What Is the Cause For Air Duct Problems? | AC Repair Company
Your air conditioning system’s air ducts play a critical role. They carry the conditioned air to different rooms at your home. It is for this reason that you must have routine air conditioning maintenance. This helps you uncover any developing issues before they exacerbate into full-blown problems that need emergency repairs. Duct cleaning is one of the things that are included in any air conditioning service. However, duct cleaning service is usually done after every 2 years. This means they cannot clean during other maintenance services. Regardless, you shouldn’t ignore the ducts. Just as you remember to enlist an AC repair company for other servicing needs, so should you when it comes to duct maintenance. Failing ducts can hurt the efficiency of your air conditioning system and make the AC unit strain, among other issues. You must understand the causes of air duct issues. It is through understanding the causes that you can formulate a better strategy to prevent damage or other duct issues.
What Are The Main Reasons For Duct Damage
Poor Installation
You must enlist a qualified air conditioner installation technician for air duct design and installation. An improper installation will cause air duct issues down the line. For example, when connecting the air ducts, an inexperienced AC professional might not firmly enough connect the sections. This means that leaks will arise in due time because of these loose connections.
Have you noticed an unexplainable increase in energy utility bills? You should have a professional inspect the air ducts because air might be escaping from the joints. This results in your unit using more energy to compensate for the lost air. Besides higher energy utility bills, overburdening the air conditioner also might result in breakdowns. This might substantially reduce the lifespan of the air conditioner with time.
The Age of Your Air Ducts
Air ducts are mostly made from various materials. However, no material lasts forever. They will eventually break down with age, causing the air ducts to develop holes and leaks. While the air ducts should normally last for about 2 decades, scheduling a regular duct cleaning with a reliable AC repair company is a great idea. If the contaminants accumulate, they eventually mix with the indoor air, putting your comfort and health at risk.
Accidental Damage
The air ducts also could suffer damage if there are damages to your home or attic caused by severe storms, water leaks, or materials falling over. Knowing the culprit behind the smashed or damaged air ducts means the repair technician will be better positioned to help you easily. If the incidents are isolated, they can be resolved by replacing small sections of air ducts and ensuring the replacements are sealed with the existing ones.
Animal Intruders
Rodents and other small critters can be like humans at times. During summers, they look for hiding places to escape the scorching heat. One of the places they might hide is in your air ducts. While in there, some create nests while others eat into the ductwork insulation. Others urinate on the steel ducts, exposing them to rapid corrosion. This results in many issues, such as blockage to airflow, pinholes where air escapes from, bad-smelling conditioned air, and energy loss. If the rodents or critters die in the ducts, a pungent smell that permeates your home is left behind. Inspect your ducts during the air conditioning maintenance visit to deal with such. If dirty, the professionals will clean and disinfect them.
Improper Cleaning
Have you recently had your ducts cleaned? Then you could be facing the consequences of your contractor’s mistakes. The air ducts must be flexible to handle the air volume rushing daily into your home. Unfortunately, this exposes them to damage from the technicians trying to clean them. A strong hand could expose the fiberglass during duct cleaning and enter your air. This will result in issues with your HVAC filtration system and irritate your respiratory system. The ducts could also be blocked following a simple cleaning. If the fiberglass is lifted from its position, it could block the vents’ airflow. This will not only result in scary noises but also will cause serious damage to the system. So, next time you want a duct cleaning service, hire seasoned technicians from a reputable AC repair company near you.
Protecting Air Ducts From Damage
Remaining On Top Of Duct Cleaning
Scheduling routine and regular duct cleaning services will prevent contaminants from accumulating in your system. This is an essential part of your health. Hence, it should always be a regular component of your air conditioning service.
Have It Inspected
Regular inspections will uncover those small developing issues before they worsen. Coordinating with an AC repair professional and scheduling an air duct inspection could help you do that. This will keep the ducts in good shape for an extensive time. Remember, the longer it takes before you have to replace the air ducts, the better.
Be Vigilant on Warning Signs
Understanding the early signs of air duct issues makes it easier to address them quickly. If you notice an increase in energy bills or scary sounds in the air ducts, that is a cue to call an AC repair company for a prompt inspection and repair. Other signs that you should have the ducts looked at include the following;
- Whenever you feel the air conditioner isn’t cooling your home evenly
- If strange smells are coming from the ducts
These are the signs that your air ducts could have an existing problem. However, definitive proof will be arrived at after the professional inspects them.
Count On Our Experience
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Fort Worth can offer you the expert duct inspection, maintenance, cleaning, or repair services you require. No matter what caused the problem, our technicians will evaluate it and recommend the most efficient and affordable solution. Contact us today to get the most from your air ducts.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Check out our reviews here.
Photo By Serenethos at iStock
Learning all About VFDs and Reasons to Have an AC Repair Company Install Them In Your HVAC
The developments in the technological and mechanical industries have greatly benefitted the heating and air conditioning industry. The development of smart thermostats, WIFI thermostats, and Hyper-Heating INVERTER® (H2i) are some of the recently developed technologies that have enhanced HVAC efficiency and increased energy saving. However, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are also a recent invention that has proven great for HVAC systems. These systems let you regulate the speed of the HVAC motor, increasing efficiency and saving energy. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are great for applications requiring speed changes, like fans, air conditioning, and pumps. Hence, if you want to experience either of these benefits, you might want to have an AC repair company help you choose a unit that uses such technologies.
Defining a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are adjustable speed drives used for controlling the speed of an air conditioning or HVAC motor. The motor will go slowly if the drive rotates at a higher frequency. They are common in conveyors, compressors, pumps, and heat pumps. The VFDs help you regulate the motor speed with high precision. They give only the required power for the job, helping you save energy.
An Overview of Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
HVAC systems are an incredibly effective way of cooling or warming your home’s air during summer or winter, respectively. To maintain the required or needed indoor temperatures, ventilation, air conditioning, humidity control, cooling, or heating. The VFDs play a critical role in the control of such elements. A standard heating and air conditioning system features evaporator and condenser coils, air ducts, compressors, valves, and sensors.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) precisely control the speed of the motor fans, regulating the indoor air quality and airflow in residential and commercial buildings. This results in improved energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs for the HVAC motors, and minimized noise pollution. Having an AC repair company install a VFD also ensures a smooth transition between the motor speed with no surge in energy use.
How Can One Benefit By Using VFDs?
The use of VFDs in heating and air conditioning systems has seen a rapid increase recently. Unlike traditional systems, they offer a range of benefits compared to the traditional systems including;
Improve Comfort
The other benefit of using a unit relying on Variable Frequency Drives is that they improve indoor comfort. A heating and air conditioning system can respond more accurately and faster through their use, resulting in little to no temperature variations. This gives your family members and you better comfort.
Environmental Benefits
Besides improving comfort, the systems relying on Variable Frequency Drives also have environmental benefits. They can prevent production losses caused by incorrect settings and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Mechanical components like friction brakes are also eliminated in such systems. The result is improved accuracy, preventing HVAC malfunctioning and instability. This means you will make fewer calls to your reliable AC repair company in the unit’s lifespan.
Improved System Efficiency
As mentioned in the introduction, using Variable Frequency Drives in HVAC systems results in improved efficiency of the HVAC system. These systems increase the system’s efficiency by controlling the speed of the electric motors in these systems with high precision. They help save energy by reducing the amount required to complete the cooling or heating cycle. When operated at lower speeds, they also reduce the levels of noise.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Compressors, heat exchangers, and motors are among the leading energy-consuming elements in an HVAC system. For the motors, using variable frequency drives means that the speed of the motor can be controlled to the cooling or heating requirements. This is accomplished by turning the motor output off or on or changing the frequency or voltage. This results in the following:
- Reduced energy use – Controlling the motor speed precisely during peak tomes reduces carbon emissions and improves energy use. Since the unnecessary stops and starts are eliminated, you save on energy utility bills. Additionally, the motors run at the required speed based on the level of cooling or heating required, minimizing the power used.
- Improved efficiency – Variable frequency drives reduce downtime and prevent production losses. The blower and other HVAC motors can serve you longer with reduced torque conditions.
- Longer motor life – Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) give the HVAC system smoother startups with minimal stress on the components. This results in a longer motor lifespan and less HVAC maintenance by your reliable air conditioning repair company.
Increased System Reliability
VFDs provide far superior protection from voltage spikes or even overheating. This means that the system can reliably serve you in the long run. VFDs allow greater efficiency, higher accuracy, and more safety by allowing more precise torque and motor speed control. Thus, your home will have increased comfort and improved indoor air quality.
Where are VFDs Used in an HVAC System?
Variable frequency drives, as mentioned above, are used for managing speeds in air conditioning motors. They also can reduce or increase the rate of airflow in heating and air conditioning systems. In so doing, the air conditioning unit can keep your home perfectly cooled or heated. So, where are variable frequency drives used in air conditioning systems? What are the benefits and shortcomings of using such? Below are the main areas where VFDs are used:
Compressors and Pumps
Variable frequency drives are a great innovation in heating and air conditioning systems. They control the speed of pumps and compressors. The compressor is among the most important part of a heating and air conditioning system. The variable frequency drive gets a signal from the temperature or pressure sensors, making the system more efficient.
The VFD can also control the pumps, reducing the amount of energy the motor uses. By running at partial loads, the variable frequency drives also save energy. They can optimize the tonnage of the pump and apply it in its best efficiency range (BER). Compared to other control methods, variable frequency drives provide better control.
Cooling and Heating Coils
The cooling and heating coils are essential components of a heating and air conditioning system. They help in controlling indoor humidity and temperatures. However, using the variable frequency drives will help regulate the energy used in these coils. You can adjust the speed of the motors to changing conditions such as temperatures, humidity, and power consumption.
This helps at saving energy while ensuring comfort. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers or calorifiers are also used in the HVAC industry. These systems maintain fluid temperatures for heating and air conditioning. The variable frequency drives can be used as a replacement for the traditional throttling methods such as adjuster valves, inflatable actuators, or even manual valves. These use less power at their peak, and the motor speed adjusts depending on the cooling or heating needs.
Compared to traditional systems, VFDs are more efficient. Do you have an old system leaving your pocket empty on maintenance and operational costs? It might be time to call an AC repair company to help you upgrade to a system that relies on variable frequency drives. The VFDs can more precisely regulate the temperatures, which is absent in manual throttling. Heating and cooling coils, variable frequency drives, and calorifiers make an HVAC system more liable.
Blower and Fan Motors
Blower and motor fans are common in heating and cooling systems. They blow the conditioned air into the air ducts, where it cools or heats the conditioned air. Without a VFD, the blower and fan motor run at a constant speed, resulting in energy losses. The energy loss is normally a result of the torque dropping off at a lower speed.
The motor or blower fan speed can be adjusted based on demand with a variable frequency drive. As a result, you’ll notice a significant drop in energy costs. Variable frequency drives also can control the airflow in the cooling cycle. With the variation of the blower and fan motor speeds, there comes a more precise ability to control the temperatures. This removes the excessive off/on cycles that result in overcooling or overheating your indoor environment.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintaining a variable frequency drive in a heating and cooling system is critical. It ensures that your system can continue to cool your home to your preferred temperatures. Below are some of the maintenance actions that an AC repair company might undertake to ensure that your VFD helps the HVAC keep your home comfortable:
Inspection
This is the initial stage in any maintenance activity. Here, the heating and AC repair professional checks the VFDs for wear, corrosion, damage, burned components, and any naked or broken wires on the HVAC. They also check to see if any connectors or cables are loose. It is the inspection stage that informs the next best course of action.
Cleaning
After the inspection, say the professional determines that some HVAC parts are dirty. The next most logical step is cleaning it. VFDs are usually encased. The professional will clean the casing using an approved cleaning agent if it is dirty. They also will clean up any wiring covered with debris or dirt. If the vents, evaporator coils, condenser, or any other element is dirty, the professional will clean it up.
Lubrication
As you might have guessed, the variable frequency drives are a mechanical component. Thus, the motors and bearings must be regularly lubricated to avoid friction. The AC repair company will also lubricate the compressor, dampers, and fan motors.
Temperature Monitoring
Dirt and debris tend to overheat the VFDs, making them wear out. Thus, they should be kept clean. Additionally, ensure that the temperature settings are to the manufacturer’s specifications.
VFDs Frequently Asked Questions
What are VFDs?
VFDs or variable frequency drives are devices that control an electric motor’s speed by varying the voltage provided to the motor and the frequency. Nowadays, they are common in HVAC systems and improve energy efficiency by adjusting the motor’s speed depending on the changing load requirements.
Are there Disadvantages to Using VFDs in a Heating and Cooling System?
Although there are many upsides to having an AC repair company install variable frequency drives, there also are downsides that you should consider. That enhanced system performance and energy efficiency come with increased maintenance and installation costs of the VFDs.
How Do VFDs Work in an HVAC System?
Variable frequency drives work by converting the incoming power from AC to DC and using several transistors to convert the DC power to alternating current with a variable voltage and frequency. The change in voltage and frequency is based on the demands of the heating and air conditioning system that controls the motor speed.
How Do VFDs Enhance Energy Efficiency in an HVAC System?
By adjusting the HVAC system motor speed to match the system’s load requirements, the variable frequency drives can help reduce energy use and costs. This’s because the motors use a lower amount of energy when they’re running at slower speeds. However, the VFDs can help ensure the motor doesn’t run at full speed whenever it isn’t required. To enhance energy efficiency in your HVAC system, talk with a reliable AC repair company about installing a VFD system.
Which HVAC Systems Can Benefit From the Use of VFDs?
VFDs can benefit various heating and air conditioning systems, such as pumps, chillers, air handling units, and fans. Any system having/using an electric motor can benefit from using variable frequency drives to reduce the motor’s wear and tear and improve energy efficiency.
Leveraging HVAC Technology Advancements For Visible Benefits
Leveraging current feedback, VFDs can easily improve the energy efficiency of the entire system while delivering exact control over torque and speed. Thus, they are best suited for pump and fan propellers requiring energy efficiency and precise control. Do you want to upgrade the motor speed control? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth to install VFDs in your system or for a complete overhaul.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By LightUnika at iStock
The Most Common AC Repair Types and Signs to Call a Pro
Your home’s air conditioner works throughout the summer for you without much thought about it. You turn it on, set the desired temperature, and go about your day. Then, something happens, and it does not seem to work as well as it should. Your home feels hot and uncomfortable. You are instantly frustrated, but you are not sure if you need AC repair or if it is just a very hot day. Before you decide not to repair your system, know the warning signs that you should not put off these types of repairs. What could be wrong?
The Most Common Repairs to Air Conditioners You Should Not Ignore
Your home’s air conditioner has numerous working components both inside the home and outside of it. There are preventative maintenance steps you need to take consistently to keep it operating at its best. If you do not do that or a component wears out, chances are good, you will find it difficult to maintain your system. Do not wait to call in a technician for help. Here are some of the most important times to get AC repair immediately.
There Is No Cold Air
This is an easy one to notice on a hot day in Texas. If your air conditioner is not producing any cold air, that could be a significant problem and warrants a call for emergency air conditioner repairs from a technician. There are several reasons this could happen.
You may need to have refrigerant added to your system. This is the most common reason not to have cold air blowing from your system if you have an older model. The refrigerant is what helps the system work to keep air cold and blowing. Most of the time, you should not need to have it recharged, but older systems may need this. It may also occur if you have a leak occurring.
You also may need to adjust the thermostat. Check to be sure the thermostat is on the temperature you desire. Try to lower it and see if that helps to get the system working again. If not, then you may need to replace the thermostat (assuming all other components check out). This is one of the easier repairs to do, though, by a trained professional.
There Is Moisture In Your Ducts
If you take a look at your ductwork, where the vents are in your home, and you notice they are wet, that is an indication that you need to call in a professional for air conditioner repairs. This is not something to put off because it can cause mold to grow over time. It may also indicate that there is a blockage in your air duct or that your system is not able to move air through properly.
In every situation, it is best to call in a professional to inspect this concern since it can indicate a much larger concern if not treated. For example, if the moisture remains, it could allow mold and bacteria to grow within the space. Over time, that could mean that mold spores are moving throughout your home into every room. This takes a significant mold remediation process to clean away, and that could be problematic as well.
The Air Is Cool But Not Cold
Another potential concern that warrants calling for air conditioner repairs occurs when your thermostat seems to be working properly and your system is running, but the air is not really cold. It may feel a bit cool but not cold. If the other steps did not correct this problem, the underlying concern could b related to the capacitor. This component is critical to keeping your system running properly.
Typically, your air conditioner has two main exterior components. This includes the fan motor and the compressor. Both of these systems have a motor that runs, and if you listen close enough, you can hear the differences between them. The compressor tends to have a buzzing sound, while the fan is more of a whirl. If you place your hand over the fan area, you should feel air there that seems hotter than the air outside right now.
Look at your system, and notice if there is a buzzing sound or a humming sound coming from the unit. If there is, but you do not see anything turning and you do not feel air blowing, that could indicate the capacitor is not working as it should be. These motors are necessary to keep the entire system running. These are common components to wear down over time which typically means that if your system is older, chances are good you will have to replace these components.
The Drain Line Is Clogged
Another potential problem related to your system that could be causing temperature issues is a clogged drain line. You may not need extensive air conditioner repairs if you take care of this problem early on or allow a technician to handle it. Here’s why it matters.
The air conditioner in your home does not just cool the air you feel but also pulls out the moisture from it. As a result of this, moisture is collected by the air conditioner and must be removed. It goes down a drain that is typically located under or near the air conditioner. Most of the time, this is not a problem, but over a period of time, debris and bacteria can build up within this space, and that leads to backup risks.
AC repair needs here typically involve the removal of any blockage present and then the cleaning of the PVC drain line. You may need to have this done if you notice that there is a lot of backup in the unit. Over time, it can become so much so that it saturates the surrounding area instead of running into the floor drain as it should.
If this occurs for long enough, the system activates a safety switch, turning itself off. That will prevent it from becoming water damaged. Most of the time, the thermostat will completely go to a blank screen, though there’s nothing wrong with it. Air conditioner repair here will focus on allowing the system to drain properly, clearing away any clogs present, and then turning the system back on. You may need to have the code erased to get the system to come on. However, it is best to let the professionals handle this process whenever possible.
Electrical Burning Smells
This type of AC repair is not one you want to put off. If you smell anything that seems to be electrical related, you should turn off your air conditioner and leave the home. This means likely smoke or a fire is occurring. Let the fire department take a closer look.
Why is this occurring? Typically, it is the blower motor. Most of the time, these motors will last for numerous years without any problem, but over time they can go bad. These motors are critical because they help move air into your ductwork. They often begin to fail if they do not get enough maintenance and routine cleaning as they should. That should include lubricating the bearings on them.
You will need AC repair if you start to smell any type of electrical burning. This is likely to be coming from the ductwork itself. You may also hear the bearings banging, which can sound like a knocking sound coming from the ductwork that is fairly consistent.
If you suspect this to be the problem, it is best to call a licensed professional to come out for an inspection and to replace the component. Doing so will provide the best level of protection for your system over time as it ensures the work is being done as required.
A Noisy Unit
While the blower motor could be behind some of the noise you hear from your air conditioner, other times, it may not be. For this common AC repair, you will need to have a technician inspect the system to locate any type of loose connections, which typically cause the underlying problem to occur. You may hear a range of noises, like a screeching sound. If that occurs, that often means there is something getting in the way of the fan operating properly.
Noise that is new or different should not be ignored. You also don’t want to ignore any type of noise that sounds like the system is struggling to run. That could be related to a lack of good airflow coming into it. That is also something you want to tackle as soon as possible.
Your technician will come to your property and inspect the system to determine what is happening here. In the easiest cases, the repair will require fixing the loose connections. In other cases, lubricating the system is all that is needed to get it back to a good working level. The key is to get help as soon as you notice the problem, as that can reduce the risk of increasing damage from that sound.
You Have Higher Than Normal Energy Prices
No one likes to hear that their home’s air conditioning costs are on the rise, but this could be due to a number of factors. Most commonly, an increase in your energy bills indicates that the air conditioner is operating at a much harder rate – which means it needs to pull more energy to operate as it should. Of course, it could be that your supplier has raised prices, too.
Typically, air conditioners use a significant amount of energy to operate, though. You’ll likely notice an uptick in your energy bills when you turn on the AC for the year if you turn down the temperature significantly or when there is a higher level of humidity. If these things are not happening, and your costs are on the rise, then it is time to consider AC repair.
Your technician will inspect the system to determine what’s occurring. It could involve the need to replace the filters and clean out debris within the system. Other times, you may need to consider replacement of your air conditioner due to an older model that is no longer efficient. Over time, replacement of the system becomes beneficial – it can help to lower your energy cost by 20 to 50 percent if you currently have a much older unit.
Your technician can offer guidance on when you’ve reached this point. Most of the time, though, your technician can get your system operating well and at a more efficient level with routine maintenance and upkeep.
You Hear Screeching or Grinding
Unfortunately, this is an awful sound, and it can happen rather quickly. You may hear your outside unit making a lot of loud sounds whenever the system turns on. This type of AC repair may be necessary when your outdoor compressor or condenser’s fan motor starts to fail. This typically occurs when there is an electrical problem or when there is damage to the bearings or valves in the system.
If you hear any type of change in the way the outside unit sounds, do not put off getting help. You’ll certainly want to ensure you have a well-trained technician come out to provide you with the repair needs. Because this is such a critical component of your air conditioner, do not put this repair off.
Get the Help You Need to Get Your System Running Again
When it comes to AC repair, any time you notice any type of difference or change to the way your system is running, call a technician out for an inspection. It is by far the easiest way for you to get your system back up and working properly. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Forth Worth, our team can help you inspect and upgrade your system with ease.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By DragonImages at iStock
Check out this tip!