The Essential Guide to AC Maintenance

AC Maintenance Katy

Why Regular AC Maintenance Katy is Crucial for Optimal Performance

Summer is over and, boy, did that air conditioner work hard! It is a good thing that the system gets several months of rest. Well, not really. Consider this:

Texas has about 2 million heat pumps—more than any state in the Union. Heat pumps use the same equipment as air conditioners but run the process in reverse.

All central heat/air conditioning systems share components, so there is no rest.

For these reasons and more, your HVAC system needs annual maintenance. Here are a few more considerations.

Fewer Surprise Breakdowns

When a technician cleans, tests, and inspects an HVAC system, they uncover evidence problems are developing—wear and stress that might not show up yet. These problems can be repaired or replaced before they cause a midnight failure on the coldest night of the year. Emergency repairs can be:

  • Very inconvenient
  • Unsafe
  • On a “first-come-first-served” basis

AC Maintenance Katy will not guarantee that no breakdowns will happen, but it significantly reduces the risk of failure.

Less Energy Equals Less Dollars

HVAC, like other mechanical systems, micro-stresses wear away at parts constantly. When the thermostat calls for heat, 220 volts of electricity suddenly surge through switches and wires, and a sudden shock happens every time. These stresses eventually cause wear and tear, and the stress spreads to other parts. Stress makes parts work harder to complete the same task. Harder work takes more energy. All this to say, HVAC systems lose efficiency over time.

AC Maintenance Katy catches some of the stress indicators and makes corrections—repairs or replacements. Maintenance strengthens the system, easing stress. Less energy equals fewer dollars.

Simple Steps to Cleaner Air

A significant task in AC Maintenance Katy is cleaning parts and places a homeowner cannot reach. Homeowners should replace the air filter regularly—at least once every three months, so a new filter might not be that important. But the technician might be a wealth of information about which filter to use.

  • For homeowners with a tendency to purchase the least expensive air filter, a technician can explain the benefits of a filter upgrade.
  • For homeowners with a tendency to go overboard, a technician can help avoid damage to the system from an inappropriate filter.

An optimal filter is a high-quality filter that meets the specifications of each HVAC system.

A technician can also give a homeowner an idea of how dirty the ductwork is and recommend a duct cleaning company to complete the job. Duct cleaners recommend cleaning every 3 to 5 years, but an HVAC technician can upgrade the information, to let homeowners make an informed decision.

Indoor air quality impacts a family’s health, so ask the necessary questions.

Extending Useful Years

The average air conditioning system lasts between 15 and 20 years, but a well-maintained air conditioning system lasts 20 to 25 years. Changing that air filter, completing annual maintenance, and making the necessary repairs are significant over the long run.

AC Maintenance Katy Experts You Can Trust

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

HVAC Hurricane Preparation

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.

How Ceiling Fans Affect Indoor Air Quality

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?

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.

How Routine AC Maintenance Affects Indoor Air Quality

AC Maintenance

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.

Furnace Repair: What Happens When Your Furnace Stops

Furnace Repair: What Happens When Your Furnace Stops

Furnace Repair Pointers When Your Heater Stops Working

Winters in Texas are relatively short, but you must watch for those severe cold snaps. They can be longer than expected and wreak considerable havoc across a wide area, especially for folks not accustomed to harsh arctic blasts. Walking in from the cold causes a greater appreciation for a great furnace system in your home. Until it is not warm!

If your home is not at your desired comfort level and the power is still on, what can you do? First, search for simple things; second, stay warm; and third, call for furnace repair reinforcements.

Simple Furnace Repair Troubleshooting

Check the thermostat. Thermostats work as a sensor and switch, so check all the settings—ON/OFF and temperature settings—to make sure it is calling for heat. If you have a heat pump furnace, make sure to set the thermostat on EM Heat or Aux Heat when the outside temperature drops below 32 degrees. If the thermostat face plate is blank or giving a low battery notice, change the batteries and see if that helps.

Check the circuit breakers. Often, the electric service panel has more than one breaker assigned to the furnace. Make sure that both circuits are open. If not, turn the breaker off and then on to reset the circuit. Often, the furnace may have one or two breakers on the exterior of the cabinet to allow repairs; make sure these breakers are also in the ON position.

Check the air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, hampering the hardworking furnace from achieving its goal—your comfort.

Check the gas supply and ignition. If the furnace is natural gas-powered, do a simple observation. A gas supply valve should be wide open. Find the valve near the furnace or somewhere between the furnace and an outdoor supply. Some gas furnaces will have a pilot light, a small flame that remains lit to ignite gas at the burner.

Some gas furnaces use electronic ignition, which creates an electric spark to ignite gas at the burner. The sensors around these ignition sources can accumulate a carbon buildup called soot. Soap and water with a gentle touch can clean the soot away, but the sensor is extremely sensitive.

Stay Warm

  • Fireplaces are often used for ambiance or mood, but of course, they are also used for keeping warm. They are great for heating a space but may be ineffective at warming an entire house. If bedrooms are cold and the den is kept warm by a fireplace, it might mean a fun campout in the den.
  • Electric blankets might also be helpful.
  • When using electric space heaters, be very wise. They can help heat a room but not the entire house. Keep them about three feet away from surfaces and outside of high-traffic areas. Do not leave them unattended since the heat can start a fire.
  • Layer clothes. If you must wear gloves, hats, and scarves inside to stay warm, stay warm.
  • Blankets, quilts, and throws will help conserve body heat.
  • Don’t forget to keep pets warm as well.

Don’t Delay Furnace Repair

If simple observations do not restore heat, do not delay in calling for assistance. You are likely not alone with a furnace problem, so request a furnace repair service visit ASAP while you are keeping your family warm.

Call the Furnace Repair Experts at All Cool AC!

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

4 Questions to Ask During Furnace Maintenance

4 Questions to Ask During Furnace Maintenance

Questions to Ask During Furnace Maintenance

Wouldn’t it be nice to ask questions of professionals, knowing you would get an honest response without it costing anything? That is why websites have Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages. Here are some furnace maintenance questions that you might want to ask HVAC professionals, with honest replies.

What is the appropriate temperature for a home?

Family members often have sharp disagreements about comfortable temperatures in both winter and summer months. Online sources disagree just as sharply since comfort is personal and unique to each person.

  • The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a range between 68 degrees and 78 degrees. However, they recommend 68 degrees for the wintertime and 78 degrees for summertime temperatures. Neither of these temperatures is likely agreeable to most of your family members.
  • Temperatures higher than 80 degrees are hot enough to damage drywall finishes during heating or cooling season.
  • Temperatures below 55 degrees are likely to result in frozen water lines during the winter.
  • Comfort seems to lie between 72- and 76 degrees year-round; a narrower temperature lies in personal preferences.
  • Programmable thermostats can help. Temperatures can be scheduled to enhance comfort.

We just endured a pandemic; what can be done to improve indoor air quality, especially concerning bacteria and viruses?

This is a good question, and the answer is—there are several good options for indoor air quality.

  • Change your air filter regularly, at least every three months.
  • HVAC air filters capture most airborne particles; the percentage of particles captured is determined by particle size and filter openings. Filters rated MERV 8 capture about 90% of particles. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the openings in the filter and the higher the percentage captured.
  • Check with HVAC specifications to determine proper ratings since filters with extremely small openings may restrict airflow and interfere with heating and cooling functions.
  • In addition, system modifications can neutralize and eliminate biological particles from the air. Ultraviolet lights can be installed inside the ductwork. UV lights disrupt cell walls, destroying pollen, mold, bacteria, and virus cells.
  • Your HVAC professional may have further recommendations for your unique setting.

Be honest: is annual furnace maintenance really necessary?

This is a just question, and the correct answer might seem a little self-serving, but the answer is—yes, indeed, it is necessary.

  • Everyone involved in this industry agrees that annual maintenance is needed. Individual components and the function of the whole are thoroughly tested and cleaned.
  • While you might question the wisdom of HVAC maintenance, you probably insist on regular maintenance on vehicles: regular oil and filter changes and the replacement of brakes or tires. Maintenance functions in the same way for an HVAC system.

Why are HVAC ratings so complicated?

Let’s look at what the ratings mean.

  • Furnaces are rated by the Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. An AFUE rating measures how much energy is converted to heat by a furnace. Natural gas furnaces capture energy in a range of 90 and 98.5% of the available energy. Electric furnaces capture 100% of the energy in electricity. Hopefully, this is understandable.
  • Air conditioners are rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER. It is a complicated rating since it measures efficiency during normal temperatures and extreme hot snaps, daytime heat, and the cool of summer evenings. Efficiency is measured and averaged. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. All new systems will have a SEER rating higher than 15 in Texas.
  • Heat pumps used for heating are rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which, like the SEER rating, captures efficiency over an entire season. All heat pump systems will have an HSPF between 8 and 9.

Call the Furnace Maintenance Experts at All Cool AC!

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

5 Furnace Repair Checks to Winterize Your Home

5 Furnace Repair Checks

Furnace Repair: Is Your Heater Ready for Winter

The U.S. Department of Energy, manufacturers, and professional technicians all agree that HVAC systems should be inspected and tested by trained HVAC personnel. Often, manufacturer’s warranties depend on regular maintenance. But what is involved, and why are these inspections necessary?

Winter Furnace Repair Check 1: Performance

First, a technician will investigate the proper function of the system. That is achieved by calling for heat (or cooling) and measuring the temperature difference in a room and at supply vents. There is a range of acceptable temperature differences that signal proper function. Both acceptable and unacceptable temperature output are important to the technician.

Winter Furnace Repair Check 2: Cleaning Tasks

Dirt is the enemy of any mechanical system, and that is especially true for an HVAC system.

  • The technician will check the air filter and may replace a relatively clean filter just to make sure the system has a clean filter.
  • The technician will check the evaporator coil and drain pan. Heat pumps still use this coil, usually associated with air conditioning. Dust and contaminates can reduce the transfer of heat, so it will be cleaned away. The blower fan blades will be checked along with the airflow performance.
  • The technician will clean the condenser unit outdoors. Leaves, limbs, dirt, and lawn clippings will need to be cleaned away for the same reason as the evaporator coil—heat transfer.

Winter Furnace Repair Check 3: Coolant Pressure

The transfer of heat is important to air conditioning and, with heat pumps, to the heating function as well. Heat transfer is accomplished by a refrigerant, which exists as a gas while under pressure and a liquid when released from the pressure. The change of state achieves heat transfer. The technician will check the refrigerant pressure on both the high-pressure and low-pressure sides. A low refrigerant level indicates a leak and will interfere with heat transfer.

Winter Furnace Repair Check 4: Electrical Testing

The whole system functions on electrical sensors, switches, and controllers. Each of these components can show wear, create stress on other parts, and fail. The wear and stress can often be detected with a tester. Finding a part under stress before it fails is very beneficial, saving you from a repair bill.

Winter Furnace Repair Check 5: Combustion Check

Natural gas-powered furnaces receive a thorough inspection of the ignition and burner assembly and the heat exchanger. The connection fittings for the gas supply will be checked for leaks. The ignition source, either an electric ignitor or a pilot light, will be cleaned and tested. The burner assembly will be inspected and cleaned as needed. The heat exchanger and exhaust stack will be inspected for weakness or cracks. All of these are both safety and performance checks.

A technician will complete the appropriate tasks, give the homeowner a report of findings, and suggest corrective actions.

If Your Heater is not Ready for Winter, Call the Furnace Repair Experts at All Cool AC!

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

5 Furnace Repair Checks

3 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Improve Efficiency

3 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Improve Efficiency

3 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Air conditioning is such a comfort during the long, hot summertime. All winter long, we look forward to summer fun in the sun. However, since the heat and humidity are so relentless, we seek relief whenever we go inside. Air conditioning has become so essential to our summer. It would be nice to find ways to enhance the air conditioning experience. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your HVAC Maintenance experience.

1 Keep the Heat Outside and the Cool Inside

This seems like a no-brainer, but to do it well it takes intentional actions.

  • The quality of insulation will become very evident during times of extreme temperatures—both hot and cold temperatures. Getting into the attic to add insulation during triple-digit or single-digit temperatures is not a wise decision. However, preparing for extreme temps while the temps are mild is a wise decision.
  • Windows transfer a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat into the home. Sunlight is not the problem; it is the accompanying infrared energy that creates the heat. Floor and furniture surfaces are heated and retain the heat. Additionally, heat passes through glass readily, heating the inside air. Keep blinds and drapes closed during the midday period, opening them in the mornings and evenings to enjoy the natural light.

2 Keep the Thermostat Steady

It is tempting to use the thermostat inside like the fan switch on our car’s air conditioner, turning it up when you enter and down when the temperature drops. That might work in the small confines of a car, but it doesn’t work for a home air conditioner.

  • When the thermostat is set at 740 and the temperature rises to 750, the thermostat instructs the air conditioner to begin cooling the air. The cooling cycle may last for 5 to 10 minutes if it is functioning normally. Dropping the thermostat to 640 will also instruct the air conditioner to begin cooling the air. It will also take 5 to 10 minutes or so—not a minute less. Dropping the thermostat setting does not cool the space faster, but it does put tremendous stress on the air conditioner.
  • A better approach is to schedule the temperature setting, including any changes you might desire, and let the air conditioner do its job. If your family has a steady summertime schedule—leaving and returning at regular intervals—temperature changes can be programmed to coincide with the schedule. Program temperatures change and do not alter the schedule.

3 Schedule Filter Changes and HVAC Maintenance

Homeowners can enhance their air conditioner system by keeping it clean. Change the air filter regularly to keep indoor air clean and ensure a free flow of air. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance increases the performance of air conditioners and uncovers small problems before they become big problems.

We Specialize in HVAC Maintenance to Reduce Your Utility Bills

Schedule your free HVAC Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool 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.

Heater Maintenance Tune Up

Heater Maintenance Tune Up

Benefits of an Annual Heater Maintenance Tune Up

The time to use our heaters is upon us. We’ve had some extreme temperature drops and we are expecting more to follow. The key to keeping your furnace running consistently is an annual tune-up of the electrical and mechanical components. Here’s a quick look at the Heater Maintenance Tune Up tasks we complete during a tune-up and how this benefits your home and family.

What You Can Expect During a Heater Maintenance Tune Up

Your technicians will arrive on time and ask you a few questions. In order to make a thorough inspection and tune-up, they will need access to various parts of the property indoors and outdoors. Prepare for someone to be present for a couple of hours, although the tasks may not take quite that long.

Outdoor Tasks 

  • The technicians will inspect the condenser unit. You may associate the condenser with air conditioning functions, but the same system can be accessed for heat when the weather is moderate. The condenser will be cleaned as needed and the refrigerant gas level checked.
  • Because this unit uses a lot of power, the electrical components will be tested and cleaned.
  • If your furnace uses natural gas or propane, the technician will check the supply lines as they enter the house.

Mechanical Room Tasks

  • The electrical controls, switches, sensors, and capacitors will be cleaned and tested. The furnace is a finely tuned system that requires precise controls; wear and tear can weaken these switches and put stress on the entire system.
  • The blower motor will be cleaned and lubed, and the blower fins will be cleaned as needed.
  • The air filter will be replaced by a new, high-quality filter.
  • For natural gas furnaces, the heat exchanger, supply line, and valve will be checked for leaks, soot, and any corrosion will be cleaned away from the burner units.

Indoor Tasks

  • The thermostat will be inspected tested and calibrated as needed. New batteries will be installed.
  • Supply vents and return air will be inspected to ensure they are not covered.

The Benefits of an Annual Heater Maintenance Tune Up

  • Your system functions more efficiently when the furnace components are cleaned and worn parts are replaced. An efficient system uses less energy, reducing your monthly utility bills.
  • Tune ups result in fewer major repairs. When technicians address minor issues, such as a worn electrical component, they prevent potential stress on other parts of the system and oftentimes the need for major repairs.
  • Annual tune-ups add years to the life of your system. The key is avoiding the catastrophic failure of major components, like the compressor unit. No system lasts forever, but you can delay replacement with regular tune-ups.
  • When your furnace functions well, it responds better to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Your technician can even demonstrate the scheduling function of your programmable thermostat.
  • Airborne particles –dust, pollen, and mold spores— can threaten your family’s health, even if the air quality seems fine. Cleaning the system and changing the air filter regularly ensures good air quality in your home and helps keep your family healthy.

Have questions about Heater Maintenance Tune Up? We can help!

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

 

6 Tips to Keep Your HVAC Compressor from Failing

6 Tips to Keep Your HVAC Compressor from Failing

HVAC Compressor Maintenance Tips

As a homeowner, you understand the importance of your HVAC Compressor and AC system: it heats and cools, cleans the air, and removes humidity on hot summer days. You often hear that maintenance saves you money, avoids repairs, and keeps the whole system running longer.  All that is true: maintaining the whole system is more convenient and less expensive than repairs.

This article will focus on caring for the compressor—the workhorse of your system. HVAC Compressor failure is a catastrophic loss; compressor replacement often leads to AC replacement. Let’s take a look at what makes it critical and how to take care of it.

With heat pump technology, the compressor is used for both heating and cooling. The technology is based on gas science; when a gas is compressed, it heats and when the pressure is released, the gas cools. This is done at a predictable rate, so engineers make use of this science to accomplish a desired task.

As the name implies, the compressor compresses the gas and pushes it into the evaporator coil, where the gas pressure is released.

The blower motor is continuously moving air from your home through the evaporator chamber. Inside the evaporator chamber, this cold refrigerant gas completes three tasks simultaneously; cools the air in the evaporator chamber, removes humidity when the moisture condenses on the coil and absorbs heat from your home.

Now the hot gas moves outdoors to the condenser unit and the heat is released. During the winter, the same system works in reverse order; the gas picks up heat from outdoors and brings it inside.

HVAC Compressors generally fail when other components are under increased stress. Maintaining your compressor requires a few basic steps that you can accomplish and further steps that require a technician with professional equipment and training.

  1. Basic cleaning. Contaminants are the nemesis of any mechanical system. It is true of your car. It is true of your lawnmower. It is true of your computer. Your HVAC system is no different. Start by making sure to change your air filter on a regular schedule—every three months is enough for most settings. Use a garden hose and gently wash grime and dirt out of the condenser coil—the outdoor component. Ideally, you should clean your ductwork every three to five years.
  2. Professional Service. Develop a relationship with a local HVAC contractor and schedule an annual PM visit for your system. A qualified technician will ascertain the condition of your compressor and other components. Professional equipment is required to measure gas pressure and recharge the system if pressure is low.
  3. Recharging the system. A loss of cooling capacity (or heating capacity in the winter) might be an indication of low gas pressure. The refrigerant gas is kept in a closed system of copper or aluminum tubes, so low pressure indicates a leak. Before the technician can recharge the system, the leak will need to be repaired. Since some refrigerant gases pose a danger to the environment, 33all refrigerant gases are highly regulated. A professional license is required to handle these gases.
  4. Clean the evaporator coils. Dirty coils can lead to a loss of cooling capacity, gaining access to the coils requires accessing the central air unit. While the cabinet is open, the technician will also clean the evaporator drain pan and make sure the drain line is open.
  5. Inspect electrical controls, sensors, and wiring. Even a small amount of dust can interfere with the sensitive control mechanisms. This investigation can detect electrical components that are under stress and subject to imminent failure.
  6. Repair the compressor as needed. The lubrication for the compressor is in a closed system and when the system is compromised it will need to be repaired and lubed again. Your technician will have the correct parts available and the necessary skill to make repairs.

The best way to take care of your HVAC Compressor is to maintain the whole system. A preventative maintenance plan can keep your HVAC Compressor, and therefore, your entire HVAC system viable for years to come.

6 Tips to Keep Your HVAC Compressor from Failing

Let us help with your HVAC Compressor Repair

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