Blogs

Top 3 Ways To Control Humidity This Spring, Summer

Mar 28, 2018 | Blogs

“It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” We’ve all heard it and probably said it in the heat of one of Alabama’s scorching summer days. It’s not just an adage we like to say during the dog days of summer, it’s a fact we feel more discomfort when there is more humidity in the air. Humidity affects our indoor air quality, creates an opportunity for mold and mildew to flourish and can even cause our HVAC systems to run inefficiently and run the risk of breaking down. Use These 3 Tips To Lower The Humidity In Your Home This Summer:

Seal up your windows. Storm doors and windows can reduce moisture by preventing moisture in the air from getting into your home. The added benefits in energy efficiencies can also help reduce your energy consumption (and the monthly energy bill).
Add a dehumidifier to your HVAC system. Your HVAC system currently will remove some humidity from the air in your home, while in humid climates, it’s often not enough. Installing a dehumidifier to work with your HVAC system can eliminate annoying conditions such as stuffy air, sweaty floors, mold and mildew growth, musty odors, condensation on water pipes, wet stains on walls as well as help those who suffer with allergies.
Ask a professional. Addressing the HVAC humidity control issues in your home is often best left in the hands of a professional. An experienced and knowledgeable HVAC service provider can help you determine what would work best for your specific home and with your current HVAC system requirements. An initial HVAC humidity control inspection coupled with a preventive maintenance plan is a step in the right direction toward improving the air quality for your family.

As the temps climb this summer, the humidity is sure to follow. Inside your home, your air conditioning system will be working harder to keep you comfortable. Reducing some of the humidity inside your home has many positive benefits and is well worth discussing with your HVAC service provider. Improve your comfort level and indoor air quality this summer by using these tips to lower the humidity (and you might even save money on your energy bills). Air Specialty has led the charge for quality HVAC services and installation in the Mobile area for over 25 years. Our team of technicians is NATE-certified and takes the time to listen to our customers, getting to know what they want and working hard to ensure they are happy with the quality of service they receive. Spring has sprung! Now is the time to start thinking about HVAC humidity control with the help of Air Specialty. Contact us today for a consultation.

HVAC Cleaning: DIY Or Hire A Pro?

Mar 20, 2018 | Blogs

It’s time to spring-clean your HVAC system for sure! The question on your mind probably is: can I do the HVAC system cleaning myself to save time and money or should I enlist the help of an HVAC professional to help me? The answer is yes and yes. In other words, there are some things you can do yourself and other items best left to an experienced technician.

Here’s the breakdown of what you can effectively DIY and what you should ask your HVAC service provider to do.

Do these HVAC systems cleaning tasks yourself:

Keep your AC and heating systems free of debris. Your outdoor unit should be kept free of damaging or airflow-blocking debris, such as leaves, pollen, branches, etc. Walk around the unit especially after storms and consider surrounding it with gravel instead of mulch or grass. Hard rains and wind can sometimes cause dirt, mud and other debris to “splash” up into the unit, making it dirty and hindering its effectiveness.
Routinely check, clean and replace your air filters. Air filters get dirty, inevitably. It means they’re doing their job! Keeping your air filters clean is one of the easiest and most effective maintenance efforts you can make to keep your HVAC system working at its best. Air filters, if not maintained, can cause your HVAC system to have to work harder, causing undue strain on its working parts as well as having an impact on your indoor air quality.
Clean your registers. HVAC system cleaning starts with easy things you can DIY like keeping your registers and ducts clean of dust and debris.

Hire an HVAC professional to help you with these cleaning tasks:

Preventive Maintenance – Your certified and experienced HVAC service provider will provide your HVAC system with a routine preventive maintenance service of system components you’re unlikely to access or be able to perform. This routine maintenance will include a check for unusual wear and tear, lubrication of key moving parts as well as audits of electrical elements of your system.
Warranty Requirements – Keeping your HVAC system maintained improperly can affect your manufacturer’s warranty. Your professional HVAC technician will be able to customize your maintenance schedule to ensure you’re meeting these requirements to keep the warranty intact.

Spring is the perfect time for HVAC system cleaning and there are a few important things you can do yourself this spring as well as year-round. Air Specialty, with 25 years of expertise, can help you determine the best cleaning plan and preventive maintenance schedule for your HVAC system. We’ll work with you to recommend things you can easily do on your own to save money and protect your unit as well as schedule one of our NATE-certified technicians to check on your system routinely for the more complex maintenance. Your HVAC system will be working at its best year round with the help of Air Specialty! Contact us today to get started.

Why A Spring HVAC Inspection Should Be On Your To-do List

Mar 13, 2018 | Blogs

Spring is in the air. The trees are blooming. The birds are chirping and the promise of summer tantalizes our senses. While spring fever may be your current state of mind, be sure to clear some space for a spring HVAC inspection before the last April shower comes and goes. 4 Reasons You Should Schedule Your Spring HVAC Inspection Now:

Emergency repairs cost way more than preventive maintenance. Picture the hottest day of summer, when the AC is working its hardest to keep you cool. Then imagine an emergency repair. (Air conditioning units always stop working at 7PM on Saturday night, never at a convenient time slot!) The headache and the emergency repair bills are definitely something to avoid – and preventive maintenance is the key to avoiding this situation before the mercury starts to spike.
Cleaner air can be part of your spring cleaning plans. Spring HVAC inspection can help prescribe needed spring cleaning. Clean up your indoor air quality by reducing build up in the filters, ducts and coils of your HVAC system.
You’ll save money (and everyone wants to). Preventive maintenance will ensure your HVAC system is running at its best. A spring HVAC inspection will audit your system’s performance and detect any areas causing your system to be working inefficiently. Once corrected, your system, working at its highest potential, is almost guaranteed to save you some serious cash on your monthly energy bill.
You’ll extend the life of your HVAC system. Start this spring with an HVAC inspection, and you’ll likely find your entire system lasts longer. Regular preventive maintenance of your heating and cooling units extends their lifespan and therefore, saves you money.

A spring HVAC inspection is the perfect way to kick off this wonderful time of year. You’ll cruise into summer knowing your AC is going to keep you cool and your energy bills as low as possible, not to mention avoiding emergency repair costs. When you call Air Specialty, a leader in HVAC services for over 25 years in the Mobile-area, for a spring HVAC inspection you can expect a professional and personable technician. Our team is NATE-certified and provides expert consultation including services like motor lubrication, pleated filter replacement (if necessary), test of the drain, pump and belts, thermostat inspection, system charge exams, blower cleaning, electrical connection service, duct cleaning and more. Whew! Schedule your spring HVAC inspection today.

How To Optimize Daylight Savings For A Lower Energy Bill

Mar 6, 2018 | Blogs

Daylight saving is here. It’s the time we traditionally look forward to as it signals the start of summer with longer days and more sunshine. It can save more than just daylight; it can save you money on your energy bills! Check out the top 4 ways to save money on your energy bill during daylight saving time.

Let the sunshine in.
- As the temps warm up, there are so many reasons to open the curtains. One important one is it will save you money. Harness the heat and light from the sun by opening the blinds each day and, if the temps drop at night, closing them to reduce the chill.
Timing is everything.
- By installing a programmable thermostat to adjust heat and cooling temps when you are away versus when you’re at home, you can save serious money on your monthly energy bill. For example, you may modify your thermostat 10-15 degrees while you are at work for a savings in the neighborhood of 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Keeping your HVAC system working at its best has so much value including preventing an emergency (and costly) repair, ensuring the safety of your system and your home as well as attaining the highest efficiency and lowest utilities need. A quality HVAC service provider will routinely check your system to make sure it’s running at its best and, ultimately, save you money on your energy bills.
Adjust the temps on your water heater.
- Turning the temps down on your hot water heater to the “warm” setting can have a real effect on the energy consumption in your home. In fact, the hot water heater soaks up about 18 percent of the energy consumed, so this small adjustment has a strong impact.

In 2008, Energy Department experts reported the extra four weeks of Daylight Saving Time saved approximately 0.5 percent in total electricity per day. While this may seem like a small amount overall, it could add up to big savings for your household this summer. When you need help with your HVAC system including ways to save money on your energy bill, Air Specialty, a leader in HVAC services for over 25 years in the Mobile-area, is here to help. Start today with a customized preventive maintenance plan to ensure your system is running at optimal levels keeping your energy costs as low as possible. Contact one of our certified technicians to get a free consultation today.

Solve Your HVAC Challenges With Ductless Heating

Feb 26, 2018 | Blogs

If you have a room addition or a room in your home that you just can’t seem to keep warm in winter and cool in summer, ductless heating might be the perfect solution for you. Ductless heating systems are also known as mini-split systems and may solve all your HVAC challenges without requiring a costly and time-consuming overhaul of your current system. Air Specialty, leaders in HVAC service, maintenance and installation for the Mobile-area for over 25 years, specializes in helping homeowners control temperatures even in room extensions. We’ll work closely with you to determine if a ductless heating system is right for your home. In the meantime, learn more about how ductless heating systems solve even the toughest HVAC challenges. What does a ductless heating system look like? A ductless heating system is mounted to a wall indoors and typically has an outdoor compressor. Unlike window units, ductless units are easy to install and require only a small drill-holes in the wall. They are also smaller and less visible than wall units as well as much quieter. What are the pros of installing ductless heating?

Efficiency reduces energy costs. These systems will not only alleviate the lack of comfort in your room that’s always cold or always hot; they are also extremely energy-efficient.
Ideal for rooms where ductwork won’t fit. Ductless systems can be ideal for rooms that are extensions or additions to the home, since the tubing required for installation is small. These can go anywhere in your house more easily than HVAC systems requiring ductwork.
Your current system won’t be affected. Ductless units use their own heat pumps, so this option won’t have any effect on your current HVAC system.

Are there cons to choosing ductless heating?

Upfront costs may be high. Your new ductless units could cost several times more than comparable window units, although over time the reduction in energy costs may mitigate against this expense.
Regular maintenance is required. Monthly cleaning is required and if not performed regularly, it could create the need for costly repair, professional cleaning costs as well as reduce the life of the ductless unit.
Some don’t like the aesthetics. Some just don’t prefer the look of an external unit. This is subjective and not a con for all homeowners.

If you have a bonus room over a garage, an extension or a part of your home that just won’t stay cool when it’s needed or keep you warm when it’s cold, a ductless heating system might be the best way to solve your issue. The certified technicians at Air Specialty can help you determine the best way to keep your home routinely cool or heated. Contact us for a free consultation today.

How A HVAC Service Plan Can Save You Serious Money!

Feb 19, 2018 | Blogs

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Your choice to learn more about how an HVAC service plan can save some serious “benjamins” this President’s Day is in keeping with our founding father’s philosophy. Spend some time this President’s Day setting up a new HVAC service plan from the Mobile area’s leader in HVAC services, Air Specialty and you’re sure to be planning fun, new ways to spend your savings. Everything you need to know before setting up an HVAC service plan: Some things you can do yourself. For the DIY-crowd, it’s common to ask the question, “Can’t I do some of this myself?” The answer is yes! If you are so inclined to do some of the maintenance on your HVAC unit yourself, you certainly can. Here’s a brief list of things you can do yourself to help keep your HVAC system running great in between the routine visits that are part of your HVAC service plan.

A monthly change of the air filter. Be sure to check manufacturer’s recommendation and take note of any indicator lights that might signal a clogged and blocked airflow.
Keep your unit clean and clear by removing any debris, trimming nearby foliage as well as hosing down your outdoor unit when needed.
Keep supply and return registers clear from curtains, blinds, rugs or furniture.

Here are a few things that should be left up to the professionals. While there are some preventive maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your HVAC unit in tip-top shape; some maintenance should be left up to the experienced HVAC professional. Your HVAC service plan will vary based on your unit, but as a general rule of thumb, it will include a check of the following:

Thermostat
Electrical connections
Moving parts
Drainage systems
System controls
Blower
Fuel lines
Gas pressure

Your choice in an HVAC service provider matters. When looking for an HVAC service partner, be sure to find one who is focused on quality. Years of experience, knowledge of the top HVAC system manufacturers as well as credentials like Nate-certifications and positive Better Business ratings are all indicators that you’re choosing a professional company that you can rely on. Air Specialty began in 1993 when owners Larry and Jerry dreamed of providing complete and quality HVAC services that the Mobile-area could count on. After over 25 years, they’ve grown to be a trusted leader that employs more 35 professionals and serves Mobile and its surrounding communities. Learn more about Air Specialty and let us create an HVAC service plan to save you money this President’s Day and all year long.