Although it’s the easiest task you can complete when servicing your HVAC system, changing your filter comes with many benefits. While it’s just as easy to forget about your HVAC filter and subject your system to unneeded strain, remembering to change it at least once per month can prove invaluable. Here’s the difference HVAC filters can make in comfort for residents in Trinity, Texas, this winter. Cleaner and Healthier Air How often you change your filter can depend on the type and the conditions in your home. Some filters need to be changed monthly while others need to be changed less frequently. In addition, some filters can be cleaned. The frequency with which you will need to clean or replace your filter will be impacted by factors such as whether or not you have pets or live in a dusty environment. A dirty or clogged filter will cause your HVAC system to operate inefficiently and work harder than it should, which wastes energy. You will also be exposed to more harmful pollutants that build up in the system and eventually pollute your indoor air. Keeping your air filters clean is critical to maintaining optimum indoor air quality levels, and keeping...
View ArticleAfter getting through the hot, humid summer months, it’s time to get ready for what winter might bring to Trinity, Texas. You don’t want to turn on your furnace and find that your home remains cold or doesn’t provide as much warmth as you know it should. To ensure your furnace is working properly this winter, and to avoid any serious problem(s) that could be lurking, contact your HVAC professional for routine furnace maintenance. Furnace Produces No Heat If your furnace is not producing enough heat, start by checking the thermostat. Is it working properly and set at the right point? If so, it is possible that there is a problem with the circuit breaker or fuse box. A tripped circuit or a blown fuse are likely causes. A common problem too is that the pilot light could be out. Any malfunction with the hot surface ignition, electronic ignition system, or the intermittent pilot ignition system could cause the furnace to not produce heat. Furnace Emits Too Little Heat If the furnace is producing some heat, but not enough, the problem could be a clogged air filter or obstructions in the system. Replace the air filter or have the heating...
View ArticleAt W A Air Conditioning, we employ NATE-certified technicians to provide the best possible service to our clients in the Huntsville, Texas area. NATE (North American Technician Excellence), is a nonprofit organization, and the largest of its kind offering certification to HVAC professionals in the United States. NATE certification implies a certain standard of performance, and will make a significant difference in your HVAC service experience. NATE’s focus is superior work in all areas of HVAC service. NATE-certified technicians must pass rigorous tests to achieve NATE certification. Passing these tests signify in-depth knowledge of, and competence in HVACR systems and servicing. Faster Diagnosis Because NATE-certified technicians have already demonstrated their in-depth knowledge of modern HVAC equipment, they can often spot the problem with a malfunctioning HVAC system more quickly. This can significantly reduce the number of hours needed to complete your repair and restore comfort inside your home. Fewer hours on the job can also translate to lower costs for most repair procedures. Improved Maintenance and Service Recommendations The wealth of experience and knowledge required to achieve NATE certification can allow these technical experts to provide accurate guidance and recommendations regarding your current HVAC system. Huntsville routinely experiences high heat...
View ArticleMany think of air pollution primarily in terms of a problem confined to the outdoors, but the fact of the matter is that indoor air quality is often much worse than the quality of the air outside. Fortunately, you can take several simple steps that will boost the air quality in your home. One of the most effective tools you can incorporate in your fight against poor indoor air is an air purifier. Purpose of Air Purifiers After a rise in respiratory problems and allergic reactions, several government and independent health organizations found that indoor air may contain high levels of contaminants. Some of these pollutants, such as pollen, come from the outside the home. Others are produced by our activities (dust, smoke, exhaust from gas stoves, and pesticides). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are also gaseous in nature, and come from typical household products such as paint, chemical cleaners, varnish, and carpets. Air purifiers remove pollutants including bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and mold. They effectively remove particles as small as 30 to 1.0 microns in size. Air purifiers trap and kill the pathogens as indoor air cycles through its filter; which it does up to eight times per hour. Other...
View ArticlePoor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies, asthma and other medical conditions. Even healthy people can suffer from nasal congestion, dry eyes, and other symptoms caused by airborne allergens. Improving indoor air quality throughout your home starts by taking action room by room. In the Bedroom Improving the air inside your bedroom is very important. The linens on your bed can trap allergens. You should wash your bedding once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Pet dander, a common allergy trigger, can also accumulate in your bedding. Keeping pets outside the bedroom will minimize the presence of dander. In the Kitchen Wipe down the counters after cooking, and try not to leave dishes with food or food remnants in the sink or dishwasher. Use a trash can with a lid that securely latches. These measures will help to prevent stale food odors from spreading throughout your home. In addition, they will help to keep pests away since pests such as gnats and cockroaches are attracted to food debris and trash. Using the exhaust fan over the stove will help to remove food odors and the excess moisture associated with cooking. In the Bathroom Moist,...
View ArticleThere are many possible causes when your air conditioning system fails to function as it should. The problems is often determined by a process of elimination, and can range from a minor do-it-yourself fix, to a more technical problem for which you will need the help of a professional. One of the minor problems could be as simple as needing to replace the batteries in the thermostat. In order to ensure proper functionality at all times, it is important to know when and how to replace the batteries in your thermostat.
A noisy air conditioner can indicate any number of problems. If you hear something that doesn’t sound right, act quickly. A professional technician can diagnose common problems and implement solutions before the system fails. Electrical or mechanical issues, improper coolant levels and flaws in the ductwork are the most frequent causes of strange noises. Other Common Causes of AC Noises Whistling and whining noises are usually caused by clogged filters or cracked ducts. Gurgling noises may occur when the refrigerant flows back after the cooling cycle, but they can also indicate improper refrigerant levels or a problem with the condensate drain. Rhythmic whacking sounds happen when something is impeding the fan or blower blades. It could be caused by debris or a bent blade. This can increase resistance and cause your blower motor to fail. Humming and grinding can indicate a problem with the motor or a motor bearing. Depending on the unit, oiling the motor or replacing a worn-out bearing usually fixes the problem. If the motor is humming and the fan blades aren’t turning, the motor might need to be replaced. Squealing may indicate a problem with the motor, a belt or a pulley. Belts can easily be tightened or replaced....
View ArticleThe latest AC systems are high tech marvels. Cleaner and more energy efficient, new air conditioners offer very effective cooling, a longer lifespan, and more trouble free service than older models. The life-cycle cost of AC replacement refers to the total cost of the AC system over its entire service life, including purchase, operation and maintenance costs. First Costs Everyone has experienced sticker shock. How you break up the upfront cost versus how you break out the payments will ease you out of shock and into a cool, efficient new AC system. Look for: Rebates or Incentives. Manufacturers and local, state and federal programs offer many options for Energy Star and energy efficient systems. Installation Costs. If you are looking at a direct replacement for your existing system, installation is generally uncomplicated. However, upgrading from a standard air conditioner to a high-efficiency model may involve new vents, and ductwork re-work. Lifetime Costs Because they represent expenses that recur over the long-term, lifetime costs are important considerations. For an AC replacement, lifetime costs are generally divided into the following areas: Quality – Leading manufacturers will more often than not, offer more favorable warranty terms, reducing the risk of expensive repair or early replacement. Dealer support...
View ArticleFederal EPA studies have shown that a typical home contains air is more polluted than the air outside. Poor indoor air quality is a bigger problem today than it might have been years ago, as efforts to improve energy efficiency have led to tighter home construction. Air is trapped indoors and is sucked in and blown from room to room by your HVAC system. A house with poor indoor air quality also can be uncomfortable if the air contains mold spores, chemicals, or just smells bad. Fortunately, you can take simple and straightforward steps to improve your health and your indoor air quality. What’s in Your Air? It’s difficult to map out a strategy for cleaning your home’s air without knowing exactly what’s wrong with it. Something you can do yourself is test for radon. Radon-testing kits are readily available at most home-improvement stores. Follow the instructions and then send the test sample to the designated lab. The existence of radon in house home – seeping up from underground into your home through the foundation, pipes, and other pathways – increases the likelihood of lung cancer and other health maladies. You can also hire a qualified pro to conduct a comprehensive air quality test in your home, as...
View ArticleLowering energy usage and saving money isn’t rocket science, but there’s a good chance you’re not doing everything you can. This is why our energy experts have put together a list of five key areas you can look into now before the hot, energy-guzzling summer months arrive in Huntsville. Aging Heating or Cooling System In a typical home, the use of a heating or cooling system accounts for more than half of the monthly energy usage. Much of this is caused by aging systems that are no longer energy efficient. Newer HVAC systems backed by Energy Star are more efficient than ever and will save you money for years to come. Old Appliances Whether you own an old fridge, microwave or washing machine, older appliances simply aren’t as energy efficient as the newer models. And if you have a few of these old appliances, the amount of energy you’re wasting quickly adds up. No Regular Maintenance Regardless of the age of your home’s heating or cooling system, you should hire a professional technician to give them a preventive tune-up once a year. This will keep energy efficiency in top form and extend their life span. Insufficient Insulation The lack of sufficient insulation allows...
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