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What Houseplants Are Ideal for Improving Indoor Air Quality?

January 8, 2024

Houseplants are great for brightening up a home, but what a lot of people don’t know is that they can also improve your home’s indoor air quality. Some plants are better for this than others, so we’re going to take a look at the best houseplants to bring into your home for purification purposes. Bamboo Palm All plants purify the air to some extent through photosynthesis, but the bamboo palm is especially great at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and chloroform from your home’s air. It can grow to be as tall as 12 feet, which allows

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional for Ductwork Installation

December 13, 2023

Ductwork installation may sound like something any handy person at home could do, but it’s one of those processes that’s best left to professionals. While it may seem straightforward, it requires specific knowledge and precise skillsets. Here’s why you should avoid attempting to install ductwork on your own. 1. Knowledge and Expertise Installing ductwork requires extensive knowledge of heating and cooling systems. Professionals undergo rigorous training to understand the complexities of airflow, balancing different zones, and making the system energy efficient. Without this expertise, you may end up with an improperly designed duct system that could

What Are the Common Furnace Problems Homeowners Face?

November 13, 2023

Furnaces last 15 to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance, but they can begin to develop problems and break down well before their lifespan ends. At Ideal HVAC Services, we want you to be aware of the common problems so you can keep a check on your furnace. Dirty or Clogged Filters Furnaces cannot breathe without a clean filter. A lack of airflow can cause problems in furnace function and overheating. Change or clean your filter every 30 days or per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Pilot Light Problems The pilot light is essential for

4 Causes That Can Make a Furnace Blower Stop Working

October 18, 2023

The blower is one of the most important parts of a furnace. As the name suggests, the blower’s primary purpose is to blow hot air through the ducts throughout your home. Like other parts of the furnace, the blower can malfunction and stop working for one reason or another. Learn about four causes that can make a furnace blower stop working today. 1. Power Problems A problem with your furnace’s power is among the main causes that can make the system stop working. Lack of electricity or insufficient voltage can prevent the furnace from turning on.

Comparing the Costs of Heat Pumps and Electric Heat

September 20, 2023

As heat pumps continue gaining traction here in Warrenton, VA, plenty of homeowners are starting to wonder how they stack up against other types of heating systems. In particular, we here at Ideal HVAC Services field repeated questions about whether heat pumps are cheaper than electric heat. Here’s the answer. Upfront Costs When comparing heat pumps and electric heat, start by examining their initial costs. For this comparison, let’s consider an electric furnace and a heat pump. They share a similar footprint and utilize your home’s ductwork to distribute heat to the rooms requiring it.

Is It Advisable to Replace My 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner?

August 7, 2023

When deciding when to replace an air conditioner, its age is definitely part of the equation. Considering most AC systems last 10 to 15 years, a 20-year-old one is quite old. Cost of Repair If it has broken down, you must decide between repairing or replacing it. It usually doesn’t make sense to continue repairing an old AC system that has frequent breakdowns, as that gets expensive fast. Some HVAC professionals say to multiply its age by the cost of repair, and if that is over $5,000, it’s better to replace it. Ideal HVAC Services in Warrenton, VA,

How to Effectively Identify and Troubleshoot AC Problems

July 17, 2023

Sometimes a summer day can seem unbearable, especially if your AC isn’t cooling off your house. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to diagnose and fix some of the usual AC issues. Learn the most common AC problems and how you can troubleshoot them. Check the Thermostat Before pulling your hair out over what seems to be a broken AC unit, make sure it’s not just a dead battery in your thermostat. Check the screen and settings to ensure it’s calling for cool air, and replace the batteries if necessary. Sometimes this quick

Can You Service Your Air Conditioner on Your Own?

June 6, 2023

Caring for the air conditioner in your Warrenton, Virginia, home is an ongoing and multi-pronged job. The good news is that you don’t have to handle it on your own. In fact, you shouldn’t. All air conditioners require annual maintenance from a licensed HVAC company. Read on to find out what you can and cannot do by yourself when it comes to AC service. Air Filter Changes and Condenser Clean-up To keep your AC running smoothly, you should change its air filter at least once every 30 to 90 days. HVAC air filters should be

Will a Ductless Mini-Split Use a Lot of Electricity?

May 12, 2023

Many Warrenton, VA homeowners are curious about ductless mini-split HVAC systems. Although they’re not new, mini-splits have recently gained traction in the U.S. One of the most common concerns regards their energy needs. Here’s everything you need to know about the efficiency and energy use of ductless mini-split HVAC systems. The Energy Use of Ductless Mini-Splits HVAC systems are power-intensive appliances. Ductless mini-splits are no exception, but to understand their efficiency, you must compare them to alternative HVAC options. Ductwork can add up to a 30 percent efficiency penalty in a conventional HVAC system. Ductless mini-splits

Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

April 24, 2023

Spending your days breathing in dust, pollen, or other airborne pollutants may result in chronic breathing issues. The presence of a significant amount of airborne debris may also cause damage to walls, furniture, or other surfaces. Fortunately, there are easy ways to improve indoor air quality and create a safe environment for yourself, your pets, and your things. Change air filters regularly Failing to change air filters in your furnace or air conditioner may prevent them from taking particles out of the air. Instead, they will simply repel dirt, dust, or pollen back into the air

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