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It’s easy to ignore many parts of your home, especially the dryer and dryer vent. In fact, some homeowners may have gone years without having their dryer vent cleaned or inspected. Clogged vents can pose many issues. If you would like to learn more, check out these four benefits of dryer vent cleaning.

Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning

1. Reduces Risk of Dryer Fire

Any appliance that is poorly maintained may pose a danger, such as the risk of fire or electrocution. Dryers are notorious for fires. In fact, 2,900 dryer fires occur each year, resulting in an average of 5 deaths. About 34 percent of the time, the cause is neglecting to clean the dryer, including the vent.

You likely clean the lint from the lint trap, but lint traps are far from perfect and small bits of lint can slip past the trap. Eventually, lint builds up in the vent that releases hot air from the dryer to the outside. Some people try to prevent this by installing a wire screen over the wall damper, but this can worsen the problem by trapping more lint to create a clog.

Regardless of the reason, clogged dryer vents can cause heat to build up in the dryer, increasing the risk of a fire. In addition, lint is incredibly flammable, further increasing the risk of the fire hazard, or for the fire to worsen.

2. Boosts the Dryer’s Efficiency

Your dryer uses a lot of energy to get your clothes nice and dry. Therefore, you want it to be as efficient as possible to save energy and prevent higher energy bills. There are many small things you can do to boost your dryer’s efficiency such as keeping the lint trap cleaned. However, one of the best ways to boost your dryer’s efficiency is to get the dryer exhaust vent cleaned.

For most homes, experts recommend having your vent inspected and cleaned at least once a year, but if you live with lots of people or do a lot of laundry, twice a year may be best. During a good cleaning, an expert can check for anything else that may be causing dryer vent clogs, such as animal nests. You can tell your dryer is losing efficiency if it starts to take multiple cycles to dry your clothes.

Naturally, if you keep the dryer vent clean, it takes less time to dry your clothes, which can save you hours on laundry days. Plus, the faster the system dries clothes, the less energy it uses.

3. Lowers the Risk of Moisture

Dryers generate a lot of heat, but they also are exposed to lots of water. A regular load of wet clothing and laundry can produce two to three gallons of water that needs to be expelled via the vent. If you have a clogged vent that is full of lint, there will be a higher risk of moisture build-up inside the vent. In addition, the clog prevents the moisture from escaping, so it heads back to the dryer.

All of this moisture can lead to many problems. In most cases, it will increase the risk of mold or mildew inside the system, which can damage clothes or cause clothing odors. Plus, the mold and mildew spores can get into the air and cause allergies or breathing problems.

Keeping your vent clean may be the only solution but ask your technician about the length of your vent too. Vents that are too long or have lots of bends are at a higher risk of developing issues like clogs and moisture.

4. Fewer Repairs and Increased Lifespan

Dirty dryer vents cause dryers to work harder to properly perform their job, leading to premature wear and tear and eventually a higher risk of breakdowns. This ultimately leads to costly repairs or even dryer replacement.

A typical dryer lasts about 10 to 12 years. Having the dryer vent professionally cleaned on a regular basis will keep your dryer operating more efficiently, delay having to buy a new unit and save on expensive repairs costs.

Contact Edelman for Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

Even if you clean your lint trap before every load, you may have lint buildup in the dryer vent, which can increase the risk of fire, reduce efficiency, and worsen allergens. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about dryer vent cleaning, contact us at Edelman today.

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Whether you are moving into a new home or upgrading your existing heating and cooling solution, you have a lot of options to choose from. No HVAC system is perfect for every home, so you will need to consider several factors before deciding which system to install next. Here is an overview of four different types of residential HVAC systems.

Different Types of Residential HVAC Systems

1. Central Heating and Air 

Central heating and air is still the most popular option in modern homes. These heating and cooling systems consist of an indoor furnace, blower, and condenser coils and an outdoor condenser unit. Central heat and air is the first solution that most homeowners will consider to evenly heat and cool an entire home of any size.

Central heat and air conditioning systems are still so popular because they’re easy to install in any home with existing ductwork. The easy installation also means that you will usually pay less upfront to install central heat and air than you would for other systems. However, other types of HVAC systems available today can be significantly more energy-efficient, so central heat and air may cost more over the long term in monthly bills.

2. Hybrid Heat Pump Split Systems 

Although you may think from the name that a heat pump is just an alternative to a furnace, heat pumps are actually capable of both heating and cooling. Heat pumps move heat around to warm or cool your home instead of heating or cooling air directly. These systems rely on drawing heat from outdoors, so they do not have the same heating capacity as a furnace in very cold weather.

Because of this limitation, hybrid heat pump split systems were developed. A hybrid system features a heat pump as well as an electric or fuel-burning furnace. When the heat pump can no longer meet the heating demand of your home, the furnace takes over. This method of adapting to your heating needs makes hybrid systems a very energy-efficient option.

If you live in a particularly cold climate that commonly reaches freezing temperatures, there may not be a cost-benefit to installing a hybrid system, as you will be relying on the furnace most of the time. And no matter where you live, you should expect to pay more upfront for a hybrid system than a traditional central heating and air system.

3. Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps 

Ductless mini-split heat pump systems are the premier option for zone-cooling your home. An air handler is installed in each room with a conduit that runs to an outdoor condenser instead of a duct. Ductless conduits take up much less space than ductwork, so they can be installed in even the smallest homes.

Because most HVAC system energy loss occurs due to warm air or cool air leaking from ductwork, ductless systems deliver unparalleled energy efficiency. You can increase your energy savings even more with zone heating and cooling since you only have to run the air handler in the rooms you are using. Because they rely solely on a heat pump, however, they may not be suitable for very cold climates.

4. Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning 

If you live in a home that is particularly small or lacking utility space, you may not have room for an indoor unit. A packaged system could be exactly the answer you’re looking for. With the furnace and air conditioner installed in the same outdoor housing, no heating or cooling system has a smaller footprint in your home than a packaged system.

Many contractors will provide lower service rates to homes with packaged heating and air since all components that need to be serviced are in one easily accessible place. Some homeowners may want to consider the effect this system will have on their home’s appearance though since the housing must be installed on an outer wall or the roof of your home.

Contact Edelman for Installation of a New HVAC System

Installing a new HVAC system is a large investment, so it’s important to choose a system that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Keep these tips in mind, and contact the heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality experts at Edelman so we can help you find the best HVAC system for your home.

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If your air conditioner is no longer cooling properly, one of the first problems you should consider is a low refrigerant level. Without enough refrigerant, your air conditioner won’t be able to remove heat from the air inside your home.

In addition to poor cooling capacity, a low refrigerant level is often accompanied by a few other telltale symptoms. Here are four signs that your air conditioner may be in need of a refrigerant recharge.

1. AC That Runs Too Long

Regardless of how much refrigerant is left inside your air conditioner, it will still try to run until your home reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. When your AC is low enough on refrigerant that it doesn’t cool your home at all, this could even mean that it will run indefinitely. Always keep an eye on how long your AC runs before you shut it off, as excessive run time could mean your unit needs service.

There are other potential causes for long air conditioner run times, so low refrigerant isn’t always to blame. For example, a clogged HVAC air filter can limit airflow through your system and force it to run longer to deliver the same amount of air. You should consider long run times to be an early warning sign of low refrigerant, but look for other symptoms as well before you determine this is the problem.

2. Increased Energy Bills

How frequently and how long you run your air conditioner goes hand-in-hand with how much your monthly energy bills will be each month. Since low refrigerant can force your AC to run longer, it can also cause a sudden and unexpected increase in your bill.

If a low refrigerant charge reduces your system’s efficiency and raises your energy bill, you will notice these problems without any change in your AC usage habits. Particularly hot days or changes in the number of people in your home can increase your home’s demand for cooling, but low refrigerant will cause the same effects without any changes in how much you run your air conditioner.

3. Hissing Refrigerant Lines

In a central air conditioner, the refrigerant is circulated in a closed loop between the outdoor condenser and the evaporator coils above your indoor air handler. Refrigerant doesn’t get used up over time, so a leak is almost always the cause behind a low refrigerant charge. While you can’t see refrigerant escape from your system, you may be able to detect a leak in another way.

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is under a significant amount of pressure. Like a punctured tire, refrigerant lines will often make an audible hissing sound as the refrigerant gas escapes from the system. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn your air conditioner off and listen near the outdoor condenser for the sound of this gas escaping from the refrigerant lines.

4. A Frozen AC Unit

An air conditioner that freezes up even on the hottest summer days can be surprising. This occurs when the refrigerant level is low enough in your system to cause the refrigerant lines and coils to reach a temperature below freezing. Moisture in the air then condenses on them and freezes.

Your condenser will still expand and cool the refrigerant when it’s low, which will cause the coils and lines to reach a much lower temperature than they’re designed for.

Not only will a frozen air conditioner fail to cool your home effectively, but it can also cause your condenser to overheat and become damaged if it continues to run. You should turn your air conditioner off and call a technician immediately when you notice it frozen.

When you know the signs of low refrigerant, you can save money, keep your home comfortable, and keep your air conditioner in good condition. If you suspect that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, contact us at Edelman Inc. for a recharge, any necessary leak repair, and all your other HVAC service needs.

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Air conditioner efficiency is something that most homeowners only think about when purchasing a new unit. However, you could improve the efficiency of your current central air conditioner in several easy ways. Discover four tips that will help you save money on air conditioning this summer.

1. Maintain Your HVAC Air Filter

The HVAC air filter is the easiest part of your system to maintain but is also easy to overlook. Failing to maintain your air filter can lead to increased strain on the system that shortens its life and raises your monthly energy bill. A dirty air filter also will not be able to remove contaminants from the air properly, leading to reduced indoor air quality.

Depending on the type of filter you have, you should make a routine of cleaning or replacing it. Most homes have disposable fiberglass filters, but you may have a washable pleated or electrostatic filter. In either case, checking your filter at least once a month is usually all that’s needed to keep your filter from blocking airflow and reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system.

2. Know the Signs of Efficiency Problems

Solving poor AC efficiency will be difficult if you aren’t aware of the signs that you have a problem. In addition to a rising bill, efficiency issues often result in a specific set of symptoms that homeowners can identify if they know what to look for. One of the easiest signs to notice is unusual sounds while your AC runs. Your air conditioner should never make grinding, banging, or rattling sounds if everything is in order.

You should also take notice if your air conditioner turns on and off more frequently than it should. This is a problem known as short-cycling. Your AC uses more energy and costs you money if it short-cycles, as it takes a surge of power to start up your AC each time. Short-cycling could be the result of a faulty thermostat or a failing component inside the air conditioner.

3. Make Sure Your Home Is Well-Insulated

Any conditioned air that escapes your home is money wasted. Ensuring that your home is well-insulated will help to keep more cool air in and more warm air out, which will allow you to run your air conditioner less frequently. Attic insulation and ductwork insulation are two of the most important types when reducing your spending on air conditioning.

4. Reduce the Load on Your AC

Naturally, the best way to save money on air conditioning is to use your AC less frequently. However, this doesn’t mean you have to let your home get uncomfortably warm during the summer months. With the right supplemental cooling methods and a few simple tips to keep your home cooler, you can see a significant reduction in your energy bill.

Ceiling fans and portable fans are some of the best options for keeping yourself cool when you don’t need to cool your entire home. Heating and cooling are the largest parts of your energy bill, so even running a fan in every room will still use less energy than your HVAC system.

Also, limit the amount of heat that enters your home in the first place. Keep curtains or blinds closed through the day, and consider UV-blocking window treatments. You may also want to limit using your dryer, oven, and other heat-generating appliances during the hottest part of the day.

Saving money on air conditioning doesn’t always require expensive upgrades or extensive repairs. Use these tips to keep your home more comfortable in the summer without breaking the bank, and contact Edelman Inc. for all your HVAC needs.

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If you own a home, then be aware of all of the components of your home plumbing system and the signs that one of them may not function properly. One important component of your home plumbing system is the pipe network that transfers water from the city’s main waterline to your home. This pipeline is typically referred to as the home’s water supply line or water service line.

Learn about three plumbing problems that a bad home water supply line can cause and how to remedy these problems.

1. Sudden High Water Bill

If you have lived in your home for a long time, then you have likely learned how your family’s habits affect your home water bill. If your home water bill suddenly skyrockets when no one in your family has changed their water usage habits, then that is often a sign that your home’s water supply line may have developed a leak.

Quickly determine if you have a leak in your water supply line. First, record the numbers on your home water meter. Then, shut off your home’s main water supply valve for one full hour. Finally, check to see if the numbers on the meter have changed before reopening the water shutoff valve.

If the numbers do change, then that means you likely have a leak in your home water supply line. Contact a plumber to find the source of the leak and repair or replace the leaky pipe.

2. Low Home Water Pressure 

If water pressure is low throughout your entire home, then this problem may stem from a supply line problem.

You may have a water supply line that is simply too small to meet your family’s water needs, especially if you recently added additional plumbing fixtures during a home renovation project. To fix this problem, have a plumber replace your current water supply line with a larger one.

For example, if your home has a typical 1” supply line about 50 feet in length, it can deliver about 9 gallons of water to your home per minute. However, a 1 1/4” supply line of the same length can deliver 16 gallons of water to your home per minute. This simple upgrade can greatly increase low home water pressure from a too-small supply line.

Low water pressure can also be from a supply pipe of galvanized steel that has developed extensive interior corrosion. As lime scale, rust, and other corrosion build up on the interior surface of this pipe type over time, less water can flow through the pipes, reducing the water pressure of the water going to the home.

To solve this problem, a licensed plumber can check your water supply line for corrosion. They will either remove this corrosion with a pipe descaling treatment or replace the corroded pipes with new pipes with modern, corrosion-resistant materials.

3. Basement Mold or Mildew Growth

Another problem that can be from a problem with a home water supply line is mold or mildew growth in the basement. Most home water supply lines enter a home through a basement wall. If the supply line develops a leak inside of or near the basement wall, the wall can become wet and stay wet as the pipe continues to leak. A moist basement wall becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew relatively quickly.

If you have new basement mold or mildew growth near the area where your home’s water supply line enters your home, then contact a plumbing professional. They can inspect your water’s supply line to locate a hidden leak that may have caused your problem and repair the waterline.

Every homeowner should understand the components of their home plumbing system and the signs that they may have a problem with one of these components. If you notice the signs of a home water supply line problem, then contact the plumbing experts at Edelman Inc. for diagnosis and repair of this problem today.

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Smart thermostats are becoming more popular because of the convenience and precise comfort control they provide. While several options are available for virtually every type of HVAC system, you need to understand the features of any thermostats you are considering to ensure they are compatible with your system. Here are four features to look for in a smart thermostat.

1. Scheduling Options

Smart thermostats have varying levels of scheduling customizability. For example, 7-day thermostats allow you to set a custom heating and cooling schedule for every day of the week. However, 5/2 models have one schedule for weekdays and one schedule for the weekends.  You could also use a 5/1/1 thermostat, which has one schedule for weekdays and can have unique schedules for Saturday and Sunday.

In general, the more precise your thermostat’s scheduling options are, the more expensive the unit will be. Homeowners who work from home or otherwise spend most of their time in their house would benefit most from 7-day thermostats. Otherwise, you may be able to enjoy significant savings by choosing a thermostat with a less customizable schedule.

2. Heating Stage Compatibility

Many older furnaces have fans that can only run at one speed. These furnaces are called single-stage furnaces. However, modern furnaces have improved on energy-efficiency by offering dual-stage and multi-stage options. Dual-stage furnaces have high- and low-power modes, while multi-stage furnaces can adapt their fan speed dynamically to your home’s heating demands.

You should understand what heating stage options your furnace has to find a thermostat that is compatible. Single stage furnaces only have one heating wire and one cooling wire that run to the thermostat. But furnaces with multiple stages use multiple wires and connectors.

Look at the wiring of your current thermostat to determine what type of furnace you have.

3. Zoning Compatibility

Zoning in HVAC terminology refers to the capability of heating and cooling different areas of your home individually. Duct dampers handle this task in traditional forced-air systems, and individual air handlers accomplish it in ductless systems. The benefit of zoning is that you can only heat or cool the rooms you are using to help save energy.

If your HVAC system uses separate air handlers, it may be necessary to install a thermostat for each zone to control their temperatures individually. This is referred to as system-based zoning. However, many homes can be accommodated with sensor-based zoning, where sensors read the temperature in each zone and allow you to control your system with a single smart thermostat.

4. Wi-Fi Connectivity

Perhaps the biggest convenience that comes with a smart thermostat is Wi-Fi connectivity. With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can use a computer or mobile device to make adjustments to your thermostat without the need to interact with the wall display. Many homeowners also choose to integrate a smart home system, which allows them to control their HVAC system and other devices from one central hub.

Smart thermostats with Wi-Fi connectivity often have additional internet-based features. Some will use online weather forecasts to make changes to their schedule, while others can detect the GPS location of your phone and heat or cool your home for you before you walk in the door.

Review the Wi-Fi features of any smart thermostat carefully so you can be sure it provides the specific functionality you’re looking for.

Not all smart thermostats are made equal, so when you know what to look for, you can ensure that you are happy with your purchase for years to come. Keep these tips in mind, and call our team at Edelman Inc. for all your HVAC needs.

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Whether you want to install an HVAC system for your new home or you’re considering an upgrade for an outdated system, it’s important to know that not all furnaces and air conditioners are created equal. A high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner offers several benefits that you may be missing out on if you choose a more budget-oriented system. Here are four reasons to consider a high-efficiency HVAC system.

1. Cost Savings

When you mention HVAC efficiency, the first thing that many people will think of is cost savings. While more efficient furnaces and air conditioners are usually more expensive up-front, they frequently pay for themselves through savings on your monthly energy bill through years of use. If you look up your current furnace or air conditioner model and compare it to the new units, you can even estimate the level of savings you’re likely to see.

As an example, consider a furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80 percent. If you upgrade to a furnace that has a 90 percent AFUE rating, you can expect to see a ten-percent reduction in your monthly bill. Air conditioners and heat pumps are rated with a different metric called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which can also be used to calculate your estimated energy costs.

2. More Consistent Temperature

A more efficient furnace and air conditioner is not only comfortable for your wallet; it helps keep the rest of your home more comfortable as well. Many high-efficiency air handlers feature a component called a variable-speed blower. Unlike older blower motors that run at a single speed constantly, variable-speed blowers can adjust their speed based on the temperature demands of your home.

A variable-speed blower provides more consistent airflow throughout your home. Instead of shutting off completely, this type of blower can circulate air continuously. The improved circulation of air reduces or even eliminates the occurrence of hot and cold spots, while also removing more moisture from the air to prevent uncomfortably high indoor humidity.

3. Quiet Operation

A more efficient appliance is usually a quieter one, and high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners are no exception. If your HVAC system features a variable-speed blower, it will run much more quietly when the fan is not spinning at full speed. This results in quieter operation on all but the hottest and coldest days.

Other improvements have been made in recent times that allow modern HVAC systems to run more quietly. For example, many high-efficiency air conditioners feature insulation in the outdoor condenser and air handler that reduce vibrations, and therefore noise.

4. Extra Features

Since furnaces and central air conditioners are designed to last for a decade or more, there’s a lot of time for technological advancement by the time you upgrade them. As a premium option, high-efficiency HVAC systems almost always feature the latest advancements to further set them apart from budget options. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system is a great way to improve the convenience of heating and cooling your home.

One feature to look for in any new high-efficiency system is a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can offer several features like a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi control, and automatic scheduling for your furnace and AC. Many high-efficiency systems also feature dampers or other means of zone control, so you can individually heat and cool only the parts of your home where it’s needed.

Your HVAC system is the biggest source of energy use in your home, so upgrading to a high-efficiency system can be more beneficial than upgrading other appliances. For more tips and high-quality HVAC service, contact Edelman Inc. today!

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It’s easy to ignore your HVAC system while it’s working. However, regular maintenance is a crucial part of caring for your system for many reasons. If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned, or you aren’t sure if it’s necessary, check out these commonly asked questions.

Why Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned?

There are two main reasons to have your ducts cleaned. First, it helps the system run better by keeping the ducts clean. Debris in the duct forces the system to work harder, which puts unwanted stress and strain, making it wear down faster. Too much debris can also cause the system to be less effective at heating and cooling.

Second, it improves indoor air quality by removing allergens and irritants. Even if you don’t have a breathing condition like asthma, pollutants can get in the lung and cause bronchial or sinus congestion. As an added benefit, a good cleaning helps eliminate unpleasant odors.

What Happens During the Cleaning Process?

During the duct cleaning, you can expect the technicians to clean the supply/return ducts, grills, blower motor, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, drain, and much more. Special tools and filters are used to remove all the debris inside the duct. They will also clean mold, but the cause of the mold growth must also be addressed.

During the cleaning process, your technician will also look for signs of pest infestation like droppings, dead bugs, etc. Depending on the severity, you may also need to contact a pest control expert to help prevent the problem in the future. Finally, after the debris is removed, the entire system is sanitized to kill any viruses or bacteria that may be clinging to the duct walls.

Should You Try to Clean Your Ducts Yourself?

Cleaning your ducts yourself is a mistake for several reasons. For starters, you probably don’t have the appropriate tools to safely remove the debris. As a result, there is a high probability of sending all that debris into your indoor air. Not only can this cause itchy eyes, sneezing, lung congestion, and much more, but it can also expel unwanted viruses and bacteria into your indoor air.

Another reason to avoid DIY duct cleaning is the damage you may cause. Improper cleaning techniques and tools could scratch, dent, or pierce the ductwork. Damage reduces the efficiency of the ductwork because it allows heated and cooled air to leak out of the ducts before it reaches the desired vents. Therefore, even if you set your thermostat to 70 degrees, the house may feel cooler or warmer.

How Much Does Duct Cleaning Cost?

Depending on the size of your home, duct cleaning could cost between $268 and $485 or more. How often you clean your ducts depends on many factors, including pets and allergies. On average, however, you can expect to wait five to seven years between duct cleanings. Other factors that affect the price include the amount of dirt, accessibility, and necessary repairs.

During duct cleaning, you should have the vents cleaned too. This also adds to the overall cost, but each vent only adds about $35 to the total cost. Overall, however, duct cleaning may save you money because it keeps the system well maintained, efficient, and effective.

Maintaining your HVAC system is the best way to keep it efficient and effective for a long time. DIY cleaning, however, can be dangerous and lead to expensive damage. Regular professional cleaning, however, keeps your system in top shape, and it helps improve the quality of indoor air. If you would like to learn more, or if you need a quote for a duct cleaning, contact us at Edelman.

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