Summer is nearly here and it’s bringing the hot weather along with it. Now is an excellent time to schedule a professional tune-up for your air conditioning unit. Air Specialties, a leading provider of air conditioning installation services in New Haven County for over 50 years, is committed to keeping your home cool all summer long.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Keep your air conditioner from burning out by bringing in the experts at Air Specialties. Our technicians are authorities in AC maintenance and central air installation in New Haven County. Give us a call today!

As one of the leading providers of air conditioning repair services in New Haven County and the surrounding areas, we have recently had an increase in demand for professional mini-split AC installations.

These ductless systems are composed of several indoor units and an outdoor condenser or compressor. They connect via a small conduit, so there’s no need for ductwork. The indoor units also heat or cool the air in different rooms of your homes.

These systems are economically friendly and come with a range of benefits for homeowners, including:

Lower Utility Bills

Although initially costing more than conventional HVAC systems, mini-split setups pay for themselves via the energy saved in homes over time. Homeowners will never have to repair leaky ductwork again, and they can set specific zoning so that unoccupied rooms are not being heated or cooled. It’s possible to use a separate thermostat for each unit, controlling them all via a central thermostat.

Quiet Operations

When ductwork has leaks or debris they can cause banging or whistling sounds, and there may also be squeaking noises if any pests have entered the ducts. Once a mini-split system is installed, our team of professionals will either remove all of your old ductwork or seal your air registers. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about any more unwanted noise.

Mini-split systems are also quieter because the compressor or condensers’ that they use will be installed on the outside of your property, meaning that you can relax in a home free from mechanical whirrings and other annoying sounds.

Improved Comfort

Ductwork has been known to spread contaminants such as dirt, dust, and pet dander throughout properties. This is especially true if a filter hasn’t been changed or there is a leak in your AC system’s ducts. A ductless system helps to improve the air quality that circulates in your home. This prevents allergy symptoms, headaches, and breathing problems such as asthma.

Here at Air Specialties, we provide the full installation of mini-split systems, air conditioning tune-ups in New Haven County, and so much more. To schedule an installation, call us today!

5 End-of-Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

As summer comes to an end, many of our AC systems have been in constant use throughout the hot season. By scheduling some essential maintenance tasks, you can detect any signs of wear and tear and have them repaired before they cause lasting damage.

As a reliable provider of AC tune-up services in Milford, CT, West Haven, CT, and surrounding communities, we’ve listed some end-of-summer AC maintenance tips below.

Change the Filter

Filters help to collect all the pollen, dander, dust, and debris that is present in our homes. Although your filter may have been cleaned at the start of the summer, it needs to be replaced at the end of the season to increase AC performance. Ideally, filters should be changed monthly when the AC is being used daily. However, at least every three months will suffice. Once the filter has been changed, you can reap the benefits of cleaner air and reduced energy bills.

Examine the Unit for Abnormalities

Take some time to inspect your AC unit. Look for leaks, debris, and frayed wires around the system. Listen for any unusual noises, such as rattling, banging, hissing, or ticking. Additionally, trace any odd odors. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact an AC professional immediately.

Clean all Condenser Coils

Condensate drains encourage the growth of moisture and mildew on an outdoor unit, causing the AC system to work harder. If you have neglected cleaning duties throughout the summer, now is the time to clean the coils and condenser drain. Removing any signs of clogging will decrease the chance of an impaired cooling system.

Remove Any Obstructions from Outdoor Units

Before autumn brings leaves, twigs, sleet, and other debris, your outdoor AC system needs to be prepared. Clear the area surrounding your condenser unit of weeds, shrubs and branches, and try to brush away or vacuum up all dirt and debris. Removing any obstructions will improve air circulation.

Schedule a Professional Inspection and Tune-Up

Professional inspections and tune-ups keep your AC unit running smoothly all year round. Full AC inspections identify and fix any minor issues before they evolve into serious problems.

For more information, or to schedule an air conditioning installation service in Hamden, CT, West Haven, CT, or any other neighboring community, feel free to browse our website.

Like all expensive home appliances, your furnace is nearing its expiration date with each consecutive usage. While nobody knows for sure when their heater will require a replacement, we know that, on average, most furnaces last 15-20 years. Your furnace’s lifespan depends on a variety of factors: maintenance, make and model, average usage, etc. In order to help your furnace remain efficient for as long as possible, proper care and maintenance are the most critical factors. In fact, you can contact Air Specialties for gas furnace service in New Haven County, from Branford to West Haven, CT, and everything in between!

The Importance of Furnace Maintenance

 As a heating and cooling service company, we cannot stress the importance of furnace maintenance enough. Routine care and maintenance are essential to keep your heating system running properly, efficiently, and safely. A furnace that is routinely serviced will experience less wear and tear, and therefore require less costly repairs. It will also increase your furnace’s lifespan.

Furnace maintenance isn’t a frequent or expensive service. In fact, an annual furnace service is all you need to make sure the system is functioning correctly and won’t break down halfway through winter. Because furnace usage is put on hold throughout spring and summer, the best time to get your furnace serviced is in autumn – right before the cold months hit you on full blast.

An annual furnace service will help turn your low-performance, worn-down heater into an efficient heating machine by repairing all the necessary components. This can help you save a lot on your monthly heating bills – we’re talking 20-25 percent savings! Not only that, but furnace maintenance by a trained professional can also make your home a safer place for your whole family by performing a carbon monoxide leak test. The advantages of an annual furnace service can’t be beat.

Warning Signs that You Might Need a Furnace Replacement 

If you’ve owned your heater for over 15 years and it’s starting to show signs of aging, you might need a furnace replacement. Only a certified technician can determine for sure if your heater has reached its expiration date, but here are some common warning signs to watch out for:

• Frequent repairs
• Steadily increasing energy bills
• Abnormal noises coming from the furnace
• Low air quality
• Usage exceeds 15-20 years

Looking for Furnace Repairs or Installations in West Haven, CT?

If you’re in need of gas furnace installation or repair services in New Haven County or surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to call Air Specialties. Our certified HVAC professionals have experience repairing and replacing furnaces of every make and model. No matter how small or big of a problem you are experiencing, there’s no better repair service to contact than our team!

Heat pumps are becoming the preferred heating and cooling system amongst many of our customers in West Haven, CT, and the surrounding region. 

Heat pumps are becoming the preferred heating and cooling system amongst many of our customers in the West Haven, CT, area. Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split heat pumps, are comprised of two main parts: the outdoor unit and indoor unit. In the winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside environment and vents it through the indoor unit to heat your home. In the summer, the process is reversed, with the indoor unit extracting heat from inside the house and transferring it outside.

Advantages of a Ductless Mini-Split System

Temperature Zoning

Without the help of a smart thermostat, conventional heating methods distribute heat uniformly throughout the household. The most significant advantage of owning a ductless mini-split is that it allows for temperature zoning, or the ability to heat rooms to different temperatures. This is not only convenient for making your home comfortable for all family members, but it also helps you save money on your monthly energy bills.

Energy Efficiency

Ductless mini-splits are one of the more energy-efficient appliances on the market. Regular heaters, such as furnaces and boilers, require ducts to circulate air throughout the house. Due to cracks and gaps in the ductwork, these traditional heaters will lose warm air and have to produce more in order to reach the temperature set by the thermostat. Because these heat pumps are ductless, they move air directly between the outdoor and indoor units.

Big Money Savings

Ductless heat pumps were invented to be high-performance systems, which can contribute to overall cost savings for homeowners. When heat is only distributed to occupied rooms, as opposed to the whole house, homeowners will only have to pay for the heat they’re using. Families that choose to install heat pumps over a traditional heater may also be eligible for tax credits or utility rebates if these savings are available in their states.

Easy Installation

Heat pumps are one of the easiest heating systems to install. Due to their small size and non-invasive nature, our highly-qualified technicians can perform a heat pump installation in a matter of hours. Unlike boilers or furnaces which require pre-installed ductwork through conventional gas furnace services, available in New Haven County and all local areas, mini-split heaters are perfect for buildings with no existing ductwork because they don’t require ducts to circulate airflow.

Dual Heating and Cooling System

Ductless heat pumps are the only system available that allows for both heating and cooling. This is possible through the heater’s internal components, which have the ability to capture heat in the air. Traditional heaters heat up the air before distributing it throughout the household using a venting system, whereas ductless heat pumps move heat from one area to another.

Contact an Air Specialties specialist for all your heating needs this winter, whether you’re looking for heat pump installations or gas furnace repair services in New Haven County and all surrounding areas. With over 60 years of experience serving residents of West Haven, CT, we aim to provide the best local professional services.

Like any mechanical device, a water heater requires regular inspections and maintenance to keep it operating safely and reliably. With regular maintenance you can also keep your water heater running longer by extending the life of the tank and other components. 

Tank-Style Water Heater Maintenance

A conventional tank-style water heater will typically last for 8-10 years. However, without routine maintenance sediment and rust can accumulate, shortening the life of the water heater while also wasting energy. To keep your water heater in good condition for the long run, Air Specialties recommends following these water heater maintenance steps at least once a year.

Drain out the water heater tank to remove sediment. This is particularly important if you have hard water in your home. Attach a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. Before opening the drain valve  ensure the opposite end of the hose is outside or near a floor drain. Be careful, as the water may be very hot. If you’re not sure how to flush your water heater, call Air Specialties. An experienced plumber can advise you on the best way to drain your water heater tank.

1. Check for water leaks, pinholes rusting around the exterior of the water heater.
2. For natural gas water heaters, inspect the flue to ensure exhaust fumes are venting outside by striking a match next to the flue housing. The smoke should drift out through the exhaust flue.
3. Test the relief valve by putting a bucket beneath the drain pipe and opening the valve. Water should flow freely when the valve is opened.
4. Ensure that the thermostat is set to between 120 and 125 degrees. It should not be set above 125 degrees. We recommend keeping your water heater below 115 degrees if you have have young children in the home.
5. Keeping a pan underneath the water heater will make it easier to detect any leaks.
6. If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light to make sure it is burning blue and steady.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a more efficient alternative to traditional water heaters. Because water is only heated when it’s needed, it uses much less energy. And with no storage tank, it never runs out of hot water as long as the unit it the proper size for the home’s hot water needs.

Like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure that they last as long as possible. Spending some time on maintenance yourself, or calling Air Specialties for routine maintenance, will ensure that you are taking advantage of all the cost saving benefits available from your tankless water heater. In addition, most manufacturers require this maintenance as a condition of the unit’s warranty.

1. Inspect and Clean the Screen Filter

Following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and procedures, inspect and clean the filter located on the water inlet side the tankless water heater. We recommend having a qualified plumber do this job. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s important to learn the proper procedure before attempting this maintenance. Do not use chemicals to clean your tankless water heater, since they will enter your drinking water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaner.

2. Flush the System

To prevent the a harmful buildup of lime and scale, flush your tankless water heater periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. As noted above, please be sure to flush it with vinegar and not chemicals that could contaminate your water supply.

Many people purchase a conventional tank water heater and simply forget about it until it stops working and it’s time to replace it.

However, with a few simple water heater maintenance steps you can increase the lifespan of the unit while also making it work more efficiently.

1. Flush the water heater tank annually

Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. Draining the tank will remove the sediment that has collected at the bottom of the tank which will allow the burner to work more efficiently.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct procedure for draining your model of water heater.

2. Check the anode rod and replace it if needed

The anode rod hangs in the tank to help prevent its inside from rusting out. It should be checked annually when the tank is drained. Replacing a badly corroded rod is far cheaper than replacing the water heater. Without a good anode rod, hot water will rapidly corrode the inside of the tank, shortening its life.

3. Insulate the water heater tank

This is a step you only have to do once. Wrapping your water heater in a blanket of insulation can improve it’s efficiency up to 40 percent.

A leaking water heater can range from a slow drip to a full-blown flood. Either way, the damage to your home and property can be expensive; ranging from damage to walls and floors, to unhealthy mold and mildew.

If you see water accumulating near your water heater, it may not actually be coming from the water heater. Nearby appliances and condensation on pipes near the water heater can cause moisture to accumulate nearby. Closely inspect the base of the water heater and valves for signs of leaks.

If you determine the water heater is the cause of the leak, the first step is to turn off power to the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, turn the power off from the circuit breaker. A gas water heater can be shut of from the power supply attached to the unit, usually be turning a knob to the off position. Next, turn off the water from the cold water shut-off valve located near the top of the water heater.

Water heater leaks can occur in several locations, including: the cold water inlet and hot water outlet, the pressure relief valve, the drain valve, and the bottom of the tank. Fixing a water heater is not a do-it-yourseff project. A qualified plumber should make the repair. Depending on the location and severity of the leak, your plumber will either have to repair the water heater replace it.

Preventing damage from water heater leaks

For an extra measure of protection from unexpected water heater leaks, specially designed pans can be installed under the water heater to divert water leaks to a nearby floor drain. There are also special water leak alarms that can turn off the water when a leak is detected from the water heater or another source.