Hammond, LA Air Conditioning and Heating Blog | Professional Heating & Air

How Can a Zone Control System Help With Heating?

November 7th, 2014

Staying warm and comfortable doesn’t necessarily go hand-in-hand with energy efficiency, but with the installation of a zone control system, it can. Fall offers a great window of time to upgrade your system, and the trained technicians at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can help you install any upgrade to your heating system, quickly and effectively. Professional installation is the key to gaining the benefits of any upgrade, so call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today!

How Does a Zone Control System Work?

There are several steps involved with the installation of a zone control system. First, you will work with your technician to designate the zones in your home. Zones can be individual rooms, floors or a group of rooms. Once the zones are designated, motorized dampers are installed in your supply ducts. These dampers are connected to a main control panel that manages the opening and closing of the dampers. Each zone is equipped with a thermostat, which is also connected to the main control panel, so that the set temperature in every zone can be maintained.

How Does Zone Control Help with Heating?

Better energy efficiency – with a zone control system, you use only the heating you need. A zone control system allows you to turn heat off in areas where it’s not needed, and focus on heating only the areas where you do need it. This kind of control helps to reduce your energy usage, which results in better energy efficiency.

Customized comfort – instead of fighting over the thermostat setting for your whole house, you can set each zone’s temperature as you want it. This allows for better comfort throughout your home.

Less stress on your system – when your system has to work hard to achieve the temperature set on your thermostat, it uses more energy. With a zone control system, the heating is broken down into manageable zones, some of which may not need heat. Less operation of your system helps reduce the overall level of stress on your system.

Comfort and energy efficiency are always important during heating season. If you think a zone control system can benefit your heating system and home, schedule your heating appointment in Ponchatoula, LA with your A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning expert today.

How Can I Keep My Heater as Reliable as Possible?

October 31st, 2014

Having heat on the coldest of days of winter is one of the things you expect from your heating. While there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll never experience issues with your heater, there are a few things you can do to help retain the reliability of your system throughout the winter season. Knowing you have help on hand 24/7 can go a long way toward relieving worries around potential heat loss, so if you do experience problems with your heating this winter, call the people you can rely on: A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Ways to Keep Your Heat Going

Here are some suggestions on how to keep your heating as reliable as possible this year:

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Every season that your heater operates, a layer of dirt and dust accumulates, along with other general wear and tear. Without annual maintenance, this layer of dirt and dust, along with other issues, continues into each season afterward, reducing performance, energy efficiency and the lifespan of your system. Scheduling annual maintenance is an easy way to make sure that your system runs optimally each season, and for a long time.

Make Needed Repairs

Are you ignoring the signs of problems with your system, such as strange sounds and odors or poor performance levels? Making needed repairs as soon as possible allows your system to operate as it was made to; not making repairs forces your system to work under stress, which can lead to even poorer performance quality and a potential breakdown. Operational problems worsen with time, so make needed repairs when they occur.

Take Care of Ductwork

Your ductwork is an important part of your heating system, and when it is faulty you can experience high energy bills, poor indoor air quality and decreased comfort. It is recommended that ductwork is cleaned every 3-5 years, and if you see any signs of faulty ductwork, you may want to consider duct repair, replacement or sealing.

No one likes ineffectual heating, and by using some of the suggestions outlined above, you can help yourself and your heating system this year. Have questions? Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule your heating service in Ponchatoula, LA with one of our HVAC experts.

Is a Ductless Mini-Split a Good Option for Heating?

October 24th, 2014

That depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Ductless mini-split systems have a few pretty good advantages over more traditional systems, but they also aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Read on to find out if a ductless mini-split is right for you.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike a lot of other heating systems, ductless mini-splits are installed on an outer wall. The outside part of the unit absorbs thermal energy from the surrounding air, while the inside unit circulates warm air into the room. Essentially, ductless mini-splits are heat pumps. The difference between them and other heat pumps is their lack of ductwork to distribute air. A ductless unit will only heat the room that it is currently installed in.

Advantages

The first advantage you should know about ductless mini-splits is that they are remarkably energy efficient. The unit only has to heat one room, so it doesn’t have to waste a great deal of energy heating up the rest of the house before reaching the target temperature. This can save a lot of money on heating bills.

By eschewing ducts, the ductless system also avoids losing any of its heat in transit from the unit to the room. Duct systems lose between 20 and 30% of their heat on average to duct leaks, so avoiding that issue is a significant advantage.

If you’re using multiple ductless systems in your house, you will have the unique ability to set different temperatures for each room. Each ductless mini-split is operated by its own thermostat, allowing each member of your house to set a temperature for their room that is most comfortable for them.

Disadvantages

The biggest strength of ductless systems is also their greatest weakness: you can only heat one room at a time per unit. If you have a smaller space you want heated, or you plan on using multiple units, this isn’t really a problem. For larger houses, though, it’s something you should consider.

Ductless systems also tend to be very prominent, needing a lot of wall space for installation. Some may find this an eyesore.

If you’re looking for someone to install a ductless mini-split system for you, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We install heating systems throughout Ponchatoula, LA.

Signs Your Heat Pump May Need Repair

October 17th, 2014

Your heat pump is an efficient heating and cooling system that works year round to keep you comfortable. But because the unit runs throughout the year, there may come a day that it stops working, leaving you without any cooling or heating and a costly repair bill. You cannot assume your heat pump will last forever, but you can fix the problem quickly if you call a professional as soon as you notice any of these problems.

When you run into problems with your heating system, call the experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer 24-hour emergency service in Covington, LA, for any heating repair needs.

Common Heat Pump Problems

Trouble Switching from Cooling to Heating Mode: The reversing valve is the component that allows your heat pump to switch into heating mode when needed. If you don’t feel any heat from the vents this winter, it could be due to the thermostat, or it may mean that the reversing valve needs replacement.
Unusual Noises: Strange noises from your heat pump could indicate a variety of problems. A rattling noise, for example, could point toward a loose screw or it may mean there is trouble with the compressor, particularly if the heat pump is old and may soon need replacement.
High Heating and Cooling Bills: Heat pumps are extremely efficient heaters and air conditioners, but they still account for a large portion of your energy bills. If you notice higher-than-average energy bills this season, there is a good chance that a component of your system has worn down and your unit is working hard to compensate, ultimately driving up your energy bills.

Schedule Service Early

Because your heat pump runs throughout the year, you should do everything you can to keep it in top shape and prevent any problems from occurring. This includes scheduling regular maintenance with a technician so that your system can be thoroughly cleaned, adjusted, and inspected for problems early on.

You should also call a technician at the first sign of trouble so that problems do not worsen over time. As it moves into the heating season, you need a reliable system that won’t fail when you need it most. Call the experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for professional heating repair service in Covington, LA.

3 Signs You Need to Schedule Heating Repairs

October 10th, 2014

In Mandeville, LA, there are only a few months out of the year that you get a lot of use out of your heating system. Because of this, it may be difficult to recognize the signs that your heating system is damaged. Of course, you know to call a professional when your heating system breaks down entirely. But what if there is only a small problem? Can you wait to call for heating repairs?

In general, any problem with your system requires immediate heating repairs. An issue with your heating system may only be a nuisance to you, but the extra wear and tear on your system that goes along with a damaged heater may cause your unit to fail eventually.

Here are some of the signs to look out for.

Reduced Heating: If you’ve had your unit for a while, you likely know how long it takes to heat your home. If it suddenly takes hours to get your home to the proper temperature, or if there never seems to be enough heat coming from the vents, it may be time to call for repairs. This could be a problem with the blower motor, dirty filters, a clogged burner in a gas furnace, or low refrigerant in a heat pump. No matter what the problem, be sure to get it fixed quickly so that other parts don’t suffer as a result.
Strange Sounds: Sometimes, unusual noises don’t seem like a particularly pressing issue, especially if you do not use your heater very often. However, noises can indicate that a fan or the motor is not working properly, and without the proper amount of airflow, components of your system may begin to malfunction. With a heat pump, strange noises could indicate compressor damage among other major complications.
High Bills: High utility bills may also indicate damages. If something inside of your unit has failed, other components may be working overtime to keep up, using a large amount of energy to do so.

When you need heating repairs in Mandeville, LA, you want dependable experts with years of experience in the field. For exceptional service, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning at the first sign of problems.

What to Check Before You Call for Heating Repair

October 3rd, 2014

Waking up in a freezing cold house is not the way anyone wants to start their morning. Your first impulse may be to call your technician for help, but there are a few things you’ll want to check before making that call. Why? There are some situations that may not require the help of a technician, and you want to rule out these options first. This does not mean that you should take on a repair yourself; any repairs to your heating system in Hammond, LA should always be handled by an expert. However, there is a small checklist of items to go over before calling for your A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning experts.

Checklist Before Calling for Repair

Following are some basic things to check for before scheduling a heating repair appointment:

Check the Thermostat

A thermostat can cause your heating system to turn off for a few reasons:

Batteries have died (for those that use them)
System has been switched to “off”
Program has been changed (for those thermostats that are programmable)

Check the Air Filter

When was the last time you changed your air filter? A dirty air filter can wreak havoc on a system, sometimes leading to breakdown. It’s recommended that you change your air filter every 3 months to ensure it works properly.

Check the Circuit Breaker and Switches

Sometimes weather events or other minor issues can cause the circuit breakers in your electrical box to trip. If you see that the breaker has turned off, you can turn it back on – however, if you encounter resistance, don’t force the breaker. Switches, like your furnace switch, can be accidentally turned off, so check all switches that are part of your heating system to make sure they are on.

Blocked Vents

Furniture, clothes, drapes or anything else directly in front of a vent can block it, creating issues with your system’s air flow. Make sure all vents and registers are open and clear of objects.

Make Sure There’s Fuel

Systems that use propane or oil will have separate holding tanks – make sure there is fuel in the tanks before calling for help.

Following this simple checklist can help you rule out some repair possibilities. If you find that you need to schedule heating repair service in Hammond, LA, call the people you can trust: A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Is It Time To Get A Dehumidifier?

September 26th, 2014

Humidity is part of our weather in Louisiana, especially during the warm months of the year. Humidity can be as much a problem for your air conditioner as it is for you. One way to help alleviate the problems caused by excessive humidity is by installing a whole-home dehumidifier. Whole-home dehumidifiers are installed as part of your existing air conditioning system, and work seamlessly with its operation (they can also work independently). Your indoor air quality is important, and part of having good indoor air quality is having a comfortable moisture level. A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can help you achieve that with the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier.

How Does High Humidity Affect Your Air Conditioner?

As we mentioned above, high humidity levels affect both you and your air conditioner. Here are some of the ways excess humidity affects your AC:

It has to work harder – humidity holds heat, so when it’s excessively humid outside, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your living space.

Clinging debris – certain parts of your air conditioner will sweat due to the excess humidity, which can cause dirt, dust and debris to stick to components. Sticking debris can hamper the operation of your air conditioner.

Excess water drainage – when there is more moisture in your air, more liquid will drain from your system. If there are existing problems with your condensate drain or tray, you could have the potential for leaks.

Signs of High Humidity in Your Home

Condensation on the inside of your windows
Mold and mildew growth
Clammy feeling when air conditioner is running
Bubbling/peeling paint

The Benefits of Whole-Home Dehumidification

Here are some benefits of whole-home dehumidifiers offer:

Better health – mold, mildew, dust mites and other contaminants thrive at humidity levels higher than 60%. With a whole-home dehumidifier, you can control your indoor moisture levels to ensure that your humidity level stays below 60%.

Improved comfort – removing the excess humidity from the air allows your air conditioner to cool as it should, leaving you with cool, dry air to enjoy.

Increased energy efficiency – the dehumidifier removes the excess moisture in the air, allowing your air conditioner to run without being stressed. This can help save energy.

Humidity is a part of our weather, but it doesn’t have to weigh down you or your air conditioner. If you think you, your home and your air conditioner can benefit from the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule a dehumidifier installation in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.

How Does Duct Sealing Help Air Conditioning?

September 19th, 2014

Have you ever considered how important the ductwork in your home is for effective air conditioning? The ducts serve as the channel that transport the cooled air from in the indoor AC cabinet and distributes it through vents into the rooms. Problems with the integrity of the ducts, such as gaps and leaks, will have a negative impact on you air conditioning in multiple ways.

Because most of the ventilation system in your home is hidden behind walls and in ceilings, it’s difficult to tell if the ducts have developed air leaks that require sealing. Any time you notice a drop in air pressure, odd smells coming from the vents, hot spots in rooms, or an increase in your utility bills that you cannot account for, contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning in Hammond, LA to investigate. If you have leaky air ducts, we will handle the sealing that will solve the problem.

How Duct Sealing Benefits Your Air Conditioner

The manufacturers of ductwork design them to keep an airtight seal from the air conditioner cabinet all the way to the vents. This maintains air pressure and maximizes airflow. Even a small leak will cause a significant drop in air pressure that will lead to reduced airflow from the vents. The lower the airflow, the poorer the AC will work at cooling down rooms. Effective sealing will keep your air conditioner providing the comfortable temperatures you want.

Leaks in ducts also cause an AC to work harder, since it must strain to reach its set temperature. Even a small set of breaches in ducts can cause an air conditioner to lose up to 30% of its efficiency. Keeping the ductwork airtight thanks to professional duct sealing will prevent your air conditioning bills from rising.

Finally, duct sealing helps to protect an air conditioner from damage and repair needs. Holes in ductwork usually open onto closed-in and dusty areas, such as the space between walls, and dust and dirt will start to enter the ventilation system through the gaps. This debris can easily enter the air conditioner’s cabinet, leading to dirty motors that will burn out and other expensive damages. When you call for professionals to seal up breaks in your ducts, you are helping to keep your air conditioner free from unnecessary repairs.

How Can I Take Care of Duct Sealing?

The best way to have your ducts sealed is to call for professionals. Trained technicians use special equipment to locate the air leaks, and then seal them using mastic and metallic tape. Do not attempt to seal the ducts on your own using “duct tape”: despite the name, duct tape is not for use on ducts and is ineffective at sealing them.

For the skilled services you need to keep your air conditioning working its best, call the team at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer duct sealing services in Hammond, LA.

Upgrades You Can Make to Your Air Conditioning System

September 12th, 2014

Your air conditioning system is quite a feat of engineering: it removes the heat and humidity from your home and returns cool air that makes your home dry and comfortable. Today’s air conditioners are very energy efficient, but you can still upgrade your AC to make it perform better. As we’ll explain below, an upgrade can help improve indoor air quality or remove excess humidity from your home, depending on the type of upgrade you choose. But without professional installation, you may not gain any benefit from an upgrade, which is why it’s important to hire trained experts, like the ones at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Types of Upgrades Available for Your System

There are a number of ways you can upgrade your existing air conditioner. Here are few examples of the kinds of products we have at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning:

Dehumidifiers

It’s no secret that Louisiana gets hot and sticky. Prolonged periods of excess humidity can put a lot of stress on your air conditioner as it works to remove excess humidity; this can result in higher energy bills and prematurely age your AC. Adding a whole-home humidifier can take the stress off your air conditioner, because it removes the excess humidity from the air before it enters your system. With less work to do, your air conditioner uses less energy and no longer operates under stressful conditions.

Zone Control System

A zone control system offers you temperature control over different zones in your home. The zones are established by you and operate independently from one another, allowing for different temperatures to be set for each zone; you can also turn off air conditioning to an unused or unoccupied zone. A zone control system consists of motorized dampers that are installed into the supply ducts of your system. Each damper is connected to a main control panel and thermostats for the zones are connected to the control panel as well. Zone control systems help improve energy efficiency and comfort levels.

Air Cleaners

Having healthy indoor air is part of your overall comfort. While your air conditioner comes with a standard filter, this filter’s job isn’t to help improve indoor air quality; it’s to block dirt, dust and debris from entering your system. To truly clean your air, you’ll want to consider the installation of a whole-home air cleaner. There are a number of air cleaning products on the market, so the best way to choose one that fits best in your home is to work with a trained professional.

Upgrades to your air conditioning can improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality and your overall comfort. Think an upgrade might help you? Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule AC service in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.

How Do Your Air Conditioner And Dehumidifier Work Together Against Humidity in the Fall?

September 5th, 2014

For some, fall brings cooler days and even cooler nights, but here in Louisiana it takes a little more time for the heat and humidity to subside. Warm fall days can rival August heat, which is why it’s important to have your air conditioner running optimally. Your AC removes humidity as part of the air conditioning process, but if you have noticed it needs extra help during long periods of humidity, it may be time to consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your property. A-Professional has helped our customers beat the heat for many years, and we can help you, too.

Pairing Your AC with a Dehumidifier

Your air conditioner removes both heat and humidity from your home as part of the cooling process. But during times of excessive humidity, it can be challenging for your AC to meet your cooling needs. This is because humidity holds heat, and when it is in excess, it can be a challenge for your AC to meet the demand.

A whole-home dehumidifier helps both you and your AC. How? A whole-home dehumidifier removes the excess moisture from the air before it enters your system. This takes stress off your air conditioner and helps make the air in your home drier.

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

As we discussed above, a whole home dehumidifier helps reduce the stress on your AC, but there are other benefits as well:

Increases comfort level – by reducing the amount of moisture in the air, your air becomes drier and feels cooler.
Decreases growth of mold – mold, mildew and fungus thrive in moist settings. By removing the excess moisture from your indoor air, you can help curb the development of these kinds of growths in your home.
Helps with allergies – dust mites thrive in moisture, and allergens tend to cling to the moisture in the air. Reducing the level of moisture can help decrease allergic reactions.

Fall is coming, but our heat and humidity are still here, and will be for a while. But, you can help yourself and your air conditioner with the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule your dehumidifier installation in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.