What’s the Point of Regular HVAC Maintenance?

Posted on: March 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin 4 Comments

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Although you can technically skip maintenance, it is not advisable! Imagine doing the same with your car. If you never have the oil changed or a tune-up until the check-engine light comes on, you can’t expect it to last more than a few of years. With that in mind, there is one very practical reason to schedule maintenance and that is saving money! There are two ways scheduling yearly maintenance will save you money: prevention and energy efficiency.

Prevention:

Regular check ups give your technician more chances to detect small problems and correct them, before they become major issues. Repairing a small refrigerant leak may not be a huge charge, but buying a new compressor when low refrigerant levels burn your current one out can cost a significant amount of money.
Energy Efficiency:

Maintenance service will ensure that your HVAC system is running at maximum efficiency by cleaning out your system and making sure that everything is in optimal condition. When your HVAC is running well, it uses less energy to cool and heat your house. Lower energy usage means lower bills and less environmental impact.

So what are some of the things we will do in a routine maintenance visit?

Check thermostat settings. – This should be operating at optimum efficiency.
Tighten all electrical connections. – Bad connections can reduce the life of major components.
Lubricate all moving parts. – Friction can slow motors and increase the amount of electricity used.
Inspect the condensate drain. – A clogged drain can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity.
Check system controls. – We check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Clean air conditioning coils. – Dirty coils reduce the system’s cooling ability. This in turn makes the system run longer and wear down more quickly.
Check refrigerant level. – Improper refrigerant levels will make your system less efficient.
Inspect blower components. – Airflow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15% in the winter.
Check all connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. – Any problems here can cause the equipment to operate less safely and less efficiently.

At Action Air we’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. We have certified service technicians, ready to provide you with high quality and knowledgeable maintenance on your unit. Visit our website or give us a call at (931) 647-8525 to set up your maintenance appointment today!

Sources:

Trane
Home Advisor
Energy Star

What Type of Furnace is Right for You?

Posted on: September 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

Your furnace keeps you warm at night and helps you out of bed in the morning.

Name: ACTION AIR
Address: 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040
Telephone: (931) 647-8525

While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost when you are thinking about a new furnace.

So, what are your options when you need a new furnace? At Action Air we have several types of furnaces available. There are many price and efficiency ranges available for you to consider. We are going to compare a few different furnace options that Action Air offers to the Clarksville area, and share a little about how each kind works.

Today’s furnaces pollute less and boost comfort by producing heat more steadily than older furnaces. Although electric and oil furnaces are still available, gas is the most common fuel used in furnaces today and the type of furnace we want to discuss. A forced air furnace utilizes propane or natural gas, and is generally the most efficient and economical method of heating. There are several types of forced air furnaces available and they have various energy ratings.

Single Stage Furnace – This type of furnace is the most common furnace, utilizing a simple operation. There is only one fan speed and the gas flame is either on or off. These furnaces will wait for the temperature in a building to get to the coldest possible setting before firing on. Once the furnace starts, it will fill the house full of heat until the thermostat registers the temperature being the same as its setting. The temperature within a house will vary greatly, which makes this type of furnace the most wasteful in terms of energy. A single stage furnace will also be the loudest during operation. They are, however, the most affordable during the initial investment.
Dual Stage Furnace – The dual stage furnace is more sophisticated than the single stage furnace. Rather than simply being on or off, its flame can be firing at a high setting, low setting, or off. The additional flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. In addition, a dual stage furnace is much quieter than single stage furnaces. The initial cost will be higher, but the difference will be made up over time because of the increase in energy efficiency.
Modulating Furnace – A modulating furnace will adjust its flame in increments. This helps to ensure that the true temperature of a building will never vary more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat’s target temperature. This type of furnace regulates the temperature more thoroughly and will eliminate the long, cold periods that occur while a room cools to the temperature where the furnace restarts (a common occurrence in single and two stage furnaces). It also eliminates the buildup of heat that happens when a single stage furnace is on in full force. In addition to having variable flame settings, the blower settings on a modulation furnace are also variable. These will adjust according to the demand on the furnace. Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. The initial cost will be the highest with modulating furnaces; however, this price will quickly be recouped because of the energy efficiency created.

Although this is good general guide, there are an even greater number of choices and variables available within these types of furnaces. To learn more about which furnace will be the best furnace for you, consult with one of the experts at Action Air today. You can call us at (931) 647-8525 or contact us online. Located in Clarksville, we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff serving Montgomery County and all of the surrounding areas. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

How can I reduce humidity inside my home over the summer?

Posted on: June 12th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

People in Middle Tennessee have heard this phrase hundreds of times:

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”

There is a lot of truth to that phrase and low humidity is just as important inside your house as it is outside! The main way our bodies cool us down is through evaporation of moisture from our skin. If the humidity is too high, even with your AC unit blasting, you may not be able to get cool enough. So, what should indoor humidity be? The ideal humidity level inside your house is between 30% and 50%. Any higher than that and you’ll be sweating! Don’t worry though, there are some things you can do to help reduce humidity inside your home.

Exhaust Fans – Most homes come with exhaust fans already installed. Bathroom exhaust fans and vent fans for your stove can be key in keeping a low humidity level in your house. These products are designed to remove the excess humidity that is created by showering, boiling water, and other activities that will create excess moisture in the air. If your home isn’t equipped with these fans, installing them will help to seriously reduce your indoor humidity levels.
Air Flow – Increasing the airflow within your home will help promote the evaporation of any moisture. This is especially helpful for rooms that feel a little more stuffy than the rest of the house. There is a reason you see so many ceiling fans all over the south! The increased circulation of air will do wonders for reducing humidity and evenly distributing the cooler air from your air conditioner.
Seal Leaks – Leaking seals around your windows and doors can make your home more humid! Just as in winter when you can feel a cool breeze through a poorly sealed window, heat and humidity can come inside during the summer. Take a little time and insure the proper seal around your doors and windows. Most seals can be easily repaired or replaced with DIY products from a hardware store. It’s also important to check around any vents or exhausts like dryer vents.
Dehumidifier – When humidity becomes a serious problem, a dehumidifier can be the answer. The dehumidifier will remove excess humidity from the air in your home and will usually store the moisture in some kind of container. These containers will have to be emptied on occasion, and you will be able to see how much water they remove from the atmosphere. When the humidity is higher, it will have to be emptied more frequently. Water from a dehumidifier is perfect to use for watering your houseplants!
HVAC Service and Maintenance – Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home, it also removes moisture from the air. Leaks in your HVAC ductwork or an AC unit will not only allow the humidity to creep higher in your home, it will also cost you more to cool your house. That’s why it’s a good idea to have Action Air Conditioning in Clarksville, TN do an inspection of your HVAC twice a year.

When humidity seeps into your home, it can make rooms feel stuffy and even smell musty. Beyond these superficial discomforts, too much humidity can result in serious consequences. An overly humid home can lose its structural integrity, attract pests like silverfish and centipedes, and even make you sick. So make sure you consult with Action Air for the best air conditioning installation, service, and repair. If you have any questions or need more help please contact Action Air by calling (931) 647-8525, or visiting our wesite https://actionairclarksville.com/ When you need action, call Action Air!

Action Air’s Recommended Steps for Changing Your HVAC Filter

Posted on: March 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 3 Comments

Steps for Changing Your HVAC Filter

All it takes are a few easy steps, but make sure you read the instructions for your unit first to help you understand how to change the filter.

It’s spring time in Clarksville, TN! Did you know changing the filter in your HVAC unit is one of the easiest steps you can take to ensure the long life of your system and improve its function? It will also help to save you some money! Your HVAC filter helps keep debris, dust, and pollutants out of your system and help it run more efficiently in the cold, as well as the heat. Action Air recommends changing it every 3 months for most systems, but some systems may need changed every month. Check your users manual to see what is best for your system.

Get a new filter – First you need to know what size it is. You can check the side of your current filter for the dimensions. Once you know the size you should be able to find a filter at any hardware store and even some department stores.
Turn it off – It is essential that you turn off your HVAC unit before you change the filter. This will protect you and your HVAC unit. If you can’t figure out how to turn it off, it’s as simple as turning off the breaker.
Take it out – Locate your old filter and gently take it out of the location. These are generally on the right side of the unit. Be careful, because it will probably be covered in dust and debris that it is has been cleaning from your air.
Slide it in – Carefully slide the new filter into the spot where the old filter lived. The arrows on the filter will indicate which side should be facing out and which side should face into the unit.

Need help ? Call Action Air Conditioning Service Inc.!

Very rarely will there be a filter inside your ductwork, but if there is you can call Action Air and one of our service professionals can come and change the filter for you. If you are ever unsure about how to change a filter, or are afraid you may have replaced something incorrectly, call our local Clarksville office at (931) 647-8525. In need of a regular maintenance plan? Let Action Air take care of you. Click here for more information.

“Falling” Into Preventative Maintenance

Posted on: September 24th, 2014 by tcg_admin No Comments

Get Ready to “Fall” Into Cooler Temperatures… And A Preventative Maintenance Plan With Action Air Clarksville!

It’s that time of year again! We’re ready to pack the flip-flops away and dig out the old boots! Cooler temperatures are on their way, and it’s being predicted that this winter will be a cold one! It may only be September, but it’s never too early to start preparing for those chilly evenings ahead! Here are a few great tips to keep your family warm, your heating unit functioning and your bank account happy!

Purchase drapes this season to use at night. Closing them traps the heat inside, keeping your family warm and your energy bill down. But don’t forget to open the south-facing window treatments during the day to let the warm sunlight in!
Purchase heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets to adhere over your window frames. This reduces infiltration of cold air.
If you’re thinking about planting new trees… now is the time! Selecting larger trees that lose their leaves in the winter will allow the sun through… but will shade your house when summer rolls back around.
Don’t forget to change those air filters! New ones will allow your heating unit to run more efficiently as the colder months approach us.

More importantly, be sure to schedule a Fall Heating System Maintenance appointment with Action Air Clarksville. Not only will a surprise malfunction this winter make life cold and uncomfortable, but lack of heat (for even a few hours) can cause pipes to freeze and burst which will lead to costly repairs. (Did we mention a seasonal tune-up could save you approximately 10% on your heating bill this winter?)

Action Air – Serving Tennessee & Kentucky - Action Air specializes in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC repairs and installations. Serving the Clarksville & Hopkinsville area since 1979.

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