The ultimate carbon monoxide Guide

You rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable, but in order for that to happen, your A/C system requires regular maintenance to function efficiently.

Just like any other home appliance, it's normal for your air conditioning unit to experience some wear and tear from regular use and develop mechanical problems at some point during its lifetime.

Keeping your system up and running smoothly requires proper attention to its maintenance and service needs. System maintenance can also save you money and headaches from unexpected breakdowns that can leave you sweaty and fuming!

If you are looking to keep your home comfortable (and who isn't?), then keeping your A/C running is a must.

Let's take a look at what you can do, and when you need to call in the pros, when it comes to air conditioner maintenance...

How Your Air Conditioner Works

If you recently moved from a home where you mostly used fans, window-mounted air conditioners, or are thinking of installing a central air unit, you may not be too familiar with the central A/C system. Don't worry... we can help.

Central air conditioning units operate in the same way that your refrigerator does, but on a larger scale. Essentially, your air conditioner quickly converts gas to liquid and back again using chemicals that move the heat in the air from inside your home to outside.

Why Does My A/C Need Maintenance?

Just as your car requires regular maintenance to run smoothly and properly, your A/C also requires regular care. Proactively taking care of your air conditioner not only extends the life of your unit, but it can also save you a substantial amount of money on repair and replacement costs. Something as simple as changing the air filter in your unit can prolong its efficiency as well as improve the air quality in your home.

How to Shut Off Your A/C Power

When repairing or installing your A/C unit, it is important to turn off the power to your unit. Turning off your air conditioner's power not only protects your equipment and the unit itself, but also protects you from getting any type of electrical shock. Always check to see if you've successfully turned off your system by attempting to turn heating and cooling on from your existing thermostat.

How to Clean Your Outdoor A/C Condenser Unit

Cleaning your condenser unit outside on a yearly basis will increase the efficiency of your air conditioner and protect your investment. This is an easy DIY cleaning project, but you can also hire a professional to clean your unit for you, if you don't have time. Cleaning the condenser is especially important if there are dandelions growing around your unit or an abundance of leaves or grass clippings. 

How to Level Your Outdoor A/C Condenser Unit

Moving your air conditioning unit can be a daunting task, but if the unit is not properly leveled, it may fail to function properly and could cause refrigerant leaks. Be sure to use a level to check your unit at least once a year, as the earth under your unit is constantly changing and settling.

How to Clean Your Evaporator Coil

The Evaporator coils in your A/C unit are essential in cooling your home. Not only do they help cool things off, but they also remove the moisture in the air that causes that sticky humidity. Since these coils are typically moist from the condensation, they can easily collect dust and dirt and become dirty. Dirty coils prevent your central A/C unit from functioning efficiently, but they are also easy to clean.

What if Your Condensate Drain Line is Clogged?

Remember that evaporator coil we talked about? In order to prevent all the moisture in that coil from living in your A/C unit, the condensate drain line removes that moisture from the unit. Since this drain line is almost always moist, it's a breading ground for mold and mildew which can cause the drain line to get clogged. This is one of the most common reasons a pro is called in to fix an air conditioner, which means cash out of your pocket.

Changing Your Blower Filter

Just as your dressers and countertops collect dust, so does the air filter in your air conditioner. Imagine if you never dusted inside your home, it would get pretty stuffy and hard to breathe after a while, right? Well, that's exactly what's happening inside your air conditioner if you don't replace the filters regularly. You'd be surprised how much gunk and dust gets collected in a relatively short time. Fortunately, cleaning your air filter is an easy task and helps your unit run efficiently while also improving your air quality.

Call Bahama Heating & Air Conditioningfor all your HVAC needs.

HVAC repair technicians are properly qualified to take care of anything that relates to installing, maintaining or repairing your heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Our professionals have gone through rigorous training and certification and all our technicians and equipment installers are Certified, which involves demanding testing and indicates a solid understanding of the industry.

A few of the more common areas in which HVAC repair technicians can help you include:

• Installation —Having your HVAC systems installed by a professional is extremely important to prevent any future problems or needless repairs. Our professionals at Bahama Air Conditioning & Heating can also help you choose what size equipment is appropriate for your house. Selecting a system that is too large or small can impact efficiency and add to your energy bills.
• Maintenance —You’ve heard it time and again, but continued maintenance of your HVAC system is the simplest way to prevent future repairs and uphold efficiency. Ongoing check-ups help to make sure that your system has a longer life, performs correctly and provides your home (and energy bill) with the maximum efficiency possible.
• Repairs —If something appears to be not working right with your heating and cooling, a professional will examine the whole health of your system. It’s easy to hop on the internet and research information to find our own conclusions, but there could be an additional component or reason why your system isn’t working properly that isn’t clear or recognizable. Consider our own health concerns—you might check out your symptoms online to try and draw your conclusions, but it’s always best to make an appointment with a doctor to receive an expert opinion.

To be honest, an HVAC technician’s work goes beyond more than installation, maintenance and repair. Most people are increasingly spending more time inside the home, so indoor air quality, home energy savings and total comfort have become even more important. There are several choices and solutions when it comes to HVAC systems, and our experts will consult with you every step of the way and work with you to achieve your goals.

Is your furnace making strange noises? Or have you observed that your unit is blowing cold air when you’re expecting a comfortable blast of warm air? If so, it could be a indication that your HVAC equipment is about to fail amid this cold winter season. Here are some common warnings that you shouldn’t discount when it comes to your furnace:

Scraping Sound

If you hear a loud scraping sound that sounds like metal on metal, there is likely something amiss with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, turn off your furnace immediately and call Bahama Air to investigate the furnace. There are numerous things that could be wrong with the blower wheel. First, it might just be loose and if the piece is not too damaged, can be tightened. Second, it might be that the blower wheel is broken and will require replacement. Or third, it might be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the complete blower assembly to shake uncontrollably.

Loud Bang When Furnace Starts

If there is a loud pop when your furnace kicks on, there are a couple of things that could be going on. Two regular culprits are a dusty furnace burner or ignitor. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could keep the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas finally does ignite, it will create the loud bang you hear. This could result in a safety problem, especially if one of these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to crack. Not only could that result in a carbon monoxide leak, but you would end up having to replace the heat exchanger, which could be very pricey.

Expanding and contracting air ducts can also create loud bangs after the heating system blower starts up. This is a common annoyance for homeowners with metal ducts. If your furnace is making the loud boom and it is produced by your air ducts, it could be a symptom of undersized ducts, obstructed vents, or a clogged air filter.

Whining Noise

If you hear a high-pitched noise, it could be the shaft bearings are in need of oil, there is an issue with the blower belt, or the blower motor is flawed. A seasonal furnace tune-up will help pinpoint these issues before they become substantial problems.

Cold Air Blowing From Heating System

There are a few reasons why your heating equipment could be emitting cold air. It might sound insignificant, but the thermostat is the first thing you want to consider. It’s the starting place for any furnace technician, too. Confirm the system is set to “auto” and not “on.” If the thermostat is set to “on,” your heating system will blow continuously, even when it isn’t heating the air being released, thus blasting cold air. Flipping it to “auto” will make sure the heating equipment only blows when it’s really heating the air.

You should also check your air filters. Typically air filters need to be changed every month to keep them from becoming dusty and clogged. If they aren’t changed often enough, the clogged air filter may restrict airflow into your furnace. If this occurs, it can overheat your system, causing the system to stop heating as a precaution.

Your duct work could also be to blame if it has leaks, connection problems, or was designed incorrectly, which could allow warm air from the heating equipment to leak out. This would not only cause your heating equipment to blow cold air, it could significantly run up your energy bills since your equipment is heating non-living space, and will have to work overtime to keep your home warm.

There are other reasons that your heating system could generate cold air including normal system wear and tear, among others.

Cooling season has ended throughout much of North America, and some homeowners are wondering whether they should replace their air conditioners before next summer. No matter how diligent you are about maintaining your cooling system, you’ll inevitably have to replace it if you remain in the same home long enough. And budgeting for this expense can be a little tricky due to the numerous variables.

If you anticipate replacing your air conditioner within the next year or so, it’s a good idea to schedule a no-obligation consultation with Bahama air conditioning to get an idea of what it will cost and how you can benefit from a new, energy efficient system. But it’s also helpful to understand the factors that affect how much it will cost to install your new system.

Cooling System Type

While the average North American home has a ducted central air conditioning system, there are all sorts of cooling systems available at various price points. In warmer climates, for example, heat pumps are an attractive option because they cool effectively at a fraction of the operating cost of central air. But the equipment itself is often more expensive than a comparable air conditioner, and the installation typically costs thousands of dollars more.

Ductless mini-split systems may be more or less expensive than ducted central air, depending on how many units are needed. These systems cool individual rooms and are ideal for home additions and multi-unit buildings. In a small space, a mini-split system may be the most economical option. But if it would take several units to cool a home, it could be more cost effective to choose central air, even if it means installing ductwork.

One cooling system that is often less expensive to install than air conditioning is an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler. These systems cool homes by circulating air through wet pads, but they only work well in dry climates, and are rarely used outside of the Western United States.

Air Conditioner Size

One of the reasons why you should always work with an experienced, licensed installer is because an air conditioner must be sized to your home. Some contractors may think they’re helping their clients’ homes cool down faster by installing oversized units, but this just invites more problems.

If a unit is oversized, it will cool a home faster than it can dehumidify it, resulting in damp, clammy air. This can even contribute to mold growth. And if an air conditioner is undersized, it will run constantly without ever cooling the home, resulting in discomfort and high energy bills.

The bigger the air conditioner, the higher the equipment cost. But this is no place to go looking for savings -- your home needs the size it needs.

SEER Rating

Because air conditioners lose efficiency with age and manufacturers are always making technological improvements, replacing your air conditioner will almost certainly result in improved energy efficiency. But the size of that efficiency gain has a lot to do with your new air conditioner’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER rating.

The SEER rating offers a handy way to compare the efficiency of different air conditioners at a glance. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner -- and the higher the price.

Ductwork

If a home has existing ductwork, vents and returns, replacing or installing an air conditioner tends to be a straightforward job. But in homes that lack this infrastructure, the cost of installation can be several thousand more. The actual cost will vary based on the unique challenges of duct installation in the spaces you want to cool, but even with a simple installation, there is a lot of labor involved.

Supplemental Systems

Your HVAC system can do more than keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. With indoor air quality systems, you can remove fine particles from your home’s air and make breathing easier for anyone with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. And if you live in an especially dry or damp climate, whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers can work alongside your air conditioner and furnace to keep your air healthy and comfortable.

Adding one or more of these systems to your air conditioner installation will increase the cost, but may offer savings compared to installing them separately.

One or Both?

If your furnace is within a few years of its expected lifespan -- about 20 years -- it may make financial sense to replace it at the same time as you replace your air conditioner. Obtain quotes for the replacement of both systems individually and together to find out if you can save by replacing your furnace proactively. Don’t forget to factor in the efficiency gains you can expect from replacing your furnace before winter begins.

Work Quality

There’s no substitute for guaranteed quality when it comes to the systems that keep your home comfortable and safe. It’s important to always choose HVAC technicians who are experienced, licensed and insured. Handymen who lack these qualifications may offer lower prices, but air conditioner installation is no job for amateurs.

Winterizing your home with a furnace maintenance checklist will maximize the efficiency of your temperature and help curtail HVAC expenses by reducing heat loss.

Many homeowners choose to hire a trusted HVAC company to prepare their furnace for the winter months, while others take the do-it-yourself approach.

We recommend an annual service check by a professional to ensure your system is ready for peak performance. However, if you're planning to take some maintenance steps yourself, the following checklist  will help you successfully prepare your furnace for the winter season.

Heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. [ source ]  

The HVAC systems in buildings should perform very well for controlling any unwanted issues. It is necessary to maintain the heating, ventilation, and air conditioner appliances in good condition for increasing the efficiency levels to a large extent. A ventilation system plays an important role in providing fresh air circulation within a building for enhancing the living standards. Many buildings use heating systems in order to create a warm and comfortable environment during the winter seasons. An air-conditioner is a type of appliance mainly meant for beating the excess heat in a building that occurs in the summer.

It is necessary to diagnose the conditions of HVAC systems in both residential and commercial buildings at regular intervals for enhancing the functions. Since HVAC requires proper maintenance, one should seek support from a leading company for handling complex issues. Another thing is that they help to lower the potential repairs for ensuring peace of mind. Building owners who want to service HVAC should seek from a certified and licensed firm for carrying out activities with high accuracy.

What are the advantages of HVAC services?

Servicing HVAC systems in buildings will result in many benefits and some of them include:

·        Saves money on energy bills and fuel costs

·        Helps to prevent costly repairs

·        Extends the lifespan of appliances

·        Ensures smooth operations

·        Reduces high power consumption

·        Increases the indoor air quality

·        Adds more values to buildings

Hiring professional HVAC services

Buildings that are in need of HVAC services should consider working with a professional contractor for carrying out the works with accuracy. Moreover, the technicians appointed by a contractor will have a detailed study of HVAC systems and they show ways for addressing the issues with modern tools. Customers can even know more about the preventive measure with them to minimize risks in advance. It is possible to enhance the safety levels of HVAC systems after servicing the same with an experienced contractor.

Getting solutions for HVAC repairs

HVAC systems in buildings may become defective due to poor maintenance, wrong wiring connection, voltage fluctuations, insufficient power supply, and other factors. Therefore, it is a wise one to find solutions for the repairs immediately for regulating the working conditions.

Resolving air-conditioner repairs

An air-conditioner appliance is the most used appliance in various types of buildings because it helps to keep the surroundings in a cool condition when the temperature is high. A contractor will analyze the reasons for air conditioning repair with the latest applications and will fix them with the most advanced technologies. In fact, the building owners can replace the filters and other parts in an appliance with highly qualified technicians for obtaining optimal results.  Furthermore, they will focus more on eliminating the gas emission and other problems efficiently to get more protection in life.  Building owners can even handle the appliance smoothly after completing the repair works with a contractor. Apart from that, they can control the loud noises of an air conditioner to witness complete satisfaction.

Heat systems repairing

Furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps, gas-fired space heaters, and electric space heaters are some of the heating systems used in a building. The heating repair will ultimately help to upgrade the conditions of a system with high success rates. In most cases, a contractor provides ways for executing repair works efficiently to run the systems without out any difficulties.

Similarly, it is possible to promote the functions of a water heater in buildings with a contractor that can help to cu-down the electricity bills. Building owners who want to repair the gas heater and other systems can seek assistance from a reputed firm for overcoming complications.

HVAC repair services at affordable rates

The HVAC repair services include different types and they need a special attention for keeping them in a better state. Most contractors aim at rendering services to customers with the latest applications for gaining more advantages. They pave methods for analyzing damages and repairs properly which can help to get the desired outcomes.

A building owner should give more importance to backgrounds, reviews, and testimonials before hiring HVAC services from a company. The costs of HVAC services are an expensive one and some contractors even arrange financial assistance to customers with flexible repayment options. Emergency services are available for the building owners enabling them to manage the severe problems immediately. Customers can get free quotes from a company for hiring services which exactly fit their budgets.

Investing money in HVAC service is a wise decision which can bring more wonders to buildings. However, it is advisable to work with a contractor who has a wide knowledge of repairing and other services. Customers can schedule their appointments online for resolving the issues of HVAC systems to ensure more comfort levels in a building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter what time of year it is, you want to ensure that your home’s HVAC system is working properly. Whether it’s the summer or winter, your HVAC gets used a lot, so you need to make sure its running properly for optimum use. You’ll want your home to be cozy and warm in the winter and super cool and refreshing in the summer. A fully functional HVAC system will make that happen! Here are some signs that indicate your HVAC unit needs to be serviced by a professional:

1.     Is one room hotter than others during the summer?

If you notice that one room is significantly hotter than others when it super hot out can be a telltale sign that your HVAC system needs to be checked. It might be due to duct problems or equipment malfunction, but rooms should all be around the same temperature on one HVAC system. If certain rooms start to have unfavorable temperatures, call in a professional.

 

2.     Are Your Bills Too High?

If you notice a huge jump in your electricity bill, then something in your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. You’ll obviously see a rise whenever you use the system more, but a really huge jump warrants a call to an HVAC professional to come out and check the system.

 

3.     Is The System More Than 15 Years Old Or More?

Older systems will start to break down because of typical wear and tear. So if you have a system that’s 15 years old or more, it may be time to get a new HVAC system. Old systems might not function right and won’t provide the right temperatures no matter how much maintenance you provide it.

 

4.     Do Your Hear Random Noises?

If you start to hear popping or rattling sounds, it could be signs that your unit is on the verge of breaking down completely. In fact, hearing any weird or unusual sounds warrants a call to a professional to check the system very soon.

 

5.     Has Your Home Been Experiencing Excessive Dust?

If you’ve noticed more dust than usual in your home, your HVAC system could be the reason. Leaking ducts and clogged air filters can cause a lot of dust, which means it needs to get repaired.

 If you’re experiencing any of the above or feel something is off with your HVAC system don't hesitate to give Bahama Air a call!

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) refers to a mechanical system which regulates the environmental conditions inside a building. Nowadays, it is being installed in every modern building.

The system is quite a complex one and consists of three basic functioning units– heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as the name itself suggests. During the construction of a building, engineers and contractors estimate the total building space and requirements in order to design and build an appropriate HVAC system for the building. These environmental regulatory systems are a vital part of all new buildings.

The heating component is responsible for providing adequate warm temperatures inside the building. The heaters are used to generate warmth using a liquid medium, such as water, mainly.

The heated water or steam is transported via a piping system, with the use of circulators and radiators that work their way to spread the warm air equally in all the spaces through metal or fiberglass ducts. These ducts play a role in the dispersal of cooled air from the air conditioning system, as well. The whole heating mechanical setup is also referred to as ‘Central Heating.’

Ventilation is the process by which impure air is replaced by clean, oxygenated air throughout the buildings. Any form of impurities, such as dust, excess moisture, smoke, odors, airborne bacteria, heat and carbon dioxide are expelled out of the building in exchange for acceptable indoor quality air.

This is achieved by mechanical(forced) and natural ventilation both. In mechanical ventilation, air handlers, ceiling fans, table/ door fans are the key regulators while natural ventilation makes use of windows, louvres and trickle vents. All contaminants are removed while breathable, pure air is provided via the ventilating system.

For the air-conditioning component, air conditioners are used to provide cooling and humidity control.  This could be achieved by internally built central air-conditioning systems or by the use of split air conditioning units with indoor and outdoor coils. They come with dehumidifiers as well, which remove excess moisture from the air and make it more pleasant.

Maintenance of the air conditioner units is quite simple - the foremost step includes changing their air filters regularly, as they collect dust and dirt quite quickly and start to work less efficiently. This leads to a wastage of energy, high priced bills and decreased equipment life.

All these components create an interrelated system which purifies the air, regulates hot and cold temperatures and provides a clean and safe environment to live in. It is ideal for all residential, commercial and non-commercial infrastructure. The cost of installing and maintaining such a system is quite reasonable as well.

However, these systems require regular maintenance, which, could sometimes be a handful. If not taken care of properly, some components of HVAC system may start malfunctioning. Their timely repair is vital for the restoration of a clean environment in their respective buildings. Any sort of air conditioning repair, heating repair or HVAC repair requires expert personnel, trained specifically in this regard.

We are here to provide you with top-tier repairing services, which are not only cost efficient, but also guarantee high quality work for your HVAC system. Our commitment is to leave you content and satisfied, without a doubt. The link to our website is attached below.

https://www. bahamaair.net

Your furnace may be the furthest thing from your mind in these dog days of summer, but it will be time to flip the thermostat switch before you know it. Have you made your furnace tune up appointment yet? You don't want to put it off, and you definitely don't want to mistake your annual tune up for optional maintenance.

Furnace tune up is important for several reasons:

It helps you save money.  Every furnace will lose a little bit of efficiency from year to year, but a neglected furnace will lose it at a much faster rate. If you take care of your furnace, your furnace will take care of your heating costs. What’s more, a tune up gives your HVAC technician an opportunity to find and fix small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.

It keeps your family safe.  As a furnace ages, the risk of cracks in the heat exchanger increases. These cracks can allow deadly carbon monoxide to leak into your home. An annual tune up is a critical safety inspection for this and other problems that could potentially lead to smoke, fire or other dangerous emergencies.

It extends the life of your furnace.  The typical furnace lasts around 15 years, but if you don’t get your tune up every year, good luck making it to that benchmark. On the other hand, if you take great care of your furnace, it could serve you for many years beyond that point.

It gets your furnace clean before fall.  Have you ever turned on your furnace for the first heating cycle of the season, only to have your home fill up with noxious air? That’s the smell of dust burning off of your furnace’s heating elements. If you get your furnace tuned up before you need to use it, you can avoid this unpleasant autumn ritual.

It ensures proper airflow.  Even if your furnace is doing its job right, that warm air won’t get where you want it without proper air pressure. A check on your air handler is also a typical part of furnace tune up, which helps make sure that your HVAC fan is ready for winter.

Your warranty may require it.  Did you buy a new furnace within the past few years? If it’s still under warranty, it’s likely that annual maintenance is a condition of keeping that warranty valid. You wouldn’t want to suffer an expensive breakdown only to find that your warranty won’t cover the repair.

It helps you plan for replacement.  As we said above, your furnace gets a little less efficient every year. Running your furnace until it breaks down for good might seem like the best way to delay the cost of replacement, but your heating bills could be sky high in that last year or two -- and you don’t want to sit around shivering while you wait for a new installation. Talk to your technician after each tune up to make a plan for proactive replacement, which will give you time to budget for it.

Visit bahama airto make an appointment.