It’s that season – winter, ice, and snow. Staying safe and warm, and prepping your home for snow is not hard; it just takes a little planning. So, here are some important tips to make sure your home is ready for a snowstorm, plus answers to specific questions. [Read more…] about 5 Ways to Prep for a Snowstorm
7 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners
Have you ever considered the impact a pet might have on your HVAC unit? Odds are that you have a pet or two running around your place. In the state of New York, 27% of homes have dogs and 21% have cats. Some overlap does exist but in total, around half of every household in NY has a pet. In fact, 67% of all American households own at least one kind of pet. [Read more…] about 7 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners
Can You Heat an Existing Driveway?
When cold weather brings snow, homeowners start looking for a shortcut to a clear, safe path. While snowblowers are popular, a heated driveway eliminates the need for one. Yet many people assume that’s a luxury they can’t have. Actually, heated driveways are more accessible than you may think. [Read more…] about Can You Heat an Existing Driveway?
How Long Does a Whole House Water Filter Last?
Having clean, safe water in our homes is important to all of us. This has been an increasing concern to Long Islanders over the years, and for good reason. Long Island has more contaminants in its drinking water than anywhere else in the state. It’s no surprise that more and more people here are looking into different kinds of water filtration including whole house water filtration systems. [Read more…] about How Long Does a Whole House Water Filter Last?
New Home Owner Series: What is HVAC?
HVAC is the term for the various systems used to heat and cool a building as well as move air through the building. HVAC can be a single system or individual systems for the different functions, whether they work together or not. For example, HVAC can entail both a furnace and a ductless air conditioning system or a single heat pump system, or any other combination of heating and cooling components. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: What is HVAC?
When Should You Turn Your Heat On?
Welcome to autumn, when one day is cool and the next is warm, back, and forth. You want to be comfortable while also not turning your heat on too soon. Deciding when to turn on your heat is key. If you’re a new homeowner or just want to learn how to manage your heating system better, read on. [Read more…] about When Should You Turn Your Heat On?
5 Reasons You Need a Fall Maintenance Checkup
As temperatures cool, and you start reaching for sweaters and hoodies, it’s time to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance, if you haven’t already. Yearly maintenance is essential for a good-working system and autumn is the best time to make sure your system is running effectively and efficiently. [Read more…] about 5 Reasons You Need a Fall Maintenance Checkup
When Should I Replace My Central Air Conditioner?
With summer fading, you might be thinking about your central air conditioner (CAC), especially if your central air was less than perfect this season. If your central AC was making noise, didn’t feel as cool as usual, took longer than usual to make your house comfortable, or it’s just getting older, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your central air conditioner.
How Long Do AC Units Last?
On average, a central air conditioning unit lasts 12-17 years. The longevity of your central air system depends upon a few things like:
- Proper installation
- Regular maintenance
- Overall usage
- Unit location
- Sealing and insulation of ductwork
- Air filter replacement or cleaning
The Importance of Regular Central AC Maintenance
Obviously, regular maintenance is useful because it keeps your central air conditioning system running well. It also allows you to spot potential problems before they cause a unit breakdown.
The more often you run your central air system, the more wear and tear it undergoes. Fortunately, here on Long Island, our climate means that a central air conditioning system won’t have to run all year round, so it won’t run as hard as it might in other parts of the country with hotter climates. For more professional air conditioning maintenance tips, read through our article on 9 Ways to Avoid AC Breakdown.
Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
Replacing the air filter is a part of yearly maintenance, but for an efficient, effective system, it’s useful to clean or replace your filter even more frequently. A dirty filter forces you to run your central air longer and more often.
When to Replace Your Central AC
EnergyStar has a few guidelines for how to tell when it’s time to replace your central air conditioner.
- If you’ve had to make frequent repairs.
- If your energy bills are going up.
- If your CAC has become noisy.
- If your home has a humidity problem when the weather is warm.
- If your central air conditioning is more than 10 years old.
Except for the first item, any of these factors, on an individual basis, might not force a replacement. In combination, however, they’re definitely warning signs that it’s time to replace your central air conditioning unit – especially if combined with an uptick in repairs.
If it does look like you should replace your central air conditioning system, doing it before complete system failure is your smartest option. Not only do you save the discomfort of a summer breakdown but replacing your AC unit during the offseason means you can plan an installation at time that’s most convenient for you.
Can I Replace My Central Air Unit Myself?
Trying to install your own central air unit is a very bad idea. Central air conditioning systems are very complex. Even if you’re a competent DIYer, with the many electrical components involved, this increases the risk of an installation error. Even figuring out the right size unit takes experience and nuance. It’s also very likely that you’ll invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty by installing it yourself.
Do You Need a Permit for a New HVAC System?
Yes, permits are required to ensure your AC is installed properly. This is yet another reason why it’s a bad idea to try to install central air conditioning yourself. The permits usually require a licensed installer. Specifics vary according to the jurisdiction. The Town of North Hempstead is just one example, so you’ll need to check your local town requirements.
Tragar Can Upgrade Your Central Air Conditioning
Now is a great time to start planning for the installation of a new central air conditioning system or upgrading your current system. Tragar can work with you today to make sure it’s a seamless process. Reach out to us for more information and a free estimate.
Can I Keep My Oil Burner If I Convert to Gas?
Here on Long Island, many homes still have oil burners. For a time, it was cheaper to have oil come in through New York ports, but over time the price of other heating sources decreased. According to the US Energy Information Administration, heat using natural gas has seen significant savings over oil-based heating. [Read more…] about Can I Keep My Oil Burner If I Convert to Gas?
August Is National Water Quality Month
August is National Water Quality Month and that covers a broad spectrum of water concerns from rivers to national parks. The part that the most concerns our customers is the water that comes out of their faucet so let’s examine what you need to know about water quality on Long Island. [Read more…] about August Is National Water Quality Month