Recent Posts

Refrigerant Leaks: When to repair or replace?

What if the HVAC unit has a refrigerant leak? 

Most people would be tempted to have their refrigerant or Freon*, as most people call it, refilled, as to try and avoid costly repairs or replacing the unit. This tends to only exacerbate the problem and could end up being more costly in the long run. Many people believe that, over time, an air conditioner uses up the refrigerant. Most believe when the warm air starts blowing, they just need a recharge like in their automobiles.  In reality, an air conditioner or heat pump has a sealed refrigerant system that should never “use up” or run out of refrigerant.

*Freon is a name brand, not the actual name of refrigerant. 

Signs I may have a refrigerant leak?

The Importance of Changing Air Filters in HVAC Systems

Air filters are our best defense against pollen, dust, pet dander, etc. circulating in our indoor areas. But air filters also provide a defense against any larger objects that could be pulled into the system, such as loose insulation, which could create a fire risk. Not changing the air filter regularly will not only create more nastiness in the air, but it leads to conditions that foster mold or bacteria growth, and can cause unnecessary strain on the HVAC system. This can lead to future ac repair costs.

Clogged air filters are the number one cause of HVAC system failures. The job of the air filter is to collect all dirt, hair, dust, mold, etc. When the filter is not changed, the air cannot pass through it readily, as it is designed to do.

Effects of Dirty Filters
* The blower fan in the HVAC system has to work harder to push air. This will increase your energy bill plus put extra strain on the system, making the system wear out faster.
*The difficulty in the air moving means rooms are not getting the air they need. This means the temperature sensors which regulate when the HVAC system turns on and off, may not register the temperature needed to signal the system to power down. That will eventually wear down your fan motor.
*When the air can’t travel out of the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner the system could possibly over heat or freeze up. Basically, the unit will run, costing you the same amount of gas/oil, but no change in the indoor temperature.

Why Regular Maintenance on HVAC Units is Needed

Air conditioners have filters, coils, and fins that need routine maintenance for the HVAC unit to function at it’s most efficient through the years. If the unit runs without proper routine maintenance, it can eventually lead to the unit performing less and less but also causing the energy bill to increase. Cagle Service offers a VIP Priority Maintenance Membership program to help keep the HVAC unit running as smooth as possible.

The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. For example, neglecting to clean or replace an air filter in a furnace can be the culprit of the furnace not blowing hot air in the winter. None of us want to experience that!

Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.
The ac unit’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins. You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris.

Tank Water Heaters vs. Tank-less Water Heaters

Understanding Tank vs Tank-less Water Heaters

The differences in tank vs tankless water heaters can be summed up in four categories:

Convenience

The biggest problems that people have with their hot water is not having enough. You may find that hot water doesn’t last long enough for everyone in your family to get a shower, or that it runs out partway through. These are problems that only exist with a tank water heater. A tank-less heater can solve those problems. How? It’s because of how the two kinds of heaters work:

Tank heaters pre-heat a limited amount of water in their tank. You can get bigger tanks, but they’re expensive and there’s still a limit. If you use up all the hot water in the tank, you run out until it refills and reheats. This is what makes taking a long shower no fun.

Tank-less heaters heat up water as it’s needed—whenever you turn the faucet. They can bring water up to steaming, soothing temperatures in a matter of seconds. They can provide hot water indefinitely.

Efficiency

One of the biggest things homeowners want out of a new water heater is energy efficiency. This is where there’s the most dramatic difference between the two heaters:

A tank heater operates continuously. That means it’s running even when you’re asleep, and much of that hot water will never even be used. That’s a lot of wasted energy—that you pay for.

Why springtime is the best time to service your HVAC unit

Imagine buying a car. The oil is never changed and there is never a tune up. How long would you expect that car to last? It is the same concept with HVAC units. No matter how well the brand, units are complicated pieces of mechanical equipment that need servicing, repairs, and will have breakdowns every now and then. By having a preventive maintenance package, you can reduce the need for repairs caused by breakdowns.

Why Leave the Work for HVAC Professionals?

Many homeowners wonder why they can’t just complete an entire tune-up themselves. The fact is a thorough tune-up requires skills, tools and knowledge that only experienced HVAC technicians can deliver. Here’s what to expect when you call in the pros to perform annual HVAC system maintenance:

Check the thermostat: The tech makes sure the thermostat is calibrated correctly to ensure comfort in every season. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat installed, the technician may recommend one and install it for you on the spot.

Tighten electrical connections: Loose connections are dangerous and can cause improper operation that shortens the equipment’s lifespan. The technician also measures voltage and current on equipment motors.