hvac – Page 2 – Air Handlers Inc.

Ready for Warmer Weather?

Spring is here (technically, despite what the weather has decided to do of late). Still, warmer weather will be here sooner than later so now is a good time to make sure you’re ready for it! Many homeowners jump into action with some spring cleaning. In 2020, more than three-quarters (78 percent) of households did a little tidying up, according to the American Cleaning Institute. Homeowners prioritized the bedrooms, closets, and kitchens, eliminating dirt, odors, or asthma and allergy triggers like mold and dust.

From deep cleaning to a quick spruce-up, you can take some steps now to welcome the return of warm weather and prepare your home for rising temperatures. Here are a few ways to get your home back in shape well in advance of the season’s first heatwave.

1. Inspect Your Weather Stripping

Winter can take a toll on your house. Look for any post-winter gaps in the weather stripping around your doors and tighten any hinges that may have loosened in the shifting temperatures.

2. Gear Up For Time Outdoors

As the weather warms up, homeowners often head outside to enjoy the pleasant temperatures. If a backyard cookout is calling your name, make sure your grill is in good working order and positioned at least 10 to 15 feet away from your home. Check your deck, patio, and porch for anything that may have been damaged over the winter. Before your kids join the fun, check to make sure treehouses, trampolines, and playsets are stable.

3. Address Your Attic

Take some time before the weather heats up to inspect your attic. Look for signs of animals that may have found their way in and seal any holes. Check your insulation for any wet spots, which may indicate a leak, and consider adding additional insulation for the warmer season ahead.

4. Get Your Cooling System Ready

When temperatures begin to rise, an efficient AC system is crucial to maintaining a comfortable home environment with good indoor air quality. Pair your system with a smart thermostat like the iComfort^® S30 to monitor the air quality and pollen levels in your area. Be sure to check your system’s vents inside and outside for any blockages and test it to make sure it’s working properly. Now’s also a good time for preventative maintenance to prepare your HVAC system for the cooling season ahead. Call Air Handlers to schedule an inspection for your system before the temperatures start climbing.

5. Let The Sunshine In

Wash away the remnants of winter’s snow and ice by thoroughly cleaning your home’s windows. Use a multipurpose cleaner on your frame, windowsill, and hardware, and wipe clean. For a streak-free finish, use a microfiber cloth or even a newspaper. Just make sure to wash your windows on a cloudy day. Otherwise, the sun may dry your solution too soon, leaving your window with streaks.

A Special for Spring 2022

Spring is going to be here before you know it. Will your system be ready for this change? If not, we have a special Spring special to share with you! Your home should be a comfortable place and deliver energy efficiency.

Curious yet? We thought you might be. You could get rebates up to $1,000 on a new system or financing for as low as $132 per month! Check out our Specials page for more information.

The Spring Corner is Approaching!

Time seems to fly faster all the time. It’s almost Spring! That means that you should be making plans to perform Spring maintenance on your system.

Now, it isn’t quite to the point that we can turn off our furnaces. The evenings and nights are still fairly chilly. However, there are a few small things you can check ahead of the next weather change.

Check your filters – Yes, we know we hammer this one home, but it really is important. If you check/replace your filters regularly, that’s good! If not, you should at least plan to do so between seasons. This can help your system run more efficiently in any season.
Check for drafts – You’ve probably done this already. However, if you’re noticing that your rooms don’t always hold heat the way they once did, a good thing to do is check your windows for any drafts. The easiest way to do this is to (carefully) use a lit candle and move it around the edges of your windows. This will work best when there is some wind outside, but the flame moving means you may have a draft.
Clear the area – The last tip on this short list is to make sure that there is no debri surrounding your unit. With the wind and rain we get here in the Pacific Northwest, limbs and other debris can easily gather around your unit and cause problems.

Enjoy the Winter Weather in Comfort

Winter has arrived and the holidays will be wrapping up soon… not to mention that the new year is nearly here! In all this time of relaxing, celebrating with family and friends, and enjoying the warmth of your home, the last thing you need is for your furnace to quit. To prevent a situation that would leave you stressed and require expensive emergency services, we want to re-post a list of things to look out for to determine if your home furnace has a problem. We also provide some simple fixes you can try on your own for minor challenges. It should be stressed that if you suspect a major issue with your home furnace, you should get help from a qualified professional rather than going at it on your own.

Thermostat malfunctioning

Your thermostat is an integral part of the safety features of your home furnace. It shuts down the furnace when it exceeds the maximum temperature specified to conserve energy and prevent accidents. This operating temperature varies from furnace to furnace. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning if it continuously shuts down before it even reaches this specified temperature. This continuous shutdown can make your living area very uncomfortable, and a simple fix for this is to check the battery of the thermostat and replace it to get your furnace working at its optimum. The thermostat setting should also be reviewed to prevent inadequate heat production by the furnace or total shutdown.

Lack of maintenance

If you fail to maintain your furnace properly, you should not be surprised when it breaks down. To cut down costs which arise from a total breakdown, you should plan for annual tune-ups and maintenance by qualified professionals.

Faulty Filters

Filters are very essential, but often overlooked components of the furnace system. They are built to remove unwanted particles from the generated airflow. A build-up of dust and dirt over time leads to a clogged filter. During the process of dust and dirt by passing air through the vents, a clogged filter puts more pressure on the furnace. A clogged filter may even lead to a total shutdown of the furnace as the heat exchanger might stop working due to overheating caused by an over clogged filter.

If your environment generates a lot of dust and dirt, ensure that you change your filters regularly. Most furnace manufacturers specify between a month to three for a change of your filter. A filter change is essential if you have a child-friendly environment so that your air filter does not become an air pollutant.

Size issues

When your furnace does not heat enough, it may be a pointer to the fact that your furnace is the wrong size for the space provided. To solve this problem, get a professional to estimate your needs and help you determine which furnace system would be the perfect fit for the space provided. Ensure that you are guided by professional advice from picking a furnace up to its installation.

Gas

If your furnace is not starting up, a simple solution is to check the gas valve and carefully turn it o if it was turned off. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the affected area immediately and contact the fire service.

Vents and Pipes

In gas furnaces and high efficiency condensing furnaces, vents are very vital to maintain because they take emissions outside the building. Most times, these emissions are combustible, and it is essential that they are not covered to prevent fire outbreaks.

There is also the danger that the pipes leading to the vents will become clogged with ice leading to serious problems. To prevent clogging from ice, exhaust vent pipes need to be shortened. When the pipes are too long, a build-up of moisture might occur because the force pushing out the exhaust is not enough to go the length of the pipes. This makes it more likely for ice clogging when the exhaust finally reaches the outside. To prevent these problems, ensure that the outside units are clear and clean before it becomes too cold. In screening pipes and vents you should use materials that will not inhibit the flow of exhaust.

Electric ignition

Furnaces come with an igniter which automatically lights up gas when switched on. If the furnace fails to light up, the usual suspect is the ignition wire which should be inspected. If the situation persists, you should turn off the igniter and reset it. If it is an electronic igniter, it is not wise to attempt to light it manually as it is a highly complex system which should not be tampered with.

Noise

Continuous rattling, screeching and other unwanted sounds are often early indicators of a more serious mechanical or electrical problem. These noises also arise due to wear and tear and a trip to a qualified professional would get all issues cleared up.

It is essential to be proactive as a home furnace owner and to deal with issues as soon as they arise to ensure that your furnace is always in good condition

How Does Rain Affect Your HVAC System?

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

Your outdoor unit is made to withstand most weather patterns.

Average seasonal rain patterns will not have a negative impact on your AC unit. In fact, some rain can help remove vegetation or debris that could otherwise remain lodged in the unit.

Your unit’s hardware is designed for durability, from the materials it is made from to the way the AC unit actually works. But the system is not at peak performance when it’s burdened with leaves, dirt, or other buildups. This means that if your area has been short on rain during the spring and/or fall months, you may want to spray the unit down with a hose. Don’t worry about getting the electrical components wet — any electrical wiring, such as those used in the condenser coil, will be insulated from wet 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 and poses 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 both the exterior and interior of the unit 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 because the moisture from the condensation can stay trapped inside rusting and corroding metal parts. 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, when facing a more severe forecast, these simple precautions can go a long way. Of course, if you need to get your unit serviced, contact Air Handlers today!

Safety, Security, and Convenience, Oh My!

Home automation is now easier and less expensive than ever. Smart hubs on the market today allow you to run a variety of devices, such as smart thermostats, locks, lights, speakers and cameras, all from one app. Here are just a few things you can do:

• View and adjust your thermostat from wherever you are.
• Remotely lock/unlock your door; get text notifications whenever it’s locked/unlocked.
• Dim, turn on, or shut off lights automatically, whether you’re home or away.
• View video from motion-activated cameras in real time on your smart phone.

Smart hubs also allow you to create schedules to automatically turn devices on and off to align with your routines and activities. And it’s more enjoyable when you’re plugged in and not worried about what could be going on at your home while you’re away.

Tips to Lower Your Energy Bill During High Temps

Summer is on the way. When the temperature rises, your HVAC system may see more use when trying to stay cool in your home. Here are some tips to help your system work more efficiently and to help lower your energy bill.

Keep curtains closed during the day. Close up curtains, drapes, or blinds. This will prevent sunlight from entering your house and heating it up. Try to focus on covering east-facing windows during the morning and west-facing windows during the afternoon.
Use CFL light bulbs. Old incandescent light bulbs produce a great deal of heat. It gives out more energy of heat than light. Using compact fluorescent light bulbs will not only save you energy but also reduce the heat output of the lighting in your home, saving you money.
Change your cooking methods. Stovetops and ovens produce high temperatures when cooking your food and they also heat your home. Keep your temperatures low by using low-heat methods such as a crockpot or microwave. You can also take your cooking outside on the grill.
Use fans. Fans will not impact the temperature of the air, but they will improve the rate of evaporation in the room, which makes you feel cooler. When the air is still, evaporation takes longer, so you’ll feel warmer. When air is moving, evaporation occurs at a quicker rate, making you feel cooler.
Replace your air filter.
If you have an air conditioning unit, it’s best to check it more frequently, especially during heavy use. Clean air filters improve airflow throughout the home so air conditioners don’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.
Follow the forecast. Outdoor temperatures can vary greatly over the course of the day. While it may be a scorcher outside during the day, the temperature drop overnight can be quite cool. Follow your local forecast to see if overnight temperatures will be comfortable, so you can shut off the AC and open the windows, taking advantage of natural cooling to save money without sacrificing comfort.

Removing Over 99% of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

Lennox Industries’ Air Purification Systems with the Carbon Clean 16® Air Filter Remove Over 99% of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

RICHARDSON, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Lennox Industries announced its PureAir™ and PureAir™ S Air Purification Systems, with the Lennox Healthy Climate™ Carbon Clean 16 air filter, remove over 99% of the virus that causes COVID-19 from the air. After months of rigorous testing at a highly reputed, independent laboratory, this announcement is further evidence of Lennox’ relentless commitment to delivering unmatched, whole-home air purification for perfect air.

Lennox’ residential air filtration systems are hospital-grade air filtration systems that remove over 99% of virus particles, including the common cold, influenza, and viruses 4x smaller than SARS-CoV-2. They are even more efficient – 99.9% to be precise – at removing larger particles, like mold spores, pollen, dust, and pet dander. Unlike other air purification systems, the PureAir™ and PureAir™S systems produce no ozone, a common lung irritant. Better still, they actively work to reduce ozone generated by other sources in your home.

“This year, more than ever, we all recognize the critical importance of clean air and how it is vital to our health,” said Quan Nguyen, Vice President and General Manager, Lennox Industries Residential. “At Lennox, we have long pursued the highest level of indoor air quality on behalf of our customers. During this pandemic, we’ve increased our investments in air purification technologies in our pursuit of perfect air, so consumers can breathe easy.”

The Lennox Healthy Climate™ Carbon Clean 16 air filter was tested by LMS Technologies, Inc., an independent filtration research and testing lab that has been used by Lennox for over two decades. The lab performs unbiased, controlled testing with standardized test procedures to ensure statistically verified results.

When paired with the PureAir™ S Air Puri?cation System or the Lennox Healthy Climate™ Carbon Clean 16 air filter, a Lennox HVAC system provides unrivaled air filtration and the ultimate level of indoor air quality to ensure the health and safety of homeowners and their families. Part of Lennox’ Ultimate Comfort System™, the PureAir™ S air purifier offers seamless precision in air quality and intelligently works with other units in the Ultimate Comfort System™ to stay finely tuned to the home for reliably clean air.

“We understand that indoor air quality is a higher priority now more than ever before,” said John Whinery, VP of Product, Lennox Industries. “While COVID-19 has changed the world around us, it hasn’t changed our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently clean, comfortable air to homeowners through our Lennox Healthy Climate™ and Ultimate Comfort System™ indoor air quality products.”

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For more information on Lennox’ product capabilities and ongoing dedication to the health and wellness of consumers, please visit Lennox.com/Residential.

About Lennox Industries

Lennox Industries, a division of Lennox International Inc. (NYSE: LII), is in constant pursuit of perfect air because we believe everyone deserves it. Whatever your version of perfect is, we can help make it happen. Offering some of the quietest and most efficient units on the market, the first ultra-low emissions furnace, and hospital-grade air filtration, Lennox has a history of designing innovative heating, cooling, and indoor air quality products. Lennox’ approach to product design has earned it more Dealer Design awards than its competitors combined and multiple ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certifications. Lennox is a proud contributor to its communities, investing in the future of the HVAC industry and giving back through its corporate social responsibility program, Feel The Love. For more information about how Lennox is redefining air, visit Lennox.com/Residential.

When used properly with other best practices recommended by CDC and others, filtration can be part of a plan to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.
Removal efficiency based on third-party testing results using MS-2 bacteriophage (ATCC 15597- B1). Bacteria representative of virus-sized particles like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. November 2020.
Not intended for actual hospital use. Based on Table 1: Application guidelines in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017.

SOURCE Lennox Industries

Air Balancing: Tips

Air balancing will improve air circulation, increase energy efficiency and enhance the overall performance of your air conditioning and heating system. For a homeowner, it means delivering the right amount of air (hot or cold) to each room making your home more comfortable.

Air balancing for a HVAC technician is the process of testing and adjusting your system using their skill and tools of the trade. They look at your intake and output and adjust accordingly.

What is Air Balancing?

Air balancing is the process that involves modifying your existing HVAC system to make sure that air is evenly distributed throughout the home. All zones will have the correct amount of heat transfer. You want all components of your HVAC system working in harmony.

DIY Tips

Close/Open Your Register: Simple yet effective. You have the ability to move the damper blade. It will restrict air flow in the room. But, don’t completely close the vents, it could cause other issues to your HVAC system.

During warm weather temperatures, open registers on your upper floor and partially close registers on first floor and / or your basement. During cold temperatures, reverse the process.

Set your thermostat to 76-78 degrees. (ideal range to start testing)
Leave the temperature alone for at least 24 hours.
In areas that are too cool, adjust the vents to allow for less air flow.
Adjust in small increments to feel what works for your comfort.
Re-check your adjustments (24 hours later) to feel if you reached the desired temperature.
Continue until you reach your ideal temperature.

Two Degree Offset: If you’re in a two-story home and have two thermostats, set the temperatures to have a 2 degree off-set. For example, upstairs could be set at 74 degrees and downstairs at 72. This will help with uneven temperatures.

Check Your Filters: We say this all the time, but it really is important! There are numerous reasons to keep your filters clean…

Improves your air quality – cleaning the debris that builds up on your filters will aid with the flow of air.
Increases the efficiency of your furnace – reduced air flow through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchange to overheat and shut off too quickly. Keep the filter clean and it will aid in the efficiency of your furnace.
Extend the life of your HVAC system – would you believe the most common reason a HVAC breaks down is due to a dirty filter? A dirty filter makes your system work harder causing it to overheat.

Cover-up those Windows: Your windows will impact the comfort level in each room. Windows without drapes, blinds, shades, etc. can heat up a room faster before a thermostat has the time to turn on and add relief.

Window coverings can make a difference in the overall appeal and comfort level. They also can help improve energy efficiency. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.

Check for Drafts: You want to make sure your windows and doors are sealed properly as these often cause cold spots in your home.

Adjust Ceiling Fan Direction: Changing the directional settings of a fan can have a profound effect on air circulation. Your ceiling fans should go counterclockwise during warming months to create cool downward airflow. However, it should go at a low speed in a clockwise motion during the cooler months so it can help evenly distribute warm air.

Thermostat Fan Setting “ON”: Your fan setting can have an impact on your indoor air quality and comfort level. Most systems have two fan settings: On and Auto.

By utilizing the “ON” setting, the fan will blow continuously, which will filter and always be replacing your indoor air. This, in turn, will keep the air steady. In using the auto position, your air can become more stagnant.

Both come with pros and cons. When flipping to the On setting, you may see an increase in your utility bill.

When in Doubt…

If you’ve gone through the tips above and want to have a more thorough check of your HVAC system, or if you’re in doubt about what to do, the best thing to do is call a professional from Air Handlers.

Are you ready for the snow?

Snow is coming to the South Sound. Regular maintenance is important for the proper care of your HVAC system. As always, major furnace maintenance should be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. But there are some steps you can take on your own that can result in a more comfortable winter:

Power down

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance; wait for the blower to stop.

Replace filters

Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

Run a sound check

Turn your unit on, and check for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic checklist rundown you discover any unusual noises, excess moisture, or other signs your unit is not functioning properly, call Air Handlers to schedule an appointment.