HVAC Preventative Maintenance Tips for Fall

When is the right time to replace my homes heating and cooling system? This is a question that has been presented to me through-out my career in heating and cooling (HVAC) and there’s a handful of situations that warrant a system replacement. If you have a heating and cooling system that is really old and fails, with costly repairs; it’s usually a good indication that its time to start getting estimates for replacement. Common questions in regards to heating and cooling replacement: • What if my heating and cooling system is old and still functioning? • How old is old for a heating and cooling system? • What if my heating and cooling system has a major failure but it’s still under warranty? • When is it a good time to upgrade to a more efficient heating and cooling system? In this article I’m going to utilize my 30 years of experience in the home heating and cooling business, and give some expertise and insight that will hopefully help answer those questions. What if my heating and cooling system is old and still functioning? Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are made up of several mechanical, and electrical parts and pieces that in work in unison to deliver indoor comfort. These systems employ a lot of moving parts that require routine maintenance (which I’ll cover in a separate article) to continue functioning. Even with routine maintenance these systems can begin to show their age after a decade of run time, sometimes sooner depending on the environment they’re conditioning. The changes may be subtle at first, but over time parts and components begin to wear and you could see a loss in efficiency. This can be diagnosed with proper maintenance from a qualified HVAC technician. If the system is still functioning but showing signs of wear, and causing efficiency loss, then that’s typically a good time to get some quotes for replacement. H ow old is old for a heating and cooling system? How old is old? It depends on who you ask and your systems particular environment its conditioning. Most manufactures will recommend replacement between 10-15 years of general usage. This is where routine maintenance can play a big role in extending the life of your system. I’ve seen systems that hadn’t received routine maintenance and consequently failed after a few years. On the other hand, systems that are getting a regular check up are operating well into 20 years. I would say if your system is at that 12-year mark, I would at least have a plan set aside for a budget to replace or upgrade the equipment portion of your homes heating and cooling systems. This ensures you are taking full advantage of the technological advancements that enable these systems to provide the best comfort and efficiently. What if my heating and cooling system has a major failure but it’s still under warranty? Most manufactures have a standard 5-year warranty on all parts, and the installing contractor will provide a standard 1-year labor warranty. This in most cases will cover any installation defects or discrepancies that cause premature equipment failure at little to no expense to the customer. Manufacture warranties can vary from one another, for example: Most provide the standard 5-year parts warranty but extend that warranty to 10-20 years on major components, such as; compressors, heat exchangers, and coils. Something to keep in mind, if you do opt for a warranted repair most manufacturers do not cover the cost of a systems refrigerant . If a system has been functioning okay up until a major repair is needed, and the materials are covered under a factory warranty, I would opt to go with the repair. Let’s give this example now; Your system has had a sub-par performance and is now in need of a major repair, I recommend at least getting a quote for replacement in addition to the warranty repairs. Also ensure that the sub-par performance issues are addressed in that replacement quote. I recommend discussing all warranty repairs with your HVAC service provider to determine if a warranty repair is a better option, then a replacement. When is it a good time to upgrade to a more efficient heating and cooling system? In the past decade HVAC systems have come a long way in efficiency, comfort, and ease of operation. Systems have evolved to work in conjunction with your smart home, and phone devices, making the process of dialing in your sweet spot of home comfort easy! Not only are most systems easy to control, but they’re utilizing technology that can save you a hefty amount of money in operating costs. To answer this question, I would recommend if your system is around the 10-year mark, now would be a great time to start exploring your upgrade options. Generally, your heating and cooling provider can present a range of HVAC options to meet your upgrade budget, along with providing financing options to assist in those purchases. Final word. Heating and cooling systems are the greatest energy user in your home, making up around 40% of your home’s utility costs! It’s best to do your research when the time comes to replace your HVAC system. Having a little knowledge can help your HVAC service provider quote a system that will meet all your wants and needs. Ask whoever quotes you a new system if they participate in municipal incentives and rebates, this can help drastically reduce the cost burden. Adam Berg, Owner, Allied Comfort Pro, LLC

How much do residential heating and cooling (HVAC - heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems cost? This will always be one of the first questions any home comfort shopper will ask when researching a new heating and cooling system. This question gets asked frequently before our team has had a chance to perform a thorough assessment and evaluation of a customer’s home. We understand. Bottom line price matters -- it’s not always the only consideration, but it is important. Price often dictates the type of HVAC system and any options and accessories you might consider to improve your indoor air quality. An initial budget needs to be established before any large investment, and it holds true when purchasing the right home comfort system. It’s difficult to answer this question so early in the HVAC purchasing process, because HVAC installations have so many variables to take into account. It is often difficult to know the price before a qualified professional has had the opportunity to assess your home, and address the approach to see if the installation will require any special needs or non-standard installation work. At Allied Comfort Pro, we strive to provide our customers with the best, most informed estimate to suit all of our customer’s indoor comfort needs. I will do my best to offer a realistic range of prices , based on real-world installations for the greater Rogue Valley area to date (year 2023). Before I get into price, we need to consider some other factors that determine HVAC price directly, and they are the following: Square footage (plays a large part in determining the equipment size) Single or multi-story HVAC system type (conventional, attic, ductless) Ductwork Geographical area Available utilities Municipal incentives Retrofit replacement or new construction Please keep in mind all prices for installations, accessories, or anything else, are only estimates based on the average Southern Oregon home. Prices can and will often vary dramatically based on the products quoted, and the bullet points above as well as many other factors. How much does a HVAC system cost? Most residential HVAC systems will range in cost from $7,500 to $50,000 to install currently (year 2023) – this price generally includes the installation along with equipment, materials, opted accessories, permits and sub-contractor (electricians and plumbers). As with any home improvement project this price range can increase dramatically as you add more options and accessories; ducting, air cleaners, ERV’s, HRV’s, UV lights, and so on. In some cases, the customer’s home may only require minimal equipment to satisfy their comfort needs so the price can drop below the minimum amount. Minimal equipment, or supplemental systems If an air conditioning unit is deemed safe in good condition, and meets local code compliance our Comfort Consultant may suggest just replacing the gas furnace portion of the HVAC system, then you can see a drop below the minimum price range listed above. Another example would be if a customer is looking to condition a small portion of a home, or an addition that was added, then our Comfort Consultant may recommend a single zone ductless system; $3,500 to $8,500 . Base system price Typically, a base system installation will include: Indoor unit (gas furnace, heat pump air handler) Wi-Fi enabled system control (thermostat) Outdoor unit (air conditioner, heat pump) Refrigerant line-set (connection between indoor and outdoor units) Outdoor equipment pad Transitional ducting to connect equipment to existing home ductwork Installation Permits One year of system maintenance Most base system packages don’t include additional accessories such as; air purification, additional ducting, or extended labor warranties. Typically, prices for a base system install can range from $7,500 to $25,000 . This is a pretty big range, but there is a wide variety of system types and home configurations to take in account. High efficiency and custom-built home system price High efficiency and custom-built home systems typically have a higher range in price because of the higher cost of equipment and the added accessories typically specified for these systems. A typical price range for these systems is $9,000 to $60,000 . Prices have risen since 2022 due to multiple factors, such as a surge in demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic , supply chain issues, equipment shortages, and a shortage of qualified technicians . These all play a part in the cost to heat and cool your home. Again, everything here is simply an estimate , and your final price may look much different. I hope this has helped develop a better sense for the potential costs of installing heating and cooling in your home, and what to expect when you start the home comfort buying process. At Allied Comfort Pro my team and I are happy to help you get an actual price for your home comfort system. You can get started by contacting us to schedule an in-home assessment today! Adam Berg, Owner, Allied Comfort Pro, LLC

As summer gives way to fall, now is the time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the seasonal change. It's important that your system is efficient and dependable, so it doesn't give out when you need it most. While it is recommended a professional regularly maintain your HVAC system, here are some things you can do at home to prep your system, so it runs smoothly: Check all air filters and replace them, if necessary. Verify your thermostat settings are correct to meet seasonal temperature changes. Clean off your outdoor unit and remove any brush or debris on or around it. Cover any exterior exposed condensate drain pipes. In addition to these tips, don’t forget to call us to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance. We’ll thoroughly check your system and address any issues, so you can be comfortable at home and enjoy the best indoor air quality possible. Now may also be the time to consider replacing your HVAC system. Was your furnace installed more than 10 years ago? If so, it is likely to run less efficiently, costing you more every month than a new unit would. Instead of waiting for a system failure or emergency replacement you can benefit from being proactive; you'll enjoy lower heating bills, better reliability, and renewed warranty coverage by replacing your furnace. High-efficiency models are up to 97% efficient which can certainly help out on those utility bills. White it can certainly be an investment to replace your HVAC system, it can give you peace of mind that comes from knowing your home will not be without heat in the middle of winter. Our Comfort Consultants are here to provide free estimates on system replacement and can offer you customized advice on the best HVAC system for your home. Whether it's time to schedule HVAC maintenance or you want to upgrade your system, we are here to help! Contact us today to schedule the services you need. We can be reached at (541) 772-6100. Our office is open Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm and we also offer 24-Hour Emergency Service Repair. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Comfortable!

We’re dealing with some pretty uncertain times right now. Many of us are staying home more often, and our activities are much more limited than we’d like. However, for our team at Allied Comfort Pro , serving you remains our top priority. While the world around us grinds to a halt, HVAC issues and emergencies can still occur. We want you to be as healthy and safe as possible in your home. Please rest assured we’re standing by and ready to help if any issues come up that need our attention. Should you need a heating or cooling service, air purification product, duct cleaning, maintenance or a new system, we will take extra precautions to keep you and our staff protected, such as: Maintaining a recommended safe distance at all times Wearing fresh protective masks, gloves and shoe covers if entering a home Providing a contact-less experience, payments and signatures are collected electronically As always, if you need us or have any questions, we encourage you to give us a call at (541) 772-6100. We are open Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm and also continue to offer 24-Hour Emergency Repair. Additionally, you can text us through our website. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Comfortable! - Your friends at Allied Comfort Pro

The safety and well-being of our customers and our team is extremely important to us. We are continuing to evaluate the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, as new developments pop up fast. We also want you to know what we are doing to help keep you and our team safe. We understand that currently, people are encouraged to stay home and practice “social distancing” as much as possible. However, sudden HVAC issues that need attention can still occur. We are taking extra precautions to protect you and our technicians, such as: Maintaining a recommended safe distance at all times Washing and sanitizing hands before and after every job Wearing fresh protective masks, gloves and boot covers if entering a home No signatures currently required on our devices Providing a contact-less experience. so payments are collected electronically Right now, you’re probably home more often than normal. This means your HVAC system may be working harder to keep you comfortable. Please give us a call if you need service or have any questions about your system - we’re glad to help. Our team at Allied Comfort Pro is proud of the comfort and value we provide our customers. Rest assured we are monitoring the situation daily. If any changes affect the way we serve you, we will let you know. Even during this very trying time, we are here for you when you need us. Thank you again for letting us take care of your HVAC needs. Please stay healthy and safe!

Your home can quickly become hot, uncomfortable and an impossible place to live for the whole family when you experience an air conditioning breakdown. Temperatures are already climbing, and we don’t have to tell you that the sweltering heat is only going to get worse in the coming months. If your air conditioning has stopped working, is blowing hot air or not cooling well enough to keep you comfortable, contact us to quickly resolve the issue and avoid some serious havoc in your life! Allied Comfort Pro is here to help you not only stay comfortable, but also to keep you and your family safe and give you one less thing to worry about!

With these smokey days you may be wondering what you can do to improve the air quality of your home. We at Allied Comfort Pro recommend the Air Scrubber Plus . Air Scrubber Plus is a revolutionary indoor air quality system designed to eliminate harmful air pollutants and odor-causing bacteria in your home. With ActivePure technology, the Air Scrubber Plus cleans, freshens, and purifies the air in your home by using “specialized germicidal UV light waves along with a proprietary catalytic process that creates enviro-scrubbing molecules of oxygen and hydrogen, just like nature’s outdoor scrubbers.” Air Scrubber Plus was designed using Certified Space Technology that was originally developed by NASA to help protect you, your family, and your home from dust, germs, odors, pet dander, viruses, and other harmful air contaminants. What can the Air Scrubber Plus do for you? Purify Unlike air filters that are passive - Air Scrubber Plus actively treats the air by continually sending out ActivePure scrubbers throughout your home to greatly reduce chemicals, dangerous contaminants, mold, odors, and pollutants in the air. Clean Did you know 80% of germs, bacteria, and viruses are transmitted by the surfaces we touch? Countless contaminants from the outside world follow us home on our hands, clothes and shoes and end up on our furniture, countertops and other surfaces in our homes. Air Scrubber Plus contains ActivePure Technology which has been scientifically tested and proven to disinfect up to 99% of all surface contaminants and cleans the air you breathe by reducing approximately 90% of airborne contaminants. Deoderize There’s nothing worse than waking up and smelling lingering odors from cooking last night’s seafood dinner, right? The Air Scrubber Plus helps to reduce everyday odors that linger throughout your home such as cooking odors, pet odors, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and musty smells. Protect Air Scrubber Plus protects your heating and air conditioning system from dirt, dust and other debris by changing the structure of the dust particles before they enter through the filter, damaging the coils and blower that keep your system running effectively. Enviro-scrubbing technology produces negative and positive ions which cause dust particles to be attracted to one another and clump together. Once the dust particle is large enough, it is caught by your system’s filter or drops to the floor. This process keeps your indoor coil cleaner and your family healthier. Air Scrubber Plus Advantages: Reduce indoor air quality risks 
 Attaches easily to your heating and cooling system
 Uses proprietary light waves along with a specialized catalytic process to keep your home cleaner 24/7
 Requires only 18 watts of electricity
 Complies with all Federal EPA, FDA & OSHA regulations 
 Made in the USA In only 30 minutes, this ActivePure technology reduces over 90% of pathogens in the air which is 50 times more powerful than typical HVAC filtration. Air Scrubber Plus is only available for purchase through local heating and air conditioning contractors. To get your Air Scrubber Plus, call us today at (541)772-6100!

Programmable thermostats have become more standard in homes across the nation. Many homeowners are finding that making a simple change to a programmable thermostat offers many benefits to your wallet, your home and your comfort! 1. Saving Money The biggest benefit programmable thermostats offer is the cost savings. Energy bills continue to rise and the best way to combat this it to try to reduce your energy usage. With programmable thermostats, you can adjust the temperature to the exact point of your personal comfort. For every degree you raise or lower the temperature in your home, you can save up to 2 percent on your utility bill. You can create a schedule that follows your family's routine, and keeps the temperature cool or warm while you are there, but eases up on the the energy usage when you're not home. 2. A Consistent Temperature Another big plus of programmable thermostats is their ability to help you maintain the perfect, consistent temperature throughout your home. Instead of cranking the air conditioner on high during a heat wave, programmable thermostats can run at a constant level. 3. Increase Your Home's Efficiency Keeping your home energy-efficient is one of the top maintenance issues that homeowners think about throughout the change of seasons. A more efficient home can utilize its resources more effectively and bring less wear and tear to major appliances and systems. 4. Use High Tech Tools Newer models of programmable thermostats are coming equipped with many different varieties of high tech tools, such as Wi-Fi ability that enables you to control your thermostat remotely from your smartphone. Having a thermostat that is connected to your home network can help you create a truly linked home that can be easily controlled from the comfort of your couch or virtually anywhere. Benefits of Programmable Thermostats Spending a small amount of money that is needed for a programmable thermostat can be one of the most cost effective investments for your residence. You can expect to take advantage of additional energy savings that may be reflected in a lower utility bill. Beyond the money savings, programmable thermostats can help you maintain the best and coziest atmosphere throughout your interior spaces.