Do You Need a New Heating and Air Conditioning System?

When at home, your personal comfort is important. No matter the conditions outside or the season, you should be able to adjust your HVAC system where necessary so you can relax at the ideal temperature. However, not all situations are ideal - occasionally you'll hear knocks and pings from your heating and cooling units, and maybe nothing happens when you try to adjust the dials. Your first thought may be to replace your HVAC system altogether, but consider for a moment that repairs are all you need in order to feel cool or warm in your home again.

Do you need to replace your air conditioning or heating system? Here are some things to consider before you make a final decision.

1) How old is your unit? Whether you have had a home built or bought an existing one without making any major renovations, you should have a good idea of the age of your HVAC system. If you are experiencing problems after only five or seven years, you can estimate that problems are related to faults during manufacture or with the initial installation. A full replacement may not be required in this situation, but you may want to have an HVAC expert take a look to determine it.

2) Have you recently weathered any bad storms? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, or high winds, the damage eventually shows up in your equipment. Leave your outside unit unprotected, and you risk problems in the future. If you find your heating or cooling isn't as quick to start after a bad storm, you will want to assess the damage before budgeting a new system.

3) Does it cut off abruptly, or not start up at all? The more frequently you encounter serious problems is perhaps your best indicator that you need a new unit. First, check to see if any warranties are attached to your current system and find out what you need to do to get a replacement. If you have considered a more energy efficient model for replacement, you may be eligible for tax credits. Talk to your HVAC serviceman for options.

When the air suddenly shuts off, it may not necessarily be a sign that you need a new system. Know your unit and listen carefully for problems, and you can determine for yourself the next steps to take. In some cases, only minor, inexpensive repairs may be needed to keep you comfortable.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Williamsburg HVAC services.

Is it Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

When extreme weather plays havoc, it's nice to know you can return home and make yourself comfortable with a solid heating or air conditioning to maintain a good room temperature. Unfortunately, while most top HVAC units can last for years, they won't keep you cool or warm forever, and one can only hope the system doesn't crash at an inopportune time when you really need to beat the heat!

Homeowners tend to have their HVAC units serviced just before an anticipated change in weather. As winter approaches, it's natural to make certain the system can hold up when it snows and freezes outside, and in the summer the same system should cool you down on triple-digit days. If you suspect problems, however, it may be time not to just call for repairs, but replace major parts of your HVAC system. Keep an eye - and ear - out for these signs:

1) Noise. This goes without saying. If you hear disconcerting and loud knocks or pings every time you adjust your thermostat, or even when you've left it alone, it's time to look into replacement rather than repair.

2) Time. Furnaces and AC units do have a shelf life. Keep track of when such purchases are made in your home - air conditioning units tend to last about ten years, while a good boiler or furnace around fifteen. You definitely don't want to overwork either of them beyond their capability, as it could lead to greater problems.

3) Bills. If you've run your systems no differently than you have in the past but notice significant increases in your energy bills, it could mean problems with the HVAC. As units age, they tend to work less efficiently and become leaky. This in turn may cause the unit to work harder to maintain temperature, which runs up the bill. Keep an eye on what you spend; when it gets to be too much it's time to invest your money in a new unit.

For a comfortable home, no matter the time of year, it is important to notice changes in the way your HVAC units work. What starts as a small ping could signal a louder groan when you realize you waited too long to make a simple repair.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC installation and Williamsburg HVAC repair.

Prepare Your HVAC System for the Busy Holiday Season

We survived Halloween, and the temptation of leftover candy and the cleanup involved. Don't think you can sit down and relax just yet - there's Thanksgiving and Christmas to consider, and they'll be here before you realize it. You may have relatives over this year, or perhaps you're planning a quiet holiday with the family. Whatever your plans are, you need to ensure your home is safe and warm. Don't wait for the holiday crush to completely suffocate you before you realize you didn't have your HVAC system properly checked.

Winters in Virginia, especially in Hampton Roads, are unpredictable. This past weekend we saw highs in the 80s, and now we're shivering in short sleeves. You need to make certain your heating and cooling system is working regardless of the weather, and that means checking filters to see if they need changing and checking the coils to see if they are clean.

As the top HVAC service in Newport News, we are happy to come out and inspect your unit. Give us a call today at 757-349-6247 to learn more about our HVAC repair services.

Maximum Air Gets the Job Done

Check out this recent rave review of our Newport News HVAC installation and repair services:

OUTSTANDING service, professionalism, knowledge and commitment to craftsmanship. All of my neighbors whose houses were built at the same time with the same unit were told to replace. When ours stopped working, we thought for certain that would our verdict. Normally Max doesn't serve Chesapeake but he made a special trip for us. He diagnosed the problem, a safety switch had fired because the unit was overheating. Once he reset it, the unit fired back up. But then he stuck around to look at the issues that had caused it to overheat in the first place. He cleaned and oiled the whole unit.

Read the entire review!


Dedication and service are the keys to our success. Call on us today at (757) 784-3181 () ‎for your air conditioning and heating repair and installation needs.