John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Using Your Ceiling Fan in Combination with your HVAC Unit

With the hot summer approaching, it comes the time of year that most homeowners dread. The brutal summer months can leave homeowners with pricey air conditioning bills, especially those with older HVAC units that do not function optimally. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the heat to keep your energy bill to a minimum.

Using your Ceiling Fan

Does your home have ceiling fans in rooms like bedrooms or living spaces? If so, you’ll want to take advantage of these throughout the summer. One recommended tip is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the heat and turn the ceiling fan on high.

While the fan can’t actually cool the air, the motion of air movement can make it feel like it’s cooler than it actually is (saving you money on cooling your home). This option is great to cool the room you’re currently in, without the need to pay to cool the entire home.

Using Fans when Sleeping

Many people find it difficult to sleep in hot environments, causing them to need to adjust their thermostat way down at night. To avoid this, try using the fan when sleeping to promote good air flow, as well as using light layers like a top sheet instead of a heavy comforter. 

Fans set to lower speeds may not produce the cooling effect like on high, however, it can still help produce extra circulation throughout the room.

Upgrade your HVAC System

Upgrading your HVAC system to an energy-efficient unit can help you save money on air conditioning throughout the warm summer months. Not sure where to start? Let the heating and cooling experts at John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning help. We can help you assess if a HVAC repair or replacement is the best choice to improve the air conditioning in your home.

Ready to get started? Request an appointment today by completing an online form or giving us a call. We look forward to helping you reduce your monthly energy bill and have a cool and comfortable home all summer long!

The Benefits of Upgrading Your HVAC System

As we head into the spring and summer seasons, warmer weather is upon us. Many people enjoy the springtime temperatures, which allow them to stop using heating or air conditioning for a few months. However, with the brutal summer temperatures just around the corner, it’s important to ensure your HVAC system is prepared to properly cool your home.

Before summer hits, it is a great time to update an old or inefficient HVAC system. Below, explore some top reasons why you can benefit from updating your old HVAC system. At John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you select the best energy-efficient HVAC system for your home!

Enjoy the Summer in Comfort

With temperatures in the summer months frequently over 90 degrees, your HVAC system will need to work harder to cool your home. An old or outdated system may no longer be able to effectively cool your home, leaving to less-than-desirable temperatures throughout the home. In addition, older HVAC systems may have uneven cooling in each room, causing some rooms to be colder than others.

If it’s time to replace your unit, consider doing so now to enjoy a comfortable summer. If you’re not sure what HVAC unit is best for you, ask one of our heating and cooling experts to help you. 

Quiet Operation 

Older HVAC units can be noisy, especially when they have to work hard in the summer months. If you’ve found your unit to be making strange noises, it may be time to consider a replacement. Newer HVAC units are designed to run more efficiently, leaving you with a quieter home. A new unit can make your home more comfortable, without noisy distractions.

Enhance Your Home’s Value

If you’re planning on selling your home, an outdated HVAC system can be a red flag for buyers. Not only will you benefit from a cooler home, but upgrading your system is a smart investment to make selling your home easier. 

Ready to upgrade your HVAC system this summer? Give us a call at John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning. We look forward to helping you upgrade your unit and experience the many benefits of a newer HVAC system!

3 HVAC Tips To Survive The Pre-Fall Fake Out

3 HVAC Tips To Help You Survive The Pre-Fall Fakeout!

Ah, August is at its end and you can almost taste the cool September air. But wait! Before you put away that window A/C unit or bust out the flannel sheet sets, there are a few things you should know. Just as summer doesn’t technically end until September 22nd, summer weather can make some ugly appearances throughout the month. It’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security by the shifty temperatures of late summer, but it’s a mistake you don’t want to make. Here are 3 HVAC tips to help you survive the pre-fall fake out!

1. Keep Your Cool

We know it’s tempting to want a complete lifestyle change at the first gust of cold air, especially after some of the intense heat we’ve experienced over August. There’s something cathartic about new chapters, even if it’s just putting away the A/C unit and changing the sheets to signal a change in season. But the last thing you want is to be forced into a late summer scramble. Sweating through jeans and a hoodie as you fish the window A/C unit out of the attic and try to cool down the house during a surprise September heatwave is no fun. We recommend keeping your home’s cooling systems primed and ready to go until at least mid-September. This will leave you leaps and bounds ahead of any unwelcome September heat and humidity.

2. Clean, Mean, Cooling Machine

Regardless of your method of home cooling, chances are that it’s taken a bit of a beating this summer. Starting as early as May, your A/C unit has been going strong for close to 4 months now. It’s high time for a little TLC. We highly recommend putting a new air filter in your unit and cleaning it as best you can. This will keep it in tip-top condition for any hard-to-see heatwaves coming your way.

3. Wait On The Weatherproofing

The cool air of early September can easily make you want to head for the blankets and bundle up. But before you go as far as weatherproofing your home for the cooler months by changing out screen doors and opting for other more involved changes, you may want to wait a few weeks. Being caught off guard by intense September heat can be especially devastating if you’ve made strides toward cool-proofing your house. Far better to bundle up when the cold hits and be able to strip down when temps start to sizzle. Don’t turn your home into a September-long sauna. 

Call On Kinkaid!

Any doubts when it comes to A/C maintenance? Put them to rest by calling the best. Trust J. A. Kinkaid for the best troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs in the HVAC industry!

5 Springtime Steps To Safeguard Your Summer A/C

Springtime is beginning to bud, and the increase in temperature is nothing if not a welcome change. But if you’re someone who prefers staying cool during the summer, be careful not to let spring’s mild weather lull you into a false sense of security; summer is hot on its heels! Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to secure your cool summer comfort –  before summer even begins! Read on for the 5 springtime steps to safeguard your summer A/C!

Check Up On Your Outdoor Unit

Fall and Winter can be seasons of intensity, and often leave yards littered with leaves, twigs and all manner of other debris. This scattered scene isn’t easy on the eyes, but it’s a lot harder on your outdoor A/C unit. Spring is a great time to check up on your outdoor unit, clearing away any debris that might interfere with its proper functioning. If your unit looks disheveled or unlevel, it’s best to call an HVAC maintenance pro to ensure that it hasn’t sustained any serious damage.

Conduct A Duct Cleaning

With no shortage of allergens floating through the springtime air, your sinuses don’t need any extra assailants! Don’t let dirty ducts add to the assault on your sensitive senses. Scheduling a professional duct cleaning before heavy summer A/C use ensures that accumulated dirt, mold and other health hazards will never make it out of the vents and into your home!

Fetch A Filter

HVAC filter replacement isn’t a suggestion; it’s a necessity! If you don’t routinely change your filter, your system may be suffering needlessly. A buildup of mold and dirt in your HVAC filter can significantly hamper A/C function, and put a damper on your Summer serenity. If you want air conditioning that’s all revved up and ready to go when the summer sun starts scorchin’, replacing your filter is a must!

Test Your A/C

The swelter and sweat of the first summer heat wave is a bad time to realize that your A/C doesn’t work; better to be proactive! Once cleaning and filter replacement are behind you, it’s time to take your cooling system for a test run. Adjust your thermostat to a reasonable summer setting and stay tuned. If everything cools down in a snap, you’re in the clear; if not, it’s time to call the pros in for some troubleshooting.

Routine HVAC Visits

One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll be spending the summer in cool, breezy comfort is to schedule routine visits from your local HVAC specialists. Regular inspections and maintenance guarantee that you’ll be all set to take a seat and beat the summer heat, and Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning has the A/C services you need to get the job done right. Don’t be undone by the summer sun – keep your cool and call today!

5 Ways to Cut Down Your Heating Bill

As the days get shorter and the weather turns cold, one thing is clear: winter is coming. Savvy homeowners are looking for ways to help lower their heating costs this season and we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn 5 ways you can lower your heating bill this cold season.

Looking for expert heating repair, Roslyn PA neighbor? The team at Kinkaid is ready to help. Call (215) 657-1262 or contact us online to get started. 

Lower Heating Costs with These 5 Tips

We all like to stay warm and cozy when temperatures drop, but that doesn’t mean our utility bills need to skyrocket. Homeowners can save big with the following cost-cutting tips:

Turn Down the Thermostat

Lowering the thermostat by just 2–3 degrees will help lower heating costs across the cold season. It’s also wise to lower your desired temp if you are away from home during the day or while you sleep at night. Programmable thermostats make it easy to synchronize temperature changes with your schedule. 

Check Windows and Doors

Air leaks in areas like windows and doors can cause heated air to escape outside or into unused spaces. Keep your heating system extra efficient by performing maintenance on window and door frames, such as updating weather strips or tightening loose hardware.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can also occur in spaces like your air ducts. This allows warm air to escape into unused spaces like the attic before it reaches your living area. An HVAC professional can inspect your ductwork for leaks and seal any problematic areas before you start relying on your heat full time. 

Turn Down the Temp on Your Water Heater

Nothing beats a hot shower, but we don’t need scalding hot water. Lowering the max temperature on your water heater will help prevent your family from using excessively hot water.

Use Your Ceiling Fan

It may seem counterintuitive to run ceiling fans when the heat is on, but it’s wise to remember that heat rises. Homeowners can run ceiling fans on a low setting to help circulate warm air throughout your home more effectively. 

Get Professional HVAC Service From 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. Give us a call or contact us online to get started today!

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!

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!