What Is the Best Season for a Duct Cleaning in Indianapolis, IN?
Did you know that indoor air pollutants can have concentrations between two and five times that of outdoor ones? Since we spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, the air we breathe is inextricably tied to our health. For this reason, it is vital to maintain the systems that deliver air into our buildings. That includes regular duct cleaning.
If you are looking for air duct cleaning in Indianapolis, you may be wondering when is the best time of year to schedule it. This article will spell out the pros and cons of lining up cleaning during different seasons. It will give you an idea of when is the best time to schedule maintenance and improve indoor air quality.
The Importance of Regular Air Duct Cleaning
Neglected ducts can lead to many different problems. As mentioned, the main one is poorer air quality.
Beyond dust and debris, your ducts can accumulate pollen and other allergens. If there is mold anywhere in the system, it can circulate spores throughout your home.
Blockages are another issue with dirty ducts. These can result from the accumulation of dirt over time or from pest infestations.
Blockages make your HVAC system work harder and run less efficiently. This leads to greater wear and tear––and associated repair costs––over time.
Duct cleaning also gives technicians a chance to inspect your ductwork for damage. If they find leaks, they can repair them. This too will increase your energy efficiency while providing cleaner air to your home.
When to Schedule Duct Cleaning
The short answer to this question is that if you have not had your ducts cleaned in some time, now is the best time to do so. But, if you are not in an emergency, there are some other factors to consider to determine the best time of year for maintenance.
A lot of people schedule duct cleaning during the spring. This could be because they associate it with “spring cleaning." It could also be because they have had their homes closed up for the winter with less fresh air circulating through them.
This is not terrible logic, but there are some reasons to reconsider this option. First, with the hot summer approaching, HVAC companies’ schedules start to fill up with maintenance and repair appointments. This means you may wait longer and possibly pay more for basic cleaning. The same holds for the middle of summer.
Also, your HVAC system is working extra hard throughout the summer. This translates to a greater opportunity for dust and debris to accumulate. Scheduling maintenance after the summer months allows technicians to remove buildup before you crank your system back up again during the winter.
There is also a built-in advantage to having ductwork cleaned during more temperate months, such as the fall or spring. This is because you are probably not using your system as much. It is less of an inconvenience to have the system shut down and if repairs are needed, you aren’t stuck with an extremely hot or cold home during the downtime.
Find Professional Duct Cleaning Near You
Now that you know the ins and outs of the best time of year to schedule duct cleaning, you can plan accordingly. Doing so will help your HVAC system run better, eliminate hazardous debris, and improve your indoor air quality.
LCS Heating and Cooling provides comprehensive air conditioning and heating services, including repair, maintenance, and installation. Our knowledgeable, experienced technicians will ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible and delivering clean air to your home. Reach out to us to learn about our maintenance plans or to schedule service today.
Keep It Clean: A Guide to Dryer Vent Cleaning
You might not think of your dryer as a safety hazard, but it can pose a serious threat in the wrong circumstances.
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that close to 3,000 fires annually are linked to clothes dryers. Of these, a failure to carry out regular dryer vent cleaning is to blame for 34% of cases.
If you’ve never cleaned a dryer vent before, or if you’re overdue for a cleaning and need a refresher, consider this a wake-up call. Here’s how to clean your dryer vent to ensure your family’s safety:
1. Unplug Your Dryer
To avoid a nasty shock, make sure to unplug your dryer from its wall outlet before you get started. If your appliance is gas-powered, turn off its gas valve instead.
2. Move the Dryer Away From the Wall
With help, move the unit away from the wall. Once you have room to get around the back, locate the vent duct and disconnect it from the back of the dryer.
3. Clean Off the Lint
For this step, make sure you’re using the right equipment. If you’re going to do this job right, it’s worth investing in a tool designed to help.
A quality dryer vent cleaning kit helps remove the tiny fibers clinging to the duct, and most come with handy attachments that attach to the end of your vacuum cleaner. You can find one online or at most home improvement stores.
To clean off lint, you’ll want to move the brush in circles through the vent pipe, dryer opening, and wall piping. Think of it as the DIY version of HVAC duct cleaning: you want to remove anything attached to the walls of the pipe.
As you clean, make sure to avoid bending the duct too much, as cracks and crevices will become breeding grounds for more lint accumulation in the future. You should also inspect the duct for any signs of wear or damage, which you’ll want to patch up.
While you’re cleaning, take time for a little extra dryer maintenance and clear the dust from other areas as well. This includes your moisture sensor—which helps your dryer function and may appear as a thin metal bar under the door.
As a last step, you can also remove the vent cover from the outside of your home to clean it as well. Not all homeowners have a removable cover, but you can at least remove dust, dirt, or debris.
If your dryer has a complicated or lengthy vent, basic equipment may not be enough. When you’re worried your DIY tools aren’t enough to handle the job, call for a dryer cleaning team for peace of mind.
4. Reattach the Duct
Reattach the duct to the wall and the dryer unit with the proper screws or clips. You can also use aluminum tape as needed rather than duct tape, as the latter can become a sticky mess with the dryer’s heat.
Return the dryer to its normal position, and turn the electricity or gas back on.
5. Repeat
Just as you expect to do seasonal preventative maintenance on your HVAC, the average homeowner should clean their dryer vent every six months to a year. However, if you have a large household that goes through a lot of laundry, you may want to come back more often, just to be safe.
Add Dryer Vent Cleaning to Your Home Checklist
While it’s easy to overlook the humble clothes dryer, dryer vent cleaning is a critical item to add to your home maintenance checklist. Not only can this make your dryer more efficient (and save your wallet from high utility bills), but it can also ensure the safety of your home. Don’t skip your regular cleanings!
If you're looking for professional cleaning services, we can tackle the job. Our team has experience helping you handle all of your heating and cooling needs, and we'd be happy to bundle this service with duct cleaning or annual maintenance! Contact us to learn more.
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of: HVAC Maintenance Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Why LCS?
We are a team. That means we work together to reach goals, we help each other and we encourage each other. We take our work very seriously but we also like to have fun! We believe in what we do, value our skills and care about our customers. We are growing and can't wait to add to our amazing team!
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Perform annual maintenance tune-ups on residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU’s, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Accurately complete customer invoices using company software
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office using company software
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule (if applicable)
Other Qualifications:
- Honesty & Integrity is a must
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and Prompt
- Willing to learn. Able to adapt. Not afraid to ask for help!
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
- Must pass drug test & background check
- Candidates must have own tools
Employee Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Company Uniforms
- Health Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
- Company Events & Outings
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or email your resume to gretchen@LCSheatingandcooling.com to apply!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of: HVAC Service Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Why LCS?
We are a team. That means we work together to reach goals, we help each other and we encourage each other. We take our work very seriously but we also like to have fun! We believe in what we do, value our skills and care about our customers. We are growing and can't wait to add to our amazing team!
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Accurately troubleshoot & diagnose residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU’s, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Experience with boilers and geothermal is not required, but would be a plus.
- Accurately complete customer invoices using company software
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office using company software
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule
Other Qualifications:
- Honesty & Integrity is a must
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and Prompt
- Willing to learn. Able to adapt. Not afraid to ask for help!
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
- Must pass drug test and background check
- Candidates must have own tools
Employee Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Company Uniform
- Health Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
- Company Events & Outings
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or email your resume to gretchen@LCSheatingandcooling.com to apply!
It’s pretty tricky to narrow our top local hangouts, but we’ve done our best for the 2017 holiday season! There’s a lot to love about Indianapolis. When you want somewhere fun to take your out-of-town guests, be sure to put these restaurants, shops, and activities on your short-list.
Our Favorite Restaurants around Indianapolis
Go ahead—give yourself a break from cooking. These local restaurants are sure to hit the spot. (We even included a place you can hit up for breakfast!)
Fire by the Monon
We love the cozy vibe at Fire by the Monon, and their menu is great year-round. The winter season is especially yummy because they’re big on comfort food. Just make sure you save room for those desserts made by the owner’s wife. So yummy!
Wolfies Grill in Fishers
This restaurant has multiple locations around the Indy-area, but our favorite by far is the Wolfies Grill in Fishers. They’re our go-to Chicago Bears bar. Great food, great people, and the Bears game always has sound. What else could you want?
Ruth’s Café
A unique breakfast menu and fun atmosphere make Ruth’s Café a real winner. Plus, it’s conveniently located off 86th street by the Keystone Fashion Mall. They always have quirky mugs to drink from, which makes every visit a little different.
Provision
This is a new restaurant from CRG—the owners of Bru Burger, Mesh, Vida, Union 50, and more. Provision is a perfect spot for your next date night. It’s also just a sweet space to relax after a long week. For the holiday season, gift certificates are now spend $50, get a $10 bonus card. They’ve got excellent food and must-try desserts. (Renee’s fav is the Peanut Butter Bombe.) Did we mention that Travis’s brother is the chef? Go check them out!
Best Places for Holiday Shopping in Indy
If you want to add a unique touch to your gift-giving, swing by these local shops. They’ll be able to hook you up with thoughtful items for everyone on your nice list.
Rusted Moon Outfitters
For anyone seeking adventure, Rusted Moon is a one-stop shop for outdoor gear. Their knowledgeable staff can always steer you in the right direction. They have a pet-friendly location, cozy outdoor fire pit, and even offer kayak lessons. (Great gift idea, right?)
Silver in the City
Honestly, this shop should be on every Indianapolis gift guide. Located on quirky Mass Ave, Silver in the City is a delightful and eclectic shop full of pretty jewelry, housewares, bags, and more. Since everything here is fun and unique, it’s easy to find something special.
Gallery 116
If you want to support local art, visit Gallery 116 in Fishers, Indiana. Their shop features more than 50 local and regional makers. You can shop online or visit in person. They’re open daily and offer complimentary gift wrap so all of your presents can be fuss-free.
Family Fun around Indiana in Winter
Whether you’ve got little kiddos in your family or not, all ages are welcome with these Indiana traditions. If you want to get out and celebrate the season, any one of these winter activities would be a hit.
Pokagon State Park
Take a day-trip to Pokagon State Park for their winter Toboggan Run. Located in northern Indiana near Angola, the run is open (with or without snow) from November 24 to February 25.
Perfect North Slopes
To get a little more action, check out Perfect North Slopes. You can go skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing just 90 minutes southeast of Indy! First timers are always welcome.
Christmas at the Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo lights up at night with their annual Christmas at the Zoo festival. Guests can visit some of their favorite animals after dark and enjoy a true winter spectacle.
Indiana Sports Teams
Plan a night to support the local team. Indy Fuel Hockey and the Indiana Pacers have a packed schedule for the season. Why not grab some tickets to cheer them on?
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
New for 2017, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is sure to be a winter family favorite. Here you can enjoy delicious German food, ice skating, and dozens of festive holiday booths.
Winterlights at Newfields
The Indianapolis Museum of Arts is now Newfields, a place for nature and the arts! Now through January 7th, their grounds are filled with “whimsy trees” and stunning holiday lights in the Winterlights display.
Santa Hustle Indy 5K & Half Marathon
Before you tuck into a plate of cookies and hot cocoa, consider joining the Santa Hustle! It’s the ultimate fun-run for the season, and they’re known to throw an awesome after-party.
From all of here at LCS Heating & Cooling, we hope you have a very merry holiday season! Get out and enjoy all that Indy has to offer. There’s a lot to love about our community, and we’re so glad to share it with you!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for a Lead Installer position. A minimum of 5 years experience installing furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps in residential settings is required. Applicants must also live in Indianapolis or immediate surrounding areas.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Accurately and efficiently install furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, humidifiers, ductwork and smart thermostats in residential settings. Light commercial experience is a plus but not required.
- Complete invoices and collect customer payment.
- Communicate with customer, install manager and LCS office
- Effectively able to delegate tasks on the job to install helper
- Keep van stocked and clean
Other Requirements:
- Applicants must feel comfortable climbing a ladder
- Applicants must be able to safely lift at least 75 pounds
- Applicants must be willing and able to learn company software
- Must be reliable and able to work some Saturdays during busy seasons
- Applicants must have a clean driving record and background check
Applicants must want to be a part of a team! We are currently a team that works well together and can count on one another. We're looking for people who want that in a company and in their co-workers. A positive attitude, great sense of humor, interest in longevity and high levels of integrity and honesty are a must!
Benefits:
- Competitive Hourly Wage
- Paid Holidays
- PTO
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Tool Account
- Bonus Opportunities
- Opportunities to learn/perform annual maintenance are available
- Opportunity to rotate on-call with company vehicle to drive home is available
When the forecast calls for freezing temperatures and snow, we get a lot of homeowners in the Indianapolis area wondering if they need to winterize their outdoor AC units. The quick answer is this: You really don’t.
Top 3 Myths for AC Winterization
Most people think they need to winterize their AC unit, but you’re actually better off just doing a quick check around their unit. Remove those piles of leaves, check for any obvious damage, and you’re pretty much good to go until spring.
Tip 1: It’s okay to leave the AC power on.
There are lots of AC winterization tips online that talk about turning the unit’s power off. Usually this isn’t even necessary. You might want to take this step if you already know how to disconnect the power—but don’t worry about it if you’re unsure. The only thing it does is keep your unit from kicking on during those unexpected warm days in winter. For the average homeowner, it’s totally fine to keep the AC power on in winter.
Tip 2: You don’t have to clear the snow around your AC unit.
Sometimes cleaning up your AC unit’s area is more trouble than it’s worth. Too many well-meaning homeowners have actually damaged their unit while trying to protect it. This tends to happen when clearing off snow or ice with a shovel, which can accidentally break wires. The same thing happens when weedeaters get too close to the AC unit in the warmer months.
Of course, it’s important to take this winterization tip with a grain of salt. You obviously don’t want a bush growing right into your AC unit. If plants are crowding your unit, take care when you trim them back. Clearing leaves and smaller twigs is also a smart move. Winter winds can blow them into your unit, and the freezing temperatures, snow, and slush can end up trapping the debris. You want to make sure your unit is free from any materials when you turn it back on in the spring. A quick sweep around the AC unit should be all you need before the big snowfalls hit.
Tip 3: There’s no reason to have an AC cover—unless you like the look.
Using a cover for your AC unit isn’t necessary for winterization, but some people still prefer to use it. At LCS, we’re happy to install covers for customers who request them. Some people just like how the cover looks. Others like to use covers because they help keep leaves and debris out. Just note: Heat pumps should never be covered. Because those types of units work year-round, homes with heat pumps usually keep them running throughout the colder months.
What’s more important is that you just check all around your unit to make sure you don’t see any visible damage. Any cracks and breaks in the unit can worsen when temperatures drop. Fixing those issues now can help ensure that your unit will be in good working order when you’re ready to use it again. That way, you’ll be all set for every season!
If you happen to need any HVAC repairs in the Indianapolis area, the LCS Heating & Cooling experts are here to help! Just call (317) 238-3961 for year-round assistance on all your HVAC repairs, installs, and questions.
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting applications for the position of: Experienced Service Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Perform annual maintenance tune-ups on residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU's, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Properly diagnose and repair residential and light commercial HVAC equipment (as stated above)
- Accurately complete customer invoices
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule
Other Requirements:
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and prompt
- Candidates must have own tools
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
Employee Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Health Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or to apply!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of Customer Service Professional in our office. The HVAC industry can be a fast paced environment so we are looking for individuals who have a high level of organizational skills, enjoy talking to customers and love being part of a team. Prior experience in the HVAC industry is not a requirement. Please apply if you feel you'd be a great fit based on the descriptions listed below:
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Answering phones
- Answering customer questions
- Scheduling a variety of types of appointments
- Working in a software program
- Communicating with customers and vendors by phone and email
- Follow-up on customer proposals
- Managing spreadsheets
- Attending and participating in team meetings
- Managing installs, permits, rebate paperwork
Other Preferred Skills
- Strong phone skills
- Able to effectively manage email
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent note-taking and follow-up skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
Other Requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Strong attendance record
- Reliability & Timeliness
- Respect toward co-workers and customers
- Team player
- Clean driving record
- Clean drug test
- Clean background check
LCS Benefits
- Hourly wage based on experience
- Direct Deposit
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Health insurance
- Retirement
Please submit your resume today to: renee@LCSheatingandcooling.com
