Category Archives: HVAC Inspection

HVAC inspections Sterling VA

What to Expect From an HVAC Inspection

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Repairs and replacement parts for any home’s HVAC system can be expensive. However, with regular inspections and maintenance, you can increase your system’s lifespan, all while enjoying the benefits of its continued efficiency. R.A. Dobson knows there’s a difference between simply having your HVAC system checked and paying far more to fix or replace its components. 

However, we ease our clients’ troubles by offering affordable HVAC inspection services, as well as high-quality appliances at competitive prices. With over 45 years of service experience in Sterling VA and throughout Northern VA, our top-notch technicians have helped keep numerous HVAC systems in excellent condition throughout the years.

Here’s what you can expect from one of our inspection services. 

Spot Checking

The first thing your technician will do upon arrival is check the overall condition of your system. 

They’ll check for obstructions, such as dust, mold, or whatever else may have ended up around your coils, leaks, corrosion, rust, and loose wires. 

Upon finding any of these issues, they’ll immediately get to work on fixing them. 

Replacements & Cleaning

After the initial spot check, one of the ways your technician will address any issues that arise is by replacing certain components. 

This most often occurs with systems that are years old and have not undergone any sort of maintenance for some time.

Depending on the parts that are being replaced, this step can extend beyond the original date of inspection, as most HVAC professionals may not have the necessary parts on hand and will have to order and install them later on. 

Along with replacements, your technician will also clean and lubricate your current parts in order to sustain their condition and reduce wear and tear. 

Calibration & Adjustment

Another action your technician will perform is any necessary adjustments to your system’s settings. One example is testing and adjusting the current electrical system in order to generate and receive the proper amount of energy for optimal efficiency from your system. 

They will also check and calibrate your thermostat to ensure that you get the most accurate temperatures from your home’s system.  

R.A. Dobson: Comprehensive HVAC Inspections in Sterling, VA

Getting inspections on your HVAC system as often as twice a year can ensure it remains in its best shape for years to come. Avoid the hassle and costs of expensive replacements and repairs by calling a reliable HVAC inspection expert from R.A. Dobson of Sterling, VA.

Our team is highly-trained in detailed inspections, effective installations, and many other affordable services and products. With us at your side, you can guarantee your home’s air conditioning and heating systems are ready for the hot summer and the cold fall weather right after. 
Contact us at (703) 481-3700 to schedule an expert inspection today.

HVAC maintenance Northern VA

Benefits of Scheduling a Routine HVAC Maintenance Check

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Whether you are sitting at home, cozying up with a hot chocolate in the chilly winter weather or inside cooling off from the hot summer sun, a well-maintained heating and cooling system in your Northern VA home can make a difference when it comes to in-home comfort. However, it’s also important to remember to check on your HVAC system for the seasons in between as well. 

You should plan to schedule an HVAC maintenance check at least twice a year in the fall and in the spring. Ideally, your maintenance checks should be scheduled before your HVAC system is used more frequently in the winter and summer seasons. At R.A. Dobson, we handle HVAC maintenance in Northern VA and can ensure the proper steps are taken to have your home ready for inclement weather conditions at any time throughout the year.

There are many benefits that come with a service contract, including: 

Longer HVAC System Lifespan

By regularly servicing your HVAC system, your team of professionals can put you and your family at ease. Experts can inspect your system and check up on any repairs that may save you from having to buy a whole new unit. 

Safety 

There are potential threats that come with an HVAC system that could affect you and your family’s health and wellbeing. By scheduling a maintenance check, you can avoid such issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if there is any question you may have an issue with the system, contact an expert immediately. 

Savings on Energy Bills

Your energy bills are greatly impacted by the status of your HVAC system. If it looks like you are being charged too much (or even too little) on your energy bill, having your unit inspected can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. 

A More Reliable System

Getting caught in a heat wave with no AC is never a good time. If you notice that your HVAC system is prone to breakdowns, a service contract can save you a lot of trouble. Make sure you have a routine check of your HVAC system to avoid disasters like these. 

R.A. Dobson: Professional HVAC Maintenance in Northern VA

The last thing you want is to be caught in terrible weather without a functioning HVAC system. At R.A. Dobson, you can be sure that our team of professional technicians can handle your maintenance repairs. For professional HVAC maintenance in Northern VA, you can trust R.A. Dobson and their 45 years of experience in the industry. 

Contact R.A. Dobson today to find out more about how we can help your home stay comfortable this season. Don’t forget to take advantage of our seasonal deals too!

faucet installation Loudoun County VA

Money-Saving Heating & Cooling Solutions for Your Home

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A home’s heating, cooling, or plumbing system may need to be replaced or installed, especially if you want to save more by being energy-efficient and cost-effective. You want to remain certain that whatever keeps your home running is up-to-date and functioning as it should be. One of the best ways to keep your house running smoothly is to reconstruct the systems that are no longer effective and capable so that you can rest assured that your home is safe from unexpected damages. 

At R.A. Dobson, our team of certified professionals in HVAC services offers excellent faucet installation services at an affordable price. For over 40 years, we have been providing residents and businesses in Northern VA with unmatched HVAC and plumbing services, utilizing our years of knowledge and top-of-the-line equipment to ensure their plumbing systems are in the best condition possible. Below, we have a few suggestions on how you can increase energy efficiency in your plumbing as well as heating and cooling systems. 

Improve Your Plumbing’s Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient has not only become a big trend in the past years but for most, it has become a new way of life. There are lots of greener options to choose from that also help you save money in the long run: 

Choose Low-Flow 

Nowadays there are many low-flow toilets that come in a variety of styles and colors. Low-flow toilets are 20% more efficient than traditional toilets, which means that you will be saving money on your water bill each month. When you flush your toilet, it can range from 1.6 gallons to 8 gallons per flush whereas when you use a low-flow toilet each flush only uses 1.3 gallons of water. That is a lot of savings literally going down the toilet because as much as ⅓ of a household’s water usage comes from the toilet itself. Having a low-flow toilet also helps homeowners when they live in dryer places since you would need to be conscious about saving water anyway. 

Dual Flush Toilets

You have probably already seen these kinds of toilets where there are two buttons you can press: one for a low power flush that washes down liquids and then another button that’s for a full flush that rids the bowl of solids. About 3 ½ out of 5-6 daily flushes are just for liquid waste. When it comes to the number of times you flush the toilet, flushing it for only liquids can make a huge difference. 

When you think about the financial impact of toilets, the demand for eco-friendly plumbing and water conservation is a beneficial upgrade. It is a quick and easy way to update the plumbing system in your home and a dual flush conversion kits cost as little as $20! 

High efficiency/condensing boiler

A high-efficiency boiler achieves greater efficiency by consolidating water vapor. These condensing boilers save energy by being better at heating up water. Plus, there is a federal tax credit for their installation and there are also additional rebates from power companies in some states. 

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are longer-lasting and smaller so when the time comes to finally pitch them, they fill up less of the landfills. This allows you some savings since you will not have to pay for a replacement. The other benefit that comes with having a tankless water heater is that it uses less natural gas. It also allows for more unlimited hot water, and its smaller size can take up less space. 

Solar Water Heater

These heaters use solar panels to provide energy to heat water in place of gas. They can be used in any climate and consumers can save more money by using them. 

Low Flow Shower Heads 

The greater the amount of water is pushed out from the pipe, then the more water pressure is being used. When you use a low flow shower head, you will use less water in the shower; therefore, you’ll save money in the long run. 

Faucet Installation 

Modern faucets have become more efficient. When thinking about plumbing, another green choice that you can make is choosing an energy-efficient faucet. Installing new faucets throughout your house can increase home value and help you lower the water usage. When you hire a company that helps you install your new faucet, they can also assess your plumbing diagnosis and inspection. 

R.A. Dobson: Quick & Easy Faucet Installation in Loudoun County, VA

Being energy efficient can help save you money. This is why you should hire a professional HVAC service to help perform a faucet installation service as soon as possible. At R.A. Dobson, our expert technicians will deliver and install your toilet or faucet quickly and easily. Contact us at 703-481-3700 for a free estimate today!

Sterling Virginia Heath Pump Installation

Why You Should Have an HVAC Inspection Before Summer

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Having a functioning HVAC system during the summer season is almost a matter of survival, especially for residents of Northern Virginia. While it’s still one of the main reasons that influence homeowners to schedule a professional HVAC inspection, many people also wish to fend off the heat. To keep your energy bills low, as well as your air clean and clear this summer, it’s highly recommended that you have your HVAC system inspected by a trusted expert.  

R.A. Dobson. has served residents of Northern Virginia for over 40 years, providing installation, repair, and replacement services in heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems. Each member of our fully-trained staff, from the entry-level employee to the top-level manager, is cross-trained in all aspects of our business, all to guarantee a transparent relationship between us and our clients. In our effort to provide knowledge about HVAC systems to our customers, here are some reasons why you should get an inspection as soon as you can:

Energy Efficiency and Longevity

Receiving an inspection sooner will help you by assuring your HVAC system is properly swept in its most sensitive components, resulting in it running efficiently, keeping your energy bill low throughout the year. It will also benefit you in the long-term by identifying issues within your system before they arise unexpectedly. This will give you the chance to do preventative maintenance and keep your system running for as long as possible.

Maintenance for Prevention

As previously mentioned, getting an inspection on your HVAC system may lead to your technician finding the onset signs of issues in your system that can be fixed before they lead to it breaking down or become heavily damaged. This can be assured by having it regularly inspected several times throughout the year.

Improved Air Quality

Over time, dust, dander, and other contaminants will clog up various internal components of your system, causing it to grow inefficient, but also allowing it to redistribute the same contaminants throughout your home. Cleaning out your HVAC system during an inspection not only keeps it efficient throughout the summer and the rest of the year, but it can also make sure it improves your overall air quality.

Get A Professional HVAC System Inspection in Sterling, VA

Guarantee your home’s air is cool and clean all summer long by getting an extensive HVAC inspection from a trusted, professional service such as R.A. Dobson. Our long-standing record of dedicated service spread across Sterling, VA and throughout Northern Virginia. We check to make sure your HVAC and other utilities continue to work efficiently for years to come. We train our staff extensively to ensure you receive expert support in services such as HVAC installation and repair, indoor air evaluation, plumbing replacement and repair, and home generator installation.
Keep your home comfortable this summer with a HVAC inspection. Contact us at 703-481-3700 to schedule an appointment or to receive a free estimate today.

HVAC maintenance Northern VA

How to Winterize Your HVAC System

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As the colder months arrive in full force, you may be turning up the heating in your home to stay cozy. To ensure your heating and air conditioning system is adequately functioning, you want to be sure you are up to date with any HVAC maintenance and repairs. While winterizing your HVAC system can be a challenge, hiring an HVAC professional to find issues before they worsen will allow it to last longer and run more smoothly.

The best way to ensure your HVAC system is working to the best of its abilities is by hiring a professional from R.A Dobson in Sterling, VA to thoroughly inspect it for you. For over 40 years, our team has provided quality HVAC inspection services to homeowners in the Northern Virginia area to ensure they experience ultimate comfort in their home year round. To help keep your HVAC system running efficiently during the colder months, here are a few ways to winterize it:

Cleaning Your Air Filter

Dirty air filters can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary to heat your home as it drives up heating bills and lowers the efficiency of your winter heating. Make it a routine each month to clean the dust and dirt off your air filters. Depending on how bad the dirt build up is, you may need to consider periodically replacing your filters.

Clean Air Vents

Dust can also build up in your HVAC system’s vents causing blockages and affecting air quality. Cleaning them out yourself can be trickier than it seems, but without routine cleaning, the dirt, dust, and grime can begin to affect your HVAC’s ability to heat your home. For cleaning out your HVAC vents, you may want to consider hiring professional help, as they would have the proper equipment and experience to do it quickly and safely.

Additional Insulation

Insulation plays an important role in the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling. Replacing existing insulation or adding more can greatly improve the amount of heat your home retains. Keep in mind attics, crawl-spaces, and other similar spaces in your home are more prone to leaks or damage and may require insulation the most.

Programmable Thermostat

Replacing your current thermostat with one that can automatically regulate the temperature in your home can greatly increase the heating and cooling efficiency throughout your living space. This will allow you more energy savings while ensuring your HVAC system is functioning as it should.

Hire R.A. Dobson for All of Your Professional HVAC Needs This Winter!

As the season gets colder and the snow starts to pile up, don’t add a faulty HVAC system to your list of worries. Let a trusted heating and air conditioning company in Northern Virginia keep your home’s HVAC system running efficiently to make sure it withstands the weather extremes of each season. You can rely on the years of experience our team at R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA has to take care of all your HVAC-related needs.

If your HVAC system is in need of repair or replacement, contact us at 703-481-3700 for more information. Don’t wait with winter already in full swing!

How to Choose an Excellent HVAC Contractor

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When searching for the right Northern VA HVAC contractors to provide maintenance services for your home or facility, it’s important to do extensive background research before making your selection. We understand how crucial it is to find the perfect Northern VA HVAC contractor that will deliver high-quality work and superior customer service.

As a family business with over two decades of experience within the HVAC industry, the professionals at R.A. Dobson are highly certified and trained to deliver the best service. We know the importance of choosing the best professionals to meet your needs. Here are some of our tips for what you should look for in a Northern VA HVAC Company.

Are they highly trained and certified?

While researching a Northern VA HVAC company, the first step is to make sure that the technicians are trained and certified within their appropriate fields. As a potential costumer, it is essential to be aware of the difference between companies stating they are certified and contractors actually having state certifications.

Home improvement companies must apply to the contractors’ state license board. That is why when searching, certification claims must be taken with a grain of salt. We recommend that you always question potential candidates if they participate in state board certifications. At R.A. Dobson, our professionals are highly trained and certified to ensure we provide the best knowledge and service possible.

Do they provide free estimates?

Many HVAC companies in Northern VA offer free estimates before providing service so customers can determine if their pricing options are right for them. This is a great courtesy for customers and helps show that the contractor provides open pricing communication. R.A. Dobson is proud to offer free estimates to our customers.

Do they have Google and Yelp reviews?

When researching companies, it is crucial that you look at their online reviews before making your decision. Reading reviews will allow you to see the experiences that other former customers had and determine if the company will provide the customer service and accurate work that you require. Search for the company on Yelp, Google, Angie’s List, and more.

At R.A. Dobson, we take pride in our stellar Google and Yelp Reviews. We are so pleased to have provided great service to so many families, and look forward to serving more in the future.

Why Choose R.A. Dobson?

R.A. Dobson is a top-rated and highly experienced HVAC company in Northern VA. We enjoy serving the DC metro region and excel in supplying the best products and services for all home maintenance projects. We provide a 1-year service warranty on all of our manufactured products and only offer exclusive high-performance energy efficient heating units, A/C, heat pumps, furnaces, thermostats, and air cleaners.

We are dedicated to making your home maintenance as easy as possible to help you maintain your energy efficiency and peace of mind. When it comes to finding the perfect HVAC company, trust R.A. Dobson as your top choice.

Call us at 703-481-3700 to receive a free estimate!

Is Your Builder Grade HVAC Unit Expiring Soon?

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Do you have a Loudoun County builder-grade heating or cooling unit? If your home has not had a unit other than the one installed by your builder and if your home is 10 – 12 years old, you are likely due for a replacement. Your home’s energy efficiency and your family’s comfort rely on having a functional heating and/or cooling unit. Winter is here in full swing, so you and your family should be armed for the season with a fully functional HVAC unit to ensure you stay comfortable.

Many of our local customers in Loudoun County have builder grade units that are expiring soon. If you are one of these customers, contact R.A. Dobson for expert HVAC unit replacement! The brands that we carry exceed builder-grade units in quality and energy-efficiency. Here are a few reasons you should upgrade your builder grade HVAC system with name brands like Carrier from R.A. Dobson:

 

Better Functionality

R.A. Dobson carries only the best-functioning HVAC units that will deliver you the high-quality that you deserve. Our units help regulate your home’s interior temperature and always keep your family comfortable, no matter the weather. Our HVAC units are designed to last, so you can be sure you will not need to spend a lot of time or maintenance on your unit. Whenever you do need repairs or maintenance, our HVAC experts can complete repairs quickly and at an affordable cost.

 

Quiet Running

When you think of an air conditioner or heat pump, do you think of a loud, humming machine? Do you picture a clanging noise in your vents as your unit kicks on? Your HVAC unit should make as little sound as possible to add to your comfort. R.A. Dobson’s AC units and heat pumps run quietly so you and your family do not have to dread hearing an annoying sound whenever you want to turn on your cooling or heat. Our Carrier units are built to work efficiently while still remaining quiet.

 

Greater Energy Efficiency

Many homeowners dread turning on the heat in winter or AC in summer because they know their energy bills will spike. During winter especially, many homeowners simply layer up and leave the heat off to avoid a scary utility bill. With R.A. Dobson, this does not have to be the case! We offer energy-efficient models that will help promote a greener planet and keep your energy bills low. We match and even exceed the current government energy efficiency standard.

 

HVAC Installation & Replacement in Northern VA

When it comes time to update your builder-grade heating or cooling unit, trust R.A. Dobson for the best experience! We offer HVAC installation, repair, and replacement in Northern Virginia and the surrounding DC metro region. We have served the area since 1975 and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality units and superior customer service. Allow us to keep your family warm this winter with one of our heat pumps.

Are you ready to replace your builder-grade HVAC unit? Call R.A. Dobson today at (703) 481-3700 or contact us online.