Springtime HVAC Maintenance Tips for 2023

Springtime HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Finally! It seemed that spring would never arrive. Goodbye, cold weather, and hello warmth. Flowers and gardening, hikes, and cookouts are all in your near future. In another few days, it will be time to time to turn on the air conditioner. Ah, air conditioning is a comfortable retreat when the summer heat cranks up.

If you look forward to air conditioning on hot summer days, here are some things you can do to enhance your air conditioner’s benefit.

HVAC Maintenance Tip: Keep it Clean

Your air conditioner circulates a lot of air—the entire volume of your home moves two or three times with every cooling cycle. All that air is moving through a network of ducts and one air filter. The moving air constantly picks up airborne particles and the filter is constantly trapping particles.

The outdoor portion of your air conditioner is facing the same problem. A fan moves a lot of air through the very small fins to cool the hot refrigerant gas. Dust and pollen get trapped between the fin, reducing the efficiency of the condenser unit. Both indoors and outdoors, dust and dirt are the enemies of your air conditioner.

Make sure to change the air filter regularly—at least every three months.
Clean ductwork every three to five years
Schedule annual maintenance to make sure the system gets thoroughly cleaned.

HVAC Maintenance Tip: Well Used Fans

A key to good air conditioning is air movement, so fans are essential. A large fan—the blower—circulates a lot of air. Most homeowners set the Fan on “Auto,” running this big fan only during the cooling cycle. There are distinct advantages to using the “On” setting, running the fan continuously.

Obviously, this will improve circulation. Moving air feels good and actually makes one feel cooler.
Since the air is continuously moving through an air filter, it is constantly being cleaned. Running the fan all the time improves indoor air quality.
Running the fan constantly actually uses less energy and saves money. Keeping a moving fan moving uses less energy than starting a still fan several times per hour.
The moving air also removes humidity with more efficiency than cycling off and on.
A fan in the “On” position creates less stress and wears the blower motor less. Eventually, that means a longer useful life for your air conditioner system.

HVAC Maintenance Tip: Thermostat Savvy

Early thermostats were simple analog switches, with heat and cool settings, and fan On/Off settings. Currently, thermostats allow advanced programming, with comfort and savings settings. Learning the steps to properly program is not hard, and the results are worth the effort.

First, determine the optimum temperature setting. This is a personal choice, but it usually is a group decision. A comfortable and efficient range lies between 72 and 78⁰. Comfort will determine your settings.
Another factor uses the technology of air conditioning: air conditioners function most efficiently by changing the indoor temperature within 10⁰ of the average outdoor temperature. Using this principle will not result in comfort, but it demonstrates how energy efficiency works.
Combining comfort and efficiency takes a little compromising and a little programming. Energy, and therefore, cost savings will take a reduction in air conditioning for at least 8 hours per day. Programming a temperature change that reduces air conditioning demand during the evening or while the house is empty during the day will accomplish this reduction. A 30-minute cooling transition time can also be programmed to bring the home back to a comfortable setting.

Have Questions about HVAC Maintenance?

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

April 21, 2023December 30, 2024

Tips for Managing Indoor Humidity

Managing Indoor Humidity Tips for Homeowners

Each year, Texans experience summer heat and humidity in tandem and seek comfort and relief in indoor spaces. Air conditioning was designed to address both environmental factors (heat and humidity) to make indoor spaces safe for occupants. Let’s look at the impact humidity, both high and low humidity, makes on homes.

Why is Managing Indoor Humidity Important?

Experience has shown that an ideal range for indoor humidity is between 30 and 50%. Typical Texas summertime humidity averages nearly 70% with morning moisture hovering at 90%. High indoor humidity leads to:

A stuffy, uncomfortable feeling in the air
Surfaces will become sticky, and the humidity can damage painted or finished surfaces.
A water-based adhesive that holds wallpaper in place may turn loose.
A moist surface is ideal for the growth of mold and mildew.

Low indoor humidity also leads to potential problems and as you might imagine, they are the inverse of high humidity problems.

Indoor air will feel dry, making skin, eyes, and sinuses irritated.
The wood in the trim and furniture will be unusually dry.

Managing the Sources of Indoor Humidity

Most indoor moisture will enter a home from the outdoor air, and we already know outdoor humidity is high. Removing moisture is essential, but even when you remove humidity from your home, air will seek equilibrium. Every time you open a door or window, moisture enters, but moisture will also find small openings and cracks to make entry.

The entry of outdoor water will increase if standing water is allowed to stand near your home. Poor drainage can lead to puddles or leaks into the basement or crawl space. Make sure that wastewater is draining properly and away from the house.

Indoor sources of water contribute to indoor humidity. Water is added to the air during showers, baths, cooking, and washing dishes or clothes. And of course, every occupant adds moisture with every breath.

Managing Indoor Humidity by Removing Indoor Moisture

Remove sources of standing water near your home by improving drainage
Seal leaks and caulk around windows and doors
Use exhaust fans while showering or bathing until the steam evaporates from the mirror.
Schedule maintenance of your air conditioner annually to ensure it removes humidity efficiently.
Replace a failing air conditioner: the expected useful life of an air conditioner is between 15 and 20 years.

In extreme situations, you may need to use a dehumidifier and/or a humidifier, according to the season.

Have Questions about Managing Indoor Humidity?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Managing Indoor Humidity, schedule an appointment, or visit our AC Maintenance information page.

March 29, 2023December 30, 2024

8 Smart Thermostat Installation Tips

Smart Thermostat Installation

When Smart thermostats were introduced in 2007, like most new technology, they were rather clunky with lots of bugs. However, today’s models have some nice features that help homeowners save money, enjoy better home comfort, and interact with their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Here are some features that you can find useful on Smart thermostats, whether you have one and are not using all its features, or if you are considering a Smart Thermostat Installation in the future.

Scheduling Options. Older programmable thermostats allowed homeowners to set a schedule of temperature settings that matched a family’s routines: reducing the winter settings at night for cooler sleeping, with 30-minute warm-up settings to begin the daily activities. Smart thermostats also come with pre-set setting options to approximate a routine without manually setting the schedule.
Zoning Options. For homes with multiple heating and cooling systems (common with multi-story homes), the Smart thermostat works with a series of temperature sensors and in-duct dampers to customize comfort. Customized controls mean that a whole floor is not required to be kept at the same temperature. You can control the temperature of specific zones for personal preference.
Multiple Interfaces. Smart technology goes beyond a wall-mounted control panel. And how? While you can still use the wall mount, it will have a touch screen instead of buttons or slides. You can also download the cellphone app and make changes on-the-fly. This comes in handy when your plans change, and you need to update the temperature setting. They can also be connected to virtual assistant technology for voice control.
Motion Sensors. Smart thermostats can be set to use motion sensors. If no one is home, the heating/cooling cycles can be reduced to save energy. When the family returns and the motion sensor detect it, the temperature returns to the scheduled setting. The unique thing is the thermostat will recognize patterns of movement and develop a set schedule based on occupant movement. (Settings can also recognize cellphone proximity.)
Energy Tracking. Smart thermostats can record your energy usage and alert you of trouble ahead. One clear sign of a failing HVAC system is a loss of efficiency, resulting in increased energy use. This observation can help you prepare for budget changes necessary for replacing the system.
Cooling Delays. On very hot days, the demand for cooling can come too quickly. The condenser unit needs about 5 minutes to recover and prepare for the next cycle. A Smart thermostat builds in the needed recovery time to keep your air conditioner from overheating.
Trouble Alerts. A Smart thermostat monitors the HVAC system sensors and settings. Common problems that arise with these systems place stress on electrical components. A Smart thermostat records these stress events. If a more serious event occurs—say, a circuit breaker trips—an alert is sent to your cellphone. You might not be able to reset the circuit breaker, but at least you will be prepared when you arrive.
Maintenance Reminders. HVAC systems are complex electrical/mechanical devices that need routine maintenance. Your Smart thermostat will prompt you at three-month intervals to change the air filter or call for an annual system-wide inspection/cleaning visit.

A Smart thermostat works efficiently when programmed for your family’s preferred temperature settings and schedule. Resist the temptation to change the settings manually for momentary discomfort. Smart thermostats and Smart Thermostat Installation is reasonably priced but require a professional.

Have Questions about Smart Thermostat Installation?

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

March 24, 2023December 30, 2024

6 Reasons You Need Spring AC Maintenance

Spring AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

In Texas, we have only two seasons—a short heating season and a long cooling season. As preparation for the transition from winter to summer, this is an excellent time for Spring AC Maintenance to get it ready for the heat. Why is this an excellent time? Check out these great reasons.

Awakening from Sleep

For several months, your home has required warmth, so the air conditioner has remained idle. Limbs and leaf litter often blow against or even inside the outdoor condenser unit. The dust has blown into the spaces between the fins of the unit, which will hinder its intended purpose—cooling the hot refrigerant gas. The tubing that contains the gas might have been compromised, allowing it to leak out. Any number of changes that can affect the function of the system would go unnoticed without a technician to inspect it.

Getting Ahead of Trouble

Air conditioners are mechanical systems that need maintenance. After years of continuous use, the parts will begin to weaken due to wear. This weakening creates a cascade effect: the weakness of one component puts stress on others and failure is often the result. The second source of stress for your air conditioner is the extreme heat of a harsh summer. This is often all it takes for a major failure of the system. A springtime inspection will expose worn parts in danger of failure. Catching the small problem before it becomes a large problem is much preferred to shutting the AC down during a heat wave.

Improved Efficiency

Another benefit of catching worn parts early is the increase in energy efficiency. Components that function within the design specifications of your AC system successfully pull together for the best results. However, the whole air conditioner will only work as efficiently as the weakest part. Repairing or replacing worn parts will keep the entire system running efficiently. This saves both energy and money.

System Longevity

With all this stressing and cascading, maintaining your air conditioner with minor repairs as needed delays a cascade that results in catastrophic failure. On average, air conditioners last between 15 and 20 years; reaching maximum longevity may depend upon regular maintenance.

Cleaner Air

Your air conditioner will move a large volume of air during the cooling season: the entire volume of your home moves through the system approximately every 2 minutes of the cooling cycle. The air passes through an air filter and a network of ducts, connected to every room in your home. Both the filter and the ductwork collect dust, pollen, and dander with every cycle, so an inspection will include a new filter and a check on the condition of the ducts.

Total Agreement

The manufacturer of your air conditioner system recommends annual maintenance; see your owner’s manual. There may be a requirement for maintenance to comply with an extended warranty. The Environment Protection Agency¹, through the Energy Star program, recommends regular maintenance of your air conditioner, with specific recommendations for tasks to be completed.²So, it is not only your HVAC professional that recommends Spring AC Maintenance for HVAC systems.

Have Questions about Spring AC Maintenance?

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

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

² https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/maintenance_checklist#:~:text=Inspect%2C%20clean%2C%20or%20change%20air,equipment%2C%20leading%20to%20early%20failure

February 28, 2023December 30, 2024

AC Maintenance: Small Tips to make a Big Difference

AC Maintenance Useful Tips for Homeowners

Small things often make a big difference. Do you remember that proverbial poem about “the want of a horseshoe nail?” There are several maintenance tasks for your air conditioner that are small steps, but they often have big consequences. Some small tasks with major results can be completed by you. Some small tasks with major results require special training and equipment. Let’s take a look at some of those small AC Maintenance tasks:

Changing Your Air Filter. Over the decades of your air conditioner’s usefulness, changing the air filter regularly is the single most impactful activity to promote efficiency and long usefulness.

Who should change your air filter? Anybody can change the filter. The homeowner or renter should change the filter as needed.
When should the filter be changed? The best recommendation is at least every three months; however, if you are aware of environmental factors that produce large quantities of airborne particles, changing the filter more frequently might be best.
Where can I find the air filter? A large vent near the base of the cabinet brings warm air from the house. The air filter will be in this lower vent trunk.
Which filter should I use? Air filters are rated on a few different scales and higher numbers mean smaller openings and better filtration.

Clean Your Evaporator Drain. If you find water leaking from the air conditioner cabinet, it indicates the evaporator drain is clogged.

Who should clean your evaporator drain? Anybody can clean this cabinet since it does not require special equipment or training.
When should you clean the drain? Clean the drain prior to the cooling season and more often if needed.
Where is the floor drain? You should find a drain line leading outdoors or to a floor drain. During the cooling season, water should flow through the drain consistently. When it clogs, the water will drain onto the floor.
How should you clean this drain? Take a wet/dry shop vac and place the end of the drain inside the vacuum cleaner hose. A light seal with your hands should draw the clog out. Be prepared for a sudden flow of water.

Check the Refrigerant Level. Your air conditioner uses refrigerant gas technology to cool the air and remove humidity from the indoor air. If this gas leaks, the air conditioner will not cool properly.

Who should check the coolant? Only a technician should handle refrigerant gas. It takes specialized gauges and training to read the gauges.
How often should the refrigerant gas be checked? It will be checked annually during the annual maintenance visit if you schedule the visit.
Where will you find the gas connections? Often, the gas connections are found outdoors at the condenser unit. The technician will be familiar with the location of the connectors.

Clean the Condenser Unit. The outdoor portion of your air conditioner is called a condenser. Its main purpose is to cool refrigerant gas that gets extremely hot. Dirt and debris that stick to the condenser keep the gas from cooling.

Who can clean the condenser? This task does not require special training or equipment, so anyone can clean it.
What needs to be done? Make sure that leaves and limbs have not cumulated at the base of the unit. Clip the grass and trim shrubs at least two feet from the sides. Use a garden hose and gently wash the dust from between the fins.
When does it need to be cleaned? It should be cleaned at least once annually, perhaps before the cooling season. Debris and grass should be cleaned as needed.

Schedule an Annual Inspection. Your air conditioner is a complex device, with both electrical and mechanical components. It needs regular maintenance for proper functioning.

Who can maintain your air conditioner? This inspection requires specialized equipment and training, so it should only be completed by professional technicians.
When should the air conditioner be serviced? The recommendations are for the air conditioner to be serviced annually. The inspection should last approximately one hour.
Where will the technician need to access it? The inspection will include vents, the thermostat, the indoor cabinet, and the outdoor condenser unit.

These small things combine to make a big difference.

Have Questions about AC Maintenance?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and AC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our Furnace Replacement information page.

February 17, 2023December 30, 2024

5 Reasons For Furnace Replacement

Furnace Replacement Indicators

When winter began, you assumed everything was all right with your furnace. But as the cold weather persists, indications are rising that this might be the last season for your furnace. Having to call a professional for repairs again was also very concerning. Replacing a furnace is a major purchase that requires some planning. Is this really happening?

A new furnace will certainly benefit your family and home, and here are a few of those Furnace Replacement benefits.

Lower Energy Bills. As the furnace ages, the parts wear, and the whole system loses efficiency. This loss of efficiency means you have been paying more for quite some time. It also means that a new furnace will save energy–read money–for years to come. Heating and cooling account for 46% of your utility bills. A new furnace can save approximately 30% of your monthly heating cost, so this is not an insignificant saving for your utility budget.
An old, inefficient furnace has not been keeping your family as comfortable as you will find with a new system. You might have grown used to hot or cold spaces and the heating cycle taking longer over time. A new furnace will eliminate these problems. In addition, installing a new programmable or Smart thermostat with your new furnace can enhance your family’s comfort. You will be able to schedule warming and cooling changes that match your family’s activities.
Indoor Air Quality. A major function of your HVAC system is to filter and clean the indoor air in your home. An air filter removes airborne particles permanently—don’t forget to change the filter at least every three months. An evaporator coil removes humidity from the air during cooling cycles. These two functions help prevent mold and mildew from infesting your home. A new HVAC system might have further air quality features that neutralize biological agents, such as viruses and bacteria.
Reduced Repairs. A new furnace or HVAC system will have a useful life range of between 15 and 25 years. With new electrical and mechanical component parts, you can anticipate a very long period with no or few repairs. Your system requires regular preventative maintenance but should not require repairs any time soon.
Peace of Mind. If your present furnace is causing angst, the installation of a new furnace will certainly give you years of worry-free confidence in your new furnace.

Have Questions about Furnace Replacement?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Efficiency, schedule an appointment, or visit our Furnace Replacement information page.

January 30, 2023December 30, 2024

4 Signs You Need Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement

Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement Tips for Homeowners

When you hear “HVAC” you may only think of your air conditioning, thermostat and utility bills. It’s important to think about another component of your HVAC system: the supply and return air ducts. Here’s how they work:

The conditioned air is blown forcibly through the supply ducts to vents which are often on the floor or ceiling of your home.
The same blower pulls air from the same space to equalize the air pressure and recycle the air.
An air filter in the network cleans the air in the process.

Ducts are not pretty, and no one wants to see the ducts inside their space. They are almost always encapsulated in the wall, covered in the attic, or hidden in the ceiling. Because they’re hidden, maintaining and/or repairing ducts can become a daunting project for a homeowner. Our technicians have developed methods for inspection, cleaning, and the occasional repair that take this task off your hands. Here’s why you might need a technician to help with your Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement:

Your vents are dirty. As the air cycles and re-circulates through the ductwork, the air filter is trapping and removes dust and other airborne particles. However, dust that is not trapped by the filter is often deposited on the walls of both the supply and return air ducts. Should this dust remain, it contributes to the dust that deposits on surfaces and flooring. It also contributes to poor indoor air quality, which can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses. Prevent dirty vents by changing your filter regularly, at least every three months. This permanently removes the particles trapped in the filter. Second, have your vents professionally cleaned to remove the buildup of dust every 3 to 5 years.

Your vents are noisy. Vents are fabricated from sheet metal; very thin sheets are formed and molded to create the appropriate network for your space. When metal gets either hot or cold, it expands and contracts. Formed sheet metal will naturally pop a little as the temperature inside changes; you should be familiar with the sounds with day-to-day operations. However, when the sound changes, gets louder or includes a rattling noise, this might indicate a problem worthy of investigation. It could be that the expanding and contracting movement has loosened the joints, causing these new noises.
Your vents are smelly. If movement creates an opening in the ductwork, harmful pests can enter the vent and take up residence. The opening can introduce moisture to your ductwork, resulting in the environment inside your ducts being a dark, moist space with a lot of organic matter—the perfect growth medium for mold and mildew. While no one can see the growth, these fungi release spores into the ductwork that circulate throughout your home. The leading indicators for mold or mildew infestation are a distinct smell and sudden asthma or allergy attacks. Other pests that might enter your ductwork through openings include insects and rodents. These pests might or might not enter the home and the only indication of these infestations is an unusual odor.
Your vents are leaky. Not only do you need to be aware of what enters your ducts, but remember these openings allow conditioned air to escape. The blower motor is forcing air through and therefore forcing air out through these openings. This makes a difference in the comfort level of the space and in the utility bill. A symptom of leaky vents may be a typically unconditioned space, such as the ceiling or attic, being warmer or cooler than expected.

If you’ve seen any of this in your home, contact a professional for help with Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement. Dirty, noisy, smelly, and leaking vents need to be cleaned and repaired. These are not only annoyances but wasteful and potentially harmful to your family.

Have Questions about Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Efficiency, schedule an appointment, or visit our Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement information page.

January 25, 2023December 30, 2024

HVAC Efficiency: Save Money with an Energy-Efficient HVAC

HVAC Efficiency 101

When a young man considers the purchase of an engagement ring, he is told to remember the three Cs: clarity, cut, and carat. Real estate agents know that a homebuyer needs to know more about their purchase of a home than “location, location, location,” and helps them to explore the details involved in a real estate transaction. The same advice is commonly available to anyone purchasing an HVAC, but it takes a little research to get past the industry acronyms.

Everyone wants a good deal, but the total price of purchase is only a portion of the “bargain” equation. This is a large purchase: how can you know what you are buying? Do you just take the sales staff’s opinion?

Government agencies, trying to ensure the quality of HVAC products, require quality testing and publish the results of the tests on each component. However, to FULLY understand your purchase options, you would need to have a firm grasp of BTUs and kilowatt hours. Most people’s eyes glaze over before the explanation ends. So, government agencies do what they do best–they couch the results behind acronyms. But unless you educate yourself at least a little you will miss information that will help you make a better decision. Here is a quick guide on the most often-used acronyms associated with HVAC products.

EER and SEER Ratings

These acronyms are found on air conditioning products and represent Energy Efficiency Ratings or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings. Simple enough to understand; but what does it mean? The tests measure the amount of electricity required to change the temperature in a defined space.

EER is a measurement of electric energy needed to cool a given space under exact conditions—reducing the temperature from 95⁰ F to 80⁰ F with 50% relative humidity.
SEER is more commonly published. It is an average of EER ratios under different temperature and humidity settings.
A higher SEER number denotes better energy efficiency. In Texas, the minimum SEER for air conditioners in 2023 is 15, while higher efficiency units have a 26 SEER.
What SEER cannot tell you is how well it will perform in your home. Other factors, such as insulation and the number of windows, also play a factor.

HSPF and AFUE

These acronyms demonstrate the energy efficiency of heating equipment for HVAC systems; one measures the energy efficiency of heat pumps and the other of gas and oil furnaces. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures a heat pump’s efficiency and is very similar to the SEER number above.

Your air conditioner uses heat pump technology, by moving heat from inside your house to the outside of your house. The same equipment is used during the heating season to move heat available outside to the inside of your home.
HSPF is similar to the SEER number above since it is an average of the heat pump’s efficiency under a large range of temperature and humidity settings. The number reflects the amount of heat claimed from outdoors using a given amount of electrical energy (kWh).
A higher HSPF number denotes better energy efficiency. Expect to see an HSPF number between 8 and 10; 13.5 is currently the most energy-efficient heat pump available.
What HSPF cannot guarantee is how well it will perform in your home. Other factors, including insulation and weather stripping, also play a factor.

Fuel-powered furnace systems are also tested and have their own acronym—Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. When fuel is burned, the system captures as much heat energy as it can; however, a portion of the heat energy escapes up the flue in the exhaust.

AFUE numbers are simply a percentage of the energy captured by the system. A 78.0-rated furnace captures 78% of the heat energy available in the fuel but releases 22% into the atmosphere.
As you would expect, the higher the number, the better the energy efficiency of the furnace. The most energy-efficient gas furnaces have a 98.5% rating.

Electric-powered forced air furnaces capture 100% of the heat energy available.

Hopefully, this information helps with your HVAC Efficiency purchasing decision. Keep in mind that higher energy HVAC Efficiency ratings generally cost more during the initial purchase but save money each month with lower utility bills.

Have Questions about HVAC Efficiency?

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

December 29, 2022December 30, 2024

7 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

HVAC Maintenance Tips to Reduce Repairs

Honestly, wintertime in South Texas is moderate, especially when you consider how cold it gets in northern states. We see temperatures that drop below freezing, but generally, that does not last long; occasionally the temp will drop below 24⁰. However, we do see periods of what we consider extremely cold temperatures. These rare weather events place stress on our heating system and leave our normally cozy home a bit uncomfortable. These periods of cold weather are why homeowners need to pay attention to HVAC Maintenance.

During extremely cold snaps, the safest thing to do is hunker down and deal with the cold as best you can. But, there are some steps you can take in advance to prepare for cold weather events; some of these steps will also help during wintertime power outages.

Prepare by completing regular maintenance on your furnace. These inspections keep your HVAC system clean and in good repair. Extremely cold weather puts greater-than-normal stress on your furnace and if it has a weak component, it can result in a furnace breakdown. A cold snap is an extremely bad time for a furnace failure!
Prepare by checking your attic and crawlspace insulation and adding insulation as needed. Caulk and install weather stripping as needed. Preventing heat loss will keep your home more comfortable, but it will be miserable trying to accomplish these tasks when extreme weather arrives.
Prepare alternative heating methods beforehand. If you have a fireplace, make sure you have a supply of wood or gas supply that will last a week or longer. Consider purchasing an electric space heater(s), electric blankets, or electric heating pads. When you settled down to watch a movie, break out comfy throws to keep your body warm.
Prepare by setting your thermostat properly. Notice two heat settings on the thermostat, one regular heat and a second called Em(ergency) Heat or Aux(ilary) heat. Normal heat uses the heat pump to extract heat from the outdoor air. However, there is insufficient heat outdoors when the temperature drops below 32⁰. Emergency heat uses gas or an electric heating element instead. Make sure the thermostat is set properly for the temperature that you are experiencing.
Prepare by protecting your water supply. That means being familiar with where water enters your home and tracing the various water lines throughout the home—ahead of time, of course. Consider heat tape for lines in crawlspaces, attics, or the garage. Heat tape is a simple heat source that, when plugged in, applies heat directly to the water line. Consider opening vanity or cabinet doors if the faucet is on an outside wall.
Prepare by remembering that heat rises. Heat rises, so second-story spaces will warm up before lower-story spaces. Temporarily closing vents in unused spaces, especially upstairs, will push warm air into occupied spaces. (Remember to open these vents once the cold snap is over.) Remember that since heat rises, the floor will be the coldest spot in the room. Laying or sitting on the floor will be cold. Wear socks and perhaps shoes during extremely cold periods. If you are sitting on the couch, take your shoes off, bring your feet up, and cover them with a throw.
Prepare by using your ceiling fan to your advantage. Make sure the fan is turning clockwise—this pulls cold air up and pushes the warm air at the ceiling out and down the wall. The lowest setting will be sufficient.

Remember that cold snaps are real but temporary. A little preparation in advance can keep your family surprisingly comfortable.

Ready to Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance Appointment?

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December 14, 2022December 30, 2024

Heater Repair: Common Wintertime Heating Problems

Homeowners Guide to Heater Repair

Temps have dropped in the Central Texas and we can expect them to be cool until the middle of March or so. When the North wind blows with a bite, Texans hurry inside to the comfort of a warm, cozy home; anything less is unacceptable. Furnaces are mechanical systems and need maintenance, occasional repairs, and eventual replacement. But here are some of the most common problems that reduce heating comfort with properly functioning HVAC systems.

Heater Repair: Electric Furnaces

Most electric HVAC systems use dual methods for heating a home—heat pump technology and electric elements. You probably notice two settings on your thermostat for heat; one setting may say Heat/Aux or EmHeat.

Heat pump technology uses the exact same system as your air conditioner, but it reverses the process. You think of your air conditioner adding cool air, but the technology is removing the hot air from your house as well. During the heating season, the technology reverses and pulls what heat it can find from the outside and brings it inside. This is a very efficient method of heating until the temperature drops below 30⁰ F outside because there is not enough heat available. If the thermostat is on the regular heat setting and the house is still cold, turn the setting to an auxiliary or emergency heat setting.
Electric elements are thick metal coils contained within a heat exchange chamber. The coils are designed to resist the flow of electricity and this causes them to glow red hot. A flow of air passes over the hot coils and transfers the heat to your home. This is a simple, efficient heating system, backs up the heat pump system. If an emergency or auxiliary heat is not functioning, a repair technician is required.

Heater Repair: Natural Gas/Propane Furnaces

Furnaces that use a fuel, such as natural gas or propane, must maintain three constants: a flame source, a fuel supply, and oxygen. Old systems might still use a pilot light and new systems have an electric spark ignition. The flame heats the air in one chamber and transfers the heat to another chamber before being exhausted to the outdoors.

When a pilot light is extinguished, a sensor, called a thermocouple, shuts off the gas supply to prevent the gas from leaking into your home.
Suet/corrosion buildup on the burner can also interfere with the proper burning of fuel and reduce the heat it produces.

Knowing the source of the problem helps you to call a repair technician as soon as possible. The risks to home and family are too great for do-it-yourself experimentation.

Heater Repair: Cycle Problems

Your furnace is designed to cycle—run for a period of time, shut off, and then cycle on again. That is the normal operation expectation for the most efficient use of utilities. Two problems might arise: running short cycles too often or running cycles that are too long. Both might result in comfort problems, either too cold or too hot. There are a number of causes for this; here are a few.

If the system is sized too big for your home, it will run in short cycles that occur too often. It achieves the thermostat setting temperature very quickly and cycles off before the whole space is warmed.
If the system is sized too small for your home, it struggles to produce sufficient heat to warm the space.
The thermostat or other sensors might malfunction and produce cycling problems.

A sensor malfunction will require a repair technician. A sizing problem will require a new, properly sized HVAC system. This should be corrected when the system is next replaced. However, if you experience cycling problems, it helps to know why.

Cool Spaces

If the air coming out of the vent is warm but the space is not, it may indicate one or more problems that you might be able to fix.

Drafts or uneven heating might indicate heat loss. Explore caulking, weather stripping, and insulation needs.
Inspect your home for restricted airflow. Perhaps furniture or accessories have migrated oversupply vents or cold air returns.
Make sure to use solar gain in cold spaces. Open drapes/blinds for south-facing windows during the day and close them after the sun sets.

Ready to Schedule Your Heater Repair Appointment?

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

Category: hvac repair and installation