Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | January 27, 2011

Energy Saving Ideas, Furnace and AC Efficiency Tips

Energy (and money) Saving Helpful Hints

We like to help our customers save money.  We understand that repairing a furnace can turn out to be a little spendy.  So here are a few ways that you can save money and be more efficient and prevent costly service calls down the road.
 
Increasing Efficiency of Your Home:
  • Make sure your attic is properly insulated (R-38 to R-44)
  • Provide adequate ventilation for air circulation in your attic
  • Plant trees for windbreaks and sun protection
  • Weatherstrip and/or caulk around windows and doors

Stay Warm this winter

Follow general furnace maintenance guidelines to increase longevity of furnace, get you furnace cleaned yearly and change filters regularly.

Furnace Efficiency Tips

  • Check filters monthly and change as needed
  • Clean humidifier at beginning of heating season and change humidifier pad yearly
  • Check ducts and repair leaks or separations, insulate if in an unheated area
  • Check flue pipes for signs of rust, corrosions or holes

Boiler Efficiency Tips

  • Maintain yearly and dust off radiators too!
  • Check water level and pressure
  • Check for leaks

 

Stay Cool This Summer

Yearly maintenance on you air conditioning system is recommended as well.  We make sure that the coil gets cleaned with our eco-friendly coil cleaning solution and that the blower motor is cleaned after the heating season.

  • Keep windows protected from direct sunlight with awnings and trees
  • Apply tinted film to windows in direct sunlight to avoid overworking air conditioner
  • Keep cooling system clean, including: filters, fans, ducts, vents and thermostats.
  • Keep condensate drain line clean and not plugged
  • Keep air vents and returns unblocked by furniture and drapes
  • Adjust registers for upward air flow
  • Keep outdoor condenser clean from debris, leaves, sticks, grass. You can clean with garden hose.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Air Conditioner Tune-Up, Filters, Furnace, Furnace Maintenance, Humidifiers, HVAC

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | January 20, 2011

Air therapy, Air in your home making you sick?

Your furnace, air conditioner, and duct system function as the respiratory system of your home.  When it becomes contaminated and congested it should be cleaned so it can “breathe”  normally and efficiently.

Take the survey below, don’t worry it is easy it only has YES or NO questions.  If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to get your furnace or air conditioner clean and maintained (now ONLY $73 (reg. price $128)!  Call Valley Services, Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists!

715-386-7131

Indoor Air Quality Survey

Does anyone in the house have any allergies, asthma, or other respiratory health problems?

Does anyone in your family suffer from headaches, nasal congestion, or other sinus problems at night or in the morning?

Is there a smoker in the house?

Do you have dogs, cats, or other pets?

Do you notice a musty or stale smell when the furnace or air conditioner runs?

Do you notice dust on your furniture shortly after cleaning?

Does it seem like there is not enough air flow coming from your vents?

Is your furnace equipped only with a standard “throw-away” fiber glass filter?

715-386-7131

Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander, and other airborne contaminants are pulled into your duct system every time the furnace or air conditioner runs.  These contaminants build up inside the ductwork over time and can help make your duct system an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew, and other microbes.  The removal of contaminants (HEPA Filtration) from the entire HVAC system is recognized by industry experts as the most effective way to eliminate air duct pollutants.

During these Furnace Maintenances (aka Furnace Clean and Tune) we also check the heat exchangers for cracks which can leak Carbon Monoxide into your home and clean out the blower so it circulates cleaner air.

We hope to hear from you soon!

2 Comments

Posted in Air Conditioner Tune-Up, Carbon Monoxide, Filters, Furnace Maintenance, HEPA Filtration, HVAC | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | September 27, 2010

High Efficiency Furnaces, Furnace Tune-Up

When the tires on your vehicle get worn down it is relatively easy for your auto technician to predict when you will need new ones.  He/she will recommend how many more miles they can go and when the new ones should be installed.  You, the vehicle owner, can probably tell when your tires get to wore down and when it can be unsafe to drive on them.

Your furnace can be a bit more tricky.  The average life of a furnace is between 12-16 years.  A 15 year old furnace is like a set of tires with 45,000 miles of wear.  At this point, the efficiency of the furnace is way down from what it used to be and could possibly run into costly repairs.  It could be time to get a FREE HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE/AIR CONDITIONER ESTIMATE!

Safety is also an issue at this point in the furnace’s lifespan.  Carbon monoxide is generated from the burning process and travels through the heat exchanger.  If the heat exchanger gets worn down, it can rust and crack in places which can mean that carbon monoxide will leak into your home.

During annual Furnace Tune-Ups, we check the heat exchanger with a camera and a probe to make sure that there are no cracks and that your furnace is safe to run.  If you don’t get your furnace maintained, you have no way of knowing that your furnace is unsafe to use.

Call now to set up your furnace tune up with Valley Services, Heating and Air Conditioning!  Your comfort leader for the greater St. Croix Valley!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Carbon Monoxide, Furnace, Furnace Maintenance, High Efficiency Furnaces, HVAC

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | September 14, 2010

3 Tips to lower bills this winter!

We all like to find ways to save money, especially now in these slow economic times.  I want to give you a few tips to lower bills this winter so lets get down to it!

715-386-7131

1.   Try lowering your thermostat 1-2 degrees and see how big of a difference that can make!  Also, set it lower overnight to save even more!

2.  Schedule your annual Furnace Tune Up or Boiler Tune Up with a Valley Services professional!  This can ensure your safety and comfort this winter!  We check the heat exchanger for cracks and clean the blower to make sure it is functioning correctly and efficiently.

3.  Change your filters!  We feel we can never remind our customers about changing filters enough.  When it is so easy to do, there is no reason to have to pay a repair charge for something damaged by not changing the filter!

One final note to think about.  If your furnace is 12-16 yrs old (or older) it is a great time to think about getting a new, higher efficient furnace.  With the “Up To $1500 Federal Tax Credit” coming to an end December 31, 2010, the time is now to go high efficient!  If your furnace is over 12 years old, chances are the the efficiency is not what it used to be.

715-386-7131

Call or visit our website!  Set up your free high efficiency furnace and AC estimate now!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Filters, Furnace, Furnace Maintenance, High Efficiency Furnaces, HVAC | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | August 20, 2010

Furnace Cleaning Time is here!

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

Our Valley Services Technicians clean the flame sensor, burners, and inspect heat exchanger to make sure that carbon monoxide won’t be leaking into your home.  Our technicians also inspect and clean the inducer vent motor and fan and test the gas pressure to make sure the furnace is burning correctly. 
We will make sure that your furnace works better than we we arrived!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Carbon Monoxide, Furnace, Furnace Maintenance | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | June 30, 2010

Freon, R-22 Vs. R-410A

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).

Leave a Comment

Posted in Condensing Units, Furnace Install, High Efficiency Furnaces, HVAC | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | June 23, 2010

Fujitsu Heat Pump Mini-Splits

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.

 

 

1 Comment

Posted in High Efficiency Furnaces, HVAC, Mini Split Systems, New Install | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | June 16, 2010

A/C Not Working? Not Cooling?

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.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Air Conditioner Tune-Up, HVAC | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | May 17, 2010

Air Conditioner Not Working…It’s Hot!

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.

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

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Air Conditioner Tune-Up, HVAC | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Valley Services HVAC | May 17, 2010

Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Valley Services, Heating and Air Conditioner Specialists

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
 

The first thing that our technicians do is check the overall operation of the furnace and air conditioner.  We want to make sure that your furnace and air conditioner are functioning correctly.  We check and clean the blower motor, clean the outdoor condenser, clean the condensate drain line, and check the compressor and capacitors.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Air Conditioner Tune-Up, HVAC | Tags: , ,

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.