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Geothermal Heating: More Efficient for You & Better for the Environment
Geothermal Heating: More Efficient for You & Better for the Environment Considered a clean and sustainable source of power, geothermal energy refers to the internal heat that is contained in the rock and fluids beneath the earth’s crust. Humans have been using geothermal energy to their advantage since ancient times, and today a geothermal system can heat and cool your home in place of a natural gas system. Geothermal systems are among the most efficient and environmentally conscious heat pumps you can purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about geothermal home systems: How They Work No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. However, the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year. The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy (heat) as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home with central heating and cooling. Geothermal Heating During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As […]
How Your AC Can Help with Your Air Quality and Allergies
If you’re someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, just know that there are millions of people around the world suffering with you. Many people don’t realize this, but your air conditioner can help control the air quality and humidity in your home, therefore helping you control your allergies and air quality inside your home. Here are a few ways your AC is helping you out this allergy season. How They Help It doesn’t matter what type of allergies you suffer from, your air conditioner can help you breathe easier. Whether it be seasonal depending on what types of allergens are in the air, or year-long because of pollen or pet dander, allergies can strike at the worst of times. This is where your AC comes in. Your AC will filter out any potential irritants in the air, thus improving the air quality within your home. The filter on your AC catches these small particles and are caught before they’re sent through your system and into your home. The air quality in your home can be further improved by humidity control, which can also be done by your air conditioner. High levels of humidity open the door for different types of […]
The Benefits of Routine HVAC Maintenance
Jane Austen once said, “there is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” We couldn’t agree more. Home is our place of respite after long days, the place where food is cooked and family and friends gather, and a safe haven. While we love our homes, there are certain things we must do throughout the year in terms of maintenance. The heating and cooling system in your home is one of the most critical components to keep maintained and in great working condition, no matter what season we’re in. It helps keep you cool and comfortable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter. Besides purchases such as a car or your home itself, your HVAC system is one of the largest investments in your home so it’s wise to protect it with a regular maintenance schedule. Here are just some of the many benefits to routine checks and keeping your home comfort system in optimal condition. Lower Energy Bills If you haven’t looked at your energy bill lately, you may want to take a peek at it. Looking at your energy bill can give you a hint as to how your HVAC is running efficiently, and if […]
Is Your Home Looking Dustier Than Usual? The Problem Could Be Your HVAC
It’s just another part of weekly chores to dust around the house. But if you feel like your home is becoming far dustier than you remember despite your regular cleaning, the problem may be your HVAC system. Luckily, there are a few simple solutions to help you combat a dust problem caused by a malfunctioning HVAC unit. Plug up any air leaks you might have Approximately 25% of your home’s heat is lost through small holes and cracks. The same is true for your home’s cooling during the summer months. But in this case, a dusty home may be caused by leaky ductwork. Leaky ductwork is surprisingly common. Small gaps can appear in your ductwork due to age. This allows dust to flow into your system right through the filter. Check your home for dust buildup around your vents or your HVAC system’s fins. If there’s dust buildup in these areas, you may be experiencing leaky ductwork. Consider contacting a professional HVAC contractor if you suspect there are leaks in your ducts. Filter out the dust Another common source of dust in your home is your HVAC system’s filters. You need to check your HVAC filters at least once a […]
Preventative Maintenance Tips For Your Air Conditioning System This Summer
It’s July and blistering summer heat is here. We’re certain you don’t want to get caught with a broken AC unit just as the temperatures rise. Two-thirds of homes in the United States have air conditioning systems, many of which haven’t been paid mind to since the end of last summer. When running your air conditioning system to fight away the summer heat, there’s some preventative maintenance that’ll have you in tip-top shape and not calling for AC repair services. What are those tips? Let’s find out. Things you can do yourself Check and replace filters, clean the outdoor unit, install programmable thermostats, all of these things are easy to do yourself. Many people either neglect the DIY things wholly or wait too long to address them. Minor details should be checked when running your AC unit this season. Ducting Many times, an air conditioning system isn’t to blame. Ever had a room that just doesn’t seem to get cool during the summer? It’s likely the same room that doesn’t get warm in the winter. This has a great deal to do with faulty ducting. If your ducts have even the most minor leaks, the efficiency of your AC unit […]
Going On Vacation? Don’t Forget To Program Your Thermostat
Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to break out your sunglasses, put gas in the car, and head out for your annual family vacation. But before you embark on your summer getaway, don’t forget to program your thermostat for your absence. Why program my thermostat while I’m on vacation? By letting the temperature rise just a few degrees higher than you would have it while you were at home, you can save quite a lot of money on your utility bill. In fact, during the winter, you can save 5% on heating costs by lowering your thermostat by two degrees. The same is true (but in reverse) during the summer when it comes to cooling costs. What temperature is best to set my thermostat while I’m gone? The temperature that’s best to set your thermostat while you’re on vacation depends on whether you have pets staying at your house. Pets can typically handle a warm house, but a house can easily turn into an oven without a working AC unit. To keep your pets safe and secure, let your thermostat rise four to five degrees higher than usual. This will help save you money on your utility bill […]
4 Tips To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Allergy Season
With winter officially behind us, many homeowners across the U.S. are beginning to open their windows to breathe in the mild springtime air. But if you’re one of those unfortunate folks who suffer from allergies, spring may not be so welcoming. April showers bring May flowers and a whole slew of allergens. Fortunately, there are ways you can improve the air quality in your home to let you breathe easily despite budding flowers and shedding pets. Schedule a duct cleaning It’s recommended that homeowners have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. This is because dust and allergens accumulate the most in your air ducts where you can’t reach. Schedule a cleaning with your local air conditioning service to keep your HVAC system clean and allergen-free. Replace your HVAC filters It’s a regular job to replace your filters during HVAC system maintenance. Pet hair, dander, and dust can build up in your filters and make your indoor air quality a little worse for wear. This is especially true during allergy season because your pets are shedding their winter coats and pollen from the great outdoors is coming in through your windows. Install an air filtration system If you […]
WHEN IT COMES TO A/C, SIZE MATTERS
If you’re planning to install or replace an air conditioner, there are lots of variables to consider- brand, price and energy rating are just a few. When you call Pioneer Heating and Air Conditioning, we will visit your home and perform multiple calculations to assure you are getting an estimate on the correct unit for your home. NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL If an air conditioner is too big for a given space, it will cool that space down with lightning speed. Some people choose an oversized air conditioner on purpose, thinking that this is a good thing, but they are wrong. When an air conditioner cools a room too quickly it will cycle on and off more frequently. This can put much more wear and tear on a system compared to one that is appropriately sized, which means you will spend more on maintenance and repairs. Also, whenever the unit is running you are likely to consume more energy than necessary to keep your home cool. Furthermore, air conditioners are responsible for removing humidity in addition to lowering temperature. When the cooling cycle is too short, the air conditioner doesn’t not have the opportunity to remove enough humidity, […]
Health Benefits of Air Conditioning in Your Home
As human beings, we cannot withstand living outside in the harsh, ever-changing conditions of planet Earth. This is exactly why humans started building shelters — to protect themselves from the outside world. Since then, we have come a long way. Our homes are much more advanced than the original caves and stick shelters of old. We have electricity, furniture, and heating systems to give us comfort while we’re inside. Along with our residential heating systems, air conditioning is also in the homes of many people today. In fact, in the United States, two-thirds of all homes have air conditioners. An air conditioner can often be installed right into the existing infrastructure of the home, so your air conditioning needs can be met with ease. Air conditioning installation comes with many benefits. Sure, ACs keep you cool in the summertime, but they offer more than just that. Here are some health benefits of air conditioners. Air Quality Having an air conditioner at home can actually help increase the quality of the air. Invisible airborne particles are present in every building and in every home. Fumes, stale air, insecticides, and other problems can come from airborne particles. However, modern air conditioners can […]
Signs That Your Furnace Is On the Fritz
We as human beings live indoors to shelter ourselves from the weather conditions that exist out in Mother Nature. We have insulated walls, thick glass windows, and HVAC systems to keep the weather outside and control the temperature inside. Because we cannot typically withstand the ever changing climate outside, we keep our homes regulated as much as possible. Our HVAC systems allow us to control the temperature inside our homes. Therefore, it is important to make sure that they are always working efficiently. In order to do this, regular HVAC system maintenance should be completed two times a year. It should be done in the spring before the hot summer rolls around, and it should be done in the fall before winter freezes over. Even with regular maintenance, your furnace or AC unit can go downhill. Here are some warning signs that you might need some furnace repair. Age Even with regular maintenance, your furnace will start to show its age after around 15 years of use. If you notice that it’s not working the way that it should and it’s close to its 15-year shelf life, it might be time to get a replacement. Cost If you have a […]
Top 5 Ways A Generator Saves You From Total Disaster
Did you know that standby generators produce between 5,000 and 15,000 watts of power? This is enough to power everything in your house. Seeing as the repercussions of a power outage can be quite severe, from flooding to fires, having a backup generator to keep the lights on is important. The following are ways your natural gas or propane powered standby generator can come in handy. Gas Furnace If you are in an area that has suffered a spontaneous blizzard or ice storm, it’s a good chance your power has gone out due to downed power lines or a break in the gas line. Cold weather is an especially dangerous time to have no power. Having a generator to keep the natural gas flowing into your heating system could quite literally save your family’s lives. Refrigerator When the power goes out, in the summer especially, you must be mindful of the contents of your fridge. Spoiled food can waste a lot of money, and if you aren’t careful you could get food poisoning. A generator keeps the fridge running and the food cold. Sump Pump A sump pump, for those of you with basements, is what pumps groundwater out of your basement, […]
5 Easy Ways to Better Insulate Your Home
Approximately 25% of your home’s heat can be lost through holes and cracks, which is why insulation is often considered homeowners’ best friend throughout the year. Proper insulation can not only keep your home toasty warm during the winter months but it can also prevent your HVAC system from overworking itself. However, did you know there are ways you can help to keep your home comfortable and warm throughout the winter aside from foaming sealant? Consider the following ways you can help to prevent heat from escaping during these last few chilly months. Use draught stoppers. You’d be amazed by the amount of heat that escapes right through the crack beneath your door. Keep the heat from getting out by dropping a draught stopper right in front of it. You can buy a draught stopper at most stores and they come in an array of colors to suit any style home. Insulate your floors. Hardwood floors can look very chic, but heat can also escape through your floorboards. To keep your heat in your home and away from the ground, insulate your floors using a rug such as a shag rug. Use draught-sealing tape. It isn’t always your front door that lets out […]
How Can I Benefit From A Preventative Maintenance Agreement?
HVAC system maintenance is essential not only for optimal efficiency but for optimal comfort during both heating and cooling seasons. It’s for this reason that preventative maintenance is recommended twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. However, it can be a struggle to remember to call your local HVAC service twice a year when you usually only think of your HVAC services when there’s a problem. For this reason, it can be incredibly beneficial to sign up for a preventative maintenance program. But what does a preventative maintenance program entail and what are the benefits of signing up for one? Preventative Maintenance Programs A preventative maintenance agreement ensures your home’s HVAC system receives a twice-a-year inspection to keep it running smoothly and efficiently as possible. A twice-a-year inspection can also reduce the likelihood of soot buildup in your system burners, which are typically caused by poorly-adjusted gas valves. Those who sign such an agreement can benefit from the following: Savings. A maintenance agreement is comparable to a twice-a-year tune-up. What’s more, on top of this discount, your HVAC system’s efficiency will be improved more frequently which reduces your monthly utility bills. Priority service. A maintenance […]
Planning and Prepping for Power Outages
In 2014 alone, 3,634 power outages affected some 14.2 million people. And with disturbingly powerful storm systems currently wreaking havoc across the eastern seaboard, it’s important to be prepared for everything from natural gas leaks to blackouts. They can happen anytime and anywhere, but they’re certainly more common during the colder months. People are turning up the heat more, generally using more energy, and then “Zap!” — it’s gone. They’re inconvenient no matter the season, but during the winter months, they can be especially dangerous. Let’s look at some ways to stay safe when the power’s down during winter. Warm Wisely Keeping your home warm when the power’s out can be quite the task. While your home heating system is offline, make sure you’re not causing hazards with fire (candles or otherwise) or inappropriate gas-fueled appliance use. Yearly, people attempt to heat a part of their powerless home by letting the oven or stove run. Running natural gas appliances like that can cause harmful carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure those appliances aren’t lit for warmth and aren’t causing natural gas leaks. Layer up instead, and use battery powered devices for light. Generators 101 Many families have emergency generators […]
Curbing Carbon Monoxide: Common Sense Tips Against a Silent Killer
Winter is here, so that furnace is running and keeping us toasty. Throughout the rest of the year, the furnace isn’t used very much, which can lead to accidental maintenance neglect. This can lead to heating problems, which will leave your house chilly and your energy bill high! It can also lead to problems much more sinister. During the winter, carbon monoxide poisoning is at its highest. While the natural gas smell may be unmistakable, the gas is also colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially fatal. Fighting an invisible poison might seem fruitless, but there are some commonsensical ways to combat carbon monoxide. Maintain Your Detector The easiest way to combat carbon monoxide is to keep a detector (or two) in your house. What most people forget is that battery powered things–such as these detectors–aren’t everlasting. Too many carbon monoxide poisoning cases point directly at a detector’s batteries not being changed. Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and replaced according to the instructions of the manufacturer. While we’re on the topic, change your smoke detector batteries, too. Some carbon monoxide detectors plug into the wall. Be sure they run on battery backup. You’ll want to be protected if the power […]
4 Winter Tips For Keeping Your Home Extra Cozy This Winter
With winter on the way, keeping your home warm is most likely at the forefront of your mind. However, not every American home will correlate with a homeowner’s needs. In fact, up to 25% of a home’s heat is often lost through holes and cracks in the foundation and floorboards. How can you ensure you’re keeping your home warm during those crisp winter nights? Consider the following tips for staying toasty when Jack Frost skates through your neighborhood this year. Curtains are your friends During the summer, many homeowners will close their curtains to help keep the sun out of their home. This winter, do the opposite. Open your curtains wide to let in the natural warmth of the sun. And, once night falls, close your curtains again to act as a thin layer of insulation. Move your furniture A home heating system can feel great when your couch is located right near the vent. However, if you’re not careful, your couch and other furniture may actually be preventing your heat from distributing around your home. Not only can this cool down your house when you want it the warmest, but it can also make HVAC systems work harder than […]
Helpful Housing Tips For Fighting Back Against Winter Allergies
The fall and winter months might be some of the best times to get together with friends and family. But for those with allergies, it’s often the worst time of the year. When your nose isn’t stuffed up from dander, pollen, or your aunt’s shedding cats, it’s most likely stuffed up from the common cold. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer during what’s supposed to be the best time of the year. Here are few helpful tips to keep your winter allergies at bay during the colder months and through the holiday season. Regularly change your HVAC filters During the winter months, the filters of your home heating system can really take a beating. This is especially true if you have pets. Fur, dander, and dust can build up in the fans and cause the air quality to diminish. And, because your windows are closed more during this time of the year, it can keep clean fresh air from filtering in. Consider changing the filters of your home heating system at least once a month if you have pets. If you don’t have pets, it may still do you some good to swap out your filters more frequently than usual […]
Breathing In A Furry Wonderland: Your Pets And HVAC
With fall on the way out and winter rolling in, American families are spending more and more time indoors. However, as you prepare your home and HVAC system for the winter, it’s essential that you don’t forget about your pets. With great pets comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to your home heating system during the winter. Just like your air conditioning unit, your pet’s fur and dander can build up in the vents of your heating system without proper cleaning. With that being said, here are some things to keep in mind this winter regarding the ways your pets affect your home’s air quality and HVAC systems. Seasonal shedding Although pet hair can build up in the filters of your HVAC systems throughout the year, it’s more likely to build up quicker prior to winter. This is because your furry friend is exchanging their thinner fur for their winter coat. For this reason, you’ll need to change your filters frequently in the winter with the help of a heating repair service. This is especially true if your pet has long hair like a ragamuffin or a collie. If you don’t change your filters, the hair can easily build […]
Will Your Heating System Last Through Another Winter?
Despite proper maintenance and care, your heating system won’t last forever. The average furnace only lasts for up to 15 to 20 years and the older they get, the less efficient furnaces become. You’ll be spending more calling your furnace repair service than relaxing and enjoying the cozy warmth of your home. Before the colder weather becomes downright chilly, it may be in your best interest to consider installing a new furnace. Here are some key determining factors to help you make a well-informed decision whether to upgrade your heating system. Your heating system is getting older As mentioned above, the average furnace typically lasts between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and routine repairs by your furnace repair business. While some furnaces continue to work efficiently enough past 20 years, the odds are slim. The older your system gets, the less likely it’ll be able to keep your home adequately warm during the winter months. Your furnace doesn’t produce heat like it used to If routine maintenance and changes in the HVAC filter don’t seem to make a difference in the efficiency of your furnace, it may be a sign to get a new one. Poor heating efficiency […]
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until The Cold Sets In To Tune Up Your Furnace
Many Americans enjoy the gentle chill of the autumn weather when it’s too cold to run the air conditioning, but not quite cold enough to relish in the warmth of the furnace. However, waiting until the last minute to turn on your heating system can be a problem. Your HVAC system should be checked at least twice a year, once in the spring and the other in the fall. This is so your heating and cooling system is well-prepared for both the hot and cold seasons. A furnace that’s been dormant throughout the summer may not be ready to charge ahead during the winter months. You don’t want to wait until you’re shivering to realize there’s a problem. Preparing your heating system for winter Begin by checking your furnace for anything flammable around or inside the unit that may have made its way inside during the summer months. As a rule of thumb, anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away from a running furnace. Once you’ve established that nothing flammable is present around or inside your furnace, open the windows in your house before turning on your furnace. This is because dust and lint can settle inside […]
What’s Causing My Furnace To Short Cycle?
Having a working furnace is essential what with the weather brewing colder temperatures outdoors. However, sometimes furnaces can falter when they’ve been inactive during the summer. This is especially true if they haven’t been tuned up efficiently for the colder weather. One of the most common problems homeowners often face with their furnace is called short cycling. Short cycling is when the furnace turns on for a short period of time but then turns off. This start-and-stop cycle can keep your home from properly warming up and may also damage your furnace itself. But what causes your furnace to short cycle? The following are some of the key problems behind the short cycling of furnaces and how you can fix them. Your furnace is too big Short cycling that happens as soon as the furnace is installed may be caused by the furnace itself rather than a problem with the furnace. That is, the furnace may be too big or too strong for the space in which you’ve installed it. An oversized heater will use a lot of energy to heat your space, which can cause the distribution of warm air in your home to be uneven. Uneven heat distribution causes the furnace to […]
Purify Your Home with The Air Scrubber Plus® to Reduce Allergy Symptoms This Fall
Anyone with allergies knows that Fall can be one of the most difficult times of the year. As the season changes, a wave of sneezing, itching and watery eyes usually follows. While it can be difficult to control the environment outside of your home, there are now tools and innovations available that can help reduce those irritating allergy symptoms while you’re relaxing in your own home. One of the most reliable of these tools is the Air Scrubber Plus®. As a fully integrated home air purification system, it truly is the answer for reducing those allergy symptoms. Clean The Air Scrubber Plus® will tackle germs and odors on surfaces all over your home. From doorknobs to kitchen counters to bathrooms, your home will be free of 99% of all surface contaminants. These harmful bacteria can be a nuisance, especially during allergy season. Rather than having to constantly be on the lookout for any dust or having a daily cleaning session, the Air Scrubber Plus® will make having a cleaner environment so simple you won’t even notice it, but you’ll be breathing cleaner air. Freshen The odors that linger in your home can cause your allergies to flare up. Pet dander, […]
Stack Effect May Be What’s Causing Your Heat To Escape Your Home
With cold weather fast approaching, your furnace should be tuned up and ready to go. However, even after your heating contractor tunes up the furnace and installs clean filters, you can experience issues. This is especially true if your furnace is heating your home but you’re not feeling the heat. Improper equipment installation can cause your home’s heating to decline in efficiency by up to 30%. But another cause for a decline in heating efficiency could very well be your own house. Common in multi-story homes, this heat-stealing problem is known as the “stack effect.” What is stack effect? The stack effect is most common in commercial buildings and large, multi-story warehouses. However, it can also affect two-story houses. The stack effect is, essentially, when the home acts as a chimney would by grabbing the warm air and hoisting it upward toward the highest ceiling until it leaves the home. This effect typically happens when the outside temperature is significantly lower than the temperature inside the building because the cold air is more dense. Therefore, the air attempts to balance the density between the two areas. This can cause airflow in your home with an especially intense draft. The stack […]
Common Signs It May Be Time To Get A New Furnace
With the leaves starting to change color, it’s time to pull out the furnace for another chilly season. However, depending on how long you’ve had your furnace, you may want to consider installing a new one before winter swipes through. Old furnaces can be dangerous if they’re not working correctly. According to a survey, up to 28% of residential fires caused by heating was the result of failing to clean solid-fueled heating equipment. To keep you and your family safe and warm with fall and winter approaching, here are the warning signs to begin investing in furnace installation. Even with furnace repair, your heating system is costing you One of the biggest signs it may be time for a new furnace is if your heating system isn’t generating enough heat. This can be caused by a number of things including clogged and dirty filters, dust in the air ducts, or even stack effect if you live in a two-story home. However, if a furnace repair service has looked at your furnace and insulation and determined everything to be working as well as it could be, your furnace may just not be cutting it anymore. Even if you’re not feeling the […]
Comfortable Living: Pioneer Heating & Air’s Fall 2017 Newsletter
THERMOSTATS 101 Imagine living in the early 19th century. Fall is here and you’ve turned on your furnace. There’s only one problem: your house keeps swinging from cold to hot. And every time it goes too far in one direction, you have to walk down to the basement to adjust valves, dampers or the furnace itself. Not an ideal situation! Fortunately, this changed with the invention of the thermostat. This is where we can help! How Thermostats Control Temperature The basic way that thermostats control temperature is by sensing to make changes until the temperature matches the set point. How the thermostat does this depends on what it’s connected to. For furnaces, the thermostat might turn the fan and burner on to increase the temperature and turn it off when the temperature is just right. Some thermostats are connected to valves that open and close to allow hot water into a radiator when the temperature drops. Air conditioning control works by turning on the fan and unit when the temperature gets too high. Types of Thermostats Thermostats come in three types: programmable, non-programmable and smart. Programmable thermostats allow you to save multiple set points for daytime, nighttime and weekends (depending […]
Pioneer Comfort Wins Contracting Business Magazine “National Residential HVAC Contractor of the Year” Award
Pioneer Comfort President and founder Gordy Noe and General Manager Mike Conley accepted the National Residential HVAC Contractor of the Year award this month at the Contractor Leadership LIVE event in Cleveland, OH. The award is presented to the company that represents the best that the residential HVAC industry has to offer and best embraces innovative ways to better understand and serve customers. Since founding the company in 1981, Noe has continued to run the company with the same mindset: the customer always comes first. “It’s our policy that we take care of the customer’s needs no matter what it takes, and money is secondary. If we do the first one, we’ll make the second one,” Noe says. This is not the first time Noe and the company have been recognized for excellence. Noe was awarded the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) Contractor of the Year award in 2013. The award is presented to the HVACR contractor who best represents the ideals of the profession. Nominees are judged on professionalism, merchandising and management skills, innovative techniques, trade involvement and community service. Pioneer Comfort continues to be the HVAC company Knoxville residents trust. After more than 30 years in business, Noe […]
Why You Should Be Getting A Tune Up On Your Furnace Before Winter
As summer hits the road and autumn hangs its coat on the door, it’s about that time of the year to begin looking at your furnace. Your furnace may not have been at the forefront of your mind during the sweltering heat, but with winter quickly approaching you’ll want to ensure that your heating system is up to par. It’s essential to perform an initial maintenance check on your furnace before turning it on the season; nearly 50% of all residential heating fires occur between December and February. Think your furnace will be okay without a checkup? Here’s why you may be wrong. Catching malfunctions before they happen One of the best things about performing a maintenance inspection on your heating system before winter rolls in is that you’ll be able to catch the smaller malfunctions before they become big problems. A small furnace repair is far cheaper and far easier to take care of than an entire furnace overhaul. By providing your furnace with a maintenance checkup throughout the year, but especially as autumn trickles in, you can keep your furnace going strong for years. In addition to saving money, making a small furnace repair here and there because […]
Hot Tips to Help You Keep Cool without Ruining Your AC This Summer
Summer is all about having fun in the sun, but when the sun gets too hot we usually retreat into the air conditioned comfort of our homes. Despite how nice it feels to step into that cool oasis, keeping your home that cold all the time could be putting too much stress on your HVAC system. Efficient HVAC systems require inspections twice every year, but even then problems can arise. In fact, your air conditioning unit is particularly prone to problems if you run it into the ground. To save you and your AC, here are a few clever ways you can stay cool. Keep the Curtains Shut This may seem like a no-brainer, but that’s because it is. Light, especially light from the sun, creates heat, which in turn warms your house right up. Unfortunately, it can also increase your air conditioning needs. As air heats up, your AC has to work harder to bring the temperature back down to a comfortable place. So keep those blinds and curtains closed! Change Your Sheets If you find yourself cranking the AC at night, the issue might be simpler than you think. In fact, it could simply be a result of […]
4 Tips For HVAC Installation For First Time Installers
Heating and cooling drains power at a ridiculous level and can drive up your energy bill quickly. According to statistics, HVAC systems account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. But, as the summer draws on, and the days get hotter, having air conditioning becomes imperative. But getting a unit installed can be a little difficult, especially if you make poor decisions for financial reasons. You want your installation to be smooth, easy, and worry-free to avoid feeling like you’ve made a poor investment. Here are some ways to ease your worries, and what to consider when getting the installation done. Use a Reputable HVAC Company This is important, you don’t want to have poor work done on your home or business, and have to deal with getting the system looked over, or repaired, after just having it installed. You should take the time to find a contractor with a good reputation and one who stands by their work. It’s not worth saving money to go with the first pick or the one that is cheapest. It can lead to you spending twice as much money […]

What to Consider When Replacing Your AC System
Efficient HVAC systems usually require inspections twice every year, and if your inspection turned sour this season, you’re probably in the market for a new AC system. But before you pick the AC system of your dreams, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. Don’t buy an AC system without thinking about these four things first! Size Unlike hats or stretchy gloves, one size HVAC system certainly doesn’t fit all. Every home has different heating and cooling needs, which means you should take your specific needs into consideration before you invest in an entirely new HVAC system. Is your home well-insulated? How many rooms are your trying to cool at once? These are important questions that you should be answering before you pick a new system for your home. SEER Rating If efficiency is something you’re concerned about, make sure you’re paying attention to any given system’s SEER rating. This rating effectively dictates just how energy-efficient a unit is. The higher the SEER rating on a particular unit, the more efficient it will be. Today, the lowest SEER rating allowed on the market is 14. Any system over 10 years old won’t hold up to […]

Your HVAC System is Trying to Talk to You! 3 Common Signs Its Making and Why
We all love our heating and cooling systems, most of us wouldn’t survive the cold winter and hot summers without one! After all, throughout the United Sates, heating and cooling accounts for about 48% of all the energy used in the typical U.S. home. However, HVAC systems require a lot of maintenance that, when ignored, can cause a lot of different problems in your home. So to prevent expensive AC unit repair, here are some common sounds to keep an ear out for and what they mean. Clanking Typically, a clanking noise means that you have a part that is either missing or is loose within the machine. Usually, this means that the compressor itself is coming loose, which requires complete AC unit repairs. Or, if that is not the case, the indoor and outdoor fans and its blade areas are out of balance which causes them to hit other parts. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it will only get worse if it goes ignored. Squealing or squeaking Does your HVAC unit sound like a baby piglet? This means you have a problem with your fan and/or blower either indoor or outside. Sometimes, this noise is common if […]

How to Keep Your Home Free of Allergens: a Guide
Spring is here and that only means one thing — sniffly noses and frustrating spring allergies. Unfortunately, there are many different common allergens that are lurking in your home that can only exacerbate this problem. Here are some tips on how to keep your home free of those sneeze-causing culprits! Dust with a damp cloth Never dry dust as this just will kick up the dust particles into the air and cause them to resettle in different areas. Instead, dust only with a damp cloth that was treated with a special cleaning agent that attracts dust rather than pushing it around. Wash bedding and linens in hot water Not only does this include your comforter, towels, and sheets, but your throw carpets and curtains all need to be washed in hot water to thoroughly eliminate their dust and allergens. Don’t forget to tumble dry afterward! Pay attention to your air flow Your HVAC system and air conditioning unit push air through the home, so if they are dirty your air quality will suffer and your allergies will get worse. If you are noticing that your home is dusty, exceptionally dry, and smelly, check out the cleanliness of your HVAC unit. […]

Home Health Hazards Associated with Neglecting HVAC Maintenance
Having your residential heat and air units inspected in the spring and fall might not seem like the most important thing in the world, but there’s a reason licensed AC technicians recommend HVAC inspections twice a year. Whether you realize it or not, your HVAC systems might not be functioning the way they’re supposed to, which can lead to health hazards in your home. Here are a few of the health issues you might run into if you’re not attentive to your residential heat and air units‘ maintenance. Poor Air Quality Indoors Part of annual HVAC maintenance requires changing your air filters every month or so. And your indoor air quality relies on your AC unit’s ability to filter out harmful substances from the air passing through it. If the filters are dirty and clogged, you’re going to notice bad smells, poor air flow, and even more dust and dirt in your home. It’s especially bad if you suffer from allergies, as a dirty air filter could make them worse. Mold Growth It’s no secret that mold is not something you want in your home. Even to those who don’t have respiratory issues, mold can be a harmful substance. When […]
Is Your AC Unit Ready for Summer? Here’s How to Prepare
Is your AC unit ready for summer? It might barely be spring, but that doesn’t change the fact that summer is coming just around the corner. And above all else, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared. Approximately two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. own AC units, but not all of them take the time to prep for seasonal changes. If you want to make the most of your HVAC system and save more money this coming summer, here’s what you need to do. Have an Inspection Performed Twice-yearly inspections come with a myriad of benefits, the biggest of which is ensuring that your HVAC systems are up and running as efficiently as they should be. A licensed AC technician should be entrusted with your inspection. It’s possible to run a simple inspection yourself, but if you really want to know how your AC unit is faring it’s important that you leave the inspections to the professionals. Change the Filters Unlike with inspections, you don’t have to be a professional air conditioner contractor to change out your dirty or clogged AC filters. This is a simple task that should actually be performed almost once a month while your AC […]
Why Are Proper AC Installation Techniques so Important?
No matter the season, it’s important to make sure you’re receiving quality HVAC services. But spring is here, which means if you’re getting a new AC unit you need to pay extra mind to the installation techniques your HVAC company is using. It might not seem important to ask about and monitor your HVAC installation techniques, but improper equipment installation can actually decrease heating and cooling efficiency by up to 30%. Here are some other reasons why you need to pay attention to proper AC installation techniques. What does proper installation mean? Unfortunately, proper installation isn’t necessarily something that you can spot right off the bat. An AC unit that’s not installed properly might seem to work just as well as any other unit, but you might be in for a nasty surprise when your next energy bill comes. Proper installation means taking the time to ensure that every component of an AC unit is secure and functioning before leaving the premises. In addition, in-depth inspections of the AC unit’s location should be performed before it’s placed there. This can go a long way in preventing future issues with your HVAC systems. How does proper installation benefit me? Well, that’s […]
Important Questions you Should be Asking Your HVAC Contractor
Whether you’re getting a brand new AC unit put in or you’re simply getting a tune-up on your HVAC system, there are certain things that you should absolutely know about your home’s heating and cooling systems. That being said, it helps to know the right questions to ask. If you’re not asking the right questions, you’re not going to have all the information you might need. Here are all of the important questions you need to be asking your HVAC contractor. What size system do I need? It’s inevitable that at some point in your life you’ll need a new air conditioning unit, but one size absolutely doesn’t fit all. Depending on the size of your home and your heating/cooling needs, you’re going to end up with a size that’s just right for your home. But you won’t know how to determine that size without asking first. How do I prepare my HVAC system for the seasons? How to winterize an air conditioner is a particularly important piece of information to know. When it gets chilly, you might not be using your AC as much as you’re using your heater, so it’s important to know how to winterize an air […]
Winter’s Not Over Yet: Some Common Furnace Issues to Look Out for Before Spring
Did you know that approximately 50% of home heating fires occur from December to February? Heating issues might not seem all that common, but the truth is that overlooking some small problem could lead to a much bigger one. If you want to prevent major heating issues in your home this winter, you need to know how to spot common furnace issues. Here’s a short list of some of the most common furnace problems and what you can do about them to prevent a larger issue from surfacing. Dirty Filters If you notice poor air flow coming from your vents, it could be an issue of dirty or clogged filters. Newsflash: filters need to be changed at least once every few months to ensure they’re clean and allowing air to flow through unobstructed. Not only will this inhibit your furnace from functioning properly, it could damage the air quality in your home. Wear and Tear Furnaces get old, and just like any other piece of equipment used daily in your home, they can break down from age alone. Taking great care of your furnace doesn’t necessarily mean that it will go unaffected by age. If your furnace is getting up […]

A Few Reasons You Need to Pay Attention to HVAC System Maintenance in the Winter
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should neglect your home’s HVAC system. Your garden might be going into hibernation for the season, but odds are you’ll still be using your HVAC system in some form over the colder months. If you’re wondering why HVAC maintenance is still so important during the winter, here’s a short guide to help you understand. You’re at Risk of Fires Approximately 50% of home fires involving heating issues occurred in December, January, and February. Just changing the air filter once every season isn’t enough to protect your family from the risk of a malfunction. To be absolutely sure you’re safe, you need to invest in twice-yearly inspections. Investing in inspections provides more opportunities to fix small issues before they become problematic. Winter Allergies That’s right, your allergies can follow you straight through to winter, especially if you’re allergic to dust. Your heating system can kick up a lot of dust and even lower the quality of the air in your home if you’re not careful to keep up with HVAC system maintenance. A Cold House Winter means cooler days and even cooler nights. Living without proper heating in your home can be extremely […]
A Few Energy-Efficient Tips to Help You Save Money During Your Winter Vacation
If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the chilly days of winter, then a proper vacation is probably at the top of your to-do list this season. But be careful! Catching vacation fever might be great for you, but it’s definitely not great for your wallet. And, unfortunately, too many homeowners are wasting money on energy bills while they’re off on vacation. Here are a few things you absolutely need to remember before you leave for someplace sunny and warm this winter. Turn Your HVAC System Down Unless you have pets in your home, it’s a smart idea to limit the amount of heating and cooling services you use while on vacation. Properly storing your AC unit and preparing your furnace are crucial to saving on energy costs while you’re away. The thermostat in your home should be set to at least 50 degrees to keep pipes and other important appliances from freezing, but other than that, there’s no need to keep the heat at 70 degrees while you’re gone. Take Care of Your Pets You might be uncomfortable with the idea of placing your pet in a boarding facility during your vacation, but even having them stay with a relative […]
To DIY or Not to DIY? 3 Good Reasons You Should Never Try to DIY HVAC Repairs
DIY projects can be a fun way to challenge yourself to something new. Whether it’s painting a desk or crafting your own wall art, DIY is an adventure. Despite the vast number of projects that fall into the DIY category, there are some things that you should never attempt to do if you’re not a professional. HVAC repairs are one of those things. Keeping up with basic maintenance like changing filters and cleaning around your HVAC system can and should be done by you, but any fine-tuned repairs or other maintenance issues should only be handled by those who specialize in AC repair. If that doesn’t convince you already, here are a few good reasons you should never DIY AC and furnace repairs. Health Problems When you deal with HVAC services, you’re essentially affecting the air quality in your home. Not only can improper equipment installation decrease your home’s HVAC efficiency by up to 30%, it can have lasting effects on your family’s health such as causing respiratory infections and asthma by breathing in the unclean air. Even the most experienced DIY people may not be able to get a solid handle on the training that professional heating contractors have, […]
Winter Heating Risks: How To Avoid House Fires
In the chilly winter months, you’ll likely choose to crank up the heat higher than usual. While this is common and encouraged to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze, hiking up the heat is one of the largest risks for house fires. Some of the best ways to prevent fires are to conserve your energy as much as possible. Here are some ways how: Use plastic to line any drafty windows. Not only do drafts cause 25% of all heat loss, they are also expensive to keep. It is useless to heat your home if your heat is escaping constantly anyway. Heating and cooling make up 48% of all home energy costs, so be sure to conserve energy as much as possible. Be careful when putting up the plastic, though. In the case of a house fire, your windows may be your best bet for an escape route. Make sure that you’re still able to open your windows after lining them with plastic. Did you know that portable space heaters cause around 70 deaths every year because of accidental fires? Never leave a portable space heater of any type unattended or running for longer than the recommended timeframe. Most space […]
Keep Your Family Safe: 3 Reasons to Hire a Professional HVAC Company
As a homeowner, you’re most important job is to keep your family safe, sheltered, and secure. It’s up to you to provide this care to your family, but the best way to actually achieve this kind of home security is by working with professionals. As homeowners across the country battle the freezing cold and powerful winter snowstorms, your main goal is to keep your family warm. By working with a professional quality HVAC service, you will be providing your family the warmth they deserve. Here are a few other reasons why you should contact a quality HVAC service this winter. Save Money Although you’ll be paying for HVAC professionals to come into your home and inspect and repair your heating systems, you’ll end up saving much more money in the long run. If you ignore your home’s heating systems, some serious problems may begin to occur over time. Even a small issue with your heating system could end up resulting in a major problem that costs a significant amount of money. Keep Your Family Comfortable The worst way to spend a winter indoors is to spend it without a proper heating system. If your home’s heating system is damaged or […]
Top Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Standby Generator for Your Home
Many people only associate HVAC systems with heating and air conditioning needs. But did you know that Pioneer Heating and Air also offers products and service for standby generators at home? A generator can provide you with electricity in the event of a power outage, often in the range of 8,000 to 22,000 watts. That’s enough to power an entire house, including the central heat and air conditioning units. Don’t get left out in the cold this winter — or any winter! Here are some of the top reasons why investing in a generator is a good idea, any time of year. Protect Perishable Items: What happens to the groceries in your refrigerator if the power goes out? They could go bad within hours. With a generator to kick in the energy needed to power your fridge, however, you can rest assured that they’ll be perfectly fine tomorrow. Avoid Flood Damage: Bad storms can bring more than just downed power lines. Make sure that your sump pump continues to run, even when the power is out, with a home generator for backup safety in the event of a potential flood. Stay Comfortable: If your heat turns off during a bad […]
A Few Tips to Help You Deal With a Mid-Winter Furnace Meltdown
According to Murphy’s law, anything that can go wrong inevitably will go wrong. So when your furnace decides to go kaput in the middle of winter, you at least have somewhere to place blame. But aside from that, it’s important that you know how to deal with, and potentially prevent, this kind of situation. Here are a few HVAC system tips to help you figure out how to deal with a mid-winter furnace meltdown without going into meltdown mode yourself. First, Get Out of the House If you smell natural gas inside of your home, it’s important that you get your family and pets out and call the appropriate department to assess the situation (just be sure not to place the call from inside the house!). Only after the area has been deemed safe should you go back in. Not only can this natural gas cause carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s highly flammable. If you don’t smell any gas, proceed to the next step… Call for Repairs Once the situation has been assessed and your safety is ensured, you should immediately call your HVAC services for furnace repairs or a complete replacement. Heating system repair should be performed immediately in this […]

Home Improvement 101: How To Maintain Your Home Furnace
When you’ve grown up with furnaces, HVAC systems, and hot water heaters, it can be hard to imagine life without them. That is, it’s hard to imagine right up to the moment your furnace breaks down on a chilly winter’s night. To put it simply, there’s no better time to learn about maintaining your HVAC system and furnace than the weeks before winter. But unless you’re a home improvement expert, you probably have no idea how to maintain your home’s furnace. To stay warm this season, just use these furnace care tips to get your home heated. Clean or Replace Your Filters If you thought changing filters ended with your air conditioning system, you would unfortunately be wrong. If your furnace filter is dirty, it can obstruct airflow and even affect the air quality in your home. Most installation experts recommend cleaning or changing these filters once every four to eight weeks. Check the Oil and Blower Belt Believe it or not, oil is important in more engines than just the one in your car. If your blower engine seems to be working overtime, add a few drops of oil to make sure things are running smoothly. In addition, cracked […]
Allergies? During The Winter? Common Causes and How to Deal With Them
Believe it or not, you can still have allergies during the winter. While it might sound crazy, the truth is that most of the allergens that cause them are a result of your own home. If you want to eliminate some of these allergens from your home this winter, follow this short guide. Allergen: Dust Mites That’s right! Those little critters can actually contribute to your at-home winter allergies. They thrive on dry, dusty air that your HVAC system produces during the winter. Solution: Wash Those Sheets To prevent dust mites from irritating you in your sleep, wash your sheets in hot water at least once every week. This kills dust mites and can help prevent them from returning in such large numbers. In addition, you should be using hypo-allergenic sheets and pillowcases. Allergen: Pet Dander Everyone’s skin gets dry and itchy during the winter, including your pets! Pet dander is a huge issue for a lot of people, especially during the winter when skin is dry and flakes off more frequently. Solution: Bathe and Brush You should be brushing your shedding friends at least once every day, no matter the season. In addition, make sure they’re getting bathed properly […]
A Few Clever Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter
Winter is here, which means your highest heating bills of the year are on their way, too. While it can be nice to have a toasty house, it’s not always nice to see the heating bill afterwards. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your house warm this winter without breaking the bank. Here are a few helpful tricks to keep the heating bills down this winter. Use the Sun The single biggest source of heat in the world is the sun. Why not use it to your advantage? If you keep your curtains open during the day, your house will naturally warm right up with the sun’s rays. Just don’t forget to close them again at night to keep that heat inside where it belongs. Bundle Up If you’re not wearing a sweater and socks, you need to put them on before you crank the heat. One of the easiest ways to save on that HVAC bill is to bundle up with scarves, hats, and sweaters! Cover Windows With Plastic Film If you can, buy plastic sheets to put over your windows. Most hardware stores sell special plastic film that can be applied with a common blow dryer. Not only […]
Winter is Coming: Important Signs That You Need to Call for Home Heating Repair
Even though the summer weather has been slow to fade this year, there’s no denying that winter is coming. In fact, it’s getting to that point in autumn where your heater might even be warming up already. If you’re one of the people out there who has already turned the heat on, there are a few things you should be wary of. Here are a few telltale signs that you should be calling for home heating repair before autumn ends and you’re left in the cold. Your Electric Bill is Unusually High Whether you use a gas or electric system to heat your home, it’s important to pay attention to your utilities. If, in the first month that your heater is on, you notice a steep increase in your bills, it could mean your heater is in need of a few repairs. Using more and more energy to make your home a comfortable temperature is usually a sign that your heater isn’t running efficiently or has reached the end of its shelf life. Uneven Heating and Cold Spots While some believe cold spots are a sign of paranormal activity, they’re more likely a sign that your heater isn’t working properly. […]
3 Reasons Why You Should Get Your HVAC System Inspected in the Fall
After one of the hottest summers of all time, it’s nice that we’re finally enjoying some fall weather. Football is on, baseball playoffs are heating up, we can wear jeans again, and a warm cup of coffee is so much better during the fall. This time of year, however, goes by seemingly in the blink of an eye, and we’ll soon be in the middle of winter, reminiscing those hot summer days. It’s important that homeowners maintain their HVAC systems in the fall before those chilling winter months make their way to us. You should have regular contact with a professional heating and air conditioning company throughout the year, but fall is one of the most important times to do so. Your AC unit made it through the summer, but now you have to make sure your heating HVAC system is working properly. If you’re just moving into a new home, contact installation experts who offer HVAC services so you can have a working system for the winter. If you’ve already been living there, though, you should know that fall is a great time to have your HVAC systems inspected. HVAC systems account for about half of the energy use […]

5 Common Furnace Problems
One of the most important parts of maintaining a home is making sure the heating system works and is in generally good condition. Half (50%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January, and February, and many of them can be attributed to lack of maintenance and upkeep, especially during the time of year that they are the most heavily used. A heating repair service can always help you, but it’s good to know what some common furnace problems are before you call: 1. Lack of Maintenance: If you let furnace maintenance and inspection fall to the wayside, small problems could get very serious in a very short time. These routine inspections are preventative in the same way as are your trips to the doctor for check ups. Twice-a-year inspections also reduce the likelihood of soot build up in the burners, which usually are the result of poorly adjusted gas valves, so make sure to invest the time and energy in this every year. 2. Dirty Filters: Dirty filters, clogged with dust and debris, can seriously reduce airflow and make a furnace work much harder to circulate hot air. Damaged and dirty filters have been known to damage the […]
5 Tips to Help You Hire the Best Licensed AC Technician Around
Even though summer is at its end, the heat will likely continue into October, at least for a little while. And while the summer heat is still here, chances are you might need to do a few repairs before you close up shop for the next season. Although two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. have AC units, not every repair is one that you can or should do yourself. For most end-of-season maintenance, you should find a licensed AC technician. Here’s how to find a great technician near you. Do Your Research Any important decision regarding your home requires a fair bit of research beforehand. Especially in technical areas, expertise is essential to ensure success. Familiarize yourself not only with information about your particular air conditioning system, but also with air conditioning companies in your area. Once you know what kind of system you’re working with, you can better determine what company to hire for their services. Ask Around Odds are that you know someone who has the same air conditioning unit as you do. If they have a company they trust with all of their maintenance needs, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use that […]
How to Clean Your Outdoor HVAC Unit in Ten Steps
Of the roughly two-thirds of homes in the U.S. equipped with air conditioners, few people take the time to perform regular maintenance on their equipment. Whether it’s an issue of not having time, or not knowing how, this is an issue that ends up costing time and money in AC repair. So for anyone who doesn’t have the time or is unsure of how to keep up with AC maintenance without their cooling and heating contractors around, here are 10 easy steps to help you clean up and keep your air conditioning system running smoothly. Safety First It’s absolutely essential to completely turn off power to the unit before you start any cleaning. On the exterior condenser/compressor, look for an exterior shut-off box near the unit. Also, turn the power off indoors at the breaker box. Remove Debris Approximately 25% of your home’s heat is lost through small cracks, but even more could be lost if your air conditioning unit is clogged up with debris. Using a screwdriver or wrench, remove the fasteners and lift the cage or fan grill away from the top of the unit. By hand, or with a vacuum, clean leaves and other debris from the […]
4 Tips to Help You Transition Your HVAC System From Summer to Fall
Although the summer heat is persistent, autumn is just around the corner. With the advent of autumn upon us, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning your HVAC system from summer functions to fall and winter. However, it’s not as simple as just turning the AC off. You should ease both your home and your air conditioning system into the next season. Here are four tips to help you make the switch as smooth as possible. Use Fans and Open Windows Now that the weather is starting to mellow out, you can at least turn the air conditioning unit to a lower setting. Once you do that, start using your ceiling fans a little bit more and opening windows. Not only does it take some of the burden off of your air conditioner, it allows your house to air out and stay fresh. Close the Blinds Although this is a great summer tactic to take strain off of your air conditioner, it works for just about any season. Approximately 25% of your home’s hot and cold air is lost through small cracks and holes, which means curtains and blinds are great energy savers. They not only keep the sun and […]
How to Properly Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s important to take good care of your air conditioning unit to make sure it does not break when you need it most! Chances are you’re one of the two-thirds of homeowners in the U.S. that uses an air conditioner, so here are some quick tips and tricks on how to clean your unit to maintain a perfect chill all summer long! The outside unit The outside unit should be routinely cleaned as it comes into contact with the elements. Here are some steps you can take to clean your unit. 1. Turn off the power. Even though this can seem simple, it is an important step that should not be missed! 2. Use a vacuum around the outside of the condenser to remove debris like leaves, dirt, and grass. 3. Straighten the metal fins with a butter knife, but make sure to be gentle. Don’t insert the knife more than a half an inch. This is an important piece of maintenance. Straight fins will ensure a continuous, reliable air flow. 4. Unscrew the fan at the stop, and remove any and all debris that may have accumulated within the unit. 5. Position […]
Five Simple Ways to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly
Two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. are equipped with air conditioners, but that doesn’t mean all of those homeowners know how to properly care for their air conditioners properly. Keeping your air conditioning unit in tip-top shape can feel like a big responsibility, but the reality is there are simple ways you can keep AC repair out of your future. Change Air Filters Monthly This simple piece of air conditioner maintenance is one of the most important because old, dirty air filters aren’t able to adequately filter your air. As a result, the air you breathe in your home won’t be quite as clean as it should, which can lead to everything from excess dust to serious respiratory problems. Continuing to use soiled air filters can also cause dirt and grime to build up in your ducts, which can lower the overall efficiency of your system and harbor microbes and mites that can multiply and get into the air in your home. It’s best to perform this task once every month. Keep Your Drain Line Clean As your air conditioning system pumps cold air through the house, condensation builds up in the system and drains through a series of […]
4 End of Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioning System
Summer is almost over, but that doesn’t mean the summer heat has left just yet. You’re still in for some hot days, and so is your air conditioning system. Before autumn rears its colorful head and brings some cooler temperatures, that AC unit is going to keep running. However, just because it won’t be running for much longer doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help you complete that end of summer maintenance for your air conditioners. Change the Filter If you haven’t already, it’s time to change the filter. It’s allergy season once again, and keeping those allergens out of your house should be top priority. Believe it or not, changing your air conditioner’s filter can help with that, providing only clean air in your home. Clear Any Obstructions Make sure there is nothing blocking the flow of air into your outdoor unit. Especially with autumn right around the corner, you should be on the lookout for leaves, branches, and other kinds of obstructions that could prevent air from flowing properly. Use That Ceiling Fan Your HVAC unit has worked hard all summer to keep you cool, and now with […]
Don’t be Left in the Cold; 3 Great Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Fall
Although it’s only August, and you should be enjoying every second of the summer weather, it’s getting to that time where you should start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months. The summer is easy to prepare for; you just have to make sure your air conditioning is working properly. Preparing for the fall and winter, however, requires a little more work.
Don’t Make Things Worse Doing Your Own Repairs; Work with a Professional HVAC Company
Heating and cooling accounts for approximately 48% of the energy used in the average U.S. home. Without proper HVAC units, living in extremely hot or cold areas would be detrimental. Roughly two-thirds of all U.S. homes have air conditioning units inside. In East Tennessee, this summer has provided consecutive days of temperatures over 90 degrees that are just draining our energy. If your air conditioning units are not working properly during the summer, don’t waste any more time and get the assistance you need. Unless you studied HVAC for years or currently work in the industry, you probably shouldn’t be messing with your appliances. Leave that to the professionals, because they know exactly how to handle different situations. Here are a few reasons why working with professional HVAC contractors is so important. Installation and Repair Installation experts will be able to install any appliance just about anywhere in your home. And if they can’t install it in a specific area, it means that you can’t either, so don’t even try. They are the professionals and know where to and where not to install appliances. Repairing an air conditioning unit is just as important as the installation itself. These machines are […]
Why is Warm Air Coming From My Air Conditioning Unit?
Two-thirds of all homes in the United States use air conditioners to stay cool in the summer. But like televisions, these appliances are so common that too many Americans simply take this luxury for granted. That is, until it stops working. So, what do you do when something goes wrong with your air conditioning unit? For instance, what happens when it starts blowing warm air instead of cold? You’re not trained in AC repair, so any mechanical problem might leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. Don’t sweat it. There might be an easy fix, so take a deep breath and look over the following helpful hints. If you still can’t figure it out, reach out to a reliable air conditioning company to give you a hand. Three Possible Reasons Your Air Conditioning Unit is Blowing Warm Air Your thermostat isn’t set correctly. Now, before you roll your eyes, read on. It’s a simple mistake and is actually more common than you might think. You probably already checked, but take another look. Is the fan set to “On” or “Auto”? If it is set to “On,” you may have discovered the problem. “On” means that the fan will continue to run […]
Five Ways to Keep Your House Cool This Summer Without Damaging Your AC
July of 2015 was officially the hottest month on record, and this year looks to be even hotter. It’s important to prepare your home, and your air conditioning unit, for this extreme heat. It may seem like an impossible task to survive the summer months without cranking your AC, but these five creative tips could help you cool down your home without heating up your air conditioner. Close the Blinds As simple as it may sound, keeping your blinds or curtains shut can go a long way in saving money and keeping cool. Blocking the hot sunlight from entering your home is a simple yet extremely effective way to keep the cool air — well, cool. Be Smart About Doors Over 25% of your home’s heat and air conditioning escapes through small cracks — so just imagine how much escapes through open doors. Try closing off spaces in your home where you spend the most time and focus on cooling those areas to avoid having to call AC repair services. Change Your Sheets A change of scenery can be nice in the summer months, especially in the bedroom. Changing out those heavy comforters for lighter, more breathable blankets can not […]
The Importance of Proper Installation of Air Conditioning Units
Homeowners have a lot to worry about every day of the year. There are always little things that go wrong inside the home or outside on the property. It can become overwhelming when some of the major issues arise throughout the year. Changing of the seasons is something that homeowners certainly have to prepare for. Homes that do nothing as the months go by will see an increase in damage, stress, and expenses. Even if you think you’re saving money on maintenance and installation costs, if you don’t do anything to prepare your home for the summer or winter months ahead, you’re going to be in trouble. The summer months are now here and homeowners — hopefully — are looking to prepare their homes for the hot heat of the summer. Installing an air conditioner can be done by the homeowner, but it is not recommended. A heating and air conditioning company should be consulted for the best installation. Pioneer Heating and Air can provide proper HVAC installation and maintenance in any home. Installing an air conditioner unit in one individual room is relatively easy, but installing an entire cooling system throughout a home is a little more complicated. Leave […]
Four Tips to Keep Your Cool (Literally) This Summer
Summer is here, and with it come those hot, sticky days when all you want to do is sit inside the house. But if your house isn’t cool, those days are going to be even worse for you. Over two-thirds of all homes in the United States have air conditioners, but homeowners often don’t take the proper care to ensure they cool their house efficiently. Here are some tips to help you stay cool this summer. Where will you cool? If you have central air, or a whole-house air conditioning unit, you don’t really need to worry about which area of your house should be cooled. However, if you’re installing an air conditioner in a window, then that choice must be made. Usually any area in your home that gets a lot of foot traffic is a good area to cool. Air conditioning needs to be used strategically to cool certain areas of your homey. Living rooms and bedrooms are two of the rooms where most people like to install a window unit. Consider an exit If you’re installing an air conditioner in a bedroom or another area of your home without another exit that provides immediate access to the […]
How to Go Green and Save Money on Your Cooling Bills This Summer
While two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. have an air conditioner or HVAC system, a vast majority of Americans are spending way more money on cooling costs than they should. As it is, Americans spend around $11 billion on air conditioners per year. And during their use, they emit a ton of unwanted carbon dioxide into the air — 100 million tons and two tons for each home annually. That being said, no one wants their air conditioner to cost them money and cost the environment its beauty and safety. Luckily, Pioneer has some excellent tips that will help you to stay cool and save money, all while protecting the environment. Weatherize Your Home Older homes often have poor insulation, making it more difficult to keep them cool during the summer. In fact, 25% of your home’s heating and cooling is lost through holes and cracks in your home. That being said, make sure to bulk up your home’s insulation as part of total home weatherization. Additionally, seal your ducts, as leaking ducts can account for 25% of a cooling bill. Finally, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed and have ample shading to keep the heat […]
What Constitutes as an ‘Air Conditioner Emergency?’
As summer approaches, it’s time for the two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. with air conditioners to start thinking about keeping their home cool during the hot months to come. Unfortunately, a faulty air conditioner doesn’t particularly care about your schedule, your needs, or your comfort. And most of the time, your air conditioner can experience problems after most AC repair businesses have shut their doors for the day. And while emergency air repair services are few and far between, the good news is that Pioneer Heating and Air Conditioning has your back. But what constitutes an air conditioner emergency, anyway, and how will you know that you need to call for emergency air conditioning services? Here are a few essential guidelines that will help you to make your decision in the moment: Comfort For many people, the question of calling emergency AC repair professionals is whether or not they’re willing to wait. If there is an issue with your AC, the first thing you should do is shut it off immediately and call someone for assistance. During the summer, power outages are common. In fact, there were more than 3,600 power outages in 2014, and statistics show that […]
4 Tips For Preparing Your AC For Summer
When the heat of the summer kicks in, one thing is for certain: you need your air conditioner to work. Unfortunately, the idle time air conditioners spend not in use over the long fall, winter, and spring causes it to collect leaves and debris, among a slew of other issues. That’s why as soon as spring rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about maintaining your air conditioning system. If you don’t take care of the necessary repairs and maintenance checks, you might have to end up calling in an emergency air conditioning service. And while this is indeed a viable option, you don’t want to leave this maintenance to the last minute. That being said, check out these four tips that will help your air conditioning unit stay in tip top shape come summertime: Clean or Replace Your Filters While two-thirds of all homes have air conditioners, people often forget how important it is to change your filter once per month. If not, air flow becomes restricted, effectively reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of airborne allergies. Clean the Condenser Coil Air conditioning system’s condenser units are typically located outdoors and look like a large fan in a metal […]
Before You Hire That HVAC Company, Know This
For most homes, heating and air conditioning can account for almost 48% of the energy use in an average American household. Almost every home owns a furnace of some sort, whether it be natural gas, electricity or fuel oil. HVAC services are often the largest expense for most household budgets. Making sure to hire an HVAC company or contractor to perform proper installation is essential to avoiding preventable repairs and ultimately peace of mind with the changing seasons. Not only is heating and air conditioning important to consider when owning a home, but having a generator for emergency situations is vital as well. A good HVAC company should offer these products in addition to the standard HVAC systems. Generators come in two types: standby and portable. Usually once a week, standby generators are set to operate to ensure they are in working condition in case of a power outage. Standby or stationary generators put out enough watts to power an entire house. This includes central heat and air conditioning. As the summer months begin, power outages are more likely with more than 60% of homes owning air conditioning units. For this reason, making sure the HVAC company you choose is […]
What Did Our Ancestors Do Before Air Conditioning?
With the warmer months approaching, it is easy to be reminded of the comforts an air conditioning unit can bring. Over two-thirds of American homes that have air conditioner with heating and cooling account for 48% of the energy used in a typical U.S home, making it the largest energy expense for homeowners. With air conditioning being so popular in American culture, it makes you think about how people coped with the sweltering weather before air conditioning units were invented. Here are some ways our ancestors dealt with the hot weather in the olden days. The oldest method of home climate control is living underground. Cave dwellers would benefit from a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit temperature year round. This approach included split-level dwellings with spacious basements built into a hillside. Air conditioning was invented in 1902 as a way to control the air quality in large buildings. The positive effects on the workers were incidental and didn’t become prevalent in American homes until after World War II with the age of suburban tract housing. More recently, architects have been using thick stone, adobe, or brick when creating homes and buildings. Rooms were also designed to have higher ceilings as the […]
Tips and Tricks to Properly Take Care of Your HVAC System
During a hot summer day or a cold winter night, your heating and cooling system is your best friend. But what happens when it breaks down right during the most inopportune time? You are then left sweltering hot or blistering cold, and in need of some repairs. Here are some tips to keep your HVAC system properly maintained and working efficiently. Things to Do Now 1. Clear a two-foot space around outdoor AC units. This space will provide easy access for any AC repair professionals. 2.Buy a high efficiency pleated air filter. 3.Keep your AC unit free of dirt, grass, leaves and other debris. Things to Do Monthly or Seasonally 1. Replace your air filter every month during the summer and every six weeks when you are using heat. This replacement will ensure your HVAC system performs well, and will also guarantee you are only breathing in clean, fresh air without allergens. Make sure to check regularly if you have pets! 2.Perform a visual inspection of your air conditioning ducts to ensure they are not leaking. This is crucial as 25% of your home’s heat is lost through small cracks and holes. If you see holes contact a reliable air […]
3 Crucial Questions to Ask an Experienced Air Conditioning Contractor
Whether you’ve just bought a new home or have lived there for decades, one of your top priorities throughout the year should be keeping up with your heating and air conditioning. HVAC is truly the backbone of your home, and your family will be quite uncomfortable if the furnace or AC fails at the wrong time. With the help of an experienced air conditioning contractor, you can get the inspections, repairs, tips, and tricks you need to get the most out of your HVAC system. Unfortunately, repairing an air conditioning is not exactly a “DIY” job, which is why it’s so important to find an experienced company to perform maintenance and other services. Before you get in touch with a trusted heating and air conditioning company, you should prepare a list of questions to make sure you’re doing all the right things as a homeowner. Here are just a few examples of the key questions that you should be asking an experienced air conditioning contractor: How often should I be getting an inspection? Efficient HVAC systems require maintenance inspections twice a year. Generally speaking, you should get your HVAC systems inspected once in the spring (before the hot season) and […]
Here’s How Round the Clock Air Conditioning Repair Can Save Your Family in an Emergency
When you think of a potential emergency, what do you think of? While dire scenarios like car accidents or financial concerns may come to mind, you should also be thinking of another crucial component of your family’s happiness: temperature control. Quality HVAC service is a staple of every happy family, and unfortunately, service calls for heating and air conditioning are quite common. Particularly in a warm state like Tennessee, you simply cannot afford to get stuck with a broken AC. With round the clock air conditioning repair, you can avoid those hot and sleepless nights by calling a reliable air conditioning company who sincerely cares about your family’s comfort. Anyone can claim to specialize in AC repair, but you know you’ve found the best HVAC services when they also offer round the clock air conditioning repair. Here are just three of the many ways that round the clock air conditioning repair can save your family tons of sleepless nights: AC failure and subsequent repair You finally get into bed after a long day’s work, close your eyes, and hear a “thudding” sound come from within your walls. Your AC is broken, and it’s the middle of July in Knoxville…what do […]
Here’s Why You Absolutely Need to Find a Reliable Air Conditioning Company before Summer Arrives
A reliable air conditioning company has the tools and expertise you need to stay cool when the weather gets hot. From round the clock air conditioning repair to lowering your monthly energy bills, a professional air conditioner contractor can drastically enhance your entire HVAC system just in time for summer. Unfortunately, not all air conditioning services are made alike, so you need to be on the lookout for a reliable air conditioning company. Here are just three of the many ways that an experienced AC company can help your family stay nice and cozy during a heat wave: Inspections Before you can even turn your AC on for the summer, you absolutely need to bring in a reliable air conditioning company to inspect your HVAC systems. Efficient HVAC systems require maintenance inspections twice a year — once in the spring (before the hot season) and again in the fall (before the cooler weather rolls in.) Aside from efficiency, it can also be a safety hazard if your HVAC system is not properly inspected by a professional. Cleaning/repairs After your inspection is complete, your AC expert may see a few parts that are getting old or have begun to deteriorate since […]
3 Mistakes Not to Make With Your HVAC System
Although it should be pretty obvious, the truth is that alternative heating methods are not usually a good idea for your home. If something goes wrong with your HVAC unit, don’t use 10 space heaters instead of calling a heating repair service. This past January, a fire broke out at an Indianapolis home, according to Livingston Daily. The unidentified women living there told firefighters that during a cold period, she tried to heat her home by turning on her oven and keeping it open. However, ovens are constructed with the door in mind, and the fire from the oven was able to ignite nearby combustibles, which quickly led to a whole-home blaze. Although you may not try heating your home with an oven, plenty of people make mistakes when encountering an HVAC system problem. Here are a few things not to do — and what you can do instead. Not Bother With Inspections Most experts recommend having your HVAC system inspected for routine maintenance about twice a year (once in the fall before you need the system, and once in the spring after it’s gone through its cycle of use). An HVAC system doesn’t always turn 100% off when something […]
3 Things You Should Know About Allergies
Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health, over 50% of Americans have at least one allergy? Most often, people are allergic to airborne particles, such as pollen or dust, which can make avoidance difficult. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2016 spring allergy report, Knoxville ranks as the United States’ No. 9 “most challenging place to live with spring allergies.” What else should you know, considering that “allergy season” is quickly approaching? Here are a few interesting facts. 1. It’s Not Cat Hair You Hate If you’re allergic to an animal, fur isn’t the actual issue — it’s the dander from the pet’s skin and their saliva. If you live with pets, groom them frequently to prevent yourself from coming in contact with these allergens. You should also clean furniture surfaces frequently, as this is often where animal allergens will settle. A good air conditioning system, especially one combined with a HEPA filter, will also help to keep various allergens out of the air, allowing you to breathe easy. If you get a high efficiency HVAC system, you can reduce your energy use by 50%! 2. Opening the Window in Spring Don’t leave your […]

Essential Heating Safety Tips for Homeowners
Homeowners don’t often think about heating safety, but when winter rolls around, they need to be more mindful. Here are just a few things you need to know about heating system safety. Make sure your heating system is inspected at least twice a year and is cleaned and repaired regularly by a professional home heating repair service. HVAC systems are more delicate than they look. Improper equipment installation alone could decrease your home’s heating and cooling efficiency by 30% and increase the risk of a malfunction. Make sure your system is inspected, you air ducts are cleaned out every three to five years, and your HVAC system’s filter is changed regularly. If you rely on a wood-burning stove or fireplace for your heat, it’s important to have this cleaned out, too. The biggest cause of heating system-related fires in U.S. homes today is a failure to clean, and this is most often the case for chimney fires. Space heaters can help homeowners warm their homes, but they’re also one of the most common causes of house fires. Keep flammable items at least three feet away from these heaters, and keep the heaters placed on the floor. Never leave a space […]
The Most Common Heating System Problems During the Winter
In the frigid winter months, it’s important to realize that the heating system in your home can go out when you least expect it, either from inclement weather conditions or from a technical glitch in the system. Your heating system is never more important than during the coldest months of winter, and this is — unfortunately — also when most homeowners experience problems with their HVAC systems. Many of these issues are simply due to a lack of maintenance, but others can be easily avoided with some simple preventative measures and with regular HVAC repairs. Here are just a few of the most common heating system problems homeowners experience during the winter — plus some tips on how to avoid these problems! A dirty filter. If you use your heating and air conditioning system a lot during the winter and summer months, you’ll likely find that the filter gets dirtier than when you aren’t relying on your HVAC system so much. Dirty filters can cause a reduction in air flow, which means that your furnace has to work twice as hard to keep your home at the right temperature. It’s recommended that you check these filters at least once a […]
7 Essential Tips for Surviving a Home Heating Emergency
In the frigid winter months, it’s important to realize that the heating system in your home can go out when you least expect it, either from inclement weather conditions or from a technical glitch in the system. At any time when you suspect that your heating or air conditioning system isn’t working properly, it’s imperative to put in service calls to your local air and heating repair service as soon as possible. This is especially important during the wintertime because other households nearby could be affected by the same problems as yours! You’ll definitely want to have the phone number handy for your local emergency air repair service, but here are a few tips to keep you comfortable and safe while you wait: Before the heat goes out, have a professional heating repair service inspect your HVAC system air ducts — at least once every three to five years — to ensure that the ducts are clean. Having extra blankets on hand is always a good idea! You’ll also want to make sure you have extra batteries, flashlights, and a charged cell phone for emergencies if the power goes out. If your heat goes out, make sure to open any […]
6 Reasons Why You Need a Backup Generator This Winter
Now that winter is finally starting to settle in, you’ve probably already heard that it’s time to have your heating system inspected twice a year for air quality and system efficiency… But another important tip to keep in mind is the importance of having a backup generator! Having a generator in the summertime is probably more a matter of convenience so that your air conditioning unit can continue running, but in the wintertime when it’s freezing outside, having heat is of the utmost importance. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying a generator — before it gets too cold out! For a backup heating source This is probably the most obvious point, and it’s also the most important one. You’ll want to know the phone number of a reliable heating repair service in case your home heating system breaks down, but no heating repair services or emergency air repair technician can get your heating and air conditioning system running if the power goes out! A backup generator can actually be a lifesaving piece of equipment. To continue running your business Maybe you operate a small store in town, or maybe you work as a freelancer from […]
5 Essential Home Heating Tips for the Wintertime
Now that the cooler weather is starting to settle in, it’s time to make sure that your home heating system is operating safely and efficiently. The biggest problem that many homeowners face, however, is that they don’t really know where to start when it comes to HVAC repairs and inspections! With that in mind, here are a few important tips to help guide you through the essentials of heating and furnace operation: 1. The most important thing you can do twice a year — before turning on your air conditioning system in the summer and before turning on your heating system in the winter — is to call up your local HVAC company and ask for a routine maintenance check. HVAC services receive many inspection requests during these times and they’ll know exactly how to conduct a thorough inspection. 2. It’s also important to make sure that your home smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Many HVAC services recommend that smoke alarm batteries be replaced twice a year when Daylight Savings Time begins and when it ends. Carbon monoxide alarms should be checked more frequently (around once a month) because unlike smoke, carbon […]
Is it Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Is it Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner? Air conditioning units are a necessity for many homeowners, as it helps them feel comfortable in their own homes during the warmer months. However, there are a variety of things that can happen to your unit that causes it to work improperly. While air conditioning repair is possible, repair costs start to add up. Eventually, the unit will just need to be replaced. But how do you know when to replace? Here are a few signs that your unit may be seeing its final days. Age While air conditioning units have a typical lifespan between 10 and 15 years old, an older air conditioner is much more prone to inefficiency or malfunction. If your air conditioning unit has been running for longer than 10 years, it may be time to start looking for replacement. Newer, more efficient models will be able to take care of all your air conditioning needs while saving you money on your energy bills. Fluctuating Temperatures If your air conditioning unit seems to fluctuate between temperatures, rather than just keeping a consistent cool, it may by a sign that your unit is working improperly. Inconsistencies in temperature can […]
Tips for prepping your central air conditioning for summer
Spring has sprung and temperatures are springing upward with it. Sure, we still have to get through Dogwood Winter (and Blackberry Winter and Redbud Winter and…), but in the weeks to come, we’ll depend on the central heat less and less, and before long, turn it off entirely. All too soon after that, we’ll be reaching for the central air conditioning switch. Before that day arrives, here are some steps you can take to ensure your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is ready for summer. When you do your outdoor spring-cleaning, picking up limbs around your property, raking leaves, etc., remember to examine your outside AC unit. Give it a visual once-over for obvious signs of damage from ice and snow. Also, ensure that no vegetation is growing up around it that could interfere with its function. You can use this occasion to inspect the condensate line for any blockage and clear any potential obstructions, too. Indoors, when it’s close to time to turn on your AC, wipe up any dust that has gathered on the central air intake and outflow vents. If you didn’t change your HVAC system’s air filter before you turned the heat off, […]
Standby generators – the best emergency preparation!
As the weather this week reminds us, we need to be ready for severe weather. There are many measures you can take to prepare for severe weather and power outages. These include stocking up on non-perishable food items, keeping plenty of flashlights and fresh batteries, having plenty of blankets and warm clothes, and keeping an emergency kit with clothes and supplies ready to grab if you must leave your house. The federal government has even developed a Website to assist families in planning for emergencies (http://www.ready.gov/). Yet, the best emergency preparation may be having an automatic standby generator installed. One of the best things about having a standby generator is peace of mind. Record lows are being set this week, high winds are developing, and another round of snow and ice is set to move in tonight through tomorrow morning. Any of these weather elements may cause additional power outages over a broad swath of East Tennessee, which is a major concern for us all. However, families whose homes have an automatic standby generator can be secure in the knowledge that if electrical lines are downed, they will still have power. Automatic standby generators are self-activating, coming on seconds after […]
Winter isn’t done – make sure your HVAC system isn’t, either!
Although we enjoyed some days with mild temperatures and sunshine in late January, last week’s brush with snow serves notice that winter is far from over. And the system that provided the pleasant dusting of snow locally blasted the Northeast with a blizzard, reminding us that we, too, may see extreme conditions before winter’s end. So if we get a few days of seasonable weather soon, it would be a good time to take steps to ensure that your home is prepared for severe winter weather in the weeks to come. Two good ways to get ready for bad weather are having a preventive maintenance check performed on your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and looking into installing a standby generator for your electrical system. Preventive Maintenance. Pioneer Heating and Air recommends having your HVAC system serviced twice a year, when you are about to start using it during the summer and winter months. However, if you haven’t had yours checked recently, it would be a good idea to have it serviced now. Why now? Well, would you take an elevator that you knew hadn’t been properly maintained? A taxi? An airliner? Probably not. And you really shouldn’t treat […]
“Ride and Decide” lets high school students try out skilled trades
Pioneer Heating and Air President Gordy Noe, who is also president of the Knoxville Chapter of the Plumbing – Heating – Cooling Contractors Association, gets excited every time he talks about a new pilot program that Pioneer, PHCC and other organizations are sponsoring. And these days, that new Ride and Decide Pilot Program for high schoolers is something Gordy is talking about everywhere he goes. “I can’t go anywhere where someone doesn’t ask me about it, and once I start talking about it, I can’t shut up,” he says with a laugh. That’s because it’s a promising concept, offering high school students the opportunity to try working in different skilled trade industries over summer break. Since he became president of the PHCC a year and a half ago, Gordy and other members have been looking for ways to revive flagging interest in vocational training programs. Last summer, as Gordy welcomed in a high school student to work at Pioneer Heating and Air – something he has done periodically over the years – it occurred to him that this was the program model they wanted. I said to myself, ‘This is what high school kids are missing,’” Gordy explains. “Bring them […]
Why install a carbon monoxide detector?
Everyone has seen news reports of injuries and fatalities in residential fires (with the vast majority of these caused by smoke inhalation, not burns). That’s one reason insurance companies offer discounts on home insurance premiums for homeowners who install smoke detectors in their houses. However, while we all know the dangers fires pose, you may not know that carbon monoxide is responsible for the deaths of approximately 500 Americans each year and over 20,000 emergency room visits. This gas is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the U.S. Carbon monoxide is called “the silent killer” because it is not detectable by human senses – it cannot be touched, heard, seen, tasted or smelled. It causes flu-like symptoms to begin with. But often victims of carbon monoxide poisoning become so disoriented from extended exposure, by the time they feel more severe effects, they aren’t able to seek help. Around the home, vehicles, mowers, chainsaws and natural gas- and petroleum-powered appliances and wood-burning fireplaces produce carbon monoxide. As long as these are properly vented, the gas is harmless. But a faulty furnace, a blocked grill vent, a malfunctioning appliance or a closed chimney flue can quickly fill a home with dangerous […]
Four ways to lower your home’s humidity
During summertime in the South, especially in East Tennessee, the atmosphere can grow steamy. Even indoors with the air conditioner running, the air can sometimes become sticky. But the relative humidity is important for personal comfort –high heat combined with high humidity hampers your skin’s evaporation rate and makes you feel sweaty. That’s one reason why it’s important to keep the humidity in your home lower than 60% – preferably 30-50% – in the summer. So if the air in your house is feeling a bit muggy, here are four ways to lower the humidity. Check for leaks. A simple way to decrease humidity in your home is to seal any leaks in exterior walls and surfaces. Visually inspect windowsills and doorframes and hold your hand near them to detect any air currents. Replace worn weather-stripping and caulk or otherwise fill any cracks to keep your air-conditioned, dehumidified air inside. Also, check how well-sealed your clothes dryer’s exhaust pipe and vent are. This is one humidity source that homeowners often forget to periodically review. But if your dryer vent is leaking inside the house, it’s adding a lot of heat and humidity to the atmosphere. So make sure its exhaust […]
Why does my home need a standby generator?
Last week’s violent storms reminded us all that our electrical grid is vulnerable to disruptions by lightning strikes, downed trees and other causes. Over 33,000 residences were without power in the Knoxville Utility Board service area in the storms’ aftermath. Most homes served by KUB saw power restored within 36 hours after the storms passed. But homes in some other utility areas were without power days later. More than just reminding you how much you miss the comfort and convenience of air regulated by your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit, power outages can cause expensive problems if they last more than 48 hours. Long-duration power outages can even cause life-threatening conditions. And those are good reasons to consider installing a standby automatic generator. Consider this: If you keep a well-stocked freezer, without power, the food in it will spoil within a day or two (depending on various factors), which will be quite costly to you. An automatic generator will keep your home’s alarm system functioning during utility outages, meaning your home and your family stay protected in the event of a blackout. Although most critical medical equipment, such as ventilators, breathing monitors, in-home dialysis cyclers, etc., come with battery […]
This summer, don’t go crazy from the heat!
Has this ever happened to you? After a hard day’s work, you drive home through the steamy summer evening haze and walk into the house – expecting to feel the refreshing flow of cool air from your vents – only to find that your AC unit has broken down, and it’s 90 degrees inside. Is there anything more maddening? Although East Tennessee is experiencing a cool snap right now, long-range forecasts project us to have another hotter than usual summer. That means high demand on your air conditioning unit is rapidly approaching. Given that this winter was one of the coldest (and longest!) in recent memory, your HVAC unit has already endured a long period of heavy use. And with the long interval since your air conditioning has run, electrical connections could have loosened, condensate lines could have become blocked, coils could have gathered dirt and other maintenance concerns may have arisen. These kinds of issues can inhibit your air conditioner’s operation. And if your AC unit isn’t working at peak efficiency, your utility bill will swell when the summer heat arrives. So it’s important that you have your unit checked before the really severe heat sets in. At Pioneer […]
It’s allergy time in Tennessee!
Springtime is allergy time in Tennessee, and the Knoxville area is one of the worst in the nation for pollen and other irritants that contribute to allergies. More than half of the U.S. population has some form of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and up to 40 percent of children suffer from the hay fever allergy associated with spring pollen production, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. For many East Tennesseans, that means springtime is time for sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and scratchy throats – all of which can leave sufferers feeling run down and worn out. Further, government studies suggest that the air in our homes and other buildings can be more heavily polluted than the air outdoors – even in large, industrialized cities. Other research concludes that Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. So, for many of us, airborne contaminants inside of our own homes may aggravate our allergies and other respiratory conditions, such as asthma, as much as the outside air. But with blooming plants launching pollen spores on every spring breeze, you can’t just open the windows to get rid […]
If your car deserves regular tune-ups, why doesn’t your air conditioner?
Some engineered systems are designed to “run to failure,” meaning they are allowed to operate until they fail, and then they undergo maintenance. But for most engineered systems we deal with in everyday life, “run to failure” is an expensive option. Instead, we perform preventive maintenance on them, checking their operating efficiency, correcting any problems and replacing parts, as needed. For example, cars require periodic upkeep, including oil changes, filter replacements, and other, standard preventive maintenance. If you skip these tune-ups, you’ll soon find yourself in the market for a new car. If you have preventive maintenance done on your car regularly, why wouldn’t you do the same for your home’s air conditioner, which, according to www.energystar.gov, accounts for half of the average house’s energy costs? But if you are still skeptical, just ask yourself these questions: Do I want to save money on my utility bills? Do I want my air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency? Do I want to avoid costly air conditioning breakdowns at the height of summer? Do I want my current air conditioner to last as long as possible? Do I want my home’s air quality to be at its best? Assuming you answered […]
Why do I need to change my HVAC air filter regularly?
Regular replacement of the filter for your heating, venting and air conditioning unit helps your system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. A number of factors can negatively affect both your system’s performance and your home’s air quality, so it’s important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Smoking, cooking (especially frying), keeping indoor pets, frequent use of cleaners and air fresheners, interior painting or refurbishing – all of these and more inject into the air particulates, aerosols, dander, hair and other materials that your air filter must trap. Moisture in crawl spaces or unventilated bathrooms that may produce mold and heavy carpeting that retains particulates, dust and even dust mites likewise can introduce pollutants into the air, which your filter has to screen. Outdoor air quality also affects interior air quality. When you open your windows in the spring and fall, emissions from surrounding industrial activity, nearby vehicular traffic, and lawn care equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers enter your home. It doesn’t help, either, to be living in a region generally regarded as one of the worst areas in the […]
What regular maintenance do heating and air conditioning systems need?
The most important part of HVAC upkeep is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year (ideally, a tune-up in spring and autumn). Such regular maintenance will ensure that your system is operating efficiently, with problems like leaks in the heat exchanger, dust and debris in the blower compartment or bent coils addressed, and that it is functioning safely, free of natural gas or carbon monoxide leaks. Also, we recommend that you change or clean your filters once a month. However, your frequency may vary depending on a number of factors, such as air quality in your area, your sensitivity to air quality (e.g., allergies), whether you keep indoor pets, the age your home, the type of HVAC system you own and the type of filter you use. If you are sensitive to dust, mold and other potential airborne pollutants, you may want to change your filters more frequently. Likewise, homes with indoor pets or […]
Individual, company honors for Pioneer Heating & Air
Pioneer Heating & Air and one of its employees recently received two honors that we’d like to share. We are happy to announce that Gordy Noe of Pioneer Heating & Air, Knoxville, was selected by the Plumbing – Heating – Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) as the National HVAC Contractor of the Year. The achievement was celebrated at PHCC’s CONNECT 2013 convention in Las Vegas, with the award announced on a huge screen above 500 applauding attendees at the awards luncheon. The award recognizes excellence in the HVACR industry. It is presented each year to the HVACR contractor who best represents the ideals of the profession. Nominees are judged on professionalism, merchandising and management skills, innovative techniques, trade involvement and community service. For the National HVAC Award, an applicant must have an endorsement from a chapter. The state chapter endorsed Gordy, recognizing his stellar career fair attendance, Day on the Hill support, volunteerism on a state and chapter level and his work as the President of the Knoxville PHCC Chapter. Gordy was presented a trophy and a check by Roger Peugeot, Chairperson for the Educational Foundation and PHCC National President, David Dugger. We would like to add […]
Don’t wait until it’s too late for an HVAC checkup
When the mercury dips below the freezing mark, isn’t it nice to be warm and cozy inside with the heat running? And wouldn’t it be awful if you turned your furnace on and nothing happened? That’s why it’s important to have your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system inspected now, before the really cold winter weather sets in. While it’s best to have your system checked in spring or fall when it’s not in use, if you haven’t had your HVAC inspected for a while (or at all), now is the time to start scheduling regular checkups. Why? Well, you wouldn’t drive your car indefinitely without having regular maintenance done on it, would you? And keeping your home heating and air system functioning at top form is at least as important as keeping your car running smoothly, isn’t it? So schedule a heating and air system inspection today, and secure these benefits. Safety. An inspection will reveal if your system is at risk for natural gas or carbon monoxide leaks that could harm you and your family. Efficiency. Your HVAC may not be operating at peak efficiency. Leaks in the heat exchanger, dust and debris in the blower compartment […]