Category: HVAC

As the temperatures outside get steamier, you may be looking for ways to keep the house cool. Is achieving a comfortable home environment possible without blasting the AC nonstop and paying for an outrageous energy bill each month? Yes, it is! Discover the top two tips to keep your house cool so you can escape the summertime heat (without breaking the bank).

 

#1: Make the Most of Your Ceiling Fans

Using your home’s ceiling fans properly will boost air circulation to create a cooling effect. Many homeowners discover they can use their ceiling fans to cut energy costs by keeping the thermostat setting higher without sacrificing comfort. A refreshing breeze makes the room feel cooler, even if the temperature is a little higher. For best results, ensure the ceiling fan blade direction is running counterclockwise; this creates a cooling downdraft.

 

#2: Replace Your Air Filter

When was the last time you changed your HVAC air filter? If it is dirty or clogged, the air can’t flow like it should through the system. As a result, the system will have to work harder to reach the setting on your thermostat. In other words, a dirty air filter makes your HVAC work too hard, increases your energy bill, AND leads to a less comfortable environment. The HVAC experts agree–one of the best ideas to keep your house cool is to change the air filter regularly.

If you are looking for more ideas to keep your house cool this summer, turn to your trusted HVAC pros at Hill Plumbing and Air. We have been helping homeowners create optimal indoor climates for several decades. Let us provide preventative maintenance or HVAC system repair to ensure you maximize your climate control all season long. Contact Hill Plumbing and Air to schedule service or for more ways to keep your house cool this summer.

Is your AC unit not turning on? There isn’t a worse way to spend a summer day than in a house with no air conditioning. The good news is it could be an easy fix. Here are some common reasons your AC unit won’t turn on.

 

Dirty Air Filter

Air filters trap dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants and prevent damage to the HVAC equipment. However, when the filter is dirty and clogged, the airflow becomes impaired. When that happens, ice can form on the coils, causing the unit to shut down.

 

Dirty Coils

Dirt anywhere in or on your cooling equipment can lead to poor operation, but dirty coils can stop it in its tracks. The dirt prevents the coils from absorbing heat, so your air conditioner can’t turn on.

 

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant is an essential part of your cooling system. It allows the unit to absorb heat and create cooled air that circulates through your home. Unfortunately, if there is a leak and the levels get low, the AC unit won’t turn on.

 

Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat tells the HVAC system when to turn on and off to bring your home to the desired temperature. A thermostat that’s not functioning properly can lead to an AC unit that won’t turn on. Whether set improperly or simply needs new batteries, the thermostat is one of the most common causes and easiest fixes for an AC that isn’t turning on.

 

Why is your AC not turning on? There are many possible explanations. Contact the team at Hill Plumbing and Air to schedule service and repair and get your HVAC system back in action so you can enjoy your summer.

When was the last time you remember changing your home’s air filters? If you don’t know, your HVAC could be suffering from it. Here’s everything you need to know about changing your air filters.

 

What Does the Air Filter Do?

 

Your HVAC air filter is the gatekeeper to your heating and cooling equipment. Its primary job is to protect the equipment from dirt and debris that comes in with the air through the intake vents. Its secondary job is to keep dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants out of the air in your home.

 

Air Filter Replacement is Critical

 

Your HVAC technician will tell you that air filter replacement can make or break your HVAC system. If your filter is full, your system must work harder to pull air through the filter for heating and cooling. All of that overtime work will put a huge burden on the equipment, potentially leading to issues, breakdowns, and a shorter life expectancy. Additionally, clogged filters will reduce your energy efficiency because your unit will work harder to do the same job.

 

How Often Should You Change the Filter?

 

When it comes to replacing your home’s air filters, every 30-90 days is ideal. Replace them more often if you have pets or live in a dusty location. Most systems have a slot where you can quickly and easily pull out the old filter and slide in the new one.

 

Changing your home’s air filters is essential to a healthy HVAC system and a healthy household. If you have any questions about your HVAC unit, including the air filters, contact the reliable staff at Hill Plumbing and Air today.

Your heating and air conditioning system keeps your home comfortable year-round. But, are you doing your part to keep them humming along? HVAC inspection is critical to keep your system running as it should. Here’s what you need to know about what it includes and how often to schedule it.

What Happens During an HVAC Inspection?

Regular service will help your heating and cooling system run as intended, keeping your home comfortable through the seasons, no matter the temperature. It also helps your equipment last longer by reducing friction. Additionally, it fixes issues that come up between service calls, reduces the potential for breakdowns and costly repairs, and helps it run more efficiently, cutting down on your energy bill expenses. Inspection includes:

• Checking the electrical connections
• Make sure refrigerant levels are where they should be
• Testing controls
• Checking and calibrating the thermostat
• Inspecting the moving parts and critical components

How Many Times a Year for HVAC Inspection?

HVAC inspection and service should happen twice a year. Spring inspection will ensure your air conditioner is in good shape and that it will keep you and your family cool all summer, even on the hottest days. Fall inspection helps your system switch from cooling to heating and makes sure it’s ready for heating your home when the weather cools off.

When was the last time you had your HVAC system inspected? Ideally, it should happen twice a year, in the spring and the fall. But, if you’ve fallen behind on this critical service call that can keep your home comfortable all year, it’s not too late to get it on the calendar. Contact the HVAC pros at Hill Plumbing and Air today.

We rely on our heating and air conditioning throughout the year, including during the change of seasons. As we move from winter to spring, there are some things you can do to help your system transition from heating to cooling. Our experts share these two top industry tips you need to know.

Tip #1: Change Your Air Filter

One of the leading causes of HVAC system issues is a dirty, clogged air filter. You can reduce the stress on your entire heating and cooling system, increase its energy efficiency, and improve your indoor air quality by changing your air filter. Especially important as you transition to spring, a clean air filter is an inexpensive way to care for your HVAC unit.

Tip #2: Don’t Neglect Maintenance

Industry insiders will tell you that one of the best ways to get your HVAC from winter to spring is with seasonal maintenance. Prepping your system for the warmer weather and making sure your air conditioning unit is ready to go is one of the best ways to transition to spring. The AC has most likely been sitting idle since the fall, and it needs some TLC to make sure it will run right for you during the spring and summer months.

Relying on tips from the experts in the industry is a great way to make sure you’re taking good care of your HVAC system as you transition to spring. To learn more about how to get the most out of your cooling system this summer, reach out to the team at Hill Plumbing and Air.

The last couple of years have been challenging in many ways, and lots of homeowners are looking for simple solutions to help save money in 2022. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to do it. With these three tips for saving money on your HVAC this year, you’ll stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and your bank account will still feel some relief. Take a look.

Tip #1: Consider Upgrading Your Old Thermostat

Out with the old and in with the new doesn’t just ring true for the new year. If you’ve got an old and outdated thermostat, you aren’t doing your utility bills any favors. You can save a significant amount on your energy bills by upgrading to a smart thermostat. The newer technology allows you to program your heating and cooling preferences, so they adjust based on your lifestyle.

Tip #2: Give Your Dirty Filter the Heave-Ho

If you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, it’s time. Ideally, you should replace your HVAC filter every 30-90 days, give or take, depending on the amount of dust, pollen, and pet dander you have in your home. A dirty filter will make your heating and air conditioning equipment work overtime because it must work harder to pull the air through the dirty and clogged filter. HVAC overtime means higher energy bills for you.

Tip #3: Don’t Forget to Schedule Maintenance

If you haven’t changed your filter recently, you probably haven’t scheduled HVAC maintenance either. It’s easy to forget in our busy lives, but it really can make a huge difference in how much money you spend monthly to heat and cool your home. A well-maintained system will use significantly less energy and require fewer costly repairs than a unit that doesn’t get the TLC it deserves.

Are you looking for more ways to save money on your HVAC costs this year? Contact the pros at Hill Plumbing and Air today.

 

Your heating and air conditioning systems need TLC every year. Spring is the time to service your AC, and fall is when you need to take care of your heating unit. But when in the fall is the right time to start prepping the furnace for cold weather? We’ve got the information you need.

What is Fall HVAC Service?

Before switching from air conditioning to heat, it’s important to make sure your heating system is up for the job. It’s been a long summer, and that means a long time since the heat kicked on. Are you sure it’s ready for the work ahead? Things that winter HVAC service should include are:

• Inspect and lubricate moving parts
• Change the air filter
• Inspect the ducts and flues
• Calibrate the thermostat
• Check the pilot light
• Examine the belts, drives, and motor

When Should You Prep for Winter Weather?

It can be hard to know for sure when it’s the right time for fall heating system maintenance. Sometimes winter weather hits when we least expect it. A good rule of thumb is to schedule it as the summer starts to cool, but before it’s so cold that you need to turn on the heat. October is a good month for HVAC service. You’ll rest easy knowing you’re ready for the cold weather whenever it shows up.

For HVAC service you can rely on, and guidance with proper timing for fall heating system maintenance, contact the team at Hill Plumbing and Air now to get on the schedule for fall.