Tag Archives: HVAC repairs

Well maintained vents in Ashburn VA building that gets quality HVAC inspection

A Guide To Your HVAC System

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“HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and an HVAC system is what heats and cools your home. During cold seasons, you rely on the furnace portion of your HVAC system. And during warmer months, you rely on the AC. But to keep both systems running, invest in a professional HVAC inspection service that checks all their basic parts. 

RA Dobson offers the best repairs, installations, and inspection services for HVAC systems in the area. We can help you save 60% on your energy bills with our highly efficient systems. Residents of Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding area trust our HVAC inspections and other services. 

Below, we explore the 8 basic parts of a typical HVAC system:

1. Thermostat

You can think of the thermostat as the “brain” of your HVAC system. It contains a thermometer that gauges the system’s running temperature against your home’s interior temperature. To match the two, the system turns on the furnace or air conditioner so that your home reaches the desired temperature.

2. Furnace and Blower Motor

Next is the furnace, a relatively large unit distinct from the AC that demands its own space in the basement, attic, or closet. A fuel source – such as natural gas, oil, or electricity – heats the air that comes into it. Then, an attached blower motor distributes the air through ducts to the rest of the house. The motor also pulls in cool air from the house to start the process over again.

3. Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one medium to another. If your furnace uses oil or gas, burners accomplish the heating. If it runs on electricity, electric coils heat the air. As the heat exchanger warms up the air, heat transfers to the metal walls. The air heats up quickly and then is distributed throughout the home. 

4. Evaporator Coil

An evaporator coil is the internal portion of a split-system air conditioner. It absorbs heat from the air in your house so that only cool air remains.

5. Condensing Unit

The condensing unit is a big metal unit that sits outside your house and expels the heat from the interior to the exterior.

6. Refrigerant Lines

Refrigerant lines make air conditioning possible. Made of copper and aluminum, and run between the condensing unit and evaporator coil. They are responsible for carrying the refrigerant between the condensing unit and the evaporator coil.

7. Ductwork

Ductwork includes all the metal passages that deliver and move the air. They should be sealed and insulated to prevent major temperature shifts. 

8. Return and Supply Registers

These are covers that fit over the ductwork ends. They allow air out of and into the HVAC system. They are typically located on the ceiling, walls, and floors depending on the ductwork layout. 

HVAC Inspection Now Available in Ashburn, VA

HVAC systems are the foundation of your home’s air quality and comfortability, yet they contain a lot of nuances and parts. So, let the RA Dobson team help you manage your HVAC system with an HVAC inspection service. Our employees are well trained and knowledgeable about HVAC systems and can help you to keep them working properly. We offer the latest energy-efficient systems in heating and air conditioning. Contact us today for an inspection and receive a free estimate or call us at (703) 481-3700 for more information on how we can help you feel comfortable in your home.

Thermostat Installation Northern Virginia

3 Types of Thermostats to Consider for Your Home

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While your HVAC system requires each part to create a comfortable and healthy indoor climate, its thermostat holds a particularly special place. It’s the point of contact where you directly interact with your HVAC, where you can control your home’s temperature and, depending on the system, its humidity. 

It’s important to have a functional thermostat, but the latest models go even further and include “smart” features as well. If you’re looking for the best in heating and cooling appliances, turn to R.A. Dobson. We provide premium thermostat installation services as well as affordable HVAC system repair and maintenance. Customers throughout Northern VA come to us for their heating and cooling needs. 

Here are three types of available thermostats and a few models we recommend: 

Non-Programmable Thermostats

Before we go into the feature-rich thermostat types, let’s talk about the simplest option: non-programmable thermostats. This type of thermostat simply turns on, turns off, and sets your HVAC system’s temperature. They’re also known as “manual thermostats,” since users adjust them manually rather than program or remotely adjust them (as with more advanced models). 

R.A. Dobson provides the highest quality thermostats from Carrier, a trusted brand in the heating and cooling industry. Their primary thermostat that we offer is the Carrier Comfort™ Non-Programmable Thermostat. It’s an easy-to-install, basic system with a digital screen and manual controls. 

Programmable Thermostats

One notch above non-programmable thermostats, programmable thermostats boast many of the same functions but include a few useful tweaks. They are called “programmable” because they can adjust themselves according to your pre-programmed settings. 

Certain models only allow you to program two different settings that the thermostat will switch between. This might include one temperature set for weekdays and another for weekends, or days and nights. Other, more advanced, programmable thermostats allow you to set a different temperature for each day of the week (and even for certain times of each day). 

The Carrier Performance™ Edge® provides enhanced functionality at an affordable price. All models manage temperature, humidity, ventilation, indoor air quality, and more. The Performance™ Edge® Relative Humidity Programmable Thermostat can also incorporate additional climate systems such as a heat pump or furnace. 

“Smart” Thermostats 

Finally, the most advanced thermostats available are those with “smart” technology functions, which provide the highest levels of control and accessibility. As with programmable types, smart thermostats can control temperature, airflow, humidity, and other elements of your HVAC system. Smart thermostats can also affect multiple rooms or living areas within your home or workplace differently. Thus, you can set different temperatures for each area from one system. 

As with a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat can schedule temperatures to rise or lower throughout each day. Moreover, most models have Wi-Fi functionality and can connect to your smartphone or tablet. This gives you remote access to your HVAC system anywhere with an Internet connection.  

At R.A. Dobson, we provide one of the best smart thermostat systems available: the Carrier Infinity® Remote Access Touch Control Thermostat. Along with all the features of a programmable thermostat, the Infinity Thermostat can connect to any smart device. With it, not only will you get the latest in thermostat technology but also a high-quality product that will last for years to come. 

R.A. Dobson: Quality Thermostat Installations in Northern VA

Although these are just some of the thermostat types available, they provide an overview of what’s on the market now. At R.A. Dobson, we always ensure that our customers get the heating and cooling products that fulfill their needs and stay within their budget. We also provide customers with our technical expertise in HVAC services such as efficient thermostat installation, professional plumbing repairs, and more. With 45 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skill to ensure your home or business gets the quality of service you deserve. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our form and get a free estimate for one of our services.

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!