Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.

Since 1945

• Residential Services
• Commercial Services
• Geothermal
• Engineering/Design Build

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Winter is here and we've got... AC on the mind?

Although winter has not officially made its debut in Maryland, DC or Virginia, for many folks in the mid-Atlantic region, home heating systems have been utilized in full force. Blustery winds and damp air accompanied by hazardous precipitation make the great outdoors seem well, less great. In order to provide the comfort homeowners seek, it comes as no surprise that residence in such Maryland towns as Chevy Chase and Bethesda have home heating on the mind. The staff at Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. is committed to providing our customers with the best service possible. It is for that reason that we ask our loyal customers and prospective customers to step away from their home heating systems and instead concentrate on air conditioning.

Though this may come as a surprise to many of you, the winter months are the best time to turn your attention to the preservation of your air conditioning unit. This winter, energy costs are expected to reach an all time high. Protecting and preparing your home AC system for eventual use can help you cut your energy bills in half come spring and summer.

First things first, make sure the breaker connected to your air conditioning unit is turned off for the winter. In many cases, air conditioning units may be accidentally tripped forcing the AC unit to be running without the knowledge of the homeowner. There exists an argument between some homeowners and HVAC specialist on whether or not covering your AC unit is absolutely necessary. The staff at Harvey W. Hottel Inc. recommends that you do not cover your unit during the winter months. AC units are built to withstand the brutal outdoor elements. Covering a unit with a tarp or custom cover will keep the outside appearance of the unit but will cause a built up of moisture within the unit making it more susceptible to rust and shorts. Instead, we recommend that you fashioning fine screen wire over your unit will protect the top-mount fan from leaves and debris which can cause immediate damage to the system overall.

Secondly, schedule an inspection of your ductwork to be done by an HVAC specialist. In many cases, leaks in the duct system will cause air (and heat) to escape into your attic or basement. In some cases you could be losing nearly 40 percent of your output to leaks. The winter months usually prove to be slow for many companies due in part to the holidays. Scheduling an inspection or a cleaning of your system for spring will prove to be more available and more flexible during the winter.

If your home does not have central air, or if your current system is on its last leg, winter will give you the chance to snag a seasonal discount and automatically raise the value of your property for way less. Contact Harvey W. Hottel Inc. today to schedule your inspection or installation.