John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Water Heaters: To Repair or Replace?

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.

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 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill

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

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

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. 

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. Take a look at our service plans and financing options, or contact us to get started today! 

HVAC in a Time of COVID-19

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has changed the way most of us go about our daily lives. Home and business owners are left with questions like: Can COVID spread through HVAC systems?

Though it is difficult to measure, there is no definitive evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted through an HVAC system. That said, there are several measures that can help curb the spread of the virus. Let’s take a look:

Humidity and COVID-19

Some research suggests that adding moisture to the air can damage the outer membrane of the virus. In fact, the lower levels of humidity most indoor spaces experience in the winter months create just the kind of environment that COVID-19 thrives in. The virus may also remain viable for longer periods of time in spaces with low humidity. This is an important factor to keep in mind, even in the summer, as increased humidity makes “droplets” less likely to linger in the air. An additional benefit to adjusting humidity levels is that it helps moisturize our mucous membranes, which can aid in the body’s ability to fight the virus.

The caveat of increased humidity is that too much moisture in the air can damage furnishings and finishes. It can also cause adverse health effects in some individuals. Consult with an HVAC professional to determine and set up optimal levels of humidity in your space.

Clean and Sanitize HVAC Equipment

Though it is unlikely that COVID-19 particles remain viable in an HVAC system for much time during lockdown, having equipment cleaned and sanitized has multiple benefits. It is a wise precaution if there have been confirmed cases of the virus in a space. In any event, cleaning your system lets it use less power, operate more efficiently and it keeps your equipment in good condition.

Ventilation

Increasing ventilation in a space by adding more outside air can help dilute any particles present. For more information on HVAC operations concerning the virus, check out this guide to building operations during the pandemic from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Call a Professional

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

5 A/C Maintenance Tips to Help You Keep Your Cool

An efficient A/C unit can be a lifesaver in the summer months, but the maintenance required to keep a unit running smoothly is easily neglected. In this post, we’ll look at AC maintenance tips you can employ in your home or business to ensure maximum cooling efficiency!

These simple steps can save you sweat, tears, time and utility costs:

  1. Change filters regularly

A dirty or clogged filter puts unnecessary strain on your A/C unit. Some units require filter changes once a month, while others have reusable filters that need to be cleaned. Keeping filters clean or replacing them can save you money and extend the life of your unit. 

  1. Adjust your thermostat 

Consider setting your unit to a higher temperature when you are away from the home for long periods during the day. The less time your unit has to work during the day, the longer it will last. Many modern thermostats enable you to pre-program your A/C unit’s schedule to match your own.

  1. Check ductwork/open spaces

 You’ll want to ensure any open spaces, such as those surrounding doors and windows, are properly sealed in order to help efficiently cool your home. It’s also a good idea to ensure your ductwork is sealed correctly, otherwise cool air might escape before ever making it into your home!

  1. Keep coils clean 

Keep your A/C coils (on the outside of your unit) clear of obstructions like leaves and other debris. This can be done with a regular garden hose and a broom. Additionally, ensure any surrounding shrubbery is trimmed, allowing enough space for the unit to properly function. 

  1. Schedule a tune-up!

Scheduling an annual tune-up with an HVAC professional can go a long way toward keeping your unit in great condition in the long run. An annual tune-up includes essential maintenance like filter checks, a refrigerant charge (if necessary), clearing and cleaning the condensate drain line and a thorough cleaning of the unit. 

Why 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 now offering $25 off on a spring tune-up, contact us to get started today! 

The Best Company for HVAC in Ambler

hvac in ambler

Sometimes “good” just isn’t good enough. If you want your car to work the best it can, you search for the best mechanic. If you need work done on your home, you search for the best contractor. The same applies to your heating and air conditioning. Why settle for someone who can do a good job when you want the people who can do the best job? Someone who can do a good job might not get you the best deal, install your HVAC system quite right, or do some of the little things to help you save money. So, without further ado, please let us show you why Kinkaid stands as the best HVAC in Ambler.

The HVAC in Ambler with Over 100 Years of Experience

First, the best HVAC companies have the greatest experience. In other words, they’ve been around for a long time. At Kinkaid, we’re a family-owned company that’s been around for over 100 years. In order to be successful for that long, you need to gain customer trust and keep it. It’s one thing to do a job well the first time. But it’s quite another to consistently perform well so that our customers know they can trust us for years to come. Fortunately, we’ve been doing just that for over a century. Don’t believe us? Take a look at our history here.

The Best Staff of Any HVAC Company

Second, the best HVAC in company Ambler will have staff that is both friendly and knowledgeable. It’s one thing for a company to have staff that know everything there is to know about their service or product. Of course you want that. Such a staff can provide unparalleled peace of mind because you can trust that they can get the job done right. However, if they’re rude or not sensitive to your needs, then what’s the good? On the other hand, if their staff shows tremendous kindness, but aren’t competent, that’s equally as useless. No, the best HVAC in Ambler has a staff that treats you with the utmost respect and knows the ins and outs of the business. Thankfully, Kinkaid gives you exactly that.

Hire the Best Company for HVAC in Ambler

Finally, if you want to hire the best HVAC company in Ambler for your home or office, then hire Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning! With over 100 years of experience and the best staff in the business, we can provide everything you need. Contact us today!

Energy-Saving Tips for Throughout the Year

energy-saving tips

We’ve covered ways to help you save energy in the past. But there’s always other things to cover. For everything you can do to waste energy, there’s another thing you can do to save energy. So don’t break your bank by making some simple, but common mistakes. Keep costs down. Control your home’s temperature. Feel more comfortable. Check out some of the energy-saving tips that you can use throughout the year.

Energy-Saving Tips for Your Thermostat

First, let’s cover some basic tips about your thermostat. Most people know that it’s cheaper to maintain a room at a certain temperature than it is to constantly heat it up or cool it down. But what about beyond that? Consider the following:

  • Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during the summer. The less your A/C has to work, the more energy you’ll save.
  • It’s a myth that your home will cool faster (or heat faster) if you set the temperature lower (or higher) than you would normally. Instead, set it to the exact temperature you desire.
  • Avoid placing lamps or TVs near your thermostat. The thermostat will sense heat from these appliances, which can cause problems.
  • Also, keep your thermostat out of direct sunlight.

Use Daylight Effectively

Second, this brings us to the next energy-saving tip: using daylight effectively. Please, consider the following:

  • Install storm windows over your normal windows. This helps sunlight come in during the winter days, and helps keep sunlight out during the summer days.
  • Get effective window treatments that utilize the right shades or drapes. A quality window treatment not only helps your home look better, but also effectively saves energy.
  • In addition to a quality window treatment, close your drapes during cold nights to help seal in the heat.

Energy-Saving Tips for Appliances

Third, you can actually use your appliances to save energy! Here’s how:

  • DO NOT use your oven to heat your home. If you have a gas oven, that releases carbon monoxide into the air.
  • Install efficient lighting. Only about 10% to 15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air drying both dishes and clothing.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Use your ceiling fans effectively.

Use Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning

Finally, the best energy-saving tip we can give is to use Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning! For all of your HVAC needs, contact us today.

Storm Windows and Temperature Control

storm windows

Controlling the temperature throughout your home always comes with challenges, especially if you have a very open space. You need to use everything you can to control your temperature and save money doing it. After all, you could always crank your A/C or your heat, but that’s not cost effective. So what else can you do? Storm windows are an incredibly helpful option to both keep your home cool when you want, and to help warm it up when you want. So, in this blog, we’ll show you some of the benefits of storm windows.

How Storm Windows Work

First, let’s discuss how these windows work. Storm windows get installed on the outside of your primary home windows. But they do more than add an extra layer of insulation. Storm windows have a low-e coating that reflects heat back inside the house during the winter, and reflects it outside during the summer. This keeps the home more comfortable year round. Additionally, these windows help reduce the sound of window on the outside and can work with any window treatment you have.

Storm Windows vs. Single Pane

Second, these windows might work well, but how do they compare to single pane windows? Single pane windows exist simply to do what windows do. To seal your home, to make it look nicer, and to allow you to look outside when you want. Therefore, they do minimal work in controlling the temperature in your home. However, if you add storm windows, they supplement single pane windows well because their primary function is to help control temperature. And, as we’ve said, they not only help in one particular season, but in all seasons.

Other Benefits

Third, consider some other benefits of having storm windows.

  • Not expensive
  • Reduces airflow for better insulation
  • Allows you to keep the old aesthetic from your windows
  • Easy to install
  • Helps make the main window warmer
  • Protects the primary window’s insulation
  • Helps reduce noise

Kinkaid HVAC is Here for You

Finally, if you’d like to learn more ways you can save money on heating and air conditioning, then reach out to us at Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning! A member of our amiable and competent staff would love to help you.

Is It Safe to Use Your Oven to Heat Your Home?

Safe to Use Your Oven to Heat Your Home

Nothing’s more frustrating than when your heater breaks and you have to wait in the winter cold to get it fixed. Sitting in your home, freezing and covered in layers of blankets can be hard to stand! Space heaters might help, but they can’t heat your entire home. And they can run up your electric costs! It seems like the easiest option would be to turn on your gas oven and leave it open for a while. Just a few minutes couldn’t hurt, right? In this week’s blog, we’ll answer the question, “Is It Safe to Use Your Oven to Heat Your Home?”

Is It Safe to Use Your Oven to Heat Your Home?

First, let’s make this short and simple: no. It is not safe to use your oven to heat your home. If you have a gas oven, leaving it open to heat your home releases harmful carbon monoxide throughout your home. Given some time, carbon monoxide can be fatal. Additionally, if you suffer from a lung condition such as asthma, emphysema, or other similar conditions, carbon monoxide can exacerbate your condition. And this might mean a hospital visit!

Now, you might wonder, “But didn’t they use ovens to heat their homes in the old days?” No, people actually used wood ovens to heat their homes. The oven would be connected to all sorts of pipes that ran throughout the home to keep it warm. But wood ovens do not use natural gas. Therefore, they do not release carbon monoxide.

Other Tips Besides Using Your Oven to Heat Your Home

Second, if you’ve chosen a subpar HVAC company who won’t be able to serve you for a while, consider these tips to help heat your home:

  • Open all your blinds, drapes, and curtains during the day. Close them at night.
  • Install storm windows on the outside of your home.
  • Close all your doors and focus on heating at least one room in your home.
  • Make sure your windows are locked and not just closed.

Go with Kinkaid Instead!

Since it isn’t safe to use your oven to heat your home, what else can you do? Call us at Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning! We’re the best HVAC company in the Philadelphia area. We’d love it if you reached out for a consultation. Don’t delay!