Tag: hvac tips

Categories
AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Your Guide to Troubleshooting Air Conditioning Issues

Air conditioning is essential to keep your home healthy and comfortable, but what should you do if your air conditioner isn’t working? It’s best to call for an inspection from an HVAC professional, but simple issues can usually be fixed with a little bit of troubleshooting. Before picking up the phone, see if any of these suggestions get your air conditioner running smoothly again.

Replace your Filter

Your air conditioner’s air filter serves a few important functions. It improves your home’s air quality, removes bacteria and other harmful particles, and allows air to pass through it freely. If your filter goes too long without being changed, it could worsen your indoor air quality and cause serious air flow problems for your AC. Take your filter out and hold it up to the light. If you can see through the filter, it doesn’t need to be changed yet. If you can’t see through it anymore, take a picture of the measurements and strength of the filter and buy a replacement.

Check Air Vents

Your air vents could be the cause of your issues, so be sure to thoroughly check them for any blockages that could cause air flow issues. When vents get too clogged with dirt, dust, and other particles, they can’t let air flow properly. Even if you don’t see a blockage in your vents, you might have a blockage in your inner ductwork that should be inspected and taken care of by an HVAC professional.

Inspect the Thermostat

Sometimes the simplest answer is the correct answer. Maybe someone else in the house changed the thermostat settings and you didn’t notice. Make sure the thermostat is set to cooling rather than heating, and see if the temperature is what it’s supposed to be at. Adjust these settings as needed and see if anything changes. If the settings are correct and it still isn’t working, try lowering the temperature a few degrees and see if that makes a difference. If none of that works, replace the batteries in your thermostat and try again.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breaker has blown a fuse, your air conditioning might not be working because it isn’t receiving power. To see if this is the case, locate your fuse box or circuit breaker and open it up. If your switches are labeled, you can easily find the right one. If not, locate the switch facing the opposite direction of all the other switches. Flip this switch back and mess with your thermostat again to see if the power returns.

Call Ellis AC for Professional HVAC Services

If these troubleshooting tips don’t work for your air conditioning, the experienced HVAC technicians at Ellis AC are always happy to help. We offer stellar HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements at prices you can afford. Our team always values the satisfaction of our clients above all else, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your HVAC system. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our top-notch HVAC services today!

Categories
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!

Categories
AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Why is Mold Growing on my Air Vents?

HVAC systems have evolved over time to cool your home while improving your indoor air quality at the same time. Unfortunately, you’re still bound to encounter problems with your system that need to be addressed right away to keep yourself and your family healthy. Here’s everything you need to know if you’ve noticed mold growing on your air vents.

Signs of Mold in Your Air Ducts

The first sign of mold in your HVAC system is often a moldy or musty smell when your system is being used. HVAC mold is usually able to be smelled before it’s seen, so turn your system off and inspect it right away if you notice the smell of must, mold, or mildew coming from your vents. 

If you notice visible mold on your air vents, in the ducts, or in drip pans, call a professional as soon as possible. Visible mold might mean the problem has become too severe to be taken care of on your own.

If your family starts showing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, headaches, sneezing, coughing, or dizziness only in the house or only when your HVAC system is running, it might be caused by mold in your air ducts.

Why Does Mold Grow on Air Vents?

Mold favors environments with high humidity. When air passes through your air ducts, especially if the air outside is humid, water droplets can form and the moisture can become the perfect spot for mold to grow. Additionally, mold can grow quickly in your air ducts and vents because it can feed on the dirt, dust, dead skin cells, pollen and dander that builds up in your ducts.

How to Remove Mold from Your HVAC System

It’s important to use the right cleaner for mold removal. Some cleaners don’t actually kill mold cells, and the moisture from these cleaners can even allow the mold to secretly grow. For the best results, we recommend using a mix of one tablespoon of household detergent, a half tablespoon of baking soda, and one cup of water. You can also use one part bleach mixed with 16 parts water on non-porous surfaces. 

Before you start cleaning, be sure to protect yourself with a mask, thick gloves, safety goggles, and some form of protective clothing. 

Start by turning off the heating and cooling vents. Next, remove the vent and scrub it with a rag and your cleaning solution. Do the same inside the vent and repeat the process in any vents you suspect might have mold. For heavy mold growth, we recommend cleaning the same area at least twice. 

Dispose of the rags, your gloves, and anything else that comes into direct contact with the mold. Be sure to use a trash bag that’s at least six mil thick, and remove the trash bag from your house right away.

If you can’t reach all the mold on your own, call an HVAC professional. All mold should be removed to prevent future growth.

Quality HVAC Services with Ellis AC

Ellis AC offers top-notch HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements at prices you can afford. Our skilled HVAC technicians are dedicated to quality service and client satisfaction, so call or visit our website for a free quote today!

Categories
AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

How to Avoid Cold and Hot Spots in Your Home

Maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home is essential for both comfort and energy efficiency. Uneven heating or cooling can lead to discomfort, higher energy bills, and frustration. Here are some effective strategies to eliminate hot and cold spots in your home and achieve balanced temperatures.

Ensure Unobstructed Air Vents

Blocked or closed vents can disrupt airflow, causing temperature inconsistencies. Regularly inspect all supply and return vents to ensure they are open and free from obstructions such as furniture, curtains, or debris. Proper airflow is crucial for even temperature distribution throughout your home.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow, leading to uneven temperatures in your home. Replace your HVAC system’s air filters every 1-3 months to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency. Clean filters not only promote even temperatures but also improve indoor air quality.

Use Ceiling Fans to Distribute Air

Ceiling fans can help improve air circulation and distribute air evenly. During summer, set fans to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. In winter, switch them to rotate clockwise at a low speed to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling, helping balance room temperatures.

Implement a Zoning System

A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. By installing separate thermostats and dampers, you can adjust heating and cooling in specific zones, minimizing hot and cold spots and maximizing comfort.

Check for Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can cause temperature fluctuations and uneven cooling or heating. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent conditioned air from escaping and unconditioned air from entering, ensuring a consistent indoor climate.

Assess and Upgrade Insulation

Inadequate insulation can lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, causing uneven temperatures. Make sure your home, especially the attic and walls, is properly insulated to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the workload on your HVAC system.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your system running efficiently. Professional inspections can identify and resolve issues such as duct leaks, system imbalances, or worn components that contribute to uneven temperatures in your home.

Achieve Comfort and Efficiency

By implementing these strategies, you can eliminate cold and hot spots in your home and create a more comfortable living environment. Balanced temperatures not only enhance your comfort but also help reduce energy costs and improve overall system efficiency. Take the time to inspect your home, address any problem areas, and schedule regular maintenance for long-term benefits.

Need Help? Contact Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If you’re struggling with uneven heating or cooling, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating can help. Our expert technicians specialize in diagnosing and resolving HVAC issues to ensure your home is as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!