Category: Heating

How To Handle The Strange Sounds Coming From Your HVAC Unit

Common AC System Noises: How To Handle Them

AC Man Houston | AC Noises in Houston TexasThanks to the ever advancing technology, air conditioners are more efficient and very silently. As a matter of fact, some of the newest models can run without you noticing they are even on. Nevertheless, the units still produce some sounds such as the initial click with switched on, or the humming sound when at a higher setting.  While some of the sounds produced are considered normal, it’s advisable to keep an ear for new/strange noises from these systems.  Some of the strange noises may be an indicator that something is broken or you have a malfunctioning part. This is just one of the many problems that may be posed with your HVAC unit.

Most HVAC systems kick into a higher gear when temperatures soar high above the standard setting. This puts an extra strain on the system, which may at times put it at risk. If the system has been producing strange noises lately, you then should have an HVAC repair expert run diagnostics.  Some of the strange noises you should take note of include:

1. Clanking and Banging

Banging and clanking sounds inside the AC system can be an indicator of a loose or broken part. Such shouldn’t be left unattended. The clanking sounds could be as a result of a faulty compressor. Turn off the system and contact a professional HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair. Leaving the system running despite the sounds could damage other parts of the air conditioner.

2. Clicking

Almost all HVAC systems click when the system comes on or goes off automatically. This happens as the system works to maintain the set temperature. Nonetheless, constant clicking sounds indicate something is wrong and needs to be checked. The system may click consistently if there’s an electrical issue, or if the thermostat is failing. Have an expert look into this to determine and address the issue.

Almost all HVAC systems click when the system comes on or goes off automatically. This happens as the system works to maintain the set temperature. Nonetheless, constant clicking sounds indicate something is wrong and needs to be checked. The system may click consistently if there’s an electrical issue, or if the thermostat is failing. Have an expert look into this to determine and address the issue.

3. Hissing

A malfunctioning valve or air leak may produce a hissing sound whenever the system kicks in. While you could seal the leak, a certified electrician may diagnose the main problem, hence prevent a bigger problem in days to come.

4. Grinding

Grinding noises from the system can be startling. While an expert may need to confirm the problem, these noises often surface when the fan motors start to fail. These motors are responsible for pushing air through the duct work, hence vital for the system’s cooling efficiency. The motors may have to be cleaned/serviced professionally, or replaced altogether to restore the AC’s performance.

5. Bubbling

Screaming or bubbling sounds from your AC system should be taken very seriously. These sounds indicate a possible refrigerant leak and the coolant is poisonous hence can affect your health. A leaking refrigerant could damage the entire unit too, which is why you need to have it checked immediately. Turn off the system as a precautionary measure, then have a professional identify the leaking part, seal it, then refill the compressor.

Detecting these sounds early and having any current issues handled should help your AC system last much longer.

Additional Advice and Support

Many of the strange noises produced by AC systems surface during summer when temperatures are at the highest.  This could also happen if the system isn’t serviced regularly. One of the best ways to reduce such incidences is having the systems serviced and maintained at least twice annually. It is during the regular inspections that the technicians will identify a broken or loose part even before it starts producing such noises. All you need is to look for a specialist offering HVAC service Houston TX.

Our technicians at AC Man Houston are well-trained and highly experienced in this field. We work hard to keep your homes safe, comfortable, and cool during the hot and humid summer season. Be sure to call or contact us should your AC system starts ‘acting up’ or producing strange noises.

Knowing When It’s Time To Replace An Air Conditioner

Is It Time To Replace Your Current HVAC System?

AC Man Houston | Replace Your Houston ACOne of the most important decisions when it comes to owning a home is knowing when it is time to replace or repair your heating and air conditioning system. Many people make costly repairs instead of replacing their unit; however, these costs can quickly add up. A new heating and cooling system will last approximately 15 years when it is properly maintained. If you are trying to decide if it is time to replace your current unit or continue making repairs, continue reading this article.

Questions to Consider

  • Does your heating and cooling system need repairs often?
  • Have your utility bills increased for no apparent reason?
  • Does your HVAC seem to run more frequently than it once did?
  • Is your heating and cooling system older than 10 years?
  • Does your system no longer keep your home at a comfortable temperature?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, it may be time to have your heating and cooling system inspected by a professional. Because an HVAC system is intricate, you will need to know the warning signs of when it is time to replace your unit. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above and have to make repairs to your HVAC system frequently, it is time to replace your current HVAC unit.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you begin to notice water on the floor under the furnace or corrosion inside the unit, your heat exchange may have developed holes or cracks. This can be a dangerous situation because the gasses from the unit could escape and enter your home. These gasses include carbon monoxide. Other symptoms of a problem with the heat exchange include soot around your heat registers or furnace or an exhaust odor that permeates your house. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is time to have your furnace replaced to protect you and your loved ones.

A failing or broken air conditioner is loud and does not cool your home effectively. If you begin to hear sounds that are out of the ordinary or your air conditioner is not cooling your home, it may be time for a replacement HVAC system.

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. In order to keep your home comfortable year-round, you must maintain your system. If routine maintenance is no longer working, talk to your local Houston air conditioning company or contact AC Man Houston about getting a new system for your house.

Keeping Up With Your Heater During the Summer

Winter May Be Over, But That Doesn’t Mean You Can Neglect Your Furnace

When winter winds down and temperatures start to rise, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you can forget about your heating system. At the beginning of the spring, cold weather and heater repairs are the last things on your mind.

As it turns out, however, putting off repairs until the following winter is generally a bad idea. The longer problems are allowed to fester, the worse they are likely to become. Also, don’t forget that your heater and air conditioner share the same ductwork. Any problems caused by your heater could affect your air conditioner as well. When it comes to heater repair Houston, homeowners are wise to take quick action.

Common Signs Of Trouble

Usually, heaters give off some pretty clear signals when they start experiencing problems. Although these problems may be hard to spot on your own, our expert technicians can quickly identify any underlying issues that need to be resolved. Catching these problems as early as possible can help keep the cost of repairs down by preventing more extensive damage from occurring. Keep your eyes peeled for any of the following signs of trouble:

  • AC Man Houston | Heater Maintenance During Houston SummerUnexplained noises coming from your heater. If your heating system suddenly starts making unusual noises such as squealing or banging, it could be a sign that there is something wrong.
  • Uneven or insufficient heating. If it seems like your heater isn’t providing as much heat as it used to or if certain parts of your house seem colder than they should be, there could be an issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Higher power bills. If you haven’t changed your heating habits but your power bills have gone up, there could be a problem that is causing your heater to run more often than necessary.
  • A yellow-tinted flame. If you have a gas furnace, keep an eye on the pilot light. It should look blue. If it takes on a yellow tinge, you should contact a repair specialist.
  • An unexplained loss of power. If you can’t get your heater to start at all or if it shuts off at strange times, there is most likely something wrong with it that needs to be addressed right away.

Common Causes Of Heater Problems

There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a typical heater. Some problems are easy to fix whereas others are more involved. Thermostat-related problems are one of the most common issues that homeowners experience. The good thing about a faulty thermostat is that it is usually inexpensive to repair or replace. The bad thing about it, however, is that it can also affect your air conditioning system. That is why it is important to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

There are a lot of other issues that can cause your heater to malfunction. In some cases, openings in your air ducts could be allowing heated air to escape. In other cases, the filters may have become blocked or the system may be experiencing a mechanical problem that prevents it from functioning the way that it should. The key is to get any problems addressed right away by calling in an HVAC specialist.

Even if it is incredibly nice outside, it is still important to take care of any heater repairs. Just because the heating season is coming to an end doesn’t mean that you can let things go until next year. By taking care of the repairs now, your heating system will be ready to use as soon as temperatures start to fall again in the autumn. Not only that but you can rest easy knowing that whatever problem you are experiencing won’t affect your central air-conditioning system as well.

Your best bet is to be proactive and take care of any problems the minute that you notice them. Reach out to us today by calling and our knowledgeable experts will be more than happy to help.