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Why It’s Best to Leave HVAC Maintenance to the Professionals

February 26, 2025 by Alejandro Paz

You might think that completing home repairs and maintenance yourself can save time and money. However, one task is definitely best left to skilled professionals: HVAC maintenance. This service requires training and experience to prevent damage to the system, your home, or yourself.

While saving money is a top priority for many homeowners, you can cost yourself money if HVAC preventative maintenance is not done correctly. Money isn’t the only reason you should leave this job to the pros, though.

Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

Like cars running better or maintaining your health, regular heating and cooling system maintenance keeps it in top shape. By scheduling these yearly appointments with a professional, you gain benefits such as:

Preventing expensive repairs
Reducing energy consumption
Improving air quality

Maintenance appointments allow technicians to replace worn-out parts as necessary and extend the unit’s lifespan.

Reasons to Leave This Service to Professionals

You might be tempted to watch a how-to video and give maintenance a try on your own. However, this is not a task for amateurs. Professionals can provide things you can’t, such as:

Knowledge and Skill

HVAC maintenance technicians have undergone extensive training and are certified to work on this equipment. They have the necessary knowledge and experience to diagnose and repair any problems with your system.

Professional technicians know how to identify issues that may not be obvious to the average homeowner, and they can choose the best solution to resolve them quickly and effectively. These experts also stay current with the latest technologies and updates in the industry so that you can receive the best possible service.

Optimal Safety

Heating and cooling systems are complex pieces of equipment. If you’re unsure about what you’re doing, working with them can become dangerous quickly. HVAC systems have many electrical parts, and it can be risky to work on them.

This risk increases when working with gas furnaces and other combustible fuel machinery. Professional HVAC maintenance service allows trained technicians with the required training to handle these dangerous situations.

Improved Efficiency

Annual HVAC maintenance from a reputable company can improve your system’s efficiency. In turn, enhanced efficiency can lower your utility bills because your system will not have to work as hard to keep you comfortable. Improved efficiency also means lower emissions, which is more eco-friendly.

Ensured Warranty Coverage

Many HVAC units are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty when purchased. However, the warranty can be voided if a qualified technician does not service the equipment. Some warranties also require routine professional maintenance. Without it, the warranty will not cover any defects that may occur.

Guaranteed Results

You can find videos and blogs about HVAC maintenance on the internet. Easy access to this information makes it tempting to complete the project on your own. However, you likely lack the proper tools or knowledge to detect warning signs that something is wrong.

Saving money and feeling a sense of accomplishment are important. But leaving this service to a professional ensures the job is done right.

Top-Notch HVAC Solutions From Local Pros

If you need professional services for your HVAC system, you can count on Steadfast Heating & Air. We customize solutions to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Scheduling a Furnace Replacement: When Furnace Repairs Aren’t Enough

February 14, 2025 by Alejandro Paz

You rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable during the chilly months. However, ongoing repairs to older systems become expensive. When you have the local HVAC company on speed dial for frequent service, it might be time to consider a furnace replacement.

Knowing when to make this decision can save money, improve efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted warmth in your home. Recognizing when it is time to search for a “furnace replacement near me” can make the process less stressful.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Furnace?

It would be nice if a furnace lasted forever, but it won’t. The average furnace can last between 15 and 20 years. If your system is close to this age, it’s time to evaluate how well it performs. Some furnaces last longer because they were properly maintained and installed correctly. In contrast, others fail earlier because of poor quality of care.

Warning Signs Indicating You Need a Furnace Replacement

Deciding whether to replace furnace equipment isn’t always easy. These systems are an investment, and the process can interfere with your daily routine. Unfortunately, delaying furnace replacements can end up causing more damage, which will only cost you more money.

Some clear warning signs that a new furnace is in your future include:

Rising energy bills without increased usage
Uneven heating across your home
Unusual, loud noises coming from your furnace
Soot collecting near the furnace register
Flames being yellow instead of blue
The need for frequent repairs

Upgrading your furnace is often the best option when the repair costs are half the price of replacing it altogether.

Why Upgrading Your Furnace Is Worth It

Investing in a modern heating system brings new benefits to your home. If you’re debating whether a replacement is the right move, consider the long-term advantages of a new system, including the following:

Better energy efficiency
Improved indoor air quality
Consistent heating throughout your home
Increased home value
Long-term cost savings

Breakdowns and inconsistent heating are frustrating. Updating your furnace makes it more reliable, giving you peace of mind and saving you the cost and headache of frequent repairs.

Choosing the Right Time to Replace Your Furnace

If it is an emergency, now is the time to schedule your replacement appointment. However, if you are only beginning your research, you might wonder if there is a best time to do it.

Timing your furnace replacement correctly can make the process easier. The best times to schedule this service are late spring and early fall. HVAC companies are in less demand during these months and may offer discounts. You’ll also avoid the stress of dealing with a failing furnace during peak cold weather.

Find a trusted professional in your area to ensure the process is as easy as possible. An experienced technician can assess your heating needs and recommend the right size and type of system for your space.

Eliminate the Need for Constant Repairs

If your furnace is old or showing signs of aging, it’s time to schedule a replacement. Steadfast Heating & Air are local professionals, and we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule your appointment before your system fails!

A Guide to Preparing for Your Furnace Replacement

January 29, 2025 by Alejandro Paz

Needing to replace your home’s heating system is a rare occurrence for most homeowners, so you might not know what to expect. While you don’t have to do too much to prepare, learning how to simplify the furnace installation process will certainly help. The installers will appreciate your efforts, and you’ll have a more positive experience.

The following tasks will ensure you are ready to get started replacing your furnace:

Clean Essential Areas

Homeowners often store clutter around their furnaces during the warmer seasons. If that is a habit you practice, it’s one you’ll want to break before it’s time to replace your unit. You need to avoid leaving obstacles strewn about that could complicate the HVAC installation. And even after the process is complete, continuing to clutter up the space might pose a fire hazard once your furnace replacement is ready for use.

Turn Off the Utilities

While replacing a furnace, your installation team will disconnect the lines that connect your old device to the natural gas supply. They will also work with your home’s electrical wiring as they connect the new heating system. While a good technician knows to check these utilities before starting their work, you can help by shutting off the utilities before they arrive.

Manage Your Children and Pets

A home without proper heating provides the ideal environment for the spread of viruses and bacteria, which puts anyone with compromised immunity at risk. You can avoid dealing with common winter illnesses by finding heated accommodations for your family and pets until you replace your broken furnace.

In addition, keeping your children and pets away from your home during the furnace installation process will give your HVAC technicians more freedom to set up the new system, as they won’t have to worry about anyone injuring themselves on the equipment.

Write a List of Questions to Ask the Installer

Consider any issues that concern you ahead of time and compile them into a list. Doing so will help you get informed answers when your installer arrives. A reputable furnace replacement company, such as Steadfast Heating & Air, will eagerly answer any concerns you have about your replacement furnace before our technicians arrive on-site.

Check Your Thermostat

Many signs of a furnace malfunction result from a faulty thermostat and have nothing to do with the condition of the furnace itself. To avoid any confusion, check your thermostat before the HVAC technicians arrive to start the furnace installation process. Replace the batteries in the thermostat and adjust its settings to make sure it functions properly.

Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector

When replacing a furnace, HVAC technicians will make sure the connections are secure to avoid gas leaks and other hazards. In addition, they will check the components in the furnace, including the heat exchanger, to ensure the unit won’t leak carbon monoxide into your home. Make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place and replace their batteries as soon as you schedule a furnace installation (as well as once a year, in general).

Is It Time to Update Your Heating System?

Steadfast Heating & Air provides HVAC installation services in addition to maintenance and repairs. If you think your furnace is reaching the end of its lifetime, we can provide a thorough inspection and replacement recommendation. Contact us to get started!

Factors to Consider When Weighing Furnace Repair Against Replacement

January 15, 2025 by Alejandro Paz

Upon recognizing that your furnace is beginning to fail, your first step should always involve calling a professional HVAC technician. In many cases, a heating problem requires minor repairs to restore efficient and effective service.

However, when your system’s defects become more severe, you’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it to fix what you have to replace it altogether. With that in mind, here are some aspects to consider as you make that decision:

The Age of Your Furnace

Typically, furnaces last 15 to 20 years with sufficient care. If your heating system is reaching that benchmark, furnace repairs may not represent the most pragmatic solution. An old furnace will use more energy, break down more frequently, and fail to properly heat your home. If you’re already experiencing these issues, it might be time for a replacement.

However, since it has been up to two decades since your last furnace replacement, in this case, you may not be familiar with your heating options. Modern furnaces are more energy-efficient than older models, and some people find that energy-efficient heat pumps offer even more savings. Steadfast Heating & Air can help you learn about all of your heating alternatives.

The Presence of Fumes or Leaks

Through the years, you’ve probably used common air duct cleaning tips to keep track of the condition of your ducts. And that likely helped you seal air leaks and reduce energy costs. Keeping up with duct and HVAC repairs promotes optimal energy efficiency and utility savings.

Similarly, your heating system can develop natural gas leaks. Even though a gas leak also affects efficiency, it requires immediate furnace repair for safety reasons. If your unit frequently develops fuel leaks, a furnace replacement will permanently resolve the issue.

The Amount You Spend on Repairs

Consider the total amount you spent on furnace repair services over the previous season. When you anticipate spending more than a few hundred dollars on heating repairs this season, it can be more finance-friendly to simply replace the system. A new furnace will function properly for several years and come with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Changes in Your Heating Cycles

Scheduling annual furnace maintenance will reverse wear and tear. While that will keep the system operating like new for longer, it will still lose heating power gradually over time. At some point, the weakened system won’t provide sufficient heat.

Repairing a furnace will address a sudden loss of heat, but a gradual loss of heating suggests the need for a replacement heating system.

Rising Energy Costs During the Winter

If you notice that your energy bills continue to rise each month, scheduling furnace repair services can uncover the problem. Usually, increased energy waste results from an HVAC malfunction; the system will use more energy to meet your heating needs as a malfunction weakens its inherent heating power.

An HVAC technician can diagnose the underlying malfunction, but if they can’t find a specific cause, they might recommend replacing the furnace. That is usually the best solution when several components are too worn to function properly.

Start Your Furnace Replacement With Help From the Pros

Steadfast Heating & Air provides HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacement services. If your furnace is malfunctioning, we’ll diagnose the problem and offer repair solutions. We can also help you choose an energy-efficient replacement when that time comes. Contact us to schedule service today!

HVAC Emergency vs. Regular Issues: How to Tell the Difference

December 30, 2024 by Alejandro Paz

When your air conditioner starts exhibiting strange behavior, it can be hard to tell whether the behavior is a sign of disaster or something that can be tackled in the morning. But how can you identify a genuine HVAC emergency from a non-emergency? If you want to avoid the cost of HVAC emergency repair services, keep this list in mind.

Emergency HVAC Problems

Here are the issues that should have you speed-dialing your local emergency HVAC repair company.

Strange Smells

It’s helpful to start with one of the most unpleasant problems: horrible smells coming from your AC vents. First, it’s important to identify where the smells are coming from to ensure your HVAC system is indeed the source of the odor.

The first smell that indicates trouble is gas. This one could be coming from a stove or other gas appliance, so check to make sure the source is the air conditioning system before you call for emergency HVAC services.

You may also notice burning smells or even smoke. These are serious problems that can indicate a fire in the system. If you do suspect a fire, call the fire department immediately and exit your home.

If the smell is mild and disappears quickly after the system kicks on, it could mean the heater is just warming up dust that’s accumulated in the vents. This is not a big deal, and the smell will disappear. If the burning smell has an oddly metallic tinge, it could be coming from the wiring. This issue needs to be remedied by a professional.

Odd Sounds

Any intense squeaking, grinding, or banging sounds you hear could be a precursor to a system failure. Belts and pulleys, motors, furnace combustion chambers, and other such parts need regular maintenance to perform optimally. Once they get worn, they make unpleasant noises.

When you hear these sounds, turn the system off and contact an emergency HVAC service. The solution can be as simple as lubricating some parts, though the system may need more serious repairs, such as part replacement.

Short Cycling

This is when the system turns on and off rapidly. The result is rapid wear on the rest of the parts and premature failure.

Non-Emergency HVAC Problems

These problems will have to be addressed, but you don’t need to panic. Regular maintenance can catch many of these issues before they happen.

Humidity Fluctuation

Moisture accumulation can lead to mold and bacteria growth over time. However, it’s not going to ruin anything overnight.

Temperature Fluctuation

If you find that the system is having trouble keeping a consistent temperature, you may need to change out the filter or reset the thermostat.

Decreased Airflow

Always check the filter first because this is a simple fix. If it is the fan motor, it’s still not emergent but should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Turn to Steadfast Heating & Air for HVAC Emergency Repairs

When your HVAC system has a genuine emergency, where can you turn? The experts at Steadfast Heating & Air are standing by. Whether your whole system must be replaced or you’re simply in need of some basic repairs, you can trust our trained techs to take care of you. Contact Steadfast Heating & Air right away.

Will a New Furnace Installation Reduce Your Home’s Energy Costs?

December 17, 2024 by Alejandro Paz

Unlike wine, furnaces do not get better with age. Every furnace has a finite lifespan, and during that time, it’s going to become less efficient, even if you perform regular maintenance.

This might lead you to believe that a new furnace installation is a foolproof way to reduce your energy costs. After all, if your old furnace is losing efficiency over time, won’t a new one automatically cut down your power bills? The answer depends on several factors.

When Will a New Furnace Lower Power Bills?

Here’s a look at the ways a new furnace can be the solution to your problems.

Your Current Furnace Is the Wrong Size

Furnaces and HVAC systems need to be the right size. If they’re too small, they’ll run forever in an attempt to maintain air temperature. If they’re too big, they’ll constantly cycle on and off.

Your Current Furnace Is 15 Years Old

Give or take a few years, furnaces will only make it to their 15th birthdays — maybe their 20th if you’re lucky. Around this point, repairs will become so frequent that it will be more cost-effective to just buy a new unit.

Also, the technological advancements over the last 15 years have been significant. Furnaces today are far more efficient than ever before, sometimes using close to half the energy of older units.

Your Furnace Installers Did a Poor Job

When searching for “furnace installation near me,” it can be tempting to go with the first option you see in the search results without conducting any further research. If you — or your home’s previous owners — did just that, the results can be dire.

Maybe you didn’t look at reviews, or your installer didn’t have the right experience and training. Whatever the reason, a poor installation can be devastating to furnace efficiency. Whether the unit is starved of power due to faulty wiring, the ducts are leaky, or the return air drop is too small, you end up with a unit that doesn’t work as it should.

When Is a New Furnace Not the Solution?

Surprisingly, there will be times when a furnace installation won’t reduce energy costs.

Your “Old” Furnace Is Too New

If you’re trying to replace a furnace that’s only a year or two old, replacement may not help. Even if it’s not heating your home well, the issue likely lies elsewhere, such as with the thermostat setting or your home’s insulation.

You’re Switching From Condensing to Non-Condensing

There are two main types of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing. Non-condensing furnaces expel exhaust gases through a flue pipe, which wastes fuel. These types of furnaces typically carry an 80% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.

Non-condensing furnaces use a second heat exchanger to extract every last ounce of heat from the exhaust gases, raising the AFUE rating to between 90% and 98%. Even if you get a great deal on a non-condensing furnace (they tend to be the cheaper option), it will use up significantly more energy and eat into your power bills.

Reduce Energy Costs With a Furnace Installation From Steadfast Heating & Air

If your furnace is at the end of its lifespan, was installed poorly, or is the wrong size for your home, turn to Steadfast Heating & Air. Our expert installation techs will work with you to satisfy your budget and comfort needs. Contact Steadfast Heating & Air today!