Tag: hvac

Annual HVAC maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your unit running efficiently and properly. It may seem like an unnecessary extra step to take, but it can save you lots of time, money, and stress. Here are five reasons why we recommend having your unit inspected now, in the fall, versus waiting until colder temperatures arrive.

1. For safety reasons. 

Homes with natural gas furnaces should be inspected once a year to ensure the furnace is working safely before you get ready to use it daily during the fall and winter months.  Electric heaters should also be checked annually to avoid electrical fires. 

2. To maintain efficiency.

A regularly maintained HVAC unit can sustain up to 95% of its energy efficiency rating. Having your unit inspected annually can keep it from losing efficiency, meaning your unit is likely to last longer.

3. Prevent repairs.

A unit that is regularly maintained is less likely to need repairs during the following months. With routine annual maintenance, you can expect fewer problems to arise. Because your unit works overtime during the winter, it’s important to prevent any unnecessary repairs by having your heating unit inspected prior to the winter. 

4. Quicker service times. 

Most people will wait for their annual maintenance, pushing it as late as possible when the days and nights are much colder. Beat the crowd by having your unit serviced now, in early fall, so you’re not waiting for service when the nights get colder and colder.

5. For your health.

With the fall comes a change in weather and cold/flu season. Don’t let your HVAC unit exacerbate symptoms! Annual inspections allow our techs to make recommendations on our IAQ products and solutions, as well as our duct cleaning services. All of these products can help remove dust, dirt, and other allergens from your vents, so you can breathe cleaner air when you’re spending most of your time indoors.

What Maintenance Should You Perform?

There are a few maintenance tasks you can perform on your unit to keep it in tip-top shape, increase lifespan, and reduce the likelihood of problems. By following these on-going tips routinely, your unit should run trouble-free, keeping you warm and cozy all winter long! 

• Change filters. 

Make sure you are changing your filters monthly. Regularly checking and changing your air filters improves the efficiency of your unit and helps reduce the amount of dirt and dust in your home.

• Clear debris.

Cleaning the area around your outdoor unit to ensure there are no sticks, leaves, or other hazards that could affect the way your unit runs. 

• Ensure everything is working.

Replace the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and test that they work properly. Also ensure that your thermostat is running smoothly and efficiently.

• Schedule a tune-up.

Prepare for winter by having your unit inspected and evaluated by the experienced technicians at Advance Mechanical to ensure your system is running properly. 

If you need help maintaining your HVAC unit, Advance Mechanical is here to help. Our friendly, certified technicians can also perform any repairs, replacements, or installations needed to keep your HVAC unit running properly and your home comfortable this winter. 

To learn more about our services, or to enroll in our Comfort Club, call us today at 252-355-9191, or visit https://advancemechnc.com/contact/. 

Your HVAC system is arguably one of the most expensive appliances in your home, and choosing to replace your unit is an investment. Over the years, installing a new HVAC system has become even more expensive. In this blog we are going to share some of the top reasons why HVAC prices are rising. 

Labor Costs

Like many other industries, there is a shortage of skilled labor in the HVAC field. Contractors need more qualified HVAC technicians, and the demand for services exceeds the number of currently trained HVAC technicians. It takes HVAC companies time and resources to hire and train new technicians, which can also lead to longer wait times on installations and repairs. All of these factors have also led to increased labor costs and higher wages. 

Inflation

Inflation has also played a role in the increased price of HVAC systems and services. Metals necessary for HVAC units, like copper and aluminum, have increased in price. Transportation costs, such as gas and logistics, have also risen. In order to keep up with inflation, manufacturers and HVAC companies have both been forced to increase their prices.

Shortages 

Since COVID, there have been shortages in parts due to plant shutdowns and a decrease in production. This has caused shortages in HVAC components and systems. Manufacturers have had a challenging time keeping up, and any additional expenses have also been passed along to the consumer.

Phase-Out

Finally, the phase-out of R410-A has caused the cost of HVAC units to rise. R-410 is a commonly used refrigerant that is being phased out due to environmental regulations, and its global warming potential. This has caused contractors and consumers to transition to alternatives that are more suitable for the environment. Cooling systems that are manufactured starting in 2025 must use an alternative refrigerant, causing the price of HVAC units to go up. 

Will costs continue to rise?

Though prices continuously fluctuate over time, trends predict that HVAC unit prices will remain high for the foreseeable future. Because labor costs, inflation, and this phase-out have increased costs, manufacturers are having to raise their prices to keep up with the changes. As new discoveries are made about our environment and the effect these refrigerants have on our atmosphere, it is impossible to know how cost will be impacted. 

Advance Mechanical encourages you to plan ahead for your home. Stay on top of regular maintenance and schedule your yearly tune-ups on time to keep your unit running smoothly, saving you money in the long run. For any questions on the cost of new systems, repairs to old systems, or the phase-out, give us a call today, 252-355-9191.

Tired of sweating? As higher summer temperatures set in, you are not the only one struggling to make it through the day. Your air conditioner is working harder to keep you cooler. To help you try and keep your energy bills down, Advance Mechanical has a few tips that could help you reduce your energy bills and give your HVAC unit some relief this summer.

Don’t Forget Regular HVAC Maintenance

When you perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system you can identify and address many issues before they become major problems. Professional tune-ups do not cost a lot, and they address components in your unit that are key to comfort and use. By making one call, you could be ensuring that your system does not go down with other units as summer temperatures begin to soar. Advance Mechanical can handle this for you, including:

• Topping off refrigerant levels to ensure your system provides you with the coolest air possible.
• Cleaning components such as the compressor and coils. These are integral parts of your unit and not maintaining them can lead to breakdowns and poor system performance during summer’s extreme heat and humidity.
• Verifying your thermostat is functioning properly and managing airflow so your home can remain comfortable without you constantly adjusting the thermostat.

Replace HVAC Filters Regularly

By replacing your HVAC filters regularly, you ensure you are getting optimal airflow and efficiency. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder resulting in higher energy bills. You should check your air filter monthly and replace them at least once every 3-months, but monthly if needed. A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder and can be a common issue for emergency calls. Keeping your filters clean is one of the easiest, and most effective ways, you can improve your system’s performance and save money. It is also a critical component to increasing the lifespan of your system.

Set It and Forget It

Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature to keep your home cool and comfortable. Constantly moving the temperature up and down will not make your home cooler faster, and in actuality it will put immense pressure on your system, A good tip is every degree below 78, could increase energy costs by 8%. You may also want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. Using a programmable thermostat can ensure comfort and energy savings. It can automatically adjust to preprogrammed temperatures throughout the day based on when you are home and away. You will also want to keep sunlight, lamps and anything heat producing away from your thermostat. The extra heat could also cause your system to run longer, which leads to higher energy bills. 

Shade and Ventilation

Make sure you are using curtains, blinds or shades to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Also, be sure you are keeping your doors and vents unobstructed to promote airflow throughout your home.

If possible, give your HVAC system a little shade and breathing room. Systems that are in shaded areas and free of debris are more likely to have an easier time cooling air. So be sure to clear the overgrown grass, weeds, bushes and trees 2-4 feet around your unit to allow for adequate air flow, but a little shade.

Ceiling Fans

Although ceiling fans do not cool the rooms in your home, they do circular the cool air. Using ceiling fans will help distribute cool air more efficiently in your home and will also provide a cool breeze that can make you feel cooler as well.

Consider a Replacement

The last item on our list is, do not prolong the misery. What we mean is if you have an older HVAC system that has had problems keeping up during the summer months, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model. Newer systems don’t work as hard or use as much energy to keep you comfortable during summer’s hottest and longest days. Plus, new units are covered by warranties and are less likely to break down when you need them most. 

Let Advance Mechanical help you stay cool in the sizzling summer heat. Whether you need regular maintenance, repairs or a replacement our team is ready to help. Give us a call today, 252-355-9191.

Investing in your HVAC system has many benefits and guarantees that your home is comfortable year-round. At Advance Mechanical, our goal is to keep your system running smoothly – and regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that it is. Here are six reasons why a maintenance plan is worth having. 

1. Regular Inspections Can Save Your Unit

When you sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan, regular inspections take place to keep the system up to date. This is the best way to confirm that your system is operating correctly and reduce the likelihood of it needing extensive repairs. When you join Advance Mechanical’s Comfort Club, you receive two yearly system cleanings and tune-ups to ensure your unit is performing to the best of its ability. 

2. More Savings and More Efficiency

When your unit is regularly maintained, it operates at maximum efficiency, which causes it to use less energy to heat or cool your home. An efficient unit will lower your energy bills while maintaining the temperature of your home. When you join our Comfort Club, you receive a complete system evaluation, so you will know whether or not your unit is running as efficiently as possible. 

3. Extended Lifespan

When you join the HVAC maintenance Comfort Club, rest assured your unit is inspected and maintained to run at peak performance. Routine inspections help prevent future problems from occurring, extend the life of your unit, and ensure your system is reliable.

4. Discounts and Savings

Enjoy discounts on many services and parts when you join the Comfort Club maintenance plan. Becoming a member also saves you money on the twice-yearly inspections you receive and gets you a reduced dispatch fee. 

5. System Warranty

All HVAC manufacturers require that you have regular routine maintenance on your system in order to keep the warranty valid. To ensure that your system’s warranty stays valid, make sure you have Advance Mechanical perform regular  routine maintenance.

6. Convenience

Advance Mechanical’s Comfort Club offers unmatched convenience to members, including priority service and cleaning of your equipment. We will even change the customer–provided filters in your home – so it is one less thing off your plate. Enjoy quality work from a team you can trust when you work with Advance Mechanical. 

HVAC replacements and repairs are no joke, and we know how important it is for your system to operate successfully. Our Comfort Club provides you with the peace of mind that your system is being inspected and serviced twice a year to ensure everything is running as it should. Interested in becoming a Comfort Club member? Contact us today at 252-355-9191 or visit https://advancemechnc.com/comfort-club/ to learn more. 

We know the decision to replace an old HVAC system causes customers some uncertainty and confusion. We get it, a HVAC replacement is a big investment. At Advance Mechanical we want our customers to know exactly what they are investing in and how long we expect their existing system to last. Depending on the age, wear and tear, and maintenance performed on your HVAC system, a replacement could be in your future sooner than expected.

At Advance Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning, we tell our customers that the average life expectancy of their HVAC system is between 12 to 15 years. However, the life of your HVAC is based on the quality of your system, how it is used and how it is maintained. For example, does your unit get much snow or ice, is it subject to extreme heat, and how often has maintenance been performed on the unit? 

This blog will outline some things you should consider when replacing your HVAC system. Some things can be fixed with a repair, while other issues may warrant a replacement. Whatever you decide, Advance Mechanical can help!

Current HVAC Unit Condition and Age

Is your HVAC unit younger than 12 years? Does it run efficiently? If you answered yes, it may be more beneficial to repair and continue to maintain your current unit versus replacing it altogether. However, newer units come with warranties, and can cool and heat your home more efficiently, which could save you money down the road. 

How Often You Use Your System

If you are someone who uses their system all day, every day, your unit could need replacing sooner rather than later. Older HVAC systems do not run as efficiently as newer ones, and you could save money on energy bills by choosing to replace your HVAC, rather than repair it.

Type of Unit & Size of Your Home

It is important to know the type of unit you currently have when considering a replacement. Is there anything you don’t like about it? For example, if you have a single zone unit and you are considering replacing it with a multi-zone system, you will need to think about size and efficiency. Don’t assume something is best for your needs just because it’s the type of system your neighbor has.

The size of your home will also come into play when selecting a new HVAC system. The larger the home, the more HVAC capacity you will need to keep it comfortable. Knowing the size of your home will make it easier to choose the correct system. For example, selecting undersized system can lead to higher energy consumption and more frequent repairs.

Modern HVAC Unit Upgrades

In recent years, upgrades have been made to HVAC systems that allow them to be cost-effective and energy efficient. Newer units are quieter and are made with insulation and comfort in mind. When you replace your unit, you will likely see the difference in how quickly your home cools or heats up, and the cost of your utility bill. 

Protect Your New HVAC System

Advance Mechanical encourages customers to consider our Comfort Club Plan. This plan helps customers keep up with their HVAC maintenance which minimizes system downtime. Regular maintenance to your HVAC system can increase the efficiency and lifespan of the system. With our Comfort Club plan, you receive regular maintenance twice a year and peace of mind knowing that your system is getting the care it needs from a knowledgeable team you can trust.

There are many things to think about when replacing your HVAC system and we can help! Advance Mechanical can answer all your questions and provide you with sound advice to ensure you get the best HVAC system for your home. 

Whether you decide to replace or repair your unit, Advance Mechanical’s team of trained, certified, professional technicians can help you from start to finish. Let us answer any questions you may have and make a recommendation based on your current system and needs. Call us today to schedule service or a replacement quote at 252-355-9191.

The days are getting cooler and the leaves are changing colors. Not only does that mean it’s time to start enjoying pumpkin-flavored beverages and deciding on the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, but it is also time to think about your home heating system. Is it ready to handle this year’s chill? No one wants to be left without heat in the middle of cold weather. Regular maintenance can ensure trouble-free operation and help your system keep up with the seasonal temperature swings we often see in eastern North Carolina.

Here is a Winter Maintenance Checklist to help get your HVAC system ready for the cooler days to come!

Inside Your Home

• Replace and Clean Air Filters

Dirty HVAC filters can restrict airflow and make your system less efficient. Replace and clean air filters each month. If you haven’t done it in a while, now is the perfect time. Be sure to continue to do this each month.

• Adjust Supply Registers

We all know that cool air falls and warm air rises. Open a few supply registers on the first floor and close a few on the second floor. This is an especially good tip for commercial buildings with multiple levels.

• Make Sure Your Thermostat is Working Properly
• Check For Energy Leaks in Your Home

Most air is lost in the basement, attic and crawlspace, as well as windows and doors. Seal any energy leaks you see to keep your home better insulated, allowing your heating system to be more efficient.

• Set Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat as low as comfort permits. Remember that each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy your unit needs for heating.

• Replace Batteries in Carbon Monoxide Detector and Test
• Listen to Your Unit

Turn your thermostat up to at least 75°F and wait for your heat to turn on. Listen to your HVAC unit. If you hear abnormal noises or banging, contact an HVAC professional.

Outdoor Units

• Clean Unit

You should take the time to clean your outdoor HVAC unit. Remove any debris, such as leaves, sticks, and dead bugs that have been trapped inside or around the bottom of the unit.

• Inspect Fan Motor and Fan Blades

Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage. Make note of any damages you see and enlist the help of an HVAC professional to make repairs.

• Get an Expert to Inspect Your System

Still Have Questions? Ask the Experts at Advance Mechanical!

The expert technicians at Advance Mechanical have provided regular HVAC maintenance for home and business owners all over eastern North Carolina. Our friendly professional staff services ALL makes and models and we are a certified Trane Dealer. If you want to learn more about our maintenance plans, call us today at (252) 355-9191 or visit us online to learn about the benefits of becoming a Comfort Club Member.