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.

Pros and Cons of Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters

When homeowners need a new water heater, the choice comes down to an electric water heater or a gas water heater. Buyers may initially see only the cost, but energy efficiency, recovery rate, and electronics and components are all factors to consider when comparing the options.

Gas Water Heaters

With gas, the initial cost is not as much of a mitigating factor. Because gas water heaters utilize powerful burners that heat water more quickly and the cost of gas is generally less than the cost of electricity, gas water heaters are the cheaper choice of the two in the short term. When it comes to energy efficiency, the cost of gas water heaters is somewhat hard to pin down. Some gas heaters meet the Energy Star standard, but others fall short. Gas water heaters can typically double the recovery rate of electric water heaters, which means that they can usually heat more water faster. Gas heaters typically have more advanced smart electronics that can notify users of operating status and repair needs. To operate, gas units require the following components: connection to a gas line, a gas control valve, a burner with a combustion chamber, a pilot light, a thermocouple, and a venting system.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters present a more expensive entry price, but they offer the flexibility of placement within the home. In terms of maintenance, electric water heaters are easier to maintain because they are less complicated than gas heaters. Conventional electric water heaters are not Energy Star approved, though there is a specialized model type using heat pumps that costs more. Electric water heaters have heating power ranging in wattage from 1,440 to 5,500. Electric heaters do not utilize the smart technology that gas heaters do. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two, electric water heaters require only heating elements and thermostats to heat the water.

At Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc, we understand the importance of a quality water heater in the grand scheme of your home or business. Wherever you land on the gas vs. electric debate, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc will offer reliable, friendly installation and service. Contact us online or call us at 845-344-3030 for your heating and cooling needs.

Planning Ahead: How to Winterize Your Central Air Conditioner

After the hot months of summer, fall weather comes as a great relief for homeowners. In the excitement, many homeowners end up forgetting a crucial chore: winterizing the outdoor AC unit. Winters in New York can be harsh, and the HVAC unit has to withstand the cold, precipitation, snow, and ice.

Importance of Winterizing an Outdoor AC Unit

Winterization safeguards a central air conditioner from the elements to prevent rust, physical damage, and to keep it in perfect working condition throughout the cold season. It also prevents critters from nesting inside the unit, as this could lead to mechanical damage. HVAC manufacturers provide maintenance instructions for their products, which come handy for winterization. Following these instructions protects the manufacturer’s warranty and helps keep the unit in good condition.

Early fall is the ideal time for AC winterization since the weather is beautiful for working outdoors. The AC unit can also air-dry completely after being cleaned in this weather. For the process, a homeowner needs a fitted plastic or vinyl cover, bungee cords or vinyl rope, foam pipe covers, and duct tape. Here are the steps to follow for winterizing a central air conditioner.

Switching Off the HVAC Unit

The first step is to turn off the HVAC unit to prevent it from turning on automatically on warmer days. When this happens, water gets into the coils and freezes when temperatures fall causing rust and corrosion.

Washing the Air Conditioner

Homeowners should use a garden hose to clean and rinse the unit, removing dirt, dust, bugs, leaves, grass clippings, and other unwanted materials. The unit should dry completely before the next step.

Insulation

The exposed piping should be protected against the harsh winter weather. Installing foam pipe covers insulates the pipes and helps protect them from freezing.

Wrapping the AC Unit

Wrapping the AC unit using fitted waterproof plastic, a vinyl cover, or a specialized winterization cover offers maximum winter protection. To secure the protective cover, wrap vinyl ropes or bungee cords around the unit. Ensure that the unit is completely secured, as a loose covering can trap moisture and cause rust.

Winterizing Heat Pumps

If the outdoor unit is a heat pump and not solely an air conditioner with a separate indoor furnace, homeowners must turn the power back on after the unit has completely dried and keep the side vents and exhaust fan uncovered.

Regular Monitoring

The HVAC unit should not be forgotten after winterization. Regular monitoring is necessary to remove debris, snow, and water, and to secure the cover.

For the most reliable HVAC installation and servicing in Middletown, NY and the surrounding areas, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc is your one-stop-shop. With over 35 years in the industry, we have the resources and expertise to install or repair your HVAC system to keep you and your family comfortable year-round. Contact us today at 845-344-3030 for a free estimate.

Heat Pump Repair: Four Signs Service May Be Necessary

Heat pumps can save homeowners a lot of money on heating and cooling, but only if they're working efficiently. Certain signs indicate that heat pump repair may be necessary to keep equipment running as intended and increase its longevity.

Reduced Heating or Cooling

Some homeowners have noticed that their heat pumps seemed to be producing cooler temperatures the previous summer or that it's become more difficult to keep their houses warm in the winter. This problem shouldn't be ignored; potential causes include compressor malfunction, refrigerant leaks, or a heat pump that has reached the end of its lifespan.

Odd or Excessive Noises

While occasional noises inside the home are common due to the metal in ductwork expanding or contracting, regularly occurring odd noises from the unit itself may signify a problem that requires heat pump repair. Abnormal noises may include frequent rattling, humming, groaning, whistling, or popping.

Increased Electric Bills

Even if no other signs are evident, one of the first things that indicates a larger problem that may require heat pump repair is a sudden increase in electric bills. When the system works overtime to try to compensate for its malfunction, it uses more electricity, thus leading to higher bills. This may also be noticed in conjunction with reduced heating and cooling capacity.

Short Cycling

Low levels of refrigerant in an air pump can cause the system to work harder and sometimes overheat, which leads to short cycling. If a heat pump switches on and off too frequently, it likely needs repair.

Investing in a heat pump for your Orange County home is an efficient and eco-friendly choice that can help keep your family comfortable and your costs low. However, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure you're reaping the benefits. If you've noticed signs that you may be in need of heat pump repair, contact Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc. today at 845-344-3030 for a free estimate.

HVAC Considerations When Buying a Home

When buying a new home, most people focus on location, curb appeal, and square footage. While a home's HVAC system may not be high on everyone's list of things to worry about when buying a home, there are good reasons why HVAC considerations should factor into the decision. Asking the right questions before the purchase can save homebuyers a bundle down the road. Here are a few things everyone should think about before purchasing a home.

Age and Upkeep

The easiest way for a homeowner to understand what kind of HVAC system they may be agreeing to purchase is to ask how old the system is and whether any major repairs or maintenance have been required. ACs and heating pumps generally need to be replaced every 10 years, while furnaces should be swapped out every 15. Regular maintenance can extend these timelines, so it's also important to ask if the HVAC components received annual (at least) servicing by a professional.

Utility Bills

It's also recommended that prospective buyers request a copy of the home's utility bills. Heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average home's utility costs, so checking the bills to make sure they aren't unusually high is a good way to make sure the heating and cooling systems are working as efficiently as possible.

Comfort in Every Room

Prospective buyers should pay attention to the air temperature and flow in every room as they tour a house. If some rooms feel stuffy or drafty, this could be a sign of a problem with the HVAC ducting. While this could be a simple fix, it may be a sign of leaking or poor insulation, which can end up costing buyers money each month.

Whatever problems your HVAC system throws at you, Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc has you covered. We are your local heating and cooling experts and can handle everything from small fixes to whole furnace replacements. Keep your home comfortable year-round with HVAC services from Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc. Call 845-344-3030 today for your free, no-obligation estimate.