Now that we're finally experiencing the beautiful warm weather Middle Tennessee has to offer, some of you are already running your AC which means it's time you make sure your system is CLEAN and in tip top shape for summer! Other than the health benefits of keeping your air ducts clean, it's a fact that having your air ducts cleaned and all the junk removed can boost the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Little known fact: Did you know that approximately 5-7 times a day the air in your home circulates through the air ducts of your HVAC heating and cooling system, carrying with it the dust and debris of everyday living.
I found this out the hard way... when I didn't clean/change my filter for almost a year.... oops!
Your furnace filter catches much of the junk circulating in your house (unless you're like me & don't change your filter!), but neglect, remodeling projects, or less than professional duct installation can lead to a buildup of gunk inside your ductwork that threatens the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Not so sure how to get those Air Ducts clean? That's okay! The Tedder Company is the premiere HVAC company in Middle Tennessee!
How are ducts cleaned? Dislodging and removing dust and debris is done with one or more of the following methods:
1. Hand-held vacuuming: Workers use a brush attached to a large portable vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This method may leave pockets of dust behind.
2. Mechanical brush: A rotating brush is fed into the ductwork. A truck-mounted vacuum sucks away debris. Before choosing this method, make sure your system is in good shape as this brush could harm poorly installed systems.
3. Air sweep: A truck-mounted vacuum system takes away dust and debris dislodged by a compressed-air hose fed into the ducts.
Of the three above methods, the air sweep method usually does the most effective job. To figure out which method is best for your home, call the experts at The Tedder Company today at 615-890-4515. We have over 40 years of experience in the HVAC industry! You can't go wrong with that type of experience!
Looking to save money? Visit us HERE to sign up for special savings! LIKE us on Facebook and be on the look out for special savings there, too!
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Spring HVAC Maintenance
Yep! It's that time of the year! Spring Cleaning! Don't you love it? Okay, maybe you don't love that part, but you DO love Spring!
Before you start the spring cleaning process, checking your HVAC system is super important and often gets overlooked! Don't worry, The Tedder Company of Middle Tennessee has you covered!
1. Always check your air-conditioning and heating equipment before the beginning of a new season.
2. Check and replace your furnace and air-conditioning filters every month. This is something I constantly forget to do! As you probably already know, there are several types of filters to choose from depending on your needs. Fiberglass filters only last a month while HEPA filters last up to six months and can be cleaned with a vacuum nozzle.
3. Most air conditioners have a drainage hole on the base of the cabinet (beneath the evaporator fins). This hole needs to be kept clear in order for the air conditioner to work properly. It's a good idea each spring to use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear it out.
4. To keep your dehumidifier working properly, remove its housing and let the unit dry completely. Vacuum every accessible surface and crevice.
5. Clean your bathroom fans yearly (at least). This means taking the cover off, washing it in soapy water and cleaning the dirt off the fan blades. Don't forget - turn the power off before you do this!
6. Replace the batteries in ALL of your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year - during each of the time changes.
If you're HVAC system is in need of some TLC or perhaps you need a new unit installation, don't fear! Call The Tedder Company at 615-890-4515. We service all of Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas including Murfreesboro, Smyrna and more. With over 40 years of experience, you can count on us to get the job done right!
Visit us HERE for special offers and discounts! LIKE us on Facebook!
Monday, March 23, 2015
Air Conditioner Repair
It's warming up in Middle Tennessee which means it's time to turn our furnaces off and turn that air conditioner ON!
You've been waiting for this day since November when you reluctantly said goodbye to the cool temps indoors and replaced it with your furnace and fireplace. You walk to that thermostat, flip the switch to ON, and wait.
And you wait some more. Nothing.
Your air conditioner won't turn on! What could be the problem, you think? Sweat starts to form on your brow thinking about the costly repair. Before you panic, try a few of these steps first!
Most central AC systems are on a separate circuit breaker, often a double switch. Many people flip this circuit breaker off at the start of the heating season, to prevent someone from accidentally starting the AC unit at a time when cooling is never needed. So first things first: check that the circuit breaker is turned on.
If it is turned on, turn it off then back on (sometimes the switch has tripped but is close enough to the on position that it seems to be on already). This is one of the most common air conditioning problems so before you make a call, check your circuit breaker!
If either the panel breaker or the compressor breaker circuit trips off after you try using the AC again, do not flip it back on – call a qualified technician like The Tedder Company. There may be a serious electrical problem that needs to be looked at by a professional.
If you have a combined central AC and forced air furnace system, the circuit that feeds your furnace should also be on, because the furnace fan needs to run to circulate the cooled air. Check this circuit as well, using the same process of turning the breaker off and back on.
Another thing you can check is to make sure the fan is running. If you set the fan setting on your thermostat to “on” instead of “auto”, you should hear the furnace fan start to run even if the air conditioner doesn’t turn on. If the fan doesn’t turn on, this is an indication no current is getting to your furnace.
Also, try setting the thermostat as low as it can go - it’s possible that the thermostat controls are not working properly.
If you're exhausted all of these options, your best bet is to call the professionals at The Tedder Company in Murfreesboro. We've been in business for over 30 years and have the trained staff you need to get your air conditioner up and running again!
Give us a call today at 615-890-4515. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts!
You've been waiting for this day since November when you reluctantly said goodbye to the cool temps indoors and replaced it with your furnace and fireplace. You walk to that thermostat, flip the switch to ON, and wait.
And you wait some more. Nothing.
Your air conditioner won't turn on! What could be the problem, you think? Sweat starts to form on your brow thinking about the costly repair. Before you panic, try a few of these steps first!
Most central AC systems are on a separate circuit breaker, often a double switch. Many people flip this circuit breaker off at the start of the heating season, to prevent someone from accidentally starting the AC unit at a time when cooling is never needed. So first things first: check that the circuit breaker is turned on.
If it is turned on, turn it off then back on (sometimes the switch has tripped but is close enough to the on position that it seems to be on already). This is one of the most common air conditioning problems so before you make a call, check your circuit breaker!
If either the panel breaker or the compressor breaker circuit trips off after you try using the AC again, do not flip it back on – call a qualified technician like The Tedder Company. There may be a serious electrical problem that needs to be looked at by a professional.
If you have a combined central AC and forced air furnace system, the circuit that feeds your furnace should also be on, because the furnace fan needs to run to circulate the cooled air. Check this circuit as well, using the same process of turning the breaker off and back on.
Another thing you can check is to make sure the fan is running. If you set the fan setting on your thermostat to “on” instead of “auto”, you should hear the furnace fan start to run even if the air conditioner doesn’t turn on. If the fan doesn’t turn on, this is an indication no current is getting to your furnace.
Also, try setting the thermostat as low as it can go - it’s possible that the thermostat controls are not working properly.
If you're exhausted all of these options, your best bet is to call the professionals at The Tedder Company in Murfreesboro. We've been in business for over 30 years and have the trained staff you need to get your air conditioner up and running again!
Give us a call today at 615-890-4515. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Furnace Maintenance
Unfortunately for us, we're all still using our furnace. Heating systems are usually trouble-free and easy to maintain. Like most things, efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance. No matter what type of furnace you have, there are several things you can do to keep your heating system in top condition.
Dirt is your biggest enemy! It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace (heat/cold source, distribution system & thermostat), so cleaning it is the most important part of regular maintenance. The three parts of the furnace should be cleaned: the filter system, the blower, and the motor.
The furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season and about once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, replace it with a new filter of the same type and size regardless of the length of time it has been used.
To keep the motor running cool in your furnace, make sure it's clean. Most motors are permanently lubricated and sealed by the manufacturer and, therefore, require no further attention. Some motors, however, have covered oil ports above the bearings near the motor shaft.
If the motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated annually. Apply two or three drops of 10-weight non-detergent motor oil to each port. Do not over-lubricate. If the blower shaft has oil ports, lubricate that too, annually.
If you're a handy man, then these maintenance techniques should be no problem. However, if you're like me, you know nothing and you should definitely hire the professionals at The Tedder Company. They have over 40 years of experience and offer a 24/7 emergency service. Nothing beats convenience! Give them a call at 615-890-4515.
Be sure to visit us HERE so you can sign up to receive our coupons! Who doesn't love to save money?
Dirt is your biggest enemy! It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace (heat/cold source, distribution system & thermostat), so cleaning it is the most important part of regular maintenance. The three parts of the furnace should be cleaned: the filter system, the blower, and the motor.
The furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season and about once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, replace it with a new filter of the same type and size regardless of the length of time it has been used.
To keep the motor running cool in your furnace, make sure it's clean. Most motors are permanently lubricated and sealed by the manufacturer and, therefore, require no further attention. Some motors, however, have covered oil ports above the bearings near the motor shaft.
If the motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated annually. Apply two or three drops of 10-weight non-detergent motor oil to each port. Do not over-lubricate. If the blower shaft has oil ports, lubricate that too, annually.
If you're a handy man, then these maintenance techniques should be no problem. However, if you're like me, you know nothing and you should definitely hire the professionals at The Tedder Company. They have over 40 years of experience and offer a 24/7 emergency service. Nothing beats convenience! Give them a call at 615-890-4515.
Be sure to visit us HERE so you can sign up to receive our coupons! Who doesn't love to save money?
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Furnace Problems?
Why is it still so cold out? Is your furnace running but the air that’s blowing out of your vents is cold? Well, if that's the case, there are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before calling the experts at The Tedder Company.
First, check the thermostat. Maybe you walked by a vent and noticed the air seemed cool, however your house is staying warm. If it is, the problem might be a simple thermostat setting. Check your thermostat and make sure that it is set to “auto” rather than “on.” When set to “on”, the fan on your furnace will blow continually, even when the furnace isn’t actually heating the air.
If you feel the air blowing out of the vents while the furnace is off, the air will seem cool since it’ll be about room temperature.
Then, check the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow into your furnace. Restricted airflow can overheat your furnace, causing a safety control to shut off the burners. This safety mechanism protects your furnace from overheating causing damage to your system!
Still feeling cold air coming out of the vents after trying the above? Your best bet is to have a trusted heating repair company like The Tedder Company come to your home and diagnose the problem.
The Tedder Company services all of Middle Tennessee including Murfreesboro, Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and more! Give us a call at 615-890-4515.
Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts! Also, don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!
First, check the thermostat. Maybe you walked by a vent and noticed the air seemed cool, however your house is staying warm. If it is, the problem might be a simple thermostat setting. Check your thermostat and make sure that it is set to “auto” rather than “on.” When set to “on”, the fan on your furnace will blow continually, even when the furnace isn’t actually heating the air.
If you feel the air blowing out of the vents while the furnace is off, the air will seem cool since it’ll be about room temperature.
Then, check the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow into your furnace. Restricted airflow can overheat your furnace, causing a safety control to shut off the burners. This safety mechanism protects your furnace from overheating causing damage to your system!
Still feeling cold air coming out of the vents after trying the above? Your best bet is to have a trusted heating repair company like The Tedder Company come to your home and diagnose the problem.
The Tedder Company services all of Middle Tennessee including Murfreesboro, Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and more! Give us a call at 615-890-4515.
Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts! Also, don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Common Winter Heating Problems
It is COLD outside, isn't it? Nashville isn't ever supposed to be this cold! Brrrr! Well, if you're anything like me, you might rather die than be freezing in your own home! The Tedder Company in Nashville wants to keep your heating system up and running this winter season! We have 4 common winter heating problems that homes have listed below. If you experience any of these problems, contact The Tedder Company immediately!
A Sudden loss of heat
The first thought you have when your furnace suddenly stops is a power outage or surge. At least, that's what I hope happens when my furnace stops! If you haven’t lost power, check your fuse box to make sure that you still have power going to the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system could also be the issue. If that's the case, you definitely need a professional like The Tedder Company because this is not a job for an amateur - no matter how handy you are at fixing things around the house!
Cycling heat
A clogged, dirty filter or blower can cause inadequate air flow. This can cause your furnace to click on and off frequently at it shuts off after heating up too quickly. Another problem could be a faulty thermostat can also cause this issue. If you do not know your furnace components, have home heating experts inspect your furnace and resolve the issue of unwanted heat cycling.
Inconsistent room temperatures
These inconsistent room temps could be caused by 2 things: Draft issues and/or unbalanced air flow.
If your house is cold despite a continuously running furnace, a draft might be the problem. Leaking windows, drafty doors, and poor or damaged insulation are major heat losses. Check the most obvious places. A professional energy audit from your local utility provider can also help.
Another source of inconsistent room temperatures can be unbalanced air flow. Manually adjusting the vents may resolve this problem, however, air flow problems are often caused by dirty coils or filters.
Make sure to schedule routine air filter inspections with an HVAC professional like The Tedder Company. You can also prevent this issue by having a professional provide routine vacuuming of your registers and returns.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most serious issue and a major risk for home owners. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless, giving it the nickname of “silent killer.” If your gas furnace is 10 to 15 years old, there is a higher risk of having a rusted heat exchanger. Tiny cracks in the heat exchange can leak carbon monoxide. Sometimes, these cracks can be very small or difficult to find.
If you have an older gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart, safe idea. Be certain to have a professional inspect your HVAC for potential carbon monoxide leaks whenever you have these experts at your home for maintenance, repairs, installations or other work.
If you suspect any problems or complications with your HVAC system, call The Tedder Company today at 615-890-4515. We service all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Brentwood and more.
Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and exclusive discounts!
A Sudden loss of heat
The first thought you have when your furnace suddenly stops is a power outage or surge. At least, that's what I hope happens when my furnace stops! If you haven’t lost power, check your fuse box to make sure that you still have power going to the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system could also be the issue. If that's the case, you definitely need a professional like The Tedder Company because this is not a job for an amateur - no matter how handy you are at fixing things around the house!
Cycling heat
A clogged, dirty filter or blower can cause inadequate air flow. This can cause your furnace to click on and off frequently at it shuts off after heating up too quickly. Another problem could be a faulty thermostat can also cause this issue. If you do not know your furnace components, have home heating experts inspect your furnace and resolve the issue of unwanted heat cycling.
Inconsistent room temperatures
These inconsistent room temps could be caused by 2 things: Draft issues and/or unbalanced air flow.
If your house is cold despite a continuously running furnace, a draft might be the problem. Leaking windows, drafty doors, and poor or damaged insulation are major heat losses. Check the most obvious places. A professional energy audit from your local utility provider can also help.
Another source of inconsistent room temperatures can be unbalanced air flow. Manually adjusting the vents may resolve this problem, however, air flow problems are often caused by dirty coils or filters.
Make sure to schedule routine air filter inspections with an HVAC professional like The Tedder Company. You can also prevent this issue by having a professional provide routine vacuuming of your registers and returns.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most serious issue and a major risk for home owners. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless, giving it the nickname of “silent killer.” If your gas furnace is 10 to 15 years old, there is a higher risk of having a rusted heat exchanger. Tiny cracks in the heat exchange can leak carbon monoxide. Sometimes, these cracks can be very small or difficult to find.
If you have an older gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart, safe idea. Be certain to have a professional inspect your HVAC for potential carbon monoxide leaks whenever you have these experts at your home for maintenance, repairs, installations or other work.
If you suspect any problems or complications with your HVAC system, call The Tedder Company today at 615-890-4515. We service all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Brentwood and more.
Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and exclusive discounts!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Thermostat Types
At The Tedder Company, we want you to make the best decision on what thermostat is right for you! We have over 40 years HVAC experience and are Middle Tennessee's leading HVAC company. We're here to help!
So. How do electromechanical, manual, and programmable thermostats differ?
Electromechanical - or manual - thermostats are the old-fashioned mercury units that have internal coils to expand or contract in response to temperature change. This type of thermostat is steadily becoming obsolete for two reasons: digital thermostats are able to more accurately register and respond to temperature changes plus the purchase of products containing mercury has been restricted or banned in many states. Disregarding those 2 "minor" details, manual thermostats remain popular due to their low cost, the familiarity of their controls' design, and the ease of their use.
Manual digital thermostats use an electronic temperature sensor to register changes in the room temperature that then compare these changes with the settings selected by the user. If there is a difference between the room temperature and the set temperature, a command is sent to the heating or cooling system that action is needed. For this type of unit, you will still have to physically adjust the setting of your preferences whenever you would like to adjust the room temperature.
Programmable digital thermostats are an upgrade from the digital manual thermostats (that I wish I had) as they are far more convenient and can help save energy costs. Once you program the thermostat to fit your lifestyle and schedule, all you have to do is relax and let it do all the work. To stay comfortable and save energy year-round, you simply must program the temperatures into the memory of the unit, along with the times of day that you would like the changes to occur. For example, you can set a thermostat to a comfortable temperature for when you wake up in the morning, have it go into energy-conservation mode while you are away at work, and then have a temperature set to go before you return home! You only need to program your thermostat once until you decide to change it up!
For the obvious reasons, programmable digital thermostats are most desirable. Depending on the model, a thermostat can be programmed in one of three ways:
5 - 2 programming: Maintains a set schedule for five days (weekdays), then switches to an alternate schedule for the other two days (weekends).
5 - 1 - 1 programming: Maintains a five day schedule (weekdays), then switches to first individual day (Saturday), then second individual day (Sunday).
7 day programming: Allows the maximum flexibility for those with frequently-changing schedules by allowing you to program each day individually.
Automatic switchover - This allows the thermostat to control both heating and cooling without requiring that you manually switch between the heat and cool settings. Most digital programmable thermostats have this feature.
Manual override - Lets you manually modify your settings on a programmable thermostat. Your changes will remain in effect until the next programmed setting begins.
Vacation override - This function temporarily overrides any preprogrammed settings while you are away, saving money on unnecessary temperature maintenance. When you return, you can go back to your original settings without reprogramming from scratch!
Keypad lock - This prevents any changes to your system once you have programmed the settings. Unfortunately, I learned my parents had this feature when I went home for the holidays. Who keeps their house at 65 in Nebraska?!
There are many other unique features to keep you comfortable! Call The Tedder Company in Murfreesboro today to learn more about how you can upgrade your thermostat! 615-890-4515. Be sure to visit us HERE for our special offers and discounts! The Tedder Company stands as the premiere full-service HVAC company in the Middle Tennessee area, committed to providing customers with the highest quality products and unmatched service.
So. How do electromechanical, manual, and programmable thermostats differ?
Electromechanical - or manual - thermostats are the old-fashioned mercury units that have internal coils to expand or contract in response to temperature change. This type of thermostat is steadily becoming obsolete for two reasons: digital thermostats are able to more accurately register and respond to temperature changes plus the purchase of products containing mercury has been restricted or banned in many states. Disregarding those 2 "minor" details, manual thermostats remain popular due to their low cost, the familiarity of their controls' design, and the ease of their use.
Manual digital thermostats use an electronic temperature sensor to register changes in the room temperature that then compare these changes with the settings selected by the user. If there is a difference between the room temperature and the set temperature, a command is sent to the heating or cooling system that action is needed. For this type of unit, you will still have to physically adjust the setting of your preferences whenever you would like to adjust the room temperature.
Programmable digital thermostats are an upgrade from the digital manual thermostats (that I wish I had) as they are far more convenient and can help save energy costs. Once you program the thermostat to fit your lifestyle and schedule, all you have to do is relax and let it do all the work. To stay comfortable and save energy year-round, you simply must program the temperatures into the memory of the unit, along with the times of day that you would like the changes to occur. For example, you can set a thermostat to a comfortable temperature for when you wake up in the morning, have it go into energy-conservation mode while you are away at work, and then have a temperature set to go before you return home! You only need to program your thermostat once until you decide to change it up!
For the obvious reasons, programmable digital thermostats are most desirable. Depending on the model, a thermostat can be programmed in one of three ways:
5 - 2 programming: Maintains a set schedule for five days (weekdays), then switches to an alternate schedule for the other two days (weekends).
5 - 1 - 1 programming: Maintains a five day schedule (weekdays), then switches to first individual day (Saturday), then second individual day (Sunday).
7 day programming: Allows the maximum flexibility for those with frequently-changing schedules by allowing you to program each day individually.
Special features to look for:
Automatic switchover - This allows the thermostat to control both heating and cooling without requiring that you manually switch between the heat and cool settings. Most digital programmable thermostats have this feature.
Manual override - Lets you manually modify your settings on a programmable thermostat. Your changes will remain in effect until the next programmed setting begins.
Vacation override - This function temporarily overrides any preprogrammed settings while you are away, saving money on unnecessary temperature maintenance. When you return, you can go back to your original settings without reprogramming from scratch!
Keypad lock - This prevents any changes to your system once you have programmed the settings. Unfortunately, I learned my parents had this feature when I went home for the holidays. Who keeps their house at 65 in Nebraska?!
There are many other unique features to keep you comfortable! Call The Tedder Company in Murfreesboro today to learn more about how you can upgrade your thermostat! 615-890-4515. Be sure to visit us HERE for our special offers and discounts! The Tedder Company stands as the premiere full-service HVAC company in the Middle Tennessee area, committed to providing customers with the highest quality products and unmatched service.
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