Month: July 2020

Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

 

Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System

Has your HVAC unit been acting up? When your air conditioning and heating isn’t performing as it should, your first impulse is to contact a technician for repair. A repair is a lot less expensive than a replacement, right? Not always. Before you schedule a technician to come out and fix your unit, it’s important to consider whether your HVAC might need to be replaced. Here’s the answer to: “Should you repair or replace your HVAC system?”

Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

Central air replacement is the answer in certain circumstances. If your unit is 10 – 15 years of age, follow these basic guidelines from Energy Star. If your current HVAC is more than 10 years of age, it’s important to get a professional technician to assess its current condition. Most HVAC units run well for about 15 years, so there’s no urgent need to replace yours if everything is working properly. But if you have a unit that over a decade old and you are experiencing constant breakdowns, it will be cheaper in the long run to replace it.

Remember that with an older unit, you are likely spending more on repair bills than you would be if you replaced it with a new one. Technology has made modern HVAC units more dependable and energy-efficient – which means that new models require less energy to run. An older unit might also become a safety hazard; old wiring could start a fire, bad IAQ could compromise the health of your family, and undependable heating and cooling can also make your household sick.

If you’re continuously having your HVAC fixed, if your unit needs a technician to replace pieces every few months, consider getting a new system. Here’s a straightforward answer: If your last HVAC repair cost upwards of $1,000, look into a replacement.

One Final HVAC Tip

If you are still on the fence about getting a new HVAC, we will leave you with one final thought:

Making a new HVAC purchase can be overwhelming, but waiting until your current system breaks down completely could make the situation even more costly. If a breakdown occurs during the extreme heat of summer or a really cold winter, the hasty decision could lead to a new unit that isn’t ideal for your home.  The size, the manufacturer and consumer rating are all important factors – and it takes time to find the best model for your home.

If you are having consistent problems with your older model HVAC, contact the professionals at Weeks Service Company! Call 281-738-1362 to schedule an appointment today!

5 Tips to Improve Family Home Comfort

Tips to Improve Family Home Comfort

Making your home a happy and healthy place for your family is a top priority – and a lot of that has to do with the temperature inside. Basic changes around the house and in the way you use your HVAC unit can greatly impact your energy use, air quality and comfort level. Use these 5 tips from the Weeks’ professionals to improve family home comfort by changing the way you use your HVAC unit.

1.    Go 5 Degrees Higher Than You Think You Should

We suggest leaving the climate control system on while you are out and setting the thermometer around five degrees higher (in summer) than where you usually set it while at home. This still helps control the temperature, but ensures that when you get home the system doesn’t have to work overtime to cool down. If you turn off your AC completely in the summer, it has to work harder to achieve the preferred temperature – using a lot of electricity in the process. Keeping the system on all day might seem counterintuitive, but it will keep utility bills lower – and your family happier.

2.    Fix Faulty Window Sealant

Making sure that windows are properly sealed helps to ensure the temperature inside stays comfortable. It also helps keep the indoor air quality at a healthy level. If you can feel drafts or see cracking around the caulking, it might help to reseal the windows.  Basic DIY fixes include using caulking or elastic strips to cover worn or defective seals. You can also use draft stoppers in the winter for a short-term solution if there is not time to reseal properly.

3.    Protect the Attic

Similar to fixing window drafts, protecting the attic is another essential part of keeping your home’s temperature consistent – and healthy. An attic can often be filled with airborne pathogens, especially one without a fan or system to move air. A fan can help keep the air circulated, but it can also help regulate the temperature. Another factor in keeping your home temperature comfortable and consistent is attic insulation. Consider adding a fan and insulation to your attic to ensure you maximize the heating and cooling in your home.

4.    Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help maximize the heating and cooling that you receive from your HVAC. While a ceiling fan can’t change the temperature in a room, it can help the air feel cooler or warmer for those underneath. When the blade setting is counterclockwise, it pushes the cooler air down – making it feel cooler on your skin. This is a great way to maximize the air conditioning in the summer – allowing the homeowner to use the AC less. Most ceiling fans come with a setting that allows the blades to turn clockwise. When the blades move in the other direction, they are able to push the rising warm air back down into the room. Just like the cool air in summer, it ensures that the heated air is maximized – and that the HVAC is not used as much.

5.    Call Weeks Service Co.

Another way to improve family home comfort is to call the HVAC experts at Weeks Service Company. We can inspect your unit for issues, then repair the problem or offer consultation on a replacement unit if needed. Call 281-738-1362 today!