Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

The Steps of Professional Furnace Maintenance

October 27th, 2014

Have you scheduled your furnace’s annual maintenance visit yet? Right now is the ideal time to get it done, during the fall before the weather starts to turn colder. We recommend that anyone who uses a furnace to heat their home have maintenance done once a year during fall. This will not only prepare the furnace for the work ahead, but it will also catch any repair issues before they can become serious, and will keep the furnace working at its most energy efficient.

With our Energy Savings Agreement, you’ll receive a furnace check-up and inspection in the fall, as well as a visit for your air conditioning during the spring. Call us today to hear about the details.

What happens during furnace maintenance

A routine maintenance visit for a furnace follows a number of basic steps. Your technician will make any adjustments necessary depending on the condition of your furnace and what he or she may discover during the session.

The technician will start by replacing or cleaning the furnace filter, and show you how you can do this during the rest of the year on your own if you don’t already know how. After that, the technician will check to see if the thermostat is correctly calibrated so it reads temperatures accurately.

Next, the work inside the furnace cabinet begins. The technician lubricates the fan motor, which is an important part of relieving stress on the system. Next comes a check on the electrical system (even a gas furnace uses electricity to run its fans) to measure voltage and look over the fuses, breakers, and other wiring. If necessary, the technician will tighten loose electrical connections.

One of the key steps a technician will take for a gas-powered furnace is to look for any signs of corrosion on the unit and especially on the heat exchanger; cracks along a heat exchanger due to corrosion can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, and the exchanger will need to be replaced. The technician will also clean off the burner if necessary. Finally, the maintenance technician will perform a visual inspection of the ductwork to see if there are places were air might be escaping.

The technician will present you with any problems discovered during the check-up and offer advice on repairs or services you may need to improve the system and keep it operating safely. Once the maintenance job is completed, you should have a furnace in the best running shape possible, ready for another year of keeping your home cozy.

When you sign up for the Energy Savings Agreement with Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., you will not only receive quality heating maintenance in Lake Butler, FL that will keep your heater working efficiently for many years, you will save 15% on repair services and receive priority scheduling. Contact us today.

Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. offers an excellent program for heating maintenance in Lake Butler, FL and other communities in North Central Florida. Call us today!

What Are the Benefits of Scheduling Prompt Duct Repair?

October 20th, 2014

The ducts are a key component of any home HVAC system, but they can fall prey to a number of problems that keep the unit from running as efficiently as it could. Ducts may develop cracks, come loose at the joints, or even collapse. Or, your ducts may have a design flaw that keeps one area of the home from feeling as cool or as warm as you’d like. In fact, a majority of homeowners have problems with the ducts that lead to up to 30% of air loss, a major drain on their energy bills.

Noticing a problem with the ducts may be tough, but there are a few signs to look out for. If one area of the home never seems to be as cool as the rest, it could be a problem with the air conditioning system, such as low refrigerant or a struggling compressor. On the other hand, it’s very likely a problem with the ducts. Prompt duct repair is vital if you want to achieve the following results.

Fewer HVAC Repairs: When there are holes in the ducts, air leaks through, which means your home will not feel cool as quickly as it should. This means that your unit will have to work harder to keep up with the loss, which could cause parts to wear down quickly and fall into a state of disrepair.
Greater Efficiency: Furthermore, when parts become worn, they simply cannot run as efficiently as they should. Worn down parts will take longer to heat your home and consume a lot of energy in the process, leading to higher energy costs. With prompt duct repair, your HVAC system can distribute air as it is supposed to, and won’t spend excessive energy making up for a faulty duct.
Better Air Quality: Finally, duct repair can actually help improve the air quality in your home. A leak in your ducts may allow pollutants like dust and bacteria to enter from the attic or crawlspace and infiltrate your home, causing sickness or aggravating existing conditions like asthma and allergies. Well-sealed ducts keep these from infecting your home.

The technicians at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. know properly sealed ducts are key to a comfortable home. Call our office today and ask about scheduling professional duct repair in Gainesville.

Here’s How Professional HVAC Maintenance Can Save You Money

October 13th, 2014

Air conditioning and heating systems use up a large portion of any home’s utility bills every month, and sometimes, it seems like the easiest way to save money is by shutting off your system entirely. Of course, doing so means sacrificing comfort—and a lot of complaints from the members of your household.

Another easy way to save is by scheduling HVAC maintenance every year. With professional maintenance, a technician cleans, inspects, and makes adjustments for your heating and cooling system. All it takes is one phone call and a bit of your time, and the savings will surely make up for the low cost of maintenance.

Steps of Maintenance that Help You Save

Every part of the maintenance process is intended to protect your air conditioner from costly future repairs and to help keep energy costs low. Although there are many other components to the process, here are the details of just a few of the most important steps of HVAC maintenance.

Adjust Thermostat Calibration: If your thermostat is inaccurate, you may be setting your thermostat too low in the cooling season or too high when it’s cold outside. Even if you are only one or two degrees off, it could mean you are spending a lot more on your energy bill. A technician will clean or adjust the thermostat, and may recommend replacement in some cases.
Inspect and Clean the Filters: A dirty air or furnace filter could reduce the required amount of airflow to your system, resulting in poor efficiency and possibly leading to repairs. You should replace or clean the filters in your HVAC maintenance system about once every month, but a maintenance technician can ensure that this is completed properly.
Inspect and Tighten Electrical Components: Electrical problems could lead to issues with fan motors or the compressor, both of which may need replacement. Technicians check for wiring problems and tighten electrical components when needed, in order to prevent costly repairs later on.
Visually Check the Ductwork: The ductwork in your home may have leaks, and leaks can cause up to 30% of the air from your HVAC system to escape from the ducts in some homes. A technician can tell you if duct sealing will have a significant impact on your cooling and heating costs.

At Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., our maintenance program includes a twice yearly tune-up and discounts on services.

For these offers and more, call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. today and ask about scheduling HVAC maintenance in Lake Butler.

Only Allow Specialists to Service Your Commercial AC System

October 6th, 2014

Because of Florida’s warm climate, you will rely on the air conditioning system in your commercial space almost every month of the year. Keeping the AC in prime working order so that it is always ready to provide you with crisp and relaxing cool air without excess energy waste is important to keep a business running smoothly and its employees, customers, and/or clients happy. To make sure that the air conditioner in your commercial space can live up to your expectations, arrange for prompt repairs when necessary and regular maintenance once a year.

But when it comes to scheduling these services, you can’t simply turn to any HVAC contractor. A commercial AC must have commercial experts to install, maintain, and repair it. For your light commercial air conditioning in Jacksonville, FL (25 tons and under), look to the dependable name of Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We have served North Central Florida businesses with quality comfort since 1998.

Why commercial HVAC specialists are essential for your business

It is easy to think of light commercial air conditioners as nothing more than larger siblings to the ones found in homes. But this is rarely the case. Even if it were, a larger system is already more complex to work on for someone inexperienced with it. The amount of cooling that commercial ACs must provide makes them difficult to service for anyone who has not received special training. Just the horsepower required to run the fan motors makes them significantly different than anything seen in the largest system used for homes.

In general, the design of commercial air conditioners is dissimilar to residential ones. Most home ACs are “split systems” that consist of an indoor cabinet and an outdoor cabinet that connect through refrigerant and power lines. Most commercial air conditioners, on the other hand, are “packaged units” that place all the components, including both the evaporator and condenser coil, into one cabinet that is customarily housed on the roof. These systems require special training to repair and maintain.

Commercial air conditioners must provide comfort for a large number of people; even smaller businesses must worry about keeping a larger number of people comfortable than in a home. Specialists in commercial HVAC technology know exactly how to service air conditioners so they will take care of everyone in a commercial space; this is not work that you can expect from a technician only familiar with home ACs.

With all the strain that your commercial air conditioning in Jacksonville, FL will experience each year, you will eventually need to schedule service for it.

Call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. today and talk to our light commercial HVAC technicians to arrange for whatever work you need done.

Some Options for Thermostat Replacement

September 29th, 2014

Energy efficiency is important, and one of the easier ways to achieve it is by replacing your old, outdated thermostat. Today’s thermostats are far more effective than the old mercury-based ones, and many have capabilities far beyond simply setting the temperature. Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., has the latest in thermostat products, and our trained and certified technicians can install your replacement thermostat in Jacksonville quickly and efficiently.

Types of Thermostats

There are few choices available for homeowners when it comes to updating your thermostat:

Digital

Digital thermostats have a clear, readable face and offer precise temperature setting, which can help with energy efficiency. The buttons on digital thermostats are intuitive and easy to use, making them easy to operate.

Programmable

A programmable thermostat is a digital thermostat that you can program. Programs can be set in 7-day loops. The programs can be tailored for times when your home is and isn’t occupied, during vacation periods, weekends, even night and day. You can loop a 7-day program or change it weekly. Having a programmable thermostat gives you tremendous control over the heating and cooling in your home, which can help you save energy.

Wireless

A wireless thermostat is digital and can be programmable, but it offers two more benefits: the ability to be placed virtually anywhere in your home and be operated by remote control. The way a wireless system works is that a receiver replaces your wired thermostat. This receiver communicates with each of the wireless thermostats in your home, as well as your heating system. Many wireless thermostats can be programmed, so they offer convenience and energy efficiency.

Smart

Smart thermostats are the most advanced option. Using wi-fi technology, you can access your smart thermostat from just about anywhere – you just need to have a smart device and access to the internet. With a smart thermostat, you can program your thermostat and track energy usage, all by using a downloadable app.

Thermostats have come a long way. If you have an aging or outdated thermostat, it may be time to consider thermostat replacement in Jacksonville.

Call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., and schedule an appointment with one of our installation experts regarding your thermostat options today.

Why You Should Schedule Commercial HVAC Maintenance

September 22nd, 2014

Keeping your commercial property comfortable can improve the productivity of your employees and keep your clients and customers happy. If you own or manage a commercial property in Gainesville, you need a high-performance HVAC system to keep your property at a reasonable temperature. But when your commercial system needs maintenance, it can cause a lot of problems for your business. In order to avoid poor work conditions and costly repairs, the technicians at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. recommend scheduling commercial HVAC maintenance twice a year. Here are some of the reasons you should call for maintenance for your business today.

No Complaints: One of the most important reasons to schedule maintenance is to avoid complaints from your clients, customers, tenants, and employees. If even a small part of your HVAC system is not working as it should, such as a bent fan blade, it may take longer for your unit to cool or heat your property. Technicians check for problems like these and make sure your unit is in top shape.
Efficiency: Commercial systems use a lot of energy as it is, but repair needs and dirty components can cause your HVAC system to use more energy than it needs to. Cleaning and adjusting components may save you a lot of money every month.
Less Risk: A poorly maintained system has a much greater risk of breaking down. And a costly repair or replacement is a big deal in the middle of a busy work day. Stay informed about repair needs before a major breakdown by scheduling commercial HVAC maintenance.
Longer Lifespan: Maintenance can actually extend the lifespan of your system. If parts of your system are not working as they should, other components have to work harder, causing your system to wear down prematurely. Maintenance reduces wear and tear, keeping your system at its best so that it lasts as long as possible.

During maintenance, a technician will clean and adjust components of your system and let you know of any problems that need further repairs. Commercial units are complex, so be sure to only trust experienced technicians with such a big job.

For commercial HVAC maintenance in Gainesville, call the specialists at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. today. You’ll be glad you did!

Can Geothermal Cooling Save Me Money?

September 15th, 2014

Geothermal cooling and heating has been around for decades, but it’s only been over the last few years that it has become a more popular choice for residential properties. Our Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., experts get a lot of questions about geothermal systems, and one of the more common ones regards the savings a geothermal system can offer. To understand how geothermal cooling in Lake City can help save you money, it’s important to first understand how the system works.

How Geothermal Systems Work

A geothermal system harnesses the Earth’s natural, steady temperature just below the frost line (between 55-61 degrees) to heat and cool. Using a ground loop and a heat pump, warmth is absorbed from the Earth during the winter months and transferred into your home via the ground loop; the heat pump then disperses the warm air into your home. In the summer months, the heat pump removes the heat and transfers it to the ground loop, where the heat is “sunk” into the ground. Geothermal systems do not use any fossil fuels and the heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to operate.

Ways Geothermal Systems Save Money

There are a few ways in which geothermal systems can save you money:

Lifespan of the equipment – geothermal systems have a long lifespan: the ground loop is made to last up to 50 years, and the lifespan of the heat pump is 20-25 years. With these kinds of numbers, it is possible to have a geothermal system last a full generation before needing to replace certain components. This can result in considerable savings.

Energy efficiency – the energy efficiency of a geothermal system averages between 300-400%; when you consider that the average combustible appliance can’t go any higher than 100%, you can gain a lot of efficiency with a geothermal system.

No fuel costs – with a geothermal system, you eliminate the need to pay for fossil fuels. Energy.gov estimates geothermal systems can you up to 70% in annual energy costs.

The one item to note about geothermal systems is that the upfront installation costs tend to be more expensive than those of standard air conditioning systems. But there are tax credits and grants that can help reduce the initial costs, and it takes only an average of 6 years to recoup the cost of installation via energy savings.

If you are considering geothermal cooling in Lake City, call the team of geothermal experts at Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., today!

Reasons To Be Concerned About Increasing Your Indoor Air Quality

September 8th, 2014

Most people equate temperature with comfort levels, particularly indoors, but there are other things to consider when it comes to your indoor air; one of these things is your indoor air quality. Indoor air can carry 2-5 times more contaminants than the outside air, making it possible for your indoor air to be less healthy than the outdoor air.

If you are concerned about your indoor air quality in Lake City, Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has a number of products and services that can help you and your family. Call today!

What Are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Here is a general overview of symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality:

Common Symptoms:

Coughing
Sneezing
Itch, watery eyes
Fatigue
Headaches

More Serious Symptoms:

Nose bleeds
Constant nose congestion
Wheezing
Allergic reactions
Respiratory attacks (asthma)
Rashes
Muscle pain (myalgia)

Products and Services That Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

There are a number of whole-home products and duct services that can help increase your indoor air quality:

Products

Mechanical air filters – mechanical air cleaners are framed filters in which filter media captures and retains particles in your indoor air. These filters typically fit into your indoor unit (though not always), and need to be changed every 3 months in order to stay effective.

Electronic air cleaners – electronic air cleaners use electricity to charge, trap and remove particles. There are two types of electronic air cleaners – ion generators and electronic precipitators – and while they are similar, they do work in slightly different ways.

UV germicidal lights – UV lights are used to destroy and eradicate biological contaminants. They do this by radiating cells with UV-C light.

Services

Duct cleaning – professionally cleaning your air ducts removes dust and dirt build-up, and growths such as mold and mildew, from your system. A professional duct cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of airborne particles in your living spaces.

Duct sealing – faulty ductwork not only loses air through holes and cracks, it lets in pollutants, including particles and fumes, which can reduce your indoor air quality. Sealing these ducts can eliminate this problem.

Duct repair/replacement – sometimes ductwork is so damaged and/or worn that it requires replacement. New ductwork is clean and free of wear and tear that can compromise air quality.

Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has the products, services and professional specialists you need to help improve your indoor air quality in Lake City. Call us today and schedule an appointment.

The Fashion of Wearing White and Labor Day

September 1st, 2014

You may have heard about the fashion faux pas of wearing white after Labor Day. In the present, this tradition is usually treated as old fashioned and a joke. Few people will criticize you for wearing white articles of clothing after the first Monday in September, or even take notice of it except to wonder why it was ever a major concern at all.

Where did this tradition of white clothing going out of fashion after Labor Day come from, and why did it fade away like colorful fabric washed in a hot load in the washing machine?

In general, white makes sense for the heat of summer. Light-colored clothing reflects away the radiant heat of the sun, instead of absorbing it the way dark colors do, so for thousands of years of human history people have preferred to wear white clothing during the hotter months.

However, the idea of white as strictly fashionable during the summer season only emerged in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—the time when the very concept of “fashion” began to spread across the Western Hemisphere.

It was only the highest level of post-Civil War society in the U.S. that strict and often bizarre rules for fashion controlled whether someone was in with the “in” crowd. Compared to our ideas of what’s fashionable today, the Czars of Style in the 1880s were true despots. Things as trivial as sleeve length could determine whether a woman in high society—no matter her level of wealth—was fashionable or a pariah.

Wearing white during the only summer, when it was common for weddings and outdoor parties, was only of these restrictive society rules. When the U.S. government made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894, the Fashion Czars gained a definite cut-off point for when wearing white was no longer “acceptable” in the upper echelons of wealthy society.

For many decades, this rule only applied to a small number of millionaire socialites in a few big cities, but in the 1950s it reached general fashion magazines that were read around the country and started to affect more people.

But time eventually broke apart this odd rule, and during the 1970s fashion became more individual. Some fashion legends, like Coco Chanel, also purposely rejected the restriction and wore white throughout the year. Today, the “no white after Labor Day rule” is little more than an amusing gag to tease friends, and almost nobody takes it seriously.

Whatever you choose to wear after Labor Day (and if it’s white, we won’t tease!), everyone here at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. hopes you have a happy end of the summer and great plans for the fall!

3 Common Heat Pump Repair Needs

August 26th, 2014

Heat pumps are very energy efficient and have a long life span – usually 15-20 years when they are well-maintained – but they will still require repair at some point during your ownership. While many parts of a heat pump are similar to the outdoor unit of a traditional air conditioning system, there are some heat pumps repairs in Jacksonville that are different from traditional systems. It is important to hire professionals who have experience repairing heat pumps, which is why you want to call a company like Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., for all your heat pump repair needs.

Common Heat Pump Repairs

Following are three common heat pump repairs our technicians see frequently:

Issues with the reversing valve – heat pumps can heat and cool because they are equipped with a valve, known as a reversing valve, which allows you to switch between heating and cooling. This valve can become stuck in 3 different positions: heating, cooling, or in between. In certain instances, the valve can be repaired, but sometimes replacement of the valve is required.

Low and high pressure – among the major causes for heat pump problems with low head pressure are defective compressor and evaporator issues. When it comes to high head pressure, it is usually due to contaminated condenser and overfeeding of refrigerant in the unit.

Refrigerant leaks – refrigerant leaks affect how the cooling and heating process in your system works. Leaks can occur anywhere in the system, and can be difficult to locate. In addition, a person needs to be certified to handle refrigerant, so it’s important to call a professional to handle any issues you may experience with refrigerant.

Heat pumps are great options for homeowners, especially those looking for a single device to provide both heating and cooling. Because heat pumps run year-round, it is important to have reliable, qualified help when problems occur.

Take care of your heat pump repairs in Jacksonville, FL with a company you can trust: Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc. Call us today.