Getting Air Conditioning Service Provo UT averts dangerous situations like carbon monoxide gas leakages. These are toxic and can cause severe respiratory complications to family members.
Also, technicians check for clogged drain lines that could lead to water damage and mold growth. They will assess the refrigerant levels as well. If these are low, they will fix the leaks and raise them to optimal levels.
As air moves through your home’s HVAC system, it goes through filters. These filters protect your system from clogging, but they also play an important role in the quality of your indoor air and in the operation of your equipment. Changing your filter at least once every month and scheduling regular preventative maintenance with an experienced local technician are two of the best ways to keep your system functioning optimally and improve your family’s health.
There are many different types of air filters, and the one that works best for you depends on your individual needs. There are inexpensive fiberglass filters, reusable polyester or cotton filters that can be rinsed clean, and expensive pleated filters. The simplest way to determine which type is right for you is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions that are worsened by dust mites and pet dander, you may want to consider a more specialized filter.
Filters are rated according to how well they reduce the size of particles in the air that circulate through your HVAC system. This is referred to as a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter.
Fiberglass filters are affordable, disposable options that allow your system to operate very efficiently while capturing large particles. They have a MERV rating of 1-5, and can help prevent the onset of respiratory issues in children and pets. Pleated filters are a more effective option, with pleats made of polyester or cotton that offer a greater surface area for trapping small particles. These filters are typically more costly than fiberglass, but they offer a better balance between price and effectiveness.
If you have respiratory conditions that require a high level of filtration, you should look into buying a MERV 6-8 or MERV 13-16 filter. These filters have the ability to capture microscopic airborne pollutants and microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, carbon dust, sneeze droplets, hair spray, insecticide, and smoke. These filters are typically used in hospitals and manufacturing facilities, but they can be purchased online and are an excellent choice for households with allergies or asthma.
Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner and the place where refrigerant changes from liquid to gas to move throughout the system. Think of it as the blood that moves through all the other parts of your AC to absorb heat and shift it into cool air. If you notice odd sounds when your AC starts up, icing on the coils or a lack of cooling, you may have compressor problems.
The best way to keep your air conditioning compressor in good shape is to make sure you have the right amount of refrigerant. It’s also important to monitor the temperature of your air. If it gets too hot, that can also stress the compressor.
Most of the compressor’s work happens within a large, metal box called the compressor unit. This is usually located outside the home and connects to the evaporator coil inside the house via a copper refrigerant tube.
You’ll find several different kinds of compressors. The most common is the reciprocating compressor. It functions like a car motor, using a crankshaft to rotate up to eight pistons inside airtight cylinders. The up and down motion of the pistons create vacuums that draw in the gaseous refrigerant and compress it, superheating it and transferring it to the condenser coil.
Other types of compressors are rotary (also known as scroll) and screw compressors. The rotary type has a pair of intermeshing screws that draw in the refrigerant and pressurize it. The compressor unit also contains an electric motor to turn the rotors and compress the refrigerant. Screw compressors can be more efficient than reciprocating models, but are not used in most residential systems due to their high cost and maintenance requirements.
Whether it’s a reciprocating or screw compressor, any kind of problem with the compressor can result in a lack of cooling. The compressor will typically start exhibiting symptoms such as banging noises when something is loose or broken, or it could be hard to turn on and off, which is called “hard starting.” If you suspect a problem with your air conditioner, the best thing to do is call an HVAC technician.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a vital part of your air conditioning system. It controls the temperatures in your home and tells the AC when to turn on and off based on the settings you choose. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can affect your comfort and increase your energy bills. The good news is that it’s usually easier to repair your thermostat than it is to fix other parts of your HVAC system.
When you’re experiencing issues with your thermostat, the first thing to do is check to make sure that the power is on and that there are no tripped circuit breakers or blown out fuses. Then, ensure that the batteries are new and in working order. If all of that isn’t the problem, it could be a simple matter of a dirty or obstructed thermostat.
It’s important to keep your thermostat clean, as dust can hinder its ability to read the temperature accurately. Ideally, you should dust it on a regular basis and give it a thorough cleaning every once in awhile. A clogged fan or improper positioning can also cause your thermostat to malfunction.
Once you’ve checked that the unit is clean and has the proper location, it’s time to hire an AC professional for further troubleshooting. Your technician will make sure that all connections are secure and will often perform a calibration on your thermostat to ensure it’s functioning properly.
If you’re still having problems with your thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that will help you save money and energy. These units offer more control over your HVAC system, can be controlled with an app, and even provide you with tips on how to improve your indoor air quality.
It’s tempting to try and do thermostat repairs yourself, but if you have electrical connections or aren’t trained in HVAC installations, this is an area best left for professionals. A professional will not only ensure that your thermostat is in the right place, but they’ll also take a look at all of the other components of your air conditioning unit to ensure there are no other imminent or underlying issues.
Ductwork
The ductwork in an HVAC system might seem like a minor component, but it is responsible for delivering conditioned air to different rooms. The design and condition of a duct system plays a significant role in the performance of an AC, affecting comfort, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. A regular professional inspection and cleaning can help keep a ductwork system working at its best.
Dirty ducts cause problems in multiple ways. The system’s filtration system might get blocked by dirt, allowing germs and allergens to flow through and circulate throughout a living space. When this happens, an HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for the lack of filtration, increasing energy consumption and putting undue strain on the unit. Dirty ducts can also restrict airflow, causing hot or cold spots in different areas of the house.
Holes and cracks in the ductwork let conditioned air escape before it reaches the rooms to be heated or cooled. This wastes energy, increasing utility bills and decreasing performance. Sealing leaks and maintaining a clean ductwork can prevent this loss of air.
Different types of ductwork exist, each designed with different purposes in mind. Fiberglass ducts, for example, have a sealed interior to limit heat loss, and they are a popular choice in offices and other commercial spaces. Metal ducts, on the other hand, have a more durable construction and can be used in residential buildings.
Duct components include the supply plenum, which connects to your furnace or heat pump, and the pipes, which distribute the conditioned air. Transitions, turn-off vanes, cleats and specialized connectors help connect these parts of the system together.
In addition to a regularly scheduled maintenance visit from a certified HVAC professional, a homeowner can keep ductwork in good shape by changing the air filter regularly and keeping vents unobstructed. This will reduce the risk of clogging, which can lead to a host of problems that affect both a home’s comfort and the health of its inhabitants. By recognizing the signs of a faulty ductwork and acting promptly to correct them, a homeowner can avoid the need for expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
