Hot water heaters provide comfort and convenience in everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. A hot water heater’s lifespan ranges between 8 to 12 years, but it can vary based on usage and maintenance. Proper care promotes efficiency and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Learn more about how to properly care for your water heater with this preventative maintenance guide from Oasis Heating, A/C, and Refrigeration.
Air conditioners are a main component in keeping homes comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. However, a common issue that many homeowners face is their air conditioner suddenly blowing hot air. This problem can be frustrating and can even lead to higher energy bills and more significant repairs if homeowners don’t address it.
This guide from Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration will explore the reasons why your air conditioner is blowing hot air and provide practical solutions to help you restore your home’s comfort.
A well-functioning AC system helps many homeowners maintain a comfortable home environment. However, homeowners often face challenges when their air conditioning units fail. This guide from OASIS Heating, A/C & Refrigeration provides everything you need to know about AC repair, ensuring you can address issues promptly and maintain your home’s comfort efficiently. We’ll cover the basics of AC systems, common issues, maintenance tips, when to call a professional, and how to find a suitable service.
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is a fantastic incentive for Northern Virginia residents looking to make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Signed into law through the Inflation Reduction Act, this credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of qualified upgrades from their federal taxes. For large, energy-saving HVAC projects and installations, this can translate to significant savings.
Northern Virginia home and business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive HVAC solutions can turn to Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc. With more than 25 years of experience, our highly trained technicians are knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to client satisfaction. Moreover, our repair, installation, and maintenance services keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. Call us today at (703) 339-3877 for more information on our heating and cooling services!
Below, we discuss the perks of energy tax credits and who they apply to:
Under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, if you make an authorized improvement to your home after January 1st, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,200 annually. Broken down, the maximum credit you can claim each year is $1,200 for energy efficient home improvements and $2,000 for qualified heating and cooling system installation.
However, the benefits of this energy credit extend far beyond saving money on your tax bill. By opting for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, you’ll use less energy overall, leading to a decrease in monthly utility bills. In turn, you’ll experience long-term savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
Additionally, energy-efficient upgrades can improve the comfort of your home. Energy-saving home heating equipment is designed to provide consistent and accurate temperature control, making it easier to maintain your desired heating comfort throughout your home. Same with your air conditioning equipment.
The good news is that most Virginia homeowners can claim energy-efficient home credits. There are no income restrictions, so you can take advantage of this program as long as you own and occupy the residence where the improvements are made. However, keep in mind that the credit only applies to upgrades placed in service from 2023-2032, and taxpayers must install qualifying energy credit equipment. Eligible heating and cooling systems must have a thermal efficiency rating of 75% and include the following types:
Ready to upgrade your home for optimal efficiency? Residents of Northern Virginia can trust Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc. for all HVAC, air quality, and commercial refrigeration needs. To learn more about our energy-efficient home systems and how you might be able to save money, call (703) 339-3877 today!
While it would be wonderful if you could predict exactly when to replace your water heater, it’s rarely that simple. There are numerous variables that go into how long a water heater lasts, from its age to the type of water inside. Fortunately, with some maintenance and knowledge of replacement warning signs, you can ensure your water heater lasts as long as possible.
Keep reading to learn more about how to tell when a water heater needs to be replaced.
A residential water heater can last between 6 and 13 years before you need to replace it. This timeframe depends on the type of water running through it and whether you follow a yearly schedule of draining and flushing the tank. Since the range is so extensive, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your water heater to look for signs that you need a new one.
Understanding the signs of a broken or worn-down water heater will help you find a solution quickly. There are numerous reasons why a hot water heater may need a replacement. These indicators include:
Does the water in your water heater become cold too quickly or fail to become hot at all? There are several reasons why:
Usually, water heaters make little to no noise. If you start hearing strange or loud noises coming from your water tank, there may be an issue that requires immediate action. For example, tapping, clanging or rumbling noises mean sediment is likely gathering on the bottom of your water heater.
If you use a lot of hot water or live in an area with hard water, you’re more likely to experience this issue. Once the sediment builds up enough, it’s difficult for the machine to heat water correctly and takes longer to do so. This situation will lead to strain on the unit, wear down the metal encasement and eventually cause leaks.
If this is the case, you need to hire a professional to flush your tank. If you continue to hear strange noises coming from your water heater, it may be near the end of its life and require a replacement.
If you see water pooling around your water tank, there’s an issue that needs immediate attention. If you choose to ignore the leak, you may experience significant damage to your property.
There are a couple of reasons why your water heater may be leaking:
If you see rust on the outside of your unit near the water inlet, that’s often an indicator that rust has begun to form on the inside of the tank, as well. As a result, you’ll need to replace your unit soon or risk water damage.
Should you notice rusty water, there may be a problem with either your water heater or pipes. One way to see if it’s your water heater is by running three buckets full of hot water from a spout. If the third bucket has rust, your water heater is probably rusty. If the rust dwindles as you run the water, your pipes may be getting rusty.
Note that rust is a precursor to leaking, so replacing your water heater as soon as possible is essential.
If your water heater is getting old but still works, it’s a good idea to look for a replacement. A few reasons why it’s smart to replace your water heater before it fails are:
Ultimately, replacing your hot water heater before it becomes an issue will save you time and money.
Regular maintenance of your water heater is crucial to its longevity. It’s recommended that homeowners call a professional to have their tanks flushed once a year. This trick discharges the sediment, helping the water heater last as long as possible.
Oasis Cooling is ready to handle your water heater needs. No matter your needs, you can contact us for professional water heater installation, repair or replacement in northern Virginia. At Oasis Cooling, we have 15 years of experience working on heating and cooling systems in Northern Virginia, and we’re on call 24 hours a day ready to assist you!
Proper refrigeration is essential in the foodservice industry. You need to keep a substantial amount of food items at a consistent, safe temperature for human consumption. To remain compliant with health and food safety guidelines, you need to rely on your walk-in coolers for dependable and spacious cold food storage. Oasis is a family-owned and -operated heating and cooling company you can trust with regular commercial refrigerator maintenance or repairs.
When your walk-in coolers and freezers are working correctly, you can decrease food waste, improve food safety and increase your restaurant’s energy efficiency. Regular, proactive maintenance and inspection are essential to prolonging the life of your appliance and increasing its value to you and your business. Using a preventative maintenance checklist can also prevent clogging, breakdowns, food waste and future strife.
Additionally, cleaning and avoiding common mistakes can help you make sure your walk-in cooler performs up-to-speed and meets your business’s needs!
From everyday spill cleanup to full appliance wipedowns, it is essential to disinfect your walk-in cooler thoroughly. Proper sanitation is critical in the foodservice industry. To execute appropriate maintenance practices, you’ll need to clean your entire unit at least every six months.
So, what are the best ways to go about cleaning your walk-in cooler? Follow this schedule:
In addition to checking for debris, Oasis will make sure your electrical connections are tight and in working order.
Proper walk-in cooler maintenance takes time, effort and careful observation. It is essential to keep your walk-in cooler performing at its optimal level to ensure your food stays cool and fresh. Our advice can help you avoid these common maintenance mistakes and make a difference to your customers.
If your walk-in cooler is above the required temperature to store food safely, you risk mold growth and food spoilage. Additionally, if your temperature is too low, it can cause your unit to overwork. It is best to keep food storage appliances at the proper FDA-recommended temperature and regularly check that your walk-in cooler maintains an appropriate temperature. You’ll know that your cooler is retaining its temperature if it is within several degrees of the original thermostat setting. Keeping a written or digital log of your unit’s temperatures can also help you keep track of any unexpected changes.
Another way to maintain the proper temperature for your walk-in cooler is to make sure your doors seal tightly. Damaged gaskets, the rubber material surrounding your cooler’s doors, can let in warm air, cause ice buildup and ultimately reduce your energy efficiency. Even a tiny leak from tearing or weathering can throw off your unit’s temperature balance. Note that leaving the lights on in your walk-in cooler will also increase the level of heat and cause your evaporator fan assembly to work harder to hold the appliance’s optimal temperature.
You will want to examine your unit thoroughly and take note of any potential areas of concern, as well. Check your evaporator, condensing coil and fan blades regularly, as cleaning your unit’s fan blades will reduce drag and improve your unit’s performance. Also, keep food products stacked away from the central working parts of your walk-in cooler where they could reduce overall air circulation.
Most importantly, you want to adopt a proper schedule for freezer maintenance. You want to stay ahead of and prevent future complications, so set up a regular maintenance schedule with qualified technicians. Oasis can dramatically improve your walk-in cooler’s performance and provide much-needed reassurance for any areas of uncertainty.
While warm, moist environments are a haven for mold growth, colder environments with higher moisture levels can also put your freezer’s items at risk. Walk-in coolers are most likely to grow mold due to the frequency of use and a lack of temperature regulation during shutdowns.
Constantly opening and closing a freezer causes air to become trapped. The high level of moisture combined with the abundance of food supply creates an ideal ecosystem for fungal growth. Repeated entries and exits can also throw off your unit’s internal temperature balance. For long-term shutdowns, you want to clean your unit thoroughly and leave its doors open so it can dry completely.
Here are five easy ways you can keep your walk-in cooler and its contents fresh and free of mold:
If you can keep mold from growing in your walk-in cooler, you will provide a far more healthy and hygienic environment for your employees as well as your guests.
When you need to repair your walk-in cooler, Oasis Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration will find the right equipment for you and your restaurant. We offer competitive prices for the best quality walk-in cooler repairs, servicing and installations in all of Northern Virginia. We ensure each installation and repair is up to code so you can focus on what matters: preparing delicious and safe meals for your customers. Oasis will guarantee you solutions and quality assistance for any walk-in cooler queries with our industry expertise.
Contact Oasis today to get an estimate and schedule your appointment for walk-in cooler maintenance!
If you notice a weird smell coming from your furnace, don’t panic! This problem doesn’t always lead to a major concern. You can often explain it by some common occurrences. That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Whenever you notice an odd scent from your furnace, it’s essential to figure out the potential cause.
Make sure to shut down your furnace before you take a look. Here are a few reasons why there could be a burning smell in your house.
A furnace overheating smell can come from dust burn-off. If you haven’t turned on your furnace for a while, it’s likely that dust has accumulated on the inside. This odor should disappear after your furnace runs for a few minutes.
If the scent doesn’t go away, it’s time to try another solution. Take a brush to the parts that you can reach. This approach will clear away any dust.
Sometimes, an old filter can cause a burning smell from your furnace blower. When you don’t replace your furnace’s filter, it can become clogged over time. This buildup forces your blower to work extra hard so that it can push air out. As a result, it can overheat. It’s also possible for the buildup to emit a burning odor throughout this process.
That’s when it’s time to replace your furnace’s filter. Make sure to compare the filter’s efficiency capabilities beforehand. If you still notice a specific scent, it’s time to contact a professional for service.
If you smell a sulfuric egg scent, it’s best to shut off your furnace immediately. This odor often indicates a gas leak, which could happen due to a failed ignitor. There may also be broken parts within your furnace.
In any case, it’s crucial to switch off your furnace and call in an HVAC expert. It’s always important to call when you suspect an issue — and you should never ignore a gas leak.
Do you notice a burning plastic scent? A foreign object may have entered your furnace. This could be any small plastic item. Either way, it’s imperative to turn off your furnace when you smell this scent. A foreign object can cause problems for your furnace’s functionality. It’s also smart to avoid plastic fume inhalation, as many plastic objects contain harsh chemicals.
You may notice a metallic scent. This odor often means there’s an electrical problem, like an overheated circuit board. Your furnace should shut down by itself when it overheats. If it doesn’t, there’s an issue with its safety features. It’s smart to contact an expert when you think there’s a central mechanical issue. It’s unsafe to have a furnace that doesn’t turn off when it overheats.
Don’t turn on your furnace again until a specialist can diagnose the issue for you.
Our specialists can identify and repair your furnace problems. If you live in Northern Virginia, contact us at Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration for quality, reliable services. We can narrow down the issue so that you and your family can enjoy a safe and healthy home environment.
You expect your heating system to provide you with heat. Just like a car or any other machine that uses engines to run, a heating system can overheat or suffer serious malfunctions that will eventually lead to a breakdown. We’ll look at some of the causes of heating system issues and what can be done to prevent it and repair the problems that it causes.
A furnace that overheats during the winter can turn into a very uncomfortable situation for you and your family, so call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. when you need fast and effective heating repair in northern Virginia.
![([site_name)]](/assets/templates/main/images/footer-logo.png){kind=logo}
7220 Telegraph Square Dr Suite V,
Lorton,
VA
22079
Mon–Fri 8am – 4:30pm
24 Hour Emergency Service Available
# 2705048475A
