Blog PostsW.G. Speeks

Saving money every day is important, but it feels even more important in 2020. Whether it’s job loss or the rising cost of groceries, this year has been filled with plenty of economic challenges. It just makes sense to try to reduce spending wherever we can, which is why we’re sharing five ways to lower your air conditioner costs this summer.

It’s hard to believe summer is in full swing. With the year we’ve had, it’s easy to lose track of time — but don’t let your home improvement efforts go by the wayside. If anything, this is the time to keep things running smoothly to avoid unnecessary expenses. To help you get started, we’ve come up with this list of HVAC maintenance tips for 2020 in Richmond.

Owning a house requires a big investment of both time and money, which is why you want to be selective when hiring contractors. Your air conditioner is a vital part of your home, especially during Virginia’s hot summers. If something goes wrong, you want to find a professional you can trust. As such, let’s discuss some of the ways to find a good HVAC technician in Richmond. It’s worth the effort!

Richmond’s summers are so hot and humid that we wouldn’t blame anyone for having their cooling system running around the clock. You deserve to be comfortable in your home and a reliable HVAC system can make all the difference. When things go wrong, though, it can be disheartening. If you’ve suddenly been wondering why your air conditioner is making noise, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss some of the common problems, and how you can fix them!

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been spending a lot of time at home. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make indoor air quality a priority. W.G. Speeks continues to find new ways to make the air inside your home cleaner and fresher, which is why our lineup now includes the iWave air purification system. In fact, laboratory tests have shown that this air purifier can dramatically reduce human coronaviruses! Let’s go over some of the most important features.

While many households will use their garage to protect their vehicle from the elements, some enjoy having this space for other reasons. They might like having a workshop, exercise room, or craft area that’s separate from and outside of their home. Some even install televisions or set up pool tables to create a relaxation zone. For that reason, when the heat rolls in, it might be necessary to search for how to cool a garage this summer.

When the hot summers hit Richmond, Virginia, we get by thanks to our air conditioners. Even if you enjoy the heat, there will be many days when the soaring temperatures and thick humidity feel like it’s too much to take. It can be extra stressful, then, when things go wrong with something you depend on so much. If you’ve noticed your air conditioner leaking, it’s understandable to feel a little panicked.

2020 has been an interesting year, and it’s not even officially summer. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders, many businesses were closed for a period of time — some permanently. As we return to our places of employment, this is a good time to review some commercial HVAC tips for summer here in Richmond.

As COVID-19 has spread across the globe, we’ve been sheltering in place, social distancing, and staying home — this is life during a pandemic. With reports suggesting that the virus can aerosolize and linger in the air for hours, many even choose to keep their windows closed while inside their homes.

We don’t know when our lives will get back to normal, but we do know that businesses will reopen sometime in the future. Whether yours has been up and running during the coronavirus pandemic or your doors have been shut, this is a good idea to look at how commercial HVAC services can keep your employees (and customers!) comfortable and safe.

The world is a pretty uncertain place right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are worried about their health and their jobs, so it’s understandable that the last thing you might want to do is pay a stranger to walk through your home and perform HVAC repairs. For that reason, we’ve come up with some air conditioning tips for summer 2020 in Richmond to help you stay safe (and cool!) when the weather gets hot.

As if the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t been challenging enough, forecasters are predicting more tropical weather events than usual in the coming months. We want everyone in our community to stay safe, which is why we’ve put together this list of 10 ways to prepare for Virginia’s 2020 hurricane season.

Having a stranger in your home might feel uncomfortable during the best of times, but it might be even more stressful during a pandemic. As we’ve been told to practice social distancing, you may feel that the last thing you want is someone entering your personal space. We completely understand, and are taking steps to...

No matter what’s happening in the world, nothing’s going to stop the heat from rolling into Richmond. If you’ve lived here any length of time, you’ll know that a well-functioning cooling system is a necessity. That’s why we’ve put together this list of common air conditioner mistakes to avoid this summer. Unfortunately, many of us...

We run our air conditioners constantly all summer here in Virginia — but are we wasting energy and money in the process? The answer is almost always YES! We can’t even begin to explain how much energy (and money!) goes to waste during the hot, humid months. You probably don’t want to turn your home...

The world feels like it’s in a tailspin right now, doesn’t it? We’re not going to sugarcoat it — times are tough. There’s a lot of fear, uncertainty, and confusion right now, so above all else, we just want to extend our warmest thoughts to everyone during this time. Richmond is an incredibly resilient and...

It’s about to get hot and humid in Richmond — is your home ready? You might be giving all of your attention to commonly used areas such as your bedroom or living room, but have you ever thought about making sure your attic is ready for summer? In this post, we’ll talk about how a...

Being a homeowner is rewarding, but it can also be expensive. You might be trying to find ways to bring down your monthly utility costs and keep a little extra money in your pocket. Did you know that having a properly finished basement can make your home more energy efficient? On top of that, you...

We’ve all seen the warnings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House urging Americans to prepare for a coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Here in Richmond, it’s not uncommon to see people stocking up on water and bread ahead of a storm, so we’re used to prepping for potential calamity...

Can you feel it in the air? Winter is almost over. This is the perfect time to focus on your HVAC maintenance checklist for spring! The weather has fluctuated a lot throughout these cooler months, which means your heating and cooling system has been working hard. With just a few steps, you can shake off...

In the market for a new heating system for your home? You’ve probably discovered a common dilemma faced by today’s homeowners. If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out whether to purchase a gas furnace or electric furnace, you’re not alone. Your heating system should last you longer than a decade, so keep that...

In the market for a new water heater? You could always go for a budget option, but with so many changes and improvements in technology, you might want to consider something that is energy efficient and likely to last you a long time! You’ll quickly discover, though, that there are a growing number of options,...

The cost of living continues to rise, so it’s no surprise that homeowners are looking for ways to save money. If you share a home with someone, you might even argue about when to turn on the heat because you know your energy bill might skyrocket. That begs the question, though — how low can...

The older we get, the faster time seems to pass. Can you believe that 1990 was 30 years ago? It feels like it was just last decade! While some things get better with age, unfortunately, your heating and cooling unit is not one of them. That’s why it’s important to keep a lookout for signs...

It’s hard to believe that the first couple weeks of the new year are already behind us. We’re deep in the middle of winter, but some days feel like springtime. Right now, the only thing predictable about Virginia weather in January is that it’s unpredictable. That’s why this is the perfect time to go over...

You’re bundled up, your teeth are chattering, and your home feels like it’s in a deep freeze. These are desperate times, so why is your heating system blowing cold air? You don’t have time for this! Before you start to panic, there are a few things to consider. Here are some ways you can troubleshoot...

Happy New Year! Can you believe that a whole new decade is beginning? This is a great time to look at all of the different ways to transform your life and make a fresh start. While you’re reevaluating your diet and signing up for a new gym membership, why not take a look around your...

We’ve been talking about fire prevention a lot lately. The reason for this is simple — house fires are very common this time of year and we care about our community. In many cases, these tragedies can be prevented. Adding a few simple steps to your routine truly can keep your home and family protected....

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful.” While those are lyrics from the classic holiday tune, “Let It Snow,” it rings true all winter long. During these cooler months, Virginia can get pretty damp and dreary, and one of the coziest ways to stay warm is to curl up by...

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the holiday season, but here we are! While you’re trying to stay warm, keep track of the best deals, and grab supplies for that glorious meal, have you forgotten something important? When jolly old St. Nick comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve, will he end up covered...

Even in humid Virginia, indoor air naturally gets drier during the colder months. You might even notice that your hands and lips look cracked and parched, like you’ve been stranded in the desert! While you slather on some more hand lotion and lip balm, there’s another thing you can do to remedy the situation —...

The cool weather is here — has your home been as warm as you’d like? Do you find yourself wearing extra layers and turning up the thermostat more often than usual? Whether it’s a sudden change, or a gradual decline, you might be in denial about needing to upgrade your heating system. Unfortunately, it’s a...

Can you believe the weather we’ve been having in Richmond? The reality is that our weather patterns are becoming less and less predictable. We used to have a good idea of when the flurries might appear, but over the last few years, we’ve seen snow in November! You need to be prepared in case the...

Now that the winter chill is starting to creep in, you’ll be relying on your heating system a lot more. For comfort, safety, and budgetary reasons, you’ll want to make sure that everything is running efficiently. After all, the last thing you want is for it to break down on the coldest day of the...

Space heaters are a popular, affordable way to add some warmth to a room, but over the years, we’ve seen that they come with some potential hazards. Did you know that 80% of home heating fire deaths are caused by space heaters? We don’t want to terrify anyone, but this really is a serious issue....

It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is just around the corner. Whether you’ll be quietly celebrating during this festive time or entertaining a house full of guests, you’ll want to follow some guidelines to keep everyone safe and comfortable. With everything else you’ll have going on, you probably don’t want to add anything...

Whether you’re replacing an old HVAC system or having one installed in a new home, you want to make sure you can trust the craftsmanship. As a homeowner, there are few things worse than going through the time and expense of upgrading your home, only to discover that your efforts were spoiled by shoddy work....

Richmond normally has one last end-of-summer heat wave, but Virginia weather can change very quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be cranking up the heat. After all, you want to stay warm and comfortable during those cool nights as we transition into the fall season. An often overlooked concern this time of year, however, is...

Buying a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful. They don’t build houses like they used to, and it’s not uncommon to discover that builders cut corners. While it’s disappointing, the best thing you can do is be proactive. You’re a new homeowner and the best thing you can do is make...

All summer long, you perfected the ways to stay cool and beat the Virginia heat — now autumn is coming and things are changing again! The leaves are falling off trees, the days are getting shorter, and there’s a certain nip in the air. Yes, it feels like fall weather. How did this happen so...

Your home’s HVAC unit has worked all summer long battling the brutal Virginia heat and humidity. Now, as we move into fall, it’s a great time to show it some love. A well-maintained heating and cooling system will not only keep you comfortable in the coming winter months, but when it runs more efficiently, it’ll...

Do you have small children in your home? If so, you might have already discovered that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers love floor vents. Their world is down on the ground, so it’s natural that these HVAC features capture their attention…and their toys. Unfortunately, there are several risks associated with young kids playing with registers. It...

It’s tempting to follow the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but when it comes to maintaining your furnace, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That’s why it’s very important to give your HVAC system the attention it needs as we prepare to head into the cooler months...

Summer feels like it takes so long to arrive, and then it’s over in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, those warm, carefree months are behind us and we’re back to spending our time indoors. While it’s sad to see it end, there are always exciting things to look forward to in...

It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of August already. With kids home from school and the warm weather calling, our schedules can change dramatically during the summer. When back-to-school season rolls around, we find ourselves getting back to the grindstone. This is the perfect time, then, to create an annual routine that...

The summer months can be quite rainy in Virginia, and it’s not uncommon to see some flooding. A little accumulation isn’t usually problematic, but what happens when your HVAC system is partially or fully submerged in water? If you’re not sure how to handle this situation, read on. Here are some ways to protect your...

It’s the middle of Virginia’s hurricane season, which means we’ve seen a lot of rainy days. When it’s summer, and all you want to do is get outside, this type of weather can be pretty frustrating. Aside from the damp conditions and high humidity, though, this time of year can present some challenges for your...

You want to be comfortable, but giving your A/C a break can be good for your budget. Not only can it decrease your monthly energy bill, but you might help prevent costly repair or replacement fees by not overworking your HVAC system. Of course, turning off your air conditioning once in a while is also...

Does it feel like each day is hotter than the last? If so, it must be summer in Virginia! Whether you’re in your workplace or your home, you need your cooling system to be reliable. That’s why you simply cannot afford to ignore any warning signs that your air conditioning is struggling. No one wants...

Remember when we were kids and couldn’t wait to grow up? Today, you probably realize that things are a bit more complicated than what you imagined in grade school. As an adult, you likely enjoy many aspects of your life, but you also recognize that there’s a lot more involved than just being able to...

It’s hot and humid in Richmond, and even though it happens every year, we still struggle to find ways to beat the heat. Even though this July weather can leave us feeling sticky, warm, and irritable, it’s not just about comfort. In fact, the right kinds of decisions to prevent overheating can save your life....

As a homeowner, it’s natural to want to make use of every square inch of your home. A finished basement can add value to your property, and give you a little more space to stretch out. Whether you use it for recreation, as a movie room or additional living quarters, you’ll want to make sure...

According to Energy Star, nearly half of energy costs are related to heating and cooling our homes. We all deserve to feel comfortable, but also need to be efficient. How much of that heated and cooled air is being directed to unused rooms and spaces? One way to improve functionality (and save money) is to...

Power outages are not uncommon in Virginia, especially during hurricane season. One of the most frustrating things about them, of course, is that you never know how long they will last. Depending on the situation, you could be without power for days! Cool drinks and old-fashioned fans might be enough to get you through a...

In Virginia, hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30, but peaks from early August till the end of October. When you think about it, that’s a large part of our year! On top of that, our hottest, muggiest summer months fall right in the middle, which means you’ll be using your air conditioning...

The Virginia heat is making a comeback, and with it comes the humidity. When the moisture levels in your home are high, it can cause a number of problems ranging from a musty smell to the exacerbation of seasonal allergies and even mold! Plus, who really enjoys the damp, sticky feeling that comes this time...

After a long day, you run a few errands in the scorching Virginia heat, eagerly looking forward to a nice cool evening on the couch. Only, when you open your front door, you’re greeted with hot, stale air. What’s going on? Many of us have had to endure a similar scenario, leaving us bewildered, desperate...

A sunroom can really add beauty and value to your home. It’s a great place to read a book, entertain guests, or spend a few quiet moments away from the chaos. If you’ve spent any time in one, however, you’ll know that maintaining a consistent, comfortable temperature can be tricky. You deserve to enjoy the...

The weather in Virginia can be extreme, which probably means you’re using your heating and cooling system every day. Whether it’s the hot humid summer, the damp spring and autumn months, or the surprising dips below freezing in the winter, many area homes are relying on their HVAC unit year round. Modern technology can be...

Can you feel it? Summer is coming! It’s almost time for cookouts, cool drinks, and trips to the beach. Of course, you can’t have any of that in Virginia without the scorching heat and sticky humidity! You can drink a gallon of icy sweet tea, eat popsicles for days, and even strip down to your...

Things are about to get hot and humid in Virginia, which means your HVAC system will be working overtime. You want to keep your family comfortable over the summer months, but you’re probably already dreading the higher energy bill! Fortunately, there are things you can do to beat the heat and protect your wallet this...

One of the best things about Virginia is the history. No matter where you go, you’ll find something that has a great story — including the area’s historic homes. Were you lucky enough to find one? If so, you probably want to do everything you can to protect it. Older homes can be drafty and...

We all read the headlines in the news about house fires caused by clogged dryer vents, but how often do we do something about it? According to National Fire Protection Agency, the vast majority of house fires (92%) involved clothes dryers from 2010-2014. “These fires caused annual averages of 13 deaths, 444 injuries, and $238...

Whether it’s a strapping German Shepherd or an adorable little hamster, our pets are part of the family. They live alongside us in our homes and sharing the space can come with some challenges. For example, if your pet is one that sheds fur and dander, this can be difficult for human roommates with allergies....

Thanks to Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up series on Netflix, we’ve been hearing about how having an uncluttered home can “spark joy” in our lives — but did you know that spring cleaning can also lower your energy bills? You mean, a little vacuuming and dusting could help us save money every month? That’s right! Doing...

Do you hear those birds chirping? After a cold, wet winter, it sounds like spring is just around the corner! Undoubtedly, you’re thrilled to throw off the layers and usher in the warmer weather — but are you ready to take on the ultimate HVAC spring cleaning checklist? As the seasons change, it’s important to...

According to Virginia Ear Nose & Throat, “the period from late February to summer tends to be the worst for many allergy sufferers.” Why? Because “tree pollens such as oak, maple, and river birch are blooming during this time,” making it peak allergy season in Virginia! In early spring, the dry winds make things worse...

Choosing a new water heater for your home is no easy task. Many factors must be considered — price, practicality, household needs — before making such a big investment. One question you might be asking is whether to make the switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless one. After all, those popular home...

February is a month for love, and while you can’t give your HVAC system chocolates, there are many ways in which you can show your appreciation! We’re deep into the winter season right now and, chances are, your heating and cooling system has been working overtime — especially with the polar vortex impacting the weather!...

Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer. It has no odor, no taste, and no color. It can be filling every room of your house without you ever noticing that something is wrong — and the problem only gets worse in the winter months. In fact, January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning....

At home, we’re constantly monitoring our comfort levels and, if it gets too hard to maintain a steady temperature, we take action. We may be less aware of these things in our workplace, though, which is why a problem with our commercial heating or cooling systems can go unnoticed until it’s too late! While it’s...

We never can predict what kind of winter Richmond is going to have, but it does seem like freezing temperatures and snow have been in the forecast a lot these recent years. While you might choose to bundle up and brave through these frigid months, taking the time to winterize your home can make a...

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than finding comfort in a nice, warm home — but what happens when your heating system doesn’t seem to be keeping up with the cold? Wrapped in a blanket with teeth chattering, you might be scratching your head, trying to figure out why you’ve pushed your thermostat to...

Does your boiler need to be replaced? If you’re asking this question, you probably already know the answer. Before you invest in a new heating system, however, here are six questions to ask to determine if you need to replace your boiler. How Old Is Your Boiler? Typically, you should be able to get 15...

Our heating and cooling systems work hard to keep our homes comfortable but, without proper care and maintenance, they might actually be making us sick. Taking a proactive approach to identifying potential problems, however, can help avert disaster. Here are some things you should consider. Spreading Allergens The air quality inside of our homes is...