Is Your AC Ready for a Heatwave? Signs It’s Not

When summer temperatures soar, a poorly functioning AC can quickly make your home uncomfortable. Catching problems early can help you stay cool, avoid high energy costs, and prevent expensive breakdowns. Here are five signs your air conditioner might not be ready for the next heatwave and why it’s time to schedule an AC maintenance checkup.

1. Weak or Warm Airflow From Vents
If your vents are blowing warm air or there’s barely any airflow, your system may be struggling. This can be due to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, or even a failing thermostat. These issues often worsen over time, so don’t ignore them. Routine maintenance can resolve these common issues. However, complex tasks like calibrating the thermostat require professional attention.

2. Odd Sounds Are Coming From the Unit
Hearing rattling, buzzing, clanking, or grinding from your AC? Those sounds are your unit’s way of telling you something’s wrong. These noises could mean loose components requiring lubrication, broken motor bearings, or more serious internal damage. Scheduling an AC maintenance checkup allows a technician to tighten, clean, and repair what’s needed before it turns into a costly repair.

3. Foul or Musty Smells
Your AC shouldn’t produce any unpleasant odors. If you notice a moldy, musty, or burning smell, it could mean mold in your ductwork or an electrical problem within the unit. These issues can affect air quality and safety. Scheduled maintenance helps clear out debris, detect hazards early, and keep your system running safely and efficiently.

4. Spike in Your Energy Bill
A sudden increase in your electric bill, even if your AC usage hasn’t changed, is a telltale sign of inefficiency. Dirty coils, clogged filters, or mechanical issues could be causing your unit to work harder than necessary. A thorough AC maintenance checkup helps your system run efficiently, controlling energy costs.

5. Sticky, Humid Feeling Indoors
If your home feels damp and uncomfortable even when the AC is on, your unit may not be dehumidifying properly. Poor humidity control can promote mold growth and reduce comfort. An HVAC professional can adjust your system for better performance and indoor air quality.

Stay Cool With a Professional Checkup
Don’t wait for your AC to fail during the hottest days of the year. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s time to act. Schedule an AC maintenance checkup with Bounds Heating & Air to ensure your system is ready to keep you cool, comfortable, and safe all summer.

HVAC Inspection: What You Should Expect

Routine HVAC inspections play a key role in maintaining a comfortable, efficient home. Whatever the season, regular evaluations help avoid unexpected issues and keep your system performing at its best. Curious about what’s involved in a typical checkup? Here’s what you can expect when your technician pays a visit.

Cost Expectations You Should Know
HVAC inspection costs can differ based on factors like your home’s square footage, how often these checks are done, and how complex the system is. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $600. While it may seem like an added expense, it’s a worthwhile investment that helps prevent pricey repairs down the line.

A Thorough Look at Your System
During an HVAC inspection, a certified technician checks every component of your heating and cooling equipment. They will assess filters, test airflow, and examine the ductwork and refrigerant levels—no part is ignored. The goal is to catch small issues before they grow into costly repairs and ensure the system performs at its best.

Performance Testing and Safety Checks
Aside from a visual inspection, technicians will also examine how well the unit performs. They look at thermostat accuracy, system cycling, and safety switches to ensure everything is operating correctly. Additionally, they check for leaks, listen for strange noises, and measure temperature differences within the home. It’s a full health assessment to ensure the equipment works effectively.

A Comprehensive Report on Your System
By the end of the HVAC inspection, you should receive a detailed report outlining your system’s current condition, suggested maintenance tasks, and any potential issues that may need attention soon. This documentation helps you stay informed and plan ahead, making it easier to keep your home comfortable and the equipment in top shape.

Keep Your System Running Strong
An HVAC inspection isn’t just a seasonal chore—it’s a smart way to protect your comfort, lower energy costs, and extend the life of your system. Whether you’re getting ahead of summer heat or prepping for winter chills, regular checkups give you peace of mind all year long. For professional service you can trust, call Bounds Heating & Air today and schedule a routine check with the experts who truly care about your home.

Air Conditioner and Ventilation Systems: Role in Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one marker of how safe and healthy your indoor environment is. A combination of various factors can affect the IAQ in your space, including how your heating and cooling system works. In this article, we’ll look at the role that your air conditioner and ventilation system play in the breathability and comfort level inside your home, office, or place of business.

Understanding Air Conditioners
Air conditioning units operate by converting liquid into gas. First, warm air from a room is drawn into the system. This air passes through the cold evaporator coils, cools, and dehumidifies. At the same time, refrigerant circulates through the unit’s copper pipes. When warm air comes through these pipes, the refrigerant absorbs the heat, thus triggering the transition from liquid to warm gas.

The heat from the warm gas is discharged through the condenser, which the refrigerant then helps turn back into cool liquid. This cool liquid returns to the indoor unit, repeating the cycle. The chilled air, when mixed with the existing air in your space, effectively reduces the temperature and humidity.

Understanding Ventilation Systems
Vents help bring fresh air inside while expelling polluted air. Before it is distributed indoors, the air passing through vents might be filtered to remove pollen, dust, airborne particles, and other pollutants. In some settings, the distributed air is conditioned to adjust temperature and humidity levels. Regardless of whether it’s conditioned or filtered air, it is pushed into various areas for circulation with the help of fans and blowers.

Maintaining a Healthy and Comfortable Indoor Environment
Proper air-conditioning and ventilation both contribute to regulating temperature and humidity in any space. Allergies and other illnesses, especially respiratory issues, can be prevented when fresh, clean air is circulated and polluted air is expelled. This means individuals using or residing in indoor settings with well-functioning heating and cooling systems have increased productivity, efficiency, creativity, and concentration.

Let Us Help You Achieve and Maintain Clean, Fresher Air
Make sure your family, loved ones, staff, and other personnel are protected against inhaling and breathing in poor-quality air. Our team at Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida are here to provide you with outstanding and reliable indoor air quality solutions. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

Types of HVAC Systems: Which is Right for You?

Selecting the right type of HVAC system for your home often feels overwhelming. But with expert guidance, you can find one that matches your needs, budget, and goals. Let’s explore the most common models to learn how each might fit your lifestyle.

Split Systems
The split HVAC system is the most common type used in residential settings. As the name implies, it has two components, one for heating and the other for cooling, both controlled by a single thermostat.

The indoor heating unit, typically powered by gas, has a fan that distributes warm air through a network of ducts. Meanwhile, the outdoor cooling component is connected to the same ductwork and uses refrigerant-filled coils to circulate cold air efficiently.

Hybrid Split System
This type of HVAC system is similar to a traditional split model but can switch between gas and electric power. It uses an electrical heat pump for heating and cooling, and includes a backup gas furnace for colder temperatures.

While the electric heating mode may be less powerful than a gas furnace, hybrid systems are designed for flexibility and efficiency. This feature makes them popular among eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce energy usage.

Ductless Mini-Splits
Mini-split systems are used in smaller homes, apartments, or for heating and cooling individual rooms. They’re much like traditional split models, only more compact. The indoor unit can be independently controlled, allowing for customized comfort and improved energy efficiency.

One limitation of ductless mini-splits is that their heating performance can drop in frigid climates. In such cases, a supplementary heating source may be needed to maintain indoor warmth during freezing temperatures.

Packaged Systems
Packaged heating and cooling models are among the less common types of HVAC systems. The heating and cooling components are found inside a single outdoor unit in this setup.

Like ductless mini-splits, these systems are ideal for homes or buildings with limited indoor space. Their main appeal lies in their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for those looking for a compact, all-in-one solution.

Zoned Systems
When using zoned HVAC systems, a building is divided into multiple areas, each with its own thermostat. Individual temperature control in different rooms or sections of the home allows for personalized comfort and greater energy efficiency.

This type of HVAC system is ideal for larger homes, multi-level properties, or families with varying comfort preferences. The installation is often more complex and costly, but the ability to control the temperature for every room often results in energy savings and enhanced coziness.

Find Your Perfect HVAC Match
If you’re still unsure what type of HVAC system best suits your needs, the expert team at Bounds Heating & Air is here to help. Explore your options and find the right fit for your home with us. Give us a call today and experience the difference personalized service can make.

6 Common and Dangerous HVAC Problems

If you own a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) in your home, you know how integral part of your home it is. It keeps you comfortable year-round and ensures you breathe in good air quality. However, like any other appliance or system, it can develop problems over time. Some HVAC issues are just inconvenient, and others are downright dangerous. Here are a few common HVAC problems that you cannot ignore:

Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring, loose connections, or overloaded circuits can lead to serious problems like electrical fires. Trouble shows if your HVAC system frequently trips the circuit breaker or you notice a burning smell when it’s running. A licensed HVAC technician or electrician should always inspect these issues.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks
If you have a gas furnace or other gas-powered HVAC equipment, there’s a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. CO can be fatal or cause significant health issues if inhaled in sufficient quantities. It’s also odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without tools. CO poisoning can appear as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Installing carbon monoxide detectors and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help prevent this silent threat.

Cracked Heat Exchanger
Is your furnace making weird noises or releasing a strong odor? That might be due to a cracked heat exchanger. If left unchecked, it can allow CO to leak into your home. Heat exchangers often crack due to overheating, poor airflow, or lack of maintenance. Turn it off and contact an expert to resolve the issue.

Gas Leaks
Propane or natural gas leaks pose serious fire and explosion hazards. If you ever smell an odor similar to a rotten egg, evacuate your home and contact your utility company and HVAC technician immediately. Remember, you can catch leaks early when regularly inspecting your furnace or gas-powered HVAC units.

Refrigerant Leaks
While not as immediately dangerous as gas or CO, refrigerant leaks in your AC unit can pose health risks. Breathing in refrigerant can cause dizziness, headaches, and even respiratory issues. Leaks also reduce the efficiency of your system and can damage the compressor over time.

Poor Ventilation
Vents should be clean and unobstructed, and filters should be replaced regularly. Blocked vents, dirty filters, or damaged ductwork can restrict airflow and reduce indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can build up harmful substances like mold, dust, or CO in extreme cases.

Stay Safe With Preventive Maintenance Today
Schedule regular maintenance is the best way to avoid these dangerous HVAC problems. A certified technician can inspect your system, fix minor issues before they become serious, and ensure everything works safely and efficiently. If you notice any warning signs, contact Bounds Heating & Air today.

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Is Your AC Ready for a Heatwave? Signs It’s Not

HVAC Inspection: What You Should Expect

Air Conditioner and Ventilation Systems: Role in Indoor Air Quality

Types of HVAC Systems: Which is Right for You?

6 Common and Dangerous HVAC Problems