Blue Dot Services Of Maryland

Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump Problems

Is your heat pump freezing up? Is it failing to keep your home at the comfortable temperature you expect? Blue Dot Services of Maryland recommends a few simple troubleshooting tips you can follow before you call our heating specialists for HVAC repair.

Does it need to be cleaned?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well-maintained heat pump can run up to 25% more efficiently than one that’s been neglected. If you’ve been forgetting to keep up with your regular maintenance tasks, this could be the source of your heat pump’s poor performance. First, check your air filters to see whether they require cleaning or replacement, which should be done on a monthly basis. Also, if you have an air-source heat pump, make sure there’s no shrubbery or clutter blocking the outdoor unit. The system’s fan should be cleaned occasionally as well. Check with a professional HVAC contractor if you’re not sure how to perform any of these tasks.

Is it receiving power?
Other reasons why your heat pump may not be working are related to its power supply. Make sure the heat pump is receiving power, remembering to check the main electrical panel as well as any sub-panels. Occasionally, poor performance can be attributed to something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Replace or reset these as needed before you call an HVAC contractor.

Do you need to call a professional?
Some heat pump problems are beyond the scope of a homeowner’s ability to fix. If your heat pump is grinding or squealing, this could be a sign that the bearings on the motor are worn, something that you’ll want a furnace repair professional to handle. Your HVAC contractor can also verify that your unit’s refrigerant charge is correct, check the ducts for leaks, and inspect belts and electric terminals.

At Blue Dot, we pride ourselves on same-day furnace repair in Baltimore and surrounding areas, and we guarantee all our parts and labor. If your heat pump is acting up, call us at (410) 698-6465; one of our licensed technicians will be happy to assist you.

Keep Your Cool: Top Signs Your HVAC System Needs Attention [INFOGRAPHIC]

Blue Dot Services' Employment Orientation Interviews - March 5, 2013 - Join Our Team!

Are you searching for a position in the HVAC industry?  If so, call (410) 803-4275 or email your RSVP to one of our Employment Orientation Interviews! 

Date: Tuesday, March 5th
Time: 9am and 12pm
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn White Marsh
5015 Campbell Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21236

We are Blue Dot of Maryland, part of American Residential Services (ARS) - the largest company in our industry! We currently have 70 Service Centers that serve the heating and cooling needs of over 2 million customers nationwide.  We want to double the size of our business within the next five years, and are therefore, seeking ambitious and enthusiastic people to train in one of our service centers for:

• Outside Direct Sales Representatives
• Customer Service
• Service Technicians
• Install Mechanics
• Install Helpers

Blue Dot’s aggressive plans to double the size of our business creates the need for determined, resourceful people with initiative and a good work ethic.  They must be able to move quickly in a dynamic, success-oriented environment. We offer:

• Competitive, guaranteed base salary in most positions
• Bonuses and/or commissions depending on position
• Comprehensive, paid training program
• Promotions from within based upon performance
• $35-$45k+ salary for the first year opportunity! Much more for those who stand out!
• Experienced individuals can earn $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 and more!
• Health, dental and vision benefits
• 401k options
• Paid vacations and holidays
• And more!

The following items may be required for employment:

• Valid Driver’s license required for some positions
• Motor Vehicle report conducted
• EOE AA/M/F/D/V Drug Free Workplace

WE ARE HOSTING 2 ORIENTATION INTERVIEWS as outlined below.  Please note that this is just for the initial interview. If you’re selected you will be given an appointment for a second interview.

Date: Tuesday, March 5th
Time: 9am and 12pm
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn White Marsh
5015 Campbell Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21236

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!  CLICK HERE TO EMAIL AND RSVP.

HVAC Tips: Essential Air Filter Information

Most homeowners know that they’re supposed to change their furnace’s air filter to keep the appliance running smoothly and in good repair. But do you know why changing the filter helps and how to do it? Watch this video for a quick look at furnace air filters.

If your furnace’s air filter is dirty, the unit will use more energy. A dirty air filter will also circulate unclean air through your home, which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Failing to replace the filter can eventually lead to furnace repair. In most furnaces, the filter is located in the top half of the unit, where the air intake is. When you change the filter, it’s a good idea to write the date on it so you know when it’s time for replacement.

If your furnace is a complicated model, or if you have questions about changing or cleaning the air filter, call Blue Dot Services of Maryland at (410) 698-6465. We’ve been handling furnace repair for Baltimore-area families for more than 40 years.

Heat Pump and HVAC Efficiency Ratings Demystified

If you’re shopping for a heat pump, you are sure to encounter a lot of industry-specific terms and acronyms. You want to purchase an energy-efficient heating unit that won’t require frequent repair, but how can you choose the right one without enlisting the help of your professional HVAC contractor? Efficiency ratings are actually less confusing than they look. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling for your home, so you need to learn about both types of ratings.

Ratings for Cooling
The rating you’re most likely to see on air conditioners and heat pumps today is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). SEER is in some ways similar to miles-per-gallon for automobiles. If you divide the unit’s cooling output during normal annual usage by its total energy consumption, you can calculate its SEER. Any system newer than 2006 is required to have a SEER of 13; unless you’re looking to repair an older unit, you won’t see lower ratings. To be labeled as high-efficiency, the SEER must be 14 or higher.

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is another acronym you might see. This rating was created in 1975 by an HVAC contractor group, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. The EER equals the air conditioner’s cooling output, divided by its input of energy. The difference between EER and SEER is that EER doesn’t take into account seasonal and climate conditions. EER is more of a single rating point, most applicable to peak load. SEER is a better measure of average usage.

Ratings for Heating
For heat pumps, you also need to investigate the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). This is a way to measure a heat pump’s efficiency over one heating season. To arrive at the rating, the total heating output is compared to the total electricity consumed. Your heating contractor can recommend a model with a higher HSPF, which uses less electricity than lower-rated models. Anything with a rating of 8.2 or above is considered high-efficiency.

If you want to know more about choosing and installing energy-efficient HVAC appliances for your home, call Blue Dot Services of Maryland at (410) 698-6465. One of our HVAC contractors can give you a full ratings explanation. Blue Dot has been the Mid-Atlantic region’s source for superior heating, cooling, and energy services for more than 40 years.