When it comes to problems with air conditioning systems in New York, water leaks are usually the most common issue. But what causes this problem and what can you do yourself to minimize damage? Continue reading
Living in New York in summertime, your air conditioning unit can make a massive difference to your overall comfort. Of course, getting your AC system regularly and properly maintained is vitally important, but in the meantime, did you know that there are some issues that you can resolve yourself?
Don’t panic; we’re not talking about any heavy DIY; just basic checks that can potentially save you hassle and money. Check out some examples of typical AC problems below and use our advice to see if your issue is one you can fix yourself. Remember, these points are just a guide, and if you are in any doubt at all, you should always contact an air conditioning professional. Continue reading
As a resident of New York or Manhattan, you have probably heard of the importance of filters for your AC system. As you are probably aware, an air filter can perform many vital functions such as improving the lifespan of your air conditioning system, having a positive impact on energy efficiency and improving your overall health and well being With so much information available to New York and Manhattan homeowners, we look at some of the main benefits of these renowned filters, as well as the options available to you. Continue reading
You may have noticed that air conditioning units in New York have been subject to some bad press over the years. From being accused of causing dry skin to respiratory problems, it seems that everyone has an opinion on the apparent negative impact of AC units. Despite these indictments, more and more New York City residents are installing cooling systems in their homes and offices. So it begs the question; if air conditioning systems are so damaging to our health, why is it that their popularity is on the increase? Could it possibly be that they aren’t as risky as the rumors suggest? Continue reading
The answer to the question, ‘How long should your heater or furnace last?’ is not a simple one to answer. It depends on a number of factors, such as the type of equipment and how well it has been maintained over the years. In addition, the way your heater or furnace was installed can have a big role in how long it lasts. (That’s why it’s so important to get professional installation for New York heating).
How Long Do Typical Heaters or Furnaces Last?
When it comes to heaters and furnaces, choosing a higher quality product from the beginning will usually mean a longer life.
Some homebuilders tend to use lower grade builder model products which can reasonably be expected to last between 8 and 12 years. In comparison, a premium model may last between 15 and 20 years.
If you are living in a home which has a builders’ model furnace, you may want to consider looking at a new system once the equipment is 10 or 12 years old. By that point, higher utility bills and repair costs may makes switching to a higher efficiency furnace a worthwhile investment.
How Can I Make My Heater or Furnace Last Longer?
Annual professional maintenance inspections are an important part of getting the most out of your furnace. A builder model that has been well maintained and serviced regularly will last longer than a higher-quality product that has not been kept in good repair.
Hint: Customers who are diligent about having an annual fall tune-up can get the most life out of their unit.
The way the system was installed also plays a role in its longevity. Heaters or furnaces should always be installed by an experienced HV technician to ensure that the unit is working properly and that the airflow return is at an appropriate level for your home.
When You Should Consider Replacing Your Heater or Furnace
Here are some reasons you may want to consider upgrading to a new heater or furnace:
Are you considering replacing your heart or furnace for a high efficiency unit? We can help!
Hurricane Sandy may have run its course, but your HVAC system is still at risk. As a public service we here at Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating offer these helpful tips for HVAC Maintenance in NYC.
Turn Off the ElectricityIt may seem like common sense, but many times the worst mistake many homeowners make is to try and turn their HVAC system on directly after a flood or heavy storm – with disastrous results. Even if your basement level didn’t flood, or had minimal flooding damage your system could be compromised. If you can do so safely, it’s important that you make sure to power down your HVAC system at the main switch, usually a red panel on the unit. Powering down the system from upstairs will not completely shut down your system, which can lead to a power failure or worse, fried circuits. To avoid costly HVAC repair, make sure your system is off.
Once the threat of electrical overload is averted the next step is to assess the damage. If there is flooding near your HVAC system determine the severity, is the water clear or brackish? Is there a lot of mud or debris on or near your system? Has mold had a chance to set in? These are all things that may indicate internal damage to your HVAC unit and must be addressed. Be sure to record any and all details as you may have to share the information with your HVAC service rep.
Clean the SystemNow that you have inspected and recorded any damage to your system the real work begins. Cleaning your system may seem like a job best left for your service rep, but you can make the process easier by doing some of the work yourself. Begin by clearing any large debris, such as roots, branches, mud, and sludge making sure to use the proper safety equipment (gloves, large boots, etc.).
Care must be taken if there is brackish water as this may be a sign of sewage backup. Drain flood waters out of the basement level using a pump system. If the flooding is extensive you may need to bail water manually until a pump can be safely used. When the flooding has been drained off, drying your HVAC system out is next. Fans can be used to speed up the drying process (which can take up to a week). Be sure that your system is completely dry before powering back on as even the slightest bit of moisture can fry the electronics in your system.
Microorganisms such mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria may still linger in your system even after drying. Cleaning and disinfecting your system is critical to keep the air quality of your home healthy and safe. Call your service rep if you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of your system.
Following these handy tips will keep your air conditioning system strong. For more advice on HVAC systems in NYC, contact your Interstate Air Conditioning Heating service representative right away.
Saving money feels good—but so does walking into a crisp and cool room when it’s 100 degrees outside. Heating and cooling our living spaces is a creature comfort most of us can’t live without. The average house spends $2,500 a year on energy bills—with about 44% just for AC and heating. With rising prices across the board, from avocados to a tank of gas, it has never been more important to think of new ways to cutback. Since we’re the AC experts, we took it upon ourselves to find 5 steps to help you stay comfortable and save cash. Only 1 in 5 people actually do this stuff, so you’ll earn points if you share this info with your friends. See Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating for more details about Air Conditioners in NYC.
1) Keep a Steady Temp – $180 a year
If you buy a programmable thermostat all you have to do is find the perfect temperature, set the thermostat, and then let the savings begin. Just think of it like a car. You use more gas when you accelerate from 0 to 60 than when you hit the cruise control and coast at an even 60.
2) Dirty coil = 30% increase
Probably, you’ve never thought about the coil in your AC unit before. But here’s a good reason why you should. A dirty coil can increase your bill by 30%! With a clean coil your unit doesn’t have to run as long and your unit will last longer. Just make it a point to clean your coil. Your wallet will thank you.
3) Old Filter Syndrome – save 5%
A dirty air filter is not only gross, but it’s expensive too. Take your last energy bill, do some math, and see how much a 5% savings would be. Then multiply that by 12. Now think about what you can buy with all that extra cash! Changing or cleaning your filter is totally worth it. Your unit won’t have to work as hard, and your lungs will breath in air that didn’t pass through a blanket of dust. Yuck.
4) Friction Is Expensive – save 5%
The only way to stop friction from taking your money is to keep the parts in your unit lubricated. Lube will keep the motors running smooth and keep your equipment from wearing down and out like an old pair of shoes. This will cut down your energy bill by about 5% each month, and save you money from extra repairs or part replacements.
4) Get an Annual Tune-Up
Maintenance for your AC unit is like botox for your face. It prevents the natural aging process. Normally, units only lasts about 15 years. Every year your unit will lose 5% efficiency compared to the year before. You can prevent this slow decline just by getting a tune-up once a year. The cost of regular maintenance will pay off in the end. You’ll get some extra cash and enjoy piece of mind that your unit won’t stop working unexpectedly. Maintenance can help your unit last for decades! Check out the Air Conditioning Maintenance NYC page and give your unit a little love.
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Many people don’t realize just how important air conditioning maintenance is – especially in a crowded city like NYC. In fact, the demand is even higher because of the sheer amount of people living, working, and driving in such close quarters. This all increases the amount of dirt and impurities in the air – which are caught by your air conditioner’s filter.
With the hot New York City weather, I am sure most of you had your air conditioning company come by to either repair or maintain your equipment. A popular part that your air conditioning unit needs is what we call a hard start capacitor. I bet most of you folks reading your paperwork from your air conditioning companies all have the same question…..
Summer heat can be ruthless. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare to turn on an air conditioning unit and find that it’s not working because of lack-of maintenance. In June and July, air conditioning companies are overwhelmed with thousands of calls from customers looking for immediate HVAC assistance. You don’t want to be one of these calls, because you’ll most likely get turned away for lack of man-power.
