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3 Benefits Provided by a New Commercial HVAC System

Entrepreneurs in Tuscumbia, AL, should always be contemplating improvements to their business’s and seeking out ways to beat the competition. Upgrading your commercial HVAC system may be just the thing you need to gain that all-important advantage. Here are three important benefits you’ll enjoy if you get a new commercial HVAC system:

More Satisfied Customers

A new HVAC system will clean the air in your business headquarters and make everyone present there feel refreshed and energized. Most importantly, this includes your customers. If your customers love how their surroundings make them feel, they will be more likely to buy your products and speak well of your company.

More Productive Employees

The same considerations about high indoor air quality also apply to your workforce. If you upgrade your commercial air conditioning and heating system, your staff will be more comfortable, productive and enthusiastic about coming to work. This translates into greater productivity.

Lower Energy Costs

Despite the substantial upfront cost of installing a new commercial HVAC system, doing so can cut your business outlays in the long run. New commercial HVAC systems slash costs most directly by being more efficient and powerful than their older counterparts, thereby cutting down your utility bills. A newer system is also less likely to require repairs anytime soon and has fewer maintenance demands.

Moreover, if your employees take days off for health reasons, you’ll have to pay at least some of their healthcare expenses and will suffer an opportunity cost from not having them work. Better commercial air conditioning and heating systems and cleaner air can prevent this from happening as often.

Upgrading your commercial HVAC system is a wise and far-sighted investment, especially if your already-existing system has been around for 20 years or more. Call Price Heating and Air today to schedule our commercial HVAC services.

4 Factors That Impact Heat Pump Efficiency in Florence, AL

A heat pump offers you an energy-efficient system for cooling and heating your Florence, AL, home. Learn more about the various factors that can influence its efficiency.

Size of the Heat Pump

A heat pump controls temperature by transferring heat from one location to another. It’s important to let a professional installer decide the size of your heat pump.

Having an inappropriately sized system for your home can result in uneven cold and warm spots. Systems that are too large short cycle, which decreases efficiency and causes frequent breakdowns. A system that’s too small runs all the time, increasing your energy usage.

Age of the Heat Pump

When a heat pump gets older, the components simply can’t operate efficiently anymore. Buying a new heat pump installation might be expensive, but it’ll save you money on repairs in the future. Additionally, new heat pumps have updated features with high efficiency ratings.

HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance extends your system’s lifespan and improves its efficiency. During maintenance, the service technician will inspect, repair or replace worn-out parts. They will also check the refrigerant levels for optimal performance.

Frequent Thermostat Adjustments

Constantly adjusting your thermostat, especially to extreme temperature set points, doesn’t help the system work any better. Instead, it puts added strain on your heat pump and makes it less efficient.

To make your heat pump operate more efficiently, set the thermostat to a regular temperature, and leave it there. This will make your home more comfortable and also help you save on your utility bills.

Save on your energy costs by making sure your heat pump is performing optimally. Understanding efficiency factors and collaborating with a dependable service technician for maintenance are crucial. Contact Price Heating and Air today for professional heat pump installation and repair services.

Is My Furnace Limit Switch Faulty in Muscle Shoals, AL?

Winters in Muscle Shoals, AL, can get chilly, but your home should feel warm and cozy inside. If your home has a furnace, it should operate safely and efficiently to keep your family comfortable, but there might be times when parts of it break down and disrupt the operations. Keep reading to learn warning signs or potential problems of a faulty furnace limit switch.

Overheated Exchanger

A blocked air filter can make your limit switch keep your furnace from even starting. Substantially decreased airflow can result in an overheated exchanger, and if your limit switch detects this, it should deactivate the burner. However, a faulty limit switch might fail to perform this safety check and let your exchanger get too hot.

Furnace Won’t Stop

Your furnace blower should stop when the system hits the temperature you want your home to be, but a malfunctioning limit switch might keep the blower running. Continuous blower operation can spike electricity bills and accelerate wear and tear, eventually leading to total HVAC system failure in the long term.

Dirty Flame Sensor

Our HVAC maintenance service technician might need to check whether the limit switch’s flame sensor rod is clean or dirty. Inside the furnace’s plenum, this sensor rod measures air temperatures. It can’t do this effectively if it’s not clean, which might result in some limit switch trips that disrupt the whole system.

Constant Tripping

The limit switch halts furnace operations until temperatures stabilize but might trip before a heating cycle finishes. Frequent tripping of this nature is a short cycling malfunction, which can drive up your power bills and deteriorate your system functionality.

Aging Matters

Sometimes, recurring limit switch tripping happens due to natural wear and tear over time. If you don’t have one of our service technicians replace it, the system could go into a lockout mode where it doesn’t work until replacing it.

Watch out for the signs of a faulty furnace limit switch so you can have it fixed and keep your heating system running smoothly. Contact us Price Heating and Air for all the heating repairs that your home requires.

3 Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Florence, AL

No one wants to inhale polluted air while at home. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Florence, AL, may face indoor air pollution that they don’t even know about. Be on the lookout for these three common sources of indoor air pollution:

Pets

Many household pets are furry and carry all types of different pollutants into your home after they’ve spent time outside. On top of this, they can spread their fur, pet dander and many air pollutants around your home.

Luckily, it’s not difficult for responsible pet owners to deal with this problem. Just remember to bathe your furry friends regularly and brush them thoroughly when they come in from outdoors.

Dust

Dust is virtually everywhere in the typical home. Its presence in sufficiently high concentrations can both diminish air quality and hinder the workings of your HVAC system. The latter typically happens because dust finds its way into the ducts and filters of your HVAC system and blocks airflow.

This can become a vicious cycle, because the more dust there is in your home, the less likely your HVAC system will function well. The worse the system functions, the less effective it will be at filtering dust from the air. To deal with dust in your home, you may want to buy air purifiers, request a duct cleaning and schedule HVAC maintenance.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are chemicals that have low vapor pressure and are relatively insoluble in water. They’re also rather hazardous to your health and can trigger symptoms like headaches, nosebleeds, vomiting and fainting. These compounds exist in household items such as paint, pesticides, gas motor oil, cleaning products and certain pharmaceutical drugs.

You should never resign yourself to having indoor pollution in your Florence, AL, home. Instead, call the pros at Price Heating and Air and request our HVAC services to clear the air.

Why Doesn’t My Furnace Ever Stop Running in Florence, AL?

Dealing with a furnace that won’t stop running in Florence, AL, is both a nuisance and a strain on your finances. A heating system is an intricate machine that requires many different components to work together to properly heat your home. Here are several common reasons a furnace won’t stop running:

Temperature Is Set Too High

Your furnace will try to heat your home to whatever temperature is set on your thermostat. If that temperature is set too high, your system may constantly run to try and reach that goal.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can negatively impact the performance of your heating system by restricting airflow through it. This airflow issue causes your furnace to struggle to maintain your desired temperature. As a result, the heating system won’t stop running.

Malfunctioning Pilot Light

Do you have a gas furnace? The pilot light is the mechanism that ignites the gas supply before reaching the burner.

If your pilot light doesn’t stay lit, your furnace won’t reach its desired temperature, causing it to continuously cycle on and off. Scheduling regular maintenance can help spot pilot light issues before they become a major problem.

Leaks in Ductwork

Leaks can occur anywhere within your ductwork. When a leak is present, the warm air pushed throughout your home by your heating system will escape, while cold outside air will take its place. This results in your home never reaching the temperature set on your thermostat, causing your furnace to continue to run to try and heat your home as intended.

Undersized Furnace

An undersized heating system for the size of your home will have trouble properly warming it. In this scenario, your furnace simply doesn’t have the capacity to reach the target temperature and will strain itself trying to do so.

There are many different reasons a heating system will constantly run, including incorrect temperature settings, dirty air filters, pilot light issues, leaky ductwork and an undersized system for your home. If you’re dealing with a furnace that won’t shut off, contact Price Heating and Air today.

3 Signs You Have Dirty Ductwork in Killen, AL

Keeping HVAC ducts clean is an important part of keeping your system in good shape. Ultimately, whether your ductwork is clean will affect the quality of your indoor air and how easy it is to breathe. Let’s review some of the key indicators that you need to have professional service technicians clean your dirty ductwork in Killen, AL.

Visible Debris

Since HVAC systems circulate air, it’s natural that they also move tiny bits of dirt and other particles around as well. Regular HVAC maintenance can prevent this from becoming a problem. If you can see any of the following around your supply vents, it’s definitely time to schedule a duct cleaning:

  • Dirt and dust.
  • Fur and other animal debris.
  • Moisture and microbial growth.

Reduced Airflow

Over time, the buildup of dirt and debris can restrict air from flowing freely through the HVAC system’s ducts. In extreme cases, airflow might stop altogether. If the airflow in your HVAC system is weak or nonexistent, you should change your air filters and contact a professional HVAC company.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Because HVAC filters can’t catch debris caught in your ducts, dirty ductwork can have an impact on the quality of the air in your home. The problem worsens the more dirt is present, especially if there’s microbial growth.

Lower air quality levels can even make asthma and allergy symptoms worse. If you have one of these conditions, it’s even more important to have our professional service technicians clean your ducts regularly. Clean ductwork can ensure that your family members won’t suffer from respiratory problems.

Have you noticed that your HVAC system isn’t keeping the air of your home clean in Killen, AL? Contact the service technicians at Price Heating and Air to learn about our duct cleaning services.

Do I Need to Replace My Heat Pump in Muscle Shoals, AL?

Replacing your heat pump for your home is a project that requires preparation. Recognizing the early signs that you need new equipment will allow you to start preparing as early as possible. Be on the lookout for factors that indicate that you must replace your heat pump in your Muscle Shoals, AL, home.

Running Constantly

Heat pumps run in cycles — they shut off upon reaching the desired temperature and turn on again once prompted by the thermostat. As the system ages, it can’t keep up with the demands placed upon it because the wear and tear over the years impacts its performance. Your heat pump may run constantly to try to regulate temperatures in your home.

Uneven Temperatures

Wear and tear on your heat pump can also impact its ability to keep the entire home at an even temperature. This is because the output of older systems decreases significantly. If you experience hot and cold spots in your home, it’s a sign you may need to replace your heat pump.

Frequent Repairs

Older heat pumps experience frequent breakdowns and they need more repairs. If you find that you need to call a service technician often, start preparing to replace your heat pump.

Concerning Noises

While a heat pump will make a noise when it starts up and shuts down, you should not hear any strange noises during system operation. Grinding and screeching noises mean that there’s trouble. Noises like these mean that your motor will eventually die or that there is another serious problem that will soon result in total system failure.

The average lifespan of a heat pump is 10 to 15 years. If your heat pump is older than this, contact us at Price Heating and Air in Muscle Shoals, AL, to discuss your HVAC replacement services.

Is My Heat Pump in Muscle Shoals, AL, Beyond Repair?

As the seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, a reliable heat pump can be an essential appliance for your home in Muscle Shoals, AL. Over time, wear and tear can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of your heat pump. Here are some signs that you should hire a pro to install a new heat pump rather than pay money to repair your old system:

Age of the Heat Pump

Heat pumps, like any mechanical system, have a limited lifespan. Generally, a well-maintained heat pump can last around 10-15 years. As it approaches or surpasses this age range, its efficiency tends to decline.

Older models may struggle to maintain desired temperatures, leading to higher energy bills. Upgrading to a newer model can significantly improve energy efficiency, resulting in long-term cost savings.

Escalating Energy Bills

Have you noticed a steady increase in your energy bills despite maintaining consistent usage patterns? This could be a sign that your heat pump is working harder than it should to deliver the same level of comfort.

As components wear out over time, the heat pump requires more energy to achieve the desired temperature. Investing in a new, energy-efficient heat pump can help you regain control over your energy expenses. However, before looking up options, it’s best to consult with an HVAC service technician. They can sometimes solve the problem by making simple heat pump repairs.

Frequent Repairs

Do you notice that your heat pump requires frequent repairs? While occasional maintenance is normal, frequent breakdowns can indicate deeper issues.

As your heat pump ages, its components degrade, leading to more frequent malfunctions. These repairs can quickly add up, making a new heat pump a cost-effective alternative in the long run.

Our certified service technicians deliver high-quality heat pump solutions at fair and consistent costs to residents and business’s in Muscle Shoals, AL, and surrounding communities. We bring the latest HVAC systems, including energy-efficient options not found in typical retail stores. Contact our team at Price Heating and Air to schedule your heat pump installation or repair today.

How to Make Your AC System Last Longer in Muscle Shoals, AL

While your air conditioner won’t last forever, there are some things you can do to extend its longevity. Here are some tips to make certain your AC system cools your Muscle Shoals, AL, home efficiently for as long as possible:

Change the Air Filter Often

An air filter is the component in your AC system that helps maintain good indoor air quality. While your AC system runs, this component catches contaminants from the air to prevent them from circulating throughout your home. Over time, these contaminants accumulate on the filter.

After a significant amount of particle buildup, air doesn’t move through your air conditioner freely. Your AC system works harder to draw more air, which can lead to breakdown if you fail to change the filter in a timely manner. For best results, experts recommend you change the filter every 30-90 days.

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

Scheduling regular AC maintenance service helps keep your air conditioner in good condition. The service technician conducts a thorough check to make sure all is well, cleans components and calibrates the system. HVAC professionals will also look for faulty parts and repair or replace them.

Avoid DIY Air Conditioning Repairs

Although it’s easy to find videos online encouraging you to repair your AC system by yourself, it’s not wise. This is because you can cause damage to the system due to not having the professional training and tools to get the job done.

Avoid Cranking Down the Thermostat

Although most people assume that cranking down the thermostat will cool their homes quicker, this isn’t true. The practice only hurts the air conditioner as it’ll run for a more extended period. Consider inputting your usual temperature range rather than cranking down the thermostat.

If you reside in Muscle Shoals, AL, or any of the surrounding areas and want to make sure your AC system is up to snuff, contact Price Heating and Air to receive top-notch air conditioning services. Our service technicians are highly trained and always use state-of-the-art technology and tools to provide high-quality services to our clients.

Signs You Need to Schedule an Emergency AC Repair

The scorching summer heat in Tuscumbia, AL, is forcing homeowners to run their air conditioners around the clock for relief. The added stress and strain your AC system endures can result in more malfunctions and breakdowns. Here are four warning signs you need to schedule an emergency AC repair and ways to prevent them in the future:

Burning Smells

If you notice a burning smell around your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to turn the system off and schedule an emergency AC repair. An electrical or wiring problem can create a fire hazard in your house. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Banging Noises

Odd noises like banging, grinding or screeching are alarming and signal your air conditioner isn’t operating under normal conditions. When your air conditioner cries out for help, listen and schedule an emergency AC repair immediately.

Ineffective Cooling

If your air conditioner is operating but not producing enough conditioned air to cool every part of your house, something isn’t working right. There’s likely a problem with the compressor, airflow or refrigerant. The longer you wait to schedule an emergency AC repair, the higher your risk of experiencing an extensive breakdown and paying more for repairs or a replacement.

Complete Breakdown

This is the most obvious sign your air conditioner requires an emergency AC repair. It has broken down and won’t turn on to cool your house. While a repair might fix the problem, you might need a replacement to restore indoor comfort.

Prevent Emergency AC Repairs

Emergency AC repairs rescue homeowners in certain situations, but it’s best to avoid them altogether. By replacing the AC system’s filter every month and scheduling air conditioning maintenance regularly, you’ll minimize your risk of requiring costly repairs. We also suggest keeping the area around the outdoor condenser unit clear and clean.

Don’t wait a second longer to schedule an emergency AC repair to restore your air conditioner’s optimal performance. Contact Price Heating and Air to book your appointment and have an expert repair your air conditioner safely.