Seattle Air Conditioning Tip: How Duct Cleaning can Improve Your Air Conditioning

May 24th, 2013

In order to enjoy the hot months of summer to their fullest, it is necessary that you are able to escape the heat when you’d like to. While investing in a quality air conditioning system and scheduling your air conditioning installation with a qualified Seattle air conditioning professional are important steps towards getting the best performance possible from your AC, there are further services that you may require. If you notice that your air conditioning system is providing you with a lackluster performance, contact the Seattle air conditioning pros at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. You may need professional duct cleaning service.

There are a few different ways in which professional duct cleaning can improve the quality of your air conditioning experience. First of all, if enough dirt and debris builds up within your air ducts it can increase the airflow resistance with which your AC is met. This results in more strain on your air conditioning system, which in turn means that more wear and tear will be incurred. While you would be hard pressed to build up enough pollutants to really block air flow, this extra strain can really take a toll on the condition of your system over time.

Plus, all of those pollutants that get into your air ducts can cause your air filter to be quickly overwhelmed. Not only will this make it harder for your air conditioner to distribute air throughout your home, but it may also allow pollutants to build up within your HVAC equipment itself. When dirt and debris accumulate on the coils, electrical contacts and other vital components of your air conditioner, the quality of its performance can really suffer.

While a weak air conditioning performance is trouble enough, a weak performance from your AC paired with poor indoor air quality can seriously put your comfort in jeopardy. When your ductwork is full of pollutants, though, they can be distributed throughout your entire home along with the conditioned air from your AC. Professional duct cleaning can help keep this from happening.

For more information about how duct cleaning can improve your air conditioning, contact the Seattle air conditioning experts at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Call now to learn more or to schedule service.

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Seattle, WA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: The Importance of Professional AC Repair Service

May 16th, 2013

When the summer heat comes to Seattle, WA, you are going to be very thankful for the efficient, reliable operation of you air conditioning system. Of course, as is the case with any other air conditioning system, there is no way that you can expect your AC to operate perfectly forever. You are going to experience some sort of trouble with your air conditioning system at some point, and when you do it is important to schedule professional Seattle, WA air conditioning repair service as soon as possible. Contact Bob’s Heating and Air conditioning today to learn more about when to schedule your AC repairs.

There are many reasons why it is important that your air conditioning repair services are completed by a qualified professional. The most obvious is that this is the only way to ensure that your air conditioning repair services are handled properly. With pretty much any problem you may experience with your air conditioner, there are many different potential causes. Not only must the exact source of your AC problem be identified, but any repercussions that this problem has had throughout your system must also be diagnosed and resolved.

Depending on how long a problem with your AC has been developing, it may have affected other areas of the system. When a professional Seattle, WA air conditioning repair technician handles your repair services, you can be sure that the cause of the problem will be resolved, rather the just the symptoms being treated. The sooner you schedule professional repair service, the better off your system is likely to be.

Plus, many warranties may be voided if you have your air conditioning serviced or repaired by a nonprofessional. If a repair is underway, and a problem is discovered that is covered by a warranty, you want to make sure that you are able to take advantage of that warranty. Paying a professional to handle your air conditioning repair is always better than chancing the quality of your service with an unqualified technician.

To schedule professional Seattle, WA air conditioning repair service, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll make sure that your air conditioning system is repaired properly. Contact us today to learn more.

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Tacoma WA Air Conditioning Question: Are You Ready to Go Ductless?

May 6th, 2013

In Tacoma, WA, there are a lot of air conditioning installation options on the market these days. Frankly, navigating and sorting through all of these options can be a project in and of itself. Fortunately for you, the Tacoma, WA air conditioning installation pros at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning are here to ensure that you get the air conditioning system best suited to your home and your personal cooling habits. One option certainly worth your consideration is a ductless mini split air conditioning system. Often used in commercial settings, these systems have gained traction residentially as well, and for very good reason.

There are many reasons that homeowners choose to go ductless when cooling their homes. One of the most common is a desire to avoid the potential energy loss that is commonly associated with improperly installed or damaged air ducts. Forced air distribution systems rely on air ducts to circulate heated and cooled air throughout a home. In many instances, though, energy is lost due to the poor condition of these air ducts. Ductless mini splits help eliminate this problem.

Rather than relying on bulky, inefficient ductwork, ductless mini split systems feature individual, wall mounted blowers. These units are connected to an outdoor unit via a simple conduit containing refrigerant and power lines. This allows you to cool individual areas of your home directly without the risk of losing any energy along the way.

Another great benefit of ductless mini splits is how simple they make zone controlled air conditioning. It doesn’t make much sense to be cooling unoccupied rooms in a house just because you want to keep your den cool. A ductless mini split system allows you too cool only those rooms and areas of your home that you wish to, cutting down on energy costs.

If you think that you are ready to go ductless, call the Tacoma WA air conditioning pros at Bob’s Heating & AC. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us any time to schedule your ductless mini split air conditioning system installation. Enjoy great comfort at a reduced cost.

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Bellevue WA Air Conditioning Tip: Now is a great time to enroll in a maintenance agreement

April 30th, 2013

As the cooling season slowly approaches us in Bellevue, WA, it’s important to make sure that our homes are ready to perform all summer long. While many of us welcome the heat and humidity, it’s nice to know we can come home to cool, crisp air when we need a good night’s rest or relaxation.  While pro installation can set your system off on the right foot, it’s enrollment in a maintenance agreement that can really help your AC perform effectively and efficiently to the best of its ability. For comprehensive Bellevue WA air conditioning services, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a maintenance agreement.

  • Energy efficiency. Even those models with incredibly high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings will simply not perform efficiently unless they are properly maintained. SEER estimates the ratio of cooling output against electrical input over a single season, but it is only an estimate. When it comes to the actual performance of your AC, there are many other factors to consider, including insulation, cleanliness of the ducts, and especially the condition of your AC’s components.
  • Performance. The entire reason why you invested in a whole home cooling solution is because you knew it would provide excellent performance. To stay cool during the summer, your AC needs to be energy efficient, but it also needs to perform well. If your air filter is constantly clogged with debris, or your coils covered in dust, then they simply will not operate effectively. Routine maintenance alleviates the demands of AC upkeep by allowing a pro take care of the bulk of maintenance duties. What better way to insure your comfort this summer than by professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups.
  • System longevity. Whatever stage your AC is at, routine maintenance is a great way to improve the longevity of your system. Make sure you take care of your home investments with professional care. It may even be required by your manufacturer’s warranty.

Speak to a Bellevue, WA air conditioning professional today about how your AC could benefit from a maintenance program. For exceptional air conditioning services in Bellevue, WA, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Seattle Heat Pump FAQ: The Efficiency of a Heat Pump

April 22nd, 2013

The heat pump is one of the most energy efficiency cooling and heating systems available. Because of its ability to provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, it remains a versatile choice for homeowners looking to reduce their electric bills and their carbon footprint. Whether you’re in the market for a new AC or are just curious about how the heat pump works, we hope you find this post helpful. For more air conditioning information, or to schedule a consultation about your Seattle heat pump, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

  • How a heat pump works. A heat pump works just like a central split air conditioner. It has an outdoor unit comprised of a condenser/compressor and an indoor unit comprised of an evaporator/air handler, along with a system of ductwork. As warm air is extracted from your home, the cool liquid refrigerant in the indoor coils evaporates (hence the name) and this cools the air, and allows the refrigerant to absorb the heat. This gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit where it is heated up by the compressor, and then cooled off by the condenser coils and an exhaust fan. The cycle repeats and operates continuously. In the winter, the process is simply reverse, so that cool air is extracted and warmed.
  • SEER. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, otherwise known as SEER, seeks to estimate the cooling efficiency of a given AC by measuring the electrical energy input against the cooling output. All air conditioners, heat pumps included, are given a SEER when they are put on the AC market. It’s a fairly good estimation of your heat pump’s efficiency, although that will depend upon your ductwork and home insulation as well.
  • HSPF. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the cold weather equivalent of SEER, but it’s specific to air source heat pumps. It measures the heating output divided by the electrical energy input. Like SEER, HSPF is another way of understanding the potential energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

Need some more info about a Seattle heat pump? Call Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning today!

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Seattle Duct Cleaning FAQ: When Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?

April 15th, 2013

The EPA recently stated that poor indoor air quality is one of the 5 most significant risks to our health. Considering that we spend the majority of our lives indoors, it’s a wake-up call that we need to make sure the air inside our homes is fresh and pure. But modern construction techniques have long been directed towards sealing up homes to make them more energy-efficient so that they don’t lose the cooled and heated air our ducts circulate throughout them. Over time, our ductwork can accumulate dust, pollen, dander, and other debris that can significantly impact the comfort of our home. We’ve compiled a list of some signs that your home might benefit from duct cleaning. When you’re ready to get started, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning for comprehensive Seattle duct cleaning service.

  • Dust. We all expect a certain amount of dust within our homes, but when dust gets excessive, it can quickly become irritating, particularly if you have a respiratory condition or an allergenic sensitivity. If you see dust on your duct registers or vents, then there is probably a substantially greater amount inside your ductwork. Also, if you have to wipe your furniture clean, then that could also indicate a large amount of dust in the ductwork.
  • Airflow problem. Duct cleaning is not only about improving air quality, it’s also about ensuring your airflow is optimized. Your forced-air distribution system relies on the rapid and efficient transport of heated and cooled air throughout your living space. Even seemingly insignificant amounts of debris in your ducts can reduce your energy efficiency and cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder.
  • Mold. Mold thrives in high moisture and dark conditions. Your ductwork, therefore, is an excellent environment in which mold spores can breed and spread throughout your home. Routine duct inspection and cleaning can prevent the growth of mold. It’s particularly important if you see mold on any of the visible sections of your ductwork, as this can indicate a large hidden problem.

For more information, or to schedule Seattle duct cleaning, call the experts at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Seattle WA Furnace Repair Tip: Should I Replace or Repair my Furnace?

April 8th, 2013

When you need Seattle furnace repair, make sure you call a professional. Only a professional Seattle heating contractor knows when it makes more sense to replace rather than to repair your furnace. There are certain signs that indicate that replacing your furnace might be a better option than repairing it again. It depends on the age and condition of the furnace, as well as your budget and heating needs, but it’s often better to invest in the future of your home heating than to prop up an obsolete system. For Seattle furnace repair, call the experts at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Let’s find out whether you should replace or repair your furnace:

  • Age. If your furnace is over 12 years old, then you might do well to replace rather than repair it. Over the years, your furnace has undergone wear and tear and this has probably taken a significant toll. Moreover, older furnaces are nowhere near as efficient as today’s models. A new Energy Star rated gas furnace will use at least 95% of its converted energy to heat your home. While this all depends on other components of your system as well, such as your ductwork, installing a new energy efficient furnace can go a long way towards maintaining effective and efficient heating for the years to come.
  • Condition. Our furnaces tend to suffer a lot of use over the years, and even the most well treated system may eventually find itself in need of major repair. If your furnace requires frequent repairs, then it’s likely that furnace replacement might make more financial sense. You want your furnace to be reliable, and your existing furnace may no longer be able to fulfil that need. You should also consider that furnace problems often lead to significant decreases in energy efficiency. You may be able to recoup a significant portion of your furnace heater by cutting down on your heating bill from month to month.

Knowing when to replace and when to repair your furnace requires the advice of a professional. Only someone who knows furnaces and how they work will be able to offer a proper solution. For Seattle furnace repair, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Seattle Heating Repair Tip: Causes of Common Heat Pump Noises

April 1st, 2013

The installation of a heat pump is a great way to heat and cool your home in a more efficient manner. Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, as well as their considerable durability and dependability. Like any other home heating and cooling system, of course, heat pumps may encounter a few operational problems over the years.

Many homeowners allow problems to worsen because they think they are not serious enough to contact a Seattle heating repair technician. In truth, any irregularity with your heat pump, including the development of strange sounds, should be investigated by a professional. Call the heat pump technicians at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning right away.

One sound that many homeowners hear coming from their heat pumps is a chirping noise. This is most likely not a serious issue, but should still be checked out by a qualified professional. There is a good chance that this is caused by dry bearings or a worn belt in the heat pump. By lubricating the necessary components or replacing the belt the problem can be resolved.

Rattling noises are also quite common and, like most other heat pump problems, may have a variety of causes. A fan blade may be bent, or a panel on your system may have worked loose. It is also possible that your fan blade is bent or misaligned. A professional heat pump technician can tell you for sure.

Problems with vital components, such as the compressor in your heat pump, are a bit more serious. If, for instance, you hear a knocking sound coming from your heat pump, the compressor may be worn out or a valve may be stuck. Given time, these problems can put your heat pump at serious risk of further damage and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Contact the Seattle heat pump technicians at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about the causes of common heat pump noises. Our team highly skilled, professional Seattle heating technicians can handle any heat pump repair service you may need. Contact Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning today for more information.

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Seattle WA Heating Tip: How to Interpret Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings

March 25th, 2013

Every heating and air conditioning system has its own set own set of efficiency ratings that lets consumers know how much energy the unit will use to heat or cool their home. If you’re in the process of buying a new heat pump it can be confusing to try to navigate your way through all of these different efficiency ratings. Contact the Seattle heat pump experts at Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning if you’re having any trouble with picking out a heat pump for your home. Here is a quick explanation of efficiency ratings for heat pumps that can help you one your way.

Heat Pump Cooling Rating

Heat pumps are pretty amazing pieces of equipment because they can provide both heating and cooling. Because of that they have 2 separate efficiency ratings: one for cooling and one for heating. In cooling mode, your heat pump operates exactly like a central air conditioning system—it removes heat from your home and exhausts it outside. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to describe the efficiency of cooling systems. The minimum SEER rating to achieve Energy Star approval is 14.5 although there are AC systems and heat pumps that can achieve higher than that. The SEER measure how much cooling a unit can provide over a season divided by the amount of energy it uses to do so.

Some heat pumps are given an Energy Efficient Ratio (EER) rating which is very similar to the SEER rating. However, instead of measuring cooling and energy usage during an entire season, the EER just measures performance under a given set of circumstances. The EER tells you how efficient the system is when it’s 95° F outside and 85° F inside with 50% relative humidity.

Heat Pump Heating Rating

In heating mode, heat pumps are given a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The HSPF most closely resembles the SEER rating in that it measures the unit’s heating output over a season divided by the energy it uses. In order to achieve an Energy Start rating a heat pump must at least have an HSPF rating of 9.5.

For all your Seattle heating services contact the friendly experts at Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning.

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Kirkland WA Heating Tip: How To Tell If I Have Airflow Problems

March 18th, 2013

We depend upon our heating and cooling systems year round to provide excellent temperature control and comfort whatever the temperature outside. But over time, due to wear and tear or damages, our heating system can require professional repair. One of the problems homeowners may have to address concerns airflow. While it is easy to notice when your heater doesn’t work, airflow problems can be a bit trickier. In this post, the Kirkland heating technicians at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are committed to providing you with heating tips concerning airflow problems. Call us today for comprehensive heating repair in Kirkland, WA.

Let’s take a look at some common signs of airflow problems:

  • Inadequate heating. While this can be traced to several causes, if your heated air is not reaching your ductwork, or is not freely passing through your ductwork and into your home, then you probably have an airflow problem. You may have a blockage or leak within your ducts.
  • Dirty or clogged air filter. This is one of the most common causes of inadequate airflow. While your air filters are designed to prevent the passage of pollutants and dust into your home, if they become filled with debris, then they can actually begin to impede airflow, causing system-wide problems in forced air distribution, as well as excessive heat buildup in your heater.
  • Clogged ventilation. Your heating system relies not only on ductwork to deliver hot air into your home, but also ventilation for adequately removing exhaust from your home, and for bringing fresh air inside to be heated. You can have an airflow problem if one of these vents becomes blocked. While this is often a quick fix, it can seriously affect the integrity of your system, if left alone.
  • Duct leaks. Cracks and leaks in your ductwork can cause serious airflow problems. Not only might you be heating unused areas of your home and the cold outside air, but you could also be bringing in unnecessary cold air and making your heater work that much harder. Ducts should be properly sealed in order to prove efficient airflow.

We hope these help you identify an airflow problem in your home. For heating in Kirkland, WA, call Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today!

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