If you are noticing signs that your air conditioning system might be having trouble, we understand why you’re trying to figure out what’s going on BEFORE it breaks down completely. Very smart of you! When you can replace failing parts proactively before they cause bigger problems, you can often prevent a more expensive repair, not to mention inconvenient downtime (which will likely happen on the hottest day of the year).
Your air conditioner fan (and there are actually at least two of them in most systems) is one part that can go bad and lead to a whole host of other problems.
Here’s a quick primer on air conditioner fans, and how the signs you’re seeing might point to replacing one of these fans to prevent a breakdown. Plus, we’ll share how you can prevent this type of problem from happening to you again.
The trick to evaluating air conditioning service contracts
Did you know that there are no government-imposed standards when it comes to air conditioning service contracts? That means all air conditioning maintenance is not created equal. Never assume that you’re comparing apples to apples when evaluating service contracts from different providers.
In a way, this is a good thing, because it means that reputable air conditioning service companies can customize a contract according to the age and condition of your equipment, the cooling needs of your space and its occupants, and your budget. You just need to be sure what’s covered under the contract, and that you’re getting the features you need.
Don’t hire an ordinary HVAC service company for NYC luxury residential properties
There’s a lot on the line when you have to decide on an HVAC service company for a luxury residential building in NYC, or in any large city for that matter. You are giving the HVAC service company’s technicians access to your residents’ homes. That means you need to be able to count on them to:
Perform regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns, so you avoid those emergency calls when the AC dies the day a homeowner is having a dinner party
Avoid making a mess or damaging expensive furnishings
Diagnose problems accurately and fix them fast to avoid repeat service calls
Recommend equipment that won’t be an eyesore or take up valuable apartment space
Make you a priority and get to you in a hurry when you need them
You’ve probably heard about extreme sports such as hang gliding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even extreme ironing (really!). Today we’re going to introduce you to a new form of extreme sport: it’s called EXTREME HVAC SERVICE in NYC, where everything is more extreme. It’s the kind of HVAC service businesses need to ensure consistent comfort without extreme costs.
If you have used the same HVAC service company for some time, chances are you have a good relationship with a technician who visits you regularly. You already know how helpful it is, and how much comfort it brings you, to have this person you trust who knows you and your equipment. That person really represents the face of the company for you.
But chances are, you know little about everybody else who is working behind the scenes to take care of your account and provide the HVAC service you want and need. It truly takes “a village” to provide a great customer experience.
If that’s what you expect from an HVAC service provider, we thought you might like to know about the other dedicated professionals that are part of Arista’s account teams, and exactly what they do for our customers.
When you’re managing high end residential properties, quality is something that’s always on your mind. Homeowners not only expect it, but demand it, not only from the systems and furnishings in their homes, but from the service providers that take care of them.
When it comes to quality HVAC, chances are you’re not an expert. Arista is not only an HVAC expert, but we’re also experts in working with the highest value property owners in New York City. So let us guide you through some of the important features to look for in a quality equipment for the luxury homeowner.
Choosing a quality HVAC service provider, whether it’s for installation, repair, or ongoing maintenance, is really not much different. To get the quality service you need and expect, it’s all about knowing what to look for. That can be especially challenging in a large metropolitan area like New York City, where there are many players but not many qualified to handle this market. We’ll help you evaluate who stands head and shoulders above the rest, wherever you are searching for quality residential service.
If you’ve got an aging air conditioner, you’re probably not looking forward to the hot and humid summer days ahead. If you sweated your way through last summer and shelled out a lot of cash for repairs, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent breakdowns this summer.
The truth is, there is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to prevent many repair issues: have AC preventative maintenance done before you start up your system this spring.Read more
If your home or business has an air conditioner and you’re in charge of making sure it keeps working, you probably know that it’s important to have your air conditioner regularly maintained. And you may have heard talk about AC coil cleaning as part of that maintenance.
But if you’re not an air conditioning expert, it probably sounds like greek to you. What exactly is an air conditioner coil? And why is it so important to clean it? And most important: how do you know when you need to have it done when you’ve never even seen the thing?
You probably already knew that your heating and air conditioning equipment has air filters that need to be changed. But did you know that the type of filter you choose can mean the difference between sniffling your way through allergy season and breathing easy? It’s time you learned about MERV filter ratings.Read more
You may be wondering what we mean when we say that HVAC preventive maintenance plans prevent headaches. Is that metaphorical headaches in the form of HVAC problems, or literal pounding pain in your head? In this case, the answer is BOTH.
When you are a residence manager or property manager, stress is a way of life. You have so many problems and complaints to deal with on a daily basis, that it’s no surprise when the metaphorical headaches lead to the real kind. So if you’re reading this blog because you want to help your residents solve HVAC problems OR because you want to stop taking ibuprophen every day, learning about HVAC preventive maintenance plans can help.
Most of us tend to think of allergies as caused primarily by pollen and pet dander. So why are people still suffering who live and work in the city, where pollen-producing plants and furry critters are in much shorter supply than in the suburbs?
The answer for many is poor indoor air quality (IAQ). AC maintenance can help reduce contaminants and allergens in indoor air and help you breathe easier.
Have you recently been burned by high HVAC repair costs? Or have you purchased a new HVAC system and want to start off right taking proper care of it? If so, you may be thinking about investing in regular service and looking at HVAC preventive maintenance contracts for the first time.
You’ve probably got questions… and maybe you’re not quite ready for a sales pitch just yet so you’re reluctant to start making calls. Here’s some handy information about what to expect from an HVAC preventive maintenance contract how to begin evaluating your options.Read more
With so many other pressing problems on your mind as a business owner or manager, at times it may seem easier just to ignore nagging concerns with your HVAC service provider. But over time, those things that were merely annoying start to become critical issues that cost you money and even threaten your business.
Unless you are in a very remote location, chances are you have many options when choosing an HVAC service company. So why settle for less than you deserve, or worse, less than you’re paying for?
Here are some of the common ways your HVAC service provider may be letting you down, and why you should repair or rethink the relationship.
We tend to think about high humidity as a problem that impacts both our health and our comfort. However, dry air (caused by low indoor humidity) can cause just as much discomfort as humid air. In fact, recent research suggests that prolonged exposure to excessively dry air can even cause elevated stress levels.
Dry air may also compound the impacts of other indoor air quality problems. Some studies have shown that dry air increases the negative effects of high levels of particulate matter and VOCs.
It’s worth paying attention to the relative humidity levels of the air you breathe, especially since most buildings are not monitored or controlled for humidity levels that are too low. There isn’t even consensus on what constitutes air that’s too dry, but many experts recommend optimal humidity levels between 35 and 60 percent.
Here are some health symptoms you may experience as a result of dry air in your indoor environment, plus steps you can take to fix the problem and feel better.
Physical effects from dry air indoors
Respiratory symptoms and infections
Your respiratory system often bears the brunt of the impacts from dry air. The mucus membranes in your nose, sinus passages, and bronchial passages get dried out when fluids evaporate. That leaves them more susceptible to irritation and infection.
When people spend a lot of time in excessively dry air, they are more likely to experience symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and even nosebleeds.
Dry air also increases your risk of respiratory infections such as colds, the flu, or even Covid-19. Experts say that viruses can survive longer in dry air, and also dehydrated mucus membranes decrease your body’s ability to fight off infection.
Dehydration
It’s not only your respiratory system that gets dehydrated with long exposure to air with low humidity. Your eyes, skin and throat also feel the effects:
Eye irritation. Dry indoor air can cause dehydration of the tear film that protects your eyes, leading to irritation, dry eyes, itching, problems with contact lenses, and increased susceptibility to other eye conditions.
Throat irritation. Dehydrated tissues in the throat can lead to difficulty swallowing, throat pain and inflammation, as well as hoarseness and thickened mucus in the throat.
Skin irritation. Loss of moisture in the skin can cause not only discomfort, but also skin rashes and infections, such as eczema.
Did you know that dry air and poor indoor air quality can increase your body’s stress response? A US GSA Wellbuilt for Wellbeing study found that office workers exposed to dry air (with relative humidity levels below 30 percent) experienced 25 percent higher stress levels, as measured by cardiac activity. (Workers in environments with too much humidity also showed higher stress levels, but the effects were less pronounced.) Other studies have found a correlation between exposure to dry air and production of higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
The Wellbuilt for Wellbeing study also revealed an indirect link between dry air and sleep quality, since the workers that experienced more cardiac stress also showed reduced quality of sleep.
How to combat dry air in summer and winter
Add moisture to the air in winter
In the winter, air gets dry indoors because of heating systems that pump warm, dry air into the space. It can be challenging to make up for the lost moisture. If your heating system can accommodate it, you may benefit from installing a central humidification system that monitors the amount of moisture in the air and maintains the optimal humidity level in your space.
When the air is uncomfortably dry, the humidifier adds moisture (water vapor) to the air circulating throughout your space via your HVAC system. The central air or central heating humidifier, which is connected to your furnace and HVAC ductwork and also hooked up to your plumbing system, produces humidity by using water and heat from your furnace.
Keep your AC from removing too much moisture in summer
Air conditioners cool the air by removing humidity from the air. Which, ideally, should leave you with moderate and comfortable humidity levels in your space.
However, if your air conditioner is oversized for your space, or it has problems that are causing it to run constantly, you can easily end up with dry air in your space even in summer.
If you suspect that’s the case, have your air conditioning system inspected and maintained by qualified HVAC experts. They may be able to make adjustments or repairs that can better control humidity levels, improve your comfort, and even improve your health.
If you’re in the NYC metro area, Arista is here to help. Contact us today!
If you’re considering installing a new air conditioning system, you’ve probably run across many rating acronyms on the sales literature. Those acronyms are all about the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, and they can help you compare the efficiency of various models. Those ratings are extremely important, since as much as 50% of the energy usage in your home or commercial space is consumed by your HVAC system.
The problem is, the equipment manufacturers don’t make it all that easy to understand how to interpret those numbers. If it’s all greek to you, here’s a primer on the various air conditioning energy efficiency ratings, what they mean and what numbers you should look for.Read more
High rise HVAC is a major concern in New York City
New York City is home to about 7000 high rise buildings, typically defined as structures with 12 or more stories. And that number is growing every day. According to the Wall Street Journal, over the past five years the city has experienced the largest construction boom in a generation.
Especially for luxury residential construction projects, high rise HVAC requirements are a prime concern. Buyers and tenants demand nothing less than consistent comfort, quiet operation, and even the ability to customize the heating and cooling of the space according to their individual requirements. Yet for builders of high rise residential buildings, those needs have been tough to meet with the traditional high rise HVAC options. They tend to be noisy, inefficient, and they take up too much valuable space within the building.
Your thermostat has two settings that control the HVAC fan that circulates heated and/or air conditioned air throughout your space. You can set it to AUTO, which automatically turns the fan on when your AC or furnace is running. Or, you can set it to ON, which tells the system to keep the fan running all the time.
Which should you choose? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of running the HVAC fan 24 hours a day, versus only when your heating or cooling system is operating.
Benefits of keeping the HVAC fan ON
More consistent temperatures with the HVAC fan on
When the HVAC fan runs constantly, it has a chance to keep moving heated and cooled air evenly throughout every area of your home or commercial space. That can help to eliminate hot or cold spots and improve comfort.
Running the HVAC fan can eliminate stuffy air & control odors
During spring and fall when temperatures are moderate, your heat or air conditioning may not be running very often, if at all. Especially in city buildings that are well sealed and may not have windows that open, the indoor air can get stuffy with a lack of air circulation. Running the HVAC fan can help keep the air feeling fresh, and also help to dissipate odors.
Improved air quality with constant filtration
When the HVAC fan runs all the time, more air is circulated through your HVAC filters (and air purification systems if you have them), which can help to reduce airborne contaminants. That can mean less allergens like pollen and dust, VOCs, pollution, and even mold and bacteria that cause illness.
One caveat to be aware of: the benefit you gain from filters depends a great deal on the type of filter your HVAC system has. Standard HVAC filters aren’t meant to trap particles as tiny as viruses, for example, or even some types of pollen. They are primarily meant to keep dust and debris out of your HVAC system. However, filters with a higher MERV rating can remove more types of particles, as long as your system can accommodate them.
If you have an air purification system installed in your HVAC ducts, you will benefit much more from keeping your HVAC fan running.
It may surprise you to learn that running the HVAC fan all the time can actually extend the life of the fan. That can be true because it eliminates the stress of the motor frequently turning on and off every time your furnace or AC starts up or shuts down.
Downsides of using your HVAC fan all the time
Higher electricity costs
Running the HVAC fan 24/7 may use quite a bit more electricity than running it only when your HVAC system is operating. Depending on your space and your system, that could cause a noticeable jump in your electric bill.
More frequent filter changes needed
With air circulating through your space, your ducts and your HVAC filters, those filters are going to get clogged faster. You’ll need to check and change or clean your filters more frequently.
Air temp from the registers when the HVAC system’s not running
When your furnace/air conditioner fan is running but the heating/cooling system is not, the temperature of the air coming from your registers may be warmer than you’d like in summer or cooler than you’d like in winter. That might not be a big problem unless you’re sitting right next to the register, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Less humidity control in summer
Not to get into the technical details, but suffice to say that the air conditioning fan blowing all the time can actually impede your air conditioner’s ability to control humidity in summer. If you notice that happening, you can decide to turn the fan back to AUTO until the problem is resolved.
So which HVAC fan control option should you choose? It depends on your situation and your priorities.
Also, be aware that no matter which way you set your fan, there’s something else you can do to optimize your comfort and keep your system performing efficiently and effectively: get regular maintenance.
HVAC maintenance helps keep your systems performing well
Have your heating and cooling systems inspected, cleaned, and tuned up at least every year, and possibly more often depending on your system and its usage. The most cost-effective way to do that is with a yearly maintenance agreement that’s customized to your specific needs. It’s a small investment that pays off in big ways:
Your system stays in good condition, so you can prolong the life of your equipment.
Your equipment runs more efficiently, which reduces energy consumption.
Minor issues get fixed proactively, so they don’t turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
Maintenance helps to prevent system downtime that disrupts your home or business.
If you’re in the NYC metro area, get a quote today for expert HVAC maintenance services.
Don’t you feel comfortable and secure when you’re in control of your surroundings? That’s one reason smart thermostats have become a sought-after feature for NYC’s luxury homeowners. The ability to remotely adjust the comfort settings of your HVAC system is the ultimate in control.
Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling comfort remotely from your IOS or Android smartphone. So the next time you run out and forget to adjust the thermostat, no worries. Simply pull up the app and adjust your setting in seconds.
The cool features of these smart thermostats provide more than convenience; they can significantly reduce your energy bills. If you’ve been reading our blog every now and then, you probably already know that your HVAC system consumes up to 50% of your home’s energy usage. Remembering to turn out the lights when you leave the room won’t make nearly as much of an impact on your energy bill as installing one of these smart thermostats.
According to ENERGY STAR, you should be checking and changing your furnace’s air filter every month during peak heating season. That’s probably more often than you need to be calling in your trusty HVAC service guy. We love to see you, of course, but this is a job that you can probably handle on your own if you choose to do so.
If you plan to stay on top of this important furnace maintenance task yourself, let your service guy know when he comes to do your fall furnace maintenance before you start up your furnace for the heating season. He can make sure you have plenty of the right filters on hand, and can show you or your maintenance crew the steps to properly insert and remove the air filter.
Here are the simple steps to help you get it done.
Each year, space heaters are the cause behind more than 25,000 home fires and over 300 fatalities, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some space heaters release carbon monoxide that can be deadly as well. We all know it: using a space heater is a huge risk to your family simply to eliminate chilly spots in your home. So why do so many continue to use them? Probably because they are not aware of better space heater alternatives.
Is HVAC duct cleaning right for your home? Homeowners may question whether it needs to be done, how often to do it, and how to find the right company to perform the job. Some HVAC service providers also try to convince homeowners that it’s important to seal ducts and apply chemical biocides and treatments to kill bacteria and mold. True or false?
Homeowners are overwhelmed and perplexed about which HVAC services are necessary and which aren’t. Many customers have asked us if there are any guidelines or recommendations to follow, and fortunately, there are. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines and information that we’re going to share in order to help you make an educated decision about whether HVAC duct cleaning and other services are right for your home. We’ll also provide advice about how to choose a service provider should you decide you want these services performed.
A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that can also work in reverse to provide heat.
If you need to replace your air conditioning system or your entire HVAC, should you consider getting a heat pump for AC? A heat pump can replace your air conditioner, and possibly your heating system as well. But it is important to make sure it’s the right choice for your needs.
Reliable air conditioning is something we tend to take for granted… until all of a sudden it’s not reliable anymore.
It’s tempting to hope that you can start up your AC and everything works perfectly. But if you want that to happen, you need to take steps to make sure your air conditioner can handle the hot summer days. That includes cleaning the AC coil.
Read on to learn more about this important component of your air conditioner, why it’s so vulnerable, and how cleaning it can have a huge impact on your summer comfort, your energy bills, and even the quality of the air you breathe.
A Power Outage Can Take Down Your Air Conditioner in a Second
This time of year can be dangerous for your air conditioner. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and even pop-up thunderstorms can take down power lines and also damage electrical equipment like air conditioners. Here’s how to tell if you have electrical damage, and what to do about it.
Nobody wants to suffer through summer in NYC with unreliable air conditioning. Here’s what you need to know about the latest and greatest air conditioner improvements that can make your living space more comfortable.
BONUS: many of these air conditioner improvements increase efficiency and save you money!
What’s so special about residential HVAC services in Manhattan?
There’s no place in the world like New York City. The skyline, the culture, the diversity… it’s one of the most exciting and interesting places in the world. That’s why over 1.6 million people choose to make their homes in the 22 square miles that make up the island of Manhattan. That works out to nearly 72,000 residents per square mile, all competing for the same space and resources. No wonder living space is no outrageously expensive!
The crowded conditions in Manhattan make providing residential HVAC services a unique challenge. We have to deal with situations that just don’t happen in other parts of the country (at least not all at the same time!). These are just a few examples:
Unlike other HVAC malfunctions, frozen AC coils can be caused by failures in almost any part of the system. If you see frost or a layer of ice on your indoor unit, that’s obviously a problem… but it’s not so easy to diagnose the reason.
In this article, we’ll explain the possible causes of frozen air conditioner coils, and what to do next if it’s happened to you.
If you’ve got an older air conditioning system (and you’re reading this article!) chances are you’re familiar with what happens when you’ve got a refrigerant leak.
You begin to notice that your AC is not cooling very well, even though the fans are blowing and the air flow seems fine. Over time, days or even weeks, the problem gradually gets worse, even though the system is running more than usual. Finally, you put your hand up to the register and you feel warm air blowing out. That’s a classic sign of a refrigerant leak. Not again!
Read on to learn about what causes a refrigerant leak to happen, how to get it fixed right, and options for making sure it doesn’t happen again.
When you find a puddle of water on the floor of your mechanical room, it’s a scary sight and a source of anxiety. Your AC is leaking water. Now what?
First of all, take a breath and relax. There are a number of possible causes for an AC leaking water, and many of them are not difficult or expensive to fix.
However, it’s important to act quickly, because your AC leaking water can cause expensive damage to your walls, ceilings, floors and furnishings. Also, an air conditioner water leak might be a problem that can lead to compressor failure. When that happens, you might find yourself having to replace your unit.
Flowers are blooming, the grass is green and lush, and trees are bursting with new leaves… Don’t you just love this time of year?
Not so much if you have allergies.
When the pollen count is out of control, all you want to do is hide in an air conditioned room until fall. Unfortunately, that probably won’t help.
You might think your air conditioning system will remove those nasty allergens from the air. But without the right air filters for allergies, you’ll still be sniffling and sneezing your way through the season.
And it’s not just pollen you need to worry about! The summer heat and humidity make the conditions ripe for the growth of mold and mildew, which can also bring on allergy symptoms.
Learn the facts about choosing the right air filters for allergies, as well as other HVAC maintenance tips that can reduce your suffering this season.
If you are among the more than 50 million Americans affected by allergies, listen up! As we head into prime allergy season, it’s time to learn about how HVAC & allergies are related. And learn ways to reduce pollen that gets spread by your HVAC system.
This time of year, you may be staying indoors, hoping to avoid allergens and reduce symptoms. However, pollen spores are among the most difficult allergens to avoid. Even indoors it can be hard to remove pollen particles because many of them are so tiny. They also lurk in places you haven’t thought of, like your HVAC system.
The benefits of humidification for your home and family
Humidification is an important yet often-overlooked aspect of your home’s comfort. You’ll certainly notice when the humidity reaches the 80 percent mark on those steamy summer days, yet you may not be aware of the detrimental effects of insufficient humidification (translation: dry air) during the winter season when the furnace is running.
If your home does not have a humidification system, you’ve probably noticed some of the symptoms, even if you didn’t realize the cause.
In fact, maintaining moderate humidity levels in your home is more important than ever, because the virus that causes COVID-19 thrives in low humidity conditions.
Have you had it with the dry air this time of year? There’s the discomfort that comes from dry skin and cracked nails. And isn’t your hair bad enough from wearing hats and running around in the snow and wind? Yet dry, flyaway hair persists even indoors due to the bone-dry air in your home.
If you’re reading this, you already realize that it’s time to start looking at humidification systems for your home. Yet you may not realize the full extent of the problem. There are even more annoying winter issues (such as increased risk of COVID transmission) that are also caused by low relative humidity.
There’s no question that good air quality is vital to health, especially for older adults, children and anyone with conditions such heart or lung disease. In a city as big as New York, with a population of more than 8.6 million people and growing, air quality is an ongoing challenge.
While there is only so much you can do about outdoor air pollution, you can significantly improve indoor air quality with regular HVAC cleaning, especially air conditioner cleaning before you start up your system in spring.
For commercial spaces that are reopening after being closed for a long time due to the pandemic, HVAC cleaning and maintenance is essential to prevent problems with the system upon startup after a prolonged shut down. [If you’re concerned about preventing COVID-transmission, get our helpful guide to HVAC Solutions for COVID-19.]
Here are four reasons why you should take advantage of HVAC cleaning services in NYC.
What would happen if you just stopped checking your email? What if – horror of all horrors- you never refilled the coffee machine?! It’s easy to imagine the resulting chaos from such a scenario. But there is another under-appreciated staple of the office routine: your AC air filter.
What would happen if you didn’t change your AC filter? It’s hard to believe such a small part could make a big difference in air quality and comfort, but it does. Think of cleaning the air (and the air conditioner) like cleaning the rest of your business space. It would get pretty bad if you neglected it for a month.
Consider all the dirt and grime you’d see on the floors, on counters and surfaces, and in bathrooms. That’s equivalent to what accumulates in your filter in a given month. What are the consequences of this uncleanliness? Let’s look at what happens after you don’t change your AC filter to find out.
In houses, apartments, schools, and daycare facilities across the five boroughs, there may be a hidden threat to the city’s more than 1.7 million children: IAQ and mold.
Nationally and at the state and local levels, exposure to dampness and mold in buildings has been recognized as a public health problem.
In this article, we’ll reveal the link between IAQ and mold. We’ll also look at the dangers associated with mold as well as management and prevention strategies for mold problems. And finally, we’ll share some effective strategies for managing mold and improving IAQ.
RGF’s REME HALO device is an important component in Arista’s strategy to help our customers prevent the transmission of COVID within their spaces and keep occupants healthy. The following is an announcement from RGF with some great news about the proven effectiveness of their technology.
Your heating and air conditioning systems process the air you breathe every day. Over time, dirt, pollution, and illness-causing bacteria and virus particles can accumulate in filters, ducts, and other equipment components.
Since your HVAC system is hidden out of sight, it may get neglected when it comes to cleaning. However, it’s important to realize that the nasty things lurking in your HVAC system can contribute to health problems. That’s just one reason why HVAC system cleaning is so important.
After the oppressive summer humidity evaporates, we seem to jump right to heating season and the opposite problem: super dry air. Due to COVID-19, dry indoor air is a much bigger concern than usual, since the virus thrives in low humidity conditions. Installing a central air humidifier can be a helpful solution.
In this article, we’ll explore what a central air humidifier does, and help you find a central humidifier system that will best suit your needs.
You may have read recent research that suggests raising indoor humidity levels may help to deactivate coronavirus particles. During the winter months when our spaces are closed up and heated, humidity levels can drop to extremely low levels (as low as 20 percent).
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus has been shown to thrive and remain viable for longer periods in these low-humidity conditions. (Controlling humidity is just one way HVAC can help in the fight to prevent COVID. Get our guide to HVAC Strategies for COVID to learn more.)
However, too much indoor humidity can also cause health problems. For example, viruses are known to spread more easily in humidity levels higher than 60 percent. So what is considered high humidity and what are safe indoor humidity levels?
And most importantly, how do indoor humidity levels affect your body and your health?
Until recently, indoor air quality wasn’t a big concern for most people. Yet this benign neglect could put our health at risk. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside can be at minimum 2 to 5 times more polluted than outside.
It’s not only smog that threatens the safety of indoor air, it’s also VOCs, mold, bacteria, and viruses.
And now, with the pandemic raging around the world, it’s even more important for business owners and homeowners to do everything they can to ensure healthy indoor air within their spaces.
That’s a good reason to consider new technology that can improve indoor air quality, including an HVAC air purifier and air filtration system.Read more
The air filter’s job is to keep dust and debris out of your HVAC equipment. You’d be amazed how much builds up on there in a very short time.
Recently, AC filters have gotten a lot of attention due to the pandemic. With the uncertainty about airborne transmission of the virus, some experts are recommending the use of higher-efficiency filters to trap virus particles.
If that’s why you’re looking to change your AC filter, read this first. And, learn about the most effective HVAC strategies for COVID from our helpful guide:
In this article, we’ll cover more reasons why air conditioner filter replacement is so important, and how to take care of it safely.
If you’re sweating your way through another muggy August, read on to learn more about HVAC humidity control and why your AC might not be up to the task.
Then we’ll tell you 4 ways you can get an older unit to remove more moisture so your space doesn’t feel like a tropical jungle.
Read this before buying a HEPA AC filter for your home or business
Chances are, you have been hearing a lot about HEPA AC filters and HVAC filters as a solution for preventing the transmission of COVID. The idea got a lot of media attention here in New York after Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke about using HVAC HEPA filters in malls to prevent airborne spread of the disease.
Here’s what you probably don’t know: HEPA filters are not for everybody. There are significant downsides to using HEPA filters in your HVAC system.
Could there be a connection between your sneezing and your HVAC ducts? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time that dirty ducts turn out to be the culprit behind air conditioning allergies. Let’s look at the possible connection between your allergies and duct cleaning.
Cooling is obviously one of the greatest health benefits of air conditioning. But it does more than just keep you comfortable in the summer. AC can make conditions better for preventing heat related symptoms or for recovering from illness.
However, you may have heard some scary stories about air conditioning making people sick. Some are even concerned about air conditioners spreading COVID. Many people wonder, is AC healthy? Rest assured, the answer is yes, as long as you take proper care of your AC unit. Air conditioning health problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and cleaning.
This time of year, it feels like summer humidity is the enemy:
The minute you go outside, all your clothes are stuck to your body.
Summer humidity and hair just don’t get along.
In this weather, anything that gets wet stays that way.
Right after you get out of the shower, you feel like you need another one.
Crowded elevators and subways… well, you get the idea.
Plus, there are much scarier facts you should know about summer humidity and how it can affect your health. Luckily there are easy solutions for HVAC humidity control.
Are you ready to end the relationship with your current HVAC maintenance company? Once you’ve determined that it’s time to move on for the sake of your business, here are some tips to seek out the best possible vendors to meet your needs.Read more
We know you have questions and concerns about the COVID-19 virus and operating/ maintaining your HVAC system. In this article, we’ll share the most accurate and up-to-date information available to help you make decisions.
Do you remember the episode of Mad Men where Ginsberg is literally driven insane by the constant, brain-numbing racket of the computer? If you’re working in an office with a noisy air conditioner, you may be concerned that you, or someone sitting near you, is headed for a similar fate.
If you’ve been stuck working at home due to the pandemic, dealing with an HVAC noise problem can be even more frustrating. You probably don’t have an office maintenance guy to complain to, or anywhere to go to escape from the distracting racket coming from your air conditioner.
Before that noisy air conditioner leads to a meltdown, it’s time to take control of the situation and find out how to quiet your noisy air conditioner for good.
First things first: you need to get to the bottom of the source of the noisy air conditioner.
ODORS. An unusual or musty odor is often the first sign of mold in air ducts or in air vents. In many cases, you’ll smell it before you can see it. If you notice a musty or moldy smell that goes away when you are not using your air conditioning or heating (if they share ducts), that can narrow the cause down to mold in your HVAC system.
Renovating your commercial space and looking to improve your air conditioning in the process? When the work is done, do you want comfortable, consistent temperatures in your space? How about good air quality? Energy efficiency? If you do, then it pays to plan updates to your HVAC system and its ductwork design early in the renovation process to avoid mistakes.
Ceiling fans use much less energy to run than air conditioners, so it would seem like a simple conclusion that ceiling fans save energy. But in most parts of the country, fans don’t provide enough cooling to replace air conditioners. So the question is really: do ceiling fans save energy when used with air conditioning? And that’s more complicated.
Read on to find out if you can use ceiling fans to help improve your energy efficiency and keep you cooler.
A carbon monoxide leak can mean disaster for your business
You already know that carbon monoxide is deadly—you’ve certainly heard the horror stories that result from people unknowingly breathing in the colorless, odorless gas. So as a responsible business owner or manager, you don’t take those kind of risks lightly. That’s why you have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your space, right?
With the hottest temperatures of the year staring us down, the last thing we need is a meltdown over an air conditioner breakdown. Home and business owners and facility and property managers across the NYC metropolitan area are keeping their fingers crossed that mature air conditioning systems make it through the summer. This tenuous situation can’t help beg the question, “How long should an air conditioner last?”
HVAC experts say an air conditioner should last about 15 to 20 years under normal conditions. However, many factors can reduce that life, including poor installation, operating conditions, system sizing, and neglected maintenance.
Have you been limping along with your older R22 air conditioner? Hoping to avoid replacing it during the high season? Especially if you know your unit has a refrigerant leak, you may be trying to decide how long you can get by before you’ll have to invest in a new system. An important factor in making that decision is answering the question: when is R22 no longer available?
If your home AC has not been working well, it can be tricky to figure out when to bite the bullet and replace it. In this article, we’ll share some tips for making that decision, as well as information that will help make sure you’ll be happy with your new unit.
When it’s only June and you’re already wondering if your aging air conditioner will make it through the summer, it’s not a good situation. Maybe you’ve been told it needs some repairs. That puts you in a tough position: do you spend the money on a commercial air conditioner repair to get through the summer? Or do you bite the bullet now and invest in a new system?
Even though we may enjoy warm late summer days, most of us don’t want that heat creeping into our air conditioned living or work space. Are you are concerned because your place is not cooling off like it should? Perhaps you’ve noticed warm air or lower than normal airflow coming out of your system’s registers or you’ve heard a hissing sound. Maybe you’ve observed water on the floor by your HVAC unit or seen ice forming on your evaporator coils. These are all telltale signs of an AC refrigerant leak.
Are you struggling to find luxury gift ideas for that discerning person in your life? Nothing says luxury (and appeals to those who love the best of everything) like holiday gifts that provide the ultimate in comfort.
Here at Arista, we have been serving luxury homeowners here in New York City for more than 60 years, so we know a thing or two about this subject!
Here are 6 incredibly fun luxury gift ideas for the holidays that are all about giving the gift of comfort. The last one might not seem like quite as much fun, but the experience it provides is sure to be appreciated daily for years to come.
Wine requires precise conditions to age nicely. If you invest money in your wine collection, invest in an environment that keeps it safe for years to come. Let’s look at some of the necessary components of storing and preserving wine, and how the right HVAC system can help you achieve those conditions.
Why repair or replace an air conditioner this fall?
If you’ve got an aging air conditioner, you may be breathing a sigh of relief when Labor Day rolls around. You made it through another summer with the old unit! But don’t talk too soon. You could still experience a breakdown during a brutal week of Indian summer. Then you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace the air conditioner.
The outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in NYC has raised many questions
While it’s a relief to know that the recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in NYC is over, many New Yorkers still have lingering questions and concerns about Legionnaire’s Disease in NYC as well as the new legislation recently passed in the city to prevent further outbreaks. Even though the outbreak is officially over, those of us who live and work in NYC will be dealing with the ramifications for quite some time.
Everyone is talking about this issue, and you may be unsure about whether you can trust what you’re reading and hearing about Legionnaires’ Disease in NYC. So we have put together a list of what those of us who live and work in NYC need to know, and where to get reliable and accurate information.
It’s undeniable that unpleasant events can serve as a learning experience. And if you ever had your HVAC system break down in the dog days of summer, you were probably kicking yourself for neglecting to sign up for an HVAC maintenance program. Now that you have survived that uncomfortable situation and have purchased an HVAC maintenance plan, do you really know what services are covered under your HVAC preventative maintenance program?Read more
If you’ve noticed condensation on an AC vent (air conditioner vents “sweating”) or worse, an AC vent leaking water, you’re right to be concerned and start investigating what might be going on. If you let it go, you could end up with property damage along with a potential air conditioner repair bill.
Let’s go over how moisture can get on your AC vent, and the potential damage it can do. Then we’ll explain the possible causes. It’s important to check them out, because the water on your AC vent might be condensation, but it also might be coming from your ducts or your air conditioner itself.
If you’re in the market for an HVAC service contract, you have probably encountered a wide range of prices. And since you’re probably not an HVAC expert, it can be a challenge to compare options and figure out what’s included, if the AC maintenance plan is worth the money, and ultimately which one is right for you.
Here’s a heating & air conditioning price guide to help you understand the different types of HVAC service contracts and the variables that factor into HVAC service pricing. Armed with this information, you can figure out which options are important to you and be better equipped to choose the heating & air conditioning maintenance agreement with the right price for the coverage you want.
If you’ve ever spent a hot summer in New York City in a home or business plagued with air conditioner problems, it’s certainly an experience you don’t want to repeat. Don’t leave your summer comfort to chance! Learn about the most common causes of air conditioner problems and the easy steps you can take to prevent repair issues.
Air conditioner power consumption: how much are you using?
As anyone who has seen their electric bill skyrocket in the summer will know, your air conditioner power consumption can be a big, unpredictable cost. To try and understand your costs, you can start with your AC unit’s power rating (check the label on the condensing unit), which will tell you how much power it uses under perfect conditions. In real life, conditions are rarely as consistent as that.
There are many factors that affect how efficient your AC is and how much power it uses, including age and condition of the unit, the layout of your space, design of the air ducts, how air-tight the space is, and of course the weather. That’s why calculating your expenses is never an exact science.
It is definitely not cool when your air conditioning system has a meltdown during a heat wave. This cooling season, take steps to prevent air conditioner breakdowns.
For example, your AC not cooling well might be because your AC coils are clogged and you need air conditioner cleaning. Let’s take a look at how air conditioning coil cleaning can help you system work better.
If you’ve been with your current HVAC vendor for years (even if it was a happy marriage at first) your relationship can unravel to the point where it’s time to move on. When you’re waiting for a repair, are they MIA for hours with no phone call? Do they send untrained technicians who don’t understand your system? Are they negligent about doing preventative maintenance? Do they leave a mess behind?
If you’re experiencing lousy response times and sub-par service from your HVAC vendor, you may be putting off “breaking it off” because it’s such a daunting task to find someone better. How can you tell which of the thousands of HVAC contractors in the New York City area can be counted on to provide great service?Read more
If you are a facility manager or building owner, chances are you’ve had questions about your air conditioning system. You may hesitate to ask your service technician (whom you’re probably paying by the hour) in the middle of a repair visit. It can be frustrating to try and find straightforward answers when you’re not an expert, so we have put together a handy guide with answers to the most common questions we hear every day.Read more
Does your HVAC service technician show up with a paper work order in hand? Does he continuously have to go out to the truck to call the office for information? When you want to pay with a credit card, does he scribble down the information on a piece of paper?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you should consider switching to a provider that uses more efficient hand held mobile devices to support the work order process. Devices can include smart phones, tablet computers, and dedicated wireless devices. Use of the latest communication technology is not just easier for the provider, but results in quicker response times, better security and more reliable service for you.Read more
When you walk into a hair salon, it’s reassuring to see the certificate on the wall that guarantees your hairdresser is professionally educated, so you can be confident you won’t be hiding under a hat for the next month.
When it comes to choosing a qualified HVAC service provider for your business, selecting a provider with no professional credentials based solely on price would be like letting your friend’s sister cut your hair–but with more expensive and potentially dangerous consequences.Read more
Properly running, maintaining and getting the most out of your HVAC system is a top priority of any building manager or owner. And yet, there are a host of misconceptions that can railroad that objective and affect the bottom line.
Just like the tooth-fairy and the alligators in the sewers, the following 10 myths are the source of some serious confusion. Understanding them is the first step to getting the most out of your heating and air conditioning.Read more
Responsible building managers and business owners are constantly trying to find cost effective ways to operate while still providing top notch services to their property’s occupants. Because the price tag of an ongoing service agreement with a heating and air conditioning contract seems high, many believe that bringing this type of equipment maintenance and repair in house is a more suitable arrangement. However, the cost of HVAC service agreements is not so expensive when you look at the benefits of having a professional available when you need one.
How confident are you that your HVAC maintenance provider has your best interest in mind when it comes to caring for your HVAC system?
Do you actually trust them? Or, are you tolerating them because it’s so overwhelming to find a new vendor? It’s true–if you’re unsure that your current HVAC maintenance provider has your back, the thought of finding a new vendor can seem overwhelming. Sometimes it seems easier to stick with “the devil you know” rather than seek out other options.Read more
Are you content with the quality of your HVAC service contract? Terminating a contract is not as difficult as you might think — and can mean the difference between a system that runs smoothly and one that runs poorly due to inattention and sub-par maintenance. Even if you’re feeling hesitant about seeking a new provider, there’s no good reason to stay locked into a bad contract.Read more
Most building managers and property owners rely on the expertise of professionals when it comes to maintaining commercial HVAC systems. Considering the sophistication of today’s systems and the ever-growing list of responsibilities associated with being a building manager or owner, it’s only logical to delegate system issues to the certified technicians who have the experience and know-how it takes to address them.Read more
If you’ve been reading, you probably already know there are consequences for poor HVAC maintenance.
You know that it could mean costly future repairs or long down times. And, if you’ve downloaded our white paper, Calculating the Hidden Costs of Poor HVAC Maintenance, you may even know that a poorly running HVAC system has a significant effect on your customer retention rate and ultimately your bottom line. (For more information on how your HVAC system could help you positively influence buyer behavior, download the white paper, below.)Read more
It’s the last thing you need on a hot summer day: your air conditioner keeps shutting off and the AC circuit breaker keeps tripping. You’re probably wondering what’s going on, and if there’s an easy solution. Do you need to call someone to fix the problem and if so, who should you call? The AC service company or an electrician?
Finding water anywhere it doesn’t belong in your house is a major cause for concern. Not only are you worried about where the leak is coming from (and how much it will cost to fix it!) but you’re also concerned about damage to your home. When it’s your air conditioner leaking water inside, you need to act fast to prevent water damage as well as expensive repair bills.
You may expect your air conditioner to be cold, but if it’s covered in frost or ice, that’s not a good sign. When your air conditioner is freezing up, it can’t properly cool your space. And worse, if you don’t do something about it quickly, you can end up with water damage in your walls and ceilings as well as an expensive AC repair on your hands.
It’s incredibly frustrating when you just can’t get cool on a hot day, even though your air conditioning sounds like it’s working (it’s blowing). Is it you or is it really hot in here? You check the thermostat, and in fact the temperature is soaring well above the set temp. When you place your hand over one of the AC registers, you find your AC blowing warm air.
The seasonal temperatures are here. You know the air conditioning system has been turned on, yet you’re just not feeling the comfort you would expect. The disappointing lack of cool air coming through the air conditioning vents prompts you to ask yourself, “Why is my AC not blowing?”
This is an update to one of our most popular and helpful blog posts. We’ve added advice for those of you who have an older R22 AC unit that uses the Freon refrigerant which is being phased out. Here’s the original: Repair or Replace An Air Conditioner: The Right Way to Decide.
If you’ve got an aging air conditioner, you may be breathing a sigh of relief when Labor Day rolls around. You made it through another summer with the old unit! But don’t talk too soon, fall can still get steamy in NYC and if your unit is not performing as it should be, you could still experience a breakdown during a brutal week of Indian summer weather. Then you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace it.
It is a bit of a cliché, but it’s true: Most of us know the feeling of waiting for the cable repair or installation person to show up.
Not knowing when a service technician is going to arrive can be even more stressful when you’re a building owner or facilities manager who has to answer to frustrated tenants or a boss who is asking for updates.
At Arista, we firmly believe in leveraging technology to improve efficiency for our team and also to enhance communication in customer service.
That’s why we’ve now implemented a customer service technology designed to keep everyone informed when it’s time for an HVAC service or repair visit.
Let’s face it, your air conditioner is an essential component of your luxury home, but it’s not something you want front and center. Most of us would rather hide the AC unit. It can be downright embarrassing to have ugly AC equipment cluttering up your patio or ruining your perfectly designed interior. So today we’re sharing 24 fun ways to hide air conditioning units. That includes both the outside condenser and wall-or ceiling mounted boxes indoors.
It’s hard to believe September is here already! You’re probably busy with back-to-school activities, the start of the football season, and picking out your Halloween costume (it’s never too early!). It’s a good thing we’re here to remind you that air conditioning maintenance needs to be on your fall to-do list.
Your air conditioner has worked hard all summer keeping your building cool. Once you shut down your system for the season, it needs to be cleaned, inspected and properly protected for the long winter ahead. If you skip these important tasks, you’re risking a major HVAC repair headache (not to mention a major expense) when you start up your air conditioner in the spring and find it’s not working.Read more
There’s no question about it, running a business in New York City is expensive. We don’t need to tell you that you’re faced with some of the highest rents and operating expenses in the country. Like any successful business owner in NYC, you do what you can to cut costs.
To save money, you may decide to cancel air conditioning maintenance. If you have fairly new equipment, air conditioning maintenance may seem unimportant.
The simple truth is, air conditioning maintenance is not a cost. That’s because it saves money. Depending on your equipment, the usage of your space and the nature of your business, air conditioning maintenance can save you a startling amount of money.
Here are 6 surprising ways that air conditioning maintenance saves money:Read more
Have you recently moved into a new NYC residence? Congratulations! You’ve finally found the perfect home for you, and naturally you want it to stay that way.
Like many new homeowners, you may be thinking about purchasing a homeowners warranty to cover unexpected failures to major home systems like heating and cooling equipment. You may also have received a homeowners warranty as part of your purchase contract. If so, you probably feel like you’ve covered all the bases and you can breathe easy.
HVAC service contracts and the project management triangle
If you’re having difficulty comparing widely differing options when evaluating HVAC service contracts, it may be helpful to use the project management triangle as a guide.
Are you familiar with the project management triangle? It’s a model that describes the relationship between three opposing constraints that impact work: time, quality and cost. It means that your choices in one area impact what you get in terms of the others. For example, if you decide you need the lowest price for a commercial HVAC service contract, that choice impacts what you get in terms of quality and/or timeframe.
The rule of thumb you’ll often hear with regard to time, quality and cost is that you can choose any two, but the contractor controls the third one. When it comes to HVAC service contracts, we find that this rule breaks down: getting the best quality for the lowest cost is not a realistic option, no matter how much time you throw into the equation. However, understanding the relationship between these three constraints for HVAC service contracts is a useful exercise for focusing your priorities and clarifying what you’re getting for your money.
Maybe you have noticed that the air in your home no longer smells fresh as a daisy and is even verging on objectionable, but you haven’t been able to put your finger on the source of this uninvited change in your living space’s atmosphere. Could it be that your home is the victim of a smelly air conditioner system and is in dire need of some HVAC spring cleaning?
You are not alone. Tis the season for malodorous problems to crop up and a common time to eradicate those unwanted odors coming from a smelly air conditioner system by undertaking a little HVAC spring cleaning. As a luxury homeowner or one who manages luxury properties, surely you should not have to put up with subpar breathing conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes for the smelly air conditioner, which has diminished the indoor air quality in your home.
As a luxury homeowner, you want good indoor air quality and pleasant temperatures inside your home. A reliable HVAC system delivers those two essentials for a comfortable living space. An HVAC maintenance contract can help you get and keep the indoor climate you deserve.
Are you looking to hire an HVAC service company to do preventative maintenance? Chances are you’re unsure about what preventative maintenance includes. If you already have an HVAC preventative maintenance contract, you might wonder if you’re getting the same services as some of your neighbors.
That’s where an HVAC preventative maintenance checklist comes in handy.
Do you tend to feel uneasy about signing a contract? That’s natural when you’re making a commitment to spend money. It can be a bigger source of stress when you don’t understand exactly what you’re getting for your money. That’s often the case when homeowners and business owners purchase an HVAC service contract.
Airflow issues are among the most common HVAC problems. If you suspect you have HVAC airflow problems, you’re probably experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Hot and cold spots throughout your space. This is often one of the first signs of HVAC airflow issues.
Pressure imbalance. Do you have doors slamming by themselves, strange whistling noises and drafty areas? These are symptoms of air pressure problems caused by poor airflow from HVAC systems.
No air coming out, weak air or low airflow from vents in your house or commercial space.The problem could be throughout the space, or you could have one AC vent not blowing air in one room. This is when you begin to realize something is wrong.
Your AC system blows warm air. Now you KNOW something is wrong!
If you ignore the problem for too long, the strain on your system can lead to compressor failure. The compressor is like the heart of your air conditioner, and when it goes, there’s a good chance you’ll need a new unit.
Furnace fuse keeps blowing? This guide to electric furnace troubleshooting explains the common causes and fixes.
If you have been experiencing electric furnace problems (specifically the furnace fuse blows when the heat turns on) throughout the holiday season, you might have assumed the problem is those cheap holiday string lights. But when it happens again (even after Santa has left the building along with the spike in your electric bill), you’re probably wondering what to do now.
As a manager of commercial or residential buildings in NYC, you probably are all too familiar with the stress and aggravation that follows a major HVAC system breakdown. Tenants do not usually take in stride equipment failures that result in an uncomfortable living or working environment.
It’s that time of year again, when you’re wearing heavy sweaters and snuggling under blankets so you can put off turning on the heat for as long as possible. We understand what you’re thinking: if you don’t turn on the heat you can keep pretending winter is not right around the corner!
There’s only one problem with that mindset. When you finally do have to cave in and turn on the furnace, what if you experience furnace issues? It will be REALLY cold by then, and those sweaters won’t be enough to keep you warm while you wait to have your furnace issues fixed.
Our advice: test your furnace now to make sure everything is working well. If you do experience furnace issues, read on for information about what could be wrong and what to do next.
