freezing outside.

That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to schedule heater maintenance visits sooner rather than later. With early scheduling, they have more options when selecting a time and date for service. They can also ensure that the heater works when they need it most.

Heating Tune-Ups Promote Energy Efficiency

The Office of Renewable Energy notes that half of a home’s energy goes into its heating and cooling operations. So, homeowners want to ensure they get the most for their energy and money. By having a professional inspect the heater, one can rest assured that they’re using energy wisely.

Other benefits of regularly maintaining the heating system include:

Frozen pipe prevention. Keeping the home warm isn’t just about being comfortable; it’s about ensuring the pipes inside don’t freeze. Without a working heater, pipes could freeze and burst, leading to drywall damage and mold growth.
Maintaining indoor humidity. A home needs a little bit of humidity indoors to keep residents comfortable. A working heater does just that, ensuring the air doesn’t feel too dry.
Fewer breakdowns. Nobody wants to deal with a heating problem when it’s too cold to move. By getting an inspection, one can learn about issues beforehand, giving them more options.

What Heater Maintenance Entails

A heating service specialist will rely on their training and years of experience when inspecting a heater. More specifically, depending on the heater’s make and model, they will:

Clean the condenser and evaporator coil
Lubricating any motors or moving parts
Verifying the reading on the thermostat is correct
Seal any air duct punctures
Checking the blower for any obstructions

A technician may also replace the HVAC system’s air filter if it’s too dirty. EnergyStar notes that by changing these filters once every three months, homeowners can prevent overheating and maximize their heater’s efficiency.

The Best Time to Schedule an Appointment Is Now

Why is now the best time to schedule a heating maintenance visit? Well, with prompt scheduling, homeowners:

Have more options when choosing a time and date for service
Don’t have to wait weeks to get an appointment
Stop underlying heating problems in their tracks
Get servicing for other house-related matters, such as air duct cleaning
Can prevent frozen pipes
Prevent electrical fires and other hazards that come from overheating

Many heating services offer online scheduling where homeowners can make an appointment and request service. They could also call and speak with a live professional who can answer questions and provide further insight into a problem.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Looking for a reliable heating maintenance service in Montgomery, Alabama? Look no further than Chad’s AC Direct. These professionals offer heating maintenance inspections to homeowners looking to stay warm this coming winter.

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How To Make Air Conditioning Last Longer

Air conditioning unit with visible coils and nearby tools in an outdoor setting for HVAC maintenance by Chad's AC Direct.

Dangerous Temperatures

It is not abnormal for Alabama to reach the mid-90s during summertime. Although it's a common occurrence, this doesn't make it safe. Without proper air conditioning, an entire household can suffer from heat exhaustion, dehydration, headaches, and more. To keep the AC unit lasting throughout the hottest months of the year, homeowners should first check the evaporator coils.

What Is an Evaporator Coil?

An evaporator coil is essential for central AC. Its main purpose is to absorb heat from the indoors. An air conditioning system will not provide enough cool air to sustain the desired temperature without a clean, well-maintained evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil is typically found on the side of the furnace or inside the air handler. It works with the condenser coils to exchange heat. An evaporator coil removes hot air using refrigerant to absorb the heat rather than pumping cold air into the home.

Frosty Coils

The air conditioning system can completely shut down if the evaporator is dirty. This happens when dirt creates condensation on the coils. A frozen evaporator coil will prevent the heat exchange process so that even if the air conditioner is blowing air, it is no longer energy efficient. This leads to longer cycles and unnecessary wear and tear.

Signs of a dirty coil can be felt as well as seen. If homeowners notice the AC is running but not producing enough cool air, this is likely due to an issue with the blower fan caused by the AC evaporator coils.

Annual AC maintenance is recommended for all homeowners. A thorough air conditioning inspection will identify any problems with the AC coils, blower fan, or refrigerant.

Long Lasting AC

A central AC unit typically lasts 10-15 years. Although it may still blow cool air once the unit reaches 15, this does not mean it's working properly. Homeowners are encouraged to maintain the evaporator coils, so there is enough cool air to keep the overall system affordable and effective.

AC systems can be expensive to replace, especially if the home is a house; the larger the building, the more air conditioning is needed. Cleaning the unit is key to keeping air conditioners lasting for as long as possible.

The AC coils must be handled with care. A trained professional has the proper tools to prevent coil damage. Cleaning methods may vary depending on how dirty the coils are and the type of debris affecting them.

Dirty evaporator coils are known to cause microbial growth. When this is circulated throughout the air conditioner, indoor air quality is contaminated. This negatively impacts both the unit and the household due to the buildup of bacteria.

An evaporator coil cleaning takes less than an hour to complete, but most people choose to have the entire system inspected. Typical AC maintenance includes changing the air filters, cleaning both coils, lubricating specific components, and checking electrical wiring.

Homeowners are advised to have an evaporator coil cleaned at least once yearly. This prevents the unit from working overtime due to refrigerant leaks or built-up debris. It can also save hundreds of dollars on needlessly high energy bills.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is the AC service company Montgomery, AL homeowners trust. Their expert technicians are licensed and insured, with upfront pricing and personalized solutions. Call today to learn more about their $25 off coupon or to schedule AC service!

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Take a Breath of Fresh Air for National Wellness Month

Woman relaxing on a couch in a serene indoor setting with green plants, showcasing the comfort of home.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality

During August, people celebrate National Wellness Month. National Wellness Month is a great time to start new habits promoting health and wellbeing every year. While most people focus on managing stress and taking a relaxing day off, there is a chance that those things could do more harm than good.

For those who own aquariums, water quality is one of the chief concerns for keeping the fish alive. Why does no one pay the same attention to the air quality in their homes? With a population that spends more time indoors, the implications of poor indoor air quality can be serious, especially considering that indoor air is many times more polluted than outdoor air. This month, take some advice from those who know. Here is a quick guide to better indoor air quality from local experts who want to see people thrive in healthier air.

Health Implications of Low-Quality Air

Most people focus on what goes into their stomachs regarding health and well-being. Unfortunately, this means they completely forget about what is going into their lungs. In the wake of a global respiratory pandemic, people should not be so forgetful of their lung health. Some of the complications that arise from constantly being exposed to low-quality air are:

Allergies
Asthma
COPD complications
Headaches
Dizziness
Sore throat and nose
Sinus problems

While these symptoms can conspire to make life miserable, there is hope!

AC Maintenance and Air Filter Changes

Every air conditioner, whether a ductless mini split or a central AC system, needs a series of air filters that must be maintained. The first step in cleaning up the home's air is to ensure filters are replaced or cleaned at least every three months. Air filters can be changed more often for those who continue to suffer ill effects. This can empower homeowners to take control of their health.

Regular air filter changes can go a long way towards easing the effects of low indoor air quality, but they aren't the only thing. AC maintenance is the next step in ensuring that the air stays clean. Allowing professional AC maintenance technicians to look at the air conditioner annually ensures the AC keeps pumping cool, clean air.

Air Purifiers and UV Sanitizers

In many cases, people in a home need air to be cleaner than what high-quality filters can offer. Luckily, there are still two great options for cleaning up the air. For those with allergies, the best option is air purifiers. Air purifiers can be portable units, or they can be installed with HVAC equipment. They are essentially very high-quality filters that remove even the smallest pollutants.

For those who suffer from general respiratory problems aggravated by dust, UV sanitizers are the best choice. These devices are installed within HVAC equipment, and they constantly pump ions into the air that kill pathogens and cause dust to clump together and fall out of the air. By adding one of these two systems to an HVAC system, owners can get hospital-quality air.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct can handle any air quality issues in a home. With written estimates, owners can be confident in the service and pricing they receive. Call today for residential or commercial HVAC service in Montgomery, AL.