How to Deal with Inconsistent Temperatures in Your Home

Many factors are taken into account when an HVAC professional calculates the appropriate system for your home. Even if a contractor configures and installs everything correctly, the temperature throughout your house will not necessarily be consistent. There are lots of variables that can affect the temperature consistency of your home.

Why do homes have inconsistent temperatures?

In some cases, the problem could be the layout of your home. A home that has two stories and a basement and has a single HVAC zone will most likely have cooler temperatures below ground-level, and warmer temperatures on the top floor. Although professionals typically address this type of issue before building a home, some homeowners shy away from the initial cost of additional units. Another problem is when a homeowner extends their house. Because the new addition of the home was not accounted for during the installation of the HVAC system, it could mess with the temperature balance of the entire house.

Consider adding additional units

If a house has a proper HVAC system but has inconsistent temperatures, it could very well be that a second HVAC zone is necessary. It is costly to create a second zone in an existing home, but it is more cost efficient to run than a single-zone system. In addition to having more stable temperatures, the additional units will end up paying for themselves in the long run.

Add a ductless split system

Ductless systems are great for home additions, or for areas that are not as easy to service as the rest of the home. They can cool and heat a sizable portion of a house, and they are more energy efficient than central air systems. Installation and maintenance are also less complicated and time-consuming than duct systems.

HVAC systems can be complicated. If you are having trouble balancing the temperature in your home, give us a call today and we’d be happy to evaluate your home and work to correct the issues so that you will have balanced temperatures throughout your home.

3 Common Air Conditioning Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

When the weather warms up, you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable at all times. However, if you're like most homeowners, you likely end up making a few mistakes when it comes to maintaining your HVAC system. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make with their units and how you can avoid them in the future.

Not Changing the Filters
No matter how large or small your air conditioner is, you'll need to change out the filters regularly. Air conditioner filters keep dirt, allergens, and debris from making it inside your home. As a result, filters can get clogged quickly, especially if you're running the system all day, every day. Over time, these clogs put a strain on your unit and may lead to more frequent repairs. Change your filters at least once every three months and inspect them every month if you're using your system daily.

Not Scheduling Regular Tune-UpsIt's not uncommon for homeowners to only think of their HVAC system when something is broken. However, when it comes to keeping your AC unit working efficiently, you'll want to schedule annual preventative maintenance appointments with your technician. Doing so will help keep your air conditioner in good shape and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs during the warmest part of the year. Schedule a tune-up for your AC at least once per year.

Ignoring High Energy Bills
During the heat of the summer, you expect your energy bills to increase. However, if they're higher than normal, don't assume that it's due to your AC usage. When an air conditioner is failing, it becomes less efficient and has to work harder to maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. If you notice higher-than-normal energy bills, schedule an inspection with your HVAC technician. They'll be able to make sure your unit is working properly and address any minor repair issues that may impact the unit's efficiency.

Ready to get your air conditioner ready for everything the summer heat can bring? Contact us at Blackie's Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule a tune-up with one of our experienced technicians. 

4 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Are you considering a new air conditioner for your home? If your air conditioner is old and in need of constant repairs, it may be time to look into replacing it. A new air conditioner is a big investment so you’ll want to make sure that you’re selecting the best one for your home. Here are four of the things to consider when installing a new air conditioner:

The size of your home.
The size of your new air conditioning unit is one of the biggest factors in cost and comfort. A unit that is too big will not run efficiently, leading to higher energy bills. If your air conditioner is too small, it will not be able to cool your home effectively. Your HVAC technician can help you determine what size air conditioner you need.

Your new unit's energy efficiency.
New HVAC systems require less energy to keep your home cool than older models did. A high-efficiency unit may cost a little more upfront, but it will provide lower cooling bills over time.

The extra features of a new air conditioner.
Homeowners have more options for their air conditioning than ever before. Today's "smart" thermostats can even be set right from your smartphone. A smart thermostat is a great investment if you're upgrading your air conditioner.

The maintenance your new air conditioner will need.
Many homeowners don't think about maintenance after their new air conditioner is installed. However, your new unit will need proper care in order to perform its best. After installation, check your air filters once and month and replace them when they're dirty. You should also have an annual air conditioning inspection by a qualified contractor. This will keep your unit running smoothly and allow you to address any problems quickly.

A qualified HVAC technician can work with you to select the best air conditioner for your needs. Contact us at Blackie's Heating and Air Conditioning today to learn more or to schedule your air conditioning installation.

Reasons to Call an Air Conditioning Contractor

As soon as it starts getting warm outside, you likely want to turn your air conditioning on to cool off your home. However, because your air conditioner has been turned off for several months, you may run into some issues. For this reason, you may want to consider contacting an air conditioning contractor. Here are three reasons why you may want to call an air conditioning contractor.

The Air Conditioner Stinks
If you notice that your air conditioning has somewhat of a bad smell when you turn it on, this is a sign to call an air conditioning contractor. The smell could be due to a filter that is full and clogged; however, if it smells like there is something burning, then this could be a sign that something is wrong with your motor or motor belt. In either case, an air conditioning contractor can come to your home and repair the problem for you so that you can get your system up and running again.

The Air Isn't Cold
If the air coming out of your air conditioning unit isn't cold, the first thing that you should do is check and make sure that your thermostat is turned down. If it is, then this is a sign of a deeper issue that you will likely need professional help for. An air conditioning professional will be able to determine if it is a coolant issue, if there is something wrong with the air compressor, etc.

Overall, it is in your best interest to hire an air conditioning contractor if you need a tune-up, your air conditioner stinks, or the air blowing out of your air conditioning vent isn't cold.

We encourage your to contact us!

3 Must-Haves for Heating Repair Companies

Being a home owner can be incredibly stressful, especially when things go wrong unexpectedly. When things go wrong with your heating system, it can be a huge headache.

It may be tempting to go for whichever company is the cheapest, or the quickest. However, it's actually better for your wallet, your heating system, and your sanity, to take your time and find the best HVAC company for your needs. They'll do better work that will last much longer. Here are a few things to look for:

Great Service
One of the biggest things when working with any company is their level of service. You can learn this through reviews online or by word of mouth. Whoever works on your heating system will be in your home while they work so you want to make sure you're comfortable.

Versatility 

In addition to their service, you'll want to make sure that what they offer is versatile. They should be well-versed in anything and everything with heating systems. Not only does this make them better at their job, but they'll also be able to handle any bumps along the way with efficiency.

Safety

This may be the most important thing when looking into companies to help you out. They should follow all federal and state regulations. This may seem like a given, but it should still be said. Not only should their work be done correctly to keep you and your family safe, but the company should also be committed to keeping their employees safe as well. That's the mark of a fantastic company.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and service needs you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!