Does Your HVAC Problem Require A Call To An Emergency Heating And AC Repair Service In North Richland Hills, TX?
Living in Texas, you know that you rely greatly on your air conditioner during the summer to keep your home cool and comfortable and your furnace during the winter to keep your home warm, so your HVAC system is essential for a significant part of the year.
Any HVAC problem can be frustrating and inconvenient, but not all issues must be addressed immediately. Some HVAC problems are minor and can wait until you have time to hire an HVAC tech, but issues that put your home and family at risk require a call to an emergency heating and AC repair service.
If your system develops any of the following problems, it’s best to call for emergency service immediately.
The Air Conditioner Creates Warm Air
Texas summers are often hot, and you rely on your air conditioner to keep your house cool and comfortable. When the temperature outside reaches 90 degrees or higher, the temperature in your home can reach 120 degrees without a functional air conditioner. Temperatures this high can put your family at risk for heatstroke or heat exhaustion without air conditioning.
If you feel warm air from the vents when the unit runs, you may need to call a heating and AC repair service to prevent your family from getting too warm. Before you make the call, you should check the air conditioner and air filter. The last thing you want is to spend money on a service call when the issue is something you can fix yourself.
If it’s been a while since you replaced the air filter and it’s covered in dirt and grime, air won’t move through the unit, causing it to overheat and break down. Changing the filter should solve the problem, and the cold air should be restored. Next, check the thermostat. It has to be set to the cooling mode, and it must be warmer in your home than the thermostat setting. Finally, the fan has to be set to AUTO. If it’s set to ON, the fan will run between cycles, and you’ll feel warm air from the vents. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, adjusting it will solve the problem.
If the thermostat and air filter aren’t causing the problem, it’s time to hire a professional. A few issues can prevent the unit from creating cold air, including:
- Refrigerant leak: Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to produce cold air, and a refrigerant leak will deplete the supply, preventing the unit from doing its job. When formic acid forms on the coils, it will create tiny pinholes that allow refrigerant to leak. In most cases, an HVAC tech can fix the leak and refill the refrigerant, allowing the unit to produce cold air. However, if your unit was manufactured before 2010, it must be replaced. Units manufactured before 2010 use R22 refrigerant, which was banned on January 1, 2020, because it’s toxic and harmful to the ozone layer. The tech won’t bother to fix the leak because they need the correct refrigerant to refill the unit. The only way to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable is to replace the unit.
- Frozen evaporator coils: The evaporator coils extract heat and humidity from the air to begin the cooling process. If the coils have frozen, they can’t do their job, and the unit will produce warm air. A few issues can cause the coils to freeze, such as dirty coils, poor airflow in the unit, or you ran the AC when it was too cold outside.
- An HVAC tech can thaw the coils and then figure out why they froze so this problem can be prevented in the future.
- Broken compressor: The indoor unit cannot work independently, so if the compressor breaks down, you’ll feel warm air coming from the vents. A leak in the compressor or a broken part can cause the compressor to break down, and you’ll need to hire an HVAC tech to diagnose and repair the problem to restore the cold air in your home.
The last thing you want is for your family to develop heat-related health issues, so it’s best to call an emergency heating and AC repair service as soon as possible.
The Furnace Produces Cool Air
Winter days in Texas are generally mild, but it gets cold at night. Also, it can get frigid during a cold snap, and you need your furnace to keep your home warm. If your furnace isn’t working correctly and fails to produce warm air, it won’t take long for it to get as cold in your house as it is outside, and you must dress in layers to stay warm. If there’s a cold snap, your home will get dangerously cold, and dressing in layers and covering up in blankets won’t be enough, and you may need to call an emergency heating and AC repair service.
Before making the call, you should check the thermostat and air filter to avoid paying an HVAC tech for something you can easily fix yourself. If the filter is dirty, it will prevent the air from moving through the unit, causing it to shut down, and replacing it will solve the problem. Next, check the thermostat. It has to be warmer in the house than the setting on the thermostat, and it must be set to the heating mode. Also, the fan must be set to AUTO to prevent the fan from running between cycles.
If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to hire a professional. A few issues can prevent the furnace from producing warm air, and you’ll need a licensed HVAC tech to diagnose the problem.
- The pilot won’t stay lit: The pilot provides a constant ignition source for the burner to keep the furnace running. If the pilot doesn’t stay lit, the furnace won’t allow the unit to release gas to the burner, which is a safety feature, causing the furnace to shut down.
- A licensed HVAC tech can determine why the pilot won’t stay lit so they can fix the problem and restore the heat in your home.
- Dirty or defective flame detector: If you have a newer model furnace, it won’t have a pilot and will have a flame detector. If the flame detector is covered in dirt and grime or is defective, it won’t detect a flame, causing the furnace to shut down.
- An HVAC tech can clean and sanitize the component if it’s dirty, and they can replace it if it’s defective, restoring the heat in your home.
- Clogged condensate line: Modern furnaces have a condensate line to eliminate moisture in the unit. If the line clogs, the burners will deactivate, causing your furnace to produce cold air. An HVAC tech can unclog the line, allowing the burners to function so the unit can produce heat.
A DIY furnace repair is a horrible idea because you should never work with natural gas, propane, or oil without the necessary training. One simple mistake can cause an explosion, so it’s best to hire an emergency heating and AC repair service immediately after you detect the problem.
Foul Odors When the HVAC System Runs
Your HVAC system is designed to produce clean, odorless warm, and cool air. It’s normal to smell dust when you run the air conditioner or the furnace for the first time during the season, and the smell will dissipate within a few minutes. If you detect any of the following odors in your home when the HVAC system runs, you should immediately call an emergency heating and AC repair service to protect your home and family.
- Rotten eggs: If you smell rotten eggs when your furnace runs, turn it off immediately, get everyone out of the house, and call 911. The smell indicates a gas leak that can cause your house to explode, and the 911 operator will send the fire department to your house to cut the gas and air out the house so it’s safe for you to go back inside. Next, call an emergency heating and AC repair service. They will send a tech to your home to fix the leak and notify the fire department that restoring the gas is safe, and you can run the furnace to heat your home safely.
- Burning: A burning smell indicates a faulty wire in the HVAC system, and the odor is caused by burning wire insulation. Wiring problems can start an electrical fire that can destroy your house in minutes, so you should turn off the heat or AC and hire an HVAC tech. It’s best to make the call immediately because you can only use the furnace or AC once the wire has been replaced. The sooner you make the call, the sooner the problem will be resolved, allowing you to safely run the heat or AC.
- Mold: A moldy smell often indicates mold in the air ducts. The ducts are the ideal environment for mold growth because they’re dark, and humidity creates condensation. It’s best to avoid using the HVAC system because mold spores will circulate in the air, putting your family at risk for mold-related health conditions, such as allergies, skin rashes, chronic headaches, respiratory issues, and a weakened immune system. An emergency heating and AC repair service will send a tech to eliminate the mold with an antimicrobial fogger. If the ducts are clean, the mold could be in the air conditioner, which can be more challenging to eradicate. The unit must be replaced if the tech cannot eliminate every mold spore.
- When the mold is eliminated, you can run the furnace or air conditioner safely without worrying that your family will be exposed to mold.
Strange smells when the unit runs indicate problems that can put your home and family at risk, so it’s best to address them immediately.
Insufficient Airflow From the Vents
You should feel a powerful rush of cold air coming from the vents. Call an emergency heating and AC repair service if there’s minimal airflow. Poor airflow is an emergency because it will affect your home’s temperature. Also, the HVAC system must work harder to keep your home comfortable, consuming more energy, and your electric bills will increase. Also, the unit’s lifespan will decrease due to the excess work.
A few problems can restrict the airflow, and clogged ducts are the most common. When the dirt, dust, and debris from your home accumulate in the air ducts, it will restrict the airflow. When the furnace or AC run, the debris will circulate in the air and could cause allergies. An HVAC tech can clean the ducts to restore the airflow and improve your home’s air quality.
Damaged ducts can also restrict the airflow because the treated air will escape through the damaged area before reaching the vents and must be fixed immediately.
Finally, if the blower isn’t working, the treated air will remain stagnant in the ducts resulting in minimal airflow. An HVAC tech can repair or replace the blower to restore sufficient airflow.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth
If you need to call an emergency heating and AC repair service, look no further than One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We’re a full-service HVAC company, proudly serving customers in the area since 1988.
Our HVAC techs are professionally trained, licensed, and insured. They have the knowledge and skill to handle any job, whether simple or complex. Our techs receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the latest HVAC technology. The technology is constantly evolving; we want to be sure our techs can install, maintain and repair the newest HVAC models.
If your HVAC system develops an issue that puts your home and family at risk, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, and we’ll get a tech to your house quickly to resolve the problem.
If you need an appointment for HVAC service, call us today.
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Why Ductless Mini Split Systems Are the Future of Home Cooling, According to Air Conditioning Service Experts
As temperatures continue to rise, the demand for efficient and effective cooling systems is becoming increasingly important. With traditional air conditioning systems proving expensive and often wasteful, there has been a significant shift towards ductless mini-split systems as a superior cooling option. According to recent statistics, the global ductless mini-split system market will reach $205.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2020 to 2030.
This article will explore the advantages of ductless mini-split systems over traditional air conditioning systems and discuss why air conditioning service experts consider them the future of home cooling.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System
A ductless mini-split air conditioner, also known as a mini-split AC or a ductless AC, is a type of air conditioning system that does not require ductwork to distribute cooled air. Instead, it consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected by a refrigerant line conduit and an electrical cable.
Some of the places you can expect to find mini-splits include:
- Garage: Ductwork installation within garages is prohibited for safety reasons. With a ductless system, you can keep the garage at a comfortable temperature all year.
- Master bedrooms: These rooms are typically the farthest from a home’s central heating and cooling system, meaning they experience the most discomfort.
- Guest rooms and attics: Mini-splits are commonly used when there is a usable room on an upper level of a house with no air ducts.
How Does It Work?
When it comes to cooling, ductless air conditioners are on par with traditional central AC units. Compared to central air conditioning, which uses a single indoor unit connected to a network of ducts and vents to cool the entire house, a ductless indoor unit cools only the room in which it is installed.
A complete ductless mini-split system must have an outdoor unit with a compressor, condenser coil, and fan and an indoor unit with a blower fan and an evaporator coil. Electrical wiring and copper refrigerant tubing link the two appliances.
The compressor in the outdoor unit circulates the refrigerant through the system. It flows through a conduit that connects the outdoor unit to one or more indoor units. The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil and a fan. As warm air from the room passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the air and becomes a gas. The compressor in the outdoor unit then compresses the gas, causing it to get hot and release heat energy outside. The cooled refrigerant returns to the indoor unit, and the cycle repeats.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
When an air conditioning service expert installs a ductless mini-split system in your office or home, you’ll enjoy the following benefits.
Easy Installation
Ductless AC units are remarkably easy to install compared to conventional heating and cooling solutions for homes and businesses. Simply drilling a three-inch hole across the width of a wall and inserting a conduit will allow an AC technician to link the indoor and outdoor system units. Because mini-split manufacturers typically have a variety of conduit lengths, a professional AC expert can position the outdoor unit up to 50 feet from the indoor unit.
Convenience
Central air conditioning systems can be expensive and time-consuming to install in a room without air ducts, such as a workshop, garage, or shed. Mini-split systems don’t require the installation of ductwork like central air conditioners, so they can be installed quickly and efficiently, even in hard-to-cool rooms. These systems are ductless, so you don’t have to spend money on laborious AC ductwork to cool a single room or a tiny detached building.
They Operate Quietly
Mini-split systems are advantageous since they are quiet. Newer mini-split systems typically have quieter fan speeds, so they can effectively cool a space without disturbing those nearby.
Great Air Quality
If you have a central air conditioner, the air in your home has to travel via ducts, where it is exposed to filth, dust, pollen, and other allergens. Any contaminants picked up by the air in your ducts will be dispersed throughout your home when the air is released. Because mini-split air conditioners don’t need ducts and typically feature a filtering system, they can provide superior air quality. If you have one of these units placed in your house, you can rest easy knowing that it is not contributing to the spread of bacteria, dust, allergens, and other debris.
They Can Save You Money
Ductless mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular for cooling homes because of the significant savings they provide. Utility costs have risen dramatically during the past few years. When the comfort of a home depends on an inefficient system, energy costs can easily spiral out of control. Mini-split AC systems use less energy than conventional forced-air models because of their compact size and direct room-by-room delivery of conditioned air at the desired temperature.
Homeowners can divide their houses into “zones” with the help of ductless mini-split systems, so they won’t have to cool or heat empty rooms.
Low Maintenance
Maintaining a ductless air conditioner is as easy as changing the filters, clearing the vents on the wall unit, and keeping the area surrounding the outside unit uncluttered to keep air moving freely. Unlike standard HVAC systems, you won’t need to clean ducts or regularly fix air leaks.
Having an air conditioning service expert assess your system once a year will ensure that any issues are caught early and fixed immediately. A ductless air conditioner has a lifespan of up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
They Can Save Space
Ductless air conditioning systems are great because of their compact size. Central HVAC systems are cumbersome and complicated, and window units are ugly and intrusive. They need a lot of ducting, meaning more room in the cellar or attic.
A ductless system has two primary components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser. One outdoor unit can be linked to as many as four wall-mounted air handlers within the home. Instead of a bulky wall device, a ceiling cassette can provide the same functionality while remaining out of sight.
Types of Ductless Mini-Split Units
Single-Zone Ductless Systems
This system is suitable for those living in tiny apartments, as it can provide sufficient cooling throughout the hot season. A single-zone multi-split AC requires a single condenser and compressor.
A competent and experienced air conditioning service technician can install the unit efficiently and effectively if you need temperature control in just one room. When a single-zone system is placed in each room of a multifamily dwelling, each indoor unit can communicate with its outdoor system.
Pros
- Energy efficiency: Single-zone mini-split ACs are highly energy efficient because they don’t require ductwork to distribute cool air, which can lead to energy losses. They also have inverter technology, which means they can adjust their cooling capacity to match the cooling load, reducing energy consumption.
- Cost-effective: Single-zone ductless systems are less expensive than multi-zone mini-split ACs because they only need one outdoor unit for an inside air handler unit.
- Easy to install: Ductless AC units, in general, are simpler to install than conventional central ACs. Compared to multi-zone multi-split appliances, single-zone units are simpler to mount on floors and walls. To link the outside compressor or condenser to the indoor air handler, the air conditioning service provider needs to drill a hole in the wall and run the conduit through it.
- Seamless add-ons: These systems can supplement existing AC systems to provide additional cooling to specific rooms.
- Perfect for single homes: Single-zone ductless units are ideal for single homes where only one room requires air conditioning.
Cons
Single-zone mini-splits are less effective at cooling rooms than other HVAC systems. They are also more costly than conventional air conditioner units, including central AC units.
Multi-Zone Ductless Systems
Multi-zone split ACs are another option for homeowners interested in mini-split systems. They use a system with multiple indoor air handlers linked to a single outdoor unit. Depending on how many indoor spaces need to be heated or cooled, a professional air conditioning service provider can connect the outdoor unit to anywhere from six to eight air handling units.
Pros
- Flexibility: The indoor units can be conveniently installed anywhere in a building.
- Saves money: Multi-zone units help you save money on utilities by lowering your overall energy consumption.
- They are easy to install: It’s very similar to when an air conditioning service technician installs a single ductless AC unit in a room, except it’s happening in several rooms throughout the house.
Cons
- They are less effective than central air conditioners at cooling a room.
- Installation expenses may be higher than for standard air conditioning systems.
Wall-Mounted Mini-Splits
Wall-mounted mini-splits are another option for homeowners. Their sleek design makes them ideal for modern offices and homes. They conserve floor space for people with small houses. Modern multi-split units incorporate Smart control for convenient indoor temperature adjustment.
Pros
Mini-split systems are small, energy-efficient, improve air quality, and allow zone-specific temperature control. Wall-mounted mini-splits have several advantages over floor-mounted or ceiling cassette models, including:
- Availability: Since wall-mounted ductless units are so commonly used, many designs are readily available.
- Cost-effective: Due to its widespread production and installation, wall-mounted mini-splits are the most cost-effective option.
- Low maintenance: Mini-splits mounted on walls are easier to maintain than those placed in windows or floors due to reduced dust accumulation.
- Easy installation: Wall-mounted mini-split systems are the most straightforward to install. A three-inch hole in the wall is all that’s needed for the refrigerant lines and connecting cable to enter, making installation a breeze.
Ceiling Cassette Ductless Mini-Splits
A ceiling cassette mini-split AC is a type of ductless mini-split air conditioning system designed to be mounted in the ceiling of a room. Ceiling ACs are popular for homeowners who don’t want to install the units on the floor or wall. A professional air conditioning service technician can set up the system as a multi-zone or a single-zone mini-split AC.
Pros
- Compact, ceiling-mounted mini-split air conditioners are a great space-saver.
- They are aesthetically pleasing.
- This mini-split system saves money on cooling costs since it can cool vast areas quickly and efficiently.
Cons
Mini-splits have a greater outlay of capital than standard air conditioning units. Installation fees drive up the price of ceiling cassette systems, making them ideal only for those with a lot of money.
Floor-Mounted Mini-Splits
Floor-mounted mini splits are typically located at the base of a wall, not far from the floor. These mini-split systems are installed in the same places as conventional radiators. However, in contrast to radiators, these mini-split systems can be used for heating and cooling a home. Depending on your preferred temperature settings, your indoor floor-mounted unit will either pull warm air in or push it out through a conduit to an outdoor condenser.
Pros
- Floor-mounted ductless mini-splits are an excellent choice for cooling a room because they are installed near the room’s occupants. People in the room will feel the effects of the heated or cooled air much more quickly than if the device were mounted on the ceiling or the wall.
- Performing routine maintenance on a floor-mounted ductless AC system is also convenient. Mini-split systems are low-maintenance, but owners should routinely replace the filters for best performance and air quality. Mini-splits installed on the floor are more convenient to maintain because you won’t need a ladder or a chair to reach the filter when it needs replacing. The air filters can be quickly and easily accessed from the front panels, making cleaning and replacement a breeze.
- All the advantages of mini-split systems are available in floor-mounted ductless air handlers, including precise temperature regulation in individual zones, whisper-quiet operation, simple installation, and inverter technology that automatically adjusts for ambient conditions.
Cons
- Floor mini-split air conditioners are way more costly than wall multi-splits
- Floor-mounted systems are subject to more dust and dirt than those mounted to the ceiling or wall, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Get the Perfect Cooling Solution for Your Home
The shift towards ductless mini-split systems as the future of home cooling is undeniable. With their energy efficiency, cost savings, and ease of installation, it’s no wonder why air conditioning service experts consider them the superior option. If you’re ready to upgrade your home cooling system and experience the benefits of ductless mini splits, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. Our team of experienced professionals can help you find the perfect cooling solution for your home and ensure that you stay comfortable all year round. Don’t wait any longer – call us now and take the first step toward a more efficient and effective home cooling system!
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Why You Should Have a Duct Cleaning Service For Your Old Home
Have you purchased an old building you want to convert into a home? Or are you planning to buy one soon? While HVAC systems have evolved, some homes and older buildings still use traditional ducted HVAC systems. Over the years, many pollutants such as dust, mold, and dirt might have built up in the ducts. So, ask yourself, are the ducts dirty? When was the last time they were cleaned? It is essential to have a duct cleaning service before you start living in such a house, and in this article, you’ll learn of the benefits of doing so.
Why are Cleaning Air Ducts Beneficial for Older Buildings?
Whether you live in a new construction or an older building, the HVAC is vital to the comfort of your home. Therefore, you must schedule a regular heating and air conditioning repair service for your system. If you live in an older building with air ducts, it is also essential to have duct cleaning services. Some of the benefits of cleaning air ducts for older buildings include;
Improves Your Home’s Air Quality
The first benefit of cleaning an old building’s air duct is improving your home’s air quality. Air supply from the environment has many pollutants and contaminants, especially if you live near a city. The air carries contaminants such as dirt, dust, allergens, and mold from the environment into your home, impacting your breathing air. Since this air goes through your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system’s ductwork, some contaminants accumulate. If you do not clean the accumulation of dirt, dust, and mold, it eventually becomes your breathing air. The presence of these contaminants in your breathing air can affect the health of those in your home with issues such as breathing-related diseases.
These particles can also cause allergies to react, making it harder for people with allergies to be comfortable. For instance, for someone with sinus sensitivity, every time you turn on your AC, they will continuously sneeze due to the dirty and dust particles, making it harder for them to be calm. Also, if particles such as dust and dirt contaminate your breathing air, your home is unsuitable for small children. This is because it poses the danger of developing breathing-related problems such as asthma and sinus irritation.
Mold in your ductwork puts your home at risk of mold infestation. When the mold in the ductwork finds its way into rooms with a high moisture presence, such as the basement and bathroom, it grows faster since the conditions facilitate its spread. Consequently, the mold encroaches your home from these areas to other dry areas of your home. Mold presence is dangerous and can have dire health effects on your family.
Mold growth will also impact the structural integrity of your home, thus lowering your property value. Notably, getting rid of mold is difficult once it has developed and may need professional mold removal services. Therefore, it is vital to regularly clean your home’s ductwork to avoid all the impacts of mold and protect your family and your home’s structure.
Eliminates Odors
Have you noticed a nasty smell in your home that comes alive every time you turn on your air conditioning system? This might be because mildew and mold plague your ductwork. When your air conditioner ductwork is not occasionally cleaned, mold and mildew will find their way into the ductwork, causing an accumulation. In addition, the ductwork environment is ideal for the growth and development of mold since it is dark and wet from moisture. Therefore, mold grows and finds its way into your breathing air over time, causing musty and mildew odors. Therefore, if you are experiencing nasty smells in your home even after cleaning and emptying the trash, it is best to schedule a duct cleaning service.
Reduces Dust
The level of dust in an old building can be alarming and sometimes annoying. Imagine seeing dust on your glass surface, furniture, and appliances whenever you turn on your air conditioner. When your ductwork is dirty, dust and others accumulate on it, and every time the AC works, it blows the dust in your home. Duct presence in your breathing air can cause breathing-related issues such as asthma by impacting the air quality of your home. On the other hand, accumulating dust can harm your appliances and mechanical equipment, resulting in unnecessary breakdowns and high repair costs.
Additionally, having a dusty home will make cleaning and maintaining a clean home easier, thereby interfering with the ambiance and comfort of your home. Therefore, having regular ductwork cleaning services for your home eliminates all the accumulated dust improving your air quality, comfort, and cleanliness.
Helps Your HVAC System Work Better
Another perk of having a duct cleaning service provider clean an old building’s ductwork is that it helps the HVAC system work efficiently. The ductwork of old buildings is warm and offers a conducive environment for pests and insects to live in. Therefore, when left uncleaned for an extended period, it is possible to find insects, rodents, and birds’ nests in the ductwork. Thus, this causes a reduction in the HVAC air flow, impacting the effectiveness of the system.
Airflow reduction to the air conditioner means that the system has to work harder and run longer than necessary to meet your home’s temperature requirements. Consequently, you will experience inconsistent temperatures, humidity issues, and escalated energy bills. In addition, reduced airflow can cause system issues such as water leaks, frozen AC coils, and compressor failure which need a heating and air conditioning repair technician. Therefore, you must dig deeper into your pocket for professional repair services.
Ensure Your Ducts Are Clean
Are you looking for a company to clean your home’s ductwork? Our technicians are certified and well-equipped to clean your air ducts to offer you all the above benefits. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth today or visit our website for any air conditioner-related services.
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