HVAC Lexington KY costs vary depending on the type of system and local labor rates. Some things, like age, impact repair costs more than others, such as replacing obsolete or hard-to-find parts.

Working in the HVAC industry can be a busy, hands-on job during the hottest summer days. Often, technicians are on call to handle emergency repairs.

Dirty air filters are among the most common causes of HVAC system problems. Dirty filters restrict the air that passes through the coils and furnace plenum, forcing the system to work harder. The extra strain on the system can cause several issues that impact your home, including higher energy bills and reduced indoor air quality.

The evaporator coil in your indoor unit is where the refrigerant evaporates as the cooling process takes place, and this coil can become caked with dirt, dust, and other debris that the air filter would normally trap. This buildup makes it hard for the coil to absorb heat from the air passing over it, and this can cause the coil to freeze.

A frozen evaporator coil is an issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible because it can prevent your AC from working properly and can cause water leaks in the home. The best way to deal with this is by calling a professional right away since trying to thaw the coil on your own could lead to injury or further damage to the unit.

Frozen coils also impact the unit’s ability to maintain indoor climate control, causing it to use more energy in an attempt to keep up. This can result in higher energy bills and may also cause the unit to overheat, requiring a replacement part or even an entire system replacement.

If you continue to ignore air filter maintenance, the buildup of dirt in your system can eventually cause the blower motor to burn out, which will require expensive repairs or a new compressor and blower assembly. Additionally, a dirty air filter can affect your home’s energy efficiency rating, which can reduce your tax credits and rebates for home energy usage and increase the amount of money you will have to spend on home repairs and renovations.

Keeping your air filter clean is an easy and inexpensive way to help extend the life of your system and ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible. Contact an HVAC company for a professional air duct cleaning and replace your air filter on a regular basis to avoid the most common HVAC repair issues.

Whether caused by severe weather or even lightning strikes, power outages are a common occurrence that often leaves residents without any way to run their appliances and equipment. But if you notice that your HVAC system doesn’t turn back on after the electricity returns, there may be some simple reasons why it’s not working.

In many cases, your AC system is simply not turning on because it’s unable to process the amount of electricity being supplied to it. A blown fuse, overheated compressor, or faulty thermostat are some of the most common electrical issues that can prevent your unit from starting up.

While a blown fuse or overheated compressor are more serious issues that need to be addressed by an experienced HVAC technician, it’s not uncommon for them to occur due to an outage. Regardless of the reason for the power outage, if your system fails to start up after the power returns, it’s important to check your circuit breakers and reset any that have tripped.

Start by locating your breaker box, which can be found in attics, hallways, laundry rooms, or garages. Inside the breaker box, you should find several switches with labels that indicate what each one controls. Often, there will be a switch for the furnace and one for the air conditioner. Identify these switches and find any that are set to “OFF” or have a color indicator indicating that they have tripped. If any of these have tripped, switch them to the ON position and wait 30 minutes before trying to restart your system again.

If your AC doesn’t turn on after resetting the breakers, it’s likely that there is more serious damage caused by the surge of electricity when the power returned. A trusted HVAC technician will be able to determine the cause of this and make any necessary repairs.

Remember that electricity is dangerous and can injure or kill people who don’t know how to properly handle it. Be sure to leave all electrical problems to an experienced technician, who will have the proper personal protection and safety gear to ensure your safety and the integrity of your HVAC system.

The components that make up an HVAC system are prone to damage from outside elements such as wind, hail or extreme temperatures. The internal components can also suffer damage due to neglect and poor maintenance practices. When a component is damaged, it can impact the efficiency of the entire system and contribute to higher energy bills.

Among the most common problems faced by homeowners is a damaged control board. The board controls the functions of the HVAC and communicates with the thermostat to regulate temperatures. If the control board is damaged, the entire HVAC system will fail to activate and won’t cool your home.

Other common HVAC repair issues include a broken blower motor or fan belt, a clogged air filter and ductwork damage. Homeowners should regularly check their HVAC systems for signs of damage and schedule professional preventative maintenance to protect against costly repairs or a complete system breakdown.

It’s also important to check for signs of smoke or fire damage. For example, if a furnace or air conditioner is exposed to flames, soot and smoke, it could damage the internal components, leading to the need for a costly replacement. A skilled insurance adjuster will be able to help you determine what type of damage your HVAC system has suffered and provide accurate claims handling and repair recommendations.

Leaking ductwork is another common problem that can lead to inefficient operation and high energy costs. The ducts must be properly sealed to ensure that the conditioned air is delivered evenly throughout the house. During maintenance visits, HVAC technicians can inspect ductwork for leaking sections, broken connections, crushed or collapsed ducts and other signs of wear and tear. Repairing or replacing these components can improve airflow, energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Performing regular maintenance on an HVAC system can help keep it working efficiently for years to come. However, even with the best preventative measures, it’s essential for homeowners to watch their energy usage and compare it to previous months or years to identify potential issues. This will promote a more energy-conscious household and can help reduce utility bills.

The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, so if it starts to act up, your entire system will suffer. While the thermostat itself is fairly simple and hardly ever breaks down entirely, it can develop issues that affect your HVAC system’s functionality and performance.

If you’re noticing your home’s temperature changing frequently or your HVAC system running continuously but not producing cool air, you may need to call an HVAC technician for assistance. These issues could be signs that there are thermostat issues with your heating and cooling systems.

One of the most common thermostat problems is that it won’t turn on the air conditioner or furnace. A simple solution is to change the batteries or check the circuit breaker in your home’s breaker box. However, the problem might be more serious and involve the thermostat itself.

A broken or malfunctioning thermostat can be difficult to diagnose without a professional. You can try to troubleshoot the problem by lowering its settings and monitoring the results. If the thermostat still changes its settings at random, it may be experiencing a more severe problem and need to be replaced or repaired.

Thermostats can also lose their ability to send the correct signals to the HVAC system if they’re not properly installed or leveled. This can be caused by an improper voltage match or a loose wire. Working around electrical components can be dangerous, so it’s best to let a professional handle the repairs and installation for you.

Another thermostat issue is that it doesn’t read indoor temperatures correctly, which causes the air conditioning to produce colder or warmer air than what the homeowner wants. You can check this by using a handheld ambient air thermometer and comparing it to the reading on your thermostat. If you notice your house is not comfortable, it may be time to replace your thermostat. An HVAC technician will be able to help you find the right thermostat for your needs and install it correctly. They can also advise you on ductwork modifications to improve airflow. This will increase your comfort levels and save you money on energy bills in the long run.

How Hardwood Floor Refinishing Can Increase Your Home’s Value

January 16, 2024

Jodie Donovan

Hardwood Floor Services No Comments

Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ is a labor-intensive process that requires sanding and staining. It’s also a costly project, but you can do it yourself or hire a professional.

You’ll need a large drum sander, safety equipment, and plenty of space to do it yourself. It can take two to four days for the sanding process.

Refinishing wood floors is an expensive undertaking, but it’s an investment that can add value to your home and boost its resale price. Nevertheless, homeowners should shop around for quotes from multiple contractors before settling on one. Cheaper isn’t always better, and hiring a professional to perform the work can save you time and money in the long run.

The cost of hardwood floor refinishing depends on the size of the project, the type of wood used in the floors, and the contractor’s labor rate. The cost of the wood and stain is also a factor, as well as any extra services that may be required, such as removing baseboards or moving furniture. In addition, the flooring contractor should be asked to provide an estimate for any repairs that need to be done before the work can begin.

Hardwood floors come with a finish that protects them from scratches and other damage, but this finish can wear down over time. Refinishing wood floors is a process that involves sanding down the wood planks to remove the old finish, and then applying a new coating to the surface. It can take between four and seven days to complete this process, but it will leave you with beautiful, lustrous hardwood floors that are as good as new.

Aside from refinishing, another option for restoring your hardwood floors is to have them recoated. This can be done as a final step in the refinishing process or on its own. The recoat process includes roughing up the existing floor finish with light sanding, screening or chemically etching. After that, the new coat of finish is applied and allowed to dry.

Recoats can be either water-based or oil-based, but you should use a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) product. This will help you avoid the nasty fumes that can be produced by traditional, high-VOC finishes. In addition, the recoat will protect your hardwood floors from moisture and other environmental hazards, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.

Time

Even with regular maintenance, your hardwood floors will eventually show signs of wear and tear. This is why it is important to keep them looking their best with refinishing services. Refinishing will help to improve the appearance of your home and increase its value.

Refinishing is the process of removing the top layer of finish on your wood flooring and then applying new coats of stain or varnish. Generally, it takes 2-6 days to refinish hardwood floors depending on the number of coats and any other prep work that may be required. The time frame will also vary depending on the type of finish used and the size of the room. For example, oil-based polyurethane will take longer to dry than water-based polyurethane.

It is important to allow the floor enough time to cure properly before you start walking on it. A minimum of 24 hours is recommended, but 48 hours is better. This gives the floor a chance to fully harden before you place furniture and other items back into the room. It is also a good idea to remove all area rugs before the refinishing project starts.

One of the most common reasons for people to refinish their hardwood floors is that they have become dull or scratched. This is especially true if your wood flooring is in a high-traffic area of the house.

Hardwood floor refinishing is an affordable way to breathe new life into your home. It can dramatically improve the look of a space and is a much cheaper alternative to replacing your flooring entirely.

Before hiring a company to refinish your hardwood floors, it is essential to research the company and their work history. It is also important to check the company’s ratings on consumer sites like the Better Business Bureau and how they settle customer complaints. A reputable company will be transparent and address any concerns in a professional manner.

Refinishing your hardwood floors can dramatically improve the look of your home and boost its resale value. However, the process can be messy and time-consuming. Before getting started, make sure to rent a floor sander and block out at least two full days for sanding.

Safety

Hardwood floors are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Over time, their surface will wear down and require refinishing or replacement, and a lot of things can damage them as well. It’s important to protect your hardwood floors from water, dirt and other potential damage as much as possible.

Wood floors can sustain serious water damage if it isn’t cleaned up as soon as it happens. This damage can occur from water splashing from a dishwasher or kitchen sink, from rain or snow that gets tracked into the home, and even if someone spills a drink. If left untreated, this type of damage can cause swelling, warping or even discoloration of the hardwood flooring.

Regular cleaning can help keep your wood floors looking their best and extend their lifespan. We recommend a daily sweep with a broom or vacuum, damp mopping once or twice per week and placing mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and at entrances to trap dirt before it is tracked into the home. Rugs are also useful for protecting your floors from furniture scuffs and scratches.

While minor scratches can usually be filled with sanding and troweling, major gashes or gouges in wood flooring require professional attention to fix. Contact your Bona Certified Craftsman to evaluate the type of damage and to come up with a plan for moving forward.

If the damage is severe, it’s best to schedule your refinishing job for a less humid season. This will ensure that the floor is dry and ready for new finish as quickly as possible, and it’s safer for your family to be home during the process.

Before your refinishing project begins, make sure that the area is clear of all furniture and other items. This will allow for a more thorough refinishing and a better result. It’s also a good idea to cover outlets and other fixtures with plastic tarps, or tape them off, so that dust doesn’t escape. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to put down a tarp around their doorways and other open spaces to protect them from dust as well.

Expertise

Hardwood floors are an attractive and durable option for any home. They are easy to maintain, and they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, like all flooring, they eventually wear down and may need to be refinished. Refinishing hardwood floors requires skill and determination, but it can provide dramatic results. This process can transform a room from drab to dazzling. It also saves money in the long run by extending the life of the floor and reducing the need for replacement.

It is important to choose a professional who specializes in hardwood floor refinishing. They will know what type of finish is best for your floors and can help you choose a color or stain. They will also use proper safety equipment, such as a dust mask and eye protection. They will also take measures to minimize the amount of dust that is created during the refinishing process. This will protect your family and pets from breathing the dust. In addition, they will tape the doorways to prevent dust from entering other rooms in the house.

Refinishing a hardwood floor is a messy and time-consuming job, but the results are well worth the effort. A good refinisher will work quickly and efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily routine. They will also be able to repair scratches and gouges in the wood with wood putty, which should be left to dry for 24 hours before being resanded.

One of the most common signs that your floors are in need of refinishing is the appearance of discoloration or fading. This happens over time, and it can be caused by sunlight or water damage. It is also important to consider how the floors were finished originally, as oil-based finishes tend to wear down more quickly than water-based finishes.

Another sign that it is time to refinish your floors is the presence of deep scratches. These scratches are not only unsightly, but they can also cause the wood to break down. Refinishing the hardwood will not only repair these deep scratches, but it will also add a protective layer to the surface of the wood.

HVAC Systems

January 11, 2024

Harri Lindsey

HVAC Services No Comments

HVAC systems provide better air quality, proper ventilation, and temperature control. An HVAC system usually includes an air conditioner, furnace, ductwork, and thermostat.

HVAC equipment uses a chemical called refrigerant to absorb and transport heat. By modulating the pressure of the refrigerant, different rooms in a building are kept at optimal temperature. Contact 24 Hour HVAC Company for professional help.

Air conditioning is an important part of the HVAC system and plays a vital role in keeping people comfortable in places where temperature extremes can be found. Unfortunately, air conditioners can cause a lot of environmental problems as they burn fossil fuels to produce and operate them. Air conditioners also use chemicals and refrigerants that can cause the ozone layer to degrade. This is why it’s important to have your air conditioner regularly maintained.

There are many different types of AC units available on the market and choosing one that’s right for you will depend on factors like your budget, how much space you need to cool and where you live. A trusted HVAC company can help guide you to a model that will fit your needs while providing optimum efficiency.

Your air conditioner uses three key components – the compressor, condenser and evaporator. The evaporator uses cooling coils to evaporate a refrigerant gas, which sucks in air through the duct system. The air is cooled as it passes over the cold coils, and the evaporator pumps the cooling fluid back into the compressor, which raises its pressure and temperature. This compressed, heated gas is then pumped to the condenser where heat is dissipated into the surrounding air. The evaporator then pumps the cooling liquid back into the evaporator to repeat the cycle.

A central air conditioner is a larger version of the split system and includes a condensing and evaporative unit connected by refrigerant tubing. This type of air conditioning system has a high initial price tag and monthly operating costs but is more efficient than smaller systems.

When considering upgrading your HVAC system to a more energy-efficient model, consider other energy-efficient improvements that can be made as well. For example, improving ceiling and wall insulation, switching to double-paned windows, increasing window overhangs, reducing duct leakage, and changing or upgrading programmable thermostats can alter a building’s head load significantly. These upgrades, combined with a new HVAC system sized appropriately for the resulting reduced heating and cooling loads, can save up to 54 percent in energy costs for a typical 2,000-square-foot house.

Furnaces

The furnace is the heating component of an HVAC system, responsible for producing warm air to distribute throughout the home. Its primary job is to heat a space but it also participates in cooling a home by circulating cooled air as well. Furnaces operate by combustion of fuel, usually gaseous, to produce heat. This heat is transferred to a room or living area via convection and radiation.

Furnaces can be operated with many different types of fuel. This includes natural gas, oil, propane and even solar energy. The type of furnace that a homeowner chooses will depend on the climate of their location and the availability of energy sources. A qualified Greener Solutions Home Services HVAC professional can help determine which fuel is best for your situation.

Different furnaces are designed to be operated in different ways. Some use forced air while others utilize a blower fan to draw and push the heated air through the system. Forced air systems are more common and offer higher efficiency levels than the older natural draft furnaces that used a fire to create hot air.

A furnace’s efficiencies are measured by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This is the percentage of fossil fuel that is converted into useful heat. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the unit.

The earliest furnaces were made of wood, coke or coal and relied on a draft to circulate the heated air. These units required daily maintenance to remove ashes and clinkers from the burner area. As technology improved, these units were adapted with electric blowers to speed the air circulation and improve efficiencies.

Single stage furnaces have 2 modes of operation: ON and OFF. They are able to warm rooms quickly but tend to turn on and off frequently which is inefficient and can wear out the system. Two stage furnaces have a reduced mode that operates at a lower speed and saves energy while maintaining the same level of heat. The most efficient furnaces are modulating.

Today’s modern gas and oil furnaces have a high level of efficiency. They have a heat exchanger that is made of thin-walled metal tubes to prevent actual flames from passing through the system and into a room. They also have a blower fan that draws and pushes the heated air from the system into the ductwork where it is distributed to rooms in the house.

Thermostats

Thermostats control HVAC systems by sensing and responding to changes in temperature. They generate signals, usually electrical, to turn a system on or off and control the flow of heat transfer fluid (like hot water or cooling oil) to maintain the set room temperature. Thermostats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all operate on the same fundamental principle. Heat causes a metal strip inside a thermostat to expand, and cold makes it contract. The contact between the two strips triggers a relay back at the heating or cooling unit to switch its function on and off.

Modern smart thermostats offer more advanced capabilities that can optimize energy usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to responsible environmental practices. Their ability to recognize user preferences automatically can slash fuel usage and electricity consumption by as much as 23% versus manually operated thermostats.

A smart thermostat’s sensors can track a home’s occupancy to prevent unnecessary heating or air conditioning. They can also lower temperatures at times when people aren’t around, then raise them before they return so that the systems don’t waste energy by constantly running.

Programmable thermostats allow users to set temperature schedules that match their daily routines, such as lowering the temperature before going to bed or waking up. They can even program them to activate the air conditioning at a time when everyone will be home, saving on energy costs.

When selecting a thermostat, read the manufacturer’s installation instructions to avoid common problems like “ghost readings” or unwanted heating or cooling cycles. Place it in a convenient location away from drafts, sunlight, doorways and skylights, as well as furniture that can block natural room air movement. It should also be situated where natural heating and cooling currents are likely to occur-warm air rising and cool air sinking.

Thermostat manufacturers use a wide range of sensors to detect temperature changes. The most common are bimetallic strips that sense a difference in thermal expansion between two metals that are mounted together. Another sensor uses a pair of metal discs with a gas-filled bellows in between. As the room warms, the bellows expand, and the inner disc pushes against a microswitch in the middle to turn on the electric circuit.

Ductwork

Ductwork is a vital component of forced air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It supplies conditioned air to rooms in a building and extracts stale, unconditioned air from the space. In addition, it provides an efficient route for distributing harmful gases to the outside through a flue.

HVAC experts know how to properly install, repair, or replace ductwork to ensure it provides maximum functionality and efficiency for the home or business. This is a task that requires an extensive understanding of the system and its components to maximize comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.

The two main components of a ductwork system are return and supply ducts. The return ducts are located in areas that require heat or cooling, such as central living spaces and near vents. The supply ducts transport conditioned air to rooms in the house via various openings called registers or diffusers.

Regardless of their location, the ducts must be adequately insulated to prevent cold air from escaping into unheated or uncooled spaces. In addition, the ducts should be designed to effectively distribute hot or cool air to all areas of the room.

A well-maintained ductwork system works efficiently and delivers superior performance, even with heavy use. The system should be checked regularly to detect duct leaks, which reduces efficiency, and to determine if the ductwork is properly insulated or if it needs to be replaced.

There are a number of things that can go wrong with your ductwork, including dirty filters, loose connections, physical damage, and inefficient design. When ductwork is dirty or leaking, it can spread pathogens and allergens around the house. These contaminants can include dust particles, pet dander, viruses, chemical pollutants, and more. These can cause respiratory and other health issues for your family.

Likewise, loose connections and physically damaged ductwork can restrict airflow and increase energy consumption. This will not only cost you more in utility bills, but it may also cause the system to work harder than necessary. This can increase wear and tear, shorten the lifespan of the equipment, and decrease efficiency. Having your ductwork inspected and repaired by an expert is crucial to keeping it operating efficiently for many years.

Common Reasons For HVAC Repair