Author: AirHandlers

Air Handlers, Inc. began as a family-owned general contractor in 1967, serving Western Washington as a specialist in heating, air conditioning and sheet metal fabrication.

Furnace Maintenance and Winter-Proofing Tips for a Cozy Home

As the cold air starts creeping in and your energy bills begin to rise, it’s clear that winter has arrived. While you can’t speed up the seasons, there are practical steps you can take to keep your home warm and your energy costs in check. Regular furnace maintenance and winter-proofing your home will help you stay comfortable throughout the colder months.

Furnace Maintenance: Keep Your Heating System in Top Shape

1. Routine Furnace Check-Up:
Before the temperatures dip too low, schedule a professional inspection to ensure your furnace is running smoothly. A clean, well-maintained furnace works more efficiently, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Plus, it will save you money in the long run by using less energy.

2. Change the Air Filters:
Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your furnace work harder and use more energy. Check your filters regularly and replace them as needed. It’s a simple task that can have a big impact on your furnace’s performance and efficiency. Remember to turn off the power before replacing the filters!

3. Upgrade Your Furnace (If Needed):
Furnaces don’t last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is 20 to 25 years, and as it ages, it may require more maintenance or even need replacing. If your furnace is more than two decades old, or it’s becoming increasingly inefficient or unreliable, it may be time to consult an expert and consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model.

4. Use Your Fan for Added Comfort:
Your ceiling fan can help distribute heat more evenly throughout the room. Many ceiling fans have a reversible motor, which allows you to change the direction of the blades. In the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to gently circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room. This can help reduce your heating costs by up to 10%.

Winter-Proof Your Home: Keep the Cold Out

1. Seal Drafts:
Cold drafts can make your home feel chillier and put extra strain on your furnace. Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings where cold air could enter. Simple solutions like rolling up towels or using draft stoppers under doors can make a significant difference in keeping the warm air inside.

2. Install Storm Doors and Windows:
Storm doors and windows are designed to improve energy efficiency. They provide an extra barrier against the cold, keeping drafts out while still allowing light and ventilation to enter. If you don’t already have them, consider upgrading to storm windows or doors to boost your home’s insulation.

3. Use Window Insulation Kits:
Window insulation kits are an affordable and easy way to add a layer of protection to your windows. These kits help reduce heat loss and prevent drafts, all while maintaining the appearance of your windows. In addition, make sure your attic, basement, and walls are properly insulated. Consider adding insulation to pipes and sealing any gaps in your ductwork to prevent heated air from escaping.

4. Caulking and Weatherstripping:
Over time, the seals around doors, windows, and other areas where building materials meet can deteriorate, allowing cold air to sneak in. Check for any visible gaps and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. This simple fix can significantly improve your home’s ability to retain heat and keep the cold outside.

Conclusion

By taking a few proactive steps with furnace maintenance and winter-proofing your home, you can ensure that your home stays warm and energy-efficient all season long. Regularly check and service your furnace, seal any drafts, and make small upgrades to increase your home’s insulation. With these tips in mind, you can embrace the winter months without the chill—and without the high energy bills!

Fall is here, stay warm with these tips

STAYING WARM WITHOUT A HEATER
Fall is around the corner and staying warm and comfortable costs a lot of money. Many of us are unaware of some natural methods one can use without actually using equipment like heaters and fireplaces that consume a lot of energy that comes with a high price. Well here are some of the energy-efficient methods that not just keep you considerably warm but also let you save money.

BLOCK THE COLD BREEZE:
A cool breeze can drop the temperature of a place by 30%. Use sealant to cover up cracks, and block crevices on doors and windows to prevent the cold breeze from coming in. It will also help to avoid heat from escaping your home.

CONSIDER INSULATION:
Insulating walls and the ceiling using Building Insulation Materials is the best way to trap heat inside. Since hot air rises, ceilings should be properly insulated to make sure it doesn’t get absorbed by the cold temperature outside. Heat lasts for more than 14 hours in an overly insulated room, whereas, it’s 8 hours in an average room with concrete walls.

WELCOME CANDLE LIGHT DINNERS:
Add ambiance to your home with candle light dinners and it’s a cheap yet great source of heat. Cooking is also one of the best ways to warm the air in your home.

OPEN YOUR CURTAINS AND LET THE SUN IN…
Sunlight is one of the greatest sources of heat and light energy. You get most of it during the day. Open your curtains or blinds and allow the warmth of the sun to heat your home. Remove any obstacles that block your windows such as plants or any other items.

ALONE WE ARE STRONG, BUT TOGETHER WE ARE WARMER!
The human body can give off enough heat to boil a gallon of water in ten minutes! Staying close to each other or spending most of the time in a room can help generate sufficient heat. Close off rooms that are not in use, so most of the heat stays trapped in a small area.

REDECORATE YOUR HOME WITH RUGS AND CARPETS!
Cold air is heavier than warm air, thus sinking to the bottom. That is why concrete or porcelain floors are cold to walk on. Adding rugs and carpets act as insulation and prevents heat loss from the floor.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Fall: Preparing Your System for the Cooler Months

As autumn arrives and the days grow Cooler and shorter, it is essential to ensure that your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is ready to transition from cooling to heating. Proper fall maintenance can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your system operates efficiently throughout the colder months. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your HVAC system for fall.

  1. Schedule a Professional Inspection – Before the cold weather hits, scheduling a professional inspection and maintenance check for your HVAC system is a good idea. A certified technician can:
  • Inspect and Clean the Furnace: They’ll check for any issues, clean components, and ensure everything works.
  • Check Thermostat Calibration: Ensuring your thermostat is accurate can help maintain comfort and efficiency.
  • Inspect Ductwork: Look for leaks or obstructions affecting airflow and efficiency.

2. Change or Clean Air Filters – Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and compromise indoor air quality. In fall:

    • Replace or Clean Filters: Depending on your filter type, either replace it with a new one or clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Check Filters Monthly: During the heating season, check the filters monthly and replace or clean them as needed.

    3. Test the Heating System – Before the cold weather sets in, it’s crucial to ensure your heating system is functioning correctly:

      • Turn On the Heater: Test the system by turning on the heat to ensure it starts up and heats your home adequately.
      • Listen for Unusual Noises: Any strange noises that could indicate a problem.

      4. Inspect and Clean Vents and Registers – Ensure that your vents and registers are clean and unobstructed to promote proper airflow:

        • Vacuum Vents: Dust and debris can accumulate in vents and registers. Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris.
        • Check for Blockages: Ensure furniture or other objects are not blocking the vents.

        5. Inspect the Heat Exchanger – The heat exchanger is a critical component of your furnace. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide leaks:

          • Check for Cracks: Have a professional inspect the heat exchanger for any signs of damage or wear.

          6. Ensure Proper Ventilation – Proper ventilation is essential for indoor air quality and overall HVAC efficiency:

            • Check for Obstructions: Ensure that vents and outdoor air intakes are clear of obstructions like leaves, debris, or snow.
            • Maintain Good Airflow: Proper ventilation helps to balance the indoor air quality and efficiency of your system.

            7. Seal Drafts and Insulate – To improve your home’s energy efficiency and ensure your heating system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary:

              • Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
              • Insulate: Ensure that your home’s insulation is adequate to keep warm air in and cold air out.

              8. Program Your Thermostat – Adjusting your thermostat settings can save energy and reduce heating costs:

                • Set Up a Schedule: Program your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep and raise it when you’re home.
                • Use a Smart Thermostat: Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically.

                9. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace – Ensure that the area around your furnace is clean and free of clutter:

                  • Remove Obstructions: Keep items such as boxes, cleaning supplies, or other objects away from the furnace and vents.
                  • Ensure Proper Airflow: Adequate space around your furnace helps maintain proper airflow and reduces fire hazards.

                  10. Prepare for Emergencies – Having a plan in place for HVAC emergencies can save you time and stress:

                    • Know Your Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information for Air Handlers, Inc. HVAC repair service handy.
                    • Have a Backup Heat Source: In case of a furnace failure, having an alternative heat source, such as a space heater, can be helpful.

                    Conclusion

                    Preparing your HVAC system for fall ensures comfort and efficiency during the colder months. By following these maintenance tips, you can help extend the life of your system, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and keep your home cozy throughout the fall and winter seasons. Regular maintenance and timely inspections can also lead to cost savings on energy bills and repairs. Call Air Handlers, Inc. and make an appointment to get your HVAC system ready, and you’ll enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home all season long.

                    How HVAC Systems Can Help with Allergies

                    Allergies can significantly impact quality of life, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health issues. For many people, the triggers are found in their environment—pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, to name a few. Fortunately, HVAC systems can play a crucial role in managing these allergens and improving indoor air quality.

                    1. Air Filtration

                    One of the primary ways HVAC systems help with allergies is through effective air filtration. Modern HVAC systems come equipped with advanced filters designed to capture airborne particles that contribute to allergies. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are particularly effective. They can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%, which includes pollen, dust, and mold spores. Regularly replacing or cleaning these filters ensures that they continue to function optimally, capturing allergens before they circulate throughout your home.

                    2. Air Purification

                    In addition to filtration, many HVAC systems can be paired with air purifiers to enhance allergen removal. Air purifiers work in conjunction with HVAC systems to remove pollutants and allergens from the air. Some systems use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria and mold, while others employ activated carbon filters to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By integrating these air purification technologies, HVAC systems can address a broader range of allergens and improve overall air quality.

                    3. Humidity Control

                    Controlling indoor humidity is another critical factor in managing allergies. High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold and dust mites, which are common allergens. HVAC systems with built-in humidifiers or dehumidifiers help maintain optimal humidity levels, usually between 30% and 50%. This helps prevent the proliferation of mold and keeps dust mites at bay, reducing the overall allergen load in your home.

                    4. Ventilation

                    Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining indoor air quality. HVAC systems that incorporate ventilation features ensure that fresh air is regularly brought into the home while stale air is expelled. This process helps dilute indoor pollutants and allergens, reducing their concentration and improving air quality. Additionally, some advanced systems include energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), which exchange indoor air with fresh outdoor air while minimizing energy loss.

                    5. Regular Maintenance

                    Routine maintenance of HVAC systems is crucial for their performance and effectiveness in managing allergens. This includes regular cleaning and servicing of filters, ducts, and other components. Clogged filters and dirty ducts can become reservoirs for dust, mold, and other allergens, which can then be spread throughout the home when the system is in operation. By keeping the system well-maintained, homeowners can ensure it functions efficiently and continues to help control allergen levels.

                    In conclusion, HVAC systems offer multiple benefits for allergy sufferers, from advanced filtration and air purification to humidity control and effective ventilation. By leveraging these features and ensuring regular maintenance, homeowners can significantly reduce indoor allergens and create a healthier living environment. As always, consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help tailor the system to best meet specific allergy management needs.

                    Prepare for the Fall Season

                    Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes plummeting temperatures and other environmental changes. Staying warm during this time can be quite costly, but there are several tips that we can use to help keep our energy bills low and the cold outside.

                    More Ways to Stay Warm

                    There are more ways to keep warm than just running your heater. If your home has one, a fireplace or wood-burning stove can be a great way to keep the cold at bay without boosting your energy bill. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace or stove, you may have the option of having one installed. Installing a wood stove or fireplace may be expensive in the short term, but in the long term, it will save you significantly on your energy bills. Of course, we recommend that you always remain safe and alert when operating a fireplace, and if you are looking to have one installed, have a professional do it to minimize risk.

                    Keep Out the Breeze

                    Even the faintest of breezes can drastically affect the temperature of your home. A cold breeze can drop the temperature of a place by up to 30%, even if it just seems to be faint. Keep your windows and doors closed, use sealant to fill cracks or gaps, and cover up any other areas where air may be getting in or out.

                    Open Those Curtains

                    It may seem counter-intuitive to remove the insulating layer from your windows, but curtains block more than just light from the sun. Curtains that block sunlight also block its heat, and since the sun is a constant and effective heat source, keeping those curtains shut is preventing you from taking advantage of that free heat. Keep your curtains open when the sun is out and shining, and you’ll feel your house warm up as a result.

                    Cook a Hot Meal

                    While eating warm meals certainly helps keep the cold at bay, that part is actually secondary to this tip. By cooking nice, warm meals, you are using your stove and/or oven, which can help keep your house warm. It may not seem like much, but even just baking some cookies in the oven will have it running for long enough to help warm up your home, or at least the kitchen.

                    Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

                    Schedule A Spring Maintenance Inspection
                    A spring maintenance inspection is necessary to maintain indoor air quality and improve your home’s comfort. In addition, it helps to extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit and reduce energy consumption. During a spring HVAC maintenance routine, the technician inspects the unit for repairs and replaces faulty components. The inspection will help to prevent unnecessary repairs and breakdowns during the spring months.

                    Duct Cleaning And Maintenance
                    Your heating and cooling system is vital, but you shouldn’t forget the conduits responsible for air distribution throughout your home. Hire an HVAC technician to clean and maintain your ducts when spring rolls around. Performing a thorough duct cleaning removes allergens, dirt, and dust. The HVAC technician should also inspect seals to keep your HVAC system airtight. Visual inspections and repairs of duct damages from chewing rodents prevent premature breakdowns.

                    Replace Your Air Filters
                    When springtime comes, staying on top of changing your air filters is a great idea. Cleaning or changing your air filters is an effective way of improving your system’s efficiency. Besides maximizing system efficiency, changing air filters to prepare for spring helps maintain healthy indoor air quality. When the filters are dirty or clogged, your HVAC unit works harder to circulate air in your home than usual.

                    Clean The Outdoor Unit
                    Another essential step to preparing your HVAC unit for spring is cleaning the outdoor components. Debris and dirt quickly accumulate around the outdoor unit when winter brings rain and wind. Trim shrubs, weeds, and other plants growing around the unit to keep your HVAC system free of obstructions. Improve your system’s performance during spring by cleaning the outside coils.

                    Check For Leaks And Cracks
                    The HVAC system might form cracks and leaks during the winter months. Since the system has several metal components, they can easily rust and cause holes and cracks. That’s why you need an expert to inspect the system for leaks, such as refrigerant leaks, before springtime. If you notice cracks or leaks, hire a technician to repair them before you start using the HVAC system in spring.

                    Consider An HVAC Upgrade
                    Spring is a great time to upgrade your HVAC system if it’s on its last leg. Consider replacing an old or malfunctioning heating and cooling system before spring to save you money on energy bills and improve comfort levels. Talk to an experienced HVAC technician to inspect your current system and recommend the right one for your home’s needs.

                    Install A Programmable Thermostat
                    If you want to save energy bills, investing in a programmable thermostat is necessary. If your thermostat is old or showing signs it needs a replacement, consider choosing a programmable thermostat. It allows you to control temperatures better than other thermostats while lowering energy bills. For example, installing a programmable thermostat in the spring will enable you to set temperatures higher when sleeping or away from home.

                    Test The Air Conditioner
                    Some AC units might not function optimally due to prolonged inactivity during the winter. Therefore, you should check your air conditioner to ensure it performs optimally before the weather warms up. In addition, ensure that the unit produces cold air.

                    How long the AC takes to cycle on, strange smells from the vents, and strange noises, can alert you to an issue of potential malfunction. If you notice any of these signs, hire an expert for repairs in preparation for spring. Also, consider replacing your AC if it’s old or beyond repair.

                    Clean Your Drainpipe
                    The last thing you want to deal with this spring is a leaking HVAC system. A blockage in the system’s condensate drainpipe can cause it to overflow. Moss growth, dirt, debris, and dust can cause drainpipe blockages. As you prepare your HVAC system for spring, ensure the drainpipe is clean and clear of dust particles.

                    Benefits of Winter AC Maintenance

                    Part of good HVAC maintenance is seasonal tune-ups. A preventative maintenance strategy will include; assessing, cleaning, and adjusting your cooling system to ensure it is optimized to perform its best in the coming months. Usage changes throughout the year. When you switch to heat after a long summer of cooling, you will want to call a professional to look at your air conditioning.

                    After relying on air conditioning to stay cool, some damage or maintenance issues may need to be addressed. Professionals in AC repair can quickly detect any problems with your cooling unit that could impact your heater in the winter and issues that could arise when temperatures start to rise again.

                    Winter AC Maintenance

                    When you get your AC maintenance done in the winter, you will also enjoy reduced service costs. Typically, costs rise when there is a greater demand for AC repair throughout late spring through summer. In addition, as fall breaks and the weather begins to cool, most people have already switched to heating, so there is a more significant time for professionals to attend to any air conditioning needs.

                    You can also catch potential hazards with your cooling system that could result in an AC replacement without treatment. Pushing your system to perform when it requires repair only worsens the strain on your system; this can cause a total breakdown when you need it most. Of course, no one wants that to happen, and we always encourage our clients to address potential problems before they actually cause any discomfort or distress.

                    You will also find that servicing your cooling system in the winter can improve its performance in the long run. For example, seasonal maintenance includes cleaning or replacing dirty air filters, restoring or replacing parts that have worn out, and checking your thermostat to ensure it’s communicating correctly with your system. This optimization ultimately leads to better overall performance, which will reduce energy use and help you stay extra comfortable while saving money throughout winter.

                    Ensuring the Best Deal Possible

                    Are you considering making significant changes to your air conditioning system this year? Winter is the best time to schedule AC replacement. You will likely get a better deal on installation costs, and manufacturers sometimes offer discounts and reduced prices during the colder months. Also, rather than having to wait for an installation in the middle of summer, you can have your AC installation performed by Air Handlers when you don’t need a cooling system to stay comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Then, once summer is in full swing, your new system will be fully optimized and ready to cool your home.

                    Schedule An Appointment Today

                    Contact Air Handlers to schedule your next maintenance appointment, including air filter and replacement, duct cleaning, and diagnostic care. Suppose you are thinking about upgrading or replacing your old air conditioner. In that case, we can also help you decide which model would be best and suggest several suggestions that suit your budget, home size, and preferences.

                    Fall Weather and Your HVAC System

                    It’s no secret that we live in a rainy environment. As we post this, the drizzle is falling in Olympia. So, how does this weather affect your heating and cooling system? Here’s the short answer: rain isn’t harmful to your unit. Here’s a more in-depth explanation:

                    Outdoor units are made to withstand most weather patterns.

                    Seasonal rain patterns will not harm your AC unit, and some rain can help remove vegetation or debris that could remain lodged in the unit.

                    Your unit’s hardware is designed for durability. But the system is not at peak performance when it’s buried with buildup. This means that if your area has been short on rain during the spring and fall months, you may want to spray the unit down with a hose. Any electrical wiring, such as those used in the condenser coil, will be insulated from damp or rainy conditions.

                    What about more severe weather?

                    Severe weather conditions, such as flash floods, are a different story. Any water that submerges the outdoor condensing unit could result in a short circuit, ultimately damaging the unit. This can also be a concern when lightning is present, posing a risk of striking the unit directly.

                    Storm Damage:

                    Even though heavy rains cannot damage your AC unit, the winds accompanied by the same rain can leave dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris to damage the condenser fan grille. Even objects falling on your unit, such as tree branches, from the storm can cause damage. It is important to note that if there is damage on the exterior, the interior might be at risk too. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the unit’s exterior and interior once the storm subsides.

                    Flooding:

                    Central AC units are built to withstand different weather conditions. Although, if your area is experiencing heavy rains with floodwaters exceeding 15 inches, it is advisable to get your unit inspected by a professional contractor.

                    Corrosion:

                    Many homeowners prefer to cover their AC units for the winter if their internal parts are exposed. Avoid covering your unit with plastic wraps or garbage bags, as the moisture from the condensation can become trapped, causing rusting and corroding metal parts. Instead, it is advised to use a covering that allows ventilation. Lack of ventilation or proper openings in the cover can increase the growth of mold and mildew, causing further damage to the unit.

                    It’s good to know that you won’t have to worry about your AC unit withstanding normal weather conditions. But, these simple precautions can go a long way when facing a more severe forecast. Of course, if you need to get your unit serviced, contact Air Handlers today!

                    Could Your Air Filter Help Your Allergies?

                    One of the home duties that should be prioritized is the health of the family members, especially where allergies or Asthma are noticeable. Unfortunately, it is not well known that the air inside our homes can be just as polluted as that outside. Installing screens for windows and doors is one way people secure the health of their family members when it comes to allergies and other respiratory challenges. However, another reliable way to improve air quality inside your home is by using air filters in your air conditioning system or heater. 

                    Electrostatic filters serve as the perfect air filter, especially for pet owners, as it goes a long way to curtailing any dandruff or fur, which can result in reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.No doubt, the relationship between electrostatic filters and indoor air quality cannot be overemphasized, as the uses of electrostatic filters increase the extent to which healthy and hygienic indoor air is achieved.

                    It is found appealing as it is a safer way to acquire allergy relief. In addition, you can significantly reduce Asthma, allergy, and respiratory symptoms when agents like dust, pollen, mold spores, and animal dander are prohibited with electrostatic filters.

                    You can increase and keep ventilation when you make use of an exhaust fan, especially in the bathroom and kitchen and when you are making use of the dishwasher. This action serves as a defense against moisture and indoor pollutants that may pose a threat to your home.

                    Getting rid of dust and pollen with a filter removes the particles causing allergy issues with your house, rather than simply adjusting your body to allergies through pills. Using the electrostatic filter is a much more natural way to help your allergy problems inexpensively.

                    Electrostatic air filters attract and capture tiny air particles through the use of static charges. These filters are found efficient, time- and money-saving, and help protect and maintain not only your respiratory condition but overall well-being as well.

                    Using Electro filters can help reduce, if not prevent, further triggers of asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory health conditions in your home.

                    The functionality and the extent to which electrostatic filters work solely depend on maintenance and monitoring. The outcome of a regularly monitored electrostatic filter is always quality indoor air with fresh and clean air, thus ensuring healthy living for the entire family.

                    Choosing a professional HVAC company can prevent health risks like allergies and other respiratory issues for household members. Lastly, let the professional company check your air conditioning filter once a month to ascertain the level of reliance and effectiveness.