Month: July 2023

Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your system and to keep your home comfortable throughout the summer months. An HVAC system that has not been maintained will have to work harder to keep your home cool during the hottest times of the year. Here are some things you can do each month to ensure your system is running smoothly and efficiently.

Replace Your Filters Monthly!

The most common tip to maintaining your HVAC unit is to regularly replace your air filters. These filters should be replaced every month to keep dust from piling up in your home and keep your HVAC running smoothly. By replacing your filters regularly, you will allow your HVAC system to last longer because it will not have to work so hard. You can get professional grade filters shipped straight to your door monthly by visiting FilterFetch.com and using code CZB! Not only is delivery fast and free, but you get an email reminder to change your filter, and there is a complete satisfaction guarantee!

Clear the Space Around Your Unit.

The space around the HVAC unit should always be clear of debris. Take time each month to ensure there are no leaves, limbs, or bushes overgrowing near your unit. Keeping this area clear allows the unit to function properly and helps with proper air flow.

Dust Around Vents and Registers.

Keeping vents and registers free of dirt and dust allows the air flow to remain clean. Vents tend to get dusty, even with regular filter replacement, so wiping these down monthly is a great way to extend the life of your HVAC unit. Keeping these areas clean will also allow your home to cool more efficiently. Plus, it will help with your home’s indoor air quality!

Check for HVAC Leaks.

It is not uncommon for an HVAC system to leak. If your air conditioning is not holding the temperature, that could be a sign of a leak. If you notice water or excessive condensation under or near your HVAC unit, this could be a sign that your HVAC system has a leak, and it is time to place a service call with the trained technicians at Advance Mechanical.

Consider Programmable Thermostats.

To keep your HVAC system running efficiently and to keep your energy bills down, consider switching to programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule when you want your AC to cut on and off and allow you to change temperatures throughout the day.

It is a good idea to hire Advance Mechanical to inspect and perform regular maintenance to your HVAC system twice a year. During routine maintenance we will inspect your unit, clean coils and condensers, check for leaks, and make sure your fan, blower and blades are all working properly. With regular maintenance from Advance Mechanical and following the above tips, your HVAC system should be in tip top shape! If you need assistance with your unit or would like to schedule routine maintenance, give us a call at 252-355-9191!

Chances are you’ve probably experienced an electrical surge. Sometimes, electrical surges are so small you won’t even know it’s happening. Small surges don’t always mean there’s something wrong with your electrical wiring, nor are they usually dangerous. But repeated surges can damage your electronics and household appliances causing damage and premature failure.

Power surges can be caused by a number of things and happen both in and outside of your home. If you don’t notice a power surge, then chances are it’s caused by an inside force. If you are able to notice it, or the power surge is larger than usual, then odds are it’s caused by an outside force. The causes of power surges can include:

Internal:

• Wiring
• Circuit Breaker Box
• Appliances

External:

• Lighting Strikes
• Fallen Power Lines
• Blown Transformers
• Electrical Service Issues

As areas grow, develop, and increase in population, the power grids can become dated and provide a lower quality of service to homes and buildings. You need to remember that all of the homes and buildings around you are also using power, so when the seasons change and people are turning on their heat or AC, brownouts,  and power outages are likely to increase.

Regardless of whether a power surge is big or small, noticeable or not, it takes a toll on your appliances – including your AC unit. Your HVAC unit is often the most expensive thing in your home, so you’ll want to make sure it’s protected. Here are some tips from Advance Mechanical.

1. When you aren’t using high amp appliances, unplug them. Examples of high amp appliances can be your toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer, and tea kettle. However, it can also include things like your microwave, space heater, and window air conditioners. We know unplugging some of these appliances can be a hassle, so we recommend unplugging them when leaving your home for an extended period of time.
2. Have your electrical system inspected, especially if you’re noticing increased and disruptive power surges.
3. Get a surge protector for your major appliances – including your HVAC system.

Power surges, especially larger ones, can cause damage to your HVAC system by:

• Overloading and damaging the air conditioner capacitor.
• Frying the unit’s circuit board.
• Causing the compressor to short

All of these things can happen without you even knowing it, making it all the more important to protect your system with a surge protector. Surge protectors will keep your HVAC system running longer, more efficiently, and will save you money. Homeowners insurance traditionally doesn’t cover replacement or repair of appliances, and the cost to have a professional install a surge protector is far less than being forced to pay thousands for a new unit.

If you have any questions about surge protectors, call Advance Mechanical at 252-355-9191 and talk to our team of trusted and trained professionals. Our team is dedicated to keeping you happy, healthy, and cool all summer long.