Is It a Good Idea to Cover an HVAC System in the Winter?

Written by Amanda Triolo on December 19, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on Is It a Good Idea to Cover an HVAC System in the Winter?

An HVAC system is a big investment for any homeowner in Clifton Park, NY, and everywhere else, for that matter. That’s especially true when you consider that the average HVAC system might last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. So, it’s perfectly reasonable for homeowners to wonder if there’s anything they can do to have their HVAC end up at the top of that range. One of the things many homeowners ask us is if it’s worthwhile to cover their HVAC system in the winter. Here’s the answer.

How HVAC Systems Fare in the Winter

For many years, conventional wisdom held that covering your HVAC’s outdoor unit during the winter would protect it from the harsher elements. Even the US Department of Energy still advises homeowners to cover their outdoor HVAC units in the winter. In the old days, there was some logic to the notion. The components and metals used in older HVAC systems did tend to wear out from the effects of snow and ice.

Today, however, that’s no longer the case. Modern HVAC systems aren’t as susceptible to damage from ice and snow as they once were. Manufacturers design HVAC units to last, even in the harshest outdoor conditions. Therefore, there’s no reason to worry about covering your outdoor HVAC unit before winter sets in — at least not completely.

Cover Your HVAC the Right Way

The reason you don’t want to cover your outdoor HVAC unit completely is that doing so impedes airflow through the unit. It may also trap moisture on and around the unit’s metal components, ironically leading to the very wear and tear you’re trying to prevent. Also, trapped moisture can lead to the growth of mold on your HVAC’s coils. That’s not the kind of surprise you’d like to unwrap when spring rolls around.

If you want to cover your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, the best thing to do is purchase some plywood and cut it to match the top. Then, weigh it down with some bricks to keep it secure throughout the winter. Doing so will keep twigs, dirt, and debris from falling into the unit, which can do far more harm than snow. Plus, it will prevent you from having to clean those things out before using your HVAC the following season.

HVAC Maintenance You Should Do

Although covering your HVAC in the winter isn’t necessary, there are some things you should do to your HVAC when you’re done using it for the year. Before the temperature drops too low, use a garden hose to clean any accumulated dirt off the outdoor unit’s coils. Then, clean up the area around the outdoor unit to remove any debris or detritus that gathered there.

You should also change your HVAC filter, especially if your system provides heat in the winter. That will make sure you have fresh, clean air all winter long, or when summer comes again. It’s also a good idea to contact us at to schedule a maintenance visit if you haven’t had one in a while. Our expert technicians can let you know if there’s anything with your HVAC that needs attention and help you prepare it for the cold and the next cooling season.

And, although snow buildup won’t harm your HVAC, it’s not a bad idea to go out and brush off snow that piles up on your outdoor unit. That will do far more to protect your HVAC from harm in the winter than covering it ever could.

Contact the Cooling Experts

Now you know that covering your HVAC’s outdoor unit isn’t as important as you might have believed. And you know the right way to do it if you plan on covering it anyway. The most important takeaway, however, is that there are some specific maintenance items you can do to extend your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Also, can help you to keep your HVAC unit running well year after year. We’re a locally owned and operated HVAC company that offers complete heating, cooling, and air quality solutions to the greater Clifton Park area. Our NATE-certified technicians can service and maintain heating and cooling systems of all kinds, and we back up our work with our five-star customer service.

So, if you need help getting your HVAC ready for winter, contact today!

Is Your AC System Running But Not Cooling?

Written by Amanda Triolo on July 15, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Is Your AC System Running But Not Cooling?

Air conditioning has been a life-changing invention for millions of Americans this summer, especially in sweltering states. The warmer months require HVAC systems, power and energy-saving habits, and other safety precautions. Anything that helps make it easier to face the summer heat should be considered a way to help households prepare for the coming months.

Many people are concerned with air conditioner maintenance, while others focus on buying a new AC unit and tuning up their current air conditioning system. One of the major issues with air conditioners is that they sometimes malfunction. It can be confusing and frustrating when an AC is running but not effectively cooling your home. There are a few ways to troubleshoot the issue! If you are struggling with this issue in Albany, contact us at for the best HVAC services.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Properly Cooling My Home?

There are many reasons why your AC is running but not effectively lowering the temperature in your home. The issue could be in the filter, thermostat, or another critical component. There are several things you can try before contacting a technician. If you need professional help immediately, however, contact . We have a certified team of specialists in accessing and repairing HVAC units. Following are four things to do when your AC system is running but not effectively cooling your rooms.

1. Check the Thermostat

If your HVAC is running but not lowering the temperature of your home, check whether you’ve set your thermostat to the appropriate temperature. Check to confirm whether someone adjusted it. A technician may have interfered with the setting if you recently had AC service. When the thermostat is off, turn it on before you switch it back to cool. After waiting a few minutes for the cooling unit to kick on, check your registers. The issue is resolved if you feel the cool air blowing out. If not, move on to the next step.

2. Examine the Air Filter

The reason your air conditioner isn’t cooling could result from clogged filters, which can result in dirty air negatively affecting the airflow through your HVAC system. Check them consistently for dirt and replace them if needed. Cleaning them can reduce the chances of debris filling, allowing the filter to function optimally. Air filters maintain the quality of your system and prevent debris from making its way into your components. This is important as it protects against potential damage. Ensure that your AC system is off before checking. If the filter looks clean, but the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

3. Check the Condenser

A central air conditioning unit’s outdoor AC unit corrects the temperature of the surrounding area by exchanging heat with the outside. The outside of this unit features an outdoor coil around the condenser. The coil, also known as a core, has multiple “fins” that are closely spaced. If your AC is not cooling, it could be because the system’s coils are clogged or blocked. Unfortunately, some undesirable debris, such as dirt, grass, and other contaminants, might find its way into your AC unit.

This can lead to a serious clog on your system, resulting in a malfunctioning AC. This may result in your unit blowing warm air, decreasing your energy efficiency and eventually causing a system shutdown. To troubleshoot the issue, check the condenser for any dust or deposits. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Still have a problem with your air conditioner, but nothing seems to be working? If so, it may be time to engage . We are certified professionals and look forward to resolving your HVAC issues.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coil

On the inside of your air conditioner, you’ll find an evaporator coil. A lot of heat and humidity is removed from the air before its pumped back into your home. You’ll have a cooler-than-usual temperature which might lead to a frozen evaporator coil. Signs of a frozen evaporator coil include:

Increase in energy bills
Poor, ineffective cooling
Frost and ice accumulation on the copper refrigerant tubing
Excessive condensate drainage

Fixing a frozen evaporator is quite challenging. You may need to call an HVAC professional to come and fix it. If you have an AC that’s not cooling well, our team of professionals is ready to help. They can sometimes fix the problem within minutes and are generally available 24/7.

About

is a heating and cooling company offering repair, maintenance, and installation services in Albany and the surrounding neighborhoods. We also offer heat pumps, ductless, and indoor air quality services. Our motto is forward is a way of life, and we aim to ensure that our clients pursue a comfortable life regardless of the season. We work with NATE-certified technicians who can service any AC unit or heater in Albany. Besides, we have maintained an A+ rating at the BBB in addition to 5-star ratings. Call us today and schedule an appointment for detailed information about our services.

AC Running But Not Cooling: Common Reasons and Fixes

Written by Amanda Triolo on June 20, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on AC Running But Not Cooling: Common Reasons and Fixes

Cooling your home is one of life’s simple pleasures. It makes you feel good and more productive in an air-conditioned environment. Everything works well until you realize that your air conditioner blasts ice-cold air but it’s still unbearable in your home or office. Sound familiar? If so, read on to learn more about why your AC is running but not cooling.

Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

The thermostat is the heart of your air conditioner. It’s responsible for getting your home to your set temperature, but it will only do that if it’s set correctly.

If you’re having trouble with your AC system running but not cooling, check to ensure that the thermostat is set correctly. The settings are usually labeled “heat” and “cool.” If you have the wrong setting turned on, it could be why your system isn’t working properly.

Dirty Air Filter

If you’ve noticed that your system is running but not cooling, it may be time to clean or replace your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause your AC unit to work harder and use more electricity than usual. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced it in a while, it may be time to do so.

Your air filter catches contaminants in the air your AC circulates and keeps your indoor air clean. Over time, the debris collects on the filter, leaving less space for the air to circulate through. Left unchecked, this can force your AC to work harder to circulate air throughout your house, which not only can impact your utility bills and increase wear and tear on the AC system, but it also can contribute to lower indoor air quality.

Condenser Unit Is Blocked

If your AC system is running but not cooling, the condenser unit may be blocked or dirty. The condenser unit is the part of your AC system that emits hot air outside. If it’s blocked or dirty, you will not be able to cool your home.

To fix this problem, you need to clean the condenser unit. This can be done by removing the fan blade and washing it with soap and water. Next, remove any dirt from the fins of the coil. Then rinse it down with water and dry it off before reinstalling it.

Damaged Heat Pump

Heat pumps are an essential part of many air conditioners. They’re responsible for taking energy from the outside air and turning it into cool air that can be used in the home. If this part of your AC system is damaged, it won’t be able to do its job.

If you notice that your AC system is running but not cooling, this may be due to a problem with your heat pump. Look at the evaporator coil inside your unit to check if yours has been damaged. If there are any dents or cracks in this coil, there’s likely some damage that needs to be repaired before you can use your air conditioner again.

Evaporator Coil Is Frozen

The evaporator coil is located in your air handler and is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air in your home and releasing it outside. When this coil freezes, it will not be able to perform its function, which means that the air coming out of your vents will be hot.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to defrost your evaporator coil. You can do this by turning off your AC system and allowing it to sit for an hour or two (or longer if possible) so that everything thaws out. Once it does, you can turn your AC back on.

Refrigerant Leak

There may be a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system, which would mean that coolant is escaping from its usual pathways and getting into places where it shouldn’t be. This can cause the compressor to overheat and ultimately fail, and it also means that you’ll lose cool air from your vents because there won’t be enough coolant left to keep them running.

To check for leaks, go out and look at the AC unit itself. Is there any condensation on it? If so, you may have a leak somewhere in your system. You can also check by using a refrigerant detector. If your detector starts beeping when you bring it near your AC unit or ductwork, there is a leak.

Undersized Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are rated by tonnage or how many tons of refrigeration they can produce. If you have a ton of cooling power, then your air conditioner will be able to cool down an entire room in one go. If you have two tons, then it’ll be able to cool down two rooms at once, and so on.

If you have a too-small air conditioner, it will struggle to keep up with all the heat your home produces, and that means no matter what temperature it’s set to, it won’t be able to get cold enough anymore.

Contact a HVAC Dealer

If you’re looking for new air conditioners or a new furnace in Albany, you won’t find a better heating and air conditioning service than what you’ll receive from . We are licensed, bonded, insured, fully stocked with parts and labor warranties, and we have been servicing Albany homes since 2016. Whether you need to schedule an emergency repair, install a brand new HVAC system, or have us do regular preventative maintenance on your existing HVAC system, our NATE-certified technicians can handle it all. We take pride in our excellent customer service and are a BBB A+ rated business.

How to Determine What Size of HVAC System You Need

Written by Amanda Triolo on May 18, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on How to Determine What Size of HVAC System You Need

If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your furnace or air conditioner, it is vital that you take the time to ensure whatever unit you buy is appropriately sized for your building. Choosing a unit that is too small will result in insufficient heating or cooling while too large of a unit will cost you much more in terms of both purchase price and energy use. With this in mind, here is a brief overview of how to calculate approximate furnace and AC sizes.

Square Footage Calculations

The first step to estimating how large of a furnace or air conditioner you need is to calculate the square footage of the building. This means measuring the length and width of every room to find its square footage and then adding up all of these numbers together. If your home has an attached garage, you will also need to include this in your calculation even if it isn’t connected to your HVAC system. The reason is that, unless the wall between the garage and the house is extremely well insulated, some heat or cold air from the HVAC system will still escape into the room. In this case, your new furnace or air conditioner may not be able to properly keep up if you didn’t calculate your garage into the equation.

Approximate BTUs Needed Based on Size

Once you know the square footage of your building, you can then calculate approximately how much heat or cooling output you’ll need. This output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). It takes roughly 25 BTUs to fully heat or cool one square foot of space. Based on this, you need to take your building’s square footage and multiply it by 25 to determine how many total BTUs you need. For instance, you’ll need 25,000 BTUs for a 1,000-square-foot building or 37,500 BTUs for a 1,500 square feet home.

Now that you know approximately how many BTUs you’ll need, you can then start shopping for a unit in the same size. Of course, it isn’t quite as simple as that since outdoor temperatures and various other factors can affect the efficiency of your heating or cooling equipment. Another issue is that units only come in standard sizes, which means that you might not be able to find something with the exact BTU output you need. In this case, it is always better to go with something slightly larger than you need instead of risking buying too small of a unit.

A good rule of thumb is that central AC units should produce no more than 15% more BTUs than your calculation, whereas a furnace should be no more than 40% more. For heat pumps, it’s best to stick to no more than 25% since these will provide both heating and cooling.

Accounting for High Ceilings

All of these calculations are based on a building with standard 8-foot ceilings. If your home has high ceilings in some or all of the rooms, you will need to also take this into account or else the unit will end up being too small. One easy way to account for high ceilings is to simply multiply the total BTUs from the previous calculation by 1.25 (25%). However, this method really isn’t all that accurate, which is why most HVAC experts recommend instead calculating everything based on cubic feet instead of square feet. Still, this can complicate the equation quite a bit, so we’ll just stick with this method since we’re really only looking for a rough estimate anyway.

How HVAC Professionals Size HVAC Systems

Professional HVAC contractors use a much more advanced method to determine what size of heating or cooling equipment is needed. Most professionals use what is known as a Manual J calculation. In addition to square footage, this method takes into account a range of other factors that can impact your HVAC system.

This includes how many people live or work in the building, the design and size of the ductwork and how well insulated the home is. They will also take into account the size and style of all windows and doors in the building, the local climate and how much direct sunshine or shade the building gets. All of this is done in order to make as accurate of an evaluation of the building as possible to ensure that the unit isn’t too small to properly heat or cool it and also not so large that it continuously turns on and off.

If you are looking to replace your furnace, AC, heat pump or other HVAC equipment in Albany, it is always best to hire a professional to evaluate your home and help you choose the right size and type of unit for your needs. At , we specialize in HVAC installations and replacements and offer a wide selection of units for homes and other buildings of any size. Financing is available for new equipment on approved credit, and our technicians can also handle all of your repair or maintenance needs. To learn more about what makes us one of the top heating and cooling companies in Albany, give us a call today.

Can Sleeping With the Windows Open Help You Save Energy?

Written by Amanda Triolo on April 14, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Can Sleeping With the Windows Open Help You Save Energy?

Spring weather is usually comfortable. That can tempt you to sleep with the windows open. Sleeping with the windows open can help you enjoy the fresh air. However, before doing so, you need to check how your HVAC system will react when you leave the windows open.

Opening your windows when your HVAC system is on can make the system overwork. Opening windows increases the amount of cool or warm air circulating in the indoor space. That, in turn, increases the load on an HVAC system, making it work harder. The system is likely to consume a lot of energy when it is overworking.

For instance, think of a situation where the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset thermostat temperature. In this case, cold air will flow in from the outdoor space, lowering the indoor temperature. Your heating system will start heating the indoor air. Since the air continuously circulates from the indoor to the outdoor space and vice versa, the heating system will be forced to work continuously. That will make it consume a lot of energy.

However, turning off your HVAC system and opening your windows will make you save energy. When the HVAC system is turned off, it will not consume any energy. That can help you lower your monthly energy bills. To make the most out of the open windows, you need to do the following.

Open Windows That Are Opposite to Each Other

You should always open two windows that are opposite each other. That will create cross ventilation. Cool, clean air will flow from the outdoor space through one of these windows. Warm, contaminated air that may be in your indoor space will escape to the outdoor space through the other window. In short, there will be steady airflow throughout your indoor space when these two windows are open.

Make Good Use of Your Indoor Ceiling Fan When the Windows Are Open

Ceiling fans usually aid in air circulation. They help the air circulating in an indoor space to circulate faster and to typically cool the air at the same time. They are a good alternative to air conditioning and will help you save on your energy bill. You should switch these fans on immediately after opening your windows. That will help keep your indoor space cool since they will help air flowing from the outdoor space to circulate in your indoor space faster. Using them after your AC turns off also helps keep the room cooler for a longer period of time.

When to Open Your Windows

Proper ventilation can offer you many benefits. However, if the outdoor space contains pollutants, you will not experience these benefits. Instead, you will have to deal with unpleasant allergy symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Another thing to consider is the outdoor air temperature. There is no sense in opening your windows if the air outside isn’t cooler than the air inside your home. This is even more true if the outdoor air is also humid. Your HVAC system will work harder and consume more energy just to dehumidify the air in your home. It is best to keep them closed through the hot, muggy months and open them when the crisp, fall season has arrived.

Think About Your Location When Deciding Whether to Open Your Windows or Not

Your location should be one of the factors to consider when deciding between leaving your windows open overnight and switching your HVAC system on. You can open your windows if you live far from major roads and cities. Otherwise, close them and turn on your HVAC system to avoid the pollution as much as possible.

If you decide to open them, leave them open for only a few minutes, and consider an indoor ventilation system. can offer you the best ventilation systems and answer any air questions you might have about indoor air quality.

The Best HVAC Company

is an HVAC company that offers affordable 24/7 emergency services. Some of the services that we offer are mini-split system installation, whole house fan installation, and humidifier installation services. We serve Burnt Hills, Latham, Troy, and Albany residents, and customer satisfaction is always our number one priority. Contact now, or visit our offices to learn more about our services!

Myths About Summer Cooling

Written by Amanda Triolo on August 3, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Myths About Summer Cooling

You don’t want to pay more for your energy bills than what you absolutely have to, but if you believe some myths about cooling your home, you might be falling victim to some common misnomers. If you’re trying to find a way to get the most out of your air conditioner, you should find out which tips about cooling savings are myths. These are some of the most common misnomers floating around the internet and amongst your family, friends, and neighbors.

Air Conditioners Manufacture Cold Air

Knowing the basic concepts around how your air conditioner works will help you better understand the maintenance and repairs that you have done throughout the years. One of the biggest general misconceptions that people have is that an air conditioner manufactures cold air. Cold air is the absence of heat, or energy, in the air. Before you feel cool air blowing out of the registers in your home, the air conditioner is pulling the warm air out of your home. It then uses refrigerant to cool the air and pull humidity out of it. Finally, it pushes the air back into your home once it’s cooled off. Your air conditioner cools warm air, but it doesn’t manufacture cold air.

Turning the AC Way Down Will Make Your House Cool Faster

It’s common to think that turning the temperature on your thermostat way down will help your house cool off more quickly, but that’s not the way that your air conditioner works. The house will cool off at the same rate, whether you set your thermostat for 50 degrees or 70 degrees. The only difference is that your air conditioner will continue to run for longer if you set it lower. Your AC has to run longer so that it can reach the temperature you chose.

You Should Buy an Air Conditioner That’s Larger Than What’s Recommended for Your Home’s Size

It’s tempting to think that bigger is better, but that’s not the case when it comes to air conditioners, which come in varying sizes to accommodate size houses. When you have an air conditioner that’s too big for your house, the air will cool down more quickly, which sounds ideal. Unfortunately, an air conditioner does more than simply cool off the air in your home. It’s also responsible for pulling the moisture out of the air and filtering out contaminants. So, if the air is cool but there are still high levels of moisture, you’ll experience cold and clammy air, which most people don’t like.

Windows and Doors Are Where Your Home Experiences the Greatest Amount of Heat Transfer

Windows and doors are common places where heat transfer occurs, but it’s actually not the place where most of it happens in a wooden house. While brick houses offer a lot more insulation, most of the heat transfer in a house with wood or vinyl siding will happen through the walls. You always hear about the importance of making sure that you have weather stripping on your windows and doors because those are the places that are easy to identify. But if you want to find the largest sources of heat transfer, you should have a professional visit your house and provide an assessment. More than likely, there are some things that you can do about electrical outlets and pipes where heat is seeping into the house.

You Should Leave Your Air Conditioner Completely Off While You’re Away at Work

Lots of people try to cut down on their energy costs in the summer by completely turning their air conditioners off, but this doesn’t work as well as you might think. Because you go home to a sweltering house, your air conditioner has to expend that much more energy to cool the house down from such a high temperature. A better thing to try is to keep your house at a temperature that’s about five to eight degrees hotter than what you like it so that you don’t have to pay to have your house perfectly cooled while you’re away at work. In doing so, you also won’t have to put so much energy into cooling down a sweltering hothouse.

It can be difficult to stay within budget on your cooling costs, but busting these myths can help. If you’re looking for even more helpful tips and some excellent service on your air conditioner, furnace, and other HVAC system components, contact in Albany, NY.