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

Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Air conditioning units can keep you comfortably cool, particularly during the Florida summer when the heat is intense. Given the situation, your HVAC system is used more frequently than usual. Thus, it may have trouble operating at a high enough level to deliver acceptable indoor air quality. So, you should include HVAC maintenance in your summer schedule.

Below are HVAC maintenance tips for homeowners like you to avoid unexpected AC breakdowns while coping with the hot weather. Read this blog to learn more.

Maintain the Cleanliness of AC Filters

Replacing the filter in your air conditioning system regularly keeps your unit working properly and your energy bills lower. Normally, most Heating and Air Conditioning companies and air filter manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 3 months. However, that can change based on if you have any pets, where your home is located (ex. dusty, pollen count), and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in the home, you should consider changing your filter every 2 months, and for homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it’s recommend changing your filter every 20-45 days. As you learn your HVAC system, start by checking your filter every few weeks, take out your filter and see if it’s covered in dust or is there is a musty odor. This will help you determine how often it should be changed.

Adjust the Thermostat Settings

Since summer is here, your thermostat should also be in line with the season. Adjust the program settings of your thermostat so that your cooling devices can regulate the hotter indoor temperature during the summer month. Available for purchase and installation are thermostats like the Nest. These thermostats quickly learn the temperatures your family prefers at different times throughout the day and adjusts itself accordingly. The Nest Learning Thermostat is proven to help save energy and lower bills. In independent studies, the Nest Thermostat saved users an average of 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills.

Remove Any Debris Stuck in the Condenser Unit

Debris that gets into the outdoor condenser unit of your AC can create problems, causing the device to struggle to operate efficiently. That’s why you should always ensure that potential blockages like grass clippings, mulch, dirt, leaves, and plants are properly cut and placed away from the outside unit.

It is best to have enough space for your outdoor condenser to avoid obstructions. Unblocking fins and keeping them clean allow airflow to circulate freely so that the AC can give off quality indoor air for your home regardless of the weather outside.

Call HVAC Technicians for Tune-Ups

A malfunctioning system leaves your family in the heat and your home unbearably uncomfortable. Preventative service plans are designed to keep an HVAC system in top peak performance. These plans are much more than just a simple cleaning and maintenance. The tasks that service technicians perform go way beyond changing air filters and testing the thermostat. Most HVAC contractors have a very long checkpoint list of items to inspect and tasks to perform.

So, if you want a trouble-free summer, schedule a preventive HVAC maintenance, AC tune-up or repair before the hot weather kicks in. Contact HVAC experts from Bounds Heating & Air in Newberry and Gainesville, FL for an appointment and let them inspect your AC to be summer-ready.

5 Things You Should Check During Winter HVAC Maintenance

With winter underway, it’s time to perform some HVAC maintenance to ensure you’ll be comfortable all winter long. Bounds Heating and Air share the things you shouldn’t miss when you inspect your HVAC system.

How Often Should You Replace Air Filters in Your Home?

Ideally, air filters should be checked at least every six months, then once a month during cooling and heating seasons. This is a critical step if your home has a split system heat pump, as the same system is basically pulling double-duty for the whole year. Make it a point to clean the air filters (or replace them, if disposable) when they’re dirty.

How to Clean Heat Registers

Just like the air filters, the grilles and registers should be clean and free from obstructions. Brush the grilles to remove dust and dirt, or wash and dry them if removable. Anything that’s blocking the registers can reduce their efficiency so make sure the vents are not blocked by furniture, carpets, or rugs.

How to Clean Furnace Heating Coils

Both condenser and heating coils should be clean, otherwise, the dirt could affect your heating system’s efficiency. Depending on the type of HVAC system, it may require professional cleaning. If this is the case, contact an HVAC repair expert like Bounds Heating and Air before winter sets in.

How to Test a Thermostat

Test the thermostat and make sure it works. You might need to perform some troubleshooting in case it’s not working. Check the contacts first and make sure they’re clean. You may need to change the batteries and reset the thermostat. When you’re feeling air but it’s not warm, try setting the thermostat a few degrees higher, wait a few minutes until you feel warm air, then set it back to your ideal temperature.

Check Other Non-HVAC Components

In addition to the heating system, check other parts of your home that could affect your HVAC system’s performance. Those include checking windows for drafts, as well as inspecting the weatherstripping on your windows and entry doors. An airtight, insulated enclosure ensures your heating system doesn’t consume more energy than it should.

To learn more about our heating and air conditioning repair, maintenance, and installation services, call Bounds Heating and Air today at 352-472-2761. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Newberry, FL, and surrounding areas in Florida.

Yes, You Still Need to Tune Up Your Furnace In Florida: Here’s Why

Down in Florida, we typically find ourselves relying on our air conditioners much more than our furnaces. That being said, even if you don’t run your furnace that often, it’s still important to keep up with its routine preventative maintenance.

WHY IS FURNACE MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?

Preventative maintenance for your furnace is important for three main reasons:

1. Routine maintenance makes your furnace safer.

This is especially true if you own a gas- or oil-burning furnace. These types of furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. That process of burning fuel (combustion) produces some toxic flue gases, such as carbon monoxide.

During a routine maintenance appointment, a technician will check your furnace to make sure that those toxic flue gases are being safely vented outdoors and are not mixing with your indoor air. The technician will also inspect your furnace for any fuel leaks that could create a fire hazard.

2. Maintenance helps reduce wear and tear on your furnace.

Even a correctly installed, well-built furnace needs to be serviced and adjusted every so often. As the machinery whirs and runs, parts can lose lubrication, move out of alignment, or loosen.

That type of wear and tear makes your furnace a less effective machine, and it will end up working harder to compensate for its declining performance. The harder the components work, the faster they wear out, which means you’ll end up replacing parts (or even the entire system) much sooner than you’d otherwise have to.

3. Your heating system operates more efficiently with routine maintenance.

As mentioned above, a neglected system with wear and tear has to work harder to perform its job. This means that your furnace will use more energy to warm your home than it should have to. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you’ll notice that your energy bills don’t jump up during the colder months of the year.

Gainesville Preventative HVAC Maintenance

At Bounds Heating & Air, our technicians take pride in providing dependable service and thorough HVAC maintenance. Backed by over three decades of experience, we are Gainesville’s go-to for heating and cooling services. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761.

5 Smart Ways to Shrink Your Energy Bills This

There are numerous ways to lower your monthly energy bills, but knowing where to start can be a little overwhelming. The smart place to focus for most people are costs associated with heating and cooling. Why? In a typical household, about 33% of the year’s total energy spending goes to heating and cooling costs, accounting for more energy spending than lighting and appliances combined.

Here are five ways to start shrinking your heating and cooling-related energy costs today.

1. Hang Up Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

If some rooms in your home are always much colder or hotter than others, invest in some window treatments that can help even out the temperature, like cellular shades, Roman shades, or thermal curtains. These window treatments act like a layer of insulation that blocks out heat during summer (when you don’t want it) and keeps heat in during winter (when you do want it).

2. Seal Gaps Around Your Doors and Windows

Have you ever wondered why certain rooms or particular places in rooms are so much warmer or cooler than others? The most likely reason is heat loss and gain through air leaks around doors, windows, or both. Take some time this year to weatherseal your windows and exterior doors to lower your energy bills (and help keep the roaches out)!

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble determining where air leaks are occurring throughout your home, conduct a home energy audit. During a home energy audit, a professional auditor will look at your energy bills, inspect your home’s walls, windows, doors, and insulation, and analyze the main sources of energy loss to help you come up with the best energy-saving solutions to lower your bills.

3. Skip the Heat Settings On Your Clothes Washer and Dishwasher

The last thing we need in our corner of the U.S. is more humidity. Humid air is not only uncomfortable, but it takes longer for your AC to cool. Cut your energy costs year round by washing your laundry in cold water and switching your dishwasher to the no-heat dry cycle. This will reduce the humidity these appliances release into your indoor air.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to “set it and forget it”–but what if you aren’t sure how best to program the thermostat for the biggest energy savings? That’s where smart thermostats like the Nest come in, with settings and apps that teach you how to program your thermostat to get maximum energy savings. If that sounds too complicated, the Nest can actually program itself after about one week of learning your household routine.

5. Get Your HVAC System Maintained Annually

Without routine maintenance, your heating and cooling system will suffer more and more from problems like dust buildup, loosening parts, and lack of lubrication. This wear and tear takes a toll on the system’s performance, increasing its energy consumption–as well as the chance of it breaking down during periods of heavy use. Repair costs and high energy bills are problems that can cost much more in the long run than routine maintenance appointments.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we provide a wide range of residential HVAC services throughout Gainesville and beyond. Whether it’s preventative maintenance, a repair, or a home energy audit, contact us today online or by phone: (352) 472-2761.

4 Things That Make Your Home Muggier

Here in Gainesville, we have plenty of humidity to go around, and that’s not always something we love. Aside from feeling muggy and uncomfortable, too much humidity in your home can increase your energy bills and promote mold growth. The key to reducing all that excess moisture in your indoor air is to find out what’s allowing it to accumulate.

Below are the most common sources of excess humidity in homes and some suggestions for solving each problem.

1. Air Leaks

If your home is missing features like sealed ductwork and weatherstripping, moisture could be getting inside from the great outdoors. Air ducts are usually located in unconditioned areas, like attics or crawl spaces, so if there are leaks in the ductwork, humid air can “sneak in” through tears and gaps and make your home muggier.

Not sure where the problem lies? If you have high energy bills, excess humidity, or drafty areas in your home, an energy audit can help determine precisely where air leaks are happening.

2. Neglected Exhaust Fans

One of the simplest ways you can reduce humidity in your home is by:

Using your bathroom fan (or getting one installed). Unless you like cold baths and showers, you’re going to wash with warm water, and that warm water is going to create muggier air quickly. Run your bathroom fan while bathing and for another 30 minutes afterward.
Using your kitchen exhaust fan. Cooking on the stove (especially boiling and sauteeing) releases a lot of moisture. Use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking on the stove and for another 15 minutes afterward.

3. An Aging AC System

Your air conditioner does two beneficial things. Not only does it remove heat from your indoor air, but it also takes away moisture. This makes your indoor environment less humid. However, if your air conditioner is upwards of 15 or 20 years old, it’s probably struggling to condition and dehumidify your air the way it used to. If your AC costs you a fortune in repairs or energy bills, it’s probably wiser to invest that money in a new, more efficient replacement.

4. A Dirty Evaporator Coil

Even if your AC is somewhat new, it might be struggling to remove heat and humidity from your home’s air. Why? Nearly 100% of the time, it’s because the equipment is overdue for preventative maintenance. When your AC’s evaporator coil (in the indoor unit) gets dirty and grimy, it will have a harder and harder time performing. This can lead to high cooling costs and a system failure.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we’re committed to providing the highest quality air conditioning repairs, maintenance, and installations in Gainesville and the surrounding areas: (352) 472-2761.

Setting Your HVAC Before Vacationing

As summer approaches, homeowners start thinking about warm weather and vacations. While this is an exciting thought, are you prepared to leave your home and valuables behind? With all the preparations to take care of before a trip, we often forget about our HVAC system. Bounds Heating & Air, Florida’s HVAC maintenance contractor of choice, offers essential tips to help prepare your HVAC system before setting off on your summer getaway.

Set the Thermostat

Raising the temperature when you’re away from home can help you save money on your energy bill and repairs in the future, so set your thermostat between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re away. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to switch to a more comfortable temperature upon your return.

Power Surges

There’s no way to predict when a power outage or power surge is going to occur. If this happens while you’re out of town, it can cause damage to your HVAC unit. Knowing that your system is well-protected by a surge protector will help ease your mind while you’re away. Talk to your local HVAC repair contractor about the right protection for your system. Bounds Heating & Air is here to help.

Air Filters

Your system will still be running while you’re away, so it’s important to either thoroughly clean or completely replace your air filter before you leave. This will help prevent any malfunctions with your system while you’re away. After all, one wants to come home from a relaxing getaway and have to deal with an HVAC breakdown.

Security

Many homeowners set up timers to turn lights on and off while they’re away, but what about the security of your HVAC system? Sensor lights and alarms can provide a valuable level of protection. For added protection, gate off or install locked fencing around your system’s outdoor units.

Routine Maintenance

Before you leave, have your trusted air conditioning repair technician inspect your system. We’ll check electrical connections and make sure coils are clean, refrigerant levels are correct and the air filter is clean.

Bounds Heating & Air is your leading choice for high-quality HVAC products and services in Gainesville and surrounding communities in Florida. Call us today at (352) 472-2761 for a FREE estimate!

Limitations of HEPA Air Filters

Advanced HVAC filtration is essential for removing ultra-fine airborne particles, which can aggravate respiratory conditions. HEPA filters are among the most commonly used high-efficiency filtration products, though they’re not infallible. Bounds Heating & Air, your HVAC repair expert, outlines some of the limitations of HEPA air filters.

Viruses

Allergens enter the home through open doors and windows. While HEPA filters do help purify the air, they can’t guarantee the removal of all allergens, including viruses. This is due to the fact that many viruses are small enough to pass right through HEPA filters.

Bacteria

Most bacteria particulates will become trapped in a HEPA filter. As bacteria die, however, they decompose and release endotoxins. Like viruses, these toxic substances are small enough to pass through a HEPA filter. Consult Bounds Heating & Air, your trusted air conditioning repair contractor, for ways to negate this issue.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Aerosol hair spray, upholstery cleaner, ammonia, and many other products with chemicals contain VOCs. These toxins can irritate eyes and respiratory passages and even lead to cancer. They’re smaller than 0.3 microns, so a HEPA filter won’t stop them. Try to avoid these common household products if you can.

Mold

A HEPA filter traps airborne mold spores that can grow throughout the filter, but a moldy filter can still release spores on the other side as air passes through. To avoid this, replace filters as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Turn to Bounds Heating & Air, a trusted HVAC maintenance contractor, for filter replacement and maintenance.

DOE Standards

The Department of Energy (DOE) sets requirements for HEPA filters. They should be able to remove 99.7 percent of airborne particles 0.3 microns and larger. HEPA filters that pass DOE standards carry labels like “Absolute HEPA” or “True HEPA.” Those that don’t meet DOE standards are often labeled as “HEPA-type,” “HEPA-like,” or “HEPA-style.” Pay attention to these labels and what they stand for.

Bounds Heating & Air provides indoor air quality products and services for all applications. Our team offers a wide variety of HVAC services to residents of Gainesville and surrounding communities in Florida. Call us at (352) 472-2761 for a FREE estimate!

Important HVAC Upgrade Considerations

There are many options to choose from when it comes to upgrading your HVAC system. When you’re armed with the right information before making a decision, however, you’ll be well on your way to getting your money’s worth. and will know exactly what to expect from your new home comfort system.

A new HVAC unit will enable you to enjoy the benefits offered by a modern system. Even today’s standard-efficiency model is a major upgrade from older units. Bounds Heating & Air, a trusted air conditioning repair contractor, shares some things you should consider when upgrading your HVAC system

Efficiency

A unit’s efficiency helps determine just how much you can get as a return on your investment. Always try to buy the most efficient system you can afford because higher efficiency translates to greater energy savings. As such, you won’t regret shelling out for a larger initial investment as your lower utility bills begin to roll in each month.

Friendliness to the Environment

Older units use refrigerant R-22, which has ozone-depleting properties. Today’s modern systems use R-410A, which offers a lower impact on the environment. Bounds Heating & Air, your trusted HVAC repair company, offers modern systems that use R-410A because we believe in saving our world for future generations.

Fresh Indoor Air

Make sure that your new system can keep your indoor air fresh. It should have a high-power whole-home filter and be able to reduce odors. Otherwise, you may run the risk of exposing not just yourself but also your loved ones to health risks. Ask your contractor about options for you and your family to enjoy the best indoor air quality.

Fuel Type and Rates

Consider the fuel type when choosing your new unit. If you don’t have natural gas in your home, get a heat pump. Consider which is cheaper where you live: electricity or gas. Choose a gas furnace if gas is cheaper. But if electricity costs less, consider a heat pump, which consumes less energy than other electric heating methods. It’s also able to take care of your cooling needs. Bounds Heating & Air, your HVAC maintenance expert, can help you select the best option.

Still, feeling overwhelmed with the many options for HVAC upgrades? Make sure to ask your local heating and air conditioning contractor for advice. We serve homeowners in Gainesville, FL, and surrounding communities in Florida. Call us today at 352-472-2761 for a FREE estimate!

The Main Benefits of a Variable-Speed HVAC System

Are you looking for a new HVAC system for your home? If you answered yes, then you may want to consider purchasing a variable-speed HVAC system. According to our HVAC maintenance experts, this type of system has a few benefits you won’t get with the usual alternatives.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Unlike regular HVAC systems, a variable-speed system consumes just the right amount of electricity, depending on your home’s demand for cooling. This means you can expect it to run on less energy at night and on cooler days, which means it’s much less likely to use excess power.

Less Wear and Tear

The more time an HVAC unit spends running at a high setting, the more likely it is to sustain damage due to wear and tear. According to our HVAC repair experts, a variable-speed HVAC system’s ability to begin at slower speeds during startup means that there’s less strain put on the system’s components compared to that of a regular HVAC system.

More User-Friendly

A common problem with regular HVAC systems is that after a time they can get too cold or too hot, so you need to manually change the setting on a regular basis. With a variable-speed HVAC, you can set the unit one time and expect consistent, comfortable temperatures to be maintained throughout the day.

Professional Choices

Regardless of whether you’re leaning toward a variable-speed or regular HVAC system, we recommend consulting an air conditioning repair expert to get a second opinion on what type of system you should get for your home. This way, you have someone with more knowledge on the matter who can help you choose the option that will best suit your budget and HVAC needs.

Keep indoor temps comfy with the right HVAC system. Bounds Heating & Air is the leading HVAC contractor in Lake City, FL, and other areas in Florida. You can call us at (352) 278-9123 or fill out this contact form to request a free estimate.

HVAC Care Basics – When Should You Replace the Filters?

Your HVAC system can keep your home comfortable all year round, but only if you take good care of it. One of the most important things you need to do to keep it in great condition is to change your filters at the right time. But when exactly is the right time? Our HVAC repair experts give you the low-down on when to change your unit’s filters.

Check Your Usage First

There’s no such thing as an arbitrary schedule when it comes to changing filters; it all depends on your HVAC’s condition and the atmosphere of your home. For example, a household with multiple pets or one that’s located in an area with a lot of dust around may require monthly cleaning, while the filters for a unit in a clean area that isn’t used as much could be switched out every three months.

Replace Damaged Filters ASAP

A damaged filter will have a negative impact on your HVAC’s overall efficiency. According to our air conditioning repair experts, replacing damaged filters as soon as possible reduces the risk of your unit getting damaged by clogs, grounds, overheating, and other mechanical problems.

Change Moldy Filters

A filter can remain undamaged for a long time, but it may still need to be replaced if mold and mildew start growing on it. To make matters worse, it’s hard to completely get rid of mold and mildew once it’s formed because the presence of even the tiniest amount of spores can result in them growing back in a short amount of time.

Change Old Filters ASAP

Some filters tend to deteriorate over time, which is why they have expected life spans. Consult our HVAC maintenance experts to see if your unit’s current filter is due for a fresh replacement to avoid problems related to energy efficiency and poor air quality.

Keep your HVAC running well with a clean and efficient filter. Bounds Heating & Air is the leading HVAC contractor in Alachua, FL, and other areas in Florida. You can call us at 352-472-2761 or fill out this contact form to request a free estimate.

Your Trusted HVAC Maintenance Checklist

It’s that wonderful time of year again when HVAC maintenance is one of the things on your home maintenance to-do list. Or at least, it’s the time to call a professional to perform the maintenance for you. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly the maintenance personnel are tinkering with as they work on your HVAC unit, Bounds Heating & Air can answer that question for you.

In this post, our experts go over an HVAC maintenance checklist in order to help you understand the maintenance process a little better.

Filters

Filters are essential in preventing debris from getting into your HVAC system. They work to protect the system from premature damage, which in turn helps you avoid frequent HVAC repair. If you want to prolong the life of your unit, it’s critical for your filters to be cleaned regularly and replaced as needed.

Condenser Coils

Condenser coils remove excess heat from your system. It’s important that they’re cleaned as well, otherwise, the heat could end up trapped in your system, potentially causing damage to your HVAC unit.

Drip Pans

These pans are used to catch excess water released by your system. During maintenance, the technician will drain them to prevent overflow that could reach other vital parts of the unit. An overflowing pan can damage your unit, encourage the growth of mold and mildew, and create puddles that are a slipping hazard.

Inspect the Unit Thoroughly

Dust is unavoidable, and one way or another your system will at some point attract dust and sometimes even mold, which can be hazardous to the homeowner’s health. That’s why it’s important that the maintenance personnel inspect the unit thoroughly and wipe away any dust.

Replace Broken Parts

A broken HVAC unit is a cause for immediate repairs. If your heating unit has broken parts such as pulleys or belts, call your air conditioning repair company and have them fix it ASAP. Otherwise, more parts could end up breaking, costing you even more. A broken HVAC may also make strange noises, emit foul odors, or even short-circuit, which is a safety hazard.

Check for Leaks

Leaks are usually a telltale sign that part of the unit is damaged, so if you notice any leaking, it’s best that you call a technician to find the source and fix the leak immediately.

Thermostats

Your thermostat helps maintain an ideal indoor temperature in your home by controlling the heating system and is one of the parts that must be checked during maintenance. If not repaired quickly, a broken thermostat control could wreak havoc on your home’s temperature levels and cause your electricity bill to rise.

To learn more about our services at Bounds Heating & Air, call us at 352-472-2761. Fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with us. We serve Lake City, FL, and other cities in Florida.

Caring For Your Homes HVAC System Part 2

Everyone may know that a thermostat controls the temperature inside the home via a heating and cooling system, but what many may not realize is that how you use it can affect not only your comfort levels indoors but how much you save on energy costs as well. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by just setting your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for 8 hours in a day. If you live in an area with milder climate, you’re looking at even higher energy savings if you do this!

Whether you are controlling temperatures for the summer or winter, you want to keep the difference between temperatures inside your home and that of the outdoors as little as possible. This lessens the load on your HVAC system, which also helps keep energy costs down.

Ideal Thermostat Temperatures

During Summer – Keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away but program it at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re around. Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting when turning on an air conditioner! It’s a misconception that it will cool a home faster. Instead, it may result in excessive cooling, leading to unnecessary expenses.
During Winter – The ideal thermostat temperature for the season is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. While you’re out, you can lower the temperature even further. In fact, for every degree you lower your thermostat in the 60- to 70-degree range, you are saving up to 5% in heating costs.

Quick Tip: Where to Install a Thermostat?

The best place to put a thermostat in is near your home’s center. Keep in mind as well which rooms are most frequently used because that’s where you want the most comfortable temperatures to be. Additionally, don’t put your thermostat under direct sunlight, in the kitchen, above air vents and by doors or windows.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

The fall season is approaching, and that means colder weather ahead. Even if it isn’t snowing, drastic temperature changes will affect your home. That means you need your HVAC unit to be in the best condition. As trained experts in HVAC units, we’ve come up with key tips for proper HVAC maintenance during this season.

Inspect Air Filters

Air filters are responsible for keeping dust out of your HVAC unit. They are why you can enjoy warm air with none of the pollutants. Over time, it will accumulate into a dirty blockade. Be ready to inspect and clean your filter. You might also need a backup, in case it needs to be replaced.

Check the Insulation

Proper insulation in the walls and roof keep the temperature stable. The last thing you want is for cold air to interrupt your sleep. That’s why you need to re-examine the insulation. With the right amount, you can avoid the need for future HVAC repair.

Clean the Vents and Grilles

During the fall season, leaves and dirt can create a solid wall of debris around the vents and grilles of your HVAC units. Make sure you inspect all the components before cleaning it. This way, you can make sure if there are blockages, and know how to clean them out properly. This can also lead to the discovery of other issues with the unit.

Get a Proper Inspection

The best way to prepare for the fall is to get an expert opinion. At Bounds Heating and Air, we can inspect your units and ascertain their current condition. We also provide professional air conditioning repair, in case the HVAC system is damaged.

With our help, you can get the best air quality and temperature in your home. Call us at 352-472-2761 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve many areas in Florida, including Lake City.

Protecting Your HVAC System From Severe Weather

Thunderstorms ravaged North Central Florida last July, prompting the National Weather Service and the local authorities to issue several potential flooding warnings, as well as advisories for nickel-sized hail and high winds at 45-55 mph. While there were no reports of casualties, there were two separate non-fatal car crash incidents. Property damage also became an issue due to downed tree limbs and power lines.

In today’s post, HVAC maintenance services company Bounds Heating & Air discusses how residents can protect their HVAC systems from the damages brought on by inclement weather.

Secure

The July thunderstorm that swept over North Central Florida had wind gusts that reached up to 55 mph, strong enough to sever tree limbs and uproot power lines. To prevent high winds from uprooting your HVAC system, it’s best to secure your unit on a concrete base. Remove lawn ornaments, outdoor trampolines or any unsecured objects that can be blown towards your HVAC unit. Additionally, cover your air conditioning and heating unit using a tarp and some rope or duct tape.

The concrete base will help secure your HVAC system, while the tarp offers protection from any debris that might get into the small filter openings of the unit, reducing the chance of damage after the storm passes. However, it is still advisable that you inspect your heating or cooling system for any damage once conditions permit and call in HVAC repair if necessary.

Shut Off

Power interruptions are most likely to happen during severe weather. It’s best to temporarily shut off your HVAC system and all your electric appliances, for that matter. This will prevent the power surge from frying the circuits of your equipment once electricity comes back on. This practice is also best for when there are nearby lightning strikes. In addition, protect exposed wires before the bad weather hits.

While some elements are beyond your control, such as terrible weather and power outages, there are still things that you can manage. At Bounds Heating & Air, we recognize the importance of being proactive when it comes to protecting heating and cooling systems. We offer a wide range of HVAC-related services, such as air conditioning repair and heating system installation, no matter the season. Contact us at 352-472-2761. We serve Gainesville, FL.

What the HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratings Mean

When you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit, heat pump, or HVAC system, you’ll notice that there are many energy efficiency ratings listed on the units. Each rating plays a vital role in helping you determine how much the system costs to purchase and operate throughout its service life.

In this post, our HVAC maintenance specialists at Bounds Heating and Air discuss what each energy efficiency rating means.

SEER

SEER stands for the season’s energy efficiency ratio of an air conditioning unit. This shows the electrical input required to run the unit over one average cooling season in comparison to how much cooling it generates. As a general rule, higher SEER ratings translate to lower operating costs.

EER

EER can best be described as calculating the “highway miles” of the system and is tested based on higher operating temperatures compared with SEER, which is based on lower temperatures. This rating also takes into account the humidity removal and is a useful rating since it shows how an air conditioner performs under a maximum cooling load. In more technical aspects, it is useful information for air conditioning repairs and maintenance.

HSPF

The heating seasonal performance factor is like SEER, except it’s for heating efficiency, and measures that aspect over the course of one entire season. The ratio is heat generated to electricity consumed.

SEER or EER?

Keep in mind that, ideally, you should have a balance of both in terms of efficiency. EER measures a snapshot of a moment in time, whereas SEER measures the unit’s usage over time. With this in mind, SEER represents a more important number to pay attention to.

There’s more to energy efficiency than how much power a system will consume. External factors also play a role, such as sudden bouts of inclement weather, and this is when you would want to pay attention to EER.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we will help you with your HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance needs. Call us today at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services. We are air conditioning repair experts serving homeowners throughout Lake City, FL, and other parts of Florida.

Indoor Air Quality Basics You Need to Know

A typical family can generate a considerable quantity of pollutants, such as pollen, dander, smoke, dust, and other irritants, as they go about their daily life. These contaminants can be continually recycled and circulated by the home’s HVAC system. As an HVAC repair and installation expert, we highly recommend removing these pollutants and maintaining your home’s indoor air quality. Learn more about this topic here:

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality or IAQ refers to the air quality within and around structures and buildings, particularly as it relates to the comfort and health of the people occupying those buildings. Improving a building’s IAQ by understanding and controlling common indoor pollutants can help reduce the risk of indoor health concerns. Many people spend the majority of their time indoors, so maintaining good IAQ is important.

Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

There are three basic strategies to improve IAQ, including using air cleaners, improving ventilation, and controlling the sources of pollutants. Source control is the most effective way to improve your home’s IAQ. Eliminate the sources of pollution inside your home or reduce their emissions. You can also improve your home’s ventilation. As an indoor air quality and air conditioning repair expert, we can assist you by providing effective products.

You can also install an air cleaner to remove pollutants from your indoor air. There are many different types of air cleaners on the market. You need to consider how well the air cleaner draws air and how well it collects pollutants before making your choice. Give us a call if you want an accurate assessment of your home’s IAQ needs and if you want to learn which air cleaners will meet those needs.

Bounds Heating & Air can help you with your indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance because we have over two decades of experience and employ some of the best technicians in the industry. Our goal is to provide top-notch services at highly competitive rates. We serve many areas of Florida including Alachua, FL. Call us at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services and products.

Avoiding Problems Caused by Improper HVAC Installation

High-quality installations are just as important as choosing the perfect heating and cooling system for your home. Your HVAC installation has a big impact on your system’s performance and its lifespan, so it’s important to know what to look for when choosing an HVAC repair and installation company. Bounds Heating and Air explains more:

Decreased Indoor Comfort

Mistakes during your HVAC installation can waste energy and lead to a less comfortable interior. The poor comfort control results from performance issues arising from improper installation. Problems include uneven temperatures throughout the home and decreased amounts of cooling or heating. On the other hand, a proper HVAC installation will mean that your new system will perform according to its stated specifications.

Shortened System Lifespan

A faulty HVAC installation does not just consume more energy; it also decreases your new system’s life span. A unit that is not installed according to correct specifications is more likely to fail earlier than a properly installed unit. Poor installation forces the HVAC system to work improperly, putting a lot of stress on the system. HVAC components wear out faster, leading to more breakdowns. As an air conditioning repair expert, we recommend hiring a reputable company to perform your HVAC installation for you.

Reduced Efficiency

Improper installations also lead to decreased efficiency. Even if the unit you bought has high energy performance ratings, the poor installation will not allow your unit to reach its full potential. Instead of saving you money, the unit can end up costing more when installed improperly. Work with experienced companies that carry proper certifications and qualifications.

Bounds Heating & Air can help you with all of your HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation needs. We have over 20 years of experience and our technicians are factory-trained and NATE®-certified. We have the skills, knowledge, and qualifications necessary to guarantee a flawless installation of your HVAC system.

Call us at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services and products. We serve many areas in Florida, including Newberry, FL.

Keeping Your HVAC System in Good Shape This Summer

HVAC Maintenance in Summer

Summer is the time of year that every homeowner constantly uses their air conditioning system. Because of his, it’s important to check your air filter every month to make sure that it has not become full of contaminants. Since you may have to replace your air filter earlier than the three-month mark, have a replacement air filter ready just in case. Inspect all the registers and return air grilles in your home regularly as well; these vents should never be blocked. Move your carpets, rugs, furniture, and other items are away from the vents.

Check your exterior cooling equipment routinely as well. As an air conditioning repair expert, we recommend trimming away any vegetation that has grown around the unit and clearing away debris surrounding it. Don’t store outdoor furniture in the areas immediately surrounding the exterior cooling equipment. Inspect your cooling system’s drip pan and condensate drain lines for clogs too. Finally, for best results, schedule a professional HVAC inspection.

Our Professional Maintenance Program

Bounds Heating & Air offers maintenance programs that prevent system breakdowns and can save you money on your energy bills. Our services can keep your system working at peak efficiency. Using one of our maintenance programs also means that you will receive a discount on parts necessary for repairs, as well as a reduced rate for service calls. All our maintenance specialists are NATE®-certified and factory-trained, so rest assured that your heating and cooling units are in good hands.

Rely on Bounds Heating & Air for all of your professional HVAC maintenance needs. We have over two decades of experience in the industry, ensuring that your HVAC projects will be quick and hassle-free. We serve many areas of Florida, including Gainesville, FL. Call us at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services and products.

3 Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your HVAC Unit

There are numerous ways to extend the life of your HVAC system. Many of these options are simple and inexpensive and well worth the effort. By taking care of your HVAC unit and extending its life, you can save yourself money on heating and cooling costs and ward off bigger, more costly breakdowns. Keep your Newberry, Florida, home running smoothly by extending the life of your heating and cooling system with regular checkups and maintenance.

Change the Filters

We know you’ve likely heard it a dozen times, but it’s important to change your HVAC filters regularly. As filters get dirty, they start to block the flow of air, making your HVAC system work harder to cool your home. When this happens, you are likely to see higher monthly energy bill. Set reminders or invest in a smart thermostat that will alert you when it’s time for a filter change. If you maintain your HVAC system well, it can last beyond its expected life.

Inspect the Units

Many people forget that the outdoor unit even exists, but it’s important that you give it a visual inspection every once in a while. Leaves, debris from storms, or broken tree limbs can cause damage to your HVAC’s outdoor unit. If you notice damage, be sure to call your HVAC repairman right away to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse.

Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance appointments with Bounds Heating & Air. Our technicians can inspect your indoor and outdoor units, provide needed repairs and tuneups, and ward off potential problems. An entire system inspection and duct cleaning, if necessary, will make a difference in your indoor air quality, comfort, and savings. Regular maintenance prevents big problems and costly repair jobs.

Whether your AC isn’t cooling as effectively as usual, you heard a strange noise or noticed damage to your outdoor unit, call the experts at Bounds Heating & Air. Or perhaps it’s time for a regular checkup. Just give us a call at 352-472-2761 for service you can count on every time.

Category: HVAC Maintenance