Tag: HVAC service

AC Repair – The Essential Parts of Your AC System

Kate Jensen HVAC , , , , ,

Air filters are designed to filter out toxins in the air, so when they become full and clogged they need to be replaced. A technician can also check for new inhabitants that may have found shelter in your AC unit.

AC Repair

Humidity promotes mold and mildew growth, which can be unhealthy for your family. AC Repair Round Rock TX can help you seal your ductwork to keep humidity low.

The thermostat is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. It is used to control the temperature of your home and office, keeping it comfortable even in the hottest weather. While many people do not give much thought to the thermostat, it is a vital part of your home’s heating and cooling system. This device helps to keep you comfortable while also saving energy, but it can become damaged or malfunction over time.

When your thermostat does not function properly, it can cause serious problems for your air conditioning system and result in high electricity bills. A professional AC repair technician will have the tools and knowledge to diagnose your thermostat and restore it to proper working condition.

A good technician will begin their work by asking to see your thermostat. Once they have done this, they will perform a series of trial and error tests to determine what the problem is with your air conditioning. This process may take anywhere from five minutes to an hour or more, but it is important that your service technician is patient and determined to find the problem.

Once the problem has been identified, the technician will then start to remove and replace the components that are faulty. They will use a variety of tools, including screwdrivers and pliers. They will also use a refrigerant recovery machine to safely remove and replace the refrigerant in your AC unit. They will also use an electrical multimeter to test the voltage and connections of your AC system.

An additional benefit of an AC repair is a reduced level of humidity in your home. Humidity can encourage issues like mold and mildew growth, which are bad for your health. Additionally, high levels of humidity make it difficult for your home to cool properly, so your HVAC system will have to work harder to get the job done.

If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking or not cooling as it should, then it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat or a clogged condensate drain line. If you suspect that your air conditioner is in need of repair, contact JD’s AC Repair right away.

Condensate Pump

The condensate pump is a little water pump that sits beside your furnace. Its sole purpose is to take the water that naturally condenses inside your air conditioner and push it somewhere else. Ideally, the condensate drain line drops into the basement or a floor drain directly underneath the furnace. However, many older homes don’t have basement drains, so the condensate pump is necessary to reroute the water to another location in the home. The float switch in the condensate pump is like the float on a toilet; when it rises to a certain level, it activates the pump and forces the water away from the furnace.

A condensate pump usually has a tank that can hold about 1 gallon of liquid. The float switch in the tank is triggered when the water reaches a set level and the pump runs until it empties the tank. The float then returns to its normal position and the pump shuts off.

When your condensate pump isn’t working properly, a few simple troubleshooting steps may help you identify the problem and get it fixed. First, check that the pump is receiving power; a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker could cause it to stop functioning. If it has power and is still not working, you should check that the wire to the float switch is connected and on the ‘On’ position. If the float switch is stuck or clogged, you can try tapping it gently with the plastic end of a screwdriver to see if it moves.

It’s also a good idea to clean the pump’s reservoir, float, and discharge line on a regular basis. This will prevent algae from growing inside the reservoir and clogging it. You can purchase a special algae prevention tablet for this that is safe to drop into your condensate pan. It will help extend the life of your condensate pump and keep it operating at peak performance.

Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioning system that actually cools your home. It’s a triangular layer of pipes and fins made from heat-conductive metal. When your air conditioner blows air across the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from your indoor air, turning it into a cold, refrigerant-filled gas that’s then blown back out through your ducts. Evaporator coils are also found in refrigerators, window AC units, and more. Like all parts of your air conditioner, the evaporator coil requires routine maintenance to keep it functioning properly.

One of the most common signs that your evaporator coil needs repair is a reduction in your cooling efficiency. This can happen if the coil becomes covered with dirt, which inhibits its ability to absorb heat and reduces your cooling power. A dirty coil is also a common sign of an AC refrigerant leak, which can cause other problems and a complete system failure.

When a refrigerant leak occurs, it’s important to have the problem repaired right away. Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, including corrosion or improper installation. An experienced professional can identify and repair the source of the leak quickly.

Other signs that your evaporator coil needs to be replaced include warm air coming from your vents or uneven cooling throughout your home. These problems are often related to a broken coil, and the best way to prevent future issues is by maintaining your air conditioning system with regular filter changes and maintenance checks.

If you need a new evaporator coil, it will likely cost between $600 and $2,000. The cost of a replacement includes the cost of the coil itself as well as labor to remove the old coil, recover the refrigerant, and install the new one. For an accurate quote on your specific evaporator coil repair, contact an AC technician.

Fan Motor

A fan motor is an essential component for ensuring your AC system circulates cool air throughout your home. The motor is responsible for blowing air over the evaporator coil, which allows the refrigerant to absorb and evaporate heat from the air. The fan motor also helps to move air through the ductwork, delivering cool air to each room in your house. Keeping the fan motor in good working condition is crucial for maintaining optimal cooling efficiency.

A faulty fan motor can cause your air conditioning to malfunction and fail to keep your house cool. This can be frustrating for homeowners, but there are a few common signs of a failing fan motor that you can watch out for.

Sluggish Fan Movement

A slower than normal movement of the fan blades can indicate that the motor is beginning to fail. If left untreated, the sluggish movements can lead to poor cooling and higher energy bills. A professional technician can inspect the fan motor and repair or replace it as necessary.

Unusual Odors

A musty odor coming from your AC is a sure sign that there is mold in the system, and it’s important to get it fixed immediately. Mold spores can be circulated throughout your entire home and make you and your family sick. The odor may also be caused by electrical issues or overheating of the fan motor.

Frequently-Tripped Circuit Breaker

A frequent tripping of the circuit breaker is an indicator that there are electrical problems with the fan motor and other components of your AC unit. A failing fan motor can draw too much current and overload the system, which causes it to shut down. If the circuit breaker trips regularly, it is time to call for an HVAC technician to check on the unit.

Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioning can improve its overall performance and life expectancy. A few simple tasks, such as replacing your air filter, can help prevent the need for major repairs and replacements. For more information about the importance of yearly AC maintenance, contact a professional HVAC service provider in your area today.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Raphael Beasley Home Services , , , , ,

Mold Remediation Salt Lake City is removing existing mold and restoring affected areas to a clean, safe condition. It also includes preventive measures such as fixing leaks, improving insulation, and regularly cleaning gutters to ensure water drains away from the house.

Moisture is essential for mold growth, so remediation efforts start by identifying and eliminating any sources of water or humidity. Next, professionals remove porous building materials and spray the area with biocide to prevent mold from reproducing.

When mold is found, a qualified mold remediation specialist should inspect the area. The specialist will examine the scope of the problem, including what is visible and what might be hidden behind walls or ceilings. They will also determine the type of mold and its impact on health.

Mold spores can be spread by air, so it is important to contain the affected area. The professional may use physical barriers, such as plastic sheeting or polyurethane foam, and negative air pressure to keep spores from traveling to clean areas. They will also likely spray the area with a biocide, an EPA-approved chemical that kills mold and other microorganisms.

Once the area is contained, the professionals will begin to remove mold-infested materials, such as drywall and insulation. They will also clean contaminated surfaces with HEPA-approved disinfectants. The contaminated drywall and insulation will be bagged and sealed in plastic for disposal. The professional will also use negative air machines with HEPA filters to clean the air in the affected space and prevent cross-contamination.

During the removal process, the professionals will check for mold spores in other areas of your home. If spores are found, they will repeat the testing process in those areas. Once the spores are cleared, the professionals will return to the cleaned space and perform a post-remediation verification assessment.

This step is critical, as it ensures that the mold is completely eradicated and that no spores remain to re-infest the space. It will also provide proof that the remediation was effective and allow you to satisfy any disclosure requirements should you decide to sell your home. This is especially helpful if you have a difficult time getting your insurance company to cover the cost of remediation.

Containment

Mold can cause serious damage to homes and commercial buildings, as well as pose health risks. Fortunately, mold can be safely removed and prevented from returning with professional intervention. In addition to removing visible mold growth, mold remediation includes proper cleaning and restoration of the affected areas. Having an expert mold remediation company handle the process ensures that the problem is eliminated completely and that the area is safe for use again.

Before beginning the mold remediation process, a trained technician will perform a thorough inspection and moisture survey to determine the source of the moisture. They will then develop a mold remediation plan that will include containment, if necessary, and identify the correct cleaning and sanitizing techniques to remove the fungus.

Moisture is the key factor in mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, and they thrive in moist environments. During the inspection and moisture survey, professionals will look for signs of mold in places where there may be moisture such as cooling units, water-logged drywall, rotting fruit, and other places with excessive humidity. Professionals also evaluate the general area around the contaminated areas because mold spores float through the air and can attach to other surfaces.

When evaluating the moisture levels in materials, they can use moisture meters and take surface samples to test for fungal enzymes and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). These tests help to find hidden mold colonies. Once the contaminated areas are identified, they can begin to isolate the areas with barriers and ducting. These containment measures prevent spores from spreading outside of the contained area. They can also use air filtration devices to control spore movement in the rest of the house.

Removal

Mold spores are airborne and can easily spread to other parts of your home or business if not handled properly. It’s important to call professionals who are certified in mold remediation so they can handle the issue correctly and safely.

The first step in any mold remediation process is a professional assessment of the area to determine the level and type of contamination. This is a crucial step because it allows professionals to create an appropriate plan for removal and repair.

Once the contamination is determined, containment measures are put into place to prevent the spread of spores during the remediation process. This can include the use of plastic, polyethylene sheeting to isolate the affected area from the rest of the property. They may also implement negative air pressure systems in order to keep airborne spores from spreading during the cleaning and sanitization process.

During this step, surface mold spores are killed using EPA-approved biocide solutions. These are applied to porous items like wall studs and treated with antimicrobial agents in order to kill the mold spores and prevent them from growing back. Non-porous surfaces are then cleaned and disinfected using standard household cleaners and sanitizers.

Finally, the contaminated areas are dried and dehumidified using fans and dehumidifiers to help ensure that any remaining moisture is eliminated. This is a crucial step in mold remediation because any remaining moisture can promote the growth of additional mold.

Once the area has been thoroughly sanitized and dried, it is ready for any repairs or restoration work that need to be done. This can include the replacement of carpet, drywall, and other materials that have been damaged by the mold. In addition, the entire property is inspected once again to ensure that the underlying issue has been addressed and that no mold has returned.

Cleaning

Mold remediation includes a thorough cleaning of affected surfaces and removal of mold-damaged building materials. It also involves addressing any moisture issues that caused the initial mold growth. This is done to prevent new mold from growing in the future and to restore the contaminated areas to pre-mold conditions.

The exact method used for cleaning will vary based on the type of material and severity of contamination. However, all mold remediation methods should follow guidelines developed by professional or government organizations. These include EPA’s Mold Remediation Guide, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Remediators should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes rubber gloves, face mask with particle filter, disposable paper overalls and a suit made of breathable material like TYVEK. It is also important to have a HEPA vacuum on hand to remove any mold spores that might have been dislodged during the cleaning process and to use fans to dry the area afterward.

It is recommended that you hire a mold specialist to perform the cleanup of any large or severe mold infestations. These specialists will have the necessary equipment and training to safely clean and contain large areas of contamination. They will also be able to determine whether the mold is safe for home ownership after a post-remediation inspection.

Dehumidification

Keeping humidity levels low is one of the most important steps in preventing mold growth. Mold thrives in high moisture environments, and a dehumidifier can be an effective tool for controlling indoor humidity. It can also help reduce the risk of mildew development, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that have a high water content.

A dehumidifier is an electric machine that pulls moisture from the air. It then stores the water in a tank, and you’ll need to empty it out regularly. Dehumidifiers can be either refrigerant or desiccant units, with both having different benefits and drawbacks. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are best for buildings where plaster and concrete have to be kept dry. Desiccant units are best for applications where a very dry environment is required such as pharmaceutical buildings.

During a mold remediation project, dehumidification is typically done alongside containment strategies to prevent the spread of mold spores into unaffected areas. A professional dehumidification company will help you choose the right unit for your building and apply it correctly to prevent mold growth.

Mold and mildew can cause a number of problems in your home or business. They can deteriorate building materials, leading to costly repairs or replacements. They can also lead to health issues for occupants, such as allergies or respiratory problems. They can also increase energy costs by causing insulation to lose its effectiveness.

The sooner you can control the amount of moisture in your home, the better. Dehumidification is a great first step, but you’ll need to address any leaks or sources of condensation as well to prevent the return of mold and mildew. Our professionals can create a comprehensive plan to identify and address all the factors contributing to excessive moisture in your property.