Preparing Your Pittsburgh HVAC System for Spring

How to Prepare your HVAC System for Spring

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As winter’s chill fades away, our thoughts eagerly turn to the refreshing embrace of spring. It’s a time of renewal, with nature awakening, gardens blooming, and the promise of warmth in the air. Amidst this seasonal shift, it’s important not to overlook a key task: preparing your HVAC system for the change. Spring maintenance isn’t just about comfort; it’s about making sure your system runs efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps your indoor air quality high.

The Optimal Moment for Maintenance

Spring offers an ideal window for HVAC maintenance. With milder weather, you can thoroughly assess your system and address any cooling issues without the rush of extreme temperatures. This proactive approach can prevent unexpected breakdowns during the summer, ensuring your home stays comfortable no matter the weather.

Why Spring Maintenance Matters

  • Energy Efficiency: Like a car with a flat tire guzzles more fuel, a neglected HVAC system works harder, leading to higher energy bills. Regular spring maintenance reduces inefficiencies and cuts down on energy costs.
  • System Longevity: Neglect can wear down your system prematurely, just like driving on a flat tire wears down your car. Proper maintenance reduces stress on your HVAC components, extending its lifespan.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Without maintenance, your HVAC system can spread pollutants and allergens, affecting your indoor air. Spring maintenance ensures clean filters and coils, promoting healthier air indoors.
  • Cost Savings: Routine maintenance prevents expensive repairs and lowers energy bills, making it a smart investment for your home and your wallet.

Key Spring HVAC Maintenance Tasks

  • Air Conditioning Unit: Check the outdoor unit for damage, clear debris, and inspect refrigerant levels to ensure it’s ready for warmer weather.
  • Air Filters: Replace dirty filters to improve airflow and system efficiency, crucial for better performance and air quality.
  • Coils and Drains: Clean evaporator and condenser coils, and clear condensate drains to prevent water damage and maintain humidity levels.
  • Thermostat Calibration: Ensure your thermostat accurately reflects room temperature. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for more energy savings and comfort control.
  • Heating System: Even though it’s spring, checking your heating system after winter can identify any issues before they become major problems.
  • Ventilation: Inspect and clean air ducts and room vents, especially if you have pets or recent renovations. Check for leaks and ensure proper ventilation in every room.

Outdoor Maintenance

Clear debris and trim vegetation around your outdoor unit to maintain airflow and inspect for any winter damage.

Spring Is More Than Just Cleaning

Preparing your HVAC system for spring means more than just cleaning; it’s about keeping your home comfortable, safe, and efficient year-round. While some tasks can be DIY, professional expertise ensures a thorough check-up.

At TUDI Mechanical Systems, we understand the importance of HVAC maintenance. Our Home Comfort Plan offers tailored solutions for reliable and affordable care year-round. Don’t let your HVAC system become an afterthought; give it the attention it deserves this spring.

Embrace the Season with Confidence

Visit Tudi Home Services to discover more about how we can help you embrace each season with confidence, ensuring your HVAC system is a reliable source of comfort year-round.

What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter

Thermostat

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What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat During the Winter?

Does your family constantly argue about thermostat settings in the winter? It’s time to settle the family dispute over the right thermostat temperature in winter.

Keep cool or warm, we should say. In this article we will help you answer these questions:

  • What temperature is best to set your thermostat to in winter?
  • What temperature should you set your thermostat to at night in winter?
  • What temperature should you set your thermostat to when traveling in the winter?
  • What is the lowest temperature to set your thermostat in winter?

Let’s now start with the most important question:

What Heating Temperature Should My Thermostat Be Set to in Winter?

Every person reacts differently to the weather and the change of seasons. The temperature outside can disrupt our mood and cause us to adjust the temperature by turning on the furnace, laying under a fleece blanket, and watching something on the couch.

However, the truth is that heating your home in winter takes a lot of energy. And with natural gas prices expected to be 45% higher than last winter, families across the United States must find a way to reduce their heating bills while keeping the family warm.

The best way to save energy and reduce your monthly heating costs is to properly adjust your thermostat to keep the temperature in your home at the right comfort level this winter.

The Ideal Temperature During Winter

According to ENERGY STAR, the best temperature to set your thermostat this winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 68 degrees may seem like a low number to many, but there are benefits to limiting your home to this temperature.

Forcing your furnace or heating system to keep indoor temperatures high even though it’s frosty outside can put a lot of strain on your HVAC. A furnace that is constantly running to reach a higher temperature setting will drive up your heating costs, and the additional operating load on your system can increase the risk of furnace repair.

Maintaining a moderate temperature setting for heating your home this winter will not only provide enough warmth for your family, but can also result in energy savings by reducing your heating energy bill costs and increasing the life of your furnace.

What Should I Set My Thermostat to in Winter At Night?

You’d think that when temperatures drop at night in the winter, you’d want to turn on the furnace when you go to sleep, right? Not so fast.

The U.S. Department of Energy says an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit is best at night. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature at night can actually help you sleep better. Doctors know that our body temperature drops at night. If it is too cold or too hot indoors at night, our body’s internal temperature will fluctuate and sleep may become more irregular.

Best Temperature to Set a Thermostat in Winter While Away

Are you heading away from home and somewhere warm this winter? (Lucky) Maybe you’ve had the idea of saving energy by turning off your furnace completely while on vacation. You always want to keep the heater at a certain level, especially if pets are left at home.

If you have houseplants or pets that won’t come along, consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly. Houseplants require an indoor temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to stay alive. And for your four-legged friends, keeping the thermostat no lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your pets safe and comfortable while you’re away.

What’s The Lowest Temperature I Can Set My Thermostat in Winter?

To prevent your appliances and pipes from freezing, the thermostat setting should be at least between 50 and 55 degrees in the winter. The worst way to end a vacation or wake up one morning is to a frozen dishwasher or a flooded basement.

The same applies to vacation properties that remain unoccupied in the winter or to rental properties without tenants for the winter. You always want to have some warmth in the house to protect yourself from property damage.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

It often doesn’t make sense to pay to replace a working product unless it can save you money. With programmable thermostats or a smart thermostat, you can save money by reducing your heating costs year-round. Here you can program your temperature settings according to the recommendations of our home comfort specialists and set your thermostat on autopilot.

Whether you’re sleeping, commuting, or playing in the snow with the kids, upgrading your thermostat can help you control your home’s heating schedule while saving up to 10 to 12 percent on your annual heating bills.

Additional Cost-Saving Thermostat Tips for Winter

Here are some other quick tips to help you reduce your utility bills while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature for the whole family to enjoy.

Lower Temperature Settings Gradually

Once your family gets used to the cold winter weather, lower the temperature in the house by one degree each week. Ultimately, you will all feel more comfortable with a lower thermostat setting, thereby reducing heating costs.

Maintain Your Furnace Annually

It’s important to schedule heating maintenance each fall before the temperatures outside get really cold. A well-maintained boiler or heating system will ensure your family stays comfortable this winter and potential problems are proactively identified before the system fails.

Invest in a New Energy-Efficient Heating System

If your existing system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to think about installing a new furnace and upgrading to a newer HVAC system. Furnaces built today are up to 15% more efficient and can produce the same, if not more, heat than older models.

Consider Multi-Zoned HVAC Options

A multi-zone heating and cooling system allows you to set your HVAC system to a different comfortable temperature in different parts of your home. Although multi-zone heating systems are more expensive than a typical HVAC unit, they offer the best control over the indoor temperature throughout the home.

Keep Your Home Comfortable This Winter With TUDI Mechanical Systems

Looking for other ways to cut costs this winter? TUDI Mechanical Systems is Pittsburgh’s leading home service provider offering heating and cooling services. Call us to schedule a routine inspection of your HVAC system today.

What To Do When Your AC Unit Won’t Turn On

AC Unit Won’t Turn On

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To find out why your AC device won’t turn on, first make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped. Next, make sure your thermostat is working properly. If so, go outside to check the condensate pump and electrical connections. Finally, try testing the device’s dual-function capacitor.  If you aren’t sure, we always recommend reaching out to a reputable HVAC contractor to get a professional opinion.

Once you figure out why your air conditioner won’t turn on, the repair can often be surprisingly easy. We’ll walk you through the troubleshooting steps and the steps you can take to resolve the issue you’re experiencing. You can now restart your air conditioner. First, go to your circuit breaker.

Check the Circuit Breaker

Your central electrical panel distributes power from your main distribution line to every electrical appliance in your home. This can include both your thermostat (if it is plugged in rather than running on battery power) and your air conditioner itself. Circuit breakers trip to protect your devices when they detect a dangerous power surge. Tripped circuit breakers cut off all power to the device they are protecting until you reset them.

Tripped circuit breakers are surprisingly common. You may not notice a circuit breaker tripping until you notice the light won’t turn on. Find your main electrical box and look for tripped circuit breakers. The tripped circuit breaker is moved to the “OFF” position instead of the “ON” position and may also be indicated by a red warning sign. Simply turn the circuit breaker back on and see if your air conditioner restarts.

Test the Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it may not be sending the correct cooling instructions to your air conditioner. Even if the air conditioner works perfectly, it never turns on because it doesn’t know what you ask it to do! Defective thermostats are usually easy to spot. If the screen does not turn on, does not respond to input, or programming is immediately lost, there is an error. Try replacing the batteries or tripping a circuit breaker again.

If all is well with your thermostat, there is a relatively easy way to test it. First, turn off the power to your thermostat. You will need a screwdriver. Remove your thermostat and open the access panel on the back. Locate the red and green wires, unscrew them from their terminals and manually wrap them together. Then disconnect the wiring and turn the circuit breaker back on. If the air conditioner starts, you need to replace the thermostat.

Clear the Drain Line

With the access panel open, locate your unit’s condensation pump. This pump removes moisture that accumulates in the unit’s condensation pan by pumping it through the drain line. This drain line safely drains condensation outside the device. However, if the drain line is clogged, the pump cannot pump out the condensate. Instead, it accumulates inside the AC device until the device’s safety features prevent it from activating.

Cleaning the drain pump from blockages is relatively easy. First turn off the mains power. Locate the tub, pump, and drain line. If you have a handheld vacuum, vacuum up any excess moisture in the container. Then disconnect the drain line and vacuum the blockages inside with the handheld vacuum cleaner. If you don’t have a handheld vacuum, use water or compressed air. After assembling the components, add some moisture back into the tub to ensure everything is working properly.

Replace the Dual Run Capacitor

Dual-run capacitor malfunctions (or dual-round capacitors) are among the most common AC problems. These capacitors are located in the access panel of the AC unit and provide power to the fan and compressor at the same time. If they stop working, the fan and compressor cannot start the cooling process. Locating, testing, and even replacing the dual run capacitor in your AC unit is easy. Here’s how to do it step by step:

What you need: a screwdriver or socket wrench (depending on the device), pliers and a duster.

  1. Turn off both the power to your AC unit and your thermostat.
  2.  Open your access panel using the screwdriver or nut driver. Don’t lose the screws!
  3.  Locate the Dual Run Capacitor. It’s usually located on the upper component box within the access panel. Dual Run Capacitors are cylindrical, bolted to a holder, and connected to the electrical supply via three differently-colored wires.
    NOTE: The Dual Run Capacitor may be located next to another capacitor. In that case, look for the capacitor labeled with “COM,” “FAN,” and “HERM” inputs.
  4.  Dust off the upper component box with your duster. Check the wires for signs of damage while you’re at it.
  5.  Unscrew the Dual Run Capacitor from its mount and remove it.
  6.  Check the labeling on the side of the capacitor to find the capacitor’s microfarad rating (which will be labeled “uf”). This is the rating you’ll need to know to buy your replacement capacitor. Take a picture, write it down, or take the actual capacitor with you when you buy a replacement.
  7.  Buy your replacement capacitor either online or at your local hardware store. Make sure you get one with the same microfarad rating.
    NOTE: Your new Dual Run Capacitor may be smaller than your current one. That’s not necessarily a mistake. You may need to adjust the capacitor mount when reinstalling.
  8.  User the pliers to disconnect the capacitor from the three wires connecting it to the power supply. Make sure you remember which wire goes where (consider taking a picture with your phone).
  9.  Connect each wire to the new capacitor.
  10.  Re-mount the new capacitor back in the upper component box. You may need to adjust the mount or re-mount the capacitor yourself.
  11.  Restart your power and adjust your thermostat to test the new capacitor. It may take 10-15 minutes for your AC unit to restart.

If you’ve tried each of these general troubleshooting steps and still can’t turn on your air conditioner, don’t panic! These steps do not exhaust all possible quick solutions; Just the ones you should try for yourself.

Whether you have exhausted your troubleshooting options or not, you can always call Tudi Mechanical Systems for assistance. Our professional HVAC offers reliable, licensed help that will solve your problem and get your home cool again quickly. Air conditioning is especially important in summer when we cannot leave the house. So stop cooking for yourself – if your air conditioning won’t turn on, call Tudi Mechanical Systems now!

What Should I Do If My AC Refrigerant Is Leaking

AC Refrigerant

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Freon Leak?: A Practical Guide to Dealing with AC  Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner is no longer cooling properly or you notice a strange smell coming from the unit, you may have a Freon leak. Refrigerant is the liquid used in an air conditioning system to transfer heat and therefore provide cooling performance. A leak can reduce the efficiency of your unit and even lead to refrigerant poisoning if handled improperly.

It’s not always easy to detect a Freon leak, but if you suspect your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it’s important to act quickly. Find out why your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, how to identify a leak, and what steps you should take next.

Causes of Freon Leaks 

A Freon leak is the most common cause of a damaged or outdated air conditioner. Over time, air conditioning components deteriorate and begin to fail, allowing refrigerants to leak. Other possible causes include improper installation, improper maintenance, and extreme temperatures.

Poor Installation

Freon or refrigerant is used for heat transfer in an air conditioner. If the unit has not been installed correctly or there are weak points in the plumbing, a Freon leak can result. Tightening the flare connections on the pipe too tightly can also lead to leaks.

If your home experiences a Freon leak due to improper installation, you may notice the following:

  • Higher energy bills
  • Poor airflow
  • Your AC blowing warm air
  • Thermostat malfunction

Factory Defects

Even if your air conditioner is new and precisely installed, a Freon leak can occur due to factory defects. The refrigerant pipes may be damaged during transportation or installation, resulting in loss of refrigerant and very poor efficiency.

If your home experiences a Freon leak due to manufacturing defects, you may notice the following:

  • A strange smell coming from the AC
  • Lower energy efficiency
  • Higher energy bills 

To resolve this issue, you will need to invoke your warranty and have the device replaced.

Aging Equipment

Older air conditioning systems can fail over time and develop weak points in the system. This could result in a Freon leak, especially if the unit is not properly maintained. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be worth replacing it with a new, more efficient model.

Due to wear and tear, external elements may rust or the rubber seals on the valve stems may become damaged. This can lead to a refrigerant leak, which can be dangerous and costly if not detected in a timely manner. With equipment insurance, you can easily replace your air conditioner without worrying about high costs.

Metal Erosion

Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause the metal in your air conditioner to corrode, resulting in a Freon leak. This is especially true for older devices that have not been serviced for a long time. If you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling efficiently and you smell a strange metallic smell, it may be time to call an HVAC specialist.

To prevent Freon leaks due to metal erosion, make sure your air conditioner is regularly serviced and the refrigerant lines are checked for signs of damage. You can also check for holes in metal parts that could lead to refrigerant leaks.

Signs Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Freon 

The most common sign of a Freon leak is that your air conditioner is no longer cooling effectively. If you notice that the unit is taking longer to cool down or blowing out hot air, you may have a refrigerant leak.

Higher Energy Bills

If your air conditioner is leaking, you may also notice an increase in your energy bills. This is due to inefficient cooling caused by the leak, forcing the device to use more energy to cool the room. If you notice an increase in power consumption even after replacing the filters and other components of your air conditioner, you may have a Freon leak.

Warm Air And Humidity

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling efficiently, you may have a Freon leak. Hot air blowing from the vents indicates that coolant has leaked from the system and needs to be refilled or replaced. You may also notice increased humidity because your air conditioner is unable to lower the humidity due to a lack of coolant.

Weird Noises 

If you hear unusual noises like hissing and bubbling from your outdoor unit, it could be a sign of a Freon leak. These noises are caused by pressurized refrigerant leaking from the system.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The cooling effect of the escaping Freon causes the evaporator coils to freeze, resulting in poor airflow and ineffective cooling. If you see signs of frost on the indoor unit evaporator coil, it could be a sign of a Freon leak in your air conditioner. Clogged air ducts and clogged filters can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, so be sure to check those too.

Longer Cooling Time

Due to a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner may take an unusually long time to cool a room. If you notice that your appliance is taking longer than usual to reach set temperatures, you may have a Freon leak in the system. You can check this by resetting the thermostat and observing how quickly the air conditioner can cool the room.

Does Leaking Freon Dangerous?

The short answer is: Yes, a Freon leak can be dangerous to your health and the environment. Because freon is a chemical compound, direct inhalation can cause skin irritation and respiratory illnesses. It can also cause eye irritation, vomiting, nausea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

In addition, it also contributes to global warming when released into the atmosphere. This is why it is important to detect a Freon leak as early as possible and take the necessary steps to repair it. If you experience any of these health problems, it is best to contact a doctor immediately.

Can I Top Off My Freon With R410a?

No, you should never supplement your Freon or R22 with R410a. This is because the two refrigerants have different properties and using one to replace the other can cause serious damage to your air conditioning system. While R410a is synthetic based, R22 is based on mineral oil. It is best to contact an HVAC professional who will be able to determine the type of refrigerant used in your system and any necessary repair or replacement procedures.

What Should I Do If My AC Refrigerant Is Leaking?

If you have discovered that your system is leaking Freon, contact an experienced HVAC specialist for help. You can determine exactly where the leak is coming from and make the necessary repairs. If a refrigerant refill is required, they can determine the exact type and amount of refrigerant required for your air conditioning system. Additionally, you should make sure to regularly check your air conditioning system for signs of damage and perform regular maintenance so that potential problems are identified as early as possible. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait: call an HVAC specialist.

Contact The HVAC Specialists at Tudi Mechanical Systems

If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Contact the professionals at Tudi Mechanical Systems for assistance. Our experienced HVAC technicians have years of experience dealing with Freon leak problems and are able to diagnose and ac repair in Pittsburgh any problem quickly and efficiently.

We offer 24/7 emergency service. So don’t hesitate to contact us if you suspect a Freon leak. We will ensure that your air conditioning system is up and running again in no time. We can also provide preventative maintenance services to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Contact us today at 412-753-7546 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Winter is Coming: Prepare Your HVAC System with Our Expert Fall Checklist

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Gear Up for Fall: A Comprehensive HVAC Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Cooler Days

The change of season can bring mixed feelings. For some, the fresh morning air as you exit the back door can suddenly evoke the feeling of taking out your favorite sweaters, lighting pumpkin spice candles, and curling up under a blanket with your favorite coffee. Conversely, you may also find yourself frantically longing for the last fleeting moments of summer when all you can think about is “Winter is coming.”

No matter how you experience the fall season, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system continues to operate at peak performance even when temperatures start to drop. With this fall checklist, you can sit comfortably and confidently and watch the leaves change.

Change Air Filters

Your HVAC system has likely been working overtime during Pittsburgh summer heat, which means your air filter is probably full of dirt, grime, and outside debris. Replacing your air filter is an easy way to prevent your HVAC system from working more than necessary and helps keep the air in your home free of harmful pollutants.

A new air filter could also make a significant difference for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to weed pollen, ragweed and sagebrush in the fall.

Duct System Inspected

You probably haven’t thought about your duct system in a while (or maybe never), but this system is the hidden network that keeps your home livable year-round. While you have time before the cold weather really sets in, you should take the time to inspect your system to make sure there are no leaks or insulation that needs to be replaced. If your duct system is not insulated, consider this project to prevent your ducts from losing valuable heat in your home.

Heating System Inspected

Unless you’ve tried turning your living room into a sauna, you probably haven’t used your HVAC heating system in months. Scheduling an inspection can make a significant difference in the heating performance of your HVAC system when temperatures begin to drop. During your inspection, the technician will troubleshoot the heating system and clean and lubricate components as needed.

Open All Vents

This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s easily overlooked. If you have the vents closed in the summer, opening the vents will ensure proper heat distribution throughout the home. Your HVAC system will not function properly or efficiently if your vents are not open.

Inspect Home Air Leaks

Heating your home properly during the fall and winter months isn’t cheap. Your HVAC system has to work even harder when air leaks occur around your home, draining your home of valuable heat and costing you more money.

To inspect your home, walk around outside with a burning incense stick. If smoke gets to the windows, there is an air leak. Use caulk to seal these costly air leaks.

Test your Thermostat

Test your thermostat now before the weather gets significantly colder in the winter. This ensures that the desired temperature on the thermostat matches how you feel in your home. If not, it may be time to purchase a new thermostat or have your HVAC system repaired.

Keep Air conditioning and Heating systems Free of Dirt

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a gated suburb or a mountain cabin, there are dirt particles on and in your outdoor air conditioner. These foreign particles affect the heating and cooling performance of your HVAC system. Remove easily accessible debris from your outdoor unit and be careful not to let plants grow too close together.

Clean your Air Registers

Have you recently checked your air registers? Over time they become covered with dirt and dust. Clean them regularly to prevent pollutants and allergens from circulating in your home.

Give your Humidifier a break

Humidity can vary significantly throughout the year in Pittsburgh. To keep your essential humidifier running smoothly during the cold winter months, turn off the water supply to your furnace humidifier to give it a short break. If temperatures continue to drop, replace the water plate (or humidifier pad), adjust the relative humidity to 35 to 45 percent, and turn on the water supply to the oven humidifier.

Use fans to give your System a break

Another way to give your HVAC system a brief vacation is to use fans instead of adjusting your thermostat. Fall season in Pittsburgh, PA is pleasant, so take advantage by opening windows around your home and use fans to keep your indoor temperature comfortable. Opening windows will also help with circulating new air in your home after a long, hot summer.

Taking advantage of mild weather by giving your system a break will also lengthen the life of your HVAC equipment and save you money on your energy bills.

Have Chimneys cleaned

Chimneys are a great addition to any home, and a fireplace can turn a chilly evening into a cozy, warm night. However, a chimney that’s not properly serviced and cleaned can be a huge energy loss and cost you in valuable heat, thus wasting money. Also, the National Fire Protection Association estimates more residential fires per year can be traced back to chimneys and fireplaces. Take time to call a professional to have your chimney serviced every fall.

Adjust your Thermostat

Sometimes, taking the most obvious step can make the biggest difference. With kids back in school and cooler temperatures on the way, set your thermostat higher during the day to conserve energy as the transition from summer to fall begins.

HVAC Company in Pittsburgh, PA

At Tudi Mechanical Systems, we offer an annual service plan that is unrivaled in Pittsburgh. Whether your heating and cooling system needs routine maintenance or you’re ready for a new HVAC installation, Tudi Mechanical Systems has everything you need as the fall season in cooler weather.

We’re proud to provide Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania with exemplary heating and cooling services and have worked hard to build a reputation of outstanding customer service and satisfaction. Our HVAC company offers HVAC maintenance, installation, and repairs for a variety of HVAC systems. Learn more about our HVAC services by calling us today at 412-753-7546.