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Air Conditioning Replacement – Important Considerations

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Have you given any thought to getting a new air conditioner for this summer? An air conditioning replacement sure would make the house comfortable, now wouldn’t it? But don’t make the common mistake of assuming that upgrading to a more recent model of the air conditioning system you already have is the best option. It is especially important to consider how your conditions and needs have changed when purchasing a new air conditioning system. And there are other considerations that can help you save money and ensure your continued contentment with the new system. You might find that the best option for you is a system that is either larger or smaller than what you currently have, or one that utilizes a different kind of HVAC technology altogether. As you start your search, here are some things you should keep in mind. Make sure to provide the HVAC contractors you are thinking of hiring with all of the pertinent information. Here are six questions that will assist you in selecting t...

Eliminating The Pollutants You Have In Your Home

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Eliminating The Pollutants You Have In Your Home Not all pollutants can be easily detected by the average homeowner simply by walking around the house and looking for them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , the air inside your home can be between 2 and 5 times more polluted than the air outside, which is a shocking realization for a lot of people who assume their air is as fresh as daisies. Continue to protect your family’s safety and put your health first by actively acknowledging the presence of pollutants in your home and eliminating them using these helpful tips. Also consider AC maintenance services from Air Check Mechanical Service to ensure your house is both clean AND comfortable! Dirt As your front door opens and closes repeatedly throughout the day, one thing becomes increasingly apparent in your home: dirt. As you and your guests enter and exit your home, dirt can very easily be tracked throughout the space, contributing to the buildup of pollutants in y...

Air Conditioning Parts Shortages And Tuneups

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Air Conditioning Parts Shortages And Tuneups Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted throughout the state of Texas, long-term consequences can be observed in the form of equipment shortages, particularly in the form of parts for air conditioning units. With our hot summer temperatures and high humidity days back in the state of Texas, many homeowners may be forced to bear the heat if or when their air conditioning system experiences problems. Individual Component Issues We’ve all heard about supply chain issues throughout the world. Now, shortages of A/C parts and units have been caused by a lack of copper and aluminum available to manufacturers, both of which are critical components for their manufacturing. Electronic components, many of which are sourced from overseas, are also contributing to the worsening of shortages this summer. The other issue is that manufacturers are behind on orders at the factory level as a result of COVID, and they did not stock as much in 2021 a...

Six Rooms In Your Home That Might Have Poor Air Quality

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We are all aware of the dangers of poor air quality and the pollutants we inhale as a result of outside emissions. Meanwhile, it’s a fact that that indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air because of the way buildings are constructed and sealed! Due to the fact that there is often a tight seal for energy efficiency and climate control, the same polluted air is recirculated throughout your home ad nauseum, especially without proper air conditioning maintenance . Despite the fact that pollutants are present, their concentrations can differ from one room to the next. Here the Air Check Mechanical Service team is here to tell you about the pollutants that are hiding in your home, as well as where you can look for them. Garage Garages are often used as a storage area for a variety of things, and this is especially true for indoor air pollutants. In addition to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases from machinery such as lawn mowers, garages also contain solvents, pesticides,...

Air Conditioner Frozen – What To Do?

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Air Conditioner Frozen Even in a warm climate like Texas, air conditioners can and do become clogged with ice and condensation. Obviously, ice on an air conditioner is always a sign that something is wrong. Certainly, we at Air Check Mechanical Service have been known to give customers the opportunity to create an “ice cold” air conditioned environment, but ice on the AC itself is a big no-no. In the event that your air conditioner is frozen or has ice forming on it, there is usually a singular, but major problem: There’s a problem with your refrigerant system. The refrigerant in your air conditioner is a critical component of the system. Using a variety of components within your HVAC system, the refrigerant collects the heat from your home and transports it to the outdoors. Vibrations and normal wear and tear can cause refrigerant leaks over time. This reduces the efficiency of your air conditioning system and increases the likelihood of the air conditioner freezing. One of the r...

Heat Pump System Benefits

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Heat pumps offer a number of benefits over a typical air conditioner installation , including a reduction in the amount of carbon emissions produced and an increase in the level of safety. In the event that you are thinking about replacing your current heating and cooling system with a heat pump, the following are some of the benefits of using a heat pump that you might not have previously considered. Heat pumps, in comparison to other types of heating systems, have lower operating costs in the first place because they do not require the use of a consumable fuel in order to function properly (like a furnace does). At your home, it is possible to completely remove carbon dioxide emissions from the heating and cooling equation, which will have a beneficial effect on the surrounding environment. Because they do not require the use of natural gas, fuel oil, or propane, heat pumps are an excellent option for use in residential renovations as well as in locations that are geographically is...

Heat Pump Repair: Tips To Avoid It!

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Even though heat pump air conditioning and heating systems have been around since the 1940s, they are still considered to be one of the “newer” types of heating and cooling systems. These systems provide a number of advantages in terms of home comfort, financial savings, and environmental responsibility. This is truly a versatile product that can help almost any homeowner that is looking to save on electricity, and keep their home comfortable. These units tend to be robust, but ignoring maintenance can result in expensive heat pump repairs. This article will help you avoid those! Those who already own one of these energy-efficient units will notice that there are several similarities and a few differences in terms of maintenance when compared to traditional air conditioner plus furnace-based HVAC systems. The following is a list of some of the maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself, as well as some situations in which you should contact an HVAC specialist like Air Check Mech...

AC Tune Ups – Great Investment?

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Now that summer is most definitely here and flexing its heat muscles, it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting your home’s air conditioning system tuned up. “Is it really worth it?” you might be wondering. “, and the answer is, to put it bluntly, YES! Without a tune up, there is more room for problems to arise and have an impact on your home and your family’s well-being. It is always preferable to be one step ahead of the game when it comes to the health and well-being of your air conditioning unit. Here are some of the reasons why an air conditioner tune-up is necessary and worthwhile for the health of your home. Create Conditions For Long Term HVAC Equipment Lifespan Was it ever brought to your attention that by performing preventative maintenance on your system, you could potentially extend the life of your system by several years, heck even 10? When properly maintained and tuned-up on an annual basis, a well-maintained system should last approximately 8-12 years, but oft...

AC Replacement – When Is It Time?

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In many cases, an air conditioner can be one of those appliances that is installed once, and then benefited from for literally decades. With the right air conditioning installer, your investment in your home’s comfort will pay dividends for quite some time. And yet, sometimes central air conditioners can age quicker than you might like. Heavy use tends to make for this kind of situation, and in Southeast Houston, pretty much every air conditioner qualifies as “heavy use”. But when should you start thinking about replacement instead of repair? The following are some indicators that your heating and cooling system should be replaced. As mentioned above, in Texas we place a high demand on our cooling systems throughout the year. Many homeowners in northern states only use their heating and cooling systems for a few months at a time. Everyday use can cause our Texas air conditioners to wear down more quickly, resulting in the need for a replacement sooner. When it’s time to replace your s...

Mini Split Ductless Cooling – Is It For You?

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We are frequently contacted by homeowners who want to know our recommendations for the best heating and cooling solution for their older home. Many older homes have insufficient space or existing ductwork to accommodate traditional HVAC systems, which is an unfortunate reality all too often. While not often a complete AC replacement , these units are amazing if you’re looking to add cooling and better control. Alternative solutions have been available for some time, but they have a number of significant drawbacks, including the high cost of installation, they are quite noisy, and many have the inability to control the temperature in specific areas of the home, to name a few. Things are a lot better now, thanks to the availability of Mini Split Ductless Systems for residential applications. These systems are ideal for older homes or even apartments with limited ductwork because they meet all of the criteria for efficiency, comfort, and ease of installation. Mini Split AC Units Perfo...

Oversized Air Conditioner Problems

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Are you starting to believe that your air conditioner is too big? If that is the case, it is likely that you will experience at least one of the following three problems if your air conditioner is too large for your home: You are paying higher utility bills. Your air conditioner begins to operate immediately and shuts down after a while. Your air conditioner is not removing humidity. In this article, we’ll go over each of these issues in greater depth, as well as discuss how to resolve them. Problem#1 : Your energy bills are increasing. The fact is, an oversized air conditioner will frequently cool your home extremely quickly before shutting down. Not only does this cause wear and tear on your air conditioning components (because of the constant on and off cycling), but it also has the potential to raise your energy bills. Your air conditioner is equipped with several motors that drive various components (like the compressor and blower). Furthermore, all of these motors co...

Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist: Know It!

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Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist: Know It! Summer is here in Southeast Houston , friends, and we all know that the heat and humidity of Houston and Harris County are nothing to scoff at. If you’re looking to have a comfortable summer this year, A/C maintenance should be considered and completed as soon as possible in order to ensure a comfortable start to the season and consistent quality cooling throughout. No one wants to be stuck with a broken air conditioning system in the middle of summer heat! Please take a closer look at the Air Check Mechanical Service A/C maintenance checklist provided below to determine what you should be considering this hot summer season. AC Maintenance Checklist 1. Check out your condenser and compressor on the outside of the building When debris, such as leaves and/or dirt, enters the exterior of your air conditioning unit, it is imperative that the obstructions are removed in order for your system to operate efficiently and effectively. Worki...

What Kind Of Air Conditioning Installation Is Best For Your Home?

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What Kind Of Air Conditioning Installation Is Best For Your Home? Each home’s cooling requirements are unique, and factors such as size, age, insulation, and windows are just a few of the many considerations that can influence your cooling and comfort requirements. These are all considerations that must be made when replacing or installing an air conditioning system , whether you want to cool your entire home or just specific parts of your house or condominium. It is critical to select a system that is appropriate for your needs as well as the needs of your home. It is possible to install a heating and cooling system that is either too small or too large for your space, which will not provide the optimal level of comfort and may result in mechanical issues and costly repairs. Air Conditioning System Operation Despite the fact that air conditioning systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they all operate on the same principle: they remove heat and humidity from your home and ...

HVAC System Prices And Supply Shortages

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HVAC System Prices And Supply Shortages You may have heard about shortages and out-of-stock situations for common appliances, and things like cars and trucks from friends and family, or you may have personally experienced some problems yourself. Of course, it’s all pandemic related, even now as America struggles to come out the other side From automobiles to refrigerators, your selection is limited in a lot of cases, and delivery times are significantly longer than most of us can recall. The supply chain for HVAC equipment is exactly the same. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going on and what you can do to avoid having to pay for a costly HVAC repair or AC replacement while supplies are running low. What is causing the increase in HVAC prices? What is the cause of the HVAC equipment shortage? Manufacturers of HVAC systems, like most companies, are also experiencing supply chain issues, and they are unable to produce the number of units required to keep up with demand from consume...

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

How Do Smart Thermostats Work? With today’s smart thermostats, it is now possible to program your heating and cooling system to maintain the ideal temperature in your home no matter where you are in the building, sometimes no matter where you are in the world! Of course, it is possible that you have experienced a cold or hot room despite the fact that your thermostat indicates that everything should be perfect. A drafty room or one that receives more sunlight in the summer can cause you to constantly adjust the temperature setting, raising your energy bills and making it impossible to achieve the perfect balance. So the best way around this: don’t try to achieve a “perfect balance”. Many homes, particularly older homes, are just not suited to achieving the “perfect balance”. Remote Sensors: The Brains That Make Smart Thermostats Genius! Remote sensors, however, can provide the thermostat with a more accurate picture of the temperature in your home. As is customary, your HVAC system...

AC Ducts And Your HVAC System Part 2

AC Ducts And Your HVAC System Part 2 To check out AC Ducts And Your HVAC System Part 1, click here. So basically, there are 4 common air duct designs. The first is the plenum or radial duct system. Radial systems have the HVAC unit and return grill at the center of the home with the supply ducts extending out around the plenum like the legs of a spider. The second type is the reducing extended plenum system. As the name implies, the plenum reduces in size as it extends across with the air ducts coming out from either side. The third is the extended plenum system. This time the plenum, which does the distribution or removal of air for the HVAC unit, does not reduce in size as it extends across. The last is the perimeter loop system – a radial system, not as many spider legs, with a supply duct that encircles the building. Good HVAC contractors calculate airflow, determine the types of ducts to use to meet the home’s requirements, and sketch the air distribution system for proper p...

AC Ductwork And Your HVAC System

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AC Ductwork And Your HVAC System There’s a hidden system in your home dedicated to circulating your air. Don’t know anything about your ductwork? You’re not alone. When homes have air duct issues that can cause cold or hot spots, homeowners tend to avoid those rooms and also, avoid the problem. And when they do, without realizing it, they’ve lessened the liveable amount of square footage in their homes. It’s not a good situation. From uneven room temperatures, to excess dust, and high electricity bills, air duct issues can cause daily despair to homeowners and renters alike. What follows is a homeowner’s guide to AC ductwork; we’ll explain everything you need to know so you can rid yourself of those burdensome cold or hot spots and reclaim your rooms. What’s An Air Duct? Check this out – Air ducts, or HVAC ductwork, or AC ducts, are conduits that supply warm or cool air to heat, ventilate, and cool each room in your home. Air ducts are connected to the HVAC unit which filters then...

AC Maintenance Service And Your Allergies

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Generally speaking, there are a lot of us that believe that allergies are caused primarily by pollen and pet dander. As a result, why do people who live and work in cities continue to suffer, despite the fact that pollen-producing plants and furry critters are in much shorter supply than in the suburbs? Many people believe that poor indoor air quality is the cause of their problems (IAQ). An AC maintenance service can assist in reducing contaminants and allergens in indoor air, allowing you to breathe more comfortably. Talking About Indoor Air Quality, Allergies, and Air Conditioning Maintenance It doesn’t matter if you aren’t familiar with the pollution statistics; seeing the brown haze hanging over the city gives you a good indication of the quality of the air you are breathing outside. However, it may come as a surprise that the air quality inside buildings in Southeast Houston is frequently far worse than the air outside. Poor air conditioning maintenance is one of the primary ...