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3 Signs that Your AC Unit Needs to Be Replaced

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 02:08:20 GMT

In the hot, swampy months of summer, your air conditioning unit is your lifeline. It’s no wonder that we’re blindsided when it betrays us by requiring repair after repair. Some repair needs are to be expected with any appliance, but at what point do you say “enough is enough” and replace it?

At Bill Bradley Services, we keep your home cool and comfortable with timely and reasonably priced repairs. Call us at 334-252-8368 if you need help now.

1. You Are Repairing Your AC Unit Way Too Often

If you’re on a first-name basis with your air conditioning technician and they know what your kid is working on in math, you may be trying to save an air conditioning unit that is beyond repair. Ideally, you’ll work with an ethical repair shop that is willing to tell you when it’s time to retire your old unit and invest in a new one, rather than a shop that’s happy to keep taking your money when they know your unit is done.

You might use the longevity of your air conditioning unit as a starting point when deciding whether it’s time to repair or replace it. A new high-efficiency air conditioning system can be expected to last at least 15 years, if not more. As your unit gets up there in age, consult an air conditioning unit professional to figure out when replacement is the better option for you.

2. Your Home is Consistently Warm or Unevenly Cooled

There’s nothing more disappointing than turning on your air conditioning unit, waiting for the cold to hit you, and nothing changing. This is to be expected on some of those extra hot days, as no air conditioner is going to work as productively at 105 degrees as it does at 80 degrees. However, if your air conditioner is regularly leaving your home feeling warm and humid, it may warrant a replacement.

The same is true if your home is unevenly cooled on a regular basis. If certain rooms are frigid and intolerable but others feel like they aren’t even a little bit cool, the system may be at the end of its usefulness. If you’ve sought repairs for this problem in the past but it keeps coming back, it may be time to stop sinking money into repairs and use it for a new system completely.

3. Unpleasant Sounds and Smells Are Coming from the Unit

In some cases, a dysfunctional air conditioner can only be identified by the fact that your home is not cool. While it’s making the right sounds and seems to be working its hardest, it just isn’t working. In others, you can immediately tell that something isn’t quite right.

If the sounds made by your air conditioning unit have become increasingly loud and obnoxious, it may be working harder while still being less efficient. Not only is this noisy, but it also leaves your home too warm and can send your electricity bills through the roof. A repair may help on a newer air conditioner unit, but it may just be a temporary delay if your unit is old.

What about unusual smells coming from your air conditioning unit? This could be a huge range of problems, many of which do require a replacement over a repair. Drip pan mold, never-before-cleaned filters wrecked by a buildup of dirt, and leaks in the refrigerant line are just a few of the possibilities.

In addition to making your home smell unwelcoming and foul, these issues can also be very dangerous. If a repair is only temporarily successful, a full replacement could be the better option for you.

Air conditioning units are complex, and the decision to repair or replace them can be a tough one. Scheduling regular inspections of your unit and building a relationship with a local repair company can help you get the most out of your air conditioning unit.

Get the Help You Need with Bill Bradley Services

Not sure what to do with your temperamental air conditioning unit? Turn to the team at Bill Bradley Services. Give us a call at 334-262-8368 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment.

Do I Need a Dehumidifier for My Basement?

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:43:48 GMT

If your home struggles with dampness, musty smells, or mold, you may be considering a basement dehumidifier. Installing a basement dehumidifier comes with a wide range of benefits for your home, your belongings, and your health.

Proper installation and upkeep of a dehumidifier is a key part of keeping your home dry. Get a service or installation quote now by calling Bill Bradley Services at 334-262-8368.

Alabama Humidity at Work

Since Alabama borders the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no shortage of moisture here. As moisture evaporates from these waters, the air gets thick and humid. Communities throughout the state often have dense, humid air throughout the year. During the most humid times of the year, humidity ratings can spike well over 80%.

Experts recommend keeping a home humidity level of 30% to 60%, with some recommending a top humidity level of 50%. As you can see, it’s easy for an average Alabama day to make it impossible to maintain that humidity level without extra help.

Basement Dehumidifiers Can Improve Your Entire Home

If humidity is a problem for your entire home, why do you only need a basement dehumidifier? Basements generally suffer the worst outcomes when humidity is high. Specialized basement dehumidifiers can offer numerous benefits to homeowners. They automatically detect humidity levels in the air and adjust their work accordingly. This ensures that you don’t have to spend every hot, sticky Alabama day checking your dehumidifier and adjusting it.

A basement dehumidifier doesn’t just make your basement more comfortable and breathable. It can also make every other part of your home cleaner, drier, and less prone to mold and mildew. Close to half of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home is actually from your basement. Dehumidifying at the lower level of your home leads to better air quality on upper levels.

Health Benefits of Dehumidifiers

Humid air is the ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. This is particularly true in basements, which tend to have dark or poorly ventilated areas. Even finished basements have less access to natural light that can kill mold.

When you have an area prone to humidity, limited airflow, and darkness, mold can spread like wildfire. Mold spores can cause a wide range of health issues in you and your family members. Mold exposure can lead to watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, wheezing, headache, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Consistent exposure to mold spores can cause chronic health problems, especially in children and aging seniors.

The best way to prevent mold from taking root in your home is to give it fewer places to grow. Keeping your basement dry and free of excess humidity is a big part of this.

Choosing a Basement Dehumidifier

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a basement dehumidifier, it’s crucial to spend some time choosing the right one. Consulting with an expert, such as the team at Bill Bradley Services, is one way to evaluate your space and its needs.

Some basic guidelines make it easier to choose the proper dehumidifier for your needs. In general, you’ll want a dehumidifier that holds at least 10 pints of water for up to 500 square feet. For each additional 500 square feet of basement space beyond that, plan on an additional four pints of water storage.

Drainage options are another important factor. Although some dehumidifiers have manual drainage, this is by far the less popular option—no one wants to spend their free time running down to check and drain the dehumidifier bucket. Instead, most people prefer a dehumidifier with an automatic draining system.

Talking to the team at Bill Bradley Services can help you understand the variety of options available to you in basement dehumidifiers. For example, you may want one with air filters, automatic defrosting, a humidistat that automatically adjusts to the current humidity level, or an automatic restart feature that kicks in when you lose power.

Get Your Installation Estimate Today

At Bill Bradley Services, we pride ourselves on finding solutions for every customer. If you’re interested in a basement dehumidifier, choose us to help you find a solution. Contact us online or call us at 334-262-8368 to set up a time to look at your basement.New Paragraph

The Importance of an Annual AC Tune-Up

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 12:43:48 GMT

Having a well-air-conditioned home during a heat wave is invaluable. Many homeowners look for opportunities to extend the life of their air conditioning system in order to reduce costs and keep their home or business comfortable.

Did you know that getting your AC tuned up annually could save you energy costs and increase the life of your unit by up to 15 years? Replacing your AC unit could cost upwards of $5000 while a tune-up should cost no more than $200.

Avoid HVAC emergencies by getting an annual AC tune-up as soon as possible. The summer heat is only getting hotter. Make sure your home or business is comfortable as temps skyrocket over these next several months. Call Bill Bradley Services to set up an appointment today.

AC Tune-Up Overview

When you contact your HVAC technician for an annual AC tune-up, you can expect your technician to inspect your air-conditioning system in its entirety.

Not only will we go over the indoor and outdoor compartments of the unit, but we will also be checking for any damage to safety features, loose electrical connections, issues with your motor, dirt, leaks, or other issues with your unit.

We will also likely recommend replacing your air filter unless it is a new unit, as these should be replaced every three months or so. Your technician will check air conditioning coolant levels, add more if necessary, and make any necessary repairs.

Your annual AC tune-up should also include removing debris from the unit, cleaning hair and dirt, and removing excess dust from condenser coils. Finally, your HVAC technician will run the system to ensure it is operating functionally.

Benefits Of AC Tune-Ups

There are several benefits homeowners receive from getting a yearly AC tune-up. These include:

Reduced energy bills
Increased energy efficiency
Increased air conditioning unit lifespan
The ability to cool your home evenly
Prevent total AC breakdown

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner Between Tune-Ups

Although you should get your air conditioning unit evaluated annually by an HVAC technician, there are ways you can continue to maintain your unit in between tune-ups. Some of our top tips for AC maintenance include:

Cleaning your AC coils - Cleaning your AC coils will remove debris that obstructs the coils from functioning efficiently. If coils become locked, the machine could break down and your energy bills could skyrocket.
Changing your filter - Your filter should be changed at least once every three months, or once per month to achieve optimal energy efficiency.
Checking your dryer vent - If your home's dryer vent is angled towards your air conditioning unit, it could restrict the unit's airflow and cause damage to the system. Dryer vents should always remain a minimum of 6 feet away from an air conditioning unit.
Trim bushes and shrubs - Overgrown bushes and shrubs can obstruct AC units which can increase energy consumption and restrict airflow.
Seal window and door openings - Gaps or openings in your windows or doors allow cool air to escape which can increase energy consumption.
Increase room temperature - Raising your thermostat by up to 10° when you are not at home can give your air-conditioning unit a break and reduce your energy bill.

Cost Of a High-Quality AC Tune-Up

The cost of an annual AC tune-up can vary wildly depending on who you call and how experienced your HVAC technician is. Generally, AC tune-ups can cost anywhere from $75-$200.

This does not include the cost of any repairs that may need to be done to your air-conditioning system. Generally, when making repairs, HVAC professionals can charge anywhere from $50-$150 per hour. Furthermore, the cost of any refrigerant, cooling or other liquid materials will be an additional cost.

Although every air conditioning system is different, when you are refilling these materials, you could expect to spend anywhere from $100-$350. If your technician is also going to be examining refrigeration or heating systems, you could expect to pay up to $500.

Depending on the details of your case, your HVAC technician may be willing to do your entire AC tune-up and repairs for a flat fee. To find out how much you could expect to spend on your air conditioning system this summer, reach out to our office to request a quote today.

Contact Bill Bradley Services for Your AC Tune-Up Today!

Are you ready to schedule your AC tune-up? Contact Bill Bradley Services. Make sure your air conditioning unit is ready for the summer heat. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to request a quote today.

It's Gonna Cost How Much?

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:08:10 GMT

Why are the repairs so expensive?

That's Ridiculous. Highway Robbery.

The reason is you are paying for highly specialized professional with the knowhow and knowledge that comes from years of experience.

Service technicians are always on call; after hours, holidays and on weekends. Not to mention, the service is considered a house call. This means there is upkeep on the vehicle, specialized tools and parts stocked on the truck, and gas to get to the job site.

Sure, a Handyman may be cheaper, but they may not have insurances, licenses, and/or the expertise Bill Bradley Services does. And there's always that old saying "A jack of all trades is a master of none".

Now there are all these videos you can watch that will show you how to fix just about anything, but who has that kind of time? Tools? or Patience? And if something does goes wrong, the problem just might be worse and more costly than if you had called us in the 1st place.

For 10% off any plumbing or HVAC repair, mention this blog post.

Are HVAC Service Contracts Worth It?

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 18:47:26 GMT

Does your HVAC system make weird noises? Maybe your air conditioner is malfunctioning when it’s hot outside. Regardless of these problems, HVAC service contracts offer you peace of mind. HVAC service companies offer these contracts to avoid emergency breakdowns.

Due to the age and wear and tear of your HVAC system, it is crucial that a professional is there to maintain it. It is a huge relief to know that your system runs smoothly.

What Is the Coverage of Your HVAC Service Contract?

HVAC service contracts cover maintenance and labor except for equipment and parts of your system that need replacing. But, there are some categories that might be included in your contract:

Minor parts such as screws, nuts, and bolts.
Supplies such as solvents and lubricants.
Labor including annual cleaning and maintenance.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Maintenance?

When you enter an HVAC service agreement , you are likely to have annual inspections along with seasonal tune-ups. The air conditioning and heat ventilation plans keep you cool during the hot summer days and warm during cold nights.

For HVAC systems, prevention is your best bet. Professionals can help you identify problems that potentially escalate into expensive dilemmas. And, regular maintenance along with changing the air filters give you a healthier environment because of the clean air circulating your house. You also get better energy efficiency from your HVAC systems.

Is the Company Reputable?

Choose a company with many positive reviews from known home websites. Doing so will give you an insight into what these companies offer. The positive comments from the satisfied customer will surely give you confidence with the HVAC company you choose.

Why Should You Get a Maintenance Plan?

When signing a service maintenance agreement, remember all the things we have discussed. One last thing to remember is the possibility of paying for a contract you won’t use. Another possibility is that this plan will help you save thousands of dollars in the long run.

You can never go wrong with Bill Bradley Services. We are a company from Montgomery, Alabama that provides HVAC service agreements and more. Call us today and request a quote .

What is the Typical Life Span of an HVAC System?

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it’s to keep your home warm and cozy during the winter or cool and comfortable during the summer, there’s nothing that a well-conditioned HVAC system can’t handle. But at some point, your unit’s performance may start to decline—a few leaks here and there, not cooling or heating properly, loud buzzing noises, and even an increase in energy bills!

Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. This could just mean that your HVAC unit has reached its golden years, and it’s time to get a replacement. Now to answer the question, “How long does an HVAC system last?” Well, you’ll have to read on to find out.

Air-conditioning
The life expectancy of an air-conditioning system is usually around 15 years, sometimes even longer. To achieve this, schedule regular maintenance with a professional at least twice a year. The cooling capacity of your AC should also be proportionate to your home’s size to avoid wear and tear. Additionally, routine cleaning and replacing of the filter should be observed, to avoid clogging the airways that could result in an overworked unit.

Furnaces
A well-maintained furnace typically lasts for 15 to 25 years, assuming that proper maintenance is in check. This includes replacing the filter regularly and utilizing a programmable thermostat to avoid overworking your unit. Annual tune-ups are also critical as it allows technicians to identify underlying issues. For more optimal use, consider getting your furnace thoroughly cleaned as well.

Heat Pumps
You can get the most out of your heat pump for an average of 16 years. But to reach this number, have your unit serviced and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Observe regular maintenance at home like replacing the air filter when necessary; keeping the outdoor components free of snow, ice, and other debris; and frequently cleaning the outdoor coils.

Water Heaters
The lifespan of water heaters varies per type. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years while electric and gas water heaters, around 10 years. Routine checkups should be scheduled every 3 years to ensure your unit is in optimal condition. It also helps to know when your heater needs servicing. Watch out for red flags like water leakage, reduced pressure, murky water, and strange noises.

Thermostat
A well-serviced thermostat can last up to 25 years. Like other HVAC systems, filters should be cleaned and replaced consistently. The compressor should be obstruction-free to avoid overworking your unit and save energy. Have a technician assess your unit at least twice a year, ideally before the summer and winter seasons.

24/7 HVAC Installation and Repair
Do you need help with an AC installation and repair ? Call the technicians at Bill Bradley Services today! We specialize in the servicing of all HVAC units and components—from the earliest to the latest technology. We are available 24/7, just give us a call, and we’ll be there in a jiffy! Request a quote today to get started!

Should I Replace My 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner?

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 23:56:45 GMT

Deciding on whether to get an AC replacement or repair is challenging. Call Bill Bradley Services now and we’ll help you find the best solution to your problem.

How High of a SEER Number Should You Go?

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 03:39:02 GMT

Have you finally decided to invest in a new air-conditioning unit? If so, then you’ll soon encounter the term AC SEER rating. SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating which measures the cooling efficiency of your AC unit -- the higher the AC SEER rating, the more energy efficient your unit is.

Additionally, the higher the SEER of your AC unit, the higher the price. That said, the higher seer will very likely save you money over the lifespan of the unit. Here’s why:

When comparing a 14 SEER unit to a 17 SEER unit, the 14 seer typically has a single-stage compressor causing the unit to either run at full speed, or be completely off.

The 17 seer, on the other hand, has a 2 stage cooling compressor, and operates at different speeds. This allows the unit to run more often at a lower setting, keeping temperatures constant throughout your home, while using less energy. The higher SEER also pulls humidity out of your house, at a much faster rate.

So yes, you will almost certainly save money in the long run with the more expensive, higher seer unit. That said, all A/C units made today operate much more efficiently than they did 10+ years ago, and are designed to keep you comfy and cool on those hottest days! If they don’t, give us a call!

Whether you need an AC installation or a repair, we’ll handle them for you! Our technicians are well-versed in the servicing of all the latest HVAC technology. We’ll answer all your questions, including everything you need to know on SEER ratings. Apart from that, we also deal with plumbing and heating issues. Give us a call or fill out the form on our website to request a quote today!

Covid-19

djones@billbradleyservices.com (Damon Jones) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:22:13 GMT

Dear valued customers

As Covid-19 spreads, it is vital the service industry takes every necessary precaution to keeping our community safe. At Bill Bradley Services, our technicians are equipped with face masks, boot covers, gloves and hand sanitizer to ensure the safest outcome on every call for you, the customer. Currently, no one at Bill Bradley Services has any symptoms of concern. We will get past this worrisome time, but we've got to do it together. If you have any questions, concerns or remarks, please give us a call at (334) 262-8368.
Very respectfully,
Brenda Bradley