In fact, we believe there’s a law that states it will happen at the worst possible time, every time. This is why it’s best to stay ahead of the game and schedule routine maintenance. In fact, it’s suggested each year an HVAC technician should come to your home to fully inspect your system for potential problems. Thinking about going this route? Fantastic! Here’s what you should expect during that visit.

Meeting the Technician

First things first, your HVAC tech will come to your door to introduce himself or herself. He or she should arrive in a truck that displays the company logo, and he or she should be wearing a company uniform that includes his or her first name. You may ask for identification, which the technician is obligated to provide at your request. With your permission, the tech will enter your home and ask you to point out the location of your AC unit and your breaker box.

General Assessment

When Dauenhauer techs arrive, they’ll ask a few standard questions. This is just to make sure it’s not just an issue with the thermostat before digging in further. You’ll also be asked what specific issues you’ve noticed. Be as descriptive as possible.

Q&A

With any type of HVAC system, furnace, or standalone air conditioner, the issue could be any number of things. After the initial inspection, we’ll have a good understanding of what your HVAC’s problem is. After clearing explaining what’s going on, we’d love to answer any questions you may have about the issue and discuss what options are available.

The Job

So, after you’ve made an informed decision about how to proceed with repairs, the final step in the process is to actually complete all necessary repair work. If you’re in a situation where you are debating whether or not it’s time to invest in a new HVAC system, we can also help point you in the most appropriate direction.

Have questions about your upcoming HVAC maintenance? Just call your local Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.

MYTH 1 – You only have to change your filter once per year

Absolutely not. A dirty filter will greatly reduce the amount of air traveling through your system. In fact, filters should be changed every two months, at a minimum.

MYTH 2 – The bigger the HVAC system, the better

Nope. Installing a system that has too much capacity will cause it to short cycle, turning on and off continually. This causes premature equipment failure. And that’s not good. And is also expensive.

MYTH 3 – Close vents in unused rooms to save energy

Once again, no. This will actually cause drastic increases in air pressure in the system. As a result, air leaks will eventually occur in the duct joints and seams sending air into the walls and floors of your home rather than through the intended registers.

MYTH 4 – Thermostat location isn’t important. 

Sorry, it is important. If your thermostat is placed too close to a supply air register, or in direct view of a window it may give off false readings. And false readings will cause your system to run when it doesn’t need to.

MYTH 5 – Running fans lowers the temperature of a room

This just isn’t true. Moving air around a room does not cool the air. The room will actually remain at the same temperature with or without the fan running. So, if you’re not actually in the room and leave it running all day – you’re just wasting energy.  

Want to debunk a few myths? We can help! Just call your local Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.

Before you start to get sad, let’s talk about how long a traditional furnace lasts. For most common furnaces, anywhere from 15 to 30 years is the norm. But in our experience, we believe once you hit the 15-year mark its time to start looking.

So you might be wondering, so how do I keep my furnace healthy and in shape. Well for starters, the type of fuel it uses is a big deal. Many homeowners choose to install a new electric furnace because they boast a long average lifespan of 20 – 30 years. On the other hand, a gas furnace is engineered with a lifespan of 15 – 20 years. Although new gas furnaces have a lower lifespan, they cost less money to operate when compared to new electric furnaces. In addition, gas furnaces are able to heat your home at a faster rate when compared to electric systems.

Some other tips that’ll keep your furnace in good spirits are continuously replacing dirty filters in your furnace, seal the windows and doors in your home and consider investing in a programmable thermostat.

What’s That Sound?

When your furnace is on its last legs, it will let you know. In fact, the noises your furnace makes can tell you a lot. Let’s go over some of the most common furnace noises and what they mean.

Popping

This is caused by fluctuations in temperature within your furnace.

Rattling

A rattling sound may be caused by loose ducts or equipment.

Screeching

This type of noise indicates a damaged furnace blower motor. However, it can also be caused by a damaged belt or pulley.

Humming

This is caused by the furnace’s blower motor. If it has become noticeably loud, then it’s time to invest in a new furnace.

Clicking

This may be a sign of a problem with the flame sensor or an ignition issue.

Booming

This could be a severe gas emission issue with your furnace. This noise is often caused by a brief delay during the ignition process.

Do you have a question about a potential furnace problem? We’d love to help. Simply call your local Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.

That’s a lot. Yet, many people never stop to think about their air quality. Having a properly working HVAC system can improve your indoor air significantly. We’ve listed the top 5 reasons why having your air ducts professionally cleaned should really be more top of mind.

Health Issues

Over time, dust and other air particles accumulate in your duct system. This means the air confined in your HVAC system can carry harmful contaminants that can have a significant affect on your family’s health. For example, this can lead to skin allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. But not to worry. With routine air duct cleaning, you can prevent these health problems from becoming an issue.

Improves Performance

Proper air duct maintenance and your system’s efficiency go hand in hand. When the ductwork is overcome by dust, mold, allergens and pet dander it restricts your HVAC system from doing its job. Makes sense, right?

Increases Longevity

Your heating and cooling system is one of your home’s biggest investments. With this in mind, you obviously want it to be around for a while. Just like a checkup at the doctor a regular duct cleaning significantly adds years to your system’s lifespan.

Eliminates Odor

A sure sign that your ducts need cleaning is when you notice an unpleasant odor around the house. The best thing to do is to have your ducts serviced to improve air quality in your home.

Exposes Underlying Issues

Although it seems like your system is doing its job, you really don’t have any idea what’s happening within your walls. With a regular air duct cleaning, you can help prevent potential mechanical issues in your system. A little cleaning can go a long way.

Need to get your ducts cleaned? Just call your local Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.

While we can’t grant you any relief from your uncle’s political opinions, we can give you some tips on how to make your home a little more comfortable.

Clean Your Air Filters

You can never go wrong when you’re looking out for your air quality. Before your house gets a little more crowded, make sure your HVAC system’s air filters are clean. It’ll help with dust, allergies and overall HVAC efficiency.

Maintenance

You know when the best time for HVAC maintenance is? Before there’s a problem. As anyone who’s been through it can tell you – the holidays are the worst time of year for your heat to go out.

Plan Ahead In The Kitchen

This tip can go a super long way. Try to cook as much as possible ahead of time to avoid heating up the house unnecessarily. Kitchen heat, plus added bodies, can lead to some pretty toasty situations.

Lock Your Windows

This will create a tighter seal around your windows to keep in the warm air. It will also help prevent guests from cracking a window when you’re not looking!

Install A Humidifier

Humidifiers will retain heat so you can set your thermostat lower and make your home more comfortable. Humidifiers are also a great way to eliminate dry air and reduce static electricity – ensuring your holiday guests remain comfortable.

Become A Fan

Many people forget about this hidden gem. Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting that will push the rising warm air back down to ground level. Ceiling fans also help circulate the air, keeping a more even temperature.

Use Space Heaters

If your guests are going to be spending time in a cooler part of your home, consider adding space heaters to even out the temperature.

Looking for more ways to keep your home comfortable during the holidays? No problem. Simply call your Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.