Reasons You May Need A New Air Conditioner

Even if you take perfect care of your air conditioning unit, it won't last forever.  If you have high energy bills or your air conditioner isn't working as well as it used to, you might need to replace your unit.

Because replacing an air conditioning unit is a big investment, you want to make the right decision. If you are thinking about replacing your unit, we’ve detailed some points for you to think about.
First, you may be asking yourself "how long can I expect my air conditioner unit to last?" Generally, air conditioner units are expected to last around 10-15 years. That timeframe will depend on many factors, including how well the air conditioner unit was maintained and how hard it worked during its lifetime.

Because the ideal replacement time will be different for every homeowner, there is no perfect time to replace your unit. That said, below are reasons why you might need to replace the unit.

• Your air conditioner breaks down frequently: At some point, it's going to cost more money to keep repairing an old air conditioner than to replace it.
• Significant home renovations: If you are expanding the livable space in your house, you may need a more powerful air conditioner to cool your house down.
• You have high energy bills: One cause of high energy bills is an older air conditioning unit. New air conditioner models are built to be more efficient than older units.  In addition, wear and tear will reduce the efficiency of an older model. You may be able to dramatically reduce your energy bills with a new air conditioner unit.
• Your home isn't comfortable, even after running your air conditioner: If it's difficult to cool down your house or takes longer than it used to, you might need a new unit.

If you think you might need to replace your air conditioner unit, contact us here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. We can discuss the best options for your home and install a new unit in no time! 

HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a New Home

There is a lot to ask when you consider buying a new home. However, don’t forget, you also need to pay close attention to the HVAC as well. After all, it plays a crucial role in your daily life! So, what should you be asking about regarding HVAC - you ask? Well, continue reading for exactly what you need to consider in terms of HVAC when looking at a potential new home.

What kind of system is installed?
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to heating and cooling. Most people like central heating and air because it is simple. However, some may prefer ductless systems, even though they do not accommodate a high-efficiency air cleaner or humidifier. You will want to do your research on whatever system is installed in the home as it may not be as energy efficient as you would like it to be. 

How old is the heating and cooling system?
Both AC units and furnaces last between 10 to 15 years. This means if you buy a house with a 15-year-old furnace, you may be looking at a few thousand dollars spent replacing it within the next few years. Furthermore, older models also mean higher utility bills.

What is the energy rating?
Your HVAC will count for a huge portion of your energy bills. As such, you will want to make sure you aren't buying a money pit. So, be sure to inquire about the seasonal energy efficiency of the air conditioner and the annual fuel utilization efficiency of the furnace. The seasonal rating should be between 13 and 25 and the annual fuel efficiency should be at least 92% or above.

Can I see the maintenance records?
This will throw most people for a loop, but it can be helpful when considering buying a home with an older HVAC system. If it has had its yearly maintenance, the system will be in much better shape compared to a system with a spotty maintenance record. It means the appliances may run better and longer. You will also be able to see if any major HVAC repairs have been made.

For over 65 years, Kent Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing superior home comfort solutions including repair, maintenance, and installation of heating and air conditioning systems. You can count on us to help keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently. Contact us today with any HVAC service needs and/or questions that you may have!

How a Broken Furnace Can Contaminate Your In-Home Air

When we think about a broken furnace, we often think about it in the sense that the furnace is not working at all or as well it could be in order to heat your home fully. Certainly, this is a problem on colder nights; but a "broken" furnace doesn't always mean it isn't functioning, and not realizing that your furnace could be broken and still functioning could be letting dangerous pollution into your home.

Often, pollution from the furnace doesn't come from a problem, but rather a lack of maintenance. Every year, you should have a maintenance technician out to your home so that they can check the furnace and ductwork. As homes are typically not well ventilated during the winter, to keep out the cold; dust, carbon, and other contaminants often stick around. Said contaminates are blown and settle into the air or carpeting, thus affecting the overall air quality in your home. Much of the time, simply changing the air filter can prevent a lot of contaminants from entering the home. However, if you have breeches in the ductwork, then an air filter may not completely stop pollutants until that breach is fixed.

Of course, the major worry about a furnace polluting your air is the silent killer – carbon monoxide. Usually, the appliance functions to keep this out of the home, but one crack in the heat exchanger or the combustion chamber and it can enter the system, and then enter your home. Therefore, it is so crucial to have your furnace inspected every year or at least have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home to catch a problem before it becomes deadly. While these issues can be costly to repair, they can prevent something devastating from happening. Your air quality could make your family sick, but carbon monoxide is on another level of danger.

If you want cleaner and healthier indoor air then please do not hesitate to contact us here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. - we're here to help!

How Will You Know if Your Thermostat is Bad?

If you have been experiencing issues with your HVAC system, you may be wondering if perhaps your thermostat could be to blame. Of course, you would prefer the problem to be with your thermostat, as it is much cheaper to replace than your heater or air conditioner; but how can you know for sure which one is the problem? Here are just a few of the signs that can indicate problems with your home's thermostat.

First Things First, Your Thermostat Won't Work

One of the clearest signs that something is wrong with your thermostat is if you cannot get it to work properly. If it takes several tries to adjust your settings, then your thermostat may be beginning to fail. However, if your thermostat is completely unresponsive, or the screen is blank, then it has likely stopped working altogether.

Your Heater or Air Conditioner Won't Turn Off

A symptom that often baffles homeowners is when their heater or air conditioner runs constantly and refuses to turn off no matter what they do. This is generally a sign that your thermostat needs to be repaired or replaced, as either the wiring is broken, or the thermostat is miscalibrated, and your HVAC system isn’t receiving the signal to shut off.

Room Temperature and Setting Don't Match

A more subtle sign of problems with your thermostat is if the displayed room temperature, and the temperature you have set, do not match. For instance, if you have your thermostat set to turn your AC on at 78 degrees, but you hear your system turn on when it is only displaying 75 degrees inside your home, then something is clearly wrong with your thermostat. You will want to have this problem addressed as soon as possible, as it can become costly if your system runs more than it should.

Contact us to learn more about the signs which can indicate problems with your home's thermostat. Our team of professionals is here to help!

4 Benefits of Installing a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and cool, the level of humidity is just as important as the temperature. A relative humidity level of 35 to 50 percent is usually ideal for the best comfort. If the humidity in your home is too high, a dehumidifier can provide a solution. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air. Here are several benefits of installing a whole-home dehumidifier. 

Indoor Air Quality

Household allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites thrive in a damp, humid environment. A dehumidifier decreases the moisture that promotes the growth of mold and allergens. Your indoor air quality will improve, and your household will breathe a lot easier. Not only can an ideal humidity level reduce allergy symptoms, it can also slow down the spread of germs.

Increased Home Comfort

Humid air interrupts your body's natural cooling process. The humidity feels like it sticks to your skin, making you hot and uncomfortable.  With a dehumidifier, the air is kept at an ideal level of relative humidity. You'll feel a lot cooler and more comfortable, even when your air conditioner is not running.  

Energy Savings

When there is a lot of moisture in the air, your cooling system needs to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. A dehumidifier will help maintain the best level of humidity in your home, allowing your air conditioner to use less energy.   

Protection from Water Damage

Excessive moisture in your home can cause a buildup of condensation. This can damage your home's walls, ceilings, and furniture. You may need a dehumidifier if you notice peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint on your walls, warping furniture, or musty odors. A dehumidifier will remove the excess moisture and can help protect the house from water damage.

Contact us here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for more assistance with your cooling system.

Is Fall a Good Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Your AC breaking down is not something we typically plan for; it just happens. However, there are times where repair can tide you over towards a period where it would be better to replace your air conditioner in terms of service and finances.

For instance, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July where temperatures are hottest, the one thing on your mind is replacing it as soon as possible. This puts you at a major disadvantage as you may feel pressured to make a choice right away; just so you can sleep comfortably in your own home again! Alternatively, if you are able to get it up and running with a repair, but your technician tells you that it is approaching the end of its life cycle, then you can pick a more opportune time to replace it before it happens to break down next.

When it comes to replacing your air conditioner, autumn is typically the best time in many regards. First, the temperatures are cooler, which gives you the time to shop around since there isn't that same urgency to cool your home. As we go from late August through October 1st, it is also considered the off-season for air conditioners. That said, you may be able to get an air conditioner at a reduced price and will have more dedicated service when a professional comes to install it.

If you can purchase your new air conditioner at the same time as a new furnace you were planning on, that can possibly pay you rewards in the form of excellent electric and gas utility rebates.  By purchasing a “matched” system, your efficiency will increase substantially, and not only does this secure your rebate, but it also lowers your monthly outlay for utilities from now on! That translates into the biggest savings available!

However, what you do need to keep in mind for a fall installation is that air conditioners need to be tested after installation. It can vary between models, but typically it needs to be above 65 degrees to turn on your air conditioner without risking damage to it. Therefore, winter isn't a more optimal time since technicians can't test the air conditioner to make sure it works after it is installed. However, companies maintain a “start-up list” so when the weather breaks to warmer weather, start-ups are completed, and there’s time to correct any issues.

If you have questions, or need service, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – we’re here to serve!

The Importance of Scheduling an Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Summer calls for spending endless hours relaxing in your backyard, swimming pool, enjoying cookouts, and even venturing off on vacation.  However, summer also means staying cool and comfortable during the scorching hot summer temperatures.  With that said your air conditioning system plays a major role in accomplishing this task, and if it’s not in proper working order, it will cause you and your family to endure a whole lot of uncomfortable days and nights. 

When your AC unit is not in use, dirt, dust, pollutants and other particles find their way into your AC systems motor and can disrupt its overall functionality and efficiency.  This is why having a proper cleaning and tune-up performed by our friendly HVAC technicians here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. is so important. Tune in to the information below for more reasons as to why a tune-up is necessary.   

For starters, a tune-up will help to lower your utility and energy bills.  AC systems can suck up enormous amounts of energy, causing your summer utility bills to increase and your wallet to decrease.  A properly maintained and cleaned AC system is not only energy efficient, but will keep your utility bills from skyrocketing and extend the lifespan of your system as well.

Additionally, a routine tune-up will prevent costly system repairs down the road! Our highly experienced HVAC techs are skilled and trained to identify problems early on that result in a poorly functioning AC system and to provide effective solutions long before they turn into costly HVAC repairs.  

Even if you have not noticed any concerns with your AC system this summer, our team of professionals highly recommends that you schedule an AC system tune-up to avoid any problems or breakdowns during the upcoming months.  To learn more about our AC tune-ups and other HVAC services, please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality HVAC products and services for your home and family season after season, year after year!

How an Air Conditioner can Make or Break Indoor Air Quality

Given new studies, the typical American devotes about 93% of their time inside. Needless to say, this is quite a substantial quantity of time, specifically when you ponder the effect your HVAC system has on indoor air quality. If a home doesn’t maintain a good IAQ, it could in turn disturb your status of healthiness. That being said, if you or a family member seems to continuously be sick, your HVAC system could be responsible for it. Keep reading for five signals that should not be ignored.

1. Mysterious Tiredness
   After a lengthy day, it's normal to be worn-out and sleepy. Though, if your fatigue combines with faintness, nasal congestion, headaches, skin that has become dry, and an inexplicable outbreak of rashes, it could potentially be a mark of 'sick building syndrome.' Though pollutants and toxins are frequently the cause of this ailment, it’s furthermore likely that your body is battling with insufficient air circulation, meaning the function of how your HVAC system operates is disturbed.
2. Breathing Concerns
   For the most part, those with asthma or breathing-related health concerns receive a diagnosis before the age of twenty. However, it isn't uncommon for adults to suddenly begin developing asthma symptoms. In some instances, your home's HVAC system could factor into sudden asthma symptoms in adults due to the micro-organisms or even black mold that may be growing throughout the system, specifically in the ductwork.
3. Shared Sickness
   
   We all know how easy it is to become ill when someone in our home or office is also sick. However, it is possible to prevent these types of recurrent illnesses by avoiding "stale air," which can appear when a building doesn't have proper circulation. Regularly replacing air filters, maintaining the system and considering an upgrade are all options to help with these types of issues.
4. Lack of Moisture
   Another way to tell if your air conditioner might be making you sick is by looking at your skin and other parts of your body. If you are plagued by dry skin and nasal passages, even during months where there is a lot of moisture in the air, you may find your HVAC system is to blame.
5. Body Pain
   
   For those who already suffer from joint and body pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or other joint conditions, the cold atmosphere created by an air conditioner may make those ailments worse. Colds and other illnesses caused by an unfit HVAC system could also exacerbate these conditions.

These are just a handful of signs that your HVAC system could be making you and your family sick, and needs to be serviced by a professional. If you notice any of these concerns, make sure you talk with an HVAC professional quickly to get to the bottom of the problem. One of the best ways to avoid these types of issues is by keeping your HVAC system maintained, your evaporator coils clean and drip pans and drains empty.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – we’re here to help keep your home a healthy oasis for you and your family!

Signs That You Need an Air Conditioning Tune Up

When was the last time you got an air conditioning tune up? Was it within the last three months? Then you're all good. If it was longer than three months ago, you might need to give your air conditioning contractor a call. And if you can't remember the last time you got a tune up, then you can be sure that your air conditioner really needs it!

Going without an air conditioning tune up for a long time can harm your air conditioning system and shorten its life, thus costing you money in the long run. Here are five signs that your air conditioner needs a tune up:

1. You need to turn the thermostat lower to get the same degree of cooling. Don't keep turning the thermostat lower and lower to adjust to the way your air conditioning system is working. Give your air conditioning contractor a call instead.
2. Your air conditioner has not been used for a long time. Maybe your air conditioning system was completely switched off in the winter months and you're only just thinking about using it again. Instead of just switching it on, it might be a good idea to give it a tune up first.
3. You've made some structural changes to your house. People are always renovating their homes, knocking down walls, building new walls, etc. If you've been doing this, contact your air conditioning contractor to see if any changes are needed in your air conditioning system. At the very least, it will help to get a tune up.
4. You've made some changes to your electrical system. If you've installed new appliances and your electrical system is taking on a greater load, then you might want to call your air conditioning contractor and get a tune up. If your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently, this will save electricity and, hence, money.
5. Your electricity bill has been going up. If you are using your air conditioning system the same amount as you used to but your electricity bill has been going up, then you might want to call your air conditioning contractor and get a tune up, just to be sure that the problem doesn't lie there.

Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.