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HVAC inspection Northern Virginia

3 Fall & Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips

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We’ve come to summer’s end, and the yearly rituals of fall have begun (though limited by COVID). Football season has restarted, everyone has pumpkin spiced coffee, and the evening cicadas have given way to crickets. Best of all, we can shut off our AC units and their costs. 

The cooler weather calls for another kind of indoor climate control: heating. So, while switching from one system to the other, all homeowners should check the performance of both. But inspecting an HVAC system is time-consuming and tricky; instead, why not schedule a professional HVAC inspection with R.A. Dobson? Every fall and winter, our expert technicians conduct HVAC inspections across Northern VA. Our clients call for our annual service and, in the long run, save money through routine care. 

Below, we outline how our HVAC inspections work and describe the basic upkeep that your system might receive: 

Scheduled Routine Inspections

The Department of Energy writes that professional checkups and repairs can improve your home’s energy efficiency. But some homeowners like to inspect their HVAC and heating systems themselves. In doing so, they may miss signs that our trained technicians know to look for. 

We’ve described what to expect during an HVAC inspection. In brief, our technician will start by spot-checking your system for obstructions (including dust, debris, and mold). They’ll also look for signs of deeper problems such as leaks, corrosion, rust, or loose wires. 

The technician will then check air filters, electrical switches, safety switches, motors, and gas pressure. This step-by-step process catches any potential problems and ensures that your system works smoothly. 

Vital Preventative Care

After the inspection, our technician will go about basic repairs. He or she may clean and/or replace parts, especially in systems that have not been serviced for several years. 

Some cleaning, such as changing an air filter, will be carried out easily. Our technician may also use a lubricant to ensure that parts function smoothly. However, if specific parts of the HVAC system need to be replaced, he or she may have to order it and return later for installation. 

Finally, to ensure your system functions as best as it can, the technician will test and adjust your HVAC’s electricity. They will also calibrate and adjust your home’s thermostat to establish an ideal indoor temperature. You can read more about thermostat options in our guide. 

Let The Pros Handle Major Repairs

Eventually, you will need a new HVAC (or heating) system. Even if your current system has no specific issues, its efficiency will decrease with age. Plus, modern air systems’ efficiency can be 20%-40% greater than systems produced ten years ago. 

If inspecting an HVAC system feels like a chore, installing one is an outright challenge. Contact your local experts at R.A. Dobson and let us take care of the installation for you. We’ve worked in HVAC for over 45 years, and we’ll ensure that your new system suits your needs. 

R.A. Dobson: Reliable, Reasonable HVAC Inspection Service Professionals 

As the leaves begin changing colors and we move into the fall, don’t forget to have your air systems looked at. Doing so can improve your home’s energy efficiency and catch potential problems before they turn into major ones. Many residents throughout Northern VA call R.A. Dobson for professional HVAC inspection and installation. We’re happy to offer you our expertise too. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form to request a free estimate.

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When Do Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning?

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Due to the COVID-19 crisis and recent heatwaves, everyone has spent much of their summer indoors. And while watching the year’s finest season pass by can feel disappointing, at least we can relax in cool indoor air. Your home’s air system works hard, especially when it works almost constantly during the summer; don’t you want to ensure that it continues doing so properly? 

As we’ve discussed, routine inspections of your HVAC system can prevent major issues. This, in turn, saves you from the hassle and expense of replacing parts. But do you know what problems can arise in your heating and cooling system? Or what the warning signs of those problems are? At R.A. Dobson, we empower clients with our expertise, so that you will know when to call the pros for air quality inspection or excellent air cleaning service! This is why our customers throughout Sterling and Northern Virginia become repeat customers and why they refer us to others in need of HVAC services. 

The list below lays out the hazards that air systems face, as well as the signs you should watch out for:

Mold Growth

Conditions in every home differ. Those with allergies or chronic illness can be extra sensitive to irritants, like dust. However, given their daily usage and the constant prevalence of irritants, air ducts will always contain some amount of dust and other contaminants.

But one thing calls for immediate action: visible mold growth in air ducts. Both mold and mildew present health risks to occupants, especially residents with a compromised health status. And since many parts of a home air system cannot be easily accessed, you may be unable to see how much there is. 

Of course, only an expert can determine whether mold is present. If you suspect there’s mold in your air ducts, contact us for an inspection as soon as possible.

Rodent & Pest Infestation 

Although it is hair-raising to think about, air ducts provide ideal homes for all manner of insects and other pests. And beyond their obnoxious presence, these vermin bring in microbes, diseases, and other health concerns. Thus, you must be on the lookout for their presence. 

The most noxious sign will be a foul odor coming from the vents in your home: the smells of urine, feces, and rotting food. You may also see droppings appear in your air ducts. Given mice’s breeding speed, the sight of droppings should send you running for an exterminator. 

Another sign is the sound of wildlife in your air system (snuffles and movement coming from within your home’s walls). And though it may stem from other causes, a reduction in your air system’s efficiency may be a byproduct of infestation. 

Excessive Dust and Debris

As noted above, your air system will always contain some amount of dust. It can never be fully eliminated, though R.A. Dobson’s air purification installations can help to reduce the amount of dust in the air. But dust becomes a problem when it collects excessively inside your home’s ductwork. 

Signs of this include strange or musty smells in your house (such as when you first turn on your heater for the winter), which indicate a buildup of dust and dirt. You might also notice it floating in the air since dust in the ductwork also becomes dust in the air. 

Choose Professional Air Cleaning Services in Sterling, VA

If you want your air system cleaned, even without warning signs, reach out to the local experts at R.A. Dobson for an inspection. If we find anything, you can rest assured that our professional air cleaning service will treat your home with the care it deserves. Over the past 45+ years, folks in Sterling and across Northern Virginia have turned to R.A. Dobson for air system replacement, inspection, and installation. We offer the latest in energy-efficient heating and air conditioning technology. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 to request a free estimate or schedule a service!

Thermostat Repair Service in Sterling Virginia

Types of Thermostats for You to Consider

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Among the primary components of your home’s HVAC system, your thermostat seems the least prominent, but also the one you interact with the most. It is essential for adjusting and maintaining the cooling and heating conditions of your home. Moreover, the past several years has seen several advances in technology going into modern thermostats, with many different kinds of features and functions that help make your home more comfortable and your HVAC system even more efficient.

Yet, such thermostats can be expensive, and knowing which ones are the best can be difficult without the right knowledge. However, at R.A. Dobson, we not only provide high-quality HVAC equipment and professional thermostat installations at affordable prices, we also openly offer our expertise to residents and commercial businesses throughout Northern Virginia, so that you know which of our products are best for your home or office. Here are some of the thermostat models that we suggest:

Overview

The prices of thermostats range from lowest to highest according to their additional functions, such as if they are programmable or remotely accessible. Programmable thermostats allow for users to create pre-set temperatures, allowing for them to easily make adjustments to their home according to various conditions, such as weather, season, and the time of day. Remote accessible thermostats are an element of smart home innovations, allowing for you to adjust your thermostat from almost anywhere outside your home, such as at work, on vacation, etc.

Our Products: 

Comfort™ Non-Programmable Thermostat

These are our more cost-efficient models, offering the essentials, such as an electronic touchpad for simple adjustments, a large display for a clear reading of current room temperature, and easy to learn instructions printed inside the door. Comfort™ Non-Programmable Thermostat is the most basic of our thermostat packages that offers the latest in thermostat technology at a highly affordable cost. 

Performance™ Edge® Programmable Thermostat

These sleek thermostats are not only more advanced, they’re also admired for their design, blending well into households fashioned with modern décor styles. Both their function and appearance are customizable, with several faceplate color options for you to choose from, and a program function that allows you to set your HVAC system settings to a certain temperature whenever you please. The Performance™ Edge® Programmable Thermostat makes your home look both sophisticated and advanced, while also making it easier for your utilize your heating and cooling systems as you please. 

Infinity® Remote Access Touch Control

The most advanced thermostat that we offer, with a number of capabilities, such as consistent control over your home’s temperature, humidity, ventilation, airflow, and indoor air quality. It is also Wi-Fi enabled, giving you remote accessibility and allowing you to manage your home’s HVAC system from anywhere outside your home through the Internet, as well as Apple and Android devices. The Infinity® Remote Access Touch Control thermostat offers the best experience in HVAC control and accessibility.

Get an Affordable Thermostat Installation from R.A. Dobson of Northern Virginia

At R.A. Dobson, we offer products to fit every individual’s budget, with a focus on providing those of the highest quality to as many customers as we can. Whether you want to have a basic thermostat, to the more advanced models that are programmable, and Wi-Fi enabled, our desire is to use our supply sources within the HVAC industry to provide you with the best prices possible. Our business has worked for over forty years providing expert services, such as plumbing repairs, water heater replacements, and efficient thermostat installations, for residents and businesses throughout Northern Virginia. 

Contact us at 703-481-3700 for a free estimate and to schedule your next appointment with one of our professionals. Don’t forget to check out our thermostat installation coupon!  

Thermostat Repair Service in Sterling Virginia

Stay Cool This Summer! Signs You Need An Air Conditioning Repair or Replacement

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As we approach warmer, more humid weather this summer, your air conditioning unit becomes your best defense against the heat. However, if your air conditioning unit isn’t performing it’s best, it can mean for higher energy bills and a hotter home. If you notice any of the signs listed below, contact the professionals at R.A. Dobson for air conditioning installation in Northern Virginia.

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. Below are the signs that your air conditioning unit isn’t in optimal condition:

Not Cooling

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If your air conditioning unit starts to blow warmer air during the summer, you need to have a professional, like R.A. Dobson, come out to repair it. We can quickly detect the issues with your cooling system and provide custom solutions that work alongside your budget.

Little Air Coming Out

If you turn your air conditioning unit on and you feel cool air, but it’s just not coming out of your vents strong enough or not circulating through the room. It can be a sign the air conditioning unit is failing or there are issues with your ducts.

Loud Noises

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If you hear squealing, grinding, or scraping coming from your air conditioning unit when it’s on, there could be a problem inside the unit with a belt slipping out of place.

This is a serious issue, call your local experts at R.A. Dobson because these loose pieces can damage the other parts of the unit and can become costly.

High Levels of Humidity

Air conditioners also work to reduce the humidity in your house. If you start noticing an increase of humidity inside your house even when the air conditioning is running, it may require a repair.

Broken Thermostat

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When your air conditioner runs for short periods, you may notice it never gets cool enough before it turns itself off. This may indicate that your thermostat has broken and is no longer accurately gauging the temperature in your home.

You’ll want a trained technician from R.A. Dobson to take a look at it since there are complex electrical components involved with the thermostat.

High Electric Bills

Has your power bill suddenly increased? This could be a sign your air conditioning unit needs to be repaired or replaced. There could be multiple causes for this such as leaks in your air conditioning’s ductwork, a broken thermostat switch, or the advanced age of the unit.

Regardless of the source of the trouble, the air conditioning unit will need to be repaired or possibly replaced.

R.A. Dobson: Professional Air Conditioning Installation in Northern Virginia

Guarantee your home is comfortable and cool all summer long by getting an air conditioning installation from our trusted team at R.A. Dobson in Northern Virginia. For over 40 years, R.A. Dobson has been helping residents in the Northern Virginia area enjoy total indoor air comfort in their homes and businesses. Our fully-trained staff is cross-trained in all aspects of our business, to guarantee a transparent relationship between us and our clients.

Contact us at (703) 481-3700 to keep your home comfortable this summer.