Tag: furnace repair

The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Lilly Allen Home Services , , , , ,

Air Duct Cleaning is an important service that should be performed professionally. Avoid companies that make sweeping claims about the benefits of air duct cleaning and ask questions.

An experienced technician will use a specialized vacuum cleaner, brushes and air compressors to remove dust, dirt, debris from your ductwork under negative pressure. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City now!

Dirty air ducts cause serious health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Over time, contaminated indoor air from contaminants like bacteria, pet dander, dust mites, and mold can build up in your home’s ductwork. These pollutants are then recirculated five to seven times a day, polluting your living spaces and contributing to poor indoor air quality. If you are looking to clean your ductwork, it is important to find a qualified and experienced contractor who will do the job correctly. This will ensure your ducts are cleaned thoroughly and that all of the dust and debris is removed, rather than just brushed away and re-circulated into your living space.

When looking for a duct cleaning company, make sure they are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). It is also important to see proof of insurance and licensing, and that they will visually inspect your entire HVAC system, including the ductwork. Be wary of companies offering “$99 whole house specials” or other gimmicks, as these typically are not legitimate duct cleaning services.

To start the process, a technician will remove all of the vent covers and clear out any obstructions so they can access your home’s ductwork. This includes the supply side, which distributes air throughout your home, and the return side, which sends cooled or heated air back to the furnace or AC unit. Depending on your home’s ductwork, it may be necessary for the technician to cut an access hole in order to connect the large vacuum equipment to the ductwork.

Once the ductwork is connected to the vacuum system, negative pressure is created and the dirt in your home’s ductwork is sucked into the machine and removed from your home. This part of the process takes three to five hours, depending on your home’s size and how contaminated the ductwork is.

The technician will then use a brush or air compressor to loosen any remaining debris and agitate it. The agitation will help break up any caked-on dust or dirt and allow it to be more easily swept away during the vacuuming process. The last step is to apply a biocide, if necessary, to kill any microbes that are present in the ductwork.

What are the Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning?

Clean air ducts are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality in homes. Duct cleaning services remove the dust and debris that accumulates inside your ductwork, improving air quality and reducing allergies and other respiratory illnesses. Dirty ducts are also a breeding ground for biological contaminants like mold, mildew and bacteria.

Aside from the health benefits of regular duct cleaning, there are other advantages as well. One is energy savings. Air duct cleaning can help your HVAC system to run more efficiently, lowering monthly energy bills. Ducts that have not been cleaned for a long time can be clogged with dirt and dust, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should.

During the duct cleaning process, technicians use brushes and high-powered vacuums to sweep and remove all of the buildup and debris in your home’s ductwork. They also inspect the ductwork for leaks and damage, which can be costly to fix. Once the ducts and vents are clean, they can be sealed with a protective coating to keep them that way for a long time.

Some homeowners are curious about the feasibility of a DIY approach to air duct cleaning. While it’s true that some homeowners may be able to handle duct cleaning themselves, it is important to consider the complexities of this task and the need for specialized tools. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends that a professional contractor be hired for this job.

Having your home’s ductwork professionally cleaned can be a worthwhile investment in maintaining healthy indoor air, reducing allergens and pollutants, preventing asthma and other respiratory issues, boosting energy efficiency, and more. However, it is essential to know that there are no universal guidelines for determining when your home’s ductwork should be cleaned. The need for this service depends on the specific circumstances of each home, as well as certain telltale signs that can be recognized by a trained eye.

How Do I Know if My Ducts Need Cleaning?

There are a few indicators that it’s time to consider duct cleaning. The most obvious indicator is if you can see dust collecting on your air vents and registers, especially when the system is running. You may also notice that the airflow through your vents is limited, making it harder to get clean air into your living spaces.

If you change your air filter regularly but still find that it’s getting clogged more quickly than normal, then you might need to have your ductwork cleaned. This can be a sign that there is mold or other debris in your vents.

Another indicator is if you or someone in your home experiences unexplained allergy-like symptoms. Duct cleaning can help to minimize these issues by reducing the amount of dust, pollen, and dander in your house’s ventilation system.

You may also need to have your ducts cleaned if you have recently had vermin infestation problems. Rodents such as rats and mice are known to nest in air ducts, and they leave behind droppings and other unpleasant substances that can cause health problems if they are inhaled. Duct cleaning can also remove rodent droppings and other debris from your ducts, improving the quality of your household’s air.

The simplest way to know if it’s time for an inspection and duct cleaning is simply to make an appointment with a professional. When the technician arrives, it’s a good idea to be home so you can greet them and tell them where you want them to pay special attention to. You’ll need to show them around your house, point out the air vents and other important areas, so they can work effectively.

When selecting an air duct cleaning company, you should choose one with a lot of experience and excellent customer service. Ask for references, and avoid companies that advertise “$99 whole house specials.” It’s also a good idea to have the company inspect your entire HVAC system, not just your ductwork.

How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) estimates that professional cleaning of an average-sized home’s ductwork costs $450 to $1,000. This includes labor, equipment use, and sanitization and deodorization treatments. Many factors influence overall duct cleaning cost, including size and type of ductwork, number of vents, contamination level, accessibility, and local labor costs.

The best way to estimate how much an air duct cleaning will cost is to request quotes from reputable companies in your area. Be wary of low prices offered by unqualified contractors. These are often bait-and-switch tactics designed to entice customers and upsell services once crew members arrive on site.

A qualified contractor should provide a written estimate detailing all costs associated with the service before starting work. This should include an inspection fee, which is typically credited towards the final cleaning bill if you choose to proceed with the service. Additional charges may be incurred for sanitization and deodorization services, as well as any additional work required to address problems identified during the initial inspection.

You should also ask the contractor to describe the methods they will use to clean your ducts. Some companies employ “source-removal” techniques, which involve sweeping the interior of the ductwork with brush and compressed air equipment while a high-powered vacuum cleaner removes the dislodged debris. This method has been shown to be more effective than other methods, such as air blowing from hand-held devices, which can disperse dust and contaminants into the living space.

If your ducts are custom-designed, they will likely require a more thorough cleaning than stock ductwork. This can increase the total job cost by up to 25 percent. You should also expect to pay more if your ductwork is inaccessible or requires special tools or techniques to reach.

Lastly, keep in mind that the duct cleaning process will make some noise and will require access to your air handler and plenums, which are usually located next to your furnace. Be sure to schedule your duct cleaning appointment during a time when you can accommodate this need. For example, don’t book your appointment during baby’s naptime or an important Zoom meeting with clients.

Identifying Common Air Conditioning Repair Issues

Lester Copeland HVAC , , , , ,

During air conditioning maintenance a technician will inspect and clean components to ensure that they are functioning properly. If the technician finds a component that needs repair then the service professional will make that repair. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.

Air Conditioning Repair

Occasionally, experienced DIYers can perform some basic air conditioner repair tasks such as cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils or clearing the refrigerant line. Learn how to troubleshoot some common AC problems that can be repaired yourself and save yourself the cost of calling a professional.

An evaporator coil that becomes clogged or dirty prevents the AC from absorbing enough heat to cool the air. This can also cause the system to short cycle more often, meaning it turns on and off more than necessary. This wastes energy and accelerates wear and tear on the system’s major components.

The first step to diagnosing this problem is turning off the system and locating the coils. They will be housed inside the air handler and located near the blower fan. It may be helpful to consult the owner’s manual if you have difficulty locating them. Before attempting to clean the coils, make sure you have all your safety gear in place and are familiar with the process.

Once the coils are clogged, they will freeze over and halt airflow to the system. To avoid further damage, you will need to turn the unit off and wait until the ice thaws, which usually takes several hours. During this time, it’s a good idea to have some containers on hand to catch the water that will drip from the coil as it thaws.

When the ice melts, it will drip down the coil and into a drain line. Over time, the dirt in the dripping water will build up and create a clog that will cause the drain to overflow. This can lead to high humidity, moldy odors, and serious health hazards from toxic mold spores. To avoid this issue, homeowners should regularly clean the air filter and inspect the drain line for clogs. Air conditioning service experts can offer maintenance programs that guarantee cleaning of the coils to prevent this problem. They can also clean the aluminum fins to keep them from becoming bent, which reduces airflow and efficiency.

Dirty Compressor Coils

Dirty compressor coils also reduce the ability of your AC system to absorb and dump heat effectively, which makes it harder for your home to reach your preferred temperature. This causes your system to work longer and harder than it should, adding to the overall wear and tear on other components that can eventually lead to a costly air conditioning repair.

You’ll know when your air conditioner needs its coils cleaned if you’re paying close attention to your energy bills. Increasing utility bills are an obvious sign that your AC system is working longer and harder to meet your cooling demands.

In addition to higher energy bills, dirty coils can affect your home’s value and make it harder to sell if you decide to move. Moreover, a dirty coil will reduce your energy efficiency rating and may even prevent you from qualifying for certain tax reductions or benefits that depend on a high home energy efficiency rating.

Your dealer will shut off the power to your outdoor unit and remove the outer cover, allowing you to see the coils. They’ll start by blowing off loose dirt and debris with a shop vac or a soft brush, then using a noncaustic and nonfuming coil cleaner to thoroughly clean them. They’ll spray the cleaner on and rinse it off, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They’ll also straighten bent fins if necessary.

If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your air conditioner coils, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned twice each year. Your dealer can help you decide if this is a good option for your system and recommend the right cleaning method.

Low Coolant Levels

Engine coolant — a mixture of antifreeze and water — helps to pull heat away from the engine as it operates, helping to prevent overheating. Without enough coolant, temperatures under the hood can quickly rise, leading to damage including warped cylinder heads and a blown head gasket that requires expensive repairs.

While some loss of coolant from the reservoir is natural, constant evaporation or leaks from hoses and other components can reduce levels to unsafe levels. Insufficient coolant can also lead to the heater not working correctly, as it needs sufficient coolant to work. Other warning signs of low coolant include a rising temperature gauge, a sweet smell (due to the leaking antifreeze), and reduced fuel efficiency.

The main reason to avoid driving with low engine coolant is that overheating can cause severe and irreparable damage, requiring costly mechanical repairs or even a replacement engine. Coolant is designed to absorb and disperse heat from the engine, so if there isn’t enough of it in the cooling system, the temperature under the hood can rise quickly.

Aside from overheating, other issues that can occur with low engine coolant include a blown head gasket, warped cylinder heads and faulty valves. The cylinder heads are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber, so when they crack from excess heat, they can allow oil to enter the combustion process and cause damage. Additionally, if the coolant is not properly flowing through the system, the water pump can lose lubrication, increasing the risk of failure. The best way to protect against these problems is with regular inspections and maintenance by a professional service. These services can identify potential problems before they become serious and costly.

Failed Contactor

The contactor is an important electrical component that controls the flow of electricity to the compressor. If the contactor wears out, it can lead to a variety of issues. Identifying the issue can help you avoid expensive repairs. A constant clicking noise is a common sign that the contactor is not engaging properly. This can put unnecessary strain on the system, leading to premature wear and tear of other components.

A faulty contactor can also cause your AC unit to short-cycle. A short-cycle is a cycle that occurs when the air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly. This can be frustrating because it will not cool your home effectively.

If you suspect that your contactor is faulty, you should contact a professional HVAC technician for an inspection. They can replace the contactor and restore normal cooling.

Faulty contactors are usually caused by repeated voltage influxes. This can lead to pitting and arcing. If the contactor is not properly sealed, it can weld together and prevent the flow of electricity to the air conditioning system. Other signs of a faulty contactor include a humming sound and an inability to turn the AC off.

To test your AC contactor, shut off the power to your unit. Once the power is off, remove the side cover of the condenser. You will see a number of colorful wires connected to a black rectangle that is positioned vertically. The black rectangle is your air conditioning contactor. Take pictures of the wires and the contactor so you can easily reconnect them when replacing it. Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the volt terminals on each side of the contactor.

Failed Blower Motor

As time goes by, your blower motor may start to show signs of wear and tear. Eventually, it won’t be able to keep up with airflow requirements, leading to weak or no airflow through the vents. This is often the first sign of a failing blower motor and it will require an immediate replacement or repair.

Other signs of a failing blower motor include unusual noises such as screeching or squealing. This can indicate loose bearings or other mechanical problems, as well as a burning smell that points to overheating or electrical problems.

A failing blower motor can also lead to intermittent problems such as the fan only operating at certain speeds or the fan never turning on at all. These are more serious issues that should be checked out by a professional to rule out other problems such as a bad thermostat or relay.

Some blower motors use a resistor pack to control speed, while others are equipped with a control module that uses electronics to regulate speed based on sensor input. A resistor pack can fail due to overheating and corrosion, while a control module will need to be diagnosed using a scan tool or multimeter.

Loose or disconnected wiring can also cause blower motor failure, as well as overheating and electrical problems. Some can be fixed by simply reconnecting them or resoldering them, while others will require the use of a multimeter or a wire harness tester to check for power and voltage output. A visual inspection can also reveal any frayed or corroded cables or connectors that need to be replaced.