The Cost of HVAC Filters

September 16, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC air filters

HVAC filter replacement comes with a cost. That cost can vary depending on filter size, brand, change frequency, and filter type. Please don’t let the cost of HVAC air filters scare you, and don’t let cost deter you from changing your filter regularly. HVAC system repairs can cost more than a monthly filter change.

What is an HVAC Filter?

HVAC means Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning. So an HVAC filter screens out the dust and debris that can get inside your system and cause loss of efficiency in the HVAC system. These filters serve the primary purpose of keeping the indoor parts of your system clean and safe from everyday dust and debris in the air.

HVAC Filter Cost

The cost of the HVAC filter you need to replace will vary. Every unit requires a specific size, and some HVAC units will require particular materials or brands. These are all factors in the frequency and cost of the filter change. A standard pleated HVAC filter can cost just a couple of dollars at your local home improvement or hardware store. The bigger your filter size, the more you can expect to pay for a filter. You can also expect a slightly higher price for a filter that doesn’t need to be changed every 30 days or a filter that is washable and reusable. Filters that include odor control material are also a bit more expensive.

The best value that you will find is a filter that can go 60 plus days without being changed. You may pay twice as much for a filter that will last you 90 days or 6 months, but you only pay that every few months rather than every 30 days. You will also find great value in washable filters, purchase two of them for slightly more than a 30-day filter and you can wash and reuse them and pay for filters once a year. There are ways to save money on filters; you have to research what is best for your unit.

Keep it Clean

Regularly changing your HVAC filter is essential. All HVAC systems require a filter, and it needs to be changed routinely whether that is every 30 days or every 6 months. Keeping the internal parts of your HVAC system clean and safe is critical for continued efficient operation. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can keep your HVAC system running well, and you can avoid repairs or replacement ahead of schedule.

HVAC means Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning. So an HVAC filter screens out the dust and debris that can get inside your system and cause loss of efficiency in the HVAC system. These filters serve the primary purpose of keeping the indoor parts of your system clean and safe from everyday dust and debris in the air.

HVAC Filter Cost

The cost of the HVAC filter you need to replace will vary. Every unit requires a specific size, and some HVAC units will require particular materials or brands. These are all factors in the frequency and cost of the filter change. A standard pleated HVAC filter can cost just a couple of dollars at your local home improvement or hardware store. The bigger your filter size, the more you can expect to pay for a filter. You can also expect a slightly higher price for a filter that doesn’t need to be changed every 30 days or a filter that is washable and reusable. Filters that include odor control material are also a bit more expensive.

The best value that you will find is a filter that can go 60 plus days without being changed. You may pay twice as much for a filter that will last you 90 days or 6 months, but you only pay that every few months rather than every 30 days. You will also find great value in washable filters, purchase two of them for slightly more than a 30-day filter and you can wash and reuse them and pay for filters once a year. There are ways to save money on filters; you have to research what is best for your unit.

Keep it Clean

Regularly changing your HVAC filter is essential. All HVAC systems require a filter, and it needs to be changed routinely whether that is every 30 days or every 6 months. Keeping the internal parts of your HVAC system clean and safe is critical for continued efficient operation. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can keep your HVAC system running well, and you can avoid repairs or replacement ahead of schedule.

For all your HVAC service needs contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Why Your HVAC Needs Maintenance

September 2, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC


Do you enjoy a refreshing home in the heat of summer or a warm house in the dead of winter? I know I sure do. HVAC routine and preventative maintenance is a must to ensure a comfortable environment at home when it’s needed.

What is HVAC Maintenance?

HVAC maintenance is best done by a professional. It involves cleaning components of your heating and cooling systems like the condenser coils, evaporator coils, compressor, filters, and more. Most people change their air filter regularly and find that reasonably straightforward, but the other parts can be a bit tricky. While the technician is cleaning the coils and compressor, they are also looking for issues that the untrained eye may not notice.

Maintenance also entails lubricating moving parts, cleaning debris, and checking the condensate drain. Inspecting exhaust outlets and checking voltage and connections is an integral part of the maintenance routine. All of the parts of your system should be checked for malfunctions to ensure that your system is running well.

Why is HVAC Maintenance Important?

If you don’t maintain your HVAC system, you can find yourself living in uncomfortable temperatures at the most inopportune times. Lack of maintenance over time will cause your system to fail. Once it fails, it can be costly to repair, especially if you have to replace a condenser or evaporator coil. It could be something as simple as just dust and debris build-up or a filter change. Why take the chance of spending additional money?

Maintenance will help ensure that all parts of the system are working correctly and you don’t find yourself without heat in the middle of winter. Dust and debris is a natural occurrence in the outdoor components of the system, but too much debris is going to cause problems. The drain for the condensation that happens within your system also needs to be free and clear of clogs. Clogging can lead to excess water, which will eventually lead to more significant problems such as mold and mildew, and those cause respiratory issues.

Electrical connection and voltages are also crucial because damaged links and incorrect voltages can lead to damage to the HVAC system or worse it could lead to a fire. During maintenance, damage is prevented. Another essential reason for the maintenance is carbon monoxide; if exhaust vents are clogged, it can lead to carbon monoxide build-up.

Lastly, economics is a massive reason besides safety and efficiency to have your HVAC system maintained professionally. When your system works harder to perform and keep temperatures where you want them, the higher your heating and cooling bill is going to be. So to cut costs having proper routine maintenance is a good idea. Refrigerant levels are one of the biggest reasons that your system will work harder. Without the appropriate equipment to check it, you will never know until it’s too late.

It’s Never Too Late

Contact the pros at Good Deals Heating and Cooling to schedule your maintenance. Have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year. If you live in a climate that uses heating and cooling heavily, have the system serviced twice a year. Save your system and your pocketbook by having annual or biannual maintenance done. Call 215-947-1166 to schedule your appointment today.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , , ,

Back To School Lessons On Air Conditioning

August 19, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling air conditioning

While students are out on holiday, schools are fixing up their classrooms and hallways. It is the summertime, which means it’s hot in many regions of the country, especially in southern areas like Florida, Arizona, and California. When students come back in late August/early September, the summer heat is still around and affects the students. Research has shown that hot rooms make it difficult for students to study and pay attention to the teacher. Air conditioning can give plenty of relief, but only if the schools had adequate, fully functioning air conditioning.

Schools without adequate air conditioning higher temperatures by a few degrees, which can have adverse effects on students. For every 1-degree Fahrenheit increase, there is a 1% decrease in learning. One research study measured students PSAT scores. One group took the test in a classroom an averaged temperature and one group in a classroom two degrees higher. The average scores were higher from the students who had a cooler classroom. Other studies have focused on students taking general exams in certain conditions. In warm rooms, the chance of failing a test rises to 12%. Why? A person working in high temperatures loses concentration as they focus more on finding a way to cool down.

The problem with air conditioning is more prevalent in schools in low-income areas that are overpopulated. In these schools, classroom temperatures run one to three degrees hotter than in higher income schools with proper air conditioning. There is a racial factor because these low-income schools feature a higher percentage of minority students, namely, Hispanics and Blacks. White students were from higher income schools. Many of the schools are public, and the cost of installing a new air conditioning system is not within the school administration budget.

Air conditioning in schools is becoming more essential because of climate change. It is up to government officials to counter the rising temperature and focus on more Eco-friendly ways to use energy that allows air conditioning to work for all. Global increased temperatures mean that all students, regardless of where they are, will be affected. Improving school infrastructure should be an immediate “yes,” but local governments with numerous issues have yet to commit.

Anyone around hot temperatures can easily suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, and nausea. In the sweltering southern locations the heat lasts longer than in the north, and air conditioning is more critical in schools. Having the classrooms maintain a comfortable temperature improves students’ energy levels and increases the students’ ability to maintain focus.

For more information on air conditioning service, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning System, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Energy Saving HVAC Tips for Summer

August 5, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling energy saving HVAC

Most people assume that the cold winter weather is the most demanding on your HVAC system, but the summer is worse.

During the summer, most people wonder how to save money on the utility bill without sacrificing their comfort. Here are the tips to save energy and money this summer:

Replace Old HVAC Units With Energy Star Units

Investing in a new model might sound daunting, but it is well worth it. The latest models, especially those labeled with Energy Star Ratings, use 50% less the energy than the older models. They are more efficient and save you money over their lifespan.

Protect the HVAC Unit From Debris and Direct Sunlight

An outdoor HVAC unit should be debris free and in the shade, if possible. The hot summer weather brings weeds and overgrown vegetation. If plants get too close to the unit, they can affect the efficiency of the system.
The unit should be able to pull in air efficiently without resistance. Having debris and excess vegetation around the unit is dangerous and can cause damage to the system. The shade cuts energy consumption and helps the unit operate smoothly.

Clean Out Vents

It goes unnoticed sometimes. Some vents can be shut and never opened again. Check the vents, especially if there is an unusually warm area in the house. Cleaning the vents provides smooth airflow and keeps particulates from circulating through the home.

Clean the Air Filters

The winter weather can take a toll on the HVAC system. Air filters become clogged with dirt making it hard for the HVAC unit to operate. Make sure the air filters are clean and replace the damaged ones to help the unit run smoothly and efficiently using less energy.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

The programmable thermostat helps you control the HVAC unit even when no one is around. Don’t set the thermostat to keep the house cold when it’s empty. Set the temperature to match your schedule: warmer when away and cool down before returning home.

Other Tips

Having ceiling fans or standing fans can help circulate the air around the house to create a refreshing environment. Have the doors and windows sealed to avoid letting the cool air out and keep the blinds and drapes shut to keep out direct sunlight.

For more information on energy saving HVAC units, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , ,

HVAC: Stay Cool in the Summer Heat

July 22, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC

With the temperatures rising and summer here to stay, it’s time to revisit the ways we beat the heat on a budget. There are so many ways you can help your HVAC unit out as it goes through one of the toughest seasons.

Keep a Maintenance Schedule

Your HVAC unit needs biannual tender loving care. Each year, before the busy season of summer, you should have an HVAC technician come and perform maintenance. This service may be a part of an HVAC maintenance contract. Having this maintenance done helps locate any potential issues before the increased usage that comes in the summer months.

Check the Air Filters

During the summer months, you should be checking the air filter every thirty days. When doing their job, these filters will catch dirt and debris that will eventually clog them, causing the HVAC unit to overwork. By keeping an eye on your filter and changing it when needed, you can save up to 15% on your HVAC’s energy consumption.

Check the Drainage Line

Just like the air filter, the HVAC drainage line will need to be cleared from time to time. When the drainage line gets blocked with debris, it can be difficult for the HVAC to alleviate indoor humidity. To fix this problem, get a shop vac and clean out the dust and dirt particulates. You should also occasionally pour bleach into the line to kill any algae or mildew growing inside of the line.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a budget saver. A smart thermostat allows you to set the thermostat for different temperatures throughout the day. You can save money by setting the temperature higher during the workday when no one is home, so the HVAC works less. Then let it begin cooling the house shortly before you come home. This device can save as much as 15% on your power bill each month.

Seal Windows and Doors

Sealing your windows and doors isn’t just for the wintertime anymore. Keep the cold air in by replacing your windows with energy efficient windows. This change can help lower your power bill by as much as 30% over a year.

For more information about summer HVAC service, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Air Conditioning and Your Summer Vacation

July 8, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling air conditioning

Summer is here and this is the time people start traveling on vacation. Holidays are exciting, but a few preparations around the house will allow peace of mind while relaxing. Items to include on the list are: arrange to have the mail held or picked up, contact a pet sitter, place lights on timers, and compile a packing list for the trip. When making this list, don’t forget about the HVAC system. Preparing the air conditioning system for the house to be empty for an extended period will save money and avoid problems while you’re away.

Turn Up the Thermostat

Summer heat can have a significant effect on wood flooring, doors, and cabinets. Don’t make the mistake of turning the AC system off in a bid to try and save energy. The summer heat and humidity can cause hardwood floors to expand and buckle, and wood doors to expand and not close properly. Save yourself the cost of repairs by turning up the thermostat setting to between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will not damage plants or fabrics, and by keeping the HVAC running, the humidity will be controlled. If there is a programmable thermostat, program it to have the house return to a comfortable temperature a hours before returning.

Consider Surge Protection

While on vacation, losing power is a possibility. In case there is a power surge or outage in your area, and no one is around, the HVAC system might get damaged. Install a surge protector for the system to avoid that problem.

Schedule General Maintenance

Have a technician check the HVAC system before the summer season. A service technician will check the following: refrigerant levels, coils, air filters, electronic connections, and the system is producing the correct temperature across the evaporator coil. Knowing the HVAC is in optimal working condition while on vacation will lessen any worries.

Air Filter Routine Maintenance

Clean air filters before leaving. Clogged air filters cause the HVAC unit to overwork. Clean air filters prevent the system from malfunctioning while no one is around.

Reduce the Load

Computers and other electronics produce heat when they are running. Turn off or disconnect these items while away to reduce heat generated within the house. The HVAC system will turn on less frequently.

When anyone goes on vacation, they want to have some time away from home to relax. Follow these simple tips for, and you’ll have a worry-free vacation.

For more information on air conditioning maintenance, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning System Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

HVAC Maintenance Contracts: Terms and What to Watch For

June 17, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC Maintenance Contract

So you have decided to take care of your HVAC system by entering into an HVAC Maintenance contract. You know this is a good way to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter before you sign know what to look for in that contract. You wouldn’t buy a home without having all the facts, you wouldn’t buy a car without a car history, and you shouldn’t enter into an HVAC contract without doing some research. Here’s a few items to watch for when reading the service agreement.

The Bad

The contract is too short. This contract is a serious legal document that should spell out just what products are covered when the company should perform maintenance, and what is included in terms of emergency repair and maintenance. That can not be done on one single page. Good maintenance agreements are typically a few pages, and you should read every single one of them. A reliable company with a good contract will give you the time to read it.

Beware of the fine print. This statement is true with any contract; the devil is always in the details. Be sure to take your time and go over any fine print in the contract. If there is an overwhelming amount of tiny print, they are hoping you won’t go through all of it line by line!

The Good

The contract will list out all equipment covered under the contract. This one seems like common sense, but some organizations skip this step. Do not leave it up to a verbal agreement or explanation of what is typically covered. Everything they do for you and what you agree to should be right there in black and white.

The contract should have every task that is completed as part of routine maintenance. Do not accept the term “routine maintenance” as an umbrella term for everything that is done as part of the contract. Any work done by the company under the guise of the contract should be spelled out, so you know precisely what you get for the money you are paying. Also, look for exclusions – what doesn’t the contract cover. Those repairs will be coming out of your wallet.

When will the work be done? Do you need to be home for it? What hours are included in the contract? Does it cost more to call outside of those hours? Those are all questions that need to be answered before you put your name to paper.

For more information on HVAC Maintenance Contracts contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Maintenance Agreement Tagged With: , , , , , ,

4 Reasons to Clean your HVAC in Philadelphia

June 3, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC

The time of the year has come when your HVAC system requires cleaning. There is no need to wait until you wake up one summer morning sweating to make that call. If it has been a while since your air conditioning system was checked, it’s time to call Good Deals Heating & Cooling. Having your HVAC system running efficiently is our priority before it gets to becomes an emergency. Let’s dive in and see some of the reasons why cleaning your HVAC system is essential:

Saves Energy

When using a dirty HVAC system, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used either for cooling or heating is wasted. The contaminants in the system cause it to work harder causing it to consume more energy and also shorten the life of the system. A clean system doesn’t work so hard to maintain the desired temperature. It is efficient in energy use.

Makes the System Run Efficiently

A clean HVAC system runs more efficiently as compared to a dirty one. No contaminants are present in the system, and it lets out fresh air easily maintaining the required temperature. Some HVAC systems tend to overheat when dirty as they work forcefully.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

A lot of pollutants and contaminants accumulate overtime in any building. These pollutants include dust, chemicals, and dander, an HVAC system circulates them around the building approximately 5 to 7 times a day. While these pollutants aren’t unsafe for the average person, they can cause health issues for people with environmental allergies, respiratory health problems or autoimmune disorders.

Saves Money

Reduced spending is one of the significant benefits of a clean HVAC system. If your air conditioning system is not clean, it doesn’t perform at optimal efficiency level. The HVAC system is forced to use a lot of energy and work hard to filter the contaminants and pollutants and circulate the air around the building. A clean system as it functions smoothly and at the maximum efficiency.

If you want to extend the life of your HVAC system in Philadelphia and make it run efficiently call Good Deals Heating & Cooling at 215-947-1166. Let the professionals check and clean your system. Let us help give your HVAC system in Philadelphia the care it needs.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Why Should I Get an HVAC Maintenance Agreement?

May 20, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC maintenance agreement


So you went out and bought an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit, and now you are faced with an essential question. Should you protect that purchase with an HVAC Maintenance Agreement? There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding HVAC Maintenance Agreements. There are sound reasons for getting a maintenance agreement, but the most critical question to ask yourself is: Do I feel comfortable not having one? If the HVAC system needs repairing or replacement, can your budget absorb those costs without much difficulty? A service agreement brings peace of mind that you’ll never be without heat or cooling.

Let’s start by learning what exactly comes with an HVAC Maintenance Agreement. An HVAC Maintenance Agreement is a contract between the customer and the service provider where the customer pays a set amount, and the provider performs routine maintenance on the HVAC unit. Some contracts include a priority treatment clause, which will come in handy if the HVAC dies at the worst possible moment (think mid-summer or mid-winter). The customer with an agreement jumps to the front of the line.

One of the most significant benefits to the HVAC Maintenance Agreement is regular maintenance on the unit. Just like a car needs regular maintenance done to catch small issues before they become expensive problems, the same is true with an HVAC system. Through routine maintenance, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase is being cared for and protected for when you need it the most.

The final case for an HVAC Maintenance Agreement is the preventative cost measures associated with the plan. Customers typically have several plans presented to them through their HVAC provider. Many of them will include repairs being fully or partially covered. If the technician detects a problem during routine maintenance or repairs are needed on a cold or scorching day, the fixes are included in the cost of doing business. Older HVAC units are no longer under warranty, so the best way to save money is to have regular maintenance before peak seasonal use. Plus it is comforting to know that when disaster strikes, the repairmen will be visiting your house first.

The HVAC Maintenance Agreement, provides security, financial coverage, and peace of mind.

If you have questions about an HVAC Maintenance Agreement contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Maintenance Agreement Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Is It Safe For My HVAC To Use Both Heat And A/C In One Day?

May 6, 2019 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling HVAC

This year isn’t the first year that spring seems to be confused. One day the weather will be winter chilly, and the next day the weather will be hot. With this influx of outdoor weather keeping your home at a comfortable temperature becomes a challenge. Some people think that it isn’t safe to run the HVAC in both heat and air conditioning modes on the same day.
Is this true? Will I kill my HVAC system?

Will It Kill My HVAC System?

The plain and simple answer is that running both the air conditioner function and heat function of your HVAC system in one day won’t kill it.

Your HVAC system is designed to keep your home at the desired temperature, whether that means heating or cooling. If you couldn’t run both on the same day, then the system wouldn’t be able to do its job. Frequently switching between the two won’t hurt.

One important note to keep in mind is that you need to let the HVAC system finish its session before switching. The compressor needs to come to a complete stop and shut off before you adjust the temperature.

Pay Attention For Signs Your HVAC System May Have Problems

Instead of worrying whether or not to run your HVAC system on both heating and cooling in the same day, you should focus on signs that your HVAC system may be having problems. Here are several symptoms that the HVAC system may be having issues:

  • A circuit breaker keeps tripping when HVAC turns on
  • The unit is continuously running with no pause or shut off
  • Failure of the system to meet the set temperature
  • The air coming out of the vents has an odor
  • An noticeable increase of contaminants (i.e., dust) in the home
  • The unit stops turning on when it usually would

Schedule Regular Maintenance

An HVAC system is designed to have regular maintenance. For most units that means at least once a year. By staying on top of routine maintenance allows the HVAC system to run at peak performance. It will also help to prevent unit failure by catching and repairing small problems.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning units are designed to help control the climate in your home. Because these units are designed to operate in both the summer and winter, they are very flexible. You don’t have to worry about switching between the heating and air conditioning. What you do need to worry about is keeping your system in good working order to ensure that it is ready to go when you need it.

To schedule a routine maintenance service call for your HVAC system, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

Filed Under: HVAC Service Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »