hvac

Finding the best HVAC contractor

Many HVAC units will have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. When the unit begins to fail or operate inefficiently, you might notice a spike in your electricity costs. You may also notice that the heat never quite gets to where you want it to be. It is important to have a professional and reliable technician come and inspect your system to help you decide if it is better the repair or replace your unit.

Before having just any HVAC contractor come out, you should also make sure that you are working with a heating and cooling company you trust and can rely on for their expertise. The following are good things to keep in mind when picking the company you want to entrust your HVAC system with.

Is the company listened and insured?

When finding a contractor to work on your HVAC system, it’s useful to make certain that the company has the right licenses. Make it clear that the company’s license is up-to-date and that the paperwork is current as well. It is important that they are both licensed and insured to work on your system so that you know that your system is being handled properly and that any accidents that may occur and damage your unit are covered. Some manufactures may even void the warranty of your system if the unit is not worked on by a properly licensed technician.

Will they be able to handle all your need?

Before you hire a heating repair company, review the services it offers. For now, you might need it only to repair your unit. However, you may want to decide to have that company perform a variety of services. Having a company that can handle all the possible services you may need will ensure that you have someone who is familiar with your HVAC unit and can better suggest the possible benefits of additional services like seasonal cleanings. If a company has a history with your system they may also be better able to tell if repairing or replacing a unit is the better option.

How experienced are they?

There are over a lot of companies in operation specializing in heating and air conditioning. Some companies may have more experience than others, but it’s always best to start looking for an experienced company. Ask how long the company has been working in your area. The longer a company and their team has been working on homes like yours the better they will understand the needs your home and common problems to keep an eye out for specific to your area. A veteran company and experienced staff are both good signs that you will be well taken care of.

At American Air we have more than 20 years of experience of working on homes like yours in the Asheville, NC area. Contact us today to schedule one of our licensed and experience technicians to take care of your HVAC needs.

winter hvac

Signs it’s time to replace my furnace in Asheville, NC?

Are you thinking about buying a completely new furnace for your residence? If the estimated cost of repairs for a furnace exceeds 40% of the cost of brand new equipment, it may be wiser to simply replace them with a brand new heating system.

Let’s take a look at what benefits there may be for you to replace your existing heating system with a new one instead of continuing repairs.

Reliability you can count on

A new central heating system ensures you are safe and cozy, because your residence will be warmed with energy efficiency and a reliable unit. A sturdy furnace provides confidence from cold months along with assurance about its efficient operation. Energy-efficient gas furnaces are designed for heating your home no matter the present conditions. Newer systems will have Higher AFUE Rating (Annual Flue Utilization Efficiency)  and end up costing less to run than your current system.

If your current furnace is over 15 years old, it is probably not working as efficiently as it once did. If your electrical bill is higher than in previous years, it could be due to an old furnace. Installing a new furnace will help lower your home’s energy bills.

Older systems may operate around 65% AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiently. AFUE is a measurement of the thermal efficiency of any combustion equipment such as a furnace, boiler, or water heater.

When a heating system has a 65% AFUE rating, it produces 65 BTU’s of useful heating for every 100 BTU’s of natural gas, or heating oil output. A high-efficiency or condensing gas furnace has AFUE ratings of over 90%. The energy savings can pay for the initial investment of new equipment in only a few years.

Variable Speed Blowers

Most gas furnaces have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber, and a variable-speed blower. Once the heating system’s heating cycle begins, the blower can be set to heat your home at an efficient rate. If it heats your home too slowly, the blower speed can be increased. Your system will only use the minimum power needed to properly heat your home and avoid wasted energy.

Safety

If a professional HVAC technician has found a cracked heat exchanger in your existing equipment – take this very seriously. If this happens, the gasses in your heating system, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, could leak into your home, causing illness, or in extreme cases death. If enough combustible gas builds up in your home, it can lead to a furnace fire. Proper and regular maintenance appointments will be able to check your system for any damage or potential points of concern.

Protection with Warranties

Most HVAC contractors guarantee their work and the installation for 1 year after the installation is performed. The warranty covers malfunctions of the equipment resulting from the installation.

In most instances, HVAC manufacturers offer homeowners services like a warranty for their equipment for as long as they register it through the manufacturer, unlike an unregistered warranty which may not be as long.

Is a new system right for you?

If you choose to purchase a new furnace in the past, remember to keep in mind the cost of repairs that could be prevented with a new furnace, plus the length of time of a warranty on the new system.

The professionals at American Air will be able to give you the best insight for what is the best and most economical option for you and your home.

Contact us today for a free quote, and discuss the options that best fit your needs.

Heating repair maintenance

SHOULD I HAVE MY HEATING SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE I RUN IT IN ASHEVILLE?

Even though you may be enjoying the end of summer, it is a good idea to start thinking about getting your furnace ready for winter use. If you keep good maintenance records of your HVAC equipment and did not have any issues the previous winter, it is probably safe to turn on your furnace once or twice when a cool night comes along. However, you should get your system inspected by a professional contractor to prevent any unexpected break downs.

  • What does furnace maintenance cover?

A good furnace check-up has many benefits. During an inspection, your technician will check your gas ignition system, tighten all the electrical connections, and verify the gas pressure and test the ignition system. More importantly, he will inspect the heat exchanger for any damage or cracks.

In a gas furnace, the heat exchanger is an airtight vessel which transfer’s combustion gases which exit the home through the flue. A damaged or cracked heat exchanger is very dangerous.  The system should be shut down immediately until it can be repaired or replaced. Professional technicians can identify and address small problems before they progress into inconvenient, serious issues.

American Air Heating & Cooling is who Asheville area residents trust!

  • Maintenance is Important for Asheville, NC residents

We often find that no-heat calls in the winter are related to the lack of HVAC maintenance. By not scheduling your fall maintenance, it could lead to a health hazard in your home. Your maintenance visit can reveal carbon monoxide leaks, which are difficult to detect because the gas is odorless and colorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even death. If your furnace is found to be unsafe, your technician will shut your furnace off to ensure your family’s safety.

  • Asheville Homeowners Can Help by Doing These Simple Things

There are a few things homeowners can do to get the furnace ready for winter. Look for drafty areas around your home, such as cracks in doors and windows and make necessary repairs. Replace the batteries and test your carbon monoxide detector. Make sure it is working properly and test the device. Make sure to keep the area surrounding your furnace unobstructed, especially items considered a fire danger.

Replace the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, decreases the efficiency of your system and forces components to work harder.Also, walk around your home and clean the air vents, removing any dust or pet hair.

Of course, an in-depth maintenance should be scheduled with a local HVAC contractor to ensure your heating system is operating at optimum performance for the upcoming winter season.

Contact the professionals at American Air Heating & Cooling to have your heating system checked today!

Trust, Integrity, Family-Owned – American Air!

How do I Maximize the Comfort & Efficiency of My HVAC System in Asheville, NC?

Home ownership requires a lot of responsibility. Monitoring, overseeing, and maintaining many of the mechanical elements of your home are crucial to keeping the home in good condition. HVAC, which means “heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning,” is the equipment responsible for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. It is also what preserves optimal air quality and energy efficiency.

Here are a few tips on how to maximize the comfort and efficiency of your HVAC system, regardless of the equipment’s age.

Attention Asheville Homeowners, Please Change Your Filters

Air filters are easy for homeowners to monitor and change. The type of filtration you have determines how often the filters should be replaced. Some filters must be changed monthly. Some higher-end air filtration systems can go six-months before they need to be replaced. Every homeowner should know the location and what type of filters they have protecting their HVAC system.

HVAC Maintenance is a Must!

A local professional service contractor like American Air Heating & Cooling should inspect your HVAC system twice a year, once in the cooling season and again in the heating season.

This is important to ensure your system is operating at its optimal level for the appropriate season’s temperatures. In the fall or winter, technicians should inspect and service your furnace or heater. In the spring or summer, they return to concentrate on your air-conditioner. Most professional companies offer incentives for homeowners to sign up as a maintenance agreement customer. Benefits can include priority service and discounts on repairs.

Close your curtains or blinds during the day

During the summer months, closing the curtains can reduce some of the ambient heat load on your home.

The opposite happens during the winter; and by keeping your blinds open, you can take advantage of the sun’s warming rays.

The blinds keep the warm air inside the home, as opposed to “leaking” out through the windows.

Make sure your vents and returns are not obstructed

If you have a forced air heating and cooling system, your air vents are strategically place throughout your home. These can be located on the wall, ceiling, or in the floor. It is important NOT to cover up these air vents. Blocking the vents restricts the air flow and will cause your furnace or air-conditioner to work harder to keep your home comfortable. This decreases the efficiency of your system, and it will cost you more to operate.

Clear obstructions around your outdoor unit

It is important to keep the area surrounding the outdoor section of your HVAC system clear of any obstructions. Shrubbery and plants allow air to pass through their foliage; however, make sure they are not in too close a proximity to your outdoor unit.

One foot of clearance around your outdoor condenser should be sufficient, but the more clearance you have the better. Because air is drawn into the air-conditioner, you will want to make sure any walls are at least 16-18 inches away from the unit. Warm air is discharged upwards from the unit, therefore, clearance above the unit is important. Blockage of air can result in damage to the system’s compressor and other components.

If you have a heat pump system; it is not only important to keep the area around the unit clear in the summer; but as well as the winter. You must keep the accumulation of snow or ice away from the outdoor heat pump. It can cause the outdoor unit to stop working. If you are expecting snow, make sure to remove the snow on and around the heat pump.

Make sure your system is turned off before working near it; this can be accomplished by turn the system off at the thermostat.  An extra measure of safety would be to pull the disconnect located at the outdoor unit.

If you follow these basic tips, you will increase the efficiency of your HVAC equipment and maintain a comfortable temperature no matter what time of year.

Your local trusted HVAC experts at American Air Heating & Cooling are here to help the Asheville residents!  Contact us Now!

warm home

Why Doesn’t My Heat Pump Keep Up When It’s Really Cold Outside in Asheville?

Heat pump systems are popular because they offer efficient, compact operation for both heating and cooling. Much like a refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space.

Since heat pumps move heat rather than generate heat, they provide excellent comfort much more efficiently than the operation of a traditional central heating system. As long as the components can keep the refrigerant colder than the outdoor air, it can produce indoor heat.

However, when outside temperatures dip below 30 degrees, a heat pump system begins to lose efficiency and uses a supplementary heat source, such as a gas furnace or electric heat strips to maintain a comfortable temperature.

But what if it gets really cold outside and your heat pump doesn’t seem to be heating well? You could have one of these issues with your equipment. Reach out to us at American Air Heating & Cooling, if you have concerns about your heating system.

Your Auxiliary heat strips or back up heat may be undersized or not working at all

During extreme cold temperatures, a heat pump system uses heat strips to compensate when the system cannot maintain a set temperature. An auxiliary heat strip consists of metal coils which use electricity to generate heat, however, they use more energy than the rest of the heat pump equipment.

That is why they should only be activated when outdoor temperatures dip below freezing. When initiated, it appears on your thermostat as “auxiliary heat,” or “emergency heat.”

The size of your home and the further north you live determine the heat strip size needed for optimum comfort. If you turn on the auxiliary strips but the system is not blowing warm air, the heat strips could be damaged. If you turn on the auxiliary strips and you feel warm air but the thermostat is not satisfying, you could have undersized heat strips.

The number of windows, ceiling height, and sun exposure are all factors when properly sizing auxiliary heat for a heat pump system. Also, insufficient insulation or weatherstripping can affect the efficiency of heat strips.

If you have an issue with your heat strips, it is best to consult a local HVAC service company like American Air Heating & Cooling in the Asheville area to inspect your system and make recommendations.

Undersized Heat Pump Systems in Asheville, NC

An undersized system is not large enough to provide optimum comfort in your home. The unit may never shut off causing your electric power bill to soar. A properly sized heat pump also helps control humidity, even in the wintertime. A consistent humidity level inside the home prevents condensation on windows. Excessive condensation on windows can result in mold issues.

A load calculation will measure the heat gain and loss of a structure. A professional HVAC installer will measure the heat gain and loss of your home by doing a load calculation. Roofing materials, windows, doors, insulation, appliances, and other heat sources will be considered when determining the proper size unit for your specific needs.

Older less efficient units may not keep your Asheville home comfortable?

Since a heat pump functions as an air-conditioner during the summer and reverses the refrigeration cycle to pump heat into your home during the winter, you want to make sure your system is operating at optimum levels all year long.

The average life expectancy of a heat pump system is about 12 years. With steady use and a proper maintenance schedule, the equipment will eventually start to wear down.

By keeping a close eye on your energy bills, you should be able to identify if your system is losing efficiency. Whether you are in the market for a new system or you’re hoping to keep your existing equipment working as efficiently as possible, consider calling an licensed HVAC service company.

American Heating & Cooling has been serving the Asheville area for almost two decades.  We have the experience and the trained technicians to solve your problem or simply answer you question.  Please contact us, we are ready to help!

air conditioner repair, replacement and maintenance Asheville NC

The Impact of the Phase-Out of R-22 on Your Aging HVAC System in Western NC

R22 refrigerant is a commonly used refrigerant in domestic air conditioners. It is a compound that includes chlorine and fluorine, which can potentially deplete the ozone layer.  This can lead to enhancing the greenhouse effect, which has studies showing negative effects on our environment.

In 1987, an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol was universally ratified and was designed to phase out substances that contributed to ozone depletion. The United States was a party to this treaty, so the EPA decided to implement a plan to phase out R22. The date was set for January 2020, where all R22 was banned (meaning it was illegal to import or manufacture R22). 

Prior to this date, there were exceptions for R22. The EPA began scaling back and limiting the production. It could be used to service existing air conditioners that had leaks in their refrigerant system. Now; that it is no longer in production, the cost of R22 continues to rise. Some refrigerant manufacturers have introduced products to act as a replacement for R22, such as M099 (R438a). Please be very careful with these products, because they can lead to refrigerant contamination. Not all equipment manufacturers approve this product as a direct replacement, so your best bet is to consult your local servicing HVAC contractor for the facts. The experts at American Air Heating & Cooling can help.

Increased Cost to Repair R22 Systems in Canton and Waynesville

Homeowners and business owners alike that have older air conditioners, may be faced with a difficult decision when a repair is required for your system. Depending upon the repair, it may make sense to repair your system versus replacing it. Your local heating and air company; American Air Heating & Cooling, can provide you with the best solution. While it may be tempting to keep your unit as long as possible; you most certainly will pay more for repairs going forward. This is due to the increased cost of R22 and the availability of R22 refrigerant.

Be Proactive or Wait in Candler, NC?

Now that it is illegal to manufacture or import new R22, you really need the weigh the options for your aging air conditioner. Have a discussion with your servicing HVAC company and consider your options. They are the experts and can help you make the best decision. It is better to be proactive now. If you wait to the dead of summer; you may be faced with large repair bills and an uncomfortable home or office. Here are the things to discuss and consider with your service provider:

  • Age of your system
  • Recent Repairs
  • Energy Costs
  • Potential utility or manufacturer rebates on a new system
  • Energy Savings
  • Better Warranty

Being proactive about repairs or replacement for your home’s most valuable appliance is never a bad thing.  While your business or home still has air conditioning, you can take your time choosing a new system that fits your needs and budget. Research your cooling needs and speak to your professional at American Air Heating & Cooling about which unit will be right for you. 

If you wait to replace it, then you may find yourself in the middle of summer without air conditioning. You should consider these factors if you choose to wait for your current air conditioner fails:

  • Contractors are very busy in the summer, you may have to wait
  • Availability of the equipment
  • Installation time (which means days without air conditioning)
  • You may have to make a quicker decision than you would like

Either way, get your research done and talk to your local professional at American Air about your next steps.

american air heating and cooling

American Air provides the best HVAC services. We offer Heating & AC Repairs & Replacements!

Candler, NC 28715
828-665-8000
Jason@americanairnc.com

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