Tag: Maintenance

Hearing Odd Sounds?

Loud vents? Air conditioner unit making a loud humming noise? Some noises are normal, such as a quiet hum or the sounds of air whooshing through the vents, but sometimes HVAC systems make strange noises and can become disruptive annoyances in the home. This doesn’t have to be the case. Check out these common causes of noises in an HVAC system and what you can do about them:

COMMON HVAC NOISES

Humming

An HVAC system that is running normally will make a soft humming noise. But if it’s more similar to clanking, that’s a sign that something is wrong. While normal humming could be from loose parts, such as the blower motor fan, loose blades, or loose pipes that are rubbing together, louder humming noises could be the result of loose wiring, circuit breaker overload, or failed condenser fan motor.

Clanking-like humming noises are a bit more serious because loose parts, if not addressed, can cause costly damage to your system. Your best bet is to turn the system off and call your technician.

Rattling

Hearing a rattling noise coming from your HVAC system could mean a few things. If it originates from the outdoor unit, chances are you have some kind of debris in the system, such as a twig. (While the grate will protect your system from most large debris, it’s still possible for small things to get through.)

Turn your system off and cut the power to the unit, then remove the debris. If you see visible damage to the condenser coils, compressor, or fan, call your HVAC technician. If the rattling seems to be internal, from a furnace or other internal component, turn the system off and call your HVAC technician since removing the obstacle isn’t as simple.

Hissing

Hearing a hissing noise most likely means air is escaping from your system. If the noise is coming from the walls, there’s a good chance your ducts are leaking. Not only can this cause noise, but it also wastes money because the air that should be circulating throughout your home is leaking into the walls.

Duct repair isn’t really a repair that homeowners can do on their own, so if your system is making a loud hissing noise,  call a technician. However, if the hissing is light, it could originate from your air vents. Typically when you hear this noise it is because your filter is not “set” right or you have the wrong size filter which is creating the gap in the seal. If this is the case, the air is squeezing past the filter or around it, instead of being pulled through it. This is a simple fix that starts with ensuring the filter is the right size and is placed correctly, leaving no room for gaps.

ADDITIONAL HVAC NOISES YOU COULD BE HEARING

Loud Whistles or Screaming

Hearing a whistling or screaming noise from your HVAC unit likely means that you have either a refrigerant leak or an excessive amount of internal pressure building up. Both of these causes are dangerous, so you should call an HVAC contractor as soon as possible.

Clicking

When you are turning your unit on and off, you are going to hear clicking noises. However, if you are hearing loud clicking coming from inside the cabinet of your HVAC you should be concerned. Most of the time this means that your capacitor is on its last leg. A poorly functioning or failing capacitor can be detrimental to your entire HVAC system. You should turn off your unit and call an HVAC professional to help you in this situation.

HVAC SYSTEM NATURAL NOISES

Keep in mind that your HVAC system is exactly that – a system. As it works, it will make noise. Hearing the motor running or humming, as wells as the fans blowing or air moving through the vents, is totally normal. However, unnatural sounds like rattling, hissing, or clanking, or the sounds becoming loud enough to be disruptive, can be signs of problems.

As with anything else, regular maintenance tune-ups, changing air filters, and other general repairs are the best way to avoid this, as well as knowing what sounds are normal and which ones are cause for concern.

TIPS FOR PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

HVAC systems can be a costly investment, one most homeowners should only have to make a few times in their life. The average system lasts about 15 to 20 years, and there are several things homeowners can do to maximize the life of their system and get the most out of their investment.

  • Pre-season cleaning and check-ups. It’s important to get your system cleaned and checked before the start of each season, generally once in the spring (for cooling systems) and once in the fall (for heating systems). This will catch any problems before the season starts and ensure your system runs smoothly. Schedule maintenance cleaning and check-ups early to ensure you have a quality visit from a licensed technician.
  • Checking air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict the flow of air to your HVAC system, which creates extra stress for it by making the system work harder. This can cause costly damage to the blower motor because it has to work harder. Checking filters regularly can help avoid the build-up of dirt or dust, ultimately causing less stress on the motor and prolonging the life of your HVAC system.
  • Inspecting your equipment. Regularly inspecting your HVAC equipment can help catch small problems before they turn into big ones. While you’ll want a technician to inspect your ducts for air leaks and maintain your equipment, there are things you can check yourself. Keep an eye on any equipment that is vulnerable to excess corrosion or wear and tear. In the case of central air conditioning systems or heat pumps, any parts of the system that are located outside the house need to be visually checked for damage or a buildup of leaves and debris regularly. Out of sight, out of mind can’t become a habit, as the systems need to be checked even when not in use! In addition, every homeowner should regularly check for leaks in outdoor equipment. For example, finding an oily substance on outdoor surfaces could indicate a refrigerant leak, which can be a costly and damaging problem if not caught early.
  • Give your system a break. For a lot of homes in America, your HVAC system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s a lot for any system to handle. Giving it a break can help to keep your system from being overworked and prolong its life. Installing and using a programmable thermostat can help with this, because it will allow you to adjust your temperature at night or when you aren’t home to a temperature that isn’t too high or too low. This way, when you return home, it’s less work on the system to get your house back to the ideal temperature. Overall, that slight ‘break’ for your system will make a big difference when it comes to the stress on it in the long run and will help you to get the max savings possible. There’s no way to predict or guarantee the life of an HVAC system, but with these tips you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, prolonging its life and helping you get the most out of your investment.
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Tips for Saving Energy

You shouldn’t have to worry over your energy bill. We’ve shared tips here for controlling your expenses, and we’re definitely not stopping. Among what can be done, there are big things, like investing in high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, and smaller adjustments that don’t require as large an expense on your part.

Here are some of the smaller things you can do to help lower/control your monthly expenses:

  • Turn off the lights when you aren’t in a room.
  • Lower or raise the temperature your thermostat is set at (depending on the season).
  • Keep all your vents and registers open.
  • Keep the windows and doors of your home closed.
  • Change your furnace filter.
  • Switch to high-efficiency light bulbs.
  • Operate your ceiling fans correctly for the best distribution of air – clockwise during the winter and counter-clockwise during the summer.
  • Seal your windows and doors.
  • Set your thermostat to “AUTO” instead of “ON.”
  • Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Open or close curtains depending on the season.
  • Unplug items like televisions, kitchen appliances and more when they aren’t in use.
  • Layer up instead of turning up the thermostat during the winter.
  • Have a timer for your lights.
  • Take cooler showers.

These are just some examples to help your system run more efficiently and help control your monthly expenses. Call Air Handlers today to make sure that your system is ready for Spring and Summer!

Controlling Your Indoor Air Quality

Spring is quickly approaching. With it comes an uptick in pollen and other allergens outside. What about inside, though? Pollen, pet dander, dust, and other allergens can easily get into your home. How can you avoid them?

1. Air Filters

The biggest thing to remember is to keep your air filter clean. Your air filters should be changed regularly. You can also have Air Handlers check your system to make sure it is working properly for your home.

2. Floors Floors Floors

Do you have carpet or wood flooring? Is one better than the other? When it comes to in-home allergens, not really. Certainly, carpet can hold onto dust and dander, but wood flooring can, as well (especially in any hard to reach areas, such as at the corners of the room or under low objects). One way to handle this would be regularly vacuuming. While this is a good step, you need to be careful how you approach it, since some vacuums could blow allergens back into your home. You should also consider having your floors professionally cleaned annually.

3. Venting About

If your home uses a furnace, stove, fireplace, or a similar item (which should cover most homes), then proper ventilation will help with indoor air quality.

Other “combustibles” (or products that create toxic particles in the air) include things like tobacco smoke. Avoid using these items indoors to help keep some particles out of the air.

Overall, start with your HVAC system. Have it checked by a professional and then make sure you change your filters regularly. Call Air Handlers Inc today for a system check!

Have You Changed Your Air Filter?

While it’s a simple question, changing air filters is one thing some people don’t always think about. Many people don’t think about their HVAC system until it stops functioning the way it should. When an HVAC system stops functioning properly, the culprit is often a clogged air filter.

HOW DO AIR FILTERS WORK?

Air filters are generally made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper and surrounded by a cardboard frame. They are inserted into a specific place in the HVAC systems and act as a barrier to prevent contaminants and other particles from circulating in the air, or from reaching sensitive parts of the system. Some of the common things that filters block are dust, pollen, lint, mold, hair, animal fur, bacteria, etc.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD FILTERS BE CHANGED?

This answer depends on the type of air filter you are using. Most manufacturers recommend that basic filters are changed every 30 to 60 days, but there are other circumstances that could affect that schedule.

  • A filter in a regular home with no pets should be changed every 90 days 
  • If your home has a single pet, the filter should be changed every 60 days 
  • For multiple pets, or if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, you’ll want to change the filter anywhere between 20 to 45 days
  • People in single-occupant homes with no pets, or those who own vacation homes that don’t get much use, can usually wait for 6 to 12 months before changing their filter 
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR FILTER? 

When air filters are not consistently changed, they get clogged by the buildup of particles and contaminants that stick to the filter.  While the filter is designed to accommodate these minuscule items, the buildup creates an almost impenetrable barrier so that the air cannot completely flow through, which can ultimately cause multiple problems for the entire HVAC system.  

Higher Energy Bills

When the filter becomes clogged, air cannot easily flow through the system. This causes the whole system to have to work harder to distribute heat or air where it is needed, which increases your utility bills since the air is running for longer. 

Poor Temperature Regulation 

Since clogged air filters make the system strain to create airflow, warm or cool air cannot adequately go where it is needed. This means that some rooms could be too cold during the winter or too hot in the summer.

Health Concerns 

If the air filter is clogged and cannot trap contaminants as it did before, those things can end up back in the air that everyone in your home is breathing. Immediate issues could include headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness. If the air filters are not changed and the issues continue, the long-term effects could be respiratory diseases, heart disease, or cancer.

Furnace Failures

As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the entire system, which can be expensive. Air filters usually cost less than $40, so they are easy to replace frequently compared to replacing the entire system.

Clamped-Up Coils 

Evaporative coils, which help remove heat from the air to keep your home cool, can freeze up if they are overworked. With a clogged air filter, the air won’t flow over the coils correctly, which makes them stop working and leads to total system failure. Again, the price to fix this issue is greater than simply purchasing a new air filter every few months. Protect your HVAC system and your wallet by replacing the air filters on a regular schedule.

Some Summer Tips for your HVAC

Summer is here (in a way). While the extremely hot temperatures haven’t hit our area, what has come has been muggy some days. This increase in humidity might have some of you turning on your AC, even if only for a short time. Even without heavy usage, it’s still a good idea to practice these maintenance tips for your HVAC system.

Summer Thermostats

Summertime means schedule changes, especially for kids out of school for the summer or families planning to travel for vacation. Make sure to adjust your thermostat settings to account for your family’s new schedule and any vacations that occur. Examples include:

  • Later wake-up times in the morning, since there’s no bus to catch for kids
  • With family members home all day, adjust setbacks for more occupancy hours rather than a vacant home from 8am to 5pm
  • Summer sports and activities that keep you out of the home for periods of time
  • Later bedtimes

Improve Your Airflow

Good airflow through your air conditioner helps the system function efficiently and deliver better comfort throughout your living areas. These HVAC maintenance tips show you how to improve airflow through your cooling system this summer:

  • Change your air filter on a regular basis. In the summertime, filters often fill up with debris quicker than in the spring because the system runs more frequently. Check the filter each month to determine if a change is necessary.
  • Clean off the exterior air conditioner. Do this whenever you do lawn maintenance or cut grass. Grass clippings, mulch, leaves, and other outdoor debris can gather on your condensing unit and block the fins that allow heat to leave the system.
  • Clear the area around the outdoor unit. In addition to cleaning, make sure there are no plants or other items in the two feet of space immediately surrounding the unit. Prune shrubs and branches nearby and pull up vegetation that has grown around the unit’s base. Relocate outdoor storage away from your unit to eliminate any airflow obstructions.
  • Ensure vents are open and unblocked. Walk through your home and check every vent, register, and return air grille. All vent and register louvers should be set open. Move rugs, furniture, and other items away from the vents and grilles to allow air to freely circulate through the ducts, into your home, and back to the air conditioning system.

Having Furnace Problems?

Winter has arrived and the holidays are starting to wrap up… not to mention that the new year is nearly here! In all this time of relaxing after the holidays and enjoying the warmth of your home, the last thing you need is for your furnace to quit. To prevent a situation that would leave you stressed and require expensive emergency services, we want to re-post a list of things to look out for to determine if your home furnace has a problem. We also provide some simple fixes you can try on your own for minor challenges. It should be stressed that if you suspect a major issue with your home furnace, you should get help from a qualified professional rather than going at it on your own.

Thermostat malfunctioning
Your thermostat is an integral part of the safety features of your home furnace. It shuts down the furnace when it exceeds the maximum temperature specified to conserve energy and prevent accidents. This operating temperature varies from furnace to furnace. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning if it continuously shuts down before it even reaches this specified temperature. This continuous shutdown can make your living area very uncomfortable, and a simple fix for this is to check the battery of the thermostat and replace it to get your furnace working at its optimum. The thermostat setting should also be reviewed to prevent inadequate heat production by the furnace or total shutdown.
Lack of maintenance
If you fail to maintain your furnace properly, you should not be surprised when it breaks down. To cut down costs which arise from a total breakdown, you should plan for annual tune-ups and maintenance by qualified professionals.

Faulty Filters
Filters are very essential, but often overlooked components of the furnace system. They are built to remove unwanted particles from the generated airflow. A build-up of dust and dirt over time leads to a clogged filter. During the process of dust and dirt by passing air through the vents, a clogged filter puts more pressure on the furnace. A clogged filter may even lead to a total shutdown of the furnace as the heat exchanger might stop working due to overheating caused by an over clogged filter.
If your environment generates a lot of dust and dirt, ensure that you change your filters regularly. Most furnace manufacturers specify between a month to three for a change of your filter. A filter change is essential if you have a child-friendly environment so that your air filter does not become an air pollutant.

Size issues
When your furnace does not heat enough, it may be a pointer to the fact that your furnace is the wrong size for the space provided. To solve this problem, get a professional to estimate your needs and help you determine which furnace system would be the perfect fit for the space provided. Ensure that you are guided by professional advice from picking a furnace up to its installation.

Gas
If your furnace is not starting up, a simple solution is to check the gas valve and carefully turn it o if it was turned off. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the affected area immediately and contact the fire service.

Vents and Pipes
In gas furnaces and high efficiency condensing furnaces, vents are very vital to maintain because they take emissions outside the building. Most times, these emissions are combustible, and it is essential that they are not covered to prevent fire outbreaks.
There is also the danger that the pipes leading to the vents will become clogged with ice leading to serious problems. To prevent clogging from ice, exhaust vent pipes need to be shortened. When the pipes are too long, a build-up of moisture might occur because the force pushing out the exhaust is not enough to go the length of the pipes. This makes it more likely for ice clogging when the exhaust finally reaches the outside.
To prevent these problems, ensure that the outside units are clear and clean before it becomes too cold. In screening pipes and vents you should use materials that will not inhibit the flow of exhaust.

Electric ignition
Furnaces come with an igniter which automatically lights up gas when switched on. If the furnace fails to light up, the usual suspect is the ignition wire which should be inspected. If the situation persists, you should turn off the igniter and reset it. If it is an electronic igniter, it is not wise to attempt to light it manually as it is a highly complex system which should not be tampered with.

Noise
Continuous rattling, screeching and other unwanted sounds are often early indicators of a more serious mechanical or electrical problem. These noises also arise due to wear and tear and a trip to a qualified professional would get all issues cleared up.
It is essential to be proactive as a home furnace owner and to deal with issues as soon as they arise to ensure that your furnace is always in good condition

Furnace Maintenance and Winter-Proofing

With winter quickly approaching, bringing increasingly colder weather, we thought it might be a good idea to repost some advice for preparing for the season. If you haven’t already done so, you might go through these items and make sure your home and furnace are ready to keep you warm this holiday season!

Furnace Maintenance

Routine Check: this is the time of the year when you cannot have a faulty furnace. Have your furnace checked to ensure that it is clean, well oiled, and rightly tuned to take you through winter. The plus side is that a furnace that’s in great condition is cheaper to use in the long run.

Change Filters: dirty filters will limit the flow of air and expend more energy. Check your filters to see if they need to be changed and always have extra filters handy. Do not change filters without switching off the power first.

Upgrade: Your furnace was not made to last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is 20-25 years and its age will determine the kind of maintenance it’ll need and if you’re due for a repair, replacement or upgrade. If your furnace has aged to the point where it’s more faulty than functional, or where its efficiency cannot be guaranteed, you need to consult an expert to upgrade to a new unit.

Your Fan Is Winter Friendly Too: I bet you think of your fan only when you want cool air but that’s not all your fan can do. Check for a handy switch on your fan, this switch reverses the direction in which the blade moves i.e clockwise rotation for warmer air. So you can take the heat off your furnace once in a while and reduce your heating costs by at least 10%.

Winter-proof Your Home

Draft Protection: Cold drafts of air can frustrate the efforts you put towards keeping your home warm or make it seem like your furnace isn’t efficient. So, while you’re thinking of keeping the warmth in, be sure that there are no channels to let in drafts. A thick towel or scraps of fabric rolled and arranged nicely can be put under doors and windows to keep out the cold.

Storm Doors and Windows: Storm doors and windows are designed to increase energy efficiency. They keep drafts out while allowing light and ventilation in.

Insulation Kits: A window insulation kit will increase your home’s ability to retain heat. It comes in invisible and aesthetically appealing kits, so your home will be warm and welcoming. You will also need regular insulation for your attic floors, basement ceilings, pipes, and walls. Have your duct system checked and sealed to avoid the escape of heated air.

Caulking and Weather-stripping: Check along places in your home where different building materials meet such as window and door edges, exit points for pipes and wires, etc. Seal up any gaps accordingly with caulking and weather-stripping.

Home Projects to Help Avoid Winter Repairs

The weather is changing and it’s time to run those heaters. Home improvement may not seem like the first thing to do, but here are a few things you should check around the house. These projects can help avoid costly repair bills later down the road and could possibly help save some money on your energy bill.

You should check your roof and chimney (if applicable) to make sure they’re clean and ready for the winter weather, clean the gutters, and more. More tips are available in this article on Real Simple’s website.

According to the article on realsimple.com, most, if not all, of these projects can be checked by you. If you’re not comfortable, of course call in a home repair professional to help. And don’t forget to call Air Handlers Inc. to have your home heating checked for this winter!

Air Conditioning Tips

Summer has been trying to leave us for some time now. However, among the few days of cool relief, we keep seeing days near or over ninety degrees. Until these days are gone to make way for Autumn weather, you should make sure your air conditioning unit is still working properly to keep your home comfortable. Here are a few common air conditioning problems to keep an eye out for:

  • Less/No Cool Air

Can you hear your unit working but you’re not feeling any cool air? If so, your refrigerant levels might need to be checked. Refrigerant helps make sure your air conditioner is actually cooling the air that blows out of it.

  • Fan Not Rotating

Your condenser fan may have burned out and need replaced. Another possible issue is humidity. It can cause more condensation to form, so you should also watch for water not draining correctly or a restricted drain.

  • Not Cooling Properly

A good first step is to try lowering the temperature on your thermostat. If that doesn’t work, check the air filter. A dirty air filter can cause major cooling troubles. Another possibel issue is that your air conditioner is not properly sized. This is a frequent issue when homes are constructed.

  • Short Cycling

Short cycling, or turning on or off repeatedly, can mean one of multiple things. Your condenser or evaporator could be dirty and in need of cleaning. After cleaning the unit and ensuring all blockages are removed, you may be good to go. Humidity also plays a part. If your home cools to the correct temperature, but then humidity causes your home to quickly heat up, it could result in your air conditioning working harder to keep your home comfortable.

If you’re facing these or other air conditioning troubles, give Air Handlers Inc a call. We can help you check your system and make sure everything is working properly.

Efficiency Tips for the Summer

Summer is pretty much here. Schools are either out or extremely close. Temperatures are rising and the days are longer. Will your home cooling system be able to keep up? Here are some good tips everyone should bear in mind for helping their cooling system work efficiently and keep their house as cool as possible.

    1. Cover your windows. Blinds/curtains are your best friend when it comes to keeping the heat of these summer days out of your house. They block much of the light and keep a lot of heat out of the room. You can also hang blankets over the windows to block out the heat or put foil in the windows to reflect the sun.
    2. Make sure any room fans or ceiling fans are situated to help move cool air around the house. This can help your system work less and save money without sacrificing comfort.
    3. Turn off unnecessary electrical items. If you don’t need a light in a room (due to natural lighting, for instance), then leave it off. Done using that computer or television? Make sure they’re turned off. Electronics like this create heat during use.
    4. Summer is a heavy use time for your cooling system. Make sure you check the filter. A clean air filter can help your system work smarter and save your money.
    5. Seal those cracks! Just like in winter, it’s a good idea to make sure there isn’t any outside air seeping into your home. After all, if warm air is coming from outside, then some of that cool air is escaping, which makes your system work harder and costs money.

Another tip is proper maintenance/check-up of your system. Have a professional come and see if your cooling system is working properly, or if it needs an upgrade. Check out this video about Lennox’s Precise Comfort technology, if you’re considering or need a new cooling system: