How do I know when to call a repairman?
Let's do some quick troubleshooting and see. Start by ensuring that your thermostat is set correctly to the heat or cool position, depending on the time of year. Then, turn the temperature up/down a few degrees to see if your unit kicks on inside the home. If you don't feel the right temperature air moving from your vents, then it's time to check the condenser outside.
If the outside unit is not running, then the last step is to check your fuse box and make sure you didn't trip a breaker. Give us a call if you can't get the outside unit to turn on. Also, the unit will have to be serviced if the outer coils appear "iced up"...this is likely due to low coolant levels.
On the other hand, if your outside condenser is operating correctly but you're not getting hot/cool air inside, then make sure that there's no leaves/debris against the coils to prevent air flow. Also make sure your indoor filters are clean; you should be able to see straight through a filter that's in good condition. Call us if the temperature does not improve within the next 30 minutes or so.
How does your appointment process work?
If you are having problems with your heating or A/C unit and the troubleshooting didn't help, then give us a call IMMEDIATELY to make an appointment. We always try our best to offer same-day service, but we can get very busy in the summer months once the temperatures get up into the high 90's. That's why you need to pick up the phone and call us right away; we handle all service calls on a first come, first served basis (except when there's sick or elderly involved).
On the phone call, we will get your name, address, and basic information about your air conditioner model and the issues it's having. We carry a wide variety of parts in our trucks, but giving us this information up front will ensure that we can likely take care of your needs in one visit. Whenever possible, we will also give you an estimate of the time we expect to arrive at your location.
After we arrive at your home of business, we will need someone to give us access to your outside condenser, your indoor handlers, your circuit breaker panel and the thermostat(s). We will then diagnose the problem and provide you with a price estimate before completing any work.
Is it worth it to have my A/C units serviced?
Let’s look at the math. The average home spends around $2,500 a year on electricity and about 45% of that is for heating and cooling. That makes your HVAC related power usage around $1,125 per year if you’re in an average-sized home. However, an A/C unit that’s properly serviced can operate at 20-45% greater efficiency levels…which can mean up to $506.25 in savings!
Here’s another thing to consider though; the average A/C unit or heat pump lasts around 15 years on average. Annual service will allow your unit to retain up to 95% efficiency and add a decade or more to its overall lifespan. So servicing your air conditioning unit is not only “worth it”, it’s the smart move as well!
Also, you can have your units serviced any time of year but here's a little tip for you. When it's a sunny 72 degrees here in the Upstate and everyone has their windows open, HVAC repairmen like me don't get too many service calls. So be sure to check my site in the Spring/Fall for tune-up specials! That way you're never stuck in a bind during the hottest/coldest months.
What if I need a new air conditioning unit?
You'll be pleased to know that we are certified Trane re-sellers and we can help you with everything from calculating the proper unit size to the actual installation. We chose to partner with Trane not only because they are the most reliable, longest-lasting units on the market, but also due to their excellent overall value. Other Gaffney air conditioning installers can save you a little bit of money up-front by selling you generic units with sub-par warranties, but in the long run these units actually end up costing a whole lot more between lost efficiency, more frequent repair and a shorter lifespan.
Additionally, adding or replacing central heat/air is a lot more affordable than you may expect. Today's standard units are 42-70% more efficient than models from just ten or fifteen years ago, which means that an upgrade can pay for itself very quickly. Upstate area residents may also be eligible for numerous rebates from Duke Energy and the Federal government on high efficiency models.
Should I consider a geothermal HVAC system?
Not all homes or businesses will be perfect candidates for geothermal HVAC since it requires some available land or access to an underground water source to properly operate. The initial expense is also higher because it is a very labor intensive. HOWEVER, there have been some amazing tax incentives in recent years that bring the price of geothermal down very close to traditional units. In some cases geothermal could actually be less expensive, and it's the most efficient way to heat and cool your property by a very wide margin.
How does geothermal work? We connect a series of pipes underground to make what's called an "Earth Loop". That loop taps into a well/spring that stays the same temperature year-round, and your home uses the Earth itself to produce heat and/or cool air. Geothermal can also replace hot water heaters and be used to heat swimming pools.
Call Buckshot Services Today!
(864) 812-1404