You may need to change your filter more often than you realize!

Air filters are a crucial component of your HVAC system. Air filters not only keep your air clean, but they also improve the efficiency of your system.
Many people don’t realize that air filters also protect the inner workings of their HVAC system. Filthy filters make it easier for dust and dirt to settle on components that must stay clean to work correctly. Your HVAC system’s filter must be replaced regularly to ensure optimum performance. However, several factors may affect how regularly replacements need to be made.

What Are Air Filters?

Air filters can be made of many materials, such as fiberglass and polyester, but their primary purpose is always the same. Air filters prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris from entering your HVAC system. Depending on your system and filter’s rating, your filter may even capture bacteria and viruses. Check your unit’s requirements when choosing new filters to ensure they are made of adequate material and have sufficient filtering capacity.

How Should Air Filters Be Replaced?

Air filters should be replaced at least once every six months, but most must be replaced sooner. The regularity with which you should replace your air filter depends on several factors, including:

• How often do you use your HVAC system
• Whether or not you have pets
• The air quality in your neighborhood
• The size of your home
• Allergies in your home

If you have a fiberglass filter, you may need to replace it as often as every month. On the other hand, air filters made from higher-quality materials often last much longer.

How Do Air Filters Affect Efficiency

A dirty air filter forces your HVAC system to work much harder than it should to move air around. Dirty filters also tend to release some of the debris they have picked up if left in your system for longer than they should be. However, certain HEPA filters may also cause your HVAC system to work harder even while clean. This is because HEPA filters provide superior filtration at the cost of making it harder for air to move through them. When choosing a replacement air filter, select a level of filtration for your home and budget.

Professional Maintenance Services Will Take Care Of Your Filters

The easiest way to replace your air filter will be to have a professional do it for you. Most HVAC companies will regularly clean or replace your air filter as part of their HVAC maintenance services. They will know what filter is best for your system and when its next cleaning or replacement should occur. Of course, you may not need a full maintenance service on your HVAC every month. Still, an occasional check-in with a local HVAC company like Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning will set you up for continued performance from your HVAC system.

Before this cold season ends, homeowners still need to rely on their furnaces to keep warm and comfortable. But if your heating system is old or frequently malfunctions, it can be a headache, costing you money in repairs and energy bills. If you are experiencing problems with your furnace, it may be time to replace it. At Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll help you consider the following factors when replacing your furnace:

Age of Furnace

As furnaces age, they perform less efficiently and are more likely to break down. The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15-20 years, but it varies depending on the make and model. Of course, keeping up with regular furnace maintenance can also prolong the life of your system. But generally speaking, if your furnace is older than 15 years and isn’t heating your home correctly, it may be time to replace it.

Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bills have steadily risen, it could be a sign your furnace is no longer performing at its best. Aging furnaces tend to work less efficiently, requiring more energy to produce the same amount of heat. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can save you money by reducing energy costs.

New furnace technology has significantly improved over the years, resulting in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly models. For example, the latest models have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which means they convert more of the fuel they consume into heat, resulting in lower energy bills. So when you decide on a furnace replacement, you can feel confident in the value of your upgrade.

Frequent Repairs

If your furnace experiences frequent breakdowns and repairs, it is likely reaching the end of its service life. While it’s normal to need occasional furnace maintenance, costs can quickly add up if you continually repair it.

Several factors can contribute to frequent furnace repairs, such as:

• Wear and tear
• Lack of maintenance
• Improper installation
• An undersized or oversized furnace
• Poor quality or incompatible parts

Consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine if the above issues make it necessary to replace your furnace. They can help you choose a new, energy-efficient model that avoids the cost of frequent repairs.

Uneven Heating

If some rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, it could be a sign that your furnace is struggling to distribute heat evenly. This problem could be due to an outdated furnace or ductwork that needs repair or replacement.

Strange Noises

If your furnace makes strange noises, such as banging or whistling, it could indicate a problem with its components. You may feel tempted to ignore these noises, but the underlying issue can lead to more significant problems, such as a complete furnace breakdown. So be wary of odd rattling, screeching, and popping noises that indicate structural damage, such as a malfunctioning motor or loose ducts.

Replace Your Furnace With Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning

Replacing your furnace may seem daunting and expensive, but it has numerous benefits, including improved heating that can help you save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs. Additionally, new furnaces provide a more comfortable living environment for your household, giving you the reliable and efficient heating system you deserve.

At Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the factors that go into replacing a furnace, and we can determine if you need one. We’ll consider your home specifications and heating needs, helping you choose the most suitable furnace replacement. So contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a warm and comfortable home.

Air conditioners should make the air in your house more comfortable. However, sometimes they do the exact opposite. This is especially true if your air conditioner is causing your home to become smelly. Knowing what causes odors in the air conditioner and what you can do to stop those odors can help you take care of your air conditioner. Preventing odors can also improve your quality of life at home, as foul smells can ruin your day. Below are the many causes of odors in and around your air conditioner and some suggestions for avoiding those problems.

1. Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is the part of your air conditioner that filters dirt and debris from the air as it circulates through your ducts. Air filters need to be replaced periodically, or they can become clogged. A dirty air filter can harbor everything from dust to mold spores, depending on the air circulating through the ducts.

The EPA recommends that homeowners replace their air filters at least every three months or more frequently, depending on how quickly the filter gets dirty. So if your air conditioner smells when you run it, check the air filter first.

Air filters are generally found in the space between the return air duct and the blower. To replace the filter, remove it from the slot, and replace it with an identical filter. Most filters are disposable and can be thrown away; they’re not reusable. If replacing your air filter doesn’t work, or if your air filter is clean, then you’ll need to explore other options.

2. Clogged Condensate Pan

Air conditioners collect moisture from the air. That moisture collects in a pan that drips outside the house, which is why you’ll see a puddle of water accumulate around your air conditioner. A condensate pan is a place where mold and algae grow. Condensate pans need to be cleaned periodically, as do the drain lines.

If the drain lines are not cleaned and treated, they can become clogged with algae buildup, causing a smell in your house and a backup of water on your carpet or floor. A clogged condensate pan is a relatively easy fix for your HVAC professional, but the best way to avoid this problem is to get regular tune-ups from your HVAC professional. During tune-ups, your contractor will flush the condensate pan to prevent more algae.

3. Blown Fuse

Another smell you might notice around the air conditioner is the smell of gunpowder or fireworks. This odor could result from a blown a fuse in the air conditioner’s circuit board or fan blower. If your AC has blown a fuse, you’ll be able to tell because the AC will probably not be working.

The gunpowder smell will likely dissipate quickly. However, if you continue to smell a smoky or burning smell that grows stronger, this could signify a fire. In that case, leave the house quickly and contact the fire department.

A blown fuse is a problem that points to an electrical problem, either in your home or in your air conditioner. You can catch this kind of problem by getting a regular tune-up. In addition, your air conditioner repair person can see electrical issues in their early stages and recommend repairs before they become dire.

4. Gas Leak Distributed by Duct Work

The smell of rotten eggs is a smell that many people associate with gas leaks. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies inject natural gas with mercaptan, a harmless gas that smells like sulfur. So if the smell from your ducts smells like rotten eggs, this could result from a gas leak.

Air conditioners are not run on natural gas, so it’s unlikely that the smell comes from your air conditioner. However, your gas-powered furnace is likely to close to the return air duct and blower that distributes air throughout the house, which means that your air conditioner could efficiently distribute a gas leak throughout your home.

If you suspect your home has a gas leak, leave the house immediately. Take your pets with you. Leave your doors sitting wide open. When you’re outside the house, call for emergency help or your utility company’s emergency number.

You can avoid many problems described above by getting regular tune-ups from an HVAC professional. Have an expert tune up your HVAC system at least once annually to keep the components in your air conditioner in good condition. Contact the professionals at Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about how to prevent unpleasant smells from affecting your air conditioner.

Allergies can bring you down and leave you feeling too terrible to enjoy life. Whether you’re allergic to pets, pollen, dust, or other airborne allergens, a high-quality HVAC system can be one of your best allies. All you need to know is how to put your HVAC system to work for you. Follow these innovative strategies to use your HVAC system to relieve runny noses, dryness, hay fever, and more!

Add an Air Purifier

You may cringe when you learn about the common air pollutants inside your home. You may be breathing in microplastics, mold, pet dander, household cleaners, pollen, and worse. Unfortunately, the air pollutants that you inhale while relaxing at home can be the very things that trigger a variety of allergic reactions.

Consider adding a whole-house air purifier to your HVAC system. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, this can be one of the most effective things you can do to improve indoor air quality. When you use an air purifier, you reduce your exposure to common allergens. As a result, you may notice a dramatic difference after introducing the cleaner and start to feel better.

Keep the Humidity in Your Home Low

Mold allergies are common and can wreak havoc on your sense of well-being. The bad news is that mold can grow anywhere. The good news is that you can help prevent decay with your HVAC system. If you have a mold allergy, fight back and set the humidity in your home below 50 percent. Otherwise, the moisture can encourage mold growth.

If necessary, add a dehumidifier to keep your allergies at bay. A whole-house dehumidifier can be an asset that works with the HVAC system to create a suitable healthy climate within your home. In addition, it can continue to ensure humidity is removed from the air while your air conditioner is between cycles.

You should also make sure to ventilate your home correctly. If you don’t have proper ventilation, mold can grow and thrive. Pay incredibly close attention to the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. These areas often lack adequate ventilation and can be a hotbed for mold growth.

Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

If you suspect that your air ducts may be causing your problems, make sure you have a professional clean them. A professional duct cleaning service is worth every penny if your air ducts contain mold or have accumulated a lot of dirt and grime. Often an entire HVAC system cleaning is combined with cleaning your air ducts. The cleaning service you need depends on your unique situation and the condition of your system.

Never try to clean your air ducts yourself, and don’t ask a knowledgeable neighbor or friend to try their hand washing them. Instead, hire a licensed National Air Duct Cleaning Association-certified professional to perform the cleaning. Only a professional will know the ins and outs of cleaning ducts. In some cases, duct cleaning requires cutting holes in the system, and a professional can cut and seal the ducts properly.

Keep the Area Around Your HVAC Clear

Keep the area around your heating and air conditioning unit clear of debris, dust, and other items. If you have children, make it a family rule that everyone keeps their stuff clear of the HVAC unit inside and outside the house. A clear pathway will help increase the airflow. It also helps the system work most efficiently to regulate the air inside your home and protect you from allergies.

Avoid fancy landscaping in the outside area around the HVAC unit, too. Trees around the unit can provide shade as long as they don’t block airflow. Otherwise, the best practice is to keep the grass mowed and clear of the team. You don’t want common allergens or other outdoor debris to brush up against the heating and cooling system where they may cause problems.

Don’t Open Windows During Any Season

Keep your home protected from the allergy triggers often found in the great outdoors. Although you might want to open the windows during beautiful weather, resist the temptation. Even though allergens are less prominent at night, keep windows closed to protect yourself and your children.

Replace Old Units

Newer HVAC systems tend to offer the best protection against indoor allergens. However, a total replacement may be best if you have had your air conditioning and heating system for a decade or if it malfunctions. The United States Department of Energy recommends regular maintenance of your plan to get the most out of its ability to fight allergies.

Finally, contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning today for any questions about a new heating and cooling system. We can advise on improving your home’s air quality with the best equipment. Since we strive to be the best in the Sacramento area, you’ll enjoy the highest quality systems and a pleasant, professional installation experience.

If you find that you’re outside of our service area, then, by all means, contact one of our many friends in the HVAC industry, Done, Plumbing & Heating. Done provides a variety of Denver heating, cooling, plumbing, and other related services for the people of Colorado. If you have the opportunity to work with them, we know they’ll live up to their stellar reputation.

If you’re the kind of person that forgoes maintaining your equipment and appliances, well, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of people decide it’s not worth their time to perform essential maintenance services on their furnaces, and every year millions of furnaces break down. The connection isn’t hard to make here.

Furnace maintenance is the key to successfully prolonging the lifespan and conserving the energy efficiency of your system. But, more importantly, it ensures that your home is protected from the major disaster that often befalls homes with poorly maintained furnaces. High utility bills, carbon-monoxide poisoning, and fire are some dangers of failing to meet your system’s maintenance needs.

Thankfully, scheduling regular maintenance with qualified professionals is easy to take care of any issues you may have. Here’s why and how you should keep up with your furnace maintenance.

Let A Professional Handle These Jobs

Every company delivers a different experience during its maintenance services. However, you can count on most companies to offer, at a minimum, these services:

• Filter Inspections and Replacements
• Gas Lines and Heat Exchanger Inspections
• Burner and Flue Pipe Cleaning
• Thermostat and Wiring Connection Testing
• Pilot Assembly Cleaning

These services ensure you’ve protected your system from many issues that furnaces often experience. This protection is part of what makes maintenance so valuable.

Professional Maintenance Helps You Avoid Issues

Not every issue is preventable, but when you have professionals take care of your furnace, you’ll be sure to avoid the worst problems. As such, your furnace will sustain a higher performance throughout its lifetime. More importantly, you’ll know well in advance if you’re having issues with your heat exchanger or other dangerous components of your furnace.

As your primary heating appliance, there’s always a chance that your furnace can lead to a fire outbreak or the venting of carbon monoxide into your home. That is unless it receives monthly maintenance. When a professional HVAC company maintains your furnace, you reduce the chance that your system will experience any serious issues. Furthermore, if your system does begin to exhibit signs of complications, you’ll be poised to handle the case before it becomes something serious.

However, the benefits of maintenance don’t stop here.

Conserve Energy Efficiency With Regular Maintenance

No system is perfect, and your furnace is guaranteed to lose some energy efficiency over time. However, using a maintenance service can minimize the effect that years of operation have on your system’s efficiency.

With consistent general maintenance, your furnace will receive the care it needs to ensure that there are no steep drop-offs in efficiency. Even if you’ve never had a professional perform maintenance on your furnace, you’ll find that a single visit will have your system running cleaner.

Of course, better efficiency doesn’t just affect performance; it saves you money. For example, an efficient furnace uses less energy to maintain temperatures than one with dirty filters or other issues. These energy savings translates directly into more money in your pocket.

Let Derek’s Experts Optimize Your Furnace

If you wanted to, you could run your furnace all day and night without caring. However, your furnace would live a concise life in this scenario. Not only would that force you to replace your furnace regularly, but it would put your entire property at risk!

However, you can avoid that if your system receives regular maintenance from a professional HVAC technician. Furnace maintenance preserves your system and protects your property from fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more! If that wasn’t good enough, system care helps you do all this while saving you money on overall operating costs.

Why wait any longer? Call Derek Sawyers Heating & Air Conditioning today at (209) 247-1245 or contact one of our service representatives through our web portal for help maintaining your furnace!

For our friends to the east of our service area, we recommend the services of Done Plumbing & Heating when you need help with furnace maintenance. Done has provided HVAC services to Colorado for years but specializes in Denver heating services. As such, they help the greater Denver area whenever it needs help maintaining furnaces.