New Homeowner Guide: A Resource for Smooth Transitions

New Homeowner Guide: A Resource for Smooth Transitions

Spring is here, and the real estate season is in full swing! Whether you're buying, selling, or settling into a new home, it’s important to get familiar with the systems that keep your home running smoothly. We’ve put together a helpful New Homeowner Guide to make the transition easier.

Our guide is packed with valuable resources to help you understand everything from your energy sources to your heating and cooling systems, thermostats, indoor air quality, and even automatic standby generators. Whether you're in a brand-new home or just need a refresher, our guide is here to help you make informed decisions about your home’s efficiency and maintenance.

From understanding your home’s HVAC systems to ways to save on your first deliveries, the Quinoco New Homeowner Guide is the perfect place to start for making your home more comfortable and efficient for the seasons ahead.

HVAC TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Common HVAC Problems

1. No Power: If your HVAC system is not turning on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure there is power to the unit. Reset or replace any tripped breakers or blown fuses.

2. Uneven Heating or Cooling: If some areas in your home feel significantly warmer or cooler than others, check if the vents and registers are open and unblocked. Ensure that there are no obstructions impeding airflow.

3. Airflow Issues: If you notice weak airflow from your vents, check the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing system efficiency. Clean or replace filters as needed.

4. No Cooling or Heating: If your HVAC system is running, but no cool or warm air is coming out, check the thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to the appropriate mode (cooling or heating) and at the desired temperature.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the evaporator coil inside the air handler becomes frozen, it could be due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Clean the filters and check for any blockages. If the issue persists, give us a call to inspect for refrigerant leaks.

6. Unusual Noises: Strange noises, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, could indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Turn off the system and contact our office for an appointment to diagnose and repair the issue.

7. Strange Odors: Foul or burning smells coming from your HVAC system may be a sign of mold, electrical problems, or a malfunctioning component. Turn off the system and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to investigate and resolve the issue.

8. High Energy Bills: If you notice a sudden increase in energy bills, it could be due to an inefficient HVAC system. Check the air filters, ensure proper insulation, and consider scheduling regular maintenance to improve efficiency.

9. Thermostat Problems: If your HVAC system is not responding to thermostat adjustments or is not accurately maintaining the set temperature, check the thermostat batteries, and ensure it is properly calibrated.

10. Short Cycling: If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently, it may be short cycling, which can waste energy and put strain on the components. Check the air filters, and thermostat settings, and ensure proper ventilation.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OPTIONS,
PLEASE CLICK HERE OR CALL 860.583.4609.

HEATING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Preventable HVAC Maintenance Tips: Heating Equipment

1. Regular Inspection: Schedule an annual inspection by one of our qualified HVAC technicians. They will check for any issues, clean the system, and perform necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

2. Change Air Filters: Regularly change or clean the air filters in your heating system. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Depending on the type of filter, this may need to be done every one to three months.

3. Keep Vents and Registers Clean: Make sure that vents, ducts, and registers are clean and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or other items. Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and reduce heating efficiency.

4. Check for Leaks: Inspect your heating system for any signs of leaks, especially if you have a boiler or a furnace that uses fuel. Leaks can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately by one of our technicians.

5. Test Safety Features: Make sure safety features, such as carbon monoxide detectors, are working correctly. Carbon monoxide leaks can be extremely dangerous, so having functioning detectors is vital.

6. Insulate and Seal: Properly insulate your home to reduce heat loss and seal any air leaks in windows, doors, and walls to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

7. Boiler/furnace clean-out: Before the start of the winter season, your boiler or furnace should be inspected and given the recommended annual maintenance. Give us a call to schedule your annual tune-up.

If you’d like to learn more about our service and installation options for heating equipment,
please click here or call 860.583.4609.

13 Summer HVAC Tips

13 Summer HVAC Tips!

The hottest time of the year is finally here which means enjoying the warm weather, having fun outdoors, and wanting to return to a cool home. Here are 13 ways to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and cost effectively:

1. Change your filters

Your AC system collects dirt, dust, and other matter which can reduce efficiency, decrease your indoor air quality, and deteriorate your system. It is important to check, clean, and change your air filters for your system to work to the best of its ability.

2.  Inspect your ducts and vents

Dirty vents and ducts can lower the quality of the air circulating through your home and reduce your equipment efficiency. We recommend keeping your vents wide open for optimal airflow and having your ductwork professionally cleaned. 

3.  Clean the outdoor areas

Your exterior AC condenser needs a good once over; clear at least a 2-foot perimeter from leaves, branches, and other debris that may impede on the unit’s ability to perform.

4.  Improve your cooling power

Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over the temperature inside your home and a smart thermostat can be managed from your smartphone.

5. Shop energy efficient

Invest in energy-efficient accessories like window coverings and appliances so your cooling equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

6. Check the electrical

Every AC system has a wiring system that needs to be checked occasionally. Ensure that the wiring has no scorching and if it does, you should set up an appointment with one of our technicians ASAP!

7.  Clean Condenser Coils

Cleaning your condenser coils is another way to make sure that your AC system is running smoothly. All you have to do is turn off the power and spray the coils with water to remove any dirt and debris!

8. Listen for noise

As your AC unit is running, do you hear any grinding, hissing, rapid vibration, or other strange noises? If you hear any unusual noises, give us a call to schedule a technician to come find out the cause!

9. Check for leaks

Visually check the drain lines from your AC system and ductwork for any leaks, holes, or tears. If you see any cause for concern, call us right away to send a technician out.

10. Consider an upgrade

If you have an older unit (greater than 15 years old or an R22 unit), you are at risk for a break down that won’t be fun in the middle of summer. Upgraded systems are more energy efficient and will help you save money in the long run!

11. Maximize air flow with fans

Positioning fans like ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in your overall comfort while helping your AC system not work so hard on hot days.

12. Reduce Heat from other appliances

Avoid using heat from large appliances; for example, instead of using your oven consider using your grill or move your clothes outside to dry on a line rather than the dryer.

13. Schedule a professional tune up

Give your AC system some TLC to make sure your home stays cool all summer long.

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OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE and cool this summer

Please call 860.583.4609 or email info@quinoco.com to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.