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Humidifier Installation Ashburn VA

4 Outstanding Aprilaire Humidifier Models for Home Comfort

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Dry indoor air is uncomfortable and irritating, especially for those with respiratory illnesses or allergies. However, modern humidifiers can safeguard the health of your home’s occupants by adding appropriate moisture, eliminating airborne bacteria and viruses, and even protecting your indoor plants and wood flooring! AprilAire’s 400, 600, 700, or 800 model humidifiers can deliver all these benefits. Still, contact a humidifier installation company to discuss humidifier installation costs, model options, and more.

R.A. Dobson’s team of humidifier installation experts can securely and efficiently install AprilAire humidifiers for Ashburn, VA, homeowners. We prioritize our clients during every project to ensure they receive fantastic customer service. Moreover, our humidifiers come with a manufacturer warranty and 1-year service warranty. To learn more about whole-home humidifier installation, visit our website or contact us at (703) 481-3700!

Below, we discuss 4 exceptional AprilAire humidifiers that deliver total home comfort: 

  1. The AprilAire 400

The AprilAire Model 400 is among the most efficient options on the market. It uses all the water put into it by capturing and storing the excess in a reservoir. The device heats and disperses moisture throughout your home as vapor. Plus, its efficiency can help homeowners save on their energy bills.

  1. The AprilAire 600

The AprilAire 600 is a duct-mounted, large bypass option that works best in homes under 5,000 square feet. It’s cutting-edge, versatile, and capable of humidifying a home interior by moving air through its moisture-laden water panel. 

In addition to whole-home coverage, the AprilAire 600 provides automatic humidity control, a digital interface, and trustworthy craftsmanship. Contact a professional humidifier installation company to ensure proper installation.

  1. The AprilAire 700

The AprilAire 700 is a fan-powered and duct-mounted model that balances the humidity in your home. Its fan pulls air directly from your furnace, moisturizing and returning it to your air ducts. That air disperses throughout your home and keeps occupants comfortable, hydrated, and cozy.

The AprilAire 700 can effectively cool up to 2,800 square feet in closed-concept homes, and its 18-gallon daily capacity can maintain a consistent moisture level all day, even in hot temperatures! Its humidity panels maintain 40-60% humidity, the optimal level for reducing dust mites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi in your home.

  1. The AprilAire 800

The AprilAire 800 is a whole-house steam humidifier option. It generates steam in an internal canister, which passes into a dispersion tube connected to your duct system. 

This model suits large homes that have significant humidity needs. With only one upkeep required at the end of peak usage season—replacing the machine’s internal canister—the AprilAire 800 model is relatively user-friendly.

AprilAire Humidifier Benefits

No matter the model, every AprilAire humidifier boasts various benefits for homeowners:

Humidifier Installation Ashburn VA
  • Comfort: Humidifiers also protect your home from static shock, sore throats, and chapped skin by restoring humidity to the air.
  • Preservation: Every homeowner seeks to preserve their hardwood floors, cabinetry, furnishings, and other wooden items from warping or cracking. AprilAire humidifiers swiftly combat dry air that can damage these valuables.

Seek Affordable Humidifier Installation in Ashburn, VA

Homeowners in Ashburn, VA, can turn to R.A. Dobson’s professional humidifier installation team to install their new AprilAire humidifier. We’re licensed and insured and boast over 45 years of experience. We stand behind our work, so you receive a 1-year warranty on all our services. We also honor all manufacturer warranties and offer the latest energy-efficient HVAC technology. To learn more about our humidifier options and more, contact us at (703) 481-3700.

Whole Home Humidifier Ashburn VA

Is the AprilAire Model 600 Automatic Humidifier Right for You?

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Humidifiers are popular for their health, comfort, and other protective benefits. Indeed, if dry air plagues your home, a whole-home humidifier installation could solve the issue. Specifically, consider the AprilAire Model 600 Automatic Humidifier—a cutting-edge, versatile model capable of humidifying your entire home automatically. Safe, comfortable indoor air quality is just one purchase away with the AprilAire Model 600. Learn about the product—including its features and benefits—to determine whether the Model 600 would suit your needs.

R.A. Dobson offers humidifier installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement to homeowners in the Ashburn, VA, area. We pair high-functioning, state-of-the-art systems with knowledgeable, skilled craftsmanship. Say goodbye to dry air with the help of our air quality specialists and contact us online or at (703) 481-3700.

Below, we describe the AprilAire Model 600’s functioning, features, and benefits:

Description

Evaporative humidifiers work by filling their top distribution tray with water. Then, a system of outlets disburses the water evenly throughout the tray, and gravity spurs the water to flow across the water panel evaporator. Hot, dry air from the HVAC system then blows through the panel evaporator, filling your home with humidified air through natural evaporation.

Manufacturers designed the AprilAire Model 600 Automatic Humidifier to provide optimum indoor humidity levels. This top-of-the-line humidifier automatically maintains a consistent humidity level in homes up to 4000 square feet. Moreover, a built-in bypass damper allows for seamless installation and adjustable summer/winter settings. 

Features

The Model 600 boasts several notable features, including:

  • Whole-home coverage: The unit’s 17-gallon tank can cover up to 2,500 square feet in conventionally built homes and 4,000 square feet in tightly constructed homes.
  • Automatic humidity control: Dual sensors monitor and react to indoor relative humidity and outdoor temperature. This system provides automatic, continuous, and optimal humidity control throughout your home.
  • Digital interface: The Model 600’s convenient digital interface displays on/off power, humidity percentage, water panel status, and working condition. Moreover, the Blower Activation switch can run continuously or only when the furnace runs.
  • Trustworthy craftsmanship: AprilAire invented the whole-home evaporative humidifier, designing and manufacturing the Model 600 in the U.S. Plus, with an installation from R.A. Dobson, you can expect a 1-year service warranty on top of any applicable manufacturer warranties.

Benefits

Whole Home Humidifier Ashburn VA

Among many benefits, humidifiers safeguard you and your family’s health. The AprilAire Model 600 Automatic Humidifier reduces the threat of respiratory infections, allergy symptoms, and asthma due to poor indoor air quality. The unit does so by humidifying and filtering out bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust from the air. 

Even beyond immediate health benefits, the Model 600 offers comfort by replacing dry air with a pleasant humidity level. Dry air can irritate the skin, eyes, mouth, and throat. AprilAire’s Model 600 combats this automatically by sensing and responding to dryness with the right amount of humidity every time.  

The AprilAire Model 600 also protects the integrity of your home and belongings. Wood floors, furnishings, and cabinetry require a natural amount of humidity. It preserves the wood’s beauty, avoiding permanent damage such as cracking, warping, and other detrimental effects. 

Buy a New Whole-Home Humidifier in Ashburn, VA

R.A. Dobson offers whole-home humidifier installation for Ashburn, VA, homes. For over 45 years, we’ve helped folks improve their home’s indoor air quality. Thus, you can trust the skills and knowledge of our qualified humidifier technicians. Old or new, we’ll service your humidifier to ensure it remains in working condition. For more information on how we can help, call us at (703) 481-3700 today.

Ashburn VA Building Ductwork and Ventilation That May Need top HVAC Repair Services

HVAC Awareness: Parts & Their Lifespans

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Homeowners who have a malfunctioning HVAC system should research it and determine whether a professional HVAC repair or replacement offers better value. While the lifespan of any given part depends on its system’s type, daily usage, and maintenance, the industry has some general guidelines. For instance, compressors typically last between 10-15 years, furnaces 16-20 years, and window units 8-10 years (most models last 2-5 more years if maintained).

For all your HVAC questions, repairs, and installations, reach out to RA Dobson. We are the Ashburn, VA, region’s provider of heating, cooling, and plumbing services. A second-generation family business with over 45 years of industry experience, we have a deep connection to our community and customers. Our team offers a wide range of services that includes heat pump installation, duct cleaning, thermostat repair, and more. To learn more or get a free estimate, contact us today.

Below, we outline HVAC system types, parts, and their expected lifespans:

Air Conditioner Components

All home HVAC systems operate by exchanging interior and exterior air. The air conditioning function, in particular, is designed to pull warm air from inside and release it outside. It does so using the following parts: 

  • Evaporator – housed within the interior-facing portion of the unit, the evaporator cools indoor air using a copper tubing coil and aluminum fins.
  • Condenser – also made of a copper tubing coil, the exterior-facing condenser releases the unit’s collected heat outside.
     
  • Compressor – a pump that moves refrigerant fluid between the evaporator and condenser as well as their copper tubing.
  • Refrigerant fluid – a liquid pumped into the evaporator, where it pulls heat from the interior air by evaporating, to the condenser, where it releases heat and reverts back to a liquid.

Heating Components

In addition to their cooling capacities, many HVAC systems include heating functionality. Heating applies the air transfer principle, outlined above, in reverse: warm air is pulled from outside and released inside. However, when outdoor air becomes colder than the indoors, the HVAC system warms incoming air using one of two devices: 

  • Furnace – using natural gas, oil, or electricity, furnaces heat the air from outside then release it into ductwork that distributes it throughout a structure.
  • Boiler – instead of heating air, boilers heat water into steam that then warms the interior.

Heat pumps and geothermal heating systems are also used in homes, but they are far less common than furnaces and boilers.

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The Lifespan of HVAC Systems & Parts

So, how long do all these systems (and their components) last? As mentioned above, the lifespan of each depends on its system’s daily usage and design. However, the following guidelines can give you a sense of their endurance: 

  • Central HVAC – the “traditional” form of heating and cooling, central HVAC systems combine heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) functionalities. Each element of these systems has a different lifespan: furnaces tend to last 16-20 years while central air conditioners last 12-15. On the other hand, boilers last 10-15 years.
  • Air conditioning window units – estimates for window unit lifespans vary widely. Some sources place it at an average of 10 years while others 8 years. However, all agree that you can extend your unit’s life with regular maintenance.
  • Air conditioner parts – on top of unit lifespans, individual parts in air conditioners can fail. Compressors, for instance, last between 10-15 years. However, this means that you can replace a part without replacing the whole unit.

HVAC Repair and Maintenance Services Available in Ashburn, VA

While HVAC systems come in many types that contain myriad components, learning about them pays off. You’ll know when to call for HVAC repair services and when you need a full HVAC system replacement. No matter the situation, turn to RA Dobson for all your home services needs. We specialize in heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services but also offer support with generators, humidifiers, and more. We’ve served the Ashburn, VA, area for 45 years, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with this community. For more information or to schedule a service, call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form.

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.

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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!