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Annual Residential HVAC Maintenance

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the essential systems in your home. It is the system that ensures the temperature within your home is comfortable and also helps with maintaining good indoor air quality. Every home has its HVAC system, yet not every homeowner pays attention to scheduling regular maintenance for this system. There are many benefits to regularly maintaining your HVAC system, and we will discuss them below.

The best way to maintain your HVAC system is to be proactive. Consequently, it is vital to have a regular maintenance schedule for HVAC systems to prevent breakdowns. This is what the annual maintenance is all about. This article details everything you need to know about the yearly maintenance of your HVAC system.

Why is Getting Yearly HVAC System Maintenance Necessary?

It is necessary to get yearly maintenance for your HVAC system to prevent the system's sudden breakdown. Your HVAC system is made up of different machines, and machines do have faults. However, by scheduling regular maintenance, you can fix many defects before they become issues that permanently damage the system. Regular maintenance allows you to keep your heating and air conditioning working for all seasons and at all times.

Are There Any Added Benefits to HVAC Maintenance?

Yes, there are several added benefits to HVAC maintenance. They include:

1. Improved Lifespan

Maintenance ensures your HVAC system lasts longer. When your air conditioners and heaters are kept at optimal working conditions, there is less strain on them, which preserves their lifespan. However, using them without proper maintenance quickly wears them out.

2. Safety For You and Your Household

Sometimes, the breakdown of an HVAC system can cause severe dangers to life and property. Your HVAC system can release poisonous gases, or explosions can occur. Therefore, regular maintenance is an excellent safeguard for your life and your family.

3. Reduced Energy Bills

Your HVAC system saves money when working efficiently. One of the best ways to keep it efficient is regular maintenance. Otherwise, it would have to use more energy to deliver a comfortable temperature for your home, thereby causing you to pay more bills.

4. Less Money Spent On Repairs

The very best HVAC system will still need repairs from time to time. However, annual maintenance ensures you have fewer repairs to make because you would have spotted dangers early.

5. Excellent Air Quality

A properly functioning HVAC system will deliver more outstanding air quality for you and your household than one that is not well-maintained.

What Do the Technicians Do When Inspecting an Air Conditioner or Furnace?

When you contract a technician to come and inspect your home's HVAC system, you can expect them to take time to assess important aspects of your HVAC system to determine whether it is still functioning efficiently. Their exact tasks will differ depending on the systems you have installed in your home. However, some of the significant things that a qualified technician will do during an inspection include:

Inspect and change your air filters.
Confirm that your installations are appropriately done.
Seal any leaks in your system
Ensure that electrical connections are all in good shape.
Check airflow and pressure within the HVAC system for any leakages
Lubricate the moving parts of the system
Confirm that all safety regulators are working
Clean and check condenser units
Ensure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly.
Inspect the air blower/handler for corrosion or any other need for change.

Essentially, a technician checks your system to ensure nothing needs to be changed or fixed and that everything is working as it should be.

What Can I Do as a Homeowner to Help My Systems Work More Efficiently?

Apart from scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system, there are a couple of other things you can do as a homeowner to ensure your HVAC system performs at its best. Some of them include:

Change Your Filters

Filters are the protectors of your HVAC system. They help prevent impurities and pollutants from getting into the system and clogging up some of its internal workings. Furthermore, they also help guarantee clean air. If you want your HVAC system to function efficiently, ensure it always has a clean and working filter.

Perform Regular Visual Inspection

Take time to inspect the aspects of your HVAC that you can easily see. Watch for faults and flaws, so you can quickly get professional help before they escalate. Some things to watch out for include the following:

The battery on the thermostat
Signs of mold
Cabinet door and filter access

Vacuum Indoor Vents

You can help airflow by vacuuming debris and dust away from indoor vents. It will also help to ensure items like furniture and toys don't block these vents.

Monitor Your Energy Bills

This is a great way to spot something wrong with your HVAC system. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy usage, there are chances something is wrong. A gradual increase in energy consumption may be a sign of reduced efficiency.

Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous odorless gas that could leak from your HVAC system. Having a detector helps you test its levels in the house and spot a leak if one occurs.

Remove Clutter From Around Your HVAC Unit

Ensure the environment around your HVAC unit is clean and not filled up with different items that will affect the air that gets into the vent system.

Why Should I Consider Joining My Favorite HVAC Company’s Maintenance Plan?

For many reasons, joining a maintenance plan for your favorite HVAC company is one of the best decisions you can make. Some of these reasons are highlighted below.

1. Priority Service

Most maintenance plans include priority service, allowing you to schedule appointments quickly and conveniently. This also means you will be prioritized whenever you have an emergency.

2. Peace of Mind

You will enjoy your HVAC system, knowing that the best hands regularly maintain it.

3. Financial Savings

There are usually many discounts on repairs and equipment that will help you save money in the long run. Furthermore, most companies offer maintenance plans that guarantee your HVAC system will be checked regularly enough so that you need not fear a sudden breakdown that may be costly.

What Other Home Systems Should Get Regular Maintenance?

Your HVAC system is essential and should get regular maintenance. However, it shouldn't be the only system in your house that gets regular maintenance. Other vital systems that should get regular maintenance include:

Plumbing System
Electrical system
Chimney system

What Things Can I Do as a Homeowner to Help These Other Systems Perform Better?

To help any of the systems above perform better, you must be willing to maintain them regularly. Here are a couple of things you could do that will ensure these systems perform optimally and your home is well-maintained:

Inspect for any leaks in the sink or toilets
Check for cracks in tubs or showers and fill them up
Get smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Inspect your roofs, although it is best you use binoculars rather than go up there without being a professional
Clean up gutters and septic tanks
Ensure fire extinguishers are working.
Inspect refrigerator coils.
Inspect attic spaces for signs of moisture.

Best Annual Residential HVAC Maintenance: About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating and Air Conditioning have proudly served Sun Prairie, WI, and its surrounding areas for over 39 years. They offer several services, including annual residential HVAC maintenance. They also offer a maintenance plan so that you can join to enjoy special discounts and priority services from their team of experts. Over the years, customers have received honest advice, professional services, and fast response time from this firm.

Do you need well-trained, experienced technicians to inspect your HVAC system in Sun Prairie and its surrounding counties? Contact Cardinal Heating and Air Conditioning today.

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The Benefits of Spring Cleaning and AC Maintenance

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Three Reasons to Consider Air Conditioning Maintenance

A well-maintained AC system is a happy AC system. And when an AC system works as expected, residents can live comfortably and breathe easily. Yet, an AC system can't maintain itself. It relies on its owners to change the air filter, consult with specialists, and address problems as they arise.

Here, homeowners can learn about the benefits of HVAC maintenance and how to prepare for the upcoming season. Some good things that come with consistent upkeep include:

Saving Energy (and Money!)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that at least half of a home's energy goes toward heating and cooling. So, homeowners should ensure they're getting the most out of their HVAC systems. A well-maintained system saves energy by:

Getting the job done right the first time. When the thermostat never reaches the desired temperature, homeowners might leave their HVAC systems on all day. This wastes money and energy.
Automatically shutting off. Newer energy-efficient appliances automatically turn on and off to meet homeowners' preferences. What's more, select models let homeowners control them using their smartphones. Here, they can make schedules and make sure every ounce of energy counts.
Consuming less energy. Some appliances, like those produced by EnergyStar, deliver the same results as other leading brands but use less energy. One can save on their electric bills and other utilities by opting for one of these models.

Imagine that a homeowner's HVAC system doesn't effectively cool the house. They may rely on desktop fans, dehumidifiers, and other appliances to regulate the home's indoor air quality. All of these devices need power and consume a lot of energy. Yet, with a functioning HVAC system, a homeowner doesn't have to rely on other additions to feel comfortable.

Fewer Repairs

Problems with the HVAC system happen at the most inopportune times. That's why homeowners want to do everything possible to prevent unexpected breakdowns. In the long run, proper foresight helps prevent:

Rust and corrosion
Insect infestations
Perforated air ducts
Dust buildup
Leaks
Electrical hazards

Air conditioning servicing also prevents fires. Per the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), air conditioning fires cause thousands of yearly fires, some of which take lives. By having a professional regularly inspect the HVAC system, they can keep homeowners safe and comfortable.

Longer Lifespans

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that most HVAC systems last about 15 years. However, this longevity is only partially guaranteed. Homeowners should regularly consult professionals to run diagnostic tests and remedy certain issues. That way, they can get the most out of their systems and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Some air conditioning tune-up tips include:

Regularly changing the air filter
Acting as soon as problems arise
Addressing any mold or mildew around the unit
Patching leaks

Some air conditioning systems can easily pass the 20-year mark with proper upkeep. Homeowners can enjoy good indoor air quality for decades without worrying.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

There's no contest among contractors serving Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning always comes out on top. If a homeowner is looking for air conditioning cleaning or help with repairs, they've come to the right place. These professionals offer around-the-clock care at reasonable rates. Call today for AC service! Learn more about the author here.

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Whole Home Generators

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Introduction to Generators

If you would love a great alternative that will be ever-ready to kick in after a power outage, then a whole home generator is the appliance to possess. Power outages are serious disruptions to every aspect of our lives, so it will always be great to know you have an alternative that ensures your work and fun are not compromised.

There are a couple of things you should bear in mind before getting a stand-alone whole-home generator, and this article discusses them in detail.

What is a Stand-Alone Whole Home Generator?

A stand-alone whole-home generator may also be called a standby generator. This generator connects to your primary electrical system and an alternative power source (propane or natural gas) so that it automatically kicks in during a power outage and supplies your home with electricity. This generator type has been referred to as the “most powerful generator that you can buy” because it can power your entire home, including all your appliances.

One of the biggest advantages of whole home generators is that when there is a power outage, they kick in instantly without you having to do anything.

What Different Types of Generators Are Available?

There are varying types of whole home generators based on their size, fuel type, cooling system, etc. Here are the options available to you:

1. Fuel-Type

You can generally choose between three fuel types, which include liquid propane, natural gas, and diesel.

Liquid Propane (LP) Whole Home Generators

Liquid propane is a byproduct of petroleum and natural gas. When a whole home generator is run by liquid propane, the propane is usually stored in underground tanks installed in the home. The generator is then fed the fuel it needs from the tank. Some of the major benefits of using a whole-home generator that uses liquid propane include:

It is one of the most affordable fuel sources for generators.
It is less contaminating to the environment.
Whole home generators that run on liquid propane generally generate less noise.

Natural Gas (NG) Whole Home Generators

Natural gas is a mix of methane and other gases. An underground pipeline with natural gas powers your generator and is regulated and metered by the appropriate authorities. One of the major benefits of this fuel type is that there is no need to refuel. Other important benefits include the following:

It usually requires lesser installation work because the homeowners already have gas lines beneath them.
Lower costs of maintenance.

Diesel Whole Home Generators

This may be the last option for residential buildings, but diesel does have some advantages as a fuel source, including the fact that it is high in energy. To use diesel with your stand-alone generator, you will need to get an external tank to hold the fuel. If you want to have more than a day's supply of fuel, this is especially important.

Notably, gasoline is generally a bad idea as a whole-house generator fuel source. It is very volatile and deteriorates rapidly.

2. Size

There are varying sizes of whole-home generators, and their sizes usually determine their maximum power. Therefore, the larger the size of the generator, the more power it can provide. Generally, generators are sized by kilowatts (KW), and we have whole-home generators of about 35kw and others of 7.5kw. In the U.S., the minimum kilowatts of most whole home generators is between 8.5kw and 10kw. This is because the minimum electrical load of most homes is 5-7kw. Whenever you see measurements in watts, note that 1000 watts equal 1 kilowatt.

3. Cooling System

When it comes to the cooling system of a whole-home generator, you have two options: Liquid Cooled or Air Cooled whole-home generators.

Liquid-Cooled Whole Home Generators

A liquid-cooled generator supplies a coolant through the engine that absorbs heat. This coolant then moves back through the radiator, cools down, and then gets recycled again. Some of the benefits of this type of cooling system include the following:

There is no fear of overheating in hot climates.
They usually operate more efficiently with no risks of shutting down

Air-Cooled Whole Home Generators

Here, the generator uses the surrounding air to cool down the engine. This could involve a fan that blows air across the engine or the surrounding air absorbing the heat from the engine.

Liquid-cooled generators are preferred because they can run for longer periods without overheating and shutting down, whereas air-cooled generators may overheat and shut down.

How Do I Know What Size of Generator I Need for the Size of My Home?

To determine the appropriate size of the whole home generator that will power your home, you will need to determine the estimated electrical load for your home. You should be looking for a whole home generator with a size beyond your estimated electrical load. Some of the ways to find out the power requirements of your home include:

Contact a team of experts to measure the electrical load for your home and pick a stand-alone whole-home generator that will adequately serve your home.
You could also calculate the wattage of your appliances. You should multiply the total watts from your appliances by about 2.0 to create a safety margin.
Contact your power company or use your electric bill.

Is a Portable Generator Going to Be Enough for Me, Or Do I Need a Stand-alone Generator?

The answer to this completely depends on your needs and your preferences.

A portable generator is generally smaller in size than a stand-alone generator and may only be used to run small appliances in the event of a power outage. One thing to consider is what exactly it is you’re trying to power. Most stand-alone generators don't produce what is considered “clean” power. What this refers to is the amount of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) produced. High THD, which is what most portable generators produce, can damage sensitive electronics like computers, smart TVs, phones, and tablets. Therefore they are not what you want, powering your home during a power outage. However, they are mobile and can be moved to whatever location needs power. Thus, if you don't need to power your entire home, and mobility is important to you, then the portable generator may be the best choice for you. It is also important to note that a portable generator is cheaper to buy and install.

On the other hand, if you want your entire home to be fully powered in the event of an outage, then the stand-alone generator is for you. In addition, it turns on automatically, so there is no need to switch it on like with a portable generator.

Therefore, a portable generator will not be enough for you if you intend to power your whole home during a power outage and you love the convenience of having an alternative power source that can turn itself on automatically.

What is an Automatic Transfer, and How Does it Work?

An automatic transfer involves switching power from the main supply to an alternative supply and back to the main supply when necessary. An automatic transfer is powered by an automatic transfer switch, which may work manually or automatically.

How Does an Automatic Transfer Switch Work?

Typically, a transfer sequence follows the following steps:

There is a failure of the primary power source.
The transfer switch shifts the electrical load to the generator or alternative power source when power from this source is stable.
When the primary source receives power again, the switch shifts the electrical load back to the power source.

Modes of Operation of an Automatic Transfer Switch

Manual Mode

Here, the transfer is powered manually by moving a handle, pushing a button, or flipping a switch by a human operator.

Automatic Mode

Automatic switch transfer is found in stand-alone generators. Here, the transfer is triggered automatically when the controller picks up power from the primary source. This operation is usually done by a motor or electric solenoid.

Do I Need to Do Anything Special to My Home to Install a Whole Home Generator?

You don't need anything special to install a whole home generator. Indeed, once you get the right generator and have decided on the fuel type, installation may begin. In general, you should have a professional do the job for you. However, if you plan to do it yourself, here are some things you need to know:

You may need a permit to install a whole-house generator, depending on your location. There may also be a need for inspections before installation. You must reach out to your HOA representatives to confirm these things before you begin the installation.
Pay attention to the guidelines that come with the generator on the proximity of the generator to your home.
You have to pay careful attention to the plumbing connections, such as valves. It is particularly important where liquid propane and natural gas will be used as fuel.

Cardinal Company: Best HVAC Company in Sun Prairie, WI

Should you decide to get the help of professionals in installing your whole-home generator, then the team of expert technicians at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning are trained and ready to serve you.

Cardinal Heating and Air Conditioning have proudly served the Sun Prairie, WI, area for over 38 years. They offer a full range of services, including whole-home generator installation. Their customers can expect to receive honest advice, quality workmanship, and fast response time.