7 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Reduce Repair Costs

hvac maintenance

HVAC Maintenance to Reduce Repairs and Breakdowns

With the beginning of Fall, everyone celebrates the relief from the intense heat of this last summer and welcomes cooler temperatures. However, it won’t be long before temps continue to drop, and this will begin the heating season for the next few months. Next, you remember how long it has been since the heating system was last used; it surely deserves a little loving care in the form of a preventative maintenance visit.

Many homeowners have ignored HVAC maintenance over many years and experienced unhappy results. Here is what a homeowner can expect from overlooking maintenance.

  1. Expect indoor air quality to suffer. During winter months, we bundle up inside for warmth and keep the home buttoned up tight. While this increases comfort, it also concentrates airborne pollutants and compromises the health of occupants. The air filter needs to be changed regularly and the ventilation ducts cleaned as needed. Ignoring these maintenance tasks can lead to allergies and irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat of our family members.
  2. The gas supply portion of the furnaces needs to be inspected and tested to ensure the safe use of natural gas in the home. If the gas supply was shut off during the summer months and is now turned on, an inspection is very advisable for safety reasons. The ignition system can be particularly troublesome, especially at the beginning of the heating season.
  3. The exhaust system for a gas furnace needs to be inspected regularly to prevent infiltration of carbon monoxide into the home. This colorless, odorless gas is toxic and can lead to asphyxiation.
  4. An unmaintained furnace will lose efficiency, resulting in less comfort; expect spaces furthest from the furnace to be uncomfortably cool.
  5. An inefficient furnace results in higher energy bills and the bill continues to rise until efficiency is restored. When the system was new, achieving the desired comfort level was accomplished by a given amount of energy. An inefficient furnace attempts to achieve the same level of comfort, but the components work harder and use more energy. It might be difficult to determine how much of a rising energy bill is due to rising energy costs and how much is due to furnace inefficiency. Compare the units of measurement for energy—kWh for electricity and cf of natural gas—for comparable months last year.
  6. The inefficiency of a furnace system is generally due to normal wear and tear; both electrical and mechanical components are stressed by the frequent “on/off” of both cooling and heating cycles. When wear creates stress on a small part, a cascade of stress travels to nearby components. While an HVAC maintenance visit should have uncovered the minor problem, eventually, this small problem becomes a large problem that requires a repair visit. An inexpensive visit becomes a more expensive bill.
  7. The wear and tear of constant use over several years continues to stress a significant portion of the HVAC system. Whenever the cascade of stress reaches a major component, the cost of repairing or replacing the component becomes great enough that replacing the entire system becomes a wise financial decision. While system replacement is inevitable, the lack of maintenance cuts away several years of useful service.

Some homeowners delay or ignore regular HVAC maintenance for their system, thinking they are saving money. However, a little analysis reveals that maintenance improves comfort and safety while saving money with lower utility bills, lower repair costs, and longer service life.

If you have HVAC Maintenance Questions, R.M. Mullinix has the Answers

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our HVAC Maintenance services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Common Furnace Repair Problems and their Solutions

Common Furnace Repair Problems

Common Furnace Repair Problems and their Solutions

It’s official, Fall has arrived, and cold weather is on the way. When the north wind blows cold, it is such a relief to come home to a cozy and warm home. Of course, each home is unique, and unfortunately, not every home keeps occupants as warm as desired. Here are the leading problems that reduce heat and comfort during the winter months.

Furnace Repair Problem: Opened Envelopes

In construction terms, all the components that separate the exterior of the building from the interior are called, collectively, the building envelope. The envelope includes siding, vapor barriers, insulation, windows, and doors. Any gaps or openings in the building envelope lead to drafts and allow heat to migrate out of the home.

Whether you choose to close these gaps yourself or hire someone to complete the task is a personal choice. Begin by

  • Doing a personal inspection to determine the extent of the problem
  • Light an incense stick and trace window and door frames. The smoke from the incense will demonstrate the amount of wind infiltrating through the frame.

Solution: Caulk and/or weatherstripping can close many of the gaps and reduce drafts.

Furnace Repair Problem: Leaky Ductwork

Warm air is transported throughout the home through a network of supply ducts and brought back to the furnace by cold air returns. Not only is this an efficient use of energy, but it circulates the air for proper ventilation. The air in the ducts is under pressure during each heating cycle, so even small leaks result in massive amounts of air escaping from the conditioned space inside the building envelope. Symptoms include:

  • Unusually cold spaces
  • Rooms with stale air or a slight odor
  • A sudden rise in heating cost
  • A banging or whooshing noise
  • An unconditioned space, such as an attic or garage, receiving heat meant for the home

Solution: Complete a simple investigation to try to find the leak, then determine the severity of the leak, if possible. These two pieces of information will help you determine whether to fix it yourself or call a technician.

Furnace Repair Problem: Poor Maintenance

Any mechanical system requires regular maintenance and without proper care, expect the results to be poor performance and a shortened useful lifespan.

  • Always the first on the list—change the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and will reduce efficiency. It also puts unnecessary strain on the furnace components, leading to component failure.
  • An annual preventative maintenance visit is required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. These visits include a thorough cleaning and testing of the key components. Catching a small problem early improves efficiency and avoids the cost of an unexpected repair bill.
  • Most thermostats require fresh batteries annually and occasionally require recalibration.

Solution: All-electric furnaces and natural gas furnaces require differing levels of cleaning and care; do not neglect the maintenance of either system. Regular maintenance can add five years of usefulness, increasing its value.

Furnace Repair Problem: System Age

A brand-new furnace system, properly maintained through the years, has an average useful lifespan of 20 years. As a system ages, it loses efficiency and eventually, a large, expensive part will fail, making it more cost-effective to replace the entire system than replace the expensive part. Factors that determine the lifespan include:

  • The quality of the product
  • The quality of the installation
  • The integrity of the building envelope
  • Proper maintenance, and
  • Heating and cooling comfort—normal comfort compared to extreme temperatures

Determining the year your system was installed will help determine a schedule for eventual replacement.

Solution: While HVAC system replacement is a capital expense, divide the replacement cost by 20 to estimate the cost of the system per year, then add 40% of your total energy bill, and the fee for annual maintenance. This is a realistic estimate of what heating and cooling costs for your home.

If you have furnace repair problems, R.M. Mullinix has the Solution

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our Furnace Repair services, schedule an appointment, or visit our AC Installation information page.

6 Uncommon Air Conditioning Repairs

6 Uncommon Air Conditioning Repair

Air Conditioning Repairs that You May Have Never Heard Of

By the late 1960s, the cost of central air conditioning made it affordable enough to be added to most residential construction projects, and today, two-thirds of the homes in the U.S. have central AC. With more than sixty years of air conditioner history and more than 94 million systems in use, enough data is available to generalize Air Conditioning Repair problems. Here are the top six categories of Air Conditioning Repair problems.

  1. Faulty Parts. During any manufacturing process, there is a potential for a faulty part to pass inspection and be installed in a new system. The fault may show up immediately or it may take a short period to be unveiled. To compensate for this possibility, manufacturers offer a parts warranty for the first few years.
    Solution: don’t hesitate to call the installation technician if the system does not seem right. Don’t risk passing the warranty period.
  2. Ignoring Maintenance. Manufacturers understand their system will need regular maintenance—an annual clean and check ensures small problems are caught before they grow. Homeowners are often ignorant of these guidelines or avoid regular maintenance to save a little money. However, regular maintenance saves money by prolonging the useful life of an air conditioner by several years.
    Solution: change the air filter every three months and schedule annual maintenance to prolong AC function.
  3. Refrigerant Leak/Compressor Failure. These are listed together since they pertain to the same system. Air conditioning function is accomplished by compressing a refrigerant gas and releasing the pressure at the appropriate time and place. For the system to function properly, the gas pressure must be regulated closely. If gas leaks from the system, not only does the cooling function decrease but the system compressor usually overheats and fails.
    Solutions: if a gas begins to leak, make sure the leak is fixed before adding more refrigerant to prevent damage to the compressor.
  4. Electrical Components. Central air conditioners are rather complex and use several electric sensors, switches, and controllers. Wear and tear on these components are normal and expected, but this wear is increased when the system is put under stress. The major source of system stress is ignoring regular maintenance.
    Solution: schedule regular maintenance and catch problems with electrical components early.
  5. Water Leaks. In addition to cooling, air conditioners remove humidity from indoor air. The moisture evaporates and is collected in a drain pan. A drain line sends the water into the home wastewater system. However, this evaporation and collection is completed in the cold and dark, a perfect place for the growth of algae. Often, algae clog the drain line, pushing the water onto the floor. This can cause significant water damage.
    Solution: add a cup of vinegar to the evaporator drain pan annually to prevent algae growth.
  6. Thermostat Problems. The thermostat serves as an on/off switch that calls for cooling as needed. Thermostat technology is developing rapidly, making existing models obsolete and inefficient. New thermostats are programmable and often have a cell phone app to adjust the program on the fly.
    Solution: new thermostats require fresh batteries, so change them annually.

Have an Air Conditioning Repair You Need to Address?

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6 Uncommon Air Conditioning Repair

 

AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Install

AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Install

AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Install

AC Installation Errors That Can Affect Your System Efficiency

“In the U.S., we only have two seasons: the heating season and the cooling season!”

Visitors and immigrants to our fair shore notice our dependence upon conditioning indoor space for our comfort as a unique feature of American life. Heating and cooling are quintessential features of modern living, in both urban and rural residential settings. Approximately 90% of U.S. homes have heating, ventilation, and air conditioner (HVAC) systems.1

HVAC systems are mechanical systems that apply electrical and chemical technology to control the temperature, humidity, and quality of indoor air. Like every mechanical system, they require maintenance and have a limited useful life–air conditioners typically last about 15 years, and furnaces last about 20 years. Since the average home mortgage has a 30-year term, most homeowners will need to replace at least one HVAC system at some point. This AC Installation purchase happens so infrequently that few homeowners approach the decision with total confidence. However, by gathering useful information, homeowners can avoid common mistakes.

Focusing on cost instead of quality. Replacement cost is a big deal! An unexpected failure can lead to panicky decision-making that leads to buyer’s regret. Remember, this new system will service the family’s home for the next few decades; the lowest-priced product and installation cost might not be the best bargain. It is best to:

  • Plan the purchase whenever possible. Research the age of your current system and budget for replacement purchase.
  • Research the HVAC needs of your home. Most HVAC contractors will run a load calculation at no cost, to help a homeowner determine the proper size of the air conditioner and heater. This formula takes into consideration regional climate, square footage, numbers and sizes of windows and doors, insulation quality, room layout, and more.
  • Ask questions. The lowest-priced system may use a refrigerant that is being phased out and servicing the system over a few decades can get expensive.

Insist on an improperly sized system. The load calculation completed on your home may indicate a replacement sized differently from your present system. Technological innovations or remodeling/room additions may factor in a size change. The importance of purchasing a properly sized system cannot be overemphasized.

  • A system that is too small will be inadequate to comfortably heat or cool your home. This will require the system to run longer than it normally would and the added stress on components will shorten the useful years of service.
  • A system that is too large will cool and heat your home too quickly. Instead of running too long, it repeatedly turns off and on, again stressing the electrical components. In addition, a short cooling cycle does not give the air conditioner sufficient time to remove humidity from the air. Moisture makes surfaces sticky and the air stuffy.

Component replacement instead of system replacement. While it is true that furnaces typically last a few years longer than air conditioners, most installation contractors recommend replacing both at the same time. Heating and cooling components are manufactured to be paired together to ensure controls and refrigerant function properly and efficiently. Replacing components individually can lead to conflicting technology.

Overlooking valuable features. Talk with the installation contractor about options that increase the safety and convenience of the new system.

  • Heat pump technology that uses the air conditioner condenser to heat the home as well.
  • Smart thermostats offer a customized schedule for heating and cooling that adds comfort and saves money. The cellphone app has remarkable features that are worth exploring.
  • Ultraviolet lights inside the ductwork neutralize organic particles in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, and viruses.

Ignoring preventative maintenance. The warranty for new HVAC systems requires annual maintenance to keep the policy active. Maintenance extends the useful years for HVAC systems and elevates efficiency. Regular checkups catch small problems before they become large problems. Prepare for regular maintenance to get the most from a new HVAC system.

Make R.M. Mullinix Your Go-To For all AC Installation Questions

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Installation services, schedule an appointment, or visit our AC Installation information page.

1 https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=52558#:~:text=Nearly%2090%25%20of%20U.S.%20households%20used%20air%20conditioning%20in%202020&text=In%202020%2C%20the%20Midwest%20Census,%25%20and%2093%25%2C%20respectively

Steps to AC Replacement

Steps to AC Replacement

Steps to AC Replacement

Often, the term “life cycle” is used to describe air conditioner function. Those who use it know that machines are not alive and do not die, but the words adequately convey the functioning years of air conditioner service. Certain events are rather common for every air conditioner system, so these events describe every AC system, including yours. Let’s look at some of these common happenings—perhaps you will recognize your AC’s stage.

Beginnings

When a new air conditioner system is installed, it is prime, state-of-the-art, and as efficient as it will ever be. This building system is sized to the existing structure and uses the latest in refrigerant gas technology. The electronics are strong and the blower motor—the workhorse of the system—is designed to circulate the entire volume of air in the home every two minutes or so.

While the air conditioner system is new, most manufacturers agree to warranty parts and labor. Pay very close attention to these guidelines, since repairs covered under the warranty may require action by the homeowner. Usually, annual preventative maintenance is required.

Middle Stages

The average air conditioner remains in service for 15+ years. If the homeowner faithfully maintains the system, it will expand the useful “life” of the system; an additional 5 to 10 years of usefulness are possible with proper maintenance. Other factors that influence the number of useful years include climate and insulation value in the home—factors that determine how hard the system must work over a long time. If you were not the homeowner when the system was installed, find the manufacturer’s date on the model number plaque of the condenser (outdoors) unit.

During the middle stages, the system will continue to function well. Keeping up with maintenance will ensure that any minor problems are discovered and repaired and the system functions as efficiently as possible. However, every year, by minor increments, the function will lose efficiency.

By year 15, the loss of efficiency will probably be evident on the energy bill each month. Due to age, the air conditioner may struggle to keep occupants comfortable during lengthy heatwaves with several days in triple digits. During this stage, the energy efficiency of a new system has been demonstrated to repay the cost of a new air conditioning system over an established number of years.

Later Years

Unfortunately, mechanical systems do not last forever—the same is true of cars, cell phones, and air conditioners. After 15 years, anticipate that repairs may become larger and more expensive. Efficiency will continue to fall. During this period, wise homeowners should be planning and budgeting for a new system. Talking to technicians and installers might inspire some improvement with a new system, such as UV lights to neutralize airborne biological lifeforms or a Smart thermostat.

Failure

In some situations, homeowners choose to keep an older system until the very end of the useful “life.” During this final stage, repairs will increase, and efficiency will decrease. Eventually, a repair will be required that is so expensive that replacement is a better financial option. During this stage, a catastrophic failure of the compressor in the condenser unit is often the tipping point. Replacing this part is extremely important and the part may not be possible. Expect this to happen at a most inopportune time—during an extremely hot day. An emergency replacement may take a couple of weeks since the stress of a heatwave takes out several air conditioners every day. Getting the absolute most out of the system may come at the cost of days of discomfort.

Make R.M. Mullinix Your Go-To For all AC Replacement Questions

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AC Maintenance: Keep Your Evaporator Coils Clean

AC Maintenance: Keep Your Evaporator Coils Clean

AC Maintenance: Importance of Keeping Your Evaporator Coils Clean

Have you ever walked around in the dark and stubbed your toe good and hard? It sure puts some energy in your next few steps, doesn’t it? If your response led you to encounter another object, you might find yourself bouncing around in the dark, encountering even more objects. Let’s use that picture to demonstrate how your air conditioning system works.

Gas molecules are used to flying around, free and easy, but, just like you, when they bump into something it causes them to pick up energy and begin moving faster. Mostly, they bounce off other gas molecules and occasionally they hit another surface. Each time they hit something, they pick up energy and move faster. With the increase in energy, the temperature of the gas rises. When they strike fewer molecules and surfaces their temperature falls.

Engineers use this principle to design air conditioning systems.

  • When you compress a gas, it really heats up, since each molecule is bouncing off other molecules and the container it is compressed in.
  • If you suddenly release the pressure, the really hot gas cools very quickly. The temperature change is drastic, from a pipe that is too hot to touch to a pipe that is cold enough to be uncomfortable to the touch.
  • The compressed gas is released into a network of tubes in an enclosed space and hot, humid air is blown over the surface. The hot, humid air is transformed into cool, dry air and distributed throughout the house.
  • Scientifically, the non-compressed gas is absorbing the heat, making the cool gas hot again. This hot gas must be cooled down before it can be compressed for the next cycle. Air is blown over the tubes of hot gas outside, where gases in the atmosphere absorb the heat and move away, free and easy again.

One last thing—this transfer of heat (and cold) takes place very quickly; the entire volume of air in your home encounters the cool tubes of gas four times or more during each cooling cycle. Occupants feel the difference almost immediately. That is quite impressive! Outside, all that heat is also being released at approximately the same time. This tremendous heat transfer is accomplished by two separate coil systems—the evaporator coil and the condenser coil.

AC Maintenance: Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is part of the inside portion of your air conditioner, in the cabinet portion, for central air systems, and in the wall unit for ductless systems. It is composed of a network of tubes, clad in very thin fins. The coil and fins maximize the surface area for efficient heat transfer. A relatively small chamber houses the evaporator coil to ensure the airflow comes in direct contact with the cool tub. A strong fan moves tremendous amounts of air and brings relief to occupants by way of cool air. But remember, what is really happening is the cold gas is absorbing the heat from the house.

The humidity in the house condenses on the evaporator before dripping down to a collection pan. Since the indoor air contains airborne particles of dust, pollen, and dander, these particles collect on the coil. While the air filter catches most of these particles, everything that bypasses the filter will collect on the coil and fins. The dirt interferes with heat transfer and needs to be cleaned regularly.

AC Maintenance: Condenser Coil

After the gas in the evaporator coil has collected heat, it travels outside, so the hot gas can release the heat into the atmosphere. What looks like a cabinet is actually another, much larger network of tubes and fins. Inside the cabinet is a large fan, pulling tremendous amounts of air through the coil and across the fins. This is happening so quickly because this gas must be ready—that is, cool enough—to be compressed again and start the process all over again.

Dust, pollen, leaves, grass clippings, and many other forms of debris are pulled onto the surface of the condenser coil. Again, this debris interferes with the transfer of heat and must be removed regularly.

Maintaining both the evaporator coil and the condenser coil is absolutely necessary for the efficient functioning of an air conditioner. A dirty coil causes fans, blowers, and controllers to work harder, which uses more electricity. Using more electricity to do the same process is a waste of money.

It also results in a warmer, mustier home, not good. Ultimately, should the hot gas in the condenser fail to transfer heat quickly enough, the too-hot gas can damage the compressor and cause a terrible failure. But, the good news is cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils is completed during every maintenance visit with Mullinix.

Make R.M. Mullinix Your Go-To For all AC Maintenance Questions

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Maintenance services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance Plan information page.

 

AC Repair Services: Top Summertime Breakdowns

AC Repair Services: Top Summertime Breakdowns

Most Demanding AC Repair Services Caused by Summer Heat

It’s days like this that enhance the appreciation for air conditioning at work, in the car, and certainly at home! For some folks, air conditioners are very complex and should only be handled by trained professionals. For some with a do-it-yourself bent and a little information, maintaining the heating and air conditioning system is more of a partnership between yourself and your AC contractor. Here are several DIY tasks that homeowners can complete to help keep the system running efficiently.

Changing Air Filters. The simple task of changing an air filter regularly is key to maintaining your HVAC system. The air filter removes airborne particles from the indoor air. These particles threaten health and coat every surface—what a mess! Particles are apt to cling to the moist evaporator coil and coat the heating element of an electric heater. They will coat the ductwork and electrical controls in the system. For the health and safety of occupants and the safe and efficient use of an HVAC, the air filter needs to be changed at least every three months.

Find the air filter for your system at the point return where air enters the interior cabinet. Make certain of the proper size and find a local source for replacement filters. Your home may need a filter change more frequently than every three months—you will be in a position to know. Schedule perpetual calendar prompts to remind you to change filters regularly.

Clean the Condenser Unit. The outdoor portion of your air conditioner is called the condenser. The cabinet is composed of a network of tubes with very thin fins and has the task of cooling the refrigerant gas. A large, central fan draws air between the coils for the task, but dirt, pollen, and grass clippings coat the network and prevent adequate airflow. This layer of debris can be easily washed away with a garden hose, but only a garden hose. Using a power washer can damage the fins and restrict air movement.

Thermostat Care. A thermostat is the sensor/switch combination located about eye level on an interior wall. When the sensor registers a temperature outside of the selected setting, it calls for air—either hot or cold air. The control settings are powered by AA or AAA batteries and need to be changed annually. When you change the batteries in your smoke detectors also change the battery(s) in your thermostat. Turn the thermostat to the OFF position, gently remove it from its wall mount, and replace the batteries. After reattaching the thermostat, return the setting to ON.

Drain Line Care. The air conditioner removes as much as 2 gallons of water per day from the indoor air in a home. The moisture collects in an evaporator drain pan and flows through a drainpipe outdoors or to the home’s wastewater system. This works flawlessly until it doesn’t. A common problem happens when algae grow on the drain pan or inside the drain line. The resulting clog sends water into the surrounding floor and can cause significant damage. Use a wet vac to remove the water and suction the clog from the pipe. Add a mixture of water and vinegar, 50/50 mix, to the drain pan. The vinegar will inhibit the growth of algae.

Vent Care. Over a period of years, dust can collect inside the ductwork of a home. Accessing the ducts requires specialized equipment and training, so schedule a cleaning every three to five years. Do a frequent inspection of the supply vents and air returns around the house to ensure nothing is covering the opening, restricting airflow.

Schedule Annual Maintenance. These are tasks any homeowner can choose to complete, but there are further tasks that require equipment and training. To keep your system functioning in peak condition call your partner, your friendly HVAC professional, to complete an annual checkup inspection and thorough cleaning of your system. This minimizes repairs and maximizes the useful years of your air conditioning system.

Make R.M. Mullinix Your Go-To For all AC Repair Services

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance Plan information page.

AC Repair vs Replacement: Know the Difference

AC Repair vs Replacement: Know the Difference

AC Repair vs Replacement: Know the Difference

Air conditioning has made such a difference in the deep South, not only allowing the construction of millions of homes but also opening manufacturing and commerce that would be hard to manage due to the intense heat of southern summers.1 Texas homes can be safe, healthy, and comfortable due to the existence of residential air conditioning. However, since these vital building systems are also quite expensive to maintain, repair, and replace, gathering adequate information can help homeowners when making decisions concerning when to repair and when to replace.

Can You Make the AC Repair Yourself?

Homeowners can gain confidence in making certain simple repairs:

  • Changing the air filter. Locate the air filter by tracing the return air duct bringing air into the air conditioner cabinet. The filter is often made of paper or fiber. Purchase a filter of the same size, slide the old filter out, and the new filter in. Old filters clog over time and a clogged filter reduces airflow through the system; prevent this by changing the filter at least every three months.
  • Clean the condenser unit. The condenser unit is located outside of the home and the outer structure is a network of coiled tubes and fins. Dust and grass clippings get pulled into this network and severely reduces the cooling efficiency. Use a garden hose (not a power washer) to wash away the grass and dirt.
  • Change the thermostat batteries. The thermostat is the AC switch, located on an inside wall; the sensor recognizes a temperature rise and calls for cooling. The thermostat is powered by a battery or two; certainly, this is a task most homeowners can complete. Turn the thermostat off, gently pull it off the setting, and replace the batteries.

Is the AC Repair Affordable?

When air conditioner repairs require a call to a technician, some visits are affordable, and others will push the limit of financial balance.

  • Annual air conditioner maintenance is recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and every air conditioner manufacturer. Regular maintenance extends the useful life of an air conditioner.
  • Most electrical repairs. The replacement of electrical capacitors, switches, sensors, and controllers is relatively inexpensive. When high voltage moves through sensitive electrical parts, some wear and tear occur, so expect a few repairs over the useful life of the system.
  • Limited replacement of refrigerant. Each system uses a refrigerant gas to move heat from inside to outside the space. Of necessity, the gas is enclosed in a closed network of copper or aluminum tubes. If the gas in the system is low, it leaks out. If gas needs to be added to the system, fix the leak before adding more refrigerant.

AC Repair or Replace?

How much is too much? When the repair cost is high, make sure to get a price for an air conditioner replacement for a cost comparison. Potential repairs that come with a high price tag include:

  • Refrigerant gas replacement cost can be a deciding factor. Some gases have been banned and are no longer available. In these cases, the cost is not the issue; replacement is no longer possible. This factor may determine whether you replace or repair your system.
  • Frequent minor repairs may become very expensive and warrant a decision to replace the entire system.
  • Replacing some large components, such as the compressor motor or condenser unit, will be quite expensive. The cost of part replacement and the cost of system replacement may be close enough to warrant replacement.
  • Older air conditioner systems lose efficiency over time AND new air conditioner systems have enhanced efficiency. The utility bill for running an old air conditioner may be high enough to warrant a new system.

Struggling to decide between AC Repair or AC Replacement, RM Mullinix can help!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Repair information page.

AC Repair vs Replacement: Know the Difference

1 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/upshot/the-all-conquering-air-conditioner.html#:~:text=After%20the%201950s%2C%20air%2Dconditioning,to%20manage%20in%20sweltering%20heat

 

 

8 Noises That Indicate You Need AC Repair

AC Repair

Noises That Lead to AC Repair

Did You Hear That?

Houses and apartments can be the source of so many odd sounds, coming from hidden places for reasons unknown. Most noises are harmless, resulting from structural material expanding and contracting due to temperature variations—nothing to worry about. What types of noises are typical for your air conditioner system and what types of noises should cause AC Repair concern?

Normal Noises

Clicks. When the thermostat recognizes a temperature rise, you might hear a soft click—first at the thermostat and then at various places along the component pathway. Of course, expect another click that indicates the air conditioner has done its job, signaling the end of the cooling cycle.

Startup Sounds

After the thermostat clicks, expect a delay as cooling begins and what has been described as a rapid buildup, not unlike a jet engine startup. The size and materials of the space may determine how much of this is normally heard. This sound is coming from one of the few moving parts, as the blower motor begins to spin rapidly. The “whose” of air movement might also be heard.

Gentle Pops

The ductwork is a network that moves the cool air from the blower motor throughout the house. Ducts are made of rather thin sheet metal, so it is not unusual to hear a few light pops, as the metal contracts and expands.

Abnormal Noises

The decibel level of sound will vary with construction materials, space layout, and brand/age of the air conditioner. Normal noises are heard most of the time and heard consistently. Abnormal noises begin when something happens to the normal air conditioner function. Abnormal sounds include:

Buzzing or Loud Humming

When electrical parts function properly, they give off a soft, perhaps imperceptible hum. When parts begin to wear or are under stress, the hum or buzz increases in volume and may sound menacing. Showing the location of such buzzing to a technician will be very helpful in the diagnosis process.

Whistling

Whistling generally indicates restricted air movement. When an air filter is clogged, air may whistle as it tries to move around the filter. The same sound can be observed if a vent or return is partially blocked, restricting airflow.

Hissing, Bubbling, or Gurgling

The air conditioner functions via the use of refrigerant gas. Under certain conditions, this gas becomes a liquid, so the same substance can be found in the system in one form or another. Whenever the gas/liquid is leaking, you may hear it escaping from the closed system while under pressure. The system contains a relatively small amount of gas, so this noise will not last long. However, locating the source of this sound will be very important to the repair technician.

Screeching, Rattling, or Banging

There are very few moving parts in an air conditioner system.  Noises such as screeching, rattling or banging that could be cause for concern may involve the blower motor. Any of these noises will be associated with the blower assembly—imbalanced or loose fan blades for instance. If something besides the blower assembly is making a rattling or banging noise, something is moving that should not move. Locating this sound will be extremely helpful for diagnosing the problem.

Air conditioners, like lighting, make gentle noises that are the background of our life. When something goes wrong resulting in an unusual noise, take note and seek assistance for an AC Repair remedy.

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For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance Plan information page.

HVAC Maintenance Plan: 3 Reasons You Need One

HVAC Maintenance Plan

The R.M. Mullinix HVAC Maintenance Plan Details

When your air conditioner is new or running fine, it is easy to ignore the suggestion of regular preventative maintenance visits. Doesn’t that adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” apply? Of course, this is the question asked about any maintenance task, so let’s consider three reasons an annual HVAC Maintenance Plan is a good financial decision.

The System Needs Care

Consumers seldom make major purchases and refuse to take care of the product. Vehicles and property are great examples of purchases that require maintenance. HVAC systems, especially the air conditioning component, need regular maintenance; here are a few reasons for that maintenance.

  • Dirt and dust are the enemies of any mechanical system. In this case, the air conditioner is moving heat from the inside to the outside and dirt creates a barrier to heat transfer. A major task with preventative maintenance inspections is to remove dust from remote areas to allow the free movement of heat.
  • Time and use lead to wear on components within the system. Since many parts are working in unison, whenever one part wears, it leads to stress on other parts. System failure is often the result of a cascade of failures of many small parts. Preventative maintenance catches stress and failure of small parts to prevent this cascade.

Expertise and Experience

Truthfully, most people have the tools and basic skills needed to put a new roof on a house; a crowbar, a hammer, and the right supplies and you are all set. Most homeowners can dig and therefore have the basic skill needed to install a pool in the backyard. Having the proper tools and experience makes both jobs much easier and few homeowners choose to install a new roof or pool when a professional is available. Maintaining your air conditioner properly should also be completed by HVAC professionals.

  • Air conditioners are quite complex, utilizing a variety of electrical and mechanical parts. The thermostat uses 24 volts, and the motors involve 240 volts. HVAC professionals recognize the difference and understand the consequences of accidental contact with both.
  • HVAC professionals are familiar with the various refrigerant gases used in modern systems. They are qualified to install and remove these gases in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • HVAC professionals have the training, tools, and experience to troubleshoot and diagnose problems. This will ensure your air conditioner functions properly.

HVAC Maintenance Plan Savings

Maintaining a product after purchase is all about keeping the product functioning as efficiently and as long as possible.

  • When dust creates a barrier to heat transfer or parts begin to stress under constant use, the whole system loses efficiency. Gradually, more time and energy are required to accomplish the same task. As a result, the utility bill will begin to creep up, until it becomes noticeable.
  • Regular wear will create small failures. Catching a small failure early reduces stress upon other parts, sometimes saving stress on large, expensive components. An HVAC Maintenance Plan will minimize large repair bills by preventing large failures.
  • A key to cost savings is keeping your air conditioner system running as long as possible. The average system ranges between 10 and 15 years of service. Regular maintenance can add approximately five years to useful service.

Would you like to know more about our HVAC Maintenance Plan?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our HVAC Maintenance Plan, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance Plan information page.

HVAC Maintenance Plan