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College Station AC Repair

College Station AC Repair

College Station AC Repair AC Repair or AC Replacement?

How to Determine if You Need to Upgrade Your Current HVAC System or Need AC Repair

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive “appliances” in your home. Determining when it is time for an AC repair appointment or time for an AC replacement is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly.

If you are currently evaluating your repair or replacement options for your HVAC system, we have put together some pointers that will assist you in your decision.

Telltale Signs Your AC You Need an AC Repair Appointment

Is your HVAC system a senior citizen?

The average life expectancy of most HVAC systems is around 10-15 years. Properly maintained systems with needed AC repairs made as needed will increase the lifespan of your system. Missing routine maintenance and prolonging needed AC repairs can cut the system lifespan quite dramatically. Aging HVAC systems will be less efficient and can require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Frequent AC Repair

Systems that have had routine maintenance neglected often times require more frequent repair. The cost of these repairs can sometimes begin to approach the cost of a new AC system. In addition, a failing HVAC system is not as energy efficient and can cost more in utility bills.

An AC replacement can be a money-saving investment if your repairs are beginning to equate to the amount you have spent on repairs and loss of energy efficiency.

Loss of Efficiency

New HVAC systems are designed to be more energy efficient than their predecessors. Reducing utility bills is great for budget-minded homeowners. In addition to reducing energy consumption, newer HVAC systems greatly improve indoor air quality. Another perk to consider: opting for a newer system can even increase the value of your home.

Your College Station AC Repair Experts

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

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College Station AC Maintenance

College Station AC Maintenance

What Are the Signs That I Need an AC Maintenance from the College Station AC Maintenance Experts

Routine AC maintenance is crucial to maintaining the comfort level in your home that you deserve, especially during the intense heat of a Texas summer. Regular AC maintenance will not only ensure that your HVAC system performs at its peak energy efficiency but significantly extend the lifespan of the entire system.

We have created a comprehensive guide that identifies the signs that you need to schedule your next AC maintenance appointment, the benefits of routine HVAC maintenance, and why choosing a reputable HVAC service provider like Mullinix is important.

Top Signs You Need a College Station AC Maintenance Appointment

Increase in Utility Expenses: Sudden spikes in your energy consumption may be an indicator that your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to be, signaling the need for a routine maintenance appointment.

Decreased Cooling: A decrease in the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system is a sign that you should have it checked by a professional.

Loud and Unusual Noises: Any time your HVAC system makes noises, it is a warning of an internal issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Frequent or Constant Cycling: If you notice your AC system cycling on and off more frequently, it is a sign that you need to schedule an AC maintenance appointment.

Moisture Build Up or Leaks: Signs of moisture or leakage around your HVAC system are an indication of a problem that requires immediate attention by an HVAC professional.

Benefits of Routine AC Maintenance

Increased Energy-Efficiency: Regular AC maintenance will ensure your HVAC system operates as efficiently as possible and lower your utility bills.

Extended System Lifespan: Routine AC maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system significantly by reducing unnecessary wear and tear on your system components.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: A properly maintained HVAC system will improve indoor air quality by effectively removing contaminants from your indoor air.

Reducing Emergency AC Repairs: Regularly scheduled AC maintenance can identify any issues prior to them resulting in a failure of system components.

How to Choose the Right AC Maintenance Contractor

When researching a reputable AC maintenance contractor it is crucial to choose an experienced and trusted AC maintenance service provider.

Why Is Mullinix AC The Best Option for AC Maintenance

Our Comprehensive Services: RM Mullinix provides full-service air conditioning and heating services that include AC maintenance, emergency AC repair, AC replacement, and HVAC duct cleaning.

Experienced Technicians: Our technicians specialize in full-service HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance. We specialize in both residential and commercial HVAC services.

Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is our top priority and what we have become known for throughout the area.

Affordability: Providing affordable HVAC service ensures that high-quality AC maintenance is available to each and every customer.

Call the College Station AC Maintenance Experts

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

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Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

We often get the question from our customers, “What is the best temperature for my AC?” This question has many variables to have just one answer.

It is humid in Texas, and the humidity plays a vital role in determining what you set your AC temperature.

Soaring summertime temperatures bring with it a higher level of humidity in the air. Between the warm outdoor air and the humidity, Texans will use their air conditioning system nearly all year long.

What temperature should I set my AC to avoid HVAC repair?

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests adjusting your thermostat higher during the time when you are sleeping or you are not at home. ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) recommends that 78 degrees is the standard HVAC setting to remain energy efficient and for your HVAC system to operate at its best and avoid costly HVAC repair.

Your AC thermostat is independent of all of these factors and is based on personal preference. Adjusting your thermostat results in higher utility bills, a harder working system in the summer heat, and wear and tear on the mechanical components of your HVAC system.

How do I adjust my thermostat for the best humidity control?

High humidity makes it more difficult for your perspiration to evaporate. This results in you feeling warmer when humidity levels are higher. Combatting humidity is only half the battle. Fighting off mold and mildew within your HVAC system is a concern when fighting the humidity battle. Excessive build-up of either can result in diminished HVAC efficiency which can lead to costly HVAC repair.

What thermostat setting is best for your pets?

Thermostat settings should take into consideration the comfort level of your pets. Temperature settings can vary widely depending on the type of pet, their species, and their overall health.

Dogs’ comfort is similar to that of their human owners. You do need to be careful to not adjust the thermostat too high when you are away to avoid overheating.

Cats can tolerate heat much better than dogs. You will often find cats relaxing in the heat of the sun, even during the warmest summer days. They do require plenty of fresh water to keep cool.

Most pet birds originate from the tropics and are used to higher temperatures. Rabbits also can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but they should be kept in an environment below 80 degrees.

What thermostat setting is best for your computer and electronic equipment?

Keeping your electronics operating at their highest level requires them to be kept cool. We strongly encourage you to read any documentation provided by the manufacturer regarding storage temperatures.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), changed their recommendations for IT equipment in 2016. Previously, the organization recommended a top temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Currently, that recommendation is a high of 81 degrees F, so your computer and other electronics should be just fine if you set your AC to 78 to 80 degrees.1

Remove Thermostat Confusion

Constantly changing your AC thermostat can be difficult to manage. Extreme changes can prompt unnecessary AC repair. Call a Mullinix AC repair technician to discuss thermostat settings, installation of a smart thermostat, and additional AC thermostat related questions.

Need Help with Your AC Repair?

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

 

1 https://www.ashrae.org/

 

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HVAC Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners

HVAC Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The moderate temperatures this winter make Spring feel more like summer in Texas. With warmer-than-average temperatures, Spring HVAC maintenance has never been more important. Here is your spring HVAC Maintenance checklist to prepare your home for the upcoming summer heat.

Change Your HVAC Filter

The minimum your air filters should be changed is every 30-60 days. Households with pets and family members with compromised immune systems should replace their filters more often. A fresh, clean HVAC filter allows the conditioned air to flow freely and improves indoor air quality.

Cleaning Ceiling Fan Blades

Ceiling fans collect a great deal of dust. Removing dust built up in the spring will provide better air quality and allow your fan to be more efficient. Wiping dust buildup and reversing the blade direction for the summer is a great springtime HVAC maintenance step.

Clean Your AC Vents

We recommend removing the vent cover and cleaning it. Although it is not a substitute for professional HVAC duct cleaning, it is a great way to improve air quality and identify any potential deeper issues.

Check Your Thermostat

Your HVAC thermostat needs to have the batteries replaced every six months. We recommend changing your thermostat batteries at the same time you change your smoke detector batteries. If you are using a smart thermostat, change your settings to the summertime operation.

Clean Your Outdoor Condenser

Remove any leaves, branches, or other landscaping debris from in and around your outdoor AC unit components. This is also a great time to remove any overhanging branches or shrubs from the area around the unit.

HVAC Maintenance That Your HVAC Technician Should Complete

Cleaning your evaporator coils should be left to the professionals. The evaporator coils are located inside your AC unit, normally above the blower motor. Cleaning your coils will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and provide better indoor air quality. This requires compressed air and a commercial coil cleaner, so that is why we strongly recommend calling Mullinix AC maintenance to assist with this task.

Clean Drain Line and Drain Pan

Moisture buildup can produce mold and algae. This can be collected in your drain line and the drain pan. This debris can cause clogged lines and the drain pan to overflow. The result can be very costly and easily avoidable. Cleaning the drain line requires compressed air and is best left to the professionals.

Cleaning the Outdoor Condensing Unit

Dirt and debris can drastically affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. Our HVAC maintenance technicians can properly clean the outdoor condensing unit, check for bent or damaged blades, and identify any potential future breakdowns of your HVAC system.

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Some of these tasks can be a weekend DIY project. However, it is always best to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment and let one of our NATE-certified technicians thoroughly inspect all of your system components. An ounce of prevention is better than a failed HVAC system in the middle of a Texas heat wave.

Need Help with Your Springtime HVAC Maintenance?

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

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.