John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your A/C Unit

Ambler AC repair

Many Ambler AC repair and maintenance tasks are quick and easy to DIY, such as replacing air filters. Others, not so much. It can be difficult to know when it’s worth investing in extensive A/C repairs and when it’s time to replace your HVAC unit outright. Read on for 5 signs it’s time to replace your A/C unit. 

A/C Replacement: 5 Warning Signs

Annual A/C tune-ups from a professional HVAC technician will go a long way toward extending the life of your unit and preventing major breakdowns. That said, all units reach the end of their lifespan eventually. Keep an eye out for these signs:

  1. Age of Unit

On average, HVAC units have a lifespan of 12–15 years. With proper care and maintenance, a quality unit might even last for up to 20 years. That said, if your unit is more than 12-years-old, it’s time to start thinking about and planning for a replacement. 

  1. Frequent Repairs and Breakdowns

If you find yourself dealing with frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs, a new unit may be more cost-effective in the long run. This is especially true as a unit ages, as it may become necessary to replace multiple component parts. These costs can quickly add up and may not be a wise investment in a unit that is already on the fritz.

  1. Loss of Cooling Efficiency

Even with repairs and regular maintenance, an older unit is likely to become less effective over time. As we fill our homes with modern, heat-generating appliances, aging units may no longer be able to keep up with cooling demands.

  1. Rising Energy Costs

An uptick in utility bills during the warm season could point to a unit in need of replacing. Older units may strain to keep up, using more energy in the process. In some cases, a unit that is improperly sized for the space that it’s in can use more energy than necessary. 

  1. Accessibility 

Those who intend on aging in place or residents who value easy access may want to consider installing a unit that makes regular maintenance tasks (like cleaning or replacing air filters) a breeze. 

Need Ambler AC Repair? Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help! 

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. Give us a call or contact us online to get started today!

What Causes Low Airflow in Your A/C?

what causes low AC airflow

Low or impeded A/C airflow can cause problems ranging from a loss of cooling efficiency to more serious issues, like premature breakdowns. Understanding the reason for low airflow will help you prevent them and understand when it’s time to call a professional. Read on to learn what causes low AC airflow. 

The Signs of Low Airflow in Your A/C 

Low airflow causes your unit to work harder, raising utility costs and increasing wear and tear. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

  • No Air—if no air comes out of your vents when the unit runs, airflow may be completely blocked. 
  • Uneven Cooling—one of the first signs of airflow problems occurs when you experience hot and cold pockets in the home.   
  • Warm Air Blows Out—if warm air blows out instead of cooled air, it’s time to call a pro.

What Causes Low AC Airflow?

Some of the reasons for low airflow have simple fixes, while others warrant professional HVAC services. Let’s take a look:

1. Airflow Around Your Condenser Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit releases warm air removed from your home to the outside. Nearby trees, bushes and shrubbery can encroach on your condenser unit, blocking airflow around it and preventing it from releasing warm air. Trim back surrounding flora to ensure a roughly 2-ft clearance around your condenser at all times. 

2. Clogged Air Filters

Dirty HVAC air filters won’t allow air to pass through your unit efficiently. Air filters need to be replaced (or cleaned, if reusable) every 30-90 days, depending on your climate, lifestyle and the number of pets in the home. 

3. Dirty Air Ducts

The air ducts in your home transport cooled air from your HVAC unit to your air vents. A build-up of dust, mold growth or insect and rodent infestations can clog up your air vents, blocking air flow. Have air ducts inspected and cleaned annually to prevent this issue. 

4. Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels are a common cause for airflow issues and indicate a unit that was undercharged to begin with or may point to a refrigerant leak. In either case, you’ll want to call a professional HVAC technician right away. 

5. Dirty Coils

Dirty condenser coils won’t be able to release warm air efficiently. Annual A/C tune-ups will help keep your coils clean and working. 

You Can Always Call on Kinkaid

Kinkaid serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties with residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repairs on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Our expert technicians are fully trained, licensed and insured to take care of all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to get started!

5 Ways to Make Your A/C Unit More Efficient

An HVAC unit is a necessary investment for any homeowner. Keeping up with regular A/C maintenance will help you lower your energy costs and extend the life of your unit by many years. In this post, the HVAC pros at Kinkaid share 5 ways to make your A/C unit more efficient this summer. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC Unit

Lower utility costs, reduce wear and tear on your system and enjoy cooling efficiency with these tips:

1. Change Air Filters Regularly

Air filters help trap and reduce airborne contaminants like pollen, dust and pet dander. A dirty or clogged air filter will impede airflow in your unit, preventing it from operating efficiently. Air filters should be cleaned (if reusable) or replaced every 30–90 days. The frequency depends on your location and the number of pets in the household.  

2. Seal Air Leaks

Ensure that the spaces around pet doors, windows and entrances are properly sealed or caulked. This prevents cooled air from escaping into unused areas like the attic or outdoors.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat 

A smart thermostat will enable you to set your system’s cooling schedule according to your own and control it from anywhere. By slightly increasing the temperature while you are away during the day, you can save big on utility costs and reduce unnecessary strain on your unit.

4. Run Ceiling Fans on Low

Warm air rises to areas where it may not get pulled into your unit for cooling. This leads to uneven hot or cold pockets throughout your home. A ceiling fan set to run on low doesn’t require much energy and it will help circulate air for even cooling throughout your living space.

5. Schedule Annual Tune-Ups 

An annual A/C tune-up means a qualified HVAC professional will inspect and clean your unit top to bottom. Loose or worn parts can be identified and repaired before they cause expensive problems down the road.

Work with Kinkaid

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!

Replace A/C Filters: Why it Matters

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:

  1. Remove the grate in front of the return vent. 
  2. Check the old air filter for sizing (dimensions are often printed on the side of the filter’s frame). 
  3. 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

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

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

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

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!

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!

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

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.

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!

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!