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!

How to Fix Uneven Heating and Cooling in Your Home

Uneven heating or cooling throughout your home can be extremely frustrating. As a homeowner, you want your home’s temperature to be consistent as you move around your home from room to room. However, many homeowners deal with the constant frustration of uneven heating and/or cooling throughout the home. But why does this common problem occur?

Common Reasons for Uneven Heating or Cooling

1. Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters can impair your heating and cooling system’s ability to function properly. When your air filter becomes dirty with air particles, pollen, dust, and other debris, your system must work harder in order to circulate air throughout your home. 

If you’ve noticed uneven heating or cooling, it may be worth checking your air filter. Air filters should be cleaned and/or replaced regularly to ensure the optimal functioning of your HVAC unit.

2. Windows or Drafts

Have you made sure all of the windows throughout the home are closed? While it may seem obvious, it’s common for homeowners to miss small openings or drafts in windows. Even small window openings can allow air to enter your home, affecting the temperature in a specific room in your home.

3. Old HVAC Systems

While HVAC systems are known for their longevity, they certainly don’t last forever. If your unit is greater than 15 years old, uneven heating or cooling might be a sign it’s time to consider a replacement. As HVAC systems age, they may not be able to keep up with your heating and cooling demands.

4. Leaking or Blocked Ductwork

If a leak or a block occurs in your home’s ductwork, this can also impair the ability of the unit to evenly heat or cool your home. Check to ensure your vents are wide open and are not obstructed by any household items like furniture. John A. Kinkaid Heating & Cooling can also help you check for leaking or blocked ductwork during your appointment. 

Let Us Help You with Uneven Heating or Cooling

Can’t seem to troubleshoot why your home’s temperatures are uneven? We can help! Schedule an appointment online or by giving us a call. Our experienced technicians will be happy to help you determine the cause of uneven heating and cooling throughout your home.

What Makes John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning Different?

When homeowners search for an HVAC company in the area, they’re quickly overwhelmed with dozens of companies. While many may claim they’re experts, this is not always the case. At John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, we set ourselves apart from our competitors by following up on every one of our claims.

At John A. Kinkaid, we mean it when we say experience. With over 100 years of stability in the industry, our family-oriented business delivers the expertise you’re looking for. Our compassionate team understands the value of your home, treating every home like it’s our own. Throughout each step of the process, we keep our customers in-the-know and provide guidance and education on all things HVAC.

Since 1917, we’ve proudly served households and businesses in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties. Through our years in the industry, we’ve earned a reputation as a reliable and professional HVAC company, offering exceptional value to our customers.

In addition to providing exceptional HVAC services, we believe in giving back to our local community. Check out our community page to learn more about our involvement with local organizations and groups.

Looking for a one-stop shop for all of your HVAC needs? We’ve got you covered. Our services include:

Comprehensive Array of HVAC Services

  • Air Conditioning: Repair, preventative maintenance, installation
  • Heating: Repairs, emergency repairs, installation
  • Duct Cleaning
  • Water Heaters

Have other HVAC services? Ask us if we can help by contacting a member of our team. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and help walk you through the service process.


The John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning Difference

We understand paying for these services can be difficult for some households. As such, we offer flexible payment and financing options to help better serve our customers. 

When you choose us for any of your HVAC needs, you’re choosing more than just a service. Each customer benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise of our HVAC team. 

Ready to get started and see the John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning difference for yourself? Request an appointment online today!

Duct, Duct, Goose – Don’t Act Silly When It Comes To Duct Cleaning!

Duct, Duct, Goose - Don't Act Silly When It Comes To Duct Cleaning!

Life is chock full of commitments and brimming with responsibilities. With so many things competing for your precious time, it’s easy to overlook the details of routine maintenance. This isn’t always a problem, as not all maintenance needs are equal, but when it comes to duct cleaning, there’s no place for procrastination and no give for goofing around. Make sure you’re not the odd one out when it comes to duct, duct, goose. Prioritize your air quality with the help of Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Of Symptoms & Sources

As humans, we can often be incredibly visual. Sometimes this translates into only approaching the problems right in front of us rather than remembering the devils hiding in the details. We’ll attack spots of mold, forgetting to counter the invisible conditions that caused it – we’ll often tackle the symptoms instead of the source. This can lead to big problems, as some of the most important functions that keep your house running smoothly are running behind the scenes. There are few better examples of these hidden household essentials than your duct system.

Unseen Shouldn’t Mean Unclean

When you spill juice all over the kitchen floor, do you leave it there to attract flies? When you drop crumbs on the counter, do you wait until the cockroaches come to clean up? Of course not! People usually take incredible pride in the interior parts of their homes – especially the things most visible to company. But what about the interior parts of your home that are less visible? 

Your air ducts are not only interior parts of your home – they’re pivotal parts! Their cleanliness is just as important as a clean kitchen counter or a stain-free carpet – arguably even more so, as they’re responsible for the air quality of your home and the healthy respiratory systems of you and your loved ones. It’s important to maintain the essential functions of your home, whether you can see them or not. When it comes to your air ducts, unseen should never mean unclean.

When It Comes To Duct Cleaning, Breathing Is Believing

Everyone’s heard the timeless saying, “seeing is believing.” When it comes to the cleanliness of your air ducts and the air quality of your home, we think the saying could use an update. “Breathing is believing” better captures the reality here. You may not be able to see the destructive dirt built up in your duct system, but you’ll be able to feel it with every sniffle, sneeze and runny nose. If you’re looking for air ducts so spotless that you can feel the squeaky clean, leave the task to the pros at Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning. With countless cleans under our belts, we’ll leave your ducts sparkling, your sinuses smiling, and your lungs laughing. Go with Kinkaid HVAC today!

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 Signs You Need to Replace HVAC Unit

Winter is at the doorstep. As temperatures drop, many of us rely on our HVAC units to keep our homes warm and cozy. A heater on the fritz can take the “merry” right out of the cold months. In this post, our experts discuss 5 signs it’s time to replace HVAC unit Willow Grove homeowners should be on the lookout for. Let’s dive in. 

Replace HVAC Unit: 5 Warning Signs

Depending on the age of your unit, many heating problems can be solved with regular HVAC maintenance or professional HVAC repair. That said, it’s good to know the warning signs of a unit that’s on its way out. That way homeowners can plan for proactive HVAC replacement. 

Keep an eye out for the following:

The Age of Your Unit

On average, HVAC units last 12–17 years. Diligent maintenance can even keep a unit going strong for up to 20 years. If your HVAC system is 15 years or older, consider weighing the cost of frequent repairs against installing a new, energy efficient unit. 

Decreased Heating Efficiency

If you’re keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance but your old unit still struggles to heat or cool your home like it used to, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. A qualified HVAC technician can evaluate your system and recommend the most cost-effective course of action. 

New or Unpleasant Odors

An aging unit may have greater difficulty filtering out air pollutants, or it may become more prone to harboring mold and mildew growth. If musty odors persist despite your best cleaning efforts, have a professional take a look. 

Refrigerant Leaks

When an old unit has a severe refrigerant leak, it can warrant extensive repairs. It’s always wise to weigh the cost of repairing an aging unit against installing a new one. 

New or Odd Noises

Some amount of operational noise is normal, but if you notice new, invasive or strange noises when your old unit runs, it could indicate that essential components like the blower or motor are struggling to keep up. An HVAC pro can let you know replacing a part will fix your troubles, or whether it’s time for an upgrade. 

HVAC Installation in Willow Grove, PA

The team at Kinkaid is proud to offer professional HVAC installation, HVAC repair and HVAC maintenance services. Our technicians will evaluate your home and make the best recommendations for your needs and budget.
Give us a call at (215) 657-1262 or visit us online to get started 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 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!

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!