Month: October 2018

Five Tips On How To Hire The Best HVAC Contractor

How To Locate And Hire A Reputable And Reliable HVAC Contractor

Your HVAC system is among the most expensive systems in your house and if you hire a reputable company to do the proper installation it will help to contribute towards making sure that it runs accurately and efficiently. Although you might be able to change the filters and check on the thermostat on a regular basis, there are certain situations such as routine maintenance that might convince you that you need to hire an HVAC contractor. We are experts at cooling and heating. If you are searching for an A/C installation in the Houston TX area, don’t hesitate to give us a call. The following are some tips to help guide you in choosing the best HVAC contractor for your needs.

Experience and Licensing

When searching for AC installation near Houston, TX, you should always take experience and licensing into consideration. Like we stated previously, the HVAC system is quite expensive. That is why it is essential that you make sure that the staff has had adequate training. Before hiring a company ask how long it has been working within the industry. Longevity will help to ensure that the contractor does a good job or you. Check to make sure that have a valid license from the Texas HVAC Contractor Licensing Board. This board issue licenses only to contractors with at least five years of experience within the field. Find out if their technicians have North American Technician Excellent (NATE) also. That will help to ensure that the technicians have received adequate training for handling the installation that you need to have done. You should also ask whether the tradesman has insurance. This will give you peace of mind in the event of something going wrong during installation. If you are a tradesman, websites such as tradesmansaver.co.uk cover for subcontractors insurance and more.

Ask For Referrals and References

Ask your friends and neighbors about the company’s reputation when it comes to AC installation. For example, if you know someone who has just had their AC done by LBA Services, you might want to contact them. You also should directly ask the company for referrals and then call them. Some important things that you will want to ask the references include; whether or not a clean installation was performed if the system was tested after it was installed to ensure it was installed properly, etc. You can also check online for any customer complaints and reviews. Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating as well.

House Evaluation

A good contractor will provide a thorough evaluation of your home as well as advice on what the best cooling and heating solution is for you. Make sure they performed detailed duct inspections and load calculations for any leaks. The home’s square footage and R-value should be determined among other things by the contractor, and they should provide you with a written estimate for your budget.

Branding

A majority of homeowners assume the popular business or brand is the best company for the job. However, that isn’t always the case. Instead, you should get more information on the company that you are thinking about hiring first before you hire them.

Fair Pricing and Versatility

A good contractor will be knowledgeable on a broad range of models and makes and should feel comfortable working with them all. Fair pricing should be offered as well. But keep in mind that price needs to consider along with a number of other factors. Before you settle on one, get estimates from several different contractors. That is why the perfect air conditioning installation company in New Caney, TX should be charging you affordable fees.

Have you been wondering how to find an HVAC installation expert near New Caney TX or Houston TX? The five tips above can help guide you to finding a reputable and reliable HVAC contractor. Out staff are heating and cooling experts. If you are thinking about buying a new HVAC system or need to have an HVAC repair or installation done, call us today so that we can guarantee quality services to you.

HVAC Repair Technician Tell-All – Heaters Not Heating?

Furnace Blowing Cold Air, Do I Need An HVAC Repair Technician? – How To Troubleshoot The Problem.

Are you turning on your furnace, but it is blowing cold air? Are you wondering what is wrong? Well, the truth is that it could be multiple issues, of which some of them you can solve. Before you go right ahead to call a professional HVAC repair Technician, below are 4 troubleshooting techniques that will help.

1. The Thermostat’s FAN Setting

Is your furnace blowing cold air sometimes and hot the other? Well, the problem could be the thermostat’s fan setting, which may be at the ON position. It is important to note that the blower is controlled by the Fan setting control. It is the system that helps circulate air through your home. As such, if it has been set to ON, the blower will run all the time (24/7), regardless of whether the furnace is heating or not. This may be the reason you are getting cold air.

The solution? The only solution to this problem is to ensure the fan setting has been set to AUTO and not ON. The AUTO setting will ensure the fan will run only when the furnace heats the air.

2. The Furnace’s Air Filter

If your furnace is blowing cold air, the problem could be its air filter (meaning it is too dirty). When the air filter becomes too dirty, it limits the flow of air to the furnace’s heat exchanger, which makes it overheat. When this happens, a high limit switch will be tripped, which shuts off the furnace banners to prevent cracking.

The Solution? The solution is to first turn off the furnace at the thermostat and inspect the filter. If it is too dirty, changing it is the only way. You may also need the services of a professional HVAC repair technician to help you reset the furnace. Filters are generally located next to the blower in many models.

3. Inspect The Pilot Light

If you have an older furnace model with a standing pilot light, then you should inspect it. if the pilot light is not lit, then it means that the furnace’s burners will light, which means no heat.

The Solution? You should try relighting the pilot light. Below are steps to follow.

  • Switch Off The Furnace – This includes switching the thermostat from HEAT to OFF.
  • Locate The Furnace’s Pilot Light Assembly and Reset Switch – The switch and assembly are generally located near the bottom of the furnace. If you cannot locate them, then refer to your furnace’s manual. You must open the cover to access the reset switch. You should see a knob with 3 settings; ‘ON’, ’OFF’, and ’Pilot’.
  • Turn The Knob ‘OFF’ and Wait for at least 3 minutes – Doing this will shut the gas flowing through the pilot.
  • Turn The Knob To ‘Pilot’ and Press the Knob Down – By doing this action, you will be restarting the flow of gas to the pilot.
  • While Still Pressing The Knob, Hold a lighter to the pilot opening Until The Flame Lights – The flame should have a steady blue cone and hit the middle of the thermocouple (this is a small copper bar)
  • Turn The Knob To The ‘ON’ Position – Now the furnace should ignite.
  • Turn ‘On’ The Furnace At The Thermostat
  • Turn the thermostat back to ‘HEAT’, and ensure the temperature is set 5 degrees below the room temperature. After doing this, you should be getting hot air.

What To Do If The Pilot Light Does Not Light Or Stay Lit

Well, this is the point you call a professional HVAC repair technician. The problem may be a malfunctioning thermocouple or other issues that make the pilot light not to burn properly.

4. Inspect The Condensate Line

If you have a high-efficiency furnace and you see water pooling around the furnace, then most likely the condensate line is blocked. The line is usually a PVC pipe. This problem will make the furnace to shut down.

How? You may ask.

High-efficiency furnaces create water when running, which is then drained to the common house’s draining line. However, if the condensate is blocked, water begins to back up into the furnace. At this point, the overflow will trip a kill switch, which will turn off the furnace to prevent water damage.

Common causes for blockages include:

  • Mold
  • Dirt
  • Dust
  • Ice
  • Broken condensate pump (in this case, you will need the services of a professional HVAC repair technician)

The Solution? Apart from broken condensate pump, the rest can be solved by simply unclogging the line. You can achieve this by following this tutorial on Energy Vanguard.

 

AC Man is a professional HVAC repair company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional HVAC repair technician, or check our services.

Should You Perform HVAC Maintenance In Houston?

Air Conditioning Seasonal Houston HVAC Maintenance – Do You Really Need It?

Air conditioners are one of the most important systems you cannot do without, especially during summer months. Even though you love fresh cool air, how long an air conditioner works generally depends on the way you care for it. Seasonal HVAC maintenance has always been a debate for many homeowners and the most common point of reference is weather (how air conditioners are not used during winter months). Nevertheless, just like every system in the world, air conditioners need care as well. Otherwise, they tend to rust as well as lose its efficiency.

Reasons Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Needed?

Regular maintenance of air conditioner systems is needed and this is a fact. It does not matter the seasons you use your system; a lot of the problems arise when it is not used. With seasonal HVAC maintenance, you are not only prolonging your AC’s life, and efficiency; but helps in protecting the system from different seasonal changes. Furthermore, because of preventive maintenance, you will not experience unnecessary system interruptions or breakdowns. Because maintenance helps improve your system’s efficiency, you will surely have improved the effects of cooling as well as save money on monthly utility bills. Remember, it does not matter how new or old your system is, you will improve performance, efficiency, and money of electric bill through seasonal HVAC maintenance. Therefore, it is right to say that seasonal HVAC maintenance has proved to be the most efficient, economical, and trouble-free method to make an AC work perfectly.

Steps To Perform Simple Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Below are some steps to perform simple seasonal HVAC maintenance. These steps will not only help your system run efficiently but improve its lifespan.

Step One: Disconnect The Power Source To The HVAC

Remember, safety comes first no matter what you are doing. As such, when it comes to maintaining your air conditioner, it is wise to disconnect its power source. This should be your first method. This way, you will protect yourself against electric shocks.

Step Two: Clean Or Replace The Air Filter

Experts recommend replacing the air filter at least every three months. Because you are not limited, you can replace them as much as you want, even after a month. However, even though replacing is an option, cleaning is another option. Cleaning will help prevent dirt from settling in the filter itself, which will reduce its efficiency. Experts recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month and then replace them after three months. Cleaning does also help limit wear and tear of the system.

Step Three: Cleaning The Condenser

There are many benefits to cleaning the condenser, and it is a very important thing as well. With time, the condenser may be blocked with dirt and debris, which generally causes a lot of problems. First, the AC system will be unable to cool a room efficiently. Secondly, dirt and debris could cause corrosion, due to humidity buildup. As such, cleaning will take you a long way. However, there are certain maintenance processes that need the services of a professional. Therefore, if you do not know how to perform the following simple maintenance tips or generally need overall seasonal HVAC maintenance, you should call a professional.

We are a professional HVAC maintenance company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional, or check our services.

Our teams of experts have the experience to repair any AC model. We are not only reliable but affordable as well. We also offer seasonal cleaning services, which means you do not have to worry about your system.

Was My Houston A/C Repair Company Too Good? – Is Your A/C Giving You A Cold?

Air Conditioning And The Common Cold: Is There A Link?

The human body has an amazing variety of responses to cold temperatures. But None Are The A/C Repair Company’s Fault!

The idea that cold weather is tied to the common cold is a stubborn one. Despite repeated scientific inquiries, many people still hold this mistaken assumption. The greater number of colds in winter has nothing to do with the weather – at least, not directly. Colds spread more quickly in the colder months because people spend more time indoors, coming into closer contact with other people. This allows germs to reproduce and spread more easily.

Natural cold weather doesn’t cause colds. What about rooms chilled by air conditioning? To some people’s minds, there’s a real connection between entering air conditioned spaces and contracting a cold. While I believe it’s true that exposure to cold air can make it easier to get sick, I think it’s also important to bear in mind that colds can only be caught after exposure to the cold virus. So if you’ve got a new HVAC system recently, don’t go blaming your A/c repair company for your next case of the sniffles!

Let’s take a closer look at this.

When the weather outside is warm, moving repeatedly from the sunny outdoors to the air-conditioned indoors can cause some interesting bodily reactions. Remember at this point that the warm-blooded human body takes its own steps to try and keep us at our proper 98.6-degree temperature. When you move from a warm space to a cold one, the temperature change is registered by your skin and your brain is alerted. It sends back an order for an appropriate reaction. In this case, it constricts the blood vessels in the skin to keep us warm. If you look carefully, you can actually see this happen. Many people become noticeably pale when they enter a much colder air-conditioned space. In extreme cases, people may shiver – an involuntary response designed to generate heat.

It’s not just blood vessels in the skin that constrict. The same thing happens in our noses and throats. This slows down the flow of white blood cells that fight infection, and that may make us more susceptible to contracting a virus. Remember, the virus already has to be there! If there is a virus at large, we may become more susceptible by repeatedly entering air-conditioned spaces.

Of course, this effect doesn’t happen when we make the opposite temperature change. Moving into a warmer space like the outdoors in summer reverses the process. Blood vessels dilate and increase the flow of white blood cells. This boosts our immune response and makes us less likely to contract an infection.

Air conditioning can have some real health benefits. It can relieve respiratory conditions like asthma. Your air conditioner needs to be properly cared for in order to maintain the quality of the air it moves, though. Excess moisture can promote the growth and spread of fungi, bacteria, and other unwanted contaminants. An old or poorly-maintained air conditioner may actually blast those contaminants right into your body.

How do you reduce the risk of getting sick? Always drink lots of fluids. (This keeps your throat and nose moist.) Wash your hands regularly – especially at work – to reduce virus transfer. When possible, open up a window to get fresh air into your system.

At A/C Man we are dedicated to bringing you the best HVAC repair and installation available. Don’t wait around until your old system goes out or you find yourself in need of heat this winter only to smell the mold and dust when you kick the temperature up, Call or Contact us today to get ahead of the game!