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4 Signs You Need Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement

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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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HVAC Efficiency: Save Money with an Energy-Efficient HVAC

HVAC Efficiency 101

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.

HVAC Efficiency 101

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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.

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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?

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

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Heater Repair: Common Wintertime Heating Problems

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.

Heater Repair: Common Wintertime Heating Problems

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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