Signs You Need a New AC Unit

No matter how well you maintain your air conditioner, it will eventually begin to show its age. AC systems, like any other appliance, experience wear and tear over time. Knowing when it’s time to replace your AC unit can save you from costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Here are some signs to look out for that indicate you may need a new AC unit:

1. Your energy bills are increasing
  If you’ve noticed a significant increase in your energy bills without a change in your usage, your AC unit may be the culprit. As units age, they become less efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and higher costs. A new, more energy-efficient AC unit can save you money on your bills in the long run.
2. AC Is Producing Unusual Noise or Sound
  Unusual noises coming from an old air conditioning system are typically a sign that it’s reaching the end of its life. A grinding, squealing, buzzing, or scraping sound may be caused by serious issues like broken AC parts, refrigerant leaks, or a malfunctioning compressor. If this is the case, the repairs and maintenance may be worth more than replacing your whole unit.

1. AC Thermostat Isn’t Working
  The thermostat is the brain of an air conditioning system. Just set the temperature on it, and it’ll tell the AC how cold you want a space to be and when it needs to be cooled. But without a properly working thermostat, you won’t be able to control the temperature on your property.A faulty thermostat may exhibit the following problems:
  - AC not starting up or shutting down
  - Room temperature doesn’t match thermostat reading
  - Temperature fluctuating from room to room
  - In case of electronic thermostats, you can’t adjust the settings on it.
  You’re lucky if you just have to get your thermostat replaced. But if the technician sees something more that could turn into a big problem, you might have to buy a whole new AC system.

1. AC Is Old Enough for Replacement
  An air conditioner’s lifespan depends on a variety of factors, such as usage, maintenance, and quality of installation. But an average AC typically lasts about a decade. So if your cooling device is already in its tenth year, it’s best to start investing in an upgraded unit.Older air conditioning systems are less energy-efficient and may cost you more money in the long run. Meanwhile, a new air conditioner will save you money on your energy bills and provide better cooling performance.

If your AC unit displays any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to get a replacement. Investing in a new, energy-efficient unit can save you money on your bills, improve your home’s air quality, and keep you and your family comfortable during the hottest months of the year. Contact a professional HVAC technician to help you determine the best course of action for your home.

Contact HVAC professionals from Bounds Heating & Air if you need to address your Gainesville AC installation needs. We’ll help you choose the best-suited air conditioning replacement for your home. Call us today!

Three Ways to Save on Heating Bills

Heat pumps, furnaces, and other heating devices are among the most commonly used appliances at home during the winter. As the state freezes due to the cold weather, overusing them raises your home’s utility costs. Fortunately, there are still options for you on how to save on heating bills. To learn more about this, read this blog.

1. Adjust the programming of your thermostat.

During the winter, it is best to adjust your thermostat to help reduce your heating bills. You can turn down your thermostat when you’re out of the house or taking an extended vacation away from home. Savings from this could reach up to 10% annually.

If you want an easy way to change the thermostat’s settings, consider purchasing a programmable one. Available for purchase and installation through Bounds Heating & Air, the Nest Learning Thermostat quickly learns the temperatures your family prefers at different times throughout the day and adjusts itself accordingly! The Nest features a bright, user-friendly display, connects to your phone, and automatically turns itself down when you’re away.

2. Use thick drapes.

The drapes you use can also impact heat retention in indoor spaces. That is why, during the winter, experts recommend using thicker curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss through your windows. Thus, the heavier the drapes you use, the more effective they are as a barrier to warm air circulation.

You can buy heavy thermal drapes that can help you withstand freezing weather. With heat-blocking curtains, you won’t need to alter the temperature of your heating units to accommodate your needs during the winter. Also, using them contributes to lower energy consumption and is more cost-effective for you and your home.

3. Wear warm clothing indoors.

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy channeling your layered outfit ideas. Aside from being able to mix and match your flannel and fleece clothes, wearing thick clothing indoors will undoubtedly keep you warm during the chilly weather outside.

A perfect pair of pullover jackets, sweatpants, and cute socks while sipping hot chocolate is a must-try winter item. Aside from putting on cozy outfits, the main advantage is that your heating system uses less energy because you don’t have to raise the temperature as much.

Consult HVAC Professionals Before Winter

The winter heating tips above can be helpful for you to get through the cold weather. However, nothing is more certain than seeking expert guidance on how to save on heating bills. Call us at Bounds Heating & Air to work with our heating technicians. Customers from Gainesville and other nearby communities in Florida are welcome to contact us with any questions regarding HVAC systems. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Regular HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for homeowners who want to save money, improve air quality, and increase overall comfort levels in their homes. Neglecting your heating and cooling appliances can lead to problems that can risk their overall performance, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

With the help of a reliable HVAC provider, you can ensure that your ACs and heaters will be at their optimal performance. Read on to learn the HVAC issues you can avoid with regular HVAC maintenance.

Poorer Indoor Air Quality and Circulation

Skipping maintenance will lead to poorer air quality and circulation at home. Regular cleaning of an HVAC system’s air filters is crucial to prevent clogging by dust and other airborne particles. If you don’t take the necessary action, the indoor air quality may worsen. It will let the pollutants, such as mold spores and bacteria, grow and spread, causing respiratory problems.

Shorter Longevity

Poor maintenance is one of the reasons why HVAC systems have a shorter lifespan. If a homeowner leaves their unit constantly running without regular maintenance, it strains the system. Routine maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of an AC unit. Neglecting these necessary maintenance tasks can lead to premature failure and costly repairs, affecting the longevity of the HVAC system.

Higher Energy Consumption

Regular HVAC maintenance can save you from higher energy consumption leading to increased electricity. One minor air conditioning issue, like a dusty air filter, pushes your air conditioner to work harder and longer to cool your home. It will cause a steady increase in your monthly electricity bills due to the drop in the system’s efficiency.

A Loss of Overall Efficiency

The lack of tune-up can risk the overall efficiency of your HVAC appliances. However, if homeowners prioritize regular HVAC tune-ups, they can avoid overheating and breakdowns requiring expensive repairs or a complete system replacement.

Call Certified HVAC Technicians from Bounds Heating & Air

Having dependable HVAC professionals is crucial to ensure an HVAC system functions properly. Don’t wait until a problem arises; schedule regular maintenance with Bounds Heating & Air. Get in touch with us for preventative HVAC maintenance services in Gainesville.

Three Questions to Ask Your HVAC Installer

Installing a new HVAC system in your home is a significant investment, so it’s important to choose the right installer for the job. But with so many options out there, how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? One way to narrow down your options is to ask prospective installers a few key questions. Here are three questions to ask an HVAC installer to help you make an informed decision.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Before you even consider working with an HVAC installer, it’s important to confirm that they are licensed and insured. A license demonstrates that the installer has met certain requirements and has the knowledge and skills needed to install your system safely and correctly. Insurance, on the other hand, protects you from any damage or injuries that may occur during the installation process. It’s important to work with an installer who has both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, so you won’t be held liable for any accidents that occur on your property.

Can You Provide References?

It’s always a good idea to ask for references from any installer you’re considering. This will give you a sense of their experience and the quality of their work. When you speak with their references, ask about their experience with the installer, whether they were satisfied with the work, and if they would recommend them to others. If an installer is hesitant to provide references, that could be a red flag.

What Is Your Installation Process?

A reputable HVAC installer should be able to provide you with a detailed installation process. This should include a clear timeline for the installation, the steps involved, and any potential challenges they anticipate. They should also be able to explain the features and benefits of the system they are installing and answer any questions you have about the installation process. Make sure you have a good understanding of what to expect, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any details.

In conclusion, choosing the right HVAC installer can make all the difference in the quality and longevity of your new HVAC system. By asking these three key questions, you can gain a better understanding of the installer’s experience, expertise, and approach to the installation process. With this information, you can make a well-informed decision and have confidence in your choice of HVAC installer.

Call Our Professional HVAC Installers

With the right HVAC installers, you no longer have to doubt the efficiency of your air conditioning system. At Bounds Heating & Air, we carefully inspect and identify the specific issues of our clients’ ACs and furnaces. Consult our team so we can help you upgrade and maintain your AC unit!

Four Winter Energy Efficiency Tips

Staying warm in your cozy blanket while enjoying the heat from your heating device is ideal for dealing with chilly winter days. However, if you keep using heating appliances more than you ought to, your energy bill will definitely rise. As a result, it is neither energy-efficient nor budget-friendly. Even so, your home can still achieve it by practicing some energy efficiency tips provided below. Continue reading for some energy-saving tips and practices you can implement during the cold weather.

1. Set the Thermostat to the Most Comfortable Temperature.

A programmable thermostat like a Nest can help you save energy and reduce your heating costs by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home. You can set it to lower the temperature when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping, and then raise it to a comfortable level when you’re awake. This way, you’re not heating an empty home, and you’re only using the energy you need.

2. Leave the Drapes and Blinds Open During the Day.

You can use natural heat to reduce the time you spend using heaters. Even though it is winter, the sun can still emit sunlight, which can help you stay warm even when you are indoors. Hence, leaving the drapes open during the day allows heat into your home and reduces the amount of work your furnace has to do. Doing so results in a more energy-efficient home, even in a cold situation.

3. Repair Cracks and Gaps in Your Home

One of the biggest contributors to heat loss in your home is air leaks. These can occur around windows, doors, and electrical outlets, and can cause warm air to escape and cold air to enter. To prevent this, it’s important to seal these leaks. You can use caulk, weather stripping, or spray foam to seal gaps and cracks. This simple step can make a big difference in the energy efficiency of your home and lower your heating costs.

4. Consider Purchasing a New HVAC System.

If your heater has repeatedly undergone several repairs, you can consider replacing it with a new one. Doing so will save you money in the long run since the newer HVAC models are more advantageous in terms of airflow and efficiency.

Call Bounds Heating & Air in FL

While there are many practices you can do to reduce your energy bill, there is no better way than consulting the experts about how you can maintain your heating system this winter. Thus, Bound Heating & Air is always by your side to address any related concerns with your heating and air conditioning systems. Contact us today in Gainesville, FL for more winter energy saving tips.

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