Posted on

8 Tips for Better Your Indoor Air Quality During the Winter

Indoor Air Quality

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter

February is historically one of the coldest months for Southeast Texas. Although the air outside may be cold, your indoor air quality can be ever more dangerous. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can be up to eight or ten times more polluted than outdoor air quality.

Why is your indoor air quality worse during the winter?

To be more energy efficient, our homes are built to be airtight to keep cold air out in the winter and warm air out during the summer. This means that you are breathing the same recirculated air, not fresh air. When your heater is working, it warms the air, which allows pollen, mold spores, mildew, and other pollutants to flourish. An airtight, well-insulated home will then cycle these contaminants through your home over and over again.

Extended exposure to poor air quality can produce long-term health conditions that can be very serious. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to aggravated respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. More harmful pollutants can also lead to heart disease and cancer.

Indoor air quality can be improved, especially during the heat of summer and cold of winter. We have created 8 tips for improving your indoor air quality during the winter.

1 Keep it Clean

Cleanliness will reduce the growth of mold, mildew, and build-up of dust. Frequently vacuuming and cleaning with non-toxic cleaning products will reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

2 Your Ductwork is Key

HVAC ductwork can be a haven for dirt and debris build-up. We strongly recommend that you have your ductwork cleaned every two years to remove any potential compromises in your indoor air quality.

3 Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system filter is a crucial component in improving your indoor air quality. Your air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days depending on if you have pets or a family member with any chronic respiratory issues. If you have either of those in your home, we recommend more frequent replacement.

4 Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

For maximum results from your HVAC system filter, we strongly recommend using a HEPA air filter. HEAP stands for “high-efficiency particulate air;” and can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

5 Control What Enters Your Home

Just like we learned, you should limit the number of VOCs that enter your home by using organic cleaning solutions. Reducing or eliminating the source of indoor air pollution is more cost-effective than increasing ventilation, which can increase energy costs.

6 Improve Your Ventilation

Any time that you can bring more fresh air into your home will improve your indoor air quality. If you notice pockets of stuffy air, mold and mildew, and condensation buildup, it is time to consider improving your ventilation. Kitchens that use gas stoves require additional ventilation to reduce gas fumes and smoke. Any areas of your home that might be used for crafting or hobbies that require materials that emit fumes should have additional ventilation options.

7 Research Air Purification Systems

Activating carbon filters will not only capture particulate matter, but will remove gas, odors, and airborne chemicals. More advanced air purification systems can also kill small pathogens like viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and other pollutants. Air purifications are a great option to improve your wintertime indoor air quality.

8 Install an Air-Heat Exchanger

Also known as energy recovery, ventilators will circulate fresh air into your home. Air heat exchangers remove the polluted air and replace it with fresh air from the outdoors. During the winter, the outdoor air is heated by the energy created from operating the system. These systems will also remove humidity during the summer, which improves indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality During the Winter

Your IAQ needs during the winter depending on the length and intensity of your winter season. Although the Texas Gulf Coast has a relatively mild winter season, diminished indoor air quality can wreak havoc on a person’s sinuses and respiratory system.

Need Help with Your Indoor Air Quality?

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

Posted on

5 Signs It is Time for An Air Conditioner Replacement

Air Conditioner Replacement 

Air Conditioner Replacement 

Your HVAC system is just like any other mechanical device. Many times it provides warning signs long before a catastrophic failure. Any Texan will admit that a properly functioning air conditioner is essential during peak summer heat. So, before temperatures begin to rise, it is time to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance to make sure your system is ready for summer.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10-15 years if properly maintained. There are many factors that can affect that average, such as improper installation and neglected maintenance, just to name a few. If your HVAC system is approaching its end of life, you may notice the following warning signs that it is time for an air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 1: Water Leaks or Water Draining from Condensate Line

For the most part, your air conditioner is a contained system, meaning that there should not be large amounts of condensation built up or water leaking from any components. A few of the reasons your AC system may be leaking fluid are a clogged condensate drain line, a clogged filter, or a refrigerant leak. Although the drain line and clogged filter are easy fixes for most homeowners, a refrigerant leak is a more serious problem and will need a skilled HVAC technician to resolve.

Warning Sign 2: Loud Noises Coming from Your HVAC System

This is one of the easiest-to-recognize warning signs. If your air conditioning system suddenly begins to make unusual noises, it is a sure sign of major problems developing. Strange noises coming from your HVAC system should prompt an immediate call to your trusted R.M. Mullinix AC technician. Grinding, banging, or any other loud noises are likely leading to a major failure in your HVAC system and could lead to an air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 3: Your AC System Still Uses Freon

AC systems that use freon as a refrigerant are almost completely phased out. As of 2020, freon is no longer being manufactured. If your AC system uses freon as its refrigerant, it is only a matter of time before it will no longer be able to be recharged.

Newer air conditioning systems use Puron, a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerant. Whether your freon-based air conditioning system is experiencing problems or not, it is only a matter of time before you will be updating your system with a new air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 4: Lack Of Efficient Cooling

Just like most mechanical devices, as they age, they become less efficient. Your AC system functions the same way. As your AC system ages, it will become more difficult year after year to maintain the same level of comfort. Proper maintenance will help with keeping your system energy efficient.

Neglected maintenance will put unnecessary stress on your system to keep the same level of comfort for you and your family. Monitoring your temperature setting will alert you to breakdowns in the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Warning Sign 5: Sudden Increases in Utility Bills

If you notice a sudden increase in your utility bill while not making drastic changes to your thermostat settings, there may be an issue. Sudden increases in electricity usage for your AC system reflect a decrease in energy efficiency. In most cases, this efficiency will steadily decline as time passes. An air conditioner replacement is in the foreseeable future when you begin to see your utility bills climb.

How to Tell It Is Time for an Air Conditioner Replacement

If you are experiencing any one of these warning signs, it is crucial that you call our R.M. Mullinix AC team for a system inspection. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians will provide a comprehensive assessment to identify potential problems and create a solution to keep your HVAC system performing at its best. If an air conditioner replacement is required, our seasoned technicians can design an HVAC system that will keep you and your family comfortable for many years to come.

Is air conditioner replacement in your future? R.M. Mullinix can help!

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

 

Posted on

Furnace Repair: Know When It Is Time to Call the Professionals

Furnace Repair

Furnace Repair: Know When It Is Time to Call the Professionals

In 2023, the coldest day on record was 33 degrees.1 Although it was not below freezing, experiencing a furnace repair emergency during that time would be inconvenient, to say the least.

As the Houston area enters the coldest months of the year, the last thing you want to worry about is being without heat when you need it the most. Some furnace repairs can be done with a little DIY knowledge, but knowing when it is time to call in the professionals is the key to saving you time and money. Here are the top signs that it is time to call in a furnace repair expert.

Loud Noises Coming from Your HVAC System

Strange noises coming from your HVAC system are one of the first signs a repair appointment will be needed soon. Noises like banging, squealing, or rattling should catch your attention and require a deeper investigation.

The DIY repair steps include checking for any loose components and tightening any visible bolts or screws. Sometimes, this is all that it takes to quieten your system. If the noise continues, it is time to call in the experts.

An Odor Coming from Your HVAC System

Bad smells and odors coming from your HVAC system are a sure sign that there is a problem with your HVAC system. If you smell an odor coming from your furnace, it is best to turn it off right away and call R.M. Mullinix repair technicians.

A Sudden Increase in Your Utility Bill

A sudden spike in your utility bill can often go unnoticed, unlike loud noise or pungent smells. If your furnace must work harder to produce the same amount of heat, your energy consumption will increase.

If you notice your utility bills are higher than normal, it is best to call R.M. Mullinix to get your free furnace repair estimate to locate the source of any problems to help you save money.

Trouble Keeping the Pilot Light Lit

Your pilot light is what keeps your gas furnace running smoothly and efficiently. If you have trouble keeping your pilot light lit, it is a sure sign of a larger, more complex problem. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight your pilot light. If you are having difficulty keeping your pilot light lit, call R.M. Mullinix immediately to avoid the problem worsening.

If You Cannot Remember Your Last Furnace Maintenance by a Professional

A properly maintained furnace will perform at its most efficient level. Routine maintenance will also prolong the life of your HVAC system and can reduce costly furnace repairs.

Is Furnace repair in your future? R.M. Mullinix can help!

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

Posted on

Does Thermostat Installation Placement Affect Your HVAC System

Does Thermostat Installation Placement Affect Your HVAC System

How Thermostat Installation Location Affects HVAC System Efficiency

A new thermostat installation is a great way to reduce your utility bills and improve your HVAC system efficiency. But does the placement of your HVAC thermostat matter to how well your system works? With winter in full effect and hot Southeast Texas temperatures around the corner, it is a great time to consider a new thermostat installation.

Are You Engaged in a Thermostat War?

Does your family constantly battle over the thermostat setting? Some homeowners may consider placing your thermostat in a location where it is difficult to reach or hidden. Smart thermostats are not able to accurately sense temperature if they are placed far from the area they need to control. Thermostat installation placement is a crucial factor in your HVAC system’s ability to operate efficiently.

Why Thermostat Installation Matters

The purpose of your HVAC system thermostat is to detect the temperature and humidity of your home’s air. Depending on your thermostat settings, it will signal your HVAC system to cycle on or off and where to pump hot or cold air.

If the thermostat is installed incorrectly in your home, it cannot accurately read the measurements it is designed for and cannot properly control your HVAC system.

An example that we recently observed at a customer’s home was a thermostat installation near an exterior door. During the winter, the cool outside air would make the HVAC system cycle on, and in the summer, the hot, humid outside air does the same. Both situations could cause the HVAC system to waste energy.

Thermostat Installation: Where to not install your thermostat.

Attempting to decide on a new thermostat installation location can be difficult if you do not fully understand all of the factors involved. The location choice is compounded if you are installing a smart thermostat. Hiring a highly qualified HVAC system contractor like R.M. Mullinix to install your thermostat is one of the best decisions you can make to save money on your utility bills. Here is a list of our location recommendations to NOT install your thermostat.

Avoid Bright Sunlight or Internal Heating Sources

We strongly recommend not installing your thermostat near windows or exterior doors to reduce any influence on the thermostat from outside temperatures. We also recommend avoiding the kitchen, laundry rooms, utility rooms, lamps, or areas with a lot of electronics.

Avoid Sources of Cool Air

Keep your thermostat installation away from exterior doors and windows. We also recommend that you consider the location of your refrigerator, HVAC vents, and ceiling fans.

Where is the best location for your thermostat installation?

The best location to install your thermostat is on an interior wall in the central part of your home. Interior hallways are a great location since most are located near high traffic and living areas. An eye-level installation should provide a great height (around 50-60 inches) so that rising warm air will not affect the thermostat.

*Note to Smart Thermostat Installation: Keep in mind that your new device needs a WI-FI signal. So, when choosing your location installation, keep in mind how strong your signal will be in that area.

Safe and Easy Thermostat Installation

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when installing a new thermostat. A simple miscalculation can lead to high utility bills, unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, and uncomfortable living conditions. It is best to make an appointment with a NATE-certified HVAC technician like those at R.M. Mullinix for hassle-free installation and testing to ensure you and your family will enjoy the comfort of an efficient HVAC system.

If you are considering a new thermostat installation, R.M. Mullinix can help!

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

 

Posted on

HVAC Repairs: Why is my furnace not coming on?

HVAC Repairs: Why is my furnace not coming on?

HVAC Repairs: What to do if your furnace won’t turn on

If you wake up in a cold house one cold winter morning, you might experience a lot of shock and panic. This is not supposed to happen! If this happens to you, take a few deep breaths, and begin to think logically and efficiently. Look for the obvious things before you call for the repair technician. What should you do next?

If the furnace is not running, look for some obvious issues.

  • Check the thermostat. Is the screen blank? Most thermostats are battery-powered; the battery might have died. Make sure it was not bumped to the OFF position. Check the Heat/Cool setting and the thermostat setting. Any of these problems might result in the furnace not working.
  • Check the electric service panel to see whether the breaker marked Furnace or HVAC has tripped. If the circuit breaker has tripped, flip it on. If the furnace comes on and stays on, great job! If the circuit breaker does not remain on, call a repair technician.
  • If the circuit breaker stays on, but the furnace does not come on, check the furnace cabinet for an appliance circuit breaker. If this breaker does not stay on, call a repair technician.
  • If the furnace is gas-powered, check the supply valve near the burner assembly. The valve should be in line with the supply tube. If not, turn the valve to the on position and watch whether the burner assembly ignites.

These simple HVAC Repairs steps might make your home warm again.

If the furnace is running but not producing heat, again, look for more obvious issues.

  • Check the thermostat settings for this problem as well; the temperature setting might have been bumped down.
  • Check the air filter. A clogged air filter can severely restrict air movement. If heat is produced by either the heating element or the burner assembly, but not enough airflow is available to move the heat, the home will be cold.
  • Also, check the burner assembly. If the pilot light is not lit or the automatic ignition is malfunctioning, heat will be wanting.
  • For heat pumps, it is essential to keep the condenser coil clean. The timing might be all wrong, but the solution might be outside in the cold.
  • If rooms are unevenly heated, check the supply vents. It is not unusual for vents to be covered by furniture, drapes, clothes, or even toys.

If the solution is not obvious, calling an HVAC Repairs technician will be necessary.

When your family is cold and uncertain of when they will get warm, any delay seems like an eternity. If your problem happens during extremely cold weather, finding a technician with an empty schedule might be difficult. Again, don’t panic, but take your time.

Better yet, it is best to know a professional technician team in advance of emergencies. HVAC systems need to be inspected, cleaned, and serviced regularly to ensure peak performance. By scheduling an annual visit from a trained technician, someone will be very familiar with your system. Regular cleaning and HVAC Repairs will prevent problems from developing earlier. A professional relationship might increase the urgency and reduce the wait time.

If you have HVAC Repairs, R.M. Mullinix can help!

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

Posted on

Commercial HVAC – Life Expectancy

Commercial HVAC – Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy of a Commercial HVAC

As a homeowner, you may have a fair knowledge of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioner system (HVAC). Hopefully, you also keep up with the annual HVAC maintenance, wash the grass clippings off the outdoor condenser unit, and change the air filter every three months. But, if you are a commercial facility owner or manager, you might not have adequate understanding to properly care for a commercial HVAC system.

This depends upon the size of the building and the complexity of the HVAC system. Smaller offices or commercial shops may use a slightly larger version of a residential system, adding an enhanced blower motor for improved ventilation. But, if your facility is larger, expect the system to be much larger and more complex. Here are a few things to explore about commercial HVAC systems.

Size and Location. Residential systems are relatively small and can be housed in an out-of-the-way closet, with a small pad outdoors for the condenser unit. However, larger systems may require enough space for the components to be installed on a rooftop or larger outdoor pads. Still, larger systems require whole mechanical rooms for air handlers and other equipment.

Multiple locations. Large facilities may require spaces in various locations to ensure and might be scattered throughout a building. Completing maintenance tasks as simple as changing air filters may require a small hike and a dolly to carry supplies.

Drainage. A large air conditioner removes a tremendous amount of humidity from the air, and this water must drain away, or it will leak into the surrounding space. Maintenance of the drain lines will prevent significant water damage and must be completed regularly.

Diverse Technology. While residential systems are generally either electric or natural gas, commercial systems may utilize a wide range of technologies.

  • Mini-split ductless systems bring refrigerant gas (responsible for heating and cooling) to various zones throughout a building. The heating and cooling process happens in a remote, outdoor location.
  • Packaged systems encapsulate heating and cooling components in one outdoor location and duct the conditioned air to appropriate spaces.
  • Some large HVAC systems are directly tied to fire protection systems, shutting down ventilation to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
  • Very large spaces often use chiller technology. Chiller technology, either air-cooled or water-cooled, conditions and cools massive amounts of air for large spaces.
  • Variable refrigerant flow technology is a new technology available for commercial systems. Like mini-split systems, the refrigerant is applied to zones with different pressures as needed.

Since commercial HVAC systems are very different from most things we are familiar with, partnering with a commercial HVAC contractor is essential. A contractor can begin an annual inspection and maintenance program right away. A contractor will understand the technology, the maintenance requirements, and the longevity expectations of your existing system. A contractor is trained and prepared to handle minor and major repairs, including emergency repairs during extreme temperature swings. A contractor can advise concerning replacement options and potential upgrades to a new HVAC system.

If you have Commercial HVAC questions, R.M. Mullinix has the Answers!

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

Posted on

Furnace Maintenance Tips for this Winter

Furnace Maintenance

Furnace Maintenance Tips for this Winter

Manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Energy both recognize the necessity of regular maintenance of residential HVAC systems. Focus on maintenance increases at the beginning of the cooling and heating seasons and for good reason. When the temperature gets extreme, HVAC systems come under stress and develop problems that require repairs. Maintenance is best accomplished while the temperatures are still mild, and the repair schedule has openings.

Furnace systems come in three basic configurations: mini-split systems, all-electric systems, and gas-powered systems. Some maintenance tasks must be completed on all three styles of furnaces, but gas-powered systems require a few additional tasks. Let’s look a little closer at these tasks.

Common Furnace Maintenance Tasks

  • Dust and dirt are the natural enemies of every mechanical system, so cleaning these systems is essential. Dust interferes with movement and the function of sensors. Technicians receive specialized training to know where and how to open system structures for safe cleaning.
  • Electronic Testing. The wiring in a furnace might carry 14 volts or it might carry 220 volts, so testing electrical components can be rather daunting. Sensors measure high and low temperatures and send messages to control mechanisms that govern even other functions.

Testing these electronics is essential. They are very integrated, so trouble in one part is easily transferred to one or more parts. Inspection and testing can find the initial problem before it spreads.

  • Inspecting Ductwork. Only a small part of the home’s ductwork is visible, but it is important to complete an inspection of the visible ductwork. Air is forced through these ducts, so sealing cracks or holes will reduce the amount of air lost from the heating cycle.
  • Investigating the Thermostat. Most thermostats require power from batteries and the batteries will need to be changed regularly. Some thermostats also require recalibration occasionally.
  • Changing the Filter. This should be a familiar task—hopefully, you are also changing filters at least every three months.

Unique Furnace Maintenance Tasks for Gas-powered Systems

  • Inspecting the Supply Line. A technician will map the supply line that brings natural gas to the furnace and inspect the tubing for corrosion. The shut-off valve must turn freely during an emergency.
  • Observe the Flame. When natural gas combusts completely, the flame should burn blue. The products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. When the combustion does not receive enough oxygen—incomplete combustion—the flame will be primarily yellow and the products are carbon (soot), carbon monoxide (CO) and water vapor. The burner should produce a blue flame to function efficiently.
  • Cleaning the Combustion Chamber. The sensors that govern gas flow/combustion are very sensitive (thankfully), but they are easily affected by soot and dirt. The water vapor produces rust on the burner assembly, which must be cleaned away. Should the rust compromise the burner, the burner will need to be replaced.
  • Careful Inspection of the Heat Exchanger. The heat produced by the flame cannot move directly into the home—remember the CO2 and CO? The hot air enters a maze of tubes surrounded by a heat collection chamber and this hot air is delivered to the home. This heat exchanger chamber must be carefully inspected to ensure the water vapor does not compromise the walls.
  • Cleaning the Vent Stack. Eventually, the combustion exhaust must exit the building and be vented outdoors. The technician will make sure water vapor has not corroded a hole through the vent walls, which would allow the exhaust to enter the home. In addition, various wildlife love to find entrance into small spaces to build homes, which would prevent the gas from exiting. Neither of these lead to good results.

A thorough maintenance inspection of your furnace system will help your system to run efficiently, make your home comfortable, and avoid hazardous situations.

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

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

 

Posted on

3 Heater Repair Indicators Brought on By Winter 

Heater Repair

Don’t let Heater Repair Catch You by Surprise this Winter 

The first Fall weather indicator is a little nip in the air, accompanied by a wind from the northwest. In the beginning stages, a few days require both AC and furnace in a single day, but after a few weeks of adjustment, the cooling season ends, and the heating season begins. During this adjustment period, use your senses to discern if and when your heating system needs to be repaired. Here are a few pieces of sensory information to help you decide whether a heater repair is required or not.

Different Smells

During the cooling season, it is important to detect musty or moldy type smells. The air conditioning process should remove significant humidity from the air and if the condensation does not drain properly, it can lead to air quality problems. But during the heating season, be aware of a different set of potential odors.

  • Electric furnaces give off a burning odor upon the initial call for heat; that is the dust burning off the heating elements. Any burning or “hot plastic” odors are not normal smells and indicate trouble. These smells might be intermittent and hard to locate but be persistent until you find the issue.
  • Any musty smell during the heating season is also unusual. It might indicate a leak in the ductwork, pulling in air from a crawlspace or attic.
  • If your heating system is gas-powered, it is essential that you install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. This byproduct of combustion is odorless and deadly, so protect your family with adequate detectors.

Different Sounds

Most noises that emanate from your HVAC system will be mirrored between the heating and cooling seasons. We are accustomed to the “background noises” of life and typical noises from your system include the sound of your blower motor pushing air around the house and the noise of the outdoor condenser unit. Unusual noises that should catch your attention include:

  • Screeching or grinding noises. There is only one moving component in your HVAC—the blower motor, located in the central cabinet of your system. Expect this noise to get louder and more persistent if ignored. This will require a repair.
  • Banging or thumping noises. As a large volume of air is pushed through your ductwork, any loose piece of sheet metal will bang or thump while the blower motor is cycled ON. Locating the noise will be very helpful for the repair technician.
  • Buzzing or loud humming. When an electrical switch or controller is ready to fail, it often buzzes louder than normal.
  • When the ignition system for gas-powered furnaces needs attention, you might hear a “false start” popping noise, similar to a soft misfire on an automobile.

Unusual Feelings

Trust your instincts concerning how your heating system “feels.” If something does not seem right, but is hard to define, be proactive and ask for a heater repair technician.

  • During the cooling season, moist, sticky, humid air indicates a problem. If your home is too dry, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. It may indicate the need for a humidifier to make your home comfortable and healthy.
  • Too hot. If your home is consistently hotter than the thermostat setting, it may result from solar gain. You can help by closing drapes or blinds. However, it may indicate a problem with the thermostat.
  • Too cold. If your home is consistently too cold many factors might be involved. A clogged air filter or covered supply vent might be an easy fix. If an easy fix is not evident, it is time to call a technician.

A good time to ask questions about things like unusual smells or noises is during an annual preventative maintenance visit.

If you have Heater Repair Questions, R.M. Mullinix has the Answers.

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

 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.