6 Tips for Summertime to Reduce AC Repair

Katy AC Repair Tips to Reduce HVAC Repair Costs

As the summer heat intensifies, south Texans depend on air conditioning for every aspect of life: transportation, work, and being at home. We tend to choose when and how long we expose ourselves to the heat and humidity of the great outdoors.

For this reason, it is important to care for the entire home to enhance the safety, health, and comfort air conditioning brings. The following Katy AC repair steps can help cool a home with better results and efficiency.

Katy AC Repair Tip 1: Acknowledge Solar Power

Many homes are built to accentuate natural lighting, brightening certain spaces for aesthetic purposes. However, this natural lighting can increase solar gain and make a home warmer than desired; the light energy entering a home can increase the indoor temperature by as much as 10 degrees on very sunny days.

Blocking the light on the south side of the house from about 9 to 5 can keep a home cooler and require fewer cooling cycles per hour. Early morning and late afternoon light is less intense and should be more enjoyable.

Katy AC Repair Tip 2: Understand Radiant Heat

Heat also travels through solid objects; when the exterior of the home becomes hot, the heat travels through the building material and enters the home. The purpose of insulation is to create a barrier to radiant heat.

A poorly insulated home allows more heat to pass through walls and ceilings than is comfortable. After construction, usually, the only accessible space for insulation is the attic, so make sure your attic is adequately insulated.

Katy AC Repair Tip 3: Recognize the Benefits of Maintenance

Air conditioning systems are quite remarkable. They cool a home, remove humidity, clean the air, and keep the moving air fresh. The whole house can be cooled to a precise temperature setting and maintained day and night, as desired. However, this precise mechanical system must be properly maintained to ensure it functions properly and efficiently.

Without regular maintenance, performance suffers, cooling costs soar, and the components (or the whole system) reach a premature end of useful life. Manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend scheduling annual preventative maintenance and quarterly air filter replacements.

Katy AC Repair Tip 4: Schedule Temperature Changes

Many thermostats are programmable, but few homeowners take the time to program temperature changes to their advantage. Is the house empty for extended periods? Do family sleep patterns coincide?

These are two lengthy periods in which the temperature setting could be raised by 5 to 8 degrees without affecting comfort. It would, however, affect energy efficiency and cost to the benefit of the family budget. Take a few minutes and read the instruction manual for the thermostat.

Katy AC Repair Tip 5: Inspect the Vents

Vents are strategically placed throughout the home to ensure the indoor air is thoroughly mixed; supply vents are placed low, and return air vents are placed high. During normal household activities, vents can be covered or blocked by drapes, clothing, or furniture. Take time to notice vents regularly to ensure they remain clear for adequate air movement.

Katy AC Repair Tip 6: Use Ceiling Fans Effectively

Ceiling fans generally assist the air conditioning system, helping to mix the air for improved cleaning and cooling. Static air can develop thermal layers, with warm air high and cool air low. A ceiling fan set to turn counterclockwise will pull the air up and push air out to the sides of the space, mixing the air and moving it toward return air vents.

Call the Katy AC Repair Experts

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help you reduce Katy AC repair costs this summer. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

July 23, 2024

Katy AC Installation

How to Hire a Katy AC Installation Contractor

The decision to replace an existing air conditioner or select a system for a new home requires research into two factors:

High-quality equipment best suited for your home.
A high-quality contractor to enter your home and professionally install high-quality equipment.

The research will uncover a bunch of contractors who can install a new air conditioning system. How can someone narrow down the search? Here are a few things to avoid in the Katy AC Installation process.

Someone Waiting with AC Installation Equipment

Be wary if a contractor approaches you with equipment ready to install. There are several problems with this approach.

Air conditioning systems are custom-matched to a space, there is no “one-size-fits-all” with these building systems.
Sometimes these contractors have access to overstock or unsold equipment at a low price.

The US Department of the Environment has recently discontinued certain refrigerant gases. An outdated system may use such a refrigerant, making it extremely difficult and expensive to replace the refrigerant.

Determining the proper equipment requires an assessment of a home, followed by a load calculation—a technical equation used to determine the proper size system. The assessment gathers information concerning the square footage, insulation R-value, orientation of the home in relationship to the sun, and the number/size of windows and doors. Since these qualities are unique to each home, no one can determine the correct size before making the calculation.

Someone Willing to Cut Corners

Owning and running a business is expensive. Contractors should be willing to verify licenses, insurance, and training certificates.

Quality contracting companies have location addresses, business licenses, and standing in the community.
HVAC contractors must carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect every client.
HVAC contractors will carry licenses and/or certifications necessary to complete tasks associated with the equipment. For instance, refrigerant gas requires certification to purchase and use.
HVAC contractors will be able to demonstrate training records. This might include on-the-job training records, licensing training, or factory training for specific equipment.
Most installations require local permits. A contractor should not be willing to forgo technical steps.

Someone Emphasizing Katy AC Installation Cost

Remember, a low-cost system might be the bargain it is made out to be, but it may cost more in the long run. However, there might be other financial dangers:

It is tempting to consider a purchase at a “bargain-basement price,” but there are more things to consider than just the initial cost. These systems last between 15 and 20 years, so a decision based on price may haunt you for many years to come.
A questionable contractor might use pressure tactics, but wise consumers will not fall for this.
A reputable contractor will not insist that a purchase this size be paid in cash.

Quality AC Installation contractors will seek to meet the needs of the client families by:

Building a proper business foundation.
Acquiring the necessary training, both academic and on-the-job.
Doing the needed assessment and proper load calculations, asking abundant questions, and finding the right solution for every home they service.

Katy AC Installation Experts are Just a Phone Call Away

Let us help keep you cool this summer. Schedule your Katy AC Installation consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC Installation technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 27, 2024

Air Conditioning Maintenance Myths Explained

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance Truths for All Homeowners

In the absence of knowledge, sometimes we just assume. When the assumption gets passed on, it becomes a myth and is easily transmitted. Here are a few Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance myths that are still being bandied about and the reality that dispels them.

Shutting the Air Conditioner Off during Vacations Saves Energy/Money

It sounds correct. Should the system run while the home is unoccupied? The myth is built on the assumption that air conditioning is primarily about comfort. Turning the system off for an extended period leads to:

A crucial function of air conditioning is removing humidity from the indoor air. When the relative humidity exceeds 65%, surfaces feel sticky. The added humidity will ruin painted and finished surfaces, causing peeling and discoloration. In addition, the added humidity will encourage mold and mildew to bloom. The infestation is dangerous and can be very difficult to remove.
Another function is ventilation—moving and cleaning the air. Returning from vacation to a smelly, hot house will not be the welcome greeting.
An air conditioner does not just cool the air, it also cools the walls, the flooring, the furniture, etc. Returning the house to the desired temperature requires significant energy. Keeping the whole house cool is much more efficient than restoring it to the desired temperature.

Instead of turning the air conditioner off, turn the thermostat up; setting the temp at 78 to 80 degrees will call for enough cooling cycle to remove humidity and keep the air moving. Returning the house to the desired temperature is much easier this way.

*A related myth is that closing the vents in an unused room will save energy. The air conditioner will still attempt to cool that space by forcing air around the door. It will also make that room unhealthy.

Bigger is Better/Smaller is Superior

Being extravagant or frugal when replacing an air conditioner might seem to make sense, but these approaches will not produce the desired results.

A larger-than-necessary air conditioner will cool a space too quickly, creating short, but frequent cooling cycles. Not only does it cause excessive wear on the electronics, but the short cooling cycle does not adequately remove humidity.
A smaller-than-necessary air conditioner will run longer than it should and struggle to cool the space during periods of extreme heat. It puts unnecessary stress on the components and uses more energy than necessary.
Air conditioning technicians will complete a load calculation study to determine the proper “size” air conditioner. This ensures the system will function properly and efficiently for the maximum length of time. The technician will gather information concerning square footage, ceiling heights, size and number of doors/windows, and insulation materials. This helps determine the cooling that is needed by each unique home.

Air Conditioners Function Well Without Maintenance

There is never a doubt that vehicles of any size or type need periodic maintenance. The same is true of cooking and laundry appliances. Why do homeowners believe that a complex heat and air conditioning system can perform efficiently without regular maintenance?

Air conditioners employ electronic controls, gas chemistry, and mechanical components to perform precise activities within well-designed controls. These processes need adjustments and testing.
The environment is filled with contaminants that stick to surfaces and block the energy transfer necessary for indoor air conditioning.
The system components are so interdependent that stress or failure in one necessary part spreads the stress to other parts.

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance is tricky!

Let us help keep you cool this summer. Schedule your Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 13, 2024

How Your AC Affects Indoor Air Quality

Is Your HVAC System Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Sir Edward Coke, a 17th-century English jurist, wrote, “The house of everyone is to him as his Castle and Fortress.” It is used in the legal field, but it reflects how most people feel about their home. “Home” is a retreat from daily threats and dangers. Homeowners do everything possible to correct the problem and reestablish security whenever there is danger. However, what if danger is lurking on the inside of the home? Indoor air quality is just such a danger.

Poor indoor air quality affects the most necessary human function—breathing. Airborne particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in runny noses, watery, itchy eyes, a sore throat, and intense headaches. When family members are vulnerable with compromised health conditions, poor indoor air often triggers allergies or asthma attacks. This danger needs to be changed, so let’s get to it.

Sources of Pollution to Your Indoor Air Quality

Each home is unique, but pollution sources are quite common.

Organic particles abound, both plant and animal. Seasonal allergens include pollen from trees and wildflowers (or weeds, if you prefer), mold, and mildew. Year-round allergens include dander (skin cells) and hair from pets or livestock. Of course, we must not forget the danger posed by viruses and airborne bacteria.
Inorganic particles are also serious threats. These include exhaust from family vehicles, lawn equipment fuel, paints, and solvents. The local environment also contributes to the problem. If your home is near a highway or a dirt road, expect dust to find a way inside your home.
When furniture, carpets, flooring, and finishes are manufactured, the materials contain volatile organic compounds that will be released into the surroundings for years. We recognize them as a “new” smell, and it does not pose a danger unless in high concentrations.

Mitigating Problematic Indoor Air Quality Particles

Particles from different sources will need to be removed differently. The object of mitigation is to remove pollutants and dilute the number of particles in the air.

The first line of defense is the air filter in the HVAC system. With each heating or cooling cycle, the filter permanently removes the vast majority of both organic and inorganic particles. Filters are rated by the percentage of particles of a certain size, called Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV. If indoor air quality is a serious concern, check the operation manual to determine the proper range of filter rating for the system.
The air conditioner removes humidity from the indoor space. Removing humidity prevents the growth of mold and mildew spores. These spores can be extremely dangerous allergens.
Remember to use natural ventilation and open windows and doors at the right time. Early mornings are ideal. Opening the home to the outdoors dilutes the concentration of particles indoors, but only when the concentration of pollen and mold outdoors is low.
For further protection, consider adding ultraviolet lights to the ductwork. Ultraviolet rays are the damaging, burning rays that cause sunburns. It disrupts cell walls and neutralizes organic allergens, including pollen, viruses, and dust mites. Your HVAC professional can give details concerning these lights.
If a family member is extremely vulnerable, consider a room or whole-house air purifier. Purifiers use a series of filters, including activated charcoal. Activated charcoal removes gaseous pollutants, including VOCs and exhaust. Room versions are portable and can be moved to a space most advantageous.

Are You Concerned if Your HVAC is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

May 23, 2024

HVAC Hurricane Preparation

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips for Katy Homeowners

The predictions for hurricane season 2024 are about normal; the number and severity of named storms is about the same as the last few years and 4 to 5 major storms are expected to make landfall along the US coast. Since South Texas has a coastline prone to hurricane landfalls, this pre-storm season is a time to do serious HVAC Hurricane Preparation.

These plans include storing pre-prepared food and plenty of water, determining when to board windows, mapping evacuation routes, and preparing various building systems for high winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation plans for residential HVAC systems are often ignored or receive little attention than necessary. Here are six HVAC Hurricane Preparation tips that deserve more consideration.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 1: Review Insurance Coverage

All insurance policies are not created equally, so make sure that you are adequately covered for hurricane damage. The wrong time to discover you are underinsured is after the storm. The damage from such storms might be minor and it might be severe. Does your coverage include making repairs to expensive building systems like your heating and air conditioning system? You have a few weeks to investigate this issue.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 2: Generator Installation

Major hurricanes are only one reason to consider a whole-house generator; anything that threatens the power grid gives reason to contemplate the purchase and installation of a generator. Planning an installation takes time for design, site prep, and wiring installation—the installation process might take a month or more. If you need a generator installed, begin now without delay.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 3: Consider a Whole-house Surge Protector

The threat from lightning is greater during a major thunderstorm than from a hurricane, but the wind will produce multiple power surges as the power fluctuates rapidly. Does the danger warrant installing protection that prevents major power surges?

If a surge protector is not installed before the next storm, make sure to trip the breaker, shutting off the main power supply during the worst part of the storm to avoid damage from strong surges. If you plan to evacuate before the storm arrives, shut off the main power to the house and the water supply to avoid damage in your absence.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 4: Remove Identified Flying Objects

Take a walk around the property, noticing objects that can be picked up by winds that often exceed 100 mph. Large items, like lawn furniture, should be stored away. But other items that seem small and innocent enough need to be stored as well; your garden gnome might end up in the neighbor’s front room or the next subdivision.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 5: Condenser Protection

The outdoor portion of a central air conditioning system is the condenser unit, and the condenser is especially vulnerable to hurricane damage. Explore methods to both secure the unit to the pad and protect it from flying debris. If the condenser’s pad is vulnerable to flash flooding, consider raising it out of harm’s way.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 6: Careful Post-storm Inspection

When the worst of the storm has passed, do not make assumptions. Turn the power back on before making a thorough assessment of the house and yard.

Before stepping outside, look for downed powerlines. The current from such lines, lying in a puddle or on saturated ground, can be deadly.
Look around for damage from downed limbs or trees.
Inspect the condenser unit for damage from wind, flying debris, and flood waters.

Do not restore power to the home if the home or condenser unit has been damaged. A minor problem can become a catastrophic failure if repairs are not done.

Get HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips from All Cool AC & Heating

Contact All Cool AC & Heating today at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified technicians with your HVAC Hurricane Preparation.

May 23, 2024

Katy AC Repair

Katy AC Repair or AC Replacement, Which is Right for You?

Air conditioning became common in the 1950s and by 1960, most new homes were built with central AC. With nearly 70 years of available data concerning air conditioner use, the information concerning longevity is pretty accurate. That is, the average lifespan of air conditioners ranges between 15 and 20 years, while regular preventative maintenance and timely AC repair can add years of service—five to ten extra years.

This information might impact your present situation if your AC system is approaching its teenage years. During this time, you can expect repair bills to mount. It can bring up a dilemma—keep repairing it or replace it. Here are some vital pieces of information to help you make this determination.

The Intricacies of Katy AC Repair

It will also seem that repairs are cheaper than replacement; after all, the replacement cost can be quite expensive. However, there are further cost considerations that should put the replacement cost into a balanced perspective.

Research repair invoices for your system and pay attention to the accumulation of bills. One repair bill might not be significant, but a high total or an increase in repair costs might give a different story.
This research might also reveal the necessity of repairing the same part repeatedly. When this happens, it often indicates a weakness in the system that is not being addressed. That means further repairs should be expected.
When both factors are combined, it signals a rising cost that you should be aware of.
As the system ages, larger components are threatened by wear and tear. Large components = large cost. It is at this time that repair costs and replacement costs must be closely compared and considered. Replacing expensive parts on a failing system might not be a wise decision.

“Staying the course” might make sense . . . until it doesn’t.

The Reality of Age

As your system ages, other realities affect the bottom line and impact financial decisions.

Older systems, with weakened components, will still try very hard to meet the temperature setting called upon with the thermostat. Cooling with weaker parts requires more energy, and more energy costs more money, and this might become apparent. If you are unsure, request the energy bill from the same month for the last two years, and compare the amount of energy for each month. The energy amount is measured in kWh.
Older systems may also suffer in performance. It might be evident during a period of extreme heat; a heat wave might leave occupants uncomfortably warm. An older system might also fail to remove adequate humidity, leaving everyone and everything feeling sticky and moist.
An older system gives you a glimpse of the future and allows you to plan for a future replacement. Saving money or adjusting the budget will help you prepare for the large purchase that is sure to come. It is a better plan than wishful thinking.

Preparation should include scheduling the eventual replacement and avoiding times of serious schedule pressure by Katy AC Repair technicians.

Contact Your Katy AC Repair Experts Today

Schedule your Katy AC Repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC Repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

April 30, 2024

How Ceiling Fans Affect Indoor Air Quality

Do Ceiling Fans Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Before air conditioning, there were ceiling fans. In 1887, a brilliant inventor attached fan blades to a sewing machine motor and installed the fan to the ceiling. But ceiling fans continue to be prevalent in U.S. homes 75 years after the introduction of central air conditioning systems. More than 70% of homes in the U.S. feature ceiling fans, with an average of 2.8 fans in each home. Are ceiling fans necessary or beneficial? Are they just a nostalgic holdover of outdated building methods?

The answer is “No.” to both questions. Ceiling fans and air conditioners work together to increase efficiency and comfort. Here are a few advantages to having and USING ceiling fans during the hot summer.

Ceiling Fans Do Not Cool the Air

The temperature of air remains the same whether it is moving or still: a breeze that blows 95⁰ air certainly does not change the air temperature. However, moving air makes us feel more comfy than motionless air, and here is the reason. Our bodies sweat as a natural defense against a rise in body heat. The moisture on our skin meets hot air and evaporates. The air does not become cooler, but our skin temperature is cooler. This evaporation of moisture, happening directly on the skin, creates a naturally occurring comfort without affecting temperature change.

Ceiling Fans Use Less Energy

Ceiling fans cost less to run than air conditioning systems: a ceiling fan uses 50 watts, and the air conditioner uses at least 3500 watts. While ceiling fans cannot replace the comfort of air conditioning, they might save some cash on only mildly warm days without discomfort. Be assured that running ceiling fans with AC systems does not make a significant difference in utility use.

Ceiling Fans Can Be Used Strategically

If fans do not change the air temp, do not run ceiling fans when a home is unoccupied. However, if you prefer to sleep in a cool room, try turning the ceiling fan on or up rather than turning the AC down. Certainly, use ceiling fans during extremely hot days to mix the air well for better cooling. The air conditioner will be struggling to keep up, and turning the AC thermostat down generally does not produce the desired results. A ceiling fan will contribute to the comfort level.

Ceiling Fans Contribute to Improved Indoor Air Quality

Most airborne particles are heavier than air and fall to surfaces—floor and furnishing—when the air is still. Ceiling fans help keep these particles moving so they can be collected by the air filter during the cooling cycle. (If you suffer from a seasonal allergy, consider turning ceiling fans off during days with high pollen count.)

Direction Matters

Most ceiling fans have a direction switch that should change when changing from heating to cooling seasons. The clockwise rotation pulls air up to mix with warmer air near the ceiling, while the counterclockwise rotation pushes air down for a cooling effect. Consider changing ceiling fan directions at the same time as Daylight Savings Time changes.

Are You Concerned if Your Ceiling Fan is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

April 30, 2024April 30, 2024

How Routine AC Maintenance Affects Indoor Air Quality

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With AC Maintenance

We have waited all winter long for the return of warm weather, and finally, springtime sunshine is bringing warmer temperatures. Soon, we will be switching from the HEAT to the COOL setting on the thermostat. We really appreciate these two settings since we are aware of the comfort they bring. A lesser-known function of the HVAC system is the role it plays in improving indoor air quality.

An enclosed space with no air movement quickly develops a stale, musty smell and is not safe for human habitation. Opening the space to outside air immediately freshens the air, but outside air is subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations. The furnace and air conditioning can adjust the air temperature, but they must also keep the air fresh and clean; hence the V in HVAC stands for ventilation.

As the cooling season begins, there are three important roles needed for keeping indoor air quality high:

You Play a Role in Indoor Air Quality

How is indoor air quality measured? By determining the number and content of airborne particles (usually parts per million). You might see these particles when sunlight shines into a room at certain angles. These particles consist primarily of dust, pollen, and other very small items small enough to be carried in moving air.

The important thing to know about these particles is that they are heavier than air. Therefore, whenever the air stops moving, these particles fall on whatever surface is below them. You contribute to indoor air quality when you:

Dust horizontally surfaces in a way that removes the particles.
Vacuum and mop floor surfaces.
Change and clean bedding, etc.

These normal cleaning activities play a vital role in removing pollutants. Unfortunately, this is a never-ending process; while you forever remove the existing pollutants, more particles will take their place.

Your HVAC System Plays a Role in Indoor Air Quality

The technology that heats and cools your indoor space requires the movement of a massive amount of air: the blower motor moves the entire volume of your home every two minutes or so. This movement of air does two things vital to improving indoor air quality:

The moving air mixes the air well. These both mix the thermal layers of air to even temperature throughout the space and mix concentrations of particles—say odors from cooking. Moving air also adds comfort.
All this moving air passes through an air filter, which collects most airborne particles.
(Filters are available in a variety of ratings, with increasingly smaller openings to capture smaller particles. Check with an AC maintenance professional to determine the best filter rating for your HVAC system.)

While you remove particles that have settled onto surfaces, the air filter collects the particles that remain airborne. That is quite a combination!

Professional HVAC Services Play a Role in Indoor Air Quality

The engineers who designed your HVAC system recognize these measures are not enough; all manufacturers give homeowners guidelines that include annual inspection and cleaning of the system. A technician will clean:

The outdoor condenser unit. Polen, dirt, and grass clippings get sucked into the network of tubes and fins, preventing the heat transfer vital to air conditioning.
The blower motor fan. It is strange to see particles that can collect on moving fan fins, but it is visible on ceiling fans as well.
The evaporator coils and drain pan. This area of the air conditioner stays wet during the cooling season. Dust is attracted to the wet surface and can clog the drain line. When this happens, the humidity that is removed from the air ends up on the floor, making a mess and damaging nearby surfaces.

If indoor air quality is extremely important to your family because of health concerns—allergies, asthma, or compromised immunity, consult with an AC Maintenance professional concerning further measures to reduce certain pollutants in the home.

Call the AC Maintenance Experts at All Cool AC!

Schedule your AC Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

March 22, 2024

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

HVAC Maintenance Spring Checklist

While it is still a little chilly outside, every indication is that we will have an early Spring. That is mostly good news for Texans. After all, we had several harsh winters in a row, and an early spring is welcome news. We will comfortably enjoy being outdoors earlier and more often. It also means that the cooling season will begin earlier for indoor spaces. Is your air conditioner system ready? Is it time for a preventative HVAC maintenance visit?

All Cool recommends an annual HVAC maintenance visit to ensure your cooling system is ready for the long cooling season. This visit will include:

A Thorough Cleaning

Start with a new air filter. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle, but when the collected particles become too thick, the clog restricts airflow. Your air conditioner depends on huge amounts of air passing through the evaporator chamber to remove humidity and cool the air. A new filter ensures clean air and unrestricted airflow.
Rinsing the evaporator coil. This coil stays wet all summer long since moisture from the air hits the cold evaporator metal. Any dust that makes it past the filter tends to collect on the coil. The buildup of dust particles inhibits the transfer of heat, making your system work harder.
Flush away any debris from the drain pan. The moisture from the evaporator coil drains into a pan below and empties into a drain line. Any dust or debris can result in a clogged drain line and water leaking onto the floor in the surrounding area.
Clean the outdoor condenser unit. All winter long, the wind has been blowing leaves and debris around and even inside the condenser unit. These will need to be cleaned away. The condenser also needs substantial airflow for heat transfer, so lawn clippings and dirt will need to be washed off the condenser coil and fins. Often, any bent condenser fins can be carefully straightened to enhance the efficiency of the unit.

Electrical Testing

All things thermostats. The thermostat is the ON/OFF switch for the air conditioner, responding to sensors that call for cooling when the place warms up. They run on battery power, so the batteries will be changed, and the settings adjusted as needed.
The whole system functions on a series of sensors and control components. Electrical testing equipment can uncover failures and weaknesses; replacing or repairing these parts can prevent stress and failure over a long cooling season.
The technician will be looking for common problems or a repetition of electrical failures.

Gas Pressure Testing

Freon pressure tests. Residential air conditioners use one of several refrigerant gases, commonly called freon. The cooling process requires a range of gas pressures; a loss of pressure often causes catastrophic system failure. Gas will be added to bring the pressure within the appropriate range.
Leak detection. If the closed system is losing gas, the system is leaking. Any leaks will come with a recommendation—for obvious reasons—for a leak repair.

Function Testing

After all the components are cleaned and tested, the cooling function of the system will be tested to ensure it works properly. The goal is for the air conditioner to cool efficiently all summer long and for many seasons to come.

Call the HVAC Maintenance Experts at All Cool AC!

Schedule your HVAC Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified HVAC Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

March 22, 2024

Indoor Air Quality: HVAC Solutions for Cleaner Air

Protecting Your Home with Improved Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation—the V in HVAC—is an often-forgotten function of this important, advanced building system. We are very familiar with the heating and cooling functions, but the ventilation function ensures indoor air is also clean and fresh. Good indoor air quality ensures indoor spaces are healthy and comfortable.

Ventilation is rather complex.

Indoor air will begin as polluted as outdoor air. But unless it is cleaned and freshened, the pollutants concentrate inside and make the air unhealthy.
Indoor air will begin at the same temperature and relative humidity as outdoor air. Unless this air is warmed, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified, it has an unhealthy effect on the surfaces of walls, floors, and furnishings. When it is conditioned, indoor air feels comfortable and is relatively healthy.
Ventilation and comfort are very subjective, dependent upon the comfort preferences of more than one occupant.
Health issues of occupants will also impact decisions concerning ventilation; breathing issues, such as allergies and asthma, may require special considerations.

Handling Pollutants

A home will encounter several categories of pollutants. An HVAC system will remove some of these pollutants and avoid others. The good news is that we have very good air quality in our region, and the pollutants we encounter are relatively easy to mitigate.

Organic solid particles. Most air particles originate from living organisms: pollen, mold, mildew, (most) dust, and dander are produced by living organisms. These particles are known to trigger allergies and asthma attacks. In addition, organic material is often the meal and vehicle for microscopic pests. Dust mites pose their own dangers since they trigger their own brand of allergic reactions.
Inorganic solid particles. These are typically windborne minerals and pose less of an allergy danger.
Mold and mildew spores are not only organic allergens but also can multiply and produce more spores in indoor spaces. High humidity is a necessary condition for mold/mildew growth—keep this in mind.
Various gases. Materials, finishes, and adhesives will off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when the products are new. Various exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, enter the home from the outdoors (and potentially a leaking gas-powered furnace).
Radon is a radioactive gas that enters the home from surrounding soil in basements or crawl spaces. It is relatively uncommon in our immediate vicinity. Testing for radon is readily available and inexpensive.

Indoor Air Quality Mitigation Tactics

Removing organic solids. These particles are all heavier than air, and gravity causes them to fall onto every surface in the home. We refer to them corporately as dust. Normal dusting and vacuuming collect most of these particles and remove them from the house forever. In addition, the HVAC system has an air filter that collects particles that remain airborne. Eventually, the filter collects enough particles that the filter is clogged, so the filter needs to be replaced about every three months.
Diluting indoor contaminants. Introducing outdoor air to indoor spaces releases some of the VOCs to outdoor spaces. This happens when shower or kitchen exhaust fans are used and by leaving a door or window open when the temperature is nice.
The ideal range for indoor relative humidity is between 30 and 50% humidity. When indoor air is more humid, it can promote mold and mildew growth. Maintaining the HVAC system year-round will help keep the humidity level within the prescribed range.
Additional equipment. When health issues demand extra measures, technicians can install auxiliary equipment to mitigate specific problems. Ultraviolet lights added to the ductwork will neutralize organic particles, making them inert and reducing the allergen threat. Portable dehumidifiers or room air purifiers can provide added benefits to specific rooms or spaces.

Call the Indoor Air Quality Experts at All Cool AC!

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.