Author: sitemanagerwpmanagerio

Seemingly intense heat can be found in areas across the globe. If you were to ask anyone who lives in the southern half of North America where the hottest place on the globe was, they would surely tell you that it is in their backyard during July. As hot as some places may seem, a mere 95-100 degrees would be a cool day in Death Valley, CA. If you were to visit the following four places on the map, it would be wise to stay indoors.

1. Death Valley, California, United States: The infamously hot Death Valley is located in the Mojave desert in Eastern California. The valley’s basin-like shape traps hot air and creates an oven effect, which is the cause of the intense summer temperatures. The summer season is seemingly year-round, but the hottest temperatures, (110-134 degrees Fahrenheit), are between May and September. Anyone who travels through Death Valley and expects to survive must have ample amounts of water on hand.

2. Dallol, Ethiopia: What was once a salt mining town has now become a desolate wasteland where few still travel, by camel, to collect salt. Dallol has an annual temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer season, between May and September, bring temperatures between 105-117 degrees Fahrenheit. When the town was inhabited, settlers built most buildings from salt blocks that were mined there.

3. Ghadames, Libya: Ghadames is an oasis town in the middle of Libya. With temperatures in the summer months reaching 130 degrees Fahrenheit, the people who currently live there are required to take several precautions to escape the heat. The houses are made of thick mud, roofs are connected, and streets are covered, all to avoid the blazing sun.

4. Kebili, Tunisia: Kebili is another oasis town located in south Tunisia. This town is known for its rich heritage, vacationing (no thank you!), and of course, its high temperatures. Kebili’s record high is 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperatures are not much cooler, ranking at around 110 degrees in the summer months of May through August. Records of inhabitants in Tunisia date back over 200,000 years, so many methods of keeping cool have been practiced and passed down from generation to generation. The most common method is keeping water stock-piled in order to stay hydrated.

If keeping cool is your preference, it is wise to steer-clear of any of these four locations. If you do decide to take the journey into what some refer to as “Gateways to Hell” be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe brush up on your mud-house-building skills!

A leaking air conditioning unit can be a frustrating problem, potentially causing water damage and reducing system efficiency. Understanding the causes of AC leaks and how to address them is essential for maintaining a reliable cooling system. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer expert solutions for identifying and fixing AC leaks to keep your system running smoothly and your home comfortable.

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Leaks

There are several reasons why an air conditioning unit might leak, and understanding these causes can help in preventing further issues:

Clogged Drain Line

The most common reason for an AC leak is a clogged drain line. When dirt, dust, or mold accumulates in the line, it blocks the path for condensation to drain away, causing water to back up and leak from the unit.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

If the evaporator coil becomes too cold, it can freeze. When the ice eventually melts, excess water can overflow the drain pan and leak onto the floor. This is often due to issues like low refrigerant levels or restricted airflow.

Cracked or Damaged Drain Pan

Older air conditioners may have drain pans that are cracked or rusted, causing water to leak. This is particularly common in units that have been in service for more than 10 years.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow over the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. Once the ice melts, the excess water may leak from the unit.

Low Refrigerant Levels

When refrigerant levels are low, the pressure in the system drops, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. The subsequent melting of the ice leads to leaks.

Steps to Fix a Leaking Air Conditioning Unit

If you notice water pooling around your AC unit, taking swift action can help prevent damage to your home and HVAC system. Here’s how you can address a leaking air conditioner:

1. Check the Drain Line: Inspect the drain line for clogs. If you find any blockage, try using a wet/dry vacuum to clear it or contact a professional for a thorough cleaning.
2. Inspect the Air Filter: If the air filter is dirty or clogged, replace it immediately. This can help restore proper airflow and prevent the evaporator coil from freezing again.
3. Assess the Drain Pan: Look for any cracks or rust in the drain pan. If you find damage, replacing the pan may be necessary to stop the leak.
4. Contact a Professional for Refrigerant Issues: If you suspect low refrigerant levels or a frozen coil, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional. Handling refrigerant requires specialized skills and equipment to ensure safe and effective repairs.

Preventing Future AC Leaks

Regular maintenance is key to preventing air conditioning leaks. Here’s how you can keep your system leak-free and running efficiently:

• Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance: Regular maintenance by a certified technician can catch potential problems before they lead to leaks. This includes inspecting the drain line, cleaning the evaporator coil, and checking refrigerant levels.
• Change Air Filters Regularly: Replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure optimal airflow and prevent the evaporator coil from freezing.
• Clean the Drain Line: Periodically flushing the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar can help prevent clogs and buildup.
• Inspect the Drain Pan Annually: Check the condition of the drain pan at least once a year, especially if your AC unit is older.

The Ellis AC Advantage in Resolving AC Leaks

At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing air conditioning leaks for homeowners. Our experienced technicians use the latest diagnostic tools to quickly identify the cause of the leak and provide effective solutions. With over 40 years of HVAC experience, we guarantee prompt, reliable service to keep your system running smoothly.

Why Choose Ellis AC for Air Conditioning Repair?

• Certified Technicians: Our team has extensive training in all aspects of HVAC repair, including AC leaks.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We use state-of-the-art equipment to accurately detect leaks and repair your system.
• Preventative Maintenance Plans: Our maintenance programs are designed to keep your system in top shape, reducing the likelihood of future leaks.
• 24/7 Emergency Services: When leaks happen at inconvenient times, we’re here to provide fast, reliable emergency repair services.

Contact Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Today

Don’t let a leaking air conditioning unit disrupt your comfort. Contact Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating today for expert diagnosis and repair. Our certified technicians are ready to restore your system to peak performance, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable. Schedule your service today and keep your AC running efficiently.

http://www.redbeacon.com/hg/why-my-air-conditioner-leaking-water/

Duct-work can be a blessing during hot summers and cold winters, as it transports warm or cool air to the rooms that need it most, but it can be a nightmare when it needs to be cleaned. If your home has duct-work, it’s important to keep it clean to keep the air inside your home healthful, control the symptoms of allergies or asthma, and reduce your cleaning workload.

What Is Duct-Work?

Ducts are the component of HVAC systems that transport air. They may deliver air that has been cooled by a central air conditioner or warmed by a heating system, or remove air to ventilate rooms. If a home has some form of central heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, it has duct-work.

When Should Ducts Be Cleaned?

Sometimes, it’s easy to tell when duct-work needs cleaning– if you see dust collected around air vents or immediately inside ducts, that’s a sign that they need to be cleaned. You may also notice more dust collecting on your furniture or upholstery. There may also be sign of mold or rodent infestation. These are all signs of ducts that have been neglected and ducts should be kept properly cleaned and maintained long before they get to that stage. If proper cleaning and maintenance procedures are followed, ducts should only need to be cleaned about every 3 to 7 years.

Are There Benefits to Having Clean Duct-Work?

The air quality in the average home can be up to five times worse than the air quality outside. This can aggravate conditions like allergies, asthma, or COPD. While the EPA has not found that duct cleaning actually prevents the development of health problems, keeping ducts clean can make those who already suffer from them more comfortable.

Are There Drawbacks to Having Dirty Duct-Work?

If ducts are allowed to accumulate dust, pollen, mold, or rodent droppings, this can result in these particles being blown into living spaces. They can settle on furniture and upholstery, requiring homeowners to clean more often in order to keep down dust levels inside their homes. People with allergies or other breathing problems may also notice that their symptoms worsen as ducts accumulate more and more dirt. Some people may even notice a direct correlation between feeling ill and their time spent inside a specific building, a condition called “sick building syndrome” that may be tied to dirty, poorly maintained HVAC systems.

There are few things more important than clean air. By having your duct-work properly cleaned and kept in good repair, you can help ensure the cleanliness of your home and the health of your family.

Sources:
http://www.air-care.com/faq
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sick_building_syndrome

Everyone knows that good insulation can keep many unwanted things out of your home, but how many people think about the undesirable health hazards that old insulation can bring into your home? Depending on the type of insulation you have in your home, your health could be compromised, and your insulation could also be too old to be effective. This article will focus on the health hazards of old insulation as well as how to identify it.

Identifying Old Insulation

A few examples of older insulation are loose-fill or batt fiberglass insulation. Batt fiberglass is often identifiable by color, and it can come in the pink, yellow or white variety. While fiberglass insulation is still used today, older insulation tends to be discolored or torn, making it far less effective. Another older type of insulation is loose fill rockwool, easily identifiable by its greyish, wool-like appearance. A few more examples of old insulation are sawdust, balsa wood, shredded newspaper and loose-fill cellulose.

Types of Dangerous Old Insulation

Although most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos, there are a few more types of hazardous insulation that are commonly found in older homes. If you do have asbestos insulation in your home, you should not try to remove it yourself. The safest way to remove asbestos from your home is to hire an asbestos abatement contractor.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a pretty popular and widely used type of insulation. It’s pretty easy to identify. It looks like loose gravel or small packing peanuts. Vermiculite itself is not dangerous, but if your home was built before 1990, it’s probably contaminated with asbestos. This is because most of the vermiculite produced in the United States before 1990 came from a mine that was found to contain a deposit of asbestos.

Urea Formaldehyde Foam

The use of urea formaldehyde foam dates back to the early 1930’s. It has a yellowish color and looks like oozing liquid that has been hardened. Although urea formaldehyde foam is usually found in homes built before the 1970’s, it was also used extensively up until the 1980’s. Eventually, this type of insulation was found to emit formaldehyde vapors during the curing process. In turn, the increased formaldehyde levels caused multiple adverse health effects impacting the eyes, nose, and respiratory systems.

Asbestos

Asbestos insulation has been officially banned in most countries since the late 1980’s. Nevertheless, it’s still found in many older homes across the country. Asbestos can cause a wide variety of health issues. Here is a list of a few of them:

• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• The increased risk of throat, esophagus and kidney cancers.

As you can see, keeping that old insulation around can carry a lot of risks. Besides, the older the insulation, the less effective it is at insulating your home. So if you have an older home and suspect that it may still have old insulation, give it a once over, and with these tips you’ll be on your way to an energy-efficient, healthier home in no time!

Sources:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/indoor-air-quality/asbestos-basics.aspx

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/air/fs/vermiculite.htm

http://bloomingtonmn.gov/main_top/6_pubsafety/asbestos/asbestos.htm