From An AC Repair Company’s Perspective: Top Causes Of HVAC Leaks
Air conditioners, ventilators, and heating systems provide sufficient thermal comfort in homes when the outdoors are unbearably hot or cold. They may break down due to numerous issues, including malfunctioning thermostats or failed compressors.
Fortunately, HVAC systems don’t just fail out of the blue. There are mild to extensive signs to look out for, indicating the systems are about to malfunction. The units can develop leaks, which might lead to a sudden breakdown if you dilly dally in calling for emergency AC repairs.
Identifying and fixing the leaks as soon as you notice them restore the system and enhance its efficiency. Prompt repairs prevent frequent mopping of floors or the dangers of exposure to refrigerant leaks. The following are some reasons behind HVAC leaks that need urgent attention from AC professionals.
Clogged Air Filters
The first culprit of most HVAC problems in households is dirty air filters. They also lead to HVAC leaks. HVAC filters, whose primary purpose is to filter out dirt from the air that goes into the coolers and heaters, can become clogged without regular cleaning by professionals from a nearby AC repair company. There are numerous causes of dirty air filters in homes.
Here are some reasons that make the filters dirty or clogged easily:
- High temperatures during summer force the blower motor to push more dirt into the air filters, leading to clogs in a short time.
- Some cheap HVAC filters, such as fiberglass air filters, quickly gather dirt than high-quality options.
- Mold growth in air conditioners or heating systems.
- Leaking air ducts allow more dirt and debris in the air conditioning system, leading to clogs.
Clogged air filters deny vital AC parts, such as evaporator coils, the much-needed air for proper functioning. Restricted airflow to the evaporator coils makes the condensation on them freeze. If the issue persists due to delayed cleaning or changing the filters, you will notice traces of water on your floors. You will have to mop frequently whenever the ice from the evaporator coils drops and melts on the floor.
Luckily, HVAC professionals from a renowned AC repair company have the skills and experience they use to fix many issues, such as leaks. They clean or change your dirty or clogged air filters to allow clean air inside the unit. After changing the filters, you will notice a change in the performance of your heating and cooling systems.
What happens when you fail to clean the filters? You will encounter more problems, including:
- Higher energy bills as the systems struggle to provide thermal comfort in your house.
- Premature failure of your heaters or air conditioning units because restricted air flow affects the performance of more parts, such as the refrigerant, compressor, condenser coils, and evaporator coils.
- Poor indoor air quality.
- The need for expensive HVAC repairs or replacements.
- Insufficient conditioned air or heat causes air drafts and increased thermal discomfort.
- Dust-related issues will increase, leading to allergies and other upper tract respiratory infections.
- With dirty air filters, you are likely to have an overheating AC or furnace.
Therefore, to prevent the above problems that result from dirty air filters, it is wise to have a maintenance plan from a reputable AC repair company nearby for frequent cleaning and changing of the HVAC filters.
Cracked or Clogged AC Drain Pan and Line
Leakages in your HVAC system can be due to cracked, damaged, or clogged AC drain pan or drain line. Drain pans are responsible for holding condensation from evaporator coils.
They protect moisture-related damage to your AC and floor by directing the water to the condensation drain line for safe drainage. When the drain line and the pan are efficient and clean, your HVAC unit optimally cools and heats your house.
Like any other mechanical appliance, the AC condensate pan is prone to issues, such as cracks and pinholes. The primary causes of the AC drain pan leaks are not limited to
- Cracks in the drain or drip pan: They are due to the wear and tears of old age that can lead to pin holes that leak water into your AC and floors. The drip pan can also crack or get damaged when a heavy object comes in contact with it, leading to water leaks.
- Poor connection of the condensate drain pan can also lead to leaking.
- Clogged drain lines: The drip or drain line holding condensation can also leak due to a clogged drain line. As the line remains blocked due to dirt, water in the drip pan will have nowhere to go, fill up, and eventually pour out.
- With exposure to constant temperature changes, the condensate drain pans in your air conditioners or heaters can begin to corrode and leak in the long run.
- Lack of maintenance leads to issues such as freezing evaporator coils.
- Low refrigerant levels cause frozen evaporator coils and leaks to the condensation drip pan.
Water leaks from your cooling or heating systems indicate an issue that requires emergency fixing by an AC repair company. The leaking drain pans expose you and your HVAC systems to:
- Dangers of slipping and falling when the floors are wet due to leaks.
- Water damage, such as rotting wood floors.
- It can also create an environment for mold to grow and thrive in your HVAC system and home.
- Overflowing drain pan can lead to flooding.
- High repair costs.
HVAC specialists can help identify and diagnose the problems behind condensate drain leaks and damages. They can check and clear clogs and check if the system has efficient drains. The experts also replace damaged or cracked drain pans or lines for peak efficiency.
Poor Installation of the HVAC Units
The U.S. Department of Energy explains that most air conditioner problems in homes and offices result from poor service procedures and faulty connections. Inaccurately installing your systems can lead to air, water, and refrigerant leaks. Leaking problems related to poor connection by untrained installers can be noticed days or hours after mounting the new system.
An incorrectly installed HVAC appliance can make the ductwork, condensate drain lines (explained above), and refrigerant lines ooze out conditioned air, condensation, and coolant.
The only cause of poorly installed units is hiring unqualified or inexperienced HVAC technicians from a nearby AC repair company. They can connect the wrong components or fail to use all vital parts and fittings in making the connections.
Leaks from incorrectly installed systems can lead to the following problems:
- Uncomfortable low or high temperatures due to inefficient heaters and coolers.
- High energy bills due to struggling leaking units resulting from poor connections.
- Frequent need for repairs.
- Poor indoor air quality.
- Premature system failures that might need expensive replacements.
Avoiding the aforementioned installation-related issues is possible by hiring qualified and experienced HVAC experts to install the AC and heaters right the first time.
You can research offline and online and ask for referrals from friends and relatives. The best place to search for skilled professionals is in a reputable AC repair company.
Corroded or Damaged Refrigerant Lines
Another common cause of HVAC leaks is corroded parts, especially the refrigerant lines. Corrosion or damage in the pipes can lead to pin holes or cracks that leak out the coolant.
The refrigerant is a crucial component of the HVAC systems because it aids the cooling process. It sucks warm air from your house, leaving your space well-conditioned and comfortable during the summer.
The refrigerant lines are copper pipes within the system that connect the AC and the evaporator coils. They are responsible for transporting the coolant in liquid and gaseous state during the cooling process.
The coolant that moves within the copper lines should always be in the same factory-set level throughout its lifetime for the efficient optimal performance of your air conditioner. With damaged or cracked refrigerant pipes, your unit will have low refrigerant, affecting the performance of the compressor, evaporator coils, and other vital components.
The refrigerant lines can leak out the coolant due to failing units. Some of the causes of the leaks are:
- Loose connections and disconnected joints.
- Factory defects result from the manufacturing company failing to assemble all the parts or placing the wrong components.
- Corrosion of metal parts in the refrigerant lines can crack or create pin holes that leak out the coolant.
- Worn-out refrigerant lines due to old age form holes, allowing refrigerant leaks.
How will you know the refrigerant in your HVAC system is leaking before calling your preferred AC repair company for prompt repairs and replacement? Well, there are numerous signs that you will notice when using the system.
Some telltale indicators of leaking refrigerant include:
- The inadequate cooling capacity of the system is noticeable with insufficient or no cool conditioned air from the unit.
- Cooling cycles take longer than usual.
- Higher humidity levels indoors.
- Icy evaporator coils.
- Higher electricity costs.
- Weird loud sounds, including hissing noises, indicate the presence of holes and cracks in the refrigerant copper lines.
- Condensation leaks on the floor from the evaporator coils.
- A puddle of coolant is on the floor under the AC unit.
- Signs of ill health due to refrigerant poisoning can manifest through shortness of breath, dizziness, poor concentration, and loss of coordination.
When refrigerant leaks from your unit, it is a clear sign of corrosion, damage, and cracks in the refrigerant lines.
The issue requires emergency services from trustworthy technicians experienced in replacing leaked coolant. Having a professional is the best way to prevent additional AC problems that result from excess or low refrigerant levels.
Lack of Maintenance
Inadequate tune-ups and servicing of your HVAC units can lead to problems, including leaks, corrosion, and eventually complete system breakdown. Most of the HVAC woes that lead to air, water, or refrigerant leakages can stem from improper maintenance practices that can help pinpoint an issue before it escalates for urgent repairs.
The lack of tune-ups can create room for mold and fungus in the system, leading to clogged air filters and condensate drain lines. Blocked drains and filters affect proper drainage in HVAC units and cause numerous leak issues. Inadequate maintenance by qualified contractors from a renowned AC repair company is the reason behind most HVAC problems.
A poorly maintained HVAC system portrays the following signs:
- Foul or awful odors from the unit signify the presence of mold and mildew.
- Poor air quality leads to allergies, headaches, or fatigue.
- Inefficient cooling or heating capacity that causes poor airflow, leading to drafty indoors.
- Unusual noises, such as squeaking, banging, or grinding sounds
- Higher energy bills that stem from an overworking unkempt HVAC unit
When you observe the above signs and leaks, it is time to call for immediate HVAC repairs and maintenance. The tune-ups entail cleaning dirty parts like air filters, drain lines, and condensate drain pans, checking refrigerant levels and copper lines, and other components.
It is a process that you should pay for at least bi-annually to ensure maximum efficiency of the air conditioners, ventilators, and heaters.
Are You in Need of Urgent HVAC Repairs?
If you are facing HVAC problems, such as leaks through the air ducts, evaporator coils, condensate drain pans, or refrigerant lines, call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth for repairs.
We are a reputable AC repair company, offering excellent cooling and heating services since 1988. We aim to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on having experienced and skilled HVAC contractors specializing in AC and furnace repairs, installations, and replacements. They are drug tested, background checked, and licensed by the state of Texas.
In Short
HVAC systems are prone to fail or break down. They can leak, malfunction, and become inefficient because of poor unit installation, clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, damaged parts, and other issues.
Luckily, no AC issue is too complicated for repairs by qualified technicians. AC repair service professionals can recommend replacement parts or units if the mishaps are beyond fixing.
Replacing the worn-out system is also the best option to avoid frequent repairs due to sudden failures. Fortunately, all the HVAC problems are preventable through regular maintenance, something you should always invest in bi-annually.
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Causes Of Furnace Blower Motor Issues And Solutions By A Heating And AC Repair Expert
Have you been experiencing cold seasons in your home, yet you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system? Nothing is as frustrating as going home from a long workday only to have a non-operational system in the middle of the winter season. In times like this, you must contact a heating and AC repair technician for an emergency visit or brace the cold house until morning. This situation causes inconvenience and compromises the comfort of your home. But have you asked what might cause this? Your blower motor might be the problem. A blower motor is a part of your HVAC system and is responsible for moving heated air from your system to your home. When it malfunctions, this can cause your home not to heat enough or at all, depending on the extent of the damage. Therefore, this article will review some significant causes of a malfunctioning furnace blower motor and some solutions. In addition, it will highlight some of the tips to follow to avoid future problems.
What Is a Blower Motor?
To clearly understand the causes of a malfunctioning blower motor, you need to know what it is and, most notably, how it works. A furnace blower motor is essential in a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system that circulates the heated air from the system to the needed space. It accomplishes this by powering a fan that moves the heated air through the ducts and vents of your home. A heating and AC repair technician installs the blower motor in the system’s air handler for efficient operation. The blower fan is usually powered by electricity.
Which Common Issues Could Lead to a Damaged Furnace Blower Motor?
Your system’s blower motor might stop working efficiently due to several reasons. Since it is a complicated part of the system with several moving parts, it is challenging for a homeowner to pinpoint the exact issue. Therefore, you should contact a professional to investigate the leading cause of the problem. Some of the reasons that can result in a faulty blower motor include the following;
Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
A tripped breaker or a blown fuse is a significant cause of a faulty blower motor in most homes. Therefore, if your motor stops working, the first step is to check the circuit breaker and the fuse. When a circuit breaker trips, it cuts the power supply to your HVAC system, interrupting its operation. Similarly, a blown fuse cuts the power connection to the system. Although this might cause a break in heated air in your home, they are preventative measures to keep your HVAC system safe from overcurrent and other electrical-related issues. If the interruption is by a blown fuse or a tripped breaker, try resetting the breaker to the normal operating position. Have a professional replace the fuse with a new fuse.
Faulty Motor Capacitor
A defective motor capacitor is the other major cause of most faulty home blower motors. A motor capacitor is a small component in the blower motor that supplies the motor with the electrical charge needed to start operation. It is like the ignitor of the blower motor. Therefore, if your motor capacitor is faulty, it keeps your blower motor from starting hence no availability of heated air in your home. The motor capacitor can also cause your blower motor to stop working even after it has started running. If your blower motor is not working due to a faulty motor capacitor, it is advisable to have a heating and AC repair technician replace it. Attempting to replace the motor’s capacitor can be dangerous since capacitors carry a high electrical charge even when not connected to the electricity.
Faulty Blower Motor Relay
A blower motor relay is a component within your HVAC system that turns the blower motor off and on. Therefore, if it has a fault, it can prevent the blower motor from starting. The only solution to returning your system to smooth operation is replacing the faulty relay with a functioning one. A skilled professional can identify and replace the relay to restore the system’s efficient functionality, leaving your home comfortable.
Mechanical Issues
Another reason why your blower motor might not operate efficiently is due to mechanical issues. These can include a bearing problem, faulty belt, or pulley. Therefore, you can check the belt to see its condition. If the belt is worn out, replace it to restore your blower motor’s functionality. Although following the furnace manual instructions is possible, it is best to call a heating and AC repair professional to change the belt. The technician will also check if the other parts are operating efficiently and fix them if not.
Incorrect Installation
If your blower motor is damaged or incorrectly installed, it can cause significant problems to your furnace. It is advisable to use a professional technician to install the system. On the other hand, if the motor bearing or shaft is damaged, the blower may lack sufficient power to circulate air into your home effectively. Consequently, you will experience issues with cooling and heating which will also affect the overall performance of your HVAC system. To fix this issue, find a trained and qualified technician to replace your blower motor with a functioning one.
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter will block the heated airflow to your home and cause the blower motor to work harder. Consequently, this will cause your motor to overheat and eventually fail if left unattended for a long time. You can fix it by replacing the air filter and hiring a regular AC cleaning professional.
A furnace motor blower is integral in circulating heated air through your home. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that all its systems are functioning correctly and constantly maintained. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth for blower motor-related services and maintenance.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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A Detailed Guide On An RTU System From Your Reputable Air Conditioning Service Providers
Are you looking to upgrade your HVAC system, or are you in the market for a new one? Regardless of the cause, as a homeowner, you must venture into the HVAC market to search for a heating system. When this happens, you want an efficient and comfortable HVAC system. A system that you can rely on during harsh winters to adequately heat your home and cool it on those hot summer days. The first step to achieving a reliable and efficient HVAC is picking the right system for your home. Therefore, when looking for comfort and efficiency as your primary points, a rooftop unit (RTU) system is the best solution. But more than picking the correct system is required. You will also need an air conditioning service provider to maintain your system regularly. This detailed guide will help you to understand an RTU system and its benefits.
What Is a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC System?
The first step in understanding an RTU is knowing what it is. A Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system is a heating and cooling system typically used in industrial and commercial establishments. As its name suggests, a rooftop unit is mounted on rooftops for effective operation. A significant advantage of using an RTU HVAC system for your air conditioning needs is that it is highly energy-efficient and cost-effective.
An RTU HVAC system has a unit casing comprising a fan motor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil. An air conditioning service provider connects these components to your home’s interior through ductwork. The system also comprises temperature sensors, filters, and dehumidifiers/humidifiers, which enhance its operation. The system relies on regular maintenance for its effective performance. In addition, regular maintenance of the system greatly lowers the system’s operational cost.
What Are the Benefits of a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC System?
A rooftop unit offers an all-rounded low-profile solution for temperature control in commercial buildings and homes. Compared to other HVAC systems, the rooftop unit will offer superior efficiency and improved air quality and help you save money due to low energy costs. However, the primary benefit of an RTU HVAC system is its affordability. Because it only covers a small area, an RTU HVAC system’s maintenance and installation costs are much lower than other HVAC systems. In addition, it saves an installation technician time during installation since the unit is designed for outdoor roof placement.
Another significant advantage of the rooftop unit is that it has a powerful filtration capability which significantly improves your indoor air quality. Also, its overall performance is better than most conventional systems. Its models have condenser coils, facilitating its energy-saving and high-efficiency capabilities.
Finally, a rooftop HVAC system is small in size. Therefore, it does not obstruct views from the skylight or windows. When professionally selected, these units are robust and provide efficient heating or cooling throughout the space. Apart from their energy-saving capability, a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system will bring a desirable aesthetic look to your house, thereby increasing your home’s value.
Types of Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC Systems
Although RTU HVAC systems are energy efficient, they do not need expensive ductwork. In addition, they are easy to maintain and install due to their design. However, it is essential to note that this HVAC system comes in different types and forms. The difference is significant because every facility has different temperature needs and structures. Therefore, the available forms accommodate the different types of facilities. Some of these types include the following;
Single-Zone System
This is an ideal choice if you are looking for an efficient, cost-saving HVAC system for a small building such as your home. A single-zone system rooftop unit is ideal for small buildings. However, this type works best when cooling a single area. Therefore, if you want to cool a room or an open-plan floored home, this type is best suited to give you ideal temperature control. A single-zone RTU HVAC system has an all-in-one package that houses an indoor air-handling fan and an outdoor unit.
Multi-zone System
The other primary type of RTU HVAC system is a multi-zone system. Unlike the single-zone system, the multi-zone system covers large commercial spaces. It is also best for cooling multiple rooms at the same time. In addition, a multi-zone system has multiple zones comprising clustered units or rooms.
An air conditioning service provider will configure the different zones such that each zone can have its temperature control system. Therefore, when the people in the building want different temperatures in different rooms, each can set their room or unit temperature separately. A multi-zone system usually has up to 12 zones connected to several indoor fans or air-handling devices.
Water Source System
As the name suggests, this Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system uses water to cool your home. A heat pump will move chilled water over your entire home through pipes and a network of supply ducts. During installation, an air conditioning service provider will use water resources in your area, such as ponds or lakes, to supply the needed water and cool your home during the hot season. However, it is essential to note that a water source rooftop unit system requires very minimal space for installation.
Hybrid System
A hybrid rooftop unit combines conventional cooling or heating methods with modern systems such as digital control and VFD to meet your home’s heating or cooling needs. A hybrid system has higher energy efficiency and is more cost-effective than its counterpart Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system types since it combines the better qualities of both conventional and modern heating or cooling methods. Consequently, a hybrid system can meet programmable temperature demands in any building at any time.
What Are the Components of a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC System?
Most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are not self-sufficient. They need additional items such as programmable thermostats or insulation. However, the rooftop unit is self-contained with everything it needs for seamless operation. Therefore, when you choose the RTU as your ideal system for heating or cooling, you will not need to make additional purchases to facilitate its operation. A Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system has multiple components for cooling, heating, and ventilating your building. These include air damper, ductwork, and circulation fans helpful during a cooling or heating cycle. Below are the four primary components of a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system;
Condensers
A condenser is also known as a heat exchanger. Occasionally, an air conditioning service provider will install them outside the building. The condenser gathers heat from the environment and transfers it indoors to heat your home or radiates heat away to the environment once it has been pulled inside the building for cooling purposes. The condenser uses a liquid or gas refrigerant, which either absorbs heat from the building or disposes of it, depending on the cycle.
Compressors
This is the heart of a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system. It is the heat energy between gases during expansion or contraction. When the refrigerant is circulating through the system, it either absorbs heat in a cooling cycle or disposes of it, heating the air around it in a heating cycle. The compressor then transfers the heat or cool air gained from the refrigerant through the system.
Coils
The Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system coils carry cold or warm air. During cooling, surrounding water vapor in the air condenses into a liquid. On the other hand, during a heating cycle, the water vapor evaporates into a gas.
Evaporators
The evaporators are lightweight metals that cause electricity resistance. During a cooling cycle, the evaporator allows a coolant to be in a gaseous state to absorb heat from the air and cool it. On the other hand, during a heating cycle, an evaporator heats the fluid through electric-resistant coils, thus the air in the surrounding. Fans circulate the hot air back into the building through ventilation.
Notably, all these parts are essential to the overall operation of the Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system. Therefore, you should hire a professional air conditioning service provider for regular maintenance service. Maintenance will facilitate the continued effective operation of your RTU HVAC system.
Which Designs Should You Consider for an RTU HVAC System?
Choosing the ideal RTU HVAC system for your home can be challenging, especially without the proper guidance. Therefore, you should conduct your investigations carefully before settling on one design. Additionally, consult a professional technician on which is best. The technician is adequately skilled in advising you on several options depending on your home’s temperature needs. However, regardless of your design, a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system should efficiently heat and cool your home with minimal energy use. It should also be cost-effective to help you save money. A Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system can be incorporated into any residential, commercial, or industrial structure.
When selecting a suitable rooftop HVAC system for your home, you should consider the size of your home and your temperature requirements. Also, consider a design with a balanced airflow rate, refrigerant type, duct layout, and duct size. All these are essential factors for the optimum Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system performance.
The other important factor to consider before purchasing the Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system is where an air conditioning service provider will install it. You will need several units for effective temperature control if your home is extensive.
Finally, consider the final aspect and how much you are willing and able to invest in this project. Note that you must include the purchasing, installation, and maintenance costs. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not remember to include the maintenance and running costs of a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system.
Regular maintenance service is crucial to the continued efficient operation of the system. In addition, it helps prolong the lifespan of the Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system by eliminating avoidable breakdowns and repairs. The RTU HVAC system is considerably pricier than other air conditioning systems because of its specialized components and large capacity.
Installation Requirements for Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC System
Since the RTU HVAC system sits on a building’s roof and is small, it is a good option for small homes or if your home has limited indoor space. Notably, a Rooftop Unit (RTU) HVAC system has all the features of a conventional split HVAC system but with better energy efficiency and cost-saving capabilities.
Some key things to consider when installing an RTU HVAC system in your home include size, airflow, and electrical components. The size of the RTU HVAC system you buy for your home will affect the system’s lifespan, efficiency, and cost of running the system. If you get an incorrect size, these factors are affected negatively, which also impacts the comfort of your home.
You will also need to verify the airflow of the system before purchase. It is best to consult an air conditioning service provider for the right system for this factor. The technician has the know-how and skill to pick an RTU HVAC system that adequately serves your home. The technician will also help you ensure all the electrical components are incorporated and the connections are correctly installed according to the local building regulations. Finally, check the operator manual before turning on the unit.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
In most cases, RTU HVAC systems are more energy efficient and reliable than other HVAC systems. Their reliability is mainly because an air conditioning service provider installs the condenser outside. The system needs to have regular maintenance and troubleshooting for continued effective operation. The system maintenance includes inspecting filters, fans, coils, and motors. During maintenance, the technician will check the refrigerant level and clean the filters.
Leveraging RTU HVAC for Its Immense Benefits
An RTU HVAC system has significant benefits such as high efficiency and cost saving. However, you need to pick an ideal system to enjoy these benefits. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth for any RTU HVAC questions and services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.