Tag: AC

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Why is Your Air Conditioning Running All the Time?

Knowing how much AC is too much can be a challenge. There are normal explanations for an overactive air conditioning system, like when it’s hotter outside or when your thermostat is set too low. Still, an air conditioner that runs all the time can spike your electric bill and it might be a sign of a bigger issue with your HVAC system as a whole. Here’s everything you need to know about why your air conditioning might be running all the time.

Normal Causes

Before assuming something is wrong with your air conditioning, think about the very normal reasons this may be happening. Air conditioning typically runs more frequently during the spring and summer months when the difference between your thermostat and the outdoor temperature is at its highest. This causes the system to run for longer periods of time to reach your desired indoor temperature. However, you should still be able to hear your system turn off and on.

When it Becomes a Problem

There are some indicators that your AC is running too often. If you literally never hear your air conditioning turn off, this isn’t normal. Your AC should be turning off and on throughout the day, even if it’s running more often. 

If your electric bill spikes, your air conditioning might be using more electricity than normal to cool your home. This can indicate a problem in the system that makes it less energy efficient.

Lastly, if your system is running all the time but still isn’t cooling your home to meet the thermostat temperature, you should contact an HVAC repair team right away.

Reasons Your AC Might be Running All the Time

One possible cause of this problem is poor airflow. This can be caused by a dirty filter, blocked or closed vents, a poor motor, or leaks in the ductwork. You can test this by holding your hand to a vent. If you feel a weak stream of cold air, start by changing your filter and checking your vents for any blockages. If that doesn’t work, you should call an HVAC professional to repair your system.

Another cause could be a refrigerant leak. Refrigerants aren’t supposed to run out, so if your refrigerant is low it’s most likely a leak. An HVAC professional can fix a refrigerant leak for you.

Lastly, a constantly running AC system could be a symptom of an old HVAC system that needs to be replaced. The average HVAC system lasts approximately 15 years with regular maintenance. If your system is over ten years old and has to work harder and run longer to cool your home, it might be time to get a replacement.

HVAC Maintenance and Repairs With Ellis AC

Whether you need HVAC maintenance, repairs, or a replacement, Ellis AC can help. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians are dedicated to giving you great customer service and affordable repairs that last. Call or visit our website to learn more about our residential and commercial HVAC services today!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Your Fall HVAC Checklist

As we approach the end of summer, everyone is already preparing for the colder weather. Be sure to take care of your HVAC system by giving it the maintenance it needs before the seasons change. Spring and fall are also the perfect times to prepare your HVAC for winter, where it’ll be working its hardest to keep you comfortable and out of the cold. Weather changes are a stressful time for your HVAC, so follow this maintenance checklist to give it a boost.

Schedule an Inspection

Regular inspections are key to the health and longevity of your HVAC, and the shift from summer to fall is a great time to schedule one. Having a team of HVAC technicians check on the health of your system and notify you of any problems can improve its lifespan and give you peace of mind.

Upgrade Your Filters

If you’ve been neglecting to change the filters for your HVAC, air purifier, humidifier, or anything else, your indoor air quality could suffer. Take the time to change and even upgrade your filters before the seasons change.

Test Your Heater and Furnace

Don’t wait until the cold weather starts to turn your heaters/furnaces. Test them before the seasons change to make yourself aware of any problems that need to be fixed. If you encounter issues with your heaters or furnaces, schedule an appointment to have them inspected and repaired. 

Clean Air Conditioners

Your air conditioner condensate drain can build algae and mold over time, which can cause serious health issues for you and your family. This buildup can even cause clogs if it grows for too long, so give it a quick clean before fall comes around. Pour one cup of a 50/50 bleach and water mixture down your condensate drain for a thorough cleaning.

Boost Your Indoor Humidity

If you live in a dry climate, you should be taking measures to keep your indoor humidity up throughout the year. For areas with hot and humid summers, fall can dry out your air and cause health issues. Take steps to improve your indoor humidity with a humidifier, houseplants, or by leaving bowls of water near a heat source and allowing them to evaporate. 

Address Insulation Problems Now

If your insulation is damaged, old or outdated, your HVAC will have to work harder to keep your home warm. Poor insulation can spike your electric bill during winter, so take the time to replace and upgrade it if your system is struggling to combat outdoor temperatures. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times for you or a contractor to take care of insulation issues. 

HVAC Inspections and Maintenance With Ellis AC

Are you getting ready for the cold fall and winter months? Get the most out of your HVAC system during the cold seasons when you schedule inspections and maintenance with Ellis AC. Our experienced HVAC technicians always put quality service and client satisfaction first with thorough work and frequent updates. We strive to give you the best service at affordable prices. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our HVAC inspections, maintenance, and repairs!

Categories
AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

HVAC Maintenance for Pet Owners

Our furry friends can brighten our lives and bring us endless joy. Unfortunately, they also leave a lot of dander and fur all over our homes. This fur and dander can build up and cause problems for our HVAC systems, so it’s important to take steps to protect our HVAC systems from our animals. Here’s what you can do to maintain your HVAC as a pet owner.

Wash Your Pet Regularly

The best way to remove excess fur and dander from your pet is to wash them regularly. The bath will loosen shedding fur and wash it away, along with dander that may build up and cause allergies over time.

Manage Pet Fur and Dander

Clean your floors, surfaces, and furniture of pet hair and dander to prevent it from getting in your HVAC system. Vacuum all your carpets and carpets at least once a week, sweep and mop hard floors every few days, and wipe down any surfaces that may collect dander.

Improve Your HVAC Filter

HVAC filters come in different strengths depending on your needs. The strengths of HVAC filters are measured in MERVs, and pet owners should look for a higher MERV filter for their HVAC systems. High MERV filters will stand up to pet hair better, and they’ll filter more dander out of your air. They’ll also last longer between replacements than lower MERV filters.

Protect Exposed HVAC Parts

If your animals spend any amount of time in your backyard, they pose a risk to your outdoor HVAC unit. They might chew on exposed cords or wires, and dogs could urinate on the outdoor unit. This can do serious damage to your HVAC system. Cover any exposed wires in your yard to prevent chewing or breaking, and keep your outdoor unit covered with waterproof material to protect from dog urine. Try to supervise your pets when you let them in the backyard and discourage them from getting too close to the outdoor unit.

Maintain Air Ducts on A Schedule

If your air ducts sustain damage or tears, they could be exposed to pet hair and dander. Pollutants in your air ducts lowers the quality of air in your home, so be sure to check on and clean your air ducts regularly. If you notice or suspect tears, call an HVAC repair service and schedule repairs as soon as possible. Air ducts transport air throughout your home, and polluted air ducts can worsen allergies, asthma, and common sicknesses like the flu. As a pet owner, it’s important to ensure your air ducts don’t collect hair and dander from your animals.

Quality HVAC Maintenance With Ellis AC

Regular HVAC inspections and maintenance are especially important for pet owners. Ellis AC offers thorough inspections, cleanings, maintenance, and repairs at reasonable prices. We take the time to tell you what we’re doing every step of the way, and to educate you on how you can improve the lifespan of your HVAC system. As a family-owned business, we strive to provide quality service to all our customers. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our top-notch HVAC services!