Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

Common Misunderstandings About Air Purifiers

July 11th, 2022

Although the technology of air purification isn’t new, it’s become more widespread in residential usage than ever before. People have a greater concern about the quality of the air circulating through their homes, and having an air purifier in Live Oak, FL is one option to help improve comfort and general health.

Because there’s plenty of information about air purifiers available, it’s easy to pick up misunderstandings and myths about them. We’ll help clear up some of the common misconceptions about air purifiers—and we hope you let us clear up your air with our professional indoor air quality services!

How AC Refrigerant Coils Work—And How They Can Go Wrong

June 27th, 2022

An air conditioning system has many different parts that combine together to provide cool comfort for a house. The part of an AC that does the direct cooling of the air is the evaporator coil, which works in conjunction with a second coil, the condenser coil, to allow for the heat exchange process that’s at the core of how an air conditioning system works.

Today, we’re going to look closer at how these coils work, as well as how they may end up requiring professional AC repair in Lake City, FL.

How an Amateur AC Installation Can Go Terribly Wrong

June 13th, 2022

Two central AC units installed next to a house on a concrete pad surrounded by grass.

When we tell customers to rely on licensed professionals for their air conditioning services, it’s not just because we want the job. Of course, we want homeowners who need AC help to hire us, but we also know how poorly amateur work can go. This is especially true when it comes to installing a new air conditioner. Amateurs will make big promises of doing the job at a low cost, but you’ll end up paying a high price for their inferior, hasty work. Letting non-professionals install an air conditioner can go wrong in several ways… If you’re looking to keep your cooling system efficient and affordable, consider the importance of professional service discussed in this guide on high cooling costs due to duct issues.

How Can I Improve My Home’s Indoor Air Quality?

May 16th, 2022

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major topic for residential and commercial buildings today. The US Environmental Protection Agency has identified low IAQ as a significant health threat in the country, with many buildings having air that is 2 to 5 times worse than the outdoor air on average—and it can often get much worse. The source of much of the trouble is the low levels of fresh air circulation through buildings because of tight construction and heavy heat sealing designed to improve energy efficiency. In other words, the better we construct buildings, the less fresh air they get. Progress has a price.

If you’ve heard about the problems with IAQ, you may wonder how you can best protect your family’s health and improve household air quality. We can help: we’re experts in indoor air quality in Macclenny, FL and throughout North Central Florida. We have several tips for how to improve your home’s IAQ, both tasks you can do yourself and professional services we offer.

Already Got AC Blues? Watch for Signs You Need to Call to Repair It

May 2nd, 2022

The warm weather arrives in Florida early, and already air conditioning systems are switching on around the state to cool down homes. And that also means that some air conditioning systems will start running into malfunctions.

If you’ve already arranged to have your AC maintained, then the chance of running into an air conditioner malfunction early in the cooling season is low. (If you haven’t had your AC maintained yet, give us a call!) We still recommend you watch for early warnings that something is wrong with your AC as it starts up for the season. Moving fast to have air conditioning repair in Live Oak, FL will make the rest of the season and its hotter weather easier to bear.

Better Air Quality Without Opening the Windows: Here’s How

April 18th, 2022

On a pleasant day with mild outdoor temperatures, opening the windows to your house is a wonderful way to let fresh air circulate through the rooms. Modern houses don’t “breathe” well because of the heavy insulation on them to improve energy efficiency, so letting outside air in to push out the stale air helps improve indoor air quality.

You can’t have the windows open every day, however. During heavy rains or when the heat is extreme, opening the windows will make it much harder for you to stay comfortable since it will change the temperature indoors. Keeping your house sealed up for long stretches can make indoor air quality far worse.

But you don’t have to let it be this way! With our help, you can enjoy better air quality with the windows closed and your house sealed up. We’ll explain how.

It’s Spring—And That Means It’s the Season for an AC Tune-Up!

April 4th, 2022

No matter where you live, one of the best parts about spring is seeing the days lengthen, the flowers bloom, and the weather get warmer. At the same time, homeowners understand that spring is also a time to consider routine maintenance around the house. Many of us look at our homes to see if they need work, such as loose shingles, peeling paint, damaged windows, or clogged gutters. This seasonal shift also makes it the perfect time for AC maintenance, as well as other air conditioning services, including comprehensive heating air conditioning system maintenance to ensure year-round comfort indoors.

HVAC systems should be inspected approximately twice a year to ensure proper functioning, making spring an ideal time for a tune-up. In addition to cooling, comprehensive heating cooling services address both heating and cooling needs with integrated solutions. These services include professional install, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems to optimize performance and comfort throughout the year.

Introduction to Air Conditioning

In Gainesville, FL, having a reliable air conditioning unit isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for staying comfortable during the region’s long, hot summers. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, understanding the essentials of air conditioning services can make a big difference in your comfort, energy bills, and peace of mind. From air conditioning repair and routine maintenance to new installations and system replacements, a trusted HVAC company can help you keep your home or business cool and energy efficient all year long. Up to 55% of energy usage in a home is devoted to heating and cooling, highlighting the importance of maintaining an efficient system.

Air conditioning services in North Central Florida go beyond just keeping things cool. Professional HVAC contractors offer a full range of solutions, including light commercial HVAC services, heating services, indoor air quality improvements, and even plumbing and electrical services like drain cleaning and water heater installation. Reliable hot water is essential for customer comfort and satisfaction, making expert water heater services a key part of comprehensive plumbing solutions. With advanced tools and experienced technicians, these companies can handle everything from heat pump repair and furnace repair to electrical service upgrades and new system installations. By investing in regular maintenance and energy-efficient equipment, you can reduce your energy costs, extend the life of your HVAC system, and enjoy cleaner, healthier air indoors. Sealing door and window leaks helps retain cool air and enhances HVAC efficiency, further optimizing your system’s performance.

Choosing the right HVAC company is key to getting top notch service at a fair price. Look for a team with proven expertise, a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, and a commitment to providing cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need emergency air conditioning repairs, a new installation, or routine maintenance, scheduling service with a local expert ensures your system runs efficiently and effectively. Serving Gainesville, Lake City, High Springs, and the surrounding areas, local HVAC contractors are dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses save money, improve energy efficiency, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment, no matter how high the Florida temperatures climb. Additionally, look for proper licensing and insurance to protect from legal and financial issues during HVAC projects.

Why is spring the ideal time for a furnace tune‑up?

Maximizes system lifespan: A thorough tune‑up cleans and inspects moving parts, reducing wear and tear so your furnace lasts longer.
Boosts energy efficiency: Removing dust buildup and tightening components helps your system operate smoothly, saving on utility bills.
Improves reliability: Early checks on refrigerant levels and mechanical functions catch small problems before they cause breakdowns.
Prevents costly repairs: Routine maintenance reduces strain on components, lowering the chance of expensive emergency fixes.
Maintains warranty protection: Most manufacturers require regular tune‑ups to keep warranties valid, skipping them could leave you unprotected.
Enhances control: Smart thermostats can help manage HVAC efficiency and save on energy costs, making them a valuable addition to your system.

Regular tune-ups can delay the need for system replacement, but if your HVAC or plumbing system is too old or inefficient, replacement may be the best option.

But what about our HVAC system? For too many of us, the air conditioner is an unseen force that keeps us comfortable in the summer months. Nonetheless, an HVAC system also needs maintenance. Let’s look at the benefits of AC maintenance in Lake City, FL.

The Big Heat Pump Question: Is It a Good Spring Replacement for Your Current HVAC System?

March 21st, 2022

Every year as spring rolls around, many homeowners are faced with an important question: is their HVAC system still meeting their needs? Maybe the heater struggled during the winter, even with our warm Florida climate. Or it could be that last summer was extremely hot, inside and out, because the air conditioner quit working well. Either way, many customers will ask themselves if they should simply replace their HVAC system with something similar, or switch to a heat pump. For most people, the best time to switch is during the spring.

Let’s look at why you should, or should not, consider heat pump installation in Lake City, FL.

Is Your Furnace Running Inefficiently?

March 7th, 2022

Your home’s furnace plays a pivotal role in your overall comfort and well-being. Being the essential resource that it is, it’s also something that necessitates a great degree of value and prioritization. Supporting your furnace is an essential practice in bolstering your home’s heating, as by doing so you can properly identify and mitigate issues that could end up costing you time, money, and peace of mind.

In this regard, it’s a common intent among homeowners to know how to assess their furnace’s performance, so as to ensure it’s functioning to the best of its capacity year-round.

Top Signs you Need Mid-Season Heating Repair

February 21st, 2022

Winter has never been a walk-in-the-park experience, especially for people without adequate heating facilities. And for those who own a heater, the last thing you need during the winter months is to turn on your heater one evening and realize it has broken down or is on the verge of “kicking the bucket.”

Heater malfunction is common in homes and corporate offices because many users fail to notice warning signs that indicate a possible heater failure. You don’t have to wait for the winter storms to howl before fixing the heating issues. So below are some of the signs that indicate a mid-season heater repair may be imminent.