How to Conduct a DIY HVAC Inspection

If there’s one thing sure to bring down your mood, it’s going to be your HVAC unit going out in the middle of summer. Learning how to perform a basic inspection of your HVAC unit will help keep it operational and may help avoid greater damage from building up over time.

Not only can it be expensive to fix or replace an HVAC unit, but it’s one of the most depended on appliances to keep the indoor temperature comfortable to live in. Unfortunately, unless something goes wrong, most homeowners push it to the back of their mind and don’t perform the necessary inspections to keep it running. As with other appliances, your HVAC unit will begin to deteriorate from the moment it’s installed, although most people do not run into any problems until a few years down the line. You can do your best to prevent any malfunctions by following these Reddi Services approved steps.

Check The Thermostat

Check to make sure that your thermostat is working as it should, starting by checking both preset temperatures for your heating and cooling. If necessary, open the thermostat and clean the inside with a q-tip.

Turn Off The Power

Walk out to your breaker box and look for the correct switch to shut off the power of your unit. On the outside, make sure to switch off the on/off switch. This is a very important step as you will need to remove some parts of the unit for access.

Remove Debris From HVAC Unit

Using a screwdriver and wrench, detach the fan cage from your unit and use a vacuum to remove any debris from the inside.

Clean And Repair The Fins

Take a hose and rinse down the fins from the inside of the unit. Be careful not to use a power washer as it can be too powerful and cause damage to the fins – the fins must be straight for air to flow properly through. Use a butter knife to carefully straighten the fins if necessary, then reattach the fan cage. If you have trouble cleaning the fins with a regular hose, you may need to use a specialized fin-cleaning spray.

Clear Area Around The Unit

The best rule of thumb is to keep a minimum of two-feet distance between your HVAC unit and any vegetation or other objects in your yard. Make sure your unit is not covered up, as rodents will quickly find a new home for themselves in your unit.

Level The Unit

Check to make sure your unit is leveled, as with time it may slowly shift out of place. If you find that it’s not leveled properly, invest in rot-resistant shims and prop up the necessary side.

Clean Evaporator Coil

On the inside of your unit you should find an evaporator coil door. Dust this off and spray it down with a no-rinse coil cleaner. After foaming up, you can use a small amount of bleach and hot water to clean it up.

Check Evaporator Drain

You may also notice while cleaning the evaporator coil door that the evaporator drain is clogged. This can lead to flooding, so use a wet/dry vacuum and clear out any debris that could be causing a blockage.

Replace Filters Regularly

A common source of HVAC problems stems from the filter. This filter traps debris from entering your HVAC unit, although if not replaced regularly can lead to further damages. Ideally the filter should be changed around every three months – sometimes even more frequently if you have any pets with fur in your home.

Final Inspections

Inspect your ductwork wherever it is visible for any traces of water. If you find any leaks, simply patch up with duct tape. Also be sure to inspect the air vents around your home for traces of mold, debris, or rodent droppings.

Having Difficulties With Your HVAC Unit?

As with other costly repairs, your home system replacement is a serious investment. It can be unfortunate, but even new units will have a performance issue every once in a while. Reddi Services not only will come out for one-time services, but also offers our Reddi Planned Maintenance program that covers what many home warranty companies don’t. Give yourself peace of mind knowing your home and appliances are being well-kept. Call today to learn more and secure you home with our RPM program!

7 Ways To Hide An A/C Unit

Want to keep your home looking stylish while keeping your A/C unit protected? Check out these ideas for covering your unit!

Many of us take air conditioning for granted. Even in areas that do not experience the heat like we do, nothing is better than walking into your home and being greeted by fresh, cool air on a summer day. Without it, your household would have a difficult time staying comfortable, even at night. That said, not all A/C units are nice to look at. While larger boxes tend to be quiet and efficient, they don’t exactly blend in to the landscaping. Here are some tips:

Plant Shrubs Around Your Unit

Plant shrubs by your A/C unit! While you need to keep them a minimum of two feet away for airflow, you can shape them and opt for taller shrubs that will grow to hide the unit. If you do plant shrubs, be sure to regularly check your A/C unit for leaves and debris that need to be cleared.

Build A Fence Around It

Just like adding shrubs, many homeowners choose to build fencing to surround their unit instead. The same rule applies to fencing as well – make sure to keep a distance of two feet from your A/C unit so you do not limit any airflow.

Latticework fencing is a popular fencing choice for those looking to disguise their unit, which offers large amounts of customization and decorating options. Picket fences and old window screens can be used to make a privacy screen around the unit, or they can be bought pre-made if you are not into DIY projects yourself.

Decorate With A Nice Wooden Box

You can always opt to build a removable top for your unit. Long-lasting woods can be constructed with plenty of slats for air to flow through, and will be easily accessible for a technician to reach.

Utilize A Trellis & Plants

A solid trellis can add plenty of pizazz to an otherwise drab looking A/C unit. Both perennials and annual plants could be used with a trellis, depending on how you want the plants to blend in with the rest of your landscaping!

Add A Tool Shelf

If you are looking for a place to store your tools, consider building a pyramid structure to place on the top of your unit’s cover. As long as the tools do not interfere with ventilation ports and are out of the way for technicians, you’re good to go!

Build A Ventilated Shed Around It

While this option is a bit more of an investment in both time and money, it can be largely beneficial to homeowners with other pieces of equipment that may be considered bulky or eyesores, such as lawn mowers, pool equipment, and other landscaping supplies.

Build A Vertical Garden

Those with less space may appreciate the usage of a vertical garden. These gardens are perfect for those with limited space, or for people who are interested in vertical-oriented decorative plants. Long and colorful plants can be used near the top to droop down and hide your A/C unit!

HVAC System Maintenance: Change Your Filter!

One of the keys to keeping the heat out of your home is through the proper maintenance of your HVAC system! Learn to change your filter, why it’s important, and how to be ready for the heat when it hits.

Why Change Your Air Filter?

To start with, HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning” and works to pull in air, which is either heated or cooled, then redistributed through your house via ventilation. Understanding how your HVAC system works is important – the job of your HVAC filter is to filter out any allergens, pet hair, dirt, and debris, keeping them out of the insides of your HVAC system. Keeping your HVAC filter regularly maintained will not only save you money, but also extend the life of your system.

You Will Save Money!

If your filter has not been changed recently, then there’s a good chance that your HVAC system is working overtime and is expending more energy than would be necessary if the filter was clear. On average, having a clean and efficient filter can save between 5-15% of your electric bill, certainly enough to be a noticeable difference!

You Will Avoid Having Your HVAC Break Down!

One of the last things you want to be dealing with is a broken HVAC system in the middle of a heat wave during the summer. Changing your filter helps your HVAC live longer. How? The dirtier that your filter is, the more air is necessary to draw in, resulting in the system working harder. The more work that your system has to do, and the more energy that it expends, risks leading to untimely, although often avoidable, HVAC breakdowns.

In order to keep your HVAC system running clean, just remember to change your filters! If you live in your home full time, you should be changing out your filter every three months. If you own any pets that shed hairs, such as cats or dogs, you should change a minimum of once every two months, although in households with multiple pets, sometimes a filter change will be necessary around the four to six week mark.

HVAC System Lifetime!

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive parts of your home. Replacing an air conditioning unit tends to cost around $5,000 on average, while a furnace replacement costs about $3,000. Remember that running maintenance yourself is very inexpensive, simple, and will help not only with the effectiveness, but also the longevity of your system!

Cleaner Air!

The health of your family is directly impacted by the quality of the air you all breathe in. If you or someone in your household suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, or if you house elderly family members, then maintaining the air quality will be even more important.

If you do not change out your air filters regularly, you may experience some short-term effects such as irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as occasional headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term effects can result in much more severe illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illness or heart disease. Dirty filters needlessly risk the health of you and your family. The good news is that you can buy HEPA-rated filters specifically designed to block the most pollen, fur, and other allergens, allowing for easier breathing.

Maintaining your HVAC is not just easy, but also far more cost effective than waiting for something to go wrong. By keeping your indoor air quality the highest you can, you save money on heating and cooling costs, along with keeping the system running with far more efficiency. You will not just keep yourself and your family safe, but also be providing a more comfortable space to be living in!

For More Information Or Help

If you’re experiencing prolonged problems with your HVAC system, and you can’t find the source, call Reddi Services today. Specializing in all matters of HVAC maintenance and repair, we will have your system back up and running in no time! Be sure to check out our Reddi Planned Maintenance program for even more benefits.

What You Need to Know About HVAC Replacement & Costs

Have you found yourself having to count on an increasingly unreliable HVAC unit, wondering about the expenses to replace it? While we can’t give a definite replacement cost in the article, we can give some insight into whether or not a replacement unit is the necessary action for you, and how to account for additional factors that would contribute to your final bill.

If you are interested in a largely inclusive home warranty plan, Reddi Services may have the option for you! Our Reddi Planned Maintenance (RPM) program offers annual heating and cooling safety checks and service, along with annual plumbing safety checks and inspections! Quality maintenance extends the life of your equipment and saves you money.

How To Know If You Need To Replace Your HVAC System

Sometimes it may just be obvious; your HVAC unit is old, it may be making irregular noises, and perhaps has needed multiple repairs through the years. On the other hand, the answer is not always so obvious, and you find yourself adjusting the thermostat more often, resulting in a larger energy bill. No matter the case, if either of these sound true, it may be worth considering a new HVAC system.

What To Look For In A New HVAC System

Your HVAC unit is one of the most important pieces in maintaining your home, and when it comes time to replace it, we understand it can be a daunting task. Here are some important things to keep in mind when searching:

• Begin and finish your project with the right contractor. The efficiency of your unit is determined by its installation, meaning it is of the utmost importance to work with a reputable contractor. Make sure that any of your candidates are willing to break down the cost for you.
• Determine Unit Size. Make sure your contractor performs a load calculation and takes into consideration the size of your home, roofing materials, orientation of the home in daylight hours, and other related notes.
• Pay Attention To The SEER Rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating that shows how efficient the unit will be. Although a higher SEER rated unit will cost more initially, you’ll also end up saving money through its efficiency in the long run.
• Use Rebates! Check to see if you can apply for any rebate incentives to bring down some of your HVAC replacement cost.

Replacement Costs And Influential Factors

For the most part, a replacement and repair cost of a cooling unit can range from $150 to $4,000. Heating units cost roughly the same amount as well. If you are thinking that you need a full replacement, you’re likely looking at spending a few thousand dollars. Some additional factors to consider when looking for a unit include:

• The size and type of unit you are looking for.
• The fuel necessary to run the unit.
• Additional repairs, replacements or add-ons, such as ductwork.
• Energy efficiency of the new unit.

Things To Consider After Replacing Your HVAC Unit

As with other costly repairs, your home system replacement is a serious investment. It can be unfortunate, but sometimes even new units will have a performance issue every once in a while. Reddi Services covers what many home warranty companies don’t, giving you peace of mind and knowing your home’s most important appliances are being well-kept. Call today to learn more and secure your home with our RPM program!

Don’t Let These Pests Damage Your A/C

While we experience the heat of the summer, nothing is more dreadful than the thought of our A/C unit shutting off on us. Make sure to give it regular inspections to protect from rodents and other pests.

Common Perpetrators Of A/C Damages

Almost any creature that can gnaw, crawl, build, or slither around your unit has the potential to cause serious damage, both inside your unit and in your home.

• Rodents are capable of crawling into gaps as small as dime! Tending to favor small spaces, rodents will sometimes tear off the air duct material to nest with. They also tend to go for loose cabling laying around, such as electrical wires, power lines, and other components of your A/C unit.
• While snakes do not intend to cause any harm, we unfortunately may see them nest inside the ductwork or even the condenser of an A/C unit. While they will not tear apart your unit the same way rodents will, snakes are often too large to safely sit inside and will usually result in death once the unit turns on, causing damage to the internal blades.
• Insects such as termites, ants, and wasps may try to make a home for themselves in your unit. Insects that tend to pack mounds for nesting risk the chance of shorting out connections inside your unit. Other insects like wasps and bees may be problematic for those with allergies to stings.

How Accessible Are Air Vents To Pests?

Rodents are one of the trickiest pests for you to keep out of your ventilation as they are able to squeeze into any hole with the width of a small coin, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Interior air vents with angled or grid-styled openings that are smaller than a nickel will keep out most rodents. The places to watch for will be access to your intake vents and exterior air vents, where entry points tend to be larger, or in attic and crawl spaces. Be sure to keep any holes covered and properly maintained.

Even if you do not see any rodents, they can cause plenty of damage in the background. The droppings and dander from rodents cause allergic reactions in some people, and rodents are notorious for spreading disease and illness, through direct means and by infecting things such as food sources. If you notice a strange smell in your vents, check to be sure no rodents have died in your vents.

How To Start Pest-Proofing

Pest-proofing your A/C unit, along with entrances to your home, will keep you and your family safe, and ensure a longer lasting life for your A/C unit. In order to keep things working smoothly, we recommend:

• Installing vent covers using mesh screens. This will help to keep out a variety of pests, including insects and rodents.
• Seal air ducts that have openings via cracks, holes, and tears in the ductwork. Be sure to regularly inspect your air ducts, as the change in temperature and time can cause peeling.
• Keep the area around your unit cleared, especially of any loose leaves, vegetation, or rocks that may have been kicked up. Buildup of debris can attract pests looking for a new home.
• Cover air vents with mesh or screens to keep rodents and birds from nesting in around your ventilation.
• Check for signs of moisture around your unit. Be sure that after any storms to check for still water by your unit, as it will not only attract pests but also risks creating the ideal environment for termites. Any irregular puddles should be inspected and sourced immediately.
• Utilize pest control to stop infestations. Once an infestation starts, it can be hard to keep them at bay. Work out a plan with your pest control provider to prevent large amounts of pests from your home.

A/C Damage Prevention Routine

Make sure to have a regular inspection routine for your unit. Getting your unit serviced once a year will allow for your technician to identify any potential problems your unit may experience, including finding signs of pest activity. When it comes time to schedule a repair or replacement, do not push it off; the better maintained your unit is, the longer it should last you. Reddi Services specializes in all matters of A/C service and is here to assist you today!

Watch for HVAC System Red Flags

Make sure to watch for some of the common red flags that are often overlooked when it comes to your HVAC unit, especially since we have had not only a long summer, but also the single hottest summer in Arizona ever recorded. With a few more months of heat left, make sure you take care of these potential problems today and eliminate the risk of a bigger, more expensive problem in the future.

The last thing you need to deal with is a heater going haywire and blowing cold air in the winter, or the AC not switching on during the middle of summer. Not only are HVAC problems some of the most expensive home repairs you can make, but you also depend on your system to keep your home habitable! If things go wrong, your home may quickly become too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable. Because of how expensive HVAC replacements can be, it’s always good to know what red flags to look for so you can get things fixed before an entire replacement becomes necessary. Use this list we’ve put together for a better understanding of what to watch out for with your HVAC unit.

Increasing Energy Bills

While natural gas and electricity rates may increase over time, your month to month energy bill should not have a drastic difference between seasons. While you may see a spike in your costs after experiencing more extreme temperatures, you should also be aware of increases in energy cost that have occurred for no reason. If you have not recently changed the thermostat, your service rates have not been raised by your provider, and if you have not had any extreme weather that would change the amount of energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, there is a good chance you have an HVAC problem.

Odd Smells

While natural gas does not have a smell on its own, it is common practice for gas companies to add a sulfurous odor that smells like a rotting egg. This addition helps you to identify if a gas leak is occurring in your home, especially near your furnace. If you detect a gas leak, immediately remove everyone from your home and call your gas company’s emergency number. If possible, shut off the gas to your home until help comes.

Apart from natural gas, HVAC units sometimes can have a musty or burning smell, signaling that a repair is needed.

Temperature Troubles

If you find that your AC is not cooling or if your heater is not keeping your home warm, you have a major red flag. If the temperature set on your thermostat is not being reached, even if your system continues to work, it is most likely an HVAC issue. If your HVAC will not kick on at all, you may be experiencing a faulty AC contactor, which is in charge of controlling the electric flow between the parts of your unit.

Odd Noises

No AC or heater will be fully silent, but you should not be hearing more than the occasional sound of air coming out of a vent or the hum of a machine functioning if you are close enough to it. If you hear any banging, whistling, squeaking, scraping, rattling, or other harsh noise, you are likely experiencing an HVAC problem such as a broken blower wheel.

Seek immediate help from a professional if you experience loud noises coming from a gas furnace.

Dripping AC Unit

Your AC unit will leak a little water while it is on, but it should never be a large amount, and it should only be noticeable around the AC unit outside, not away from it or inside your home. If you see air ducts dripping water, or if you see traces of condensation around vents, exhaust ports, or around windows, you may have an AC problem. Keep in mind that you should not be running your AC if outdoor temperatures are under 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will cause increased leakage. In most cases, leaky AC units are caused by leaving in a clogged and dirty AC filter, however the improper installation of a unit can result in blocked drain pipes or low refrigerant levels.

Old HVAC Unit

Most HVAC systems are designed to live around 15 years, so if yours is approaching or has already passed that age, there is a good chance you’ll soon be in the market for a new unit. When getting an older system replaced, it’s recommended that you change both the AC unit and heater at the same time, this way you are guaranteed to have a compatible system than risk running them against each other.

Nobody wants to deal with a broken HVAC, but by staying vigilant, you can improve the lifespan of your system and likely catch most issues before they cause need for greater concern. Be sure you’re ready to handle the tail-end of the summer heat without any issues and get an inspection today!