Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Annual cleanings and inspections go a long way toward ensuring the HVAC system is functioning properly. And experts in the HVAC industry agree that regular maintenance will prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. In fact, regular maintenance can protect your warranty.  If it isn’t done, however, warranty companies may deny claims for repair work on the system, claiming that the problems are caused by inadequate maintenance.

Discounts and Priority Service

One of the many advantages of an HVAC maintenance agreement is that, if your equipment ever needs parts or repairs, you will receive a discount on the costs. Furthermore, customers who sign a preventive maintenance agreement are given priority service. This especially comes in handy if you have an emergency. Customers under the agreement usually receive same-day service throughout the year.

Reduced Energy Bills

It has been proven time and time again that a properly functioning HVAC system runs at maximum energy efficiency, using only the amount of electricity or fuel necessary for desired performance. Unfortunately, as time passes, heating and cooling systems begin to lose their original efficiency. A well-maintained HVAC system, however, can maintain up to 95 percent of its intended efficiency over the long-term.

Peace of Mind

A maintenance plan allows you to rest assured your heating and cooling system is maintained by a trusted company that’s well-regarded in its field. Furthermore, a properly maintained HVAC system helps improve indoor air quality by cleaning dirt and dust from fans and coils and replacing air filters when necessary.

For more information about an HVAC maintenance agreement, contact our experts at Metal Masters, Inc. We have provided exceptional heating and cooling services to homes and businesses in southern Oregon and northern California since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about maintenance agreements and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner

Before you replace your air conditioner, first you should follow these tips to make sure that the problem is not just a minor issue:

• Check Power to the System: Look in your home’s breaker box to make sure there are no tripped circuits. If there are, turn the breakers off, then back on. Also make sure the furnace switch is on (if your central air shares the blower with the furnace) and make sure there are no blown fuses for the furnace. If restoring power allows the system to start, monitor it for a while to make sure the circuit does not trip again.
• Switch to Fan Mode: Turn the system from “Auto” to “Fan.” If the fan starts, you know you are getting power and the problem lies elsewhere.
• Check the Thermostat: Make sure there is power at the thermostat from the low-voltage line and replace the batteries in models that use them. Make sure the thermostat is set to the “Cooling” mode and that the temperature setting is correct.
• Clean the Coils: Dirt and other debris on the outdoor and indoor coils can cause the air conditioner to run poorly. Carefully clean them, making sure not to bend any of the metal cooling fins. Also clean the condensate drain, so water can drain freely.
• Change the Filter: Clean or replace the filter if it’s dirty. A clogged air filter will inhibit airflow and result in poor cooling. Get in the habit of inspecting the filter monthly.

If these tips do not solve your problem, or if you have an older, inefficient system that requires constant repairs, it may be time to replace your air conditioner. For information about repairing or replacing your system, contact our team at Metal Masters, Inc. today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Refrigerant leaks. Your system’s refrigerant level should be checked annually. If the level is low, the coolant is either leaking or was undercharged during installation or the last service check. A trained technician can fix any leaks and charge the refrigerant according to exact manufacturer’s specifications. Refrigerant leaks are harmful both to your health and the environment. A low refrigerant level also will eventually damage your equipment.
• Inadequate maintenance. Regularly clean or replace any system filters and your air conditioner’s coils. Your air conditioner cannot work properly and is susceptible to premature breakdowns when these components are left clogged or covered with dirt, dust or debris.
• Electric control failure. An air conditioner that cycles on and off frequently, or is oversized for a home will have compressor and fan controls that wear out sooner than normal. During a professional service call, the technician should check these components, as well as any wire corrosion in electrical connections and contacts.
• Drainage problems. Make sure your condensate drain is kept free of any clogs and is able to drain.

To learn more about common air conditioner problems, contact your local experts at Metal Masters, Inc., serving residents of southern Oregon and northern California.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioner problems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Your Home’s Perfect Temperature

Human beings may not be like snowflakes when it comes to comfort levels, but it’s true that some people prefer it to be a bit warmer or cooler than others. That aside, turning your thermostat too high or too low can cost you a lot of money each month. So what is the perfect temperature for your southern Oregon or northern California home? While opinions vary, a reasonable temperature is usually between 74 and 78 degrees. Dropping the temperature any lower will run your cooling equipment for too long and waste energy. The best strategy to decrease your energy bill each month is to set your thermostat at 76-78 degrees and leave it there at night. If outside temperatures drop in the evening, your A/C may not kick on all night long.

Installation of a Programmable Thermostat

The installation of a programmable thermostat, which is often done by a professional HVAC technician, is one of the best ways to maintain control of your home’s temperature and lower your energy usage. Manual thermostats simply don’t cut it anymore. These old-school devices require manual changes to be made, which means you have to constantly remember to do so. A programmable thermostat, as the name implies, can be programmed to adjust temperature changes according to your daily and weekly routines. This means that once you find the perfect temperature for your home and household members, at various times of day, this schedule can be maintained at all times.

If you’d like more expert advice on maintaining home temperatures during the summer or have other home comfort issues to discuss, please contact our professionals at Metal Masters Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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If your goal is to maximize heating and cooling efficiency, learn what AFUE, SEER and HSPF mean. Then, when you purchase your new HVAC system, you’ll know which ratings lead to the most energy savings and therefore lower utility bills.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

Furnace efficiency rating indicates the percentage of fuel that the unit converts into heat for your home. For example, a 90 percent AFUE furnace is 90 percent efficient. The other 10 percent is lost up the chimney with combustion fumes.

The minimum efficiency allowed today for new furnaces in the U.S. is 78 AFUE, with high-efficiency furnaces running AFUE 90-98 percent.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

This cooling efficiency rating is given to air conditioners and heat pumps in cooling mode. SEER is a ratio of how much heat is removed from your home (in Btus) divided by how much electricity is needed to do so (in watt-hours) over the entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling equipment is.

The minimum efficiency allowed today is 13 SEER. High-efficiency A/Cs and heat pumps usually sport SEER numbers of 16 or higher.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

Because heat pumps also provide heat, they earn this heating efficiency rating in addition to the SEER rating. HSPF indicates how much heat the unit pumps into your home (in Btus) divided by the electricity consumed in the process (in watt-hours).

Efficiency ratings must be 6.8 HSPF or higher for new equipment. The most efficient heat pumps today are rated up to about 13 HSPF.

Making the Right Decision

In a perfect world, you would invest in the most efficient equipment in every category. However, because more efficient equipment costs more, your budget may require you to pick and choose which equipment is worth the extra investment. You count on heating more than cooling in your southern Oregon or northern California home, so investing in a high-efficiency furnace and mid-efficiency air conditioner may be the most economical. For your heat pump, the HSPF rating will be more important than the SEER, though, of course, you can choose models with high-efficiency ratings for both heating and cooling.

To learn more about AFUE, SEER and HSPF, please contact Metal Masters, Inc. in Medford and Klamath Falls.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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The EPA has found that indoor air pollution is generally much higher than the pollution found in the outdoors. Asthma and allergy sufferers can attempt to keep their homes especially clean and windows shut in order to minimize adverse health triggers, but too often airborne germs will get blown through central heating and cooling systems before being circulated throughout the indoors. UV lights work by neutralizing and killing these airborne contaminants as they pass over the lamp.

Health studies by both the EPA and independent researchers have found that germicidal UV light is highly effective at neutralizing mold, fungi, mildew, bacteria and viruses by breaking down their DNA. UV light plays an excellent role as a secondary allergy and asthma weapon, particularly where airborne allergens exist.

Homeowners can use UV lamps in two important ways for indoor air control: installing them in the ductwork system and/or positioning units to shine directly on the evaporator coil and/or condensate pan — dark, damp areas where bacteria and mold tend to thrive. In an in-duct UV light system, the air handler or blower circulates household air over the UV lamp so that the totality of your indoor air is being regularly cleansed as it’s subjected to the UV wavelength. At each pass, the DNA of different airborne microbes is being attacked, eliminating their threat.

To learn more about UV lights, or about other quality HVAC products and solutions, contact your local experts at Metal Masters. Our expert technicians have been serving southern Oregon and northern California since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Here are 10 tips on hiring a qualified HVAC professional for your southern Oregon home:

1. Take note. Ask for prospective HVAC professionals’ contractor license numbers and verify they’re current with your local building department or state construction trade agency. Don’t get bids from anyone who isn’t licensed, insured and bonded.
2. Get referrals. Check with neighbors, friends and family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the best kind.
3. Call references. Do take the time to call the company’s references. Ask them for references from customers who have had an equivalent installation and/or service performed by them.
4. Look for offers. If you’re replacing HVAC equipment, look for special offers and energy-efficient rebates that will reduce the cost of your total investment.
5. Limit your search to Energy Star models. The Energy Star label indicates equipment exceeds current energy efficiency standards and will require less overall maintenance if it’s routinely serviced, as per manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Expect an inspection. Any qualified HVAC professional should inspect your current equipment, as well as your home, before making recommendations or providing a bid. This is especially true for HVAC equipment replacement where sizing is critical for efficient performance.
7. Get written, itemized estimates. Your estimates should be provided on professional letterhead and clearly itemized so you can compare various companies’ prices for parts, labor, warranty offers, add-ons and any extra services they recommend.
8. Sign the dotted line. Don’t have any work performed on your HVAC system until you have signed the proposal so you know what services/parts you have agreed to and the price is fixed.
9. Energy Star Guide. Download the Heating & Cooling Guide from Energy Star to learn more about optimizing home energy efficiency and comfort.
10. Share. Once you’ve used an HVAC professional you know you can trust, spread the word to family and friends.

In the process of locating an HVAC professional for your southern Oregon or northern California home? Please contact us at Metal Masters, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC professional and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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You can detect air leaks by visually inspecting the following areas for cracks or gaps:

• Outside areas where two types of building materials meet, such as corners or where sidings and chimneys connect.
• Electrical outlets in the walls.
• Door and window frames.
• Gas or electrical service entrances.
• Attic hatches.
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.
• Vents and fans.

Difficult-to-detect air leaks can be found by conducting a building pressurization test. You can conduct a basic test yourself by:

• Shutting all windows, doors and fireplace flues.
• Turning off all appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces.
• Turning on all exhaust fans that blow air to the outside.
• Lighting a candle or incense stick and passing it around the edges of possible leak sites.
• If the flame or smoke wavers, you’ve probably found a draft caused by an air leak.

After identifying the possible air leaks, you can seal the leaks by using caulk or weatherstripping. Caulk is a material that you use to seal cracks or gaps between stationary components. Weatherstripping should be used for doors or window sashes that need movement. When weatherstripping, make sure doors or windows seal properly when closed but can still open without difficulty.

A professional HVAC contractor can conduct a home energy audit to detect difficult-to-find leaks and insulation deficiencies.

For more information and expert advice about air leaks and other issues related to home comfort, contact Metal Masters, Inc., serving the needs of southern Oregon and northern California since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about sealing air leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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There are many sources of indoor pollution, some of which can be difficult to eliminate. One effective way, however, is keeping houseplants to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ), while simultaneously adding beauty and style.

Plants need carbon dioxide in the air for survival, yet they will also absorb the common class of pollutants, known as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), along with other pollutants. A percentage of these compounds then become trapped within the leaves, roots and microorganisms that live in the soil of your houseplants.

All plants provide a certain degree of air filtration but certain plant species are known to remove far greater amounts of indoor contaminants than others.

Five of the best houseplants for reducing indoor pollution levels are:

1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) – This hardy shade-loving plant produces lovely white flowers and is an excellent filter for formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, present in homes as a result of products off-gassing.
2. Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures) – This plant can grow to a large size in a hanging basket and will stay green even in dark conditions; it removes large amounts of formaldehyde from carpets, furniture, etc.
3. Aloe (Aloe vera) – While more commonly used to treat burns and cuts, this sun-loving houseplant doubles as an excellent filter for formaldehyde and benzene, often found in household cleaners.
4. Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) – Ideal for your bathroom, this plant thrives in humid conditions with low light and will remove much of the formaldehyde that comes from your personal care products, toilet paper, etc.
5. Azalea (Rhododendron simsii) – Although it requires cooler conditions and bright sunlight, azaleas will provide gorgeous flower blooms while filtering formaldehyde from your home.

Houseplants are an excellent aid for people looking to improve their IAQ.

If you live in southern Oregon or northern California, contact Metal Masters, Inc. to learn more methods of improving IAQ. We’ve been here to help since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about houseplants and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Your fan probably has a small switch on the side. When you move that up or down, the direction of the fan blades will change. Never move the switch when the fan is on, and always ensure the fan is off if you’re going to get within a few feet of those blades.

When you look at the fan blades as they’re turning, note how the angle of the blade affects the air. When turning counterclockwise, the angle of the blade helps sweep air downward into the room. You’ll probably feel a cooling breeze, and can crank up the thermostat a few degrees without any loss of comfort. This is summer operation. When the blades are turning the other way, the new angle pushes air upward. This displaces warm air that hovers in the upper part of the room, and forces it downward where people can feel it, and the thermostat can sense it. Your furnace or heat pump won’t kick on quite so quickly, and you’ll save money. This, of course, is for winter operation.

If you’re like most people and just leave the ceiling fan at its default counterclockwise, summer rotation mode, forgetting about it during the winter, you needn’t worry about reversing the blade direction in the spring.

If you reverse your ceiling fan when the weather gets hot, but are still having trouble cooling your home, contact Metal Masters, Inc. We’ve been assisting people in southern Oregon and northern California for more than 40 years, and can help you keep the cool air flowing.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ceiling fans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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