Affordable and Reliable Heating and Cooling Services for Homes and Businesses in Knoxville, TN

Considering the current national health crisis, we wanted to share with you a few ways ways we at JC’s Heating and Air know of to help improve your indoor air quality with things like an HVAC Ultraviolet Air Purifier.

With the ongoing Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic, our daily activities are at a standstill. Schools and non-essential businesses like salons, cinemas, gyms, restaurants, and shopping malls are forced to pause their operations. Doctors urge people to remain in their homes and practice precautions to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.

Since you’ll be spending most of your time indoors these days, you want your stay to be as safe and comfortable as possible. Apart from preparing your work-from-home office and sprucing up your house, another thing to consider for a comfortable stay-at-home is the quality of your indoor air.

Benefits of Clean Indoor Air

You might not have given the quality of your home’s indoor air much thought, but it will contribute to your experience – in a good way or bad – during the shutdown.  Here are three benefits of having clean indoor air.

1. Makes You Breathe Easy Inside the Home – When the air you breathe is contaminated, you are more prone to allergies and illnesses. A subtle amount of indoor pollutants like bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may affect your physical and mental health. Clean indoor air makes it easier for you to breathe and perform your daily activities.

• 2. Helps You Recover from Sickness or Fatigue – When you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, or experiencing fatigue, exposure to airborne allergens and pollutants may worsen your illness or prolong your recovery time. Having clean air gives your body time to recover, letting you be your best when you go back outdoors.

• 3. Improves Energy Efficiency in Your Home – Allergens and pollutants cause your current HVAC system to work harder to produce the right indoor air temperature. With clean indoor air, your HVAC system keeps your home warm or cool more efficiently without raising energy consumption.

Common Ways to Keep Indoor Air Clean

Many households have tried various ways to reduce indoor allergens. The natural way is by letting fresh air inside the house and ushering out air contaminants. Vacuuming carpets and rugs regularly, as well as cleaning bedding and drapes, reduce the buildup of dirt, dust, and mold in your home.

Some people turn to their HVAC systems to improve the quality of indoor air. They change their HVAC system’s filters regularly and make sure that dust and other airborne allergens do not collect and re-circulate around the home. Other homes invest in an air purifier, especially if they can’t dispose of the source of allergens and pollutants, such as a family pet.

What If Your HVAC and Air Purifier Don’t Work?

You may have been cleaning your home and your HVAC system, and you may have invested in an air purifier. But why are you still sneezing and coughing?

Although air purifiers are effective in reducing allergens and pollutants, they have several limitations:

• Ozone emissions: Some air purifiers emit colorless and unstable gas, either as a strategy to get rid of bacteria or as a byproduct of their function. Either way, exposure to ozone emissions is harmful to the airways and lungs, making you prone to coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
• Effectiveness: Air purifiers may not provide all the effects that their manufacturers claim. Some models may be useful in removing odors but are ineffective against getting rid of allergens and microorganisms.
• Cost of Maintenance: Several air purifiers rely on disposable, replaceable filters to function effectively. Unfortunately, these filters can be expensive. Other filters require periodic cleaning, which can be labor-intensive.

On the other hand, your HVAC system might be giving you several drawbacks, too:

• Ductwork Needed: Ductwork ensures energy efficiency, but it can be prone to inefficiencies. You also need to reapply ductwork regularly, depending on its condition.
• Regular Maintenance: If not properly maintained, your HVAC system might contribute to the breeding of contaminants like mildew and mold, which may circulate throughout your indoor space. Routine maintenance and tune-ups are also necessary, which can be costly.

The Solution? An HVAC Ultraviolet Air Purifier

An HVAC ultraviolet air purifier is a solution you can look into to improve the quality of your indoor air. UV tube lights are mounted inside your HVAC unit to enhance indoor air quality.

Using an HVAC UV air purifier gives your home several benefits:

1. Improved Indoor Airflow

Airflow is an essential factor in keeping the indoor air comfortable without straining your HVAC system excessively. But as time goes on, debris and pollutants build up within your system, causing the unit to work harder to provide your desired temperature.

Ultraviolet rays keep your entire HVAC system performing efficiently. They prevent the buildup of bacteria in air filters, cooling coils, duct surfaces, and drain pans. By eliminating contaminants, the UV lights improve the airflow and heat exchange in your HVAC air purifier system.

2. Energy Efficiency

Aside from the flow of debris, microorganisms hamper the airflow in your HVAC. This causes you to turn up your unit, which works hard to achieve your desired temperature.

Installing a UV light in your HVAC system lessens your home’s energy consumption by up to 35%. Apart from saving energy, UV light brings back your HVAC system’s performance to its best levels, helping it work like it’s new.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Improved airflow and energy efficiency go hand in hand with reduced energy costs. When your HVAC system works efficiently, it requires less energy to cooperate, reducing your utility bills.

An HVAC ultraviolet air purifier is cleaner than conventional HVAC systems, making it more straightforward and less labor-intensive to clean.

4. Disease Prevention

The UV light in your HVAC system eliminates and prevents the accumulation of any airborne bacteria and viruses on the unit’s cooling coils, drainpipes, and interior ductwork. It also kills microorganisms that usually develop in an HVAC system. These features help reduce disease transmission and prevent you and your family from getting sick.

5. Easy Maintenance

Since UV air purifiers prevent the accumulation of dust, airborne bacteria, and allergens, they keep your system and the rest of your house clean. You won’t see dust on your floors or furniture, and you won’t encounter damage on ceilings, walls, and other parts of the home due to pest infestation or biological growth.

HVAC UV air purifiers also don’t require regular changing and replacement of air filters. You just need to replace the UV bulb at least once a year.

How to Get an HVAC Ultraviolet Air Purifier

UV lights for heating and ventilation systems come in two types:

• Air handler coil sterilizers. This type of UV light is installed near the coils in the air handler. Once turned on, the coil sterilizers continuously run to prevent the growth of contaminants and molds.
• Air sterilizers. Installed in the air return, air sterilizers turn on when the system starts running, cleaning the air moving throughout the HVAC unit.

You may install UV lights directly in the air handler or other areas through the ductwork. The lights work more efficiently when they’re placed around reflective surfaces of the HVAC system.

Although you can install the UV lights yourself, hiring a professional ensures that the fixtures are installed correctly and are secured in place.

HVAC Ultraviolet Air Purifier Installation by JC’s Heating and Air

Protect your family and home by leaving UV light installation to the professionals. For reliable and secure service, choose JC’s Heating and Air.

We are licensed to carry out all kinds of HVAC repair and installation for homes and commercial properties in Tennessee. Our technicians have over 20 years of experience, giving you assurance that your HVAC systems will be maintained and will work efficiently.

To learn more about our HVAC ultraviolet air purifier installations, call us at +865-388-1712

In this blog post, we at JC’s Heating and Air want to share our Ultimate HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist with you, our loyal customers, friends, and family in Knoxville, TN.

You want to get your money’s worth, especially when it comes to your HVAC equipment, such as heat pumps and air conditioners, that contribute to your comfort. But getting quality equipment and securing professional installation are not the only factors to ensuring you maximize your purchase. You’ll also want to follow an HVAC preventive maintenance checklist that’s going to keep your heating and cooling system efficient and durable for many years to come.

HVAC Maintenance plans differ depending on your preferred schedule. You can choose quarterly services or take the more popular bi-annual option every spring and fall. Either way, our Ultimate HVAC Preventive Maintenance checklist will be useful in determining the most important aspects of preventive maintenance for all HVAC systems.

The Ultimate HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist: What You Need to Look Out For

Air conditioners and heat pumps are meant to receive regular attention. Otherwise, they break down or deteriorate.

The most prevalent system issues include clogged filters, leaking refrigerants, blown fuses, thermostat malfunctions, and unbalanced airflow. Neglected air conditioners and heat pumps are also subject to unpleasant odors, unusual noises, and a rise in heating and cooling costs.

Prevent these things from happening by implementing an HVAC preventive maintenance plan that covers year-round concerns as well as the unique concerns your system faces during different seasons.

Spring and Summer Maintenance Tasks

As the sun starts to peek out and the temperature goes higher, you’ll want to turn up the AC unit to stay cool. When you don’t take care of your HVAC system, however, it may result in higher electricity bills or expensive repair costs.

Beat the summer heat by having a qualified HVAC professional clear the following tasks:

• Clean or replace the filters of cooling equipment.
• Clean drain lines to prevent clogs and overflows.
• Clean the a/c condenser and evaporator coils.
• Clear the ducts of debris, dust, and molds.
• Check refrigerants charge and observe leaks.
• Check the electrical system and fan motors.
• Observe blowers and blades for proper airflow.
• Adjust alignment of or replace pulleys and belts.
• Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts.
• Test thermostats, controls, and timer functions.
• Check cabinet for leaks and cabinet door for secure closure.

Your HVAC maintenance service provider also observes humidity levels to ensure consistent airflow.

Fall and Winter Maintenance Tasks

Your HVAC system can stand its ground against snow, sleet, and rain. But this doesn’t mean that you can leave it alone unless you hear some rattling, notice a leak, or feel more chilly than usual.

Keep yourself warm during winter by having a skilled HVAC professional do the following:

• Clean or replace filters of the heating equipment.
• Clean drain lines and pans to avoid leaks.
• Check duct works and vents for proper air flow.
• Check the pulleys and belts. Replace if necessary.
• Check thermostats, controls, and electrical connections.
• Make sure the flue system is securely attached to furnace.
• Make sure there isn’t gas leaking from the gas furnace.
• Examine heat exchanger or other heating factors.
• Inspect fans and blowers for proper ventilation.
• Inspect heat pumps and ignition burners.
• Check gas pressure in the furnace.
• Test and lubricate motor bearings.

By securing these tasks, you avoid having a furnace breakdown when temperatures dip.

A comprehensive plan gives you the comfort of knowing that you’ve taken all probable steps to prevent something from going wrong with your AC or heater. Set aside a budget for preventive maintenance of your HVAC system. The money you spend now is a small price to pay for long-term comfort and cost savings.

A Small Price to Pay: Why Preventive Maintenance is Essential

Some people are hesitant to sign an HVAC preventive maintenance contract because they assume that it’s more expensive than occasional air duct cleaning and emergency repairs. But you could save more because maintenance plans often have discounts and warranties for services.

Looking beyond the initial benefits of an HVAC maintenance plan, the overall cost is a small price to pay for cleaner air and a more comfortable home.

Take a closer look at why maintaining an HVAC preventive maintenance checklist is a worthwhile investment:

• Save money on HVAC repairs and energy bills.

Preventive maintenance means there are fewer chances of HVAC system breakdowns. It extends the life of your entire system. It also extends warranty, so you can save a significant amount if your system experiences problems. Moreover, because your system continues to run at its peak efficiency, you can save money on your energy bills.

• Reduce indoor levels of airborne pollutants.

You won’t always immediately feel the effects of indoor air pollutants. Some immediate effects include dizziness, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Potential long-term effects include respiratory diseases and heart disease. Eliminate allergens, like pet dander, dust mites, and molds by keeping your HVAC unit clean.

• Keep your home comfortable all year round.

Your HVAC system keeps you cool during summer and warm during winter. It contributes a lot to indoor comfort, but it’s also easy to take for granted. Look after your system so that you remain comfortable all year round. Regular maintenance lets your system consistently distribute cool or warm air. It minimizes those pesky HVAC noises, too.

• Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.

What you can’t see may hurt you. Exposure to the colorless, odorless gas leads to headaches, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, and other flu-like symptoms. Strong exposure can lead to fainting, or worse. Regular maintenance of heating appliances prevents leaks that result in serious health issues.

• Minimize your HVAC’s environmental impact.

If you’re looking for ways to lessen your environmental impact, keep in mind that a well-maintained HVAC system uses considerably less energy. Some modifications also let you switch from oil heat to natural gas. Alternatively, newer models use less electricity. Talk to a qualified HVAC professional about your most suitable option.

Efficient HVAC Systems Save You Money

Our extensive preventive maintenance plan will help the HVAC system in your home or business work without fail — no matter the season.  Keep your system efficient today and save money on future repairs. I hope that our Ultimate HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist will help you keep your home heating and cooling system running at its best year-round. Please refer back to this checklist often and share it with your friends and family.

Call us for your year-round HVAC preventive maintenance needs: +865-388-1712.

It’s the middle of winter, so you and your family are staying snug and warm indoors and enjoying some hot cocoa together. Out of the blue, the humming noise from your home heating unit stops, and you feel the temperature drop. You realize your HVAC system has suddenly broken down, and your kids must endure the biting cold until an HVAC technician braves the snow and shows up at your door.

It’s a common horror story. Heaters do tend to break down during the coldest time of the year. Even though there are reliable technicians putting in overtime available, you might still have to spend hours battling the cold before they come.

As such, it’s vital to know when to repair—or even replace—your home heating unit. JC’s Heating and Air compiled the top four tell-tale signs of an outdated or struggling heater here, so you can keep your family safe and warm, even during the dead of a Knoxville winter.

1. Poor Heating Performance

The first sign that you need an upgrade is that your heater can no longer warm up your home adequately. If your HVAC unit falls short of its function only on that day, when it worked well previously, you might need to schedule a heater repair in Knoxville, TN.

Some of the most common problems we encounter are dirty filters, inaccurate thermostats, and wear and tear. Though these problems require relatively easy remedies, they cause a huge inconvenience, especially to homes with kids, elderly family members, and pets.

Don’t wait for your home heating unit to break down completely. If it’s no longer optimally heating your living space, look into upgrading your heater.

2. Loud Noises Coming from Your Home Heating Unit

A low, rumbling noise is normal for an HVAC system, but when it has become noticeably loud and disruptive, it’s a sign that’s something’s wrong. Booming, clanking, and squeaking aren’t normal motor noises. It’s best to call our Knoxville HVAC professionals immediately.

A blower fan might be loose, or the fan belt might be worn out. Something might also be blocking the duct work or the water or gas line. Our team might need to adjust the pilot light or replace the home heating unit altogether. Whatever the cause of the suspicious noise, our technicians will get to the bottom of it and make the necessary repairs.

3. An Old Home Heating Unit

As your heating unit reaches the end of its service life, it might no longer be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home properly. Over the years, the parts wear out. Moisture attacks the metal parts, causing rust and premature breakdowns. If the heater doesn’t have a regular maintenance routine, it’s more likely to give out faster, too.

If your unit is more than a decade old, it needs regular inspections from professionals. There’s a higher possibility of malfunctions, which can be prevented by attentive repair work. Our technicians will also advise if you’d be better off with a replacement, so you don’t have to contend with frequent repair expenses.

4. A Spike in Energy Bills

A sudden increase in your energy bills might signal something’s wrong with your home heating unit. If the heater (or the entire HVAC system, for that matter) isn’t working at their full capacity, it uses more energy than it should. As a result, your energy consumption spikes.

If there’s a suspicious monthly increase in your energy bills, it’s time to call the professionals. We can fix the parts that cause excessive energy consumption. Our skilled HVAC technicians can also provide a more energy-efficient option if we think that a replacement is better than a series of expensive repairs.

It can be tempting to put off these seemingly minor concerns, but one small problem can snowball into a huge, irreparable issue at the most inconvenient moment. The moment you spot these problems, have one of our technicians drop by your home and inspect your home heating unit right away. We’ll diagnose the problem and provide an appropriate and affordable solution.

Get in touch with our professional HVAC technicians today.

Project: Completely replaced very old HVAC system. Included heat pump, coil, thermostat and gas furnace.

I had three companies come out and give me an estimate for replacement of the HVAC system. Jason’s had the most bang for the buck. The installation went smoothly, with the one exception being that the thermostat I wanted turned out to not be in production yet (it was a very new “smart” model). It took a few months before it was released so Jason installed a basic one in the meantime. Jason is very knowledgeable and a nice guy. I would definitely recommend him to anyone else.

Project: Service Call

Jason did a great, professional job. He was courteous, prompt, fair and very easy to get the explanation of what needed to be done. He finished the work in a timely manner. 5 stars. Thanks Jason!