Philadelphia Air Conditioning and Heating Companies

Philadelphia Heating and Air Conditioning Repair

HVAC system troubleshooting

If your heater or air conditioner is acting up, your first call should always be to an HVAC pro. Furnaces, boilers, and central A/C systems get complicated quickly, and you certainly don’t want to make the problem worse by poking around too much.

That being said, there are a few simple things you can do to rule out easy fixes before scheduling a service appointment.

1. Check the filter. Dirty furnace filters can restrict airflow through your system, making it less efficient. Replace standard filters every three months, or once a month if you have allergies or pets.
2. Replace your thermostat batteries. When was the last time you changed the batteries in your thermostat? If your HVAC system won’t turn on and your thermostat is blank, fresh batteries could solve the problem. Remember to change the batteries once per year going forward.
3. Check your main electrical service panel. Your HVAC system requires a lot of power, so it should have a dedicated circuit on your electrical panel. If that breaker has tripped, a larger problem may be at play. Call an electrician and an HVAC technician to determine what happened.

Once your HVAC system is back up and running, set up a schedule for regular maintenance visits. You’ll likely need only two per year—one in the spring and another in the fall—and these service visits are the best way to catch small issues before they turn into major (and majorly expensive) problems.

Air conditioning and heating system efficiency

Having reliable heat and air conditioning is important, of course, but if you’re paying too much for your heated and cooled air, you may be reluctant to use your system as much as you’d like to.

Energy efficiency is important for environmental reasons and financial reasons, and the reality is that as HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency and cost more to run. If you’ve noticed your utility costs creeping up, talk to your HVAC technician about possible solutions.

If your system isn’t brand-new but isn’t yet at the end of its expected lifespan, your HVAC pro may be able to boost the system’s efficiency with retrofitted parts. If, however, your system has reached the tail end of its predicted years of service, you’ll probably need to think about a complete replacement.

Keep these tips in mind to make sure you get the best, most efficient system for your home:

1. Ask about each option’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. New systems sold in the Philadelphia area must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. Higher SEER ratings equal greater efficiency.
2. Opt for an ENERGY STAR-rated system, if possible. Models that are certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program are approximately 15 percent more efficient than other models.
3. Make sure your new system is the correct size. If your new HVAC system is too small for your house, it will be forced to work harder to maintain the temperature you set at the thermostat. Your HVAC technician should verify that the new system is the right size.
4. Consider less traditional options. The standard central air conditioner and gas or electric furnace is no longer your only option. Ask your HVAC tech if a ductless mini-split or a boiler system might be a better choice for your space.

Your home’s construction and public utility options will play a large part in which new HVAC systems you can consider, but try to keep an open mind. There are plenty of innovative solutions available to heat and cool your home while lowering your monthly utility costs, so let your HVAC technician guide you to the best choices for your house and your budget.

The Best Picks for Philadelphia Heating and Air Conditioning Pros

Air conditioning and heating in Philadelphia is important to a comfortable, welcoming home, and that’s why the Best Pick Reports survey team reaches out to Philly homeowners every year to find the best HVAC contractors in the area.

All Best Pick companies are fully vetted on an annual basis to ensure their continuing high-quality work and outstanding customer service. We verify all state-required licenses and insurance, too. Our rigorous qualification process means that the companies we recommend to you truly are the best of the best, and we’re proud to present that information in a format that is clear and simple to navigate.

When you work with a Philadelphia Best Pick air conditioning and heating company, you’ll be pleased with your experience from beginning to end—we guarantee it!