Time for a New HVAC? Planning for HVAC Replacement

Avoid a Breakdown: Plan Your HVAC Replacement

Renovations and updates can be very rewarding and rather fun (or very frustrating, depending on your POV). A new coat of paint, new bathroom fixtures, or a transformed kitchen often adds value to a home while enhancing family enjoyment. The decision-making can be exhilarating, and the results can be quite pleasant.

However, not all home updates inspire creative juices or bring such joy. Most homeowners don’t get very excited about replacing the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Yes, replacing the HVAC system will affect the comfort and health of your family for the next 20 years and will definitely reduce heating and cooling costs, so it’s not uncomfortable. But there is nothing to see and therefore it does not elicit much excitement.

Some other benefits of a new HVAC system include:

Expect a new system to be quieter.
New systems will have variable-speed compressors and blower motors since heating/cooling needs vary when the indoor/outdoor temperature difference is slight or extreme.
New systems can have improved filtration or UV lights in the ductwork to improve indoor air quality.
New systems are usually more environmentally friendly.

Determining When It Is Time for an HVAC Replacement

Deciding the best time to replace your HVAC system will take the pressure off such a large purchase.

You should determine:

The age of your current HVAC system. Experience shows these systems last, on the short side about 15 years and on the long side about 25 years. Knowing the age of your system can help you determine when it needs to be replaced. If uncertain, collect the model/serial number from the manufacturer’s plate and take it to the brand’s website.
If replacement is overdue, replacement plans should get underway. Putting a decision off too long might result in a catastrophic failure and an emergency replacement.
If research reveals the system might have a few more years, adjust the budget now if possible, preparation for a replacement might be in order.

Other HVAC Replacement Factors

Beyond age, several other features of older HVAC systems can be detected as indications of systemic degradation.

Outdated Refrigerant. Air conditioners and heat pumps use refrigerant gas to transfer heat in and out of the home. (Refrigerant is commonly called Freon.) The US Environmental Protection Agency is constantly researching better refrigerant gas to protect the Earth’s ozone layer. Outdated refrigerants are regularly replaced with improved versions. Recently banned refrigerants include R-22, R-404a, and R-410a. If your system uses these gases, it may be impossible. If replacement is an option, the cost of replacement can be prohibited. The serial/model number plate will help a homeowner determine the type of refrigerant used.
Small repairs are not uncommon. However, some components are worn and used constantly. While they can be replaced the cost of equipment and installation rivals the cost of complete replacement. For natural gas furnaces, damage to the burner assembly/heat exchanger combination can be an expensive repair. Replacing the compressor on an air conditioner can also be very expensive. Compare the cost of new equipment with the cost of new components before making a decision.
Poor Performance. If adjusting the temperature setting does not result in a comfortable room temperature, it might indicate a minor repair is needed. Or it might indicate the entire system is extremely worn and needs to be replaced. This condition often results in higher energy use (read “high energy bills) at the same time.

All Cool AC & Heating – The Richmond HVAC Replacement Experts

While home renovations often focus on visible upgrades, replacing an HVAC system is a crucial, though less glamorous, improvement that impacts comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Knowing the age of your system is key, as most last between 15-25 years, and planning for replacement before a complete failure can prevent emergencies. Beyond age, consider factors like outdated refrigerant, costly component repairs, and declining performance when deciding if it’s time for a new HVAC system.

All Cool AC Richmond HVAC replacement professionals can assist with your HVAC replacement and repair needs. Schedule your Richmond HVAC replacement consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC installation technicians put their experience to work for you.

January 28, 2025

Improving Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Year-Round

Improving Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Year-Round: Tips for Winter and Summer Contaminants and HVAC Maintenance

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their day indoors; during times of extreme temperature—summer heat and winter cold—this percentage increases. This happens because indoor spaces are conditioned to make us more comfortable. But, since the indoor air is continuously recirculating, the air must be as clean as possible. Also, the problems with Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) differ between the summer and the winter.

Year-Round Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Problems

Some airborne contaminants will be prevalent year-round and need to be addressed.

Dust and Dander. Dust is a general term for almost any airborne particle, but indoor dust consists mostly of dead human skin and hair cells that flake off. Dander consists of the same skin and hair cells that flake away from indoor pets. Other dust components include fibers and chemicals from household belongings and outdoor air.

Microscopic insects also ride along and consume organic dust particles; they are called dust mites. When a family member is diagnosed with “dust allergies,” it is often an allergy to these tiny creatures and their byproducts.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOC, are gaseous compounds released from many manufactured products. The gas is released from carpets, furniture, finishes, and adhesives. The “new car smell” is actually a recognizable VOC. Most VOCs are released shortly after the manufacturing process, but trace amounts will be off-gassed continuously.

These airborne contaminants can be dealt with by very common and practical solutions.

Dust and dander are heavier than air. When the air is moving, the particles move throughout the space, but when the air is still, gravity takes over, and these particles fall to any surface underneath. A thorough cleaning (dusting, mopping, and vacuuming) removes most of these particles. Don’t forget to occasionally clean linens and drapes, since they collect dust like any other surface.
The air filter is key for removing dust and dander. More on this later.
Find a day with mild temperatures and turn off the furnace for a couple of hours. Open a few windows and doors to release the indoor air and bring in fresh air. The ventilation helps to dilute the amount of dust and VOCs trapped indoors.

Winter Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Contaminants

A higher risk for some contaminants happens as well.

As odd as it sounds, there is a greater potential for exhaust inside during the winter. Even though there is no obvious advantage to doing so, many car owners run their vehicles during the winter to “warm it up.” If done inside the garage, even with the garage doors up, the exhaust will enter the home. Each year, the preventative maintenance check will also closely examine the burner assembly and heat exchanger to ensure the exhaust from natural gas does not make its way into the home.
While there is no pollen during the winter, the ground is wetter, and mold spores can be a problem. Mold needs moist, dark spaces to grow, and the mold spores are easily tracked into the home. Spores can trigger allergies and asthma, but they can also trigger mold blooms inside the home.

Solutions for Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality contaminants include:

Pulling a car out of the garage immediately and, if you feel the need to warm up a car, make sure to do it outdoors with the garage door closed.
Using walk-off mats at entry doors to collect dirt and spores before they are spread throughout the home.
Considering dropping shoes off at entry doors.

Role of HVAC Systems in Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality

HVAC systems use an air filter to scrub the air. With every heating or cooling cycle, a fiber filter removes a larger percentage of particulate matter from the air. However, the collection of dust can restrict air from moving through the system to heat or cool the air.
Be sure to service your HVAC system each year. The protections and benefits are important to indoor air quality.
Dust also collects in the ductwork and needs to be cleaned occasionally; cleaning the ducts every 3 to 5 years is the recommendation.

All Cool AC & Heating – The Sugar Land Indoor Air Experts

All Cool AC Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality professionals can verify whether your HVAC system can accommodate a new media air filter. Schedule your Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality 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.

January 21, 2025

Furnace Replacement During the Winter

How to Prepare for a Furnace Replacement During Winter’s Coldest Months

The toughest time of year to replace an air conditioner is during July and August, doing without AC during the heat of the dog days of summer. Conversely, the toughest time of year for a furnace replacement is during January and February, when we experience the coldest nights of the year. Doing without an HVAC system during extreme temperatures is rather unpleasant, uncomfortable, and potentially unhealthy.

Fortunately, informed homeowners know that the average HVAC system lasts for 20 years, allowing them to plan a system replacement during mild-weather months. But sometimes things happen, and an HVAC system needs to be replaced during the worst possible time. If you face a winter Furnace Replacement, here are some things you can expect.

Anticipating the Age Problem

As an HVAC system ages, typical problems develop.

The average HVAC system in Texas will experience more than 500,000 heating and cooling cycles in 20 years. The sheer number of cycles creates wear.
Like most mechanical systems, micro-wear happens with each use. Replacing parts will prolong the system, but eventually, the wear takes out a component too large to simply replace.
The normal lifespan of HVAC systems is about 20 years; well-maintained systems will last a while longer.

Eventually, the system will need to be replaced.

Furnace Replacement Takes a While

The first step to HVAC replacement is a Manual J Load Calculation. This investigation examines the square footage, type of insulation, number of windows and doors, and other pertinent features. It determines the proper size of both heating and cooling units, a unique fit for your unique home.
Installation of a new system can take place quickly . . . if all the equipment needed for your unique system is readily available.

When the equipment and installers are both available, the installation can begin. Replacing the system may take one to three days, depending on the complexity of the system and the needed alterations.

The refrigerant (commonly called Freon) needs to be removed first.
The components will need to be dismantled and removed; this includes the indoor furnace cabinet and the outdoor compressor unit.
The old system will be replaced with new, energy-efficient components. When the system is completely installed, the system will be charged with the latest type of refrigerant available. The new system, both heating and cooling, will be tested to ensure the whole system performs as designed.

If everything falls into place, a replacement could take a few days. If components need to be collected, it could take a few weeks to gather and install the system. That is a long time to do without a heating system during the coldest weeks of the year. The key to avoiding the cold of an emergency furnace replacement is to know your system’s age and plan the replacement.

Call for Furnace Replacement at All Cool AC & Heating

With decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, All Cool AC & Heating will ensure your furnace replacement is completed as quickly as possible. If repair is no longer an option our furnace replacement technicians will design a furnace system to meet the needs of your home. Contact us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

December 30, 2024

Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy

HVAC Maintenance Katy: System Check-ups, Cleaning, and Energy Savings

HVAC professionals, manufacturers, and public agencies talk all the time about the benefits and necessities of a regular (at least annual) Preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy service for residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems.

Preventative maintenance avoids most breakdowns and keeps the system running smoothly by catching problems early.
Preventative maintenance increases energy efficiency, which measurably saves money on utility bills.
Regular preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy extends the useful years of the system by as many as 5 years.

But what actually happens during these maintenance visits that save money and accomplish these benefits? Professional HVAC Maintenance Katy will include:

A Systematic Check-up

A seasoned HVAC Maintenance Katy professional can diagnose most problems early in an HVAC examination since problems develop in predictable patterns. However, the visit will include a thorough inspection of the entire system: the burner assembly and the heat exchanger for natural gas furnaces or the condenser and heating elements for heat pumps or electric furnaces.

The thermostat, blower motor, electrical sensors, switches, and control units will be tested no matter the type of fuel used. The overall performance can be tested by measuring the heat output in the home.

A Systematic Cleaning

Dirt is the bane of mechanical systems and causes problems at every turn. As the check-up proceeds, the technician will clean the accumulation of dust and sticky pollen wherever it is found. Soot and rust may also cling to the burner assembly, interfering with complete or efficient burning gas.

A key cleaning task will be replacing the air filter. Homeowners probably hear this all the time, but a dirty filter affects the efficiency of a furnace/air conditioner by hampering the free flow of air, which is so vital for HVAC performance.

The technician can recommend the best air filter for your system. The filter needs to be changed at least every three months. If you change your filter regularly you will be able to tell if it needs to be changed more frequently.

Care For Moving Parts

The most prominent moving part in an HVAC system is the blower motor; a motor turns a very efficient fan to move the entire volume of air in the home, circulating the air, and keeping it fresh and healthy. The motor will be serviced, belts inspected/replaced as needed, and the parts that require lubrication will be cared for properly.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy Final Report

After the preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy visit, the technician should provide a report to the homeowner, including:

A performance report to ensure the homeowner the system is working properly and efficiently.
A safety report gives the homeowner confidence that the system will not harm the occupants.
A notification that a repair needs to be made and the timeframe the repair should be made.

This is a good time to ask questions and receive some simple instructions on DIY HVAC Maintenance Katy tasks.

Do-it-yourself Preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy Tasks

Many thermostats are programmable or have Smart technology that allows monitoring and setting changes via a cellphone app. Ask the technician to explain the thermostat’s capabilities.
Ask the technician for recommendations concerning air filter ratings for your HVAC system. Explore the benefits of installing UV lights inside the ductwork to neutralize organic allergens/pathogens.
The technician can help homeowners monitor cleaning tasks, from regular checking vents for obstructions to how often to clean ductwork.

HVAC Maintenance Katy: System Check-ups, Cleaning, and Energy Efficiency Tips

Regular Preventative HVAC Maintenance Katy helps prevent breakdowns improves energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your system. A thorough check-up includes inspecting key components, cleaning dust and debris, and ensuring the proper function of moving parts.

After the visit, you’ll receive a detailed report and tips for simple DIY maintenance tasks to keep your system running smoothly.

With decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, All Cool AC & Heating will ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and safely, no matter the season. If repair is no longer an option our furnace replacement technicians will design a furnace system to meet the needs of your home. Contact us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

November 19, 2024

4 Warning Signs You Need a Furnace Replacement

4 Red Flags That Indicate It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement

Facing a problem before it becomes an emergency is much easier and usually much cheaper than waiting until an emergency arises. This is certainly true regarding furnace replacement.

HVAC systems are composed of components that heat and cool a home (along with providing fresh, clean air and removing humidity). Both hot and cold extreme temperatures put the most stress on HVAC performance, so a breakdown or failure generally happens when the system is needed the most. This also creates stress of a different nature on families and HVAC professionals—the need for rapid repair or replacement under duress. A few observations can help a homeowner avoid HVAC emergencies.

1 Age Investigation

Do you know how old your HVAC system is? If you were not the homeowner who installed the system, find the serial number plate. Do an internet search of the make and serial number to determine the age of the system.

The average HVAC system will function properly for 15 to 20 years; regular maintenance can add 5 years to the useful life. If your system is approaching or has passed this age, begin to monitor performance and make plans to replace the system. Pay attention to maintenance reports and repair schedules. Plan a furnace replacement and do not wait too long.

2 Visual Inspections

Observation by homeowners can often uncover potential major problems. Rust anywhere on the system indicates age. Rust or cracks on the burner assembly of a furnace need to be addressed immediately. Discoloration and loose connections on any part of the furnace or air conditioning components can be a precursor to problems in the immediate future.

The flame of a natural gas or propane-powered furnace should burn with a blue flame. If you observe a yellow flame, it indicates incomplete combustion and the production of excessive carbon monoxide rather than carbon dioxide. The other product being produced in excess is soot, carbon powder, that will begin to coat the burner assembly and heat exchanger.

Excessive dirt inside the home is also an indication that the system is struggling. If you continue to find excessive dust near the supply or return vents after changing the air filter, this indicates loose duct connections somewhere in the ductwork. Vacuuming, mopping, and dusting will also result in collecting more dust than normal.

3 Listen for Differences

Normally, the sounds of the HVAC system blend into the background noise of the household. When heating or cooling cycles become noticeably louder or include unusual sounds, it is more than just annoying. Thumping, grinding, or screeching sounds are not normal and need to be addressed by an HVAC professional. When normal sounds—the hum of electricity or the “whoosh” of moving air—are significantly louder than normal, this should prompt a call to an HVAC professional. Additional noises or increased volume generally indicate trouble in the near future that can lead to a Furnace Replacement.

4 Check the Utility/Repair Bills

An aging system will inevitably lose efficiency; there are several reasons for this phenomenon, but it happens to the best of systems. This might be hard to discern since the price of energy is on the rise. The best indication is to check the number of kilowatt hours needed during the heating/cooling seasons from year to year. A new system may be 50% more efficient than an old system.

If your system requires frequent small repairs, add the repair costs together to get a clearer picture of the system’s health.

Investigate the cost of the equipment and installation of a new HVAC system; professionals can give a quote or ballpark figure. Compare this figure to potential component repair or furnace replacement to determine whether it is more cost-effective to replace a system rather than repair it.

The Furnace Replacement Experts You Can Trust

With decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, All Cool AC & Heating will ensure your furnace operates efficiently and safely, no matter the season. If repair is no longer an option our furnace replacement technicians will design a furnace system to meet the needs of your home. Contact us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

October 29, 2024

The Essential Guide to AC Maintenance

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

February 28, 2024

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.