Category: HVAC

Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

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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

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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!

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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Signs It's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

A malfunctioning air conditioner isn’t necessarily a broken one in need of replacement. How can you tell if your air conditioner needs replacement instead of repairs if the signs are so similar? There are a few factors that can help you make that discernment. Here are 5 signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner:

 

1.    Your AC Isn’t Blowing

 

If your air is blowing but not very hard, then this is a good sign that your unit just needs to be repaired. The repair could be something really simple, one that you could do yourself, like replacing your air filter. If your air conditioner isn’t blowing air at all, however, then something is very wrong.

 

2.    Your AC Air Isn’t Cold

 

It’s possible that your air conditioner could be blowing very well—but the air is blowing is hot, not cold. This could be a sign that your refrigerant is out, but if you’ve already replaced your refrigerant and it’s still not blowing, then one of two things is going on:

 

Either you have a leak in your air conditioner than can be fixed, or the leak is too severe to be repaired, so your AC unit needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, the only way to tell for sure is to have your unit inspected by a licensed HVAC specialist.

 

3.    Your AC Is Making Strange Sounds

 

An air conditioner can be pretty noisy, especially if it’s an older unit, but you can tell right away when something is wrong. If the constant background noise (that usually lulls you to sleep at night) suddenly sounds like banging and clanging, then something is amiss.

 

Some small parts could be loose and rattling around in there. If you catch the noise early enough, then this could need just a simple repair. However, if you’ve let the noises go on for too long, then you could have irreparable damages in your unit, which will require a replacement.

 

4.    Your AC Needs Frequent Repairs

 

We saved this sign it’s time to replace your air conditioner for last because it’s the biggest give away. If you have had to pay for more than two repairs in the recent past (say, within the last year), then it’s time to have your AC unit replaced.

 

This does not include simple repairs that you can perform yourself, like replacing your air filter or ensuring your vents are open and uncovered. It also doesn’t include upgrading your thermostat or general maintenance. Repairs include fixing refrigerant leaks, replacing worn out parts, and anything else that requires the distinct assistance of an HVAC expert.

 

5.    You Googled, “Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner”

 

If you found this article because you consulted your search engine about signs of repair vs. replacement, then that’s a pretty good sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner. In that case, consult with the experts at Weeks Service Company. We can inspect your unit and determine next steps together.

The Best Time to Buy an HVAC System

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The Best Time to Buy an HVAC System

Purchasing a new HVAC system is a big investment. Not only will it be with you for the unforeseeable future, but it’ll also cost a larger sum of money than you’re used to spending in your everyday life. Buying a new unit will require a little more research, which includes researching the best time to buy an HVAC system. Here’s how you know it’s the right time to purchase a new AC unit.

 

When the Deals Are Best

 

The best time to buy an HVAC system is when the deals are best. It’s no secret that manufacturers and HVAC companies (hi!) offer different rates based on supply and demand. You know it’s the right time to buy a new AC unit if the deal is within your budget. (Of course, we recommend doing your research about the unit itself too. Just because the price is right doesn’t mean the unit is right for your cooling needs. A licensed HVAC technician can help you make an informed decision.)

 

At the Turn of a New Season

 

Generally, homeowners only consider their cooling needs when the outside temperature is unbearably high. The trouble here is that if you wait until the need for a new unit is dire, then you’ll likely also be paying high prices. The best time to buy an HVAC system is at the turn of a new season—so replace your air conditioner in the spring and replace your heater in the fall.

 

Before It’s an Emergency

 

Similar to our previous point, homeowners also don’t really think about their cooling needs until they become an emergency—in other words, the AC unit isn’t cooling at all the outside temperature is 90 or higher. Because lots of people are making emergency calls to HVAC companies during this time, there will be a delay in installation (though, of course, the company wants to install the unit as quickly as possible). You can end your suffering before it starts this summer by buying a new HVAC system before it’s an emergency.

 

When Your Old Unit Won’t Cut It Anymore

 

Your AC unit shows signs of deterioration long before it goes ka-put. You won’t be able to recognize the signs because you haven’t been trained to (unless you’re an HVAC expert yourself, in which case we’re sorry for assuming). You should be scheduling annual AC tune-ups so that a specialist can assess the health of your unit. They’ll their give it a little love to ensure its longevity, recommend and then make repairs, or let you know that it’s time to get a new one.

 

Need a New HVAC System? Call Weeks Service Co.

 

If you’re in need of a new HVAC unit or you think you might be, it’s time to call the experts at Weeks Service Company. We can help you make an informed decision, and we can clue you in to our latest deals and specials. Call now to speak with one of our friendly representatives.

 

How to Clean Your Air Vents

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How to Clean Your Air Vents

Face masks and gloves have become standard outerwear. These days, you’re probably hyperaware of air pollutants, being even more cautious about what you’re bringing into your home. But what about the particles that floated around in your home before social distancing? To keep from breathing in stale, polluted air, you might be plotting to clean your air vents, but the task may not be as simple as you were imagining. Here’s how to clean your air vents.

1. Turn Off Your HVAC

Before you can effectively clean your vents, you’ll need to turn off your central air system. Think about it: How can you wipe away dust and debris if it’s dancing to the beat of an artificial breeze? Besides being difficult to clean, your blowing AC unit could blast debris right into your eyes. It might not be dangerous necessarily, but it certainly won’t be comfortable. Cut down on the chaos by turning your HVAC off before you clean your air vents.

2. Clean the Grills on the Walls

The grilled casings that channel air into your rooms — that’s the first thing that needs your attention. Just looking at the grills of your vents could give you the shivers: they’re so caked in dust, they’ve forgotten their original color. Unscrew the grills and scrub them with a cleaning brush or even an old toothbrush.

3. Vacuum the Ducts

Now that you’ve addressed the borders between your HVAC and your home, it’s time to clean up the streets. (In this metaphor, the air ducts are the streets, in case that wasn’t clear!) Take the detachable hose of your vacuum cleaner and use it to suction as many dust bunnies out of the vent channels as possible. You can also use a hand-held vacuum cleaner, but be prepared to empty the cartridge repeatedly.

4. Clean the Grills in the Ceiling

Unlike the grills on your walls, the grills in the ceiling are barriers to abominable horrors: dead bugs, mold, and mildew, as well as dust and debris. While the grills in your ceiling do open, they don’t usually fully detach, making them hard to clean. What’s more: Gravity will help you out by dumping the contents of the vent out as soon as you open the grilled gate.

To clean these grills, wear a face mask (we’re sure you have plenty by now) and eye protection. Clear the space beneath the vent entrance and lay down a tarp, if you have one handy. From there, you can open the grill, watch the stuff of nightmares fall out, and then use your vacuum cleaner to address the rest.

5. Hire a Professional

While a cleaning brush and vacuum cleaner will certainly improve your indoor air quality, they’re not going to make your vents squeaky-clean. The best way to remove dust, debris, and germs from your vents is to hire a licensed HVAC professional.

At Weeks Service Co., we have HVAC professionals to spare. They’re waiting for your call, so don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Tips For Hiring Local HVAC Technicians

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HVAC Technician Near You

Having your air conditioner break down in a sweltering summer is miserable, and alternatively, your heater failing in frigid winter is a nightmare in its own right. There is something worse than having to live in the pool to cool off, or putting on your third sweatshirt to stay warm. That’s being at the mercy of an unreliable, unprofessional, or downright clueless HVAC technician while they’re trying to fix the problem. Having the whole ordeal stretch days or weeks beyond necessary is a trying experience. Fortunately, while you may not have anticipated your HVAC system failing, you do have some control over who comes to try and fix it! Here are things to consider when hiring an HVAC technician near you.

Person First

There’s obviously some technical skill required to fix a Heating and Air Conditioning system. Otherwise, we’d all manage just fine without technicians coming to repair them. But beyond expertise or training, there’s the underlying component of the person doing the job. Making this the right fit is more important than anything. You’re inviting someone into your home and trusting them, and that kind of relationship demands an atmosphere of comfort. You might have someone that can fix any machine within minutes, but if they’re rude, unreliable, or unsafe then it hardly matters. Making sure the person coming to your home is the right fit for you is priority #1. You can always teach a good person to be a technician, but it’s a lot harder to teach a technician to be a good person!

Skills Second

With that said, it does matter how technically skilled the person is you’re paying to do the job. Having the experience and qualifications required to even know what you’re looking at, after all, is the reason that this appointment is happening. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to seek out the most senior technician you can find, but having a tech with a few years under their belt is a good start. Additionally, having all the licenses and credentials relevant to your state up to date is a great next step. Understanding building code and insurance are essential in both preventing and recovering from any damage or injury resulting from work being done. Although unusual, if you have a very unique or specialized system, it may be in your interest to seek out a qualified technician that can work on the equipment.

Price Third

While certainly not the least important, last comes price. So, you’ve confirmed the person coming to your house is trustworthy, and you’re confident they can do the job. It’s time to make sure it won’t cost you the equivalent of replacing your entire HVAC system for some maintenance. Although prices may differ, they shouldn’t be putting you out of your house and home. Luckily, we live in an incredibly interconnected world. Checking certificates, licenses, history, work experience, and reviews from other customers are available at the touch of a button!

Call Weeks Service Co. for HVAC Services Today

If you have questions or concerns, or if you’d like to set up an appointment yourself for a technician, the experts at Weeks Services Co. have the knowledge and training to get the job done quickly and professionally. Give them a call today!

HVAC Financing: What Are the Benefits?

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hvac financing

You may have played with the idea of installing a new HVAC system, or significantly upgrading the current system in place, but there’s quite a bit to consider before taking on such a project! Maybe you’ve done the research on exactly what type of upgrades you need based on the available options, and what best suits your local area. You’ve also already developed an idea for how long the downtime of your residence from such a project might be, and you’re ready to move on to the largest hurdle yet – price. Depending on the circumstances an HVAC system upgrade can have prohibitive costs. The financial question coupled with such an obstructive event at your residence is a one-two punch to delay an upgrade or forget about it all together. Here we will discuss some potential benefits to HVAC financing.

 

The Energy Bill

First and foremost, by renovating your system, you’ve already scaled down the monthly payments on your monthly bills. Chances are if an old HVAC system is worthy of replacement, it has already reached a threshold of inefficiency that’s been costing you extra money over time anyway. As the efficiency of the appliance continues to degrade, the operating cost will proportionally rise, as you’d expect. Replacing the system will start paying itself off every month in the way of lowered energy bills.

 

The Health Benefits

A direct link between your HVAC system and your health exists. Having clean air to breath makes people sick less. Those of us with heightened sensitivity to issues of air quality, like those with asthma, will find it much easier to breath in a home with improved filtration and performance. This means less days off work, faster recovery times if you do get sick, and is generally a holistic bonus to your mind and body. Even if there wasn’t a financial benefit like avoiding doctors, medication, sick days etc, it may be worth it to you anyway to consider this as a huge plus.

 

The Payment Options

Finally, let’s directly tackle the issue of restrictive pricing. Shiny, new appliances typically carry the price tag you would expect. The great news is you won’t have to pay for the whole thing at once. There’s plenty of programs competing with one another to your benefit, this means low monthly payments, and low interest rates.

 

Call Weeks Service Co. to Learn About Our HVAC Financing Options

If you need a new HVAC system then consider that for potentially low interest, monthly payments on top of a reduced power bill every month it is obtainable! Improved health, reduced bills, and raised home value for the trouble of some paperwork and monthly payments. It’ll make itself back in no time! So, if you decide that financing is right for you, don’t be alarmed by the sticker shock of a new air conditioner, heater, or filtration system, and the accompanying reputable contractor. Give Weeks Service Company a call today to speak with an expert and figure out of financing is the right solution for you!

HVAC Maintenance Tips: Prevent Expensive HVAC Repairs

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HVAC maintenance tips

You can prevent expensive HVAC repairs by regularly maintaining your HVAC unit. There are a few simple HVAC maintenance tips you can perform on your own, but it’s also important to know when it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician. We’ve got the answers you need to give your HVAC unit a long and happy life. Here are some HVAC preventative maintenance tips you should know about:

 

DIY HVAC Maintenance Tips

 

If you’re experiencing some minor issues with your HVAC unit, then you can troubleshoot to determine the underlying cause by performing some simple DIY HVAC maintenance tips, like the ones below:

 

  • Replace your air filter every one to three months.
  • Check for air leaks around windows and exterior-facing doors to see if your airflow is leaking outside.
  • Clean around your outside HVAC unit to keep debris from blocking airflow.
  • Get a programmable thermostat to control the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
  • Consider replacing your home’s insulation to create more of a barrier between your home and the outdoors.
  • Clean your air vents to free up more airflow in your home.
  • Turn off your unit when the weather warrants it, so your HVAC system can enjoy a short break.

 

Professional HVAC Maintenance Services

 

There are some HVAC maintenance services that you won’t be able to do yourself. HVAC maintenance is more than just replacing filters and cleaning vents. It also entails further inspection of the unit, checking refrigerant levels, and knowing how to handle these chemicals properly. Not only is it dangerous to handle refrigerant for your HVAC unit, but it also illegal in some areas.

 

If you’ve already fulfilled the DIY HVAC maintenance checklist in the previous section, then call a licensed HVAC technician to have maintenance performed on your HVAC unit.

 

Here’s our professional HVAC maintenance checklist:

 

  • Inspect and tighten electrical connections.
  • Lubricate gears and moving parts in the HVAC unit.
  • Check drain line and clear condensation.
  • Inspect system controls.
  • Spot refrigerant leaks and replace refrigerant.
  • Measure amperage and voltage on blower motor.
  • Test thermostat for proper reading.
  • Check indoor coil.
  • Make sure safety devices are working properly.
  • Test capacitors.
  • Check on blade fan.
  • Inspect and clean ductwork.

 

Call Weeks Service Co. for HVAC Maintenance Services

 

If you have questions about HVAC maintenance cost, HVAC maintenance contract, or HVAC maintenance agreement, then don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our friendly representatives. All Weeks Service Company employees are knowledgeable about HVAC units and all the services we offer.

 

Put your search for “HVAC maintenance near me” to rest. Call Weeks Service Co. today!

Pollen Allergies: The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

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Even people who don’t typically suffer from seasonal allergies have felt the itch this season. Something different is in the air, and apparently, we’re all allergic to it. Besides building immunity in your body for Claritin or its next-best generic equivalent, there are many things you can do to try to quell your pollen allergies. Here’s the importance of HVAC maintenance for seasonal allergies:

On-Time Air Filter Replacement

Your air filter is the one gossamer thing standing between your lungs and the debris-riddled air. Unlike a messy living room, a messy air filter is easy to ignore because it’s not visibly haunting you each time you step into a room. But the dust lining your air filter is haunting your every breath if you don’t change it on time.

We recommend that you change your filter at least once every three months. We also change your filter for you when you schedule HVAC maintenance with us.

pollen-allergies

Duct Cleaning

Your air filter gets clogged and must be replaced every one to three months, so just imagine what horrors await you in your duct system. Dust, pollen, debris, insect droppings, pests—all these things and more are lining the very tunnels through which your indoor air is generated.

 

As part of our HVAC maintenance services, we offer duct cleaning.

HVAC System Cleaning

Where does all the debris from your duct system come from? There are several different sources, namely things that blow in from the outside and dead skin cells (it’s gross, but it’s the truth). However, this debris not only makes its way into the air in your home but also eventually accumulates and rests a thick layer of dust on your HVAC unit, the very source of your indoor air.

As part of our HVAC maintenance services, we clean your HVAC system, which can help reduce your pollen allergy symptoms.

HVAC System Disinfectant

Allergies are birthed from more than pollen and dust, however. Unfortunately, you also have to worry about bacteria. The itch in your throat might not be allergies after all, but the first signs of a cold.

Our HVAC maintenance services not only provide HVAC unit cleaning but also disinfecting. Your hot HVAC unit, complete with condensation, provides a tropical environment that’s perfect for bacteria growth. Let us take care of that for you.

Dehumidification

In warmth and moisture, mold and bacteria grow and thrive. Your HVAC system works hard, and when you work hard you sweat. The unit gets hot, working to heat your home in the winter, and condensation gets created. The air in your home during the winter tends to get dry, but while you’re working to humidify your home, your HVAC unit needs dehumidification services.

We provide these when you call us for general HVAC maintenance services.

That’s the importance of HVAC maintenance for seasonal allergies. If you’re ready to end your suffering from pollen allergies in your own home, call Weeks Service Company to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.

How Does A Central Heating and Cooling System Work?

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central heating and cooling

Your central heating and cooling system is a vital part of your home. It keeps the indoor temperature to your liking and, while doing so, consumes more energy than any other appliance. Because of how necessary it is to have proper heating and cooling, it’s important to learn about how the system works—and the pros at Weeks Service Company are here to provide some insight!

How Does Central Cooling Work?

The most common central cooling system you will come across is one that is made up of two units. The outdoor unit consists of the compressor and condenser coil. Indoors, you have the evaporator coil located in the air handling unit. A cooling agent called refrigerant loops through these coils, frequently changing from liquid to gas and vice versa.

The air conditioner sucks warm air from inside your home and blows it over the evaporator coil. The liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air and transforms into gas. The air, now cool, enters back into your home through vents with the help of fans. The gaseous refrigerant makes its way to the outdoor unit where the compressor pressurizes the gas and pushes it to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the refrigerant once more.  As a result, heat is radiated and dissipated with the help of fans.

How Does Central Heating Work?

There are two main types of central heating systems. Forced-air systems and gravity systems—we will focus on the forced-air system, because it is the most common one.

A forced-air central heating system can be powered by gas or electricity. Usually, a heat exchanger is heated with the help of a gas burner or electrical components. Cold indoor air blows over the heat exchanger to be heated, with the help of air handler fans. Then, warm air blows through the ducts, while any combustion products are released out of the building through a flue pipe.

Maintain Your Central Heating and Cooling System with Weeks Service Company

Now that you know more about your HVAC system, you can take better care of it. A good rule of thumb for your outdoor condenser is to keep up with routine maintenance and change the air filter regularly. For more thorough maintenance, get in touch with a pro from Weeks Service Company. Call us today at 281-738-1362 or fill out a service request form online!