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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Archives for January 2021

Have You had Your Air Ducts Cleaned? Here’s How to Do it Properly

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While there is no way of replacing a professional duct cleaning service, you can still do a few things that will help your AC system deliver fresh, clean air to your home.

There’s a reason so many specialists insist on properly maintaining your air conditioning unit. An appliance that is well taken care of will have a long lifespan and will be more energy-efficient. Not to mention, it will ensure that the air you are breathing is clean.

We know it’s an intimidating task. It can be tough to reach and clean this large system of ducts and air vents. Understandably, you want to leave that to a professional team that uses specialized equipment to reach those tight places.

But, there are some areas that you can clean by yourself. It is not a bad idea to keep them clear, as long as you do it properly.

Why You Should Get Your Ducts Cleaned

Vacuum and wipe the ducts to eliminate all the dust and debris that has been deposited on their walls over time. All these particles – dust, mites, animal fur – can linger in your home and affect your health. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, for example, these irritants will worsen your symptoms. Cleaning your ducts will keep the air in your home safe to breathe and your family healthy.

Another important reason you should get the ducts cleaned is to protect your air conditioner unit by maintaining the airflow at a normal level and not choking the motors and ventilators with too much debris. Consequently, your electricity will be used efficiently, and you won’t be paying extra for the effort made by a dirty unit.

How to Clean Your Ducts at Home

While there is no way of replacing a company’s full duct cleaning service, you can still do a few things that will help your AC system deliver fresh, clean air to your home all the time. Make sure to remove your wall registers and wash them with hot, soapy water during your weekly cleaning. While they are drying, clean as much as you can from the ducts inside with a vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment. You can also use a stiff bristle brush to dislodge dust from the duct walls.

Next, replace the furnace filter with a new one. You will notice a difference in the amount of dust that will get into your home right away.

What Will a Professional Duct Cleaning Service Do?

As much as you try, you won’t reach all the areas in the duct system. Unfortunately, your tools and equipment are not built for this job. A professional team will use an industrial vacuum cleaner and a long hose that reaches deep into the duct system. They will also check for malfunctions and perform other maintenance operations while they are working on your ducts.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Common Furnace Problems that You May Face this Winter

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By knowing what some of these common issues are, you can take proactive steps to prevent them.

Every homeowner knows that they will experience an issue with their heater eventually. Even if you have your system inspected and maintained annually, your furnace is a piece of equipment that may need to be repaired at some point.

Many people call furnace repair experts during cold winter months because of a problem with their heating system. By knowing what some of these common issues are, you can take proactive steps to prevent them.

Common Furnace Problems

Your furnace may need repairs or replacing for many different reasons. From a broken thermostat to replacing the filters, keeping your heater running doesn’t need to be a mystery. Here are some of the problems you may face this winter:

  • Pilot control or electric ignition issues – A faulty pilot or ignition can make it difficult to heat your home. Drafts, clogs, or thermocouple problems in the appliance may result in an unlit pilot light.
  • Malfunctioning thermostat – A faulty thermostat can lead to issues with the fan and comfort levels.
  • Furnace not heating at all – If you turn on your heater and the air is blowing, but it’s not warm, there may be issues with the power, gas, pilot lights, or thermostat.
  • Frequent cycling – If your system is cycling between the on and off modes, it may indicate a clogged filter, bad airflow, or a faulty thermostat.
  • The furnace doesn’t heat enough – If the filter is clogged or if it’s the wrong size, your furnace may not produce enough heat.
  • The blower continuously runs – A problem with the bower may indicate an issue with the limit switch, which may need to be replaced.
  • The furnace is too noisy – Squeaking, rumbling, and rattling noises are not normal. These sounds may mean there’s a mechanical problem, airflow reductions, or a clogged burner.

Advice for Furnace Repairs

If you are experiencing one of these issues, you can try a few things before calling in the HVAC professionals. First, check your air filters. They may simply need to be changed. While it’s suggested that you change them every 3 months, many factors can make it necessary to change them more often. If you have one or more pets, or if you’ve had a lot of traffic through your house, you may need to change them every other month.

Another thing you can do is check your thermostat. Something as simple as needing new batteries can do the trick. If you’re still having issues, the problem is likely more serious, and you need to call in professionals.

St. Louis HVAC Repairs

If you have tried troubleshooting your furnace but it doesn’t solve your problem, contact an experienced HVAC contractor. Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC is one of the few heating and air conditioning companies in St. Louis that has a master technician and mechanical engineer as an owner. This fact, combined with our more than 30 years of experience gives us an advantage over our competition. We will service all types and repair all brands of furnaces. If you need a new system, trust us to help you determine which one will best fit your needs.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625