Helpful Tips Archives

Poor airflow in your home? Why your Air Ducts could be the Culprit

A problem with the home’s heating and cooling can fill any homeowner with dread. Repairs can be costly, and replacing an entire heating and cooling system is even more expensive. The problem, however, might not be with your system at all. Your air ducts can cause a host of issues you may not even have realized were duct-related.

If something doesn’t smell right, it could be the ducts. Sometimes, insects or rodents get into your air ducts. When that happens, they leave deposits or, worse, die, and that can lead to extremely unpleasant odors. Another odor-causer is moisture because when it builds up in your ducts, it can lead to mold or mildew growth.
If your heating and cooling are uneven, look to the ducts. If some parts of your home feel cold and others feel hot and stuffy, you may have leaky ducts. Leaking ducts allow air to escape rather than being properly circulated. They can also cause poor airflow which will mean that the temperature won’t feel right.
Leaky ducts can suck dirt and debris into your air filters. If your air filters are clogging more frequently than they usually do, it may be a problem with the ducts. When debris or pollutants are clogging your ducts, your air filters will clog no matter rigidly you adhere to the proper schedule for changing them.
Strange noises in your heating and cooling system sometimes mean a duct problem. While certain noises indicate a mechanical problem, whistling and popping may mean that your ducts have cracks or leaks.

Proper maintenance of your air ducts is important in many different ways. When your air ducts are in good repair, your energy costs will be lower, and the air quality in your home will be much better. By having your ducts regularly cleaned and maintained, you’ll be helping your heating and cooling system to more efficiently control the climate in your home. When you need high-quality air duct solutions from a highly skilled and trained company, you can trust CJS Heating and Air. With the right tools to provide thorough service, we check every aspect of your ductwork to make sure your home is being provided fresh and clean air. Additionally, we believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have. ]]>

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs To Be Repaired

How much do you know about your heating and cooling system? Does your house utilize a heat pump? A heat pump is an efficient heating and cooling system, particularly suited for winter climates that are commonly at 32 degrees or above and summer climates where cool air is important. Working as a normal air conditioner during warm months, it transfers heat from inside the house into the outdoor air, while in colder weather it collects heat and brings it inside more efficiently than a 100 percent electric furnace can. If your home uses this kind of system, it’s important to know when it needs to be repaired or replaced.

If you’re not getting cold air, you need a repair. If the output of cold air suddenly drops, it indicates a problem. It could mean a clogged air filter or a refrigerant leak, but whatever the cause of the problem, it’s important to have it checked out. Similarly, if you are using the heat but there are cold spots in your house, it’s an indication that your system needs repair.
Watch out for frozen coils. If ice is developing on the evaporating coil- (check the indoor coil when you’re cooling, the outdoor coil for heating) – it probably means a refrigerant leak or a very dirty coil. It won’t help to scrape off the ice, you need to call in a professional to repair or clean the coil.
Strange noises are never a good sign. Is there a grinding or clicking noise coming from your heat pump cabinet? Worse, do you hear clanging, banging, or screeching? Unusual noises coming from your heating system typically mean that a part has worn down.
Don’t ignore a funky smell. If your heating system smells odd when you first turn it on, it could just be that there’s dust in the ducts, and it’s burning. This is not a big problem, and as long as the smell is gone after a few hours, it’s probably nothing with which to concern yourself. If it lingers, though, something may be broken or damaged within your system. You can try changing the air filter, to see if that helps, but it’s smart to call in a professional to determine the cause of the odor.
Does your system seem stuck? Sometimes, your heat pump may remain stuck in one mode or another, either cooling when you want heat or heating when you need it to cool. This can be resolved by replacing the reversing valve. Another way that your system may seem “stuck” is if it’s short cycling, turning on and off every couple of minutes. This may be a problem with the thermostat or the compressor, but whatever it is, it needs to be resolved quickly or it could wear out your system.
If your costs are climbing, it’s time to call in a professional. If your energy bills are rising, it’s an indication that something is not working the way it should. Catching it early can often mean a simple fix, while waiting may mean replacing the entire unit.

If your heat pump needs to be repaired or replaced, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have. ]]>

Get Your AC System Ready For Spring!

By the time winter is over, most of us can’t wait for the warm weather to arrive. When you’re welcoming spring, though, don’t forget to consider your air conditioning system. A little bit of maintenance at the change of seasons will help to ensure you’ll stay cool and comfortable throughout the spring and summer.

First, do your part. Go check out the condenser, the part of your AC system that’s outside. In order to work properly, it’s got to be clean and clear, free of debris and rubble. You’ll want to make sure the area around it is clear, about two feet on all sides, clearing toys, shrubs, branches, and anything else that might interfere with its ability to do its job. Rake away any leaves that could potentially get sucked back into it, and spray it down with the hose to get rid of any dirt. Once you’ve handled that, head inside and change your air filter. Keeping the air filter clean is essential to an efficiently running system.
Then, call in a professional. At the change of every season, it’s a good idea to call in an expert AC technician, who will give your system a thorough going-over. The technician will check the filter, add refrigerant, look for signs of leaking fluid, check the various components for wear, inspect the system, tighten the connections, and replace any worn parts.
Is it time to consider an upgrade? If your heating and cooling system is nearing twelve to fifteen years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Technology has really improved, and the newer systems are more efficient, which means they conserve energy and save you money. What’s more, they’ve got features like zone control, which gives you the flexibility to set different temperatures in different rooms, which is extremely convenient. Smart thermostats are useful too, increasing the system’s efficiency with programmable functions. If you aren’t ready to upgrade your system just yet, consider adding a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier alleviates some of the strain on your AC system and makes a room more comfortable.

Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or you need a whole new air conditioning system, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have. ]]>

How to keep your Furnace from Collecting Dirt and Dust

When the cold weather hits, one thing you want to know for sure is that your furnace will work reliably and efficiently. It’s important to keep up with the maintenance on your furnace so that it will be in peak condition when you need it to keep you warm. What you may not realize, though, is that something as simple as dirt or dust can cause major issues with your furnace.

Dirt clogs your air filters. The filter is an important part of your furnace because it keeps contaminants out of your system. If dust and debris get through the filter, they can damage your furnace’s components. If the filter is doing its job, though, it needs to be changed about once a month during the heating system, because otherwise it will become clogged and restrict air flow. Restricted air flow makes your furnace work harder and wear out faster.
Dust and debris in your furnace can cause a burned-out motor. Dirt that gets into the moving parts of the blower motors can cause them to burn out and need replacing. When dirt and dust get into the burners, they can’t draw oxygen to light the jets as easily. Then, too, the jets can’t easily transmit heat to the combustion chamber if they’re dirty.
A dirty furnace is a less effective furnace. Dust across the heat exchangers causes them to transfer less heat. This forces the furnace to run longer to reach the right temperature, which can cause the whole system to wear out more quickly than it should.
That weird odor you smell could be dust in your furnace. Dust that collects on the heat exchanger and in the air ducts when the furnace is not in use can cause a smell once it’s turned on again. If the problem is simply a matter of built-up dust, it should disappear within a few hours. If it doesn’t, change the air filter. If it still persists, it could mean something else, like a problem with mold somewhere in the system. If the smell is more like burning plastic or electrical parts, see if you can spot a foreign object in the registers or ductwork. If that doesn’t seem to be a problem, call in an expert to help you determine what’s wrong.

How can you keep dust, dirt, and debris out of your furnace? The main thing you can do by yourself is to change the air filters. It’s also smart to have your air ducts cleaned from time to time, and have your system serviced every time there’s a change of seasons. Whether you need routine maintenance, duct service, or replacement or repair of your heating and cooling system, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have. ]]>

New Year, New Heating and Cooling System?

What will 2019 bring you? Are you looking forward to a new year, are you thinking about opportunities around the corner, or perhaps a fresh start? If you’re a homeowner, you may be looking around your house with a critical eye, wondering what will need to be replaced this year. Will it be your heating and cooling system? The short answer to that question is this: if you’ve had your heating and cooling system for twelve to fifteen years, you may be ready for a new one. Do you want a longer answer? If you have kept up with the maintenance, and you have the system serviced by a reliable heating and air company, you may be able to extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system. Here are some tips to help you do that.

Change the filters regularly. This is a ridiculously easy chore, and yet essential to the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Air filters that are clogged with dust and dirt can’t circulate the air properly, so a dirty filter makes your whole system work harder. This can not only raise your energy bills but also shorten the lifespan of your system.
Give your system a break. When you keep your heating and cooling system working constantly, you can cause it to wear out quickly. Use ceiling fans, turn off your system if you’re going to leave the house for any length of time, and keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. It’s also smart to have an inspection so that you can make sure your home is well sealed and insulated, and your system is running properly.
Mind the outside components. The condenser unit in your backyard is an important part of your heating and cooling system, and if it gets clogged with leaves and other debris, its performance may suffer. It’s easy to clean your condenser using a brush or low-pressure hose. Your system also has a discharge pipe that leads outside and provides drainage. If this becomes damaged, it can be expensive to fix, so keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t get blocked, clogged, frozen or damaged in any other way.
Keep your ducts clean. Just like the filters, the ducts in your home can suffer from a buildup of dirt, dust, and debris. You can do a minor duct cleanup by yourself, using your vacuum cleaner and a brush, but that sort of maintenance only goes so far. To get the entire air duct system clean, you’ll need to enlist the help of a professional.
Have your system serviced regularly. Even if you’re vigilant about keeping up with your system, it’s important to have a professional come out regularly to inspect and help maintain it. It’s smart to schedule regular maintenance at the beginning of each season.
Consider an upgrade. If it is time to replace your heating and cooling system, look for an energy efficient model that will reliably work for you for many years. Choose a professional installer who stands behind their work, and will continue to maintain your system once it’s installed.

How do you know when it’s time for a new system? If the unit is running inefficiently or unsafely, it’s time to think about replacing it. If it needs repairs several times each year, despite regular maintenance, that’s a sign that it’s wearing out. If you’ve been told that repairs will cost more than half of what it would cost you to install a new system, it’s time to go ahead and replace it. When you’re ready to install a high-quality heating and cooling system, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have. ]]>

Prevent Furnace Failure This Winter with These Tips

Will your furnace last another winter? If it’s a few years old, you might not be sure. What you do know is how disruptive a furnace breakdown can be, especially in the middle of the holidays while in-laws are visiting. Decrease the chance of furnace failure this winter by following these tips.

Have Your Furnace Inspected

A furnace is most likely to fail when you need it most. Avoid inconvenient breakdowns and emergency repairs with a preventative furnace inspection at the start of the heating season. Your expert technician will check the electrical wiring, inspect valves for leaks, clean the burners, lubricate moving parts, inspect and replace the fan belt if needed, and perform other tasks that set up your furnace for a failure-free season.

Replace the Air Filter

This is something your heating technician will do during a furnace inspection, but be prepared to change the filter again in a month or two. If you neglect this task, the filter could become so clogged with hair, dust, fibers and other debris that airflow is restricted to a dangerous level, causing your furnace to overheat. A quick air filter replacement is the easiest way to prevent this.

Keep the Registers Open

Some homeowners attempt to save money by closing off and shutting the vents inside rooms they seldom use. However, closing too many vents throws off the delicate return/supply air balance and overworks the heating system. As a result, your furnace is more likely to break down. To prevent this, keep at least 80 percent of the vents in your home open and unblocked at all times.

Don’t Put Off Furnace Repair

You might be tempted to ignore your furnace when it starts acting strangely, but delaying a furnace repair could lead to a total breakdown and a more expensive problem to fix later on. The sooner you put in the call to a repair technician, the better chance you have of restoring normal operation without suffering in the cold for a night or two. Signs of imminent furnace failure include funny smells, strange sounds, difficulty starting, fluctuating performance and rising energy costs.
Consider Replacing the Furnace

If your heating system is more than a decade old, and it struggled to keep your home comfortable last winter, this could be the year to replace it. Browse your furnace replacement options now so you can make the upgrade before an inconvenient breakdown occurs. Once your new furnace is installed, be diligent about maintaining and operating it correctly to help it last for many winters to come.

The experts at CJS Heating and Air are here to help you prevent furnace failure this winter. Whether you need to schedule a furnace inspection or repair, or you think it might be time for a furnace replacement, we can help. The next time you need heating services in Columbus, OH, please contact us.

How to Save on Energy Bills this Winter

When the snow starts falling and the wind starts howling, your energy bills start increasing. You want to be comfortable, but you don’t want to pay more than necessary for home heating. Follow these tips to keep your energy bills down and your spirits up this winter. Turn Down the Temperature Dress for the season and lower the thermostat. Every degree you do saves you 5 percent on your heating costs. Save another 10 percent by setting the temperature back 10 to 15 degrees while you’re at work all day. Prevent this from becoming a comfort issue by installing a programmable thermostat with automatic recovery periods based on your schedule. Weatherproof the House To keep heated air inside, you must seal and insulate your home. Here’s how:

Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaky windows and doors.
Install clear plastic film on windows and sliding glass doors.
Seal attic floor penetrations with expanding spray foam.
Add more insulation to the attic.
Seal and insulate the ductwork.
Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.

Change the Furnace Filter A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your furnace work harder than necessary. Check the filter once a month and change it when it appears dirty. This task also improves indoor air quality to help you breathe easier this winter. Use Solar Heating to Your Advantage On sunny days, throw the curtains wide open to allow the sun to heat your home for free. Remember to close the drapes again at night to insulate the windows. Run Space Heaters Wisely Why heat your whole house when everyone is in the family room? Consider using space heaters in the living area during the day and moving them to the bedrooms at night. This form of zoning allows you to turn the thermostat down for energy savings without feeling uncomfortable. Put the Ceiling Fans in Reverse Hot air rises, but you can bring it back down to ground level by running the ceiling fan on low in reverse. This is especially effective if you have vaulted ceilings that allow heated air to rise way above your head. Inspect Your Air Registers To ensure heated air gets where it needs to go, check that all return and supply registers are unblocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. During your inspection, check to see if dust and cobwebs are obstructing airflow. If so, vacuum the grilles with the brush attachment. Tune Up Your Furnace A well-maintained car gets better gas mileage, and the same goes for your furnace. A tune-up addresses leaky air ducts, mechanical failings, intake blockages and other problems that could force your furnace to work harder than necessary. Preventative furnace maintenance every fall keeps your heating system running at maximum efficiency. If you’re looking for more home heating tips, or you want to schedule furnace maintenance to help you save on energy bills this winter, please contact CJS Heating and Air in Columbus, OH.]]>

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality this Winter

Several aspects of winter weather affect indoor air quality. First, you close up your home tightly to improve heating efficiency, which makes the air stale and stagnant. Then, because cold air is extra dry, bacteria and viruses spread more easily. If you’re concerned about your family’s health and wellbeing, use these tips to improve air quality in your Columbus, Ohio home this winter. Reduce Pollution at the Source The most effective technique is to decrease the amount of pollution you generate within the walls of your home. Here are some tips:

Avoid products that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To do this, switch to natural cleaning and beauty products, and purchase low- or no-VOC paint.
Make sure the gas furnace, dryer and stove are vented to the exterior.
Switch from paraffin candles to those made with soy or beeswax.
Don’t allow people to smoke in your house.
Take off your shoes at the door.

Upgrade Your Furnace Filter Standard fiberglass air filters are designed to prevent hair, dust, and fibers from landing on internal furnace components. If you want the added benefit of improving indoor air quality, you must upgrade your air filter to a pleated or electrostatic one with a higher efficiency rating. Remember to replace the filter every one to three months to maximize performance. Install a Whole-House Humidifier Dry winter air makes your home less comfortable and increases instances of health problems, including chapped lips, itchy skin, and scratchy throat. Bring every room to the ideal range of 30 to 50 percent relative humidity by running a whole-house humidifier. The upgrade can also help you get over a cold faster and decrease the spread of germs around your home. Increase Ventilation You may not be keen on opening windows when it’s below freezing outside. Fortunately, there are other ways to ventilate your home. Remember to run the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans as needed to remove moisture and odors. You might even want to install a heat recovery ventilator to bring in fresh air from outside without increasing your energy bills. Put in a UV Air Sanitizer Specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light can be used to deactivate microorganisms so they can’t replicate. The resulting cleaner air from using a UV air sanitizer helps keep you and your family healthier. Grow Houseplants It’s too cold for a garden, so why not bring a little green indoors? Some plants are specifically known for filtering and cleaning the air, including palms, peace lily, Boston fern, snake plant and spider plant. Just be sure not to overwater your houseplants to keep excessive humidity and mold growth at bay. CJS Heating and Air offers customized indoor air quality solutions for your Columbus, OH home, including high-efficiency air filters, whole-house humidifiers, UV air sanitizers and more. For help breathing easier this winter, please contact us today.]]>

Common AC Myths to Watch Out For

As a homeowner, you’re continually on the lookout for tips to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer. Unfortunately, misinformation and incorrect assumptions lead to energy waste and high cooling costs. Learn the truth about these common AC myths so you can run your air conditioner as efficiently as possible. Myth: Cranking the temperature way down cools your home faster. Fact: Unless you have a variable-speed air handler, adjusting the thermostat is like flipping a light switch, not pressing on a gas pedal. Setting the temperature to 60 degrees won’t cool your house any faster – all it does is overshoot your comfort zone and waste energy in the process. Adjust the thermostat a little at a time. You’ll be amazed at the difference a degree or two makes. Myth: If you have central air conditioning, you never need to run the ceiling fan. Fact: Sure, you have the power to stay comfortable without ever running a fan, but you’ll pay more for it. With a fan blowing on your skin, the room feels up to 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat to 78 degrees while making it feel as though it’s 74 degrees. Just remember to turn off the fan when no one’s in the room since the “wind chill effect” cools people without actually lowering the temperature. Myth: It’s cheaper to leave the thermostat at the same setting all the time, even when you’re away. Fact: The thinking here is that turning up the thermostat to 82 degrees while you’re gone only forces the air conditioner to work harder to restore a comfortable temperature when you get home. While this is true to a point, a programmable thermostat can save you 5 to 10 percent on your cooling bills if you set the temperature back for eight hours or more at a time every day. Myth: Bigger AC units are always better. Fact: When the time comes to replace your air conditioner, remember – size matters! An oversized unit isn’t better because it operates with shorter cycles, impairing its ability to dehumidify your home. This leaves you feeling cool but clammy. Air conditioners work better when they run a bit longer, so make sure the unit you install is sized correctly for your home. Myth: Air conditioner maintenance is a waste of money. Fact: Some homeowners think tune-ups are a ploy AC contractors use to make more money. However, preventative AC maintenance ensures safe, efficient, reliable operation all summer long. It lowers your cooling bills, prevents breakdowns and helps your equipment last years longer. The biggest truth is that energy savings come from running your air conditioner sensibly. Close the windows while the AC is running. If you get overheated, turn on the fan before you adjust the thermostat. There are plenty of ways to keep your summer energy bills in check without being uncomfortable. To learn more, or to schedule air conditioning services in Columbus, OH, please contact CJS Heating and Air. ]]>

How to Avoid Costly AC Repairs this Summer

In hot, humid Columbus, Ohio, you count on your air conditioner for comfort day and night. Unfortunately, it always seems like problems arise right when you need your AC the most. Many issues start small, but if ignored, they can develop into something more serious. For instance, a clogged air filter can impair home comfort and raise your energy bills; a clogged condensate drain can cause water to back up into your home, and a fraying fan belt can snap and damage other components around it. Avoid cooling issues – and the costly repairs that often accompany them – with these tips. Change the Air Filter Regularly Make a habit of checking the air filter once a month, and change it after no more than three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. A clogged AC filter slows airflow through the system, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary to circulate air. This puts more pressure on various system components and makes them wear out sooner. Extend the life of your AC and avoid costly repairs this summer by completing this simple maintenance task. Clean the Outdoor Condensing Unit The exterior portion of your air conditioner, known as the condensing unit, is exposed to the elements. When dirt, cobwebs, grass clippings and leaves collect in the fins, the unit struggles to run properly. Hose it down at least once a year to clean off layers of dirt and debris. Trim back vegetation as well to ensure adequate airflow. The goal is to keep at least one to two feet of clearance on all sides of the condensing unit. Check the Condensate Pan Frequently A condensate pan located beneath the evaporator coil collects water dripping from the coils as the AC unit extracts heat and moisture from the indoor air. Under normal circumstances, this water drains away through the condensate line. However, if the drain becomes clogged with algae or other debris, the pan may fill to the brim. This creates one of two problems – either the AC stops running because of a system failsafe, or the pan overflows and causes water damage. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: simply check the condensate pan on occasion to ensure it’s draining properly. Slime-preventing tablets are available to help keep clog-prone condensate lines clear. Schedule AC Maintenance Once a Year On top of these things you can do yourself, you should also schedule professional AC maintenance annually to help avoid costly AC repairs. The purpose of such an inspection is to clean vital components, lubricate moving parts, tighten electrical connections and make sure everything is working right. If the tech finds a frayed fan belt, it’s easy to replace it before it snaps and causes more damage. In this way, annual AC maintenance not only keeps your cooling system up and running, but it also lowers your utility bills and prolongs the life of your equipment. To schedule an air conditioning tune-up in Columbus, OH, please contact CJS Heating and Air. ]]>