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AC Maintenance: Best Air Filter for Your HVAC System

AC Maintenance

AC Maintenance: Best Air Filter for Your HVAC System

AC Maintenance: HEPA Filters vs Merv Filters

We all acknowledge the importance of air filters since they successfully remove dust, pollen, dander, and mold spores. They clean indoor air but also keep dust from interfering with the function of HVAC systems. Filters are not composed of solid sheets, but are fibrous, with gaps to allow airflow. The size of the gaps determines the size of particles that are captured and thus, their efficiency.

Since filters collect airborne particles with each cycle, the filter eventually clogs and needs to be replaced. The Environmental Protection Agency and all manufacturers of HVAC equipment recommend changing air filters AT LEAST every three months. Fortunately, air filters are commonly available in a variety of home improvement and hardware stores. However, due to the size of the openings in the fiber, not all filters are manufactured equally—neither do they claim to be equal. Packaging for filters from various sources often touts various ratings with different acronyms and numbers; some explanations may be in order.

FPR Rating

Home Depot developed the Filter Performance Rating for their own brand of air filters; ratings are identified as Good, Better, Best, and Premium. The FPR rating for Good range between 4-5, Better have a range of 6-7, Best has a range of 8-9, and Premium filters have a rating of 10. With each upgrade, more particles are removed. While not exact, the ratings describe the size of the particles each rating collects and helps consumers understand their products.

MPR Rating

3M has also developed a rating for its Filtrete brand of filters. Filtrete filters are manufactured and marketed to remove specific airborne particulates. Some filters target dust and allergens, others target odors, and others seek to trap bacteria and viruses. MPR ratings use four digits—the higher the number, the smaller the opening. Consumer packaging denotes the percentage of the targeted particulate that will be removed.

MERV Rating

In 1987, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV rating. Since they do not manufacture filters, the rating can be applied to all filters, including Filtrete and Hope Depot brand filters. The MERV rating is based on the gaps in the fibrous filter material. Since some particles are too large to enter the small gaps 100% of those particles are removed. With small gaps, some particles larger than the gap will be collected. MERV rating seeks to measure the amount of small particles trapped.

  • MERV ratings range between 1 and 20; the higher the number the smaller the gap and the higher the efficiency of the filter.
  • MERV-rated filters below 8 filter particles 10 and 3 microns.
  • MERV-rated filters between 8 and 14 are used in commercial and residential HVAC systems. They remove particles between 3 and 1 micron.
  • MERV-rated filters between 15 and 20 are designed for hospital and laboratory use. They remove particles as small as 0.3 microns—smaller than most bacteria and some viruses.

For comparison, human hairs are between 60 and 70 microns in diameter, common pollen is between 7 and 10 microns in diameter, spider silk is about 5 microns in diameter, and mold spores and bacteria are approximately 1 micron in diameter.

HEPA Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter is a designation by the Environmental Protection Agency for filters with gaps 0.3 microns or smaller. These filters collect and trap 99.97% of all airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. HEPA filter applications include hospitals and laboratories but also are used in products that avoid allergic reactions.

It might seem appropriate to use the most efficient filter for health and safety. However, air filters with a MERV rating above MERV 14 are not appropriate for residential and commercial HVAC systems. Normal blower motors do not have adequate strength to push air through the extremely small gaps in highly efficient air filters. Consult with your HVAC professional before installing filters rated above MERV 14.

AC Maintenance Tips to Help with AC Filter Replacement are Just a Phone Call Away

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

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5 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Fight Seasonal Allergies

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Fight Seasonal Allergies

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Fight Seasonal Allergies

The pollination season for different plants triggers allergic reactions in various people and approximately 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. In the springtime, that yellow-green coating of oak pollen is a real problem; other contributors include cottonwood, elm, ash, and pecan. During the summertime, it is hay fever season; grass pollen is prolific and travels freely through the air. Ragweed and other wildflowers trouble Texas during the fall; we welcome any rain we get to wash the pollen from the air. Even in winter, cedar pollen causes allergies that mimic cold symptoms; it is called cedar fever.

Allergic reactions to organic particles in the environment, irritate the

  • Eyes, causing watery, itchy sensations
  • Noses, causing runny noses and mucus that irritates the skin
  • Upper respiratory system, with sneezing, coughing, and swollen sinuses (congestion)
  • Skin, with hives or rashes

Your HVAC system is designed to remove allergens from the air in your home, but there are some steps you can take to enhance the removal of the airborne particles responsible for seasonal allergies. Here are five HVAC Maintenance steps to address airborne allergens with your heating/cooling system.

  1. Use Quality Air Filters. Your HVAC system has an air filter located as the return air enters your HVAC cabinet. Make sure to use the right size and look for a filter with an appropriate minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. For most systems, a MERV rating between 11 and 13 is sufficient. They remove between 90 and 95% of particles, including pollen, mold, and mildew spores.

The key to keeping airborne allergens at bay is changing the filter regularly. In most cases, that means changing the filters every three months. However, if family members in your home have extreme allergies, you may need to change the filter more often.

  1. Clean the Pollen from Your Ductwork. Air circulates throughout your home in a series of sheet metal ducts. Any pollen that gets beyond the air filter can wind up in your ducts and if it has been a few years since they were cleaned, the accumulation of dust and pollen particles has built up inside. This pollen can be picked up to recirculate with any heating or cooling cycle. If seasonal allergies are a problem, make sure to clean your ductwork every three to five years.
  2. Keep the Fan On. Your thermostat has two fan settings—Auto and On. The Auto setting turns the fan on in conjunction with the heating or cooling cycle. The On setting turns the fan on continuously. The comparison of energy use between Auto and On is negligible and there are several benefits to using the On function.

When the pollen count is high indoors, continuously moving the air through the air filter reduces the amount of pollen still in the air. This option also works to keep the air temperature even during extreme temperature periods.

  1. Remove Humidity. Your air conditioner is designed to remove moisture from the air—as much as a few gallons of water per day. This is key to avoiding other sources of allergens—mold and mildew growth. Other sources of moisture in your home include bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen. Care must be taken to reduce the amount of water allowed to stand about. These spaces usually have exhaust fans to remove excess moisture from the air; push the moisture outdoors for a few minutes after every summer shower or bath.
  2. Know When to Call HVAC Maintenance Professions. Ensuring that your HVAC system keeps functioning efficiently takes professional attention. Make sure to schedule an annual inspection and maintenance visit. While the technician is there, inquire about ultraviolet lights that can be installed inside the ductwork. UV light will destroy cell walls’ organic allergens, including pollen, mold, viruses, and dust mites. The inert remains can be collected by the air filter and removed from your home.

Let us help with your HVAC Maintenance!

Schedule your free HVAC Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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Spring HVAC Maintenance

Spring HVAC Maintenance

HVAC Maintenance For this Spring

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? They herald the welcomed warmth of summertime. Don’t you just love the summer? So much to do and enjoy outside! Summer heat, the beach, grilling outdoors, and summer vacations are right around the corner. It’s all good if we have a respite from the intense heat, and air conditioning provides just the relief we need.

During extreme heat, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors maybe 300 and that is quite a difference. Springtime is a great time to schedule an inspection and HVAC Maintenance for your air conditioner to keep it running strong all summer long. A tune-up cleans dust and grime from crucial components and ensures both the electrical and mechanical parts are functioning properly. This results in:

  • All the parts function as designed to keep your family comfortable, even during heat waves.
  • Identifies parts that might be under stress, allowing repair or replacement before the part fails.
  • A system that functions properly costs less to operate, so it saves on the utility bill
  • When a system is well-maintained, it tends to last longer, pushing an air conditioner replacement into the future.

If your air conditioner does struggle, no worries. But call as soon as possible since repair calls may triple or more during intense heat. Some sudden changes that indicate that your air conditioning system requires HVAC Maintenance include:

  • Warm Air When You Expect Cold Air. This is one of the most common problems. If the air is moving out of the vents but it is warm or not very cold, it indicates a problem with the refrigerant gas. The most common causes are gas leaking from the closed system or a compressor failure since the compressor is key to creating the cooling effect.
  • No or Low Air Movement. A powerful fan both pushes and pulls air, creating constant circulation during the cooling cycle. If no air is moving, it might indicate a problem with the blower motor that turns the fan. A switch or sensor may have failed, or it can indicate a compressor failure. If air is coming through the vents, but the volume of air is low, it might be a simple fix—a clogged air filter.
  • Inconsistent Cooling. If suddenly not all spaces are receiving adequate cooling, or if cooling is different between cooling cycles, it may indicate a problem with the thermostat. A simple fix is fresh batteries in the thermostat; a more profound fix may require replacement.
  • Water Leaking from the AC Cabinet. The air conditioner in the average home removes 3 to 4 gallons of water each day. The water usually falls to a floor drain or drains outdoors. If the drain line gets clogged, the water leaks into your home and can cause costly repairs. If a liquid other than water is leaking from the cabinet, this is a serious health risk and requires immediate attention.
  • Sudden Unusual Sounds. It is not unusual to hear some minor sounds during a cooling cycle that results from the contraction and expansion of the sheet metal vents. However, if you hear something new, different, or loud, such as screeching or grinding, moving mechanical parts are coming together in abnormal ways. This usually happens right before the failure of those critical mechanical components; make a call as soon as possible.
  • Sudden Unusual Smells. If an electrical part has failed, leading to a short circuit, the intense heat often melts wire insulation; it often occurs during a component failure. If the sudden smell is musty and unpleasant, it may indicate a problem with the ductwork. Moisture inside of the ducts or a leak in the duct may have led to the growth of mold or mildew. These cause multiple health problems, so they must be addressed immediately.

Let us help with your Spring HVAC Maintenance questions!

Schedule your free Spring HVAC Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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4 Furnace Maintenance for Homeowners

Furnace Maintenance

Furnace Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

When your HVAC system was installed, it was customed-fit to meet the heating and cooling needs of the space in your home with well-designed components. However, like every well-designed mechanical system, it needs periodic maintenance; some maintenance tasks can be completed by homeowners, and some will need to be completed by HVAC professionals. Here are a few helpful Furnace Maintenance tasks any homeowner can complete to keep their system functioning efficiently.

Furnace Maintenance: Replace Your Filter Regularly

You are very familiar with the heating and cooling function of your system, but it also provides a vital purpose in cleaning the indoor air. An air filter removes a significant amount of dust and dander, made more important during the winter when windows and doors remain closed. When too much dust accumulates on the filter, this creates problems for the system.

A clogged filter reduces the amount of air that can pass through the filter and, as you know, your heating system depends upon great air movement. So, to keep your air clean and your home warm, change your air filter regularly. You can find the air filter in the furnace cabinet, located where enters the cabinet from the rest of the house. The filter size is printed on all four sides of the filter. Purchase the correct-sized filter, slide the old filter out and slide the new filter into the slot. For most homes, the filter should be changed once every three months; if your filters are very dirty each time, consider changing the filter every two months.

Furnace Maintenance: Use Your Thermostat Intentionally

Old-style thermostats were merely switched on the wall to call for heat or AC as needed. Newer thermostats are programmable, and some come with Smart capabilities, so there is a little bit of a learning curve for using them properly. New thermostats use batteries and batteries will need to be changed—a good rule is to remove them annually. Occasionally, the thermostat setting does not match your indoor experience. If this happens, a professional may need to recalibrate the thermostat; this can be completed during an annual preventative maintenance visit.

Both programmable and Smart thermostats can be used to customize a schedule of temperature changes to improve comfort and save money. Research has shown that reducing your thermostat setting by 70 or more for at least 8 hours can save approximately 10% on your heating bill. Finding an 8-hour window is not as hard as it sounds: lower the temp at night while the family is sleeping or away during the day. Since it is programmable, you can schedule a warm-up 30    minutes before the alarm clock sounds to ensure a comfortable morning.

Furnace Maintenance: Keep The Ductwork Clear

Ducts supply warm air throughout the house and return cool air back to the furnace to be warmed again. Openings in the ductwork are scattered around the house strategically, including supply vents and cold air returns. It is not usual for furniture, accessory, or drapes to completely cover these openings and restrict the free flow of air. Do a regular inspection of the vents and returns to ensure they are all open. For best results, have your ductwork cleaned regularly—schedule duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years or as needed.

Furnace Maintenance: Schedule Professional Maintenance Annually

Even when you complete these simple maintenance tasks, your HVAC system should be inspected, cleaned, and fine-tuned annually. A technician will check the electrical and mechanical components to keep your system running efficiently, making needed repairs as they arise. Catching small problems early can avoid large problems, giving longer service life for the entire system.

Have questions about Furnace Maintenance? We can help!

Schedule your free Furnace Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

 

 

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Energy Efficient Heating Tips for Winter

Energy Efficient Heating

Energy Efficient Heating Tips for Homeowners

When the utility bill arrives, there is often a quick twinge of panic and a desire to find Energy Efficient Heating methods to result in energy lower costs. Oh, and if we could find some Energy Efficient Heating hacks that cost absolutely nothing, that would be even better! Well, hang on, because we have a few real Energy Efficient Heating tips. You might not be able to use them all, but see how many will help.

Energy Efficient Heating: Solar Energy Hacks. The sun delivers 10,000 times more energy to the earth than the amount of energy that people use. If you stand in front of a window on a cold, sunny day and you will appreciate passive solar gain. Capturing a portion of the sun’s energy inside your home will save you money.

  • Winter sun is low in the sky during the winter and high in the sky in the summer. A low sun pours more sunlight into your home on winter days.
  • The sun allowed inside warms the flooring, the furniture, and the walls. This energy radiates into the air in your home, raising the temperature by as much as 150 on a sunny day.
  • Windows are the key to solar gain. New double-paned windows trap heat in the space between glass panes and that costs nothing. Open the drapes and blinds during the day on South-facing windows between 9 am and 3 pm on sunny days. Close the drapes and blinds after the sun sets to reduce the amount of heat escaping into the cold, dark night.

Energy Efficient Heating: Fan Hacks. To maximize solar gain, move the free solar heat with ceiling fans. The wintertime setting for ceiling fans turns the fan in a clockwise rotation; this pulls air up and pushes the warm air toward the outside of the room, and potentially into other areas of the house. Set the fan at the lowest speed and move this air around. Also, use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly. The air being pulled outside is warm, air—the kind of air you are trying to keep indoors.

Energy Efficient Heating: Thermostat Hacks. The thermostat is a switch that turns the heat on or off based on a pre-determined temperature setting. All but the oldest thermostats are programmable; that is, you can program the switch to change the temperature on a timed schedule. How does that help?

  • Be slow to switch the heat (or AC) on at the season change. Develop a little tolerance for a cooler temperature setting. Set the temperature at the lowest comfortable setting for your family.
  • The EPA has demonstrated that if you lower your thermostat setting by 7 to 10 degrees for a minimum of 8 hours, you will save 10% on your heating bill.1  That does not cost a thing and you enter the scheduled changes only one time.
  • There are two ideal times to program a reduction in temperature for 8 hours: overnight, while everyone is sleeping, and during the day, while the whole family is away from home. Try a few different schedules to see which works for your family.

Energy Efficient Heating: Appliance Hacks. Some of your household appliances create significant heat for cleaning and cooking. Wash dishes and clothes later in the day to fully appreciate the heat they generate. Exhaust the hot, moist air produced by showers during the summer, but retain it in the winter as much as possible. Cook and bake to your heart’s content on cold days; exhaust only the most disagreeable cooking odors.

Energy Efficient Heating: Maintenance Hacks. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s user guides concerning regularly scheduled preventative maintenance visits; annual maintenance is usually the guideline. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, at least every three months. These steps keep your HVAC system functioning efficiently and this saves you money.

Have questions about Energy Efficient Heating? We can help!

Schedule your free Energy Efficient Heating by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Energy Efficient Heating

1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats#:~:text=Thermostat%20Operation&text=You%20can%20easily%20save%20energy,asleep%20or%20away%20from%20home

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5 Essential AC Maintenance Tips

5 Essential AC Maintenance Tips

AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Heat and humidity seem to be our constant companions during the summer months. Your air conditioner is a critical key to keeping your family comfortable during the long Texas cooling system. We often share tips with homeowners for maintaining air conditioners, but it may be good to know there are more steps you can take to help keep your house cool beyond your air conditioner. While these steps cannot take the place of AC, they certainly can help. Let’s take a look at some of these AC Maintenance steps.

“Use” Sunlight Wisely

Everyone loves natural light flowing into their home. However, summertime sunlight equates to an increase in indoor temperature. Closing blinds and/or drapes during the day will reduce sunlight and keep your home cooler during the hottest part of the day. Tree shade and directional facing will be different for each home; know how to keep your home cooler.

Plan Meals

Oven-cooked meals might be perfect during cooler months, but they put stress on your AC and warm your kitchen significantly. There are several options available to keep your kitchen cooler.

  • Set one day aside to cool meals for the week. This reduces the number of hot days in the kitchen
  • Plan to cook outdoors.
  • Use energy-saving appliances, such as air fryers and electric pressure cookers

Schedule Cleaning

Clothes dryers and dishwashers contribute a little bit of heat and humidity to your home and impact comfort. If you plan to run these devices in the evening hours, during the coolest part of the day, they should have a minimal impact on your comfort and help with energy conservation.

Redirect Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans will not lower the air temperature but moving air speeds evaporation and therefore the air feels cooler. On the core of each ceiling fan is a small toggle switch that changes the direction of the fan. When the fan turns in the counterclockwise direction, it pushes air down and creates a cool breeze. Make sure each fan is turning counterclockwise during the summer to keep your home at peak comfort.

Address Problem Areas

If one or more rooms are consistently warmer than the rest of the house, don’t ignore the fact and research the root cause. Inspect every surface:

  • Check the attic for poor insulation
  • Check the windows and doors for leaks
  • Check the ducts to make sure they are intact and not leaking.

Of course, taking care of your air conditioner goes a long way toward keeping your home comfortable. Every mechanical system needs maintenance, and your air conditioner is no different. Cleaning the condenser coil, and ducts, and changing air filters are a few maintenance tasks that help your AC run efficiently. A regular preventative AC Maintenance inspection is recommended by your AC manufacturer.

Give All Cool AC a call to schedule an annual preventative AC maintenance visit with an HVAC professional.

Let us help with your AC Maintenance

Schedule your AC Maintenance assessment by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

5 Essential AC Maintenance Tips

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6 Tips HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

6 Tips HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

6 Tips HVAC Maintenance Tips to Better Energy Efficiency

Air conditioning is such a comfort during the summertime; stepping out of oppressive heat and humidity into a cool, dry environment is both welcoming and relaxing. The converse is also true.

Stepping into a home and expecting air conditioning but being disappointed is very stressful and troubling. Wise homeowners don’t just assume their AC will work but take the HVAC Maintenance extra steps to ensure it is kept in good working order.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

A dirty, clogged air filter leads to two major problems for air conditioners. First, it causes your blower motor to work harder than it should. While the blower fan moves large volumes of air—the entire volume of your home every 2 or 3 minutes—a clogged filter reduces the airflow, and the blower motor must work harder to complete its task.

Second, the evaporator coils bring very cold refrigerant gas into the evaporator chamber. Warm air from the house is being drawn through the filter and exchanged the heat for cold.

Reduced airflow causes humidity to freeze on the coils and this reduces the exchange of heat and cold. Expect warmer air from the air conditioner with an extremely clogged filter.

 Clean Your Evaporator Coils and Drain Pan

In addition to exchanging heat with cold, the evaporator removes humidity from the air when it condenses on the coils. By tripping the circuit breaker-marked AC and removing a few bolts, you can access the evaporator chamber and do a little maintenance. First, observe the coils—often a V-shape—and vacuum away any accumulated dust.

Second, observe the drain pan, looking for debris or algae buildup. Carefully pour a cup of bleach or vinegar into the drain pan as a deterrent to algae growth. You may need a wet/dry shop vacuum to clean out algae buildup in the drain lines. After you have returned the chamber cover and flip the circuit breaker back to the ON position.

Clean Your Condenser Unit

Stepping outside, locate the air conditioner condenser unit, a small, boxy component with a prominent fan on the top. The refrigerant gas has collected heat from your home in the evaporator chamber and brings it outdoors for release. The entire box is composed of a network of tubes with very small fins.

Airflow through this network transfers the heat to the moving air and cools down quickly. Quickly, unless the airflow is restricted by the accumulation of dirt, grass clippings, and debris. Use a garden hose—not a power washer—to gently clean the spaces between the tubes and promote good airflow. Trim any hedges and remove any debris within about 3 feet of the condenser.

Check Vents and Registers

In order for air conditioning to work properly, air must flow in large volumes. A normal 15-minute cooling cycle will move the entire volume of your home 7 or 8 times, maybe more. It moves that volume of air unless, of course, the vents and registers in the home are covered. Check each room and find one or more registers on or along the floor.

Rooms with more square footage will have more than one register. Make sure they are not covered by furniture or drapes. Each level of the home will have one or more return air vents.

Observe the vents about ¾ of the way up walls, perhaps in hallways or open spaces. Make sure that furniture and drapes do not cover your vents and reduce air movement.

Program The Thermostat for Summertime

Many homes have programmable or Smart thermostats. This allows homeowners to customize the temperature settings to match the family schedule and comfort levels. Summertime schedules change, so make sure to keep the settings adjusted to the season.

Consider adjusting the setting while the family is sleeping or away, reducing the demand for energy. Create a 30-minute buffer right before the alarm clock sounds or the first family member returns.

Plan an Annual HVAC Maintenance Tune-up

Scheduling a visit from an HVAC Maintenance professional to clean, inspect, and test the system is a sure way to keep your system running for as long as possible. The additional HVAC Maintenance care ensures that components function properly, gas levels are appropriate, and connections are maintained. This HVAC Maintenance TLC lengthens the serviceable life of your entire system.

Time for HVAC Maintenance?

Schedule your upcoming HVAC maintenance appointment by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

6 Tips HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

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5 AC Tune Up Tips to Save You Money

5 AC Tune Up Tips to Save You Money

5 Money-Saving Tips for Regularly Schedule AC Tune Ups

Spring is here! That is a short buffer time between cold weather and the hot and humid weather of summer. This is an excellent time to have your air conditioner serviced to make sure it is in great shape to keep your family comfortable and safe all summer long.

You hear HVAC professionals say that all the time and you might wonder “Does it make a difference?” Since it might seem like a little self-service for All Cool to say “yes,” we can give you an unbiased, expert opinion with nothing to gain from your response—the U.S. Department of Energy.1

Here are 5 motivations for you to service your AC this spring.

AC Tune Up Tip 1: Lengthen Your Warranty

If your AC unit has a warranty, it most likely requires an annual preventative maintenance service; check your documents. While a breakdown during the early years of service is unusual, keeping the warranty valid is important.

AC Tune Up Tip 2: Increase Useful Service Life

The #1 way to lengthen the service life of your air conditioner is to have it cleaned and serviced regularly. Service life claims vary, but here are a few general truths:

  • Furnaces generally last a few years longer than the air conditioner, but they are usually replaced at the same time.
  • Service life varies a lot, between 15 and 30 years. Again, the #1 difference-maker is regular maintenance.
  • Regular maintenance can add 5 or more years to service life compared to little or no maintenance.

AC Tune Up Tip 3: Decreased Repairs

As air conditioners age, parts will wear out and fail due to functional stress. The leading cause of this stress on any AC unit is dust and dirt that infiltrates various components. The two major functions of AC preventative maintenance are 1) removing dust and dirt from remote places, and 2) inspecting for damage and wear.

A well-maintained AC unit will experience fewer breakdowns and repairs over the service life since the wear is reduced and discovered early.

AC Tune Up Tip 4: Increase Efficiency

With stress-causing dirt and dust removed, your air conditioner will function better, from the compressor to the blower motor. With every AC cycle, your family will experience greater comfort, even during peak cooling periods.

AC Tune Up Tip 5: Decreased Energy Bills

Now more than ever, reducing utility bills will benefit the household budget. A well-maintained AC, functioning more efficiently, will reduce the cost of cooling your home all season long.

Regular maintenance provides more benefits such as improved indoor air quality and cleaner surfaces, but hopefully, these five reasons will motivate you to care for your AC while it keeps you cool and comfortable this summer.

Have Questions About AC Tune Up Tips?

Let us know how we can help with scheduling your AC Tune Up, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

5 AC Tune Up Tips to Save You Money

1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner#:~:text=An%20air%20conditioner’s%20filters%2C%20coils,while%20energy%20use%20steadily%20increases

 

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Tips to Have a Mold Free HVAC System in Your Home

How to Have a Mold-Free HVAC System

How to Have a Mold Free HVAC System

If the problem of mold keeps reoccurring, please consult with a mold remediation professional.

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) are designed to heat and cool, freshen, clean, and dehumidify the air in your home for your protection and comfort. When the system ceases to provide one or more of these functions it can lead to a mold infestation.

A serious mold infestation is hard to eradicate and can be very harmful to your family; do not wait—call a professional.

Since it is so serious, let’s consider some ways to make sure mold does not become a problem inside your home. Let’s start with your HVAC system.

Humidity Regulation is the Key to a Mold Free HVAC System

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission determines the ideal humidity for indoor air is between 30 and 50% humidity; expect between 30-40% in the winter and between 40 and 50% in the summer months.

Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, organic matter (it’s not picky), and a dark place, with little to no sunlight. Keeping the humidity low throughout the house restricts the places mold can grow. The indoor air should not feel “sticky,” even on summer days with high humidity outdoors. Use bathroom exhaust fans when showering. If it does feel “sticky,” call your HVAC professional.

Preventative Maintenance Promotes a Mold Free HVAC System

The second thing mold needs are organic material. Mold can bloom on wall paint, chalk, or wooden doors, but it can also feast on collected dust and dander. Matter of fact, the mold pollen will most likely travel together with dust, just waiting for moisture to activate it.

Make sure that you change air filters regularly, every three months at a minimum. Have an HVAC professional service your unit regularly, annually is recommended. Make sure your ductwork is cleaned as needed.

A preventative maintenance inspection can remove dust and repair components that contribute to water leaks. Prevention is much more effective—and safer than remediation.

Mold Removal

Even with these measures, it is not uncommon to find small quantities of mold. So how can you safely remove it?

  • If the affected area is larger than 9 square feet, the problem is large enough to call a mold remediation professional. Smaller areas can be cleaned with proper preparation and technique.
  • Mold spores can be harmful to your respiratory system; be very aware of the danger. Take the precaution of wearing a mask and gloves before cleaning or scrapping mold away.

Find the right cleaning supplies to keep a Mold Free HVAC System

Mold elimination products are readily available. They generally consist of harsh chemicals, so make sure you wear a mask and have good ventilation for the fumes.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly cleaning solution, start with soap and water; sometimes that is all that is needed. Another easy remedy is baking soda and water; it kills even black mold and acts as a bleaching agent. Since you are near the mold, always wear a mask.

If you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues, it is best for you to stay away and let someone else take care of the problem.

Throw Out Food Items

As mold grows on food, it is reproducing well beyond what you see. Some molds produce a toxin, known as mycotoxins, which will make you very ill. If you see mold on a food item, consider it lost and dispose of it; it is not worth the risk.

Interested in a Mold Free HVAC System? 

Let us know how we can help with your indoor air quality concerns and creating a Mold Free HVAC System, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

How to Have a Mold-Free HVAC System

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HVAC Hurricane Preparedness

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness for Your Home

Hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) has begun for the Texas Gulf Coast, a time of heightened awareness of tropical storms and hurricanes. Municipalities, businesses, and prudent homeowners are planning for the next storm event. Since each hurricane is unique and the damage caused is unpredictable, planning must be based on universal characteristics of severe weather events.

Homeowners must prepare for widespread high winds (gusts over 100 mph) and heavy rainfall over a relatively short period of time. The combination of these weather events leads to power outages, communication delays, travel restrictions, and temporary business closures.

The more people prepare, the quicker the recovery time for entire communities, so do your part and determine your response ahead of time. Here are several quick tips to include on your hurricane guideline list:

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness: Securing Your Home

Whether your plan is to evacuate or shelter in place, here are some suggestions to make sure your home is as secure as you can make it. Understand these are only suggestions. Please follow local emergency guidelines concerning evacuations, since they have the latest in weather updates and community situations.

  1. Purchase and store supplies that will help you protect the most vulnerable exterior surfaces present in your home.
    1. A two-car garage has at least 20 feet of a relatively thin surface with very little support structure; wind gusts can easily blow through your garage door. An open garage door will usually lead to further damage when the wind catches the roof and deposits it in the neighbor’s pool. Prepare to brace your garage door.
    2. Windows and doors are particularly vulnerable to high winds and flying debris. Purchase supplies and cut them to size ahead of time to protect windows and doors from high winds and flying debris.
  2. Inspect your property often, trimming dead limbs and limbs that overhang your home. Significant damage happens with limbs and trees fall in high winds.
  3. Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges due to frequent lightning strikes. A better plan is to turn the power off at the service panel right before the storm hits.
  4. If you need to protect your home from high water, be prepared to move valuables off the floor and park cars on higher ground.

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness: Protecting your Air Conditioner During a Hurricane

To minimize damage to your air conditioner and speed recovery time, follow these suggestions:

  1. Strap the outdoor compressor unit down with hurricane straps. The compressor unit is the only component of your HVAC system outside and exposed to the elements. Hurricane straps secure the lightweight unit to the concrete pad and prevent it from becoming a projectile.

    If your home is prone to flooding, you can further protect the compressor by contacting an HVAC professional to elevate it.

  2. Cover the compressor unit. After preventing the compressor from being blown away, protect it from flying or falling debris. A tarp or compressor cover will keep debris from being blown into the hollow center.

    Keep the cover on until winds subside, but remember to remove it before turning the AC on during recovery. For the compressor to function properly it needs a lot of air to move across the fins to cool the gases inside; without air movement, the high temperature will lead to overheating and failure.

  3. Prior to the storm, pre-cool your home. Set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than normal if you anticipate losing power for an extended period. It will not last forever but wait for the storm out in relative comfort. Keep curtains and blinds closed and doors closed to keep the cool air inside where it belongs.
  4. Once the high winds and heavy rain begins, turn off the air conditioner. Better yet, turn the power off at the electrical service panel. The electrical controls of your HVAC system are susceptible to power surges that can happen during frequent lightning strikes during a hurricane.
  5. After the storm has passed, begin with an inspection of your home inside and out. Remember to inspect for wind and rain damage, flooding, and damage resulting from power surges. If you have lost limbs or trees, proceed with caution and beware of downed power lines. Remember, if the ground is wet and a live power line is in contact with it, you are in danger. Contact your utility company and do not approach.Inspect your roof, windows, and walls. Make your way to the compressor unit and make a careful inspection. Remove the cover and examine the hollow interior. Make sure that leaves or branches have not blown inside to obstruct the fan of full air movement. Examine the electrical and coolant lines entering the home for damage. If any part of the unit is damaged, do not turn on the AC.

    As a part of HVAC Hurricane Preparedness procedures, inspect the electrical service panel and the condenser/blower unit for water damage. If you have experienced flooding or water damage to the HVAC components, do not turn it on until an HVAC technician has inspected it.

  6. If you have any problems or need repairs, contact AllCool AC and Heating for HVAC Hurricane Preparedness assistance right away. The call volume will be high, so anticipate a wait. A professional service call will give you peace of mind. Finding a minor problem now can avoid a major problem later.

Interested in HVAC Hurricane Preparedness for Your Home

If you are interested in learning how we can help with HVAC Hurricane Preparedness for your home, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

 

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness