A&E Plumbing, Heating and Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Maintenance’ Category

Video – Do I Need to Schedule a Maintenance Appointment?

Monday, February 27th, 2023

Regularly scheduled maintenance can help you catch symptoms of bigger problems before they become an issue for your business. Catching symptoms of trouble early on can keep your units working efficiently and safely as long as possible.

Just like a regular physical, a regularly scheduled maintenance appointment can help find and diagnose problems that would be otherwise invisible to you because the signs are not easily seen or heard. So often we notice problems only because we miss the benefit we lost when something stops working.

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Video – Stay Cool During the Summer

Friday, July 29th, 2022

Schedule a clean-check today.

A & E Plumbing, Heating, and Air, Inc.

3457 Guignard Dr.
Hood River, OR 97031
541-387-3311

605 Hostetler St
The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-0701

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Air Handler Maintenance

Friday, July 15th, 2022

All the air in your Oregon home runs through your air handler, and keeping it in tip-top shape has distinct benefits for you. 

Handle With Care

Regularly scheduled maintenance for your air handler keeps you healthier; extends the life of your system; and contributes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) higher efficiency; and may even reduce your energy bills.

At A&E Heating and Cooling, our team of HVAC professionals has extensive experience and knowledge to handle this for you.

Why Schedule Maintenance?

Without much fuss, your air handler works hard to circulate the air conditioned by your heating and cooling system throughout your home. The air handler is like the silent partner in your HVAC system. As such, it can easily be overlooked or forgotten. But regularly scheduled maintenance makes all the difference in its smooth operation and longevity. 

Keeping your air handler in good working order provides several benefits to both you and the air handler. Since the air handler’s main purpose is to circulate conditioned air, regularly cleaning and tuning your unit helps keep your The Dalles home’s air cleaner. Bacteria, allergens, and mold can build up in the unit’s drain. Cleaning these contaminants can prevent them from overtaking your ducts and getting to your lungs. 

Regular maintenance can also prevent you from wasting money. When your air handler is properly maintained, it can save you as much as 30 percent on your monthly energy bill. Plus, it reduces the number of overall repairs needed. Repairs can be very expensive and routine maintenance helps prevent unexpected repairs. 

Additionally, having the components regularly cleaned and inspected by one of our HVAC experts can extend the life of your air handler.

What Can I Do When It Comes to Air Handler Maintenance?

There are a couple do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks you can manage in between your annual or biannual professional maintenance appointments. The first, and most important, is to change your air filter every one to three months, depending on if you have allergies, pets, or smokers in your home. 

In addition, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), choosing to upgrade your HVAC system’s air filter can also help to improve your STATE home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).

A second maintenance task you can perform is to keep the air handler drain clear. You can clean it by pouring a quarter cup of bleach or white vinegar down the drain about every six months. This will help kill bacteria, reduce mold building up, and will help prevent your drain from overflowing due to clogs.

What Our Pros Do When It Comes to Air Handler Maintenance

Beyond what you can do on your own, the remainder of your needed maintenance requires the know-how and tools of one of our A&E Heating and Cooling professionals. Some of the expert tasks we perform are:

• Cleaning coils

• Cleaning and adjusting dampers and actuators

• Fixing any leaks in the air handler cabinet and supply ducts

• Cleaning, checking, lubricating bearings and fans

• Vacuuming inside the entire unit

• Checking and cleaning the condensate drain and pan

Contact Us for Your Air Handler Maintenance

At A&E Heating and Cooling here in The Dalles and Hood River, OR we take maintenance very seriously. We know how much is riding on the regular care of your HVAC system. Call us at Hood River at 1-541-387-3311 or The Dalles at 1-541-296-0701 or request service online today. Have your air handler maintained on a routine basis to retain its peak performance.

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Video – Do I Need to Schedule a Maintenance Appointment?

Wednesday, April 27th, 2022

Regularly scheduled maintenance can help you catch symptoms of bigger problems before they become an issue for your business. Catching symptoms of trouble early on can keep your units working efficiently and safely as long as possible.

Just like a regular physical, a regularly scheduled maintenance appointment can help find and diagnose problems that would be otherwise invisible to you because the signs are not easily seen or heard. So often we notice problems only because we miss the benefit we lost when something stops working.

A & E Plumbing, Heating, and Air, Inc.

3457 Guignard Dr. · Hood River, OR 97031 541-387-3311

605 Hostetler St · The Dalles, OR 97058 541-296-0701

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Alleviate Allergies with HVAC System Maintenance

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

Frustrated over your allergies preventing you from enjoying the day in your The Dalles home or getting any rest at night? You’re not alone!

Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Nobody should ever suffer or lose sleep over them, especially when you deserve to be comfortable in your Oregon home.

At A&E Heating & Air, we believe your home should be your sanctuary—not a trigger for allergies. We want you to experience bliss and tranquility, which is why we offer plenty of home solutions to maximize your level of indoor comfort. Routine heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance is one excellent solution, in particular, that can help provide some relief for your symptoms.

How HVAC Maintenance Can Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Maintenance is essential for a properly functioning and efficient HVAC system, but it also helps optimize your indoor air quality (IAQ). With improved indoor air quality, you can breathe easier and enjoy cleaner, fresher air circulating throughout your home.

Be sure to follow these maintenance tips regularly for ideal air quality and to reduce the number of allergens in your The Dalles home:

  • Change Your Air Filter
    The air filter on your HVAC system traps common allergens like dust, dander, pollen, and mold. At A&E Heating & Air, we recommend replacing your filter every one to three months—or cleaning it if designed to be washed and reused. Replacing or cleaning your filter will help you breathe cleaner air and prevent clogs, which can lead to other problems—including a complete system breakdown.
  • Seal and Weatherstrip Your Windows and Doors
    A great way to keep dirt, pollen, and debris from entering your home is to seal any cracks around your windows and doors. Be sure to keep your windows closed when you notice an increase in pollen outside, especially if this is a trigger for your allergies.
  • Install an Air Purification System
    A whole-home air purification system can help reduce pollutants inside your home and further enhance your indoor air quality. Air purifiers effectively remove particulates, microbes, gases, and other irritants. These systems provide the extra boost of cleanliness your Oregon home needs.
  • Add a Whole-Home Humidifier and/or Whole-Home Dehumidifier
    Inadequate humidity levels in your home can trigger allergies and other respiratory issues. If your home is too humid, consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier to discourage common allergens, including dust and mold, from thriving and provoking your allergies. Homes with low humidity levels can also be bothersome when you suffer from allergies. Dryness can make it easier for you to breathe in contaminants. Be sure to add a whole-home humidifier so you can manage the humidity levels in your home accordingly.
  • Opt for Professional Maintenance
    It’s critical to have routine professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year. Not only will this keep your heating and cooling system in good health but it will also allow for your equipment and ductwork to be meticulously cleaned by our professionals in places you may otherwise not be able to reach on your own.

    With our tools, we can get to these hard-to-reach areas and ensure your system is free from common allergens. Our experts can even recommend the best indoor air quality products for your specific needs and the needs of your home. Just give our experts a call to schedule your next maintenance visit.

We Can Help Keep You Comfortable with Effective Home Solutions

With the help of our A&E Heating & Air professionals, you can breathe better and experience heightened comfort in your home here in The Dalles, OR. Take action and alleviate your allergies by opting for high-quality heating and cooling equipment and routine maintenance. Be sure to speak with our professionals to learn more by calling 541-296-0701 or request service online.

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Is HVAC Preventative Maintenance Really Worth It?

Thursday, November 14th, 2019

At A&E Heating and Air, we know what an investment your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is in your home. That’s why time and time again we recommend regular preventative maintenance on all your HVAC units. You need to invest in your investment.

We have had some of our The Dalles, OR, area customers ask us if it’s really worth it. Does preventative maintenance pay off or is it a scam?

Our response is always the same—yes, it is definitely worth it. And, no, it is not a scam. In fact, the majority of heating and cooling service calls are a direct result of a lack of proper maintenance.

Maintenance Benefits for You

You can experience many benefits as a direct result of preventative maintenance. When you regularly maintain your system, you will:

Save energy and money. When your heating and cooling system is regularly cleaned and checked, it will operate at its peak performance and most energy efficient. This saves you energy, producing lower energy bills, thereby saving you money as well.
Prevent unnecessary repairs. Since your system is checked on a regular basis, any wear and tear on parts is noted by our professionals and addressed. This reduces the middle-of-the-night breakdowns and accompanying costly repairs. Also, when your system is cleaned regularly, your system runs smoother, avoiding extra stress on your system’s components.
• Improve your indoor air quality. Scheduling regular cleanings cuts down on the dirt-and-debris buildup in your system. This means less of this finds its way into your home’s air flow and into your lungs. Additionally, changing your filter every few months allows it to do its job and stop any dust and particles from proceeding to the general air flow, giving you high indoor air quality. And, according to ENERGY STAR®, airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.
• Extend your system’s life span. Ensuring your heating and cooling system is clean and checked allows your system to operate as the manufacturer intended. With few problems and repairs, your system’s life span can increase, once again saving you money from purchasing a new one.
• Keep your manufacturer’s and installation company’s warranties valid. Many companies stipulate your warranty is null and void without regular professional maintenance. You may need to provide your maintenance receipts as proof in the case of a warranty claim.
• Save time. When you participate with one of our preventative maintenance service plans, you save yourself time. Our professionals contact you to schedule your appointments and then take care of the maintenance for you. This saves you time in your day on both counts.

Call Us for Your HVAC Maintenance

Maintaining your heating and cooling system with knowledgeable and experienced professionals like ours at A&E Heating & Air only reaps benefits for you. Protect your HVAC investment for the long haul. Give us a call at 541-387-3311 to discuss how our team can help you.

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