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5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

The HVAC system is often the largest and most important investment inside a home. Yet you probably don’t give a moment’s thought to optimizing its operation or lifespan. Failing to take simple care of your HVAC system is like owning a car without changing its oil. However, knowing a few handy HVAC tips or troubleshooting solutions can give you better peace of mind when it comes to your home’s most important system.

An HVAC system should last 15-25 years. In our hot South Carolina climate, we work our air conditioners hard, running them for eight or nine months of the year. That shortens the life of the AC but lengthens the life of the furnace or heat pump. Here are five simple HVAC tips to prolong the life of the system and save yourself thousands of dollars.

Change the air filters regularly. This is one of the most common HVAC tips, but it is easy for all homeowners to do. Air flows into the intake duct through an air filter that screens out dust, debris, and toxins before heating or cooling the air and circulating it throughout the house. This is critical to protecting the health of its residents, but a dirty or clogged filter inhibits the airflow and makes the HVAC unit work harder constantly. Check the filter every month and replace it whenever necessary. This will likely be required at least every three months and will take only a few minutes to accomplish.

Check the drainage. Air conditioners pull humidity out of the air and circulate drier air throughout the house. Heating units perform a similar function. That captured moisture runs through drainage lines out of the house, which can get clogged, corroding the unit and reducing its efficiency. If enough water builds up, the units will even shut down to prevent flooding. A quick peek at the drainage lines periodically can uncover a budding problem that is usually simple to fix by manually clearing out the drain. This simple preventative measure can save a lot of trouble, inconvenience, discomfort, and cost. What a payoff for a few seconds of work.

Keep the outdoor unit clear. That big box with a fan on top sitting outside your house is the AC condenser, which acts as the heat transfer unit. When used to cool the house, it dissipates heat and sends cooler air in; when used as a heater, it does the reverse. Being outside, the condenser is susceptible to weather , critters, and accumulated debris that can hamper its effectiveness. Inspect it now and then, particularly after storms, and remove any leaves, grass, branches, windblown paper, or other items that can interfere with its efficient operation.

Inspect the thermostat . Most families set and forget the thermostat, at least until the weather turns. But there is a lot going on in that little box that can affect the operation of your AC unit. Take a look at the settings and make sure the system is responding to them. If something seems awry, the solution might be as simple as changing the batteries, or you might need a new thermostat. A programmable thermostat can increase household comfort and improve the system’s efficiency and lifespan by reducing its operation during low-use hours.

Inspect the ducts and vents . As air circulates through the HVAC system, particulates can build up and obstruct airflow. Inspecting the duct behind the air filter and the vents throughout the house will serve as an early warning system if this is occurring. If so, have your ducts professionally cleaned.

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What to Expect If You Need to Have Your HVAC Unit Replaced

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

The average HVAC unit has a long and productive life – 15-25 years of heating, cooling, and keeping your family comfortable. However, there comes a time when the system is finally ready to meet its maker (Carrier, most likely), and you will want to be prepared. Our experts are here to assuage your fears and prepare you for what to expect when you have to have your HVAC unit replaced.

When to replace your HVAC unit

You’ll know it’s time to get your HVAC unit replaced when it stops working reliably, and patching it only postpones the problem. Besides that, a 25-year-old system has technology that is a quarter-century out of date, making it less efficient and cost-effective than a newer unit. If required repairs are piling up with increasing frequency, or your energy bills are climbing as the system wheezes to its end, or the indoor air quality is failing because the system can’t filter air properly, or the unit is making a noise like it’s giving up its ghost – it probably is. Those are all indications that you need a new HVAC system.

Replacing your HVAC is a big job that requires hiring an experienced HVAC professional to help you make the right choices about the brand, size, and particulars of a new unit. Every HVAC contractor must be licensed and insured; ask for the license number and look it up to ensure it is current. A reputable HVAC professional will advise you in advance of the total cost, start and completion date, and warranty details. They will also remove the old HVAC unit and clean up before they leave.

Holley Heating and Air has been trusted to serve customers in the Aiken area with its expertise for over a century because it exceeds these standards enough to earn nearly 1,000 5-star Google reviews. Holley offers the full line of Carrier products , the gold standard for HVAC. These units come with a 10-year warranty.

What to expect during an HVAC replacement

Once you choose the best system for your needs, your HVAC professional will order the replacement unit, apply for any permits that might be necessary, and prepare you for the installation, which can take several days.

When it’s time to have the old HVAC unit replaced with the new one, the crew will require access to much of the house, create considerable noise, and may track dirt from the outside. Once they complete the installation, they will test the system and make sure it is humming for your family’s maximum comfort.

You will likely need to find another place to stay during the installation days, mainly because there will be no heat or air conditioning during that time.

What to expect after an HVAC replacement

Once the new unit is installed, your HVAC professional will review the warranty and maintenance requirements with you to ensure the system’s optimal performance. If your old system is more than 10 years old, you should immediately notice a quieter, more energy-efficient, and better-performing unit than you had before. You will like it even more when a smaller utility bill arrives at the end of the month.

At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost-effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

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Busting Myths with HVAC Experts

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Your local HVAC experts are an excellent resource when it comes to learning about one of the most vital parts of your home, your HVAC system. It keeps the family warm on cold winter nights and refreshed on hot summer days. Like your automobile and computer, you rely on it almost daily but probably don’t know much about how it works. Therefore, you may be susceptible to believing popular myths about your system. Our HVAC experts are here to dispel the most common of those misconceptions.

Myth 1: The Bigger the Unit, The Better

Myth 2: Save Money by Keeping Your Unit Until It Dies

Truth : This is definitely not true. A dying HVAC system will run inefficiently and cause repeated headaches that result in downtime and require service calls. That will consume time, convenience, and money as your utility bills balloon and your HVAC expert puts you on the frequent flyer plan. If your AC unit is 15 years old or older, investing in a newer, more efficient version will save you money and aggravation over time.

Myth 3: Lowering the Thermostat Speeds Up Cooling

Truth : Cranking up the AC or the heat will not cool or heat the house any faster; it just does so for longer until reaching that newly set temperature. You’ll likely forget where you set the thermostat and overheat or over-cool the house. You’ll see the negative consequences of this habit the next time your utility bill comes in.

Myth 4: A Programmable Thermostat Automatically Saves You Money

Truth : Like almost anything, a programmable thermostat only saves you money if you use it correctly. That requires taking the time to program the thermostat according to your schedule. For maximum efficiency, lower the heat or AC when you’re out and at night; raise it when you plan to return. Otherwise, you just have an expensive thermostat whose functions you’re not using.

Myth 5: Close the Vents in Rooms You Don’t Use

Truth : Unless you have extensive knowledge of your HVAC blower, it will not know that you have closed the vent and will send heated or cooled air to that room regardless. Closing the vent may back up air being moved by the blower, which could overwork it and reduce its efficiency. It could also increase pressure in the ducts and cause leaks.

Myth 6: A New HVAC System Increases the Value of a House

Truth : Experience shows that few buyers pay attention to the age of the HVAC system.

Myth 7: Higher Efficiency Filters Are Better

Truth : Get the right filter for your home. The finer the filter, the more your unit must work to push air through it.

Myth 8: Your HVAC System Doesn’t Need Maintenance if It’s Running Fine

Truth : Regular maintenance and an HVAC system that dies when you need it most can save you thousands of dollars. Our HVAC experts can spot minor issues and prevent them from becoming larger and costlier when your HVAC system is regularly checked and maintained.

The 6 Keys to Furnace Safety

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Furnace safety is critical yet often overlooked in an area as warm as Aiken, South Carolina. Gas, combustion, heat, and exhaust all work together to create comfort in your home. However, mishandled or not contained, these elements could cause grievous harm.

The most common type of furnace heats your house by lighting a fire and igniting gas; heating piped cold air from inside your home. A fan then blows the heated air through a tube into ducts throughout the building, distributing the warmer air into all the rooms. This process continues until the house temperature reaches the temperature set on the thermostat, which switches off the gas valve to prevent the flow of more warm air. Exhaust from the combustion process is channeled out of the house through a vent.

Furnaces are highly engineered to run safely throughout their lifetime. But you can take a few steps to ensure your furnace’s safe and proper operation.

Clean the furnace before its first use

Because your furnace has taken the warm months off, performing some maintenance before restarting it is a good furnace safety habit. Clean the heater of all accumulated debris on and around it and vacuum the inside. Make sure the flame is blue or white—that is, it’s burning hot. A yellow or red flame is too cool to run efficiently.

Keep the furnace clear of obstructions

As winter approaches and furnaces begin heating up, their safe operation requires that nothing flammable be left in their vicinity. Remove drapes and curtains, discarded clothing, pet bedding, paper objects, and other clutter from the immediate vicinity of the furnace to ensure that nothing ignites but the gas. Checking routinely throughout the colder months as your run your furnace is a great way to master furnace safety.

Call in the professionals

Check and replace the air filter

No matter the HVAC question, regularly changing the air filter is one of the best answers. Replace the filter at least every three months and more often if it becomes dirty. This is a simple and inexpensive way to keep the system running optimally.

Know the Warning Signs

Often, a furnace will send warning signals that trouble is ahead. If you know the signs, you can head off the issue before it causes injury or material damage. If you smell gas, the pilot light won’t stay lit, or the system cycles on and off constantly, those are indications that you need to call your HVAC professional. The same is true if you smell something burning or the furnace is on, but the house isn’t heating.

Practice the Emergency Shutdown Procedures

Everyone in your house should know how to shut off the furnace in an emergency. This skill, and other furnace safety habits, will be imperative to keep everyone safe in case of a gas leak or other dire event. Train the entire family on how to turn off the main shut-off valve located near the furnace.

Holley Heating & Air is your HVAC partner, with more than 100 years of reliable service to the Aiken area. Contact them today to get your furnace in ship shape and ensure the safety of everyone in your home.

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6 Common HVAC Problems in the Winter

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:54:00 GMT

Your HVAC system appreciates that Aiken is not exactly the Arctic during the winter. In January, it averages a high of 55 degrees (F) and a low of 36 (F), with just three inches of snow. Nonetheless, with temperatures approaching freezing every night for three months, it is essential to prepare your system for common winter HVAC problems.

Before addressing the six most common winter problems, here is a near-perfect solution: have your HVAC system serviced by a professional HVAC technician before winter’s onset. An experienced HVAC expert can intercept most problems before they occur.

1. Frozen Pipes and Coils

Poorly insulated pipes and coils can freeze and prevent airflow, something an HVAC professional can alert you to before the coldest days arrive. Insulation is a low priority in construction throughout South Carolina because of our moderate winter temperatures, so this is likely an issue where you live.

Other issues like clogged filters, vents, and refrigerant leaks can also cause frozen pipes.

2. Clogged Air Filters

During the winter, when we are inside more, most HVAC systems work harder and can become more quickly obstructed with dirt, dust, and debris. Check your filter more often, like monthly, and change it when it gets dirty. Your HVAC system will thank you.

3. Unusually High Energy Bills

This is a red flag that your system is working extra hard and needs a little TLC. There are myriad reasons for this, the most obvious being colder-than-average temperatures. Leaks around windows and doors and from your vents are the next most obvious, so check around the house to ensure you’re not allowing any precious heat to escape to the outdoors.

After that, almost anything can cause higher heating bills—a malfunctioning thermostat, gas loss from the system, or even an old, outdated unit. If the easy fixes don’t solve the problem, call your HVAC professional.

4. Cold Air Blowing

Uh-oh. Your heating element has liked died. A replacement heating element can solve this problem. Have your HVAC professional order one as soon as possible.

5. Uneven Heating

The most likely cause of this is an inadequate system. One solution is to install a new, more size-appropriate system. The other, less expensive resolution could come from adding a zone control system that directs heat to the most used rooms. This will also increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce your heating bill.

6. A Malfunctioning Thermostat

Thermostat problems fall into two categories: easy to repair and not so easy. Try changing the batteries on the thermostat, blowing air through it with a hair dryer, and checking the wires for loose connections. If the problem isn’t batteries, dirt, or loose wires, you might just need a new thermostat. Think of it as your HVAC system nudging you into purchasing a programmable thermostat that better regulates temperatures and reduces utility bills.

Other parts of an HVAC system can go on the fritz, like the heat pump, pilot light, and fuel tank. The best defense is a good offense before the season gets going – have it serviced. The peace of mind alone will be worth the small expense, but the incident-free winter will be the big payoff. Holley Heating and Air has built its reputation for top-quality work for over 100 years and stands ready to winterize your HVAC system.

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Keeping Your HVAC Healthy During the Holidays

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:46:00 GMT

The winter holidays are a time of family, friends, good cheer, warmth, comfort, renewal, and celebration. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is their heat going off, particularly during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, when HVAC companies operate on a skeletal staff to give their employees time with their families. In fact, we don’t want to have to think about our HVAC system at all.

As we plan to spend more time indoors, we will rely more on our home heating. To keep ourselves, our pets, and our guests snug and warm during the holidays, we must make the HVAC system part of our preparations.

More than that, heating bills spike again around the holidays following the mild temperatures of the fall. That makes it doubly important to help ensure the HVAC system runs optimally for the holidays.

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up

The first and most important action to take is to schedule a pre-holiday HVAC service call to avoid an HVAC emergency in the middle of winter or with a house full of guests, maintain that cozy ambiance while celebrating the holidays, and minimize those utility bills.

The HVAC professionals at Holley Heating and Air will inspect all the mechanical and electrical systems, clean dirty parts, and check that everything is in good repair. They will examine the ducts and vents for excess buildup of dirt and dust, check the coolant level, clean the evaporator coil and condensate drain, review the calibration of the thermostat, lubricate where needed, do a safety inspection of the entire system and alert you if the air filters need to be changed or ducts need to be cleaned. They might suggest steps to secure your unit’s safety and more efficient operation, including replacing it with a more up-to-date model.

After that, there are some simple steps you can take to improve the operation of your HVAC.

Replace the Air Filters Regularly

Because you’re indoors more, wearing more clothing, and perhaps even enjoying a nice fire in the fireplace, there is more dust and smoke buildup in the house than during other seasons. Check the filter every month and replace it when it gets dirty to keep the air you breathe healthy.

Clean the Vents and Air Ducts

Along those same lines, peer into the ducts and determine if there is buildup, or hire a service if it has been more than five years. Any particles floating around the ducts will end up in the house and your lungs.

Fill Leaks and Insulate

Wherever the outdoors meets the indoors, heated air can leak out, wasting your money and forcing your heater to work harder. Check around doors and windows for leaks and fill them wherever you see them. Check your roof for poorly insulated areas and add some insulation. Heat can radiate through walls without sufficient insulation to hold it in. The Insulation Institute recommends R-38 insulation for attics and walls in Southern states.

Adjust the Thermostat

The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68-70 degrees during the winter and lowering it at night and when you are away or cooking. Better yet, purchase a programmable thermostat that allows you to set the temperature in advance, even while you are not home. Close the doors of unused rooms while you’re at it so you’re not heating them, too.

Take these steps for a happy holiday season with all your loved ones.

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Gas Log Fireplaces 101

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:01:00 GMT

The cozy warmth of a fireplace on a cold winter night is the perfectly picturesque scene some of us dream about. Nothing captures a Hallmark card moment like a cheery, crackling fire.

Then again, ordinary wood fireplaces require constant upkeep to light the logs and keep them lit. They also require attention to the chimney to prevent creosote buildup, which can cause the kind of fire you don’t want. They’re dirty and sooty, and the ash requires removal every few fires.

This explains the popularity of gas fireplaces. They produce real flames and the heat of a wood fire without extensive maintenance. They turn on and off with the push of a button, and the flame’s intensity and heat output can be controlled with adjustable settings. They also produce fewer emissions. There is no ash or soot, simplifying maintenance to an annual checkup.

If you have a gas fireplace or plan to install one, you have some decisions to make. Will your fireplace be vented or not? Will you use natural gas or propane? How much will all this cost?

Vented vs. Ventless

Vented fireplaces have chimneys that convey smoke from the house and into the atmosphere. The logs replicate the look and ambiance of wood logs. However, some heat and smoke rise up the chimney, reducing the unit’s efficiency.

Ventless fireplaces produce heat that radiates within the firebox rather than rising up the chimney. To withstand the heat, ventless logs are composed of materials that lack a realistic wood appearance. This makes them better at heating a room but lacks that authentic fire aesthetic. Consequently, ventless fireplaces tend to be sold primarily as heaters, while vented fireplaces serve as living room accessories around which the family cuddles.

Gas or Propane?

Gas fireplaces use two types of fuel: natural gas and propane. Natural gas burns efficiently and produces low emissions. Dominion Energy delivers natural gas via pipeline to most homes. If a pipeline already exists, it is simple and inexpensive to connect to it and begin service. However, a line must be run from the street to your residence, which adds a cost.

Propane is more portable and is usually stored in a tank outside the building, which the supplier periodically refills. The tank does nothing for curb appeal, but propane produces heat more efficiently than natural gas.

What About the Cost?

There are many variables in the cost of a gas fireplace, starting with extending a natural gas line to the house or entering into a contract to rent a propane tank and pay to have it filled. Gas fireplaces typically consume 20,000 to 40,000 BTUs per house. Considering the average price for natural gas in Aiken in July of 2024 was about 2.5 cents per 100,000 BTUs, the average cost of operating a gas fireplace is between 25 cents and 65 cents per hour of use. Running a fireplace for four hours a night for three months will cost about $60 in total. The cost is about the same using propane instead.

While the cost may vary, the price of turning your home into a cozy sanctuary this winter might just be worth every penny.

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What is a Mini-Split, and How Can it Keep My Home Comfortable?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:59:00 GMT

If your house lacks ductwork to attach an air conditioning unit, the easiest and most popular way to heat and cool it is with a mini-split ductless heat pump. This efficient, easily installed, all-electric system is particularly well-suited for specific rooms without requiring ducts or radiators.

A mini-split consists of a wall-mounted unit about the size and shape of a desk drawer that connects to an outdoor compressor, which is generally smaller than an ordinary A/C compressor. Unlike your standard central air conditioning unit, it doesn’t require a duct system and doesn’t heat or cool unused rooms. Unlike a window-mounted unit, mini-splits are quiet and efficient. They don’t need a wall outlet for power and don’t block a window. They also don’t drip on people’s heads passing beneath the window.

Mini-splits are easier to install than central air and often make sense as a replacement or supplement to existing heating and cooling equipment. They offer unmatched flexibility because they can be set up to serve one or several rooms. The wall-mounted units can also be installed above ceilings or on the floor; however, ceiling placement requires a much more complex and expensive installation. The size of the unit depends on each room’s heating and cooling needs, with more temperature management requiring a larger unit.

These systems are perfect for heavily used rooms, like kitchens; rooms unheated and uncooled by an existing HVAC system, like attics and basements; and special rooms that require discreet temperature control, like nurseries, for babies or plants. They are highly customizable, with each wall unit operating as an independent heating and cooling zone. This allows for setting different temperatures in different rooms or turning some units off altogether while others run.

Mini-splits can be controlled using modern methods, such as programmable thermostats and wireless remote controllers. They can also be set up for smartphone control and integrated into a smart speaker system like Alexa. Depending on the desires of the room’s occupants, they can be adjusted to blow in one direction or another.

Using a mini-split to heat a space instead of a typical fossil fuel furnace can reduce total energy use by two-thirds. The cooling mechanism works the same as a standard A/C system. Mini-splits definitively reduce their users’ carbon footprint.

Installing a mini-split system is neither inexpensive nor simple. It requires the expertise of an HVAC professional with experience and integrity. Holley Heating and Air has built its reputation for top-quality work for over 100 years and has installed hundreds of mini-splits. Wirecutter magazine recommends doing your due diligence before choosing an HVAC company for this project. “The commitment you make to an installer will determine how well the mini-split system functions in your space,” they write.

As for cost, the rule of thumb is to expect to pay $4,000-$5,000 per room for a modern, high-tech system.

Is a mini-split system right for you and your home? Or should you opt for a full HVAC unit or a couple of window units? Contact Holley for expert guidance through the decision-making process. We will explain the pros and cons of each type of system so you can make an informed decision.

The post What is a Mini-Split, and How Can it Keep My Home Comfortable? appeared first on Holley Heating & Air .

Commonly Asked HVAC Questions

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:32:00 GMT

HVAC units are complex systems that are asked to work 24/7 to keep us comfortable. That is why it is important to give them just a bit of TLC by changing the filter, checking the coils, and doing regular maintenance.

These are the questions you ask most often about heating and air conditioning units and the answers you need:

How often should I change my air filter?

Change your air filter when it begins to get discolored, but definitely no less often than every three months. Remember that whatever you see on the filter is what your family breathes daily.

How often should I have my unit serviced?

Just as your teeth must be cleaned twice yearly and your car’s oil changed every few thousand miles, your HVAC system requires regular checkups. It’s a great idea to have a professional HVAC specialist provide preventative maintenance at least annually but before the heating and cooling seasons optimally. A reliable professional will inspect the system, ensure its efficient operation, lubricate the components, clean any dirty parts, and repair or replace any malfunctioning components. They might also recommend further maintenance, like upgrading to dual zones.

Should I replace my R-22 refrigerant with R-410A?

Due to international protocols related to climate change, R22 refrigerant is being phased out in favor of lower-impact R-410A. Eventually, it will be impossible to find R-22, and HVAC professionals will no longer service them, so you can save yourself some trouble by making the switch before you need to.

How can I increase the life of my HVAC system?

There are two very simple ways to lengthen the life of your heating and AC system. First, change your filters and clean off the outside coils regularly. Second, the unit should be serviced annually to ensure efficient operation.

But there are other actions you can take as well that require a bit more initiative—for example, keeping the thermostat at moderate temperatures during the hottest and coolest months (70 is a good balance between efficient and comfortable, with somewhat lower temps in the winter at night), drawing curtains and shades in sunlit rooms during the summer, and installing a programmable thermostat that allows for less heating and cooling in unused areas.

What should I do to my heating and AC to reduce my utility bills?

The suggestions above will make your unit more efficient and reduce your bills. That includes changing the filter regularly, doing preventative maintenance, keeping the outside coils clean, installing a programmable thermostat, avoiding extreme temperature settings, and turning the thermostat down when sleeping or leaving the house. Other steps you can take include ensuring the home is well-insulated, sealing windows and doors to keep heated or cooled air from escaping, and operating ceiling fans to cool rooms in the winter and warm them in the summer.

Note: fireplaces generally do not lower energy bills because they draw heated air into the fireplace and up the chimney.

How do I know if I need a new HVAC system?

Systems exceeding 15 years of service live in extra innings and will likely require replacement soon. If the system is struggling to heat or cool the premises or requires constant repairs or replacement parts, that is a sign that it needs to be replaced.

How big should my replacement unit be?

That depends on several variables, including the size of the home, the amount of insulation, the location of the unit, and more. A professional HVAC technician can guide you to the optimal size for your circumstances. An undersized system will wear out, struggling to heat and cool your home. An oversized HVAC system can cool the building too fast to dehumidify it, leading to uncomfortably humid conditions and spurring mold growth. Make sure to work with a professional before deciding on the replacement system. At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost-effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment t

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Preparing your HVAC System for Colder Months

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:29:00 GMT

You wouldn’t start a car that hadn’t been driven in six months and expect it to run perfectly. The same is true for your furnace, except it’s more like nine months in Aiken, SC.

Preparing your HVAC system before winter hits can save you headaches during the cold season – when you need it to keep your house warm.

Your HVAC has been pulling warm air out of your house for most of the year, extracting the heat, pulling out the moisture, and funneling it back in. Now you’re asking it to switch gears and heat the cool air before blowing it back in.

A quick check of the heating system in October can tell you whether the unit is ready for the cold or whether you need to call an HVAC professional for help before it’s too late. Ordering items could take weeks, so give yourself plenty of lead time.

First, ensure you change your air filter regularly and get a system checkup at least annually. Filters cost a few bucks each at your local hardware store.

Next, switch your thermostat to heat and crank it up. You’ll need to set the desired temperature above the house’s temperature. In Aiken, that might mean pushing it to 85 degrees for just a few minutes. If setting the desired temperature higher than the actual temperature doesn’t shift the HVAC into heat mode, you’ve already uncovered a problem with the thermostat. But double-check first that you’ve got it set to heat.

Let it run long enough to determine that it’s heating the whole house. It will be uncomfortable for a half hour, but you can handle it. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars and days without heat when needed.

Listen to the unit for unusual noises. Constantly switching on and off is a problem. Wheezing, squealing, gurgling, pinging, and rumbling all indicate that you need to get the HVAC system serviced.

Now, look around and make sure nothing is dripping or looking wet. That includes rust. Water is your enemy in a heating unit. Mold is a trailing indicator of moisture, so if you see any, you have a moisture issue that requires attention.

Repeat all this a time or two before Jack Frost visits to be sure the successful first test wasn’t the system’s last gasp.

It’s a good idea to get the ductwork cleaned every few years. Buildup in the ducts reduces the unit’s efficiency and can cause health problems. You can reach into the ducts with a long dusting tool and do a partial job or call professionals for a deep cleaning.

This is a good time to think about insulation and the integrity of your home envelope. That’s HVAC talk for the cracks and openings in the perimeter of your house that can allow outside air in and inside air out—sealing all those cracks, particularly around windows and doors, to reduce the load on the HVAC unit. If your house lacks sufficient insulation, getting some sprayed into the outer walls can save money on utility bills and extend the life of the furnace. Your HVAC care professional can help determine whether that’s feasible and worthwhile.

Preparing your heating unit for winter in the fall will prevent an emergency in the winter – while your family is shivering.

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Why and When You Should Call HVAC Experts

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:23:00 GMT

If you want your HVAC system to run optimally, you hire HVAC experts. You wouldn’t ask a carpenter to set your broken leg, DIY your car’s engine overhaul after watching a YouTube video, or hire your college student niece to handle your company’s digital marketing. The odds are that you would lose your leg, your engine, and your business.

The same practice should be applied to your HVAC, an important and expensive system with multiple pieces of hardware and software that require significant expertise to understand and service. Heating and air conditioning systems are critical to maintaining comfort and well-being in the home and require professional intervention when in need of repair.

Homeowners make two fundamental errors with their HVAC systems that can cost them dearly. The first is setting it and forgetting it – neglecting regular maintenance of their heating and air conditioning system. HVAC is a complex electrical system with several moving parts and opportunities for invisible issues that can cascade into costly repairs and service interruptions. Calling in an HVAC specialist at least annually is a simple, cost-effective way to ensure that the system is running optimally.

The second mistake is ignoring problems when they first become apparent or attempting to address them with home remedies or a low-cost alternative. Diagnosing and repairing issues with HVAC requires significant knowledge as the technologies advance. Attempting simplistic Band-Aid repairs like raising the thermostat on a sluggish system or trying to stem a leak with electrical tape masks the underlying problem and simply delays the inevitable repair. Trained specialists get the job done right the first time, using the latest equipment and applying years of experience and continuing education to each case, saving customers time and money in the long run and keeping the system running optimally all the time.

When Should You Call HVAC Professionals?

Knowing when to call HVAC specialists can prevent the inconvenience of a malfunctioning system. That usually occurs when you need it most, like during the hottest and coldest weeks of the year when heat or air conditioning is most critical and imposes the greatest burden on the system.

HVAC professionals should install your HVAC system; regular preventative checkups are wise and cost-saving. Once the system is operating, there are telltale signs that it is time to seek expert assistance.

Leakage – Moisture around the AC unit is a big red flag. It signals serious issues that should be addressed immediately. Water leaks are signs of blocked drain lines that never resolve themselves; they only worsen. Refrigerant leaks are even more dangerous for the health of both the system and the residents. When refrigerant runs low, the AC works overtime to pump out what is left, stressing the entire system until the refrigerant is depleted and the AC stops functioning. For humans, refrigerant is toxic if inhaled, so call a professional immediately.

Odd Noises or Smells —These will not go away on their own. Both suggest problems that will only intensify, like a loose fan belt or electrical issues.

Unusual Energy Bills —Consistently rising utility bills often result from the HVAC system working harder to perform its job. The plethora of potential causes indicates that an expert in the HVAC field should diagnose the problem.

Ineffective or Uneven Cooling— again, there are many causes, but only one way to find out: an HVAC expert.

Anything else that doesn’t seem right – trust your gut and call for help. Letting it go could leave you without heat or air conditioning, requiring wallet-draining repairs.

Whether your HVAC system needs routine maintenance or emergency repair, the Holley Heating & Air team will take care of it with care and expertise. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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Signs Your Crawl Space Needs Attention

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:11:00 GMT

You probably check your roof and gutters regularly, look for cracks in the concrete and notice any signs of leaking in your ceilings. How often do you check your crawl space, that empty gap between the house and the foundation that can only be checked by belly-heaving among the dirt and creepy crawlies?

We suspect it’s not a task you complete often.

Like the rest of the house, the crawl space requires regular checks and maintenance. Problems there are early indicators of issues affecting the house above it and everyone who resides in it. Being alert to crawl space issues can save thousands of dollars in repairs from rodents, moisture buildup and cracks in the foundation.

The good news is that many of the symptoms of crawl space problems can be found in the house above. Here are some signs that your crawl space needs to be repaired:

Water – Whether merely humid, ominously soggy or downright puddling, water in the wrong places in your house is a big red flag. Pooling indicates poor drainage that could be damaging your foundation. Excess moisture suggests seepage from down below that needs to be sealed. Allowing humidity to build up in the crawl space invites unwanted pests and can cause weakness in the foundation, so have a professional come in and determine if the space needs to be waterproofed.

Pests – Rodents, black widow spiders, snakes and termites are attracted to tiny amounts of water and can wreak havoc beneath the house. Termites forage wood at an alarming rate, causing $1 billion of damage to U.S. homes annually. Waterproofing the crawl space prevents infestations.

Sagging floors and wood rot— This indicates that the wood above your crawl space has been damaged, either by water or by creatures from below. Weak beams and floor joists are a major threat to the house’s structural integrity, so get that crawl space checked out.

Unpleasant odors —Stale, musty or moldy-smelling air is a dead giveaway that mold and mildew are growing in the space below. Remedy the moisture issue before pests, wood rot and leaking start damaging your house.

Your utility bill abnormally high – If your monthly energy bill is unusually high, it might mean you need to insulate the crawl space. (To be clear, there could be a variety of other causes, but the crawl space is a good place to start.) When heat dissipates through the crawl space during the winter, it never has an opportunity to rise through the house, causing the heating unit to continue pumping out hot air in a desperate and never-ending attempt to warm the premises. Crawl space experts can install fiberglass batting or spray foam insulation to keep the building toasty during the winter and refreshing during the summer, with minimal effort from your HVAC.

Your home is your most significant investment, not to mention the place you return to every day. Proper home maintenance includes ensuring that the area beneath the foundation is cool and dry. At Holley Heating and Air, our crawl space experts can help find problems and tailor the perfect crawl space solution. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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Smart Heating and Cooling Technology

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:11:00 GMT

The thermostat is the brain of the HVAC system, detecting temperature gradients and instructing the system to turn on and off to achieve the desired temperature. Today’s smart thermostats can help prevent you from overworking your HVAC system, wasting money, and reducing your carbon footprint.

With smart technologies becoming a member of the family in your home, why not give your thermostat a 21st-century upgrade, too?

Smart Thermostats Make HVAC More Efficient

Smart thermostats connect via Wi-Fi to the internet and can, therefore, be programmed from afar. Say you’re arriving home on a cold day and want the house warmed up for your arrival: just instruct the thermostat. Better yet, some smart thermostats synch with your phone to detect your arrival and regulate the temperature accordingly, turning up the heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. About half of the major brands available have motion sensors, geo-fencing or both to detect people entering the home.

You can also program the thermostat to keep the house cooler during some hours and warmer at others. For example, you might want the air conditioner to keep the house cooler during the summer while you sleep but to take a break when you’re away.

Smart thermostats also detect the arrival and departure from rooms and adjust the heating and cooling as needed. They work with home pods and networks, so Siri or Alexa can pass along your desired temperatures. Smart thermostats can be used with just about any HVAC unit; if your HVAC is connected to a traditional thermostat, it can work with a smart version.

Other Smart Devices for Your HVAC

Connecting a smart thermostat to smart radiator valves in each room allows for the discreet control of temperatures from one room to another. Some smart radiators don’t even need thermostats; they can be connected to a building-wide smart hub that controls temperatures independently in each room.

All this technology probably sounds like it would cost an arm and a leg, but in fact, a smart thermostat costs $300-$400 upfront. If you choose to hire an HVAC professional, like our team, to install it for you, it may be another couple of hundred dollars.

Controlling the heat and AC for the exact conditions of your home makes for a significantly more efficient heating and cooling system. Reducing your power bill by the amount spent on smart technology within a year or two is possible. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that reducing your heating during the summer and cooling during the winter for eight hours daily – those hours you’re at work, for example, can slash utility bills by approximately 10% here in Aiken. Keeping heating and AC use to a minimum also reduces your carbon footprint and extends the life of your unit.

Consumer Reports has tested 50 models and determined that smart thermostats generally save money on utility bills. “The secret to the energy savings is pretty simple: Smart thermostats turn off the heat and AC more often than regular thermostats, without sacrificing comfort,” Consumer Reports said.

It’s a win-win, which is the smartest move of all.

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HVAC Hacks to Help with Allergies

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:02:00 GMT

If you have allergies, sneezing, runny nose, headache and fatigue can make you feel miserable. Pollen, mold, pet dander and dust are the most common catalysts, and all four are frequently found in homes, particularly in the spring and summer.

Allergy sufferers can get shots, wear masks and take other precautions. However, the best way to manage allergies is to keep your HVAC system well-maintained and operating efficiently. Air conditioners filter air and regulate humidity, removing dust, dander and pollen from the circulating air and altering the conditions that promote mold.

Avoiding the issue can have significant health consequences. Respiratory problems like asthma attacks, hacking coughs, difficulty breathing and nasal congestion may all result from aggravated allergen levels.

Change Your Filter

Air conditioners screen out microscopic airborne particles that trigger allergies, starting with the filter in your home air register. Its ability to do so depends on the effectiveness of the filter you buy, measured by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. Filters with a MERV rating of at least 8, which is most A/C filters for sale in hardware and home improvement stores today, catch the four main drivers of allergies. Air filters with MERV ratings above 11 offer high-efficiency filtration for even smaller particles. Changing the air filter every two or three months is critical to its effectiveness and the cleanliness of the air circulated by the air conditioner. Dirty filters circulate allergen- and pollutant-infested air throughout the building.

Here’s another reason to remove clogged filters: poor ventilation inhibits air exchange, keeping stale air in the house and preventing fresh air from entering it. That allows allergens and pollutants to flourish and cause sickness and misery in humans and pets. Changing the filter regularly is the best way to ensure proper ventilation and the respiratory health of the occupants.

Give Your HVAC a Regular Checkup

HVAC units that receive regular checkups run efficiently year-round, ensuring proper humidity control. Allowing the unit to run down interferes with optimal operation and can lead to higher humidity levels that promote mold growth. Of course, any leaks the system might have can allow excess moisture to build up.

HVAC units struggling to regulate temperature can also aggravate the suffering of occupants by allowing for temperature extremes. Additionally, cooler weather in summer produced by air conditioning reduces natural allergen levels. Have your HVAC checked annually as a preventative measure, just as you bring in your car for a tune-up or visit the dentist for a teeth-cleaning every six months.

Clean the Ducts if You See Mold

If mold and mildew form in your house, mold spores are probably accumulating in the air ducts, the pipes that shuttle air around the house. Dirt and hair that collect in ducts are not generally a big issue, but the presence of mold indicates that you should have an HVAC professional clean your ducts and vents.

Poor air quality affects more than just health. Allergy sufferers may experience restless sleep, reduced attention span, irritability, and diminished quality of life. Taking a few simple steps to keep your HVAC system operating optimally – changing your air filter, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance and cleaning your ducts if necessary can go a long way towards keeping the entire family healthy and happy. When it comes to allergies, your HVAC system is your friend.

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Emergency Air Conditioning Service

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

What to do when your AC Stops Working

Nearly 90% of American homes are cooled with air conditioning, and most of those without are in areas where summer temperatures remain comfortable. In fact, residential AC use accounts for approximately one-fifth of all electricity use in the U.S.

Why is that? Because our homes would be stifling hot in the summer without it. That is why it can become an emergency when the AC malfunctions and ceases to cool the house.

Many AC units exhibit signs of distress before they break down, like an unusual noise, difficulty cooling and weak airflow. Delaying repairs can lead to a complete breakdown, so save your family discomfort and money by addressing the problem before the unit turns off.

When you do have an air conditioning emergency, your family’s health and well-being are at stake, and so is the well-being of the house itself. Hot, humid conditions promote mold and fungus growth and invite critters into the home. It’s important to call a reliable HVAC professional for help.

Holley Heating and Air has been keeping Aiken comfortable since 1909, so we’ve seen our share of emergencies and can react quickly when trouble arises.

What is causing your AC to malfunction? There are five broad categories of issues that may be responsible:

1. Failure to Replace the Air Filter

This is a simple user error and, thus, the easiest to cure. Clogged air filters inhibit airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and age faster. Moreover, your family is breathing in that filthy air. Check your filter regularly and change it when it gets dirty—the generally accepted interval is monthly. A good rule of thumb to remember is, if in doubt, change it out. Filters are a few bucks each at the local hardware store.

2. A Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant liquid picks up hot air inside your home and cools it, heating up and turning to gas in the process. It is pumped outside to the condenser, where it releases its heat, turns back to liquid and flows back inside to recycle the process. A leak in the system leads to a loss of refrigerant, which reduces its ability to cool. Our reliable technicians can identify the leak, seal it, add refrigerant, test the system and set you back on the course of comfort.

3. A Blocked Condenser

The condenser is the big machine with a fan outside the house that cools off the refrigerant so it can return inside to continue its crucial work cooling the home. The condenser needs an unimpeded flow of air, but often, landscaping or debris surrounds it and prevents a free flow. Rule of thumb: keep a three-foot perimeter around the condenser and five feet above it. Remove plants and trim trees that encroach on that space.

4. Mechanical and Electrical Issues

Several motors, pumps, fans, and electrical elements make your air conditioning system work, and when any one of them ceases to function, the whole operation is stressed. The compressor is the electric pump that circulates the air, so when it stops working, airflow ceases. The condenser coil on the outside of the house transfers heat away from the refrigerant; when it fails, the unit struggles to cool. The capacitor is an electrical device that turns the unit on and off; when it burns out, the AC will either fail to engage or run incessantly.

5. Problems with the Thermostat

Thermostats must be properly installed and calibrated and must be powered by batteries or the home’s electrical system. Check the batteries or the circuit breaker, and if neither of those is the problem, contact a professional.

Of course, the best way to prevent an emergency is to have your HVAC unit checked before summer and winter to ensure everything is working correctly. But if something unexpected happens, our team can help quickly assess, diagnose, and fix the problem.

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Heat Pump Operation and Maintenance

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Heat Pump Operation and Maintenance

Most of us heat our homes with a furnace and cool them with air conditioning. But that’s not the only way to do it. A heat pump can heat and cool, depending on conditions. If you have a heat pump, it’s important to maintain it for maximum efficiency, minimum operational cost and longer life.

Unlike furnaces and air conditioners that heat and cool air, respectively, heat pumps move hot air around, transferring it into buildings in cold weather and out of them during hot weather. Because it takes less energy to relocate heat than to produce it, heat pumps tend to be energy efficient compared to HVAC systems. But here’s the catch: that’s particularly true in moderate climates, which the Aiken area is definitely not.

Heat pumps are not very different from HVAC units when it comes to their maintenance. A few relatively small actions on your part can keep your heat pump running smoothly and efficiently. The U.S. Department of Energy says a well-maintained heat pump is up to 25% more energy efficient than a neglected one. That’s 25% more wallet-efficient too.

Here are some of the simple rules of heat pump maintenance:

Clean or change filters monthly.

Dirty filters inhibit air flow and decrease system performance. If it gets severe, it can damage the overworked compressor and expensive item to replace. Air filters cost a few bucks each at the hardware or home improvement store and take 20 seconds to switch out.

Inspect and clean the outdoor coils regularly.

Dirty coils reduce usable surface area, preventing efficient heating and cooling. It’s a good idea to clean the outdoor unit’s fan as well, but wait until after you have turned off the power and its blades have stopped turning. Gently rub them with a soft brush or spray them with a hose on a low setting to remove buildup.

Remove vegetation and debris from around the outdoor unit.

Inspect the outdoor unit regularly because exposure to the elements puts it at risk of accumulating stuff around it. Again, the better the flow of air, the more efficient and effective your heat pump. You may have to get beyond a lawnmower and hand-clip the area around the outdoor unit.

Address any damage or corrosion quickly. Check around the outdoor unit occasionally to ensure it hasn’t been damaged by wind, flying debris, or curious creatures. If you see a problem, our team can handle it swiftly and efficiently.

Optimize thermostat settings.

Set your thermostat to a single comfortable temperature or keep it cooler in the winter than in the summer to avoid straining your heat pump trying to keep your home cold in the summer and hot in the winter. Heat pumps are like horses: if you overwork them, you reduce their productivity and shorten their lifespan.

An alternative way to help you manage your home’s temperature when you’re away is to install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to decrease the heating or cooling by a few degrees, even when no one’s home. Done correctly, this can slash your energy bills and extend the life of the unit.

Have your unit serviced regularly.

Regular checkups are indicated for anything mechanical — your automobile, teeth and heat pump. Arranging periodic inspections by our team of heating and cooling professionals can keep your heat pump operating optimally, saving you money and keeping your family comfortable all year long.

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HVAC Sizing and Installation

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Proper functioning of HVAC units is critical to the comfort and health of a home’s inhabitants. While these complex systems last a long time—15-20 years on average—they don’t last forever. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of a failing HVAC system, recognize when and how to replace it and be clear about the right size to install.

HVAC systems are like baseball umpires: when they work well, you hardly notice them. The air in the building is clean, odorless and comfortable. You can’t hear the system working. Everyone feels good.

When the system begins breaking down, whether due to age, neglect or disrepair, there are usually symptoms before it stops working entirely and must be replaced. Here are some of the most common:

HVAC efficiency declines . The system runs more often and takes longer to heat up or cool down, increasing the energy bill. This could be a cry for help or the beginning of the death cycle, depending on the system’s age. If it’s older than 15 years, it probably needs to be replaced.
HVAC repeatedly needs repair . It is not unusual for a part to break or wear out, but when this happens repeatedly, it often signals an underlying issue that requires wholesale replacement.
HVAC system makes loud noises . Noise is not necessarily indicative of full-scale replacement. It might mean something as simple as a loose part or a single malfunctioning element. Certain sounds, however, are red flags, including groaning and banging from the furnace and a revving sound when the air conditioner starts up. If these noises increase in duration and intensity, they may indicate that the unit is on its last legs. Bring in an HVAC professional to assess the situation.
The technology is simply outdated . As with car ownership, keeping a perfectly functional 20-year-old HVAC system means you’re heating and cooling your house with 20-year-old technology. At some point, even if the system runs, you might want to take advantage of the advances in technology that heat and cool your house cleaner, more efficiently and with more options. Additionally, older units are more difficult to repair as parts are harder to find and install.

Some repairs almost automatically indicate the need for a new system unless the current one remains under warranty. If the evaporator coil, compressor, or condenser fan needs to be replaced, and the system is old enough to be out of warranty, you’re probably better off just replacing the whole unit to avoid a string of costly repairs. A rule of thumb HVAC professionals use is this: Multiply the cost of a repair by the age of the unit, and if it exceeds $5,000, it’s probably wise to simply get a new system.

What size HVAC system do I need?

Once you’ve determined the need for HVAC replacement, the size of the system is essential. If it’s too small, it will work extra hard to heat or cool the space and wear out quickly. Too large is wasteful and costly.

The size of the unit depends on several factors, including the size of the house, the preferred temperature range, the surrounding climate – generally warm here in the Aiken area – the kind of system, and more. The most significant is the size of the space being heated and cooled. Numerous online calculators can help you determine the optimum size based on your circumstances, but a good guide is this: a 1,200 square-foot house requires a 3000 BTU system; a 1,500 square-foot house requires a 30,000 BTU system, and a 2,000 square-foot house requires a 34,000 BTU system. At Holley Heating & Air, we can make replacing your old HVAC system a breeze. Our team of knowledgeable experts can ensure your new system is appropriately sized and keep your house comfortable all season long.

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Keeping Your Crawlspace Safe and Dry

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Here’s a little secret about houses most people don’t know: the main purpose of a house’s structure is to keep water in its place—mostly out, but sometimes in—pipes, faucets, toilet bowls, and the right amount in the air. Too much water, even just in the form of moisture, can be devastating to the house and those inside it.

That is particularly true of crawl spaces.

When moisture gets into the crawl space, it can cause a host of problems both to the wood in the house and its occupants. Moisture comes in the form of excess humidity, rainwater, groundwater evaporation, and even sweating ductwork. Most moisture starts beneath the house and works its way up.

Damage to wood floors. Cupping and buckling floors can be caused by excess moisture.
Mildew and mold in the home. It can cause illness to occupants in the home and is easily detected by a musty smell.
Falling insulation in the crawl space. When insulation gets wet, it loses its grip on walls and joists.
- Sudden allergy symptoms in the family. When your house is ill, it makes the people (and pets!) ill too.
  How can you prevent moisture from gathering in your crawl space? First, get underneath there and do an inspection.
  Not your cup of tea? Hire professionals to inspect the crawl space. Our team will identify cracks and holes that serve as gateways for critters like mice, snakes, and spiders, and our favorite here in Aiken is palmetto bugs. These creatures can tear insulation, damage wood and chew through wires.
  Our experts will also search for water dripping from plumbing and HVAC ducts. Whatever they find can be remediated by sealing cracks and holes and insulating pipes and ducts.
  We can offer permanent remediation options that can prevent these problems from recurring. They include:
  Crawl space encapsulation – sealing off the crawlspace with a vapor barrier, usually made of polyurethane sheeting and spread tightly across the ground and up the walls, prevents moisture from infiltrating beneath the house.
  Crawl space dehumidification – dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from ground evaporation, maintaining a healthy humidity level beneath the home.
  Crawl space insulation – using rigid polystyrene foam panels creates a tight seal that keeps humid outside air out. This has the added benefit of increasing the energy efficiency of the HVAC system.
  Further action may be needed for crawl spaces that flood regularly. This might include installing a sump pump, which pumps out water when it accumulates, or digging French drains—ditches in the concrete that capture water and direct it into the sewer.
  There are two more items to consider. First, take a look at your gutters and downspouts. Are they directing water away from the house? If not, you can quickly remedy that.
  Finally, schedule regular crawl space inspections and maintenance. The sooner you catch problems and repair them, the fewer health problems for your house, your wallet and your family.
  At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost-effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

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Indoor Air Quality Improvement

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Here’s some sobering news: the air in your house could be making your family sick. The Environmental Protection Agency rates indoor air quality as one of its three main health concerns because it can be five times dirtier than outside air. Poor indoor air hazards include asthma, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. The World Health Organization linked 3.2 million deaths globally to indoor air pollution, roughly the same number as from the outside air.

Air pollutants are everywhere, but you can fight back by taking a series of simple steps, including paying attention to your HVAC system and adding one or two appliances to monitor and improve air quality.

First, the EPA advises putting screens on your windows and doors and opening them up when the weather permits. Ensure your bathroom and kitchen have exhaust fans that open to the outside to vent indoor toxins you might be creating in those two rooms. The same is recommended for areas where you might use irritating chemicals, like paint, paint strippers, kerosene and other chemical solvents. Again, use those chemicals outside when at all possible.

Next, consider reducing the use of air fresheners and scented candles, which add volatile organic compounds to the air. Also, air out the dry cleaning outside for a few hours to let the cleaning chemicals release.

If you have carpets in your house, they are an effective pollutant-trapping device. Replace carpets with flooring when possible; if removing them is implausible, vacuum them in high-traffic areas meticulously and often, and deep clean them periodically. Meticulously usually means twice weekly, making multiple passes each time.

If air quality is an issue in your house, various inexpensive appliances can help. A working carbon monoxide detector will alert you if the dangerous compound reaches a detectable threshold in your home. Another hazardous colorless, odorless gas that requires a detector is radon, which can seep up from the ground into your home. Both detectors are inexpensive and unintrusive. In either case, once the gas is detected, its source can be located, and the threat can be eliminated.

Other common appliances control air quality in homes. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers control air moisture, preventing dangerous mold blooms and harmfully dry air, respectively. Ventilators remove stale air and replace it with fresh air from outside. Air filters clean the air as it circulates.

Perhaps the most significant appliance when it comes to indoor air quality is already in your home – it’s your HVAC system. Regular HVAC checkups can go a long way to clearing the air and keeping your family safe. During regular maintenance , one of our certified HVAC experts tunes up your furnace or AC so it runs efficiently, determines whether your blower motor is circulating air sufficiently, checks your ductwork for clean air flow and confirms that the air filter is stripping out harmful particles. During an AC checkup, our specialist examines the condenser, compressor and evaporator coil. If any of these elements are contributing to bad indoor air, they can remedy it.
Regular HVAC maintenance offers a big return on investment by extending the life of the unit and keeping your family healthy.

Changing your filters regularly can also help maintain your HVAC system. Most manufacturers recommend switching them out monthly. More importantly, they must be replaced when they begin to get clogged and are no longer doing their job. Anything you see in the filter is being breathed in by your family. Our team can help replace filters and address any other indoor air quality concerns you may have.

Taking a few simple and inexpensive actions is an investment in your family’s health.

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How to Clean Your HVAC Air Coils

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:31:00 GMT

It’s coming up on summer in Aiken, and that means your air conditioner might choose to go on the fritz on the hottest day of the year. But you can short-circuit its evil plan by doing some simple maintenance before then.

Let’s face it: We depend on our air conditioning here in the South, and our air conditioners depend on their evaporator coils, the refrigerant-filled component that absorbs hot air from inside the house and cools it down before delivering it back where it came from. It’s vital to the efficient function of the air conditioning that the coils be cleaned and maintained in good condition.

Why does it matter if the coils are dirty? The more surface area covered in dust, grime, and dirt, the less available for heat exchange. This creates more work for the AC and less cool air for you. You’re getting shortchanged on money and comfort, and sooner or later, the AC could break down from the strain.

It’s generally recommended that the coils be cleaned annually, usually in the spring. That way, they’re in peak condition, and come the fires of hell, or as we like to call them here, summer. The last thing you want is the AC to seize up in the middle of a heat wave, which is pretty much any day between May and October in the Midlands.

The process begins with the most challenging step: finding the coils! The coils in most indoor units are hidden behind an access panel that can be removed.

Once you locate the coils:

Turn off the power to the AC unit at the circuit breaker. Failing to do so could result in a shocking experience.
Take your brush and/or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and gently clean the coils of dirt and debris. Be careful not to bend or dent the coils.
Cleanse the coils with foam cleaner. Most quality store-bought cleaners are dry and make less of a mess. Use the brush to spread whatever cleaning agent you employ.
Check the drip pan below the coils and remove any dirt from that.
Clean up, especially if you’ve used a liquid solution.
Once you’ve ensured the coils are dry, fire up the circuit breaker again so the AC can work its magic.

Of course, not everyone is inclined to do AC maintenance themselves, especially if this task seems daunting. For that, the experts at Holley Heating and Air stand ready to help. One advantage of asking experts to do preventative maintenance is that they can do a full inspection of the unit and recommend any other repairs necessary for reliable function.

If you’re kind to your air conditioning, it will pay you back all summer.

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Identifying Common HVAC Problems in Summer

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:15:00 GMT

It’s scorching hot outside in the Aiken summer, so you race from an air-conditioned office or store to your air-conditioned car to your air-conditioned house, and, uh-oh, it appears to be approaching that temperature inside, too.

This is bad. Your dog is melting. You’re soaked with perspiration. You swear the walls are beginning to sweat. You need to find out what’s wrong – and fast, because they’re forecasting a heat wave for tomorrow.

This is not an uncommon scenario in the Midlands. Fortunately, there is no need to panic. Quickly diagnosing the problem can go a long way toward finding the solution. Here are some common air conditioning issues and their solutions.

Water is pooling under your AC unit.

You likely have a clogged drain line, which isn’t a problem—until it is. Allowing dirt, debris, and mold to build up and further clog the AC line can cause a host of issues, including excess humidity in the home, water damage to floors and walls, rust in the unit, and more. Flushing the drains can remediate this.

Poor airflow through the AC unit.

Good news! There are two most likely causes of this and they are easy to fix: plant growth around the condenser. That’s the big unit with a fan outside the house, which sucks in the outside air. Clear the vegetation from the unit and watch the problem disappear. Or… dirty filters, those things most people forget to change. Over time they can collect debris and dust and create stress on the blower for the unit. This can lead to further issues down the road if not changed out regularly.

Warm air is blowing out the vents.

First, ensure you don’t have the thermostat set to heat. Whoops! If it’s not that simple, it still might be easy to repair. Back to those air filters… check your air filter; if it hasn’t been changed in a while, it might be clogged with dirt, preventing air from flowing through the ducts. A trip to the hardware store, a few bucks, and a 30-second replacement will fix that. If that doesn’t fix it then you might have a larger issue and a professional should come to check it our further.

Screeching, screaming, banging, buzzing.

Odd noises are a bellwether of trouble, but it takes a pro to diagnose each sound. Here are some rules of thumb: high-pitched sounds often portend fan or compressor issues; buzzing sounds are commonly related to the electrical system; pinging or clanging means parts are loose; and thumping or banging can be a loose compressor, blower or motor.

Uneven cooling from one room to another.

The most apparent cause of variable cooling is closed or clogged vents. Fixing them takes one minute. Checking the air filter, too, takes another minute.

Nothing is happening.

Unless you simply have the thermostat set too high, this is a worst-case scenario because it sounds like a blown motor. Avoid this situation by having your HVAC system regularly maintained.

In fact, all these issues can be avoided by having your HVAC system serviced in the spring and fall, just in time for the harsh winter and summer weather.

Preventative maintenance by HVAC professionals prevents costly problems, saves money in the long run, and provides peace of mind year-round. Whether you need routine maintenance to avoid these costly (and often inconvenient) issues or need a repair, Holley Heating and Air’s team of expert professionals will help ensure that you’re comfortable even on the hottest days of the summer.

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What Temperature to Set Your AC in the Summer

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:03:00 GMT

It could be argued that air conditioning was the most important invention of the 20th century, particularly in the Southern half of the United States. AC spurred the entire region’s growth by making life tolerable for the six months from May through October.

AC works by sucking hot, humid air from inside and replacing it with cooler air. AC units cool air by directing it across chilled pipes and through a dehumidifier before carrying it inside. (It’s way more complicated than that, but now you have the gist.)

Running an air conditioning system requires a lot of energy to compress and evaporate coolant, move hot air out and cold air in, and pull humidity from the cooled air. During the warmer months—spring, summer, and fall in the Midlands—this dramatically increases energy bills and expands one’s carbon footprint. Consequently, it is wise to use as little AC as necessary.

At the same time, we want to be comfortable. It’s a balancing act: how can we set our air conditioning to be reasonably cool without breaking the bank and warming the planet further?

Fortunately, you have some control over both your bill and your impact on Earth. One way is by making sure your home is well insulated, and your HVAC system is working efficiently. This can be accomplished with an energy audit and routine maintenance on the system from Holley Heating and Air’s experienced team of professionals. Holley’s team recommends having your HVAC system serviced just before winter and just before summer to prepare it for the extremes of weather.

Another is to employ other methods of keeping temperatures down during the summer. Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to cool rooms. Small personal fans can help, too. Running a single fan is much more efficient than cooling the entire house for one person in a small space, and pulling down the window shades so the sun isn’t baking your home while you’re trying to cool is also a cost-effective solution.

The next step is to set your AC at the optimal temperature for comfort and savings. The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature at 78 degrees while the building is occupied and even higher while empty. Do not turn off the unit when you leave because cycling it back on when you return strains the system and uses even more energy.

Start with that temperature and experiment with it. You might find you’re still cool as a cucumber at 80 or perspiring like a lumberjack even at 76. Remember that lowering the thermostat uses more energy and drives up costs by an estimated 3%-5% per degree Fahrenheit. In other words, lowering the thermostat from 78 to 73 boosts a $200 utility bill to $230-$250.

This 78-degree setting is a guideline that works for most families, but not all. For individuals with health issues, like respiratory conditions or age-related issues, that setting may be too high.

It might be tempting to crank up the AC when you arrive home in the hopes of accelerating the cooling. This is counterproductive. Your home will not cool any faster; the AC will merely stay on longer, overcooling the space and costing you money. A better solution is a programmable thermostat that can be set to raise the temperature while you’re away and begin lowering it before you are scheduled to return. Programmable thermostats can be purchased for $50-$200 and can be relatively easy to install.

Whatever setting you ultimately choose, prioritize that balance between comfort and cost.

At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

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Holley Heating & Air Conditioning Earns Prestigious 2024 Carrier President’s Award

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:21:00 GMT

In the fast-paced world of HVAC services, excellence and dedication are paramount. Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, a leading player in the industry, has recently been bestowed with the esteemed 2024 Carrier® President’s Award. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

A Legacy of Carrier® Excellence:

Established in 1909, Holley Heating & Air Conditioning has been a trusted name in the HVAC sector for 115 years. From the outset, the company has prioritized delivering top-notch services and cutting-edge solutions to its diverse clientele. The 2024 Carrier President’s Award is a crowning achievement that underscores Holley’s sustained excellence in the field.

The Carrier® President’s Award: A Mark of Distinction

The Carrier® President’s Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon select HVAC companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in various key areas. These areas include customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and a commitment to advancing industry best practices. Holley Heating & Air Conditioning’s recognition with this award reflects the company’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and quality in the HVAC business.

Customer Satisfaction at the Core of Holley Heating & Air

One of the critical factors contributing to Holley Heating & Air Conditioning’s success is its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. The company goes above and beyond to ensure that clients receive not only top-notch technical expertise but also exceptional customer service. This commitment has resulted in a loyal customer base that values Holley’s reliability and commitment to their comfort.

Carrier® Innovation and Technological Advancements

Staying ahead in the HVAC industry requires a keen eye on emerging technologies and innovative solutions. Holley Heating & Air Conditioning has consistently embraced advancements in the field, incorporating the latest technologies to provide energy-efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions. This commitment to innovation has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in earning the prestigious Carrier® President’s Award.

A Team of Dedicated Professionals at Holley Heating & Air

Behind every successful company is a team of dedicated and skilled professionals. Holley Heating & Air Conditioning prides itself on its talented workforce, comprising certified technicians, customer service experts, and industry specialists. The company’s success in winning the 2024 Carrier® President’s Award is a collective achievement, reflecting the hard work and dedication of its entire team.

Future Commitments and Continued Excellence

As Holley Heating & Air Conditioning celebrates the 2024 Carrier® President’s Award, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering excellence in HVAC services. The recognition serves as both a testament to past achievements and a driving force for future endeavors. Holley’s customers can rest assured that they are partnering with an industry leader committed to raising the bar in heating and air conditioning solutions.

Holley Heating & Air Conditioning’s receipt of the 2024 Carrier® President’s Award is a proud moment for the company, its employees, and its valued customers. This recognition affirms Holley’s position as a trusted and innovative leader in the HVAC industry. As the company continues to evolve and set new benchmarks, clients can expect unparalleled service and cutting-edge solutions from a team dedicated to their comfort and satisfaction.

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Spring AC Maintenance

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:58:00 GMT

Spring AC Maintenance Aiken, SC

When it comes to Spring AC maintenance for your HVAC system, operating at peak performance is the goal. To accomplish that it is vital that it is serviced regularly. Holley Heating & Air offers air conditioner maintenance in Aiken and the surrounding area. We will contact you to schedule each AC service visit and also handle every aspect of your HVAC maintenance. We are your local choice for all your air conditioning service needs in Aiken, SC, and also the surrounding areas.

Benefits of HVAC Service Maintenance Agreement

As a Preventative Maintenance Agreement client, you will receive components that are discounted and priority customer service. You may also see some additional benefits of regular service such as cost savings on utility bills and also higher efficiency of your system.

•Improved Safety

•Fewer Repairs

•Extended Equipment Life

•Repair small problems before resulting in major breakdowns

•Lower Utility Bills

•Improve Capacity

•Discount on Repairs

•Priority Customer Service

At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and also cost effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us for your appointment today.

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Holley Heating And Air Named One of the 2022 Best Contractors to Work For by ACHR News Magazine

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:11:00 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Holley Heating & Air has been named one of the 2022 Best Contractors to Work For by ACHR News Magazine. This prestigious award recognizes HVAC contractors who prioritize employee satisfaction, foster a positive work environment, and offer exceptional benefits and training opportunities.

At Holley Heating & Air, we believe that our success is due in large part to our dedicated and talented team. We strive to create a work environment that is supportive, collaborative, and rewarding, and we are honored to be recognized by ACHR News Magazine for our efforts.

Our team of technicians, office staff, and management work together to provide our customers with top-quality service and expertise. We believe that investing in our employees is key to delivering exceptional service and achieving success as a company.

Being named one of the Best Contractors to Work For is a tremendous honor and a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. We are proud to offer our employees competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing training and development opportunities.

At Holley Heating & Air, we believe that our success is due in large part to our commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being. We will continue to invest in our team and foster a positive work environment that supports their personal and professional growth.

We are grateful for the recognition from ACHR News Magazine and for the continued support of our customers and community. At Holley Heating & Air, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and expertise, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers and employees with excellence.

Read the entire article online here.

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Holley Heating And Air Won the Carrier Presidential Award

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 09:02:00 GMT

We are proud to announce that Holley Heating & Air has been honored with the prestigious 2022 Carrier President’s Award. This award is given to Carrier dealers who demonstrate exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and overall business performance.

At Holley Heating & Air, we are committed to providing our customers with top-quality heating and air conditioning products and services. We have been a Carrier dealer for many years and are dedicated to upholding the Carrier legacy of innovation, reliability, and energy efficiency.

The Carrier President’s Award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to excellence. We strive to provide our customers with the highest level of service, and this award recognizes our commitment to achieving that goal.

We are honored to be recognized by Carrier, a company that we admire and respect. Carrier is known for its innovative and energy-efficient products, and we are proud to be a part of the Carrier family.

Winning the Carrier President’s Award is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are grateful for the support of our customers and the hard work of our team. We will continue to uphold the Carrier legacy and provide our customers with the highest level of service and expertise.

At Holley Heating & Air, we believe that your comfort is our top priority. We offer a wide range of Carrier heating and air conditioning products, as well as crawlspace solutions, to meet all of your home comfort needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and to experience the award-winning service that has earned us the Carrier President’s Award.

Carrier, turn to the experts at Holley Heating & Air.

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Covid 19 our commitment to keeping you safe

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:37:00 GMT

Here at Holley Heating and Air the health and well-being of our customers and employees is out top priority. We are closely monitoring the global outbreak of Covid-19, and we’re working to safeguard the health of our communities.

Serving you is our top priority. We are a 24/7 business, and always will be – even in times of uncertainty such as these. Here are some things we want you to know about how we are supporting our customers during the pandemic.

Holley Heating and Air has adopted a temporary “no handshake policy” and is encouraging our technicians to stay 6 feet away from clients whenever possible.
Technicians will use hand sanitizer before and after each service call.
All company meetings and gatherings have been postponed until further notice.
Customers will be sent information asking them to reschedule service calls if anyone in their household is showing any symptoms of Flu or Covid-19. Our office staff and technicians also have the discretion to cancel a service call upon arrival if anyone in that household shows signs or symptoms of Flu or Covid-19.
Any employee who has symptoms, or has been sick, may not come to work and will be unable to return without a release from their physician.

Thank you for your help. We want you and your family to stay healthy and to know we are here to serve you 24/7.

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Holley Heating Air Receives Awards from Aiken Senior Life Services

Sat, 18 May 2019 18:42:00 GMT

Aiken Senior Life Services named Holley Heating & Air Conditioning its “Business of the Year” in recognition of the company’s years of service and volunteering for Aiken Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program at their Annual Meeting and Awards. They also recognized Lee Boylston, president of Holley Heating & Air, as “Volunteer of the Year” for his service and dedication to delivering meals weekly for 17 consecutive years. General Manager Ryan Robinson, who has also been delivering meals for 15 years, accepted the awards on behalf of the company and Boylston.

Holley Heating & Air General Manager Ryan Robinson accepted two awards from Aiken Senior Life Services which named Holley Heating & Air its “Business of the Year” and company owner Lee Boylston as “Volunteer of the Year” for work with Aiken Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels programs.

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Salvation Army of Aiken Receives Holley Heating Donation for 2018 Red Kettle Drive

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:45:00 GMT

Lieutenant Randull Tiller ( right ), Corps Office for the Salvation Army of Aiken receives the Holley Community Fund donation for November from Lee Boylston, president ( left ) of Holley Heating & Air. The donation will support the 2018 Red Kettle Drive. The Red Kettle drive is the Salvation Army’s most recognizable public fundraiser and to millions it is the very essence of charitable giving. During November and December, bell ringers are stationed throughout the Aiken area. Generous individuals may place monetary donations in the kettles to support essential year-round programs provided by The Salvation Army’s local community center. To learn more about the Salvation Army of Aiken and how to volunteer or donate, visit https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/aiken/ . The Holley Community Fund, proudly underwritten by Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, provides donations to different local non-profit organizations routinely throughout the calendar year.

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Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons Receives October Holley Community Fund Donation

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:47:00 GMT

Susan Selden ( right ), executive director for the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons and Margaret Logan ( left ), Cumbee Center board member and secretary, receive the Holley Community Fund donation for October from Lee Boylston, president ( center ) of Holley Heating & Air. The donation will assist the Center’s ongoing efforts to provide temporary shelter, counseling and assistance to women and children who are fleeing domestic violence and sexual abuse, and help them reduce the incidence of abuse through counseling and education. To learn more about the Cumbee Center and how to volunteer or donate, visit http://www.cumbeecenter.org. The Holley Community Fund, proudly underwritten by Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, provides donations to different local non-profit organizations routinely throughout the calendar year.

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Fop- CSRA Lodge 6 Receives The Holley Community Fund Donations For September

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:50:00 GMT

Holley Heating & Air’s General Manager Ryan Robinson ( center ) presents September’s Holley Community Fund donation to Fraternal Order of Police CRSA Lodge #6 representatives Bob Patterson, the Lodge’s secretary/treasurer ( left ), and Lodge president Captain Eric Abdullah ( right ) of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Lodge #6 represents law enforcement officers in Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, Saluda, Bamberg, McCormick and Allendale counties. The Holley Community Fund donation will be used to help defray the cost of sending key lodge members to the South Carolina FOP State Conference for training seminars and for representation of the CSRA at the state level. The Holley Community Fund routinely provides donations to different local non-profit organizations throughout the calendar year and is proudly underwritten by Holley Heating & Air Conditioning.

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