Tag: air conditioner repair

When To Know You’re In Need of AC Repair in Houston

Posted by acman on July 18, 2017

4 Telltale Signs That Your Air Conditioner Could Be In Trouble

Within the state of Texas, we are all used to endless heat and temperatures getting to an unimaginable peak in the middle of the summer. When this happens, it is crucial that you have an air conditioning system that is efficiently operating and fully functional.

Have you had your system checked within the last year or six months? If so, and you have a heat pump, your cooling system will have a decent chance of surviving throughout the season without a drop in efficiency or many issues. However, there is little that even professional maintenance can help to avoid some issues calling for professional HVAC contractors Houston TX area. This is why you need to know what to look for when there may be signs that your system is in trouble:

1. Funny Noises

By now, you probably have a good idea of what your air conditioning system sounds like each day when it is on. There will be a regular cycle where the compressor turns on and then shuts down, and you also have the fans humming. What you need to look for is any sort of unusual noise amidst the regular sounds.

Unfamiliar or strange sounds can be an indication that something is going on inside your cooling system. For example, a clanging or clattering can mean that the mechanical elements are loose. Any hissing can mean that the refrigerant is leaking or coming out of the system. With any screeching or grinding noise, it could be telling you that the motor is wearing down and it could potentially burn out and then render your cooling system completely useless.

2. Short-Cycling

This is a process where the compressor will shut off and then come back on quickly. Listen to the compressor, and if you hear it going on and off around every 15 minutes, it is best that you contact HVAC contractors Houston TX, because it is likely something is wrong.

There could be several causes for your air conditioner short-cycling. There could be an air filter that is clogged, so be sure that you change it out every one to three months as needed. It could also be the loss of refrigerant, a miscalibrated thermostat, or you could have an air conditioner that was not properly sized when it was installed.

3. Uneven Cooling

This may be a sign of air conditioner trouble that is less noticeable than others. When you have one or more rooms in your home that are not getting the same cooling level, you need to have it checked because the chances are good that something is wrong. There could also be issues with the windows needing weatherstripping or problems with inadequate insulation.

There could also be breaches in your ductwork, where conditioned and cooled air is leaking into other unoccupied spaces instead of getting into the rooms that require it. Another cause could be that the AC system is not getting cooling power due to refrigerant loss. Our qualified HVAC technicians are able to check everything out and find out what the source of the issue is.

4. Foul Smells

When your air conditioner comes on for the first time after being through the winter season, you can expect some dusty smells. This is completely normal, as this is only the dust that has built up in the ducts throughout the slower season and into the beginning of the spring.

This odor should completely go away in just an hour or so, meaning that if it goes on the past that, it is very likely that the motor could be overheating and starting to burn out. There could also be an indication that there is some sort of electrical problem, so you need to shut the air conditioner off and call our HVAC contractors Houston TX for an inspection and repair as soon as possible.

Whenever you want quality air conditioning service you can count on, simply call our professional HVAC contractors Houston TX area today!

Does Your AC Need Repairs? What To Look For

Posted by acman on July 11, 2017

How To Know If Your AC Needs Repairs

One of the most important things that we often talk about here on our blog is the necessity of keeping on top of your air conditioning maintenance. Routine maintenance reduces the risk of needing expensive repairs by enabling us to inspect and adjust your system before major issues develop. However, even with regular maintenance to keep your system in top shape, there may still be a time when you’ll need professional AC services in Houston, TX.

The worst thing to could happen is for you to discover that a serious problem has developed when you need your cooling system the most. Our suggestion is to turn it on and test it well in advance of the hot weather if it’s been a while since you operated it. Turn it on, and take it on a “test run” of sorts, listing and looking for anything amiss. Here are some of the signs of a malfunctioning AC system that you should be aware of:

AC System Short Cycling

AC Man Houston | Houston AC Repair Short cycling occurs when your thermostat continuously turns your HVAC system on and off over a short period of time. This prevents the cooling system from completing the cooling cycle. Among the most common reasons that this happens is because the AC system is too large for the home that it’s installed in.

There are other issues that can cause short cycling also, such as leaky ductwork, stress on the compressor, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Any of these issues can cause an early system breakdown, which will require the services of experienced, professional HVAC technician.

Reduced Airflow

As your cooling system is running, walk to each room and check the vents for adequate airflow. Do you notice any rooms that don’t seem to be getting as much airflow as others? If one or more rooms seem to have sluggish airflow, something is likely wrong. The problem could be with the vents themselves, or it could be the air conditioner’s air handler.

Heated Spots

Testing your air conditioner on a relatively warm day is a good idea as it allows you to get a more accurate assessment of whether or not you have hot spots in your home. Hot spots are pockets of warm air caused by inadequate cooling inside the home. Verify that your room vents are not obstructed and are open and that they have proper airflow. If your vents are not the cause, it’s time to call for professional service.

Strange Noises

There should be no unexpected sounds coming from either the outdoor AC unit or the indoor AC cabinet. If you hear any shrieking, grinding, or unusual mechanical sounds, it can be an indicator that the motors are breaking down and need to be repaired or replaced. Clanking or rattling sounds could indicate loose parts, and hissing noises may indicate a dangerous refrigerant leak. As the homeowner, you’re typically going to be the first to notice unusual sounds coming from the cooling system. Don’t just ignore them, call the professionals in to take a look.

For the best Houston AC repair, contact AC Man Houston or call to schedule your AC inspection and repair services, and don’t forget our guarantee to you: we’ll repair before we’ll replace!

It’s Time To Have Your Air Conditioner Maintained By The AC Man

Posted by acman on July 5, 2017

It Is Never Too Late for Air Conditioning Maintenance

Once again, temperatures may be warming up – to be completely honest, “Winter” did not actually last that long at all – however, if you haven’t yet had your air conditioner maintained, it is not too late! This is the perfect time to use this important Houston, Texas air conditioning service to get your climate control system prepared for the cooling season.

Your cooling system breaking down on you when you need it the most is the last thing that you want, and the very best way to make sure that it is ready for anything summer may have in store is by properly caring for it, this, of course, includes preventive maintenance.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Homeowners who wait until they actually notice a problem before calling for professional air conditioning service will usually end up paying more for repairs the is they had acted sooner, on top of that the lifespan of their cooling system will be shortened. This is something that far too many people do and they believe that by avoiding HVAC appointments that are “unnecessary, they will be saving money.

AC Man Houston | AC Maintenance in Houston Texas To be completely fair, most problems an air conditioner doesn’t usually give off warning signs until they have been around long enough to cause a system damage. By the time any odd behavior is noticed, it could be too late to prevent most of the damage that the issue could cause. It is a lot more cost-effective and convenient to schedule a preventative care appointment, this way and problems are caught early.

Typically, the beginning of spring is that best time for this important air conditioning service to be scheduled in our area, if not sooner. The reason we suggest this time, is because it will guarantee that your AC system is in the best shape it can possibly be in before it is subjected to the additional strain of summer use. That being said, if an early-spring maintenance appointment is skipped, it is not too late for one to be scheduled later, and it will be beneficial if you do.

Schedule Repairs When Needed

Our technicians, during your appointment for preventative maintenance, will fully inspect your system to guarantee that it is clean as well as operating properly. This will include chosen for any minor repairs which may be needed. It is important that these repairs be scheduled as soon as possible, this will avoid them having a chance to turn into a much bigger, and probably more expensive, emergency.

It is also crucial that you remember that not a single air conditioner is immune to problems, regardless of how well you maintain it. Whether during maintenance it is recommended, or you suspect that it may need a repair, acting quickly is the best thing you can do. Some indicators that you may need AC repairs are unfamiliar and loud noises such as clanking or banging, insufficient cooling, lose air flow coming through your home’s vents, and hot spots around your home.

Although some of this can at times be fixed easily, airflow problems could simply be because of a clogged air filter so make sure that every 1-3 months you change yours, you may require a professional assessment to know exactly what is wrong and how to best repair it.

For the best AC repair in Houston as well as any other service needs, contact A/C Man Air Conditioning and Heating – before replacement, we opt for repair!

Getting To Know Your Air Conditioner in Texas

Posted by acman on June 27, 2017

What Causes AC Condenser Problems?

Given the climate that we live in here in Houston, you use the air conditioner are a routine basis. You probably take it for granted more often than you should. You only tend to notice its absence when something goes wrong because normally you are aware of how to keep your home cooled. One of the most important components of the system is the unit that sits outside. This is called the AC condenser.

The condenser unit works to release the heat the inside unit absorbs. It pushes that heat to the air outside. Without a functioning AC condenser, the hot air inside your home has nowhere to go. If something goes wrong with this, you need immediate help. Reach out to AC repair companies Houston to keep the unit from getting damaged more. More damage can lead to needing a full AC replacement.

The Role of the Condenser

The fluid that transfers heat from one point to another is the refrigerant. When this leaves your AC’s compressor it moves through the condenser coils. It does this after it adds pressure to the refrigerant that it gets inside the home.

When this happens, a fan blows over those coils and cools them down. They release heat to the outside air and then lets the cool air go back into your home. When your condenser develops problems, it can seriously harm the AC or even stop it completely from cooling your home causing a full break down.

What Are Some Condenser Problems

Here are some of the possible causes of AC condenser problems. Some are more severe than others.

Outdoor Debris: Because the condenser is located outside it is susceptible to accumulating damage from lawn clippings, leaves, sticks, and gravel. Make sure you keep the area surrounding the condenser as clear as you can. This reduces the chance for this to happen. Any object, no matter how small, can enter the cabinet and damage the motor, fan blade, or the belt causing the condenser to become impaired.

Refrigerant Leak: As discussed above, the refrigerant is the fluid that moves the heat from one spot to another. It moves through the lines that connect both the condenser and the indoor evaporator. Homeowners believe that it is natural for the refrigerant to dissipate. However, the reality is that a loss of refrigerant is due to a system leak. The smallest leak can develop into a major problem because leaks cause drops in cooling powers. They are damaging to the condenser.

Electric Failure: The motor inside the AC condenser operates the fan and the compressor. Since it is operated using electricity, a relay or capacitor malfunction could impact the condenser operation causing it to stop working. This could also be due to frayed wires inside the unit. If the compressor does not turn on, the likely source of the problem is an electrical one. Address this issue immediately for the safety of everyone in the home.

A/C Man Air Conditioning & Heating is here for you so contact us now. We are among the top AC repair companies Houston that you can choose for excellent air conditioning services. Call now for your free estimate!

How Houston’s Humidity “Makes It Rain”

Posted by acman on June 21, 2017

How Your Wallet And Comfort Are Impacted By Humidity

Here in the Houston area, it is a bit silly to say that summer is almost here. Our temperatures are pretty high here most of the time, so we use our cooling systems on a regular basis. However, there is one threat that can make hotter temperatures even more unbearable than they already are – and that is humidity.

There is a tendency for humidity levels to increase as temperatures do, which adds extra water vapor – or moisture – to the air. This makes it a lot more difficult to get comfortable since we can’t simply sweat out the heat. And although humidity doesn’t actually raise the temperature, it definitely makes you feel warmer – and when that occurs inside your home, you need to have an effective solution to the problem. The best solution is to have a dehumidifier installed by a reputable Houston AC Repair Company.

Is Your Comfort Really Impacted That Much By Humidity?

Typically the relative humidity where most individuals feel comfortable inside of their homes is between 30% and 50%. Whenever humidity levels start to exceed that, your body will start to feel hotter, no matter what the thermostat says the temperature is.

Sweating is how we naturally cool off. As sweat starts to evaporate from off of your skin, you start to feel cooler. However, high moisture levels are introduced into the air by humidity and your sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily. So when it isn’t a dry heat you will feel a lot warmer.

Isn’t Humidity Controlled By The Air Conditioner?

Your home’s air conditioning system does help with controlling the humidity that is in the air. The evaporator coil is a component contained in the cooling system. That is where refrigerant absorbs and evaporates heat as it is moving through your outdoor and indoor units. As that happens, the coil cools off significantly, and the moisture from the air condenses onto the coil – which means there is less moisture contained in the air to block back into your house.

So when you use an air conditioner, in most cases humidity levels do go down, but it comes at a cost and has a minimal effect. As you know, it isn’t cheap to use your air conditioner and to dehumidify it needs to use up, even more, energy and run for a longer period of time. Whenever the air gets too humid, your cooling unit basically has to work harder. This results in your air conditioning system perform less efficiently and costing you more to operate it.

Why Dehumidifiers Are Worthwhile Investments

As shown above, your best solution for dehumidifying your home might not be to use your air conditioning system. However, a dehumidifier can be added to your HVAC system in order to decrease the moisture levels that are in the air so that you can stay comfortable. There are other benefits as well:

Financial Savings: A whole-house dehumidifier does require an initial investment, just like there is for any type of indoor air quality system or product. However, when a dehumidifier is run, it allows you to adjust your air conditioner by a couple of degrees, or when the temperature is mild you can even shut if off, to help lower your energy bills and save money.

AC System Protection: Of course you will want to avoid having to replace your air conditioner as long as you can. When a dehumidifier is integrated into your HVAC system it helps to reduce the wear and tear that your air conditioner is subjected to, which helps to prolong its life.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Reducing the moisture levels inside your house can help to reduce or prevent the development of mildew and mold, which are two of the main reasons why we recommend you get a whole-house dehumidifier instead of a portable, small system. If you decide to buy one they have been known to use up a substantial amount of energy, so looking into a new quote through price comparisons sites similar to Usave might help to mitigate the additional eletric costs.

Call AC Man Houston today, to learn more about to balance the humidity inside your home and why it is so important. Or you can contact us here!

Answering Questions Concerning Your Air Conditioner

Posted by acman on June 21, 2017

What Is The Cause Of Low Airflow In My Cooling System?

We probably don’t need to tell you that here in Houston the cooling season starts much earlier than it does in other areas of the country. We would actually be surprised if you were to tell us you were not using your air conditioner every day already. That makes now the ideal time for checking for any issues that your cooling system might have – any indications that your AC might be operating ineffectively or inefficiently.

Here is a list of services that we provide at A/C Man Houston.

If you happen to notice that something is not right, then you should go ahead and shut your air conditioner down and call our experts to have professional AC repair in Houston performed on your unit.

Low Airflow: Common Problem with Cooling Systems

One of the most common air conditioning problems that we get calls for – particularly for systems that have not been maintained on a regular basis – is reduced airflow out of the vents. This can be a big problem since it reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling system – causing it to work harder to do its job than is necessary.

The costs of operating an air conditioner over the course of one year that has low airflow will increase, and the chances of it having a serious breakdown will increase right along with this problem. Noticing that there is low airflow coming from your vents is among the most straightforward and easiest ways for you to identify a problem before it has the chance to become a big emergency – give our professionals a call today if you notice this problem.

What Is The Cause of Low Airflow?

You will need to have a trained HVAC professional determine what exactly is causing your reduced airflow. However, here the following are some of the most common causes:

Frozen evaporator coil caused by a malfunction.
Faulty indoor blower motor.
Fan speed that is set too low.
Worn and/or loose fan belt.
Closed damper, obstruction or debris inside the ductwork.
Dirty coils (usually caused by not changing the air filter frequently enough).

AC Man Houston | Low Airflow HVAC Problems in Houston There are basically two main sources of low airflow: either something is reducing the power on what does the blowing or something is blocking air flow. If something is blocking the airflow, there may be ductwork damage, such as leaks or crimps. Or it might be a clogged air filter – which is easy enough to fix. If you happen to notice that only one or two of the vents are being impacted by the problem rather than your entire house, then most likely it is an issue with an air duct and not a problem with the actual system.

If there is something that is reducing the power to the component that does the blowing, then most likely the problem has to do with the fan. It could be the fan blade being bent or jarred or a problem with the fan motor or fan belt. Whatever the case may be, this can cause an insufficient amount of power to blow cool air throughout the air ducts, which cuts down on efficiency and increases the amount of strain on the rest of your overall cooling system. Your AC system will continue to be faced with an increased chance of breakdown until this issue is addressed.

For Expert AC Repair in Houston, call the A/C Man today!