Tag: ac unit

How Your Thermostat May Affect Your HVAC Unit

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.

AC Man Houston | Houston AC MaintenanceHow 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.

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Knowing When It’s Time To Replace An Air Conditioner

Is It Time To Replace Your Current HVAC System?

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

Questions to Consider

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

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

Symptoms to Look Out For

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

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

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