"The inspection went extremely well! The HVAC technician, Mike B., was extremely professional, arriving within the set 2 hour timeframe, even calling me within 10 mins of his arrival. I had a list of questions for the technician and the technician happily answered all of my questions along with showing me how to change the filter on our system. The technician explained the services that Grove Heating and Cooling offers without any pressure to purchase future services. We liked the service so much that we signed up for our next service with Grove Heating and Cooling, receiving a great discount off the flat rete price of $125."
"I had a great experience with McCarthy. They entertained the other offers I had for HVAC replacement, agreed to what felt like a very fair price and did a great job the next day doing the replacement. I'd highly recommend them to anyone for HVAC work."
"I am SO pleased with this experience with GAC and highly recommend them! OUTSTANDING information and research on our behalf by Kelly for estimate options and finding the best unit and price for our needs. Chris was very impressive when he came to our home for preparation of the HVAC air handler/heat pump installment. Top notch work by John and the GAC crew on the actual work putting in my unit. They gave us the option and were qualified to run/install a new wire for our electric needs to have all energy savings of the equipment. Easy scheduling with Monica and follow-up too. ALL the GAC staff were happy to answer our various questions in full detail so we understood everything in this project and could make informed decisions. GAC found a high quality unit (Bryant) that suited our needs AND qualified for a PEPCO rebate, which they quickly filed on our behalf. We have been customers for years with GAC for maintenance and with this install, plan to be for years to come."
**SPECIALIZING IN BOILER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT**\n** WE OFFER 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE** Bamford Plumbing & Heating Inc. has been providing excellent customer service since 2009. We are a family owned and operated company with over ten years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry. We are licensed and insured in the State of Maryland. We offer 24 hour emergency service and free estimates on new work.
"I couldn't be happier with the service I received from McCrea Heating and Air Conditioning Services of Maryland. Upon returning from vacation on a 100 degree July day, I found my old HVAC system basically dead (90 degrees in my kitchen!) ... Shane immediately came out to provide an estimate, we signed a contract on the spot, and he kindly provided some freon to hold me over until the new system could be installed. Brian and Nick showed up exactly on time to install the unit, used drop cloths to protect my flooring, and were exceedingly polite and professional throughout. I'd highly recommend this organization."
"Great! He provided additional information, suggesting I install a UV Light Air Purifier to my HVAC system. Which would help eliminate the possibility of mold growing in my vents."
Heating and Air Conditioning questions, answered by experts
On average, an AC unit lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, the specific lifespan depends on the type of unit, how often it's used, the local climate, and the quality of maintenance. Central AC units typically last 12 to 17 years, while window units have a shorter lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Portable AC units last about 5 to 10 years, and ductless mini-split systems can last up to 20 years. To extend the life of your AC unit, it's important to perform regular maintenance, such as replacing filters, cleaning coils, and scheduling annual professional tune-ups.
To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.
While spending money once or twice a year to tuneup your AC and furnace might seem like a waste of money, think again. The cost of HVAC maintenance is far less than the cost of replacing your furnace or AC unit, regardless of the type of HVAC system you have. Paying this smaller fee now will help you avoid paying much more significant costs in the future. Not to mention, having a serviced AC and heating system will help keep your home comfortable, no matter the season.
No, it's not safe to keep using your unit when it's frozen. Not only can running a frozen unit lead to damage, but it can also potentially overheat, making it a fire hazard. Therefore, it's always best to turn off the AC unit as soon as you notice any ice.
Yes, you can build a deck over your outdoor HVAC unit, but you need to leave at least 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit. If you don’t want your deck to be that high off the ground, you could build a floating deck in another part of your yard—again, as long as you leave at least 4 feet of horizontal space between the deck and your AC unit.
The West River, MD homeowners’ guide to heating and air conditioning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Want to switch to a more energy-efficient HVAC system in our nation’s capital? Get started by learning about average heat pump costs in Washington, D.C.
A central air system is great for someone looking to cool and heat their home all year round. Even if your home uses baseboard heating, you can still make the switch. Read on to learn more about adding central air to a baseboard-heated house.
Try these 12 top tips to keep your air conditioner working at maximum efficiency. Stay cool, and minimize energy costs with this expert air conditioning advice.
