A/C Maintenance Checklist for the Summer

When summer hits, you'll likely be running your air conditioning around the clock to avoid sweating it out until the temperatures drop again. The last thing you want to have to deal with in the middle of July is a broken A/C, so you should use the following maintenance checklist during spring or fall to ensure that you're prepared for the sweltering New York summer.

Change the Filters

The easiest and quickest way to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC problems is by changing the air filters. They should be replaced at least once a month to keep your system running smoothly and energy costs low. Ensuring that your system is consistently running with unclogged filters can also help maintain healthy indoor air quality, which can impact respiratory health.

Repair or Replace Pipe Insulation

If your unit's suction pipe has damaged insulation, this can prevent the system from cooling properly. The sun, trapped freezing water, and invasive pests can all cause damage to the foam insulation. An HVAC professional should be able to effectively repair or replace any insulation materials when servicing your system.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit

The outer panels of your unit contain electrical connections that should always be protected. Before starting up your A/C for the first time after spring comes to a close, ensure that all panels are intact and free from damage. Call a qualified technician before starting your system if you've noticed any stripped or missing panels.

Remove Debris

Depending on where your unit is located on your property, vegetation and trash may be blown onto the coil, leading to blockages. Clear away debris to get the best possible performance from your A/C. Pay close attention to the base of the unit and take care not to overload the area when mulching your garden in the spring.

Rely on the professionals at Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc to provide friendly, professional service when performing installations, maintenance, or repairs on your air conditioner or furnace. We've provided Orange County residents with the best heating and cooling equipment for over 35 years. Contact us today to receive a free quote.

Why Are Air Filters Important?

Air filters fulfill a vital role in protecting your HVAC system from contaminants such as dust and debris, so homeowners need to make sure they are changed often. Learn more about what could happen if you fail to change your filter regularly, as well as how they help keep your HVAC system functioning and efficient.

How Do Air Filters Work?

Air filters are made from either spun fiberglass, pleated paper, or cloth and then embedded in a cardboard frame. They clean air that circulates through your HVAC system by trapping many types of particles that could affect your health and comfort. Significant functions of air filters include:

• Protecting the general health of occupants from lung-related infections
• Protecting children, the elderly, and those allergic to animal dander, mold spores, and pollen
• Reducing fire hazards by preventing lint and fibers from accumulating in ductworks
• Protecting household items from airborne dust
• Extending the shelf-life of perishable products by removing airborne mold

MERV Ratings and Filter Efficiency

Both air filter efficiency and performance are represented by the filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, otherwise known as its MERV, ranging from 1 to 16. Lower MERV ratings imply that the filter is a standard model with basic to good filtration, usually at a lower cost and intended for residential buildings. A higher MERV indicates a higher-quality filter made to capture very small particles up to 0.3 microns. However, filters with higher MERV ratings tend to be thicker, so they can sometimes reduce heating or cooling effectiveness and possibly damage the HVAC system.

How Do I Maintain My Filter

Regular maintenance such as checking and changing air filters ensures cleaner air and reduces energy costs in your home. You should change air filters at least once a month, especially in larger homes or homes with pets. Enlisting a professional is an easy way to ensure that your system is maintained accurately.

Having a professional check the state of your HVAC system can increase its lifespan, and at Larson’s Heating & Cooling, Inc, we have over 35 years of experience in HVAC maintenance in Middletown, NY. Whether you have a ductless system, heat pump, or furnace, we can make sure your system is running efficiently. Contact us to schedule services for your heating or cooling system.

Four Reasons Your Shower Runs Out of Hot Water

Nothing is more frustrating than a shower running out of hot water in the middle of a bath. If this problem recurs, homeowners should diagnose and correct the problem to avoid further inconveniences. Here are some of the possible reasons a shower will run out of hot water.

Sediment Build-Up

The water flowing into the water heater has some natural minerals and sediment. With time, the sediment sinks and settles at the bottom of the tank. This material takes up space meant for hot water, and sediment can be a major factor in water heaters having a poor performance. A certified technician should check the tank and flush it for optimal performance.

Heating Element Problems

The lower heating element in a water heater does most of the work. It heats the water at the bottom before the water rises to the top, and if this element gets damaged, there’s a risk of a shower running cold. Some of the causes of damage to the lower heating element include sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or an electric short in the element’s wiring. The homeowner should hire an experienced technician to diagnose, repair, or replace the faulty heating element.

Broken Dip Tube

A dip tube pushes the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. Once the cold water heats up, it rises to the top, and the dip tube pushes cold water back down. If this critical process breaks down, less cold water flows to the bottom, which, in turn, reduces the amount of hot water available for the home. A broken dip tube should be repaired or replaced by an experienced contractor, depending on its condition.

A Small Water Heater

As a family grows, the demand for hot water also goes up, and this strains the water heater system. The homeowner should audit the home’s hot water needs and upgrade the tank if necessary. Every water heater in the market has a corresponding estimate of the number of people it can serve. If the demand for hot water has outgrown the tank, it's time for a replacement.

Running out of cold water is frustrating, but we can help you avoid this problem. Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc is an expert in heating and cooling solutions, serving Middletown, NY and the surrounding neighborhoods for over 35 years. For comprehensive professional water heater services including installation, repairs, parts, and inspections, contact us on 845-344-3030 today for a free, no-obligation estimate.