With the summer seemingly in full swing, your AC is probably on full blast already! It's only May! Are you not only worried about your electric bill, but a possible repair bill as well?

How will you know when your air conditioner is ready to see a professional like Red's Heating and Cooling?

Even if your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be having issues right now, it still may be the ideal time to set up an appointment for an expert AC service technician from Red's Heating and Cooling to come take a look at it. Like most things in life, when you wait until there is a problem with your system in the peak summer season, not only will you spend more money, you might not get service as fast as you'd like since AC companies are obviously extremely busy in the hotter months!

Routine air conditioner service, at least yearly, could also help you save on your monthly energy expenses by ensuring that your air conditioner is working at top efficiency, offering you cost-effective comfort.

A tune-up may be required. Many customers wonder if a tune-up is necessary. Your cooling system is a major investment in your house; as with all investments, proper maintenance is required. What is generally included in a tune-up?

• Inspect coolant levels and pressure—to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency
• Calibrate thermostat(s) and check proper cycle and temperature—to improve comfort and control
• Inspect and tighten wiring, contacts, capacitors and relays—to avoid expensive repairs
• Ensure the evaporator coil is clean
• Ensure the condensate drain is clear
• Inspect and clean the condenser
• Inspect the outdoor disconnect
• Inspect the condenser fan motor and blades; lubricate if needed
• Check compressor amps at startup
• Plus more safety and efficiency checks

Kick off the summer with a well-maintained and serviced air conditioner by Red's Heating and Cooling! Rest easy knowing that your comfort needs will be met when the temperatures get their hottest. Call Red's today at 615-815-9655. We service Robertson, Davidson, and Williamson County along with surrounding areas!

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for specials and coupons!

Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Clean Air Ducts

There are arguments that cleaning the ducts cleaned in your house has health benefits, however, it IS a proven fact that but having your ducts cleaned and all the junk removed can boost the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Did you know that approximately 5-7 times a day the air in your home circulates through the air ducts of your HVAC heating and cooling system, carrying with it the dust and debris of everyday living.

I just went to go change my filter... for the first time in.... well, let's not even go there. It was SO filthy! I can't believe I've been breathing this air!

Your furnace filter catches much of the stuff (unless you're like me and totally forget to change your filter!), but neglect, remodeling projects, or less than professional duct installation can lead to a buildup of gunk inside your ductwork that threatens the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Wondering how to get those ducts cleaned? Calling Red's Heating and Cooling is the first step to making sure your Robertson County home is clean and free of debris and dust!

How are ducts cleaned? Dislodging and removing dust and debris is done with one or more of the following methods:

1. Hand-held vacuuming: Workers use a brush attached to a large portable vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This method may leave pockets of dust behind.

2. Mechanical brush: A rotating brush is fed into the ductwork. A truck-mounted vacuum sucks away debris. Before choosing this method, make sure your system is in good shape as this brush could harm poorly installed systems.

3. Air sweep: A truck-mounted vacuum system takes away dust and debris dislodged by a compressed-air hose fed into the ducts.

Of the three above methods,  the air sweep method usually does the most effective job.

Being well into Spring, it's time to have those ducts cleaned! Call Red's Heating and Cooling for all of your HVAC needs in Robertson County! We service a 100-mile radius including all of Middle Tennessee.

615-815-9655! Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for coupons and 10% of a NEW installation!

Spring Maintenance

'Tis the season! For Spring Cleaning! Before you start the spring cleaning process, checking your HVAC system is super important and often gets overlooked!

1. Always check your air-conditioning and heating equipment before the beginning of a new season.

2. Check and replace your furnace and air-conditioning filters every month. This is something I constantly forget to do! As you probably already know, there are several types of filters to choose from depending on your needs. Fiberglass filters only last a month while HEPA filters last up to six months and can be cleaned with a vacuum nozzle.

3. Most air conditioners have a drainage hole on the base of the cabinet (beneath the evaporator fins). This hole needs to be kept clear in order for the air conditioner to work properly. It's a good idea each spring to use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear it out.

4. To keep your dehumidifier working properly, remove its housing and let the unit dry completely. Vacuum every accessible surface and crevice.

5. Clean your bathroom fans yearly (at least). This means taking the cover off, washing it in soapy water and cleaning the dirt off the fan blades. Don't forget - turn the power off before you do this!

6. Replace the batteries in ALL of your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year - during each of the time changes.

Red's Heating and Cooling services Robertson County and virtually any location within 100 Miles including Nashville and the rest of Middle Tennessee! At Red's, our list of services is broad including both commercial and residential properties. We offer unbeatable service and quality work at the lowest prices in our area.

Give us a call today at 615-815-9655. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for 10% OFF a new unit installation! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Bring on the Air Conditioning!

It's warming up in Middle Tennessee which means it's time to turn our heaters off and turn that air conditioner ON!

You've been waiting for this day since November when you reluctantly said goodbye to the cool temps indoors and replaced it with your furnace and fireplace. You walk to that thermostat, flip the switch to ON, and wait.

And you wait some more. Nothing.

Your air conditioner won't turn on! What could be the problem, you think? Sweat starts to form on your brow thinking about the costly repair. Before you panic, try a few of these steps first!

Most central AC systems are on a separate circuit breaker, often a double switch. Many people flip this circuit breaker off at the start of the heating season, to prevent someone from accidentally starting the AC unit at a time when cooling is never needed. So first things first: check that the circuit breaker is turned on.

If it is turned on, turn it off then back on (sometimes the switch has tripped but is close enough to the on position that it seems to be on already). This is one of the most common air conditioning problems so before you make a call, check your circuit breaker!

If either the panel breaker or the compressor breaker circuit trips off after you try using the AC again, do not flip it back on – call a qualified technician like Red's Heating and Cooling. There may be a serious electrical problem that needs to be looked at by a professional.

If you have a combined central AC and forced air furnace system, the circuit that feeds your furnace should also be on, because the furnace fan needs to run to circulate the cooled air. Check this circuit as well, using the same process of turning the breaker off and back on.

Another thing you can check is to make sure the fan is running. If you set the fan setting on your thermostat to “on” instead of “auto”, you should hear the furnace fan start to run even if the air conditioner doesn’t turn on. If the fan doesn’t turn on, this is an indication no current is getting to your furnace.

Also, try setting the thermostat as low as it can go - it’s possible that the thermostat controls are not working properly.

If you're exhausted all of these options, it's time to call the professionals at Red's Heating and Cooling in Nashville at 615-815-9655. Sign up HERE to save 10% off!

We service all of Middle Tennessee; both residential and commercial!

Furnace Maintenance

Heating systems are usually trouble-free and easy to maintain. Like most things, efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance. No matter what type of furnace you have, there are several things you can do to keep your heating system in top condition.

Dirt is your biggest enemy! It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace (heat/cold source, distribution system & thermostat), so cleaning it is the most important part of regular maintenance. The three parts of the furnace should be cleaned: the filter system, the blower, and the motor.

The furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season and about once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, replace it with a new filter of the same type and size regardless of the length of time it has been used. 

To keep the motor running cool in your furnace, make sure it's clean. Most motors are permanently lubricated and sealed by the manufacturer and, therefore, require no further attention. Some motors, however, have covered oil ports above the bearings near the motor shaft.

If the motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated annually. Apply two or three drops of 10-weight non-detergent motor oil to each port. Do not over-lubricate. If the blower shaft has oil ports, lubricate that too, annually.

If you're a handy man, then these simple maintenance techniques should be no problem. However, if you're like me, you know nothing and you should definitely hire a professional like Red's Heating And Cooling. They service a 100-mile radius of Robertson County. 

For a free estimate, call Red's at 615-815-9655. Be sure to visit us HERE to take advantage of our specials! Also, LIKE us on Facebook! 

Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Why is it still so cold out? Is your furnace running but the air that’s blowing out of your vents is cold? Well, if that's the case, there are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before calling the experts at Red's Heating and Cooling.

First, check the thermostat. Maybe you walked by a vent and noticed the air seemed cool, however your house is staying warm. If it is, the problem might be a simple thermostat setting. Check your thermostat and make sure that it is set to “auto” rather than “on.” When set to “on”, the fan on your furnace will blow continually, even when the furnace isn’t actually heating the air.

If you feel the air blowing out of the vents while the furnace is off, the air will seem cool since it’ll be about room temperature.

Then, check the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow into your furnace. Restricted airflow can overheat your furnace, causing a safety control to shut off the burners. This safety mechanism protects your furnace from overheating causing damage to your system!

Still feeling cold air coming out of the vents after trying the above? Your best bet is to have a trusted heating repair company like Red's Heating and Cooling come to your home and diagnose the problem.

Red's Heating and Cooling is located in Springfield, TN and services a 100-mile radius. Give us a call today, day or night, at 615-815-9655.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts! Also, don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

4 Common Winter Heating Problems

It is COLD outside, isn't it? Nashville isn't ever supposed to be this cold! Brrrr! Well, if you're anything like me, you might rather die than be freezing in your own home! Red's Heating and Cooling in Springfield (right outside of Nashville) wants to keep your heating system up and running this winter season! We have 4 common winter heating problems that homes have listed below. If you experience any of these problems, contact Red's Heating and Cooling right away!

1. A Sudden loss of heat: The first thought you have when your furnace suddenly stops is a power outage or surge. At least, that's what I hope happens when my furnace stops! If you haven’t lost power, check your fuse box to make sure that you still have power going to the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system could also be the issue. If that's the case, you definitely need a professional like Red's Heating and Cooling because this is not a job for an amateur - no matter how handy you are at fixing things around the house!

2. Cycling heat: A clogged, dirty filter or blower can cause inadequate air flow. This can cause your furnace to click on and off frequently at it shuts off after heating up too quickly. Another problem could be a faulty thermostat can also cause this issue. If you do not know your furnace components, have home heating experts inspect your furnace and resolve the issue of unwanted heat cycling.

3. Inconsistent room temperatures: These inconsistent room temps could be caused by 2 things: Draft issues and/or unbalanced air flow.

If your house is cold despite a continuously running furnace, a draft might be the problem. Leaking windows, drafty doors, and poor or damaged insulation are major heat losses. Check the most obvious places. A professional energy audit from your local utility provider can also help.

Another source of inconsistent room temperatures can be unbalanced air flow. Manually adjusting the vents may resolve this problem, however, air flow problems are often caused by dirty coils or filters.

Make sure to schedule routine air filter inspections with an HVAC professional like Red's Heating and Cooling. You can also prevent this issue by having a professional provide routine vacuuming of your registers and returns.

4. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is the most serious issue and a major risk for home owners. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless, giving it the nickname of “silent killer.” If your gas furnace is 10 to 15 years old, there is a higher risk of having a rusted heat exchanger. Tiny cracks in the heat exchange can leak carbon monoxide. Sometimes, these cracks can be very small or difficult to find.

If you have an older gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart, safe idea. Be certain to have a professional inspect your HVAC for potential carbon monoxide leaks whenever you have these experts at your home for maintenance, repairs, installations or other work.

If you suspect any problems or complications with your HVAC system, call Red's Heating and Cooling at 615-815-9655. We service all of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky!

New Homeowner Tips

So you finally did it. You bought your first home! Congratulations! It is both and exciting and overwhelming time for you as a first-time homeowner!

Read your home-inspection report!
1. Pull out your home-inspection report and reread it. Use the report as a handy maintenance checklist. Most inspections take place during a stressful time. Be proactive. Take care of issues as soon as or before they arise.

Know your enemy
2. Did you know that water is about 90% of a homeowner's problems? Your homes basement, foundation and roof are the most susceptible to costly water damage and corrosion.

Inspect your bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens regularly for water leaks. Be sure to caulk around doors and windows to prevent water from seeping into your walls. Outside, keep water routed at least 5 feet from the foundation.

Maintaining your homes gutter system is a major line of defense against water damage. Leaves, dust and dirt from shingles can result in a clog that forces water out and down into the foundation.

Don’t overlook your roof!
3.Roofs should be on the maintenance checklist. If your roof is more than 12 years old, get it professionally inspected!

Take charge of circuits
4.Map out your homes electrical system by determining which outlets serve which circuits and then labeling the breakers. A tripped circuit is a red flag for an overloaded breaker. Update electrical wiring in homes 10 years or older. Make sure GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are installed near all sinks, in the laundry room and garage, and on exterior outlets. This inexpensive fix (best to hire an electrician) helps prevent electrocutions and fires.

Know your shut-offs
5. The main electrical shut-off should be a switch either at the main breaker panel or outside near a service entrance.
The water shut-off valve will be on a wall of the house facing the street. These areas need to be easily accessible.

Inspect for leaks
6. Inspect all plumbing and fixtures. Make sure the shut-off valves on toilets and sinks turn easily and are not rusted shut. If they are corroded, replace them.
If the faucet is leaking, then it needs a washer. If your toilet is running all of the time, a flapper valve needs replacing. Have slow drains looked at immediately to prevent costly backups.

Consider warranties
7. Warranties can be tricky. Sometimes a warranty can cost as much as a replacement/repair. Do your research.

Buy and update your homeowners insurance
8. Get replacement coverage to cover property damage. Make sure your policy outlines exactly what will be covered in case of a catastrophe. Video and/or photograph all valuables. Keep a list of serial numbers and write down dates of purchases for possible reimbursement proof.

Buy a flood policy
9. Get flood insurance even if your home isn't near a flood zone. Remember the flood of 2010? 

Do your homework
10. Compare property taxes with similar homes' taxes in your neighborhood. If all things are equal such as square footage and upgrades, protest your rate increase with the assessor's office.

Call Red's Heating and Cooling for any HVAC, electrical safety and preventative maintenance issues you run across! We are here 24/7 and on call for Emergency situations! 615-815-9655 for a free estimate!

Preventative Maintenance

You wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without changing the oil, would you? I don't recommend it...I did it with my first car... needless to say, I called my daddy when it blew and he said, "Did you change the oil? Ever?" Oops...

Anyways, most people wouldn't do it... and the same logic holds true for your home's heating and cooling system. Regular HVAC preventative maintenance by Red's Heating and Cooling is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. Pre-season maintenance is also important. It can help you avoid a system failure in severe hot or cold weather when you need it most, and it can also keep your energy bill down!

A general guideline:

• For a system that heats and cools: perform maintenance in the spring and fall
• For cooling system maintenance only: perform maintenance at least once a year, before the cooling season
• For furnace maintenance only: perform maintenance at least once a year, before the heating season.

At Red's Heating and Cooling we offer a preventative maintenance contract where you can get a spring and fall check-up, discount on parts when repair is needed and priority service when your unit is out. System emergency? No problem! We have 24-hour service!

Give Red's Heating and Cooling a call today at 615-815-9655 We service all of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.