Valley Services Blog - The Heating Guys

Furnace Cleaning Time is here!

valleyservices — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:53:54 +0000

Unfortunately for those of us who love summer and being able to wear shorts outside, it is nearing the time of furnace tune ups (or winter). Sorry I did not want to say it. But luckily for you, you will not have to worry about your heat this winter because you are going to schedule your furnace tune-up with Valley Services!

Getting your furnace cleaned is an important part of keeping your furnace running efficiently and smoothly! We clean your blower motor, lubricate moving parts, and check your heat exchanger for cracks or leaks (detailed list below).

I believe checking your heat exchanger for cracks is the most important part of the tune up. If there is rusting and/or cracks in your heat exchanger it will leak carbon monoxide in your home, and this is fatal! I think checking the status of your heat exchanger is worth the cost of the maintenance! Maintaining the heat exchanger is only 1 of the 16 points on the maintenance check list. We make sure the flame sensor and burners are all functioning correctly and that your furnace is working as efficiently as it can.

Each year your furnace lowers in its efficiency, but maintaining it yearly can keep your furnace working at its peak efficiency!

715-386-7131

Call now for the special price of $95 with a donation to The Sharing Tree school supply program (for Hudson students or the food shelf!!!)

DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE FILTERS!!!

Furnace Tune-Up 16-Point Check List

1. Clean sensor, burners, and inspect heat exchanger.

2. Clean and adjust thermostat.

3. Lubricate and clean all motors.

4. Evaluate condition of filters, replace with filter supplied by client.

5. Test and adjust safety and operating controls.

6. Clean and adjust pilot assembly.

7. Inspect flue pipe and draft assembly.

8. Test and tighten all wiring connections.

9. Test gas valve operation.

10. Check blower motor (and belt if applicable).

11. Re-inspect heat exchanger for cracks or holes.

12. Adjust burner for maximum efficiency.

13. Test temperature rise.

14. Carbon monoxide test.

15. Check thermostat and confirm proper operation.

16. Clean up area to customer satisfaction.

Freon, R-22 Vs. R-410A

valleyservices — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:47:20 +0000

The changes are here! No more manufacturing of R-22 Condensing units. We can still possibly install one for you, but finding them is not easy. It is time to move on to the new, more environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410A.

We still service R-22 units and have the ability to add R-22 Freon to your system but leak testing is a must. You cannot have a HVAC Company come to your home every year and add freon. If this is happening, that means there is a leak that must be located.

R-22 is harmful to the environment, R-410A is proven to be less harmful. We need to find leaks and repair them if possible, otherwise we might need to put in a new R-410A unit. If your unit is over 16 years old, chances are it is about time to think about a new unit.

Goodman 14 SEER Condensing Unit

The average life of a Air Conditioning system is 12-16 years. If you are in that time period, it is time to start thinking about installing a new, higher efficient system (and possibly getting a tax credit in 2010).

Fujitsu Heat Pump Mini-Splits

valleyservices — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:02:29 +0000

We are always looking for ways to save money. People always suggest to go green and be efficient and you will save money! Being efficient will save you money in the long run, but if you are looking to get some back on your taxes, Fujitsu Halcyon’s Heat Pump Mini-Splits are your answer! These systems qualify for the energy efficiency tax credit in which you receive up to $1500!

Pictured below is a dual zone heat pump system.

The quiet operation and the wireless remote controller make running your system a breeze. Installing these systems require less time than a furnace and air conditioner install and less maintenance. Although you should get them checked every other year.

If you are sick of your window units and the money you spend on electricity, the Fujitsu Halcyon Mini-Splits are for you!

More questions? Call or click here for our FAQ.

A/C Not Working? Not Cooling?

valleyservices — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:47:40 +0000

Is your home too warm right now? Is your Air Conditioner not cooling the way it should? Or not cooling at all?!

It just topped 85 degrees and you want to turn on your A/C. You walk to thermostat and flip it to cool and nothing happens. Oh great! Been in this situation before.

A common problem in the summer is when you try to turn on your Air Conditioner for the first time it doesn’t work.

We strongly suggest scheduling an Air Conditioner Tune-Up!

But if you did not schedule a tune up this year, we will gladly come out to troubleshoot the Air Conditioner to get you the cooling and the comfort you want!

Common Problems for your Home Air Conditioner

There are a few problems that you might have run into this year with your Air Conditioner. Here are a few scenarios:

1. It is cooling but not enough. You might have a small leak somewhere in your system that is allowing Freon to get out. The leak could be in the “A” Coil (above your furnace), the line set that leads to your Condensing Unit (outside unit), or it could be by your Condensing Unit. If there is a Freon leak, this would cause your A/C to not keep your home as cool as you want.

2. It is blowing warm air. If your Air Conditioner is on and the blower motor is moving warm air, it could be a few things. It could be a bad contactor or a bad capacitor (which is not too expensive). If it is neither of these two things then unfortunately you might have a bad compressor. At this point (depending on how old your system is), it might be worth looking into a new system. If you have a Goodman A/C, your compressor has a 10 year warranty on it.

3. It is not cooling or running. If your Air Conditioner is not running and not cooling, then there are a few possibilities. First thing, check the thermostat and make sure it is set to “cool”. Make sure the temperature is set lower than what it is outside. If nothing happens and the units do not respond, there could be a wiring problem. A mouse could have bit through the wire and a wire could have came loose for another reason. If it turns out to be something other than wiring, it could be anything. For example, the circuit board could have shorted out because of condensation which could cause your blower motor to not work. This is one possibility but we would have to come and troubleshoot your system for you to be sure.

Air Conditioner Not Working…It’s Hot!

valleyservices — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:14:22 +0000

It is that time again. Time to get your Air Conditioner checked. Gas prices are going up and there is road construction everywhere, yep, it’s summer! Now that the temperatures are where they need to be (so we can have barbeques and not bring blankets and winter hats to Twins games), it allows us (Valley Services) to check the pressures on your Air Conditioner and ensure that you are still getting the highest efficiency possible.

715-386-7131

Hopefully your Air Conditioner does work well this summer but the best way to make sure of this is to have us come and tune it up . During an Air Conditioner Maintenance, we lubricate where needed, clean the coils with a special cleaning solution, and we check the pressures and the freon levels to make sure there are no leaks. We do a detailed 15 Point Summer Tune-Up to check your AC for issues and make sure you are comfortable this summer.

If your air conditioner is not working, there are a few things you can check before having to call us.

Make sure that your thermostat is set to “cool”.
You don’t need to be heating in the middle of summer!
Make sure that the thermostat temperature is set well below the ambient temperature.
Make sure that the power switch on the furnace is on.

We are always ready to help you and keep you comfortable!

Air Conditioner Tune-Up

valleyservices — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:42:40 +0000

Valley Services, Heating and Air Conditioner Specialists

Now Only $85!

715-386-7131

The Air Conditioner Maintenance, also commonly called Air Conditioner Tune-Up and Air Conditioner Cleaning, is important for peak efficiency and cooling. Here at Valley Services, our main concern for our customers is saving them money. Scheduling annual maintenances for your air conditioner is just as important as your Furnace Tune-Ups.

Finding and repairing a refrigerant leak during a tune-up will not cost you nearly as much as a ruined compressor because of pressure issues and chemical leaks.

For a detailed list of your Air Conditioner Maintenance, read our 15 Point Summer Tune-Up below.

Air Conditioner Maintenance - 15 point Summer Tune-Up

1. Lubricate all moving parts (including blower motor and condenser fan).

2. Install gauges, record operating pressures and temperatures.

3. Evaluate condition of filters, replace with filter supplied by client.

4. Measure refrigerant.

5. Flush condensate drain system to protect against overflow.

6. Clean outdoor condenser coil.

7. Check blower motor (and belt if applicable).

8. Test temperature at return and supply air, adjust blower speed if necessary.

9. Monitor voltage and amperage in all motors.

10. Test operation and condition of compressor and components.

11. Test all controls for proper operation

12. Inspect start and run capacitors.

13. Test all wires and connections.

14. Check thermostat and confirm proper operation.

15. Clean up area to customer satisfaction.

Dirty, Dusty Ductwork

valleyservices — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:25:17 +0000

Yuck! You could be breathing this!

You don’t want to breathe this! Change your Filters Regularly and get your furnace and ductwork maintained!

Dust and dirt can ruin blower motors and cost you money!

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Valley loves installing Goodman Equipment!

valleyservices — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:51:25 +0000

Goodman Products, Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, and More!

This week we (Valley Services) are installing 6 Goodman Air Conditioners and (so far) 2 Goodman Furnaces. We love installing Goodman Equipment. We have built relationships with our suppliers and they always give us the lowest price so we can offer you the lowest price as well.

We can install a furnace and air conditioner in 1.5 days. Our technicians know the equipment like the back of their hands! We give honest estimates and treat each customer like family. We know that these times are tough but Valley will continue to offer the same great service and quality products as we have for over 20 years.

We have not stopped giving back either. We continuously run specials involving non-profit organizations such as The Christian Food Cupboard of Hudson and currently, The Sharing Tree School Supply Program. Set up your Air Conditioner Maintenance now for only $75 with a donation to The Sharing Tree!

If you have any questions or comments regarding HVAC, efficiency, maintenance, and more, visit our website or call

715-386-7131

Water Heater leaking? Not lighting?

valleyservices — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:44:17 +0000

If you see water on or around your water heater it could be a quick fix or it could be worth looking into a new, more efficient water heater. There are rebates and tax refunds available if you install high efficient appliances.

Possible reasons for a water heater leak: condensation build-up when the tank is filling with cold water, the Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve could be faulty, drain valve might need to be tightened or replaced, you gas vent might be obstructed, or the leak could be coming from water pipes that lead to your water heater.

TP Valve diagram.

Temp-Press Reief Valve.

The Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (pictured above) releases water when there is an excess in pressure which may be caused by temperatures that are too high. It will release the water to lower the pressure, if this is the case, it is working correctly but you want to figure out why the temperature is so high.

Drain Valve

The Drain Valve is usually located near the floor on the side of your water heater, if water is coming out it may just need to be tightened. If that does not work, it could be old and needs to be replaced.

For a Gas Fired Water Heater, the Vent located at the top of the water heater needs to be kept clear. Shut off the water heater and clear out the flue.

If you see dripping coming from the pipes leading to and from the water heater, you can try to tighten the couplers and fittings, but not too tight.

If you are not exactly sure what to do, please call us for professional service! 715-386-7131

Goodman Air Conditioners! High Efficiency

valleyservices — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:17:35 +0000

We are a Goodman dealer. We like working with Goodman equipment and we feel good about selling their equipment. With the warranties and the technical support, we cannot be happier. Our customers have only had great things to say about the new equipment that we have installed.

Products

GSC13 – 13 SEER Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners R-22 Refrigerant

Goodman Air Conditioner Installation

High-Performance, energy-efficient compressor
Factory-Installed in-line filter dryer, for longer system life
Gauge galvanized steel cabinet to protect coil
Three-bladed fan and a louvered sound-control top (Quieter system performance!)
High Efficiency Condenser coil made of corrugated aluminum fins
Rifled refrigeration grade copper tubing
Easy access design, makes easy to service

Warranties

GSC14 – 14 SEER High Efficiency Air Conditioners (R-22 or R-410A Refrigerant)

Goodman Air Conditioner Installation

High-Performance, high efficiency scroll compressor
Factory-installed in-line filter dryer (for longer system life!)
Heavy-guage galvanized steel cabinet to protect coil
High-efficiency condenser coil made of corrugated aluminum fins
Rifled refrigeration-grade copper tubing

8-pole, 850-RPM motor, three-bladed fan, and louvered sound-control top (quieter system performance!)
Easy access design, makes easy to service

Warranties:

The time is now to CALL Valley Services! 715-386-7131

Set up a FREE ESTIMATE Today!