Air Conditioner Archives - Fred's Heating & Air

31 Mar 2022

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Indoor Air Quality, Safety, Uncategorized sleightadvertisinginc 0 comment

This Summer, Protect Your Health from Fire Smoke with the Right Air Filter

We love to help our clients prepare for summertime with a good, thorough inspection of their HVAC systems. While most people might worry about whether their air conditioning system is functioning properly so they can stay cool, one thing most people don’t consider is the air filter. The right air filter can not only improve and optimize the quality of your air conditioning, but also protect you against overlooked but potentially serious contaminants, such as fire smoke.

Summer is grilling and bonfire season, and those activities can produce air pollutants that you should filter out with your HVAC filter. But more importantly, for many communities, summer also means wildfire season. Wildfires have been ratcheting up in size, frequency, and intensity over the last several years, and smoke from West Coast fires has made it all the way across the continent. Pollutants stay with the smoke no matter how far it travels, so even if you don’t live in a wildfire-prone state or region, you could still be receiving pollutants from thousands of miles away.

No matter where you live, ensuring proper air filtration should definitely be at the top of your summer to-do list. But there are tons of air filters out there for HVAC systems, each claiming to do a better job than the others, so choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. That’s where Fred’s Heating & Air comes in.

The best rule of thumb is to pay attention to your air filter’s MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, rating. Industry professionals developed this rating system, which is backed by the Environmental Protection Agency, to delineate a filter’s capacity for capturing different sized particles. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter can catch. A MERV rating between five and eight is what the average household will have, but for fire smoke specifically, a rating of over ten is advised.

Our HVAC professionals here at Fred’s Heating and Air in Omaha are always happy to consult with you at your home or business to discuss your specific filtration needs. Our family of experts has the knowledge and experience to determine which air filter will best protect you from fire smoke and other likely pollutants that are present in your area. Call today to get your HVAC system ready for summer!

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Heating, HVAC Techician Fred 0 comment

Superior Heating and Cooling Service Makes Fred’s the Company to Call

Winter temperatures in Omaha and Council Bluffs can drop greatly, while summer temps can rise to pretty steep heights. In order to keep your family comfortable all year round, you need the assistance of a heating and cooling service with well-trained HVAC professionals to ensure that your equipment is working properly.

Fred’s Heating and Air is your solution in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. Find out why:

Experience: With a proven track record, we at Fred’s have demonstrated our commitment to customer service and our knowledge of the industry. In fact, we have been providing heating and cooling services to the area for a quarter of a century.
Recognized achievements: Fred’s has an “A+” Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and strives to maintain this perfect ranking. And, the BBB is not the only one to acknowledge the services we provide. In fact, Angie’s List gave us an “A” as well, giving us a perfect report card. We also won the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2012, which is only given to 5% of HVAC companies in Omaha.
Dependability: You can count on us to deliver service on time and when you need it most. You won’t be waiting around for hours for one of our technicians to arrive.
Quality work: We don’t cut corners, because we realize that your family’s comfort is at stake, and our goal is to satisfy each and every one of our customers. Our main focus is gaining your trust and business for life.

If you’re looking for excellent service and advice on your heating and cooling systems in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, please contact Fred’s Heating and Air today. We can answer all of your questions regarding heating, cooling and energy efficiency. Or we’d be happy to schedule a repair or installation.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cost Efficiency, Ductwork, Energy Efficiency Fred 0 comment

Duct Sealing: Keep the Conditioned Air Flowing Year-Round

As an Omaha or Council Bluffs homeowner, you work hard to maintain and improve the quality of your home.

A part of such maintenance includes taking energy-saving precautions like buying the right air filters and installing efficient insulation. To keep the air you pay to cool or heat flowing efficiently, another important process to consider is duct sealing.

Your ductwork system is what delivers conditioned air throughout your home. Its segments are typically made of sheet metal or fiberglass, which is susceptible to cracks, leaks and disconnection. To ensure that your conditioned air is being properly delivered to your rooms, here are a few tips on effective duct sealing techniques.

Locate the leak – Check exposed ductwork for possible joint separation, holes, gaps or cracks that have formed where the tubing bends or is creased. If your HVAC system is operating, run your hand along the metal to feel for leaking air.
Seal the leaks – Once found, it’s necessary to stop the leaks. Despite its name, duct tape is not a sufficient duct sealing adhesive. However, you can properly seal gaps and holes with butyl tape, foil tape, mastic or other heat-resistant tapes.
Add insulation – Because ducts are generally built from thin metal sheets, wrapping insulation around the tubing can significantly help in preventing both conditioned air escaping and excess heat gain or loss.

The Benefits of Sealing

Duct sealing can help considerably in reducing overall household energy loss. In addition, it will reduce the possibility of carbon monoxide buildup, improve whole-house comfort and decrease pollutants that aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms.

While sealing exposed ductwork is possible for the handy homeowner, it’s advisable to hire a qualified professional to perform a whole-system repair if the cracked or disconnected ductwork is beneath the flooring, between levels or sealed within household walls.

For more information about duct sealing and other HVAC services and products, contact Fred’s Heating and Air. For over 25 years, our professionals have provided expert heating and air conditioning services to the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Cost Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Fred 0 comment

Home Energy Tax Credits Will Ease the Pain of an Ailing A/C

Are you afraid your ailing air conditioner won’t make it through the summer? Home energy tax credits could help ease the pain of replacing your unit, even saving you money in the long term. But how?

Federal tax credits

Home energy tax credits were introduced to help save homeowners money when taking action to lower energy consumption. You can do this by investing in products and upgrades with the Energy Star label to make your home more environmentally friendly and reduce your energy bills.

HVAC upgrades

Here are some ways you could benefit from upgrading various HVAC systems that meet the tax credit qualifications:

Advanced main air circulating fan: You could get $50 credit when purchasing a new fan which can help move air through your furnace and ducts more efficiently.
Air source heat pump: Heat pumps move air between the outdoors and indoors depending on the home’s cooling or heating needs. These systems are particularly good if you live in a moderate climate. Tax credits of up to $300 are available when homeowners purchase an air source heat pump.
Central air conditioning systems: If you need an energy-efficient central air system, you can also receive a $300 tax credit. When you purchase qualifying equipment, be sure that your HVAC technician provides you with a Manufacturer Certification Statement which states that your new system qualifies for the credit.

Tax credits are also available for qualifying windows and doors, biomass stoves, water heaters, insulation, solar panels and wind turbines.

Energy Star

It’s important to note that not all Energy Star-labeled products will qualify for home energy tax credits, so it’s wise to ask for professional help from a HVAC technician to ensure you select the best system for your home that meets the tax credit qualifications.

For more information or advice on home energy tax credits in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, contact the experts at Fred’s Heating and Air today.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Energy Efficiency Fred 0 comment

Make Sure Your Omaha Home’s A/C Efficiency Is Up to Snuff

Your home uses up to 50 percent of its energy on your heating and cooling systems. Making sure your home A/C efficiency is at its best by effectively maintaining your HVAC equipment can not only show savings on your monthly energy bills, but it can also greatly improve home comfort.

How to improve home A/C efficiency

Regularly change your air filter – Air filters must be checked on a monthly basis and changed or cleaned at least every three months. Dirty filters will slow down your system’s airflow, straining your system and reducing your home A/C efficiency. This leads to costly repairs and at worst, drastically reduces your system’s life.
Annual HVAC tune-up – It’s very important to schedule annual service for your HVAC equipment to ensure that your system is running optimally. Annual maintenance should be carried out by a trusted and qualified HVAC technician.
Seal your ducts – Leaky ducts can seep conditioned air and waste energy, but sealing and insulating can help avoid this and improve your home A/C efficiency by up to 20 percent. Check your ducts and seal them using sealant, or metal-backed tape, then wrap them in insulation.
Install a programmable thermostat – Programmable thermostats are a proven way of saving money on your energy bills. These devices are ideal if you’re away from home at set times during the day, allowing you to reduce energy usage for maximum savings.

Looking at new equipment? Choose Energy Star

If you decide that installing new HVAC equipment is the best option for you, be sure to choose a unit that proudly displays the Energy Star label. This government program focuses on energy efficiency in your home. But remember, any new equipment should be installed by a professional to ensure optimal operation since poorly installed units can use more energy.

For more information or advice on your home A/C efficiency in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, contact the experts at Fred’s Heating and Air today.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Cost Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Fred 0 comment

Advanced A/C Technology That Can Impact Your Omaha Home

The most important advanced A/C technology is high efficiency.

You can tell if an air conditioner is efficient based on its seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. The minimum allowed today is 13 SEER, but the most efficient options achieve incredible SEER ratings in the mid 20s. Look for at least 15 SEER for an ideal balance of up-front cost and affordable energy bills in your Omaha home.

Advanced air conditioning features must work together in order to achieve a high SEER. Examples of these include:

Thermal expansion valve: This valve widens and shrinks based on demand. When it’s especially hot outside, the valve opens wide to let as much refrigerant through as possible. When the weather is mild, the valve closes partway to conserve energy while still keeping your home comfortable.
Variable-speed air handler: The fan blows cooled air through the ductwork and into the living space. A variable-speed model allows the system to operate at the correct speed for cooling demand. It can switch between high, low and off instead of blasting air on high and shutting completely off the moment it reaches the target temperature. That way, more consistent temperatures keep every room comfortable.
Fan-only switch: With this advanced A/C technology, you can enjoy air circulation without running the compressor, thus saving energy and helping your home stay comfortable on cool Omaha summer evenings.
Filter check light: Know the right time to check the filter? You’ll never forget with this advanced A/C technology, which illuminates a light after a certain number of hours to remind you it’s time to check the filter. Change it if it’s dirty and reset the light.
Automatic-delay fan switch: When the fan and compressor turn off simultaneously, all the cooled air trapped in the ductwork goes to waste. This advanced A/C technology ensures that cooled air enters the living space before the fan turns off.
Quiet operation: It doesn’t contribute to energy efficiency, but quiet operation is important for enjoying your time outside while the compressor hums quietly in the background.

For more information about advanced A/C technology and how your home could benefit, please contact Fred’s Heating and Air in Omaha today.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling Fred 0 comment

Common A/C Problems and How to Handle Them

Now that the warmer temperatures have arrived, your air conditioner will be getting a workout, especially if you’re home during the day. But what if problems arise?

Whether you have a high-efficiency air conditioner or a traditional A/C unit, it’s important to be aware of common A/C problems so you know when to contact your trusted HVAC technician.

Common A/C problems

Drainage problems: Keep the condensate drain free of clogs so it’s able to do its job effectively. This is a common problem with room air conditioners in humid weather. Also, keep in mind that room air conditioners may not drain as they should if they are not positioned correctly.
Refrigerant leaks: Your air conditioner works best when it has the proper refrigerant charge. A trained technician can check the amount of refrigerant and charge the system if needed.
Electric control failure: Make sure the compressor and fan controls are working correctly, as they have a tendency to wear out, especially when a system is oversized. Check electrical connections and contacts if possible in order to avoid corrosion of wire and terminals.
Sensor problems: Sometimes a room air conditioner’s thermostat sensor is knocked out of position, causing the unit to work improperly. You can adjust the sensor by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Adequate maintenance is highly recommended in order to ensure that your air conditioner operates properly and continues to run smoothly for years to come. For more expert advice about how to handle common A/C problems, contact us at Fred’s Heating & Air. We’re proud to serve homeowners in and around Omaha and council bluffs.

09 Feb 2017

Air Conditioner, Cooling, Furnace, Heating, HVAC Techician Fred 0 comment

Don’t Buy a New HVAC System Without Having a Pro Perform Load Calculations

When you’re at the early stages of selecting a new HVAC system, be sure that you choose a contractor who includes load calculations as the first step.

These calculations assure you that the system you choose will be the right size for your home, including the size of the HVAC appliance and the ductwork. If one or both are improperly sized, your system may not reach its expected life or efficiency.

Contractors use software called Manuals J and D. Manual J calculates the size of the unit and Manual D addresses the ductwork design and size. These systems address the following factors about your home:

Cubic footage to condition
Insulation levels in the attic and walls
Number of windows, their efficiency, and orientation to the sun
Air infiltration rates
Layout of your home
Number of heat-producing appliances throughout the home and lighting types
Ages of household members and number
Preferred indoor temperatures
Landscaping factors

The contractor should carefully inspect your ductwork when doing the load calculations to verify that the system’s tight and adequately insulated. Depending on the size of the HVAC equipment you need, your ductwork may need to be modified to efficiently deliver the air.

When ducts are too small, they make noise and create back pressure on the blower. If they’re too large, the air won’t have the right velocity to reach your rooms efficiently.

The HVAC system itself needs to be the proper size, as well. If it’s too large, it will short cycle, which means it runs for short periods and turns on and off frequently. This drives up energy bills and creates excessive wear. Systems that are too small won’t be able to keep up with weather extremes.

Another benefit of conducting a load calculation is learning how improving your home’s insulation and sealing air leaks could reduce the size of equipment you need. Smaller systems have a lower cost and use less energy over time.

To learn more about load calculations, contact Fred’s Heating and Air. We’ve provided HVAC services for Omaha and Council Bluffs for more than two decades.