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6 Most Common Heater Repair Problems

6 Most Common Heater Repair Problems

Heater Repair Homeowners Need to be Aware Of

Winter in Texas can have such crazy temperature variations—340 yesterday, 670 today, and 360 tomorrow. It is a good thing you have a great heater/furnace. What’s that? You haven’t thought about how good it is? If you are wondering, here are some of the most common heater repair problems to watch for.

  1. Dirty Filter. Yes, even though it is mentioned all the time, filters still get dirty and homeowners still forget to change them regularly. Clogged filters can cause several noticeable problems. Most commonly, it can slow the flow of air, allowing less hot air to move throughout the house. That’s not good! You might also notice an excess of dust on surfaces, as it finds its way past the air filter.
  2. Odd Odors. If your furnace burns fuel, it is vitally important that you notice any usual smell. Natural gas and propane have an odor additive to alert anyone close by of a leak. A localized smell might indicate a problem with the burner or thermocouple. If you burn fuel, make sure to maintain a carbon monoxide detector. This byproduct of combustion is an odorless gas, capable of poisoning your family unaware.
  3. No Heat. If the blower motor is moving air, but the air is not hot or not hot enough, there might be a number of underlying problems. Simple things to check first are the gas valve, the circuit breaker, and the thermostat batteries. Fuel-powered furnaces can experience electrical ignition or pilot light control issues. Electric furnaces can experience a failure of the heating element. Both systems are susceptible to electronic sensor or switch problems.
  4. Cycling Trouble. During a normal winter day, the furnace should cycle every 15 minutes or so; a few more cycles in extreme cold, a few less in mild temperatures. If your furnace runs continuously or too frequently in mild weather, the problem may be the limit switch or, again, the thermostat.
  5. Blower Noise. The furnace blower will move the volume of your entire house every few minutes. If the motor squeals or roars it will need to be addressed; it could be as simple as lubing the bearing and it could be excessive wear.
  6. Cold Rooms. If one or more spaces are too cold first check the supply vents; ensure that neither furniture, accessories, drapes nor rugs cover the vents. Check for gaps around windows that lead to drafts.

If you are experiencing problems keeping your home warm during cold, Texas days, call Mullinix and let us help you determine the needed Heater Repair Problems.

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.

6 Most Common Heater Repair Problems

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Furnace Replacement: How to Know When it is Time

Furnace Replacement

5 Ways to Determine if it is Time for a Furnace Replacement

Texas Winter is here… Fall’s high school football seasons are ending, and the holidays are flying by. Cool mornings and warm days give way to colder temperatures all day long. And briefly, the air conditioner and the furnace get a few weeks of reprieve as our moderate Winter doesn’t leave us frozen in ice for long. Inevitably, the cooling season gives way to the heating season. Your HVAC system works year-round to keep your family healthy and comfortable… until inevitably you will face a Furnace Replacement.

Making plans to replace vital HVAC systems in Winter, AKA Texas’s HVAC “Off Season,” is a wise move for many reasons. AC Tech’s more available in the winter. Manufacturer pricing and regulatory requirements on cooling equipment and model changes may not have taken effect until Spring, offering potential savings when compared to next summer. And with the brutal summer heat still, a way off, you have time to plan before being inconveniently hot while the system is down or being replaced.  If you are treading that careful balance between “getting the most” out of your present equipment and avoiding an emergency situation, here are a few tips to help you make your decision.

  • Preventative Maintenance Helped Prolong Furnace Replacement

If you listened to your system manufacturer, the Environmental Protection Agency, and about every HVAC professional, you have been scheduling annual maintenance visits. Professional technicians will have cleaned and inspected your system multiple times over the years. Perhaps small problems have been caught early, avoid a major repair; a malfunctioning sensor or switch can force other components to work harder than necessary, resulting in premature failure. All of these visits have saved wear and tear on your entire system, but even with good care, the HVAC system furnace, air handler, or condenser will need to be replaced eventually.

  • Overwork Can Cause Damage and Lead to Premature Furnace Replacement

If you have not scheduled regular maintenance, it is never too late to begin. If small inefficiencies have accumulated, making your system work harder than it should, the overwork can lead to component failure. Some system components can be repaired; replacing some system components is so expensive that replacing the entire system is more cost-effective.

Another activity that can overwork your system and result in damage is asking for sudden temperature spikes. Heating and cooling the air is only a part of the process; the walls, floors, ceilings, and furnishings also need to be cooled or heated. Requesting serious temperature changes from your system can lead to trouble. A better approach is to patiently make small, gradual changes and give the entire environment time to change.

  • Study Utility Bill Changes

When your HVAC system was installed, it represented cutting-edge environmental comfort technology. While it has kept your family quite comfortable over the years, it has inevitably been losing efficiency. During the last few years of useful service, an HVAC system will require a significant increase in power to heat or cool to match the installation efficiency. When you see a sharp increase in energy bills, this is an indication of system decline.

  • Small Problems Add Up

It is not unusual for an HVAC system to encounter a problem that requires repair. When these small, minor problems increase in frequency, this may indicate failure is imminent. If humidity is on the rise, air quality is poor, remote rooms have hot or cold spots, AND the thermostat needs to be replaced, these minor things might be a foreshadowing of bigger HVAC system failures.

  • Poor Timing

Ultimately, an HVAC system will fail when put under extra stress and the worn parts cease to function together. If you wait until the last minute and squeeze every month out of your system, expect the system fails to happen at a very inconvenient time for a Furnace Replacement. Expect the temperature to be either very hot or very cold. Failure will ensure that you are very uncomfortable. Deliver delays and a busy schedule will take a very long time— and any time is very long when your family is uncomfortable. It is very risky to wait until the very last minute for a Furnace Replacement.

Ready to Schedule Your Furnace Replacement Appointment?

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

 

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Top 4 AC Repair Problems Heard from Customers

Top 4 AC Repair Problems

AC Repair Problems Your Need To Be Aware Of

When your air conditioner has celebrated its 10th “installation day,” minor AC repairs are not uncommon—even well-maintained AC units will need repairs eventually. However, there are few surprises when it comes to AC repairs since the mechanical components are very similar in every air conditioner. Most serious repairs need to be made by a trained technician but knowing the cause of minor repairs might save you an expensive service call. Here is a list of some of the most common repair calls for AC units and common solutions to the problem.

  1. “It Just Stopped Working”

If the AC was working yesterday but is not working today, try these steps before you call the technician. First, check the circuit breaker marked “AC” in the electrical service panel. If the circuit tripped, move the switch completely off, then back on. If the breaker will not stay in the “on” position, call a technician.

Next, check the thermostat batteries; they should be replaced once per year. Turn the thermostat to the “off” position before changing the batteries. If the batteries are not the problem, call a technician.

Both motors in your HVAC system are controlled by an electrical component called a capacitor. A capacitor turns a motor on and controls the speed of the motor to prevent overheating. An old capacitor can become unstable and allow the motor to run hot, reducing the useful life of the motor. When a capacitor fails completely, know that it has been putting stress on other components.

The compressor motor is the KEY COMPONENT in the exchange of heat that makes air conditioning possible. When this component fails, the compressor will need to be replaced before it will cool again. The most common cause of compressor failure is overheating stress caused by capacitor failure.

  1. “It Blows Hot Air”

If the blower motor is working but the air is not cool, try these steps to solve the issue. First, check the thermostat to make sure it is in the “Cool” position and the setting is 50 cooler than room temperature. Second, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter might reduce the airflow through the evaporator chamber enough to prevent heat exchange. If the filter is dirty, wait a few minutes to see if the air begins to cool. Third, find the two copper tubes connected to the indoor AC unit.

One should be cool and moist, the other warm and dry. If neither tube is cool, this indicates low coolant. The refrigerant gases used in air conditioners are highly regulated and only trained professionals will have access. Call your HVAC company to check, repair, and recharge the coolant level.

  1. “Water Is Leaking from My AC”

While the air conditioner is cooling the air, it also removes the humidity from the air; the AC unit may remove several gallons of water from the indoor air each day. Under the evaporator coil is a drain pan to collect the water with a drain line that carries it to a floor drain (or outdoors).

If something debris or algae growth clogs the drain line, the water will overflow the drain pan and spill onto the floor. Whether you try to clear the blockage yourself or not might depend upon access to the drain line. This is a common repair, so a technician will have the tools and equipment to clear the line.

  1. “The AC is Making Unusual Noises”

The normal sound your air conditioner makes is the background noise of your home, not unlike the hum of electrical appliances that surround you. However, when you notice an unusual noise or a noise louder than usual, it is an indication of a change that needs to be addressed. Screeching, squealing, and rattling noises should be addressed by a technician. Locating and diagnosing the problems can get very complicated.

Make sure that an AC repair professional services your AC unit annually. Many of the problems that lead to repairs can be addressed early and perhaps avoided. It is the best method of prolonging the serviceable life of your air conditioner.

Ready to Schedule Your AC Repair Appointment?

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

 

 

 

 

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Houston AC Duct Cleaning

AC Duct Cleaning

AC Duct Cleaning

Most homes in the US use a ducted forced-air HVAC system to heat, cool, dehumidify, and clean the air. Ducted refers to sheet metal ducts, usually installed during construction in walls, ceilings, or floors. Forced air refers to a central unit with a blower motor, that pushes conditioned air into every part of the home and consequently recycles the air, returning it to the blower motor. In this article, we are focusing on this air movement and how to improve indoor air quality by cleaning the ductwork.

Why Clean Ducts?

Certain life experiences demonstrate that the air surrounding us is loaded with airborne particles. Occasionally, when the sun shines at just the right angle, we see dust in the air. Certainly, when we mop and vacuum floors, or dust furniture, we become aware of their presence. At certain times of the year, we might get a reminder of the pollen, mold spores, or dust in the wind that causes allergic reactions in our upper respiratory system. An abundance of airborne particles leads to poor indoor air qualities that commonly trigger allergies and asthma. These airborne particles can also lead to mildew and mold infestation in moist spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

What is AC Duct Cleaning?

There is a key component in this whole network—an air filter. The air filter removes a significant amount of these airborne particles. However, the network of ducts is not sealed, and the filter does not capture every particle. The particles move freely during a heating or cooling cycle and settle to surfaces when the cycle ends.

Duct cleaning is a comprehensive scrubbing of the ventilation network; it includes:

  • Both the supply and return air ducts are thoroughly cleaned
  • The blower fan and housing are cleaned
  • The evaporator coil and drain pan are cleaned
  • The vent and register covers will be cleaned
  • The air filter is replaced

What Should I Expect?

A team will arrive and explore your home to locate the central air cabinet, ducts, vents, and registers. After this inspection, the team will:

  • All of the vents will be sealed to prevent dust from permeating the home
  • The team will insert equipment that uses air and rotating brushes to dislodge the dust from duct surfaces
  • At the same time, a high-suction vacuum will remove the agitating particles from your home
  • When both supply and return ducts are thoroughly cleaned, the team focuses on the cabinet—the blower and evaporator chambers.
  • After the network is cleaned, the air filter is replaced, and the vents are unsealed.

When Should Ducts Be Cleaned?

Unfortunately, duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself project since homeowners do not have access to the necessary equipment or training. The National Duct Cleaning Association recommends ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years.1

Several factors may suggest more frequent AC Duct Cleaning:

  • A location near a pollution source, such as a dirt road, a major highway, or a manufacturing plant
  • Family members with breathing issues, such as asthma, severe allergies, or respiratory illness

Who Should Clean Your Ducts?

Whenever you invite a contractor into your home, be sure to choose someone you trust. Do some research. Make sure to capture credentials and references. An established relationship is a good start.

Beware of AC Duct Cleaning contractors that lure customers in with a price that seems too good to be true, only to add fees and upsell services with sales pressure. Not all duct cleaning services are the same, and not all equipment and processes return the same quality of clean duct. Ask for a ballpark quote beforehand, ask about the cleaning process and systems, and insist on the stated price.

Ready to Schedule Your AC Duct Cleaning Appointment?

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

1https://ductcleaning.org/consumer_education/do-i-really-need-an-air-duct-cleaning/#:~:text=Quick%20Information%20and%20Numbers,and%20debris%20in%20your%20system

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Commercial HVAC: Keeping Your Office Quiet

Commercial HVAC: Keeping Your Office Quiet

How to Keep Your Commercial HVAC System Quiet in the Workplace

A current trend in workplace design is to develop small, collaborative workspaces instead of large open cubicle spaces and closed-in conference rooms. The improvements might include clusters of office spaces surrounding an open-air area with a round table.

These spaces are usually more open, with great natural light whenever possible; often team members move in and out of the space as needed. A key theme of these designs is removing walls for improved creativity—working “outside the box” both literally and figuratively. But with more people working in open spaces, attention must be given to addressing ambient noise.

Surveys demonstrate a need to reduce background noise; the top two distracting noises are HVAC noise and the voices of nearby co-workers. After spending the capital to improve workplace productivity and creativity, solutions to overcome these distractions are essential. Both HVAC noise and voice distraction can be addressed with careful attention to detail.

Before you begin, explore your HVAC noise. Is it abnormally loud? This might indicate a malfunction in the system. A service call may lead to a repair that eliminates the noise. Reducing normal Commercial HVAC noise is possible: here are some options:

A Quieter System.

Commercial HVAC systems have a limited lifespan. Well-maintained systems will function for 20 to 25 years, perhaps longer. If your system is loud and not broken, its age may be a factor. Older systems were not designed with collaborative spaces in mind. They used the best technology available to heat, cool, and ventilate the given spaces.

Older systems, often, had a single blower capacity and were oversized for the given space. Every time the blower cycles on, the noise is loud, and if it is oversized, it will cycle more often. A new HVAC system might be in order.

  • If you consider a new commercial HVAC system, consider investigating a newer technology—a variable refrigerant flow system. These systems are sized precisely to match your space and designed to run continuously at a lower blower capacity. These systems offer great advantages beyond blower noise and they help you with your collaborative workspace design.
  • If you install a new HVAC system, work with your contractor to ensure new equipment is placed to your advantage. If you have an option to move large equipment away from key spaces, now is the time. Vent registers make your space comfortable and safe; your installation contractor can help you place vents properly for function and sound control.
  • HVAC ducts are generally round and vent registers are generally rectangular. The adapter between the round and rectangular pieces is called a boot. Sound boots are adapters with sound-deadening material. Sound boots can reduce the transmission of voice through ductwork.

Quieter Materials

When co-workers complain about the voices of others, the complaint is not about volume, but about hearing intelligible conversations. Sound travels directionally and it helps to “break up” the sound waves. However, interior building systems have a tremendous impact on noise transmission.

Hard surfaces, such as glass and tile, cause sound to bounce around; even small sounds will echo around a room. Consider adding materials that deaden sound in the immediate vicinity of the collaborative spaces.

  • Carpet and fabric furniture absorb sound well.
  • Wherever possible, install drop ceilings with acoustical tile
  • Fabric wall coverings are available that mimic artwork
  • Adding green plants is also a good option to break up sound

If you have designed and installed specialty spaces to improve productivity, these tips can help eliminate the two worst sources of distraction. Let us know how we can help you with your commercial HVAC needs.

Ready to Schedule Your HVAC Duct Cleaning Appointment?

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

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Professional HVAC Duct Cleaning

Professional HVAC Duct Cleaning

Why You Need to Schedule an HVAC Duct Cleaning Appointment

Some questions have surfaced about HVAC Duct Cleaning and not everyone agrees. On one side, many people call on homeowners to clean ducts on a regular basis—perhaps as often as an annual cleaning. (Companies that clean ducts really like this suggestion.) On the other side, many consider it unnecessary. Let’s look a little further and give you enough information to come to your own decision.

On a sunny afternoon, as the sunbeams come in at an angle, you see the dust hanging in the air. It shouldn’t surprise us much; we are constantly surrounded by airborne particles, some too small to see. Inside your house, the HVAC system moves these particles with the airflow. When the heating or cooling cycle stops, gravity takes over and the particles drop to whatever surface they hover over.

The air filter captures a lot of the dust, pollen, and such, but some fall onto the surface of the vents. What happens next? Some of those particles are picked up with the next HVAC cycle, while others attach themselves to the bottom of the duct. Cleaning these particles is the source of controversy.

Like many topics of discussion, some who contribute have a compelling interest. Their argument sounds solid, but can you trust their information to be objective? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has weighed in on the subject and has given some pretty objective information.1  Let’s look at a synopsis of their arguments for and against HVAC Duct Cleaning.

First, let’s start with some general statements:

  • Nothing indicates that cleaning ductwork is detrimental to HVAC systems or to the health of occupants.
  • There is no evidence that cleaning ducts improves the health of individuals or prevents any health problems.
  • The source of airborne contaminants is the same for every home: outdoor contaminants find a way inside, indoor activities like cooking or cleaning, and just plain moving around.

In some situations, the EPA highly encourages HVAC Duct Cleaning.

  • In the presence of mold. If a service provider claims you have a mold infestation, ask to see the mold. Use a clear piece of adhesive tape and take a sample. For about $50, a microbiology laboratory will analyze the sample and tell you whether it is mold and what type of mold is growing. Verify the information before proceeding. If you discover mold growth, definitely clean the ducts as part of the mitigation process.
  • In the presence of vermin. If rodents or insects use the ductwork as a means of travel, clean your ducts after the pests have been removed. Droppings carry diseases and can trigger respiratory illnesses. Rodents might also carry insect pests that need to be removed from the home.
  • When ducts are clogged. If a visual inspection of vent registers reveals a large amount of dust and debris that threatens to clog the vent, definitely clean the ducts.
  • If ducts are connected to a fuel-burning furnace, a wood stove, or a fireplace, ducts should be inspected annually to ensure carbon monoxide cannot travel throughout the home.

It is logical to assume that dust is accumulating over time inside the HVAC ducts, so if you desire HVAC Duct Cleaning, do so. However, be wary of exaggerated claims by service providers and verify every claim.

  • For “an additional fee,” service providers might recommend spraying a chemical biocide inside the ducts to kill bacteria and mold. Remember that the source of most contaminants is not inside the duct, but outside. If they spray this chemical, your family and pets must leave the home for several hours as the chemical dissipates.
  • Also, for “an additional fee,” service providers might recommend the application of a sealant to keep contaminants from entering the ducts. Again, this process will not reduce the amount of dust inside the ducts, since the ducts have a positive pressure when in use, and in the case of leaks, they blow out.

Ready to Schedule Your HVAC Duct Cleaning Appointment?

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

Professional HVAC Duct Cleaning

1 https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

 

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Commercial AC: 4 Steps to Avoid Costly Repairs

4 Steps to Avoid Costly Commercial AC Repairs

Business Owner’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Commercial AC Repairs

Everyone looks forward to the arrival of summer—vacations and pool time, with friends and family gathered around the grill. Another summertime reality is an extended period of hot weather. Oh, do we all ever appreciate a good air conditioner?

Matter of fact, businesses depend upon air conditioning to keep their door open during the summer. Restaurants and bars, small offices and large cubicle rooms, small boutique shops, and large box stores, all of them depend on a good air Commercial AC system. Building owners and managers, take note and ensure your air conditioner is well cared for. Here are some Commercial AC Repair tips to consider to keep you cool all summer long.

Steady Temps

Even with the air conditioner on, the indoor temperature varies a little between cooling cycles. The temp rises to match the setting on the thermostat and begins the cooling cycle.

In that situation, it is tempting to crank the thermostat down a little to initialize a cooling cycle, but this action will not result in the desired response.

First, the Commercial AC system was scheduled to begin cooling within a few minutes of your action. Second, it will take about thirty minutes for the Commercial AC system to achieve a lower temp. In the meantime, you are taxing the air conditioner in hope of a momentary reprieve.

Schedule Filter Replacement

Replacing air filters is perhaps the most important maintenance task you can do. Neglecting this task leads to dirtier air, dirtier equipment, and reduced airflow, all with negative results. Dust in the air can trigger allergies.

Dust on the interior equipment puts stress on the mechanical parts. But a clogged air filter can reduce airflow and make it difficult for the air conditioner to cool the air. Set a calendar reminder to ensure filters get changed regularly.

Note the Unusual

Because you are in your building so often, you have a good baseline for normal air conditioner operation. Whenever you or staff members recognize something unusual, make a quick investigation. Investigate when you:

  • Hear loud or uncommon noises
  • Water leaking or damage around Commercial AC equipment
  • Rank smells or poor air quality
  • A sudden rise in utility bills
  • Warm air instead of cool air

Annual Professional Commercial AC Tune-up

For best results, your air conditioner systems should be inspected, cleaned, and tested by an HVAC technician. This ensures that the system runs efficiently and when a problem arises, it is caught early before it becomes a much larger problem.

Acknowledge Commercial AC Specialty Needs

Some businesses require special cooling and ventilation needs.

  • High-tech server rooms that generate considerable heat, but require very cool temperatures
  • High-tech research or healthcare facilities that require superior air filtration

Mullinix Commercial AC technicians have the training and experience to help managers properly care for this equipment.

Let us help with your Commercial AC repair needs.

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

4 Steps to Avoid Costly Commercial AC Repairs

 

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Residential AC Repair: Keep Your Drain Line Clean

Residential AC Repair

Residential AC Repair: Drain Line Clogs and How to Prevent Them from Causing Damage to Your Home

Homeownership is very complex; buying, selling, decorating, landscaping, maintaining . . . the list seems endless. One of the most important and most expensive building systems is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC). The HVAC system makes living comfortably in modern homes possible, and that is never so apparent as during hot, steamy Texas summers.

The best way to extend the useful years of your HVAC system is by maintaining the component parts and we often share tips for keeping your system well-maintained. Since we still have several months in the cooling season left, here’s a tip for cleaning your condensation drain line.

What are you draining?

Air conditioning in most residences uses heat pump technology. The refrigerant gas is compressed, then quickly released. The compressed gas is very hot, but when released the hot gas gets very cold very fast. The release happens inside a chamber receiving hot air from your home. The gas cools the hot air and boy does that feel good?

A residual action happens because the hot air from your home is also humid. A good portion of the humidity collects on the network of tubes that carries the refrigerant gas like the water droplets that form outside of your glass of lemonade. Since the air conditioner removes several gallons of water every day, the condensation drain line removes the water outdoors or to a floor drain.

What’s the problem?

The water drops from the evaporator coil into a drain pan and at a certain level the water enters the drain line. The evaporator chamber is dark, with a huge volume of air moving through it. Some organic airborne particles move past the air filter, so in that cool, moist, dark area, algae will grow in both the drain pan and the drain line. If left unchecked, algae growth can cause problems and damage.

  • The algae can smell really bad
  • The air conditioner continues to remove humidity. With the drain line clogged, the drain pan will overflow into your home, damaging flooring, walls, furniture, and potentially the ceiling below a second-floor AC unit.

The clog is rather easy to prevent and easy to fix.

Preventing a clog.

The key to preventing algae growth is creating an environment inhospitable to the algae. The algae growth can be interrupted by abnormal pH levels. As a preventative maintenance task, add a cup of white vinegar into the drain pan. Vinegar is a mild acid and will retard or slow the growth of algae.

Clearing a clog.

If water is draining from under your central air conditioner, take a look around and identify the evaporator chamber and the drain line. The evaporator chamber will have fasteners to allow access; the drain line will be about 1” in diameter and lead to a floor drain or outdoors.

  • Gather several tools: a screwdriver or ratchet, a wet/dry shop vacuum cleaner set for suctioning water.
  • Find the circuit breaker in your electric service panel marked “AC,” and flip it to the off position.
  • Open the evaporator chamber and take a look inside. Observe the evaporator coil—a network of copper or aluminum tubing, often in a “V” shape.
  • Below the evaporator coil, observe the drain pan. It will probably be filled with water and perhaps debris. Use the shop vac and remove the water.
  • Determine which end of the drain line is easiest to remove—the cabinet end or the floor drain end.
  • Use the shop vac to suction the algae clog out of the drain line. It will be soft and easy to remove. However, you will need to anticipate a rush of water, so be prepared with the shop vac.
  • Reconnect the drain line.
  • Add a cup of vinegar to the drain pan. Refasten the cover and flip the circuit breaker to the On position.
  • Vacuum the area surrounding the central air cabinet.

Observe the area for the next few days to ensure the clog has indeed been cleared.

Have a question about drain line clogs or Residential AC Repair?

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

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Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality

Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality

Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality

Whew, it is hot and sticky out today! It is no wonder that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where air conditioning cools and dehumidifies the air. However, the indoor air is 2-4 times as polluted as outdoor air according to the EPA. An international pandemic focused tremendous attention on indoor air quality for a while. Perhaps you have considered HVAC Duct Cleaning to improve indoor air quality. If you are considering having your ductwork cleaned, here are some important considerations.

Duct Cleaning Methods

Commercial contractors will use one of three methods for cleaning the ductwork in residential HVAC systems:

  • The vacuum method employs high-intensity vacuum cleaners to suction dust and debris
  • The air sweep method, which dislodges dust and debris with compressed air and suctions the dust with a vacuum, and
  • The rotary brush method combines a rotary brush to agitate the dust and debris and a vacuum to suction the debris away

Each method is found to be effective and the contractor should be able to demonstrate improved indoor air quality as a result of the chosen process. Vacuum systems with High-Efficiency Particle Air filters remove 99.7% of all airborne particles, including most bacteria; they offer the best vacuum solutions for duct cleaning. Duct cleaning contractors should be able to document a reduction in the number of airborne contaminants larger than 1.0 microns in size. The EPA recommends indoor air quality before and after duct cleaning.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

Things to Avoid

The EPA recognizes the benefit of duct cleaning “as needed;” however, here are a few things that you should avoid when having ducts cleaned.

  • Excessive duct cleaning is unnecessary and a waste of resources. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association recommends cleaning ducts every 3 to 5 years.
  • For the best results, the vacuum cleaner should be outside of the house during duct cleaning. This ensures that all particles suctioned by the vacuum remain outside of the house.
  • The EPA also does not recommend the use of chemical biocides or other chemical substances while cleaning ducts. These chemicals remain in the home long enough to be harmful to humans and pets.
  • Duct cleaning should be completed when family and pets are absent from the home.

The importance of clean indoor air cannot be over-emphasized. Duct cleaning can be an important component of keeping your home’s air clean.

Have a question about Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality information page.

Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality

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Top 6 Reasons to Invest in a Ductless Mini Split AC System

Ductless Mini Split AC System

Top 6 Reasons Ductless Mini Split AC Systems are a Good Investment

For years, homeowner’s options concerning residential air conditioners were limited to small, room air conditioners and ducted, central air conditioners. Another option has hit the market in the U.S. and holds promise for the right situations. Mini-split, ductless air conditioning systems are gaining popularity, and for good reason.

Mini-split systems have an outdoor compressor unit just like other air conditioners. Instead of ducts, the refrigerant gas is piped outdoors and enters each room individually. A small unit, mounted about ¾ of the way up the wall, provides cool air and removes humidity. Look at these features and consider whether this option might suit your needs.

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems are More Energy Efficient

The method for rating air conditioning systems uses the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Regulations require that all central air conditioning units sold after 2022 have a SEER of at least 15 in the south/14 in the north. Very energy-efficient central air systems can achieve a SEER 23 rating, but ducts are notorious for losing energy through leaks and uninsulated sheet metal. Very energy-efficient mini-split systems can achieve a higher rating—up to SEER 33 since there is no energy lost through ducts.

Ductless Mini Split AC System Requires No Ductwork

In application without existing ducts or when going ductless is preferred air conditioning is possible without ducts. That means:

  • No build-up of dust, pollen, and dander that attract mites and mold
  • No ductwork cleaning
  • No ductwork leaking
  • Furniture can be placed wherever you like without the worry of blocking floor vents

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems Improved Air Filtration

A central air conditioner has one air filter. With mini-split systems, each room has an individual filter. The air is circulated within the room and dust and pollen are removed at the source, eliminating contaminants before they spread.

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems Also Heat

Mini-split systems air conditioning systems use heat pump technology, which works just like it sounds. Heat is pumped out of your home and into the summer air outdoors, which is already hot. The bonus effect is, that it can do the reverse and serve as a heat pump heater, providing heat during the fall and winter months. When the outside temperature remains above 350 F, the heat pump can extract heat from the outside air and bring it inside to keep you toasty and warm.

Zoned Temperature Control

One mini-split air conditioner condenser unit can serve up to 8 room units and each room unit will have an individual thermostat control. That means that each room can be considered a zone and the comfort levels can vary from room to room. Rooms that are seldom used can have a minimum energy setting to save money. The kitchen that needs a cooler setting while dinner is being prepared will not affect the setting in other rooms. This can add a level of comfort unavailable with a whole-house air conditioner.

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems Are Easy to Install

Ducted systems are installed early during the construction process since most of the ductwork must be covered inside of walls. In comparison, minis-split systems are easy to install near the end of construction or even post-construction. A concrete pad is installed outdoors, and very small holes are made through the walls to facilitate tubing. The indoor components are installed after the walls have been painted or finished. The work is easy, doesn’t take long, and is minimally invasive.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for residential air conditioning solutions. Neither central air systems nor mini-split ductless are perfect for every situation. Options are always good! With options, you come closer to finding “your” perfect solution.

Have a question about Ductless Mini Split AC Systems?

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

Ductless Mini Split AC System