Category: hvac repair and installation

Avoid the Heat: Commercial AC Repair in College Station

The level of commercial and business in College Station would be impossible without air conditioning. There is not enough gentle breeze during the summer months to cool multi-storied buildings or the vast expanses of warehouse or manufacturing space. The city of College Station rates high in the number of hours of air conditioning per day (17.9 hours), and air conditioning is required for about 9 months out of the year. Commerce is unimaginable without AC.

If you find your business without air conditioning this summer, it might seem overwhelming.

• It will be hard for a business to invite customers and clients to a hot, steamy location
• It will be hard for customers and clients to come to a hot, steamy location
• It will be hard to convince loyal staff to come to a hot, steamy location

However, trying to “weather the storm” is not the time to panic; it takes some reasoned and measured steps, including these.

Prepare ahead with a relationship with a commercial HVAC contractor. Being a regular customer provides a distinct advantage in these situations. An emergency call from a valued client generally elicits a quick response. Do not ignore this relationship.

Assess the problem carefully.

Is the problem localized, or does it extend to the entire facility?

• If it is localized, examine the space for covered vents or returns. Perhaps rearranging furniture or fixtures has inadvertently obscured the opening and has reduced airflow through the air conditioning system.
• If the entire space is affected, start by checking the circuit breakers. Commercial electric service panels are usually larger than those found in personal residences, but they should be very well-marked. Often, large components will have breakers as part of the safety features, so check the air handlers as well. If you find a tripped breaker, turn it completely to the OFF position and push it back to the ON Position. If the system is restored to power, you might have some respite. Be watchful since the breaker may trip again. Either way, call the HVAC technician to ensure the system continues to function properly.
• If the breaker(s) has not tripped, next check the controls. Commercial facilities may have thermostats or may have HVAC control software. Ensure that the control has power, whether batteries or power from the electrical system. Restoring power to the controls may restore the system and give everyone some relief. Either way, call the HVAC technician to ensure the system performs as designed.

While waiting for the emergency visit from your preferred air conditioning technician:

• Open windows if possible.
• Use all available fans.

Moving air does not make the air cooler, but it does facilitate evaporation on the skin. This will make people feel cooler, so try to make people as comfortable as possible. Make sure you communicate well with staff and customers.

The key step, though, is to schedule regular preventative maintenance visits with the commercial HVAC contractor. Maintenance is the best way to prevent breakdowns before they happen and keep everyone comfortable and healthy. This step prevents costly interruptions in business and preserves your stellar reputation for customer service.

The Cost of No AC: Keeping Your College Station Business Cool with Quality Commercial AC Repair from RM Mullinix

In College Station’s intense heat, a functional AC system is essential for business operations, customer comfort, and employee productivity. By establishing a strong relationship with a commercial AC repair contractor and implementing regular preventative AC maintenance, businesses can avoid costly disruptions and maintain a comfortable environment. Ultimately, proactive AC care protects a business’s reputation and ensures its continued success in the challenging Texas climate.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station commercial AC repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our commercial AC repair and installation information page. 

Keep Your Cool: Simple AC Maintenance for Peak Summer Performance

If you ask Texans, most will admit they hate the cold that Northern states experience more than the heat of Texas summers. The primary reason for this is the magnificent relief that comes from air conditioning; air conditioning in the car, at work, and at home. The only way to ensure your air conditioner performs well all summer long is to give it some gentle care. Here are a few care tips for your air conditioner.

Celebrate a Birthday

Do you know how old your air conditioner is this year? The average AC units last about 15 to 20 years. Knowing the age of the unit can help a homeowner determine how many summers of cooling are expected before replacement.

Give the Gift . . .

What do you give an air conditioner? Every air conditioner is longing for a good preventative maintenance visit by a trained HVAC technician. This spring give the gift that helps all summer long. The technician will:

• Check the refrigerant level. The refrigerant is responsible for moving heat from inside the house to outside. The refrigerant is a gas that is compressed and released repeatedly during each cooling cycle. The transfer of heat requires the gas pressure to be quite consistent. Even a small leak will allow all the gas to escape; the technician will be able to detect whether the gas is escaping.
• Test the sensors and switches. The air conditioner relies on a series of sensors and switches to recognize slight temperature changes, yet power high-voltage components. These electrical controls experience significant wear over time; catching small problems before they become big problems is a gift.
• A thorough cleaning. Technicians know where to look to find the most troubling dust and grime.

Prepare the Condenser

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called the condenser unit. The heat from inside the house is released through the condenser. The walls of the unit are made of thin tubes and fins, and a large fan pulls air through the network of tubes to cool the gas inside. However, the air that is pulled through the network is loaded with dirt, pollen, mold spores, and even lawn clippings. This sticky concoction coats the tubes and inhibits the movement of heat—bad news for the condenser.

• The covers for the condenser can be removed with a screwdriver
• After removing the cover, use a garden hose to gently wash the dirt away; wash it until the water is clean.
• Return the cover. This cleaning should be an annual event.
• A condenser needs 2’ of clearance in all directions. Make sure shrubs and ornamental grasses are trimmed. Remove leaves, pine needles, and any debris that might blow around the unit.

Unwrap the Vents

An air conditioner requires the movement of lots of air: the entire volume of the home travels through the air conditioner about every two minutes during a cooling cycle. When furniture, clothes, or drapes cover the return air or supply vents, it restricts the airflow and reduces the system’s effectiveness. Make sure to do an occasional walk-through to ensure everything is free of coverings.

Don’t Forget

One of the most frequent reasons for service calls, oddly enough, is . . . to change an air filter. A clogged filter restricts the airflow and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner. It also places great strain on the blower motor; it faithfully keeps trying to move air despite the difficulty.

R.M. Mullinix’s Guide to AC Maintenance: Surviving the Texas Heat

By implementing these simple yet vital AC maintenance steps, Texans can confidently face the summer heat with a reliable and efficient cooling system. From understanding your AC’s age and investing in professional maintenance to cleaning the condenser and ensuring proper airflow, proactive care is key. Don’t let a neglected air conditioner disrupt your comfort; prioritize these maintenance tasks to enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the long, hot Texas summer.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC maintenance College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC replacement and installation information page. 

Comparing Ductless Mini-Split College Station and Traditional HVAC Systems

The vast majority of homes in Texas use central HVAC systems—one building system that heats, cools, cleans the air, and removes humidity during the summer. These systems use ducts to transport air from the home to the central air handler and back to each room of the house. Whenever the HVAC components need to be replaced, it usually makes financial sense to replace the major components and reuse the ductwork.

However, an alternative form of HVAC is gaining popularity across the US (about 6% of US homes) and is attracting attention to homeowners in Texas. This innovation is a ductless mini-split College Station HVAC system. It heats, cools, removes humidity, and cleans the air, but without moving air through a network of ducts.

Most of the HVAC components for Ductless Mini-Split College Station are installed outdoors. Tubes bring the refrigerant gas on the outside of the home to each room separately; each room has its own air handler for heating or cooling individually. This allows homeowners to set different comfort settings for each space according to occupant preferences.

Ductless Mini-Split College Station have several advantageous applications:

• New construction, when a home can be designed and built without the duct network.
• Room additions, when extending ductwork is difficult or impossible.
• Adding air conditioning to a second (or third) story with separate heat/cooling zones.
• Adding air conditioning to older homes, constructed before the ductwork of central HVAC systems was common.

Mini split systems can be used in most applications, including in homes with installed ductwork.

Side by Side Comparisons

So, which system is better? There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Instead, there is information for homeowners to help them make an informed decision. Here are some side-by-side comparisons between the two types of systems.

Efficiency. Mini split systems use heat pump technology, the same technology used for air conditioning in all HVAC systems. Some central HVAC systems use an alternative heat source—usually either natural gas or electric heat. But, mini-split systems will not have an alternative heat source.

Zones. Mini split air handlers are installed in each room, with a thermostat for each air handler. This allows occupants to set a different comfort setting for each room if desired. This is not possible with central HVAC systems: the entire home is usually one zone with one thermostat.

Aesthetics. Central HVAC systems impact the design of a room minimally; the duct covers are small and can be adapted to the room’s design. Mini split air handlers are required in each room and, while they are small and unobtrusive, they are not quite decorative (yet).

Indoor Air Quality. Central HVAC systems must move air to cool and heat a home. With this much air movement, the system requires an air filter to clean the air. Ductless Mini-Split systems move much less air. Since a Ductless Mini-Split system does not move a large volume of air, their air filters are much smaller and less efficient.

Installation. Trying to install ductwork in homes that are constructed WITHOUT ductwork is very difficult and costly. Installing ductwork in new construction is much easier. Installing a mini split ductless in either new or old construction is minimally invasive and very cost-effective.

Cost. Mini split ductless HVAC system equipment costs more than central HVAC systems. However, Ductless Mini-Split systems can fit needs in certain settings that can only be met by central HVAC systems.

Ductless Mini-Split or Ducted? Let Mullinix Help to Choose the Best HVAC System

While most Texas homes use central HVAC, ductless mini-split systems are gaining popularity, offering zoned comfort and efficient heating and cooling without ductwork. Ductless mini-split College Station are ideal for new construction, additions, or older homes lacking duct systems, though they may have higher upfront equipment costs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, considering factors like efficiency, zoning, aesthetics, and installation costs.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our ductless mini-split College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC replacement and installation information page. 

AC Service College Station: Efficiency, Comfort, and Smart Home Integration

If you are in the market for a new HVAC system this year, there are some exciting innovations for the newest iteration of heating and air conditioning systems. Doing great research before making a decision will lead to some great features that highlight increased efficiency, comfort, and ease of use.

AC Service College Station Improvement: Sustainability and Longevity

Newer systems can do the same ol’ tasks—heating, cooling, and keeping air fresh–better, cheaper, and longer than older systems.

SEER and AFUE ratings help homeowners make informed decisions about their purchases.

• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER is a number affixed to air conditioning systems (the higher the better). SEER ratings range between 14.3 and 22 in Texas. This number represents the ratio between cooling output and the energy required for cooling.
• Annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE is a similar rating for furnace systems. This number is a percentage of the available energy that is captured by a heating system. Electric furnaces capture 100% of the available energy, while natural gas systems range between 90 and 98.5%.

Researchers and the US Environmental Protection Agency are constantly seeking more environmentally friendly solutions for refrigerant gas. The current solution is very efficient while reducing the impact on the earth’s ozone layer.

Variable speed components heat and cool efficiently at just the right level of comfort. The heating demands of a furnace are different when the outside temperature is 610 F and 6.10 F. Variable speed compressors and blower motors can deliver just the right amount of heat or cooling for the need.

Homeowners are also considering the option that has been available in commercial settings with greater interest—mini split ductless HVAC systems. This innovation uses a room-sized air handler in each room, while the workhorse of the system is installed outdoors. Mini-split systems allow homeowners to zone individual rooms for comfort preferences. It can be a money-saver. Check it out.

AC Service College Station Improvement: Indoor Air Quality

While most people enjoy “the great outdoors,” we tend to enjoy it in small doses; according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, indoor air quality is gaining importance and new HVAC systems are changing to meet the need.

Improved filtration measures are available on newer HVAC systems. Advanced filters have been around for a long time, but the close-knit fibers of these filters reduce airflow and strain normal blower motors. Newer systems use strong motors to accommodate enhanced air filters.

Many airborne contaminants are organic; pollen, mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. Ultraviolet lights are a common accessory that can be installed inside the ductwork. UV light damages DNA and disrupts cell walls, neutralizing these contaminants and reducing allergy and asthma triggers.

Air purifier technology is also improving. Whole house or room-sized portable units are available for family members with severe breathing problems and illnesses.

AC Service College Station Improvement: SMART Home Integration

SMART appliances abound and HVAC systems also take advantage of internet connectivity. The thermostat used to be the ON/OFF switch for the HVAC system, but now thermostats have many more capabilities. SMART thermostats can:

• Schedule temperature changes to meet comfort preferences. Do you like to sleep in a cooler room, but want the house toasting warm when everyone wakes up? No problem. Do you want to change the temperature settings during the day while everyone is away? Done. If your schedule changes, a cell phone app can change the temperature setting on the fly.
• The thermostat can inform a homeowner of the energy required for heating and cooling and keeps records. This makes energy trends come to life.
• SMART thermostats can remind a homeowner of needed maintenance and detect problems that require repair.

SMART thermostats use AI to constantly learn, giving homeowners increasing amounts of information. This will improve how homeowners use their systems and lengthen the useful life of HVAC systems.

Exploring the Latest AC Service College Station Innovations with R.M. Mullinix

This article explores the latest HVAC innovations that improve efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. New systems feature advanced SEER and AFUE ratings, variable speed components, and mini-split ductless options, helping homeowners save on energy costs. Additionally, modern HVAC systems offer enhanced indoor air quality features and smart home integration, such as AI-powered thermostats that optimize energy use and provide maintenance reminders.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Service College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC replacement and installation information page. 

Key Signs and Benefits of Regular College Station Furnace Maintenance

Is this the right time to have my furnace checked and serviced? Let’s answer a few questions to get some good advice.

Is furnace maintenance necessary or can I skip it?

Even perfectly oiled machines don’t remain in tip-top shape without maintenance.

• Recirculating air contains airborne particles that tend to coat and cover everything. Components that get covered with dust and dander work less efficiently. The dust needs to be cleaned from the system to improve performance.
• If you listen to an HVAC system turn on, the sudden flow of electricity, natural gas, or the release of refrigerant gas is accomplished with great force. This force wears on parts and the wear needs to be monitored. Occasionally, the wear needs to be repaired.
• An unmaintained system takes more energy to operate, and this costs more money.

Skipping maintenance is a short-sighted approach to furnace care.

Okay, but will I notice that my furnace did not get serviced?

Funny you should ask.

• If it has been a while since servicing your furnace, you may already be feeling the effects. Is one room colder than the others? That cold spot might result from a weak, poorly maintained furnace.
• Is your furnace making loud or unusual noises? Does it hum or buzz loudly? Unusually loud noises coming from the HVAC system often happen as a result of the lack of maintenance.
• All that the furnace should be circulating is fresh, clean air, so if smells originate from the furnace vents, it indicates the system needs maintenance.
• Another clear indication that you have not maintained a furnace is a sudden, unannounced, and extremely inconvenient furnace breakdown.

Why is now a good time for College Station Furnace Maintenance?

The fact is that the cooling season is over, and the heating season has not yet begun in earnest. Since there is less stress on HVAC systems, there are fewer technicians dedicated to making repairs. Scheduling a maintenance visit will not be a problem this early in the heating season.

What is involved in a College Station Furnace Maintenance visit anyway?

Expect the maintenance visit to last one or two hours; the technician will need access to various parts of the home to investigate the entire system.

• Of course, the technician will spend some time with the central air conditioning/furnace area.
• For natural gas furnaces, the ignition system will be thoroughly cleaned and calibrated, the burner assembly will be cleaned and examined, and the heat exchanger will be inspected closely to ensure no carbon monoxide leaks into the home.
• For heat pumps and every system with an air conditioner, the refrigerant pressure level will be checked. The technician will ensure that the condenser unit is clean and free from debris.
• The blower motor, so important to the HVAC system, will be checked, lubricated (if necessary), and the belt examined for excessive wear.
• Key electrical components are subject to inefficiency due to wear. The technician will know where to look for the stress points that can cause problems, both the short-term and long-term varieties.
• The air filter will be changed—so important to keep the system running efficiently.
• The thermostat batteries will be changed and the setting calibrated to ensure it works properly.
• A quick inspection of vents and returns affords the technician a chance to test the furnace’s performance—is the furnace putting out sufficient heat to keep the home comfortable?

Why Regular College Station Furnace Maintenance is for Homeowners: Signs, Benefits, and Timing

Regular College Station Furnace Maintenance is crucial to ensure efficient operation and prevent costly breakdowns. Signs your furnace needs attention include unusual noises, cold spots, or poor air quality. The best time for maintenance is before the heating season begins, as it helps identify issues early and ensures your system is ready for winter.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our furnace replacement services, schedule an appointment or visit our furnace replacement and installation information page.

 

Why Regular Furnace Maintenance is Essential for Comfort and Efficiency

With the approach of Fall and crisp temperatures, we will depend on our furnace for comfort and health for the next few months. However, ignoring regular HVAC maintenance can be a mistake. Without maintenance, you can expect:

Neglecting Furnace Maintenance Will Make Your Furnace Work Harder

• Failing to change the air filter, a simple maintenance task, will create stress throughout the furnace components. The filter collects airborne particles with each cycle until they eventually clog the filter. This will restrict airflow through the filter and cause the blower motor to strain to continue moving air. Without air movement, the whole furnace works hard to keep the home warm.
• Time and use cause wear and tear on electrical switches, capacitors, and motors. This wear needs to be addressed.
• Expect the heating cycles to be longer, trying to make the home warm. Expect heating cycles to be more frequent than expected.
• Natural gas furnaces bring flammable/explosive gas into a home and burn it to produce heat. Maintenance tasks remove the rust and soot that can develop and inhibit combustion. Rust can also weaken the heat exchanger, releasing carbon monoxide into the home.

Problems Migrate and Spread

• If the air filter restricts air and the blower motor struggles to push heat throughout the home, the strain moves into the heating element or burner assembly, and to electrical parts up and down the system controls. These factors make diagnosing problems difficult and time-consuming.
• Since the whole system must work harder, it takes more energy to warm the home, and more energy means it costs more to do the same task.
• All of this stress also shortens the useful life of the furnace and air conditioner, requiring replacement of the system earlier than necessary.

From Comfort to Discomfort

• Poor maintenance affects indoor air quality. A dirty filter and dirty vents allow plenty of airborne contaminants to continue to circulate. A new quality filter will remove allergens and pathogens from the indoor air.
• When the system struggles to push warm air into the home it affects the comfort factor; it just “feels” colder in the home. This may show up when rooms that are normally warm are colder than expected.
• The ultimate discomfort happens when the furnace breaks down in the middle of a cold winter night.

Heating and Air Conditioning to Cost More

• A poorly maintained furnace is not energy efficient. Ignoring maintenance can increase the energy bills from 10% to 50% each month.
• Lack of maintenance leads to more frequent repairs; the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of regular maintenance visits. Totaling the accumulated repair bills brings the fact to light.
• Poor maintenance shortens the useful life of HVAC systems, reducing the value received from the equipment. Replacing the system early costs many times more than the cost of regular maintenance.

Furnace Maintenance is Key to Efficiency, Comfort, and Longevity. Let Mullinix AC Help!

Routine furnace maintenance is key to your furnace’s optimal performance, comfort, and energy efficiency. Skipping furnace maintenance can cause the furnace to work harder, leading to an increase in your utility bills, more frequent HVAC repairs, and a shortened HVAC system lifespan.

Additionally, poor maintenance can impact indoor air quality and comfort, potentially causing breakdowns during the coldest months. For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our furnace maintenance services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC maintenance information page.

 

 

4 Key Signs It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement

The Farmer’s Almanac says the weatherlore phrase, “March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb,” is a very old folklore from Western Europe. While this may be an apt description of spring, the typical Texas winter is more like a lamb than a lion. That being said, winter nights are still cool, and the occasional winter blast reminds us that we still live in North America. The next few months require a furnace to keep us cozy and comfortable.

If your furnace has been struggling to keep you cozy and comfortable of late, it may cause you to question whether it needs repairs or should be replaced. Should you hang onto the HVAC system as long as it functions or plan steps to replace the system before winter arrives? Here are 4 indicators that a furnace replacement needs to be considered sooner than later.

Serious Smells

• Gas companies know that natural gas is odorless and colorless. They add a chemical, mercaptan, that smells like rotten eggs, to alert consumers of leaking gas. If you smell sulfur, evacuate the home immediately and wait until outside before calling the gas company. If rust has compromised the burner assembly, this needs to be repaired immediately.
• The exhaust from the combustion of natural gas results in water vapor, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of carbon monoxide. All these gases are odorless. If you have a natural gas furnace, your home should also have a carbon monoxide detector. You might be unable to smell the exhaust, but the CO detector will sniff it out and sound the warning. Evacuate the home immediately and turn the furnace OFF. Call your HVAC professional before restarting the furnace.
• Brief or lingering smells of hot or burning plastic indicate overheated electronics: the overheated components can start a fire. Turn the furnace off and call your HVAC professional before restarting the furnace.

All these problems require immediate repairs before continuing to use the furnace. These Furnace Replacement indicators, added to those listed below, can help a homeowner determine the extent of problems and repair costs.

Furnace Age

Central heat and air conditioning have been available for 80+ years, and sufficient research and experience advises that quality heating systems last about 20 years. That means:

• A homeowner may choose to keep an old system in place until it fails, requiring an emergency replacement. The planned delay may seem prudent, but an emergency replacement can be quite expensive and extremely inconvenient. The supply chain may determine which replacement units are available for installation in short order.
• A homeowner may choose to plan to replace the furnace system at a designated time. This grants a consumer to do research, shop for the right system and price, schedule the installation by a chosen professional, and replace the system before a catastrophic failure happens.

How old is your system? If you are not certain, find the serial/model number plate for the furnace and research the manufacturer’s date on the brand website. This will help you determine which course of action you will take and if it is time for a furnace replacement.

Collect Expenses

An old furnace may become too expensive to continue to maintain. Remember to add all the bills together to determine the true cost of operation versus a furnace replacement.

• Determine whether utility costs are rising from an inefficient furnace. Collect utility bills for the last few years and compare the number of kilowatt hours of electricity or cubic meters of natural gas from one year to the next.
• Collect the repair bills for the last 5 years. All repairs might be relatively inexpensive, but the total of the repair bills might be larger than expected.
• Often, a final repair or replacement of a major component becomes expensive enough to warrant replacing the furnace instead.

Poor Performance

An aging system may have a hard time keeping up with the call for heat. You might experience:

• Frequent heating cycles with short or no rest breaks.
• Cold spots, often at the end of duct runs.
• Poor indoor air quality and large quantities of dust on surfaces.

Keep Your Home and Family Comfortable with a Furnace Replacement

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our furnace replacement services, schedule an appointment or visit our furnace replacement and installation information page.