Planning to buy HEPA Filters? | AC Repair Company
The air you breathe is up there with food, shelter, and clothing as basic needs. It could rank higher than either of these. Your body relies on air for various processes. Thus, you should stop at nothing to ensure better indoor air quality. While there are many products you can use for your quests for cleaner air, liaising with an AC repair company to install HEPA filters on your air conditioner could greatly help. If you’re considering installing an appliance having building filters purchased to replace the current air filters, you are at the right place. Continue reading to understand several aspects of them.
What are HEPA Filters?
High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters are a kind of ultra-fine mesh filters which trap airborne contaminants and allergens like pet dander, mold, bacteria, tobacco, dust mites, pollen, smog, smoke, pollen, and even some virus carriers. These air filters can capture contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. They can be installed in the air ducts, on air purifiers, or in the AC unit. Although air purifiers are better than staying with nothing, they filter the air only in the spaces where they are installed.
Your Air Conditioner and HEPA Filters
Installing HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne contaminant, especially for those living in hot areas where the AC will be on for most of the year. This makes inhaling much easier. When choosing a HEPA filter, you must choose one that offers the air-purifying qualities you need with minimal restriction to airflow. If the filter restricts the airflow, that will make the unit work harder, exposing it to issues that need the attention of your reliable AC repair company.
How Do You Choose a HEPA Filter?
When it comes to air filters (including HEPA), there’s no one-size-fits-all. Hence, choosing the right filter depends significantly on your budget, what you plan on filtering out, or the size of your home. HEPA filters are the best for trapping viruses and all forms of mold. Do you have pets at your home? Then when it comes to catching pet dander and hair, HEPA filters rank best. But What are things to do before purchasing a HEPA filter?
Carefully Read The Label
As mentioned above, these filters can catch very microscopic airborne contaminants. However, before you pay for a HEPA filter, you should carefully read the label. This is because if a filter hasn’t met the set-out standards, that should be stated on the filter’s documentation. Companies might try tricking you with marketing languages, such as HEPA-like, HEPA style, or even HEPA type.
Check the CADR
Are you planning to replace the existing air filters with more efficient HEPA filters? Then you need one which fits your home. Although some manufacturers indicate the dimensions of a room a HEPA filter might handle, others don’t. Hence, you should ensure to consult a professional from a trusted AC repair company for advice. However, one clue as to whether a filter has the right size is the CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate. This explains the cubic ft. per minute of airflow through a filter. Hence, ensure that a HEPA filter has a CADR matching the size of the rooms you plan to install.
Check the ACH
If you didn’t know, the HEPA filters also have another ACH rating (air changes per hour). Ideally, you should pick a filter with an ACH of 6, ensuring a complete exchange of all air in a room every hour. Because six is the highest possible ACH rate, the air will be cleaner with a fresher exchange.
Check the MERVs
One rating you must pay attention to is the MERV. This rating can tell you how well the filter will trap the larger particles. The higher the rating, the better the HEPA filter will be at trapping both the larger and smaller particles.
Who Should Install a HEPA Filter?
Do you have a family member with asthma and other allergies to outdoor and indoor allergens? Then you can make their lives easier and more comfortable by enlisting an AC repair company to install HEPA filters. According to EPA, indoor air is about 5 times more contaminated than outdoor air. Thus, while you might think that the outside conditions will be worse than indoors, the reverse is the case. This means that they might even suffer sick building syndrome. Even when nobody at your home suffers from allergies or asthma, but you have pets, you can benefit from these air filters. Other situations where HEPA filters are to be used include;
- When you have a wall-to-wall carpet
- If some members of your family suffer headaches when they enter your home.
- You live in a high-traffic area
- Do you live with a smoker, or do you smoke
- Your area of residence has a lot of pollen
- You or a family member has chronic breathing issues caused by emphysema, lung cancer, or other pulmonary problems.
Is Your AC System Compatible?
Before purchasing a HEPA filter, a professional should check your unit for compatibility. Not all the air conditioning units are compatible. Some might experience reduced airflow and strain on the system because they were not designed to work with HEPA filters. While at it, ensure that you choose an appropriately sized filter.
What If Your System Isn’t Compatible?
If the current air conditioner isn’t compatible with HEPA filters, you still might enjoy the air filtration benefits of a HEPA filter by having an AC repair technician install a bypass HEPA system. These systems work alongside the existing ACs with a minimal reduction in their efficiency.
Consult Professionals Before Choosing a HEPA Filter
Installing HEPA filters means that you’ll be breathing safe, clean air. Unfortunately, not all systems are HEPA-compatible. Do you want your AC checked for HEPA compatibility? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix to book an appointment.
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Differences Between Slim-duct Mini-Splits and Other Mini-Split Systems | AC Repair
The heating and cooling industry offers homeowners various ways to heat and cool their homes. These ways range from traditional heating and cooling systems to new ones with encouraging features and advantages. Therefore, when looking for an ideal option to heat your home, you have many systems that will provide your family with the comfort they deserve. But, it is advisable to have a reliable AC repair expert to guide you and help you outline essential factors. This article will highlight the slim-duct mini-split system and its difference from other heating and cooling system in the market.
What Are Slim-Duct Mini-Split Systems?
A slim-duct mini-split system is an HVAC type that helps homeowners heat and cool their homes. The slim-duct mini-split system is among the many types of mini-split systems. Unlike traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with air ducts to help circulate conditioned air in your home, a mini-split system comes in two primary structural forms, ductless and ducted. However, this HVAC type is gaining popularity among homeowners for its lack of ductwork.
Although it is less popular than its counterpart, the ducted version comes with a distinct difference from both the mini-split ductless system and the traditional ducted HVAC system. Instead of using the normal ducts like a conventional HVAC system, the slim-duct mini-split system uses slim-ductwork, thus its name. A slim-duct mini-split system features smaller airways that are less pronounced to provide conditioned air to your home.
Therefore, an AC repair and installation technician will mainly install the slim-duct mini-split system in the ceiling of your home to offer centralized air distribution. This type generates cold and hot air like the ductless mini-split system. Notably, instead of blowing cool air out of an air conditioning unit, the slim-duct mini-split system utilizes vents connected to the central system.
What is the Difference Between a Regular and Slim-Duct System?
Although the slim-duct mini-split and regular HVAC systems sound similar, they have distinct differences that are hard to miss. For instance, the slim-duct mini-split systems use narrower air ducts than its counterpart. As its name suggests, slim-ducts systems feature small air ducts that are non-obtrusive. On the other hand, the slim-duct mini-split system is small and compact; thus, it requires less installation space than traditional ducted air conditioners. Although, they still provide the same results of heat and cooling your home but in a more efficient manner.
What is The Difference Between a Slim-Duct and a Ductless Mini-split?
The differences between these two types of mini-split HVAC are noticed in their installation and performance abilities. While the slim-duct mini-split HVAC still requires a duct to transport air from and to the central unit, the ductless mini-split operates with any duct work installation. Additionally, a ductless mini-split offers an AC repair and installation technician an array of options during installation. Without the restriction of ductwork, the technician can place it anywhere in your home, from the walls or the ceiling. On the other hand, a slim-duct HVAC can only be installed in the ceiling so that the slim-ductwork can run unseen.
The other notable difference between the two is their performance abilities. On the one hand, a ductless mini-split HVAC system allows you to cluster your homes into segments, generally called zones. These zones connect to the primary air handler and the condenser, but each provides different temperature control settings. Therefore, they allow your home’s rooms to have independent temperatures depending on the setting.
On the other hand, a slim-duct mini-split system supplies multiple areas in your home with an allocation to temperature control, but they all have the same temperature. Therefore, although different rooms will have vents, the temperature across your home will be similar. This type relies on a central system to manage the setting across your home, but the output is the same.
Pros and Cons of a Slim-Duct Mini-split System
When choosing between a ductless and ducted mini-split system, it is essential to know your home’s temperature needs, priorities, and preferences. Consulting an AC repair technician will help you outline your home’s needs, especially regarding temperature. However, the pros and cons of a slim-duct mini-split system depend on which system you compare it to. Some of the pros and cons of the slim-duct mini-split system include the following;
Space
The major disadvantage of a slim-duct mini-split system compared to the ductless mini-split is that it still requires a designated space for the ventilation network and the slim-ductwork. Although the slim-duct network can be placed under the floor or in the ceiling, it still restricts where to be placed, unlike the ductless mini-split that can be installed anywhere. Conversely, you will need extra space for the centralized unit and the airways channels to different zones in your home. Therefore, this makes a slim-duct mini-split system unsuitable for small spaces.
However, the slim-duct mini-split system has an advantage over traditional ducted HVAC systems since it is smaller and more compact. Therefore, if you are considering upgrading from a conventional HVAC system and your home has much space, this can be an ideal system.
Energy Efficiency
The other pro of a slim-duct mini-split system over the traditional HVAC system is that it offers a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling solution. Among the features that contribute to its energy efficiency is dual functionality. The slim-duct mini-split system can be used as an air conditioning and heater. Therefore, it reduces energy consumption and reduces your monthly energy bill. Since this HVAC system does not have intense ductwork, it minimizes the possibility of air-conditioned air, which leads to energy wastage in traditional HVAC systems.
We Can Help!
When choosing a heating and cooling system for your home, consider important factors such as its energy efficiency since it dictates the overall price of the system. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix for consultation and installation services.
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An AC Repair Company’s Insights on What to Expect After Not Using an AC for Months
Although the air conditioning unit is very important in your home, there are times that you will go months without using it. For example, during winter, you will use your home’s heating system for warmth and comfort. The AC will mostly be off for more months during Winter, Autumn, and comfortable Spring. However, after this long period, the worry of contacting an AC repair company if it does not work is common among homeowners. Therefore, this article will highlight what happens to your AC after not using it for so long and how to keep it in good condition when it is off.
What Happens When I Do Not Use the AC for A Few Months?
Air conditioning units are designed to function throughout the year, even when you turn them off for months. Therefore, there is typically nothing to worry about when summer arrives. They are durable and safe to keep off and later turn on when their need arises. However, to get the best out of your air conditioning unit in terms of energy efficiency and lifespan, there are steps you should take when turning it off, especially before turning it on after months of no use.
First, you should ensure that a certified AC repair company cleans the air conditioning system. The technician should also check the system and ensure everything is as it should be. This involves checking the filters, ductwork, coolant leaks, and rusting parts. This step ensures that your air quality will not be affected by dust accumulation in the system or debris and other materials in the outdoor unit.
Notably, even if your air conditioning unit is well maintained, dirt accumulation can impact its effective operation after months of no use. For instance, the air ducts might accumulate dust, dirt, and pollutants that can clog your AC due to a lack of air running through the winter. Conversely, issues like a leaking coolant or rust development might worsen over the winter if you do not notice them before turning off your system. Therefore, it is best to have the entire air conditioning unit inspected by a professional before turning it back on. However, you can also do some maintenance tasks before the technician arrives.
How To Keep the AC in Good Condition During the Off Season
One of the ways to ensure that your air conditioner is still operational after months of being off are by ensuring an AC repair company technician maintains it before switching it off. Additionally, since the system will be off during the cold season, you can keep it in excellent condition with maintenance steps such as periodically running the fan through the winter. This step helps to eliminate stale air from your unit.
The other step that helps keep your AC in good condition during the off-season is dusting the air intake vent and other vents in the system. Since the system is not in constant use, dust, dirt, and other particles will accumulate in the vents, causing a buildup. In addition, during the cold season, insects and animals such as rodents and birds will hide in the vents since they are warm and away from the cold weather outside.
Finally, change your air conditioning filters on schedule during operational months. Your AC’s air filter traps dirt, dust, mold, and other particles in your breathing air during circulation. Therefore, the filter becomes dirty over time, and if left unchanged, the particles find their way back into your home’s air supply. Remember to keep up with your maintenance routine and perform regular system inspections when the system is off. These steps will help maintain a good air quality level in your home.
Steps To Take Before Turning on Your Air Conditioner After a Long Time of no use
When your air conditioning system has not been used for months, taking a few precautionary steps is best to ensure it is ready and will operate efficiently through the summer. First, any debris, dirt, or other materials accumulated near your outdoor unit should be cleared. Remember, this includes twigs, leaves, and undergrowth. Have it checked by a professional for insects or pests, such as rodents hiding in the unit. In some cases, you will find bird’s nests indicating that they had taken shelter during winter.
The other step is to have an AC repair company inspect your air conditioning system. Before the summer season starts, let a professional check the system for any signs that might indicate breakage or need for repair. The technician will also check operational dependent factors such as coolant level, ductwork, and the condition of the filters. If something needs fixing or repair, the technician will handle it.
Additionally, running your AC on fan-only mode for a few hours will be helpful. During the off-season, your air conditioning system accumulates dust and other particles, causing a clog. Running your AC on fan-only will help eliminate any remaining particles and prepare your air conditioner for the season ahead. This also helps improve your home’s air quality once the system operates. Once you turn off the fan, listen to the blower and ventilation to ensure they work efficiently.
Finally, have the necessary repairs done early in the season. When an AC technician runs the diagnostic, fixing all the necessary parts is advisable, even if the system can operate as it is. It helps eliminate the possibility of straining it by working harder to meet your temperature needs. In addition, it keeps the system from breaking down on you in the middle of the hot season.
Contact Us For Quality Air Conditioning Maintenance
Are you looking for an AC company to get your air conditioning system ready after a long winter period? Our team of specialists is available to cater to your AC needs and keep your family safe during summer. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix today to schedule an appointment.
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Signs that Your Heating System Has Drafts and It Is Time to Call Your Reliable Heating and AC Repair Company
A problem with your heating system can be inconvenient and a nuisance, especially during the cold season. Imagine enjoying a nice winter Saturday game night with friends and family, only for your heating system to break down during your relaxing time. Instead of enjoying a good time with your loved ones, you must find an AC repair company to send a technician at night or decide to go through the night in the chilling cold. Your home’s heating system should be reliable and able to go from one maintenance to the next without issues such as breakdowns and drafts. Apart from breaking down, drafts can be a significant problem causing uncomfortable temperatures and incurring unnecessary costs due to escalated energy bills. So, can you prevent drafts from affecting your system? And what exactly causes them? Below are some causes of drafts in heating systems and some practical solutions for controlling them.
What is A Draft?
In a heating system, the draft is when air flows into or out of your home through unintended channels such as available openings and gaps. Usually, drafts are caused by holes and cracks in walls, poorly sealed windows and doors, and poorly insulated crawl spaces and attics. In addition, they can also be caused by leaking ducts and damaged or worn weather stripping. Drafts are a significant nuisance in most homes, especially conventional homes. Apart from causing uncomfortable temperatures, drafts result in higher electrical bills.
Since the heated air from your heating system does not make its way to its intended destination, your heating system works harder to meet your home’s temperature needs, thus a reduced efficiency of the system. In the long run, the reduced efficiency and high energy usage might cause your system to break down or have operational issues leading to unnecessary repairs. Therefore, it is vital to enlist a professional as soon as possible if you suspect drafts in your system. The technicians will investigate the cause of the drafts and repair them to leave your system functioning efficiently again.
How Will I Know If My Heating System Has a Draft?
A regular maintenance schedule with an AC repair company is the best way to protect your system from reduced efficiency. The technician will help your heating system’s efficiency by repairing worn-out parts. Another way to protect your system is by identifying a drafty heating system. This will help you solve it before it worsens or puts too much strain on your system. Some of the signs of a drafty heating system include the following;
High Energy Bill
Unfortunately, most homeowners are not keen on their monthly electrical bill. Therefore, by the time they recognize an increase in the amount, it has been increasing gradually to a point where it is obvious. When you notice a sudden increase in your electrical bill, it could be because your system works harder to keep up with your home’s temperature needs. Drafts or a more severe problem could cause this.
Temperature Imbalance
Have you noticed that some rooms in your home are cooler or warmer than others? This could be a sign that your heating system is drafty. When air from the outside leaks into your home, it drops the temperature of the room leaking. Therefore, that room is much cooler than the others that receive adequate heating and are insulated. Consequently, you should conduct a thorough checkup in that room to find where the leak is coming from. Or you can enlist an AC repair company technician and schedule a visit.
Condensation On Windows
Condensation on any surface, be it your car or your home’s window, forms when cold and hot air comes into contact. Therefore, when you notice condensation on your home’s window when the window is closed, this means the weather-stripping is worn out or there is a crack in the window. Consequently, cold air is getting to your home, causing drafts. Immediately contact a professional to fix the situation before it gets worse.
Cold Draft
The sign of a drafty heating system is feeling a cold draft, especially when you stand near your windows or doors. When you lock your doors and windows, your home should be calm without outdoor air. The air getting in through the window or door means that it is compromising the operation of your heating system and possibly causing a draft in your heating system. Contact a heating and AC repair technician to fix the draft.
Noise From Your Heating System
Is your HVAC system producing a strange sound when heating your home? This could indicate that it is working harder to meet the temperature requirements. A strain on your system means high energy consumption and reduced efficiency. Notably, when your heating system continues to operate with low efficiency, there is a possibility of more problems, such as a complete breakdown. Due to unnecessary repairs, your system’s life span is affected and significantly reduced.
However, it is not advisable to open your HVAC system. Therefore, contact an HVAC technician immediately when you hear unfamiliar noises from your heating system. Sealing cracks and gaps will help your heating system regain efficiency, making your home more comfortable. To top it off, this will help you save as the running cost of your heating system will reduce.
Drafts are annoying and can result in energy wastage, reduced home heating, and even make your furnace wear out faster. By letting the already warm-conditioned air escape from your indoor space, your unit will waste your heating energy. Another impact of drafts in your furnace is that they heat the outdoor space, contributing to the urban heat island effect. Have you noted either of the signs above at your home? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix for a deeper inspection and repair.
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9 Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner Installation
A well-functioning air conditioner helps cool your home and comfortable temperatures. Unfortunately for homeowners, even the sturdiest AC system won’t last forever. While regular HVAC maintenance can keep your unit functioning for longer, you will need to make a replacement at some point. However, it can be hard to tell when it is time to install a new air conditioner over calling for repairs.
Here are a few common signs you need a new air conditioner installation.
Your AC Is Aging
Most AC units can last for up to 15 years with good maintenance. If your unit is almost that age or older, it could be time to consider a replacement. As your HVAC system ages, its overall efficiency drops, leading to higher bills and costly repairs. Besides, should something break in your old system, your home warranty may not cover the repair or replacement. Parts and labor costs to repair a faulty unit could equal or exceed the cost of buying a new unit.
Inadequate Cold Air
An AC unit is designed to remove hot temperatures and bring in refreshing cold air. If you are not getting cold air in your spaces in spite of the AC running optimally, there is something wrong with your unit. Some of the typical causes include low Freon levels, a broken compressor, and wiring issues. Call in a professional to inspect the unit and diagnose the problem. If the repair is extensive, it may be prudent to opt for a replacement instead.
Rising Energy Bills
If you suddenly get abnormally high energy bills in your home, a faulty AC unit could be the culprit. A malfunctioning or inefficient AC must work twice as hard to achieve the desired home temperatures. The longer it runs, the higher the energy it consumes, translating into high energy bills. If running your central air conditioning is getting more expensive, you may need a new air conditioner installation.
Weak Airflow
When an AC is not pushing air out the way it used to, it could be a sign of a deep problem. Several issues, including faulty AC compressors and blocked or damaged vents, typically cause weak airflow. Although a professional can repair some of these problems, they can be quite costly, especially if your system is old with hard-to-find parts. When the costs of repairs get too high, it may make more sense to go for a new AC system.
Recurring Repairs
As your AC ages, it becomes prone to breakdowns requiring frequent repairs. The repairs ultimately will rise in cost as old parts become difficult to source and labor hours increase. If repairing your AC costs more than 30% of the cost of buying a new unit, you should consider a new air conditioner installation. Apart from the cost of the repair, you should also determine whether the repair solves the problem or it is just a temporary hitch.
Strange Noises
If your AC has been making banging, buzzing, banging, or clicking sounds, it is a sign of severe problems that may require a new air conditioner installation. Clicking sounds from your system is a common sign of electrical problems. Call a certified technician to inspect your unit. If the AC motor causes the problem, the unit may need a replacement. On the other hand, banging sounds are typically caused by loose or broken parts, including a broken compressor. The regular buzzing sound may be due to broken blowers, and air filters, loose fan blades, and motor failure. If your AC produces clanking sounds, you must stop running the machine immediately. Clanking sounds indicate crucial parts within AC have broken, and ignoring them will worsen the problem.
Moisture and Leakage Around the Unit
Although condensation around an AC is normal, excessive leakage could indicate a more severe issue. If you have noticed refrigerant leaks or large pools of water around the AC, you may have a severe problem that requires an urgent solution. Inhaling leaking coolants can pose severe health risks to you and your household. Additionally, excessive water leakage may damage floors or furniture and give rise to mold growth. Call an expert to inspect your unit and determine the root cause of the leak. If the issue is extensive, you may need to consider a new air conditioner replacement.
Humidity Issues In Your Spaces
One of the primary roles of an AC is to remote humid air inside your home. The evaporator coil is designed to extract warm air from your spaces, cool it and redirect it back inside. The moisture it removed from the air leaks out of the unit outside. However, issues can develop with the evaporator coil preventing your AC from extracting humidity from the air as efficiently as it once did. If you can see fog on your windows or moisture around your vents and ductwork, there is a problem with your AC. A faulty unit can also lead to mold and mildew growth inside the vents or home spaces. Have a professional diagnose the issue and recommend a suitable solution.
AC Thermostat Is Not Working
Your AC thermostat is the heart of the system that communicates with crucial components and lets them know the amount of cold air it must generate. If the AC unit runs for short periods and shuts itself off or can’t turn on altogether, it is a sign the thermostat is faulty. The thermostat encompasses complex electrical components that require the attention of a trained HVAC specialist to diagnose. If there is an issue with your AC’s thermostat, you may require a new AC installation instead of a repair.
Contact the Professionals for Quality AC Installation Today
For many homeowners, it is not always easy to determine whether you should get your AC repaired or replaced. However, if your unit is older than ten years, breaks down regularly, or has lost its efficiency due to occasional high energy bills, it is time for a replacement. If you are experiencing any of the signs discussed above, contact a professional HVAC technician from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix. We provide quality AC installation and repairs to restore comfort and safety in your home. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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