When the summer’s heat settles on Nashville, a working air conditioning system is a must-have. And while you probably won’t need it until late October (or even November), you will eventually want to take advantage of your heating system too.
A malfunction with any part of your home’s HVAC system is a problem, but it’s not a problem you should try to take on yourself. Rely on the experts instead!
Heating and Air Conditioning in Nashville
Troubleshooting your HVAC system
While you should leave the actual maintenance and repair tasks to an HVAC pro, there’s no harm in getting a basic idea of what might have gone wrong if your A/C or heat won’t turn on. Here are a few things to check before you pick up the phone.
- How’s the filter? A neglected, dirty furnace filter can significantly restrict airflow or cause your system to shut off completely. Plan to replace standard air filters every three months; more often if you have pets indoors.
- Is your thermostat working? If your HVAC system is controlled by a battery-operated thermostat, get in the habit of replacing the batteries once per year.
- Is your electrical panel in good shape? It is possible for an HVAC system to trip a circuit breaker, but this is usually an indication that a larger problem has occurred. Take a look at your home’s electrical panel to see if anything is out of place, and then call an HVAC pro.
Regular maintenance goes a long way toward preventing problems and catching small issues before they turn into major headaches. For a system that runs efficiently and reliably, have your air conditioning contractor service your furnace and A/C unit twice per year: once in the fall, and once in the spring.
Increasing your HVAC system’s efficiency
When it comes to home systems and appliances, efficiency is one of the most important things to consider. An efficient air conditioning and heating system will cost you less to operate, and it will likely last longer than a system that isn’t being used properly or one that is poorly sized for your home.
Here are the main elements that impact an HVAC system’s efficiency:
- SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating
- Temperature settings
In Nashville, any new HVAC system that you purchase will have a SEER rating of at least 14. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your system will be. If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, it most likely does not meet the US Department of Energy’s current efficiency standards, so your utility bills are probably higher than they would be with a new system.
Of course, how you use your HVAC system also impacts its efficiency. If you open all your windows on a 35-degree winter day and set your thermostat to 80 degrees, you’re not doing your heating system or your bank account any favors.
Instead, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Install a programmable thermostat for efficiency bonus points.
The Best Picks for Air Conditioning Companies in Nashville
Air conditioning in Nashville is a non-negotiable, and that’s why the Best Pick Reports survey team reaches out to Nashville homeowners each year to identify the best-quality air conditioning and heating contractors near you.
All Best Pick companies are vetted on an annual basis for quality of work and excellent customer service, and we verify all state-required licenses and insurance every year, too. This rigorous qualification process ensures that we bring you the best of the best in your area, and we’re proud to present that information in a clear, easy-to-navigate format.
Call one of our Best Pick air conditioning companies in Atlanta, and you’ll be pleased with the experience from beginning to end—we guarantee it!