Common Heating Repair Needs in Tacoma, WA

October 1st, 2013

In Tacoma, WA heating units are a vital part of keeping your home cozy and comfortable during our omnipresent rain. When problems develop, you need to address them promptly lest they leave you without reliable heating just when you need it the most. A professional Tacoma heating service company like Sound Heating & Air Conditioning can deal with common heating repair needs, but it helps if you the homeowner understand what those needs are. A few of the more common ones can be found below:

  • Thermostat issues. A malfunctioning thermostat can wreak all kinds of havoc with your heater. Misreading the temperature results in your house being too cold or too hot, while an inability to engage the fan can leave the hot air just sitting in the central unit. In some cases, a faulty thermostat means that the heater won’t turn on at all.
  • Pilot light or ignition control problems. If you turn the heat on and yet the air moving through your house isn’t particularly warm, it could indicate a problem with the pilot light and/or ignition control. Without the light, the furnace can’t generate any heat, even if every other aspect of the system is functioning the way it should.
  • Air flow issues. Problems with air flow can stem from a number of issues. There may be blockage in your ducts, a leak or a fissure may have developed, the fan belt may be frayed or broken, or the fan motor may have overheated.  Regardless of the cause, the issue drops your air flow to nothing, slowing the speed at which your home is heated and costing you in higher energy bills as a result.

When common heating repairs arise, it pays to call upon a heating company with the experience and know-how to do the job right. The Tacoma heating repair specialists at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to handle any problem you may have, from the smallest to the largest. In Tacoma, WA, heating issues need to be addressed promptly, but with an eye on quality service. We’re completely dedicated to your satisfaction in all aspects of the operation. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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3 Reasons to Consider Pre-Season Heating Maintenance

September 25th, 2013

It’s not difficult to procrastinate about getting work done on your heating system. You’re probably still thinking about the summer fading behind you and don’t want to face up to the coming colder months. But while you’re procrastinating, your heater could develop problems that will lead to unexpected trouble when you finally need it to turn on. Getting an annual inspection will keep your heating system in good operating condition, and the time to schedule maintenance is now—before the chilly season begins.

Here are 3 reasons to call a professional HVAC company like Sound Heating to perform heating maintenance service as soon as possible. Sound Heating has highly-trained Tacoma, WA heating specialists who can prepare your heater for its upcoming job.

Prevent repairs: The most important service pre-season maintenance provides for you is keeping away expensive repairs. If you wait for winter, you could end up with a plunge in the heat in your house while you wait for repair help to arrive. The worst-case scenario is a total breakdown that could even require a full system replacement. Procrastinating until winter to have your heater looked at increases your chances of some extremely uncomfortable days.

Improved energy efficiency: A heater that hasn’t gotten a tune-up will not run at peak efficiency. If dust clogs, corroded pipes, malfunctioning thermostats, or worn motors interfere with a heater’s performance, it will need to work harder to reach the temperature you set for it. The drain on fuel or electricity will show up as higher energy bills. Regular maintenance will get your heater cleaned and fine-tuned so it gives its best performance and saves you money.

Get quicker, more convenient service: Winter puts a crunch on HVAC technicians with numerous emergency calls. (Calls customers could have avoided with pre-season maintenance!) It’s much harder to get a technician out to your home quickly and at a time that suits you during the middle of the heating season. Right now, however, getting an appointment that works for you is far easier, so take advantage of the slower months.

Now is the time to act to get your heater in good health. Sound Heating offers multiple maintenance plans designed for the type of heater you have in your home in Tacoma, WA. Heating systems like gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and heat pumps will get top-quality check-ups from our technicians. Contact us today before the weather gets any colder!

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This Year’s Heating Options

September 17th, 2013

Frequent rain and chilly temperatures are a hallmark for winters in the Seattle area, including outlying suburbs like Puyallup, WA. Heating systems can help combat that, providing warm and cozy homes to act as a refuge against the miserable weather outside. As heating season approaches, it pays to take stock of your particular circumstances and determine your heating options this year. Obviously, every case is unique, but a few general outlines can cover the basics.

The first option is to sit tight with your existing heating system, which is probably what most people prefer to do. Unless your furnace is more than 15 years old and/or is experiencing serious repair issues, there’s no need to install a new one. Instead, you should schedule a routine maintenance inspection from a qualified professional. He can come to your home, inspect the furnace for any signs of damage, clean the components and/or otherwise “spruce up” the unit for the upcoming cold weather.

You may also be in a situation where you don’t need a new furnace, but might want a few upgrades to improve the old one. Upgrades can range from insulated covers on exposed ductwork to better retain the heat to newer thermostats designed with pre-timed start and stop options. Such upgrades won’t break your bank, but can give you more options for controlling your heating, and more importantly, might save you money in your monthly electric bills.

Finally, you may need to consider replacing your existing unit entirely. If it’s more than 15 years old, is struggling to heat your home adequately and/or is undergoing repairs too frequently, a new unit may be what you need. The up-front cost may be high, but you’ll likely save money in repairs (to say nothing of monthly energy bills).

Regardless of what option works best for your home, it pays to consult a professional to understand your heating options this year. Sound Heating provides heating services throughout Puyallup, WA. Heating and furnaces are a specialty of ours, and we can discuss all of your choices with you before beginning maintenance or installation procedures. Give us a call today!

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Why it’s Important to Leave Air Conditioning Repairs to a Professional Technician

September 11th, 2013

Every homeowner loves the occasional do-it-yourself project, but when it comes to the heating system in your home, it is usually best to leave it to the pros. At Sound Heating, we know that you rely heavily on your heating system during the winter which is why we offer a large range of Tacoma heating services. We’ve responded to countless calls for heating repair, and we wanted to share some of the reasons why calling for a professional heating contractor for all your repairs is usually a good idea.

Tacoma Heating Tip: Why Call for Professional Repairs

Check out a few of the reasons why you should call for professional Tacoma heating repair services.

  • Better quality – Your heater is critical to your home’s comfort in the winter. If anything goes wrong with it you want to make sure that the repair work is done with good quality. Most non-professionals don’t have the training or experience that a licensed professional has to do the work properly.
  • Faster service – While it might seem like it would be faster to just look up the solution on the internet and do it yourself, it will actually probably take less time and effort to call for professional Tacoma heating repair services. Here at Sound Heating, we always do our best to respond quickly. Plus, our technicians have likely fixed the exact problem that you’re having many times which will allow them to get in and out of your home very quickly.
  • Safety – Also, depending on the type of heating system that you have, there could be danger to your home and to your person if anything goes wrong with the repair work. In particular, if you have a gas-fired heater like a furnace or a boiler and you damage the gas line or flue you could put yourself and your home in danger.

No matter what type of heater you have, whether it’s a hydronic system or a forced-air system, call the Tacoma heating repair pros at Sound Heating.

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We Wish You a Happy Labor Day

September 2nd, 2013

On every project that we complete, we ensure that our customers are satisfied. We take pride in the work that we do every day, and this level of diligence and attention to detail has allowed us to grow over the years. On the first Monday of every September, our country celebrates Labor Day as a way of recognizing the hard work that has made this country great. Because making your home more comfortable and convenient is our business, we want you to have an enjoyable and pleasant Labor Day.

Labor Day is a time of good BBQ, the start of the professional and college football seasons, entertainment with family and friends, and, most importantly, taking a day off from work. Labor Day emerges as a federal holiday in the wake of the Pullman Strike of 1894. It was designated as such by President Grover Cleveland and Congress as a way to reconcile the damage done by the faceoff between the Federal government and the Pullman Palace Car Company workers and other railroad workers. But over a decade before it became official, Labor Day began as a workers’ picnic and demonstration suggested by either Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union of New York.

From our family to yours, we wish you all the best on this Labor Day.

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Air Conditioning

August 29th, 2013

You may not realize it but the EPA estimates that poor indoor air quality is one of the top 5 leading threats to respiratory health. Given that most of us spend about 90% of our lives indoors this should make us realize just how important good air quality is to our health. In addition to being damaging to our health, poor indoor air quality can actually affect your air conditioning system as well. At Sound Heating  & Air Conditioning, we offer a large range of professional air conditioning services in Puyallup and we wanted to share a little bit about some of the things that bad air quality can do to your AC system. Call us today if you need any kind of services or if you have any questions.

Puyallup, WA  Air Conditioning Tip: Keep Your Air Clean

Modern homes are built very efficiently which means that they have to restrict the amount of outside air that can leak in. While this is great for efficiency it can also allow many different types of contaminants to build up inside your home’s air including dust, insect droppings, pollen, pet dander and more. Here are a few of the things that this can do to your home’s air conditioning system.

  • Clog the filter – Your air conditioning system has an air filter in it that keeps larger particles from getting into the moving parts of the system like the motor and also the evaporator coils. If you have a lot of contaminants in your air it could cause the filter to get clogged very quickly and restrict the flow of air through the system. In fact, a clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of AC repair. It can cause insufficient cooling, increased repair and also inefficient operation.
  • Increase repair – While your air conditioning system has an air filter, a lot of dirt and dust will still get through. This can cause the fan motor as well as the evaporator coils to get dirty. If your fan motor gets filled with dirt it could malfunction and cause you not to get any cool air in your home. Also, if the evaporator coils are dirty then they won’t be able to absorb as much heat out of your air which would reduce the efficiency of your system as well as the amount of cooling that you get in your home.

Whatever air conditioning problems that you might be having, call the Puyallup air conditioning repair experts at Sound Heating. We can also help you replace your current system if it has failed permanently.

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Why Your Air Conditioning System Leaks

August 21st, 2013

Your air conditioning is a finely-tuned machine. Any imbalance among its components and mechanisms needs to be taken care of so that it doesn’t adversely affect the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. Unfortunately, problems do happen with your AC, just like they do with any other mechanical system. One common problem that may initially appear frustrating is why your AC leaks water. In today’s post, we’d like to review why this happens as well as two other types of leaks: air and refrigerant. No leak is a good leak, and even the most comparatively minor ones can negatively impact your system. Call Sound Heating for excellent air conditioning repair services throughout the Tacoma area. We can make sure that your AC operates as it should at all times.

  •  Water leak. Your indoor evaporator coil interacts with the warm indoor air pulled in by your blower motor. This thermal exchange causes your cold, liquid refrigerant to evaporate (hence the name of the coil) while it cools and dehumidifies the air. This condensed water vapor collects on the outside surface of the coils and drips into the condensate drain pan where it is drained outside of the air handler. But if debris collect in the drainpipe, then the pan could overflow and cause a water leak.
  • Refrigerant leak. When your AC was installed, it was charged with a certain amount of refrigerant. The AC does not expend refrigerant during operation, so low refrigerant is the result of faulty installation or a refrigerant leak. Both puncture and corrosion can cause a refrigerant leak so it’s best to have your system evaluated by a professional.
  • Air leak. Your ductwork is subject to cracks, loose connections, and other types of damage that can lead to leaks. Over time, your ducts endure significant amount of wear and tear,and this can lead to issues. A duct leak can not only cause inefficient and inadequate cooling, but it can also cause your system to work that much harder, which in turn leads to further system damages.

Call Sound Heating today for quality air conditioning repair services in Tacoma, WA.

 

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Your First Air Conditioner: What You Should Know Before Installation Service

August 16th, 2013

An air conditioning system is a major purchase, which can add value to your home as well as providing you with cool, comfortable conditions when the temperature starts to rise. In Tacoma, air conditioning systems help us get through the muggy days of summer. When the time comes for installation, you want the process to take place smoothly and professionally. Here are some things you should know before your installation service begins.

  • Pick the right location. Your new air conditioning system needs to be properly placed in order to function correctly. The outdoor unit should stand clear of bushes and trees, while providing enough space for the vents and fans to do their work. If possible, it needs to go somewhere that dampens the noise so it doesn’t disturb you or your neighbors. Inside your home, ductwork needs to be placed in areas that receive air conditioning; if you have to place ducts elsewhere (like the attic) the ducts themselves need to be well-insulated. The thermostat should be placed in an area that accurately reads the temperature, away from breezeways, windows and sunny spots.
  • Size the air conditioning system properly. Your AC system needs to be the correct size for your space. If it’s too small, it will labor to cool the house and cost you more in energy bills. If it’s too large, it will stop and start rapidly, which also costs you energy. Make sure the BTU/hour (British Thermal Units per hour) level of the AC system is appropriate to cover the square footage in your home.
  • Make sure your installer is a professional. The technician performing the installation should conduct each step with care and precision. He’ll double-check his work, use quality components for sealing and securing the unit, and set the air flow rate to the level specified by the AC unit in question. He’s also charge the refrigerant levels to their proper levels and run the air conditioning unit to make sure it’s working as it should.

For professional air conditioning installation service in Tacoma, talk to the experts at Sound Heating. We treat air conditioning issues in Tacoma, WA, and take pride in our professionalism and know-how. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Is Your Air Conditioning System the Wrong Size?

August 9th, 2013

As we near the end of summer heat in Tacoma, it’s important to take notice of your air conditioner. How did it perform? Was it lacking in performance or energy efficiency? Were your energy bills higher than anticipated? It’s important to recognize the signs that something has gone wrong with your HVAC system. Unfortunately, one of the problems that you may encounter is improper installation. We’ve seen it more times than we’d like to admit. When it comes to the installation of your AC, make sure you take your time during the process and make certain that your AC is the correct size so that it adequately lives up to your cooling needs. Call Sound Heating if you believe that you’re in need of professional Tacoma air conditioning repair services, or if you believe that your system is improperly sized for your home.

During the installation of your AC, your technician needs to make sure that he takes an accurate load calculation, which is a fancy term for how much cooling power you need to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. It’s an important stage in the process. If your system is too small, then it will likely be inadequate to the task of cooling your entire home. It will strain during high temperatures and may have to work harder all the time just to get by, which can lead to higher energy costs. Alternatively, if your AC is too large, that can also lead to problems. It may short-cycle frequently, which can lead to increased energy costs and additional system wear and tear.

There are some signs that your AC is the wrong size. For example, if you notice that your energy bill has spiked from one month to the next, it could be an indication that your system is working too hard. If your system never shuts off, it could be too small to be able to handle the load. If it constantly turns on and off, it could be too large. Remember, bigger is not always better when it comes to your air conditioner.

Call Sound Heating today for professional air conditioning repair service in Tacoma.

 

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What is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?

July 30th, 2013

There are numerous types of refrigerant uses in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications. From natural refrigerants like ammonia and water to the latest in ozone-friendly R-410A, which is the current standard amongst air conditioning manufacturers, there are various kinds for various applications. But what is refrigerant and how does it work? The standard refrigerant has been widely tested for flammability and toxicity, and today’s refrigerants have only a minimal impact on the environment, while still remaining effective and efficient as a chemical that absorbs thermal energy at low temperatures and dissipates thermal energy at high temperatures. It’s important to know how refrigerant works because the more your know the better chance you will have at recognizing any problems. Call Sound Heating if you would like more information about the refrigerant that circulates through your coils or if you would like to schedule air conditioning services in Puyallup.

Let’s begin with the compressor. As the engine of the refrigerant cycle, it takes the low pressure, low temperature gas from the indoor evaporator coil and turns it into a high pressure, high temperature gas, one that is substantially higher than the outside temperature. It then travels to the condenser coils to be dissipated into the outside air with the help of an exhaust fan. It has now been condensed (hence the name), but it is not yet cool enough. It flows into an expansion valve where it cools rapidly and now can be used as a material for cooling. The evaporator coil circulates this cold, liquid refrigerant and the thermal interaction that occurs between the refrigerant and the warm indoor air causes the refrigerant to turn into a gas. Hence the cycle continues.

For a long time, R-22 (also known as Freon) was the standard in the HVAC industry, but it has since been exposed as a potential environmental hazard, and is now being phased out of production. Because today’s refrigerants are not able to be retrofitted into systems designed to handle this older standard, it’s important to recognize how this phase-out could affect you.

Call Sound Heating today for professional air conditioning services in Puyallup, OR.

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