Category: Blog

HVAC units are a true blessing for humans. HVAC units can bring the sweaty hot weather and the chill winters to moderation. But is your HVAC system prepared for the upcoming winter season? Let’s find out.

Is your system ready to face the cold season?

If your HVAC system has been working for the last 15+ years, it is probably time to consider investing in a new unit. The system’s efficiency must have gone down to 40-60% and would also cost you money on the HVAC repair Manassas, VA, and higher utility bills.

It is good to pre-check the system before bringing it to use, even for recently brought devices. This will ensure the longevity of your system, and you will enjoy the machine with all its benefits. The mechanical aspect must be handled by a professional, yet there are some basic steps that a user can perform before using the system for the season.

• Replace Air Filters

After continuous usage, the air filters need to be replaced. This replacement must be done every three months. If the air filters are dirty, it will put more pressure on the machine resulting in more power usage. Gradually the output energy will reduce and thus the efficiency of the HVAC.

• Conduct a Soundcheck

First of all, turn on your system and listen carefully to the sounds. Sometimes you can hear some rattling or crackling sounds in your HVAC system. If so, turn off the system and call a professional for inspecting your device.

• Check for Moisture

Check that all the vents are in proper condition. If there is moisture or rust, it might be a sign of a problem. Refer to a professional for expert guidance.

• Look for Vents

Check that all your windows are sealed to restrict the outside air to get in. This reduces the output of the HVAC system and does not provide you with the desired comfort and temperature. In case of any loophole, seal it as soon as possible to maximise comfort and satisfy your needs.

You must remember to perform the above-given checks only after turning off the power and only after the blower stops.

How to Prepare Your Device for the Next Season?

Perform maintenance checks at least twice a year. It would not only keep your device in a good state but also prevent you from costly repairs in one go. This will also keep the system efficient for a long time, thus increasing its life span. Also, after the completion of a season, ensure that the device is properly kept for the next season.

You can contact our professional staff for heating repair Manassas if you find any signs of malfunctioning. The HVAC technicians are qualified to ensure the proper working of the system. Apart from the pre-season check, we conduct special tests for the various components of your device. We ensure that your device is cleaned, lubricated and working effectively. Contact us through our website to have a comfortable HVAC season ahead.

They say that technology can be more efficient than humans, but it will always have loopholes. Every technical gadget will eventually face some error. The HVAC systems are undoubtedly a long-term investment. They serve you multiple seasons as per your needs. However, for this reason, they require maintenance and sometimes repair. In such cases, you will require a heating repair in Centerville, VA, to solve your HVAC-related issues. Before you land up in a situation with a non-working furnace in the winter season, keep an eye out for the following warning signs your furnace needs repair:

• Increase in Bills

Is there an increase in your electricity bills compared to your last year’s bill? If yes, then it is time to repair or replace your furnace. You may get your furnace checked by a trained professional to find the actual issue with the system. By doing this, the machine’s efficiency will increase, and your utility bills will decrease.

• Unwanted Sounds

Sometimes, different sounds start coming from the furnace that you may ignore initially. These sounds may not affect the hot air coming through, but these rattling or crackling noises are warning sounds that should be dealt with so that there is no issue in the furnace in the long run. Only a professional can identify an issue and come up with the appropriate solution.

• Yellow Pilot Light

The pilot light inside the furnace system should be blue. If it looks yellow, it means that the furnace system has started releasing carbon monoxide, a very harmful gas. Remember to turn off the heater if you see any flame discoloration. If the furnace light starts looking yellow, you must get it checked by an experienced professional to prevent a mishap.

• Dust

If the filters are filled with dust, the machine has to do more work, and the output is less. Due to this, the efficiency of the machine is reduced. It also decreases the age of the furnace in the long term. Homeowners must change the air filters every three months.

• Age of the System

If the furnaces look worn out, then there is a chance that the furnace needs to be changed. Modern furnaces have a life of 15-20 years. The efficiency of a system reduces every year. Until it reaches 10- 15 years, the furnace will lose 40-60% of the efficiency. It would be better to replace the furnace if your HVAC system has reached its maximum age.

These are a combination of signs that you need to know whether the furnace needs a repair or replacement. There might be some technical issues that only a technician can rectify. For this, ask a heating company Manassas for further treatment.

We at JSJ Contractors HVAC Specialists have HVAC experts who solve all your problems relating to HVAC. The experts will tell you what your system demands, from checking the furnace to repairing it. We ensure that your device is cleaned, lubricated, and working effectively. Contact us through our website to get your furnace ready for use.

On average, an HVAC system lasts for about 10- 15 years. Therefore it is important to think before investing in an HVAC system. With the growing popularity of HVAC systems, the number of companies offering these services is also increasing. Users are often confused about which provider they should hire to install their system.

Depending on the user’s need the type of HVAC service company differs from person to person. Below are some points to consider before choosing the best HVAC repair in Centreville, VA for you.

• State HVAC license

A state HVAC license is a permit to run an HVAC services company. It signifies that the company has met all the essential training and experience in HVAC to serve the customers. The company must pass a 10-hour test and have at least five years of experience to get the state license. You must always check the HVAC license before choosing a company.

• Training Programs

Technology is evolving day by day. The employees should be well aware of the technological advancements of the HVAC industry. For this purpose, training programs are essential. Any company that does not organize or join these programs will be lacking the expertise. Before finalizing the company best suited for you, ensure that it organizes frequent training programs for all its employees.

• Suitable HVAC Tools and Equipment

Several tools and equipment will be necessary for various HVAC services. The tools for installation will be different from the tools required for lubrication. Also, some specific parts are sold exclusively by the manufacturer. Check if the company you plan to choose has a wide range of tools and equipment to cater to all your HVAC-related needs.

• Proper Safety Process

HVAC units utilize fire and electricity. The employees must be careful while dealing with these things. Before choosing a company, thoroughly study its safety policies while serving its customers.

• Customer Satisfaction

Before picking a company, you must see the company’s reviews. Ensure that the company provides timely service. The company must resolve its user’s issues as soon as possible. It would be best to always ask a pre-user of the same company for honest reviews.

• Comparing Price Quotations

This can be the decision-making point while you select an HVAC company. There are cases where the companies state an approximate amount for a furnace repair in Centerville, VA and then, after visiting the place, add a amount for the repair. Ensure that the technician visits your house, checks your system’s condition, and gives you the necessary guidance. You can call up various companies to find the one that provides the best solution within your budget.

Our HVAC professionals are trained to provide you with any guidance related to HVAC services. You can contact us for installation, maintenance and repair. We also conduct maintenance checks to ensure that your device is working correctly and you get maximum comfort with our services. The details to reach out to us are given on our website.

Taking care of your furnace involves maintenance and tune-up and thinking of ways to make it more efficient and cost-effective. If efficiency is not paid attention to, it declines slowly and increases utility bills. So, at JSJ Contractors, we have compiled a special list for you to keep your furnace efficient.

It can involve tricks to keep your home insulated and techniques within the unit to keep it functioning effectively.

• Insulate your windows and doors: In old houses, or wooden houses, often some cracks let in the cold air. You can consider covering them with weather stripping to stop the heat from going out to resolve this.

Moreover, attics are well-known for having cracks and crevices that let the heat out from the house. So, make sure to inspect the attic and insulate it as well.

• Use the Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans help circulate the hot air throughout your house. If your house is not warm enough and needs proper circulation of hot air, then turn on the ceiling fans.
• Use a natural heating source: If there is proper sunlight coming through the windows, let it soak in! Sunlight is a natural warmer, and it can save your heating costs as well! Also, the sunlight can warm up the house, making it easier and more efficient for the furnace to cool all the rooms.
• Use the exhaust fans cautiously: Exhaust fans work by sucking the air out of the room and pushing it out. It also creates strong backdrafts. So, to save your furnace the struggle of heating your room repeatedly, try using exhaust fans in a limitation. It will keep your house warmer and will keep your electricity costs less.
• Regularly maintain your HVAC unit: Believe us, a good maintenance routine can keep your furnace more efficient than any of these techniques. If you’re investing in maintenance plans, scheduling tune-up appointments, and are taking care of your HVAC unit, then it will be at the best of its game!

It ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness and extends its lifespan! We offer the best HVAC repair Manassas, VA service that maintains your furnace and keeps it working!

But how to clean it? Use these steps to clean your furnace, and inspect for leakages or cracks in pipelines, ducts, or components.

• Replace the filter once every 90 days.
• Clean condensate lines and drain pipes.
• Check the ducts for leakages.
• Clean the flame sensor and burner.
• Use programmable thermostats: Newer models of thermostats that allow for custom temperature settings at any time of the day are much more efficient than older models.

The programmable thermostats can let you decrease the temperature when you’re not at home, and they can automatically increase the temperature when needed.

If you wish to know more about furnace efficiency, JSJ Contractors will be happy to help you on the topic! Contact the best furnace repair Centreville, VA service, and we’ll sort your issues out! Reach us out on 571-655-2231 or visit our website!

The heating system that decreases your energy usage and cost-effectively in a realistic manner is the most energy-efficient for your home. Heating costs can easily take approximately half of an average household energy budget, making energy efficiency a crucial aim for those looking to save home comfort costs.

If you search for a new heating system for your home, you have multiple options for obtaining highly efficient, low-cost operations that will keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months. You can also seek help from a heating company in Manassas to select an energy-efficient heating system.

Different Types of Heating Systems:

• Heat Pumps:

Heat pumps are among the topmost energy-efficient heating systems available. They work on the principle of absorbing heat and distributing it from one location to another, eliminating heat from your home to offer cooling in the summer and bringing the heat in from the outside to provide heating in the winter.

• There are Two Types of Heat Pumps:

1. Air source: Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and direct it into your home. These types of heat pumps do not work efficiently in colder areas.
2. Geothermal heat pumps: They are also known as ground source heat pumps. They make use of heat stored in the earth. Due to the permanent availability of geothermal heat, many believe geothermal heat pumps to be the most efficient heating technology available; yet, a geothermal heat pump is a more significant financial investment.

Heat pumps do not use the AFUE to calculate efficiency. Instead, the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (for heating mode) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio are used to calculate their efficiency (for cooling mode).

• Furnace:

While older heating systems are incredibly outdated and inefficient, the latest models with modern technology can significantly improve your heating efficiency. Remember that if you have an old furnace, you may want to consider upgrading to a more modern, energy-efficient heating system to save money in the long run.

When buying a furnace, look at the AFUE rating. The standard indicator of furnace efficiency is AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency. It represents the percentage of energy consumed by the system to heat the home.

• Boilers:

Residential boilers are the third most efficient heating system for households. A boiler can be a good option for house heating. They use fuel to heat water, which subsequently heats the air in the home with the help of steam.

That improves air quality, and in most homes, a boiler is more efficient than a furnace. However, they are not as easy to install as furnaces and take much more time to heat your home. High-efficiency boilers with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher are available.

If you are looking for a heating repair in Centreville, VA, contact JSJ Contractors HVAC Specialists. Our professionals will not only repair your heating system but, our team can also help you select an effective and efficient heating system for your home. Call us today at 571-655-2231.

There are various instances when you need to pick a reputable HVAC company that can assist you in fixing a problem with your heating or cooling system. However, as there are various companies for HVAC repair in Centreville, VA, it can become perplexing for people to hire the right one.

Hiring the best HVAC company always ensures that all your HVAC issues get addressed accurately, and you can always rely on them for your future HVAC services.

Tips for Choosing a Dependable HVAC Company

Mentioned hereunder are some of the following tips you can follow to hire the most reputable experts for your heating repair in Manassas.

• Experience

The more expertise an HVAC company has, the better. It guarantees that the firm can handle any job correctly as they already have prior industry knowledge.

Also, keeping this in mind, you must look for a company staying in this business for an extended time. The longer they have been serving, the higher expertise they will have.

• Consultation and Price Quotes

Look for an HVAC business willing to provide you with a price estimate after conducting the unit examination to inspect your machine and detect what issues it might have.

This way, you will understand how much you need to save to get the job done before the HVAC company starts its service. However, it is better to steer clear of the companies whose price quotes are too good to be true.

• Check the HVAC Company’s Reputation.

You can invariably count on former clients’ feedback and reviews on the HVAC company’s website. Please browse through all the client testimonials to better comprehend their assistance.

In addition, customer reviews can be positive or negative. Please browse through all these reviews to understand how the quality of their assistance is. Apart from this, it is better to check the third-party reviews on Google search engines before you hire a service technician.

• Conduct a Little Research

While customer feedback and reviews assist you in estimating the HVAC company’s trustworthiness, it is always better to conduct your online research. Take a look at your chosen HVAC company’s website and check out the type of services they provide.

Also, you must confirm if the company presents the very assistance they claimed or that your family or friends informed you. Skim through all the details on the website and check if the HVAC assistance is worth the money. It will help you in finding a suitable technician for your requirements.

Now that you know the top tips to hire the best technicians for your different HVAC needs, it is time to move ahead and contact your chosen company and discuss the problems you have at hand.

Getting in touch with your preferred HVAC technician will help ensure that the professionals have the required expertise. Also, it is better to get a call estimate beforehand to understand their pricing plan better.

If you are looking for a trustworthy HVAC repair company in Centreville, VA, JSJ Contractors can be your top pick. To know more about our services, give us a call at 571-655-2231.

Heaters and coolers work long hours to bring your room to a desirable temperature. Hence, phenomena such as condensation shouldn’t be a worrying sight. However, if you find condensation pooling around your furnace, there are a few things you can check yourself before calling a professional.  Before you can go on checking for anything abnormal, identify the kind of furnace you have. If it’s a high-efficiency condensing furnace, there must be a white PVC pipe jutting out from the top or side of the furnace. If it’s a conventional furnace, you will see a metal pipe instead. No matter the kind, we will help you identify the source of the problem, and if there’s a need for a heating repair in Manassas, we’ll help you with that!

Different types of furnaces and the possibility of condensation

Different types of furnaces have different properties. Hence, the fact that condensation is normal in them or not differs.

1. High-efficiency condensing furnace
   It is completely normal to find condensation on a high-efficiency furnace since it’s working twice as hard as a normal furnace. Most of the time, it requires a minor repair like cleaning blocked condensate pipes, issues with the condensate pumps and condensation line. A high-efficiency furnace uses two heat exchangers, unlike a conventional furnace which only uses one. These two heat exchangers absorb large amounts of heat, which turns the exhaust gas from a solid state to a liquid state. This condensation is drained via the condensate line. In these lines, blockages or leaks disrupt the flow of condensed liquid, and you find visible leaks around your furnace. Make sure nothing is clogging the drain trap. The drain trap collects dirt and water and is prone to clogging over time. But if you think the issue can be something more critical or complex, rest easy and schedule an HVAC repair in Manassas, VA, to have your heating equipment up and running in no time.
2. Conventional furnace
   A conventional furnace has a different set of reasons for leakage in your furnace. Usually, it’s a leakage in your humidifier, poorly designed vent pipe, or if your furnace leaks when the AC is on, the issue is with the air conditioner.

• • A clogging or a leakage in your humidifier could explain the water pooling around your furnace. To find out, check if you have a built-in humidifier which is usually visible from the outside. Check if there are leaks in the drain line.
  • A metal flue pipe can cause condensation if it does not have a slope or is too big. This way, the gases that escape from the furnace accumulate, condense and leak around it.
  • The AC in your room not only lowers the temperature but also dehumidifies the air in it. The absorbed moisture usually drains your house via the condensate line, but a simple clogging or leak can hinder that.

JSJ contractors serve Manassas and the Northern Virginia region 24×7. Equipped with the latest technologies, we offer comprehensive services in HVAC, water heaters, IAQs, heating pumps, radiant floor, ductwork, and much more. Contact us today for a seamless and unmatched HVAC repair in Manassas VA experience!