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Replace or Repair? Common HVAC Questions

HVAC

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Why should we replace or repair our air conditioner now?

If your air conditioner is getting old, you might be able to breathe a sigh of relief on Labor Day. You’ve survived another summer with the old unit! But be careful not to speak too quickly. You can still have a breakdown even in the sweltering heat of the past week. After that, you will have to decide whether to repair or replace the air conditioner.

In fact, fall is the perfect time to deal with any issues with your air conditioner, whether it needs repair or replacement. There will be less pressure to make a decision immediately, giving you more time to search for a replacement air conditioner. You can also buy units already in stock at a great price. If you do decide to get your air conditioning repaired, the best local HVAC service professionals in Virginia are less crowded than in the summer (that’s because your dealer has to make room for winter equipment and newer models next year.)

Why it’s difficult to decide whether to repair or replace the air conditioner

How do you determine whether to repair the air conditioner or replace it? How do you know if a piece of equipment has seen better days? Can you repair your old device so that it works for a few more years? Or do you need to keep investing in it? Your electricity costs may be reduced by newer, more energy-efficient equipment, but what about the initial expense?

The sad reality is that there is no simple answer. But here’s how to make a sensible decision about whether to repair or replace your air conditioner. Read on to find out what information to consider about your equipment’s past and who to consult for advice.

 

How to acquire reliable information on repairing or replacing your air conditioning

Of course, some service companies may try to sell you a new system even if your current system only needs a little repair. Here are two suggestions for avoiding vendors who might mislead you when deciding whether to repair or replace the air conditioner. (You’ve probably seen the YouTube videos and TV news stories exposing shady service providers.) You may be encouraged to keep fixing a unit that’s turned into a money hole by other service providers profiting recurring service calls.

 

DON’T MAKE DECISIONS ON THE SPOT

Any service provider that tries to get you to buy new equipment right away should be avoided. Be much more careful if they haven’t given you a detailed or understandable explanation of what’s wrong. Never buy expensive equipment on a whim. When time is of the essence, it’s easy to pick the wrong one and spend more money than necessary. To decide whether to repair or replace the air conditioner, you have the right to spend as much time as necessary.

ASK AN UNBIASED SERVICE PROVIDER 

Look for a nearby HVAC company that provides installation and maintenance services for new machines. By employing this technique, you can be certain that they have no reason to advise you to repair or replace the air conditioner. The advice you get will depend more on what makes sense in your specific situation than what is best for the seller.

For Consultancy I will recommend to acquire assistants on local service provider

 

Facts that supports your decision-making

Even if you are given the best advice, you must understand the reality of the circumstances. Then you can make the best possible decision regarding the repair or replacement of the air conditioner. Consider the following:

 

  • Is the AC Broken?

Although they may seem important, some problems can often be solved quickly and inexpensively. This subject frequently raises questions related to power. Also, if your system is making so much noise that you fear it might crash, the news might not be as bad as you fear. You might just need minor renovations or repairs.

On the other hand, if the compressor has failed, especially on an older model, it’s usually time to replace it. The brain of the system is the compressor, so its repair may not be financially profitable. Also, until the compressor has been replaced, a secondary problem that usually causes the compressor to fail will not be apparent.

Other problems, such as refrigerant leaks, can have unforeseen results. A minor leak can be easily fixed. However, it can be costly and time consuming to locate the source of recurring leaks on an older system with severe coil corrosion. And unnecessary since new leaks will continue to develop. The best course of action in this case is probably replacement.

 

  • Systems Age

Under ideal conditions, the majority of light commercial air conditioning systems are designed to last 15 to 20 years. However, if you have a rooftop or other outdoor unit in a big city like New York, your situation isn’t ideal. If your outdoor air conditioner has been exposed to severe pollution for more than 10 years, it may not be worth making a significant investment in repairs just yet.

 

  • Maintenance and Condition History

The longevity of an air conditioning unit is greatly influenced by how well the equipment is maintained. Has it undergone the maintenance and cleaning recommended by the manufacturer? If so, even a system that is more than 10 years old might still retain most of its components in working order. Your gadget is less likely to continue to malfunction.

 

  • Current Performance

Has this machine worked reliably so far? If the parts are in reasonable condition, chances are they are worth repairing. On the other hand, if it has a history of failures and poor performance, you are more likely to continue having issues.

Another tip: If the population and usage in your area has changed, your system capacity and ventilation design may no longer be adequate. Even after repairing your old device, you may still experience temperature changes and possible air quality issues. If you have hot and cold spots, dampness issues, odors, or even residents complaining of “sick building” symptoms, often the best thing to do is to contact an air conditioning replacement in Roanoke and other locations. other areas of Virginia. Your contractor’s assessment of the use, capacity and location of your unit and ventilation equipment will increase comfort levels in your area.

 

  • How much can a New Unit save you on Energy Bills?

A new, energy-efficient air conditioner can reduce your monthly electrical expenses and help you save money, according to HVAC sales literature. If your air conditioner needs to be replaced, you may be wondering if the savings are valuable. In fact, the money you could save each month can add up quickly and be quite significant. especially if your air conditioner is more than ten years old. estimate the potential savings of a new energy efficient system

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Since your hot water runs out so rapidly, do you feel like you’re out in the cold when you try to take a shower? Do you get cold or lukewarm water when you turn on the hot water faucet? We can support you in resolving the issue. Any one of the following factors could be the root of your water heater issue.

You simultaneously use a number of hot water devices.

If you have several appliances using hot water running simultaneously, a water heater repair is not necessary. The tank quickly runs out of hot water when washing clothes while taking a shower, or when someone else uses hot water in the kitchen or utility room. As you bathe, make sure the only hot water is in the shower. Keep warm, please.

Buildup of Sediment

You may have a buildup of sediment if the water comes out in chilly and hot bursts. Sand and minerals are just a couple of the loose sediments found in water. The bottom of the hot water heater tank is where these sediments collect when they separate from the water. The hot water’s former space is filled by sediment as it accumulates, insulating the tank from its heating source. Exacerbating the issue would be if the anode rod failed. To flush the system, contact a plumber.

Age of Water Heater

Water heaters eventually start to malfunction and cause a number of issues. It probably needs replacing if you’ve had the same water heater for ten years.

Defective Drip tube

When you see little pieces of plastic in the showerhead, filter screens, and strainers, you know your dip tube has broken. Your dip tube cracked. The cold water is instructed to stay at the bottom of the tank until it is heated by that crucial tube. When it breaks, the cold water rises to the top of the tank too quickly, giving you an unwanted blast of chilly in your shower.

Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat is a minor component of your water heater that is prone to malfunction. It might need to be reset. Consider raising the temperature as you might have it set too low. The plumber must be called if neither of these solutions works.

Heating Element Issues

The water heater’s two heating components might have lost one of their heat. The bottom and top of the majority of water heaters contain coils. The water is first heated by the coil at the bottom. In the tank, heated cold water fills the bottom while hot water rises to the top. The upper coil elements continue to heat the hot water. Your water gets chilly if one or both coils fail.

There isn’t enough hot water.

Traditional water heaters may experience a hot water shortage. Your family needs a larger water heater if you discover that there isn’t enough hot water for everyone to shower or take a bath. Water heaters exist in a variety of sizes, just like clothing. A bigger water heater is necessary. Think about requesting that we install a tankless water heater. As a result, you will never run out of hot water and can wash your clothes while taking a shower. A continual stream of water is heated by tankless water heaters, which also maintain a full tank. By doing this, you avoid running out or even becoming low.

If you encounter any of the issues listed above, call us. We can take care of the issue quickly and restore your water heater to full functionality.

 

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There are thousands of HVAC companies on the market and most homeowners don’t know what sets them apart. How do you know you’re hiring the best company to solve your HVAC needs and how can you be sure you’re getting the most for your money? We asked James Wisler, of Wisler Plumbing and Air, to share advice homeowners should keep in mind when they’re in the market for HVAC service providers.

The best HVAC service provider match for you will boil down to the company’s availability, the quality of their service and how well that service provider handles adversity. While you want to make sure the service provider arrives on time for scheduled appointments, you also need them to be available when you call before the service, during the service, and after the service is complete.

This follow through will go a long way in keeping homeowners from feeling as though they were taken advantage of then left to fend for themselves once money has traded hands.

Anyone who pays for a service wants to know they’re getting the best quality. We all want the job done correctly the first time, but what if that doesn’t happen? How does that service provider respond to failure? Homeowners need to factor in how service providers respond when jobs don’t go as planned.

No company has a perfect record, not even Wisler Plumbing and Air. We’re excellent at what we do, however, mistakes are inevitable. How a company responds to these mistakes is critical when selecting the best HVAC service provider for you.

Wisler Plumbing and Air factors these inevitabilities into our approach to provide the best customer service experience possible. Our response to mistakes is to be there for you, even after we’ve been paid, to make sure issues are resolved swiftly.

Most HVAC service providers do a great job at being available and doing quality work, yet drop the ball with follow through after being paid. It can be frustrating when things don’t go according to plan, but Wisler Plumbing and Air makes sure to stand behind their work and resolve any issues that could arise, so you know you’re getting the best quality.

If you need your HVAC system replaced and would like to schedule an appointment with Wisler Plumbing and Air, please give them a call at 540-483-9382.

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When we start thinking about replacing our HVAC unit, what are some of the things we need to ask ourselves? Is there anything that may shine some light on the situation and help us make the best decision?

Well, yes. There are several questions you can ask yourself to hone in on the best possible solution. We’ll discuss a few of those questions below!

Quality of life considerations…

The past is the best predictor of the future. So the major question you want to ask yourself is, “Am I satisfied with the comfort and air quality in my home?” If the answer is no, we highly recommend you tell your HVAC professional.

A true professional will consider your concerns and preferences to recommend the best options.

But remember, comfort doesn’t necessarily mean whether you are just cool or warm enough. Comfort can also relate to the amount of noise your air conditioner produces. It may just be us, but we’d rather not hear our air conditioner rattling throughout the night.

You may also want to consider allergies. Do you or your family have any that your HVAC professional should consider? If so, tell them. They may be able to help you get a unit that will maintain a high level of air quality in your home.

Investment considerations…

Purchasing a brand-new HVAC unit can be a considerable investment. So there are a lot of finance-related questions to ask yourself. For instance, how long do you want the unit to last? If you want to ensure you don’t have to replace your unit again in the near future, make sure you get a unit that will stand the test of time.

Also, ask yourself whether you prefer comfort in your home or wallet. Some air conditioners will provide you with high air quality and the perfect temperature but run up your electricity bill. Other options may be highly efficient but less powerful than you’d prefer.

In most cases, the best option is a healthy balance between the two extremes.

Other important questions to ask yourself include:

  • “Do I care about the brand?”
  • “Do I care about the warranties in play?”
  • “Is safety very important to me?”
  • “Do I care who does the install?”

Each of those questions can mean something slightly different to you than it does to us. But they’re important for you to consider. For instance, to someone who has young children in a home, safety could refer to those who do the installation.

Are HVAC professionals trustworthy or not?

On the other hand, safety could refer to the unit itself for other people. For instance, some people may be worried about carbon monoxide– the silent killer.

So be sure to look at everything from multiple angles.

Return on your investments…

If you’re going to sell your home in the future, you may want to hold yourself back from buying the cheapest option on the market. As tempting as that is, buying a quality unit may help your home sell later on.

One last thing to ask yourself…

After you ask yourself all the questions on your mind, you need to ask just one more.

“What caused the unit to fail?”

Some units give out due to typical wear and tear– it was just their time. However, other units may have been pushed past their limits– causing them to give out under pressure. So as you’re discussing your HVAC unit with a professional, ask for their opinion.

If you understand why it broke, you may be able to avoid it happening again.

Of course, if you’d like to have one of the Wisler Plumbing and Air Comfort Advisors talk to you about your unit, give us a call at 540-483-9382!

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We all know we’re supposed to change our air filters every month, especially when we see some dust on the vents or inside of the house. But what about the unit sitting outside? Do we also have to worry about that?

The short answer: Absolutely.

Even though it’s not inside and it’s largely out of sight and mind, the outdoor unit is a massive piece of the system. It contributes 60 to 70 percent of the overall efficiency in many cases.

So it’s essential we take care of it. With that said, we’ll give you a few things to look out for as you start thinking about the condition of your outdoor unit. And we’ll also tell you how you should clean it.

Clogged Gutter Systems

Often, the outdoor unit will be positioned near the side of a home, under some sort of gutter system, which can become clogged with enough neglect. That clogged system may lead to additional rainfall coming down around the unit— Causing water to splash dirt and debris, such as pollen, onto the unit.

That causes a big problem over time. These units and their components—fans, coils, fins— need airflow.

Unfortunately, debris may prevent the necessary airflow from reaching the components. That will lead to a system that breaks down and becomes hugely inefficient quickly. It also causes your system to run much longer, so your utility bill goes way up. Eventually, you’ll be paying nearly 50 percent more for your utility bill.

So what should you do? Clean your unit and gutter system.

How to Start Cleaning Your Unit

You may be wondering how you should clean your unit. Should you go outside with a garden hose and spray it down? Or should you call in an expert like Wisler Plumbing and Air?

Well, the truth is that, in most cases, it won’t hurt your system to spray it down with a hose. However, when a professional does it, they can completely clean inside and outside of the unit with quality solutions and processes— Something your hose can’t do. So for best results, give a professional a call.

But we suggest doing a little bit of DIY cleaning to keep everything running smoothly in between your yearly cleans.

If you want the best help around, give Wisler Plumbing and Air a call at (540) 483-9382.

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If the last 10-15 years have taught us anything, our country is constantly paying attention to its energy consumption. Our climate is growing significantly hotter and hotter, requiring more energy to be sucked up by 100-degree days.

HVAC is no different in its focus, as the industry has made some giant leaps in recent years to create more energy-efficient systems.

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the most recent technological advancements in the HVAC industry, so you know what’s new in the world of heating and cooling.

1.   Environmental-friendly and efficient regulations.

The most recent technological advancement that has been made in the HVAC industry is the focus on environmental-friendly and efficient regulations. In the past, HVAC systems were not always the most energy-efficient, which resulted in a lot of wasted energy and money.

However, HVAC manufacturers are now required to meet specific standards of efficiency to sell their products. That has resulted in a big push for more energy-efficient HVAC systems, which is good news for both the environment and your wallet (in the long run).

2.   HVAC units are seen as an investment thanks to these regulations.

Another reason why HVAC units are becoming more popular is that they are seen as an investment, thanks to the strict efficiency regulations that have been put in place. In the past, HVAC systems were not always seen as an investment because they were not always the most energy-efficient or cost-effective.

Now, however, people are starting to see HVAC units as an investment because they know that they will save money in the long run, thanks to the increased efficiency. People are keyed into their return on investment. And the ROI here is the increased efficiency and longevity of the system designed specifically for your home.

3.   Variable speed blowers.

Another new technology developed in recent years is the variable speed blower. This blower is designed to adjust its speed based on the demand for heating or cooling in your home.

That means it will use less energy when the demand is low, for example, if it’s four o’clock in the morning and it’s 55 degrees outside, or more energy when the demand is high, like when it’s the afternoon, and it’s 95 degrees outside. That can result in significant savings on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

Interested in updating your HVAC unit? Call Wisler Plumbing and Air at (540) 483-9382.

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