6 Benefits of an Annual Furnace Cleaning

Posted on October 16, 2024October 16, 2024

As each year passes, you may find it more accessible and easier to take your home heating for granted. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not worry about their furnaces until a significant problem has occurred. One way to prevent furnace issues is with an annual cleaning.

HVAC technicians can provide a detailed cleaning of your furnace once a year. Each cleaning has many benefits and will ultimately save money in the long run. Learn about the benefits and why you should make an annual furnace cleaning part of your home maintenance routine.

1. Better Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of annual cleaning is better furnace efficiency. When the furnace boiler and ducts are cleaned, the furnace will run at better rates and not need to run as long to provide heat for a home.

A furnace with better efficiency can save you money in the long run. You do not have to pay extra oil and can heat your home for much less each year. Of course, the efficiency of every furnace is different. Still, in some cases, the savings from the stove could completely offset the cleaning costs. A unique calculator can help figure out differences as well.

After your first cleaning, you can compare the money spent on oil for the year and the amounts to previous years to see the difference. When oil prices fluctuate, an even better comparison would be to see the number of gallons you burn through each year.

2. Cleaner Burns

When an HVAC tech cleans out your furnace, they will eliminate the dust, debris, and build-up inside the burners. The result will save money with better efficiency, and your furnace will burn cleaner. The cleaner burns will improve the air quality in your home and help the environment.

An HVAC technician will inspect the furnace for air leaks or carbon monoxide issues. Special tools can examine the areas and ensure all the furnace elements are locked down and in place so air leaks do not occur.

3. Quiet Operations

One of the loudest equipment in your home is typically the furnace. You will often hear the rumble and loud sounds of the furnace starting up. However, if you feel your furnace has become more audible over the years, you do not just hear things. As a stove runs, screws become loose, panels dislodge, and vibrations increase.

Without proper maintenance, a furnace will vibrate more and become much louder than you intended. During a cleaning, a technician will help secure all furnace elements and replace screws. The duct and pipe brackets are also attached to the furnace to reduce noise.

Reducing noise will not only help your ears, but it can also help prevent significant problems when a furnace vibrates or shakes too much.

4. Duct Obstructions

While we want heating ducts to provide clean elements, obstructions may sometimes cause problems and impact how heat flows through a home. A furnace cleaning can eliminate any major duct obstructions. Dirt is one of the more common elements filling up ducts, but your home may also have rodents stuck in the vents.

Cleaning out the ducts will improve a furnace’s air quality and efficiency. If you’ve noticed that some home rooms do not heat up like others, then duct obstruction could be one of the leading causes.

5. Oil Filter Replacements

One task done during every cleaning is a complete oil filter replacement. Modern oil tanks are often filled with sludge and grime. If your tank gets low on oil, the sludge can seep into the lines and clog the filter. Once a filter is changed, oil can reach the furnace more efficiently, providing a hotter and more powerful burn.

If excess sludge does appear, an HVAC tech may try to remove extra sludge in the oil tank if the build-up has grown too big. The filter often acts as the first sign and helps prevent any problems.

6. Diagnosing Small Problems

A visual and physical inspection of your furnace is one key way to eliminate any signs of minor problems most people will miss. For example, an HVAC tech may notice a fan is jammed or an element of the furnace leaks. When these little problems are handled, you can prevent more significant ones.

Prevention is critical; proper maintenance and care can keep a furnace lasting for many years.

Contact Derek Sawyers Heating & Air Conditioning for more information on furnace cleaning. We will help you schedule a cleaning and future appointments to ensure you do not forget your furnace’s annual care. Shortly after a cleaning, you will notice significant differences, which will help keep your furnace running for years to come.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

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Pregnancy and Your HVAC System’s Maintenance

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Can your home’s HVAC system impact your pregnancy? If you’re expecting, take a look at what you need to know about residential home heating, cooling, and air ventilation.

HVAC Maintenance Increases Home Safety

You want to create a safe, nurturing environment for your baby — even before they’re born. This means you need to decrease indoor home risks. Poor indoor air quality, natural gas leaks, and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are HVAC-related issues that can affect pregnant women and their babies.

Anything from dust to chemicals and leftover cigarette smoke can pollute your home’s indoor air. As you inhale the toxins, they may pass through your system to your baby. This can cause health issues that range from minor respiratory or eye irritations to major concerns.

Along with indoor air pollutants, you also need to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and natural gas exposure now and after your baby arrives. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is toxic to you and your unborn baby. Unlike CO, natural gas (used in some types of heating appliances) has a strong smell. This combustible potential fire hazard is scented with a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor.

Get A Full System Checkup

You may not have had a furnace or full system checkup in years, or you may just want to increase home safety during your pregnancy or in preparation for your baby’s arrival. In any case, a professional maintenance service will:

Include CO leak inspections. The March of Dimes organization recommends putting carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside of all bedrooms. Along with alarms, a professional HVAC checkup can reduce this leak risk.
Include natural gas detection. If you have a natural gas leak, it’s likely you already know. The rotten egg smell is pungent and requires immediate attention. But if you don’t detect this smell, the HVAC technician can still inspect your system for a leak during routine maintenance services.
Provide repair recommendations. If your furnace has a natural gas or carbon monoxide leak, the HVAC technician will do more than just detect the problem. They can repair the wear or damage, giving you back a safe home heating system.
Clear the air. A dirty furnace filter and clogged air ducts can push dust and indoor pollutants around your home — especially if you clean with chemicals, use chemical air fresheners, or recently painted the nursery. An HVAC contractor can check and replace your furnace’s filter and clean the rest of your system.

Discuss pregnancy-related indoor air quality concerns with the HVAC technician before or during your maintenance appointment. The contractor may have suggestions for ways to better maintain your heater or tips to improve indoor air quality through an air purifier or a better quality system filter. The technician can also help you to create a maintenance schedule that works for your growing family’s needs.

HVAC Maintenance Can Increase Your Comfort Level

Physical comfort isn’t always easy to achieve during pregnancy — especially the closer it gets to your due date. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slightly raise your body temperature. This can cause general sweating or night sweats. If your HVAC system isn’t in top shape, the indoor air could add to your discomfort. To get the most out of your home’s heating and cooling capabilities, you can:

Schedule a tune-up. Regular maintenance won’t only improve your system’s safety. It can help it to work at peak performance. This allows you to easily adjust the temperature and keep your home as warm or as cool (depending on your pregnancy comfort level) as you want it.
Change the filter. Again, this service doesn’t only impact indoor air quality. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder and may limit its heating or cooling capacity. If you’re not sure where the filter is or how to replace it, ask the technician during a maintenance appointment.
Replace the thermostat. Your third-trimester body needs a major cool down. But what if the temperature doesn’t drop when you adjust the thermostat? Talk to the HVAC technician about this issue or schedule a replacement service with your regular maintenance.
Install a programmable thermostat. Instead of replacing your older thermostat with a manual model, choose a programmable or smart option. This allows you to adjust the temperature during specific times of the day, making it easier to combat night sweats.

If your HVAC system has serious wear and tear or significant damage, you may need to replace your heater, air conditioner, or both. While regular maintenance can improve efficiency and lead to increased indoor comfort, it won’t have a major impact if the system is past its prime or overly expensive to repair. Even though this is an added expense, the investment can keep you and the rest of your family comfortable for years to come.

Contact Derek Sawyers Heating & Air Today!

Do you need to schedule HVAC system maintenance before your baby’s due date? Have you skipped this service for the past few years? Contact Derek Sawyers Heating & Air for more information.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:
We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

Looking for help with Longmont AC repair? Well, then check out our friends over at TNT Home Services! They’d be happy to lend you a helping hand. They have offices in Longmont and Firestone, plus offer their services all over Colorado, including:

Switching From Air Conditioning To Heating

Posted on October 1, 2024October 1, 2024

Central California residents enjoy relatively comfortable temperatures for most of the year. However, as the calendar advances toward the year’s final weeks, nighttime temperatures can get pretty chilly. This change prompts many homeowners to switch their HVAC systems from cooling to heating.

As you transition into your home, you should know what to expect. You should also learn how to make the transition as easy as possible for your equipment and what to do if the change from air conditioning to heating causes trouble. Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions on the topic.

How Do Your HVAC System’s Air Conditioning and Heating Processes Differ?

An HVAC system uses many components for heating and cooling, with a thermostat regulating the air temperature and ducts distributing warmed or cooled air throughout the rooms. However, most HVAC systems get their cooling power through electricity and heat through natural gas.

When you set your HVAC system to air conditioning mode, an electrically powered compressor quickly turns hot refrigerant gas into a cold liquid. As this cold liquid passes through coils, the air surrounding them becomes cool and dry. A fan blows this cooled air through vents to lower your home’s interior temperature.

When you set your HVAC system to heating mode, you activate a gas-power furnace that receives air through an electric fan. The gas rises through a heat exchanger, heating the surrounding air. The heated air then circulates through your home’s ducts before returning for another pass through the system.

What’s That Funny Smell When You First Engage Your Heater?

If you have not engaged your heater for several months, you may smell a strong, musty, or burnt odor in the heated air. This odor commonly occurs as the heat exchanger and other components burn tiny bits of dust and other debris accumulated on their surfaces. It may smell alarming, but it does not indicate a problem.

That musty odor most likely comes from mold and mildew accumulation. These substances may accumulate if you let your home’s humidity levels get out of control or if your condensate pan doesn’t drain properly. Like dust and debris, mold and mildew may burn away after you run your heater for a few minutes.

How Can Switching From Air Conditioning To Heating Cause Trouble?

An HVAC system can usually handle a transition from air conditioning to heating with no trouble. However, this does not mean you should switch between the two modes as frequently as you like. If you ask your HVAC system to go from one mode to another too rapidly, it may shut down altogether.

HVAC systems require a few minutes of rest between heating or cooling cycles for the pressure in their components to settle and normalize. Therefore, if you try to reactivate your cooling mode or switch modes too quickly after a cycle has completed, the compressor may draw extra power to attempt to comply, breaking the circuit and shutting the unit down.

Why Might Your Heater Refuse to Work After a Long Dormant Period?

When you need to start your heater for the first time in months, its failure to operate correctly may come as an unwelcome (and uncomfortable) surprise. This malfunction may stem from avoidable maintenance issues, or it may mean that one of the heating system components has reached the end of its life.

Dirt often plays a crucial role in heater malfunctions. For example, if your heater has a blower motor, the heat exchanger can overheat and fail. A dirty flame sensor can prevent the furnace from igniting. A filthy burner may not run at peak efficiency, while a clogged filter may keep air from circulating through the system.

HVAC systems’ furnaces depend on a capacitor to ignite their gas. A weak or dying capacitor may have trouble starting your heater if it can manage the feat at all. The wrong amount of gas (or refrigerant in a heat pump system) may also lead to poor heater function.

Why Should You Schedule an HVAC Inspection Before Cooler Weather Arrives?

Proper maintenance can help you ready your HVAC system for an efficient, uneventful transition from air conditioning to heating. A skilled HVAC technician can inspect the entire system for dust, mold, incorrect fuel or refrigerant levels, a capacitor that needs replacing, and any other issues that might affect performance.

You can often tell whether you need HVAC maintenance services simply by checking for various potential trouble signs around the house. For instance, if your windows constantly host condensation or your home’s vent pipe looks rusty, you may have a mechanical problem that affects the system’s operation.

Derek Sawyers Smart Energy Heating & Air can help you effectively transition your HVAC system from air conditioning to heating mode. Contact us today to schedule a seasonal inspection or any needed repair services.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

Check out the 5-star Longmont plumbers at Service Pros Plumbers today!

Is It Time To Replace Your Furnace?

Posted on September 25, 2024September 25, 2024

Before this cold season ends, homeowners must rely on their furnaces to keep warm and comfortable. But if your heating system is old or frequently malfunctions, it can be a headache, costing you money in repairs and energy bills. If you are experiencing problems with your furnace, it may be time to replace it. At Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll help you consider the following factors when replacing your furnace:

Age of Furnace

As furnaces age, they perform less efficiently and are more likely to break down. The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15-20 years, but it varies depending on the make and model. Of course, regular furnace maintenance can also prolong the life of your system. But generally speaking, if your furnace is older than 15 years and isn’t heating your home correctly, it may be time to replace it.

Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bills have steadily risen, it could be a sign your furnace is no longer performing at its best. Ageing furnaces work less efficiently, requiring more energy to produce the same heat. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can save you money by reducing energy costs.

New furnace technology has significantly improved, resulting in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly models. For example, the latest models have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which means they convert more of the fuel they consume into heat, resulting in lower energy bills. So, when you decide on a furnace replacement, you can feel confident in the value of your upgrade.

Frequent Repairs

If your furnace experiences frequent breakdowns and repairs, it is likely reaching the end of its service life. While it’s normal to need expected furnace maintenance, costs can quickly increase if you continually repair it.

Several factors can contribute to frequent furnace repairs, such as:

Wear and tear
Lack of maintenance
Improper installation
An undersized or oversized furnace
Poor quality or incompatible parts

Consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine if the above issues require replacing your furnace. They can help you choose a new, energy-efficient model that avoids the cost of frequent repairs.

Uneven Heating

If some rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, it could be a sign that your furnace is struggling to distribute heat evenly. This problem could be due to an outdated furnace or ductwork that needs repair or replacement.

Strange Noises

If your furnace makes strange noises, such as banging or whistling, it could indicate a problem with its components. You may feel tempted to ignore these noises, but the underlying issue can lead to more significant problems, such as a complete furnace breakdown. So be wary of odd rattling, screeching, and popping noises that indicate structural damage, such as a malfunctioning motor or loose ducts.

Replace Your Furnace With Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning

Replacing your furnace may seem daunting and expensive, but it has numerous benefits. These include improved heating that can help you save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs. Additionally, new furnaces provide a more comfortable living environment for your household, giving you the reliable and efficient heating system you deserve.

At Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the factors that go into replacing a furnace, and we can determine if you need one. We’ll consider your home specifications and heating needs, helping you choose the most suitable furnace replacement. So contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a warm and comfortable home.

We offer HVAC maintenance and zoned heating services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

Looking for help in Colorado? Check out our friends over at Smith Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical at one of their locations below:

4 Strategies for Enjoying a Safer, Healthier HVAC System

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024

Residential HVAC systems can provide homeowners and their families with essential health benefits and comfort. Efficient air circulation can reduce airborne irritants. Effective cooling systems and other components can help control moisture levels in the home while protecting residents against extreme temperatures.

Unfortunately, an HVAC system may fail to deliver these benefits if it develops mechanical or electrical problems, sometimes posing health and safety risks instead of mitigating them. Employ the following four strategies to ensure your HVAC system provides a safer, healthier environment.

1. Find and Fix Standing Water Problems

HVAC systems dry and cool the air. The evaporator coils contain cold, pressurized refrigerant that chills the surrounding air rapidly. The temperature drop causes water vapor to condense. The liquid water drops out of the air and into a drip pan. A hose then drains this water to a tub or other receptacle.
Any malfunction in this part of the system can cause water to accumulate instead of draining normally. In addition, the standing water can harbor mold spores, which may produce asthma attacks or allergic reactions when blown through the air ducts. Water can also spill onto electrical components, potentially creating short circuits.

Standing water in your HVAC system can even present an injury risk. For instance, occupants could sustain slip-and-fall injuries if an overhead service panel leaks water from a corroded or overfilled drip pan onto a slick floor.

Have your HVAC technician check any water spots or puddles that might stem from your HVAC system. You may need to replace corroded parts or unclog a blocked drain line. Ensure that none of the surrounding electrical or mechanical parts show signs of water damage.

2. Control Your Humidity

Standing water represents one way a poorly functioning HVAC system might encourage mold growth. Mold can also develop throughout your home if humidity levels remain abnormally high. Check for an evaporator, blower, or condenser failure that keeps the system from removing airborne moisture.

If your humidity problem persists despite regular HVAC operation, ask your HVAC service provider whether you need a minor system for your home. (An air conditioner that is too large may shut on and off too frequently to dehumidify a home properly.) Your technician can also add a separate dehumidifier to your current system.

3. Bust That Dust

Dust, dander, and pollen can affect your respiratory health and comfort like mold spores. No matter how carefully you sweep and vacuum your home, new particles will migrate from pets and people onto surfaces. Your HVAC system can help control this problem, but only if it functions as it should.

Air filters at the ends of air conditioning ducts can block much of this material. So, instead, these items feature a mesh or porous material that allows air to pass through while removing all particles of a specific size from the air.

Eventually, however, the filters become so clogged by dust and dander that they can barely move air. The resulting lack of air circulation means that dirty air no longer gets pulled into the ductwork for filtering and accumulates until you experience respiratory distress.

You can often avoid this health challenge by regularly changing your air filters. If your current filters don’t seem to get the job done, ask your HVAC service technician to recommend more specialized products, such as HEPA filters, which can filter out much smaller particles than ordinary filters.

Your airborne particulate problem may require more than a simple filter change. For example, you may need to have your HVAC ducts thoroughly cleaned, or you may want to have an air purifier installed for more comprehensive air filtration.

4. Minimize Fire Hazards

Homeowners should always guard against any conditions or malfunctions that might cause a fire. In addition to obvious dangers posed by lightning strikes or combustion of flammable materials, HVAC system problems can also present fire hazards.

Your HVAC system depends on electricity to operate its moving parts and regulate its processes, from proper thermostat function to power for motors, fans, and belts. As smoothly as this arrangement typically works, electrical systems can still present potential hazards, including the risk of fires, if they suffer damage.

HVAC electrical damage can occur gradually or subtly. For example, rodents can chew through electrical wiring, stripping it of its protective insulation. Wiring connections can even come loose for no apparent reason, posing a fire risk every time they receive an electrical current.

Regular HVAC inspections can catch these problems in time to prevent disaster. However, if you smell burning plastic or smoke near your HVAC wiring, shut off the system and seek immediate professional assistance.

Furnaces and heat exchangers can also cause household fires. The heat radiated by these items can ignite nearby chemicals, paper products, or other debris. Keep the areas around these components clean and free of garbage and other flammable objects.

Contact Our Team Of HVAC Professionals Today

Awareness and proactive strategies can help you keep your HVAC system (and your family) safe and healthy. Contact Derek Sawyer’s Smart Energy Heating & Air for evaluations and repairs.

We offer fast and reliable heating and air conditioning services in the following locations:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

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4 Tips to Avoid Trouble With Your AC Condensate Drain

Posted on August 26, 2024August 26, 2024

A central air conditioning system is composed of several smaller mechanical systems, including the condensate drainage system. Although the condensate drainage system seems insignificant, a malfunctioning drain can create serious structural problems. Learn four ways to manage your AC condensate drain.

1. Know the Location of Your Condensate Drain System

At the bottom end of your AC unit’s cooling coils is a shallow pan or gutter system to collect condensate from the coils. Since coils can be configured horizontally or vertically in their coil box, the pan shape, sizes, and orientation depend on your AC unit model.

Coil boxes and air-handling unit service panels have multiple openings for drain lines that connect to the drain pans under coils. The correct opening for your AC unit’s condensate drainage depends on where the drain pan is located.

Some drain pans are hard to see without removing the entire coil box or the service panel. If the pan is covered in sludge or heavily corroded, it can be even more difficult to find.

The condensate-pan drainage line runs to the external drainage line, often a white PVC pipe fitted near the condensate drain on the air handler service panel. The pipes dip in a trap close to the coil end of the pipes.

The trap resembles a shallow U-shape. The bend lives up to its name as it traps gas from your drainage lines. After the trap section, the AC condensate drainage pipe continues on to the outdoors or to one of your structure’s other drain lines.

2. Understand the Issues With Mismanaged Condensate

Dark, wet environments are prime real estate for mold, mildew, bacteria, and pests to take up residence. Air conditioning coils produce a lot of condensation, and that moisture can wreak havoc on your AC system, home, and health if allowed to pool or overflow.

Drain pans and lines that aren’t sloped correctly cause condensate water to collect and pool in the AC drainage system. If the water stands in a pan or pipe, mold grows. The mold and sludge in the drainage water eventually clog the drain line entirely.

The drain pan doesn’t empty when an AC condensate drain line gets clogged. Eventually, the pan overflows as condensate rises. If the AC system is on an upper floor, your ceilings, walls, carpeting, and household furnishings can be flooded and ruined when a condensate pan overflows.

Overflowing condensate drainage can corrode parts of your AC system. Corrosion on internal parts of your AC system shortens the AC unit’s life and may affect your cooling system’s efficiency.

Mold on your drain pan and drain lines can enter air conditioning systems and evaporator coils. When mold disperses into your indoor air, it can trigger allergy symptoms and breathing issues. Mold on coils can restrict airflow and make the AC system less efficient.

3. Keep the Drain Lines Clear

One of the best ways a homeowner can keep their drain lines flowing is to run white vinegar through the part of the drain running outside of the air handler. If you have problems with excessive mold buildup in the condensate lines, flushing the pipes with vinegar can reduce the risk of a drain pan overflow.

Locate the condensate drain access point outside your home or near the indoor air handler enclosure. You should see a small vertical vent extension as part of the piping. The vent is above the point where the line exits your air handler. Open the plug on top to access the drain lines.

Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain lines to loosen clogs and kill mold. Flush the lines with fresh water and ensure the water flows smoothly down and out. Always replace the condensate drain vent cap after cleaning the lines.

4. Schedule Routine Inspection of AC Drainage

If you can’t access your condensate drainage pan, you need an expert to find and examine the drainage system on your AC unit. Most HVAC professionals include condensate-drainage system inspection in their tune-up packages.

An HVAC professional can provide the following services if an inspection finds a problem:

Check drain lines for proper slope
Check for cracked drain pans or pipes
Check the orientation of the drainage system
Flush complete drainage system
Clean drain lines and pans
Replace or repair condensate-drainage systems

HVAC pros can also add agents to your AC drainage system to inhibit mold and algae growth in drain pans and drainage lines.

Contact Derek Sawyer’s Smart Energy Heating & Air today to schedule a springtime tune-up of your AC system. We service, repair, and install AC systems for customers throughout California’s Central Valley.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

Are you looking for help with Longmont AC repair? Well, then check out our friends over at TNT Home Services! They’d be happy to lend you a helping hand. They have offices in Longmont and Firestone, plus offer their services all over Colorado, including:

Important HVAC Tips for Seniors

Posted on August 12, 2024August 12, 2024

HVAC systems help seniors stay safe and comfortable while they’re at home. If you’re a senior or someone who helps an elderly relative care for themselves at home, look at the following HVAC tips. You’ll find there are many things you can do to maintain a practical and functional HVAC system.

Use a HEPA Filter

Wildfire smoke is becoming a regular occurrence in states like California, where significant wildfires often happen during the wildfire season. Seniors are significantly affected by smoke from wildfires, which can complicate chronic heart and lung diseases.

You can improve indoor air quality in your home by using an HVAC system with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can filter particles from wildfire smoke out of the air, which can help improve your home’s indoor air quality.

HEPA filters, like other HVAC air filters, must be replaced regularly. The EPA recommends replacing your home’s HVAC air filter every three months or sooner if it becomes dirty. If you have a HEPA filter, it may look dirty quickly because it can filter out smaller particles than standard air filters.

Check your HEPA filter once monthly whenever the HVAC system is in use, and replace the filter as needed. Look for the air filter slot between the return air duct and the blower. Pull out the filter, buy an identical one from your local hardware store, and then slide the new one into place.

Maintain Safe Indoor Air Temperatures

Seniors are especially vulnerable to cold and hot temperatures. Some studies show seniors are likelier to experience falls and accidents in chilly rooms.

For this reason, seniors need to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. Using the air conditioner and furnace at the correct times of the year can help. This is especially important in Modesto, where the average temperature in July is over 90 degrees, and the average in January is less than 40 degrees.

Seniors who live on a fixed income will sometimes maintain less-than-comfortable temperatures at home to save money. Some may also neglect HVAC maintenance to save money on HVAC contractors. Avoid these temptations and always do what you must to maintain safe indoor air temperatures.

Check the Thermostat

Check your thermostat often to ensure you use your furnace and air conditioner consistently. If money is tight in your household, work out a plan to ensure you can afford to keep your HVAC system running. Make a budget and identify other ways to save money to provide affordable HVAC costs.

Get Regular Tune-Ups

Preventative care is often less costly than repairs and can prevent HVAC breakdowns from occurring. Many HVAC contractors offer tune-up services to keep your HVAC system in good condition throughout its service life. Shop around to find the best deals. Some contractors may charge lower prices at slower times of the year. Ask about this when you schedule the appointment.

Clean the Air Conditioner Condenser

Debris inside the air conditioner condenser can cling to the coils and may prevent the condenser from releasing heat, which puts unnecessary wear and tear on the air conditioner. To keep your condenser in good condition, vacuum the coils inside the condenser and then spray down the inside with a hose. This is a low-cost way to prevent air conditioner breakdowns.

Remember to turn off the power to the air conditioner condenser before you start this job. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the condenser yourself, ask the HVAC contractor to do this for you during the tune-up.

Reduce the Burden on Your HVAC System

You can also perform a few tasks around the house to keep your HVAC costs down and ensure the system runs efficiently.

Weather Strip the House

You can maintain a comfortable temperature inside your house with weather stripping. Weather stripping often takes the form of strips of foam that can seal the cracks around doors and windows.

Installing weather stripping puts less burden on the HVAC system and tightens the building envelope to prevent energy loss. Weather stripping can be done at any time of year, especially before summer or winter.

Once weather stripping is installed, it can be used all year round. However, some kinds of weather stripping will wear down over time. Check weather stripping every fall and spring, and replace it once it becomes too old to be effective.

Reduce Direct Sunlight

You can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system by closing blinds and windows in rooms exposed to direct sunlight. This helps prevent the summer sun from warming your home at the height of summer, which can increase air conditioning costs.

Contact Your HVAC Professional

To find out more about how you can take care of your HVAC system, contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and perform any required services.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Please leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

Are you looking for 5-star Fontana home services? Look no further than our AAVCO Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning friends! They’re always standing by to lend you a helping hand!

4 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Smells

Posted on July 22, 2024July 22, 2024

Air conditioners should make the air in your house more comfortable. However, sometimes they do the exact opposite. This is especially true if your air conditioner is causing your home to become smelly. Knowing what causes odors in the air conditioner and what you can do to stop those odors can help you take care of your air conditioner. Preventing odors can also improve your quality of life at home, as foul smells can ruin your day. Below are the many causes of odors in and around your air conditioner and some suggestions for avoiding those problems.

1. Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is the part of your air conditioner that filters dirt and debris from the air as it circulates through your ducts. Air filters need to be replaced periodically, or they can become clogged. Depending on the air circulating through the ducts, a dirty air filter can harbor everything from dust to mold spores.

The EPA recommends that homeowners replace their air filters at least every three months or more frequently, depending on how quickly they get dirty. So, if your air conditioner smells when you run it, check the air filter first.

Air filters are generally found in the space between the return air duct and the blower. To replace the filter, remove it from the slot and replace it with an identical filter. Most filters are disposable and can be discarded; they’re not reusable. If replacing your air filter doesn’t work, or your air filter is clean, you’ll need to explore other options.

2. Clogged Condensate Pan

Air conditioners collect moisture from the air. That moisture collects in a pan that drips outside the house, so you’ll see a puddle of water accumulate around your air conditioner. A condensate pan is a place where mold and algae grow. Condensate pans, as do the drain lines, need to be cleaned periodically.

If the drain lines are not cleaned and treated, they can become clogged with algae buildup, causing a smell in your house and a backup of water on your carpet or floor. A clogged condensate pan is a relatively easy fix for your HVAC professional, but the best way to avoid this problem is to get regular tune-ups from your HVAC professional. During tune-ups, your contractor will flush the condensate pan to prevent more algae.

3. Blown Fuse

Another smell you might notice around the air conditioner is gunpowder or fireworks. This odor could result from a blown fuse in the air conditioner’s circuit board or fan blower. If your AC has blown a fuse, you’ll be able to tell because it will probably not be working.

The gunpowder smell will likely dissipate quickly. However, continuing to smell a smoky or burning smell that grows stronger could signify a fire. In that case, leave the house soon and contact the fire department.

A blown fuse is a problem that points to an electrical problem, either in your home or in your air conditioner. You can catch this kind of problem by getting a regular tune-up. In addition, your air conditioner repair person can see electrical issues in their early stages and recommend repairs before they become dire.

4. Gas Leak Distributed by Duct Work

Many people associate the smell of rotten eggs with gas leaks. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies inject it with mercaptan, a harmless gas that smells like sulfur. So, if the smell from your ducts smells like rotten eggs, this could result from a gas leak.

Air conditioners are not run on natural gas, so it’s unlikely that the smell comes from your air conditioner. However, your gas-powered furnace is likely to close to the return air duct and blower that distributes air throughout the house, which means that your air conditioner could efficiently distribute a gas leak throughout your home.

If you suspect your home has a gas leak, leave the house immediately. Take your pets with you. Leave your doors sitting wide open. Call for emergency help or your utility company’s emergency number when you’re outside the house.

Get regular tune-ups from an HVAC professional to avoid many of the problems described above. Have an expert tune up your HVAC system at least once annually to keep the components in your air conditioner in good condition. Contact the professionals at Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about preventing unpleasant smells from affecting your air conditioner.

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AC Versus Heat Pump | Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024

Summer is finally over. If your air conditioner needs repair more than once throughout the summer, it may be time to replace the unit. When the time does come to replace your air conditioner, one of your choices is whether you want another air conditioner or a heat pump. These units are very different, so understanding each product’s differences and advantages will help you decide.

What an Air Conditioner Does

An air conditioner removes heat from the home and expels it into the yard. It does this by depressurizing coolant in a coil until the coolant is very cold. The coolant then absorbs heat from the air in the home.

Once the heat inside the home has been absorbed, it is moved along the coil until it reaches its exterior. The coolant is then pressurized until it becomes very hot. The air conditioner unit blows warm air into the yard, and the cycle begins again. Air conditioners reduce both temperature and humidity in the home.

What a Heat Pump Does

A heat pump works like an air conditioner, pressurizing and de-pressurizing coolant to remove warm air inside the house and blast it outside. The difference between these two units is that the heat pump can be reversed to work like a furnace. To do this, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outside and blasts it inside.

Heat pumps are efficient in warm places like Modesto, where the season’s lowest temperatures are generally in the 40s. In colder climates, heat pumps work less efficiently than furnaces because they rely on warmth outside the home to heat the interior. The less heat the air outside contains, the less efficiently the heat pump will operate.

The Benefits Of Heat Pumps

Why You Should Choose a Heat Pump: Deciding between a heat pump and an air conditioner can be challenging. Air conditioners are the traditional appliance for keeping a home cool in the summer. An appropriately sized air conditioner will do its job well. However, heat pumps have many advantages over air conditioners.
Heat Pumps Are Easy to Maintain: With a heat pump doing the job of the air conditioner and the heater, the homeowner has only one appliance to maintain instead of two. This can lead to lower repair bills and less yearly maintenance.
Heat Pumps Are Energy-Efficient: Heat pumps are known for their efficiency, especially in mild or warm-weather climates like Modesto. In fact, heat pumps can heat a home using about 50% less electricity than an electric furnace.
Homeowners Are Likely to Have a Backup: Often, people with an air conditioner and furnace combo will keep their furnace, even when replacing their air conditioner with a heat pump. This means the furnace can be used as a backup if the heat pump should ever break down.
Heat Pumps Improve Home Value: Home buyers like buying homes with energy-efficient appliances and home systems. With a heat pump installed in your house, your home may enjoy a boost in value.
Heat Pumps Are Cost Efficient: Because heat pumps are so efficient, they often cost less than a furnace and air conditioner combination. Using a heat pump year-round can help a homeowner save hundreds or thousands of dollars on their utility bill.
Heat Pumps Are Space Efficient: Heat pumps take up about half the space of an air conditioner and furnace combination. They’re an excellent product for tiny homes with little space to dedicate to the HVAC system.

When to Get an Air Conditioner

Of course, heat pumps aren’t for everyone. Heat pumps cost hundreds or thousands more than an air conditioner. This makes air conditioners an attractive option for homeowners on a budget.

How to Get Started

Whether replacing your air conditioner with another or with a heat pump, the first step is to contact a reputable HVAC contractor. Your HVAC contractor will assess your current system, tell you whether or not it’s a good idea to replace your air conditioner and estimate what you will pay to make that replacement.

Get at least three bids from three professionals before making your final selection. Bids should be itemized and detailed so that you know what to expect when the work is finished. Check each contractor’s references and licensure to ensure they’re certified and qualified to do the job. When the time comes to pick a professional, make sure you sign a contract.

Contact an HVAC professional in your area for more information about heat pumps and air conditioners. At Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re happy to answer any questions about which unit is right for you. Contact us today for more information.

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5 Common HVAC System Mistakes

Posted on May 23, 2024May 23, 2024

If your HVAC system isn’t used or maintained correctly, it may fail over time. Below are some of the most common mistakes you might make when caring for or using your HVAC system. Correcting these mistakes can help you take care of your HVAC system and can also help you maintain a better quality of life in your home.

1. You Closed Off Vents to Save Energy

It’s a common assumption that you can save money and reduce the burden on your HVAC system by closing off vents to rooms that are not regularly used throughout the day. Many people do this because they believe fewer rooms to cool off or heat means less work for the furnace or air conditioner. While this does seem logical, it’s not necessarily true.

Your HVAC system was designed for your house, calibrated to its size and duct design. However, cutting off rooms can throw that system off. Also, added pressure in the ducts can cause air leaks, leading to inefficiency.

Besides, if your air conditioner can cool your home in less time because it’s cooling less space, your home could become humid. Your air conditioner needs to run for a while to remove moisture from your home. Overall, it’s better to leave your vents open throughout the year.

2. You Set a Higher Temperature to Heat Your Home Faster

When you set a temperature on your thermostat, you don’t set the rate at which the HVAC system does its job; you only set the temperature the HVAC system is trying to reach. So turning your furnace to a high temperature in winter to warm up faster doesn’t work because your home will warm up at the same rate no matter what temperature you set. The same is true of air conditioner use in summer.

Plugging in a more extreme temperature than the temperature you want only wastes energy. Instead, set the thermostat to the temperature you want and be patient; your house will soon be comfortable if your HVAC system works properly.

3. You Decided Not to Get That HVAC Tune-Up

HVAC tune-ups aren’t wasted money! During an HVAC tune-up, your HVAC contractor will do things like:

Check the thermostat
Examine the mechanical parts
Ensure operating safety
Clean the coils (if necessary)
Examine wires for wear and tear
Test and/or inspect all moving parts
Identify potential issues like a mechanical failure

If you can get a tune-up at a time of year when you don’t use your HVAC system as much, your HVAC system should be ready to run at times when it’s needed. However, if you don’t get a tune-up, you may not be catching problems that your HVAC system is experiencing. This could lead your HVAC system to work harder throughout the year or could lead to a breakdown at a time when you need your HVAC system to function.

4. You Didn’t Notice Your HVAC System Was Exacerbating Allergies

Your HVAC system spreads dust and even germs throughout your house. Your ducts blow dust into the rooms of your home. However, during this process, allergens are transported from one room to the next in a stream of air. If you or your loved ones suffer from allergies, you may be able to reduce allergy symptoms at home by making some changes to your HVAC system.

And, if your HVAC system is negatively impacting your allergies, one of the ways to tell is to notice what happens when your HVAC system turns on. If you start to cough, sneeze or experience other allergy symptoms when your furnace or air conditioner begins to run, this is a sign that your HVAC system is spreading dust. Pay attention to the behaviors of other family members and watch for these same signs.

There are many things you can do to improve indoor air quality. First, have your ducts cleaned by an HVAC professional? If you or someone you live with is very sensitive to allergens, have an air purification system installed in your home. Talk to your reputable HVAC contractor to get a quote.

5. You Didn’t Get a Safety Inspection

During a home safety inspection, your HVAC professional will identify dangers like gas leaks, asbestos in the ductwork, mold, and too much humidity. Failure to catch one of these problems can impact the health and safety of your family. So get a safety inspection to catch issues as soon as possible.

Contact Your HVAC Professional

Overall, don’t fret too much over avoiding common HVAC system mistakes. Instead, maintain your HVAC system and improve the quality of life in your home. For more information about getting a safety inspection, improving indoor air quality, or getting a tune-up, contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!