Name: Bounds Heating & Air
Address: 25645 West, Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669
Telephone: 352-472-2761

Are You Changing Your Air Filter Often Enough?

With the seasons changing, it’s important to think about HVAC system maintenance. Part of maintenance is making sure that you’re changing your air filter often enough, but the problem is that most people are unaware of how frequently they should replace it. Honestly, there isn’t an entirely straightforward answer, as there are several factors involved – such as the type of filter, whether there are pets in the home, the level of overall air pollution, and more. Generally, it’s recommended that filters are changed every 1-3 months.

It’s important to determine how often you should change your air filter, for both your wallet and health. The U.S. Department of Energy found that replacing a dirty filter reduces AC energy consumption by 5-10%, and a dirty filter will circulate pollutants throughout your house. While we can recommend how often you should plan to change your filter based on your lifestyle, you should also check yourself to see if it becomes dirty earlier than expected.

Filter Type

Filters come in different shapes and materials and vary greatly in quality. Generally, the less expensive your filter, the less it will do to clean your air, and the more frequently it will need to be replaced. Most filters indicate how often they need to change on the packaging. You can look at the percentage of particles that different filters will capture to compare how it will affect air quality.

Pet Dander

If you have animals in your home you will need to change your filter more frequently. Keep your animals well-groomed to mitigate the pet dander in the air, and to maximize your filter’s life. It’s also important to keep the seasons in mind as a pet owner; you may need to change your filter more often during the summer when animals tend to shed.

Allergies

If someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, you should replace the filter more frequently than recommended for optimal air quality and to avoid aggravating their symptoms. If your filter is dirty, it won’t effectively capture allergens.

Overall Air Pollution

It all comes down to the overall amount of air pollution in your house. If you’re in an area with a construction or city with high pollution, you should change your filter more frequently. If you have a single-person household without any pets or a vacation home you rarely visit, you can replace your filter less often. When in doubt take a look at the filter, if it’s noticeably gray and you can see dust and dirt, it’s definitely time for a change.

It’s important to get your HVAC system maintenance to prevent expensive issues from arising and to keep it running efficiently. If you live in the Gainesville area, give Bounds Heating and Air a call at (352) 472-2761 to schedule your maintenance appointment, or visit our website to learn more about our preventative maintenance services.

Preparing Your HVAC for the Heat

It’s important to take a look at your HVAC system between seasons to make sure its maintenance is up to date, and to avoid any surprises during the summer months. While you should definitely schedule regular maintenance visits, here are some things you should always check before turning on the AC.

Inspect Unit Panels

It was a windy winter, so you should make sure none of the panels on your outdoor unit are missing or damaged. They are in place to enclose the electrical connections, so if one is misaligned it poses a risk to both you and the system.

Replace the Filters

A dirty filter will not only pollute the air in your home, it will also make your system less efficient. Prepare your HVAC for the spring by changing out the filters, and enjoy cleaner air and a lower energy bill.

Clean the Condenser Coils (and remove the coil cover!)

Your condenser unit, most likely located outdoors, looks like a large metal fan. If you have a condenser cover or tarp, you need to remove it before using your system. Running the unit with the cover on, even for a brief time, can cause severe and costly damage.

If debris made its way into the condenser unit throughout the winter, dirt is likely clogging some of the coils, reducing its efficiency. Some find that they can clean these themselves using online resources, a soft-bristled brush, and hose, though this cleaning is routine in a professional maintenance visit. To avoid collecting debris in your condenser, try to keep two feet of open space around it, removing any leaves or branches.

Check the Suction Line

The suction line is the larger of the two copper lines running from the outdoor unit. This line provides refrigerant to the compressor and should be fully insulated. Improper insulation will result in a loss of energy and can ultimately damage your system. Sun rot, freezing water in the winter, and animals can all cause the insulation to wear, so it’s important to check it before you start using your system.

If you find that your system isn’t ready for summer, Bounds Heating and Air is here to help! Visit our website to learn more about our maintenance services, or give us a call at 352-472-2761 to schedule a service appointment today.

Are Humidifiers Useful During the Winter?

It’s officially winter — which means it’s time to combat the dry air. One of the best ways to regulate your home air quality during the cooler months is by using a humidifier. Humidifiers emit moisture back into the air which not only increases comfort but also has an array of health benefits. Our team at Bounds Heating & Air is here to help you and your family endure this winter in comfort!

Reduce Germs

It’s cold and flu season, so don’t let your guard down! During the winter, colds spread faster than during any other season because germs and bacteria travel faster in dry air. Because moisturized air reduces the speed that germs spread, humidifiers can be useful around the house. Along with reducing the chances of catching a cold, the warm, moist air put out by humidifiers also helps keep your respiratory system clear.

Improve Your Sleeping Patterns

Did you know that humidifiers can alleviate snoring? This is because one major cause of snoring is having dry sinuses or a dry throat. If you or your partner has issues with snoring, give a humidifier a try (you can thank us for the extra sleep)!

Healthy Houseplants

There is an array of houseplants that can help improve your home air quality, although plants must be healthy in order to perform properly. Humidifiers keep houseplants healthy throughout the dry winters by helping them avoid dry soil or sick leaves.

Protect Wooden Furnishing

Humidifiers are not only good for your health during the winter, but they also help with the health of your wood furnishings. Dry air in your home can potentially cause molding and doors or moldings to crack. Moisture from a humidifier allows your wooden furnishings to retain moisture and preserve appearance.

Reduce Energy Bills

If you live in Florida, you’re probably aware that moisture makes the air feel warmer. So why not use humidifiers to help emit moisture into the air in your home? This will allow your HVAC system not to work as hard, and lower your energy bill as a result.

Interested in learning new ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home? Feel free to give us a call here at Bounds Heating & Air for expert advice! 352-472-2761

Money Saving HVAC Hacks For The Winter Season

The temperature has finally cooled down a bit following another long, hot Florida summer. And while our region may not exactly be known for its harsh winters, we do experience frequent sharp fluctuations in temperature that affect the comfortability of your home. The problem is, adjusting your home thermostat frequently to accommodate these temperature changes can be quite costly (as you’ve likely noticed when viewing your recent energy bills!). To help our clients battle this frustration, the Bounds Heating & Air team has compiled a few tips to help you save money this season.

Routine Unit Test

Just as it is recommended to test your system prior to the scorching summer months, it’s also important to schedule maintenance prior to Florida’s coldest months. Your heating unit has been sitting unused for months, it may have acquired damage, or it may take longer for the system to properly adjust. Getting your heating system tested ahead of time allows you to address unit problems well before outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.

Monitor Your Thermostat

One of the most important money saving tips when it comes to conserving energy expenses during the winter is to monitor your thermostat. Setting your thermostat to one temperature all day and night is a sure way to waste energy. With the constant outdoor temperature changes during Florida winters, you are likely using unneeded energy if you keep your thermostat at one constant setting. Instead, conserve energy by turning your thermostat setting down 10-15 degrees when you are away from home. Another great way to moderate energy use is by installing a programmable thermostat. Many smart thermostats available on the market, including the Nest Learning Thermostat, make it possible to monitor temperatures conveniently from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can control temperatures even when on-the-go!

Check Your Windows and Doors

Did you know that the age of your home could potentially lead to increases in your energy bill? Over time, window and door seals begin to wear down causing outdoor temperatures to leak inside. Before the coldest weeks hit, homeowners should check windows and doors for drafts and air flow that could lead to a loss of heat in your home. If you experience drafts, it is recommended to purchase draft sealers, curtains, and to invest in new framings to keep costs down.

Along with following these helpful energy-saving tips, it is also essential to maintain your HVAC system year-round to obtain optimal performance and cost savings. Bounds Heating & Air provides convenient, full-service preventive maintenance programs to help keep you up and running efficiently. If you’d like to schedule maintenance, or if you have questions about your HVAC system, give us a call today (352) 472-2761!

Is Your HVAC System Ready for the Fall & Winter Seasons?

During the summer months, people tend to make it a priority to schedule routine maintenance on their HVAC system to prepare for the hottest summer days here in Florida. As the season begins to change and the weather cools it often seems like less of a priority. However, even though Florida may not experience the harshest winters, HVAC systems still have to work hard to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home when the weather is cold. Here’s how to keep your home temperature comfortable this fall and winter:

Reduce Emergency Mishaps

With our comprehensive preventative maintenance program, we carefully examine your system to get it ready for the changing seasons. Each appointment allows for our skilled technicians to inspect your system and make recommendations for upgrades or minor repairs that may be needed to optimize your system. In addition to saving you money in the long run, regular maintenance allows your system to perform efficiently.

Money-Saving

Frequent HVAC systems checks can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Maintenance checks allow technicians to detect small issues that could potentially cause greater issues within your system.

Programming Your Thermostat

With frequent changes in weather, it is hard to determine how warm or cool it will be day-to-day. With smart thermostats, you are able to regulate your home temperature automatically with the fluctuation of the outdoor weather.

Change Your Filters

During the summer the amount of pollen and dust increases tremendously. If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system recently it is recommended to have your HVAC filter changed following the summer season. HVAC filters tend to become clogged and cause the system to work harder to keep your home cool. Along with changing HVAC filters, it is also recommended to change your home air filters as they also build up with pollen and debris from the summer weather.

Comfortability

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance gives you peace of mind that your system is less likely to breakdown due to an issue being addressed before problems arise. We all know it can still be uncomfortable living in warm temperatures when your HVAC breaks down and you have to wait around for a technician!

Be proactive and take care of your HVAC system in advance. Call today to schedule your routine maintenance with Bounds Heating & Air! 352-472-2761

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