Is It Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Your air conditioner is perhaps one of the most important pieces of equipment in your whole house. If you have any doubts about that statement, you'll likely become a believer when your cooling system goes out at the height of summer. The important question -  "Is It Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner?"

Replacing it can be one of the most expensive things you do for your house, as well. Here are a few things you can do to help prolong the life of your unit to reduce your expenses and minimize disruptions:

Get Regular Maintenance
As with any piece of equipment you own, getting regular maintenance can keep your air conditioner in top working order. Routine maintenance will keep the unit working efficiently, using less power and providing consistent performance. It will also help to reduce the likelihood of repairs, which can save you money in the long run.

Regular maintenance includes having the entire system checked, as well as getting the appropriate parts cleaned or oiled. It also includes topping off the fluids.

Never Try to Make Repairs Yourself
The Internet makes everything seem easy with all the how-to articles and YouTube videos that give you information on how to make any repairs. However, attempting to make repairs on your air conditioner can put the system at serious risk. Being able to make these repairs requires extensive training and experience. The system is complex, and any mistakes can lead to the need for even more expensive repairs or even a total replacement. Attempting your own repairs could even result in serious injury or damage to your personal property.

You should never try to repair your system yourself. Always call a qualified professional to perform the maintenance and the repairs.

Always Work with a Qualified Professional
Finding the right professional to repair or maintain your air conditioner requires much more than just looking up names in the phone book and picking one at random. You should always find a technician that has the specific training and experience to work on the exact type of unit that you own. You should always work with a service professional who is both licensed and insured. Licensing shows that the person has met minimum training and quality standards to receive certification. Insurance protects you against any mistakes that the technician may make while working on your unit, whether it results in damage to your system or damage to your property.

Don't be fooled by the information you read online, making it seem like home repairs are easy if you just read enough articles or watch enough videos. Some home repairs are quite complicated, and attempting them can put your property in jeopardy, as well as your safety. Air conditioner repair is one of them. Hiring a professional to perform regular maintenance on your unit and to make any necessary repairs can help you prolong the life of your system, saving you money and minimizing any disruptions to your comfort.

Interested in an Air Conditioning Check-up?

Spring Cleanup List Begins with HVAC

To keep your house in top shape, give systems an annual checkup.

Spring cleaning is a tradition, but there are some other chores that should be part of your springtime routine, too. Most of them take only a few minutes, so get started!

1. Check your air-conditioning and heating equipment before the beginning of a new season.

2. Check and replace your furnace and air-conditioning filters every month. There are several types from which to choose, depending on your needs. Fiberglass filters last only one month, while the filters typically last three to four months. HEPA filters last up to six months and can be cleaned with a vacuum nozzle.

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Prep Your House for Vacation

Is your home vacation ready? HGTV Magazine tells you how to get things settled before leaving for your summer trip.

Never announce you’re away
Wait until you’re home to post vacation pics on Facebook, advises Allstate insurance agent Jim Towns. Also, turn off the volume on your home phone so the ringing won’t signal an opportunity to passersby, and don’t change your voice mail greeting to say you’re out of town.

Eliminate easy access
According to statistics from the FBI, 61% of burglars use force to gain entry, “but they’ll often look for open doors and windows first,” says Jim Towns. Check that all door and window locks are working (including windows on the second story), and repair any broken glass, particularly in basement windows. Bring in any hidden keys.

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TOP 3 FURNACE EFFICIENCY TIPS

Lately we have been receiving lots of calls regarding our clients furnace not providing enough heat or that it is not working as efficiently as it did  last year.  Their first instinct is to assume they need a new thermostat. While sometimes that is the case, a few other more common factors will cause your heater to work less efficiently. Before you worry your heater is broken and begin furiously looking for heating and air companies, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you are getting the most value out of your furnace. Below are Bell Brothers top three furnace efficiency tips.

Furnace Maintenance Checks
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New Homeowners Checklist Here

JLH Heating checklist to the new homeowners! We will take the time to explain your heating & air conditioning system in terms you will understand. When it comes to your comfort & safety, there are no stupid questions. Please ask.

1. 20 point + Inspection of your HVAC system – making sure it is safe and ready to use. 

  • Check thermostat and calibrate if necessary
  • Check chimney base
  • Clean and check pilots
  • Adjust pilot
  • Check Thermocouple
  • Clean burners
  • Adjust burners
  • Check fan belts
  • Check amperage draw
  • Check furnace filters*
  • Check safety devices
  • Check heat anticipators
  • Check thermostat contacts
  • Check limit control
  • Inspect combustion chamber
  • Check blower wheel
  • Check blower motor and lube
  • Check furnace wiring
  • Check for combustion air
  • Check hot water tank
  • Check gas valve operation
  • Test for gas leaks
  • Check humidifier*
  • Check electrical connections
  • Inspect heat exchanger for leaks
  • Check motors and oil if necessary
  • Check any/all accessories
  • Check and secure all panels
  • Check condensate hoses
  • Request Furnace Repair Service

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8 Simple Furnace Fixes

If your furnace quits or breaks down try these 8 simple furnace fixes before you call for service help. You can solve the problem and avoid a $200 service call.

Required Tools and Materials for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Furnace filter
  • Bleach
  • Metal foil duct tape
  • Hardware cloth, 1/2-in.
  • Electrical tape

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