Emergency Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Repair Services in Sterling, VA

The summer heat and humidity will make its way to Virginia and you should be prepared. Our team provides dependable air conditioning repair, tune-up, and installation services to homes in Sterling, Virginia. We will recommend an efficient and affordable air conditioning system for your home that best fits your needs for your space. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and are available for emergencies by calling (703) 543-9649.

On average, the lifespan of a central air conditioner is anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Often, manufacturers will support existing equipment by making replacement parts available and honoring maintenance contracts after new standards go into effect. Because an air conditioning unit is such a large investment, it’s important to select a unit that is going to last with a manufacturer that will continue to support your equipment. Our air conditioning service technicians in Sterling, Virginia will help you select a unit that best suits your desires to ensure you’re getting the best and most reliable equipment for your home.

Even with routine air conditioning repair and maintenance, issues may form with your equipment. Here are 5 common air conditioning problems that you should be aware of.

5 Ordinary Air Conditioner Problems

Drain Line Blockage

Your air conditioner works hard to remove moisture from the air. When the line or drain gets clogged or the pan reaches its peak capacity, the water can back up and cause damage to your unit. Not to mention, you could run into an issue with mold. Be sure to call an HVAC technician or plumber in Sterling VA to inspect your drains for blockage or potential clogs.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant plays an important role in your air conditioner, it is used to remove heat and humidity from the air. If your system suffers from refrigerant leaks, you could find that your system isn’t able to effectively cool the air. An HVAC technician from Snell will be able to find any potential holes and leaks to repair if needed.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils in a central air conditioning system are engineered to absorb heat from the air. Oddly enough, evaporator coils need warm air around them to help them work properly. If the airflow around the coil gets too cold, you could find a layer of ice buildup on the outside. This will drastically reduce the efficacy of your air conditioner. Give our team of certified conditioning service technicians a call by phone at (703) 543-9649 to receive assistance with a frozen evaporator coil.

Malfunctioning Fan

Fans plan an important role within your air conditioning unit. One works to blow air over the evaporator coil and one works to blow air over the outdoor unit’s condenser. Both fans need to be working properly to have good airflow and to make sure your air conditioner is working its best. Ignoring issues with a faulty fan may cause damage to the compressor of your air conditioning system, which will ultimately ruin your unit entirely.

Contaminated Condenser Coils

Condenser coils don’t work well when they are covered in dirt and grime. This air conditioning repair problem can occur more in places that suffer from high pollution and soot in the air. When this happens, your unit has to work extra hard to do its job, causing increased wear and possible system failure. Have your HVAC technician take a look at your condenser coils to perform the necessary repairs. Your contractor will remove harmful debris from the condenser coils.

Furnace Repair, Tune-Up, and Installation Services in Sterling, Virginia

The HVAC technicians at Snell Heating & Air provide furnace repair, tune-up, and replacement services to households in Sterling, Virginia. Our contractors are expertly trained to help you determine the most efficient and affordable heating systems for your home. We are standing by to serve you 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and are available for emergencies by calling (703) 543-9649.

Comparing Gas And Electric Furnaces

You’ll be happy to know, both gas and electric furnaces work well in keeping your home warm when it needs it the most. Both units work by using a forced-air heating system which is controlled by a thermostat. When the temperature of the room falls below the temperature that the heat is set at, a thermostat sends a signal to the furnace unit to begin heating up the room.

With gas furnaces, that signal is sent to the pilot light, causing it to ignite the main burner of the heat exchanger. The exchanger then draws heat from the main burner and warms up the air that will then circulate around the space, heating the room to the desired temperature. In contrast, electric furnaces receive the signal from the thermostat and activate electric heating elements that live inside the furnace. Thus, signaling the unit to warm the air and push it through the room, heating the space.

Both types of furnaces achieve the desired temperature by way of the blower fan, which forces the heated air through the ductwork and into various rooms that need heat. Cool air is pulled through an intake vent which is then returned to the furnace. When the desired temperature is reached and sensed by the thermostat, the furnace shuts off its heating elements, pilot light, or burner. Is your furnace producing noises? Give our skilled technicians and plumbers in Sterling, Virginia a call by phone at (703) 543-9649 to receive emergency support. Our licensed technicians and plumbers provide trusted, safe, and fast heating and air conditioning services to homeowners.

Which is More Energy Efficient?

Of the two options, electric furnaces are more efficient. Electric furnaces may have an annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating of as high as 100%. In contrast, the AFUE rating of a gas furnace will vary from 55-97%.

Electric furnaces convert nearly all of their energy into heat, while gas furnaces can vary based on numerous factors. Generally speaking, even though gas furnaces have a lower energy efficiency rating than electric furnaces, they can heat homes at a faster rate than electric furnaces.

Cost Breakdown of Gas Vs. Electric Furnaces

In general, electric furnaces are less expensive to purchase and install than their gas counterparts. A brand new electric furnace can range in price from $1,000-$2,500 and installation can be anywhere from $1,000-$1,500. Gas furnaces, on the other hand, cost anywhere from $3,000-$4,000 to purchase and cost about $1,500-$2,000 to install.

Electric furnaces are often more expensive to operate than gas furnaces. Gas can be much cheaper in the long run, even considering that the Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects natural gas prices to increase over the next few years, the operation cost will still be significantly lower than electricity. If you want to convert to an electric furnace from a gas system, give our HVAC service technicians or plumbers in Sterling VA a call at (703) 543-9649. Our staff of local contractors and plumbers offer air conditioning repair, replacement, and installation services for small to large households in Sterling, Virginia.

Expected Lifespan of Gas & Electric Furnaces

On average, gas systems last about half as long as electric systems. Typical gas systems will range from 10 to 20 years, while electric systems can last anywhere from 20-30 years. Often, gas furnaces do not last as long because the burner can collect small particles that build up in the furnace. If not regularly cleaned and maintained, you may find that your system has corrosion which affects the efficiency and lifespan of the furnace.

As always, if you aren’t sure which system is best for your home, we recommend having one of our friendly experts provide you with recommendations. Call today for service!

Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

Electric water heaters feature a thermostat that is mounted flush against the side of the internal temp. Similar to furnaces, when the thermostat senses that the internal temperature has fallen below the temperature that is set, it triggers the system to begin using its heating element. Electricity works to convert energy into heat, warming the water. Once the thermostat senses that the water has reached the set temperature, it shuts off power to the heating element.

Gas water heaters also have a thermostat, which is typically a small copper tube with a mercury sensor at the tip. When the temperature of the water in the tank falls below the desired temperature, a signal is sent to the burner, igniting a flame. The flame will heat the bottom of the tank, causing warm water to rise while the cool water begins to sink. Once the water in the tank reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas control valve, causing the gas flow to turn off. Our team of plumbers provides trustworthy water heater and plumbing services to homes in Sterling, Virginia. Give us a call at (703) 543-9649 to receive a diagnosis for your water heater issue.

Electrical Repair Services

Are you looking for exceptional electrical repair and installation services in Sterling, VA? From lighting installation, electrical panel replacement, to wiring repair, our technicians will help you make your home a safer place. Our team of emergency electricians use the latest tools and equipment to fix mild to severe electrical issues in your house.

Electrical Solutions

• Lighting
• Electrical wiring
• Electrical outlet and light switch installation
• Ceiling fan installation and replacement
• Whole-house generator installation
• Electrical repairs

As the best electrical repair company in Sterling, VA, you can trust our team of professionals to maintain the safety and comfort of your house throughout the year.

The Sterling, Virginia Community

Packed with beautiful sights to see, Sterling, Virginia offers a variety of activities for locals and travelers alike. Stop by Manassa National Battlefield Park for a historical walk or hike. Here, you’ll find the spot where two civil war battles were fought and a museum to tell you all about it. More history can be found at Cherry Hill Historic House & Farm close by. Cherry Hill is known for its involvement in the Civil War as both a spectator and a participant. If you’re still looking for more historic stops, visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the historic home of America’s first president! Our team of contractors and plumbers in Sterling, VA offer efficient and safe plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services for homes. Give our plumbers a call by phone at (703) 543-9649 to receive help.