May 11, 2023

4 Reasons Why You Should Avoid DIY AC Servicing

Some people love DIY projects, and with tutorials popping up everywhere, they can engage in their favorite household tasks more easily and effectively than ever before. They might even be tempted to perform major household technical projects, such as servicing their own AC when a repair or tune-up is in order. The idea sounds good in theory, but in reality, it’s a dangerous practice. Keep reading to learn more about why you need to leave AC servicing to the pros. 1. You May Get Hurt Direct contact with high-voltage electricity can result in injuries or fatalities. The risk of shock or electrocution is particularly high when people attempt DIY AC repairs. In other words, only experienced technicians should address AC problems. 2. You Lack the Necessary Tools Many AC problems require special tools to diagnose and fix. In addition, these tools require special training to use them effectively. Most people don’t have these tools around their homes, and using alternative tools can damage the unit or hurt you. Buying the tools isn’t necessarily a viable option, either, as they’re often exorbitantly expensive. Calling in the pros is simply more cost-effective. 3. It Can Lead to More Problems If you lack...

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April 24, 2023

The Steps of an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

It’s almost time to turn on your air conditioner in order to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Before you do that, schedule an AC maintenance check. That way, you can count on your system being ready to go. Let’s talk about what you can expect during an AC tune-up. Cleaning Over the winter, your AC unit may have gotten covered with dirt and debris. This should all get cleaned away so there is proper air flow around your unit. The technician will also clean the unit’s evaporator coils and clear any clogs from the interior lines. Lubrication Your air conditioner includes a lot of moving parts. If they aren’t moving freely, this can put a lot of wear and tear on the unit. A maintenance technician will lubricate components (such as the central air fan motor) to ensure that they can move smoothly. Inspection You can count on a reputable AC company to take a close look at all of the parts of your system during a cooling tune-up. Some of the components may be getting worn out. There could be cracks or small leaks that could compromise the efficiency of your system. It’s best to catch...

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March 15, 2023

Clear the Air: Uncovering the 4 Biggest Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants are a major cause of health concerns like allergies, asthma, and other breathing illnesses among homeowners. While taking measures like managing your home’s humidity levels or using non-toxic cleaning products is essential, another key component of promoting indoor air quality is understanding what pollutants are in your home. Let’s examine the four major indoor air pollutants and how to protect yourself and your family. 1. Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are molecules of carbon and other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, and sulfur. VOCs, come from many sources, including paint, pesticides, furniture polish, perfumes, and cleaning supplies. They can also be emitted by burning wood or gas for cooking or heating. VOCs are dangerous because they can cause eye irritation and dizziness when inhaled in large amounts over a long period. 2. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas produced when fuel is burned incompletely due to inefficient combustion. Sources of CO include faulty boilers or heaters and vehicles with faulty exhaust systems nearby. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because it can build up quickly in confined spaces, leading to dizziness, nausea, and even death if inhaled in high concentrations for long...

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February 17, 2023

How Cold Weather Impacts Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

As temperatures drop and the winter season sets in, many people spend more time indoors to stay warm. What you may not realize is that cold weather outside can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality of your home. When your home is sealed up to keep the cold air out, it leads to an increase in indoor air pollutants. Additionally, the lack of fresh air and increased use of heating systems can cause dry air. Knowledge is key when it comes to protecting your health and that of your loved ones. Here are some ways that cold weather may be impacting your indoor air quality. Buildup of Pollutants In the winter, we tend to keep our homes sealed up to keep the cold air out, which can cause a spike in indoor air pollutants. Extra dust, dirt, pet dander, and other toxic substances swirl around us by way of our ductwork and heating systems, and we breathe it in continually, which has a negative impact on our health. Drier Air A lack of fresh air and increased use of our heating systems can cause dry air in the home, which results in respiratory issues, throat irritation, and...

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January 20, 2023

Is a Heat Pump Cheaper Than Electric Heat?

Comparing Heat Pumps and Electric Heat In today’s economy, it is important to seek out the most cost-effective home heating system, but what is the best option when it comes to heating your home? Is it a heat pump or electric heat? Let’s compare the two and see which one is more cost-effective. What Is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one area to another. This means that instead of heating air it takes in, it takes already existing heat from outside and uses that energy to keep your home warm or cool. This makes it very efficient as it does not require any additional power or fuel such as gas or oil. The only downside is that heat pumps can be expensive initially due to the high installation costs. Electric Heat Electric heaters work by using electricity as their primary source of power. They are usually more affordable than installing a full-fledged HVAC system but can be less efficient because they produce more waste heat than other heating systems, such as furnaces or boilers. Electric heaters also have higher operating costs due to the amount of electricity used during operation. Comparing Costs...

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December 20, 2022

Tips for Saving on Your Energy Bills This Winter Season

When the chilly winter weather comes back around, many of us are thinking about all the great gifts that we’re going to get our family and friends. However, high heating bills can put a damper on your plans. Fortunately, by practicing the tips that we’re going to recommend below, you can work to lower your heating bills this winter season. Use Ceiling Fans One of the easiest ways to save money on your heating bill is to use your ceiling fans. Turn them in the opposite direction so that they force the hot air stuck at the top of your room out and down toward the floor. By recirculating the warm air in your rooms, you can prevent the need to turn up your thermostat to feel comfortable. Seal Off Any Air Leaks Another great practice is to seal off any air leaks. These leaks tend to develop most often near doors and windows. If you run your hand around their frame and feel cold air coming in, then you’ll want to use caulking or weatherstripping to close off those leaks. Let the Sunlight In If you’ve ever sat in direct sunlight, you know how much it can heat up...

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November 17, 2022

Ways to Winterize Your Home’s Heat Pump

As the weather outside gets colder, you’ll want to make sure your heat pump is properly winterized. A heat pump that isn’t winterized is susceptible to a variety of issues, including frozen coils, a cracked heat exchanger, and damaged compressor valves. Not only can these issues be costly to repair, but they can also lead to your heat pump breaking down entirely. Read on to learn some ways to prepare your heat pump for winter. 1. Check the Outdoor Unit of Your Heat Pump The outdoor unit of your heat pump gets exposed to the elements, so it’s important to check it regularly to make sure there is no build-up of snow or ice. If you notice any snow or ice on the unit, be sure to remove it as soon as possible. 2. Inspect the Indoor Coil The indoor coil is responsible for transferring heat from the air inside your home to the refrigerant inside the heat pump. It’s important to inspect the coil regularly and clean it if necessary. A dirty coil can reduce the efficiency of your heat pump and cause it to work harder than necessary. 3. Check the Filters The filters in your heat pump...

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October 20, 2022

5 Best Ways to Make Your Furnace More Energy Efficient

The winter temperatures in Nebraska can drop drastically, making you rely on your furnace over and over again for comfort. Making your unit more energy efficient is critical to lowering your utility bills during the winter. Here are some of the best things you can do to save energy. 1. Change Air Filters Regularly Dust and dirt build-up in your furnace can significantly lower its energy efficiency. Changing the filters at regular intervals will prevent the accumulation of debris in your system. Frequent changes per the manufacturer’s recommendations will ensure optimal operation and reduce energy waste. 2. Install a Good Thermostat A furnace is only as good as its thermostat. With that in mind, it’s recommended to install an advanced thermostat on your furnace to make it more energy efficient. A programmable thermostat will study your temperature preferences and adjust to maximize efficiency. 3. Clean and Seal Ductwork Dirty ducts filled with dust, dirt and other debris and leaky ducts lead to the loss of heated air and reduce energy efficiency. Regular duct cleaning and sealing will ensure no blockages and openings interfere with heated air in your building. The two acts will consequently improve your furnace’s energy efficiency. 4....

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September 19, 2022

The Difference Between R22 and R410A Refrigerant

Air conditioners produced before 2010 use R22 refrigerant. This refrigerant has been slowly phased out and can no longer be produced as of 2020. Since 2010, air conditioners have used R410A refrigerant. What’s the difference between these two refrigerants? R22 Refrigerant The United States and other countries phased out R22 refrigerant because it drastically harms the ozone layer and the ecosystem. When R22 leaks from an air conditioner, some of it rises into the sky, depleting the ozone layer. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon contains hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and carbon, and chlorine damages the ozone layer. Because companies can no longer produce R22 refrigerant, you’ll have a problem getting any if your old air conditioner begins to leak. Since the supply of this refrigerant is rapidly dwindling, what remains has become expensive. In addition, most HVAC companies no longer have access to the refrigerant and, therefore, must suggest replacement of the unit. If you have an old air conditioner, in Lincoln, NE, can help you upgrade to a new air conditioner. We offer upfront pricing and have had expert technicians since 1984. R410A Refrigerant If your air conditioner was produced after 2010, it uses R410A refrigerant. This refrigerant doesn’t cause ozone depletion when it...

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August 10, 2022

How Often Should You Schedule Service for Your AC Unit?

When was the last time your air conditioner was serviced? Your AC unit works hard to keep your home comfortable during the summer. You never want to risk your AC breaking down during the hottest days of the year. Professional technicians recommend scheduling regular service about once a year to keep your air conditioner at peak efficiency. Annual AC Service Air conditioners often need to be serviced annually to optimally prolong their lifespans. If you have an older unit, more frequent service may be necessary to keep it efficiently producing cool air. The best time to schedule professional service is in the spring. You’ll be able to rest assured knowing your unit is ready to tackle the coming summer heat. Protect your AC unit from serious damage by scheduling annual service with your local HVAC company. Taking care of your AC unit will prolong its usefulness and keep your utility bills manageable in the summer. An HVAC expert can easily clean your unit’s filter and remove any grime or buildup. They also clear out your condensate line and check for clogs or debris that may be causing water leaks or internal damage. An AC unit is made of a variety...

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