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Quality Heating & Sheet Metal Company, Inc.

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Brookfield, WI 53045

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Preparing Your HVAC System For Spring

April 1, 2022 By Anthony Bodden

The HVAC system in your house is responsible for keeping you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And comfort is only part of its importance. The system is also designed to filter out contaminants in the air, both actual dirt particles, and biological ones. So your family’s health is also in play. Finally, your HVAC system uses a lot of energy, and you want to make sure that it’s working at peak efficiency so that you spend only as much as you need to. All of that makes maintaining your HVAC system really important, and the best way to do that is to have it professionally serviced twice a year. For best results, you should have it done in the spring and the fall.

Importance of Regular Servicing

The heating and cooling system in your house accounts for as much as half of the energy used in your home. So maintenance of that system is one of the most important money saving practices you can do. Newer heating and cooling systems can be very energy efficient, but can’t perform at their best without continued maintenance. Service calls can identify issues when they are minor, and avoid breakdowns that always happen at the most inconvenient times. Manufacturer warranties usually require regular maintenance in order to be valid; you’d hate to discover that your warranty won’t be honored because you neglected your regular service. And the longevity of your system as a whole can be increased by semiannual servicing.

What Regular Servicing Means

At Quality Heating, we perform thorough maintenance services. We do a visual inspection of the system, test all components, measure air flow and temperatures. We find any leaks in the system and deal with them. We monitor flue draft and refrigerant pressure, as well as calibrate the thermostat. We clean all the parts that require it; we lubricate all those that move. The US Department of Energy agrees that for “all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance is key to efficient operation. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10% to 25%.” If there is any minor damage or repairs necessary, we do that too.

Spring and Fall Is Best

In the winter and summer, your HVAC system must be ready and working at its best, so spring and fall are the times for regular servicing to be most effective. At Quality Heating, we’re happy to come and do maintenance on your system when you ask us to, but you should consider a maintenance agreement. In your busy life, remembering to make an appointment twice a year for your heating and cooling system service could easily fall through the cracks. It only takes one neglected regular maintenance to invalidate your equipment warranty. Once you have a maintenance agreement with us, we’ll remember so you don’t have to. Every fall and every spring, we will make sure that your heating system is working its best.

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Ph:   262.786.4450
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Filed Under: HVAC Installation, HVAC Repair, Uncategorized

Maintaining Your AC

March 1, 2022 By Anthony Bodden

Air conditioning is so welcome in our hot and humid Wisconsin summers. In order to keep your AC system working efficiently and at its peak, there are some simple maintenance tasks you can perform. Proper maintenance will lower your electricity bills and keep you and your family comfortable. In this post, we’ll share what maintenance is most important and why.

Filters – Why They’re Important

Air conditioners and furnaces take in all sorts of dust and dirt that naturally floats in the air. As such, to reduce the amount of residue they take in, they’re equipped with HVAC filters. These filters trap all kinds of residue, but the filters can become completely blocked in the process. These filters need to be changed on a regular basis. You should change your HVAC filter at least every 3 months; if you have cats or dogs in your home, you should do it once a month. If you have a media filter, they should be replaced every 9 to 12 months; this filter is located inside your ductwork next to your furnace or air handler.

Filters – Where They Are

Your HVAC filter could be located in your return air vents or it could be located within your furnace. If you’re not sure, look up videos online for your particular AC or HVAC system. If you aren’t clear exactly what system you have, your HVAC technician would be happy to show you where they are. Certainly, if you have dealt with Dave’s Appliance, we would have that information for you, or could easily find it out for you.

Filters – How To Replace

Replacing the filter once you locate it is relatively easy. They’re designed to be taken out and replaced, so it should be pretty obvious. If you have any confusion about how to do it, again, there should be online videos guiding through your particular system’s process. Replacement filters are obtainable at many stores; Dave’s Appliance can supply you or point you to the place to go.

Condenser Area – Why It’s Important

Your AC’s condenser is located outside of your home. As such, it’s exposed to falling branches, kicked-up stones and dirt, bushes, and all sorts of overgrowth. In rare cases, overhanging greenery can fall into condensers, causing jams and general mechanical damage. Then there’s the chaos that creatures cause. Squirrels, mice, and even ants and other insects can chew on the electrical wirings or are attracted by the water. It can be hazardous to them and they can damage your outside unit.

Condenser Area – What To Do

You can prevent problems by keeping the area around your condenser clear of plant life and debris, and checking for evidence of chewing. At Dave’s Appliance, we recommend five feet of clearance on each of its sides. Also make sure that any trees or hedges in the vicinity are properly trimmed. Performing this basic outdoor maintenance should make it less attractive to creatures of all kinds.

Condensate Drain – Why It’s Important

When condensate drains are running at full speed during a hot spell, they are constantly removing water in the air; but when they are turned on less often, it means that your condensate drain can start to accumulate algae, mold, and gunk. It builds up faster than you might think, and a clogged drain can be a big problem.

Condensate Drain – What To Do

A simple way to keep your drain clear is to pour a cup of plain vinegar down it periodically. As the summer winds down and you use your AC less often, it might be a good idea to perform this task weekly. It certainly won’t do any harm, and it could save you a lot of hassle. If you’re worried about remembering to do this, contact Dave’s Appliance. We have some longer-lasting solutions to prevent these clogs.

Vent Covers – Why They’re Important

AC systems use a duct system to distribute the air that comes out of vents in the different rooms—on walls, ceilings, or floor. Keep an eye on your vent covers for any build up of mold. Excess humidity leads to mold, and you’ll want to take care of that immediately. Mold can cause those sensitive to it to become quite sick.

Vent Covers – What To Do

Simply cleaning with hot water and detergent should take care of the problem, unless there is a really significant mold build up. If so, use a cleaner designed specifically for mold issues.

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Ph:   262.786.4450
Fax: 262.786.5098

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2840 North Brookfield Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045

Filed Under: AC Maintenance, AC Repair, Air Conditioning Maintenance, HVAC Repair

Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

July 12, 2021 By SunAnt

We’ve already had a couple of hot spells here in Wisconsin, and it’s just the beginning of the summer. You’re going to need your air conditioner at peak performance, and in order for that to happen, you should be proactive and get your air conditioner ready for the season. The way to do that depends on what kind of air conditioner you have, but no matter the type, some initial inspection and maintenance can ensure that you’ll be cool and comfortable this summer. In this post, we’ll look at central air conditioners, window air conditioners, and portable air conditioners.

Central Air Conditioners

If you have central AC, you are set to enjoy cool comfort wherever you are in your house. These units are the best to have for all around cooling, and they can also be extremely energy efficient, if they are maintained properly. Because they are connected throughout your home (either through ductwork or through tubing), they are more complex, and getting them ready for the summer is more complicated too. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Remove covers – You put a weather-proof cover on your outdoor air conditioner unit, and other elements, and though it may seem silly to include this as a first step, it is not unheard of that people start the AC without removing all the covers. This includes condenser covers, coil blankets, or lids. Removing all covers before turning the AC on avoids major repairs or replacements.
  • Inspect panels – If the panel covering the electrical connections is missing, call for one of the qualified technicians from Quality Heating to inspect your unit. Don’t simply get a replacement panel. You need an expert to diagnose and repair any damage.
  • Remove debris – Wash away any debris that has accumulated around the outdoor AC unit. Vegetation may have grown around it (we all know how hard it is to mow around AC units), and stones, leaves, twigs may have gathered there. This kind of debris hinders heat transfer and that lowers the cooling and the energy efficiency of the unit.
  • Replace damaged insulation – Inspect the two refrigerant lines running from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler. You should be able to find a small pipe and a larger pipe. If you notice any damage to the larger pipe, it can result in a loss of cooling and a loss of energy efficiency. Again, this is something you may want one of the experts at Quality Heating to deal with since minor damage is sometimes not immediately apparent.
  • Inspect the indoor unit – The most important thing to do here is to replace your filter. A dirty or clogged filter can lower your unit’s energy efficiency by 5-15%. Replacing the filter is a proactive maintenance task you can perform no matter what kind of air conditioner you have.
    Check the coil drain – You should check to make sure the line is in the proper place and has not been moved or broken. Inspect it carefully and test whether it will drain properly and in the appropriate location. You might feel more comfortable having one of the professionals from Quality Heating make this determination.
  • Clean supply vents grills – The rationale here is the same as replacing the air filter. Dust and debris in the vents and vent grills diminishes your air conditioner’s cooling and energy efficiency. You can vacuum any dust or pet hair inside using the appropriate attachment.
    Test it – Finally, you can turn on the AC to make sure there is cool airflow through all the indoor vents. If you notice that the airflow is weak or not particularly cool, you should immediately turn off your system and contact Quality Heating.

Window Air Conditioners/Portable Air Conditioners

The most important thing for window air conditioners is to make sure the window and window frame that you put your air conditioner in is secure and the side panels fit properly. For both window and portable AC units, cleaning the air filter increases cooling capacity and energy efficiency. Also, you should plug your air conditioner into a dedicated outlet and not into a power strip or extension cord to avoid causing a fire.

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Ph:   262.786.4450
Fax: 262.786.5098

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2840 North Brookfield Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045

Filed Under: AC Repair, HVAC Repair

Repair or Replace My AC?

June 3, 2021 By SunAnt

We’ve already had some stretches of hot weather this year, and the summer has not even begun. If your air conditioner isn’t working, you’ve probably already discovered that the hard way. Maybe you’ve noticed that it isn’t cooling as efficiently as it has in the past, or it’s making unhappy noises. In any event, if you’re wondering whether or not to repair or replace your air conditioner, here are a few simple questions to ask yourself.

How Old Is It?

With all major appliances, it is good to practice the 50% rule: if it has reached over half of its life span, and the repair would cost over half of its new counterpart, it is best to replace it. Air conditioners usually last between 15 and 20 years, according to EnergyStar (a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program). As the unit ages, more and more issues develop, so if your unit is 8 years old or older, you should consider replacement. Of course, age alone should not be the determining factor.

Does It Use Freon?

As of January 1, 2010, the EPA banned the manufacture of air conditioners that use R-22 Freon because its use is compounding the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer. Because of this, Freon costs are increasing significantly. If your air conditioner uses Freon, eventually you’ll need to replace it to make the switch to the new R410A refrigerant. It’s most likely a good time to consider a replacement if your unit is breaking down or has problems associated with needing more Freon.

How Often Is It Breaking Down?

If your unit is breaking down a couple of times during the cooling season, it might make sense to replace it before the break downs become more frequent. Inevitably, it will cease functioning when we’re in a stretch of 90+ degree weather, and if that happens repeatedly, your whole family will be not only hot, but irritated. When your air conditioner needs frequent service calls, the repair costs add up quickly, too.

What’s Its Energy Efficiency?

If your air conditioner is broken, it’s time to consider its energy efficiency. Obviously, if it still uses R-22 Freon, it’s over 11 years old, and you can rest assured that it’s wasting a lot of energy. The new models are incredibly energy efficient. Models today have an Energy Efficiency Ration (EER) of 13 or 14 and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 19 or 20. If your air conditioning unit has numbers below those, it’s costing you more than it needs to.

How Much For a New One?

Investigate the cost of a new air conditioner; you may be pleasantly surprised. Remember that you need to factor in the savings you will realize with a new unit, both in your electricity bill and repair costs. The experts at Quality Heating can help you explore all your options, and find an air conditioner that works with your budget and your family needs.

A non-functioning or malfunctioning air conditioner can create a lot of problems during our hot and humid Wisconsin summers. When your air conditioner breaks down, you should think about whether it’s worth it to repair it, or whether replacing it would be a better idea. Consider all angles of the problem, and if you’re interested in any advice, the professionals at Quality Heating, your family-owned HVAC specialists serving Southeastern Wisconsin, are happy to help.

Request a Free Quote

Quality Heating & Sheet Metal Company - About Us Summary Graphic

Get In Touch

Ph:   262.786.4450
Fax: 262.786.5098

Reviews

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Have Questions?

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Email Us

Our Location

2840 North Brookfield Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045

Filed Under: AC Installation, AC Repair, HVAC Installation, HVAC Repair

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Services

  • Heating
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Additional Services

  • Boiler
  • Ductless Mini-Splits
  • Forced Air Zoning Systems
  • Heat Pumps
  • Ground Coiled Systems
  • Light Commercial
  • Radon Testing & Mitigation

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