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The Cost Of Not Maintaining Your HVAC System

An annual examination is normally suggested, however in areas where severe weather occurs, twice a year is not uncommon.

Troubleshooting Your Home Thermostat

If you’re having problems with your facility’s heating or cooling equipment, the first thing to check should be the thermostat. These devices control HVAC system operation and, if they fail, can make it look like there is something wrong with your heating or cooling equipment. Since thermostats are easily accessible and relatively inexpensive to replace, they should be among the first things to check if you have HVAC trouble. Keep the following tips in mind to determine if you need a home thermostat replacement.

Signs of a Failing Thermostat

You may be able to still get some service out of an old failing thermostat, but if the device doesn’t work properly, you should consider immediate thermostat replacement. Some signs of thermostat problems include:

• HVAC system won’t turn on: The most obvious sign of a bad thermostat is that the HVAC system in your building won’t turn on or respond to the thermostat. You should be able to turn on your heating or cooling system from the thermostat or change operation back and forth from heating to cooling. If you make changes to the thermostat and get no response whatsoever from your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump, it could mean the thermostat is bad.
• The thermostat doesn’t respond to changed settings: When you make temperature settings at your thermostat, it should almost immediately respond to those changes. In most cases, the thermostat will produce a small clicking sound when the changes are made, then the heating or cooling equipment will start. If this clicking sound doesn’t occur, or if the system doesn’t come on shortly after the changes are made, the thermostat may need replacing.
• HVAC system short cycles: Short-cycling occurs when your HVAC system shuts off too early and fails to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. This results in ineffective heating and cooling and means that your indoor environment will not be comfortable.
• Thermostat loses programmed settings: programmable thermostats are designed to maintain settings over a long period of time. If your thermostat keeps losing these settings, it could indicate a need for thermostat replacement.

Thermostat Troubleshooting

• Check the screen: Check the screen of the thermostat and make sure that it is lit. A blank or unlighted screen could indicate a thermostat failure.
• Check the batteries: Many modern thermostats rely on battery power to operate. If the screen is blank or unlighted, a battery change could solve the problem. Other thermostat malfunctions could also be the result of bad batteries. Change the batteries and recheck the function of your heating or cooling system.
• Check the settings: Changes in settings could be caused by weak batteries or a thermostat malfunction. Make sure that the thermostat is set to provide either heating or cooling, as needed, and that programmed set points are correct. Also, make certain that the temperature settings are appropriate for the season. If you have the settings too high in the summer, for example, the cooling system won’t come on and work as expected.
• Check circuit breakers: Check the circuit breakers to make sure they haven’t tripped. Look for breakers on the HVAC equipment and at the main breaker box. If they have tripped, reset the breakers and test your thermostat and HVAC system again.
• Check thermostat location: The location of your thermostat can affect how it functions. A thermostat in direct sunlight, for example, will sense warmer temperatures and will respond as if the indoor temperature is hotter than it actually is. Large holes or openings behind thermostats could also cause inaccurate temperature readings. Make sure the thermostat is mounted in a position where it isn’t too hot or too cold.
• Green Apple  Mechanical are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call today at 888-611-7191

Is Your HVAC System Due To Be Replaced?

Unfortunately, even the best things eventually come to an end.

Therefore, sooner or later, you will need to replace your HVAC system. An old, inefficient, and noisy HVAC unit may indicate that you need to replace it. An HVAC system is one of the major investments you’ll make in your home. With that in mind, it’s logical that you want to get the best out of it. However, regardless of timely ac maintenance and ac repairs, your HVAC system will still need to be replaced at one point.

Ideally, your unit will last anywhere between 10 and 15 years before ac repair costs start to creep in. Keep in mind that sometimes the age of your system and how long it has been working hard may necessitate a replacement. To continue enjoying good indoor air quality, ensure that you get timely ac repairs and maintenance. Below are some of the reasons why you should not wait to repair or replace your unit.

An old HVAC unit consumes more energy

Do you remember when your AC system was installed?

According to the Department of Energy, you should replace your HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. While most units are durable, most of their major components deteriorate after the first ten years, depending on how they’re used, repaired, and maintained. Receiving a high utility bill once or twice may not be a cause for alarm. But if you receive high bills that don’t come down, then your AC may be the culprit, and you might need to get a new system.

High repair costs

Because replacing an HVAC unit can be an expensive investment, you may be on the fence on whether to repair or replace your unit. However, if your system is old, a new unit may be a better investment. You will need air conditioning repair from time to time. But, if your unit needs repairs that are more than half the value of a new unit, it may be a good time to replace your old or worn-out air-conditioning system.

Inconsistent temperatures

If you have an old AC unit, it will work harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This may be caused by different reasons, including an inaccurate thermostat, a damaged thermostat, clogged filters, motor damage, or clogged filters.

Inconsistent indoor temperatures may mean that your HVAC system is struggling to supply warm or cool air throughout your home. Keeping such a unit will result in increased energy bills and uncomfortable indoor space. However, air conditioners aren’t created equal, and your home size, layout, and location can affect the performance of your unit.

Coolant leaks

In 2010, AC manufacturers stopped using R22 refrigerants because it’s harmful to the environment. By 2020 all manufacturers stopped manufacturing it. Therefore, if you have an HVAC unit that is more than ten years old, it most likely uses the R-22 refrigerant. This refrigerant is now outdated and very expensive to recharge. You should consider upgrading to a newer AC unit to reduce your carbon footprint and also cut down your monthly utility bills.

Accumulated dust inside your home

Have you recently noticed that your home is still dusty even after cleaning it? Where does this dust come from? If you see dust settling on your furniture a few minutes after cleaning your home, then your AC unit could have an issue. Although your air conditioning unit is designed to clean the air inside your home, your unit could actually be making your home dusty. Here are a few ways that you can solve this problem:

Clean or replace the air filter

To determine if your HVAC is causing your dusty home, first, check the air filter. HVAC filters should be inspected regularly and cleaned or replaced when dirty. In case you have a shedding pet or a dusty home, you should replace your filters more often. The dust you see in your filter is trapped during the circulation of air in your home. However, when the filter gets clogged, the system is unable to clean the dust efficiently, and more dust is left inside your home. When replacing your filter, you may want to consider filters with a high MERV rating. These filters are able to trap even the smallest particles, and they can last longer.

Plug leaks in your ductwork

Dust in your home could also be a result of leaky ductwork. If you have an old air conditioning unit, small gaps may develop in dusty areas in your home, like the basement or attic. These gaps may cause dust to flow past the filters and into your home. Therefore, it’s important that you also inspect for leaky ductwork.

If you have an old air conditioning unit, it may not be powerful enough to cool your home and keep the indoor air free from dust. If this is the case, you should highly consider replacing your HVAC unit.

Unusual smells

Normally, you may determine that you need air conditioning repair services if you notice some strange smells coming from your unit. If you notice a rotten egg smell, an animal may have died near your condenser. Other smells like urine, stale socks, or ammonia may indicate the presence of mold in your system. In case of such smells, a Green Apple repair technician can help repair your unit.

There are other smells that may indicate that you need to replace your unit. The two main scents are gunpowder and sulfur. These smells signify electrical problems. For instance, something may have blown out or got fried. Therefore, if your unit fails to turn on and you get a whiff of these scents, you will need to contact a Green Apple technician to replace your unit.

Strange sounds

Your HVAC system will normally produce a soft sound as it forces air through the vents. However, there are other signs that may indicate that you need to contact a professional Green Apple HVAC technician to provide maintenance or repair. Some of the sounds that you should watch out for include:

Banging, rattling, and cranking sounds

You may hear these sounds if your unit has a problem with the motor or blower assembly. A rattling sound can also indicate that a certain component is coming loose. If this is the case, you should get the problem repaired as soon as possible before the part disconnects or breaks completely. In case you hear a loud banging noise when you switch on the blower, you should immediately switch it off and reach out to a professional because something may be disconnected or completely broken.

Clicking sound

Normally, you will hear a clicking sound when you turn your unit on and off. However, in case the clicking sound comes from outside the compressor or control panel, most likely, a relay is defective. Sometimes, an electrical control can cause the relay to fail.

Screeching noise

A screeching or squealing sound coming from your blower may be a sign of a motor bearing issue or a damaged belt. While belts aren’t expensive to repair, you should have them replaced before they break. If you wait for them to break, your unit will not turn, and you may incur expensive repairs.

Increased efficiency

An ineffective HVAC system does more than just reduce the indoor air quality and make your house hot; it will also end up costing you a lot of money over time. So, repairing your HVAC as soon as possible can help save a lot of money on your electricity bill every month. And instead of the system working overdrive to maintain good indoor air quality and keep your home warm, it will easily reach the needed temperature.

Preventive maintenance of the system will ensure you avoid any HVAC emergency at tiresome times. And while it will help ensure that your home is comfortable every time, it will save you money, time, and the headache that comes with emergencies. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced person who has the knowledge and training to repair your unit.

Smart device integration

The HVAC units have existed from as early as the 1800s, but later, new standards were set for minimum energy efficiency of building designs. The standards set were considered a significant milestone in the history of HVAC units.

The new heating and cooling systems can solve more problems than the traditional systems cannot. For instance, building owners will not have to waste their time fiddling with the unit to know where or how much air can be brought to every house section. Also, these systems have intelligent sensors that can expansively regulate outside sources and inner functionality for the system to maintain its efficiency.

Long-term savings

Everyone loves saving money, but did you know that you can save a lot of money every year by properly maintaining your HVAC unit? The HVAC unit of your home uses almost half the energy in your home to function. So, it perfectly makes sense to maximize its efficiency.

An inefficiently running unit uses more energy to function than one that is working perfectly. Therefore, you might want to repair any system that is not functioning correctly if you’re going to lower your electricity bill and save money.

Additionally, if you are waiting for your unit to be repaired, it means that you are tying up your money in extra expenditures that you are incurring on the repair. Unfortunately, the problem is only getting worse the more you wait, and it will even cost you more. Therefore, you must get any problem fixed as soon as possible to free up the money you are tying up and use it somewhere else. You can maybe save that money towards a home improvement project to increase the value of your home.

Increased home value

Investing in and properly maintaining your HVAC unit can ultimately increase the value of your home. According to many pieces of research, most homebuyers prefer a house that has a properly functioning HVAC unit. And if your home has a low functioning system, it means that the future homeowner will have to pay a lot of monthly bills for electricity.

With a properly functioning unit, you can save up to twenty percent on electricity bills. So, with this type of improvement, you will increase the value of your home and its chances of selling fast.

Improved Health

Your HVAC might be an essential part of your home; however, it can sometimes pose a significant health threat if not well maintained. Problems can come up, including rapid temperature changes, increased humidity as well as carbon monoxide

Therefore, to make sure you reduce the health risk associated with an inefficient HVAC unit, it is essential to maintain it properly. HVAC unit problems that can impact your health are faulty ducts, dirty filters, and strange smells.

HVAC equipment shortage

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant shortage of HVAC parts and equipment. This is because manufacturers were affected in one way or another. For instance, some of the raw materials used in the manufacture of this equipment are currently unavailable. This includes things like motors and control boards from India and China. Raw steel, copper, and raw aluminum from different parts of the world are also difficult to source. Therefore, if your unit isn’t performing optimally and you can’t find original parts to repair it, you may consider replacing your system to improve indoor air quality.

The bottom line on replacing your HVAC Unit

If you have recently noticed that your HVAC unit may need repair or replacement, contact a team of professional Green Apple technicians. Keep in mind that your unit can last for a long time, and you can prolong its lifespan by getting regular ac maintenance. Therefore, as you go to the warm weather, ensure that you get a quick tune-up to replace worn-out parts and make minor fixes.

If you’re unsure if you should replace or repair your HVAC unit, your experienced Green Apple technician will inspect your unit and give you a detailed assessment. This will help you to make an informed decision.

Green Apple Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC needs call us today toll-free at 888-611-7191

Is HVAC Preventative Maintenance Really That Necessary?

What if for a relatively small investment you could save money, breathe cleaner air, enjoy increased safety and comfort in your home, and help the environment while boosting your overall peace of mind?

That’s just a quick synopsis of the benefits of getting regular HVAC maintenance. Now let’s take a closer look at why HVAC preventive maintenance is such a wise and worthwhile investment.

Here are ways preventive maintenance benefits your bottom line.

• Prevent costly breakdowns
• Reduce energy bills
• Extend the life of your system
• Stay protected under the warranty

Regular HVAC maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Chances are you wouldn’t drive your car for 30,000 miles without getting an oil change; you’d be asking for trouble. This analogy holds true for your heating and cooling system.

Cut energy bills: Preventive maintenance helps ensure that your HVAC system runs at close to peak efficiency. This can mean savings of up to #0% on your energy bill according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Extend system life:  Regular maintenance extends the life of your system, reducing the likelihood that you’ll need to spend big bucks on an HVAC installation soon. It’s sort of like how annual checkups can help us, humans, live longer, except your HVAC doctor makes house calls.

Stay covered under warranty: It’s important to be aware that most HVAC manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance when a repair claim is submitted under warranty. Some of the components that make your HVAC system work are fairly expensive, so investing in annual maintenance to keep them covered under your warranty can save you a significant sum if something goes wrong.

The EPA reports that indoor levels of air pollutants may be 2-5 times higher (in extreme cases more than 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. This is particularly significant if you or any family members suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma.

Though we are not aware of it day to day, we share our homes with a variety of substances that we would rather not breathe. These common indoor allergens range from ordinary household dust that can contain dozens of respiratory issues to pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollen, and mold.

If a musty odor has you concerned about mold, it may be time to consider having the air ducts professionally cleaned. Generally speaking, preventive maintenance helps ensure that the warm or cold air pumping through your vents is as clean and well-filtered as possible.

You depend on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable year-round. Regular maintenance helps your system produce and distribute the warm or cool air more evenly and steadily. It also reduces the odds that you’ll come home from work one winter’s day to find frigid air blasting through your vents.

But it can also be easy to take maintenance for granted or to get used to the idea that a particular room is just too hot in the summer or chilly in the winter. Preventive steps like cleaning your ductwork can help ensure that your home heats and cools as evenly and efficiently as possible.

Regular maintenance will also minimize the chances that HVAC noises or smells will disrupt your quality of life.

You’ve heard the horror stories. Someone you know went away during the holidays and returned to find a frozen, severely damaged house. If you’re away from home and your heat stops working during a cold snap or one of those polar vortexes we’ve been hearing about lately, the result can be a domino effect of frozen or burst pipes, water damage, and worse. The cost of repairs in this situation can be incredibly steep.

Preventive HVAC maintenance also helps safeguard you and your family against the risk of carbon monoxide – the colorless, odorless gas whose effects can be deadly. According to the CDC exposure to even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause serious health issues.

The most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks is a cracked or failed heat exchanger. An HVAC maintenance checkup typically includes a carbon monoxide test that would detect any potential hazard. Your Green Apple HVAC professional can also talk to you about the benefits of installing a carbon monoxide detector.

For those concerned about their green footprint, keep in mind that a well-maintained HVAC system consumes considerably less fuel and that’s good for the planet.

Such homeowners will also want to be aware of what kind of refrigerant is used in their system since the EPA has been working to phase out substances that harm the environment. Green Apple HVAC technicians handling controlled refrigerants are required to have EPA Section 608 Certification and can help you understand what kind of refrigerant you’re using, its impact on the environment, and your options.

Your Green Apple HVAC contractor can also talk to you about the benefits of using a programmable thermostat or switching from oil heat to natural gas so you can take to reduce your system’s impact on the environment.

Finally, investing in a preventive maintenance plan gives you the comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ve already taken steps to make the situation as painless as possible.

Green Apple  Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC  needs call today toll-free at 888-611-7191

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