Is Your HVAC Blower Wheel Clean? | HVAC Maintenance Little Rock

One of the main causes of AC and furnace repair in Little Rock is a dirty blower wheel. However, most people haven’t even heard of this.

If you want to keep your HVAC in Little Rock running well, here’s what you need to know about this important part of your system.

What is a Blower Wheel?

HVAC inspection in Little Rock

Your blower wheel keeps air moving through your HVAC system. It helps pull air into the system, then pushes it through the system and into your home. If it’s dirty, it can’t do its job as well. In fact, a dirty blower wheel is one of the main causes that we see for furnace and AC repair in Little Rock.

What Causes a Dirty Blower Wheel?

A number of things can cause your blower wheel to get dirty. Over time, it simply happens. However, it might happen faster if:

  • You don’t change your filters regularly
  • You don’t get an HVAC tune up regularly
  • You skip air duct cleaning in Little Rock

What Happens When Your Blower Wheel Gets Dirty?

When your blower wheel gets dirty, it can reduce the amount of air that your system can pull in and, therefore, the amount of hot and cold air available in your home. This can cause your AC coils to freeze or your heat exchanger to overheat.

A dirty blower wheel can lead to:

  • The need for a new HVAC installation
  • Blower wheel or blower motor replacements
  • Calls about duct repairs or air duct cleaning in Little Rock

What are the Benefits of Cleaning Your Blower Wheel?

When you call us for an HVAC tune up, one of the things we’ll do is clean your blower wheel if it needs it, as it’s an important part of heating and cooling maintenance in Little Rock! This can have a variety of benefits, including:

  • Increased efficiency in your HVAC in Little Rock
  • Fewer HVAC installations – because your system will last longer
  • Lower energy bills
  • Better indoor air quality

Schedule Little Rock HVAC Maintenance

If you’re concerned about your blower wheel and you want to avoid expensive furnace or AC repair in Little Rock, call our team from Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning today. Our Little Rock HVAC experts will be there soon to inspect your system, clean your blower wheel, and make sure there aren’t any problems you need to address. Make your appointment now.

A DIY Furnace Maintenance Guide

Did you know that regular furnace maintenance in North Little Rock can help you avoid repairs, save money, and more? It’s true! Call us at Airmasters AR Heating & Cooling now or follow the steps below to complete your heating maintenance in North Little Rock.

Even if you do it yourself, it’s a good idea to have a pro take a look at your furnace now and then. We can tell you if you need a furnace replacement in North Little Rock. We can also point out any potential furnace repairs in North Little Rock so you can take care of them ASAP.

furnace repair north little rock

Inspect Your Burner Flame

Make sure your burner flames are more or less even and blue. If they are yellow, call in a pro to clean and adjust them. Never adjust these yourself.

Vacuum Out the Furnace

Turn off the power to the furnace and disconnect the gas or electricity. Use a small attachment to carefully vacuum any dust and debris out of the furnace.

Clean Out the Blower

Take the blower out and clean it carefully with your vacuum and/or a small brush. Don’t touch or move the counterweights or any electrical components. If you can’t clean it without doing this, skip it or call in a pro.

Change the Furnace Filter

Switch out your dirty furnace filter with a new one. You should be doing this regularly – at least every three months.

Blow Off the Pilot Light

If there is dust or debris on the pilot light, blow it off with compressed air or even just by blowing with your mouth.

Inspect the Belt

Find the drive belt and look over its entire length. If it is frayed or breaking, take it out and install a new one. If you aren’t comfortable doing this furnace repair in North Little Rock, call us and we’ll do it for you.

Add Lubrication

If your furnace is older and requires oil, remove the oil caps and add lubricant. If you’re not sure whether or not you should do this part of furnace maintenance in North Little Rock, our pros will handle it for you.

Seal Up Your Air Ducts

If your air ducts have dampers that need adjusting in the winter, go ahead and adjust them now. This helps send the warm air where you need it most in the winter.

Get help from the North Little Rock Heating Pros

Does this sound like a lot for you to handle? Don’t worry, your North Little Rock heating maintenance experts can take care of these and more! Call us at Airmasters today and we’ll do your heating maintenance in North Little Rock before winter comes in full blast!

What You Need to Know About SEER2

Have you heard about the new SEER2 requirements but you’re not sure how or if they apply to you? Do you need a North Little Rock HVAC company to help you figure it all out?

Here at Airmasters AR Heating & Cooling, we have the experience and expertise you need. We can help you understand SEER2 and perform your SEER to SEER2 conversion if and when that becomes necessary. Here are the basics, and you can always call us to learn more.

2023 Changes in Regulations

north little rock HVAC company

When we talk about SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and SEER2 ratings, we are referring to energy efficiency. Specifically, we are talking about the energy efficiency of HVAC equipment. Starting in January of 2023, all HVAC equipment that gets installed will need to have a SEER rating of 14 for residential systems or 15 for commercial systems. These are called SEER2 ratings, as previous legislation is referred to as SEER, even though they use the same rating system.

What is SEER2?

The SEER2 meaning is that your HVAC system will be more efficient. You won’t have to upgrade old equipment until it stops working or you choose to do so, but any new equipment installed will be more efficient. That’s it – it’s not any more complicated than that.

How Does SEER2 Change Life for Homeowners?

Homeowners may or may not see major changes after the implementation of these new SEER2 requirements. If your old system is relatively efficient, you may not see many changes. However, if you work with your North Little Rock heating and cooling company to upgrade a very old system, you may see significant changes.

Most notably, you are likely to save money on your energy bills each month. Collectively, homes using ACs or heat pumps should see between 2.5 and 12.2 billion dollars in savings over the next 30 years. That won’t all be yours, but some of it definitely will be.

SEER2 Changes by Region

Note that different areas of the US have slightly different requirements under SEER2. As your North Little Rock cooling and heating experts, we know these systems and regulations inside and out. We can tell you exactly what you need and help you find a system that qualifies under the new requirements.

Get SEER to SEER2 Conversion

Call us at Airmasters AR Heating & Cooling today with any questions you might have about the new SEER2 requirement or to schedule your SEER to SEER2 conversion. We’re your go-to North Little Rock HVAC company and have highly skilled HVAC technicians who are trained to understand SEER2 requirements so you don’t have to. Make your appointment today!

Protect Yout HVAC System From Extreme Cold

hvac north little rock

During normal cold snaps, your North Little Rock HVAC should work just fine. But if the temperature changes drastically or the outdoor unit gets covered with ice and snow, you can face an emergency shut-off scenario. This can cause the temperature to drop significantly in your home and could result in frozen pipes and other problems. Avoid this or needing heating service in North Little Rock from happening by taking the following steps. 

Build a Wall

If your outdoor HVAC in North Little Rock isn’t protected enough by the structure of your home, build a wall around it so snow can’t drift up against it. Make sure you leave plenty of room for airflow, though.

You may also be able to solve drifting and snow buildup problems by putting your HVAC unit on a platform. This keeps it above normal snow accumulation levels. 

Get Out the Shovel

Dig around your HVAC unit and continue to do so as long as the snow falls. Even a small trench can save you quite a bit of hassle and money later on. 

Look Out Below

Make sure that your gutters aren’t overflowing or emptying onto your outdoor HVAC unit and that icicles or snow dams aren’t building up over it. These can all fall and damage the unit, or cause it to get encased in ice. 

Call For Help With Your North Little Rock HVAC

Taking a few minutes a day during extreme weather can help keep your North Little Rock HVAC running well and your home warm. Contact us at Airmasters Heating & Cooling if you have any questions or if your HVAC system has problems this winter.

The Most Common Furnace Problems and How To Solve Them

We have been in the HVAC business for a while now and we’ve seen every furnace problem in the book! However, there are some issues that we see a lot more than others. If your furnace is struggling, here are a few things that you can check out. If you’re not comfortable looking at your furnace, these are also what we will check for as soon as we get to your house. 

Clogged Filters

heating maintenance North Little Rock

Most air filters need to be changed every 1 to 6 months, depending on the type of filter, how often you run your furnace, and a few other specifics of your situation. If you’re not sure how often you should change your air filters, our North Little Rock HVAC repair experts can take a look at your system and let you know. 

If you don’t change your filter, your furnace has to work extra hard to get the air that it needs to heat so it can keep your house warm. All of this creates extra wear and tear for the unit and can cause it to break down more often or hit the end of its lifespan faster. If you haven’t changed your air filter in a long time you may want to call us out for your North Little Rock HVAC repair, just to make sure there’s no damage to your furnace.

Thermostat Problems

Before you call us for heating maintenance in North Little Rock, check your thermostat. Sometimes, it gets bumped, the temperature gets turned down, and people think their furnaces aren’t working. It’s worth checking it out before you call.

Other times, the furnace and the thermostat just aren’t communicating well anymore. In these cases, we can fix the thermostat or replace it with one that will work better for you. A new thermostat could also save you money on heating service in North Little Rock and give you more control than ever over your comfort systems. 

No Pilot Light

If your pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t work. You can usually check this by looking at the bottom of your furnace for a blue flame. Some furnaces may have their pilot lights located in other areas of the furnace. They will usually be labeled or there will be a diagram on the furnace to show you where to look.

Relighting a pilot light can be straightforward or there can be several steps involved. If you’re not sure how to relight yours, give us a call. We’d be happy to do it for you and show you how to do it next time. 

Not Enough Gas Supply

If your furnace isn’t getting enough gas, it won’t heat well. Make sure the valve on the gas supply to your furnace is turned all the way on. Sometimes, this gets bumped and turned down. Other times, homeowners think it is safer to have it partially turned off. However, it either needs to be all the way on or all the way off for optimal safety and furnace function. 

Call us For North Little Rock HVAC repair

If your furnace isn’t working and you can’t figure out why, or need another heating service in North Little Rock, call us at Airmasters Heating & AC today. We’ll get a North Little Rock HVAC repair technician to your home ASAP. Whether you need a furnace or other heating maintenance in North Little Rock, our technician will get your heat back on fast so you can get comfortable in your home again soon!

Fall Heating Prep: What You Furnace Needs

When it’s time to turn on your furnace this fall, you want it to be ready to go. You don’t want to have to wait because it’s not working or because you haven’t yet done heating maintenance in North Little Rock.

According to our HVAC pros, there are a few heating maintenance tasks that you can do yourself. When those are done, you can call on us at Airmasters AR Heating & Air Conditioning for a professional furnace inspection in North Little Rock.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Tasks

Start your DIY heating maintenance by changing your filters. In fact, buy them in bulk so you can make sure you’ll have enough for the whole winter. A clean filter means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to pull in clean air to heat.

Next, make sure your system can get all of the air that it needs by cleaning out any intake grates that you might have. You should also make sure that all of your vents are clear of furniture, flooring, curtains, rugs, and anything else that might block airflow.

Professional Heating System Maintenance Tasks

Once you’ve done those tasks, it’s time to call for a professional inspection and furnace maintenance and in North Little Rock. Our team will come in and make sure your furnace is working the way it was designed to.

repairman performing furnace maintenance in North Little Rock

Our furnace maintenance includes things like:

  • Checking the pressure throughout your HVAC system
  • Calibrating your thermostat so it takes accurate readings and maintains the temperatures you desire
  • Checking all electrical connections in and pertaining to your heater
  • Cleaning out your heater
  • Changing your filters if they need it
  • Lubricating moving parts in your heater as they need it
  • Looking for rust or cracks in your heat exchanger, as these can cause carbon monoxide leaks
  • Testing your flue, as this is where carbon monoxide leaves your home
  • Testing the blower and the burner

If our heating maintenance in North Little Rock reveals any necessary repairs, we’ll arrange a time with you to return and complete those so you’ll have reliable heat whenever you need it this winter.

Call an HVAC Company for Maintenance

Call us at Airmasters AR Heating & Air Conditioning now, or anytime you need help with heating maintenance in North Little Rock. One of our Little Rock heating experts will be on their way to you soon and we won’t rest until your heater works well again!

Common Issues With Commercial HVAC Systems

Commercial HVAC maintenance

Your HVAC system should work well in your North Little Rock business, or you might end up with unhappy employees, tenants, or customers. Here are some common commercial HVAC issues you should address before they become major liabilities.

The System Capacity is Incorrect

Sometimes, people try to save money on a commercial air conditioner installation in North Little Rock by installing a unit that is smaller than what the building technically needs. Too-small units won’t be able to heat or cool effectively and they will wear out faster because they are working too hard.

Too-large units are a problem, too. These will cost a lot more to run than you should pay to heat your structure.

The System Makes Unusual Sounds

If your HVAC system is making unusual sounds, call us right away for a commercial air conditioner repair in North Little Rock.

If it’s happening in the winter, call us for a commercial furnace repair in North Little Rock.

No matter what time of year it is, your HVAC system should not make sounds you’ve never heard before, or ones that make people in the building uncomfortable.

The Thermostats Stop Working

If your thermostats aren’t working, you won’t be able to control your commercial cooling or commercial heating in North Little Rock. We’ll help find the faulty thermostat (if you have more than one) and replace it so you have temperature control once again.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is what allows your AC to cool air so people can stay comfortable in your building when it’s warm outside. If it leaks out of the unit, then it won’t cool as effectively. It might overheat from trying to cool without refrigerant, while everyone in the building is still too warm.

Airflow is Inconsistent

If one part of your building is always too hot and another is always too cold, chances are that you have a leak somewhere in your ductwork. Call us for a commercial heating or commercial air conditioner repair in North Little Rock so we can find the problem and devise a solution for you.

Air Quality is Low

If your air filters are dirty or there’s air pollution nearby, chances are that the air in your building is also suffering. We can help you change your filters, perform a commercial AC or commercial furnace repair in North Little Rock to eliminate contamination by the HVAC unit itself, and help you find other air quality solutions today!

No matter what you need for your building, we are your experts in commercial cooling and commercial heating in North Little Rock.

Call Airmasters today for everything from a commercial boiler repair to a commercial air conditioner installation in North Little Rock. We have you covered, no matter what you need!

Save Money by Optimizing Your Commercial HVAC System

Commercial HVAC Services

Are you hoping to lower your operating costs this year? Would you like to be able to keep your employees, tenants, and/or customers comfortable, all while spending less than ever before on energy bills?

Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to optimize your commercial heating and commercial cooling in North Little Rock. Contact our team at Airmasters today to implement the solutions that seem best for you.

Get an Energy-Efficient System

The next time you want to update your HVAC system, invest in one with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of at least 13. When you replace an old unit rated 6.2 with one of these, you’ll save up to 52%! Since about 44% of the energy used by commercial buildings goes toward HVAC costs, this could represent a significant savings for you!

Efficient commercial cooling and commercial heating in North Little Rock could keep your occupants more comfortable, too! When your system produces plenty of hot and/or cold air, they’ll be happier and more productive.

Consider Solar Energy

If it’s not time for a commercial HVAC replacement in North Little Rock, consider adding solar energy to the mix. A system called Therm X can be added into your existing HVAC setup. That way, you can gather solar energy to power your compressor, reducing your overall costs.

Most systems see a cost reduction of 35-40%, though some see savings of up to 50%. Our team can help you evaluate how much you might save with one of these systems.

Use Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can also help you save money if it’s not time for a commercial HVAC replacement in North Little Rock quite yet. Manually controlled thermostats are not as energy efficient, because they rely on people remembering to change them at the right times.

HVAC management systems that are connected to the internet can look at heating and cooling over time, then make predictions and adjust the system accordingly, all without anyone having to think about the system at all. These savings can reach up to 20%, which is significant when it comes to HVAC expenditures.

When you need help with your commercial heating or commercial cooling in North Little Rock, contact our team at Airmasters Heating & Air Conditioning.

We can also help you with other HVAC services, like commercial duct cleaning in North Little Rock, repairs for your commercial heating in North Little Rock, and more!

How to Choose the Best New Heat Pump for Your Home

A diagram of how heat pumps work.

Are you considering a new heat pump in Little Rock? At Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning, we can help you choose the best one for your home. We’ll always recommend reliable heat pumps that should work for you for a long, long time. We’ll also handle your new heater installation in Little Rock so you won’t have to worry about getting the job done right. 

Here’s what you need to know to choose the very best heat pump for you. You can think through these things on your own or call and one of our experts will walk you through your options. Either way, you should have a heat pump you’ll love soon!

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Heat Pump

Here’s what we consider when we help you choose a great heat pump for your home.

  • Energy Efficiency. This is measured in SEER values for heat pumps and it can range between 14 and 24, with higher SEER values indicating more efficiency. We usually recommend pumps with a rating of at least 21 so you don’t pay more in energy costs than is absolutely necessary.
  • Consider HSPF. This is another efficiency rating for your heat pump. Most pumps land between 8.2 and 10 on this scale. Higher numbers indicate greater efficiency. 
  • Single vs. Variable Speed. Most people choose variable speed heat pumps in Little Rock. While single speed pumps can be great in certain situations, they tend to be noisier than what most people are looking for. They also allow for greater energy efficiency and temperature flexibility.
  • Inverter Technology. This technology makes it easier for your heat pump to adjust to different situations. It can heat more effectively, will likely heat faster, and reduces wear and tear on your unit. Most customers find it well worth their investment.

We can recommend heat pumps for you or you can choose one on your own. Once you’ve made that choice, contact us for new heater installation in Little Rock. We’ll make sure that each part of your heat pump is working well so you can rest assured that it was installed well and should last for a long time. We’ll also invite you to test it before we go, just to ensure that it is working to your standards. 

When you need a new heat pump, don’t put it off and stay uncomfortable at home. Instead, call us at Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll get to you quickly, help you pick out a new heat pump that you will love, and make sure you are comfortable again before we go. Call us today! We would be honored to be the ones you choose to help you get the new heat pump you need!

Key Differences Between Boilers and Furnaces

A new furnace in a Little Rock home.

Most homes in the Little Rock area we serve have central heating. These systems heat the home as a whole, rather than requiring the use of multiple space heaters to keep different areas of the home warm. 

There are two types of heating systems that are the most common: boilers and furnaces. While they can both heat a home effectively, they do it in very different ways. At Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer heating services for both types of systems.

Understanding the system you have can come in handy when you’re thinking about replacing it and you want to know what would be best in your house. It is also useful when you need to talk to a technician about maintenance or repairs.

Boilers

Boilers heat water in a tank, then circulate that water throughout the house via pipes. At the end of each pipe is either a radiator or a baseboard heater. These disperse the heat throughout the home. 

Boilers are more expensive heating systems to install than furnaces but they generally last longer and have lower repair and operation costs. You can choose to only heat part of a home when you have a boiler, rather than having to heat the entire thing. They are often more energy-efficient than furnaces and produce cleaner heat, too.

However, boilers take longer to warm a room or a home and the whole thing can freeze if exposed to a very low temperature. Boilers may raise humidity levels so much that a separate dehumidifier is needed and a boiler problem can mean significant water damage to your home.

Furnaces

Furnaces force air through a series of heat exchangers that warm it up. Then powerful fans blow it through a series of ducts until it enters rooms through various heat registers. The warm air warms the entire home.

Furnaces are cheaper than boilers, though installing ductwork can be very expensive. You usually have to heat an entire home when you have a furnace, even if you aren’t using it all. They produce dry air and will never freeze up.

However, furnaces require more repairs than boilers and don’t have as long of a lifespan. They also require air filter changes every few months to keep them running well. If the dry air they blow is a problem, you may have to install a separate humidifier. 

Which One is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to heating systems. The system that’s right for you will be determined by the particulars of your situation. If you’re not sure which one to get, give us a call at Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning today. We’ll send someone out to help you choose the new heating system that is right for your home and your family.

Rely on us for all of your boiler, furnace, and other heating needs all winter long. Just give us a call and we’ll have someone to your door in no time. Trust Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning with all your heating needs! Make your appointment now!