Warm Air

When you feel warm air blowing out of your home’s vents, check the thermostat. Make sure it’s switched to cooling mode, and set it lower than your home’s current temperature. If your vents still blow warm air, restricted airflow or a compressor issue may be to blame.

At All American Heating & Cooling, we recommend leaving HVAC repairs and maintenance to the pros rather than attempting DIY fixes. After all, your home’s cooling system is complex and requires careful calibration.

Insufficient Airflow

Poor airflow is a common sign that your air conditioner isn’t working efficiently or that a blockage is preventing air from moving through your home’s ductwork. A clogged air filter, a broken motor or something even more serious may be to blame.

If insufficient airflow is a common issue in your home, we may recommend investing in an energy-recovery ventilator. It can give your air conditioner a boost by exchanging stale air with fresh air every time your system cycles. Your air conditioner may also benefit from zoning systems. They can ensure that you’re getting the right airflow and cooling power where you need it most.

Frequent Cycles

Your air conditioner should go through relatively routine cooling cycles, no matter the weather. While you can expect your cooling system to turn on more frequently on the hottest days of summer, it shouldn’t cycle on and off constantly. If you notice frequent cycles, contact our team of cooling experts. A quick air conditioner tune-up may resolve frequent cycling. But it may also signal that you need a new air conditioner.

High Humidity

During the spring and summer, you can expect sticky weather outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you want to experience high humidity indoors. Your air conditioner should moderate humidity levels automatically.

If your cooling system can’t keep moisture levels within a comfortable range, you need an air conditioner repair. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and let you know whether your air conditioner needs a simple re-calibration or if you should consider a whole-house dehumidifier instead.

Water Leaks

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool your home and may produce condensation as it operates. Neither of these liquids should accumulate or leak into your home, though.

Pooled water or an active leak around your air conditioner is an important sign that your cooling system isn’t running properly. Don’t wait to call our air conditioning service technicians. Leaks can quickly damage your home and may even lead to serious structural issues.

Bad Odors

If you smell unpleasant odors and suspect that they’re coming from your HVAC system, you’ll want to deal with the issue before it becomes smellier. Fortunately, a quick diagnostic visit will tell us whether your air conditioner needs a tune-up and a complete cleaning session or if your cooling system needs a more high-tech solution.

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps can work wonders to eliminate persistent microbial growth in your air conditioner. Duct cleaning can also address odor issues that have accumulated in the ductwork.

Unusual Noises

Most air conditioners make low-level noise as they start up and shut down. But loud, sudden or unusual noises can signal big problems with your cooling system.

Rattling or buzzing noises can indicate a loose part, while whistling or grinding noises can signal something more serious. This type of issue won’t typically go away on its own, so a professional tune-up is essential. Our team will find the source of the problem and recommend a solution that will keep your family cool and comfortable all season long.

Choosing an HVAC maintenance program

When choosing a maintenance program for your HVAC system, there are several things that you need to take into consideration, such as budget, in-house staff, the equipment necessary to your operations, and more. It’s important to keep in mind that each facility will have different needs even if they are within the same organization.

There are three major types of maintenance programs: test and inspect, standard maintenance, and comprehensive maintenance. Each program has its place in an organization and in most cases you can customize the program to fit your needs and budget:

1. Test and inspect program

The test and inspect program is the most basic program that consists of only one or two inspections per year. During these inspections, a technician will take a very basic look into a piece of equipment’s functionality. Typically, it will include filter changes but not a condenser or coil cleaning. This type of program usually does not meet manufacturers’ recommendations, which can be found in the owner’s manual for the unit. Each unit and manufacturer has different requirements, so make sure that you pay close attention to the manual’s recommendations. While implementing this program is better than doing nothing, you should only choose this inspection if all other options aren’t feasible.

2. The standard maintenance program

The standard maintenance program is more in depth than the test and inspect program, and consists of two to four inspections per year. It will have a pre-cool / pre-heat inspection, in which a technician will take a deep dive into the equipment to make sure it is running at optimal efficiency before the correlating season starts. This program typically has a condenser or coil cleaning and includes filter changes. There may also be two operational visits that take place when the equipment is working its hardest to ensure it is functioning properly. Implementing this type of program will most likely meet manufacturers’ recommendations.

3. The comprehensive program

The final program is what is called a comprehensive program, and is commonly compared to an insurance policy. Of all the programs, this one will vary the most from site to site and service provider to service provider. At its very core, the comprehensive program will include four or more inspection visits per year including a pre-heat / pre-cool inspection, two or more operational inspections per year, and a condenser or coil cleaning. It usually includes service calls and parts and labor for repairs, which will definitely be a nice benefit down the road. This program meets almost all manufacturers’ recommendations, but with all the ways that this program can vary, it’s important to have a clear scope of work for all projects and equipment.

Because establishing and executing a preventive maintenance schedule can save 12-18% in costs, it only makes sense that you implement a plan for your HVAC system. While you’re searching for the best option for your organization, be sure you know what you are currently doing and what you plan to accomplish with the changes that are going to be made.  You should include someone from the facilities management department, finance department and an expert in the HVAC industry when creating a preventive maintenance schedule to make sure that the program checks off all of the right boxes.

Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

HVAC systems can be costly and necessary investments for many homeowners. Just like how you wouldn’t drive a car without ever changing its oil, you also shouldn’t operate your HVAC system without ever practicing proper HVAC maintenance.

When you practice proper HVAC maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your HVAC system, save yourself from having to pay for costly repairs, and make sure that your system is operating at optimal levels.

If you’re interested in learning more, then keep on reading and we’ll walk you through the top reasons why you should be practicing regular HVAC maintenance.

1. Reduction of Energy Consumption

When you hire a trusted technician to service your HVAC system, they will maintain your system’s efficiency. The steps that are included in preventative maintenance will thoroughly test, inspect and clean the various parts of your HVAC system. Doing this will make sure that the system is running as efficiently as it can.

When your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible, it won’t need to work as hard to keep you and your family comfortable. This means that you’ll be consuming less energy and saving money on your electricity bill.

When you fail to maintain your HVAC system, it will need to work harder and harder as time goes on in order to produce the same amount of output. For example, if you don’t clean and replace your filters, they will become clogged with dirt and dust. This is going to greatly restrict the amount of airflow and force your AC and heater to work overtime in order to cool or heat your home. It can also cause parts to wear out sooner than they normally would.

2. Prevention of Costly Repairs

You’ll be able to avoid emergency AC repairs when you practice preventative maintenance. A professional HVAC technician will be able to spot problematic areas during a preventive maintenance service call. This will allow you to fix any issues before they turn into serious problems.

Normal wear and tear and various malfunctions can be fixed when they’re detected early. And they can be corrected more cheaply and with less stress. HVAC systems are maintained in the fall and the spring when the weather is temperate, which means any sort of repair won’t be as disruptive as it will be in the middle of summer or winter.

If you don’t regularly get your HVAC system serviced, then small issues can quickly become much bigger and more serious. When the weather is extreme, the demand for HVAC service calls are also usually high which means you may have to wait in line.

When you experience an HVAC emergency, you’ll be left at the mercy of the winter cold or summer heat while the replacement or repair is being performed. When you practice proper maintenance, you’ll greatly reduce the number of emergencies you’re likely to face.

3. Fulfillment of Warranty Requirements

If your HVAC parts are still under warranty, then you should know that many manufacturers require evidence of yearly maintenance in order to pay out a claim. When you invest in regular HVAC maintenance, you’re essentially giving yourself an insurance policy.

If something goes wrong and it’s covered under your warranty, then your HVAC technician will be able to file a claim with more ease and confidence if you have evidence of maintenance.  If you stick with the same HVAC company, they may keep all of these records of maintenance and equipment warranties on file to make things easier for customers.

When you go to sell your home, an HVAC annual maintenance record can increase your resell ability. If you have the choice to pick the home whose HVAC system has been meticulously maintained versus one that has not, which do you choose? We choose the home where the HVAC system has been regularly maintained. There’s extra points for having all the records.

4. Improvement of the Air Quality in Your Home

An HVAC system that’s running at optimal efficiency will ensure that you have better air quality in your home or office. Part of the purpose of your HVAC system is to filter pollutants out of the air that you and your family or coworkers breathe.

Americans spend around ninety percent of their time indoors. Believe it or not, the concentration of many pollutants are two to five times higher indoors than average outdoor concentrations, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

If you don’t maintain your HVAC system, then you won’t be filtering out many of these harmful pollutants that can lead to lung irritation, headaches, and asthma.

Bacteria and mold can thrive in a moist and humid environment in your indoor evaporator coil if it is not addressed with cleaning or a UV light. This means more allergy issues for anyone in your home or office.

A clean filter is going to do a better job of trapping air particles and making sure that your air doesn’t become contaminated. (It’s also really easy to change an indoor air filter  yourself!) A clean AC coil or heat pump is also going to provide you with a healthier home. A whole home air purification system or in-duct purification system can keep your system clean and actively filter the air to an even higher standard.

5. Health and Safety with HVAC Maintenance

You can keep your home and your family safer by practicing regular HVAC maintenance. This is because your HVAC technician will be able to test for any carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal to anyone inside the home. Electrical fires are another risk that HVAC maintenance can identify in advance.

Also, all gas-burning furnaces put off some amount of carbon monoxide, no matter how efficient they are. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and has no odor. If the gas isn’t properly vented out through the roof of your home, then it can invade your living space.

Around 50,000 people in the United States visit the emergency room every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. And more than 400 people die from it.  This is why we always install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when we install new HVAC systems.

6. System Longevity

When you get a regular tune-up for your HVAC system, you’ll be able to significantly increase its lifespan. That means that you can push paying for a new HVAC system well into the future. If you can expect it to last between 12 and 20 years, wouldn’t you like to put off a large expense if your system is working well and in good repair?

Because a new system can cost thousands of dollars, you shouldn’t have to pay any sooner than you need to with preventative maintenance.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better understanding of why HVAC maintenance is so important. By practicing proper HVAC maintenance, you’ll be able to save money, breathe safer and healthier air, and be comfortable indoors.

It’s also important that you hire a skilled and experienced HVAC technician in order to truly make sure that your HVAC is getting the tune-up you expect.

An HVAC system can be a smart and much-appreciated addition to any home. It’s also a significant investment for many homeowners. Regardless of what your HVAC plans may involve, there are some key questions to ask either yourself or the HVAC technician you meet with before you move forward with the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system. We go over eight of the most important ones below.

1. Is Forced Air The Best Option For Me For Heat?

It’s common for an HVAC unit to include a forced hot air system. This can be what’s right for you as well if, for instance, you have existing ductwork in your home. However, not every home today has ductwork. If this is the case for you, there are other heating options to consider. One possibility is a ductless mini-split system.

2. How Is HVAC System Size Calculated?

The most common way to assess heating and cooling needs is with an engineering worksheet known as a Manual J. It considers several key factors in determining recommendations with heating and cooling system size, including:

• Home square footage
• Insulation
• Number of windows

3. Is A Zoned HVAC System Worth Considering?

If you have two stories in your home, a zoned system can make it easier to manage comfort preferences. The potential drawback is that the ductwork has to be set up to adjust airflow in a way that may give you some temperature swings in your home. However, there are ways to overcome this issue with the design and setup of a zoned system.

4. Can I Get A Rundown Of The More Common HVAC-Related Options And How They Work?

If you’re open to suggestions, don’t be shy about asking for a brief summary of what’s available. Asking this question also gives you an opportunity to talk about newer technologies you may appreciate.

5. Should I Have My Ducts Tested Before Going Forward With A New System Installation?

If you have older ductwork in your home, you may want to consider having it tested first to determine if there are leaks that need to be repaired. Taking care of this step first can improve the efficiency of your new system.

6. Will You Inspect Any Existing HVAC-Related Components I Already Have In My Home?

This is a question to direct at the HVAC company you are talking to about a new system. It’s a topic worth covering if you have existing wiring or ductwork that may still be in good enough condition to keep in place.

7. Can I Get Quotes For More Than The Average HVAC Efficiency?

It’s common for heating and cooling contractors to provide a quote for one level of efficiency to keep initial installation costs reasonable. However, you may prefer to ask for additional quotes for added levels of efficiency. As a result, the initial cost will be a bit more, but there is long-term savings potential that could offset this.

8. What Are Your Basic Credentials?

This is another question you’ll direct at your preferred HVAC company to confirm such things as licensing, insurance, and overall experience with HVAC-related work. Similar topics to bring up while getting company-specific details include:

• Scheduling and payment options
• Manufacturers’ warranties
• Paperwork related to the new installation

Get the right heating and cooling solution for your home by asking these questions.

It’s no secret that a properly functioning HVAC system is crucial to the comfort of your home. But when it comes time to hire an HVAC contractor, how can you be sure you’re getting someone who will do the job right? Here are some important questions to ask before hiring an HVAC contractor in Annapolis, MD:

ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?

When hiring an HVAC contractor, you want to be sure the company is properly licensed and insured. This protects you in case something goes wrong during the job. Be sure to ask for proof of both before moving forward.

When you ask about licenses and insurance, inquire about other credentials the contractor may have. This can include things like industry certifications or training. The more credentials a contractor has, the better.

WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE?

You’ll want to hire a contractor with plenty of experience. Ask about the contractor’s history, how long the company has been in business and the types of projects the company typically works on. The more experience contractors have, the better equipped they will be to handle your project.

With these, you can also ask about references. Good contractors should be able to provide you with a list of past clients who can vouch for their work. This way, you can get first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work with them.

WHAT’S YOUR POLICY ON OVERTIME CHARGES?

Some contractors will charge you extra for overtime, and others won’t. It’s important to know the policy before hiring a contractor because this can be a significant cost if you’re not careful.

You need to understand how contractors charge for overtime. If they charge by the hour, you need to know their hourly rate. If they charge a flat fee, you’ll want to know how much that fee is.

CAN YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE?

When hiring a contractor, you’ll want to get a written project cost estimate. This way, there are no surprises down the road. The estimate should contain a list to show exactly what you’re paying for.

Be sure to ask about any other documents the contractor will need, such as a contract or proposal. These can give you additional information about the project and help you make an informed decision.

WHAT’S YOUR WARRANTY POLICY?

Most contractors will offer some warranty on their work. This protects you in case something goes wrong once the job is complete. Be sure to ask about the warranty terms, such as how long it lasts and what it covers.

You should also inquire about any other guarantees the contractor offers. For example, some contractors may guarantee their work for a certain period. Others may offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the results.

This will help you understand what type of protection you have if something goes wrong. It is also safe practice to save all paperwork related to the warranty in case you need to use it later.

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?

HVAC contractors will typically require some payment upfront. This is usually a deposit that goes toward the project’s total cost. Be sure to ask about the payment terms before hiring a contractor.

You’ll also want to know when the final payment is due. Some contractors will require full payment upon completion of the job, while others will give you a grace period to make the payment. It’s important to know this so you can budget accordingly.

WHAT’S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Sometimes, you may need to cancel your project after hiring a contractor. Knowing the contractor’s cancellation policy is important so you don’t lose your deposit.

Some contractors will allow you to cancel without penalty if you give them enough notice. Others will charge a cancellation fee, which could be a percentage of the total project cost. Be sure to ask about this before hiring a contractor.

Asking these questions before hiring an HVAC contractor can save you time and money. Be sure to get all the information you need before making a decision.

It’s no secret that a properly functioning HVAC system is crucial to the comfort of your home. But when it comes time to hire an HVAC contractor, how can you be sure you’re getting someone who will do the job right? Here are some important questions to ask before hiring an HVAC contractor in Annapolis, MD:

ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?

When hiring an HVAC contractor, you want to be sure the company is properly licensed and insured. This protects you in case something goes wrong during the job. Be sure to ask for proof of both before moving forward.

When you ask about licenses and insurance, inquire about other credentials the contractor may have. This can include things like industry certifications or training. The more credentials a contractor has, the better.

WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE?

You’ll want to hire a contractor with plenty of experience. Ask about the contractor’s history, how long the company has been in business and the types of projects the company typically works on. The more experience contractors have, the better equipped they will be to handle your project.

With these, you can also ask about references. Good contractors should be able to provide you with a list of past clients who can vouch for their work. This way, you can get first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work with them.

WHAT’S YOUR POLICY ON OVERTIME CHARGES?

Some contractors will charge you extra for overtime, and others won’t. It’s important to know the policy before hiring a contractor because this can be a significant cost if you’re not careful.

You need to understand how contractors charge for overtime. If they charge by the hour, you need to know their hourly rate. If they charge a flat fee, you’ll want to know how much that fee is.

CAN YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE?

When hiring a contractor, you’ll want to get a written project cost estimate. This way, there are no surprises down the road. The estimate should contain a list to show exactly what you’re paying for.

Be sure to ask about any other documents the contractor will need, such as a contract or proposal. These can give you additional information about the project and help you make an informed decision.

WHAT’S YOUR WARRANTY POLICY?

Most contractors will offer some warranty on their work. This protects you in case something goes wrong once the job is complete. Be sure to ask about the warranty terms, such as how long it lasts and what it covers.

You should also inquire about any other guarantees the contractor offers. For example, some contractors may guarantee their work for a certain period. Others may offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the results.

This will help you understand what type of protection you have if something goes wrong. It is also safe practice to save all paperwork related to the warranty in case you need to use it later.

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?

HVAC contractors will typically require some payment upfront. This is usually a deposit that goes toward the project’s total cost. Be sure to ask about the payment terms before hiring a contractor.

You’ll also want to know when the final payment is due. Some contractors will require full payment upon completion of the job, while others will give you a grace period to make the payment. It’s important to know this so you can budget accordingly.

WHAT’S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Sometimes, you may need to cancel your project after hiring a contractor. Knowing the contractor’s cancellation policy is important so you don’t lose your deposit.

Some contractors will allow you to cancel without penalty if you give them enough notice. Others will charge a cancellation fee, which could be a percentage of the total project cost. Be sure to ask about this before hiring a contractor.

When it comes to fixing HVAC issues, some homeowners feel tempted to try DIY projects to save money. While there are a few tasks you can handle on your own, like changing air filters, significant installations, repairs, and tune-ups require professional skills. A single error can result in extensive damage. Embarking on some DIY HVAC repairs could also land you in legal trouble. In some regions, only a licensed technician can handle refrigerant. The benefits of hiring a licensed HVAC technician outweigh the savings made by doing DIY projects. If you are still undecided, check out these eight reasons why you need to work with a licensed professional.

1. You Will Enjoy High-Quality Results

The numerous servicing tutorials online make you believe that you can do just anything. But, if you fail to meet the required HVAC repair standards, you put your house at significant risk. A licensed technician has knowledge and years of experience in the industry to fix HVAC issues in any unit model. Since they have undergone intensive training, they provide better results than amateur technicians. They can spot the root cause of the problem and can execute repairs that ensure dependable results. You can rest assured that the technician will get the job done right in the first instance to prevent problem reoccurrence.

2. They Have The Right Tools And Equipment

You will need more than pliers and screwdrivers to perform HVAC repairs and maintenance. Lack of proper tools and parts translates into substandard work, resulting in poor performance and higher operating costs. Licensed technicians own specific, advanced tools that you can’t find in your local home improvement store. They can identify minor issues and perform accurate repairs that last.

3. They Can Fix The Problem Quickly

If you don’t have the right skills and tools, you will spend more time on a project. You might also miss out on some issues or cause more damage. A licensed technician will have the job done quickly without compromising quality to minimize the inconveniences of a broken-down HVAC unit. Certified technicians are familiar with most HVAC problems. Once your unit malfunctions, they know what to look for. Additionally, an established HVAC company will have commonly used parts in stock and ready to go whereas you may have a difficult time tracking parts down. This will help save both your time and money.

4. Licensed Technicians Will Ensure System Longevity

DIY fixes don’t provide long-lasting solutions. They might even result in duct leaks that allow conditioned air to seep out. Your unit will have to work extremely hard to meet the temperature requirements. This strains vital components, and the system will break down sooner than expected, calling for parts or even whole unit replacements. A credible contractor knows how to diagnose different problems, which will prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system.

5. They Guarantee Safe And Clean Repairs

DIY HVAC projects can actually be dangerous. The task requires handling electric connections, which can lead to electrocution and fires. If you don’t have the right protective gear, you might also end up injuring yourself.

During maintenance, amateur technicians can miss out on mold issues in the drain pan and the condensing coils. When left unattended, the molds will continue to grow, and the unit recirculates the spores into the indoor air. These contaminants trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory illnesses.

A licensed technician will follow all the required safety procedures and use the latest technology to maximize safety while working on your unit. They will also detect any safety hazards like refrigerant, carbon monoxide leaks, and pollutants accumulation and will fix them to create a healthy environment.

If you are reluctant to let strangers into your house, the good thing about hiring a certified technician is that you can easily find their details under the national database. This gives you a chance to do a background test on a technician. You can also confirm their skill and certification level.

6. You Will Save On Energy Bills

Professional installation, repair, and maintenance promote efficient HVAC operation. During installations, a certified technician will help with sizing. Keep in mind that both oversized and undersized units consume more energy than necessary. A professional will help you pick the suitable HVAC unit depending on the number of rooms, your house’s square footage, number of occupants, window layout, and the climate conditions in your area. Most DIYs repairs are trial and error, which only worsens the issue. If you continue to use your unit while it still has an underlying problem, it will have to run longer to maintain comfortable temperatures. This results in high energy use.

A professional understands precisely what your HVAC needs to work efficiently. They will clean, adjust, replace, or replace the parts as required to lower energy use. During tune-ups, a professional will thoroughly clean your unit to increase airflow and lubricate moving parts to allow smooth operation. The contractor will also adjust the cooling and heating boundaries based on the season. Such practices will increase the energy efficiency of your unit.

7. A Licensed Technician Will Help Protect Your Warranty

Most HVAC manufacturers offer warranties for their products. Attempting DIY repairs and servicing can void your contract, and you will end up covering repairs and parts replacement costs. If you are still under contract and submit a claim, the manufacturers require proof of professional HVAC care. A licensed contractor will help keep you covered under warranty should something go wrong.

8. You Will Benefit From Expert Recommendations

Licensed technicians must undergo rigorous training sessions and pass various tests required by the local state authority. So, if you have questions about your HVAC unit, the technician can address your concerns correctly and professionally. They will also teach you some basic maintenance techniques to keep your unit running at optimum capacity all year long. In case of a problem, the technician will assess the system and advise you about whether to repair or to replace your system. This way, you won’t spend too much money fixing an unrepairable unit.

Get Exceptional HVAC Services From Reliable Contractors

Your HVAC system is a significant investment, and you wouldn’t want to replace it soon after installation. You can avoid this by leaving repairs and servicing to a licensed contractor. While working on your unit by yourself may seem fulfilling, it’s not always a great idea. The seemingly easy DIY projects involve significant risks. The HVAC unit is a complex system that works through the coordination of various parts. If you damage one component, it will strain other elements, and, eventually, the unit will break down. The cost of repairing extensive damages will be higher than hiring a professional in the first place.

If you would like to hire licensed HVAC professionals, contact Stein Heating and Cooling. Our certified technicians provide outstanding comfort solutions. We specialize in HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and fireplace and indoor air quality services. Talk to us today for more information.

The concept of air conditioning dates back to several thousands of years ago when Iranians engineered wind catchers to combat warm weather. Nowadays heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is a given luxury in the average home.

We’ve all dreaded our heating or cooling bills at any given time of the year, but HVAC is a utility none of us would want to live without. Sooner or later, your system is bound to be in need of maintenance or a repair.

Not all HVAC contractors are created equal. Keep reading for five key things to consider when hiring an HVAC contractor for your home.

1. Proper Credentials & Licensing

While it may look simple from the surface level, an HVAC system is involved with many parts of a house and shouldn’t be worked on by just anybody. Always make sure the HVAC contractor you hire is licensed.

Any technician should be properly trained and know how to work with HVAC systems. It’s easy to cut corners and save costs by hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor, but this can severely compromise your home and in many cases is illegal.

2. Applicable Experience

When doing your homework to find the right HVAC professional, consider your property and the type of work needed. Any reputable company should be able to perform both commercial and residential HVAC services, but make sure your needs align with what they offer.

Research perspective companies by analyzing their online presence and reviews. If you’re unsure, asking a neighbor or friend with a similar property is a good start.

3. Transparency

Hiring someone to work on your home’s HVAC system is a serious job and shouldn’t be overlooked. Before anyone picks up their tools you should have a full understanding of the type of work being done.

Of course, there could be unforeseen factors that alter an initial estimate once work begins, but there should always be a specific quote for how much you can expect to be charged.

Never be hesitant to ask questions or for clarification on the work being done to your home, as any top HVAC company should have no issue providing transparency.

4. Competitiveness

The truth is there are many HVAC companies likely near you that offer the exact same services. So how do you differentiate between one another?

Just because a business offers its services at the lowest prices doesn’t mean it’s the best possible option. For certain HVAC tasks, such as repairs or replacements, you shouldn’t seek to spend the least amount possible as this is an investment for your home’s value and longevity.

5. Establishing a Client Connection

Ideally, you should use the same company for all of your home’s HVAC needs. It’s best to have someone who knows your home and is familiar with working on it. Similar to how you’d use the same mechanic to work on your car or barber to cut your hair.

In the best-case scenario you’ll rarely encounter HVAC issues, if ever, but having an established history with a company ensures you’ll never have to worry about receiving prompt or exceptional service.

Hiring the Right HVAC Contractor

The best HVAC company is one that offers quality service with the experience to back it up. Installing and maintaining your home’s HVAC system can be costly, but with the right team, it’s all well worth it.

It’s never too late to find the right HVAC contractor. We offer heating and cooling services that can assist with your home’s HVAC needs. Contact us today to learn more.

You don’t have to be an experienced person to identify that your heating and air conditioning system needs a repair. Once you’ve turned the temperature thermostat down and it seems that not enough cool air is coming out of the vents then it means something is causing your cooling system not to function properly.

Or sometimes it’s just that you note small changes in the performance of your heating or cooling system which indicates that repairs are necessary. In fact, heating and air conditioning repairs are quite common. So, if you’re ever in need of a heating and air condition service then you there’s no need to get upset. All you have to do is to find the right one.

However, what most of the people do is that they get the air filters of their heating and cooling systems changed on regular intervals by hiring a heating and air condition service. This timely maintenance prolongs the life of their systems. So, it’s important that you know what signs in the performance of your heating and cooling systems indicate the need of a professional heating and air condition service.

1- Unusual & Weird Sounds

It’s really important that you pay attention to the kind of noises and sounds your heating and air conditioning system is making during the time when it runs. These weird noises might indicate that there’s some kind of a problem with your heating or cooling system. The most common kinds of noises you need to pay attention to include whistling, clanking and groaning sounds. Your heating and air conditioning system makes such sounds when it badly needs a repair.

2- Problems Related to Power

If your heating or cooling system shuts down unexpectedly due to a tripped breaker, it means there must be some kind of an electrical problem that you must get checked. It could be something more threatening and serious which might cause house fire as well. If the heating or cooling system shuts down all of a sudden, then do not delay calling a professional service for heating and air conditioning repair.

3- Strange & Foul Odors

There are some unusual odors that smell foul and they indicate that your heating or cooling system is in dire need of repairs and maintenance. These odors may include a musty smell that should bring into your notice the urgent need for servicing. It could also mean that there’s some kind of a leak or water buildup in your heating or cooling system. A more dangerous smell would be a burning smell. This would indicate that either the electrical wiring has been compromised due to some reason or that your heating or cooling system is getting overheated. Whatever kind of strange odor you smell, you must call for heating and air conditioning repair  without any further delay.

4- Temperatures Are Not Consistently Maintained

If you feel that the heating or cooling is not being maintained in your house at a consistent temperature, then it means your heating or cooling system needs a repair. This is particularly true when your system begins to take longer time than it should take to keep the temperature in your house consistent.

5- Reduced or Low Airflow

If your air conditioning system starts to blow warm air or its air system is blowing little to no air at all, then it means it’s time to call in for heating and air conditioning repair. The heating or cooling system won’t work properly until it has been repaired by a professional service and its airflow problem has been taken care of.

6- Utility Bills Begin to Skyrocket

If one day you’re left stunned after seeing your utility bill for electricity or gas, then it possibly has to do something with your heating or cooling system. Electricity or gas bills don’t skyrocket when you haven’t adjusted the thermostat to a higher temperature. This means you have an efficiency problem that can be caused by several reasons. Of course the most intelligent thing to do in such a scenario is to have your heating and air conditioning system checked and repaired as soon as possible rather than continuing to pay your inflated utility bills and wasting your money.

7- Unwanted Moisture

If your heating or cooling unit has an internal water leakage and it has pooled around the system then it can cause a variety of problems in the near future. This would indeed cost extra amount of money as well. At times, these leakages can be refrigerant which can be a major health risk to you and your family members. However, there are other reasons due to which moisture occurs in the heating and air conditioning systems. These reasons may include condensation blocking the system’s drain tube. Water pooling which causes moisture may not be a very big issue, but it could lead to serious problems like mold growth in your house. So make sure you call for heating and air conditioning repair at the first sight of such a trouble.

In conclusion, the repairs and maintenances of your heating and air conditioning systems are very important for both your comfort and safety. So, it’s imperative that you identify these signs mentioned above at the right time to spare your heating and cooling systems from struggling any further. This would prevent additional repairs and premature breakdowns of your systems.

So, if you’re in need of a professional heating and air conditioning repair then contact Stein Heating and Cooling today. Our fully trained and equipped servicemen can thoroughly inspect your heating and cooling units for anything that might be causing the trouble. Our heating and air condition service will put your mind at ease and will leave you confident about the safety of the conditions you live in.