HVAC Problems: Normal or Not?

Your HVAC system is comprised of complicated equipment, so it can be hard to know if a developing issue is really a cause for concern, or the equipment is operating normally. To help you determine when expert help is needed, here's some guidance on common HVAC problems that should raise a red flag:

New Sounds

Some HVAC noise is completely normal, like a humming outdoor compressor, a whirring blower fan, or the whoosh of air traveling through the ducting. If startling new sounds like clanking, rattling, hissing or shrill screeching occur, it deserves attention before costly component damage occurs.

Condensate Leaks

Heat pumps and air conditioners pull water from the air when they're cooling, but it should drain away unseen through the system's condensate drain. If you discover a puddle of water below or near the air handler unit, there's likely a blockage or other problem with the condensate drain system. To minimize the risk of water backups that result in interior damage, call your HVAC pro for help.

Excess Humidity

If your home always seems too hot and sticky, and you're seeing more mold growth in the bathrooms, it's wise to have an HVAC technician assess your system. If your cooling equipment isn't dehumidifying properly because of its age or capacity, you may be advised to upgrade.

Bigger Energy Bills

If your utility company increases its rates, or your normal consumption increases, you expect to see bigger energy bills, but an increase for no obvious reason may point to a problem with your HVAC. A technician may discover that it's caused by an age-related drop in your equipment's efficiency, dirty cooling coils, a low refrigerant level, or leaky ductwork.

Odd Odors

Normally, you shouldn't notice any odor in the conditioned air coming from your HVAC vents. If you detect a dirty sock, acetone or acrid, burnt scent, it needs further investigation because there may be mold or algae growth, a refrigerant leak, or arcing/overheating electrical components within your HVAC system.

If you're experiencing HVAC problems in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today at Air Assurance for expert solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn't Turning On

Your air conditioner is built to last, but every now and then, a problem may arise. One of the most stressful A/C scenarios you can experience is when the unit just doesn't turn on. So what steps are in order when that happens? Read on and learn how not to panic, but see if you can resolve the issue before you have to call for help.

Why Your A/C Might Not Be Turning On

1. No power. Believe it or not, but oftentimes when HVAC businesses get calls about an A/C not working, it turns out to be simply a matter of the power or the control being off. Before you call, do the following:

• Make sure the electricity is on in the house.

• Make sure the breaker that controls the A/C has not flipped.

• Make sure the unit is turned to "air conditioner" or "cool."

• Make sure the unit is turned to auto or on. If it's on auto, turn the thermostat down a few degrees to see if it comes on.

2. Thermostat is set too high. The unit will not turn on if the thermostat is set higher than the ambient temperature. Lower it to see if the A/C comes on.

3. Thermostat isn't working. If your thermostat uses batteries and the digital window is blank, try changing the batteries. If the thermostat is wired, check the wires to make sure none are loose or frayed. It could also be that the thermostat has stopped working and needs to be replaced.

4. Air filter is dirty. Although this is less likely to cause the A/C to stop running altogether, it is possible. A dirty filter slows air flow and can cause the unit to freeze up. It may either stop cooling or stop running if this happens. Whenever you see ice on either the indoor or outdoor components, turn the A/C off and allow it to defrost before you turn it back on.

To learn more about reasons your air conditioner may not turn on, call Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GDJ/Pixabay”

Does Your Thermostat Need to Be Replaced?

When your HVAC system suddenly stops working, it's easy to fear the worst and think that something is wrong with one of your costly components. There's another possible culprit that's easy to rule out: a failed thermostat. By following these steps, you can learn whether a thermostat replacement can get the system up and running again:

Change the Temperature Setting

Before doing anything else, try changing the thermostat's temperature setting by five degrees to see if this triggers the HVAC equipment. For the furnace, turn it up, and for the A/C, dial it down.

Check Whether the Thermostat is Receiving Power

Head to the main electrical panel and find the breaker that controls the thermostat. Even if it appears fine, shut it off and then on. If there are batteries in your thermostat, replace them.

Verify the Function Setting

Check the function button on the thermostat to make sure it's set appropriately for the season on either "heat" or "cool."

Check/Clean the Interior

Turn off the breaker again, then remove the thermostat's cover to inspect the interior. Make sure that all the electrical wires are tightly attached to the mounting screws. If any are loose, fix them. With a soft brush, gently clean any dust built up on the interior. Use a cotton swab dampened with electrical contact cleaner to clean the metal contacts. Then, turn the breaker back on and test if the thermostat is working now by making temperature adjustments again.

Bypass the Thermostat's Control

If these steps haven't helped, turn off the breaker again. Remove the thermostat from its wall mounting bracket and disconnect the electrical wires from the back. Find the red and white wires and gently twist the ends together. Turn the breaker on again and check whether the furnace cycles on. Using the red and green wires, repeat this process to test the cooling equipment. If the heating or cooling equipment cycles on when the wires are twisted together, you'll know the thermostat needs to be replaced.For expert help with a thermostat replacement in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “cdz/Pixabay”

Troubleshooting for Air Conditioners

There are so many parts and components to your air conditioner system, you may not know how to begin to fix it should something go wrong. While most A/C problems require the expertise of your HVAC pro, there are some issues that you may troubleshoot before making the call.

Troubleshooting Tips

Is your thermostat in the "cool" position? Check one more time to make sure. If your A/C isn't powering on, check to see if a breaker has tripped inside the circuit box.One of the most basic components of your A/C, yet one of the most important, is the air filter. A clogged air filter may cause your unit to run off and on repeatedly, overheat other parts, and even cause early failure. Take a look at your filter, which is typically located behind the return grille, to see if it needs to be changed.Next on your troubleshooting list is the outdoor unit. If weeds, leaves, grass clippings, and/or other obstructions are blocking free airflow to the unit, it won't be able to cool as it should.

Professional Service

Your A/C relies on electrical parts and signals for it to operate correctly. So, if your unit isn't powering on, and the circuit breaker is fine, your HVAC pro needs to be called. Other problems that require professional diagnostics are unusual noises, such as grinding, squealing, rattling, or thumping. If your system is making any of these noises, turn it off and call your HVAC pro.There are many possible problems relating your A/C unit if it is operating but not cooling. Your HVAC pro should check the following:

• Refrigerant charge needs to be measured to ensure optimal levels.

• Diagnostic tests are performed on the compressor to detect faulty parts.

• The blower motor is tested as well.

• The drainage system and evaporator coil are inspected for obstructions that could make your system leak water.

If your air conditioner is on the fritz, don't sweat it! Contact the professionals at Air Assurance for immediate service. We've proudly served homeowners of Broken Arrow and surrounding areas for more than 30 years!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/pixabay"