Our Blog | HVAC Tips | General Sheet Metal in Kalispell, MT

Should You Replace a 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner?

June 12, 2023

Most central air conditioners will typically last somewhere around 15 years. If you have an AC unit that is over 20 years old, you should absolutely think about having it replaced as soon as possible. It is likely that your current unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. Additionally, replacing your old, outdated AC with a modern unit can also provide these other important benefits. Better Efficiency and Lower Cooling Costs Any new AC unit is almost guaranteed to be far more energy efficient compared with a 20-year-old unit. In Montana and the northern

Can You Troubleshoot Your AC Problem?

May 11, 2023

Your home’s air conditioning system is a very complex unit. HVAC technicians go to school and serve as apprentices for many years to understand all the intricacies of these systems. Whenever you notice that your air conditioning system isn’t working like it’s supposed to, you might wonder if you can troubleshoot it on your own or if you need to call in a licensed professional. Here’s what you need to know about troubleshooting your AC. Homeowner Fixes As a homeowner, you can try a few different easy fixes to solve your air conditioning issue without having

Risks of DIY AC Service

April 24, 2023

Updated On: 10/12/23 It seems easy enough to perform a lot of repairs when your AC has a problem, especially with the number of videos available online. However, trying to perform air conditioning service for yourself comes with several inherent risks. Consider the following risks of attempting DIY AC service before hunting down the next video. Invalidating Factory Warranty AC manufacturers understand the risk of causing accidental damage when attempting AC service without the proper training and equipment. This is why the factory warranty often comes with a term that a professional must

Mini-Split vs. Ductless: What’s the Difference?

March 17, 2023

You can heat and cool your house using ductless heating and cooling systems. Ductless HVAC systems are being included in the architecture of many newer houses because of their efficiency and capacity to improve indoor living conditions. If you’re wondering whether to install a ductless system or a mini-split, keep reading. What Is a Ductless HVAC System? Ductless heating and cooling systems can heat and cool a home without moving air through ductwork. To heat and cool a home without using ductwork, a short, flexible tube is used to bring air from outside into

Will Geothermal Heat and Air Condition My Home?

February 10, 2023

As the years go by, more and more people are investing in heat pump technology. One of the biggest questions that people have about geothermal heat pumps is if they will heat and air condition their homes. The simple answer is yes, they will do both. What Does a Heat Pump Do? It’s easiest to think about heat pumps as a heat transfer system. In the winter months, your heat pump will bring heat from outdoors into your home. In the summertime, your heat pump will transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors. Therefore,

Is Indoor Air Quality Worse in Winter?

January 19, 2023

The indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home can dip when the outside temperature plummets in Kalispell, Montana. As winter sees more people relax inside, the variety and volume of airborne particulates increases. Here are three reasons why your IAQ is likely worse during the cold season. 1. Homes Are Sealed up Tight In summer and spring, it’s common practice to open windows and doors. Letting fresh air flow through your home during the warmer months clears out contaminants like volatile organic compounds. To keep your heating system

What Is the Average Life Span of a Furnace Blower Motor?

December 21, 2022

As winter rolls around in Kalispell, MT, many homeowners are dealing with furnace issues connected to their furnace blower motor. The blower motor is a crucial component of any furnace because it pushes the warm air through the house. You might be wondering how long you should expect this vital part to last? How Long Does a Furnace Blower Motor Last? The blower motor is designed to last as long as the furnace does. This can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The better maintained your furnace blower motor is, the longer it will hold

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch and What Does It Do?

November 18, 2022

Gas furnaces have several different components to ensure that they function correctly. One of the most critical components is the limit switch, which acts as a control for the heating system and is an important safety mechanism. Let’s take a closer look at what the limit switch is and the two different functions it serves. Controlling the Blower Fan A furnace limit switch is located inside the supply plenum, which is where the hot air flows out of the furnace. The thermostat is the primary control for the heating system, constantly measuring the temperature inside the

Should You Drain Your Furnaces Condensate Line?

October 20, 2022

If you have a furnace, then you have a condensate line. This important equipment needs to be drained regularly to keep it functioning properly. How often should you drain your furnace’s condensate line? That depends on several factors, including the type of furnace you have, the climate where you live, and how often your furnace is used. This blog post will discuss how frequently you should drain your condensate line. 1. Type of Furnace The first factor to consider is the type of furnace you have. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, drain the condensate line

Why You Shouldn’t Replace Your AC Motor Without Professional Help

September 13, 2022

If your air conditioner’s motor has gone out, you may be tempted to try replacing it yourself. However, this is a job that is best left to the professionals. Here’s why. It’s a Complex Job Replacing an AC motor is not a simple task. There are a lot of intricate parts involved, and if you’re not familiar with how they all work together, you could end up doing more harm than good. You Could Void Your Warranty If you try to replace your AC motor yourself, you could void the warranty on

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