Tag: hvac repair

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.

Knowing When Your AC Filter Should Be Replaced

What You Should Know About Your Air Filter

Whether it’s an AC system in your home or car, the chances are you’ve had to change the air filter. Air filters trap dust and other types of allergens from circulating in the air of your home. If you live in Houston, then you know how hot it gets and the last thing you want is to breathe in such things. With that said, let’s discuss how air filters work and how you can keep them working for a longtime to come.

AC Man Houston | Replace Your Houston AC FilterHow They Work

Air filters do a lot of things. Most filters sit right between a cardboard frame and they were made with spun fiberglass. Filters play a role in keeping your air clean because it filters the dirty air that your HVAC unit brings in.

Particles such as animal fur, dust, pollen, bacteria and mold spores become trap by the fiberglass material. However, you do need to change it regularly. Doing this will ensure the air stays as clean as possible and free of particles such as the ones previously mentioned.

Maintaining Your Air Filter

Allergens and other particles will make their way into your home if an air filter is dirty. Not only that, but free air flow from your HVAC system may become restricted. This can increase energy bills due to the unit not working as efficiently as it should be working.

All you have to do is replace the filter or clean it. Don’t forget to check the filter once per month so you can either clean or change it. As a general rule of thumb, you should see light pass through the filter if you hold it up to a light.

Air Filter Issues

There are various issues that can be due to a clogged air filter. Your unit may not be working as good as it did in the best or the evaporator coils may be frozen. These things can be due to a filter that has to be changed.

It’s important that you understand your HVAC equipment. This can help you figure out what issues your unit has early on, which can save you money. If you need HVAC repair, Houston residents can rely on AC Man Houston. Contact us today or call AC Man Houston with any questions you have about your HVAC system.

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.

Call us for more information!

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!

How To Maintain Your Indoor Air Quality

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.

AC Man Houston | HVAC Pollutants in Houston TexasThree 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.

How To Tell If Your Heater Is In Need Of Maintenance Or Repair

Is Your Heater Making These Noises? You May Need Professional Repairs!

Loud, strange noises suddenly coming from your heater can be incredibly worrying. Without fail, hearing something of that nature means that some sort of problem has presented itself. In some cases, you may be able to resolve the matter yourself, but otherwise, you’ll need the aid of an HVAC repair expert.

To determine whether you need heater repair in Houston, follow along with the guide on common furnace problems below:

AC Man Houston | AC Noises in Houston TX1 – Whistling

Whistling furnaces are most commonly associated with duct problems. Your furnace needs sufficient airflow at all times. If your ducts aren’t doing the job, you may need to replace them with larger models.

Before doing so, however, you need to check for any gaps in the ductwork. Duct gaps – particularly where the duct actually joins the furnace – are another common cause for furnace whistling. You should also make sure you don’t have a clogged filter, especially if the problem seems to have developed out of nowhere. A quick, simple test is to simply remove the filter to see if the whistling ceases.

2 – Rattling

Rattling is often a result of a loose duct. You should try reinforcing them with duct tape or extra screws. You can even try adding rubber pads or cork material under the furnace. If you need help lifting it up, a pry bar from your local hardware store will do the trick.

3 – Bouncing

If it sounds as if your furnace is bouncing, you likely have worn bearings. Naturally, you’ll need to replace them. In this instance, your best bet is to work with an HVAC professional.

4 – Banging

Banging sounds that seem to startup as soon as the furnace comes on are generally related to a number of potential issues. Check to see if you can determine exactly where the sound is coming from. If the ducts seem to be the issue, this is likely due to fluctuation that happens when the pressure inside them changes. Check for weak spots and screw on an additional piece of metal for more support.

On the other hand, you could also be looking at a possible problem with your gas-ignition. In this scenario, you might hear something that sounds like a small explosion when the furnace ignites. If you notice that the flame seems to change or doors shaking on the furnace, that’s generally a tell-tale sign. Of course, an issue of that level needs to be handled by a professional.

5 – Squeaking

Squeaking sounds coming from the furnace usually signify that the metal panning or ducts aren’t secure. You can repair this quite easily yourself. Simply reinforce, rehang, or replace the affected parts.

If you aren’t confident that you can fix a problem with your furnace yourself, that’s potentially for the best. You should always play it safe and work with a specialist to be sure that the job is done. When it comes to the local heater repair in Houston in particular, you can always rely upon AC Man Houston in particular. Feel free to get in touch with us by calling (713) 460-2653 or contacting us anytime you have a question or concern!

Choosing The Right HVAC System For Your Home

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

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!

How To Keep Bad Weather From Affecting Your HVAC System

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:

  • AC Man Houston | Bad Weather and Your Houston ACMake 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

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:

AC Man Houston | AC Noise Problems HoustonGurgling 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.