Category: Air Conditioner Problems

#1 Air Conditioner Repair Houston Expert: How Often Should An A/C Be Replaced? 

A Guide On How Often Your AC Needs To Get Replaced By A Top Air Conditioner Repair Houston Professional

One of the hardest decisions for any homeowner to make is when it’s time to get a new air conditioner or repair it. While a new air conditioner can be rather expensive, in many cases it is the best decision. However, knowing when it is time to get a new air conditioner can be difficult to understand. Below are six signs that are going to help you make the right decision. We understand that deciding whether you should replace or repair an air conditioner is difficult. There are many times when an old AC still has many years of life in it and does not need to be replaced, that will surely reduce ac costs along with smart ac controllers that can better monitor old and new ac systems to understand how much you’re using. This guide was written to help you save money and make the best decision possible. So, let’s get right down to the nitty-gritty and find out whether you need to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Over A Decade Old Air Conditioner

In many cases, the typical lifespan of a well-maintained air conditioner is about 15 years. However, if your air conditioner is 10 years old and needs extensive repairs, is more than likely best to replace it. This is especially true when you look at all the advances that have been made in air conditioning technology within the last few years. If your AC is this old then it is time to reach out to your #1 source for air conditioning maintenance and repair services in Houston.

An AC That Is Inefficient

If the air conditioner you are using right now has a low SEER rating, it is costing you more to run it than it is worth. New air conditioners on the market today must have a rating of at least a 13. If the air conditioner in your home or business has a SEER rating that is under 13, by replacing with a new air conditioner you are going to cut your energy costs dramatically.

Extensive A/C Repairs

If the unit that is being worked on has an extensive repair last, it is best to weigh the costs of replacing it when looking for an ac repair contractor. If the amount to repair an older unit would cover the vast majority of a new unit, it is typically going to make more sense financially to invest in a newer unit.

AC Is Constantly Breaking Down

Do you have an air conditioner that seems to break down every other week or month? Do you know the air conditioner repairman by the first name? This probably means your air conditioner is breaking down more often than it should. These types of repair bills are going to add up really quick, and it makes no sense to keep a unit in this condition. We recommend remain in friends with your air conditioner repairman, but letting the unit go.

A/C R 22 Freon

Freon is one of those chemicals that has been slowly phased out by the federal government in an effort to conserve energy across the nation. Due to this phaseout, the cost of Freon has risen exponentially over the years. If you are using an air conditioner that runs on Freon, it is going to have to be replaced eventually. If your air-conditioner is giving you major troubles and it uses Freon, is simply just a good idea to purchase a new unit.

Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling Your Home

Does it feel that your home is almost as warm as it is outside? This is a problem with an air conditioner system that is not running as efficiently as it should. It also may be an incorrect size were simply too old to function as it should. If your air conditioner is not able to keep your home cool, it is time to replace it with the unit that can. Indoor air quality is very important.

Houston Air Conditioner Repair

If you have any questions about whether you should replace or repair your air conditioner system, called the best air conditioner repair Houston has to offer today! AC Man of Houston offers air conditioner financing. There is no sense to continue to use air conditioner split systems that are not efficient and are not able to cool your house down correctly. In many cases, a new unit is going to save you more money in the long run than constantly repairing an old unit. However, there are those times when an older unit still has several years of life left in it. This is why it is essential to contact AC Man Of Houston today and let us observe your unit and give you the best advice we possibly can. Give us a call.

Katy TX A/C Repair: Learn How To Clean The Air Conditioning Evaporator Coils

Katy TX Air Conditioning Repair: A Guide On How To Properly Clean Evaporator Coils

Regular preventive maintenance is essential in making sure your air conditioner continues to work properly. You should have maintenance performed at least once per year before the cooling season begins. Season maintenance should be performed by a professional air conditioning repair Katy TX company. Tasks that should be performed include system adjustment and testing, component replacements, minor repairs, air filter changes, and cleaning condenser coils and evaporator.

The Basics Of Cleaning A/C Evaporator Coils

Check and clean the evaporator coils as needed. Monthly cleaning might be required if the coils tend to easily collect debris and dirt. Otherwise, you might need to clean them out every three months or so during the cooling season or yearly as part of your regular preventative maintenance. AC Man of Houston offers maintenance services for commercial properties.

Gaining Access To Clean The A/C Evaporator Coils

There should be an access to the indoor air handling unit that you can remove in order to get to the evaporator coil. Check your owner’s manual if necessary to find the evaporator coil and access panel. On the thermostat, turn your air conditioner off. To get the access loose, remove the screws or another type of fasteners. Set the screws and panel aside where you won’t separate or lose them. Check out our residential services by clicking here.

Using Compressed Air To Clean The A/C Evaporator Coils

  1. You can use compressed air to remove light accumulations of materials such as dirt by blowing them off of the evaporator coil.
  2. Direct the compressed air over the coil. Move in the opposite direction of regular air flow from the cleanest to the dirtiest side.
  3. For pieces that are more stubborn, take the air nozzle and please near the bottom part of the debris. If high-pressure air is being used, direct it either through the fins directly or at a 90-degree angle. That will prevent the fins from getting damaged.
  4. Maintain consistent airflow over the coil. That will dislodge the buildup without it being further forced into the fins which will make it harder to remove.
  5. Avoid blowing debris, dirt, and dust into the living spaces of your home or into your ductwork system. Wear eye protection so that material is kept out of your eyes. Use a shop vacuum, if necessary, to collect the material as it is being dislodged.

Using A Brush To Clean The A/C Evaporator Coils

Brush cleaning is a very effective way to remove minor dirt accumulations from the evaporator coils. It enables you to avoid having to use chemicals or liquid and provides you with greater control in terms of the amount of pressure applied to the fins and coils.

  • Apply your brush to the evaporator coils to sweep away dirt accumulation.
  • Use the brush to scrub and break lose materials that are harder to remove.
  • Avoid using a hard-bristle brush or wire brush since the might damage the fins.

Using Commercial Cleaners To Clean The A/C Evaporator Coils

There are several commercial cleaning brands that you can use to clean evaporator coils. A majority of them are foaming kinds that break down and then drain into the drainage system of the unit. Consult with a reputable local HVAC contractor for recommendations on the best clean to use for your specific situation.

Using Water And Mild Detergents To Clean Your A/C Evaporator Coils

Instead of using a commercial cleaner, warm water and a mild detergent can be used for cleaning the coils.

  • Mix a simple detergent and warm water into a spray bottle, garden sprayer or hand sprayer.
  • Apply the detergent and water solution to your evaporator coils.
  • Let the solution soak in for a few minutes to that it can soak in and also loosen debris.
  • Use a brush or soft close to wipe away loose material.

Learn more about AC Man of Houston and our air conditioning repair Katy tx services by checking out our blog, contacting us for questions or concerns or calling us for immediate assistance.

The #1 AC Repair Company In Houston Shows You How To Turn Off The Power To Your Air Conditioning System

Top-Rated AC Repair Company: How to Shut Off the Power to Your Air Conditioner

When you are repairing your air conditioner or installing a new unit, you must turn off the power to the unit. Turning off the power not only protects you from getting shocked, but it also protects the equipment from power surges that can damage the unit. Before turning off the power, you need to turn off the heating and cooling system by turning off the thermostat. If you are considering changing out your thermostat to a new Nest thermostat, you will want to ensure that the power is completely off for your thermostat and your heating and cooling system. If you are unsure how to install a new thermostat, install a new heating and cooling unit or repair your existing system, an AC repair company can help.

Switches That Control The Cooling And Heating System

You will need to determine which switches control the heating and cooling system in your house. Most of the time, these are found in your breaker box or fuse box; however, many units will have a separate breaker box located outside next to your heating and cooling system. It is important to know that if you have a split heating and cooling system, there may be a switch, fuse or breaker for the heating system and a separate switch, fuse or breaker for the cooling system.

Breaker Box

Most of the time your breaker box will be labeled. If your breaker box is labeled, you can flip the breakers for your heating and cooling system. If your breaker box is not labeled, you can either try to find the breakers that control your heating and cooling system or simply shut off the main breaker. If you opt to shut off the main breaker, you should be aware that it will turn off all power to your home. If you shut off only the breakers to your heating and cooling system, verify that all power to the heating and cooling system is turned off by attempting to turn on the heat setting, the cool setting and the fan of the system by using your thermostat.

Switches May Look Like A Breaker Box

Certain heating and cooling systems will not have a breaker in the breaker box. Instead, it will have a separate small breaker box located near the heating and cooling system. These stand-alone switches may look like a breaker box, or they can look like a light switch. If there is a switch similar to a light switch near your heating and cooling system that does not control a light, switch it off to ensure power to your heating and cooling system is off. Once you have installed your new Nest thermostat, you will need to turn the power back on. If you shut off the main breaker to your house, you will need to reset all of your electronic devices and clocks. If you are in need of AC repair company services for your residential property, click here.

The Five Installation Steps to Follow After Installing a New Thermostat

  • Step 1 – Turn off your heating and cooling system at the thermostat. Slide the lever to the off position. Doing this will prevent your thermostat from turning on when you turn the circuit breaker on.
  • Step 2 – Go to your circuit breaker box. Your circuit breaker box can be in several locations, such as the garage, the basement, your laundry room, in a closet or on the exterior of your home.
  • Step 3 – Reset the circuit breaker for your heating and air system. Find the breakers that are marked heating and cooling and move them to the on position. If the breaker is in the neutral position, you will need to turn the breaker off and then back on.
  • Step 4 -Wait 30 minutes. Your heating and air system must have time to reset the internal circuit breaker.
  • Step 5- Turn the thermostat to cool and begin enjoying your new Nest thermostat. If your breaker trips when you turn your thermostat on, you may have another issue. Try resetting the circuit breaker. Call for immediate assistance. If this does not work, contact your local AC repair company.

What Problems You Can Expect From Your Houston HVAC Repairs

The Three Most Common Houston AC Repair Issues

Your air conditioning unit is a fickle machine, prone to issues particularly as it gets older. However, most of the problems that it faces are a result of an improper installation or the lack of maintenance. There are a few common issues that owners face, however.

Houston TX AC repair services deal with the following issues on a regular basis.

AC Man Houston | AC Repair in Houston1. Refrigerant

If you don’t have enough refrigerant, it is likely that there is a leak somewhere in the A/C unit. It is possible that there was an error during installation that resulted in the unit being undercharged. Regardless, an expert needs to come out and take a look at the issue. Refrigerant is a dangerous substance and requires a professional touch.

2. Evaporator Coil

Is your unit having trouble pumping out cool air? There could be ice on the evaporator coil. Most often, this is the result of air filters that are not clean. In addition, if airflow isn’t very good because the vents are closed, there could be an issue with ice as welhttps://acmanhouston.com/understanding-your-ac-condenser/l . In order to solve the problem, make sure the vents are not closed. Switch out the filters and then get rid of the ice on the coil.

3. Fuses

If the air filter is not clean, a blown fuse is often the result. Occasionally, all you need to do is change out the fuse. However, you may have a larger problem that you need to address. Ask a professional to come out and perform an inspection.

If your air conditioning unit is not working properly, or if you are concerned that there might be an issue, get in contact with a technician that can help you. They have the experience necessary to get the job done right, so why trust your unit to anyone else? Call us today!

HVAC 101: The AC Evaporator

Understanding Houston HVAC Parts- Evaporator

This blog series is devoted to exploring and describing the parts and functions making up your air conditioning system. This will help you get a better understanding of how these components work together and will help you take good care of your HVAC system and prevent the need for Houston TX HVAC repair.

This blog looks at the air conditioner’s evaporator. Here are some related Articles:

Understanding HVAC Parts in Houston – The Condenser
How An Expansion Valve Works

AC Man Houston | Houston HVAC PartsWhat An Evaporator Does

The evaporator is located in the top of the system unit and is comprised of coils. This is the case for most air conditioners, but not all. Refrigerant will goe from the condenser to the evaporator in its cooled, liquid state.

Once the refrigerant is there, it meets with low pressure. This low pressure turns the refrigerant into a gas. The gas then absorbs heat from the air. It is the absorption of heat that cools your home’s inside. Once this process is complete, the gas goes back tot he condenser and it happens all over again.

Why The Evaporator Is Important

Without an evaporator, the air conditioner would not cool the air in your house. When the evaporator turns the refrigerant into gas, it allows the refrigerant to do its job of getting hot air out of your house.

Maintain Your Evaporator

Your evaporator works hard to keep your home cool. This is why it is important to maintain it. The first step is to keep the coils clean. If they are not clean they trap dirt and block the absorption of heat. Coils should be kept clean even during winter. Moisture on the evaporator can freeze causing it to perform inefficiently.

If you ever notice a change in the way your air conditioner cools your house, get in touch with an HVAC expert at AC Man Houston or you can call us now for immediate assistance. We will schedule an appointment for either a repair or maintenance to keep your home as comfortable as it needs to be.

Understanding HVAC Parts in Houston – The Condenser

Whether summer is well underway or you merely live in a warm climate, you probably have your air conditioner on more often than not. (That’s especially true in the Houston area!) Unfortunately, it’s easy to take an amazing machine like an AC for granted. We tend to act as if they’ll always turn on without a hitch, but all of the intricate inner workings are prone to developing several problems over time. For instance, just take the all-important condenser into consideration.

Related Articles:

How An HVAC Expansion Valve Works

What Does An Air Conditioner Condenser Do?

AC Man Houston | Houston AC RepairAs your HVAC system chugs along in an effort to cool down the air in your home, it actually absorbs the heat within the room and then releases it outside. This ever-important action relies largely upon the condenser. The part of the unit facing or located outdoors generally hosts this part so that it can dispose of the absorbed heat properly.

As liquids are turned into gases, there’s a natural degree of heat absorption. On a scientific level, this is precisely what’s going on as your air conditioner works to cool you down. It also has liquid refrigerant that works in tandem with an evaporator to take the heat away. Once this happens, the liquid can turn into a gas. The room can’t be cooled without the absorbed heat being released, however. That’s precisely where the condenser comes into play.

As the gas form of the refrigerant is put under a specific amount of pressure, the heat can then be released outdoors. The refrigerant then turns back into a liquid. It all sounds quite complicated, but the basic premise is quite simple, and a well-kept HVAC system can handle the job without issue.

General Condenser Maintenance

As alluded to earlier, the inner workings of an air conditioner are quite intricate, and one part relies on the next for the entire system to remain in working order. Some of the essential parts are the fans, coils, motor, tubes, and so on. After repeated use and years of wear and tear, these parts can break down. The condenser, of course, is no exception.

If you want to keep this from happening, be sure to clean it on a fairly regular basis. Otherwise, debris from the elements outside will build up quite easily. Cleanup is as simple as spraying the part with a water hose, so there’s no excuse to let it slip by.

You should also do your best to cut down on the amount of debris that might come into contact with the condenser. This means cleaning your yard regularly as well. Make sure to remove any leaves, loose grass, and stray limbs that might be nearby.

If you take good care of your condenser and you notice it’s still having a hard time, it’s likely time to consult a professional. AC Man Houston is proud to provide you with the best AC repair in Houston TX. Feel free to get in touch as soon as possible and an appointment can be arranged to see precisely what can be done to keep your AC in tip-top form. Call today!

How An HVAC Expansion Valve Works

HVAC Parts 101: The Expansion Valve

Among the various comfort appliances that we have in our homes and businesses, the vast majority will reckon that the central air conditioning system is indispensable. Cooling our homes in the host summers make their presence ever-more appreciated. However, the entire system could not work properly without the various components and parts working together and properly to keep your home or business cool all year. It is thus important for homeowners and business owners to have at least a passing idea of the various components of the system or you may end up needing Houston TX AC repair.

Herein we are going to delve into the expansion valve, which is an integral part of the system.

What Is An Expansion Valve And What Does It Do

To understand what an expansion valve is, you need to first understand how the cooling function of AC systems works. Air conditioners usually work by moving a refrigerant throughout the HVAC. The refrigerant changes from liquid to gas back to form a complete cycle. In this regard, the cool liquid refrigerant is pumped into the house or business premises, where it absorbs heat.

Due to absorbing the heat, the refrigerant turns from liquid to gas. The gaseous refrigerant moves to the exterior portion of the HVAC where the absorbed heat is released, cooling the refrigerant and turning it back into a liquid.

However, even though at this stage the refrigerant tends is cool, it is usually never cool enough to absorb heat once it is pumped into your home or business as the temperature difference is usually negligible. This is where the expansion valve comes in. The Expansion valve expands the liquid refrigerant by rapidly reducing the pressure under which the liquid is in, cooling it very fast.

AC Man Houston | HVAC Maintenance in Houston TXCharacteristics Of A Failing/Failed Expansion Valve

These are the sign that the expansion valve is faulty:

  • Frozen coil
  • Constantly running system
  • Lack of cold air from your A/C

Fortunately, this part of the AC system can be cheaply and easily be repaired or replaced. Professional Houston TX AC repair will get your underperforming or faulty expansion valve working properly within a short time. Call today or contact AC Man Houston if you suspect your expansion valve is faulty.

Helping Harvey Families And Businesses With Our Reduced Pricing On Professional Flood Inspections

Many families in Houston and the greater Southeast Texas are reeling from the effects of Hurricane Harvey. Aside from the emotional stress that such families are going through owing to the destruction of their houses and businesses, there is also the daunting task cleaning up and reconstructing their lives.

AC Man Houston | Helping Hurricane Harvey VictimsThe widespread flooding has resulted in extensive damage to home utilities and appliances including HVAC systems. While spending time and or money on your HVAC may seem understandably as a trivial matter at this point in time, it is, however, beneficial for you to gauge the extent of water damage to your system. This will help you salvage each and every part of the system that is in good working order, thus reducing the repair and/or replacement cost in the future. The service will also help you gain an understanding of the amount money will need to get your HVAC system to a working order.

Being cognizant of the benefit that inspecting your HVAC system has as well as the strenuous such families are going through, we are offering Hurricane Harvey victim professional HVAC inspection for just $65. Additionally, for homeowners who do not have their HVAC system covered, we are offering a further 20% discount.

The aim is to let you concentrate on the aspect of the cleanup that you are familiar with while we help you gain an intricate understanding of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning system. With this particular deal, we want to support your family, neighborhood, and the entire city of Houston.

Our service areas among other areas include:

  • Katy
  • Sugar Land
  • Spring
  • Bellaire
  • University Place

While this is just an inspection service, we assure our clients the best services possible. We have ample experience in the HVAC realm, with skill and knowledge pertaining to a wide range of HVAC systems and models from many different companies. Our technicians are also capable of handling HVAC system designed for business premises as well as residential properties. Thus, with our HVAC inspections in Houston, you can rest assured that you will get you a thorough understanding of the condition of your HVAC system.

To schedule our inspection services, call us or contact AC Man Houston today! You may also visit here to view a list of the services we provide.

How To Address Your Leaky HVAC Unit

Why is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water

If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water then there could be several potential explanations for this and you should definitely get in touch with AC Man Houston. Whatever it turns out to be the cause, it’s a good idea to call in a technician to give you a proper diagnostic on the system. Commercial and residential A/C can leak for a number of different reasons:

1. A clogged condensate drain.

The condensate drain collects water and helps to transport it clear of the unit. If the drain is clogged up, then the A/C may leak in an unexpected area. Rust, algae, and dirt can build up in and around the drain.

2. The ambient temperature is too cold for A/C to be running.

Running the A/C when the air temperature is below 60 degrees can make the evaporator coils ice over, so try not to use your air conditioning in cold weather.

AC Man Houston | HVAC Leaks3. The drain line has mistakenly been disconnected.

Drain lines can sometimes work loose, or be accidentally disconnected during routine maintenance. If the line comes completely loose, then this could cause the air conditioning unit to leak.

4. The condensate pump has been broken.

A broken condensate pump cannot remove the excess water from the condenser pan, so the pan will overflow, which could eventually cause a leak.

5. The refrigerant level has become depleted.

A lack of sufficient refrigerant could cause the A/C coils to freeze, which will then lead to an overflow from the drip pan, and a leak.

6. Dirty air filters.

If the air filter gets too dirty, then this will restrict air flow to the evaporator coils, so they will not be properly ventilated. Eventually, the coils will get too cold and could become frozen. When the ice starts to melt off the coils, this will flow into the drip pan and may eventually lead to the pan overflowing and leaking.

A small amount of condensation from an A/C unit is normal, and the more you run the A/C the more condensation you are likely to experience. Excess water should not be a problem, though – if you see huge amounts of condensation or if there is a clear leak that you cannot explain, then you should call a technician right away. Or if you are in need of other services, such as heater maintenance in Houston you can contact AC Man Houston by visiting here!

The Affects Heavy Rainfall Has On Your AC Unit

HVAC Maintenance in Houston – What Rain Can Do to Your AC

When the rainy season hits, flowers and allergies are in full bloom. More rainfall can spell trouble for your outdoor air conditioning system. You might be worried what damage the rains can do to your AC, but luckily most owners will have no real reason to be concerned.

Rain and a Heating/Cooling System

Every air conditioner is made up of electrical parts. When these parts get exposed to the elements every day, they continue to function. This is because AC systems have been designed to hold up to all kinds of weather even heavy rains. Most of the delicate, electric components are sealed under a metal housing which keeps them safe. During most normal rainstorms, homeowners will not have to worry about the AC getting damaged.

AC Man Houston | Rainfall Affects Your Houston ACWhat About Floods?

Outdoor AC systems can hold up to rainwater but floods are different. AC systems cannot be protected by their housings from any amount of flood waters even if only exposed to them for a few hours. Floods that go above 15 inches are a major concern. Storms that are accompanied by high winds can also potentially be a concern because the debris kicked up by the winds can harm the AC unit.

What to Do

If you can cover your AC unit before a heavy rain, this will shield it from the wind and shallow flood waters. Make sure the cover is made of a breathable material that will fit your AC’s housing. Plastic or tarp should be avoided because condensation can occur when they are placed over the AC. This allows mildew to grow. Covering your AC is not required, but it is recommended.

For more answers to your AC questions, or to schedule maintenance on your unit, give the AC Man in Houston a call or contact AC Man today. See what we can do for you!