Heating and Air system maintenance consultation

Fall Rebates on New Systems Up to $2300!

/in , , , /by

If you’ve been postponing replacing that aging or failing system, now is the time to take advantage of some fantastic savings! You may qualify for a manufacturer rebate of up to $1600 on a NEW System. Plus, add on Duke Energy Rebates up to $600 and PSNC Rebates up to $100, for a total in savings of up to $2300!*

The PSNC Energy Rebate:  Customers of PSNC Energy may also qualify for a $100.00 rebate to replace their heating unit with a new, high-efficiency gas furnace.

Duke Energy Progress:  Effective April 16, 2016, qualifying customers could get up to $600 in rebates on high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment while improving their home’s energy efficiency and comfort. You could also receive up to $190.00 in rebates for duct repair or replacement. Apex Heating and Air must file the rebate for you.

Contact us for details on ALL current Energy and Manufacturer Rebates.

*Sale period must be from August 14 – November 30, 2017. Must be installed and claimed before December 29th, 2017.

Saving on your energy bill during the Summer Heat

/in , , , , /by

General Household Summer Cooling Tips

Did you know that over 50% of annual energy costs come from a home’s heating and cooling system? The following energy efficiency tips could save you a significant amount on your summer cooling bills.

Energy Saving Tips:

  • Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher can save you money. Keep in mind that a single degree of change on your thermostat can increase or decrease your energy use by 3 percent to 5 percent.
  • Use ceiling fans or portable fans in addition to your air conditioning system to aid in the cooling effect. Be sure to turn off fans when no one is in the room.
  • Keep windows, drapes and blinds closed during the hottest times of the day — generally noon to 5pm.
  • Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to reduce the amount of hot or moist air circulating in the house.
  • Programmable thermostats can save you money when you are away from home at work.
  • Clean or replace air filters as recommended by manufacturers once a month or as needed.
  • Make sure all your ductwork is tightly sealed and there are no leaks.
  • Have your heat pump coils cleaned by a professional to ensure the system is operating at peak performance. Call us at 919.367.0102 for details.
  • An annual maintenance contract with Apex Heating and Air can extend the life of your system significantly and ensure your system is ready for the summer heat.

Call us at 919.367.0102 or contact us using our website form.

Keeping Away the Critters

/in , /by

It’s that time of year when creepy-crawlies start coming out of the woodwork and, believe it or not, could end up in your HVAC system!

If you live near a wooded area or a body of water, pest infestation is more likely and can lead to costly problems. Pests often want to burrow and tunnel. This can create holes in your HVAC system, which results in leaks that may be expensive to fix, and can cause your system to work harder to maintain a desired temperature.

In addition, dead pests can create a stench, which blows through your vents and can cause your home to stink. These decaying pest corpses can also affect the indoor air quality of your home and make breathing difficult for particularly sensitive occupants.

Check out these tips for keeping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system free from infestation:

Tip #1:  Look for access points, gaps, or holes around your HVAC system, pipes, lines and foundation and use an expanding foam or caulk to fill the cracks (follow manufacturer recommendations).

Tip #2:  Install aluminum wire mesh screens over your exterior vents so small animals cannot wander in. Check periodically to make sure that the screens stay sealed and have not come loose.

Tip #3:  Periodically check your vents with a flashlight for signs of unwanted pests to help prevent colonization. Vacuum up or trap any unwanted intruders and remove them from your home. NEVER spray insecticides into your vents!

Tip #4:  To minimize the chances of pests entering your HVAC system from outside your home, bug repellent can be placed near the perimeter of your outdoor cooling and heating units. However, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions with any chemical repellent, and NEVER spray or spread them directly into/onto your HVAC units, filters or vents — this could permanently damage equipment, lead to serious health risks for your family, and degrade your indoor air quality. When in doubt, hire a professional exterminator to treat your property for insects and other pests.

Tip #5:  Make sure there is no standing water near your outside unit as this can attract bugs. If your unit is in a low area, take measures to prevent water from collecting during rainstorms.

Tip #6:  Keep the area clean. Walk around your outdoor unit every now and then to make sure that the area is free of debris that might attract  critters to make a home. Be sure to keep an eye out for anthills, reptiles, rodents and other pest nests.

Tip #7:  Maintain your ducts. Loose seals and cracks are one of the easiest ways for bugs to enter your ductwork. Call an HVAC professional to have your ducts cleaned and sealed this season!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your HVAC maintenance and ensure your ducts are pest-free this season!

Spring Cleaning Your HVAC System

/in , , , , , /by

Spring has sprung! There are birds chirping, warm breezes… and pollen in the air! Accompanying the warmer temps and colorful flowers is everyone’s least favorite part of the season — pollen — and with it comes allergies. By taking care of your home’s HVAC system you can ensure that the dreaded pollen stays outside, and you can breathe carefree inside. Plus, it’s always good to inspect your HVAC system at the start of any season. Preventative care now can eliminate more costly repair bills down the road!

Check out these tips for keeping your home pollen-free this season.

– Use the correct air filter. Typical air conditioner filters are designed to keep debris and large dirt particles out of the equipment and are not meant to keep plant spores out of your lungs. A high-energy particulate air filter (HEPA filter) will remove allergens from your home. For maximum effectiveness, change your filter every other month. Switch it out more often if you are located in an area with high pollen counts.

– Contact Us to Install a Whole-house UV Air Purification System. If anyone in your family suffers from severe allergies or has breathing issues, we offer a solution that can dramatically improve your indoor air quality. Our licensed installers can add a whole-house UV Air Purification System to your existing system to help eliminate harmful contaminants and improve the air in your home. Contact us today for complete details.

– Make sure your ducts are cleaned out. Pollen, dust, and debris can accumulate in your ventilation, cooling, and heating ducts over time. As air flows around your home, these contaminants also circulate. To keep your home pollen free and improve the air quality, make sure you have your air ducts cleaned out regularly.

– Check that your ductwork is properly sealed. If there are holes in your duct system, allergens and dust can easily invade the air in your home. Thoroughly sealing your ducts will prevent pollen from infiltrating your home’s ventilation system. Plus, build-up in your ducts can add up to 30% to your cooling bill.

– Consider a whole house humidifier. Humidifiers are designed to improve air quality in your home and can help minimize the effects of air particles, such as pollen, that get inside. These particles often need dry conditions to thrive and moisture in the air helps to eliminate them.

– Signup for our Annual Maintenance Contract. Did you know that having a professional service your unit 2 times a year can DOUBLE THE LIFE of your heating and air system? That’s a huge savings on your original investment, and can help minimize major service calls or break downs. Contact us today for complete details.

Clean ducts and air filters allow your HVAC system to run efficiently, decreasing energy costs and preventing your unit from failing prematurely. To avoid low air quality and extra costs this season, be sure to proactively contact your HVAC technician to pollen-proof your home. Remember – just because you can’t see airborne materials, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. Contact us today for more information or an on-site consultation.

Apex Heating and Air - Spring HVAC System Prep

Is Your Heat Pump Prepared for Spring?

/in , , , /by

With snow on the ground and cold weather still ahead in the forecast, you may not be putting much thought into warmer months. But it’s not too early to starting looking ahead to Spring. Follow these spring cleaning maintenance tips to smoothly transition your HVAC system into the next season and help to reduce energy costs.

  • Check the air filters: Changing the air filters is a simple fix and something that you should do at least once a season if not more. Clogged filters can increase energy costs by 15% or more and damage your system as it struggles to function. Swapping them out or cleaning them will also help to improve air quality and reduce allergens in your home, such as mold and dust.
  • Do some yard work: Clear sticks, branches, leaves, grass clippings, and other debris away from your outside unit. This will help to promote airflow and reduce damage to your system.
  • Examine the unit: While you are at it, inspect your outdoor unit for any damage that may have occurred over the winter, such as dented or missing panels. These panels are intended to protect you and the system, so be sure to notify your technician if there is a problem especially if electrical components are composed. If it’s safe to do so, you should also go ahead and hose down your unit to remove dirt and grime.
  • Inspect the ducts: Turn on your system and listen for unusual sounds, such as grinding, clicking, or rattling. These noises could indicate loose or leaky ducts, a frayed belt, or issues with the motor. Duct cleaning can also reduce the amount of wear and tear on your system and promote air flow.
  • Schedule a tune-up: While there are definitely preventative steps the homeowner can take, it’s important to also call in a professional. A certified technician will examine ducts for leaks, check refrigerant levels, lubricate unit components, inspect electrical connections, clean coils, and more.

Lastly, be sure to contact your HVAC technician to sign-up for an annual seasonal maintenance contract. Regular HVAC preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation, peak performance, and priority during peak times and discounts off parts/labor.

Following these tips will extend the life of your unit and reduce monthly energy costs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information!