HVAC Blog

Modern heat pumps are reliable but do require more maintenance than traditional air conditioning systems. A heat pump should be serviced twice per year during the early spring and fall months. Maintaining a heat pump has many benefits including maximizing the energy efficiency of the system and improving its lifespan.

When you schedule heat pump maintenance with the team at Poston Brothers, you partner with experts in maintaining, repairing and replacing heat pumps. Understanding some of the steps involved in heat pump maintenance is important for all homeowners with a heat pump. Knowing when to change your air filter and how to clean around your outdoor unit helps supplement spring service and fall maintenance. We also provide some insights into signs your heat pump needs repair. Finally, we explain some other benefits of all our services.

What Are the Steps to Maintaining a Heat Pump?

A tune up on heat pumps may vary slightly by brand and age. There are steps to maintaining the outdoor unit, ducts and thermostat. Knowing these basic steps keeps you aware of why maintenance is so important.

• Check, clean and replace filters – The most simple maintenance is replacing air filters monthly or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This inexpensive step keeps air filters working properly and reduces energy consumption.
• Clean outside unit – Removing any debris on and around the outside unit is always important. Foliage, weeds and other yard waste often collect around the unit between maintenance checks. Any obstructions will restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. A clean unit means lower energy bills.
• Check the area around the unit – Heat pumps need a couple of feet on every side to run best. Trimming back shrubs in the spring and fall is recommended. Outdoor air free of debris keeps the heat pump running well.
• Cleaning coils, registers and ducts – Air quality depends on clean air filters and air ducts. Regularly cleaning these components and inspecting the condition prevents repairs and improves comfort in your home. In this step, our team observes duct leaks and addresses repairs.
• Confirm refrigerant charge – Test for leaks and replace any lost refrigerant.
• Inspect components – Clean, tighten and protect all electrical terminals and wires.
• Lubricate motors – Inspect condition and verify condition of belts.
• Test operations – Observe all components are operating properly including cooling and heat functions.
• Thermostat – Verify thermostat is calibrated and sensors are functioning.

Common Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Although heat pumps are very reliable, there are indicators of a potential breakdown. Being alert to minor changes lets you call in the HVAC contractors at Poston Brothers before a small repair becomes an emergency with your heat pump.

• Strange noises – These may include a humming noise or a steady buzz. If the fan doesn’t run or you hear any unusual sound, we can help.
• Circuit breaker – If the circuit breaker trips frequently when the heat pump turns on, the unit should be repaired.
• Changes in comfort – If the temperatures are uneven within your home or cold air blows during the colder months, you need the pros at Poston to help.
• Heat pump does not run – When a heat pump no longer turns on, there may be a minor issue we can repair or a more significant problem.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent repairs. Whenever your heat pump needs help, our team is ready to perform service calls and make the necessary repairs to keep your home comfortable.

You Can Depend on Poston Brothers Heating and Cooling

Efficient operation of your heating and cooling systems is important to the comfort of your family. Both heating during cold weather and operating during the cooling season depend on heat pump servicing. Clean air filters, outdoor coils, indoor coils and preventing refrigerant leaks can often be prevented when you schedule heat pump maintenance with Poston Brothers.

Whenever you need air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality services, contact our team at Poston Brothers Heating and Cooling.

Dehumidifiers are a good idea for many of our customers to reduce high humidity in their homes. The technicians at Poston Brothers Heating and Cooling are experts in air quality within your home. The comfort of your home reaches far beyond the temperature reading on your thermostat. Improving the overall quality of your indoor air impacts the health of your family, the condition of your home and even energy costs.

One of the most important elements of indoor air quality is humidity. Controlling humidity is possible with humidifiers and whole house dehumidifiers. These products work within your central air system to reduce the effects of humidity.

Understanding How Humidity Impacts Indoor Air

We all know that a humid environment is uncomfortable. Your home’s air conditioning is a great escape from a steamy summer day. Within your living space, a humid climate may aggravate asthma symptoms, trigger allergies and often allows mold spores to move throughout your home. A dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture from the air circulating through your HVAC system.

Signs Indoor Air Is too Humid

The internal wear on your air conditioner and microscopic bacteria floating in humid homes are difficult to identify. Fortunately, there are common indications extra moisture is in your air. Too much moisture may reveal itself in the following conditions:

• Stuffy nose and difficulty breathing
• Uncomfortable air even when the thermostat is set at your preferred temperature
• Condensation on windows and doors
• Musty smell from air ducts and small spaces
• Mold or water spots along corners or on ceilings
• Creaking of doors, floor boards or cabinets

Benefits of Installing a Whole House Dehumidifier

A whole house dehumidifier is better for your home than individual room dehumidifiers. A whole house system treats all the air within your home. By removing excessive moisture in the air before it enters the air ducts and moves through your vents, everyone breathes easier in every corner of your home.

The impact of a whole house dehumidifier benefits your home, your energy usage, and, most notably, improves the air quality for your family’s health.

Protecting Your Home

Benefits of a whole house dehumidifier impacts the well-being of your home by preventing mold growth, wood rot and eliminating musty smell. Excess humidity can create issues within the ducts and cause undo wear on air conditioner and furnace components. When you control humidity in your home, you help prevent repairs to the structure and expensive appliances.

Energy Usage

Dry environments are more comfortable during the spring and summer months. When you reduce humidity to the ideal level, air temperature can often be adjusted. Adjusting your thermostat to a higher temperature and running your air conditioner less frequently may lower your energy bill.

Health Benefits of Dehumidifiers

The health of your family is one of the most important reasons to install a dehumidifier into your home. Drier air is healthier for family members who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Reducing mildew and mold is an obvious benefit. Using a dehumidifier may reduce the pests and dust mites that prefer moisture in the air.

Installing a Dehumidifier with Poston Brothers Heating and Cooling

Poston Brothers can help make an immediate impact on the comfort of your home. Instead of struggling with excessive moisture in your home, contact us for expert advice.

Our experts will guide you through every step from consultation to installation. To learn more about reducing moisture buildup in your home and for any services including air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality contact Poston Brothers today.

Servicing your furnace is the best method to protect your home, reduce utility bills and avoid costly repairs. Regular maintenance of your furnace improves air quality, enhances comfort, maximizes the lifespan of your system and protects against breakdown during the coldest months. Your furnace protects your home against extreme weather. Professional maintenance is invaluable for a number of reasons.

Many people think that as long as their heat kicks on, that they can skip yearly maintenance. However, the team at Poston Brothers explains why you should not skip your annual maintenance.

When Is the Best Time to Schedule Maintenance?

In Kentucky, it is best to service your gas furnace once a year, ideally in the late summer or early fall. Because Poston Brothers service many furnaces throughout the area, you might find that when you call us to schedule your furnace inspection we might not be able to see you for a few months. This is because our calendars fill up fast, so the sooner you call us to schedule your furnace maintenance, the sooner we’ll be able to see you.

You’ll also want to maintain your air conditioning unit annually as well. Annual inspections on both systems keep them running reliably throughout the season and when done by qualified HVAC technicians, they will keep your system’s warranty valid. Many manufacturer’s warranties require that systems are maintained properly, which can help make repairs more affordable.

What is Done During the Annual Maintenance Appointment?

Hiring the HVAC technicians at Poston Brothers to perform a heating tune-up will ensure your system runs at peak performance all season long.

According to Energy Star, the following should be included in a yearly heating tune-up:

• Checking and inspecting the condensate drain. A clogged condensate drain can negatively affect indoor humidity levels and even cause water damage in your home.
• Tightening electrical connections.
• Checking thermostat settings.
• Lubricating all moving parts. Parts that aren’t lubricated can cause motor friction while increasing electricity usage.
• Checking all system controls. This includes the starting cycle to ensure the furnace starts, operates, and shuts down properly.
• Checking gas connections, gas pressure, heat exchanger, and burner combustion

What Can Furnace Maintenance Help With?

When you call a qualified heating technician to perform furnace maintenance for your home, you’ll notice a number of benefits right away.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

During maintenance, your system will be cleaned which will eliminate pet dander, mold, mildew, and bacteria from the furnace system. Removing these contaminants reduces allergy, and asthma symptoms and provides the best air quality within your home. Your HVAC technician will also change your air filter which will help keep these contaminants from polluting your system.

Enhanced Comfort

Comfort begins by optimizing the performance of your furnace. Failing components, leaks and other issues strain your furnace. When our experts perform maintenance, they immediately address the minor issues that can affect airflow and prevent your home from reaching set temperature. Maintenance enhances the comfort in your home, protects your furnace against unnecessary wear and may even keep your utility bills low even when temperatures drop.

Maximize the Lifespan of Your System

Since your furnace is one of the most important and expensive components in your home, you want to make sure you get the most out of it. Many furnaces will perform efficiently for 15 years, and HVAC system maintenance from the professionals at Poston Brothers help extend the life of your system as long as possible. By performing maintenance before the cold months, our team can advise when aging units should be replaced.

Protect Against Breakdown

There is nothing more stressful or dangerous than a furnace breaking down during frigid winter temperatures. Diagnosing minor issues during annual furnace inspections helps catch minor problems before major issues shut down your furnace. Fixing minor issues is typically far less expensive during maintenance than fixing a broken furnace.

Poston Brothers Makes Scheduling Furnace Maintenance Simple

Poston Brothers is dedicated to keeping your family warm and safe. Schedule heating services in Burlington, KY, and the surrounding Northern Kentucky area by scheduling an appointment online today! Poston Brothers Heating and Cooling is dedicated to your comfort!

When you own an older home, you may find that it did not come with ductwork installed. While you enjoy the aesthetic feel of the home, it probably is very stuff and uncomfortable without ductwork or a modern HVAC system. And it’s not just old homes that commonly suffer from a lack of ductwork. Many homes have sunrooms, attic spaces, new additions or separate structures like garages and sheds that often lack air ducts. To add cooling to these spaces, you might consider working with your current central air conditioning system to cool these rooms, but that often comes with a hefty cost.

Cooling a home without air ducts is accomplished using a ductless mini-split system. The distinct advantages of ductless cooling systems continue to increase demand and enthusiasm for Poston Brothers’ expert services. These systems provide an affordable way to make any room as comfortable as a room with central air conditioning, but without ductwork.

What is a Mini-Split?

Mini-splits consist of one or more air handlers mounted to the wall, floor, or ceiling. These units are connected to an outdoor compressor. Since they do not require ductwork, they are less invasive and more efficient than central HVAC systems. Far quieter than window units, mini-split units provide cooling in warmer months. When paired with a heat pump, a ductless system can also provide heating during the winter months.

Some ductless systems can accommodate up to eight units to cool an entire home. Each zone can be customized to provide better temperature control around the house. This can help save on energy costs. With central air, one AC unit works to cool the entire house. However, with zones, you can turn off the air conditioning in unoccupied rooms to save energy.

With remote and smart home integration, mini-splits are rapidly becoming an ideal solution for heating and cooling demands in Northern Kentucky.

What are the Key Benefits of Mini-Splits?

Many people are familiar with the concept of central air, but can a ductless system provide the same level of comfort? You might be surprised how many benefits you’ll experience when you have a ductless mini-split system installed.

Scalable

Professional installation begins with an assessment of your home. Individual mini-split units can be combined to control zones throughout your home. Our experts match the right unit to your space. Often, a mini-split is used to boost existing cooling equipment in specific areas. That drafty home office or sun-soaked attic can benefit from a single unit.

Energy Efficient

Expert installation of a ductless system improves energy efficiency. Installing a central air unit that is the wrong size may result in short cycling. This wastes energy, alters temperature and humidity control, and may even damage the system. This is often why you can’t just add ductwork to your home when you add an addition without purchasing a new central AC system. Your current central air system will not able able to effectively cool the whole house with the added space. Plus, you’ll need more ductwork installed in your home to reach the rooms you want to cool. Ductwork itself has many flaws. For example, ductwork accounts for more than 30% of energy consumption for forced air systems. Without ducts, our team installs mini-splits with efficiency in mind.

Versatile

Without ductwork, ductless systems can be located in the best locations for your needs. Expert installation makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of the building while locating the compressor in a more inconspicuous location on the outside.

Secure

Professionally installed ductless systems maintain the security of your home. Windows are left sealed when mini-split units are installed in place of window units. A ductless mini split system is also easy to install. With not ductwork needed, an HVAC system technician needs to drill a hole to run a conduit between your air handler and outdoor unit. This is a much simpler process than running ductwork throughout an existing home.

Count on Poston Brothers for Professional Mini-Split Installation

Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling offers professional installation and service for ductless systems. Whether you need a whole house solution or supplementing a unique space, call us today to talk more about your best solution or to schedule installation!

When shopping for a new air conditioning unit, many homeowners are concerned with how long different systems can be expected to last. What is the average life of a central air conditioning system? What can homeowners do to extend the unit’s service life, and what issues can cause it to fail sooner than expected? Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling has the answers!

What Is the Average Life of a Central Air Conditioning System?

According to Energy.gov, central air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years. However, this is only an average life expectancy for these units. The actual lifespan of your central air conditioner could be shorter or longer than expected. There are numerous factors that can impact what is the average life of a central air conditioning system, both positively and negatively.

How Can Homeowners Extend Their Air Conditioner’s Life?

Now that you know the average life of a central air conditioning system, let’s talk about how to keep your air conditioning unit running as long as possible. There are many factors that can influence how long your system lasts.

• One of the most important things you can do to extend your air conditioner’s lifespan is to hire a qualified HVAC professional to install it for you. Proper sizing and installation can help avoid many common problems that can shorten the life of your system.
• You should also change your air filter on a regular basis. A clogged air filter can cause the system to work harder, leading to overheating and stress on the air conditioner.
• Take steps to ensure good airflow through the home. Seal any duct leaks, seal any air leaks around windows and doors, and keep all vents open and clear. Taking these steps will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and reduce the chances of it failing prematurely.

Do Central Air Conditioning Systems Need to Be Serviced?

Central air conditioners definitely require professional services over the years if you want to keep them running well and preserve their function and condition. It’s important to stay on track with regular maintenance needs and prioritize any cooling system repairs that are needed.

Professional maintenance service is often called a tune-up, and regular tune-ups have been directly linked to extending the average life of a central air conditioning system. During an air conditioner maintenance tune-up, the technician will check all of the parts of your AC system to make sure they’re in good shape. They’ll also clean it and take care of any small problems that could turn into bigger ones if left unchecked.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for any warning signs that may indicate your system is in need of repair service. If you notice your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it used to, is making strange noises, or is leaking water, it’s time to call in a professional for repairs. Failing to do so could lead to more system damage as well as bigger problems down the line, and may cause your system to fail prematurely.

How Often Should a Central Air Conditioning System Be Serviced?

Most central air conditioning units require one professional maintenance tune-up each year. This service should preferably be performed in the spring before the start of the cooling season. Doing so ensures all components are in good working order ahead of time to protect against damage and breakdowns once you need to use the air conditioner.

Repair services for air conditioners should be scheduled as soon as performance problems are detected. Whenever you notice signs of discomfort, poor energy efficiency, or other central air conditioner issues, call for repairs right away.

What Issues Can Cause an Air Conditioner to Fail Prematurely?

There are a few different things that can cause an air conditioning unit to fail prematurely.

• One of the most common issues is a lack of air conditioner maintenance throughout the years.
• Failing to change your air filters or clean your outdoor unit can lead to decreased performance and eventually, a failed compressor.
• Refrigerant leaks are another common cause of premature failure for air conditioners
• Another issue that can cause an air conditioner to fail is over usage by turning the thermostat down too low or failing to set the programmable thermostat properly.
• Airflow restrictions can also be a problem, caused by dirty air filters, blocked outdoor units, duct leaks, and closed registers in the house. When there isn’t enough airflow, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to early failure.

Professional Help to Extend Air Conditioner Lifespan

What is the average life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 to 20 years, but there are many factors that can impact how long your actual unit stays in service. Scheduling routine maintenance can help identify and address small issues before they become bigger problems. Having repair service performed when issues are detected prevents extensive damage and protects the air conditioner.

Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling helps Burlington, KY homeowners maximize central air conditioner lifespan with expert installation, maintenance, and repair services. Contact us today to learn more!

Most people don’t give much thought to their thermostat. They set it and then go about their day, unaware of how much they actually depend on the device in their home. The type of thermostat you choose to install impacts comfort, HVAC efficiency, and so much more. Today, we take a look at programmable vs smart thermostats to see which will help you determine which one is right for your needs.

Thermostat Choices

Programmable and smart thermostats are the two most popular options when it comes to controlling your home’s heating and cooling system. Before we discuss the programmable vs smart thermostats debate, let us first introduce you to these HVAC products.

Programmable Thermostats

With a programmable thermostat, you set the temperature in advance of when you want the heat or air conditioning unit to turn on. Setting the temperature of your home for the week in advance can save you energy and money.

For example, if you’re going to be out of the house at work during the day, you can program your heating and cooling system to turn off when you’ll be leaving and come on later in the day so your home reaches the desired temperature by the time you arrive home. You can choose from different types of programmable thermostats that fit your lifestyle. If you are away from home from Monday to Friday, you can set the thermostat so your heating and cooling system won’t work unnecessarily.

Some programmable models of thermostats even connect to the home’s Wi-Fi so you can access the thermostat and change temperatures from almost anywhere! Most programmable thermostats have digital displays, and some come with full-color display panels that can share other data about the weather or your HVAC system’s performance.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats offer enhanced HVAC energy efficiency because they can learn your habits and make heating and cooling adjustments on their own. It tracks patterns of behavior and adjusts the use of your HVAC system to these patterns automatically. Paired with sensors, they have the ability to detect when someone enters or leaves a room, as well as the ability to adjust the temperature to a predetermined setting upon entry or exit.

Additionally, some smart models can sense whether anyone is home or the house is unoccupied to either operate the HVAC system or conserve power when no one is around, which ultimately helps save on energy bills. Geofencing features can detect your location and adjust heating and cooling use for your arrival or departure.

Smart thermostat technology can also keep track of your home’s energy use, allowing you to monitor the efficiency of your HVAC system. You have access to reports showing your energy usage over time which can help you make further energy-saving adjustments at home. Receive maintenance reminders so you can always keep your HVAC system in good shape and maintain its efficiency.

These Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats can be controlled remotely with your smartphone, tablet, or computer, making them very convenient. Using Wi-Fi data and outdoor sensors, they may track weather conditions to further optimize the temperature in the home.

Smart Thermostat vs Programmable Thermostat Options

Deciding between a programmable or smart thermostat is a personal choice for many homeowners. Here are some important points to consider as you make the choice between programmable and smart thermostats.

• The programmable thermostat option is the first option most homeowners consider, and for good reason. They’re cheaper on average, and they’re far more common. A programmable thermostat will let you set an on/off schedule for your home’s temperature based on your daily routine. Various programming options are available to fit your household’s scheduling needs. Wi-Fi-connected models also allow remote temperature changes in case you need to make an adjustment while away from home.
• If you’re looking to stay ahead of the trends in the smart home, you have to make sure that you’re using the right devices to automate tasks. While smart thermostats are a bit more expensive than their programmable counterparts, they’re definitely worth it if you’re looking to save money or have more control over your air conditioning and heating. The temperature automation provided by a smart thermostat is unmatched. Different models also come with various features that further improve household energy efficiency as well as help you best care for your HVAC equipment.

Call Poston Brothers for Professional Thermostat Installation

No matter your decision when it comes to which thermostat is right for your home, it’s important to have the thermostat you choose installed by a professional. Professional installation ensures your new thermostat is compatible with your home’s HVAC system and that the thermostat will communicate correctly with the heating and cooling equipment to maximize energy savings.

Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling offers professional installation and service for smart and programmable thermostats. Call us today to talk more about smart thermostat vs programmable thermostat choices or to schedule installation!

A whole-house ventilation system is an important part of any home. It helps keep your indoor air quality high and can help improve your energy efficiency. In this blog post, Poston Brothers will discuss what a whole-house ventilation system is, how it works, and some reasons why you may need one. We will also cover the different types of whole-house ventilation systems that are available on the market today.

What Is a Whole-House Ventilation System?

Most people are familiar with the basic concept of ventilation – it’s just a way of moving air around, right? A whole-house ventilation system is a key component to ensuring your home receives proper ventilation with a supply of fresh air while exhausting indoor air.

A whole-home ventilation system provides a way to supply incoming air to the home and for stale air to be exhausted. The system is made up of fans, vents, and ducts that work together to exchange indoor and outdoor air. As it operates, the fan draws fresh air into the ductwork and circulates it to the home’s living areas, which exhaust air out through the vents.

The work done by a whole-house ventilation system ensures a fresh stream of clean and healthy air round the clock. Their use can help you improve the indoor air quality in your home by removing pollutants and controlling humidity levels, and helping your heating and cooling systems operate more efficiently throughout the year. A whole-house ventilation system can be used in conjunction with other HVAC systems, such as furnaces and air conditioners, to further improve the home’s indoor comfort conditions.

Could Your Home Benefit from Better Ventilation?

Proper ventilation is essential for great comfort in any home. However, many homes do not have adequate ventilation, and as a result, households can suffer from a variety of problems.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 35 percent of the home’s total air volume should be changed over each hour. If you’re not sure if your home is receiving adequate air changes and lacks sufficient ventilation, here are a few key signs to look for.

• Condensation and moisture on windows and other surfaces
• The home feels stuffy and humid
• Mold growth in the home
• Odors tend to linger indoors
• Excessive dust accumulation
• Poor airflow throughout the house
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining comfortable temperatures
• Those with allergies or asthma experience more symptoms indoors
• Household members experience headaches or cold-like symptoms at home

Types of Whole House Ventilation Systems

There are several types of whole-house ventilation systems that can be used to improve the air flow in your home and put a stop to the problems mentioned above. The four main types of whole-house ventilation systems include:

• Exhaust: Exhaust ventilation systems for your entire house use exhaust fans to depressurize the home. By doing so, the system pushes the home’s existing air out of the structure. Fresh air makes its way into the residence through passive vents and air leaks throughout the home.
• Supply: Supply systems have a fan that pressurizes the home to force fresh air from outdoors into the home. The existing air supply is then pushed out of the structure through air leaks, range hood ducts, and vents.
• Balanced: Balanced ventilation systems have a supply fan and exhaust system fan as well as two duct systems to equally exhaust stale indoor air and supply fresh air.
• Energy Recovery: An energy recovery whole-house ventilation system uses special equipment to capture energy as it exhausts stale air and uses that energy to condition the fresh air brought into the home.

Is a Whole House Ventilation System Right for You?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in your home, you may benefit from having exhaust or supply systems installed. Call Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling today to request an estimate on a whole-house ventilation system.

A malfunctioning heat pump can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, make your home feel uncomfortable, and even damage the HVAC system. If you notice your heat pump is not blowing cold air into your home, it’s important to take some steps to troubleshoot the problem. Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling walks you through troubleshooting a heat pump not blowing cold air as well as what problems require professional help to fix.

Check the Air Filter

The first thing you should check if your heat pump is not blowing cold air is the system’s air filter. A dirty air filter restricts air coming from the blower and it may feel like you don’t receive cool air from the vents in the home. To check, remove the existing filter and look to see if its surface is completely full of dirt, dust, and other debris. If so, replace the filter with a fresh one. You can buy air filters at most hardware stores.

Check the Thermostat

Another heat pump troubleshooting tip you can try when your heat pump is not blowing cold air is to check your thermostat settings. Make sure the thermostat is set to the cooling mode and that the fan is set to AUTO (so it only cycles with the heat pump and doesn’t blow out warm air in between cycles). If you still feel like you have a heat pump not cooling, lower the temperature by a few degrees to see if cool air is produced and the room temperature becomes cooler.

Clean the Coils

One common reason a heat pump system may not be blowing cold air is because of a build-up of debris on the outdoor condenser coils. The common debris you can find on these coils could be anything from leaves and twigs to insects and pests. When debris accumulates, it can restrict the coils’ ability to release heat – a necessary part of the cooling process.

If you’re experiencing this issue, your best bet is to turn off your heat pump and take a look at the outdoor unit yourself. You can turn off the heat pump at the power switch or at the circuit breaker. If the coils appear dirty, it’s best to schedule a maintenance tune-up to have them cleaned by an HVAC technician. Clean away all debris from the outer fins of your heat pump to keep dirt and grime away from the coils as much as possible.

When to Call a Professional

When you find the heat pump not cooling your home, another heat pump troubleshooting tip you can try before calling a professional. However, not all issues can be fixed so simply and some require solutions performed by an HVAC technician. Common heat pump problems that should be addressed only by a professional HVAC technician include:

• Low Refrigerant: Low refrigerant levels can prevent the heat pump from working correctly. Frozen coils can also be a sign of this problem. A technician will find and repair any leaks causing your heat pump to lose refrigerant and recharge the unit with the proper volume of refrigerant for efficient operation.
• Reversing Valve Issues: The reversing valve is responsible for the direction of the unit’s operation, so if it’s not working properly, the heat pump won’t be able to cool your home correctly. If the reversing valve is stuck and running your system as if it is heating the home, this may be why you have a heat pump not blowing cold air. A technician can repair or replace this component.

Call Poston Brothers for Heat Pump Repair

No matter your heat pump problems, whether your heat pump is blowing hot air or your heat pump isn’t working correctly at all, you can count on the team at Poston Brothers for heat pump repairs in the Burlington, KY. Try some of our troubleshooting tips first to see if you can solve the problem on your own. But not every problem is fixable without the help of a professional technician, and that’s when you can call Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling for heat pump repairs. Schedule an appointment today.

While the exact month will vary according to climate, spring is the ideal time to perform air conditioner maintenance. Ideally, an air conditioner should be completely inspected, cleaned, and prepped for the cooling season just before you turn the system on for the first time. Air conditioning maintenance includes caring for the outdoor AC unit, the indoor air handler, the thermostat, and your ventilation system. In this article, Poston Brothers examines why spring is the best time to maintain your air conditioner and what to expect during your annual service. We will also explain the benefits of air conditioning maintenance and the benefits of having your air conditioner maintenance done by a professional HVAC technician.

3 Reasons to Perform Air Conditioner Maintenance in Spring

The mild temperatures of springtime mark the end of the heating season but in Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio, there are usually a few weeks of comfortable weather before you want to turn your air conditioning on for the first time. This creates the perfect opportunity for caring for your central air conditioner.

1. Safe Operation – The dormant months can be hard on both the outdoor AC unit and the indoor system. Temperature and moisture can damage components. Excessive dust and contaminants can also collect in the system. A thorough inspection confirms all electrical connections as well as refrigerant components are in a safe condition.
2. Protect the HVAC Unit – Air conditioners are a major investment for any homeowner. During the winter, dirt, debris, and even pests can collect in the outdoor unit. Cleaning the unit and checking all of the components protects the integrity of the unit. AC tune-ups performed before the unit starts will remove foreign debris and makes certain the air conditioning system works properly throughout the summer.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality – Seasonal allergies can surge in the spring. In northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area, airborne allergens can clog air ducts and lead to dirty filters. Regular maintenance of the indoor air handler will catch problems early and make sure the evaporator coil is clean.
4. Reduce Risk of Breakdown – By making sure all systems function effectively before the start of the season, AC maintenance reduces the risk of repairs and issues within your HVAC system later in the summer.
5. Optimize Performance – An affordable tune-up helps to reduce wasted energy costs. Dirty systems work harder to cool your home. Longer running cycles lead to higher energy bills. A clean filter and properly adjusted systems improve the air conditioning performance and efficiency all season long.

Professional AC Maintenance Versus DIY Tune-Up

There are some chores in Spring that are practical to do yourself including yard work, painting, gardening, and preparing the backyard for summer barbecues. When it comes to AC services, it may be best to schedule maintenance with a trusted local professional. When you form a relationship with your HVAC contractor like Poston Brothers, you gain some key benefits.

• Expertise and Experience – Professional technicians are trained and N.A.T.E. certified. They have the expertise and experience to fully inspect and address issues within your system. Finding minor issues with condenser coils not only saves on monthly energy, but a thorough inspection can also add years of service life to your equipment. In the Spring, most HVAC companies offer maintenance specials and special discounts.
• Safety – Air conditioning units can be dangerous to work on, especially if you don’t have the proper tools and training. While homeowners should be familiar with replacing a clogged filter and adjusting their programmable thermostat, refrigerants and condensate drains can be tasked outside most homeowners’ skillset.
• Proper Equipment – The necessary maintenance required for air conditioners each spring requires specialized tools. Professional technicians have the equipment to diagnose and repair issues with modern AC units. They also have access to the correct replacement parts to keep your system running properly.
• Comprehensive Service – Professional air conditioning maintenance includes a comprehensive inspection. Having your cooling system tuned up by a professional HVAC technician ensures all components of the unit are working well.
• Warranty Protection – One of the primary differences between professional AC maintenance and a DIY tune-up is warranty coverage. If your AC unit is still under warranty, performing DIY maintenance is likely to void the warranty. Manufacturers work with authorized dealers to offer years of warranty coverage.

• Time and Convenience – When you schedule maintenance, the hard work is done. Air conditioning maintenance can be time-consuming and complex. Hiring a professional technician saves you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on enjoying the longer days and warmer weather.

When to Contact Your HVAC Contractor

It’s ideal if you can have this service performed before the weather heats up and it becomes necessary to run your air conditioner throughout the day. To make sure your annual AC tune-up is done before the weather gets too hot, contacting to make your appointment in the early spring is the best. In many cases, once you find a trusted local HVAC expert, you can join a membership club that automatically registers you for annual tune-ups.

At Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling, our goal is to build lifelong relationships with our customers. Our team works extremely hard to provide exceptional value and high-quality service. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget or put off scheduling maintenance as temperatures steadily increase each day. Although we recommend spring as the best time to have maintenance services performed, we can still provide you with tune-ups well into the summer.

If you need a bit more motivation, here are a few key reasons you want to take advantage of this timing for your AC maintenance appointments, as doing so will help you save money and stay comfortable.

Quick Response

Do you hate waiting weeks between calling for service and the date of your actual appointment? When you schedule air conditioner maintenance early in the season, you likely won’t have to wait long at all! Due to milder temperatures this time of year, homeowners are rarely using their heating and cooling equipment so HVAC companies typically aren’t busy and can take care of your cooling system maintenance needs quickly.

Better Efficiency

AC maintenance in the spring makes it possible for you to run a well-oiled machine from the start of the cooling season to its final days. When you make sure your air conditioner receives a professional tune-up ahead of summer, your system receives the essential care and services needed to improve the air conditioner’s efficiency and performance. Wear and tear from last season are erased so that your air conditioner functions at peak levels. With an air conditioner in such good shape on the first hot day of the year, you can rest assured your energy bills won’t skyrocket.

Breakdowns are Less Likely

The last thing you want to experience this summer is a cooling system failure that leads to costly repairs and time without cool air. Spring air conditioning maintenance works to lower the likelihood of needing ac repairs during the hottest days of the summer. When a technician is able to service your system ahead of use season, any malfunctions present can be spotted and corrected before you go turning on your ac system. Operating an air conditioner with certain flaws or malfunctions present can cause the problem to grow, leading to a lot more damage and it may even destroy your system to the point of a breakdown.

Comprehensive Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Your owner’s manual will provide some basic guidelines for a professional tune-up, but you will also want to verify your HVAC contractor goes beyond the basics and does a comprehensive service including:

• Checking the Thermostat – Thermostats are the brains of your HVAC system. During a tune-up technicians verify the system is working properly and holding the correct temperature. Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats can save you hundreds of dollars every year in unnecessary energy consumption.
• Inspecting the Air Filter – The air filter will be inspected and either cleaned or replaced if necessary. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the AC unit to work harder. You can also learn how to replace your air filter monthly to improve energy use.
• Checking Electrical Connections – Checking hardware, wiring, and tightening electrical connections to preventing electrical damage and corrosion.
• Lubricating Moving Parts – Moving parts, such as the fan motor, pulleys, and other parts will be lubricated and sealed systems will be tested for signs of wear.
• Inspecting The Condenser and Evaporator Coils – Inspecting and cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils improves energy use. Cracked and damaged coils can lead to refrigerant leaks.
• Checking Refrigerant Levels – Low refrigerant levels can cause the AC unit to work harder. Leaks in lines the rest of the system may require a recharge.
• Inspecting the Condensate Drain – Cleaning the condensate drain and clearing any clogs avoids water damage and mold growth.
• Checking the Fan Motor and Blades – The fan motor and blades should be unobstructed and clean.
• Testing the Start and Run Capacitors – Running the system tests that capacitors and other major components are functioning properly.

Contact Poston Brothers for Air Conditioning Maintenance

Spring air conditioning maintenance works to protect your home’s HVAC equipment while keeping energy bills low and keeping your family cool once summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to schedule your regular maintenance for your air conditioner. Call Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling today to make an appointment for your spring air conditioner tune-up.