Blog - Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Common Signs That Your Heater Needs Repairs

December 18th, 2017

With the cooler weather of the winter season upon us, and regardless of the fact that our winters are much milder than those in other parts of the country, it is time to start thinking carefully about the overall condition and performance of your home heating system. Hopefully, you’ve already scheduled your annual heating maintenance in order to get your system ready for the coldest weather of the year. Even in doing so, though, you cannot make your heater 100% reliable.

While we may not be able to guarantee with certainty that you are never going to encounter the need for professional heating repairs in Brooksville, FL, our team still wants to help. It’s just what we do. That is why we have put together some of the more common warning signs that heating repair needs are imminent. Keep your eyes—as well as your ears and nose—open for any of the following. Should you notice them in your home, remember that prompt heating repairs are always for the best.

Is Your Ductwork Setting Your Comfort Back?

December 4th, 2017

Living in Flordia pretty much demands the use of a whole-house cooling system. Central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps make up a large majority of those cooling systems being used in homes, and they share one thing in common: the utilization of ductwork in order to disperse cooled air throughout the house. if the ductwork that this system uses is not in great working condition, then you really cannot expect great comfort to follow.

Unfortunately, many homeowners that have problems with air ducts are not even aware that there is a problem, to begin with. Your air ducts are largely hidden from view, after all, so it really pays to learn some general warning signs that your ducts are not in the great shape that they should be. that way, you can have any problems resolved before you really start paying the price. Here are some tips for recognizing the need for ductwork services in Brooksville, FL.

Is Your Heater Short Cycling?

November 20th, 2017

For very obvious reasons, we tend to focus much more on our air conditioning systems than we do our heaters in Brooksville, FL. Just because our winter weather is so mild, however, does not mean that we don’t have to worry about occasionally uncomfortable, chilly weather. That is why it is so important that your heater, regardless of how lightly it is used, is kept in great working condition.

The only way in which you can hope for your heater to function properly is to schedule routine heating maintenance with a trained professional. Even then, though, you are going to run into operational problems from time to time. There is just no such thing as a 100% reliable heating system. If and when you do notice any problems with your heater, it is in your best interest to schedule heating repairs promptly. One issue to look out for is short cycling.

Simple HVAC Efficiency Tips—Emphasis on “Simple”!

November 20th, 2017

Whether in regards to your incredibly hard-working air conditioning system or your much-less-frequently used heater—which is still very important, remember—you want to know that your home comfort systems are operating in an efficient manner. Nobody wants to be overpaying for their comfort, right? Well, our team is here to help you heat and cool your home in a more efficient and affordable manner. And don’t worry, we’re not just going to suggest that you invest in a brand new system!

If you have a heater or an AC with a relatively low energy efficiency rating, then investing in a system is obviously going to show some great results in terms of increasing efficiency. However, a new HVAC system is also a pretty major investment, and one that you aren’t likely to make when your system is only a few years old. With these smaller scale tweaks and changes, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency from your HVAC systems in Brooksville, FL without breaking the bank.

Drain Cleaning: Why Hire a Professional?

November 6th, 2017

Certain problems that you may encounter with your residential plumbing system can definitely be considered true emergencies. A damaged water well, for instance, or a burst pipe that is drenching your home or your surrounding property with water would certainly constitute emergencies. Then there are those problems that are not emergencies, but which you should nonetheless have resolved as soon as possible. Just because they don’t threaten you with imminent disaster does not mean that they are not serious.

Slow-moving, backed-up, or completely blocked drains fall into this latter category. When many people think of plumbing problems, they think of water flooding their floors. However, the drainage side of the plumbing system is just as important as the supply, and you really cannot ignore any signs of trouble with your drains. That is why you should schedule professional drain cleaning in Brooksville, FL. Our plumbers have the skill and expertise that they need to see to the successful cleaning of the drains in your home.

Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: What to Do in an Electrical Emergency

August 13th, 2014

Power outages are a fact of life, especially in Florida with the ever-present threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. So when your power does inevitably go out, make sure you’ve taking the proper precautions and made preparations to make it as small an inconvenience as possible.

Keep a supply of candles, matches, and a couple flashlights with fresh batteries on hand and in a place easily accessible to everyone in the household. When the lights go out, the last thing you want is to be rummaging around in the dark looking for these things.

Be aware of food safety issues. If the power outage is less than four hours, your food should be safe to eat. For outages that last longer than four hours, follow these guidelines for safety: a half-filled freezer will typically keep food safe for up to 24 hours and a tightly packed freezer up to 48 hours. If possible, pack refrigerated items that could spoil, like milk and eggs, in a cooler packed with ice. Also, try to minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible to keep food cooler longer.

Water purification systems may not function properly during a power outage, so make sure to keep a supply of bottled water on hand for drinking, cooking, and/or personal hygiene. If you are caught in a power outage without access to bottled water, bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute will kill most organisms.

Consider purchasing an emergency generator. When you have an extended power outage, an emergency generator can be your best friend. You can typically purchase a basic generator that will power lights and appliances for less than $700. This article from ConsumerReports.org is a great resource for choosing the right emergency generator for you.

If you want to alleviate the power outage risk entirely, Bayonet can install a standby generator! With natural gas or LP tank access, the stand-by generator system can power essential electricity to your home for weeks at a time, provided fuel is accessible. Generators are available in multiple sizes to suit your needs. Then, your lights, water, and refrigerator will always stay on! For more, see our upcoming blogs or contact a representative today.

Power outages are certainly a nuisance, but if you plan ahead with these relatively simple preparations you can weather the storm without too much of a headache.

What is a Mini-Split Air Conditioning Unit?

July 30th, 2014

You may have heard the term “mini-split” in reference to AC systems, but what exactly are they? Simply put, mini-split AC units are ductless systems comprised of an indoor air-handling unit (or units) and an outdoor condenser. Mini splits work by pumping refrigerant from the outdoor condenser through copper tubing into the indoor units, where a fan then distributes cool air across an evaporator coil and into the space.

One outdoor condenser has the ability to operate as many as four indoor air-handling units, allowing for four separate zones that can be heated or cooled. Each of these indoor units is controlled by their own thermostats, which allows heating and cooling of only the areas you need at any particular time, both convenient and cost-effective.

Mini splits have convenient and money-saving applications for several situations:

For homes with no existing ductwork, mini splits are a great money-saving alternative to installing a central air system. Installation of a mini-split system is significantly easier and less expensive than a traditional ductwork system. Add in the cost savings associated with having great control over heating or cooling only certain zones in your home and mini-splits become an even more attractive alternative.

Mini-split systems are also ideal for additions or smaller separate outbuildings where extending ductwork or installing a separate central system is not a reasonable option. Garages turned man-caves and guest house additions are two examples of spaces where mini splits are a great cooling option.

Contact Bayonet today to find out if a mini-split system is the right fit for you.

The End is Near: When to Replace Your Heating/AC Unit

July 16th, 2014

Buying a new AC may not be at the top of your list of what you want to spend your hard-earned money on, but not replacing it when it’s time will often cost you more in the long run. It comes down to efficiency. Some of the signs to look out for are easy to see, such as:

Is the unit over 10 years old?
Does your home feel humid even when the unit is running?
Is it unnecessarily noisy?
Has your monthly bill increased?
Is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number on your current unit 10 or under?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, you are probably at a point where maintenance is required or, more likely, a new, more efficient unit should be considered.

Like anything mechanical, energy efficient and appropriately sized units are the key to optimum operating costs and peak functionality. Today’s air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13, and must use the more environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant. The most efficient models have SEER ratings up to 26. Still, even the most effective units work best when they operate in the ideal environment. Some questions to ask are:

Is your home well insulated to protect its interior from drafts/warm air?

Is the duct system that distributes the cool air properly sealed?
Do you have more than one return in your home?

If you suspect any issues exist, be sure to correct those before installing new units.

So if you believe it’s time to replace your AC unit, a tremendous selection is available at a wide range of price points. The right one, installed with an upgrade like a programmable thermostat, will provide an excellent return on your investment.

3 Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

July 2nd, 2014

The air quality in your home is put to the test against environmental impurities every day. Like it or not, pollutants such as dust, mold, cigarette smoke, radon, and – especially in Tampa – pollen are going to make their way into your home in a variety of ways. Visitors, pets, or even a new mattress can track them in, or your outside unit can unintentionally draw them in.

Children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers may be more sensitive to poor air quality; however, breathing impure air is dangerous for anyone who is continuously exposed. The good news is you can help minimize the risk of serious health problems by being mindful of these steps to keep your home free of pollutants and toxins:

Keep your floors free of dirt and dust. Regularly vacuuming or mopping your floors will reduce the risk of chemicals and allergens taking up permanent residence in your home. Routine cleaning of your entire home is the best way to ensure pollutants will not linger.

Consistently change your home’s HVAC filters per the manufacturer or your HVAC professional’s instructions. At Bayonet, we always recommend writing the date you replace them on the cardboard edge so you will know for certain the last time you swapped them out. Most store-bought one-inch filters should be changed monthly. Whole-house units, installed at the air handler, can be changed twice a year.

Periodically ventilate your home. Most home heating and cooling systems do not bring in clean outdoor air and should not be relied on to keep your home’s air purified. Periodically opening windows, doors, and vents will bring in outdoor air and help to push unclean air out.

Monitoring your home’s air isn’t always the easiest task to remember. But for the sake of your family’s safety and wellness, it needs to be done. Contact Bayonet today to find out how we can help!

Don’t Get Blown Away This Hurricane Season

June 18th, 2014

Hurricane season is upon us here in Florida, and with it lots of rain, wind, and bouts of flooding. And while a disasters are always a possibility, keep in mind we don’t always have to get hit hard to feel the effects of the ‘canes.

One thing that is often overlooked during hurricane season is your A/C unit. While we tend to remember to board our windows, sandbag our doors, and put valuables in a fire/waterproof safe, we often forget that there is a large, expensive appliance just waiting to be destroyed by the gale force winds.

So how exactly do you protect your HVAC unit in times of wild weather?

If you have a window unit, unplug it entirely. Bring the unit indoors and seal the opening.
Turn off your A/C unit before the storm, including the circuit breaker, to avoid electrical shocks if flooding should occur.
Cover your outdoor unit with a tarp, wood panels, or both to keep it as safe as possible from water, dirt, and debris. If high winds are predicted, consider investing in a pair of hurricane straps and batten down the hatches.

Once the storm has passed, portable A/C units can be placed back into their original locations. For the outdoor units, remove the protective covering, inspect the units, and check the base. Should flooding occur, call a professional like Bayonet to ensure that no damage has been done to the electrical portions of the unit.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for a safe and hurricane-free season, but better to be safe than sorry!