Why You Shouldn’t Attempt to Change Your AC Fan Speed on Your Own

September 15, 2022

Even when the air conditioner in your Solon, Ohio home is working perfectly, you aren’t guaranteed to have the level of comfort that you really want. Although cranking up your air conditioner’s fan speed will give you a faster and more forceful flow of air, you should never attempt to make this adjustment by yourself. Like all other aspects of your air conditioner, fan speed settings must account for the nature of the AC model you own and the needs of your living environment. Ideal AC Fan Settings Can Vary From Model to Model Across nearly all air conditioner brands, 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the standard fan speed. However, ideal fan settings are often specific to individual AC models based upon their size, cooling capacity, and overall design. More importantly, the standard fan speed isn’t necessarily the correct fan speed for you home. To arrive at the right setting, you’ll have to account for numerous factors that are specific to your living environment. Cranking up Fan Speeds Rarely Provides the Desired Results Increasing the speed of box fans and ceiling fans provides more air movement and increased comfort. This isn’t the case with air conditioners. Having more...

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Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Might Be Squeaking

August 11, 2022

As you’re relaxing on a hot and swampy day, the last thing you likely want is a problem with your air conditioner. When that squeaking noise starts up, ignoring the issue might be tempting, but doing so can lead to more extensive and costly repairs later on. Learn some of the reasons why the air conditioner might be making that unpleasant sound. It’s Getting Started Keep in mind that at the beginning of the hot season, the air conditioner has potentially not been turned on for many months. If your air conditioner squeaks when the unit is first turned on for the season, and then the noise goes away, you might not have anything to worry about it. It’s Working too Hard The air conditioner might be working too hard to keep up with the home’s cooling demands, which could lead to a squeaking sound. Consider if you need to keep the temperature as low as you currently have it set. Setting the unit to a low temperature can require the parts within the air conditioner to have to work harder, which can ultimately lead to squeaking. The Parts Need Repair or Replacement One or more of the parts in...

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3 Common AC Compressor Problems

July 20, 2022

An AC compressor is used to pressurize and circulate the refrigerant through the system. Many components inside an AC compressor need to be checked for proper operation for it to work correctly. The following are some of the most common compressor problems. 1. Starting Issues There are several reasons why an AC will not start. The main reason is that the compressor is failing. A compressor that is slowly failing will sometimes start fine but add a load to the motor and cause it to immediately shut off. Also, if an AC compressor has been sitting for a long time, the oil inside can dry out, causing it to not be able to start. To check for starting issues, disconnect power from the unit and immediately start it back on. If you have a failing compressor, you’ll notice issues starting the system. 2. Strange Sounds A noisy AC compressor can be caused by the bearings in the compressor wearing out. The fan may also begin to fail, causing noise and vibration. If your system has strange sounds while running, you should check everything inside of the unit. 3. Breaker Problems A failing compressor can cause the breaker to short circuit....

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How to Soundproof an HVAC System

June 16, 2022

The HVAC system can be the biggest noise culprit in contemporary buildings. Proper insulation and soundproofing will keep the activity area quiet that could get disturbed by the hum and other noises from air and ventilation systems. Here are some best ways to soundproof an HVAC system: 1. Remove and Replace the Air Vent The easiest way to soundproof HVAC is to replace the air vent with a quieter, thicker model. The soundproofing vent should be able to reduce 90% of the noise coming from the unit. 2. Use Flexible Ducts Flexible ducts are a great choice for soundproofing your HVAC system. They’re easy to install and made of materials that are flexible enough to withstand the movement of your HVAC system. 3. Upgrade the HVAC System The availability of higher energy-efficient HVAC systems with the ability to perform will contribute to your savings, and they are usually quieter. Replace the older style ducting with newer insulated ductwork. New insulation and sealing leakage points can also help reduce sounds within your home. 4. Buy a Duct Silencer The HVAC duct silencer has been designed to reduce the noise produced by air conditioning and ventilation systems. They are used in residential...

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What’s Causing Your AC Leak?

May 19, 2022

All traditional air conditioners produce water as they cool your home. This condensation is often safely removed via your drain line and drip pan. If you’re struggling with an AC water leak, one or more parts of these components may be compromised. Here are the most common causes behind air conditioner leaks. Clogged Drain Line Your AC’s drain or condensate line may become clogged over time due to mold, mildew, dirt, and debris. Clogs in the line can cause the water to overfill your drip pan and leak into the home. Continued leaking will compromise other parts of your AC and lead to decreased indoor air quality. Your drain line needs regular maintenance to ensure it’s clean and functioning as intended. You can easily clean this line yourself with vinegar or a wet-dry vacuum if dealing with a harder clog. If the leaking persists or worsens, contact a trained HVAC professional immediately. Incorrectly Installed AC An AC may begin leaking if it hasn’t been correctly installed. Window AC units should be tilted slightly back so the water moves naturally outside of the home. If the unit is tilted forward, you’re more likely to struggle with the drip pan overfilling. Your...

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Are You Wasting Money and Energy by Opening the Windows?

April 18, 2022

It’s only natural for homeowners in Solon, OH, and its surrounding areas to look for ways to reduce energy use for cooling and heating. With your HVAC system primarily driven by electricity, at times, the cost of utility bills might be high. In addition, the big question you might be battling with is, will sleeping with windows open save energy and save me money? If this is your question, this information will be helpful. Read on to decide what’s best for your system and loved ones. Air Conditioning vs. Open Windows When you sleep with the windows open, you allow outdoor pollutants into your home. Moreover, since your system is meant to keep your indoor air clean and breathable, that means it’ll work harder than it usually would to remove these pollutants. In the end, your system will use up more energy, causing an increase in electricity bills. Furthermore, when your system works harder than it should, it simply translates to more extreme wear and tear. In the end, your system will become less efficient and take longer to cool your home than it normally would. Let’s not forget that you might be allowing humid air from the outside into...

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Licensed vs. Unlicensed Contractors

March 15, 2022

Taking good care of your heating and air conditioning system means having it serviced annually. It could also have problems and need attention sooner than that. However, all service providers are not equal. There is a wide gap between the services of a licensed contractor and those of others who did not go through the rigorous process of becoming licensed. Licensed Contractors Come With Benefits When you hire a licensed contractor, you are not simply hiring a professional skilled in their trade. Having a license means that the work is guaranteed and if there is ever a problem, the ability to have it fix is included with the package. A licensed and insured contractor can make certain that your warranties are valid and will register your HVAC system and other equipment on your behalf. A licensed contractor has gone through testing at the state level to assess their skills and knowledge of their craft. Besides passing the exams, they must submit to extensive background checks and carry comprehensive insurance. This amounts to peace of mind for the customer when using licensed contractors. It means protection of assets and property, including your HVAC unit. Trying to Save Money Might Cost You...

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Easily Fix Your Home’s Uneven Heating

February 17, 2022

Struggling with uneven heating in your home can be difficult and frustrating. Uneven heating is a common issue that leaves many households bundled up throughout the winter season. Try these tips to find the root of your problem and start fully warming up your home. Check the Furnace Uneven heating can indicate a problem with your ductwork or furnace system. Your furnace may be struggling due to a clogged filter or damaged parts. Ductwork is liable to develop tears and holes due to age, damage, and pests. Regularly schedule maintenance for your system to keep it functioning efficiently. Professional repairs can extend the lifespan of your system and prevent issues like gas leaks. Uncover the Vents If you’re getting plenty of heat in some rooms but not in others, check all of the vents and registers to ensure they’re not blocked. Furniture and rugs can often get in the way of the airflow. Wipe off the vent covers and vacuum around and inside to remove hair and dust. If you’re still struggling with uneven heating, consider installing a temperature zoning system to gain better control of the heating in your home. Adjust the Thermostat Fan You may have switched your...

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How Does My Furnace Work?

January 11, 2022

Most people have gas furnaces heating their homes because these systems work well and are more efficient than ever. It’s helpful to know how one heats your home so if something goes wrong you have some idea what the problem may be. The Heating Cycle There’s a pipe that runs to your utility’s natural gas line and your furnace. When the gas enters your furnace, a burner lights it. Exhaust from burning the gas is vented outside your home. Cold air from your home passes through the furnace and is heated. A blower fan pushes the warmed air back into your home through ductwork. Thermostat There’s a thermostat inside your home that’s hard-wired to the furnace. It tells the furnace when to turn on and off according to your desired temperature. Burners Gas is ignited in the burners. The burners maintain controlled flames. Igniter The gas in your furnace is lit by an igniter. In modern furnaces, the igniter emits a spark that causes gas to ignite. Old gas furnaces used to have a pilot light that served the same purpose. Flame Detector This is a safety device that turns off the supply of gas if the igniter should fail....

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Why Is My Furnace Making a Loud Noise?

December 20, 2021

A furnace making a loud noise is the most common reason people call to have it repaired. The sound your furnace is making can help you determine what the problem is. Clicking If your furnace is making a clicking noise, it’s probably being caused by the ignition system. The flame sensor may be malfunctioning, or the burners are dirty. A faulty ignition board may be preventing gas from entering your furnace. You’ll need to hire a professional to inspect and repair your furnace. High-Pitched Squeal This noise usually means the blower is malfunctioning. Its motor has bearings that wear out over time. It could also be overheating because of a bad capacitor. Other causes could be a dirty air filter, closed air vents, and damaged ductwork. in Solon, OH, can help you when your furnace needs repair. We can help you with any make and model of furnace. Rattling This sound typically means a part has come loose. However, it can also mean the heat exchanger is cracked, which creates a dangerous situation. You should shut your furnace off and call an HVAC company. Banging A banging noise can be caused by a delayed gas ignition problem. It can also...

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