Tag: ac repair

How Your Thermostat May Affect Your HVAC Unit

Posted by acman on September 21, 2017

Parts of HVAC 101: The Thermostat

Your home has a mechanism that you use to control the temperature inside. This mechanism is called a thermostat, and you are probably familiar with using it. You set it to the desired temperature and enjoy greater comfort in your home. Let’s talk about how the thermostat works, what common problems there are and how you can make sure to have it work smoothly.

How A Thermostat Works

A thermostat keeps constant temperatures going inside your home. Once you set it to the temperature you want it at, it will make use of either the heater or the air conditioner to get the home to that precise temperature. It has a sensor that picks up the exact temperature of the room. When it picks up the current temperature it switches on or off like a light switch to get the heater or the air conditioner to get the room to the exact temperature desired.

Today’s thermostats are made with smart technology. This type of technology allows the thermostat to learn the heating or cooling patterns in the home. It learns how long it takes to get to a specified temperature making it more of an automated process to keep the home at the greatest level of comfort at all times. These smart thermostats also work to use energy efficiently, so your heating and cooling bills are always more affordable.

Thermostat Problems

Common thermostat problems include the following:

No Display

If the thermostat fails to display the temperature it could be that the breaker has tripped or that the battery is dead. Remove the cover and see if any dirt has built up or if there are loose wires or screws.

Temperature Does Not Change

When this happens, you want to check the thermostat for any dirt build up or a stuck anticipator. The heat anticipator signals the unit to turn on. If neither dirt nor the anticipator is the problem, see if the thermostat is receiving direct sunlight. This could be skewing the readout.

Thermostat Runs Constantly

If your air or heater are running all the time, the thermostat has a problem that should be looked at by HVAC maintenance Houston professionals. The problem could be the heat anticipator

Maintaining A Thermostat

Keep your thermostat clean and be sure that power is getting through the system. Dirt can cause several problems but all it takes is a gentle dusting every now and again to maintain the unit. Also, make certain that the thermostat is not facing direct sunlight. This can make your system operate at less than efficient levels. It can also make your home very uncomfortable.

If you still have problems with your thermostat, contact a professional HVAC company. A technician from the company can inspect the thermostat and find the problem. AC Man Houston is here to serve the area and will do both repairs and maintenance to make your HVAC system work perfectly. Schedule an appointment today and keep your air conditioner and heater in excellent shape.

Call us for more information!

How To Address Your Leaky HVAC Unit

Posted by acman on September 13, 2017

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.

3. 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!

How To Maintain Your Indoor Air Quality

Posted by acman on September 13, 2017

The Importance Of Keeping Pollutants Out To Maintain Better Indoor Air Quality

Outdoor air pollution is important, too, but approximately 90 percent of people’s days are spent indoors. People forget about indoor air pollution and air quality. Considering how much time people spend inside, indoor air quality concerns need to be addressed appropriately.

In fact, a study done by the EPA showed that the indoor air pollution levels in homes could be quite often up to five times worse than outdoor pollution. You have to ask yourself why. Then the study also showed that sometimes the pollution indoors could be 100 times worse. That is a staggering statistic, and remember, that’s from a study conducted by the EPA.

Three Types Of Pollutants

Particles are one type of pollutant in your home. Any type of construction or cleaning can, of course, stir them up even more. It makes you realize that when you clean, you really need to get to everything and do it right. You don’t want to be breathing in harmful particles.

Chemicals are also indoor air pollutants, and they can at times be quite harmful. Smoke from tobacco products falls into this category, and you know cleaning supplies make the list. It makes you remember that there are all natural cleaning solutions like essential oils that might be much better to use.

The third group of indoor air pollutants is biological contaminants. Pet dander is part of this classification of pollutants, as are viruses and bacteria of course and more. Cleaning is naturally important when it comes to biological contaminants. A property also needs to be ventilated properly.

Health And Air Quality Indoors

Health conditions can stem from bad indoor air quality, and it’s important to know what some of the symptoms are. For example, allergic reactions can occur, and people can experience shortness of breath. Common symptoms like sneezing and coughing are also on the list. There are plenty of other associated symptoms, too.

It is important to focus on prevention measures when it comes to the quality of the air inside your home. For instance, air filters always need to be changed out on time, which is typically after three months.

It is also suggested to have air ducts cleaned approximately every five years by a local HVAC company. Humidity levels are also important to monitor, and you might want to think about getting an air purifier or dehumidifier.

Whether you need your ducts cleaned, maintenance done, or you have a problem that needs to be repaired, AC Man Houston can help. They will get your home in shape when it comes to better indoor air quality. For residential HVAC repair in Houston, call AC Man Houston or contact us today.

Choosing The Right HVAC System For Your Home

Posted by acman on September 5, 2017

Learn More About The Four Main HVAC Systems On The Market

If you are looking for a new HVAC system, you have quite a job ahead of you. There are a few ways you can choose one that is right for you; for example, the layout of your home and the weather in your area can play a role in your decision. The following information briefly reviews four different HVAC systems and discusses the benefits of each.

1. Ductless Split Systems

Ductless split systems serve a very specific purpose; they are useful in homes without ductwork or for rooms that are being added onto an existing structure. They feature an interior fan and an exterior heat pump or air conditioner. The system works well and you can have zone climate control if you’d like. However, ductless split systems do not work well in areas where it is very cold.

2. Standard Split Systems

Standard split systems are flexible, as they can be arranged in a few different ways. For example, there is a hybrid/dual fuel option, a furnace and air conditioning option and a heat pump split system option. This type of HVAC system is relatively inexpensive, and as such, it is one that a lot of people utilize. Another benefit is that pieces of the system can be replaced relatively easily; there is no need to alter the ductwork or other elements within the unit.

3. Geothermal HVAC Systems

Geothermal HVAC systems are expensive, especially compared with the other options on this list. However, they save money over time because they are energy efficient. Geothermal systems utilize underground/underwater pipes, which assist them in keeping temperatures regulated.

4. Packaged Systems

A packaged system is placed within a large cabinet that is kept on the exterior of the home. The benefit to this setup is that there is less noise on the interior of the home. However, the system is not as durable and does not work as efficiently as other systems. Typically, packaged systems are used as a last resort.

Regardless of which option you choose, you will spend quite a bit of money on your HVAC system. If you want to make sure you get the best HVAC services in Houston, it is in your best interests to speak to a professional in the industry by contacting us today or calling AC Man Houston!

The Affects Heavy Rainfall Has On Your AC Unit

Posted by acman on August 31, 2017

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.

What 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!

How To Keep Bad Weather From Affecting Your HVAC System

Posted by acman on August 22, 2017

AC Man Houston Saves You The Cost of Replacing Your AC Due To Weather With These Tips

The Houston area is well known for its severe weather throughout the year. Proper preparation is essential. That not only means stocking in emergency supplies but also taking steps to safeguard your home’s HVAC system.

Bad weather can really do a number on your HVAC system if it isn’t properly protected. Try using these three tips to minimize the likelihood of any weather-related damage occurring:

Make sure loose items are put away or tied down. Severe weather often brings gusty winds along with it. If the wind is strong enough, it can wind up blowing objects into your outside condenser unit, causing damage as a result. In severe cases, it can even blow your entire condenser unit over. By securing any loose objects before bad weather hits, you can reduce the risk of damage.
Protect the condenser unit with a cover. The simple act of covering the outside portion of your air conditioning system with an approved cover can go a long way toward protecting it from the weather. This is especially important during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Protect your unit from hail. Hailstones can cause significant damage once they get over a certain size. A hail guard can go a long way toward protecting your condenser unit from being damaged by these stones.

After a severe weather event, you should thoroughly inspect your HVAC system to check for any signs of problems. Begin by double checking that all of the wires are still properly connected. Loose wiring or other electrical problems can be extremely dangerous after a storm.

If you notice any problems, contact a Houston AC repairman right away. They can come to your home and inspect your unit, looking for any problems that need to be corrected. By working with a skilled HVAC specialist, you can make sure that your system is in great shape and that there are no problems that need to be corrected after an extreme weather event.

Call now for more information!

When To Know You Are In Need Of AC Services In Houston

Posted by acman on August 22, 2017 with 1 Comment

You Might Need Houston AC Repair Services When Your AC Is Making Sounds That Tell You Something Is Wrong

You might not feel like you have any clue how to make sure your air conditioner is running well, but just listening to it can often prove a quick and reliable way of knowing there’s a potential issue going on. Humming or rattling noises could be indications of something being amiss.

When you familiarize yourself with the normal sounds, you can identify the unusual ones that might mean your AC unit is trying to tell you something. Here are a few of the most common ones you should pay attention to and do something about:

Gurgling And Bubbling

Sounds that seem like gurgling or bubbling is typically a compressor leaking refrigerant, and that might mean the AC is not working with the efficiency that it should be. A refrigerant leak doesn’t just run up your power bill, as it’s also toxic to the environment. If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds, then you should get them investigated promptly.

Buzzing

A buzzing sound could indicate that an electrical component of the unit has a short. A professional should investigate this sooner rather than later, given that a short is always a risk of starting an electrical fire if it is not corrected.

Metallic Sounds

These kinds of sounds range from clanks to rattles and might even be grinding noises. This usually means that mechanical parts inside the air conditioner either need replacement or they’re malfunctioning. When left unchecked, a metallic sound has the potential to wind up being far more serious, as well as a more expensive, situation down the road.

Wailing

When your air conditioning unit is wailing, then it might be a fan belt that is faulty. Replacing the belt completely, reattaching an existing belt, and lubricant are common solutions to this issue.

If you happen to notice that your air conditioner is making noises that sound strange and you need Houston AC repair services or just a look, then call us so our technicians can figure out what’s going on. We service both commercial and residential properties and systems, and we can handle everything from routine maintenance to installations and repairs. Schedule a visit with us right away.

It’s critical to get such things looked at as quickly as you can. If you need Houston AC repair services, call us right away or contact us here for a consultation or quote.

The Positive Impact HVAC Maintenance Has On Your Budget

Posted by acman on August 16, 2017

Discover How Small Changes Can Make A Huge Impact On Your Home’s Comfort And Your Budget

Texas has been marching to the beat of its very own drum since the early 1800’s. This state takes great pride in being very independent and stays true to its Lone Star State reputation. It also stands proudly behind the motto that everything in Texas is bigger. However, although bigger is usually viewed as a positive thing, in terms of your utility bills that don’t always result in a happier and better conclusion.

Fortunately, our team here at AC Man Houston is very proficient at being able to differentiate when bigger really is better. From our AC repair Katy certified technicians to our large number of satisfied customers, our entire staff is completely dedicated to coming up with that ideal balance between small costs and big results for the savings you want and need.

Big Things Sometimes Do Come In A Small Package

There are times when the smallest things in life are the ones that leave the greatest impact on your life and mean the most. The same thing is true with your HVAC unit. Giving it

There are times when the smallest things in life are the ones that leave the greatest impact on your life and mean the most. The same thing is true with your HVAC unit. Giving it a small amount of TLC once in a while can make a significant difference in the performance of your heating system. You can expect the following from the season maintenance services and system check-ups from AC Man Houston:

Longer unit lifespan
Increased energy efficiency
Lower utility bills
And much more!

So if you are searching for something small that you can do to make a large impact on the comfort of your home, the answer is to keep up on maintenance on your heating system.

Ready, Aim, Fire

Think about it in archery terms: you have a much greater chance of hitting your target when a smaller section is focused on, instead of targeting the whole thing. The same thing is true with heating system repairs. So whether your system is currently experiencing a major malfunction or just a minor hiccup, the heating repairs that our company performs in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, will involve our certified technicians examining your HVAC unit, one part at a time., in order to determine what exactly is causing the inefficiency in your system. Our team will then focus on diligently and quickly repairing that part, in order to prevent the need of a small repair turning into a more expensive and more serious problem.

Big League Heating

It is easy to see that a new heating system can deliver large results for you. From greater heating power to increased energy efficiency, there are many different benefits that come from investing in your home’s comfort. How will you know if your Houston, TX area home needs a heating installation or not?

AC Man Houston | AC Repair in Houston TX Simple telltale signs to look for:

Temperatures are inconsistent throughout your house
Energy bills are skyrocketing
Repairs are needed frequently
Unit has operated for ten years or more
And more!

Fortunately, our NATE-certified technicians here at AC Man Houston will work closely with you to help you find the best heating system that will suit your budget and home comfort needs. In fact, installing an energy-efficient new system will allow you to enjoy much lower energy bills, which is quite a feat these days.

Contact us or get in touch with AC Man Houston today. To schedule maintenance service or a system checkup, just give us a call or fill our online form out.

Cool Off! You Have AC Man Houston To Save The Day!

Posted by acman on August 8, 2017

Get The A/C Relief You Crave

There is no better time for cooking outdoors than the summer. Unfortunately, the oppressive heat of summer can take a toll on your air conditioner’s cooling capabilities. To make sure your air conditioner performs to the best of its abilities during summer, you must protect it from potential heat damage.

If you live in the Houston Texas area, AC Man Houston techs have the expert knowledge necessary to keep your air conditioner protected. These air conditioning chefs have developed industry tested AC recipes for ensuring your home remains cool and comfortable during the heat of summer. With AC Man Houston in your corner, your home will remain a cool and pleasant getaway destination all summer.

Preparing Your System

AC Man Houston | AC Maintenance in Houston Texas Your air conditioner works hard day and night to accommodate your desire for a chilly environment. This constant stress can eventually take a toll on your AC system. Eventually, your system may begin to cool less and less.

If you live in Texas, you know how hot it gets during the summer and how unbearable it would be if you didn’t have air conditioning. When this happens, it’s time to call a Houston residential HVAC repair company like AC Man Houston who can handle the job quickly and reliably so you will suffer for as little as possible in the Texas heat. To make sure your air conditioning system continues to cool correctly, be sure to follow our secret cooling recipe without skipping a step. That means you should have your A/C system installed by a professional, be sure parts are functioning properly and are up-to-date, and last but not least, take care of any issues that come up immediately.

A few things to keep an eye on that could indicate your air conditioner needs repair are:

Failing to operate
Not cooling properly
Unexpected drips or leaks
Unusual sounds and noises

Keep your home’s environment a cozy one by making sure your air conditioner is working its best.

Chow Down On Awesome Service

Small problems can eventually grow into bigger problems, so for best results, you should address issues as they arise, no matter how minor you may believe they are. Otherwise, what was a simple issue to resolve could grow into a more complex and more expensive issue that may lead to cooling problems during the hottest part of summer. So be sure to keep an eye on how your system is performing and address any issues that come up as soon as possible.

If you live in Texas, you’re one of the lucky ones. AC Man Houston has professional HVAC technicians who can handle AC repair jobs in Texas quickly, efficiently, and reliably. Our technicians have the experience and education necessary to do the job in a way that makes quite an impression on our customers. With AC Man Houston, you can expect a job well done.

Give the Houston residential HVAC repair company you can rely on a call.

Just because your air conditioner needs repairing doesn’t mean it has to be a pain to go through. We make solving your problem as quick and painless as possible and we do it with a smile. Contact AC Man or call us today so we can help you with your HVAC problem/s right away!

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!