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.

These are the Most Common Furnace Troubleshooting Situations

In the midst of cool winter weather, the last thing you need is for your furnace to give you problems. If and when that happens, you’ll need to rely on your furnace troubleshooting expertise until you can get your HVAC technician to take a look at the problem. If you’re not getting enough heat or any heat at all, here are a few furnace troubleshooting tips to consider:

Not getting enough heat?

First, check your thermostat and make sure it’s set to your desired temperature. Also make sure the furnace filter isn’t clogged with debris. An undersized furnace can also fail to produce enough heat for your home’s space.

Not getting any heat at all?

Check the circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Afterwards, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and the desired temperature is set above the current indoor temperature. Also make sure your pilot light is on or your electric ignition is working properly.

Blower running continuously?

Have your HVAC technician check and, if necessary, replace the limit switch on the blower motor.

Not getting enough airflow?

Make sure the furnace filter isn’t clogged with debris. Also check the ducts for any breaks, holes or other damage that could accidentally reroute airflow.

Furnace too noisy?

Make sure there aren’t any loose components on your furnace. Some noises, including rumbling or squeaking sounds, could indicate a mechanical problem that your HVAC technician should deal with.

Furnace frequently cycling?

It could be a bad thermostat, clogged furnace filter or poor airflow at play. Oversized furnaces can also cycle frequently, resulting in increased wear and tear.

Can’t see your pilot light?

Try relighting the pilot. If it won’t stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or the gas supply. Don’t forget to check the surrounding area for drafts.

For more furnace troubleshooting tips and other advice, turn to the professionals at Air Assurance. We proudly offer the best in heating and cooling service and installation for homeowners in the Broken Arrow 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 troubleshooting and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

Garbage Disposal 101

Your garbage disposal can break down, clog your drains, and cause other problems if not operated and maintained properly. Repairing it and the plumbing mishaps that result can be a costly affair. Follow these tips to use and maintain your garbage disposal correctly.

Operation

Allow enough time for food particles to get ground thoroughly and flushed. Leftovers can cause odors.

Cleaning

Clean your disposal at least once a week. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside. You can clean the grinding elements and eliminate odors by filling the disposal with ice cubes and one cup of rock salt, and running it for a few seconds. They will grind up against the interior components and scrape sludge and debris away. Alternatively, you can use vinegar ice cubes or pieces of fresh citrus fruits.

Repairs

When your disposal malfunctions unexpectedly, turn off the power switch before doing any repair work. Use tongs or pliers to dislodge any objects that may be stuck inside. Never insert your fingers.

What to Put In

• Cold water — Run cold water whenever your disposal is on. It solidifies grease and oils that can get into the unit.

• Small food scraps — Your disposal is intended for small bits of food. Avoid putting in large chunks.

• Cooked vegetables and meat — These are soft enough to be ground with ease.

What Not to Put In

• Rice and pasta — They expand inside your pipes when mixed with water and can cause clogs.

• Grease, fats, oil and fat-based foods — They harden when cooled and can gum up blades and cause clogs.

• Stringy vegetables — Vegetables like asparagus and celery can twist around the blades and impede their functioning.

• Anything that's not food — Although the name is deceptive, your garbage disposal shouldn't be used as a trash can. Non-food items can damage the motor and blades.

Your disposal will give you many years of excellent service if you properly care for it. If you have any questions about your garbage disposal, please contact us at Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

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 garbage disposals and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Brett_Hondow/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"