Athens, AL HVAC Services

HVAC Installation

With all the newcomers that have been moving to Athens in recent years, new construction has been on the rise. Property owners designing their own new-built homes and contractors looking for a reliable HVAC partner can trust Valley Heating & Cooling. This top-notch HVAC company works with all the leading suppliers.

It's just as common for new HVAC system installations to follow the removal of old, malfunctioning furnaces or air conditioners. When that's the case, it's important for homeowners to seek expert advice before choosing new units. Air conditioners and furnaces must be sized appropriately to ensure both efficiency and the ability to keep residents comfortable.

HVAC Service

Even the highest-quality furnaces and air conditioners need to be serviced occasionally. Homeowners can avoid most unexpected breakdowns by scheduling seasonal preventative maintenance visits, but even that won't prevent every breakdown. 

Instead of waiting until the HVAC system stops working entirely, keep an eye out for signs that it's time to schedule air conditioning or furnace repair. This can include:

• Weak airflow
• Insufficient heat or cold air
• Unusual noises
• Visible leaks
• Inconsistent climate control throughout the home
• Unexplained jumps in heating and cooling bills

Preventative Maintenance

Experts recommend that homeowners schedule preventative maintenance visits through their HVAC companies at least once a year. The rationale behind this advice is simple: A well-maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently, experience fewer breakdowns, and be less likely to leave families out in the cold in the dead of winter. Plus, most manufacturers' warranties require these professional inspections and tune-ups.

Some homeowners prefer to have both their air conditioners and furnaces inspected at once. Others like to schedule air conditioning tune-ups in the spring and furnace maintenance in the fall. Either way, the experts at Valley Heating & Cooling have the experience, equipment, and expertise required to perform comprehensive inspections and identify minor issues so they can be repaired before they turn into more serious problems.

Heat Pumps

Homeowners looking to further improve the efficiency of their HVAC systems may be interested in a newer form of climate control technology. Unlike central air systems, which require both furnaces and air conditioning units, heat pumps work year-round to keep homes cool. They use a heat transfer process to pull warmth from the air or ground outside and move it indoors to provide heat in the winter, then reverse the process in the summer to route hot air back out of the home.

Not all HVAC contractors have experience working with heat pumps. Homeowners interested in this modern technology should call Valley Heating & Cooling for help with heat pump installations, maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Central Air

Central air systems have been around for longer than heat pumps. They consist of a heater, an air conditioner, and a system of ductwork designed to move the treated air throughout the home. It's very common for modern homes in Athens, AL to have central air systems already installed, but some older homes still rely on independent furnaces and portable or window-mounted A/C systems.

For homeowners who are sick of dealing with leaky window A/C units that can't keep up with their families' demands in the summer or radiators making a racket in the winter, it's time for an upgrade. Central air systems are quieter, more efficient, and easier to maintain than older heating and cooling systems.

Electric & Gas Heat

Homeowners in Athens, AL who want to install new furnaces have two primary options. They can install gas furnaces that run off natural gas or electric heaters. Each of these modern systems has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's always best to ask an expert for advice about which of them will be the best fit.

As a general rule, gas heaters are less expensive to operate, though natural gas prices have been on the rise in the past few years. They also heat homes quickly and require less energy to circulate hot air throughout a home. However, gas furnaces are also more complicated than electric heaters, so they're more prone to breakdowns and don't tend to last as long. Electric heaters are cheaper to install, require less ongoing maintenance, last longer, and cause fewer safety concerns. 

Air Quality

Families in Athens deserve to have fresh, clean air to breathe in their own homes. Unfortunately, not everyone realizes that indoor air quality can be impacted by not just outdoor allergens like pollen but also pet dander, dust, VOCs, and other contaminants.