Blog

For a complete HVAC maintenance in Lawrenceville, GA, including heating maintenance, the experts to rely on are those at T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC . To find out how we can help by calling (678) 964-5617.

How often does HVAC need to be serviced?

When it comes to HVAC and heating maintenance, it’s recommended to have the system serviced at least once per year. While once per year is a minimum, it’s preferable to get the system checked out twice per year. If possible, the heating system should be serviced in the fall, and the air conditioner serviced in the spring. If you have oil-fired equipment, it should be serviced at least once per year before the heating season. You should also regularly change the filter, usually every 30 days.

If you have a business, your HVAC system may be on your building’s roof. Storms can wreak havoc on your roof HVAC system, as well as your roof. If your roof has been damaged by a storm and you need emergency roofing, make sure you get a reliable roofer to help you.

Heater maintenance tips

While you want to have a professional provide a full maintenance service, there are a few activities you can undertake for HVAC and heating maintenance to keep your system fit.

• Change your filter regularly.
• Dust and vacuum the inner components of the system. A soft-tipped brush can be used to clean inside the system.
• Inspect the whole system to check for secure drains and vents. If you have a gas furnace, check for gas leaks if you smell an odor of rotten eggs.
• Clean out the drainage tube.
• Shut off the power, open the furnace doors and check the thermostat wires to make sure they are securely fitted. 

Electric heater maintenance

Heating maintenance is essential for any kind of heater, including electric heaters. One key to keeping your electric heater running smoothly is keeping it clean. With all heaters, changing the filters every 30 days is key to maintenance. The filters collect the most dust and other materials that as it accumulates begins to decrease air flow whether you are using your heater or air conditioner. You can also dust and vacuum inside the furnace using a small soft brush, and check the thermostat wires to make sure they are secure. Call out a professional like those at T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC to test your electrical system to make sure all of the connections are secure and operating properly.

Gas heater maintenance

When it comes to heating maintenance, gas heaters need to be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly. Inspect your vent pipe to make sure it is securely fastened. Also, if you smell a rotten egg odor, you have a gas leak that will need to be repaired. If you have a gas leak, you need to get out of the house and call the gas company or local fire department to shut the gas off so the line can be safely repaired by an HVAC or plumbing professional. It’s also important to keep the flame sensor cleaned. Dirty flame sensors will prevent the unit from working. The flame sensor can be unscrewed from the unit, and then clean sensor with an emery cloth.

How do you maintain a boiler heating system?

Like other heating systems, heating maintenance is important to a boiler system. These systems are highly efficient and reliable. Essential to their maintenance is making sure the vent and chimney are functioning properly and no leaks are present. Also make sure all parts are securely fastened. If a leak is present, it’s usually going to be caused by a failing heat exchanger. Small leaks can be repaired, but if the leak is major, the heat exchanger will have to be replaced. The boiler should also be regularly flushed to clear out any debris. The circulating pump should also be properly lubricated.

How much does furnace cleaning cost?

Keeping your furnace clean is essential to proper maintenance. Costs will vary to have a professional clean your furnace. Cleaning averages anywhere between $60 to $80, but may also be part of the regular maintenance plan and these plans will vary in cost as well. You may wonder then, “How much does it cost for HVAC maintenance?” HVAC and heating maintenance costs will vary, although the average cost is about 140. The cost will depend on the extent of the plan. While a 38-point plan might cost about $80, whereas a 64-point check will cost about $180.

What does air duct mean?

Your air duct is an essential part of your HVAC system that will distribute air around your property. How air duct systems work are with tunnels, pipes or ducts that are interconnecting and distribute air through air vents in rooms. 

How much is AC duct?

Replacing a system of an air duct will depend on the type of ducts used like materials and flexibility as well as the length and local rates. Replacing aging, leaking otherwise unfitting ductwork will costa round $35-$55 per linear foot and this counts for materials and labor FOr single-family homes this cost be $1,000-$5,000 or more. 

When Air Duct Cleaning Is Necessary

Air duct cleaning is necessary at least annually as there are times where your air duct system will have uneven humidity, moisture levels or unclean filters which can encourage mold growth.

Can air duct cleaning help allergies?

Cleaning your air duct will be significant in assisting with allergy symptoms as that is where dust, pollen and more are caught, collected, or become airborne. Your filters should be cleaned 1-3 months yet if there are pets or smokers in the property monthly is recommended. Cleaning your ducts as well as important as dirt ducts can form mold, allergens, dust and other contaminants that can worsen air quality and therefore cause occupants to become sick or even develop allergies if it’s over an extended period of time. 

How long does ductwork last in a house?

A typical air duct system will last for 10-15 years before you start to see problems emerge. The maximum lifespan od ductwork is 20-25 years yet it’s recommended to replace ducts at the age of 15 as major issues like collapsed sections, gap or pests can appear.

Should I replace ductwork?

Typically the 15-year mark is the time that you should replace your ductwork as that is when it will start to deteriorate and reduce your energy efficiency significantly. However, if you are seeing problems emerge prematurely and they can’t be cleaned or repaired as a solution it may be that that system of ducts doesn’t match your property specifications and will need to be altered.

What is the best type of ductwork?

There are many air duct types out there that can provide exceptional air distribution throughout your property. Sheet metal is regarded as the most durable option out there since they are not porous which makes them less likely to develop mold or other biological growth. There are even options for sheet metal to come lines with internal or external fiberglass liners.

Is flex duct better than hard duct?

That will depend on the type of heating and cooling systems. A flex duct is better for the existing trunk and branch HVAC systems as they are more flexible and versatile. FOr an entire HVAC system, metal ducts are the better option as they are more rigid. As far as faster and easier installation a flex duct will be the one.

Contact A professional HVAC company

When you’re looking to find the right air duct system for your property it’s essential to reach out to the relevant avenues fo assistance. Just as you would contact a plumber for help with an electric water heater, air duct installation is best done with the help of an HVAC company and technician. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to asses your property to see what materials and type of ductwork would provide the best in air distribution and energy efficiency. Make sure to get your air duct and HVAC system in general services annually in order to properly maintain the efficiency of your system. You’ll be able to prevent any major repairs and replacements and have your system tuned up so it may last the rest of it’s expected life span. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about an air duct system get in contact with a professional HVAC company today.

If you’re interested in air duct in Lawrenceville, GA call (678) 964-5617 with T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC !

• AC Runs But Doesn’t Cool Home: If your air conditioner is running all day and your home is still not cooling off, then it could be that the refrigerant needs recharging.
• Increase in Energy Bills: An air conditioner that runs all day but doesn’t cool a home can make energy bills higher.
• Vents Blow Air But it Isn’t Cool: A lack of refrigerant means that the air conditioner can’t pull out the heat in the air; this is in turn leads to warm air coming out of your vents.
• Ice on Refrigerant Lines: When your air conditioner doesn’t have refrigerant it can cause ice to buildup on your unit’s refrigerant lines.
• Bubbling and Hissing Sounds: If the reason for lack of cool air is a refrigerant leak, then you will be able to hear bubbling and hissing noises.

How Do You Recharge AC?

If your air conditioner’s refrigerant needs to be recharged, you might ask, “How to recharge refrigerant central air conditioner?” The first thing that needs to be done when adding more refrigerant is to connect the service valve to the compressor line. Next you will also want to connect a tap valve into the compressor line. Once that is complete, you will add refrigerant by attaching the canister of refrigerant to the service valve and tap valve. After everything is attached, you will need to turn on your air conditioner, which will then force the refrigerant to flow out of the container and into the unit. When the refrigerant has been added then you can detach the valves and the refrigerant canister from the air conditioner. You can either do this all on your own, or you can call a professional HVAC technician to take care of your refrigerant charging needs.

How Much Refrigerant Do I Need?

To know for sure how much refrigerant your air conditioner needs is to look at the label listed on the side of the unit or have your HVAC technician determine that for you. However, a common amount that some people go by is adding two or four pounds per ton. For example, if your air conditioner weighs five tons, then you would need 10 or 20 pounds of refrigerant. Every unit is different, so again, it is important to look at the label and check to see how much your particular unit needs.

Recharge Refrigerant Home AC

If you want to eliminate odors inside the home without using chemical air fresheners, you can burn essential oils in diffusers. Burning candles can also eliminate odors. If you have pets, keeping them groomed will help eliminate pet dander. Pet dander is frequently responsible for people developing asthma-like symptoms. Along with grooming regularly, vacuuming frequently will help eliminate dander as well.

When it’s warm outside, your air conditioner can serve not only to cool you off, it will help improve your air quality as well. The air conditioner serves as a whole house air filtration system. The A/C’s filter traps particles that can be harmful to you. Changing and cleaning the filter regularly will help keep the air in your home fresh, and will help keep your A/C running properly. Air purifiers, or a whole house air filtration system, are very effective tools that clean your air of harmful particles like pollen, dust, and bacteria. If someone in your home has asthma, you can put an air purifier in their room to help them. 

Interested in improving your air quality? Reach out to T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC and call (678) 964-5617 to find out more about air filtration systems in Lawrenceville, GA.

Do whole house air purifiers work?

Generally, a whole house air filtration system is effective in removing pollutants from the air in your home. But, not all whole house filtration systems are created equally. For a system to be effective it has to clean the air in the entire home, and not all systems do so. An effective system should be the only air purifier you need in the home. It should also take up no space in the living space of the house. An effective whole house air filtration system also makes little or no noise.

How does a whole house air purifier work?

When you install a whole house air filtration, it is integrated into the home’s HVAC system. As your HVAC system heats or cools your home, the air is forced through a filter system that cleans the air of pollutants like pollen, dust, bacteria, as well as fumes. Effective systems clean out 99.9% of airborne particles in the home.

Keeping clean and staying relaxed is an important element of health. There’s nothing like a warm bath or shower to relax you and refresh you after a long day. If you want to stay clean and refreshed, try a new shower and tub installation.

What is the best whole house air filtration system?

There are multiple air filtration systems on the market. Some of the highest rated include Airmega 400, Alen Customizable Air Purifier, Aprilaire 2410, the Honeywell F100F2010, Alexapure 3049, and the Oransi Max OVHM80 Air Purifier.

Do you have to run air purifiers all the time?

While it’s not necessary to run your air purifier all the time, it is more effective if you do run it all the time. That’s because the air quality in your home changes all the time, so running the air filter continuously ensures the quality is kept at a consistent healthy level. There’s little need to be concerned about energy use because air purifiers require very little to run. You can run the fan speed on low to conserve energy. 

How can I check air quality in my home?

Here are some effective ways to check the air quality in your home:

• You can test the air quality by buying an air quality monitor. 
• You can check for signs of mold. If you smell a musty odor or see black spot on the walls or ceiling or see water spots, mold may be present.
• You can install carbon monoxide detectors to check for this odorless, colorless, and dangerous gas.
• You can purchase an at-home radon tester to check for this radioactive gas.
• You can use an air purifier or install a whole house air filtration system.
• Make sure to change the air filters in your HVAC system about once every 90 days.

Whole house air purifiers for allergies

A whole house air filtration system is a great way to help family members with allergies. The filters effectively remove allergens like pollen from your home.

Whole house air filtration system cost

Costs will vary with the type of system you have installed, but range from about $587 to $2502. The average cost nationally is $1,303. Make sure to get in touch with T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC when you want to install a filtration system. We offer installation at affordable prices.

Some Energy Efficiency Best Practices

There are several things homeowners can do to make their property a little more energy efficient. Depending on your budget, you do something as simple as replacing a light bulb. If you are able to afford more upfront, you can replace old units or install a programmable thermostat. Even just maintaining your home through regular inspections, replacing air filters, and more will make an impact on your energy efficiency. No matter if you can do everything or one thing, you will see a reduction in your energy bills.

• Maintenance: Keeping things in proper working order will help increase energy efficiency in your home, like taking care of pipe leaks as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure other aspects of you home, such as the water supply, are working just as efficiently as your AC unit.
• Replace Light bulbs: Changing out your incandescent light bulbs for more energy efficient ones will help you save money and save energy. When the lights are on, energy efficient bulbs require less energy to light the room.
• Use Power Strips: A power strip looks very similar to a surge protector, but does a significantly different job. Power strips help to eliminate excess wasted power by turning off appliances while they are not in use. This reduces the amount of what is known as a “phantom load” or wasted electricity produced by gadgets and appliances.
• Programmable thermostats: Not all thermostats are created equal. Programmable thermostats by themselves allow you to update your heating and cooling without touching the HVAC unit itself. These devices help you to program when to heat and cool your home, along with reminders of when to replace air filters, and more.
• Replace old appliances: One of the fastest ways to make your home more energy efficient is by replacing older appliances. Late model dishwashers, refrigerators, and HVACs use a significant amount of energy to do their jobs. Replacing old units for more energy efficient ones will make a big impact on your wallet and the environment around you.

Energy Efficiency vs Energy Conservation

Energy efficiency and energy conservation are actually two very different things. Energy efficiency is defined as using the least amount of energy to perform the same task. Realistically, that looks like an AC unit offering the same, if not better, service of producing cool air, with significantly less energy used. Energy conservation, however, is defined as the act of saving energy by reducing a service. That means that in order to save energy, a particular service has to cease or be reduced. This looks like driving your car fewer times a week or unplugging devices when they are not in use in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are some examples of energy efficiency?
  • Replacing older model appliances, like an AC unit or refrigerator. Installing insulation in attics.
• What are the benefits of energy efficiency?
  • Saving money, consistently comfortable temperatures, cleaner air, better resale value and more.
• Why should you be concerned about energy efficiency?
  • The less energy produced/used by appliances actually helps our environment. It helps ensure the air we breathe is healthy and safe. Energy efficiency can also help you save money in the long run.
• How does energy efficiency save money?
  • When your AC unit doesn’t have to use/produce as much energy to effectively work, your bills will be lower. The harder a unit has to work, the more energy it consumes, hiking up your bills.
• Will a new AC unit save me money?
  • Generally speaking, replacing an older AC unit will help to save you money, but a unit that is not specifically designed to be energy efficient will not be as helpful in the long run.

While we are familiar with standard air conditioners, there are other types of units that homeowners can choose from. One of these types of units is a ductless air conditioner or mini-split system. People who don’t know about ductless ACs wonder how do ductless air conditioners work. The cool thing is that a ductless air conditioning system is going to work as a traditional air conditioner, but they don’t use ducts, hence the name ductless air conditioner. The way that works is that two or three units, or however many ductless air conditioners you have in your home, connect to the unit that is located outside. Instead of the ducts carrying the cool air to several rooms, the actual ductless AC circulates the cool air in the room. If this is an air conditioner that you are interested in your home, it’s important to know what the benefits are. There are many benefits to having ductless air conditioner installation service for your home.

• Doesn’t Require Ductwork: If you live in an older home that doesn’t have air ducts or you are adding onto your home, ductless ACs are the way to go. This is because you won’t have to have ductwork installed in your home, you can just have ductless air conditioners installed instead.
• You Have Easier Control: Each room or space in your house will have a separate ductless AC; this is great because you can control the temperature of each room. If you want one room cooler than the other, you can achieve this with a ductless air conditioner.
• You Get Cooling and Heating: One of the coolest things about ductless air conditioners is that they can cool and heat your home. This is because ductless systems are also heat pumps, so you don’t have to have a furnace or boiler to heat up your home.
• Better Savings with a Ductless AC: Because of the size of ductless systems and because you can zone the temperature in your home, you are going to save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills every month.
• Improvement of Indoor Air Quality: When you have a traditional air conditioner, you will need to have your air ducts cleaned every once in a while to remove dust, pollen, bacteria, and allergens. With a ductless AC, you don’t have to worry about that because there are no air ducts. A ductless system is able to improve indoor air quality because it doesn’t require ducts.

Another great thing about ductless air conditioners is that they come in different units like a floor mount, horizontal ductless system, and ceiling recessed ductless system. You can also choose between different controllers to manage your heat and air with a mini split air conditioner thermostat, wifi adapter, standard controls, or programmable controls. If this is something you think your home would benefit from, call a professional HVAC technician to set up an appointment.

How Long Do Ductless Air Conditioners Last?

When considering a ductless AC you will want to know how long they are going to last. Typical air conditioners can last anywhere from 12 to 18 years if they get the repairs and maintenance that is needed. Many people who want a ductless air conditioner might worry that it won’t be able to last as long as a standard AC, but the good news is that a mini-split system is able to last up to 30 years. Now you need to consider that in order to keep a ductless system working efficiently for 30 years, it needs to be properly maintained and get the necessary repairs when they call for them. If a homeowner has a ductless system and doesn’t provide the required and maintenance and repairs, it can last from 10 to 20 years.

Are Ductless Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?

We all want a system that is not only going to provide us with effective cooling, but that is going to offer us great energy efficiency. Fortunately, ductless air conditioner efficiency is some of the best. This is because a ductless air conditioner follows ENERGY STAR regulations, which means they are going to be a lot more energy efficient than most air conditioners on the market. It is estimated that air that moves through a duct system is losing 20 or 30 percent of that air because of holes, leaks, and ductwork that isn’t installed correctly. Because of this, it makes an air conditioner have to work harder than it should. Luckily, when you have a ductless AC system, you don’t have to worry about that, which is why its considered a very energy efficient system.

Another great thing about it is that it provides better indoor air quality, which also has to do with not having any ductwork. If you have a standard air conditioning system and you have a home air quality test, you will probably find that your air quality is not that great. If you want better energy efficiency and indoor air quality, you can get it with a ductless air conditioner. If you are wanting ductless air conditioners in Lawrenceville, GA, please call T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC today! Just like you wouldn’t get roof maintenance from an amateur, you wouldn’t get ductless systems installed by unlicensed professionals. To make an appointment, call our office at (678) 964-5617!

Do you enjoy having warm, relaxing air available for your home during cold nights? Most people do! A critical part of that cozy environment is your home’s furnace system, which generates heated air to be circulated around the house. Keeping this system properly maintained is critical, but it’s a task many homeowners forget about until an emergency pops up.

Why is this upkeep so important? One look at your heating bill this winter should be enough to show why heating system maintenance is so essential. Just one look! Homeowners either keep up with maintenance and enjoy a lower bill, or they let it slip by and see a steady rise in heating costs. To assist you in saving money and extending the life of your furnace, here are some easy DIY tips!

Heating System Maintenance: DIY Tips

Did you know that your HVAC system accounts for almost half off all your home’s energy usage each day? Keeping your heating and cooling system clean may feel challenging, but the work pays itself off with some serious dividends. You may be wondering “How do I clean my furnace at home?” There are several aspects of your furnace that require maintenance, but we’ll focus on some of the easier jobs. Before performing any of the following steps, make sure your warranty permits this DIY cleaning.

Heating Maintenance Checklist

• Start with a thermostat check to make sure the heating stays on when prompted.
• Before moving on, make sure you turn off the gas and power switch.
• Next, check your filter. Wash or replace it as needed.
• Take a vacuum hose and clean out any dirt or dust around the burners.
• Vacuum the furnace blower. You may need to remove a couple screws from the control panel to get it out of your way. Your blower will likely be attached via bolts, so you’ll need a wrench ratchet and socket.
• Return all parts to their regular positions, then turn the gas and power back on.

How Do I Clean a Furnace Filter?

This is the easiest part of maintenance, though your steps will depend on the filter type. Cardboard filters should simply removed and replaced. Regular filters should be carefully removed and washed with a gentle hose. You’ll want clean water coming through the other side. After you’ve finished cleaning the filter, let it dry out complete before putting it back in.

Bonus Tips for Your Maintenance Planning

There are a couple of factors outside of your heating system that will greatly affect the lifetime of your furnace. They’re both related to efficiency. First and foremost are your air ducts. Leaky ducts generate huge amounts of waste during operation, forcing your furnace to work harder and longer to warm your home. That extra stress shortens the life of your heating system. To cover any small holes, utilize some foil tape from your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or hardware store.

Second, examine your home for any other areas that could be wasting air. This could be an unsealed door or window. In some homes, even damaged vinyl siding could adversely affect the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Is a Heating Maintenance Plan Worth the Cost?

Sometimes it pays to bring in a professional. When it comes to determining whether or not your family could benefit from a heating maintenance plan, that’s completely up to your family budget and the cost of the service. In exchange for prepaying for service, many local companies provide small discounts, which can make the process a little more affordable.

If your heating system lasts considerably longer as the result of the continued maintenance, that alone is well worth the investment. However, you may also earn some considerably energy efficiency savings too. Not every service is the same, so talk it over with each local HVAC company to see what’s included in their maintenance plan.

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Once a year is good. Twice a year is great! Service typically includes inspection and cleaning for each part of your furnace. Fall and spring (before and after winter) are the most opportune times to have your unit serviced. This will allow your professional to clear your furnace for winter use, then address any post season degradation and filth accumulated in the unit.

How Long does a Furnace Tune Up Take?

Tune ups may last anywhere from one to two hours. The time spent usually depends on the amount of cleaning that’s needed and how long it’s been since your furnace’s last checkup. This is the amount of time it should take to complete a detailed inspection. If your service man says he’s done in 15 minutes, either there’s no problems at all or they didn’t do the job right.

Schedule Your Heating Maintenance Visit Today!

The amount of preventative maintenance heating and cooling professionals can perform depends on how often homeowners schedule it. If a furnace has already broken down, there’s often very little an HVAC tech can do to prevent expensive repairs. So make sure you schedule consistently!

If you’d like to schedule heating system maintenance in Lawrenceville, GA or another nearby city, call our team today at (678) 964-5617! We’ll be happy to take an in-depth look at your furnace and clean it out for you.

Humidifiers and air purifiers only target certain particles in the air. Humidifiers add moisture in the air, while purifiers remove allergens, dust, and pet dander. While these products work great for people that have those specific needs, they are often only made just for those purposes and only strong enough to provide coverage to one room. With a whole house air filter, the entire home is removed of irritants in the air instead of being limited to just one room. Just like metal shingle roofing helps to cool down the entire house, a whole house air filtration system can help to remove pollutants from all areas of a home. If you are interested in getting a whole house air filter for your Lawrenceville, GA home, call the HVAC technicians at T&B Air Duct HVAC LLC at (678) 964-5617 to install it.

Benefits of a Whole House Air Filtration System

• Everyone in the home gets cleaner air instead of just one room. Microscopic dust, pet dander, allergens, and more contaminants are filtered out of the air with this system.
• Your HVAC unit lasts longer, as the air filtration system helps keep the unit clean by removing dust and other debris that clogs the filters and prevents fresh air from blowing.
• Whole house air filtration systems are virtually noiseless and you won’t see them.
• These systems are available in a wide range of sizes, types, and price ranges.
• can get a HEPA version which produces no ozone.
• Some whole house air filter systems do not attach to the HVAC unit, providing quick installation.

No one wants to have to deal with mold in their home. Mold is a harmful fungus that grows in homes, preferring environments with moisture, humidity, and warmth for growth. Many home AC systems help your home prevent this by removing humidity from the home, however, when the rain picks up it can dampen your AC. This can, in fact, lead to mold growth within your air conditioner! What can you do to prevent mold from growing in your home?

• Act quickly to keep your roofing system at its best. If your Georgia roofing has been damaged, it can allow leaks to allow moisture into your home, creating the perfect environment for mold
• Annual inspections of your plumbing can keep you in the loop on any problems. Your local plumber can assess your pipes for any damage or wear that can allow water into your home.
• Adhering to an HVAC maintenance plan can make sure that your systems stay in peak condition. It will also act as the first line of defense against possible mold in your air conditioning system.
• Allow fresh air into your home to prevent mold from taking root. You may also consider using fans to get good ventilation.

What are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

If you suspect mold or have confirmed mold in your property, knowing the signs and symptoms can ensure you stay safe. Mold is toxic and can especially harm those with respiratory concerns. Symptoms may surface as flu-like, from sneezing, watery eyes, and a running nose. However, it can progress worse and worse, leading to irritation of the eyes, skin rashes and even wheezing. If you notice any of these issues, our team of expert technicians can complete a thorough inspection of your home air conditioning system and ductwork to identify the presence of mold. We are always available to get started for your needs. Give us a call today at (678) 964-5617 for all of your air conditioning and heating needs in Lawrenceville, GA.