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HVAC maintenance Northern VA

How to Winterize Your HVAC System

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!

The Importance of Having a Humidifier Installed

Do you ever notice the paint on your walls drying out, dry air throughout your home, or even having frequent respiratory symptoms? Then a humidifier might be the solution to your problem. It can be a balancing act maintaining the proper humidity levels throughout your home. As low levels can cause a variety of health problems, high levels can also result in the production of mold and mildew in your living space. If you are experiencing any of these issues, then it may be time to consider having a humidifier professionally installed.

When searching for professional humidifier installations in Northern VA, R.A. Dobson specializes in customer-oriented heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services. Our team has decades of experience performing a variety of maintenance and installations. Having a humidifier installed in your home can have its benefits and here are some of the reasons why you may want to have a humidifier installed.

Reduction of Dry Air Circulation

Upon integrating a humidification system into your home, you will notice a significant reduction of dry air. The humidifier pumps small amounts of moisture into the home’s atmosphere resulting in a proper balance of humidity levels.

Preserve Home Interior

With a humidifier leveling out your home’s air, it prevents paint from chipping, excessive drying of hardwood floors, as well as improving the quality of the air for everyone in your home.

Save on Energy Expenses

During the winter months, it is difficult to keep your home warm, and with dry air it can be even more difficult to maintain. With higher levels of humidity, your home will actually feel warmer allowing you to keep the thermostat at a lower level while maintaining comfort. Over time, homeowners with humidifiers can see savings on their energy bill throughout each season.

Improved Personal Health

With exposure to constant dry air day-in and day-out, it can cause symptoms to arise such as a stuffy nose, cracked skin, asthma, and other common allergy-like symptoms. By introducing a humidifier into your home, it will reduce the frequency of these symptoms and even prevent them from occurring altogether.

Contact R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA for Humidifier Repairs and Installations!

R.A. Dobson has been assisting homeowners around the Northern Virginia area with quality home humidifier installation and maintenance services. Our professionals can set you up with the proper model that works best for your home with choices including the latest Aprilaire, Carrier, and Honeywell humidification systems. If you believe your home’s air is causing problems to you and or home, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (703) 481-3700!

Generator Repair Service in Sterling VA

Preparing Your Generator for the Winter

Preparing your generator for the winter depends on the type of generator you have. If you do not have a generator and are not sure about your options, it’s best that you contact a professional, such as R.A. Dobson! Professional generator repair specialists have the proper knowledge about weather conditions and the kind of soil you have and will provide better recommendations for your situation.

R.A. Dobson is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company in Sterling, VA that is dedicated to keeping residents in the Northern Virginia area comfortable in their homes through each season. For over 40 years, our team has provided the latest heating and AC technology to homeowners at a reasonable price. We offer reliable generator installation and repairs as well as many other services that will help keep your home running efficiently throughout the colder months. Below are a few tips for preparing your generator for the winter.

Check the Battery

Although portable and standby automatic generators have different needs, charging the battery is one of the needs that they have in common. Portable batteries typically need to be charged once every month, even if you have no plans to use the generator for a while. For standby automatic generators, it’s best to refer to your product’s manual. If the battery is too low or dead, you may need to have it replaced as it is less likely for the battery to charge.

Standby Generators

Automatic standby generators do not require as much preparation as portable generators, but there are still a few things you should do before the winter weather cracks down:

  1. Using the proper oil for maintenance
  2. Be sure to clear any debris from around the generator. If there is too much buildup around the generator, it could potentially overheat.

Portable Generators

As the process for preparing your portable generator can get a little bit complicated, it is best to have a licensed professional to ensure proper preparation, as well as any other maintenance that may be required. Just as with standby generators, professionals can determine what type of maintenance your specific generator will require, as well as solutions for any repairs your generator may require.

  1. Drain all of the fuel in your generator, especially if you are storing your generator for more than a month. Be sure that your generator’s engine has cooled off before starting this process. We recommend starting the generator and running the engine until it stops due to a lack of fuel.  
  2. Drain and/or replace the generator’s original oil with synthetic oil such as 5W-30. We recommend checking your generator’s manual for its specific oil recommendations to be sure.
  3. Lubricate the piston rings and cylinder bore.
  4. Clean the generator and be sure to cover it so that it stays warm. If you can put it indoors, it advised that you do so that that your system is kept away from dust and dirt.

Choose R.A. Dobson for All of Your Generator Needs in Northern VA!

With the colder temperatures we are experiencing this season, we can anticipate that this coming winter season may be even colder! Don’t let any power outages add to your list of worries over the holidays. Let a trusted generator installation and repair company in Northern Virginia keep your home strong enough to withstand the weather extremes of the seasons. You can rely on the years of experience R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA has to take care of all your generator-related needs.

If your generator is in need of repair or replacement, contact us at 703-481-3700 for more information. Don’t wait with winter just around the corner!

air cleaning Sterling VA

What is the Importance of an Air Handler?

If you ever wondered how air circulates throughout your entire home, then you’ve come to the right place. You may be unaware that air handlers control both the heating and cooling of your HVAC system. This type of equipment utilizes a fan coil that can work in tandem with your heat pump by consistently distributing air in your home. If you’ve found yourself uncomfortable with how your heating and air conditioning is circulating throughout your home, then it may be time to schedule a professional HVAC inspection.

For over 40 years, R.A. Dobson has helped residents throughout Northern Virginia with quality HVAC inspection services. Our experienced professionals are well-trained in all heating and cooling repairs and installations to make sure you get the most out of your HVAC unit and air handler. To help you understand what an air handler or fan coil is, we have provided more information for you below.

What are Air Handlers/Fan Coils?

An air handler is a key part of your heating and cooling unit. Your HVAC system consists of both an outdoor and indoor unit or air handler/fan coil. When you add a heat pump to your air handler, then it will be able to regulate hot and cold air throughout your home. With air that’s constantly moving in your home during each season, you will receive clean air that leaves you and your family comfortable all year round.       

Benefits of Air Handlers in Your Home

Having an air handler in your home provides a plethora of benefits such as the following listed below:

  • Improved energy-efficiency: as air handlers run for longer periods of time, it prevents your HVAC system from turning on and off constantly, which saves you more energy.
  • Increased comfort: air handlers can operate at various speeds to adapt to the changing temperatures. The conditioned air remains consistent at all times.   
  • Quiet environment: air handlers are more noticeable only as it turns on and off. They tend to be much quieter since they run constantly or only as necessary.
  • Better air quality: compared to other similar products, air handlers or fan coils are known to provide a better quality of air because constantly moving air .

Choose R.A Dobson for the Best HVAC Inspection Services in Sterling, VA

Our experts here at R.A. Dobson have over 40 years of home improvement experience to understand any issues you are having with your heating and cooling system and air handler. Our dedicated professionals strive to ensure you find relaxation each season with an efficient air handler and HVAC system. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call us today at (703) 481-3700 for a free consultation!

Five Signs You Need to Replace Your Heat Pump this Winter

Making sure your home is properly heated this winter is very important to keeping you and your family comfortable and stress-free this holiday season. By simply replacing your older heat pump system, you will inevitably save more money and energy, and have more time to focus on other priorities. Periodical heating system inspections and replacements done by a professional can ensure that you have the most up to date and efficient system possible.

R.A. Dobson is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company in Sterling, VA that is dedicated to keeping residents in the Northern Virginia area comfortable in their homes through each season. For over 40 years, our team has provided the latest heating and AC technology to homeowners at a reasonable price. We offer reliable heat pump installation and repairs as well as many other services that will help keep your home running efficiently throughout the colder months. Below we have provided five common signs you need a heat pump replacement.

1. Increased Energy Bills

If you see an increase in your energy bill without making changes to your current appliances, then it may be a good idea to get your heat pump inspected or replaced altogether. When your heating system isn’t working efficiently, then it will have to work harder and will cause your home to use more energy. This can be easily prevented by having a professional heating company inspect it regularly.

2. More Repairs

When you have to continuously call a heating repair company to fix your heat pump only to have it break down again a couple months later, then it might be time for a new system. This constant cycle of inefficiency is common with many different types of home appliances when consistent inspections aren’t implemented. Scheduling heating inspections on a regular basis will keep your system running longer, save you more money, and time in the long run.

3. Inconsistent Heat Pump Settings

Have you ever experienced turning the heat up in your home but it still feels cold? It could be a sign that your heating system isn’t correctly connected or in sync with the functions you set it to. When your heat pump isn’t performing efficiently, it could cause major problems for your family and budget this winter.

4. Constant or Noisy Operation

It is common for a heat pump to make noises as it fluctuates according to the temperature in your home. It is also one of the first signs that reveals major issues with your heating system. If your system is making any noises that are out of the ordinary, than it may be time to call a heating repair company to fix it.

5. Excess Moisture

Small amounts of water or condensation dripping on the outside of your unit is completely normal, but if you notice more moisture forming inside the house, then it could be a sign that something is wrong with your unit. Whether your heat pump is leaking or you’ve noticed higher levels of condensation developing on windows, then calling a professional heating repair specialist is the safest option as the liquids contained within a heat pump can cause health risks if not handled properly.

Choose R.A. Dobson for Your Next Heat Pump Installation in Northern VA!

With the colder temperatures we are experiencing this fall, we can anticipate that this coming winter season may be even colder! Don’t add an old and broken heat pump to your list of worries over the holidays. Let a trusted heat pump repair company in Northern Virginia keep your appliances up to date and strong enough to withstand the weather extremes of the seasons. You can rely on the years of experience R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA has to take care of all your heat pump repair needs.

If your heat pump is in need of an inspection or replacement installation update, contact us at 703-481-3700 for more information. Don’t wait winter is just around the corner!

Water heater repair Sterling VA

Signs You Need A Water Heater Installation

Every day we go about our lives and enjoy the different uses of hot water in our homes. However, small changes may occasionally occur and go unnoticed, especially if we have tight schedules and are busy with our other priorities. If you have noticed a thing or two about your water heater, it’s a good idea to look into it right away. A professional water heater expert can address any changes to your water, which may include unordinary sounds or the water temperature slowly changing from hot to warm to cold.

Whether your water heater is leaking or there’s standing water around it, you may want to immediately contact a professional water heater installation specialist such as R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA. Our team of home appliance repair experts are highly-trained in providing quality heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services to residents throughout the Northern VA area. Below we have provided a few signs of potential water heater issues for you to keep in mind so you can be ready for any problems that may arise.

Water Around the Heater

It’s never a good sign when there’s water surrounding your water heater. If it’s difficult to fix your leaky water heater, you might need to replace it by a professional water heater repair specialist. Getting rid of the water heater professionally will prevent recurring floods or water damage to your home or business. Before trying to remove the water heater, be sure to let the water cool down first by disconnecting the electricity or turning off your gas unit.

Strange Noises

It’s normal for a water heater to make a few noises as it’s heating up. What isn’t normal is the heater making crackling and popping sounds. If your water heater is making those noises, this can indicate that there is sediment buildup. Sometimes sediment gets into the water heater and hardens as it’s heated and reheated. Once hardened, it can come into contact with the heating element inside of the tank, causing the popping and crackling noises. This is the heating element trying to burn the sediment away. The more it happens, the less efficient your water heater becomes as this uses more gas or electricity.

Muddy or Cold Water

Another sign that you need to change your water heater is when the water coming out of your faucet or tub is a bit rusty or unclear. The water’s changing color may be an indication that the water heater tank is in the process of corrosion. If the water looks a bit muddy or feels as if there’s sand or some other material in it, this may indicate that there is sediment buildup in your tank. There’s also an issue when your water comes out cold, which indicates that the water heater has an internal issue. If the water is lukewarm, that may be a sign that your heating element is slowly on its way out, too.

How Old is Your Water Heater?

Do you remember how old your water heater is? Most water heaters last about 10 years, and if yours is around that age, it is probably time to replace it. Of course, the actual time to replace your water heater depends on various factors such as how often it is used. A water heater professional can determine when it’s time to replace your water heater. If you aren’t sure how old your water heater is, then you can double check the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker.

Take Care of Your Water Heater Repair & Installation Needs With R.A. Dobson Inc. Today!

If you think your water heater is experiencing issues, don’t wait until the problems get worse! With R.A. Dobson in Northern VA, our dedicated professionals are available and efficient enough to provide the quality services you need for any water heater problem you may have. We provide various services ranging from water heater repair services to heating and air conditioning that can be customized specifically to your home needs.

 

Contact us at (703)-481-3700 to set up an appointment as soon as possible and don’t forget to take advantage of our available coupons during the holidays too!

Four Common Drainage Issues in Northern VA

While drain cleaning seems like a simple task, smaller problems can hint at more serious drainage issues you may be unaware of in your own home. Major issues such as an overflowing toilet and slow-moving drains require professional plumbing services that will help you prevent further damage from being done to your home.

R.A. Dobson has over four decades of plumbing experience so you can easily trust us to give your Sterling, VA home the thorough drain cleaning service it needs. Our plumbing experts will be able to detect small and large drainage problems to make sure your plumbing system is running smoothly and efficiently. In order to help you understand what a drainage problem may look like in your home, we have provided four common drainage issues below.

Slow Drainage

In some cases, water in our sinks or bathtubs may drain slowly due to unexpected clogs from hair, mineral or grease build up. When this occurs, it reflects severe blocks in your pipes. If a slow drainage system isn’t fixed immediately, it can become an even bigger problem that grows over time. If you are unsure of how to locate the clog or its cause, it would be wise to hire a professional plumbing company to assist you in determining the blockage and the best ways to repair it.

Increased Leakage or Flooding

If you notice water puddles near and around your drains or even leakage from pipes, it may be another sign that your drain is clogged. For instance, an overflowing toilet may cause a flood in your bathroom and further damage floors and nearby furniture. With a professional plumber, you will be provided with efficient drain cleaning services that will repair the clog right away and further prevent serious water damage to your home.

Regularly Clogged Drain

If you have tried removing the main source of the drain blockage, there could be a chance that you were unable to remove it entirely each time it clogged up. Another reason why you are experiencing recurring clogs is that your drains are not being properly cleaned or that your normal household drain cleaners aren’t strong enough to eliminate the clog. It is recommended that you hire an experienced plumbing professional to completely remove the localized clog in your drain.

Foul Odor

No one wants a foul odor wafting from their drains. When your drains aren’t properly maintained and cleaned, it can lead to a horrible stench that slowly permeates throughout your entire home. Only an expert plumber can provide you with the proper guidance and plumbing experience required to solve your drain odor problem, which will inevitably save you time trying to figure out the issue on your own.

Contact R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA for Drain Cleaning & Repairs!

If you think you have a drainage problem in your home, working with a plumber who is experienced and highly-trained will ensure you the best drain cleaning services so you don’t have to do it on your own. R.A. Dobson has been assisting homeowners around the Northern Virginia area with all of their home drainage system needs. Our experienced plumbing professionals are dedicated to helping you figure out what may be the issue with your drainage system and address it immediately to prevent worse drainage problems. Our other plumbing services include drain cleaning services, faucet installation, sewer line repairs, and much more. If you think your home is experiencing drainage problems, don’t hesitate and contact us today at (703) 481-3700!

Professional-garbage-disposal-installation-in-Sterling-VA-home

Four Common Plumbing Emergency Situations

With any emergency situation, time is of the essence and being prepared to combat the source of the problem is key. Plumbing mishaps can happen at any time and it is important to act quickly before any further damage occurs throughout your home. The best course of action is to contact a professional plumbing repair specialist immediately to fix the problem.

R.A. Dobson is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company in Sterling, VA that can provide efficient plumbing emergency repairs according to your needs. With over 40 years of experience under their belt, R.A. Dobson professionals have come across every emergency plumbing situation you can imagine. We know everyone has experienced at least one of these scenarios, and below are a few of the most common plumbing emergencies we have seen.

1.Leaking Pipes

At first glance, water leaks may not seem like an emergency, but over time, it can soften wall studs and absorb into the drywall. This will ultimately weaken the interior walls of the surrounding area. Similar to leaking pipes are damaged hoses such as attic AC units, water heaters, or washing machines. These appliances can last a lifetime, but the first ones to show signs of wear and tear are usually the rubber hoses and washers. Make sure to check for any cracks or bulging hoses connected to these appliances to catch any problems early.

2. Clogged Sinks

If you are the one who regularly disposes of food waste in your kitchen sink, then it is important to your daily routine to make sure it is functioning properly. When a severe blockage prevents all water flow, clogged sinks can become a real issue rendering your fixture useless. If your regular drainage cleaner doesn’t solve your problem, give a local plumbing company, like R.A. Dobson, a call to fix the issue.

3. Clogged Toilets

Nothing is worse than a clogged toilet, and what makes it even worse is procrastinating on fixing the problem. When nature calls, you can’t just push it off another day. In this situation, using a plunger can be your best friend. Allow time for the water to settle and then unclog the toilet by applying pressure vertically with the plunger. If your toilet is constantly clogged, then it may hint at more major plumbing issues you may not be aware of that requires professional plumbing assistance.

4. Pipe Bursts

In the Northern Virginia area, we are fortunate enough to experience all four seasons throughout the year. However, winter’s freezing cold weather can cause exposed pipes to burst resulting in a catastrophic plumbing problem. Bursting pipes are caused by excess pressure built up from frozen water expanding within the pipes. One trick to alleviate pressure is by turning your faucet on to allow for a very slow drip. If your pipe still bursts after taking this precaution, it would be best to contact an experienced plumber to repair it immediately.

Take Care of Your Emergency Plumbing Situations With R.A. Dobson Inc. Today!

Don’t let a plumbing emergency in your home stress you out. With R.A. Dobson, our highly-trained professionals have the ability to tackle any plumbing problem minor or severe. We can also provide plumbing as well as heating & air conditioning maintenance services to prevent further emergency situations. When it comes to an emergency plumbing situation, do not wait! Contact us at (703)-481-3700 to set up an appointment as soon as possible and don’t forget to take advantage of our available coupons this fall season too!

Thermostat Installation and Repair Experts Of Sterling, Virginia

Benefits of Installing a Thermostat in Your Sterling, VA Home This Season

Are you thinking about purchasing a new thermostat? You have come to the right place! Fall is the best time of the year to have heating and cooling system work done on your home as the weather is not as extreme as summer and winter. At R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA, we have the latest and greatest thermostats in the world so that you don’t have to worry about quality or installation. Here’s why should you have a thermostat installed this season:

More Savings

If you are concerned about saving money, installing a thermostat this season will definitely increase the amount of money you save. Since newer thermostats allow you to decrease the amount of energy used, your energy bill will decrease as well, especially before the cold temperatures of winter come. Not only does this mean more money in your wallet, but you’ll also help reduce the carbon footprint left on the planet too!

Increased Control Over Winter Before Winter Arrives

There are two broad types of thermostats: programmable and non-programmable. Programmable thermostats are becoming more common because it offers more features as technology advances. In the event that you forget to change the temperature before you leave, you can use your smartphone to control it remotely. Believe it or not, you can schedule your thermostat on a winter schedule and much more. This gives you more control over your home than ever before. Each thermostat will have varying features, so it’s important to check what thermostat features you would like for your home.

Works Virtually Everywhere

As thermostats have advanced, so have their resiliency. Whether in a large home, an apartment, or commercial building, your thermostat will work for you! Owners in apartments can save renters more money with an energy-efficient thermostat installed. Businesses can also save while adjusting to a lower temperature on weekends or times during closed business hours.

There Are Different Types of Thermostats

The autumn season is the perfect time to find the right thermostat for you. Nowadays there are a variety of programmable thermostats and it’s difficult to find the best one for your home. At R.A. Dobson, we offer several thermostat types, including some that you can control and maintain with your phone.

Upgrade Your Thermostat Today with R.A. Dobson Installation Services!

At R.A. Dobson, we can help you gain more control over your home before the winter temperatures come to Northern Virginia. With decades of thermostat installation service experience and all employees receiving the best training, there’s no way you can go wrong with R.A. Dobson. Call us today at 703-982-0111 or request an estimate here about upgrading or inquiring about a thermostat that works for you!

Why Hire A Professional to Install & Repair Your Furnace

Autumn has arrived and temperatures are starting to drop. One of the best ways to warm up during the colder seasons is by installing a furnace in your home. If you are looking for a way to save more money on energy bills this season, then a furnace installation may be your best option. While it is important to note that having a furnace is more environment-friendly since it uses less fuel, it is also vital to hire a professional to ensure that the furnace is installed securely and uses long-lasting materials to keep you warmer for longer.

Sometimes it’s better to leave heating and cooling installations and repairs up to the experts. Below are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a professional furnace installation company in Northern Virginia.

Cost-Effective

Upgrading your heating system with the help of an experienced furnace installer will help you save energy and money. Furnace professionals are trained to distinguish the best heating system materials to use at an affordable price that’s suited to your needs.

Ensures Quality Services

While professionals are trained to use quality materials at a price that suits your budget best, they also have the years of experience to make sure your furnace is quickly installed and secured. Hired heating experts provide dependable furnace systems that will significantly reduce the chance of new furnace issues and breakdowns.

Saves You Time & Effort

If you have no prior experience in installing a furnace, then getting the job done in a timely manner can be a great challenge. When you choose to hire a furnace professional, they come with the required training and experience to provide exceptional furnace installation services. Not only will hiring a professional alleviate your stress, but it will keep you from getting hurt from installing your new furnace yourself. Furnace professionals are reliable and will help your heating system run smoothly!

Contact R.A. Dobson in Sterling, Virginia for your Furnace Installation or Repair today!

R.A. Dobson is a family-owned business that has over 40 years of experience in providing efficient furnace installation services to clients all around the Northern Virginia area. Our employees receive the necessary training and qualifications to install and repair your furnace, water heater, generators, and more. R.A. Dobson also honors every manufacturer heating system warranty to make sure you are receiving the comfort you deserve in your own home.

Contact us today for a free furnace installation quote. Call us at (703) 481-3700 to speak with an R.A. Dobson professional today!