Professional Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Covington’

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Heater

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

No one likes to hear that their heater is at the end of its life. Unfortunately, that eventuality claims all heating systems. No matter how well you maintain your heating system, you will eventually see a day where it has to be replaced. Are you prepared to recognize that day when it arrives, however? Let’s examine the signs that indicate it’s time to replace your heater, instead of repairing it.

Repairs Increase in Frequency and Cost

Even a newer heater will incur repair needs on occasion. The odd faulty part or unusual circumstance will arise every so often that requires professional attention. As your heater gets closer to the end of its lifespan, however, these occurrences will begin to become more and more frequent and costly. It will begin to seem like your heater breaks down at least every other month, and the cost of each repair will steadily grow as replacement parts stop becoming available. Once this begins happening, it is very likely that your heater needs to be replaced.

Rise in Heating Bills

If your heating bills begin to show a consistent rise month after month, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your heating system. Normally, there should be slight variations in your heating bill as your need for heat fluctuates. As the heater gets older, however, the various parts in the system begin to wear down. This slowly decreases their efficiency, lowering the system’s heat output until it has to stay on for much longer in order to heat the same sized space. If your heating bills are getting more and more expensive for no apparent reason, you should consider replacing your heater.

Age

Age is often the number one indicator of whether or not you should replace your heater. The older a heater gets, the harder it gets to keep it in good condition. Parts go out of production, and advancing efficiency in newer systems vastly increases the benefits of replacing the old heater with a new one. If your heater is older than 10-15 years old, even if it seems to be working fine, it might be a good idea to start looking at replacing it.

If you think your heater may need replacing, schedule an appointment with A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We provide heating services in the Covington area.

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What to Do When Your Heat Pump Won’t Start Up

Monday, January 5th, 2015

A heat pump is an efficient system for both heating and cooling, and many homeowners take pride in their money-saving investment. That’s why it can be so frustrating when a reliable heating system won’t seem to work. With regular maintenance, heat pumps should run into few problems over time, but unfortunately repair needs are always a possibility. So what can you do when your heat pump system fails?

If your heat pump runs into trouble, count on the trained experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for professional heating service in Covington.

Steps to Take during a Heat Pump Failure

If your heat pump won’t turn on, the very first thing you should always check is the thermostat. The thermostat communicates with the heat pump that it is time to turn on or shut off as needed. Check to make sure the settings you’ve programmed indicate that your heat pump is meant to switch on at that time. Most importantly, check to make sure it is in the proper mode: heating or cooling. Heat pumps have a reversing valve that allow them to easily change over from heating to cooling mode, and this valve must be activated for the  cycle to kick in. If one setting works but not the other, it could be a reversing valve that needs replacement.

Unfortunately, if this doesn’t solve the problem, there’s little you can do on your own. Any major repair is best left to a professional in the heating and cooling industry. Trained technicians can assess the trouble and recommend any number of solutions, from adding refrigerant to replacing the compressor.

How to Prevent Repairs in the Future

One of the best steps you can take in keeping this problem from occurring in the future is preventive maintenance. Most technicians recommend that you schedule maintenance once or twice a year so that technicians can clean coils, adjust settings and refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, and let you know of any minor repair needs ahead of time.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning offers a money-saving maintenance program for twice yearly tune ups and discounts on service fees. Call us today if you’re in need of maintenance or heating service in Covington.

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What Is a Standing Pilot?

Friday, December 12th, 2014

A standing pilot is the standard ignition device for most natural gas burning heating systems, and has been for many years. It’s a continuously burning flame at the bottom of the heater, responsible for starting the burners that actually generate heat for the home. Though it’s a widely used technology, there are a few things that have given it a less-than-stellar reputation. Read on for an explanation of how a standing pilot works, as well as some common issues with it.

How it Works

A standing pilot light is actually fairly simple in design. A gas line terminates in a small burner, which creates the flame. A bit of composite metal wire, called a “thermocouple,” connects the burner to a valve in the gas line. When the pilot light is lit, the thermocouple registers the heat and generates an electric current. The current travels down the thermocouple to the gas valve and opens it. This is what keeps the pilot light burning. When the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple’s electric current stops and the gas valve closes. This is a safety measure to prevent gas from flooding your home.

Common Problems

The most common problem for standing pilot lights is the light going out. This tends to happen because the flame is unprotected from air currents or sudden draft. Though there is an ignition system on most heaters to relight the pilot light, there are other issues that can occur.

The thermocouple for the pilot light often wears out over time, eventually losing the ability to create an electrical current. This can occur from wear and tear, corrosion, becoming detached from the volt meter, or simply becoming bent way from the pilot flame. Regardless of the way that the thermocouple stops working, the effect is the same: the pilot light is unable to stay lit. If your pilot light seems to light without issues, but almost immediately goes out, it’s because the thermocouple is no longer keeping the gas valve to the flame open.

If you’re having issues with your pilot light, call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer professional heating services throughout Covington.

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Why Is Professional Duct Sealing Important?

Friday, December 5th, 2014

Ducts are one of several parts of your home’s infrastructure that you probably never think about. They’re largely invisible, serve a fairly simple purpose with no moving parts to malfunction, and are just generally unobtrusive. It may come as a shock, then, when we tell you that ducts are actually responsible for some of the biggest wastes of energy and money regarding your heating system. Let’s dive into the evidence supporting this claim, and why you should employ professional duct cleaning to solve for it.

Heat Loss

The US Department of Energy estimates that forced air systems lose between 20 and 30% of their heat on average to duct leaks. That means that almost a third of the energy that your heating system spends on heating goes completely wasted. You’re still paying for that energy, however, which means that your heating bill is often substantially higher than it should be. This is the primary reason for professional duct sealing. A lot of these leaks are not noticeable without close inspection, which drastically lowers the chances of a homeowner spotting and sealing one on his or her own.

Uneven Heating

In addition to wasting a great deal of money, duct leaks hinder the ability of your heating system to evenly distribute heat throughout the house. This creates uncomfortable cold spots in your home, some encompassing multiple rooms, depending on the size of the leak. Professional duct sealing can return equilibrium to your heating system, ensuring that you are comfortable and warm no matter where you are in your home.

Contaminants

The dark ductwork in your home can be a prime habitat for all sorts of harmful organisms. Viruses, bacteria, and mold are among the most common contaminants found in a home’s ducts. Many of these organisms are prevented from gaining a foothold in your ducts by a lack of easy entry. It only takes a small duct leak, however, for these contaminants to begin thriving and multiplying. They can then be circulated throughout your house by your forced air system. Professional duct sealing makes it harder for contaminants to enter your ducts, making it a good way to improve your air quality.

If you haven’t had your ducts sealed in a while, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. Our heating professionals cover the entire Covington area.

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Reasons to Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat

Friday, November 21st, 2014

Sometimes it can seem that to really make strides in decreasing energy usage, big changes have to happen: the installation of a new heating system, drastically changing the temperatures you set or installing a fireplace for more supplemental heat. But there is one change you can make that doesn’t require an enormous amount of effort: upgrading your thermostat. Your thermostat controls when and at what temperature your home is heated, and having better control over your thermostat can help you have better control over your heating.

Types of Thermostats

Today’s thermostats have come a long ways since mercury-based dial thermostats and slide thermostats:

  • Digital – digital thermostats offer a level of precision you won’t get with a slide or dial thermostat. The numbers are exact versus being in a range. Digital thermostats are also more intuitive and have easier-to-use buttons.
  • Programmable – programmable thermostats have digital technology but take it to another level by giving you the ability to program your heating system for up to 7 days (you can loop the program to have it run continuously). Programming your thermostat allows you to set temperatures to accommodate for the daytime, the nighttime and for times when no one is home – you can even program for weekend and vacation times.
  • Smart – smart thermostats give you the ultimate control over your heating systems. By downloading a simple app and having access to Wi-Fi, you can program your thermostat, change settings and monitor your energy usage from any smart device.

Why Upgrade?

  • Better energy efficiency – the better you can control how, when and at what temperature you heat your home, the less heating you’ll use, which helps reduce energy usage.
  • Better comfort – the precision of an upgraded thermostat allows you to set an exact temperature, which can help improve comfort levels.
  • Less wear on your system – upgraded thermostats can reduce the amount of time your heating system operates, which reduces the amount of wear and tear on your system.
  • Convenience – being able to program your thermostat means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn your heat up or down.

Can your heating benefit from an upgraded thermostat? If so, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule heating service in Covington with one of our experts.

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Signs Your Heat Pump May Need Repair

Friday, October 17th, 2014

Your heat pump is an efficient heating and cooling system that works year round to keep you comfortable. But because the unit runs throughout the year, there may come a day that it stops working, leaving you without any cooling or heating and a costly repair bill. You cannot assume your heat pump will last forever, but you can fix the problem quickly if you call a professional as soon as you notice any of these problems.

When you run into problems with your heating system, call the experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer 24-hour emergency service in Covington, LA, for any heating repair needs.

Common Heat Pump Problems

  • Trouble Switching from Cooling to Heating Mode: The reversing valve is the component that allows your heat pump to switch into heating mode when needed. If you don’t feel any heat from the vents this winter, it could be due to the thermostat, or it may mean that the reversing valve needs replacement.
  • Unusual Noises: Strange noises from your heat pump could indicate a variety of problems. A rattling noise, for example, could point toward a loose screw or it may mean there is trouble with the compressor, particularly if the heat pump is old and may soon need replacement.
  • High Heating and Cooling Bills: Heat pumps are extremely efficient heaters and air conditioners, but they still account for a large portion of your energy bills. If you notice higher-than-average energy bills this season, there is a good chance that a component of your system has worn down and your unit is working hard to compensate, ultimately driving up your energy bills.

Schedule Service Early

Because your heat pump runs throughout the year, you should do everything you can to keep it in top shape and prevent any problems from occurring. This includes scheduling regular maintenance with a technician so that your system can be thoroughly cleaned, adjusted, and inspected for problems early on.

You should also call a technician at the first sign of trouble so that problems do not worsen over time. As it moves into the heating season, you need a reliable system that won’t fail when you need it most. Call the experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for professional heating repair service in Covington, LA.

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3 Reasons to Install a Heat Pump

Friday, August 8th, 2014

It’s the dog days of summer: temperatures in the 90s, coupled with Louisiana humidity. This is the time of year when you count on your air conditioner, but if your system is over 10 years old, requires costly repairs, or is losing efficiency, it may be time to consider replacing your air conditioner in Covington.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to installing a new air conditioning system, and one you may want to consider is a heat pump. Heat pump technology isn’t new, but it is quickly becoming a popular choice among homeowners because of its benefits. A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning specializes in heat pump installation, repair and replacement, so we know very well how a heat pump can benefit you and your home.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one location to another. When cooling, the heat pump moves the warm air from your home to the outside, and when heating, the heat pumps pulls in the heat energy surrounding it, and moves it into your home. Heat pumps use a small amount of electricity to work, but nothing compared to electric heat or the electricity needed for a fossil fuel-based system.

What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps have become popular for a few good reasons:

  1. You get both heating and cooling from a heat pump – heat pumps are a 2-in-1 device thanks to a component called a reversal switch. By simply turning the switch, your system will either cool or heat as needed.
  1. Save on energy bills – heat pumps use a very small amount of electricity to operate and no fossil fuels whatsoever. If you’ve been paying for natural gas or oil to heat your home, or expend a great deal of money on electricity to run your AC during the summer, you may see some great savings from installing a heat pump.
  1. Longevity – the average lifespan of a heat pump is 20 years, while the average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10-12 years. An 8-10 year difference in lifespan can be a huge cost savings for your household.

Heat pumps can be a great choice for your air conditioning. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule air conditioning service in Covington with one of our experts to see if a heat pump is a good fit for your home.

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3 Common Problems with Air Conditioner Fans

Monday, June 16th, 2014

Fans are an important part of your air conditioner’s system, particularly for the air flow and heat release process. Like other independent components of your air conditioning system, the fans can encounter problems, too, potentially leading to other issues with your system. Issues with your fans can have their own set of warning signs, something we’ve seen many times with air conditioning repairs in Covington. To help you pinpoint whether or not have an issue with one of your air conditioning system’s fans, our A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning experts have put together some information for you on your AC’s fans.

Signs of Potential Fan Problems

Fans can be noisy when something is on the fritz. A couple of typical noises to look for might be:

  • A clunking sound – which can indicate a loose or bent fan blade hitting or banging the inside of your outdoor unit
  • A screeching sound – which can indicate a worn-out fan belt

Another symptom can come in the form of performance:

  • Decrease in air flow coming into your property
  • Warm air blowing into your property

Lastly you may have a problem with a fan if your air conditioner develops ice.

3 Most Common Fan Problems

Fans have several components, including wiring. Here are 3 of the more common problem areas when it comes to your air conditioner’s fans:

Motor Issues

Motors turn the fans’ blades, so if the motor of a fan is faulty, the fan won’t turn as needed. The fans’ motors are electric, and can fail due to burn out, overheating or problems with internal wiring. Typically this can be fixed by replacing the motor.

Electrical Problems

As we touched on above, each fan has its own motor; each motor is tied to your system’s electricity, but it also has wiring within it to make the motor run. Over time, wires can fray, become loose or disconnect; these things can cause the motor to run unevenly or not at all, possibly putting strain on your whole air conditioning system.

Problems with the Fan Blades

The blades on your fans are metal and can bend or break, particularly on the outdoor unit; they can also come loose from operation. If a blade is bent, it can hit other components around it as it spins, potentially causing damage. Loose and broken fan blades can be quite hazardous to your system, too, particularly if they disengage from the fan itself. Depending on what kind of shape they are in, bent, broken or loose fan blades may need to be replaced.

Don’t Ignore Fan Problems

The fans in your system are key components in the air flow and heat release/cooling process of your AC; if one of the fans is malfunctioning, it can cause a potentially bigger problem in your air conditioner down the road. Think you may have a fan problem? Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to help you with your air conditioning repair in Covington.

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