Author Archives: Mission Critical Comfort Solutions

How Do I Choose an Air Conditioner?

A New Air Conditioning Compressor Sits Outside

AC Installation and Maintenance

Imagine sitting in your home watching your favorite TV show, while the air conditioning perfectly cools the room. Now imagine a very different scenario, where your home constantly feels too warm and your energy bills consistently run higher than they should. Your reality depends on how well you’ve chosen your AC installation.

Today, we’ll dive into the process of choosing that ideal AC unit replacement. By the end, you should have the information necessary to complete your own product research and make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

AC Installation How-To: Selection

Unless you have an engineering degree or a background in HVAC systems, you’ll likely need to do some serious research as you pick out a new AC system. The choice goes beyond choosing a recognizable brand. Smart homeowners will consider product efficiency and carefully examine their property’s heating and cooling needs to determine the proper size of their future HVAC system.

Installation Cost

How Much Does it Cost to Install Central Air Conditioning?

Expect an AC installation to run anywhere from $3,500 and $8,000 depending on whether or not your home needs new duct lines. It may be tempting to try a DIY duct installation project (more on this later), but contractors are usually better at hiding those large, bulky ducts. You can save even more space by using high velocity mini ducts.

AC Brands

Which AC Brand is Best?

While the top spot may vary from depending on who you ask, most HVAC technicians will suggest any of the following top brands:

  • Heil
  • Lennox
  • York
  • Carrier
  • American Standard
  • Trane
  • Goodman

The best solution for your home will depend upon your specific priorities. Are you looking for outstanding warranties? Consider American Standard, which also boasts impressive efficiency ratings. Looking for a brand with a more flexible price range? Try York instead. All of these brands have excellent products to offer.

Be sure to ask your HVAC service if they support your particular brand choices!

System Lifetime

How Long Do AC Units Last?

While the most durable systems may last longer, residential air conditioning systems typically last from 10 to 15 years. Of course, poor maintenance and installation will shorten the life of your AC unit, however. Upkeeping tasks, such as air duct cleaning and sealing, filter replacement, and general repairs, allow your unit to last as long as 20 years.

Proper Sizing

What Size AC Unit Do I Need?

Matching your new unit’s capacity to your home’s cooling requirements doesn’t have to be difficult. There are however, a few caveats that can be incredibly frustrating for homeowners. Consider these three factors as you shop for a new AC installation…

  • Your home’s size (in sq. ft)
  • Capacity of the new system (in tons)
  • Output of new system (in BTUs)

In general, homes require 1 ton of air conditioning capacity for every 400 to 600 square feet. However, homeowners can discount that amount if they live in a hot climate area (like Georgia). In warmer climates, experts recommend around 3.5 tons of cooling capacity for a 2000 sq ft home. If your home has effective insulation in the walls, attic, windows, etc., you may be able to knock that number down to 3 tons. For the most accurate estimates, talk with your HVAC contractor or utilities company about scheduling a Manual J test, which calculates your capacity needs based on numerous factors in your home.

AC Installation Problems

Choosing an experienced team to install your central air conditioning unit is just as important as picking the right machine. The quality of installation may ultimately determine how long your new system lasts, plus how often it will require repairs. Faulty installs cause all kinds of problems for homeowners, leading to late night emergencies and scary calls to the local home restoration service. Take time to consider your installer’s customer reviews, and ensure they support your chosen AC unit brand.

Can You Install Central Air Yourself?

While certain portions of a central air conditioning system may be assembled by homeowners (such as duct lines and preliminary coil installation), a certified technician must install others. For competent DIY experts, setting up the evaporator and condenser coils is easy enough, plus you could save a little money in the process.

Take proper safety precautions! Should you wish to install part of the new system yourself, be sure to disconnect power before attempting any electrical work. Never attempt to handle or stock up your system’s coolant.

Keep Your Home Comfortable with an AC Installation

Get Your AC Installation Estimate!

Would you like to get a quote on AC installation in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA? Our seasoned HVAC heating and cooling techs would be thrilled to answer any questions you may have about choosing and installing the new unit! For additional information about picking brands and avoiding potential AC installation problems, contact our team at 478-960-5825.


Is a Ductless Air Conditioner Right for You?

An Up Close Picture of a Mini Split AC

A Ductless Air Conditioner Is Great When You Don’t Have Ductwork in Your Home.

While we are familiar with standard air conditioners, there are other types of units that homeowners can choose from. One of these types of units is a ductless air conditioner or mini-split system. People who don’t know about ductless ACs wonder how do ductless air conditioners work. The cool thing is that a ductless air conditioning system is going to work as a traditional air conditioner, but they don’t use ducts, hence the name ductless air conditioner. The way that works is that two or three units, or however many ductless air conditioners you have in your home, connect to the unit that is located outside. Instead of the ducts carrying the cool air to several rooms, the actual ductless AC circulates the cool air in the room. If this is an air conditioner that you are interested in your home, it’s important to know what the benefits are. There are many benefits to having ductless air conditioner installation service for your home.

  • Doesn’t Require Ductwork: If you live in an older home that doesn’t have air ducts or you are adding onto your home, ductless ACs are the way to go. This is because you won’t have to have ductwork installed in your home, you can just have ductless air conditioners installed instead.
  • You Have Easier Control: Each room or space in your house will have a separate ductless AC; this is great because you can control the temperature of each room. If you want one room cooler than the other, you can achieve this with a ductless air conditioner.
  • You Get Cooling and Heating: One of the coolest things about ductless air conditioners is that they can cool and heat your home. This is because ductless systems are also heat pumps, so you don’t have to have a furnace or boiler to heat up your home.
  • Better Savings with a Ductless AC: Because of the size of ductless systems and because you can zone the temperature in your home, you are going to save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills every month.
  • Improvement of Indoor Air Quality: When you have a traditional air conditioner, you will need to have your air ducts cleaned every once in a while to remove dust, pollen, bacteria, and allergens. With a ductless AC, you don’t have to worry about that because there are no air ducts. A ductless system is able to improve indoor air quality because it doesn’t require ducts.

Another great thing about ductless air conditioners is that they come in different units like a floor mount, horizontal ductless system, and ceiling recessed ductless system. You can also choose between different controllers to manage your heat and air with a mini split air conditioner thermostat, wifi adapter, standard controls, or programmable controls. If this is something you think your home would benefit from, call a professional HVAC technician to set up an appointment.

How Long Do Ductless Air Conditioners Last?

A Man Repairing a Ductless Air Conditioner

A Ductless Air Conditioner Can Last Up To 30 Years with Needed Repairs and Maintenance.

When considering a ductless AC you will want to know how long they are going to last. Typical air conditioners can last anywhere from 12 to 18 years if they get the repairs and maintenance that is needed. Many people who want a ductless air conditioner might worry that it won’t be able to last as long as a standard AC, but the good news is that a mini-split system is able to last up to 30 years. Now you need to consider that in order to keep a ductless system working efficiently for 30 years, it needs to be properly maintained and get the necessary repairs when they call for them. If a homeowner has a ductless system and doesn’t provide the required and maintenance and repairs, it can last from 10 to 20 years.

Are Ductless Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?

We all want a system that is not only going to provide us with effective cooling, but that is going to offer us great energy efficiency. Fortunately, ductless air conditioner efficiency is some of the best. This is because a ductless air conditioner follows ENERGY STAR regulations, which means they are going to be a lot more energy efficient than most air conditioners on the market. It is estimated that air that moves through a duct system is losing 20 or 30 percent of that air because of holes, leaks, and ductwork that isn’t installed correctly. Because of this, it makes an air conditioner have to work harder than it should. Luckily, when you have a ductless AC system, you don’t have to worry about that, which is why its considered a very energy efficient system.

Another great thing about it is that it provides better indoor air quality, which also has to do with not having any ductwork. If you have a standard air conditioning system and you have a home air quality test, you will probably find that your air quality is not that great. If you want better energy efficiency and indoor air quality, you can get it with a ductless air conditioner. If you are wanting ductless air conditioners in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA, please call Mission Critical Comfort Solutions today! Just like you wouldn’t get roof maintenance from an amateur, you wouldn’t get ductless systems installed by unlicensed professionals. To make an appointment, call our office at 478-960-5825!

How Do You Maintain a Furnace?

Brushing Away Dust Bunnies in a Furnace

Always Start Your Heating Maintenance by Turning Off the Gas and Power Switch. Play It Safe!

Do you enjoy having warm, relaxing air available for your home during cold nights? Most people do! A critical part of that cozy environment is your home’s furnace system, which generates heated air to be circulated around the house. Keeping this system properly maintained is critical, but it’s a task many homeowners forget about until an emergency pops up.

Why is this upkeep so important? One look at your heating bill this winter should be enough to show why heating system maintenance is so essential. Just one look! Homeowners either keep up with maintenance and enjoy a lower bill, or they let it slip by and see a steady rise in heating costs. To assist you in saving money and extending the life of your furnace, here are some easy DIY tips!

Heating System Maintenance: DIY Tips

Did you know that your HVAC system accounts for almost half off all your home’s energy usage each day? Keeping your heating and cooling system clean may feel challenging, but the work pays itself off with some serious dividends. You may be wondering “How do I clean my furnace at home?” There are several aspects of your furnace that require maintenance, but we’ll focus on some of the easier jobs. Before performing any of the following steps, make sure your warranty permits this DIY cleaning.

Heating Maintenance Checklist

  • Start with a thermostat check to make sure the heating stays on when prompted.
  • Before moving on, make sure you turn off the gas and power switch.
  • Next, check your filter. Wash or replace it as needed.
  • Take a vacuum hose and clean out any dirt or dust around the burners.
  • Vacuum the furnace blower. You may need to remove a couple screws from the control panel to get it out of your way. Your blower will likely be attached via bolts, so you’ll need a wrench ratchet and socket.
  • Return all parts to their regular positions, then turn the gas and power back on.

How Do I Clean a Furnace Filter?

This is the easiest part of maintenance, though your steps will depend on the filter type. Cardboard filters should simply removed and replaced. Regular filters should be carefully removed and washed with a gentle hose. You’ll want clean water coming through the other side. After you’ve finished cleaning the filter, let it dry out complete before putting it back in.

Bonus Tips for Your Maintenance Planning

Sometimes it’s Cheaper to Replace Leaky Ductwork.

There are a couple of factors outside of your heating system that will greatly affect the lifetime of your furnace. They’re both related to efficiency. First and foremost are your air ducts. Leaky ducts generate huge amounts of waste during operation, forcing your furnace to work harder and longer to warm your home. That extra stress shortens the life of your heating system. To cover any small holes, utilize some foil tape from your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or hardware store.

Second, examine your home for any other areas that could be wasting air. This could be an unsealed door or window. In some homes, even damaged vinyl siding could adversely affect the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Is a Heating Maintenance Plan Worth the Cost?

Sometimes it pays to bring in a professional. When it comes to determining whether or not your family could benefit from a heating maintenance plan, that’s completely up to your family budget and the cost of the service. In exchange for prepaying for service, many local companies provide small discounts, which can make the process a little more affordable.

If your heating system lasts considerably longer as the result of the continued maintenance, that alone is well worth the investment. However, you may also earn some considerably energy efficiency savings too. Not every service is the same, so talk it over with each local HVAC company to see what’s included in their maintenance plan.

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Once a year is good. Twice a year is great! Service typically includes inspection and cleaning for each part of your furnace. Fall and spring (before and after winter) are the most opportune times to have your unit serviced. This will allow your professional to clear your furnace for winter use, then address any post season degradation and filth accumulated in the unit.

How Long does a Furnace Tune Up Take?

Closeup on an Air Filter

Dirty Filters Mean Tougher Times for Your Furnace. Clean Filters Provide More Efficient Functionality.

Tune ups may last anywhere from one to two hours. The time spent usually depends on the amount of cleaning that’s needed and how long it’s been since your furnace’s last checkup. This is the amount of time it should take to complete a detailed inspection. If your service man says he’s done in 15 minutes, either there’s no problems at all or they didn’t do the job right.

Schedule Your Heating Maintenance Visit Today!

The amount of preventative maintenance heating and cooling professionals can perform depends on how often homeowners schedule it. If a furnace has already broken down, there’s often very little an HVAC tech can do to prevent expensive repairs. So make sure you schedule consistently!

If you’d like to schedule heating system maintenance in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA or another nearby city, call our team today at 478-960-5825! We’ll be happy to take an in-depth look at your furnace and clean it out for you.

How Does a Whole House Air Filter Work?

air filter replacement

A Whole House Air Filter Removes 99.9% Of Airborne Pollutants

Humidifiers and air purifiers only target certain particles in the air. Humidifiers add moisture in the air, while purifiers remove allergens, dust, and pet dander. While these products work great for people that have those specific needs, they are often only made just for those purposes and only strong enough to provide coverage to one room. With a whole house air filter, the entire home is removed of irritants in the air instead of being limited to just one room. Just like metal shingle roofing helps to cool down the entire house, a whole house air filtration system can help to remove pollutants from all areas of a home. If you are interested in getting a whole house air filter for your Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA home, call the HVAC technicians at Mission Critical Comfort Solutions at 478-960-5825 to install it.

Benefits of a Whole House Air Filtration System

  • Everyone in the home gets cleaner air instead of just one room. Microscopic dust, pet dander, allergens, and more contaminants are filtered out of the air with this system.
  • Your HVAC unit lasts longer, as the air filtration system helps keep the unit clean by removing dust and other debris that clogs the filters and prevents fresh air from blowing.
  • Whole house air filtration systems are virtually noiseless and you won’t see them.
  • These systems are available in a wide range of sizes, types, and price ranges.
  • can get a HEPA version which produces no ozone.
  • Some whole house air filter systems do not attach to the HVAC unit, providing quick installation.

Can an Air Conditioner Cause Mold?

AC Mold

Mold in Your AC Can Quickly Spread Throughout Your Home.

No one wants to have to deal with mold in their home. Mold is a harmful fungus that grows in homes, preferring environments with moisture, humidity, and warmth for growth. Many home AC systems help your home prevent this by removing humidity from the home, however, when the rain picks up it can dampen your AC. This can, in fact, lead to mold growth within your air conditioner! What can you do to prevent mold from growing in your home?

  • Act quickly to keep your roofing system at its best. If your Georgia roofing has been damaged, it can allow leaks to allow moisture into your home, creating the perfect environment for mold
  • Annual inspections of your plumbing can keep you in the loop on any problems. Your local plumber can assess your pipes for any damage or wear that can allow water into your home.
  • Adhering to an HVAC maintenance plan can make sure that your systems stay in peak condition. It will also act as the first line of defense against possible mold in your air conditioning system.
  • Allow fresh air into your home to prevent mold from taking root. You may also consider using fans to get good ventilation.

What are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

If you suspect mold or have confirmed mold in your property, knowing the signs and symptoms can ensure you stay safe. Mold is toxic and can especially harm those with respiratory concerns. Symptoms may surface as flu-like, from sneezing, watery eyes, and a running nose. However, it can progress worse and worse, leading to irritation of the eyes, skin rashes and even wheezing. If you notice any of these issues, our team of expert technicians can complete a thorough inspection of your home air conditioning system and ductwork to identify the presence of mold. We are always available to get started for your needs. Give us a call today at 478-960-5825 for all of your air conditioning and heating needs in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA.

Leaking Air Ducts: a Terrible Energy Sponge

Leaking Air Ducts

Mini Ducts Offer Much Faster Air Distribution and Consume Little Space.

One of the most expensive causes of energy waste is inside your HVAC system, but most homeowners don’t even know about it. Leaking air ducts, especially those in traditional forced air systems, are an enormous source of waste. According to an article by the U.S. Energy Department, “Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.” Consider how much air is wasted inside your home as a result of these duct losses. There are a few solutions to address this energy sponge; here’s three of your best options!

Solution #1: Air Duct Sealing Service

One of the simplest ways to address the problem is to hire an air duct sealing or repair service to examine and fix the damage to your system. This is typically the most cost-effective option, especially if you’re looking to make your duct work last a few more years. However, if your ducts appear to have extensive cracks and gaps, you might be better off replacing them.

Solution #2: Switch to Mini Ducts

Rather than replacing your old ducts with another large, tear-vulnerable duct system, consider switching to mini ducts. High velocity mini ducts utilize smaller tubing that offers faster propulsion of air throughout your HVAC system. They also supply a more energy efficient means of heating and cooling your home or business. Considering their much smaller size, mini ducts provide a space-saving opportunity to replace or add onto your current duct work.

Solution #3: Go Ductless

If your space conditioning system is already nearing the end of its life cycle, it might be the perfect opportunity to go ductless. After all, what better way to avoid duct losses than to lose the ducts? Many ductless HVAC systems also come with room by room temperature customization, which make them a good choice for families with varied temp tastes.

If you’d like more information about leaking air ducts, or if you’re interested in installing new ducts, you’re welcome to talk to one of our HVAC professionals at 478-960-5825.

Keeping Cool In The Summer

With summer in full swing, it can be hard to keep your house cooler without racking up your electricity bill. There are some ways that you can keep cool and keep your bill low. Below, we will tell you a few simple tricks that will save you money in a pinch. If you are too hot in your house, make sure you turn your air on or go somewhere that is cool. Also, don’t forget that pets feel everything that you feel so if you are hot, they are hot. You want to save money and keep cool, but sometimes the weather is too hot and running you A/C is just something you might have to do.

Tips

Close Your Curtains – The best thing we can recommend is to run your air for a while and close your curtains. Once you turn the air off, you will be able to keep that cool air trapped inside for a little while and on days that you are gone for the entire day, it will make a large difference.

Fans Fans Fans – When you really need to cool off quickly, go into a dark room and point a fan at yourself. This is a great way to keep your air off and still be cool when you are staying in one spot for a while.

When you have an issue with your A/C, give Mission Critical Comfort Solutions a call at 478-960-5825 and we can help you.

3 Benefits of Whole Home Air Filtration

Your home’s air could be full of allergens, dirt, chemicals, and more particles that could be contributing to funny odors or even health problems. Whole house air filtration systems can provide unmatched protection against allergens and other contaminants that can lead to unhealthy air. While portable air filtration systems can eliminate pollutants in your air, they don’t come close to the work of a whole house filtration system. In fact, these systems provide outstanding benefits that can’t be found with any type of portable or miniature filtration system.

Whole House Air Filtration Provides Constant, Effective Air Purification for Every Room.

Quieter Operation

Portable filtration units are noisy and irritating. The humming sound that they project can cause problems from minor annoyance to lack of sleep for small children or anxiety for pets. Whole house filtration systems attach to your HVAC unit, so there is no heavy exposed equipment to make an annoying humming or vibration noises that can be disruptive.

Extended HVAC System Life

As your HVAC system operates, it naturally picks up dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can contribute to untimely wear and tear of your unit. However, the installation of a whole house filtration system can alleviate the effects of these particles by filtering them before they reach your air or heat system.

Long-Lasting Comfort

On average, you can expect your whole house filtration system to last about twice as long as a portable system. This is simply because whole house systems are created to be more durable. These systems are also much more sturdy and provide more powerful air filtration that their portable counterparts.

Whether you need healthier, less polluted air for your health or you simply want to enjoy fresher breathing, call the professionals at Mission Critical Comfort Solutions for guidance on the ideal whole house air filtration system for your home. Contact our experts today at 478-960-5825.

4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Broken

Summer is coming, and that means hot weather. Stay cool both physically and mentally by checking  if your air conditioning is showing any signs of damage.

1. No Cool Air

A lot of homes have ceiling fans that help circulate air, so you may not realize that your air conditioning is not blowing cool air. Turn off your ceiling fan and place your hand over a vent. Is cool air blowing? If not, that could mean that your HVAC’s compressor has failed or that the Freon levels are too low.

2. Some Rooms Are Cold and Others Are Not

If You Think Your Air Conditioning Is Broken, Call Mission Critical Comfort Solutions For Repairs

If you are perfectly content with the temperature in your room, but someone in another part of the house is sweltering or freezing, you could have easily fixable thermostat problems or serious air duct problems. Over time, debris gets stuck in air vents, obstructing airflow. Getting the ducts cleaned and vents replaced regularly are a great way to maintain even air flow and temperature.

3. Odors

If you constantly smell burning while your air conditioning is running, your conditioner’s wire insulation has burned out. Musty smells indicate mold growing somewhere in the unit or ducts, which you should contact us to fix right away. Foul odors could also mean a rodent has died in your ducts, and probably means you have an air leak since the animal was able to enter.

4. Strange Noises

Grinding, screeching, or grating sounds should never come from your air conditioning unit. These noises definitely imply that gears or mechanics in your unit have certainly come loose or worn down. A squealing noise indicates that the fan belt has moved out-of-place. Any clacking noises signifies that a motor is broken or needs more lubrication.

If you have any of these signs, contact Mission Critical Comfort Solutions  in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA at 478-960-5825 for all your home AC repair needs.

3 Signs You Need Ductless Air Conditioning Repair

Technician Completing Ductless Air Conditioning Repair

Ductless Air Conditioning Repair is Usually Fast and Easy to Accomplish.

Ductless air conditioning systems are becoming a very popular choice for cooling homes, apartments and even some commercial buildings. These systems and easier and less invasive to install than a traditional air conditioning system. When they break down, repairs can be completed in a snap. If you need ductless air conditioning repair, the staff at Mission Critical Comfort Solutions is here to help. We offer professional installation services for many different types of air conditioning systems.

Do You Need Ductless Air Conditioning Repair

Your ductless air conditioner is an important part of your home, especially in the dog days of summer. This is why it is important to schedule regular maintenance and pay attention to the signs pointing towards a problem with your ductless air conditioning system.

Broken Remote
Every ductless unit has a remote. If yours isn’t working, be sure to check the sensor in both the remote and the air unit, and change the batteries in the remote. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it could mean you have an electrical problem in the unit.

Dripping Water
Your ductless air conditioning units have a drain hose that can become clogged. When this happens, it can result in a small leak and water dripping out of the unit. This is a definite sign that you need ductless air conditioning repair.

Broken Fan
There is a fan in the unit outside that keeps the motor cool and provides fresh air for the entire system. If this fan stops running or is making loud, unusual sounds, it could result in many different problems throughout the system.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, or feel like you need an inspection to determine if you need ductless air conditioning repair, contact our office at 478-960-5825.