Tag Archives: HVAC technicians

Furnace Repair Northern Virginia

When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

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Over the years, we start to recognize the “character” of our homes. It might include the most comfortable spots to sit and work or the adjustments needed for its layout and setup. Perhaps unconsciously, we also find its warm and cool spots: the best places to spend cold nights and which rooms always seem chilly. 

However, your home’s temperature patterns illustrate the state of its heating system. If the temperature shifts from room to room, or if you constantly adjust the thermostat, your home’s furnace may need replacement. In that case, reach out to R.A. Dobson, Northern Virginia’s top service company. Our team provides professional furnace repair and installation, HVAC maintenance, and plumbing repairs. And our customers rave about our heating and cooling services to boot. 

Below, we review some common furnace issues that call for maintenance or replacement: 

Basic Furnace Care

Along with boilers, furnaces are the most common kind of home heating system. To warm its home, a furnace blows heated air through ductwork and raises the overall temperature to the thermostat’s setting. Manufacturers rate every furnace’s ability via the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) scale. 

Homeowners should replace their furnaces every twenty to thirty years. But, unless you built your own, you probably moved into a home that already had a furnace. Thus, you’ll have to find its user manual or look up its serial number to determine its age. 

If you need a new heating system, consider the variety of options on the market. For instance, our team recommends that you consider the benefits of heat pumps. Nevertheless, you can determine if you need a new heating system by watching for certain furnace problems.

Warning Signs

Your furnace may exhibit some obvious symptoms of breakdown. For example, its motor could bang, squeal, or buzz loudly as it weakens and falls apart. Likewise, visible signs of corrosion (including broken or rusted parts) speak to a need for maintenance. 

A defective furnace may also affect the conditions in your home. Noticeable temperature changes between rooms suggest that it struggles to heat them evenly. Also, if you constantly adjust your thermostat’s level, your system may struggle to maintain a steady temperature. 

Finally, a furnace that needs constant repairs may be at the end of its usefulness. If that describes yours, you should determine its age and whether it’s worth repairing. And, though seemingly unrelated, a dramatic rise in your energy bills without a change in your heat’s settings can signal a loss of efficiency.

Fixes & Replacements

If you believe that your heating is defective, request an R.A. Dobson service call before ordering a new system. Replacing a part – such as an air filter or thermostat – may fix the problem(s). Likewise, check our winter furnace checklist to ensure that your system is running correctly.

Keep in mind that newer-model furnaces can save significant money. High-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings between 90% and 98.5% – quite an upgrade from the 56-70% of old systems. Although it may be expensive upfront, a high-efficiency system could recoup its cost over a few years. 

Given the investment a furnace requires, you should ask R.A. Dobson for an estimate before installation. Happily, we provide free estimates for such service, and we’re currently offering a coupon for furnace installation on our website. 

Reliable and Affordable Furnace Repair Services in Northern Virginia

Whether you’re unsure or certain that your furnace needs replacement, our team at R.A. Dobson can help. We can inspect your system and then fix or replace it for you. Northern Virginia communities trust our professional furnace repair and installation, plumbing work, HVAC maintenance, and other services. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.

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 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.

air cleaning service Sterling VA

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!

Air Cleaner Repairs Sterling VA

Do Air Cleaners Work?

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Let’s unpack what we know so far. Our understanding of the Coronavirus is still evolving and many individuals are wondering if air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, are effective against the airborne virus. While it’s known that it’s contracted through droplets produced from coughing, talking, and breathing, there may still be some of those droplets that remain in the air. 

Considering this is a major cause for concern, taking the necessary precautions to protect our community from harmful allergens and airborne diseases is R.A. Dobson’s specialty. We have provided a number of air cleaner repairs and installations throughout the Sterling, Virginia area. Keep allergens, pollutants, airborne contaminants, and viruses from circulating throughout your home and get in touch with our team for assistance.  

Below, we provide details on the general functions of air cleaners and if they work against viruses like COVID-19: 

The Effectiveness of Air Cleaners

Air cleaners are currently on the rise due to many individuals staying home more often and hoping to improve their home air quality. Consumer Reports stated that “air purifiers probably don’t offer much protection in most circumstances, they may be worthwhile in a few specific ones.” 

However, if you were to install one into the room of one of your quarantined family members and essential workers, then it may help protect them against the virus. Opening windows in the quarantine area will allow fresh air in while filtering out virus particles, but if this is not an option, then having your local air cleaner company install one in your home may assist your efforts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports scientific evidence that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air, as the average individual spends around 90% of their time indoors, which makes them more at risk of it affecting their health. To determine if an air cleaner would benefit you, speak to one of our air cleaner experts at R.A. Dobson! 

Does Your Air Cleaner Require Repairs? 

Like any home appliance, you need to maintain it on a regular basis to ensure your home is functioning as it should be. If you are experiencing any of the common signs below that indicate your system needs repairs, contact R.A. Dobson for assistance.  

  • Increased dust or dust settling on the surface of your air cleaner
  • Odd noises 
  • Strange odors

R.A. Dobson Offers the Following High-Quality Air Cleaner Products:

Having an air cleaner in addition to any other indoor air cleaning products will help significantly improve the quality of air that you breathe in your own home. Our experts can help you decide which products will effectively improve your indoor air while keeping you healthy and comfortable. 

Air Cleaner Repair Services in the Sterling, VA Area

At R.A. Dobson, our team treats you like family, and similar to our own families, we want you to feel comfortable at home during this challenging time. We have over 45 years of experience with air cleaner repairs and installations. We are proud to continue offering high-quality services and friendly customer service for individuals throughout the Northern Virginia area. If you are interested in updating and repairing your current air cleaner or replacing it entirely, allow our team to assist you. 

Call our air cleaner repair team at (703) 481-3700 to receive a free estimate or schedule a service at your earliest convenience!

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!