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The Importance of Professional HVAC System Installation and What to Look for in an HVAC Contractor

Your HVAC system is a major investment in your home, and you want it to last a long time. That’s why it’s important to have a professional HVAC contractor install the system for you. This is a major undertaking for even the most experienced DIY-er, and mistakes can be costly, not only in terms of dollars and cents but as well as comfort in your home. HVAC systems have a lot of intricate, interrelated components; if you screw one part up, it can result in a domino effect that impacts the entire system. There are also advanced electrical issues to deal with, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, the results could be catastrophic or even deadly. The same can be said if you try to cut costs by hiring a “jack-of-all-trades” from an online referral site.

Here are some benefits of hiring an HVAC contractor to do your install:

1. Experience and expertise.

HVAC contractors are trained in HVAC systems, understand how they work, and know how to install them. In fact, in most cases, HVAC installations and servicing are all that they do. Why trust the job to anyone else?

2. To maintain the warranty.

Most HVAC manufacturers have a clause in their contracts that the system must be installed by a professional. If you don’t heed this requirement and something goes wrong, your warranty might not cover the repair.

3. For safety purposes.

As stated, HVAC installations are complicated and involve practically all major systems of your home. HVAC technicians have the training and licenses necessary to work with electricity, gas, etc.

4. Licensed and insured.

HVAC technicians working for any reputable company will be licensed and insured. This means they meet state and local requirements to perform the job. Also, should there be any accidents, property damage, equipment failure, etc., it will all be covered by the company’s insurance, thus reducing your liability as a homeowner.

How to find a reputable HVAC contractor:

1. Reputation.

Word-of-mouth is the best source of referrals. If somebody you know and trust has had a great experience with an HVAC contractor, it’s a solid lead worth following up on. You can also look at online reviews but read them from a variety of sites to form a more well-rounded opinion. Check the Better Business Bureau as well.

2. Certification, licensure, and insurance.

A good HVAC company will require its technicians to have adequate training, experience, and licenses and certificates to perform the job.

3. Customer service.

How are you treated when you contact the company by phone or online? How quickly are you able to get an appointment for an estimate? Did the technician perform a thorough service? How were their communication skills? Develop a mental or written checklist with your customer service requirements to form accurate comparisons between companies.

4. Fair pricing.

The most expensive company might not be the best one and vice versa. When comparing prices, ask about money-back guarantees, and other financial considerations that are important to you.

5. Emergency service.

Does the company offer emergency services? Are there extra fees for after-hours or weekend service calls? You want to know that you aren’t stranded if an emergency occurs in the evening or during the weekend.

The HVAC technicians at Atlas Butler are licensed and have the training and expertise necessary to perform a professional HVAC installation while causing minimum downtime for your household. Give us a call at 614-681-2167 to schedule an appointment to discuss your HVAC system selection and installation. Our phone is answered 24/7 and there are never any after-hours or overtime fees.

2023-04-22T18:34:26-04:00April 19th, 2023|AC Installs, Home Energy Efficiency, Home Humidity, HVAC Topics|
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Common Causes of AC System Breakdowns and How to Avoid Them

With summer quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure your AC can handle hot, humid Central Ohio weather. The last thing you want is to come home from work to a steamy house or to have your AC go out in the middle of a sweltering night. There are several causes of AC failure and it’s important to pay attention to your AC’s performance, so you don’t face a situation where you need emergency service during the peak of summer when HVAC technicians are swamped and possibly unable to get to you quickly.

Here are some common reasons behind AC breakdowns:

1. Air Conditioner is running but the house isn’t cool. 

This usually means that the AC filters are dirty and need changing. Another cause is that the unit is low on coolant. 

2. Freezing up. 

This is another possible result of a dirty filter. When the AC “freezes up,” a layer of frost develops on the evaporator coil. This causes the unit to run continuously until it breaks down.

3. Broken blower motor.

If you turn on your AC and nothing happens, the fan doesn’t kick on. The cause could be a tripped circuit breaker or a worn-out fan motor.

4. AC won’t shut off. 

If your AC is running continuously but not cooling your home, you might have an issue with the condenser or fan.

5. Faulty thermostat. 

Sometimes, AC malfunction isn’t the AC at all, but the thermostat. The solution is to replace the thermostat, especially with a smart thermostat, which could alert you to AC performance problems. 

If your AC isn’t cooling your home, then call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. Our phone is answered 24/7 by a live person and in most cases, you can get a same-day appointment. The HVAC technician will troubleshoot your system and make recommendations for repairs. For peace of mind, consider membership in Atlas Butler’s Comfort Club. For a monthly fee, we’ll cover your system’s annual safety inspection and you’ll receive discounts on parts and service. Three membership tiers are available.  

2023-04-22T17:53:24-04:00April 17th, 2023|Air Conditioner Maintenance, Home Humidity, HVAC Topics|
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The Benefits of Installing a Smart Thermostat

Saving energy is top of mind for practically everybody these days. From wanting to preserve the climate to saving money, today’s consumers want to do their part, by conserving energy. One easy step you can take is installing a smart thermostat to manage your HVAC system. With a smart thermostat, you can control the temperature in your home from anywhere at any time by using your smartphone or another device. HVAC specialists, such as the ones at Atlas Butler, can quickly replace your existing thermostat with a smart thermostat. Let the savings begin!

Here are some benefits of installing a smart thermostat:

1. Regulate the temperature on your terms. 

With a smart thermostat, you can turn up the AC or turn down the furnace during the day while you’re away from home. Before you leave work or finish running errands, simply tell the thermostat to raise or lower the temperature so it’s nice and warm or cool when you get home.

2. Track energy use. 

Your smart thermostat will let you know how much energy you are consuming (and saving). This can help you prepare for peak cycles, such as in the middle of summer or during an Arctic blast. In some cities, your energy provider can automatically adjust your thermostat to meet peak usage times, so you aren’t wasting energy when temperatures are more moderate.

3. Stay on top of maintenance. 

Some smart thermostats are geniuses! They will let you know when it’s time to perform maintenance such as replacing filters or scheduling a seasonal tune-up. 

4. Save the environment. 

Conserving energy consumption reduces fossil fuel emissions and air pollution, which improves overall air quality.

Schedule Your Smart Thermostat Installation Today

If you believe that a smart thermostat is a sound solution for your home, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed HVAC technicians. We’ll discuss your energy usage and recommend the best smart thermostat that will reduce your utility bills while keeping your home comfortable.

2023-04-22T16:52:04-04:00April 14th, 2023|Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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Tips to Reduce Allergens in Your Home This Spring

With spring finally approaching, those buds that promise green leaves and vibrant flowers also harbor dreaded spring allergens, primarily pollen. And “April showers” also bring the gift of mold, which many people are also sensitive to. As you stock up on OTC allergy meds, there are additional steps you can take now to prepare your home before allergy season hits hard. First, you can deep clean your home, and get rid of as much dust, dirt, and pet hair/dander as possible. You can also launder all of the bedding, soft furnishings, and window treatments and get everything as clean and sanitary as possible. Here are some ways to reduce allergens in your home.

Change the air filters in your HVAC system.

You should be doing this anyway, at least every three months. During the spring, you may need to change your furnace filter more frequently, especially if family members struggle with seasonal allergies. 

Install an air purification system.

You can also add an air purification option to your HVAC system — a HEPA filter or UV light. The HEPA filter will trap mold, pollen, dust, etc., and the UV light will kill mold spores, fungi, and bacteria. 

Reduce allergens in air ducts and vents.

You can dust the covers to your vents, but to be truly effective, the ductwork will benefit from a professional deep cleaning to get rid of mold, mildew, and pollen.

If you want to get a jump-start on spring allergies, call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. Schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC specialists to discuss the best options to protect your home and family, whether it’s a filtration system or duct cleaning. You’ll breathe much easier.

2023-03-21T12:55:50-04:00March 27th, 2023|HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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How Ductless Mini Splits Can Help Older Homes

Older homes have their charm, and if you’re skilled at remodeling, can be a lot of fun to update and put your personal stamp on. However, a vintage home can have its drawbacks, such as many of them don’t have central HVAC systems. This can be a problem if you live in a warm climate or a region where the temperatures fluctuate throughout the year; Central Ohio is a great example. The problem with older homes is that a lot of them don’t have the necessary ductwork for central AC, nor do they have the space in the attic or between stories and walls to install it. Doing a retrofit can be expensive and at the same time, take away from the character that drew you to the home in the first place. Fortunately, there is a solution: ductless mini splits.

Mini splits are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners whether it’s a historic fixer-upper or a new build. Mini splits are installed in rooms or zones of your home. As the name implies, these systems don’t require ductwork to function, which makes them an economical choice. The unobtrusive unit is installed on the wall and can be programmed to heat or cool a specific area; you can install a mini split in every room of your house and it still would be cheaper than retrofitting a central AC system. Mini splits are energy efficient and many models can be controlled by your smartphone. 

If you are interested in exploring the option of installing ductless mini splits in your older home, contact the ductless HVAC specialists at Atlas Butler. Call us at 614-681-2167 or use our online contact form. Our phone is answered 24/7 by a live person and in most cases, you can get a same-day appointment. Enjoy your vintage home in comfort.

2023-03-21T12:53:31-04:00March 15th, 2023|AC Installs, Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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Benefits of Air Flow Balancing

Do you experience areas of your home that are too hot or too cold? This can be especially annoying during summer and winter. You end up cranking the A/C or furnace, which really doesn’t solve the problem and results in increased energy bills. Instead of adjusting or replacing the thermostat, or shutting off specific areas of your home, you should look into the air balance in your home. Simply stated, air flow balancing is correcting the flow of heated or cooled hair that passes from the HVAC system through the ductwork and out the registers into your house.

An HVAC technician will test the air pressure and humidity in the duct system and look for problems that may be impacting airflow, such as blocked ducts, dirty ducts and vents, loose joints, holes in the ducts, etc. They will make the necessary adjustments including cleaning the ducts and repairing or replacing deficient infrastructure. This may sound daunting and expensive, but in the long run, you will save money as air balancing isn’t nearly as expensive as replacing your entire HVAC system.

Some other benefits of proper air balancing include increased longevity of your system, reduced energy bills, better comfort, and improved air quality. If you are dealing with uneven or fluctuating temperatures in your home, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. Our phone is answered 24/7 and in most cases, you can get a same-day appointment. One of our HVAC specialists will inspect your HVAC system and make recommendations for improvement. You and your family will breathe a lot easier. 

2023-03-21T12:53:44-04:00March 3rd, 2023|Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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New AC installation

What to Expect With a New AC Install

Summer is approaching and you’ve purchased a new AC unit. Exciting! Choosing and paying for the AC are the first and probably the hardest steps. Now comes the AC install process. When you bought or built your house, the AC was already installed when you moved in, so what can you expect during an AC installation? Here is an overview of what you can expect.

Prepare. When you purchased your new AC, there might have been discussions with your technician about replacing insulation in areas such as your attic or crawl space, we well as resealing any windows or doors where air could leak out. On the day of the install, make sure any valuable items are moved out of the way so they don’t get damaged during the process. It’s also a good idea to cover your furniture with dust cloths and make sure kids and pets are safely out of the way.

Remove the old unit. The technicians will cut the power to your old AC and drain any remaining refrigerant. The old unit will be disassembled and prepared to be hauled away.

Install new AC unit. During the installation, the technicians might need to get into your attic, basement, and crawl spaces so they have access to your ductwork, so make sure they are clear and accessible. The parts to be installed include (but not limited to): the AC unit, evaporator, outside compressor, condensing unit, refrigerant supply lines, thermostat, condensate drain lines, and condensate pump.

Testing. Once the basic installation is completed, the technicians will test the pressure and vacuum, charge the system with new refrigerant, and inspect everything. They will also turn the AC on to make sure it is running properly. Finally, they will go over everything with you to make sure you know how to operate your new AC.

How long does this take? In most cases, a complete AC install can be completed in one day; in some instances, the installation may be more complex and may stretch into two.

If you need a new Air Conditioner system, contact the HVAC specialists at Atlas Butler by calling 614-681-2167. Schedule a consultation with us to choose the right AC for your home, and we’ll also walk you through the installation so you’ll know what to expect. You can depend on Atlas Butler for your heating and cooling needs and to keep that AC running in top form, consider joining our Comfort Club where you’ll receive discounts on season maintenance, parts, and service.

2023-05-08T04:08:04-04:00February 27th, 2023|AC Installs, Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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How BTU and SEER Affect Efficiency

An AC system is a huge investment, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Ongoing maintenance and repairs because the AC isn’t getting the job down can add up to frustration and high costs, so before you start researching systems, there are two acronyms you need to be aware of: SEER and BTU. You might already be familiar with the Energy Star stamp of approval, which means the AC unit meets EPA requirements for energy efficiency. However, SEER and BTU are equally, if not more, important.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which as the name implies, is a seasonal reading. The cooling output is divided by total energy input to come to an average. The minimum SEER is 13, although for older ACs, it could be as low as 10. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the AC is. This number is also a good measure of comparison when looking at overall AC systems.

BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is used to measure the size of the AC unit. BTU was derived by an old-time formula of how much heat 1 ton of ice could remove in 24 hours. Fast-forwarding to today, BTU is used to select the right-sized AC for your home and if you’re into data, 1 ton = 12,000/BTU. If your AC is too small, then it won’t cool your house properly; too large, and you’re wasting a lot of energy. When planning the correct size AC, you need to also consider the size of your home, type of insulation, where the sun hits your house during the hottest part of the day, number of windows, etc.

If you need to install a new Air Conditioner, whether it’s an upgrade or for a new built, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to schedule a consultation with one of our heating and cooling specialists. They will gather basic information about your home and make the best recommendations to help you stay comfortable, save money, and conserve energy.

2023-02-27T15:58:32-05:00February 19th, 2023|AC Installs, Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps

With improving energy efficiency and weaning off reliance on fossil fuels top of mind, there are more advances in heating and cooling to achieve these goals than ever. One new technology is geothermal heat pumps. While the concept of a heat pump isn’t new, the geothermal heat pump is gaining in popularity, especially with new home builds. (It’s also possible to retrofit a geothermal heat pump to an existing home, but it can be more expensive.) Neither prospect is cheap, but you will eventually see major decreases in your energy bills, and geothermal heat pumps have longevity on their side. 

While a heat pump as we know it draws heat in from the outside, a geothermal heat pump uses the heat from the earth. In both models, the warmth enters your home from the outside and passes through refrigerant coils, and is then dispersed throughout your house as warm air; the process is reversed for cooling. The indoor component of the system runs on electricity, but other than that, no other energy is expended.

Underground coils deliver heat from the earth to the heat pump and they are placed beneath the frost line on your property, where the temperature is a steady 50 degrees year-round. This means that a geothermal heat pump can be used in practically every region of the country. The downsides are the cost and damage to your yard. It’s expensive to install a geothermal heat pump and it requires major excavation of your property. And it’s worth restating that retrofitting a geothermal heat pump can be more expensive than if it’s installed during a new build.

The good news is that once the geothermal heat pump has been installed, the only maintenance needed is changing the indoor air filter regularly, otherwise, the system only needs inspection and other maintenance about every five years. In addition, you can receive a federal tax credit for installing a geothermal heat pump (you may also be eligible for state and local tax benefits.)

It’s a big decision, but if you want to discuss whether a geothermal heat pump is a good investment for your existing home or a new build in the planning stages, call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to schedule a consultation with one of our installation specialists. We pride ourselves on keeping our knowledge and skills surrounding the latest HVAC advancements and can make the best recommendations based on your energy goals and budget.

2023-02-27T15:38:30-05:00January 20th, 2023|Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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Planning For a New AC Unit This Spring

Air conditioning is probably the last thing on your mind during the winter, but actually, winter through early spring is the ideal time to start evaluating your upcoming cooling needs. This is because it’s off-season and after the winter rush, more technicians will be available to do the installation. You also don’t want to have your AC goes out on a sweltering day in August.

If your central air conditioning system is more than 15 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. A couple of signs that your AC needs to go is if you’ve noticed increasing cooling bills that don’t justify the tepid output. Another indicator is if you need more frequent service calls. A new AC will require a greater initial outlay of cash, but you’ll save money on service calls. If you’re experiencing problems with your AC unit, contact the service pros at Atlas Butler. We can take a look at your AC and recommend either repair or replacement of your air conditioning unit.

If you need to replace your air conditioner, there are several types to choose from:

Central air conditioner. This system is still found in most homes. The outside AC unit cools air from the outside and forces it through your home via the duct system.

Heat pump. A heat pump is used for both heating and cooling. Air is drawn through the heat pump and is heated or cooled. Heat pumps are a popular option due to their energy efficiency.

Ductless mini-split. This is a small wall-mounted unit that can heat or cool single rooms or zones in your house. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and don’t need ducts.

Geothermal system. A geothermal system is a complex underground system that draws heat from the earth to heat or cool your house. Due to the cost, geothermal systems are usually installed during a new build, but can also be retrofitted to an existing system. Geothermal systems are expensive, but outlast traditional ACs and need minimal maintenance.

In addition to costs and installation requirements, you should also check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which will be found on the yellow tag with the Energy Star rating. The higher the SEER, the better, and in some instances, you may be eligible for federal tax credits. If you have any questions or need advice about choosing the best air conditioning system for your home, give Atlas Butler a call at 614-681-2167.

2023-02-25T16:16:12-05:00January 18th, 2023|Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics|
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