air conditioning

Bryant, a leading provider of high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 120th anniversary celebration, having raised $113,000 in support to food banks affiliated with Feeding America. Through a year-long campaign of charitable donations and volunteer hours, Bryant has made a significant contribution to the fight against hunger, helping communities across the nation. Bryant is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Over the course of 2024, Bryant employees, distributors, and dealers collectively raised money for Feeding America. Bryant kicked off efforts with a $50,000 donation; the rest was raised through individual contributors and 17 partners from seven states. These funds will be distributed to food banks across the country, providing critical resources to individuals and families in need. The company’s commitment to fighting food insecurity goes beyond financial support, with more than 600 volunteer hours dedicated to local food banks.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact we were able to make in our 120th year,” said Nick Arch, Vice President and General Manager, Residential HVAC Solutions, Bryant. “Exceeding our volunteering goal was a testament to the generosity and strength of the Bryant network. Our commitment to supporting Feeding America will continue to grow as we work together to ensure that no one goes hungry.”

Throughout the year, Bryant’s employees, and affiliates packed food donations, supported mobile pantries, drive-thru pantries, and other food distribution efforts, and launched a social media campaign. These efforts were aimed at providing immediate assistance while also raising long-term awareness about the issue of food insecurity.

Bryant’s support of Feeding America is part of the company’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which focuses on making a positive difference in communities where Bryant operates. Through initiatives like these, Bryant strives to leave a lasting impact on both local and national levels, demonstrating its commitment to creating a better future for all.

Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, provides millions of meals each year to people facing food insecurity. By supporting Feeding America, Bryant has directly contributed to the organization’s mission of providing food to individuals and families in need.

To learn more about Bryant’s ongoing support of Feeding America and the renewed commitment to support in 2025, visit https://www.bryant.com/en/us/about-bryant/community-involvement/.

Donations to be used as a resource to support the growth of women in HVACR careers

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, announced a $100,000 donation from Synchrony Bank at their Women in HVACR Conference in October. With the generous donation, the total endowment fund contributions reached $150,000 in 2024.

With a goal of reaching $1 million to provide six scholarships to women in perpetuity, the fund was created to ease the cost of education for women seeking careers in the HVACR industry.

“Education is expensive, and we understand that,” said Lori Tschohl, president of Women in HVACR. “The scholarship fund is at the heart of what Women in HVACR stands for. Synchrony Bank’s contribution, in addition to the other donations, takes us one step closer to reaching our goal. HVACR is such a rewarding industry, and these supporters help provide women with the education and resources necessary for success.”

Created in 2022 by Ruth King, founder of Women in HVACR, the endowment fund has received donations totaling $122,000 in 2022 and $65,000 in 2023.

“By investing in scholarships for women in trades like HVACR, we’re not only supporting individual career growth but also strengthening the industry as a whole,” said Curtis Howse, executive vice president and CEO, Home & Auto, Synchrony. “Our partnership with Women in HVACR aligns with Synchrony’s commitment to expanding access to education and supporting diversity in trade industries.”

Women in HVACR accepts applications for scholarships through June 1 each year. Recipients are announced in September.

To learn more about the Women in HVACR Endowment fund or to donate, visit www.womeninhvacr.org/endowment.

For more information about Women in HVACR, visit www.womeninhvacr.org.

Through preventative AC maintenance, you may be able to prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs. For instance, a new compressor or evaporator coils can easily cost more than $1,000 to repair. By taking care of your AC, you can prevent emergency repairs from happening.

When your AC breaks down, it’s never at a convenient time. Air conditioners break when they’re being used the most, which means your emergency repairs will most likely occur during peak usage times. Worse still, everyone else will also need emergency repairs at the same time.

If your AC does need repairs, it’s important to turn to a reliable company to help. With the assistance of an experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician, you can get the problem diagnosed and repaired right away.

Why Preventative Maintenance is Essential for Your AC System

By getting preventative maintenance, you can enjoy a number of important benefits.

• Prevent Costly Repairs: The best AC maintenance tips can help you prevent costly repairs from happening because a well-maintained AC is less likely to break down.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Many maintenance issues, like dirty filters, force your AC to work harder. By changing your filter and maintaining your AC, you can spend less money on your energy bills.
• Boost AC Lifespan: If your AC is maintained and needs fewer repairs, it will likely last longer. A typical air conditioner can last 15 to 20 years if it is properly cared for.
• Avoid System Failures: The last thing you want during a heat wave is a surprise system failure. By taking care of your AC, you’re reducing emergency AC repairs and system failures.
• Increase Performance: Additionally, better maintenance helps your system achieve its maximum performance during critical times.

Key Maintenance Tips to Prevent Emergency AC Repairs

To minimize the likelihood of emergency AC repairs, use the following AC maintenance tips. For more complicated maintenance tasks, reach out to an HVAC professional for expert assistance.

• Regularly Replace Air Filters: The AC filter is supposed to be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days. If this doesn’t happen, it can cause extra strain on your system and reduce the AC’s efficiency.
• Inspect and Clean Condenser Coils: Condenser coils must be free from dirt and debris. You can wash off the dirt with a hose or get an HVAC technician to help you.
• Check Refrigerant Levels: If the refrigerant is low, it can cause overheating and system failure. Low refrigerant is often due to leaks, which must be repaired by an HVAC professional. In addition, anyone who recharges refrigerant must have a special certification.
• Ensure Proper Thermostat Function: When your thermostat isn’t working, it can cause the rest of your AC to work harder than necessary. If the sensor is broken, the AC may also have issues kicking on when it needs to.
• Inspect Ductwork for Leaks: If there are gaps in your ductwork, cold air can escape. This means your system will have to work harder and use more energy to cool your home. Additionally, it can cause uneven cooling. Fortunately, a professional technician can quickly find and repair leaks if this is the problem.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Optimal Performance

Air conditioning upkeep isn’t just for the summertime. There are preventative AC maintenance tasks you can do during each season to keep your HVAC system working its best.

• Spring: During the springtime, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection and tune-up. You want your system to be ready before summer arrives. Other than scheduling an inspection, you should also clean the coils and replace the filters.
• Summer: When summer arrives, it is important to pay attention to unusual noises or cooling issues. These may indicate a repair requirement or a strain on your system.
• Fall: Once fall sets in, it is time to clean around your outdoor unit. Then, cover it up to prevent debris from getting inside during the off-season.
• Winter: When your AC isn’t in use, it’s important to turn it off properly. You should make sure it is protected from winter weather.

The Role of Professional HVAC Services in Preventative Maintenance

A professional HVAC company, like Rogue Valley Heating & Air, can help you diagnose and repair problems. By scheduling a professional inspection, you can catch potential issues before they spiral out of control. Partnering with a professional for your comprehensive maintenance can help you save money in the long run and keep your system functioning smoothly.

When to Seek Help from an Emergency AC Repair Service

With proper HVAC maintenance, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns. However, even the best preventative care can’t stop every emergency issue from happening. Through the best emergency AC repair service, you can get help for important problems, like frequent cycling, a lack of cool air, and strange noises.

Preventative Maintenance Can Prevent Costly Repairs

Getting preventative AC maintenance on a regular basis can help by reducing emergency AC repairs, boosting your energy efficiency, and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Other than using the best HVAC maintenance tips, you can also protect your system by scheduling regular inspections with a company like Rogue Valley Heating & Air.

When an issue occurs, it needs to be dealt with before it becomes a larger problem. With the help of a trusted emergency AC repair service, you can quickly address the problem and find a solution.

Amy O’Grady went from the fashion industry to an effective contractor and leader in the heating and cooling industry 

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, today announced it has appointed industry sales and marketing expert and licensed HVAC contractor Amy O’Grady as its first executive director.

O’Grady brings more than 13 years of experience as a licensed contractor, sales and marketing director and events manager to the WHVACR family. She also served four years as the executive director for the North Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (NFACCA).

“Women in HVACR has always been a completely volunteer-only organization, but since we now offer such a long list of networking events, educational programs and scholarship funds to our members, we needed someone on our permanent staff to manage all the good work that we do,” said 2024 WHVACR President Lori Tschohl. “With her background in the HVAC industry and executive director leadership, Amy brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to our organization. We are confident she will provide the necessary oversight to help our board achieve its goals and take Women in HVACR to new heights.”

O’Grady is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in textiles and consumer sciences. After starting her career as a product developer and assistant buyer in the fashion industry, O’Grady began honing her leadership skills in business development, marketing and event planning as a  marketing manager for a regional grocery chain and for Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

“It was during my tenure as marketing director for Charlie’s Tropic that I discovered my passion for the HVAC industry and entrepreneurship,” O’Grady said. “I was able to modernize the company’s identity by crafting unique content and developing data-driven marketing programs to stay on top of the ever-changing digital market.”

She also reached a significant milestone at the HVAC company by becoming a licensed contractor, which helped her master her craft and put her on her current career trajectory.

Her next position was as the executive director for the NFACCA, where she demonstrated her adaptability and willingness to learn new skills. She spent more than four years in this role before accepting the position at WHVACR.

“My role at NFACCA certainly helped prepare me for the job I’m taking on at Women in HVACR,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my industry knowledge to our team so that I can help this organization grow and create a dynamic environment that inspires more women to start careers in the skilled trades.”

For more information about Women in HVACR, visit www.womeninhvacr.org/.