HVAC Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Heatwave Heating & Cooling

Should The Outside HVAC Unit Be Covered In The Winter?

Author: Jake Castricone Senior Service Technician Should the outside unit be covered in the winter? When homeowners ask about adding insulation around their water heater, I usually advise against it. It can create a cozy haven for mice and other pests, attracting them to the warm space and potentially leading to chewed wires. This is especially true in rural areas of Western New York, where we see a lot of rodent damage caused by insulation. Frankly, I don’t know what it is about the wiring in these units, but it

What Is Being Done During A Maintenance Call For An AC Unit?

Author: Jake Castricone Senior Service Technician What are you doing on a maintenance call for an air conditioning unit? There can be a buildup of dust, debris, and even some unwanted guests – tiny bugs and critters. Now, these little critters might seem harmless, but their presence inside the unit can actually cause big problems. With voltages ranging from 240 to 400 volts in here (depending on the component, like the capacitor or contactor), even a small bug touching a wire can lead to a short circuit. This could damage

How Long Will An AC Unit Last Before It Needs Replacing?

Author: Jake Castricone Senior Service Technician How long will an old air conditioning unit keep running before it needs to be replaced? Some have certainly seen better days, but I’ve seen much older units still chugging along. Age alone isn’t the death sentence for these machines. While newer models offer unbeatable efficiency, quieter operation, and all the bells and whistles, I’ve got plenty of 20-year-old units still keeping their owners cool. The key is the current performance. If it’s still providing reliable comfort, then there’s no immediate need

What A Service Technician Looks For When Conducting HVAC Maintenance

Author: Jake Castricone Senior Service Technician What is a service technician looking for on a maintenance call? What questions should the homeowner be prepared to answer? No matter if your appliance is brand new or a 15 years old, I always approach it with the assumption that there might be a hidden issue lurking beneath the surface. This helps me avoid tunnel vision, where you assume something can’t have problems based solely on its age. I challenge myself to find that hidden issue before it turns into a major headache.

What Are The Dangers Of A Tilted AC Unit?

Author: Jake Castricone Senior Service Technician Tilted AC Unit? Here’s What You Need to Know As homeowners, we all want our air conditioning systems to run smoothly and efficiently. But what happens when you notice your AC unit is tilted? While it may not seem like a major issue at first, a tilted AC unit can actually lead to serious problems down the road. The Dangers of a Tilted AC Unit Vibration and movement: When your AC unit is tilted, it can vibrate excessively and even move off its pad. This

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through key factors to help you make an informed choice tailored to your unique needs. Manual J Calculation: Precision in HVAC System Sizing When it comes to selecting the ideal HVAC system for your home, precision is key. One crucial aspect of this process is the Manual J calculation. This detailed calculation takes into account various factors to accurately determine the heating and cooling load your home requires. At Heatwave Heating & Cooling,

5 Reasons Why Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned Is Worthwhile

You may not think about your household ductwork very often, but your air ducts are extremely important for the performance, efficiency, and health of your HVAC system. If you’re a homeowner, you may have heard about a service called air duct cleaning, but you may not be sure if it’s truly worth the money. In truth, having your air ducts cleaned periodically is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your Amherst, NY area home. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable benefits of regular ductwork cleanings. 1. Better Indoor

10 Summer HVAC Tips for Staying Cool and Saving Money

Looking at ways to stay cool during the summer while saving money is important. Following a few tips can make this process much easier. You will have more money left over while still staying cool and comfortable in your home. Here are ten tips on how to keep your house feeling comfortable while saving you money. 1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial for its optimal functioning. A professional technician can provide an annual check-up that will ensure that your system is performing at its most efficient level and can

New York Gas Stove Ban? Go Green With Ductless, Mini Splits, and Heat Pumps Instead

In 2023, New York became the first state in the country to ban gas stoves. Any new building constructed in 2026 or later that has seven stories cannot use these appliances. The same law also prevents all buildings constructed in 2029 and beyond from using them. With so much talk about other states following suit and what it might mean for other gas appliances, you might worry about losing your HVAC system. You don’t need to worry though because there are tons of green and electrical HVAC products that are perfect for your home. Electric Heat

5 Ways a Ductless Mini-Split System Can Help You Save

Whether you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint or lowering your utility bill, installing a ductless mini-split in your Amherst, NY, home could be the perfect solution. Ductless mini-splits provide zoned heating and cooling. They offer direct air delivery and use a highly efficient heat transfer process. Following are five ways a ductless mini-split system can help you save both energy and money. 1. Sidestep Problems With Leaky Air Ducts Aging, unsealed, and uninsulated HVAC air ducts can account for up to 50% of the energy waste in homes with central heating and cooling. Before hot

Category HVAC

Should The Outside HVAC Unit Be Covered In The Winter?

What Is Being Done During A Maintenance Call For An AC Unit?

How Long Will An AC Unit Last Before It Needs Replacing?

What A Service Technician Looks For When Conducting HVAC Maintenance

What Are The Dangers Of A Tilted AC Unit?

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home

5 Reasons Why Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned Is Worthwhile

10 Summer HVAC Tips for Staying Cool and Saving Money

New York Gas Stove Ban? Go Green With Ductless, Mini Splits, and Heat Pumps Instead

5 Ways a Ductless Mini-Split System Can Help You Save

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