Blog - John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Replace A/C Filters: Why it Matters

05.14.21

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is frequently change or clean its air filters. Clean air filters improve indoor air quality at home and help keep your unit efficient. In this post, the experts at Kinkaid discuss how to replace AC filter FAQs.

The Importance of Clean Air Filters

Air quality is often worse indoors than it is outside. Here’s what the air filters in your home help catch:

Dust and dirt
Pet hair
Pollen
Dander
Mold and mold spores
Bacteria and other microorganisms
Fibers and lint

Air pollutants like these can exacerbate symptoms in allergy and asthma sufferers. If you or others in the home frequently experience runny noses, sneezing, coughing fits, headaches and nausea, poor air quality may be at work (always consult a doctor about symptoms first).

What are MERV Ratings on HVAC Filters?

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of an air filter indicates how effective it is. The higher an air filter’s MERV rating is, the smaller the particles it can trap. This means a higher MERV rating means you’re getting a more efficient filter. Residential HVAC units can use air filters with a MERV rating of up to around 12 before it becomes too difficult to push air through (higher MERV ratings, like 20, are typically reserved for medical settings). Your local Kinkaid HVAC technician can recommend the best MERV rating for your home.

How Do Reusable Air Filters Work?

Washable or reusable air filters are a more eco-friendly option. These typically last for several years before they need to be replaced. Reusable air filters with high MERV rating can be difficult to find. Households where allergies or other respiratory challenges are a concern might benefit from using HEPA-type filters instead.

How Do I Replace My A/C Air Filter?

You might have one to three (or more) return vents that pull air into your unit to be cooled (depending on the size of your home). To replace an air filter:

Remove the grate in front of the return vent.
Check the old air filter for sizing (dimensions are often printed on the side of the filter’s frame).
Insert the new filter, ensuring any arrows printed on the frame point toward your ductwork, where air is being drawn in.

As a general rule of thumb, replace or clean air filters every 90 days. This number will vary depending on your location, lifestyle and number of pets in the home. Aside from frequently replacing air filters, the best way to keep your unit efficient is to schedule annual maintenance from an HVAC professional.

Call Kinkaid For HVAC Maintenance

Kinkaid proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repairs on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Contact us today to get started!

5 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

04.21.21

We love our pets, but all that fur can interfere with HVAC performance. Excessive pet hair and dander can clog up filters and air vents, impeding your unit’s efficiency and the air quality in your home. In today’s post, the experts at Kinkaid provide 5 HVAC tips for pet owners.

HVAC Maintenance with Pets

The following tips will help keep everyone happy and healthy:

1. Replace Air Filters

Dirty air filters keep your unit from running efficiently. Pet owners might need to replace air filters (or clean reusable filters) roughly every 30 days, depending on the number of pets in the home. HEPA-type air filters can be helpful to those who suffer from allergies.

2. Groom Your Pets.

Our pets tend to shed more in the spring and fall to prepare for a change in the weather. Regular grooming will help keep pet hair at bay. Extra attention during their shedding seasons will help ensure your HVAC unit keeps running smoothly.

3. Vacuum Often.

Managing pet hair takes on many forms. Vacuum carpets, couches and bedding frequently to keep pet hair out of your air filters and air ducts.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat.

Our pets are often less sensitive to temperature changes than we are. While it’s important to avoid extreme temperature changes with pets in the home, small changes can save you money over time. Set the thermostat 1–3°F higher in the summertime while you are away during the day to preserve your HVAC unit and save on utility costs. A programmable thermostat makes this easy.

5. Install Pet Doors Properly

Air leaks from pet doors that aren’t properly sealed during installation can drive up utility costs. Ensure pet doors are well caulked (sealed with a waterproof sealant) and secure them when they aren’t being used.

Get an Annual Tune-Up from Kinkaid!

The best way pet owners can prepare their A/C units for the spring and summer is to schedule an annual tune-up from Kinkaid. Our qualified technicians will clean your unit top-to-bottom and inspect it for loose or worn parts. We can also make maintenance recommendations based on your home and the number of pets you have. Kinkaid proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester Counties. Contact us today to get started!

Spring A/C Maintenance Tips

03.10.21

Spring is on the horizon, which makes now the perfect time to get ahead with annual A/C maintenance. In this post, the experts at Kinkaid provide 5 tips to help prepare ac for summer before the warm weather hits.

It’s easy to forget about our A/C units until we need them. That’s why it’s wise to perform routine spring maintenance before you have to rely on your A/C unit for comfort. By doing so, you can avoid the headache and inconvenience of scheduling repairs mid-summer, when prices are higher and HVAC companies are flooded with repair request. In addition to scheduling an annual tune-up and inspection, the following 5 tips will go a long way toward keeping your unit efficient:

1. Change or Clean Filters

This one is simple, but we can’t overstate how important it is to keep filters clean. As a rule of thumb, HVAC filters should be replaced every 2-3 months. If you have pets in the home or live in an area prone to air pollutants like dust or pollen, you’ll likely need to change filters more frequently. Reusable filters should be cleaned just as often.

2. Check Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit should be free of debris with roughly 2ft of space around it. Spring is an excellent time to inspect and clean your outdoor unit and trim back any nearby bushes, trees or shrubbery.

3. Check Duct Work

It’s wise to inspect ductwork for debris, air leaks and insect or rodent infestations prior to running your A/C for the first time in the season.

4. Clean out Your Condensate Drain Line

Your unit’s condensate drain line transports the moisture it removes from indoor air to the outside. Drain lines can become clogged with debris, causing water to flow back into your drain pan. This can overflow and cause water damage. Before running your A/C unit, try flushing the condensate drain line with a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water.

5. Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can indicate a refrigerant leak and lead to problems like frozen evaporator coils and decreased system efficiency. Be sure to check and adjust refrigerant levels and replace any necessary parts before running your unit.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Kinkaid

The best way to prepare your A/C unit for the spring and summer is to schedule an annual tune-up with a professional HVAC company like Kinkaid. Our qualified technicians will clean your unit top-to-bottom and inspect it for loose or worn parts. We proudly serve Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester Counties. Contact us today to get started!

The Benefits of Residential Duct Cleaning

02.12.21

Air ducts often fall victim to an out of sight, out of mind mentality. As a result, many homeowners may not consider duct cleaning until there is a major problem, such as an insect or rodent infestation. It’s important not to overlook this component of home maintenance. In this post, we discuss the benefits of residential duct cleaning Montgomery County, PA homeowners should know about.

Air Duct Contaminants

Air ducts can harbor contaminants like pet dander, pollen, dust, remnants from insect or rodent infestations and even mold or mildew. Furthermore, these pollutants can build up over time and, if left unchecked, can cause HVAC and air quality problems.

What Does Duct Cleaning Entail?

A professional company like Kinkaid performs a thorough inspection and cleaning of your whole duct system. This includes air registers, vents, grilles, the housing of your HVAC unit and more. Working with Kinkaid includes the additional benefit of our knowledge in related areas, such as heating, cooling and water heating. This enables our technicians to take a holistic approach to air duct cleaning, with a thorough understanding of potential root causes behind problems like inefficient airflow, unpleasant noises or the presence of mold and mildew.

The Benefits of Residential Duct Cleaning

Next, let’s look at some of the benefits homeowners can enjoy as a result of regular air duct cleaning:

Reduces the smell of musty odors.
Reduces the amounts of allergens like dust and pet dander present in the home.
Prolongs the life of your HVAC unit and air filters.
Ensures thorough inspections of ductwork through regular cleanings by qualified professionals.
Reduces the risk of fires, as in the case of dryer vent ductwork.

When to Clean Air Ducts

Ductwork should be cleaned once a year, as a general rule of thumb. Depending on factors like a homeowner’s climate, air duct system and the number of pets in the home, this will vary.

Work with Kinkaid!

Kinkaid has proudly served Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties since 1917. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repair on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Kinkaid is here to help, contact us today to get started!

5 Tips for Indoor Air Circulation

01.15.21

This time of year, many of us battle cabin fever alongside winter blues—even without the backdrop of a global pandemic keeping us indoors. Stale, stagnant air can add to feelings of listlessness, fatigue and irritability associated with cabin fever. That’s why in this post, we discuss 5 tips to help you improve air circulation in your home.

Keep it Moving!

Regular HVAC maintenance goes a long way toward improving indoor air quality. Additionally, good air circulation helps keep temperatures consistent and freshens up the air in your space. The following steps can also help keep air flowing through your hom

1. Change or Clean Air Filters

Clogged air filters in your HVAC system will impede airflow, as well as your unit’s ability to filter out dust and other contaminants. Be sure to change or clean (reusable) air filters frequently to keep air filtered and flowing!

2. Check Vents & Registers

Check that air vents and return registers throughout the home are clean and free of obstructions. You may find that a return register is being blocked by furniture, or that air vents and air ducts are in need of a thorough cleaning.

3. Turn on Ceiling Fans

Heat rises, and in the winter that means the warm air you pay for can end up closer to the ceiling than where you really need it. Turning ceiling fans on to a low setting can help circulate warm air back down and get that stagnant air moving.

4. Air it Out!

Opening windows, even for just a few minutes, can bring fresh air in and rid your home of a stale-air slump. Opening multiple windows in a room, for example, can help create a cross-breeze that will reinvigorate the air in your space in no time!

5. Install Exhaust Fans

Installing exhaust fans throughout the home can help combat fog, steam, stale odors and moisture related problems like mold and mildew. Exhaust fans are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens, but there are other areas in the home that might benefit from an exhaust fan, such as an attic or basement.

Work with Kinkaid!

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

12.11.20

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, many of us spend more time than usual indoors or at home. Indoors, we rely on the air cycling through our HVAC systems. Although we tend to think of HVAC systems in terms of heating and cooling, we also depend on them as means of air quality control. In this post, we share tips to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Air Quality Matters

Poor indoor air quality can cause health issues like headaches, allergy symptoms, asthma symptoms, fatigue, rashes and difficulty concentrating, as well as eye, nose, throat and lung irritations.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Our heating and cooling systems are responsible for both filtering AND cycling air throughout our homes. As a result, inadequate HVAC maintenance is a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. To help keep air quality-related health issues at bay, consider the following:

Filters––change or clean reusable HVAC filters often. If you live in a home with pets or in an area prone to contaminants like dust or pollen, you’ll want to perform this task even more frequently. Air filters trap contaminants and keep them from reentering your home, but a dirty air filter can impede airflow. This causes your unit to run less efficiently and prevents ongoing air filtration. HEPA filters are specially designed to help improve air quality.
Clean Air Ducts––as air travels through air ducts, pollutants like dust, pollen and bacteria can be deposited along the way and build up over time. Insect or rodent infestations can lead to odors and decreased air quality. Additionally, if moisture enters ductwork, mold and mildew can cause health concerns. Having air ducts cleaned frequently helps avoids all of these problems.
Clean Coils––dirty coils inside of your unit will impede system efficiency. This not only costs you money and eventually leads to breakdowns, it also prevents air from properly cycling through your system and the filters you have in place.

Work with Kinkaid!

The best way to keep up with HVAC maintenance is to work with a professional. Annual tune-ups and inspections help keep your system clean and efficient. A qualified technician can also advise on how often to clean or replace air filters, depending on your situation.

Water Heaters: To Repair or Replace?

11.13.20

Experiencing problems with your water heater, Montgomery County homeowner? Kinkaid can help! In this post, we look at signs it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.

Your water heater heats cold water and pumps it throughout your house for cooking, cleaning and showers (among other necessities). Problems with your water heater can lead to major inconveniences, so keep an eye out for these signs:

Water Heater Age

A system’s age might be the most important factor in deciding whether to repair or replace. The average life expectancy for water heaters is roughly 15-20 years. Therefore, if your system is approaching this age range, replacement is likely a better investment than constant repairs.

No Hot Water

Your water heater likely needs attention if your water gets lukewarm at best, or if you only get hot water for short periods of time. Sediment build-up might be the culprit here, in which case a professional can flush your tank. In other cases, this issue could indicate a more serious problem.

Your Water is Discolored

If you notice your water seems to have a reddish tint to it, this could indicate the presence of rust inside the water tank. Water may also have a cloudy appearance, or a metallic smell. Have this issue inspected by a professional immediately to ensure your water is safe to use.

Water Heater Corrosion

Once there is visible corrosion on your water heater, it’s likely time to replace the system, as this is difficult to repair and typically only occurs when a system is very old. If you see corrosion on the outside of your water tank, call a professional right away to prevent further damage, leaking or complete system failure.

Energy Costs

Hot water accounts for a significant portion of your heating energy. If your system’s efficiency is impeded due to old age, faulty parts or sediment build-up, it can lead to an increase in your energy bills.

Constant Repairs

If you find yourself frequently spending money on repairs (more than twice a year, for example), you may want to consider replacement as a more cost-effective investment––especially if your system is nearing the 15-20-year mark.

Count on Kinkaid!

Regular inspections and professional maintenance can ensure your system runs efficiently year-round, reducing energy costs and preventing unforeseen problems.

5 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill

10.16.20

Keep cozy with blankets and socks for a lower heating bill!

Time to bundle up! Winter is fast approaching. Are you hoping for a lower heating bill this season? We all are! In this post, the experts at Kinkaid share five tips to help homeowners in Bucks County, PA save on heating costs when temperatures drop this fall.

1. Thermostat Settings

It sounds simple, but starting with a lower thermostat setting can reduce energy bills by up to 3 percent––per degree, per day. You can lower the temperature even more during the night for additional cost savings and opt for long sleeves, layered blankets and cozy slippers to stay warm. A programmable thermostat is a great way to save by allowing you to set a schedule for your system––simply program a lower temperature overnight and when you’re away from home for an extended period of time during the day. Of course, always ensure the environment remains comfortable for pets, children and the elderly.

2. Use Fans to Circulate Hot Air

Heat rises, but a ceiling fan on a low setting can help circulate hot air back down and throughout the home.

3. Windows, Curtains, Shades and Blinds

Windows can contribute to up to 25% of heat loss in the home. It’s a good idea to open curtains, blinds or shades on south-facing windows during the day to let natural heat from sunlight in, and to close them at night to help insulate your house against the cold. Placing blankets over uncovered windows at night, or over drapes when temperatures drop (during a cold front, for example), can provide additional insulation. Lastly, installing heavy duty clear window treatments is a great way to help keep the cold out, especially on single pane windows.

4. Change Air Filters

Clean air filters promote proper air flow throughout the home and reduce strain on your system. This can extend the life of your furnace and improve indoor air quality.

5. Regular Maintenance

Scheduling a tune-up before you need your system most is a great way to save on energy bills. A certified HVAC technician can clean and evaluate your system. This helps ensure there are no loose or damaged parts, air filters are clean, and your system is operating at maximum efficiency.

Call on Kinkaid

John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repair on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Contact us today to set up an appointment!

Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall

09.11.20

Kinkaid is the most trusted in HVAC Montgomery County, PA has to offer.

Your A/C unit worked hard all summer long to keep you cool, but now fall is upon us. In this blog post, the most trusted experts in HVAC Montgomery County, PA has to offer share tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for fall.

Change Air Filters

One of the most important things you can do is also one of the easiest. Air filters need to be replaced frequently or cleaned if they are reusable. Dust, pollen and other contaminants can build up and clog filters. This impedes airflow. Dirty filters also decrease indoor air quality and make your unit work harder than it needs to. Changing/cleaning filters before switching to heating ensures maximum efficiency, reducing strain on your unit.

Not sure whether it’s time to clean or replace an air filter? Hold it up to the light – the light should pass through easily. If your filter is blocking out light, it’s likely also blocking airflow. How often you need to replace/clean filters can vary depending on your household, where you live and how many pets you have. Doing so at least once every 90 days is generally a good rule of thumb.

Clean Air Vents and Registers

Air vents and registers can become clogged with debris like dust build-up and nesting materials from insects or rodents. Like dirty air filters, this can impede airflow and decrease indoor air quality. It’s a good idea to check these and wipe them down to clean off any contaminants that might end up circulating throughout your home.

Check Your Outdoor Unit

The fall may be adored for the way trees change color and shed leaves, but this presents potential problems for your outdoor unit. Debris from foliage can clog your system, which greatly impedes efficiency. In the fall especially, it’s important to clear away dead leaves, twigs or branches and cut back surrounding shrubbery to allow enough space around the unit for proper airflow. You can also rinse your unit off with a garden hose, just be sure it’s fully turned off at the source.

Schedule a Tune-Up

It’s a good idea to schedule a system tune-up in the fall, before you really start depending on your unit to heat your home. A professional HVAC technician can clean your system, inspect it for potential problems and replace worn parts before they cause problems.

Kinkaid proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repair on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Contact us today to get started!

5 Common A/C Problems Explained

08.14.20

Fall may be just around the corner, but the days remain long and hot. Few things can put a damper on the final stretch of summer like your AC not working. In this post, we cover 5 common A/C problems to watch out for.

1. Dirty Filters Impeding Air Flow

The air filters in your unit need to be replaced frequently, or in the case of reusable filters, they need to be cleaned frequently. As filters become clogged with dirt, dust and debris, it can prevent proper airflow throughout your unit.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels will impede the effectiveness of your unit. This chemical, also known as Freon, is responsible for cooling the air within your system. If your unit needs to be recharged with refrigerant, it’s a strong indication you are dealing with a refrigerant leak, which should be located and repaired right away.

3. Fans

Your unit depends on two fans – one that blows indoor air over the evaporator coil to cool the air, and an outdoor fan that conveys the heat absorbed from your home to the outside. Faulty motors, worn belts, dirt and debris or lack of lubrication can cause either fan to stop working properly. This can lead to poor airflow, or in the worst case, compressor failure. Cleaning your A/C unit and keeping outdoor compressors free of leaves, dirt and other debris can extend the life of your fans and overall unit.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant and absorb heat from the air. They need warm air circulating around them in order to function, otherwise they can get too cold and develop a layer of ice on the outside. When this happens, you are likely to get either warm air, or no air at all from your unit.

5. Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are part of the outdoor unit and expel heat removed from the building to the outside. This process of heat transfer can be impeded when condenser coils become clogged with or covered in dirt and debris. This can result in greater wear and tear on your unit and eventual failure. Regularly cleaning your unit can ensure condenser coils are operating efficiently.

Trust a Professional

An annual tune-up by a professional can extend the life of your A/C unit by many years. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your system, an HVAC technician can help set up a maintenance plan and provide guidance on how frequently to change or clean air filters.