Month: August 2018

Should I Cover My Air Conditioner?

Do Air Conditioners Need To Be Covered During The Winter?

Your residential HVAC system requires maintenance periodically throughout the year. When fall turns into winter, it is then the ideal time to get your Houston AC ready for the weather that lies ahead. Later in the year, as the hot days of summer transition into the cooler days of fall, it is time to shift your focus to your furnace or heating system. One question that many people ask AC Man Of Houston is whether their air conditioner needs to be covered when it is not in use during the winter season or to protect it from bad weather.

Covers Provide Protection Against Outside Elements

A lot of times, people mistakenly believe that they need to cover their air conditioner during the winter months. In fact, it is far more important to cover the outdoor Houston AC during the autumn season. This is the time of year when leaves, seeds, and other small bits of debris are falling from the trees. If these items become caught in your Houston AC unit, they can trap moisture, which can eventually cause the surface to corrode. Accumulated piles of leaves may also interfere with your air conditioning unit’s ability to drain. At the same time, you need to use caution when covering your Houston AC. Avoid covering the entire Houston AC unit. Instead, purchase a cover that extends approximately half a foot down each side of the unit. Make sure that at least a portion of the unit is exposed to the air to keep moisture from becoming trapped underneath the cover. Any moisture or condensation that can’t escape could lead to rusting or corrosion.

Protect Your Houston AC From Bad Weather

One common misconception that people have is that air conditioners need to be carefully protected from the weather. This probably stems from the fact that many summertime accessories have to be stored away during the winter. For instance, lawn chairs, patio tables, and other types of outdoor furniture are usually covered or kept indoors during the winter to keep them from getting damaged. Most Houston AC systems are tough enough, however, that they don’t need to be covered. Below are some of the primary reasons why people cover their units along with additional information on whether or not a cover is actually necessary.

1. Dirt In The AC

As your air conditioner operates, it draws in air from the surrounding area. Sometimes, it also draws in the dirt along with that air. After the unit is turned off, however, dirt is extremely unlikely to get inside, meaning that you shouldn’t need to cover it when it is not in use.

2. Ice Or Snow In Your AC

The companies that manufacture air conditioners design them to be strong enough to withstand extreme conditions during the winter months. Typically, a cover is not required to protect your unit from the weather.

3. AC Water Damage

Any type of moisture can cause damage to your air conditioner over time. Unfortunately, moisture is something that is impossible to prevent. This is especially true if you live in a humid environment. Even if your unit is covered, moisture can still get in. Covering your unit can make the situation even worse, however, since a cover can keep moisture trapped inside your Houston AC, preventing it from escaping. This can lead to problems with mold, rust, and corrosion. To avoid this problem, most experts recommend not using a cover.

4. Small Creatures

Critters like rodents tend to be drawn to places that are covered and protected when the weather changes. In this case, leaving your unit uncovered may help discourage these animals from taking up residence inside your Houston AC.

To Cover Or Not To Cover?

If you own an air conditioner, it is important to know when it should be covered and when it should be left uncovered. As a general rule of thumb, the only time that you should cover your unit is during the autumn when leaves are falling off of the trees. Make sure to choose a cover that fits the unit correctly. During the rest of the year, you should be able to leave your unit uncovered without worrying about it sustaining any damage.

For more information on Houston AC systems, contact us today by giving us a call at (713) 460-2653. If you would like to read more related content be sure to check out our blog!

Types Of HVAC Systems

HVAC Basics

HVAC, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, is a type of technology that can deliver both hot and cold air to a home. The entire purpose of these systems is to make indoor environments safe and comfortable. It can be helpful to learn more about this kind of residential or commercial technology. There are four varieties of Houston HVAC systems. AC Man of Houston pinpoints the 4 varieties of Houston HVAC systems to help you better understand the different types that exist. Every system type is available in different sizes and with different specifications, which means you should be able to find something that meets the needs of your home or business.

1. Heating and AC Split Systems

It’s very common to see split heating and AC systems. These models require system components to be placed inside and outside of a building. The majority of split Houston HVAC systems have the following qualities:

  • An AC system that can cool the refrigerant.
  • Furnaces that are paired with a fan or an evaporator coil that is used to convert the refrigerant before circulating air.
  • A thermostat or control panel that allows you to manage your system.
  • Ducts that spread air throughout a building.
  • Accessories that improve indoor air quality, such as humidifiers, purifiers, UV lamps, and air cleaners.

2. Hybrid Heat Split Systems

A hybrid heat system is a more advanced version of a traditional split system. These systems are more energy efficient than classic split systems. Typically, these systems have a heat pump that allows for an electrically fueled system that is above a standard gas furnace. A cost-effective, high-quality hybrid heat split system will offer:

  • A heat pump that can cool or heat the refrigerant.
  • A furnace
  • An evaporator coil that can convert the refrigerant and circulate air.
  • Ducts that can distribute air throughout a building.

An interface that allows you to control and adjust your system, as well as optional accessories that are designed to improve air quality.

3. Duct-Free Split HVAC Systems

In some properties, a standard Houston HVAC system that uses ducts isn’t a good fit. Thankfully, a duct-free split system is also an option. It’s also possible to use these systems alongside an existing duct HVAC system. A duct-free split system should provide:

  • Heat pumps and an air conditioner that allows the refrigerant to be cooled and heated.
  • A compact fan coil.
  • Tubing and wires that connect the fan coil to the outdoor unit.
  • A control panel or thermostat.
  • Optional accessories that will clean and purify the air before it is spread throughout a building.

4. Packaged Houston HVAC Systems

Smaller homes and offices might not have room for the many components of a split system. A packaged Houston HVAC system can work very well in a space like this. These units are specifically designed to distribute hot and cool air throughout confined spaces. You can expect a packaged HVAC system to contain:

  • A unit that combines an air conditioner and heat pump with an evaporator and fan coil.
  • A thermostat or control panel that provides full control over the system.
  • Option accessories to enhance air quality, such as ventilators, air cleaners, UV lamps, or purifiers.

Now that you’re familiar with the four types of Houston HVAC systems, it will be easier for you to find the right system for your home. Ultimately, the goal of any Houston HVAC system is to keep a home comfortable by distributing clean air throughout a building. This lesson has prepared you to choose the ideal system for your own home. Use this information so that you can find a system that meets all of your needs.

Check out our blog for more related content. For more information on Houston HVAC services, contact AC Man Of Houston today by giving us a call at (713) 460-2653. Contact us today for any questions or concerns.

What Is A Furnace?

How Do Gas Furnaces Work?

If your home has central heating, you’re fully aware of how useful it can be when temperatures drop. Relying on space heaters in the winter can be very difficult. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your residential or commercial furnace and understand the basic functionalities of one. What is a furnace and how do gas furnaces work? A gas furnace is exactly what it sounds like; a furnace that’s powered through natural gas. A furnace works to heat a home during the winter. These furnaces usually work quickly, and they tend to be extremely powerful. Gas furnaces also provide cost-effective heating. How do these furnaces operate? While you’re probably not that interested in the technical details, you probably do want to know how your gas furnace operates. When you adjust the settings on your thermostat, a signal is sent to your furnace. The control board on your furnace will receive the signal and check to see if the furnace’s safeties are operating properly. It’s extremely important to monitor safeties during the heating process. AC Man Of Houston listed the top 3 important points that will break down the question we are commonly asked, “how do furnaces work.”

1. Getting Heat From A Natural Gas Furnace

Once the signal has been received and the safeties have been checked, natural gas will ignite in your furnace. The hot air generated by your furnace will be spread throughout your home through your ductwork. If at some point, one of the furnace’s safeties is triggered, the natural gas will be shut off and the furnace will shut down. This will ensure that you and your household will be safe even if something is wrong with your furnace. Your furnace will also set down once your thermostat has reached your desired temperature. If your home drops below the desired temperature, the signal will be sent back to the furnace, and the process will begin again. It’s an advanced process that’s absolutely fascinating. Obviously, not every system operates in the same way. Gas furnaces are very popular, and there are many different models on the market. While your furnace and your thermostat can change this process, this is still how most gas furnaces operate. If you suspect that there is an issue with your gas furnace, the best thing that you can do is shut down the system. Consider getting help from the best furnace repair experts at AC Man Of Houston if you are experiencing any issues, or visit a site that offers free furnace repair estimates so that you can make sure that you are getting the best price!

2. Fueling Your Residential Furnace

Home furnaces are a permanent appliance that delivers heat to space via some sort of intermediary movement. Steam, hot water, and air can all power this major appliance. Generally speaking, a heating appliance that operates via hot water or steam is described as a “residential hot water boiler” or a “residential steam boiler.” Natural gas is the most common fuel source for furnaces in North America, especially modern furnaces. Other popular fuel sources include fuel oil and liquefied petroleum gas. Furnaces fueled by wood or coal are a lot rarer. In certain areas, where electricity costs are a lot lower, homes may use electrical resistance heating. A modern furnace can reach an efficiency level of 98% if it is a high-efficiency model. These furnaces are able to operate without chimneys. The standard gas furnace usually reaches an efficiency level of about 80%. In homes without a chimney, PVC pipes are used to ventilate waste gas and heat mechanically. This can be vented through either the roof or the side of a house. The fuel efficiency of a gas furnace is measured by AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. If you are having furnace problems, make sure to contact a furnace professional today.

3. Heat Distribution Throughout Your Home

Furnaces use intermediary distribution to transfer heat to a building’s living space. Typically, furnaces are referred to as boilers if that heat is distributed through steam or hot water. A major perk offered by boilers is that they can deliver hot water for showers and washing dishes. This means that a separate water heater isn’t necessary. Of course, this advantage can also be a downside. If a boiler is malfunctioning, both heat and hot water will be unavailable. It’s standard for modern “warm air” furnaces to circulate air throughout a home using a fan. Fans can also pull cold air back towards a furnace so that it can be reheated. This process is referred to as “forced air heat.” Since a fan is able to overcome any resistance provided by a home’s ductwork, the ducts can be arranged in a number of ways. In America, it’s normal to have separate ducts that collect cooler air. The cool air usually enters the furnace through some sort of air filter. It moves through the blower before entering the furnace’s heat exchanger. After this, the now warm air is distributed throughout the space. One of the biggest perks of a system like this is that it makes it easy to install a central AC system. The only thing that needs to be added is a cooling coil at the furnace’s outlet. Both warm and cool air can be circulated via the ductwork. The ducts can be insulated or uninsulated, and they can be made from sheet metal or a plastic material. If the ducts in a home have not been sealed with either mastic or foil duct tape, it’s likely that air will leak into unconditioned spaces in the building.

For all of your furnace problems, be sure to reach out to AC Man Of Houston as indoor air quality. If you are still wondering “how do furnaces work” or “what is a furnace” then make sure to check out our blog for more related content. If you would like to speak with a professional furnace repair specialist call us today at (713) 460-2653.

Common Furnace Problems

Most Common Furnace Problems

Is your furnace blowing cold air instead of a blast of warm air? Are you experiencing a loud noise coming from your furnace and are not quite sure what to do about it? Such issues are a sign of problems with your HVAC system and will be the source of worry when the winter season comes knocking at your door. Knowing the common warnings can help you take the necessary corrective measures in good time so that you can have your furnace working in at optimal capacity. AC Man Of Houston came up with a list of the 4 most common furnace problems that people come across. The top furnace problems are listed below in no particular order.

1. Loud Grinding Noise

Scraping sounds that are similar to that of metal rubbing against another metal is a sure indication of something going wrong with the blower wheel. When the furnace starts making such a loud noise, then you want to switch off the machine and call AC Man Of Houston to check your furnace immediately. The issue with the blower wheel may vary so it is important to get an expert furnace repair specialist to come out and take a look. It could be that the wheel is loose and only needs to be tightened, that is if it is not damaged. If it is damaged, then the blower wheel will have to be replaced. The problem could also potentially be a broken motor mount which can be the primary cause for the entire blower assembly shaking.

2. Loud Bang When Your Furnace Kicks On

Know there may be several things going wrong when you hear your furnace making loud popping noises when it starts to run. The two likeliest culprits would be the ignitor or furnace burner are dusty, and this keeps the burning from igniting. The result of that is a buildup of gas in the furnace that then creates the loud noise. If left unchecked, it can eventually cause the heat exchanger to crack. Moreover, it is a notable problem that poses significant safety concerns and it must be taken care of immediately. Furnace repairs may require the replacement of the heat exchanger and can also help prevent a carbon monoxide leak which in many cases can be fatal. The cause of the loud bangs may also be due to the expansion and contraction of the air ducts when the system starts blowing hot air and then the cooling after that finally begins once the furnace is off. Most homeowners with HVAC systems that have metal ducts are not new to such an annoyance. If the cause of the loud noise is the air ducts, the issue at hand could be with obstructed vents, a clogged air filter or undersized ducts.

3. Whining Noise

In case the furnace produces a high-pitched sound, the problem may be with the shaft bearings that need oiling or with the blower motor or blower belt that are faulty. If you run the furnace seasonally, then it may be easy for you to pinpoint the problems and have them fixed. You may want to get advice from an expert furnace repair specialist from AC Man Of Houston. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We are more than happy to help you with all of your furnace repair questions and concerns. We can help improve your indoor air quality today.

4. Furnace Blasting Cold Air

If the HVAC is producing cold air, then the issue may be due to a number of different reasons. The thermostat should be the first thing to check, which is also what any heating equipment technician will start with before looking at any other potential problems. You should check if the system is set to ‘auto’ and not ‘on’ so that the thermostat does not blow continuously and not releasing heated air. Setting it to ‘auto’ ensures that the machine only blows when the sensors can sense the need to heat up the air in the room. After the thermostat, the next thing to check are the air filters. Changing the filters every month is highly recommended because it keeps them from getting dusty and clogged up. The dust and blockage restrict the movement of air through the filters into and out of the furnace. The result of this is an overheated HVAC system which causes the equipment to stop working. The ductwork could also be the problem in that it may be installed incorrectly, it is leaking, or the wrong design was used. Such issues with the ducts could also cause the system to blow cold air and have it running continuously trying to achieve the desired heat or for a more extended period than expected to warm up the place. Besides the things mentioned above, that may be the reason behind your HVAC system blasting cold air, other causes of the heating inadequacy include normal wear and tear of the system.

For more information about common furnace problems and other related content, make sure to check our blog. If you would like to speak with a professional furnace repair specialist contact us today by giving us a call at (713) 460-2653.