Posts in category: Heating and Cooling

Summer heat is in full swing, and there’s no better time to talk about keeping your air conditioning unit in top shape. Whether you’re enjoying the cool breeze or dealing with unexpected breakdowns, it’s important to stay informed about your A/C system and how to keep it running smoothly.

In this newsletter, we’re covering common air conditioning problems, the importance of regular maintenance, and a few tips to keep you cool all season long.

Common Air Conditioning Problems You Should Know About

Air conditioners are complex machines that can sometimes face a variety of issues. Here are a few of the most common problems that homeowners experience with their A/C systems:

1. Insufficient Cooling
   If your A/C is blowing air but not cooling the space, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels, a dirty air filter, or a problem with the evaporator coil. A lack of refrigerant, often due to a leak, is a common issue that needs professional attention.  Sometimes the unit just needs to be cleaned as dirt or dust buildup within the system components can greatly reduce its cooling capacity.
2. Frequent Cycling
   Does your A/C turn on and off more often than usual? This could be caused by an oversized unit, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat. When the system cycles too frequently, it can strain your unit and reduce its lifespan.
3. Strange Noises
   Squealing, rattling, or buzzing sounds are never a good sign. These noises can indicate a loose or damaged part, a failing motor, or debris stuck inside the unit. If you hear any strange sounds, it’s time to call in a technician for inspection.
4. Water Leaks
   If you notice water pooling around your A/C unit, this could mean that the drain line is clogged, or the evaporator coil is freezing over. Water damage can be costly, so it’s essential to address the issue before it leads to more serious problems.
5. Bad Odors
   Foul smells coming from your air conditioner may indicate mold growth or a clogged drain line. A dirty coil or filter could also be to blame. If the odor persists, it’s best to get it checked out to avoid health risks.

Why Regular A/C Maintenance Is Essential

Routine air conditioning maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping your home cool. Here’s why:

• Improved Efficiency: Regular maintenance ensures that your system operates at peak efficiency, lowering your energy bills and helping you stay comfortable.
• Extended Lifespan: With proper care, your A/C unit can last for 10-15 years or more. Annual tune-ups can help prevent premature breakdowns.
• Better Air Quality: Air filters trap dust, dirt, and allergens, so changing them regularly ensures you’re breathing clean air.
• Early Problem Detection: A professional technician can spot minor issues before they become major problems. This can save you from expensive repairs and inconvenient downtime.

Tips for Keeping Your A/C in Top Condition

Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your air conditioning running smoothly:

• Change Filters Regularly: Dirty filters restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder. Replace them every 1-3 months for optimal performance.
• Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear: Make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor condenser unit. Debris, plants, or furniture can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
• Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure your thermostat is set to a comfortable but not excessive temperature (78°F is ideal for most homes). Also, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for better energy control.
• Schedule Annual Inspections: Regular professional maintenance is the best way to catch small issues before they turn into big headaches. Book an inspection with our team today!

Need Service? We’re Here to Help!

If you’ve noticed any of the issues mentioned above, or if it’s just been a while since your last maintenance check, give us a call! Our team of certified technicians is ready to ensure your A/C is working flawlessly.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment:

Stay cool this summer and remember, regular care leads to reliable comfort!

Best regards,
The Safe Harbor Team
Your comfort, our priority.

Most people think of cooling when it comes to air conditioners. But the other main benefit of air conditioning is dehumidification. Air conditioning produces cooling and dehumidification; both are significant benefits.

The cooling benefit is predominantly related to comfort. The dehumidification benefit includes comfort and protection against mold and mildew.

By the way, sometimes the air conditioning system is too powerful and therefore doesn’t have much runtime. When the system is too powerful, it cools the space too quickly, so it doesn’t have enough time to provide sufficient dehumidification. This makes it feel “clammy”.

So, the moral of the story is to have a properly sized air conditioning system installed by a licensed and qualified air conditioning contractor so that the system provides proper cooling and air conditioning.

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Heating systems get neglected because it’s one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things. Proper maintenance can make a difference in the system’s performance, usually without much expense.

Hot water radiators should be “bled” every year. Air builds up in the radiator piping system, preventing hot water from getting to the radiator correctly. It can make a big difference in the performance of the system. And it’s not hard to do. Take the cover off the radiator. You should see a screw. Loosen the screw; you should hear a hiss of air coming out; and then water will start dripping/spraying out. When you see the water, tighten the screw. Do that for each radiator in the house. The system will perform better. The boiler should be serviced at least once a year, whether oil or gas.

Hot air systems utilize an air filter and an air handler. Air filters should be changed a few times during the heating season. If the filter isn’t changed, it clogs up and prevents proper airflow. In addition, have a heating contractor check the air handler to ensure it’s in good shape.

Sign up for a service contract with a plumbing/heating contractor. The benefits are:

• Your system will be serviced
• You will be on the contractor’s list as a customer. It’s a substantial benefit because you will get better service in an emergency than calling a contractor who doesn’t know you. For example, there’s a snowstorm with high winds and its very cold. Your boiler stops functioning. If you don’t have a service contract, you may have difficulty repairing your system.

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Most people think of cooling when it comes to air conditioners. But the other main benefit of air conditioning is dehumidification. Air conditioning produces cooling and dehumidification; both are significant benefits.

The cooling benefit is predominantly related to comfort. The dehumidification benefit includes comfort and protection against mold and mildew.

By the way, sometimes the air conditioning system is too powerful and therefore doesn’t have much run time. When the system is too powerful, it cools the space too quickly, so it doesn’t have enough time to provide sufficient dehumidification. This makes it feel “clammy”.

So, the moral of the story is to have a properly sized air conditioning system installed by a licensed and qualified air conditioning contractor so that the system provides proper cooling and air conditioning.

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Ever see green-gray stuff on your pipes and wonder what it is? Well, it’s due to a bi-metallic reaction, also called electrolysis. If 2 different types of metal are in contact with each other in a plumbing system, chances are corrosion and damage are occurring. It’s also common for us to see it in an inspection where metal pipe hangers are supporting plumbing. Galvanized piping is especially susceptible to damage and often needs replacement. Eventually leaks can develop and plumbing repairs will become necessary.

Our recommendation is to grab a flashlight and look at the pipes, or better yet call a plumber to check it out. If repairs are needed, it will be cheaper now then later after they start leaking!

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

This is a reminder, as we head towards winter, it’s a good idea to have your heating system serviced. If you don’t have a service contract, we recommend getting one. Heating systems have many components that should be checked for proper operation and safety. Also, if your heating system is not serviced regularly, you may be paying extra for fuel because of poor performance. If your heating system is not serviced, it may be more prone to break down.

In addition, you may be very glad you have a service contract with a good HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) company if your heating system fails in the dead of winter. Usually, if you have a service contract, you’ll get fast service because you have an account. Without a service contract, you may get put at the bottom of the service list. Especially when it’s very cold, because the heating company takes care of their existing customers first, especially if they’re busy.

For more related information click on the following link: https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/“

Like it or not, we are coming into the heating season! Be aware that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can be substantially worsened from dirty air ducts and other air distribution components. Think about dust buildup on floors, furniture, and other surfaces in your home. It seems like within a few weeks clumps of dust buildup and need to be vacuumed. Now think about your air ducts. They probably haven’t been cleaned since they were installed. Dust buildup is inevitable! And where there is dust, there is a potential for degradation of indoor air quality. Dust can Harbor all kinds of things that we don’t even like to think about, such as dust mites, mold, bacteria, and even viruses. According to the EPA “there are examples of ducts that have become badly contaminated with a variety of materials that may pose risks to your health. The duct system can serve as a means to distribute these contaminants throughout a home.”

However, before you hire somebody to clean your system, we recommend that you have an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) contractor evaluate your air distribution system in order to determine if it makes sense to have your system cleaned. Here’s an excellent in-depth article from the EPA which provides a lot of information that you should consider. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

If you are interested, all our previous newsletters are available on our website blog. Click on the following link and it will take you right to it.

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

As we head into the fall, it’s a good idea to have your heating system serviced. If you don’t have a service contract, we recommend getting one. Heating systems have many components that should be checked for proper operation and safety. Also, if your heating system is not serviced regularly, you may be paying extra for fuel because of poor performance. If your heating system is not serviced, it may be more prone to break down.

In addition, you may be very glad you have a service contract with a good HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) company if your heating system fails in the dead of winter. Usually, if you have a service contract, you’ll get fast service because you have an account. Without a service contract, you may get put at the bottom of the service list. Especially when it’s very cold, because the heating company takes care of their existing customers first, especially if they’re busy.

If you are interested, all our previous newsletters are available on our website blog. Click on the following link and it will take you right to it.

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Yes, heat pumps are good. These days, heat pumps offer a high efficiency alternative approach to oil or gas heat. Due to refinement in heat pump technology, they can now operate when the exterior temperature is as Low as -15°F. That’s right, 15 below zero. Just a few years ago, heat pumps did not work when exterior temperatures were below 50°. But, as exterior temperatures drop, so does the efficiency of the heat pump. However, overall costs for the operation of heat pump may be more economical than other types of systems due to their overall efficiency.

A heat pump looks just like a conventional air conditioning compressor on the exterior of the structure. In the summer, they operate just like an air conditioning unit. However, in the winter, heat pumps have the ability to “reverse flow” and deliver heat to the interior of the structure. Heat pumps are also very efficient.

If you already have a good quality duct work system for your air conditioning, retrofitting to a heat pump system is relatively easy project. So you will have cool air coming out of your air conditioning ducts in the summer and warm air coming out of the same ducts in the winter.

The answer is yes. The new generation of heat pumps offer a good approach to heating and cooling your home. If you’re interested in learning more about heat pumps, consider having a heating/cooling contractor evaluate your current system and provide you with various alternative approaches along with costs. High-efficiency gas boilers are also great alternatives.

If you are interested, all our previous newsletters are available on our website blog. Click on the following link and it will take you right to it.

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/“