Air Works Heating & Air Archives - Page 4 of 4

Dangers of a Faulty Heater and the Warning Signs

Heating Hazards and How Homeowners Can Identify Them

Problems with heaters and furnaces can pose serious risks to homeowners. From fire gas leaks to gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more, these can put Franklinton, NC households in danger.

Fortunately, households can avoid these issues by properly maintaining their heating systems and scheduling heater repairs promptly when a unit malfunctions. Franklinton, NC technicians explain the dangers of carbon monoxide leaks, mold, and an overheating heater or furnace and how to avoid these situations.

Carbon Monoxide Leak

A carbon monoxide leak is one of the most dangerous threats a furnace or heater can have on a household. This serious issue can even turn deadly if households don’t detect it in time.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen when there is incomplete combustion in a heater or furnace. If the fuel doesn’t completely burn, it produces carbon monoxide. This happens if a heater or furnace is not properly maintained or experiences an issue like a cracked heat exchanger. Improper ventilation can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that homeowners might not notice until it’s too late and they start to experience health symptoms. Some common signs they might notice are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. If a family has been exposed to carbon monoxide, they must seek medical attention quickly.

A carbon monoxide detector is the best way to alert families to the presence of the gas. Like a smoke detector, these devices can quickly alert the family to the danger, allowing them to evacuate the house and call for help.

Mold Growth

A malfunctioning heating system can produce mold, which can then be carried into a home’s ductwork. Mold typically forms when there is an accumulation of moisture in the heating system or organic material present that it can feed off of.

Some common issues that can lead to the formation of mold include:

Condensation inside the air ducts due to warm air from the furnace meeting the cooler air from the ducts
Leaks in the ductwork that allow warm, moist air to enter the air ducts
High humidity levels in the house add to excess moisture
Dust, dirt, and other organic materials accumulate in the ducts
Poor ventilation in the house results in stagnant air in the ducts

Homes can avoid mold growth by improving ventilation in their house, reducing humidity levels, inspecting their air ducts, and scheduling regular maintenance on their heater.

Homeowners should watch for the signs of mold and call for professional services when they notice symptoms. Some common signs are musty odors in the house, physical signs of mold, or increased allergy or respiratory issues among homeowners.

Overheating Furnaces and Heaters

Overheating furnaces and heaters pose numerous dangers to households. Some of the most common and dangerous threats include fires, cracked heat exchangers, carbon monoxide leaks, tripped safety switches, expensive damage to the furnace, and more.

To avoid these risks, homeowners must watch for the signs of a furnace overheating. They should call a professional for heating repairs if they notice a burning odor from the heating system or a strange humming sound.

Households can prevent overheating heaters by scheduling regular heating maintenance on their unit. Heating contractors recommend booking appointments at least once a year to have a professional inspect the system.

Property owners should also regularly clean and replace the furnace filters – about every 1 to 3 months. They should also ensure the system has proper ventilation and the thermostat works correctly. If homeowners suspect their heater is malfunctioning or their furnace is overheating, they should schedule services with a professional.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided Raleigh with quality air conditioning and furnace services. They offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed for all services and provide straightforward pricing to all clients. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.

Say Thank You To HVAC Technicians in November

Be Thankful for the Heating and Cooling Technicians’ Superb Services

There is much for North Carolina homeowners to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Their family, friends, health, and good fortunes might be near the top of their list. But they shouldn’t overlook their HVAC technicians.

Homeowners rely on heating and cooling contractors to keep their furnaces and air conditioners running properly – allowing their homes to warm and cool to the ideal temperature. Technicians can keep households safe and healthy through indoor air quality services.

Heat Homes in the Winter

When the temperatures dip in the winter, HVAC technicians perform tasks to keep heaters and furnaces working correctly to keep homes warm. By performing heating maintenance and furnace repairs, heating contractors prevent households from enduring a chilly house all winter.

Technicians provide the following benefits to households by keeping their heating systems working:

A warm and comfortable home during the frigid winter months
Protection from illnesses caused by cold temperatures, including hypothermia
Prevention of frozen pipes
Protection from a malfunctioning heater can cause issues like leaks from carbon monoxide
Energy savings due to a more energy-efficient system

Heating contractors keep heaters and furnaces running correctly by performing annual tune-ups and emergency heater repairs and replacements.

Cool Homes in the Summer

Technicians keep air conditioners running correctly to keep homes cool and comfortable all summer. By performing air conditioner services and AC repairs quickly, technicians can help homeowners avoid hot and stuffy houses.

By performing fast and accurate services, technicians provide the following services to households:

A cool and comfortable house all summer, even on the hottest days.
A healthy household helps them avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. This is especially risky for vulnerable family members, including infants and the elderly.
Increasing indoor air quality, as working heaters accurately remove particles from the air.
Better focus as households can sleep better and more comfortably on hot summer nights.

Technicians keep households safe and cool all summer by performing routine air conditioning services.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

An overlooked benefit technicians provide to households is increased indoor air quality.
Technicians improve the air quality by keeping a home’s furnace or air conditioner running correctly. When working properly, the systems can remove particles and contaminants from the air. Failure to do this can leave a family enduring decreased indoor air quality, leading to health issues and other risks.

Health risks can include allergy, asthma, and respiratory symptoms. If household members suffer from these issues, poor indoor air quality can enhance them and put them at higher risk. These symptoms can be exaggerated if mold and mildew form in the house due to excess moisture.

Poor indoor air quality can also lead to uncomfortable living situations for families. This can make them endure high humidity levels and poor ventilation, making it hot and stuffy in the house.

HVAC technicians help households avoid these issues by performing indoor air quality services, installing air quality systems, and more.

About Air Works Heating & Air

This Halloween, Prevent Chilling Risks From a Broken Heater

Signs You Need Heating Repairs

This Halloween, avoid a scary situation by repairing a malfunctioning heater quickly before leaving the household in the cold. If a heater breaks down, it can force the family to endure a chilly house all winter.

To prevent these problems, homeowners must quickly identify and repair heating problems. Some signs they should watch for are if their heater stops warming their house, if it starts to make odd sounds, and if their energy bills are increasing.

Home Is Not Heating Up

When homeowners notice their house is chillier than it should be or cooler than the setting on the thermostat, it can indicate they need heating system repairs.

Numerous problems can cause a heater to fail to warm a house. One potential reason is a malfunctioning thermostat. If there is a problem with the wires, batteries, or other issues with the device, it can prevent the heater from running according to the programmed settings.

A clogged filter, blocked vent, or malfunctioning pilot light can also prevent a heater from properly heating a home. Other issues that impact a heater’s performance are a lack of maintenance and if the heater is too small for the house.

Reasons Your Heating Is Making Strange Sounds

It’s normal for heaters to make some sounds. However, if the system makes frightening noises that sound like a Halloween haunted house, it can be time to call in the professionals.

Some signs that can indicate a problem with the heater are banging, clanging, or rattling. These can indicate there are loose or damaged parts.

Screeching or squealing sounds should also be inspected. These can indicate a broken blower motor or a blower wheel. Grinding sounds can also indicate a broken blower wheel.

Other sounds that can indicate a problem with the heater are hissing or whistling. This can indicate there is a leak in the ductwork. Clicking sounds can also be a symptom of a thermostat problem.

If property owners notice these sounds, they should schedule heater repair services to have the sounds inspected and fixed.

Causes of Unexplained Rises in Energy Bill

If heaters malfunction, they can use more energy than is needed – resulting in higher utility bills. If homeowners notice higher-than-usual energy bills, it can signal an issue with their heater.

Several problems with heaters can cause energy bills to increase. These can include signs of aging, wear and tear, and overworking due to dirty or clogged filters.

Leaking ductwork and a malfunctioning thermostat can also result in wasted energy. Air can leak through cracks in the air ducts, and a broken thermostat can cause a heater to run longer than needed, resulting in wasted energy.

Homeowners can save money and get their energy bills back to normal by hiring a contractor to repair the heater.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Symptoms an Evaporator Coil Needs Cleaning

Signs You Need Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

An evaporator coil plays an integral part in keeping homes cool. These components allow air conditioners to remove hot air and disperse cooled air throughout a home. To prevent these problems from interfering with an air conditioner and causing a home to become uncomfortable, homeowners should schedule professional coil cleaning services. These services will allow an AC unit to operate more energy efficiently and better cool a home.

Homeowners should schedule evaporator coil services if their HVAC is not properly cooling their house if frost builds up on the component, or if other problems prevent it from properly cooling the house.

Loss of Cooling Function

One symptom homeowners need to be aware of that can indicate they need to schedule evaporator coil cleaning services is if their house is not cooling to the setting on the thermostat. A dirty coil can prevent the air conditioner from properly cooling a house.

This can be due to:

Frost or ice built up on the coil
Refrigerant leaks
Coil corrosion or damage to the component
Clogged coils due to dust, dirt, or debris

If homeowners notice these symptoms, they should call an HVAC contractor and schedule evaporator coil cleaning services.

Frost

Frost on an evaporator coil can require professional AC coil cleaning services to remove it and allow an air conditioner to work correctly.

If frost accumulates on a coil, it can prevent airflow from properly going through the coil. This can happen for various reasons, including a clogged air filter or a blocked vent. This prevents the coil from correctly absorbing heat and producing cooled air.

Property owners must call for professional services immediately if they have frozen evaporator coils.

The AC Runs Longer

Homeowners should also look for signs that their air conditioner is running longer than necessary to determine if they have dirty evaporator coils. Symptoms of longer cycles can be seen in rising utility bills.

This happens when an evaporator coil is dirty and cannot correctly cool the house to the desired temperature. It can cause the AC unit to run continuously by:

Reducing the cooling efficiency due to frost buildup or dirt accumulation
Failing to absorb heat from the air correctly
Overworking due to a faulty heat exchange process
Inconsistent cooling throughout the house
A malfunctioning sensor that prevents the air conditioner from turning off

Homeowners should schedule AC evaporator coil cleaning services with a professional if they notice any of these issues. An AC contractor will inspect the component and the entire AC system and perform necessary repairs or services.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Central AC vs. Ductless Cooling

Central or Ductless System: Choosing the Right Fit

When Raleigh homeowners need to install a new air conditioning system, they have numerous options, including central AC or ductless systems. There are advantages to each of these systems, and both can provide much-needed relief in the hot summer months.

To find out which system is best for their house, homeowners need to work with an AC contractor to weigh each benefit.

Central AC

A central AC system is a cooling system that removes heat and humidity from the air of a home or building. It comprises several parts, including a compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, air handler, ductwork, and a thermostat to properly cool a home.

Central AC units offer several advantages over other types of cooling systems, including:

Whole-Home/Whole-Building Cooling: Central AC systems are designed to cool an entire home or building, providing consistent and even cooling throughout all rooms and areas. This is particularly beneficial in larger spaces or buildings with multiple floors.
Improved Air Quality: These systems typically include filters that help remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air. This results in improved indoor air quality, making the environment more comfortable and healthier for occupants.
Energy Efficiency: These can be highly energy-efficient when properly sized and maintained. They often have higher energy efficiency ratings than individual units like window ACs or portable ACs.
Quieter Operation: These units tend to operate more quietly than individual units. The noisier components, such as the compressor and condenser, are located outside the building, reducing indoor noise levels.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

A ductless mini split AC system, also known as a ductless air conditioning system or a ductless heat pump, is a cooling system that does not require ductwork to distribute conditioned air. It offers a cooling solution for homes or buildings that do not have ductwork.

Ductless systems provide the following advantages:

Flexibility: Ductless systems can be installed in a variety of homes and buildings, including older homes without existing ductwork, room additions, or spaces with limited access for duct installation.
Zoning Capability: Each indoor unit can be independently controlled, allowing for personalized temperature settings in different zones or rooms. This provides energy savings by not having to cool rooms your family is not in.
Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems are highly energy-efficient because they don’t experience the energy losses associated with ductwork and only cool certain zones.
Easy Installation: Installing these systems is generally easier and less disruptive than air conditioning installations.

Other AC Systems

In addition to central AC systems and ductless mini split air conditioner systems, homeowners can consider other types of AC systems to make their houses more comfortable. Some of these include:

Window AC Unit: Window units are self-contained systems designed to be mounted in a window or a specially prepared opening in a wall. These units are relatively affordable and suitable for cooling individual rooms or small spaces, but they cannot cool the whole house or large spaces.
Portable Air Conditioners: Portable AC units are mobile, self-contained systems that can be moved from one room to another. These units are easy to install and flexible for cooling specific areas or rooms. However, these are not efficient at cooling an entire house.
Split Air Conditioners: These ducted air conditioning systems are similar to ductless mini splits but use ductwork to distribute the conditioned air throughout the building.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Refrigerant Facts Every Household Needs To Know

What Homeowners Need to Know About Refrigerant

After a long day in the summer sun, Raleigh homeowners want to retreat to their cool, comfortable homes. If they walk in and their house is warmer than it should be, it can immediately cause fear and anxiety. Is the air conditioner broken? Is the thermostat malfunctioning?

It can be an issue with the AC system’s refrigerant or coolant. Refrigerant, a substance in an air conditioner’s coils, is essential to cool a home to the desired temperature. It absorbs the heat and provides cool air to comfort the home.

Homeowners need to understand the basics of refrigerants. They need to understand what type to use in their AC system, what causes leaks, and when to call an HVAC technician.

How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses

For an air conditioner to function properly, homeowners need to recharge the unit with the correct type of refrigerant. Many homeowners are not aware that there are numerous types of refrigerants. Using the right type is essential, as these are not interchangeable. Using the wrong variation can result in damage to the system.

Using the wrong refrigerant can result in leaks, corrosion, and damage to key components in an AC system. These can ultimately result in breakdowns or costly repairs.

Property owners can determine the type of refrigerant their particular AC system requires by checking the label on the air conditioner. They can ask an AC technician for assistance if they cannot locate it.

If the AC unit was built before 2010, it likely uses R-22 (freon). Freon has been banned in newer models, as it is dangerous to the environment. Technicians may recommend replacing the air conditioner with a model that doesn’t use R22 refrigerant.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

A common issue with an air conditioner is a refrigerant leak. These can be caused by numerous problems with an AC system, including:

Damaged components: Over time, system components, such as coils, fittings, valves, or connections, can become damaged. Corrosion, vibrations, physical stress, or wear and tear can lead to small cracks, gaps, or holes, allowing refrigerants to escape.
Poor installation: Improper installation of an air conditioner can cause refrigerant leaks. Inadequate sealing of joints, incorrect tightening of fittings, or using incompatible materials can create leakage points. To avoid these problems, systems need to be installed by qualified professionals who adhere to industry standards.
Manufacturing defects: Occasionally, manufacturing defects in AC components can lead to refrigerant leaks.
Vibrations and stress: Vibrations and mechanical stress can cause components to shift or loosen over time. This can lead to leaks.
Freeze-thaw cycles: If refrigerant lines are exposed to freezing temperatures, the expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles can cause joints or fittings to loosen or crack, leading to leaks.

Professionals can use refrigerant leak detectors to identify signs of a leak in a home and perform the necessary repairs.

When is it Time to Call a Professional?

Property owners need to call HVAC technicians as soon as possible after noticing the signs of a refrigerant leak, frozen coil, or another issue.

One of the most obvious symptoms is if a home is not cooling to the temperature setting on the thermostat. Without the right amount of refrigerant, AC systems cannot work properly.

Other signs property owners should watch for include if the AC runs continuously without shutting down, if there are hissing or gurgling sounds coming from the system as refrigerant escapes through small holes, or if there is a formation of ice on the refrigerant lines, causing frozen AC coils.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided heating and cooling services to the Raleigh area. They offer flat-rate pricing and 100% satisfaction guaranteed on every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.

Slash Cooling Costs With These Tips

Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs

Raleigh residents may rush to turn their air conditioners on when the summer heat arrives. This can cause their homes to cool but also result in higher energy bills. This can leave them torn between indoor comfort and lower utility bills.

Fortunately, they might not have to choose. AC contractors have some tips for cooling homes without causing rising bills. These suggestions include installing programmable thermostats, adding weatherstripping around drafty areas, and better-utilizing ceiling fans to help cool down rooms.

Programmable and Smart Thermostats

AC technicians recommend installing programmable thermostats to provide better control over their indoor climate than nonprogrammable thermostats provide. These digital devices can provide numerous benefits, including:

Precision and Accuracy: Digital thermostats provide precise temperature control. They have built-in sensors that accurately measure the ambient temperature, allowing homeowners to set their desired temperature more accurately.
Programmable Settings: Most digital thermostats are programmable, allowing property owners to create customized temperature schedules throughout the day. They can set different temperatures for specific times or days of the week, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency: Digital thermostats can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Remote Access and Control: Many digital thermostats offer remote access via smartphone apps or web interfaces. This allows homeowners to control and monitor their thermostat settings from anywhere with an internet connection.
User-Friendly Interface: Digital thermostats often feature user-friendly interfaces with clear displays and intuitive controls. They may have touchscreens, backlit screens, or even voice command capabilities, making navigating the settings and adjusting temperatures easier.
Maintenance Alerts and Diagnostics: Some digital thermostats provide maintenance alerts and diagnostic information. They can notify homeowners when it’s time to change air filters, service the HVAC system, or if there are any issues detected.
Data and Insights: Digital thermostats can collect and analyze temperature patterns and usage data. This can provide valuable insights into homeowners’ heating and cooling habits, energy consumption, and potential efficiency improvements.

Weatherstripping

If Raleigh homes have drafts around the windows or doors, homeowners can throw money away on cooling costs. Hot air may be entering their homes through the gaps, and the cool air produced by air conditioners can be leaving.

This can prevent homes from cooling to the temperature settings and cause AC systems to overwork. This wear and tear can lead to higher energy bills and cause systems to malfunction and need to be replaced sooner than expected.

To avoid these issues, technicians recommend adding weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent these drafts. This easy-to-install solution will keep the cool air inside the house and the hot air outside.

Use the AC Less and Fans More

One of the easiest ways homeowners can save money on their cooling costs is by cutting down on their air conditioner usage and instead opting to use their ceiling fans more.

Relying solely on an air conditioner to cool the house can use much energy and cause bills to rise. Instead, they can reduce costs by turning down the AC and using ceiling fans – set counterclockwise when setting the ceiling fan direction – to cool rooms by circulating the air.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided quality heating and cooling services to the Raleigh area. They offer upfront pricing and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.

What Tools and Equipment Do HVAC Technicians Use on the Job?

What Heating and Cooling Contractors Keep in Their Fully Stocked Trucks

When homeowners schedule heating or air conditioner repairs, they need technicians to arrive prepared to handle the job. They must bring a fully stocked truck or van to every heater or AC repair, tune-up, and installation. Having the right tools on hand benefits the heating and cooling technicians – as they won’t need to leave to get different tools or equipment – but it’s more convenient for homeowners, too, as it won’t prolong the service waiting for them to get the needed tools. Learn about some of the essential hand tools, safety equipment, and specialized tools HVAC contractors must have in their trucks to prepare them for heating and air conditioning services.

Hand Tools

The most common tools heating and cooling contractors need are hand tools. These include some tools homeowners likely have around their houses. All HVAC technicians should come to each job with a complete stock of hand tools, including screwdrivers, flashlights, wrenches, pliers, tape measurers, cutters, etc.

Screwdrivers and flashlights are two of the most used tools. Technicians need screwdrivers to remove and replace screws in thermostats, air conditioning, and heating systems. Flashlights are also commonly used to take a closer look at a unit – especially some hard-to-see places like the ductwork.

Technicians need tape measurers and cutters during installations. They must ensure the new unit will fit the allotted space and often require a tape measure to verify it. They may need cutters to add or remove pipes connected to the system. Pliers are often used when working with the wiring. They may need it to bend, cut, or strip wires.

Safety Equipment

AC contractors and heating technicians must be extremely careful when working with cooling and heating systems. Air conditioners and furnaces can contain dangerous chemicals, such as refrigerants like Freon, and gasses – like carbon monoxide and natural gas. Exposure can pose serious health risks if any of these are ingested or get into their eyes or on their skin.

To avoid the risks associated with working on HVAC systems, technicians bring safety equipment such as:

Gloves: Gloves can protect their hands when working with dangerous substances and prevent injuries from sharp parts.
Masks: Contractors must ensure they don’t breathe in dangerous gasses or debris, and masks can provide the needed protection.
Goggles: Goggles protect an HVAC technician’s eyes.
Boots: Sturdy boots are essential to prevent slipping, provide traction, and avoid injury.

Specialized Equipment

When there are problems with an air conditioner or furnace, technicians may also need specialized tools and equipment to make repairs quickly and accurately. Some of the commonly used specialized HVAC tools are:

Coil Fin Straighteners: A professional might use these tools to remove debris and straighten bent fins when performing AC condenser coil cleanings or AC maintenance.
Thermometer: Pros often carry a portable digital thermometer. This can help them determine the temperature of the air an air conditioner or furnace is producing.
Leak Detectors: These devices help technicians determine if the refrigerant is leaking.
Psychrometer: This tool helps contractors measure the relative humidity.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated company serving Franklinton, NC, and the surrounding areas since 2007. They provide flat rate pricing, on-time arrival, and financing. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Franklinton, NC.