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Washington DC Metro ventilation system that receives planned HVAC maintenance

3 Benefits of Getting Planned Maintenance

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Many homeowners neglect to maintain their HVAC on a regular basis, leading to shorter unit lifespans, inefficient performance, and higher utility bills. We recommend having an Argent Heating & Cooling expert in the Washington DC Metro area perform planned HVAC maintenance to help you save more and avoid the hassle. 

At Argent Heating & Cooling, we help you prevent stressful HVAC breakdowns and malfunctions. We also offer annual maintenance plans that include seasonal inspections, discounts on products and services, and priority service. Schedule your planned HVAC maintenance with our skilled team today!

Below we discuss the importance of planned HVAC maintenance: 

3 Top Benefits of Professional Planned Maintenance

  • Longer Lifespan

Routine heating and cooling maintenance will also keep you proactive in preventing unit failures and costly repairs or replacements. Our heating and cooling technicians are detail-oriented and will bring any potential warning signs to your attention before they worsen to ensure your HVAC lasts longer.

  • Better Efficiency

Your heating and cooling will function efficiently as long as you are checking it often. You can learn about your unit’s specific maintenance requirements by reading the manufacturer’s equipment warranty, but our team is also familiar with checking these requirements to ensure it’s performing as necessary. While it’s always good to have a general maintenance checklist, allow our team to help you determine what’s best for your unit. We also offer emergency services after hours as well as over the weekend to ensure our customers are always taken care of.

  • Lower Utility Expenses

Whenever your heating and cooling unit is broken or if your home has leaks, it will try to work harder than usual to keep your home comfortable. And the harder your HVAC works, the higher your utility bills will be.

 

Staying on top of your routine maintenance will prevent you from paying additional costs to repair or replace your system. Our team has over 39 years of professional experience–trust us to help you avoid the hassle of a broken heating and cooling system and conduct repairs quickly the first time around. 

Home Maintenance Services in the Washington DC Metro Area

Whether you have a maintenance plan or not, allow our professionally trained team to perform seasonal system checkups to make sure your units are efficient. With a well-working HVAC system, you will be able to remain comfortable all year long and you’ll be able to keep heating and cooling bills low. Rest easy before the summer heat sets in and inquire about your planned HVAC maintenance today. 

Take advantage of our seasonal specials! Call (703) 281-6300 or fill out our form to schedule a planned HVAC maintenance appointment. 

A home in the Washington DC Metro area that receives regular indoor air evaluation

Why You Need An Indoor Air Evaluation

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Indoor air quality is more important than most people realize. Since you spend most of your time inside your home, its air can significantly affect your quality of living. With this in mind, you should seek an HVAC service provider and ask for an extensive indoor air evaluation to improve the quality of your home’s air. 

Among such HVAC companies is Argent Heating & Cooling. We are dedicated to helping homeowners in the Washington, DC, Metro Area to improve and maintain their home’s air quality. For over 45 years, we have operated with consistently high rates of satisfaction from our friendly service and affordable prices. We are among the best in the HVAC and air quality industry.

Here, we discuss why you should get an indoor air evaluation: 

The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor air quality is a result of a building’s ineffective ventilation and filtration of the air, leaving you to breathe stagnant air with a high concentration of pollutants in it. Here are some of the effects you may notice due to poor indoor air quality: 

The Immediate Effects

Generally, the immediate effects of heavily polluted indoor air are irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, as well as mild headaches, fatigue, and slight dizziness. These and other effects can often appear similar to the common cold or other viral illnesses, often making it difficult to find out whether they are caused by poor air quality or not. 

The short-term, immediate effects of poor indoor air vary greatly from person to person, since age and pre-existing chronic medical conditions are usually significant factors. Some may feel effects only after consistent and repeated exposure, while others are the moment they enter an indoor area with poor air quality. 

Being observant of your condition can help with this difficulty. Notice if symptoms go away after leaving a particular area or even the building altogether. Keep track of your symptoms and see if they affect you over a long period. 

The Long-Term Effects

They are often respiratory or cardiac diseases, as well as cancer. These effects are usually the result of lengthy, repeated periods of time exposed to poor air quality and can often be crippling and even fatal. 

Long-term effects are more difficult to spot as they usually appear months or years after exposure to poor air quality. While these effects are not guaranteed to be exhibited as a result of poor air quality, it is best to be proactive and avoid them by improving your home or office’s indoor air quality.  

The Reasons to Get an Indoor Air Evaluation

As discussed above, poor indoor air quality can potentially aggravate or even lead to debilitating medical conditions, thus making it vital for you to have the best possible indoor air quality possible. 

Here are several reasons why homeowners and businesses must maintain good air quality by hiring a professional to perform an indoor air evaluation. 

 

  1. Helps determine if something is wrong in their ventilation or air filtration system, as poor air quality is usually a sign of a larger problem. 
  2. Keeps home occupants and workers safe. Some workspaces, such as factories and garages, involve the use and storage of chemicals that disperse harmful fumes into the air. 
  3. Poor air quality can also affect productivity and focus among employees. Therefore, maintaining good air quality can help sustain your business. 
  4. Everybody shares the need to breathe good, clean air consistently. And getting an indoor air evaluation ensures that you, your employees, or your loved ones can do so. 

Argent Heating & Cooling: Effective Indoor Air Evaluation in Washington DC Metro Area

Indoor quality can affect the lives of those inside your home or business, which is why you should regularly keep track of it. Argent Heating & Cooling not only provides thorough indoor air evaluation services to residents and commercial businesses across the Washington DC Metro Area, but we also perform numerous HVAC repair and maintenance services. We dedicate ourselves to covering every aspect of your home or office’s heating, cooling, and air quality. Contact us today at (703) 281-6300 to get an indoor air evaluation or a professional HVAC service.

A homeowner with a new air cleaner installation in the Washington DC metro area

Do Air Cleaners Really Work?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC, Indoor Air Quality.

Air cleaners – also known as air purifiers – produce something valuable for everyone: clean, healthy indoor climates. Such conditions can be difficult to find in urban environments, including the Washington, DC, Metro area. With that in mind, the advantages of a professional air cleaner installation should speak for themselves. 

 

For all your appliance maintenance and installation needs, turn to Argent Heating & Cooling. Along with air cleaners, we offer services for HVAC units, generators, radiant heating systems, and more. A locally-owned and veteran-operated business, Argent has accrued 39 years in the business. We look forward to continuing our hard work, providing excellent customer service, and supporting homes throughout the region.

 

Below, we discuss whether air cleaners fulfill their manufacturers’ promises and create a hygienic environment:

How Air Cleaners Work

By definition, all air cleaners have a few parts: a filter (or filters) and a fan. The fan pulls  “dirty” air into the unit and circulates it through the cleaner’s filter(s). Doing so removes pollutants from the air, which the fan then blows back out.

 

Air filters are usually made of paper, fiberglass, or mesh, and they extract dust and pollen from the air. They do not remove all gases, yet the EPA still recommends installing air filters to reduce pollutant amounts in your home. Doing so prevents your home’s occupants from suffering the health effects of poor-quality air.

Different air cleaner models remove different contaminants – such as static – but may also cost more. Plus, no matter which kind you use, your air cleaner will have an operational cost. Moreover, its filter(s) will need replacement, though the frequency of that depends on the condition of your home’s air. 

The Efficacy of Air Cleaners

The value of home appliances comes from whether they perform the function their producer advertised. Air filters are no exception – so is it worth ordering one and having it installed? If you want to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from your home’s air, then yes. 

 

Keep in mind that unfiltered indoor air contains 2-5 times more pollutants than outdoor air. Adults tend to spend a majority of their time indoors, both at home and at work. Thus, they live in environments with dangerous levels of pollutants.

 

The conditions of your home will determine the overall efficacy of air cleaners. Nevertheless, Argent’s recommended models are still effective shields against airborne toxins. For help in moderating humidity (or combating mold concerns), you should investigate humidifiers and dehumidifiers. 

Should You Buy An Air Cleaner?

An air purifier can help you maintain a healthy indoor climate and reduce allergy symptoms. What’s more, some filters can inactivate airborne viruses, including the common cold, strep, and influenza. Nevertheless, investigate all the available options before purchasing one. 

 

If you feel unsure where to begin, reach out to Argent. With our extensive experience and product knowledge, we can guide you through several high-quality options. Furthermore, we can test your indoor air quality and determine which model would suit the space best. 

 

Beyond this, we can handle your installation and maintenance needs. Try scheduling planned services to occur at regular intervals, which can ease the hassle of service. Doing so also ensures that your air cleaner works effectively and keeps your family healthy. 

Professional Air Cleaner Installation: Available Across the Washington, DC, Metro Area

An effective air cleaning system can make your home a breath of fresh air. Just call Argent Heating & Cooling for a professional air cleaner installation in addition to several other services. For 39 years, our team has taken care of HVAC and home appliance needs throughout the Washington, DC, Metro area. Now, let us help you: call us at (703) 281-6300 or fill out our online form for a service call.

air conditions in need of appliance repair in Washington DC metro area

Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliances?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Emergency Maintenance, Generators, Home Appliance Maintenance, HVAC.

You know that it’s important to maintain your home appliances. However, it’s also vital to recognize when you should call a pro for repairs or a replacement. By using a few simple questions, you can evaluate your appliances’ condition. And for quality appliance repair in the Washington, DC, Metro area, look for a reliable service like Argent Heating & Cooling. 

 

For over 30 years, our company has served Washington, DC, with high-quality appliance maintenance, repair, and installation services. From radiant heating and indoor air testing to HVAC system installation, we provide an array of efficient services at affordable rates. 

 

Here, we list some questions you should ask when considering whether to repair or replace your dysfunctional appliances: 

How Much Would A Repair Cost? 

This is among the first and most central questions to ask when deciding what to do with a troublesome appliance. To get a decent estimate, call an appliance repair expert and have them appraise the cost of repairs on your appliance. 

 

Compare that to the cost of replacing your appliance with a new model. While most people would pay for repairs since they’re cheaper, remember that, as your current model ages, the cost of repair will rise as well. Inevitably, you’ll need a replacement.  

What’s The Age Of The Appliance?

As we mentioned above, age often factors into and even determines the cost of repairs for a home appliance. So, you should determine the age of your faulty appliance and then decide whether it should be repaired or replaced. You can find the age of your appliance by searching its model or serial number online. 

 

For example, a water heater’s serial number is usually on the side of the tank, while an air conditioning unit should have it on a label in the front or back of it. In many cases, the serial or model number will tell you the date your appliance was manufactured by how it is labeled, and you can also look up the age online by putting the number into a search engine. Once you learn the age of your faulty appliance, you have another important bit of info that will help you figure out whether to pay for replacement or repairs. 

 

Generally speaking, if your appliance is only a couple of years old, a repair should be fine. Beyond that, you’re taking a risk on overspending on home appliance repairs when you could save money with a newer replacement. 

What is the Max Lifespan of an Appliance?

Following from learning the age of your dysfunctional appliance, another important piece of information is its average lifespan. Matching your appliance’s current age to its max lifespan can help you further determine whether you want to repair or replace it. 

 

If its age is still fairly below its lifespan, then we would recommend repairs. On the other hand, if it is several years past it, then you should seriously consider making a replacement to avoid the inevitably higher cost of repair. 

Is Lack of Energy-Efficiency An Issue?

Finally, one key factor to think about is whether your appliance is causing your energy bill to rise due to its lack of energy efficiency. These days, this often happens due to older model appliances breaking down and requiring more energy to function properly, even after several home appliance repair services to them. 

 

If you notice this steep rise in energy costs and learn that it’s due to your inefficient appliances, we recommend getting replacements for your appliances. That way you’re saving money on your energy bills and from the costs of repair. 

Argent Heating & Cooling: Appliance Repair for the Washington, D.C., Metro Area

Appliances are big-ticket items, which means they aren’t often meant to be replaced. All homeowners do their best to maintain them, as well as stretch their lifespan through professional appliance repair services. However, there will come a time when you’ll have to decide to make a replacement. 

When that time comes, call on a reliable home appliance service like Argent Heating & Cooling. We provide quality appliances such as heat pumps, air conditioners, radiant heating systems, generators, and more, all at quality prices and with quick and easy installations. With our 45 years of experience and high customer satisfaction across the Washington D.C. Metro area, we assure you that you won’t regret choosing us the next time you need a big appliance repair or replacement for your home. Contact us at (703) 281-6300 for more information and schedule an appointment today!

Air conditioning Maintenance Washington DC

Benefits of Pre-Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Many service companies urge their customers to schedule air conditioning maintenance and inspection before summer begins. Doing so annually can cut long-term HVAC upkeep costs, correct your system’s performance, improve your home’s air quality, and more. And Washington, DC, Metro area residents can enjoy these perks by calling their local air conditioning maintenance services.

Reach out to Argent Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC, appliance, and home generator needs. A locally-based and veteran-operated contracting company, we have worked throughout the region for 39 years. In that time, we have built a reputation for outstanding customer service and comprehensive technical knowledge. Contact us today, and we will be happy to inspect and/or repair your appliances and HVAC.

Below, we discuss how pre-summer maintenance and repair benefits your home’s air conditioning system so that it lasts for years:

Advantages of AC Maintenance Before Summer

  1. Avoid malfunctions, breakdowns, and future repairs
    As all its residents know, DC Metro area summers can reach formidable temperatures. Many days feel over 100 degrees due to humidity, which makes indoor AC a modern necessity. However, as mechanical devices, HVAC systems can malfunction or break down – which would leave you in a sweltering spot.

    Yet a pre-summer AC tune-up can catch potential problems before one breaks the system. Argent’s expert technicians possess the training to spot and correct such issues. Plus, by catching technical issues early on, you lessen the amount of repair it requires. The longer a flaw sits, the worse it becomes.

  2. Reduce AC expenses
    A counterpart to the benefits discussed above, pre-summer maintenance can also reduce your expenses on air conditioning. Since you will want the AC running all summer, a mid-season breakdown would require expensive repairs or replacement. Yet a pre-summer tune-up could repair issues before one stops the whole system.

    Likewise, a dirty or malfunctioning unit cannot operate at maximum efficiency. But maintenance alleviates that situation, reducing your energy bills. Furthermore, higher-than-usual bills tend to indicate that something is wrong with your system.

  3. Sustain your system
    Annual HVAC upkeep not only prevents the system from breaking down but also allows that system to function better. This decreases stress on its parts and operations, allowing it to last longer. On average, annual maintenance extends an HVAC system’s lifetime by at least a few years.
  4. Improve your home’s air quality
    When an HVAC system sits without operating for months, dust and detritus gather in its ducts and on its air filter. And if you turn it back on in that condition, those allergens will circulate in your home. These contaminants then affect your indoor air quality. Additionally, mold and mildew sometimes grow on the coils of idle AC units.

    However, an Argent technician will clean your HVAC system while they inspect it to prevent that very outcome. By doing so, they help to preserve the health of your home’s occupants.

Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance Available Throughout the Washington, DC, Metro Area

Get the most out of your HVAC system this summer by calling Argent Heating & Cooling to inspect and/or repair it. As experienced contractors, we provide air conditioning maintenance services to Washington, DC, Metro area residents every year. We believe in delivering efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services to homeowners across the region. In doing so, we support our community and build a company that folks can trust. Call us today at (703) 281-6300 or fill out our online form to set up a service appointment.

A reliable generator installation in the Washington DC Metro Area

What To Consider When Installing A Generator

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Installing a home generator is a practical and forward-thinking idea. In this spirit, you should consider a few elements when looking for one, such as the type of fuel it uses and how much energy you require in an emergency. Determining these aspects early on ensures that you receive an excellent generator installation for your home.

To guarantee that your generator works properly, hire a professional from Argent Heating & Cooling. With 39 years of industry experience, our team can help you pick and install the perfect home generator. Our technicians are also experts in HVAC repair and maintenance, radiant heating installation, and much more. Talk to one of the best heating and cooling companies in the Washington, DC, Metro area and schedule an installation service today.

Below, we outline several considerations for when you want to install a home generator:  

Fuel Type

First, consider the kind of fuel your potential generator uses. Most generators use one of four fuel types – gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas.

Since we’re comparing types of generators, we recommend avoiding gasoline-powered models. Gasoline is a volatile fuel. It is difficult to store and deteriorates over time, which reduces its utility for emergency conditions. It’s also difficult to source during a natural disaster, making its use as a fuel a moot point.

That leaves diesel, propane, and natural gas as the remaining choices. Let’s examine some details about each fuel type: 

 

  • Diesel: a much less volatile substance than gas, diesel also releases more energy, making it quite efficient for generators. However, a feasible fuel supply requires an external tank for storage. This is why schools and hospitals, rather than residences, tend to use diesel. 

 

  • Propane (LP gas): Propane is commonly used for all kinds of appliances inside and outside your home, so it seems like an obvious choice for your home’s backup generator. It’s a fuel that is safe and easy to store and is widely available when you need to restock. While they don’t produce as much energy as diesel, propane generators have their advantage in providing a stable supply of fuel.

 

  • Natural Gas: It burns clean, it’s easy to store within your home, and its supplies are hardly ever affected, even during a natural disaster. Many specialists will admit that natural gas is among the best fuels to use for your home generator.        

Energy Capacity

Among the most important things you should remember when choosing your home’s backup generator is how much energy capacity it has. This is measured by the number of watts it produces, usually measured as kW or kilowatts. One kW is equal to one thousand watts.

Most homes equipped with generators have models that generate around 20kW, but this can vary depending on the needs the homeowners focus on. 

For example, if all you need is a little energy to power your lights and keep your fridge and freezer on during an emergency, you’ll need a basic 5 to 10 kW generator. 

However, if you want to power more of your home’s systems, such as your heater and air-conditioner, you’ll need one that generates more power, usually around 20 to 22 kW.

Self-Install or Hire a Professional?

With the increase in tutorial articles and instructional videos online, many homeowners find it possible to perform all kinds of installations themselves. While you could install some appliances and fixtures yourself, we’d recommend hiring a professional for efficient and accurate generator installation.

Generator installations are quite intricate. Here are some aspects of them to show you how:

 

  • Generators have transfer switches installed with them to detect when an outage has occurred so that it switches on to provide backup power. Certain configurations may then require transferring control of your home’s power to a different breaker so that the generator sends power only to the circuits you’ve chosen.

 

  • If your generator uses natural gas or propane, you’ll need to connect it to your gas line or propane tank. The right valves must also be installed to control the gas you’re using.

 

  • Depending on the area you live in, you may need to apply for a building permit to install a generator, as well as approval from your homeowner’s association.

 

All of that at once makes this particular installation difficult. Also, a home generator should be installed exactly as required to avoid any future faults or dysfunctions, especially when you need it most. That’s why we recommend you hire a professional to get the job done right. 

Argent Heating & Cooling: Affordable Generator Installation in the Washington, DC, Metro Area

Argent Heating & Cooling provides top-quality generators to residents and businesses, as well as professional generator installation services. Our team is filled with highly-experienced technicians, all with 39 years of experience in the heating, cooling, and home appliance industry. We’ve helped numerous homes and businesses throughout the Washington, DC, Metro area, providing quality maintenance and installation of premium heating and cooling systems at affordable rates. Contact us at (703) 281-6300 for more information and schedule an appointment with a professional today.   

heat pump installation Washington DC

3 Main Signs Of A Failing Heat Pump

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Any unusual activity coming from your HVAC system means there’s likely a problem with your heat pump. In order to maintain your home’s efficient heat pump installation, you should identify the issue and address it as soon as possible. The best way to do this is with the assistance of an expert heating and cooling specialist.

Argent Heating & Cooling is among the longest-running HVAC service companies in the Washington DC area. Our team of highly-trained and experienced technicians are able to provide fast and proficient repairs, maintenance, installation services and indoor air evaluations.

Here are 3 major signs your heat pump is undergoing a system failure:

  1. Odd Smells and Noises

Among the initial signs, you may notice is when you start to smell strange scents or hear unusual noises coming from your ventilation system. Specifically, you should notice these signs while heated air is flowing through your home.

Noises like rattling, flapping, or screeching may indicate that there is a dysfunctional component, like a loose fan belt or a poorly-lubricated central air fan motor.

As for smells, it’s important to identify the specific scents coming from your ventilation system.

If the smell is musty, it’s likely that mold has formed somewhere within the vents. If the smell is rotten, then a small animal may have climbed in and died within your ventilation system.

Aside from those, the most worrying scent to pick up is something like burnt metal, which indicates that there is an electrical issue in your system, and if it is within your heat pump, that can spell a potential fire hazard.

  1. High Energy Bills

Another early sign of your heat pump failing is when you find your electricity bills getting higher and higher every month, particularly during the cold season. Aside from being incredibly frustrating, it could indicate that your heat pump is failing, as it draws more and more power from your home in order to heat your home at the same temperature.

Your heat pump may be failing for a number of reasons. One reason may be that your heat pump may have a worn out air filter that you simply need to replace. It may be low on refrigerant due to a leak, a specific part of the heat pump needs repair, or the entire system wasn’t properly installed.

If your energy bills, and other signs, point to these bigger issues, it is important that you contact a professional to evaluate your heat pump and identify the specific issue.

  1. Little To No Heat

The biggest sign that your heat pump is failing is when your air is room temperature or even colder than expected. If it is still warm, but at a slightly warmer temperature than you set, it may be an issue with your thermostat’s calibration or wiring. All this requires is a bit of work done by a local HVAC professional.

However, if it’s a problem with your heat pump, then it is likely an electrical issue, either with a faulty electronic control board or PCB assembly. It could also be a problem with the thermistor, a component of the heat pump that indicates when its compressor should turn on or off.

If it comes down to being an electrical issue, then the best way to address it is by contacting an HVAC expert who will be able to quickly repair the necessary components.

Argent Heating & Cooling: Reliable Heat Pump Installation in Washington DC Area

Keeping an eye out for each of these signs will ensure your heat pump and HVAC system gets the repairs or maintenance it needs sooner rather than later. Once you find them present in your home, the next thing you should do is to call a dependable HVAC service like Argent Heating & Cooling. Our expert technicians can help provide you with affordable heat pump installation and repair services, as well as indoor air quality evaluations and more. Our decades of experience and premium line of HVAC products have made us among the top heating and cooling service providers in the Washington DC area.

Contact us today at (703) 281-6300 for more information and get a free quote on a heat pump installation.

Air conditioning Maintenance Washington DC

What Is Wrong With My HVAC System?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Your HVAC is an intricate series of mechanisms and components that can be prone to deteriorate and break down given enough time. When problems with it begin to arise, it won’t be clear what’s wrong unless you have the knowledge to identify which parts of your HVAC system. With the assistance of an HVAC expert, you can easily determine what is wrong with your system and how to restore it.

Argent Heating & Cooling has been a trusted name in HVAC maintenance services for nearly 40 years. Our long service history has made us a team of highly-experienced technicians, all certified and trained in comprehensive HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement services. Customers throughout the Washington D.C. Metro Area continue to choose Argent for our efficiency and friendly service.

Below, we offer some problems you may find in your HVAC system, their potential causes, and how they can be fixed:

High Energy Bills

Among the clearest signs of your HVAC system having an issue are exceedingly higher-than-normal energy bills. In normal circumstances, everyone’s heating and cooling systems take up a large chunk of our homes’ overall energy usage. However, if there’s an issue with your system, you’ll clearly see the difference in your energy bills.

Energy efficiency in an HVAC system largely depends on the condition of its components. If you’re noticing higher energy bills, it’s likely because a certain part needs replacement or repair.

A common reason is that a homeowner has left their air filters clogged. If filters aren’t regularly changed, airflow within the ventilation and duct system will slow down, forcing it to work twice as hard to heat or cool your home. If your bills remain high even after changing your filters several times, that means there is an even bigger issue with your system and will require professional HVAC repair services.

Start-Up Problems

Another problem you may notice with your HVAC system is when it has problems starting up. This can either be due to an ignition problem with the furnace, or a number of electrical and mechanical issues in the AC.

For the furnace, it’s important to check if the pilot light is on and if there is enough gas. Moreover, you should check if there are clogged filters as well, as it may be inhibiting your system’s start-up mechanism.

As for start-up issues with the air conditioner, there may be one or several problems. If you hear a clicking sound when you activate your AC, that means there is likely a problem with the system’s capacitors, which store electricity that will then be sent to the AC’s motors.

The AC may also have some mechanical issues that simply require expert HVAC maintenance to recover. The issue may be that the compressor has locked from overuse, or the motors need to be relubricated in order to help them move more smoothly.

In any case, start-up issues are tricky and often require the assistance of a skilled technician. Therefore, you should have the number of a reliable HVAC service on hand.

Water Leaking From Your Main Unit

Finally, a big sign that your HVAC system is having issues is if you find that your main unit is leaking, with a significant puddle of water around it. This can indicate that your unit has a refrigerant leak. You should check how much refrigerant is in your unit over a short period of time.

While the amount should always be the same, if it changes after a day or so, then you most likely have a leak, causing parts of your unit to ice over then melt. This may cause a pool of water to form around the unit. Other signs of this include hissing sounds coming from the unit whenever you turn it on, warm air exiting the vents, or ice forming on the evaporator coils.

Fixing leaks in your HVAC unit often requires calling in a technician, as finding the leak itself is difficult unless you have the right equipment and know-how.

Argent Heating & Cooling: HVAC Repair in Washington DC Metro Area

Your HVAC system will experience all kinds of issues over its lifespan. In order to extend it, make sure you keep it properly maintained with the help of a professional service like Argent Heating & Cooling. Our company has worked in the heating and cooling industry for over three decades, making our team amongst the most experienced in the area. We perform excellent HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services for residents and businesses throughout the Washington DC Metro area.

Contact us at (703)281-6300 for more information about our HVAC repair and maintenance services, and schedule a service today.

indoor air quality evaluation in Washington DC

Why Control Your Indoor Air Quality

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

Is your home making you feel sick? Many individuals around the nation are unaware of the negative effects of poor indoor air quality in our home. With poor indoor air, we may experience a number of health conditions that could severely affect and lower our quality of your life. When you schedule an indoor air quality evaluation and work together with a qualified indoor air specialist at Argent Heating & Cooling, you will be one step closer to breathing cleaner air in your home and improving your health. 

At Argent Heating & Cooling, our team understands you and your family’s health is important, which is why we offer the highest quality of indoor air quality evaluations around the Greater Washington D.C. Metro area. For years, our HVAC solutions have helped thousands of clients throughout the region breathe cleaner air. You can trust our experienced team to implement HVAC system repairs and maintenance that will suit your needs best. 

Below, we have provided a little more information regarding poor indoor air and why getting an evaluation is important to your health. 

Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Constant exposure to poor air can lead to multiple short-term and long-term health conditions. Constantly breathing in poor indoor air may lead to the following: 

  • Dizziness
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Eyes, Nose, or Throat Irritation
  • Frequent Headaches
  • Itchiness
  • Respiratory Congestion

Factors that Control IAQ 

90% of our lives are spent inside our homes, which are built with materials that have the ability to break down over time. It is of the utmost importance that you prioritize improving your indoor air since it’s what we breathe throughout the day. A proper HVAC unit and regular maintenance are important pieces to having quality air in your home and will prevent pollutants from affecting you. 

Why Routine HVAC Maintenance is Crucial to Keeping Your Air Clean

To prevent yourself from breathing in poor indoor air in your home, consider cleaning out your HVAC system on a regular basis, replacing your HVAC filter monthly, or installing an ultraviolet (UV) light in your HVAC system to prevent mold growth and other pollutants from forming. 

How to Consistently Monitor Your IAQ

Keeping track of your HVAC system and IAQ on a regular basis is vital to ensuring everything is functioning as it should and your air quality stays clean. Take the time to speak with a professional HVAC system expert to understand your unit better and how you can improve it. With a number of HVAC software systems available, you can monitor your home temperature, humidity, and detect the pollutants in your environment in real-time. 

Argent Heating & Cooling: Indoor Air Quality Evaluations in Washington D.C. 

If you want peace of mind knowing your indoor air is clean and pollutant-free, get in touch with Argent Heating & Cooling in the Greater Washington D.C. Metro area. Our team is highly trained and experienced in detecting poor air quality by performing accurate indoor air quality evaluations at a time that’s most convenient for you. 

Get in touch with our indoor air experts at (703) 281-6300 to learn more. Test your air quality & schedule an indoor air quality evaluation!

window condensation from humidifier that needs repair in Washington DC home

Why is My Humidifier Not Working?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in HVAC.

As residents know, the DC Metro area’s summer climate delivers harsh levels of humidity. But here in the depth of winter, the air has dried out. While this feels like a blessed relief from raging heat, it also spurs unsafe conditions to form indoors. In particular, the lack of humidity deteriorates upholstery and allows germs to flourish.

This is why every home should have an effective humidifier. If your humidifier seems to be malfunctioning, reach out to Argent Heating & Cooling. We are the contractor that Washington, DC, Metro Area residents rely on for expert heating and cooling solutions. Our services include boiler, HVAC, heat pump, and professional humidifier repair. We take pride in clients’ positive reviews about our customer services and affordable options. You, too, can enjoy the benefits of our expertise and craftsmanship.

Below, we describe how humidifiers function and why they may break down:

What is a Humidifier?

As outlined on our website, a humidifier is a device or heater attachment that adds water vapor to heated air. Its purpose is to improve the climate of an interior space by maintaining its humidity level. Its benefits include reducing static electricity and protecting furnishings.

Take note of the crucial difference between a dehumidifier and a humidifier: the former removes moisture from the air. But both humidifiers and dehumidifiers save homeowners money. They help maintain stable temperatures within homes so that occupants feel more comfortable.

While many manufacturers produce humidifiers, Argent suggests Carrier products. Their performance, price, and ease of service outrank the competition. Plus, Carrier’s whole-home humidifiers work with your house’s heating system to efficiently set a healthy level.

Warning Signs

How can you tell whether your home has a healthy level of humidity? Experts suggest that indoor humidity levels should stay around 45%, but you will need a hygrometer to get a specific humidity reading. Instead, watch for warning signs that indicate too high or too low a level.

High levels of humidity cause condensation to form on windows, especially in cold weather. Low levels induce more static electricity, dry out skin and hair, and even lead to chipped paint. Worst of all, low humidity makes the air feel cooler, which negates its usefulness in winter.

If your humidifier malfunctions and your home’s humidity drops, one of a few issues may be to blame. The most common kind of problem involves the humidistat, the humidifier’s thermostat. These devices can be faulty or set incorrectly, resulting in a variety of issues.

Mechanical Problems

As machines, humidifiers are made from several parts, and each part can break or wear out. For instance, a clogged water inlet or saddle valve can prevent proper functioning and shut down the whole system. Without water, humidifiers can’t put moisture in the air.

Other common issues include malfunctioning motors, fans, and drains. Plus, due to their water usage, humidifiers can overflow or fail to drain properly. And without specialized knowledge and equipment, an amateur handyman might make these problems worse.

That’s why you should contact Argent for repairs or inspections. Our technicians can determine whether a problem exists, identify it, then fix it properly. Turn to a professional to ensure the job is done right.

Argent Heating & Cooling: Humidifier Repair in Washington, DC, Metro Area

As winter pushes on and we try to stay warm inside, make sure that your home has every advantage. Reach out to Argent Heating & Cooling for professional humidifier repair, installation, or inspection. We have served homeowners throughout the Washington, DC, Metro Area for 38 years. In that time, we’ve built a reputation for outstanding service, knowledge, and dedication to our work. Call us today at (703) 281-6300 or fill out our form online for a service call.