Your HVAC systems keep your home comfortable year-round but won’t last forever. If your equipment struggles to heat or cool your home, makes strange noises, or causes higher energy bills, it might be time for an upgrade. Ignoring a failing system can lead to expensive repairs, unhealthy indoor air, and potential safety risks like carbon monoxide leaks.

This guide will help you determine when it’s time for an HVAC replacement. 

How Long Should an HVAC System Last?

The lifespan of an HVAC system varies depending on usage, maintenance, and the type of system you have. On average:

• Air conditioners last 10 to 15 years
• Furnaces last 15 to 20 years
• Heat pumps last 10 to 15 years

Regular maintenance can help extend your HVAC system lifespan, but repairs become more frequent and costly once it reaches the upper end of its expected life. 

Warning Signs You Need an HVAC System Replacement

Several warning signs indicate your system may be failing. An HVAC replacement may be the best option if you notice these issues:

1. Your Energy Bills Are Rising

An aging system works harder to maintain your home’s temperature. This leads to higher energy consumption rates and rising utility bills. If costs keep increasing despite normal use, your system is losing efficiency.

2. Your System Needs Frequent Repairs

Frequent breakdowns mean your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Constant repairs add up and can become more expensive than a new unit. If you’re debating whether to repair or replace your HVAC system, a replacement is likely the smarter choice.

3. Uneven Heating or Cooling

Hot and cold spots in your home indicate airflow problems. Failing components or ductwork issues make it harder to maintain even temperatures. If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t help, consider replacing your equipment.

4. Unusual Noises or Smells

Banging, rattling, or grinding sounds suggest loose or failing parts. Burning or musty odors may signal electrical issues or mold buildup. These problems can worsen over time and require immediate attention.

5. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Dust, allergens, and mold accumulate in old systems, reducing air quality. Poor airflow can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. If your home feels stuffy or dusty, your HVAC system is likely circulating poor-quality air.

6. Your System Still Uses R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant is outdated and expensive to replace. If your air conditioner still relies on it, costs will keep rising. Upgrading improves efficiency and meets environmental standards.

7. Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old

Older furnaces lose efficiency and increase heating bills. They also pose risks like carbon monoxide leaks. A furnace replacement ensures safe and cost-effective heating.

Are You Ready To Upgrade Your Home Comfort?

Replacing your HVAC system is a big decision, but upgrading to a modern unit improves comfort, efficiency, and air quality. If your system shows the old HVAC signs, replacing it can save you money in the long run.

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating offers expert air conditioner replacements and heating system upgrades. Call (301) 468-2665 today for a professional HVAC replacement in Rockville, MD.

There’s nothing worse than a chilly Maryland winter night with a malfunctioning HVAC system. As temperatures drop, your heating system works harder, increasing the risk of breakdowns and inefficiencies. Thankfully, you can avoid many common cold-weather HVAC problems with proactive care.

Schedule Seasonal Furnace Maintenance

Routine furnace maintenance keeps your system running safely and efficiently. A professional technician will clean components, check for gas leaks, and test carbon monoxide emissions. Skipping annual tune-ups risks uneven heating or sudden breakdowns when you need warmth the most.

Schedule a pre-winter inspection to catch minor issues early. This simple step ensures your furnace operates smoothly and reduces long-term wear.

Replace Air Filters Consistently

Clogged filters strain your system, raising energy bills and lowering air quality. Check filters monthly during the winter and replace them when dirt and dust accumulate.

Regular filter replacement protects your HVAC from dust buildup that damages internal parts. Choose high-efficiency filters for better allergen control.

Inspect and Calibrate Your Thermostat

A misaligned thermostat causes temperature swings or short-cycling. Check the batteries, ensure it’s set to “heat” mode, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for zoned heating.

During a thermostat inspection, a technician recalibrates sensors and tightens wiring. This ensures your furnace runs only when needed, saving energy and reducing wear.

Seal Leaky Ducts for Better Efficiency

Leaky ducts waste heated air, forcing your system to overwork. Use foil tape for temporary fixes or hire a pro for permanent duct sealing. Combined with vent cleaning, this improves airflow and lowers utility bills.

Insulate Pipes To Prevent Freezing

Unprotected pipes can burst during Maryland freezes. Pipe insulation is necessary in basements, garages, or attics using foam sleeves.

Don’t forget outdoor spigots, either. Shut off these valves and cover them with insulated caps. Letting faucets drip during extreme cold also relieves internal pipe pressure.

Clean HVAC Vents and Ensure Proper Airflow

Blocked vents strain your furnace. Move furniture or decor away from vents and vacuum dust from registers. Vent cleaning includes dryer exhausts and HVAC intakes clogged with lint or dirt.

If drafts persist, professionals can test airflow and adjust dampers for even heat distribution.

Check for Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide leaks are a silent threat in homes with gas furnaces. Test detectors monthly, replace batteries yearly and install units near bedrooms. Annual furnace maintenance also prevents leaks from cracked heat exchangers or flues.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate your home and call emergency services immediately.

Trust Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating for Winter-Ready HVAC Systems in Maryland

Winter in Maryland doesn’t have to mean constant HVAC headaches. By learning how to prevent winter HVAC issues through proactive maintenance and smart habits, you’ll enjoy reliable warmth and peace of mind all season. At Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re committed to keeping Rockville homes comfortable with expert furnace maintenance, duct sealing, and emergency repairs.

If you’re looking for experienced HVAC technicians in Rockville and the surrounding areas, call Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-468-2665.

Do optimal thermostat settings for winter comfort actually exist? The short answer – yes. Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating knows exactly how to set your thermostat. Winter energy efficiency doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort. 

Read on to discover the ideal indoor temperature and what you can do to supplement your comfort this season.

What Are the Optimal Thermostat Settings for Winter Comfort?

The best thermostat settings for winter are between 63 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Many home and business owners prefer to keep their thermostats set to the higher end. However, the lower you go, the higher your energy savings can stretch.

Can you keep your thermostat within that setting range while maintaining comfort throughout winter? Our crew thinks so. Find out below how to maintain that energy-saving winter thermostat temperature without feeling too cool.

How To Comfortably Manage These Settings

Keeping your home’s base temperature equal to the recommended winter thermostat temperature doesn’t have to mean wearing numerous clothing layers or shivering the whole time. You can increase the temperature and your coziness by:

• Choosing lower settings when you leave the building: Turn the temperature down as you leave for work or errands. This approach keeps your thermostat from triggering cycles and saves you money in the long run. 
• Setting your ceiling fans to turn clockwise: When honoring the optimal thermostat settings for winter comfort, use your ceiling fans. A clockwise rotation pushes rising warm air back down, which makes the room feel warmer at your level. 
• Installing a smart thermostat: A smart thermostat houses modern technology that enables you to customize your settings based on weather, daily routines, and other personal factors. Plus, you can change the settings from any location with a WiFi connection. 
• Using space heaters: Keep a small, portable space heater on hand. You can move it to the room you’re in for better comfort and more contained heat. 
• Leaving your oven open: Your tradition of baking cookies has another potential use. Once you take your hot desserts out of the oven, leave the oven door open so the aroma and heat can fill the room. 
• Running heated appliances at night: Save your dish and laundry loads for bedtime. Run the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer at night for some extra heat during bitterly cold evenings.

What Else Should You Consider When Balancing Comfort With Savings?

The above-listed tips can help you get through the winter without losing excessive money or sacrificing comfort. Still, there is one other to-do that makes it easy to achieve ideal winter thermostat settings while staying warm: schedule heating maintenance in early to mid-autumn!

A well-timed tune-up ensures your heating system works swimmingly. The technician tackles small maintenance tasks and repairs that add up for better system performance.

Contact Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating About Heater Maintenance 

Maintaining optimal thermostat settings for winter comfort is easy with Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating on your side. We offer comprehensive heating maintenance services and special discounts to help you save money and stay cozy with your preferred winter heating efficiency settings. Call 301-468-2665 to schedule a tune-up with our crew.

When the heat and humidity of summer begin to fade, property owners should make preparations to ensure indoor comfort by taking care of their furnaces.

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating wants to help you with getting your furnace ready for the Maryland chill by sharing some fundamental tips. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Your first step in preparing for winter weather should be scheduling an annual heating system maintenance service. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect and clean your furnace components while testing the system for proper function. 

You should make sure that the regular service you schedule includes: 

• Examining the heat exchanger for cracks or damage
• Inspecting the blower motor
• Cleaning and lubricating moving parts
• Verifying gas or electrical connections
• Testing overall performance and safety

Replace the Air Filter

The simplest part of furnace preparation involves something you should be doing all year long — checking and replacing your HVAC system’s air filter. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less effectively. Clean filters also improve indoor air quality, especially during less humid and more dusty cold weather. 

During the heating season, we recommend checking your filter every 30 days and changing as necessary, but no less than every 90 days.

Test Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is your furnace’s only source of information directing it to cycle on or off. Before cold weather arrives, switch your thermostat to “heat” mode and set it a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. Your furnace should cycle on in a minute or less.

Also, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to better manage your heating system. You’ll have the ability to set heating schedules that adjust based on when you’re home or away, saving energy while keeping your home comfortable and safe.

Clear the Furnace Area

Remove any clutter or flammable materials that may have accumulated near your furnace over the summer. This will promote adequate airflow and reduce fire hazards.

Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Wintertime carbon monoxide leaks are a serious risk, especially in older furnaces. Make sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries. If you don’t have detectors, now is the time to install them to protect your family from this serious health hazard.

Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System

Older furnaces rely on a pilot light, which should burn consistently with a strong blue flame. If your system has an electronic ignition, test it for proper function. In any event, checking the ignition system is a key part of winter preparation that will have you ready to deal with cold temperatures.

Call Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating To Help Get Your Furnace Ready for Cold Weather

Getting your furnace ready for the Maryland chill centers on making sure your system is safe, efficient, and ready to handle the cold.

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating helps Rockville and area residents stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter with the best professional maintenance and repair service available in Maryland. Call us at (301) 468-2665 to schedule your furnace tune-up and enjoy the changing weather! Reach out today.

As the leaves in Rockville’s Woodmont Park take on the vibrant colors of autumn, the crisp Maryland air reminds us it’s time to consider the comfort of our homes. Just as we choose a winter coat that promises warmth season after season, selecting the right heating system is a fundamental decision for our living spaces. 

At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we will explore the essential factors to ponder before deciding on a heating replacement, ensuring your Rockville residence is a haven of warmth in the winter months ahead.

Navigating the Crossroads of Heating Replacement

When it’s time to decide whether to repair or replace your heating system, there are numerous factors to weigh beyond just the price. It’s about ensuring your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes with a reliable heating source.

Join us as we delve into what makes a heating system ripe for replacement and how Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning can provide you with a solution that meets your needs in Rockville, MD.

Key Considerations for Your Heating System Upgrade

Deciding to replace your heating system is not a decision to take lightly. It involves not just a financial commitment but also an investment in your home’s future comfort and efficiency. 

Let’s look at the vital factors you should consider to make an educated choice.

• System Age and Efficiency 
• Energy Source and Environmental Impact 
• Heating Needs and System Size 
• Costs and Long-Term Savings 

System Age and Efficiency

The age of your heating system is a silent factor in its overall performance and efficiency. As systems age, they may not only lose efficiency, which can lead to increased energy consumption, but they might also fail to meet the latest environmental codes and standards, which are getting stricter by the year. 

In the scenic area of Rockville, MD, where environmental consciousness is growing, an outdated system can weigh heavily on both your conscience and your wallet. 

At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that a modern, energy-efficient system can transform your home’s comfort and contribute to a greener Rockville. Upgrading to a new system can reduce your carbon footprint and enhance indoor comfort, providing an attractive return on investment through energy savings that Rockville residents will appreciate.

Energy Source and Environmental Impact

Your heating system’s energy source is not just a technical detail—it’s a choice that reflects your environmental values and impacts your home’s carbon footprint. In Rockville, where sustainability is becoming as much a part of the landscape as the city itself, the move toward eco-friendly heating solutions is more pronounced. 

Whether you’re considering the traditional warmth of a gas furnace or the modern efficiency of an electric heat pump, Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning will help you navigate the options. 

We help you align your heating choice with Maryland’s energy goals, potentially tapping into local incentives for HVAC services in Rockville, MD, that support sustainable living. By choosing a cleaner energy source, you not only do your part for the planet but also set the stage for a home that’s as energy-efficient as it is comfortable.

Heating Needs and System Size

Choosing the correct size for your heating system is crucial. It’s like picking a suit—the right fit ensures comfort and style, while the wrong size can be cumbersome and inefficient. 

In Rockville, MD, where winters vary, the right heating system should be powerful enough to keep your home cozy without overworking and racking up energy bills. At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in finding that perfect match, considering the square footage of your home, insulation levels, and even your lifestyle habits. 

We’ll help you choose a system that’s neither too big nor too small but just right for your heating system needs, ensuring optimal performance and avoiding the pitfalls of an improperly sized system that can lead to uneven heating and wasted energy.

Costs and Long-Term Savings

Investing in a new heating system is about more than just the sticker price—it’s a long-term investment in your Rockville home’s efficiency and comfort. While the initial cost may seem daunting, the right system can offer significant savings down the line, thanks to improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills. 

At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we work with you to understand the full spectrum of costs, from installation to ongoing maintenance. We’ll guide you through the potential long-term savings that modern, energy-efficient heaters and HVAC services in Rockville, MD, can offer, helping you make an informed decision that balances upfront costs with future financial benefits.

Benefits of Heating Replacement

Opting for a heating system replacement in Rockville, MD, brings a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond mere warmth. With a new system, you’ll experience enhanced efficiency, which means your home reaches the desired temperature faster and maintains it more evenly without the energy drain of an older unit. 

Not only will this lead to a more comfortable living environment, but it can also translate to lower utility bills, which is a boon for any budget-conscious homeowner. Moreover, the latest heating systems are often equipped with advanced features like programmable thermostats and smart home compatibility, offering unprecedented control over your home’s climate. 

By investing in a modern heating solution with Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, you’re not just upgrading your system—you’re enhancing your overall quality of life with clean, efficient, and customizable comfort that you can rely on season after season.

Ensuring Your Comfort with Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning

The journey to a new heating system is one that Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning is honored to navigate with you. With careful consideration of your home’s specific needs, energy goals, and budget, we’ll ensure that your heating replacement is a wise investment for the future. 

If you’re contemplating whether it’s time for a new system, let’s start a conversation about how we can enhance the comfort and efficiency of your Rockville home with a new HVAC system. We’re here to provide the expertise and support you need every step of the way.

Are you hosting guests in Rockville, MD, this holiday season? There are many ways to entertain your visitors and get them into the holiday spirit. You can take your guests snow tubing or visit Winter City Lights for the most unforgettable Christmas lights display. These fun-filled activities will be an instant holiday hit. However, it is important to ensure you and your guests have a warm and comfortable home during the festivities. Scheduling heating maintenance in Rockville, MD and surrounding areas can ensure your home is cozy all season long.

At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we can make sure your HVAC unit is ready to handle a crowd with our expert heating maintenance services. In this article, we discuss heating maintenance and ways homeowners can prepare their heating unit for the holiday season.

What Is HVAC Preparation?

Holidays spent at home are an enjoyable part of the winter season for many Rockville residents. Unfortunately, heating systems do not operate on a holiday schedule and can break down at any moment. It is important to properly prepare your home and heating unit for upcoming festivities to avoid discomfort and schedule interruptions.

HVAC preparation entails getting your heating system in optimal condition to avoid breakdowns and repairs during the winter, especially in the holiday season. The best way to properly prepare your system is by scheduling professional heating maintenance with experts like Glenmont. Among other benefits, heating maintenance in Rockville, MD will prevent emergency breakdowns and improve your system’s performance.

How To Prepare Your HVAC For The Holiday Season

While scheduling professional heating maintenance in Rockville, MD is the best and easiest way to avoid unwanted breakdowns and repairs, homeowners can perform other preventative tasks to prepare for the holidays. Below are four ways to prepare your home and heating system for the holiday season in Rockville, MD and surrounding areas:

• Replace Air Filters
• Clean Vent Covers
• Adjust Thermostat
• Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Replace Air Filters

Air filters work hard to trap and prevent pollen, dust, mildew, mold, and other allergens from mixing in with the air we breathe. Over time, filters will collect various pollutants and need to be changed or cleaned to continue filtering the air. If your heating system is operating with dirty air filters, it will decrease your indoor air quality in Rockville, MD. This can pose health threats to residents and guests in the home, such as causing common cold symptoms. Additionally, a dirty air filter can increase the workload for your heating system and raise energy bills.

If the filters go uncleaned for long, your system could suffer a breakdown in the middle of winter. We recommend changing air filters every 90 days and before a large gathering in the holiday season. If you are unsure of how to select the right type of air filter for your home, call our experts at Glenmont! We can guide you through selecting and installing a quality air filter, as well as perform various other indoor air quality services in Rockville, MD.

Clean Vent Covers

When cleaning your home before guests arrive, don’t forget about your vent covers! Dust can collect on the registers and grilles of your vents and harm the aesthetics and air quality of your home. We recommend cleaning vent covers regularly for various reasons, including to enhance HVAC efficiency and prevent breakdowns. If air vents are covered or obstructed by dust, it can cause your heating system to work harder and use more energy this winter. This can result in high energy bills, a heating breakdown in Rockville, MD, and costly repairs.

Consider following these steps to thoroughly and safely clean dirty vent covers:

• Turn off your system to avoid dirt and dust being circulated into your home.
• Lay an old cloth below ceiling vents and wear eye protection glasses.
• Unscrew the main vent covers and the small ones with a screwdriver.
• Soak the vents in hot, soapy water for about half an hour.
• Then, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to get rid of stubborn dirt.
• If there’s still mold, mix a diluted bleach solution, following the instructions on the bleach bottle. The solution will disinfect the vents.
• Thoroughly rinse once done.
• Let the covers completely dry before screwing them back in place.

Cleaning your vent covers keeps them looking great and minimizes the spread of allergens throughout your home. It also increases the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Moreover, make sure that your Christmas tree, packages, furniture, or curtains don’t obstruct the floor vents. The supply and return vents should be completely exposed in order to have good circulation.

Adjust Thermostat

As you stock up on food for your guests and figure out where they’ll sleep, it’s also important to remember to adjust your thermostat. A house full of guests can become toasty and uncomfortable very quickly. To ensure a cozy home for everyone, lower the temperature by a notch or two to offset the warmth from your visitors and kitchen. This will keep everyone in your home comfortable and avoid the need to open windows, which can overwork your HVAC system.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

If you haven’t already scheduled heating maintenance in Rockville, MD, the fall season is the perfect time to do so. Temperatures are chilly at night and pleasant during the day, so homeowners are not completely relying on their heating system for comfort. We recommend scheduling professional heating maintenance before turning on your system for the season, because your heating system may have an underlying problem and not work properly at first. Additionally, the holiday season is a busy time for everyone, including heating and air conditioning professionals!

During heating maintenance in Rockville, MD, our professional technicians will inspect your HVAC unit, searching for signs of trouble that could affect the performance of your system. If there are any issues, our team can fix them without delay. We’ll also clean and lubricate your HVAC unit, fasten any loose parts, and perform various other preventative tasks.

With professional heating maintenance services, you don’t have to worry about emergency breakdowns when you’re busy entertaining. Our routine maintenance services will keep your system running smoothly all through the holidays and beyond.

Glenmont’s Heating Maintenance Services

At Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer reliable heating maintenance services to keep your home warm and safe. Heating maintenance is a preventative check-up for your HVAC unit. It boosts the efficiency of your system, extends its lifetime, and keeps your heating expenses low. A typical heating maintenance visit will entail:

• A thorough inspection of your HVAC system.
• Cleaning all the components.
• Checking the moving parts to ensure your HVAC unit is healthy.
• Safety checks to make sure there are no gas or carbon monoxide leaks.
• Testing your system to confirm if it’s running at peak efficiency.

Enjoy A Warm, Cozy Holiday Season!

We’re happy to help you enjoy the holidays with those you love without any heating headaches. With our comprehensive heating maintenance in Rockville, MD and surrounding areas, your HVAC unit will be ready to take on the chilly season.

Want to make sure your HVAC system keeps you and your guests comfortable throughout the festive season? Schedule your appointment with Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning today.