The big question for vacationers is: how should you prep your HVAC system for your absence? Whether you are a short-term or a seasonal traveler , the amount of time you’ll be away from your Florida home will determine what you should do with your HVAC before you leave for vacation.

Short-Term Vacations

For those trips that only take you away from home for a few weeks or less, preparing your HVAC unit is simple. The key is to ensure your thermostat is set correctly, your vents are open and your home is properly sealed for maximum energy efficiency.

Program Thermostat

Smart thermostats offer the best options for travel. Not only is the thermostat programmable for various temperature settings, but many are accessible to change the settings from a smartphone or other mobile device. The optimal temperature setting for vacations during warm months is between 80 and 85 degrees. For travel during cold weather months, lower the thermostat to between 50 and 60 degrees. Regulated temperature settings help save on energy usage while protecting your home from extreme temperatures.

Open Vents

Contrary to popular belief, closing the air vents from your HVAC unit doesn’t create energy efficiency. In fact, the pressure created from the closed vents isn’t good for your system and may even cause air leaks. Your unit works more efficiently when air vents aren’t blocked. If you have certain vents closed or blocked by curtains or furniture, clear the vents before you go out of town. While this is a good practice anytime, it is especially helpful when you’re away because it will help the air to flow freely through and maintain the desired temperature levels.

Close Windows and Window Coverings

Before you leave for vacation, check to verify that all of the windows in your home are closed. This is smart for safety, to protect from weather and to keep air from escaping your home. Also, be sure to close curtains, blinds and other window coverings to help preserve the temperature within your home and reduce the amount of time your HVAC unit needs to run to regulate the temperature.

Seasonal Travel

For Florida’s seasonal residents, preparing your HVAC unit for your absence takes a bit more effort. Follow all of the suggestions for short-term travel, as well as the extra steps provided here. These guidelines will help keep your home in good shape and minimize the risk of developing problems while you’re away.

Change Air Filters

If you’ll be away from home for more than a month, change the HVAC air filter before you leave. The air filter should be changed every one to three months for optimal function. Clean air filters help avoid blockage of air flow and improve air quality in your home. Keep your unit running efficiently with clean air filters.

Clean Your Home

Before you leave, clean your home to remove dust, dirt and mold. Clearing your home of unwanted particles helps keep the air flowing through your HVAC unit clean. Leave a clean home to avoid bad smells from cycling through your home while you’re away. Plus, it’s always nice to come home to a clean house.

Check the Outside Condenser Unit

The outside portion of the HVAC unit helps to pull air into the system. If the condenser unit is blocked or clogged with dirt or debris, your unit won’t work efficiently. Before you leave, check the unit to ensure debris, like limbs or leaves, are cleared. Also, hose off the unit to remove dirt and dust. Repair any bent condenser coils to allow air to flow freely.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Before you leave for the season, schedule HVAC maintenance to clean your unit and check for any needed repairs. HVAC maintenance includes an inspection of your unit to identify any worn parts that need replacement. Deal with any issues and schedule repairs before you leave to ensure your unit works properly and doesn’t break down while you’re away.

Have Peace of Mind on Your Vacation

Prepare your HVAC unit before you leave for vacation so you can have peace of mind while you travel. With a few simple steps and advanced planning, your HVAC unit will be in top shape to run efficiently while you’re on vacation.

Contact the HVAC experts of northeastern Florida, Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning, to schedule preventative maintenance or AC repairs.

However, in between scheduled preventive maintenance, certain common problems can be addressed by homeowners without professional assistance. These DIY solutions can help keep your unit in good shape and prevent unnecessary repair costs.

Change the Air Filter

One of the easiest HVAC issues for homeowners to tackle is a dirty air filter. HVAC air filters should be changed every one to three months depending on the air quality in your home. For homes with pets, smoke or excess dust, change air filters monthly. Clean air filters help your HVAC unit to work more efficiently to reduce energy costs and improve air quality.

Control the Thermostat

Oftentimes when the temperature in the home isn’t regulated correctly, it’s a problem with the thermostat. Before you call your local HVAC expert, inspect the thermostat to ensure the settings are correct. Especially for programmable thermostats, confirm the time and temperature control settings are accurate. If your HVAC unit isn’t turning on, make sure the thermostat is working. The problem could simply be that the batteries are dead. This is an easy issue for homeowners to remedy.

Clean Condenser Unit

The condenser unit is the outside part of your HVAC unit. The job of the condenser unit is to pull air from the outside through your AC unit. If the unit is dirty or the condenser coils are bent, air isn’t able to pass through freely. Thankfully, the condenser unit is easy to clean. Remove debris from the unit and then hose it off with water to clean off dirt and grime. A fin comb is an affordable tool used to straighten bent condenser unit fins. These simple steps offer a DIY solution to better condenser unit air flow.

Reset the Circuit Breaker

Another common HVAC issue is when a breaker fuse is tripped and the power to the HVAC unit is impacted. If your unit isn’t turning on and the thermostat is working, check the circuit breaker before you schedule HVAC repairs. First locate the specific circuit in the breaker box that controls the HVAC system. If the circuit is turned to off or in the middle, then flip it back to on. This should reset the power for your unit.

Furnace Door Safety Switch

The door to the furnace unit is equipped with a safety switch that triggers the unit not to operate when the door is open. This is a safety feature. However, if the door is ajar or the switch malfunctions, your unit won’t start. Like with the thermostat battery and circuit breaker, the safety switch is an easy fix. Check to ensure that the door is securely latched. If the switch is damaged, installing a new door safety latch is inexpensive and straight forward. Most homeowners could tackle this project without professional help.

Check for Air Leaks

When homeowners notice an increase in their energy bill it might signal a problem with airflow. A loss of air from leaks at doors and windows can cause your unit to work harder. Especially if you have a newer unit, sealing air leaks may provide the perfect solution for better energy efficiency. Inspect windows and doors for gaps or cracks. Install whether stripping or caulk to block unwanted air leaks.

DIY for Common HVAC Issues

For many common HVAC issues, the solution is simple and doesn’t require professional help. Start by regularly changing the air filter and cleaning the outside unit to improve air flow. If your HVAC system won’t start, check for the easy causes, like the furnace door switch, dead thermostat battery and tripped circuit breaker, before you call the professionals.

However, for larger HVAC issues, leave it to the experts at Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning. We have the knowledge and tools to properly diagnose any problems and fix them right the first time.

Most home sellers will make major updates to things like the HVAC unit before selling because then the home will typically fetch a higher listing price, but that is not alwaysthe case. Knowing the lifespan of the current HVAC system in your new home and what to watch out for during an inspection can help you decide if you need to renegotiate terms with the home sellers, and could spare you a major headache on move-in day.

Professional HVAC Inspection

The best approach for homebuyers is to schedule an HVAC inspection with a quality AC service provider before deciding to purchase the home. Most general home inspectors don’t have the equipment or knowledge to fully inspect and identify problems with the HVAC unit.

Spending the time and money on a professional HVAC inspection will help you avoid surprises and enjoy peace of mind. An added bonus: If you identify problems before you purchase the home, you may be able to have repairs made by the existing owners.

Why an Inspection Matters – Know Your Risks

The HVAC system is one of the most expensive in your home. If you don’t get a professional inspection, you run the risk of not knowing the condition of the system in your new home, and being left with expensive repairs or a total replacement shortly after moving in.

Moreover, the cost of a poorly working HVAC unit is more than just the price of repairs or replacement. If your HVAC unit doesn’t work correctly, energy efficiency is impacted. Your system must work harder, sometimes constantly, to maintain the temperature in your home. This negatively impacts both the environment and your wallet.

A broken or inefficient HVAC unit also negatively impacts the air quality in your new home. Poor air quality can cause health issues, like headache, insomnia, asthma, respiratory disease, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and more, which can quickly rack up costly medical bills. Scheduling a proper HVAC inspection can help you avoid these negative effects.

Signs of Wear and Tear on Your HVAC Unit

Most HVAC systems contain equipment located inside and outside of your home. During your HVAC unit inspection, both areas should be checked for potential problems.

Outside Unit

• It’s important that the system isn’t blocked so that air can flow freely through the unit. A unit heavily covered in dirt or debris is a sign that it hasn’t been properly maintained. Shrubs, trees or other objects blocking the unit also impact proper function.
• Bent or damaged condensing coils block air flow. Condensing coil damage may occur from hail, lawn care, falling limbs and much more.
• HVAC units should sit level to the ground. However, over time or without the proper cement foundation, the ground can shift and make the unit unlevel, which impacts function.

Inside Unit

• Inspect the air filter first. A clogged or dirty air filter is a sign that the system hasn’t been regularly maintained. Plus, your system can’t work effectively if the air filter is dirty.
• Excess dust and dirt inside the home, especially on the vents, is a sign that the HVAC unit is dirty. A dirty unit wears out more quickly and doesn’t work as efficiently. Not only that, but the air quality in the home may be poor if the air from the HVAC unit is dirty.
• Any sign of rust on your HVAC unit is a red flag. Rust indicates a leak. A refrigerant leak, can be very costly to repair on older units because certain types of refrigerant, like R22, are being phased out. Rust from a blocked or broken drain tube is not a major problem, unless it isn’t addressed.
• Odd noises when you turn on or run the HVAC unit is another sign of wear and tear. Unusual sounds indicate the system isn’t working correctly. Problems may include anything from a frozen system to a worn-out belt. Not addressing these issues can lead to more damage.

Inspect Your Unit for Peace of Mind

As a new homeowner, inspecting your HVAC unit is a smart move if you want to avoid repairs or replacing the HVAC unit altogether. Schedule an HVAC inspection with a professional ASAP so you can focus on being excited about your big, exciting purchase and moving in, rather than worrying about your AC. At Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer HVAC inspections for homebuyers. Contact us todayt

Key Influencers of Indoor Air Quality

Many different factors influence the quality of the air in your home. While you can't control the pollutant levels of the outside air, many of elements impacting indoor air quality are within your control.

Arguably the largest influencer on your indoor air quality is your HVAC unit itself. How old is it? What type is it? Is it clean or clogged? All of these can impact the performance of your unit, and, consequently, your indoor air quality. Have your unit inspected and figure out whether any of these factors are negatively affecting your indoor air, and whether it’s time to replace or repair the unit.

Other common indoor irritants include dust, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, rodents, insects and smoke. Some of these allergens, like bacteria, dust and dander, are, for the most part, unavoidable and can negatively influence the quality of your home’s air.

Indicators of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Check for clues, in both your home and family members, that indicate your home’s air quality needs improvement. Start by looking for visible warning signs within your home. Clues, like condensation on your windows or walls, mold or mildew growth, rotted wood or clogged vents, are signs of compromised air quality. Also, an increase in energy costs indicates your HVAC unit needs attention, especially since half of all home energy use goes to heating or cooling.

Your health can provide the most critical warning signs. Poor indoor air quality greatly affects your family’s health. Exposure to allergens and irritants in the air can lead to mild or short-term health issues, like headaches, sneezing, fatigue and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality creates the risk of long-term and major health issues, including heart disease, asthma, cancer and respiratory disease.

Why Clean Indoor Air Matters

On the flip side, clean indoor air promotes positive health benefits, improves the value of your home and extends the life of your HVAC unit. Better ventilation, moisture control and air filtering positively impact indoor air quality, which leads to better sleep, fewer allergies and reduced asthma symptoms.

A clean and properly working HVAC system also minimizes mold and bacteria growth. In addition, regular HVAC maintenance not only keeps your system clean to improve air quality, but it also extends the life of your unit. A cared for HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to move air through your unit, which in the long run helps to avoid costly repairs and reduces energy costs. By minimizing the damage from dirt, debris and unmanaged moisture levels, clean indoor air helps improve your home’s value, promote good health, and save you money in the long run.

Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality

You don’t have to do anything as drastic as getting rid of the family pet; there are numerous ways to minimize the negative effects of common indoor allergens. Simple tasks like dusting, washing rugs and linens, vacuuming air vents and not smoking inside can all improve indoor air quality.

Consistently cleaning helps reduce indoor allergens by a lot, but changing your air filters helps catch any you may have missed. Always remember to change your air filters per their instructions to reduce airborne allergens and to keep air circulating properly through your unit, which, in turn, will also promote clean indoor air.

One of the easiest solutions to improve indoor air quality is with preventative HVAC maintenance. Not only that, but preventative maintenance helps save money by increasing energy efficiency and identifying potential mechanical issues in order to avoid damage to your unit.

Quality preventative maintenance service both inspects and cleans your HVAC unit. Look for a maintenance plan that includes these specifics for the greatest positive impact on air quality: cleaning out the drain pan to reduce algae build up, flushing the condensation drain line, inspecting the blower wheel for dust and mildew, and protecting the evaporator coils against bacteria and mildew growth.

Along with a maintained HVAC unit, installing a dehumidifier can help establish proper indoor moisture levels to help reduce the growth of mold, bacteria and mildew.

Get Started Today

Don’t delay! Pay attention to the warning signs of poor indoor air quality and take Snyder’s Air Quality Quiz to get started improving air quality in your home today. With knowledge of the signs of poor indoor air quality and preventive HVAC maintenance, you can positively impact the health of your home and family.

Long-Term Steps to Keep Your HVAC Unit Protected

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from May through November, encompassing half of each year. It is wise to implement long-term solutions before peak storm season arrives. Secure your HVAC unit with these easy-to-execute strategies and add confidence that your HVAC unit will be protected when a storm is bearing down on the Florida coastline.

Install a Surge Protector

The purpose of a surge protector for your HVAC unit is to guard the system from damaging power surges, like those experienced during a major storm. One solution is a whole house surge protector installed at the breaker panel. The benefit of a whole house surge protector is that it’ll protect appliances and electrical equipment too. However, surges can occur from within your home, like when the HVAC unit turns on. Individual surge protectors are still useful to prevent damage and provide an extra layer of protection.

Anchor the Condenser Unit

The outside portion of your HVAC unit is the condenser unit. Because the equipment is located outside, it’s at greater risk for damage during a hurricane. Bolt the condenser unit to a solid foundation and install hurricane straps over the unit to fortify it against strong winds. If you’re in a flood plain, elevate your unit to help decrease the risk of water damage from flooding.

Short-Term Steps for Forecasted Hurricanes

While the long-term steps help provide permanent damage control, short-term solutions will help secure your unit right before a hurricane arrives. These steps are helpful to add to a hurricane prep checklist as a reminder during the chaos.

Turn the HVAC Unit Off

Usually, when you leave home you want to keep your HVAC system running; however, if you evacuate during a hurricane, it is advisable to turn off your HVAC unit. If possible, unplug your unit or flip off the breaker switch that controls the HVAC system to protect your unit from power surges. You wouldn’t want a unit that becomes flooded or damaged to switch on while you’re away and risk a fire or further damage to your home or HVAC unit.

Cover the Condenser Unit

While bolts and straps help keep the unit attached during a storm, flying objects can still damage the condenser unit. Use plywood or a specialized cover to protect your unit. Ensure that loose items in your yard are stored, like toys, furniture and lawn tools.

Action Plan for After the Storm

Review your HVAC warranty and homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage. Most HVAC warranties don’t include damage from hurricanes or flooding. However, your homeowner’s insurance policy likely includes coverage or partial coverage. Each policy is different, so check your policy before you purchase a new unit or schedule repairs.

After the storm has passed, don’t turn your HVAC unit back on until you’ve uncovered it and had it inspected. Any damage, obvious or not, could lead to further harm, including fire or electrocution if not repaired. Especially if flooding reached the HVAC system, including the ductwork, have the entire system inspected to ensure not only that it is functioning properly, but to ensure the unit is dry and checked for mold growth.

Be proactive by implementing your long-term and short-term plans to protect your HVAC unit during hurricane season. Contact the professionals at Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning for questions or to schedule HVAC repairs due to

Preventive maintenance is recommended twice per year. It doesn’t really matter during which season the maintenance occurs, but fall and spring work well to ensure your unit is in top shape before the more drastic temperature changes of winter and summer. As always, it is recommended to change your air filter monthly to keep your HVAC unit running its best.

Winter Care Tips

Start by focusing on the outside HVAC equipment. As the temperatures cool, yard maintenance typically receives less attention. Inspect and clean your outside equipment to remove debris and grime. Ensure intake vents are free from blockage so air may flow freely.

Conduct a system check by turning your heating unit on and checking for any abnormal smells or noises. If you’ve stayed on top of preventive maintenance, your system should be in good working order.

Adjust your thermostat to save money on energy costs. During the winter months, lower your indoor thermostat setting to around 68 degrees (any higher than 70 degrees will increase energy bills exponentially).

Spring Care Tips

During the spring months in Florida, the temperatures usually require the air conditioner to keep your home cool. Don’t wait until summer to ensure your air conditioner is working, instead schedule seasonal maintenance for spring. Also, increase your programmed temperature to around 75 degrees.

Spring is the perfect time to add an HVAC focus to your spring cleaning. Start by cleaning indoor vents. Dust vent covers and vacuum out the registers. Also, ensure vents aren’t blocked by curtains or furniture. Just like during the winter, clean the outside of your HVAC unit to remove debris and other buildup. Duct cleaning is a great option for springtime to help improve air quality and reduce the impact of seasonal allergies.

Summer Care Tips

Reliable air conditioning is must for Northeast Florida summers. If you didn’t schedule maintenance during the spring, make it a top priority for summer. You don’t want to be surprised by a broken AC as temperatures rise. Increase your programmed thermostat temperature to 77 degrees to save money on energy costs.

The key for the summer is to maximize efficiency. Start by hosing off and cleaning the outside HVAC equipment to improve air flow. Next, ensure all indoor vents are open and free of obstructions. Check your AC unit for ice buildup throughout the summer. If you unit starts leaking refrigerant, it can cause costly damage.

Fall Care Tips

Fall in Florida offers a wide range of temperatures. This means that both your heating and air conditioning systems may be needed to keep your home at the optimal temperature. Adjust your programmable thermostat to a cooler temperature of around 72 degrees.

Fall is a great time to schedule seasonal maintenance to identify any issues from the constant summer use of your air conditioner and ensure your heater is in proper working order. As your family prepares to spend more time indoors, it’s important to improve your indoor air quality by cleaning the ventilation system and changing the air filters.

Stay on Top of Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Seasonal HVAC maintenance is important to keep your HVAC unit in good shape all year long. In fact, regular maintenance improves indoor air quality and energy efficiency while helping to avoid costly repairs and extending the life of your unit. Keep your home at the optimal temperature throughout the year by investing in a programmable thermostat.

At Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer schedule maintenance with a 25-point cleaning and troubleshooting system analysis. Our regular maintenance plan includes both inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system to help maximize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality while extending the life of your unit. Don’t be caught off guard. Sign up for one of Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning’s Preferred Customer Care Plan and let us do the work for you.

The best way to avoid a bad situation is to work with a trusted HVAC company. Ask your service provider to prove that they are licensed and insured. Read online reviews and check references to confirm that they’re an established company with a solid reputation. Finally, look for an HVAC service provider with longevity in the local community. Dishonest businesses don’t usually last for decades - in fact, they rarely stick around for more than a couple of years!

Offers Too Good to Be True

We all love a deal, but if an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is. Offers for major discounts or free services are a red flag. Be skeptical if you pursue this type of offer. Reach out to an established company for a second opinion and quote. Also, ask if they have heard of the business offering the discount. Most companies within the same market and industry are familiar with each other or, at the very least, have heard of each other.

Before you move forward with the discounted or free service, require a written agreement and estimate - then, read the fine print. Oftentimes, these offers are a bait and switch. The service provider offers one thing, but then recommends a more expensive service after the inspection.

Recommendation for Unnecessary Repairs or New Unit

An HVAC unit less than 10 years old is rarely a total loss, meaning that, in many cases, recommendations will be to repair your unit rather than replacing it with a new one. If you’re working with an HVAC technician that pushes a hard sale of a new unit, be sure to get a second opinion. A reputable company is invested in building trusting, long-term client relationships, not in a quick sale.

Most HVAC repair issues are caused by a single broken part or service problem. This is especially true if you keep up with seasonal and annual HVAC maintenance, during which your unit is regularly cleaned and inspected. If at a service repair call, the technician tells you several parts are broken, be wary. Again, it is best to get a second opinion before wasting money on parts you don’t need.

Repairs with Used or Off-Brand Parts

HVAC units are complex systems. If an HVAC technician offers you a deal on a used or off-brand part, it’s a red flag. A reputable HVAC company will recommend repairs with new parts that are approved for use with your specific unit.

Did you know that working with an unauthorized service provider or using unapproved parts can void the manufacturer’s warranty? This is why it’s important to work with a trusted HVAC service provider. We have the right knowledge and tools to protect your interests, like understanding warranty requirements.

Cash Only or Payment Upfront

A reputable company will not require a cash only transaction or total upfront payment. No matter how good the offer, do not give a service provider cash for work that hasn’t been completed. This is a common trick of thieves. In most of these cases, the individual takes the money and runs.

Instead, work with a company with a solid Better Business Bureau rating that accepts trackable forms of payment, like credit cards. An honest company will not require you to pay for service in full before the work is completed.

Refrigerant Replacement

With the phase out of R-22 refrigerant, the cost to refill refrigerant is expensive, opening the door for scams. The key to avoiding this scam is to understand that the only reason your refrigerant needs to be replaced is if you have a leak.

Do not allow anyone to refill or replace your refrigerant unless the leak is first repaired. Otherwise, the new refrigerant will leak out, continuing the cycle. Refrigerant is not like oil in your vehicle: It does not need to be refilled or replaced. Understanding this can help keep you from paying for an unnecessary service.

Protect Yourself from Scams

At Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer quality products and services in order to build long-term and trustworthy relationships with our clients. We’ve served northeastern Florida residents for over 40 years. Contact usfor a quote or inspection of your unit. We provide accurate, honest estimates and are happy to give a second opinion on any offer that may sound too good to be true.