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Channel: Maintenance – Air Hawk Heating and Cooling

Why Your Home Is Humid And How To Fix It

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Living in a humid climate can be a bit of a nightmare. Luckily, you can escape the humid weather outside by going into your nice air conditioned home. Unless that outdoor humidity has found it’s way inside. What causes indoor humidity and how can you fix it?

If your air conditioner is working properly, it should remove excess moisture from the air. If you’ve noticed an increase in your home’s humidity, it could be a sign that there is an issue with your AC unit. High humidity causes your air conditioner to work much harder which makes it less efficient. When this happens, your home can become quite uncomfortable to live in.

To help reduce the strain that humidity can have on your AC, you can purchase a dehumidifier. As the name suggests, a dehumidifier helps to pull moisture from the air, which can also help improve your homes indoor air quality. This will make your home much more comfortable and it can also help reduce your in-home allergies.

In addition to using a dehumidifier, you should also make sure that your home has proper ventilation. Stream buildup in bathrooms can lead to problems such as mold and mildew as well as an increase in other allergens. Contact the Air Hawk team today to ensure that your AC unit is prepared to handle the humidity. We can also help you access if you have the necessary ventilation in place to prevent excess humidity from building up.

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Why You Need An AC Maintenance Plan

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Without proper maintenance and care, your HVAC system can become quite costly. As we’ve mentioned before, leveraging preventative measures can actually help you save money overtime. And what is the best way to achieve this? By creating a maintenance schedule and enrolling in an AC maintenance plan.

Why Is AC Maintenance Important?

Proper maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system. Did you know that the lack of maintenance can void your warranty? That means that if something were to go wrong with your system, you might have to pay a hefty bill. This is why AC maintenance is important.

HVAC maintenance also makes your system more efficient. And an efficient air conditioning system can result in lower utility costs. How? Changing your filters regularly ensures that air is allowed to flow freely through your system. Hiring a professional to inspect your system annually will ensure that no underlying issues exist. This prevents you from paying unexpected repair expenses.

Choosing An AC Maintenance Plan

Unfortunately, AC maintenance requires more than just changing your air filters regularly. The efficiency of your AC unit is also dependent on its condenser oils, belts and connection, condensate drains, and several other components. This is where the professionals at Air Hawk come in to help.

Our reliable team of technicians can be trusted to take care of all your HVAC maintenance needs. We understand that every home is different. That’s why we evaluate your HVAC system’s performance and offer reliable, affordable solutions to help you improve air quality, create the perfect home environment, and save on utilities.

When it comes to HVAC maintenance, budget is usually a point of concern. We offer two maintenance plans to help with that. And when you sign up for our premium maintenance plan, we waive your service call fees for a year. Both plans ensure that your system undergoes the most essential maintenance checklist. You can use your AC with confidence with an Air Hawk maintenance plan.

 

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Why You Shouldn’t Skip HVAC Maintenance

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The beauty of living in Florida is that, unlike most of the country, the weather stays nice all year long. Which means that your air conditioner sees a lot more activity. Could you imagine not having your air conditioner even during the winter months? Not a pleasant thought—but without proper maintenance, it might be a reality. Here are three reasons you shouldn’t skip HVAC maintenance.

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

As with anything else, when you take proper care of your HVAC system, you help prolong its lifespan. When you neglect little problems, they eventually become bigger problems—which can result in costly repairs.

Having a reliable HVAC partner such as the Air Hawk team ensures that your system is working and running as it should. With one of our maintenance plans, you can have peace of mind that your HVAC system is up to the task of keeping your home comfortable all year.

Minimize the Risk of Emergency Repair

There’s nothing quite like having an air conditioner emergency on a hot night. Probably something you’d much rather avoid. HVAC maintenance can help. As discussed above, ignoring small problems with your HVAC system can eventually result in much bigger problems. The result is usually emergency repair. That’s why it is important to stick to a maintenance schedule to ensure you recognize any issues that arise with your HVAC system.

When our technicians come out to do your annual maintenance, we can identify potential issues before they have a chance to become major points of concern. We can also make recommendations to help you avoid issues in the future. The truth is, an annual maintenance plan is less expensive than a costly emergency repair.

Increase Energy Efficiency (Cost Savings)

Running your AC year round can be a bit of a hurter on the wallet. But there are ways to help reduce those expenses—one of which is regular HVAC maintenance. Changing your air filters regularly helps keep your system from overworking. In fact, it can improve your system’s efficiency by 5%–15%. We recommend changing your filters every 30–60 days—if you’re spending more time at home, opt for every 30 days.

Having your duct work cleaned ensures that there is no blockage in the air flow which also prevents your system from overexerting itself. With our maintenance plans, we also clean your condenser coils, check for and remove debris, check your blow motors, and more. Combining all of these efforts together not only keeps your home cool and comfortable, it also keeps your utility bills from breaking the bank.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Skip HVAC Maintenance appeared first on Air Hawk Heating and Cooling.

Three Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

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How often do you run maintenance on your hot water heater? If you’re like many, it’s probably not something you give much thought to—until your showers start to run a bit cold. But there could be some key signs—besides a lack of hot water—that let you know that your hot water heater might be on it’s last leg.

1. Cloudy or Murky Water

You turn on the water just like any other time but you notice the water has an unusual, murky color. This is caused by mineral build up. The culprit? More than likely it’s your tank’s anode rod. Typically the anode rod needs to be replace a few times over the life of you tank. If it’s not, it can begin to break down and rust. Once you start seeing cloudy water, you can be almost certain your tank is beginning to corrode. As with your HVAC, maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected, costly repairs—or even the need to replace the unit all together. Our NATE-certified technicians can help you ensure your hot water tank is running at peak performance and you can avoid murky water.

2. Unpleasant Odor

Have you ever noticed an odd, unpleasant odor when you turn on the hot water? This is another sign that your hot water tank is failing. Much like the murky water, unpleasant odor is caused by mineral buildup—and you guessed it, the anode rod. If your water has a metallic smell and/or taste, your system is likely leaching metal into your water supply. If you notice the smell of rotten egg or sulfur, the anode rod is more than likely having an adverse reaction to bacteria in the water. The Air Hawk team can help you clean your tank and let you know what options you have moving forward.

3. Leaking Tank

Have you notice a damp spot or more obviously, a puddle on the floor near your water heater? A leaking water heater is the result of a lack of maintenance, sediment buildup, or simply age. Regardless of the reason, it is a clear sign that your hot water heater is failing. If you notice leaking around the seams of the tank, it’s a sign that you need to replace your water heater. If there’s dripping around the pressure valve, contact the Air Hawk team immediately as this is a sign of dangerous pressure levels.

While most people don’t really give their hot water heater much thought until they run out of hot water, we recommend adding it to your HVAC maintenance schedule. This can help alert you to potential issues before they get too far along and it can help prolong the life of your hot water heater. If you notice any of the signs above—and you’ve experienced a lack of hot water—request an appointment with an Air Hawk technician. We will determine if we can repair your hot water heater or if it’s simply time to replace it. Don’t be left without hot water, start your maintenance routine today.

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Why Your Heater Smells Like It’s Burning

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In Florida, we are privileged to enjoy mild winters. When that temperature does dip, it’s nice to have a working heating system to take the chill off. But after months of sitting dormant, you might notice a burning smell when you first turn it on. Now in general, a burning smell coming from your heater is common—no need to panic. However, it’s important to be able to identify the type of burning smell and determine if it could be more serious. Let’s explore the types of burning smells you may encounter and what to do.

Burning Dust

Anything that is not used regularly when tend to collect dust—especially if there’s no routine maintenance. Same goes for your heater. If you notice the smell of burning dust when you first turn on your heat, it could due to a dirty or clogged air filter. As the heat passed through the filter, it may give off the smell of burning dust. This is why regular maintenance is important. We recommend checking and changing your air filters every 30–60 days.

Dust can also collect in the heater and cause an initial burning smell. As the dust burns off, the smell should go away after a cycle or two. If the smell persists, request an appointment with an Air Hawk technician. We will help determine the best solution to keep your home comfortable—without the smell.

Burning Plastic or Rubber

No one likes the smell of burning plastic or rubber. If you notice this smell when you first turn on your heat, there could be a foreign object such as a toy somewhere in your heating system. Burning plastic can potentially give off hazardous fumes. When you smell burning plastic, immediately turn off your heat and locate the object. If you can’t find the object after a thorough check of your system, contact Air Hawk immediately.

Electrical

An electrical smell is never a good sign. If you smell electrical burning when you turn on your heat, there might be an issue with the blower motor. Typically your system should automatically shut off when it gets overheated—if it doesn’t, it’s likely due to a malfunction or serious damage. If not handled immediately, your system could get dangerously hot. Do not hesitate, call Air Hawk immediately at (813) 929-4295 and request an appointment.

The smell could also be from exposed or frayed wiring. If you believe there might be an electrical issue, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Please contact a professional immediately. It could also be from a cracked heat exchanger which can be very dangerous. Again do not hesitate, call the Air Hawk team without delay.

While a burning smell is quite common, you shouldn’t just ignore the smell. It’s important to make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue. If the burning smell continues beyond a heating cycle and you can’t seem to identify the cause, contact Air Hawk. We will send one of our NATE-certified technicians to help diagnosis the issue and get your system working efficiently.

The post Why Your Heater Smells Like It’s Burning appeared first on Air Hawk Heating and Cooling.

Five Tips to Reduce Your Utility Bill

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After a year of social distancing and sheltering in place, you may have noticed that your electricity bill is a little higher than usual. Think about it: Netflix marathons, cooking and baking weekly, spending nights inside with the lights on—sounds like a recipe for increased utility costs. And since families will likely be spending more time at home at through the winter, we thought we’d share some tips to help reduce that electricity bill before it goes too high.

Reduce Utility Costs With These Five Tips

Let’s start with the most obvious and often overlooked: turn off lights in rooms that you’re not using. Seems simple enough but we often walk out of room leaving on the lights and television while we start doing other things in other rooms. Might seem minimum but those costs can add up.

Now let’s jump into some tips that can really help move the needle on reducing your energy costs.

  1. Check your insulation. Heat often escapes via air leaks around doors and windows—and attics. This causes your HVAC system to work harder which results in higher utility costs. Check your windows and doors and ensure there’s.a good seal.
  2. Use a programmable devices. This is the age of technology—use it to your advantage. Program your thermostat to lower the temperature slightly at night—a few degrees can translate to significant cost reductions. Run your dishwasher in the evening during lower consumption times. Program every programmable device to work at low-consumption times.
  3. Don’t over heat your home. If you’re not there, no need to warm it up. Set up a schedule so that your HVAC kicks on just before you come home if you’re away during the day. These gives your system a break and your pockets too. If you’re not occupying multiple rooms, opt for a space heater rather than turning on your entire system just heat one room.
  4. Take advantage of the sun. Have several rooms that receive ample sunlight? Use this to your advantage. Although it may be hard to believe, the sun can be a great source of heat when the temperature outside is a little chilly. Open your drapes during the day and allow the sun to warm up the room. Be sure to close your drapes at night to help keep the heat in.
  5. Keep up with HVAC maintenance. You knew this would be on the list. HVAC maintenance is essential to making sure your system is working at peak performance. And when your system is working properly, you’ll see the difference in your utility costs. Change your air filters regularly, at least every 30–45 days, clean dust and debris from around your outdoor unit, and be sure to keep your vents clear of any obstructions. Schedule annual maintenance with the Air Hawk team to ensure that your condenser coils are clean and that your ductwork is free of debris.

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How Cleaning Your Air Ducts Extends The Life Of Your HVAC

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The truth is no one wants to have to spend money on HVAC repairs if they can avoid it. That’s why we stress the importance of annual maintenance and seasonal checkups. There is evidence that keeping up with maintenance, specifically cleaning your air ducts, can help extend the life of your HVAC system.

The truth is that if you neglect changing your air filters regularly, the likelihood of there being build up in your air ducts increases greatly. Just think about it, if you haven’t checked your ducts in quite some time, you really have no idea what might be hiding in them. And if your home has issues with humidity, there could be mold or mildew growing in your air ducts. Not only is that bad for the life of your HVAC system, it’s terrible for your family’s health.

Neglecting your air ducts could lead to air flow restrictions. Any blockage in your air ducts can cause your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air and cool your home. On average, Floridians use their air conditioners more frequently than residents of most other states. As a result, the HVAC system in your Florida home has more wear and tear on it than the average HVAC system. Any additional stress on the system can cause it to malfunction sooner. That’s why keeping up with maintenance and cleaning your air ducts can help extend the life of your HVAC system.

Don’t want to clean your air ducts yourself? Contact the Air Hawk team. We will come out and clean your air ducts as well as complete our maintenance checklist. Review our maintenance plans to take advantage of cost savings and best-in-class services.

The post How Cleaning Your Air Ducts Extends The Life Of Your HVAC appeared first on Air Hawk Heating and Cooling.

Does Your Home Have Air Leaks?

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As the seasons begin to change, getting prepared for the summer weather becomes more and more essential. To avoid an overheated home this summer, it is crucial to not only ensure that cool air isn’t escaping but also that warm air from outside into leaking into your home. Here are few ways to help avoid this and help keep those energy bills under control this summer.

Check For Air Leaks

If you already have an annual maintenance plan with Air Hawk, our team can help you determine if and where you have air leaks. If not, you can also do a preliminary survey of your home to check for areas where air might be leaking in or out. Simply light an incense and walk around your home. Any time you notice the smoke blowing sideways, it’s an indication that there is an air leak nearby. Don’t forget to check the basement and the attic as these areas are commonly where heat escapes or gets trapped. Once you’ve identified these leak zones, it’s time to determine the best way to correct the issue.

Fix Air Leaks

Did you know that even the smallest cracks and gaps can cause your home to lose up to 25% of its cool air? That becomes even more staggering when you consider what that translates to on your energy bill. Any time your HVAC system is forced to work harder, it means more money out of your pocket. We want to help you avoid this. Here are a few steps that you can take on your own or with the help of a professional to ensure your home is properly sealed.

  • Seal your windows or get new windows installed
  • Use door sweepers at all your exterior doors
  • Apply weather stripping around your doors and windows
  • Have new insulation added to your basement or attic—especially if you live in an older home

Florida summers can be brutal on your HVAC system. Help keep your costs down this summer by taking the time to weather seal your home and ensure that air leaks are kept to a minimum. Need help starting? Contact the Air Hawk team today and we will work with your to inspect your home for any position air leaks or other HVAC issues.

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Do Your Air Conditioning Coils Need To Be Replaced?

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Summer is just around the corner—have you completed your air conditioning maintenance check? A thorough inspection of your HVAC system is crucial to maintaining the life of your air conditioner. And it ensures that you and your family have a very comfortable Florida summer. There’s one check that sometimes get left off the checklist—your air conditioning coils.

Your system has two coils: an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air in your home. Here’s how it works. The evaporator coil is full of refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air blown over the coil. The warm refrigerant then travels to the compressor where it is converted into a gas. The gas then flows into the condenser coils which remove the heat from the refrigerant. As the refrigerant gas cools, it is converted back into a liquid.

If these coils go bad, it greatly decreases the efficiency and effectiveness of your air conditioning unit. The result? A stuffy, warm home this summer. What causes your air conditioning coils to go bad? Typically the culprit is low refrigerant. It’s important to check for leaks when performing your HVAC maintenance. If you have one of the Air Hawk maintenance plans, our professional technician will ensure that your coils receive a thorough inspection.

How To Tell If Your Air Conditioning Coil Need To Be Replaced?

Pinpointing the exact issue with your air conditioning unit can be a little difficult. The possibilities are quite vast. However, to help you determine if your air conditioning coils might be the culprit, here a few signs that usually point to them.

  • Only warm air is blowing out through your air vents
  • Air conditioner continually shuts on and off without doing much in terms of cooling
  • You notice strange sounds such as a banging or hissing
  • There are leaks near the indoor unit
  • The air conditioner will not turn on at all

If you know the source of your issue is one of the items listed above, give the Air Hawk team a call. We will do a full inspection of your unit and determine whether your coils can be repaired or if replacement would be the best option. One factor that impacts whether you should repair or simply replace your air conditioning coils is the age of your unit. For older units, especially those still using R-22 refrigerant, replacement will usually always be the best solution. A simple repair might be recommended for newer, more efficient units. If you’ve notice persistent issues, it is time to replace your air conditioning coils.

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How to Prevent Condensation in Your Ductwork

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Have you noticed condensation build up in your home? You might have a condensation issue in your ductwork. Condensation forms when warm, humid air comes into contact with a colder surface like your air conditioner’s ductwork. This colder surface then chills the surrounding air to a temperature below it’s dew point which causes the water vapor to condense into a liquid, just like on the outside of a glass filled with a cold beverage on a hot day. As you can imagine, this is not good for your ductwork. Let’s explore ways to help prevent condensation in your ductwork.

Proper Insulation

Properly insulating your ductwork is one of the best ways to prevent condensation from building up in your duct system. Insulations helps to regulate the temperature and ensure that it is maintained as the air travels through your home. The ductwork in unconditioned areas, such as attics, floors and ceilings is where ductwork insulation is imperative.
The ductwork in your home should be constructed with special insulation that helps in cutting down and getting rid of the formation of harmful water droplets.
Over time, insulation can become aged or damaged. This leaves gaps that allow water condensation to form within your home’s ductwork. This situation is correctable by adding additional insulation in these problem areas.

Dehumidify Your Home

In order to prevent condensation in your ducts, it is important to keep your home cool and dry during hot and humid weather. To do this, make sure your air conditioner is properly dehumidifying your home.

If you have issues with your air conditioner or would like for us to check your ductwork, contact us at 813-929-HAWK (4295) or 727-SAME-DAY for fast friendly service.

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