Tag: heating

Avoid Heating Problems: Schedule Heater Maintenance Now

Person replacing a dirty air filter in a heating system, emphasizing HVAC maintenance for improved home comfort.

There Are Many Reasons To Keep a Heater Maintained

In most homes, heaters are more than just a luxury. They are necessary to help maintain comfortable temperatures and protect pipes and other parts of the home from freezing temperatures. Heating maintenance helps prepare the system for the coldest days and nights. This proactive approach will improve energy efficiency and help catch a small issue before it becomes a total system breakdown. 

Annual Heater Maintenance Pays Off

save money Comparing the costs of expensive repairs to the cost of an annual heating system maintenance appointment makes the best choice very clear. There are some substantial benefits to investing in that annual maintenance. Here are a few of them: 

  • Optimize performance and efficiency
  • Prolong the overall lifespan of the system
  • Detect potential problems early on
  • Clean the system for efficiency
  • Ensure peace of mind from common hazards

When the numbers are compared, it is clear that investing in heater maintenance will save money in the long run. It improves efficiency and utility bill expenses and helps protect against unwanted disruptions and costly repair issues. 

A Peek at an Annual Heater Maintenance Routine

heater So, what happens when a professional enters the home to do heating maintenance? Every company is going to have its unique processes, but most companies cover all the same basics at a heating maintenance call. 

This is what to expect at a minimum: 

  • Inspection of the system and all components
  • Cleaning of critical parts and elements of the unit
  • Air filter replacement
  • Testing safety elements and sensors
  • Checking the thermostat and calibrating if necessary
  • Making minor repairs as noted

Heater maintenance often includes an air filter replacement, but homeowners should also practice proper furnace filter replacement outside heater maintenance. The industry recommendation is to change air filters every 1-3 months throughout the year. 

How Often Should Heating Maintenance Be Completed? 

Ideally, homeowners should schedule annual heating system maintenance. Those who want to be very proactive might consider bi-annual services—each for heating and cooling seasons. At a minimum, annual professional maintenance is recommended. This will keep up with minor tasks, ensure the system functions optimally, and prepare the unit to work well in the coldest months of the year. 

A proactive approach often helps reduce or prevent breakdowns so homes don’t have to be stuck without heat from a system failure. Don’t forget to change the air filters regularly throughout the year. Remember that 1-3 months is the recommended lifespan of air filters. For homes with pets or heavy dust, it is recommended to change them monthly. 

Cold weather is a normal part of winter, but heating issues don’t have to accompany the cold weather. Instead, schedule heating maintenance and keep the home comfortable all season long. 

About Mid Florida A/C

Mid Florida A/C is one of the highest-rated HVAC companies in the area. They care deeply about every customer and strive to always provide exceptional service, no matter your needs. Contact them today for heater maintenance service in DeBary, FL. 

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Common Signs of a Heating System in Need of Repair

How to Tell if It May Be Time for Heater Repair

No one wants to be caught with a problematic heater when they need heating the most, so it’s important to call for heater repair when noticing an issue and get it fixed before it stops working completely. 

However, the caveat is that homeowners don’t always know that there is a problem right away, but there are signs they can keep in mind that indicate they should call for service. This article will discuss warning signs that the heating system isn’t working correctly and may need repair.  

Check Your Energy Bill

bills Have recent energy bills been on the rise when a household’s energy usage hasn’t seemed to change enough to warrant an explanation for the sudden surge? A spike in the utility bill could indicate that the heater has become problematic and needs repair. When a heating system is working correctly, it should be efficient.

If there is a problem with the heater, it’s gotten too old or isn’t well maintained, heating systems can lose efficiency and cost more to run. The best way to get the heater back to its former energy-efficient self and avoid paying extra for high heating bills is to get it checked by a professional who can determine the cause of inefficiency and the best solution, like repair, maintenance, or replacement. 

Something Doesn’t Smell or Sound Right

bad smellAnother way to tell if the heater needs heating repair is to pay attention to any unusual smells or sounds. Burning smells can signify the unit is overheating, and musty odors could signify the presence of mold growth in the system. So if strange smells are noticed, the system should be looked at as soon as possible.

Strange noises can also tip homeowners off to a potential problem with their heating system. Most homeowners are familiar with what their heating system sounds like when it is running optimally, so any new sounds that aren’t familiar can show a problem with the heater that should be addressed, such as banging, rumbling, whistling, or squealing. 

Not Enough Heat or Uneven Heating

Homeowners who are shivering indoors despite having the heater on should take this as the most obvious hint that their system is not working properly and needs repair. But heating issues that point to a problem aren’t just when there is a lack of heating. Heating issues could also present themselves as poor airflow or uneven heating that makes some areas of the home comfortable while others have cold spots. 

Like other signs, there are many possible causes of these heating issues, so a professional should be called to inspect the system, figure out the problem, and determine the best solution to restore comfort to the home. If homeowners notice any signs of a faulty heater, they should have it serviced immediately.

About Mid Florida A/C

Mid Florida A/C is a family-owned and operated company serving Melbourne, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1980. They provide personalized service, extended warranties, and prompt arrival in a fully-stocked vehicle. Call them today for heater repair services in Melbourne, FL.  

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Three Benefits of Installing a Ductless Heating and Cooling Unit

What’s a Ductless Mini-Split System? 

A ductless mini-split system offers individualized climate control over certain “zones” rather than regulating an entire home’s temperature. They differ from most central AC and heating systems because they don’t rely on ductwork. Mini-split systems are ideal for many households looking to stay cool this summer. They offer many benefits, such as: 

Lower Energy Bills, More Savings 

billPer the U.S. Department of Energy, a lot of energy loss occurs in a home’s ductwork which can account for over 30 percent of the energy usage used for the AC. This means ductless mini-split systems can help homeowners significantly with their energy bills because they don’t require air ducts, preventing the energy loss and costs associated with them.  

Additionally, because they don’t have air ducts, ductless mini splits also don’t have to deal with inefficiencies and higher energy bills due to problems in the ductwork, such as air leaks and blockages that affect airflow. While installing a ductless AC may cost more upfront, it can save homeowners money over time.  

No-Hassle Installation 

acInstalling ductwork in a house can turn into a daunting task. The contractor may have to remove parts of the ceiling and baseboards to get the job done, which can inconvenience homeowners. Thankfully, installation is easier with ductless mini-splits. That’s because, as the name suggests, they don’t need ductwork, so installation is not only easier but much less invasive to the home.  

They’re also beneficial compared to central AC systems because: 

  • They can fit into small spaces that don’t have room for ductwork, giving homeowners more options when choosing the units’ location. 
  • These units come in different designs, offering more flexibility. Many also allow for future add-ons if a homeowner wants to expand the AC’s reach. 

Improve Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

When it comes to feeling comfortable in their homes, homeowners want every area to be just right. However, achieving that ideal temperature throughout the house can be challenging, especially when some rooms get more sun exposure or have different insulation. That's where mini-split systems come in. These units allow homeowners to customize temperatures in different areas of the home, which means no more fighting over the thermostat or dealing with hot or cold spots. 

Additionally, using a ductless system can improve indoor air quality. Traditional ductwork can harbor allergens and other pollutants that circulate throughout the home. Mini-splits offer a solution as they don't require ducts, making them an excellent choice for those with allergies or who just want cleaner air in their homes. With improved comfort and better air quality, it's no wonder these units are gaining popularity among homeowners.

About Mid Florida A/C 

Mid-Florida A/C is a family-owned and operated business serving DeBary, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1980. They provide personalized service, extended warranties, and prompt arrival. Call them today for ductless mini split AC installation in DeBary, FL.

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Essential Heating And Air Conditioning Tips For The New Year

HVAC Tips For a New Year

It is hard to believe that 2019 is quickly coming to an end. With the start of a new year comes the excitement and anticipation of a new start. As technology continues to improve each year, it is understandable that many new ways of doing things will come to the surface.

DeBary HVAC professionals are excited to share some of the new HVAC tips relating to sun protection, ventilation, and the HVAC drainage hole. These tips will ensure that your HVAC runs smoothly for years to come.

Protect Outdoor Elements from The Sun

sun protectionThe sun can provide a lot of positive effects on everyone's overall health and mental wellbeing. However, too much sun on your HVAC can have a negative effect. Direct sunlight on the unit will heat up the enclosure of the air conditioner to higher levels than you would want, and because of this, you may need extra sun protection.

The constant pounding of the UV rays can also crack the plastic and rubber molecules in washers, hoses, and brackets. Since the unit is dealing with the heat from outside, it has to work even harder to keep the inside cool. This can lead to the wear and tear of your unit as well as an unexpected increase in your utility bill.

Covering the unit with a type of shade would help to keep the unit cool. It is crucial that you leave enough room around the air conditioner to allow for ventilation. It would also be helpful if you were able to place the unit somewhere where the sun doesn’t beat down on it all day.

Ensure Clear Circulation

People believe that closing vents can help save money. However, this is not an efficient way to manage airflow. The HVAC system is designed to release a certain amount of air throughout the house based on the square footage. That amount of air is going to blow whether you open or close vents.

clear vent circulation

If too many vents are closed, the air pressure will build up in the ductwork. As a result, your HVAC system has to work much harder than it should. Vents should remain open and free from obstruction at all times.

Open vents provide the optimum airflow that will create the highest possible energy efficiency. It is ok to direct the vents in a certain direction to send air in a certain direction, but you will get no benefit from closing them up.

Check The HVAC Drainage

hvac drainage holeThe importance of a clean drain hole cannot be overstated. It is vital that you keep dirt, debris, and mold from forming in the drain, leading to a clog. If you do happen to run into a clog, there are a few things that you can do to unclog the drain. Begin by removing any moisture that you see with a shop vacuum.

If you don’t have a shop vacuum, rags can be used to soak in the water. Most clogged drains can be cleared with suction. Using a shop vacuum, allow the vacuum to be placed around the drain opening and see if anything gets sucked out of there.

Identify the access point on the drain line and remove the cover. Flush this port with distilled vinegar or peroxide. Hot water with a drop of dish liquid could also be used. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, flush the pipe with water. Surgical tubing can be used to try to free the drainage hole of any clog.

About Mid Florida A/C

Opened since 1980, Mid Florida A/C has been serving the DeBary community proudly with full-service attention with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that has a full range of heating and air conditioning solutions. Customer satisfaction is always the top goal.

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