Every industry is susceptible to scams and the HVAC industry is one of the latest to fall foul to fraudsters. It is important to hire professional contractors to service heating, cooling and ventilation units. This will prevent unscrupulous contractors from taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. In an emergency, it is all too easy for shady HVAC engineers pray on people. In the depth of winter or at the height of summer, scam heating engineers know people are ready and willing to pay over the odds to repair their system.
Take note of these common HVAC scams to ensure you don’t fall prey to such a crime. Dishonest contractors are interested only in the money, not the repair. Here are a few of the most common HVAC scams practiced this year:
Some homeowners install big heating and cooling systems hoping that bigger means better, however, that may not be true. Large HVAC units are costly to buy and expensive to run, so be wary of a contractor who tries to sell you the biggest heating and cooling unit.
Certain factors are taken into account when replacing a new HVAC system. For example the contractor should consider square footage, number of windows and doors, orientation to the sun and local climate. A reputable contractor will use the Manual J calculation to size the unit to the home.
Oversize systems switch on and off more often and raise energy bills. Contact the contractor and ask him to size your home, walk way if he says this isn’t necessary. Common sense should tell you this is one of the common scams.
Steer clear of technicians who just happen to have a second-hand part. Used parts are less costly than new components, but they wear faster and cost more money in the long term.
Watch the engineer at work to ensure he fits a new part. Some heater and cooling technicians claim to replace components, but leave the faulty one in place.
Ask for a written guarantee before you agree to the repairs to ensure the HVAC unit works perfectly afterwards.
This is one of the most popular scams going. The technician removes the so-called worn part, shows it to you and states it must be replaced. Contact a different contractor to ask for a second opinion if you have doubts. Your HVAC system could have been working perfectly beforehand, so why does the unit suddenly need a new part?
It is important to deal with a reliable and trustworthy contractor, a company you can bond with. Ask family and friends to recommend an HVAC firm and always ask for a reference before buying a new heating system and air conditioner. Vet the contractor and check the firm with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask for a written guarantee and use a credit card to pay for repairs and purchases. Paying by credit card offers protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
No one can avoid HVAC scams unless they know what to look for. The simplest and best way to avoid being ripped off is to hire a well-established HVAC contractor. Check online reviews to ensure the company is sound. Unsatisfied customers may have written negative reviews, so steer clear and search for a trusted trader. It isn’t wise to hire an HVAC contractor with a sketchy past. Find a reputable heating and cooling company, like Ace-Robbins, and stick with them to avoid being scammed.
Ace-Robbins has been serving the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania since the 1960s. Since then, we have been an industry leader when providing heater and air conditioners services. We install, repair, and maintain all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. Ace-Robbins also specializes in heating oil delivery and propane delivery. Click here to explore the many services that we have to offer.
We service Kingston PA 18704, Luzerne PA 18709, Plymouth PA 18651, Wilkes-Barre PA 18701, Wyoming PA 18644 Chinchilla PA 18410, Clarks Summit PA 18411, Dickson City PA 18519, Elmhurst PA 18416, Moosic PA 18507, Old Forge PA 18518, Olyphant PA 18447, Peckville PA 18452, Scranton PA 18501, Taylor PA 18517 and all surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
Similar to other types of mechanical systems, your HVAC unit may need replacing after it has kept your air cool and clean for a while. Although not every problem needs replacement, at some point you have no option but to change to a newer model of HVAC unit. Straightforward issues like broken fans and blocked air filters are reasonably simple to remedy. Nonetheless, when problems escalate, you have little option but to purchase a new system. Ace-Robbins, an air conditioner repair services Scranton PA company, discusses what to look for when you either need to repair or replace your unit.
Your air conditioner is over ten years old. On average, HVAC units have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years. If your unit is over a decade old, it is extremely probable that you are utilizing an out of date model. Previous HVAC units were more clunky than the newer ones, and therefore were less energy efficient. The latest models use less energy and come with different features that make them more convenient to use.
Your unit needs regular repairs. If you are frequently spending cash on repair work, it is time to get a new air conditioner. The majority of people opt for repair work when they would do better by purchasing a new unit. If consider the quantity of cash you spend on buying new parts for your system, you will appreciate that there are tangible long term advantages to getting a new system installed.
You wish to save more energy. Even if your previous system is functioning correctly, you may still wind up spending more on your energy bill. Primarily, this is due to the fact that older HVAC units have lower SEERs (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios). If you wish to make energy bill savings, you should opt for bigger SEER ratings when purchasing an air conditioner. Systems with SEER ratings of at least thirteen will save you more money than systems with lower ratings.
You intend to move in the near future. If you plan to move to a new house, it is not necessary to spend any money on replacing your unit. In this situation, you might spend some cash fixing the issue to tide you over until you complete your move. By doing this, you will not need to spend lots of cash on a replacement model. Nonetheless, bear in mind that if you plan on selling your property, paying for a new air conditioner unit may actually boost your home’s market value.
Your electricity bills have unexpectedly gone up. If you witness an unexpected increase in your electricity bill, you may wish to arrange an inspection. In the majority of situations, installing new air filters will resolve this issue. In other circumstances, you will need to call an HVAC expert.
Carrying out maintenance on your air conditioner unit regularly will save you cash on both expensive repair work and replacement models. A certified technician can identify problems before they escalate, which saves you cash over the long term. When your house feels uncomfortable and hot, it is always best to have it checked out.
It is important to know the difference of needing an AC repair or replacement. Knowing when to replace your system allows you to keep your house comfortable while saving money. It prevents you from having to repair a cooling system that really just needs to be replaced. When your A/C needs to be replaced, it is not an economical choice to keep using it. It does not run efficiently or effectively. Be aware that by not maintaining your A/C unit that is not maintained, costs more to run. It also does a bad job at keeping your house cool. Also, your unit will not last its expected lifespan and you will have to pay more for repair costs and eventually, replacement costs.
Ace-Robbins can maintain, repair, and replace your HVAC system. When you have any questions, be sure to contact us. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at affordable prices for of Scranton, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and other nearby communities.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
Modern life has afforded us the comfort provided by air conditioning systems. However, with warm weather getting warmer and temperatures reaching dangerous levels, many of us are still susceptible to the dreaded condition known as heat stroke.
Although heat stroke often happens outdoors, it could also afflict anyone indoors especially during times when they engage in physical activities during warm weather. This is where a problem could occur. Ace-Robbins, a air conditioning service company Wilkes-Barre PA, shares some insight on what to do to avoid indoor heat stroke and the associated symptoms of indoor heat stroke.
Believe it or not, people have suffered from heat stroke under their own roofs. Some are more susceptible, such as young children and the elderly, although even healthy individuals could become affected. By far the easiest way to avoid heat stroke is to stay in a cool, comfortable environment. This will help bring the body temperature to a safe level and prevent stress.
To keep you and your family safe from indoor heat stroke, here are tips to consider:
To keep temperatures down, having an air conditioning system running at certain hours of the day is recommended. A good upgrade is central air conditioning because this will ensure a consistently cool, comfortable environment throughout the house.
It is a good idea to be aware of safety precautions to avoid suffering from indoor heat stroke. Avoid performing stressful activities when temperatures are high. Over exertion can be a risky step, particularly if you suffer from certain health conditions.
A hot environment causes you to lose more fluids when you sweat. To prevent indoor heat stroke, drink more water to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that feeling thirsty is one of the first signs of dehydration, albeit mild. When temperatures are rising, keep a glass of water close so you can sip enough water to cool down.
Loose, light clothing helps you keep your body temperature at normal levels. If you have to go outdoors, put on a wide-brimmed hat and clothing in colors that will reflect heat. In most cases, it’s better to wear white or light-colored clothes since dark colors tend to absorb and retain heat. If you will be out for a short period of time, keep the air conditioning on so you can cool off immediately upon returning to your home.
Know the common symptoms of heat stroke. Sometimes, the danger is in ignoring the symptoms or in thinking that it is something else. Heat stroke can cause nausea or a feeling of being lightheaded, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chest pain and headache. If you feel nauseous, stop whatever you are doing and rest. Find a cool place and sit on a comfortable chair. Listen to your body. When you feel anything out of the ordinary, find a cool environment and stay there. The room or area does not necessarily have to be bone-chillingly cold to keep you safe, but if you have a good air conditioning system, put it to work to keep your environment cool. Make sure to inform other family members as well, especially during the summer months when temperatures soar.
A dependable air cooling system can help ensure comfort and safety throughout your home. Look for a system that is not only reliable but also a good fit for the size and design of your home. This will help ensure its efficiency and dependability. Plus, you are assured of cost savings over the long term. Work with a reputable HVAC contractor to help you decide the type and size of the system you need. Your contractor should also be able to offer reliable after sales support.
There are certain luxuries you can do without but for the safety and health of your family, do not skimp on comfort. A cool home is not only comfortable, it can also help you lead a healthy, happy life.
You can avoid not only feeling uncomfortable this summer by following these tips but you can also avoid experiencing indoor heat stroke as well. This is why it is important to have your air conditioner working efficiently and effectively. Some people go through the entire summer limiting the amount that they use their air conditioner due to high cooling costs. However, an A/C unit that is not tuned up, costs more to run and it does a bad job at keeping your house cool. It actually costs less to tune up your air conditioner than it does to run a poorly maintained unit. This is why it is always best to get an air conditioning tune-up annually so that you can keep comfortable all summer long.
Ace-Robbins specializes in exceptional HVAC solutions that meet your needs. Be sure to contact us and we will answer any questions that you might have. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at affordable prices for of Scranton, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and other nearby communities.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
A dehumidifier is an appliance used to extract excess moisture out of the air in indoor spaces. They help to bring the humidity levels to their recommended 60% during summer and the normal 25% to 40% during winter. Because the average AC unit usually doubles as a dehumidifier, it begs the question, “Why should I install a dedicated dehumidifier for regulating my humidity levels in my central air conditioning Scranton PA home?”
Well, the biggest reason is that your central air conditioning is only capable of removing a specific amount of the moisture from the air. When the humidity levels are higher than normal, your AC won’t be able to remove all of the excess moisture. Scranton, PA residents tend to have central air conditioning systems and the area is known for higher than normal humidity levels. That’s the biggest reason you need to install a separate dedicated dehumidifier.
In different parts of Pennsylvania they record different levels of relative humidity year in and year out. For example, the highest level of relative humidity on record was in Williamsport, PA and came in at 83.3%. The lowest was recorded in Harrisburg, PA and landed at 53.7%. When you compare that to the humidity level recommended by the EPA, which is 60%, it is clear that the Pennsylvania humidity levels are above the recommended levels. That’s why the local residents who want to keep their humidity levels at the recommended levels need to install a separate dehumidifier to help keep the moisture content of the air they are breathing at the recommended level.
The best method for monitoring your humidity levels within a home or business setting is by having a digital hygrometer installed. Most AC units have control systems displaying the current humidity and temperature. You can also find wall clocks that can measure humidity levels within a room. However, you don’t have to rely on these humidity indicators to tell whether or not your home has a high humidity level.
Whenever you walk into your house, you’ll notice a musty odor. It’s an uncomfortable smell that is easily detected. Whenever you sit down you’ll notice that your skin is sticky or clammy. That’s because the high humidity keeps the sweat from evaporating off your skin.
Foggy windows are another excellent indicator of high humidity levels. Water droplets will form on your windows due to condensation.
The main purpose of having an AC system is to cool and filter the air in your home. Dehumidification can only happen once the air has been cooled and loses its capacity to carry moisture. This results in the forming of condensation around your evaporator coils and is exactly how a dehumidifier works. Whenever there’s an excess of humidity your AC unit is forced to work much harder to lower the indoor temperatures. That’s because humid air has the capacity to carry higher heat than dry air can carry.
Mold is another serious issue. It can begin to grow around your AC unit, releasing mold spore that can contaminate the air. Dust mites are also a problem because they thrive in hot, humid areas. When you have a combination of the two, both dust mites and mold, the quality of your indoor air takes a nose dive. It puts your family and any visitors at risk of developing respiratory problems and allergies.
Pennsylvania residents need to consider hiring a professional HVAC company to install a dehumidifier in their home. It will help to regulate their humidity levels making their homes safer and more comfortable.
A dehumidifier can really make a difference when it comes to your comfort levels even if you have central air conditioning. Pennsylvania is very humid and hot and you don’t want your house feeling that way. Ace-Robbins offers exceptional air conditioning services that will keep your home comfortable especially it is the peak of the hot summer season. Be sure to contact us when you need air conditioner maintenance. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at an affordable price for the communities of Scranton, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
