Look:
If you’ve been juggling information from a bunch of HVAC maintenance checklists looking for answers to your leaking furnace or dead AC unit, but all you’ve ever found was a generic blog that ended with a sales pitch, we totally understand your pain.
It seems like all these HVAC tips and tricks blogs aren’t even written by certified HVAC technicians (spoiler alert - they’re not).
We get you:
We’re here to help you (actually help you) with your HVAC issues. Sometimes, there’s an emergency that needs to be patched up right away and you don’t have time to call an HVAC contractor. Other times, you’re just fighting with the darned thermostat to get it to the right setting.
Wherever you are in your HVAC journey, we’ve got you covered. But…
Before we get started:
We’ve broken down this list of HVAC tips and tricks by category so that you can find the exact answer to your air conditioning or heating questions. The first half of this HVAC maintenance checklist is broken up by where you are in life (beginner, homeowner, renter). The second section consists of seasonal HVAC tips to help you figure out the best time of year to perform preventative maintenance. Finally, we included some tips for technicians to best serve their customers.
Side note: You’ll notice everything is branded “NexGen”. Don’t worry, this isn’t an HVAC sales pitch, we’re just really proud of our Orange County HVAC company. You wouldn’t believe how many people are out there that would steal your photos and content so we’ve got to be cautious.
Without further adieu, here’s our comprehensive list of the only 31 HVAC tips and tricks you’ll ever need to know:
Here’s a pet peeve:
People who assume you’re an expert. Yeah, at NexGen Air, we’re expert HVAC technicians, but we understand that not everyone is. We’re going to start this section off with the fundamentals for all of you HVAC beginners out there.
Disclaimer:
This is for true HVAC beginners who have never had to deal with an HVAC issue. If you already know what a furnace looks like or where to find your ductwork, please skip ahead to the more technical HVAC tips and tricks.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
There are 9 basic components that make up a complete central air and heat system. These components are the furnace, the heat exchanger, the evaporator coil, the condensing unit, refrigerant tubes, the thermostat, the ductwork, the vents, and the heat pump. (Don’t worry! We’ll explain these parts in detail further down the list.)
The furnace is your heating unit. Furnaces usually run off electricity or natural gas. There are pros and cons to both, but we’ll cover that in another section. You can find your furnace hiding in your basement, garage, or utility closet. Your furnace’s main function is to heat up air and move it into your ducts to warm your house. (Fun fact: Furnaces are commonly mistaken for boilers, but they’re totally separate appliances).
Here's a great example of a brand-new Lennox furnace in a utility closet.
This is not part of your furnace although you can find it nestled inside your furnace. While the furnace pushes hot air into your ducts, the heat exchanger is the one actually converting cold air into hot air.
Another resident inside the furnace, the evaporator coil actually absorbs any heat from air passing over it in order to blow cool air through your vents and into your home.
Your condensing unit serves a similar purpose as your evaporator coil but you can find the condensing unit outside, usually on the side of your house. However, as the evaporator coil absorbs heat, the condensing unit gives off heat (think of it as the exhaust pipe for your home when you’re trying to cool it).
If your AC unit doesn't look as clean as this, it's time to schedule an HVAC installation.
Refrigerant tubes connect your evaporator coil to your condensing coil. Refrigerant tubes are typically made of metal and are designed to hold refrigerant and to connect the indoor and outdoor units.
Your thermostat is that little device mounted on the wall somewhere inside your house that allows you to control your home’s temperature (don’t ask us where to find your thermostat, there’s not really a rule as to where they’re placed - they could be anywhere!). Did you know you can get a smart Wi-Fi connected thermostat that allows you to program the temperature of your home from your phone?
There's more than just Nest when it comes to smart, wi-fi connected thermostats. Stay connected to your home with your smartphone!
Your home’s ductwork is what allows the conditioned air from your furnace or AC unit to be distributed around your house. Ductwork in Southern California homes is usually found overhead, running through attic and ceiling space.
Air vents allow your heated or cooled air to enter your living space from the ductwork.
A heat pump works for both heating and cooling. In the summertime, heat pumps pump hot air out of your home, and in winter, heat pumps do the exact opposite.
This section is mainly directed at new homeowners seeking HVAC advice but it applies to all homeowners.
If you’re a new homeowner, you need to know what kind of HVAC system you have. The typical system is a central air conditioning system which has all of the components listed above in our HVAC tips for Beginners section. Your home could also have a ductless mini-split system or even a window-attached wall unit (yikes!). You should also know whether your furnace is electric, or natural gas, or if your home uses a heat pump or boiler system.
If you’ve just moved into your home, change the air filter. Your home was most likely listed for a few months before you purchased it, and even though the air conditioner probably wasn’t running all that often, it’s still a good idea to start with a fresh clean air filter.
Your condenser is usually in your side yard and is easily forgotten. Over time, shrubs and debris can grow or build up around your unit, limiting its airflow, and making it work harder to cool your home.
Many new homeowners are guilty of this one. In order to save energy, homeowners close the vents in rooms they don’t use thinking it will save them energy. In reality, this actually makes your HVAC system less efficient. Heat likes to distribute itself evenly within an object. When that object is your home, heat will get into that closed-vent room anyway, but it means your HVAC system will work harder in order to create an even temperature around the house.
Keeping air vents open allow for equal temperature distribution throughout your home and keeps your HVAC system running efficiently. Bonus points for keeping your vents clean to avoid allergies and blockages.
Did you know most home inspectors don’t check ductwork? What this means for a new homeowner is that you won’t know if your ducts are dirty or in need of repair. If your home seems dusty, or you notice your HVAC system making loud noises as if it is working harder than it should, you should check your ducts. Chances are, they’re just dirty, but on the off chance that your ducts are leaking air, you need to make sure to call an HVAC technician to patch or replace your ducts.
As a new homeowner, you can’t rely on your parents or your landlord to fix any appliance issues in your home - that’s your responsibility now. Unless you work as a contractor, chances are you don’t have a strong relationship with one. This goes for all home improvement contractors, but trust us when we say that your HVAC contractor should be top of the list. HVAC systems have a lot of small moving parts and play a huge role in your home’s comfort. The most common home issue is related to HVAC so make sure you’re not calling a stranger when you need to service your air conditioning or heating unit. A strong relationship with an HVAC contractor will save you thousands during the duration of your homeownership and your contractor will be very familiar with your home, your HVAC system, and your expectations for price and service.
Watch this: Here's a great example of a reputable HVAC company that you'd want to build a relationship with. If you live in the Los Angeles, Orange County, or Palm Desert areas, find an HVAC company like NexGen.
Manual J is the calculation used to make sure you’re getting the right size HVAC system for your home. It’s a very complicated calculation and we don’t expect you to know how to do one, but you should definitely expect your HVAC contractor to know how to do it. Running a manual J for your new home is extremely important so that you can install the right HVAC system, otherwise, your system may not run efficiently or have trouble heating or cooling your home.
As a renter, you still may want to know a little bit about HVAC units. Although your landlord should be responsible for any HVAC maintenance, you never know how long that will take.
Trust us:
The last thing you want is to be waiting on your landlord’s response while your home turns into an oven.
This goes without saying, but sometimes it’s easy to forego proper maintenance on an HVAC unit when it’s not actually your HVAC unit. Clean your HVAC unit when you move into your new rental. Make sure the air filter is clean and make sure all the moving parts are lubricated and operating smoothly.
As soon as you move in, take photos of your furnace, condenser, vents, and even ducts if you have access to them. This gives you some photo evidence for your landlord in case there’s ever an issue with your HVAC unit down the line.
If your furnace runs on natural gas, make sure you close your gas valve in the summer when you don’t need to heat your home. Natural gas can leak from your unit and can become a dangerous situation. If you’re renting a home and are not familiar with the maintenance history of said home, it’s best to be on the side of caution.HVAC Tips for Summer
You wouldn’t believe how many times we’re asked about the best energy-saving tips for summer or summer thermostat settings. No, there isn’t really an ideal AC temperature to save electricity, but here are some summer HVAC tips that we know will help you maximize your HVAC efficiency. Here are our seasonal HVAC tips for summer.
Southern California areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and especially Palm Desert have mild winters. This means you’re probably not using your HVAC unit at all, allowing your vents to accumulate a lot of dust. Before it gets hot enough to have to turn on your AC, you should do a quick checkup on your vents and vacuum off any dust that has accumulated.
If you live in Los Angeles, Orange County, or Palm Desert, you know summers get HOT! Not only that, but Southern California has some of the most expensive electrical costs in the country. Investing in a smart thermostat can add peace of mind when it comes to staying cool as well as saving money because your thermostat can be programmed to maximize your HVAC unit’s efficiency.
Ever wonder what all the hype is about smart thermostats? Wi-fi connected thermostats, also known as IoT thermostats (Internet of Things), can save you a lot of money on utility bills and offers you a greater level of control over your home's climate.
Your AC unit will be working its hardest during the summer. Make sure you call an HVAC technician to give it a quick tune-up before you fire it up and run it all summer long. The last thing you want is to find out your HVAC unit isn’t working on the hottest day of the year.
If you’re into spring cleaning, add HVAC maintenance to the top of your list!
Most air conditioners have a drainage hole for fluid buildup from condensation to clear out. If your drainage hole is clogged up, you may end up with a lot of water buildup and a damaged AC unit.
If you live in a humid climate, your dehumidifier is your best friend. Spring is a good season for performing preventative maintenance on your dehumidifier. Take the case off of your unit and let it dry out completely. Take the extra step to vacuum it to make sure its extra dry and free of debris to make sure it stays working properly.
We get it. Springtime in Southern California is beautiful and all you want is to let some fresh air into your home. Just remember, spring is also allergy season and if your doors and windows are left open, you’re welcoming all of those allergens into your home. If you absolutely must have those windows and doors open, however, we recommend investing in a high-quality air purifier.
Your HVAC system works really hard to warm up your home. If you live in Los Angeles, Orange County, or the Palm Desert areas (or anywhere in Southern California for that matter), you get how chilly winter can get. If all the heat that your furnace generates escapes your home, why even bother with heating your home? Invest in some quality insulation to get the best HVAC heating experience in winter.
(That pink stuff is insulation. If your attic doesn't look like this, it may need some more insulation, or else your HVAC unit won’t work as efficiently).
You’re most likely not blasting the AC in wintertime. To make sure your dormant outdoor AC unit stays in top shape, consider covering it up to protect it from any unforeseen damage.
Remember when we said to build a good relationship with the best local HVAC contractor you can find? Here’s where it comes in handy. Call up your local HVAC technician and do a quick checkup on your furnace. If your furnace has been off all year, you may want to do a small tune-up before keeping it on all winter long.
Yeah, we even have tips for HVAC technicians too! Sure, we're one of the best HVAC companies in Orange County, but we’d like to think we’re the best contractors because we share the love. Here are a few tips that we use to best serve our customers.
This isn’t some feel-good ethics lecture. It’s important to understand exactly what your customer needs when it comes to their air conditioning or furnace needs. Think about it, you’re an expert HVAC contractor - you know exactly how to explain what’s wrong with an HVAC system. Your customer may not know the best way to explain what wrong with their HVAC unit and you need to put yourself in their shoes to best serve their heating and cooling needs.
This is a no-brainer if you’re an HVAC apprentice, but for those HVAC contractors with years of experience, it may take a hit on your pride. Remember, at the end of the day, the worst mistake you can make is not serving the customer right. Make sure you earn that 5 star review on yelp for being the best HVAC contractor by calling for help or reading up on the top HVAC tips and tricks!
Hey look! it's some of the smartest, most experienced HVAC technicians in Orange County! Keep it up!
There are so many benefits to living near the ocean. You enjoy great weather nearly year-round, you get to experience that pleasant ocean breeze, and the sunsets are always gorgeous. However, there’s a disadvantage: corrosion. That same ocean breeze brings salt on the air, which settles on the outdoor portion of your air conditioning unit. Over time, this can quickly ruin your system. Here are some ways to avoid that problem.
The biggest concern for your air conditioning unit when it’s near the ocean is the condenser coil. A condenser coil is usually made of aluminum or copper, with a protective oxide layer. Constant exposure to salt in the air erodes this layer, and then the metal itself, leading to costly air conditioning repairs. Instead, some air conditioning units use condenser coils, and other components, specifically designed for the salty air. They are less likely to erode, meaning your unit lasts much longer. Ask about our coastal air conditioning units today.
If you don’t have a coastal weather-specific unit, or if you’re trying to help your current unit last as long as possible before the upgrade, there are a few things you can do. One temporary solution is to rinse your condenser coils. This washes off the salt and prevents the salt from corroding your system. Simply spray down your outdoor unit with a hose each morning. Just be sure to turn off your thermostat so you don’t buy phentermine online trigger the unit to turn on. However, constant spraying can wear down the unit in other ways--you’ll eventually need to replace the unit, but this simple step could add several years to its life.
Though air conditioning maintenance is always a good idea, it’s especially necessary when you live near the coast. A certified HVAC contractor will check components like your condenser coils for erosion, while also inspecting pieces like your air filter. They will also check the unit for necessary cleaning, and keep an eye out for any upcoming issues or repairs. Regular maintenance can mean the difference between a unit that dies on you after a couple of years and a unit that lasts a decade.
Lastly, be careful about where you place your outdoor unit. Ideally, it should sit somewhere that doesn’t get directly hit by winds. It should also never be in direct sunlight if you can avoid it, and it’s even better if it’s protected from rain. Though salt will always be present in the air if you live near the coast, blocking the breeze can slow the corrosion process.
A little air conditioner maintenance is a small price to pay to live near the ocean. At NexGen Heating and Air, we’re here to help you find the best product for your situation and to help your current unit perform as well as possible. Contact us today to make sure your air conditioner is ready for that ocean breeze.
If you live in Palm Desert, or anywhere close by, then you know how a painfully hot day feels. You also know that a good air conditioner is absolutely essential. If you’re looking to get a new air conditioner or want to make sure that you have a decent one, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, there are a few things to consider: the size, the energy efficiency, and the manufacturer.
Surprisingly, bigger isn’t always better what it comes to air conditioners. If an HVAC system is too large for your home, it won’t cool your home as efficiently. Plus, overly powerful air conditioners will run for a shorter amount of time, meaning that they won’t have time to properly reduce the humidity in your home. This leads to more sweat, and in the worst cases, to mold in your home. Instead, consult an air conditioning contractor to find an air conditioner size that is exactly right for you. We want you to end up purchasing just enough cooling power, instead of wasting money on size when you don’t need it.
Get the most bang for your buck with an energy-efficient air conditioner. The U.S. government’s EnergyStar program is the general authority on energy-efficient air conditioning units, so take a look at their recommendations. Greater energy efficiency means a better machine that uses less power for the same cooling effects, saving you money in the long run. A more efficient product means a potentially higher threshold before it hits maximum power, giving you more cooling power over time.
There are several trustworthy air conditioning manufacturers out there. Check online reviews, Consumer Reports, and various warranties. Here at NexGen, we partner with Daikin. Daikin has proven to be a customer favorite, and we’ve found them to carry consistently reliable and efficient products. We make sure to only carry air conditioning units that have passed required testing, including tests that make sure units are able to perform in temperatures above 115°F.
If you already have an air conditioner, there are a few ways to help it be the best air conditioner it can be:
If your current air conditioner isn’t performing well, it might not yet be time for a replacement. Before you decide to upgrade, get it checked out for maintenance or service issues. Replacing the air filter, especially when it’s been constantly running in extreme heat, could help your system work like new again. Repairing any loose parts, faulty wiring, or corroded pieces could also be a cost-effective way to get great cooling power. However, if your unit is legitimately older and in need of major repairs, we can also help you with air conditioning replacement.
One of the number one issues between you and a cool home could simply be objects in the way of your air conditioner. Keep at least a three-foot diameter around your outdoor air conditioning unit. This means that fences, shrubs, landscaping, etc. all stay clear of your unit. You’ll be surprised about how much better your air conditioner works when it has enough room!
Finally, keeping your outdoor unit in good condition can make all the difference. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from the sprinklers, and free from debris. When the unit isn’t under too much heat or outdoor stress, it can do its job and keep your home cool.
There will be times this summer in L.A. where air conditioning is a must. However, this can lead to all sorts of fights over the thermostat--or lots of unnecessary money down the drain. Here are some ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your air conditioning unit.
If you have window coverings, use them strategically. Keeping blinds and shutters closed when the sun directly hits your windows can make a world of difference. In Los Angeles, depending on which direction your windows are facing, this will be most of the day. This means using less air conditioner power to keep your home cool, and therefore less money and energy spent on cooling.
The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) notes that using a ceiling fan can help a room feel up to ten degrees cooler. When you partner this with air conditioning, you can use less energy for the same effects.
If you don’t have a smart home thermostat yet, they’re game changers, especially in places like L.A. where it’s warm most days. These thermostats allow you to control your HVAC system remotely, meaning that you can turn off the air conditioner while you’re away. Do you sometimes forget to turn it off before you leave? Do you not want to walk into a hot home after work? Then a smart thermostat can help you.
Your air conditioner can’t do its job if it needs cleaning, repair, or upgrading. Contact us today at NexGen, and we’ll take a look at your HVAC system, and help you get it up and running to its full capacity. When your system is more efficient, you can cool your home with less energy and therefore less money.
Ovens, certain lights, and stovetops all can add heat to your home. Take advantage of the summer and take the grilling outside, or use the microwave. Try to keep as many lights off as possible--every little bit helps.
No matter how efficient your air conditioner is, all of that cool air can escape through cracks in your home. Have your insulation checked for gaps, holes, or cracks. Whether you use polyurethane foam, natural insulation, or kingspan insulation, it’s only as effective as it is solid. Seal any cracks with caulking or repair, and rest assured that you’re getting the most out of your system!
Consult EnergyStar to find HVAC systems or air conditioners that are proven to be efficient. They need less energy to work well, which means that you save money.
If your thermostat is near the kitchen or a hot window, your air conditioner may be turning on unnecessarily. Consult an HVAC contractor about where to place your thermostat so that it gets an accurate reading, and cools your home just enough.
You never want to put your thermostat super low when you first start it. It can be tempting to walk into a hot house and turn it as low as it’ll go, but it won’t do you any good in the long run. Instead, start by going five degrees cooler than the current temperature. This will use only as much energy as you need--and if you’re still warm, you can always go lower!
Finally, be sure to check your ducts. If they haven’t been looked at in a while, they may have leaks or obstructions that are preventing you from getting the most out of your air conditioner. Schedule a duct inspection and cleaning, or keep an eye out yourself.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be saving money and energy this summer while still staying cool. Over here at NexGen Heating and Air, we’re always happy to help.
Have you ever wished that you could make a room a little cooler without turning on your entire HVAC system? Or that you could turn off the air conditioner for just one room, to save some energy? Now, we have that technology. A mini-split air conditioner, or ductless air conditioner and heater, is a room-by-room system that can save energy and money.
There are a few things to consider when buying a mini-split air conditioning system. However, before asking those questions, here are a few of the advantages of any mini-split over another type of system:
There are several reasons that a homeowner might want to avoid ductwork. For older homes, ductwork can be difficult or costly. For homes that enjoy consistent good weather, it is often unnecessary. And for homes with allergies or pets, dust and hair can build up in ducts. Mini-split systems avoid the large upfront cost of tearing through walls and installing ducts.
One of the biggest advantages of a mini-split system is temperature control. Each person in the family often has different temperature desires, and now each person can control their own room. If only every argument could be solved so easily! This also means that you can turn off rooms that don’t need to be cooled, saving money and energy.
Because ductless mini-splits are smaller and don’t pump air through ductwork, they’re much quieter than traditional central air conditioners. They can even be as low as 19 decibels loud, which is quieter than the average whisper.
HGTV notes that you can lose 25% or more of your air conditioning energy by pumping air through ducts. A ductless mini-split system avoids this problem, and makes sure that you’re getting the most out of your cooling energy by pumping it all directly where it needs to go.
If you choose a mini-split air conditioner, there are several options. Here are some questions to ask to make sure you get the best system for you and your home:
Ductless mini-splits are a room-by-room cooling option. Before purchasing, consider how many mini-splits you may need. How many rooms will you consistently need to cool? Are there rooms that stay cool on their own, or don’t need to be cool (like a garage?) Remember that two separate rooms will count as one if they don’t have a door or wall separating them.
Some consumers are hesitant to buy a ductless system because it’s more conspicuous than ducts. Browse models to see which might fit best into your home design, and consider where you might put it in your home. Many people share that they often forget their unit is there after a few days--except for that nice cool air!
Consult review sites, especially reliable networks like Consumer Reports or the Better Business Bureau, to find reliable brands and contractors. Ask experts in the field about which systems last the longest, and which ones customers seem to be most happy with. If you’re looking to save energy, see which systems meet Energy Star standards.
At NextGen, we’re proud to be certified and licensed contractors, and we would love to start helping you and your home stay cool. Contact us today!
Your electrical panel is an essential part of your home. It regulates your electricity to make sure that you get the power you need, without the risk of overheating and causing a fire. At the very least, an old or malfunctioning electrical panel can be inconvenient. At the worst, it can be a safety hazard. Here are some signs that it might be time to update your electrical panel.
While most modern homes need at least 200 amps of power for all of their electricity needs, older homes may have as little as 30 amps available. Older homes may also have worn-out wires and parts, and outdated fuse boxes. This may mean you can’t use the electricity you need--or worse, that your worn-out panel puts you at risk for an electrical fire.
Electrical panels usually last 25-40 years. Parts naturally wear out or become less effective over time. If you can’t remember having your breaker looked at, or if you’ve been in the same house since the 90s, it’s time to take a look at it.
Do some of your breakers trip when you plug in certain appliances? Does part of your power occasionally go out? Do outlets not work if you plug in one too many things? These are all signs that your panel doesn’t have enough capacity, and definitely needs an update.
This is a dangerous sign that it’s time to update your panel for the sake of safety. Any burning signs or smells are a sure sign that something’s wrong, and that you might be in danger of a fire.
If you’ve recently added something new, especially something high-powered like an air conditioner or hot tub, you might need more power to accommodate it. Make sure your electrical panel is up to date to ensure that you get the most out of your new item!
If your lights dim when you use the microwave or vacuum, then your electrical panel isn’t strong enough for your home. Consider updating to higher amps and newer equipment to make sure you have all the power that you need.
Fuse boxes, common in pre-1960 homes, are an older method of controlling your home’s electricity. Instead of tripping a breaker, fuse boxes “blow a fuse” when the panel overheats. This means having to go out and replace blown fuses instead of simply turning the breaker back on. If you have a fuse box, it’s definitely time to upgrade.
One of the main purposes of an electrical panel is to prevent overheating, which can cause a fire. If your panel is often hot or warm, it may not be doing its job correctly and could be putting you at risk.
Do you find yourself wishing for more outlets? Do you use a lot of power strips to fit everything? This could be a sign that your electrical system wasn’t designed for what you need, which likely means the electrical panel isn’t enough.
Strange sounds are never a good sign. Hisses or buzzes could mean a bad wire, or that something isn’t connected properly.
There’s no reason to risk losing power or not having the electricity that your home needs. There’s especially no reason to risk something as dangerous as an electrical fire. Call us at NexGen today, and we’ll take a look at your system. We’ll work with you in deciding if an update is a good option for you and your home, and to get you the power that you need.
Did you know that some air pollutants are 2-5 times more common indoors than outdoors? This means that when you sleep or spend time at home, you could be breathing in harmful pollutants. Thankfully, there are all sorts of ways to make sure your air quality is healthy. Try some of these tips today to start breathing better.
One of the most common and most harmful substances for your air is cigarette smoke, which releases hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde and ammonia into the air. If you can stop smoking altogether, with the help of medication or a support group, that’s your best bet. Otherwise, try to smoke only outdoors, at least ten feet from your windows.
Dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other natural air pollutants can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies. Be sure to clean your home regularly--even the hard-to-reach corners, where dust and hair build!
Your HVAC filters, especially for your heater or furnace, can’t do their job unless they’re replaced properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually recommend replacement every 90 days, or more frequently with pets or allergies.
Not sure if you have decent air filters? Install a HEPA filter, which is an air quality system that removes at least 99.7% of particles in the air. For people with allergies or poor ventilation, a HEPA filter is a lifesaver.
Get some plants. Indoor plants can work wonders for indoor air quality. They’re natural air filters, and also produce the oxygen we breathe. Plus, they look great in any home!
Many homes have high levels of radon, formaldehyde, or other pollutants--even if they’ve done everything right. These chemicals can enter a cracked foundation of a home through soil or into the air through the building materials. Contact us today to quickly and easily test your home’s pollutant levels.
VOCs are “volatile organic compounds,” which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Though they also occur naturally, in high concentrations they can be extremely harmful. VOCs are found in many aerosols, pesticides, paints, and more. Limit your VOC usage whenever possible to keep your air cleaner.
The ideal humidity of a home is 30-50% humidity. This is humid enough to keep your body and houseplants happy, but dry enough to avoid mold. If you don’t live in a place with good humidity, it may be worth it to get a humidifier to keep your air quality strong.
Try to keep dust, particles, pet dander, and more in a vacuum instead of in your lungs. Also be sure to dump the waste regularly, and keep the vacuum filter clean. Along with automatic air filters through your HVAC system, this can be a huge help.
Open the windows! Finally, a little fresh air can do a world of good! If weather permits, open a few windows in your home to improve ventilation and circulation. And if it gets too warm, we also provide great air conditioners.
Contact us over at NexGen today to install air filters, get your pollutants tested, or for other air quality services. We would love to help you and your family start breathing a little easier.
During cold and rainy weather, the last thing you want to be worried about is your furnace not functioning properly. For this reason, furnace maintenance and repairs are one of the most important actions you can take for your home. Scheduling regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs with a reputable HVAC company in your area such as NexGen, will help prevent furnace problems.
If you don’t schedule regular furnace inspections and maintenance, you may be in for an unexpected breakdown just when you need your furnace most. Maintenance is extremely important to help your furnace run as well as it should, and heat your home when you need it.
Dirty or clogged filters are one of the most common problems for furnace owners. They can reduce airflow and put more strain on the furnace. In extreme cases, filters clogged with dirt and debris can damage the limit switch, which controls the fan, and result in even more problems.
Just like any appliance, constant use will age the appliance quickly and it may malfunction. This is another reason to make sure your furnace is well taken care of by a company like NexGen who makes sure your home is protected and comfortable at all times. Most furnaces last about fifteen years before they need to be replaced.
If your furnace isn’t lighting, it can’t heat your home. When you notice the pilot light is out, you will want to call your HVAC technician to have the problem professionally fixed.
If your thermostat is not working correctly, this could lead to your heater or ac not turning on at the times you have programmed it to.
If your furnace doesn’t keep your house warm enough on a consistent basis, you may have a furnace that is simply too small for your space. An appointment to have a technician inspect your homes HVAC system will help determine what type of furnace your home needs.
Clogged filters may cause the thermostat and fan to cycle on and off repeatedly, even when the house is not finished heating or is warm enough. Improper airflow may also be the culprit.
Rumbling, squeaking, and rattling sounds coming from your furnace may indicate a problem, blockage, or airflow reduction that needs to be investigated by a professional HVAC company.
If your blower never seems to turn off, the limit switch may need professional replacement.
