How to Clean Your Air Conditioner for Houston Texas Residents
The average person spends around 1 percent of their home’s purchase price on maintenance each year. Without proper maintenance, it is only a matter of time before the vital systems in your home breakdown. Instead of dealing with the cost and aggravation this can cause, you need to take things like air conditioning maintenance in Houston seriously.
During the hot summer months, Houston homeowners will use their HVAC on a daily basis. This continuous use can lead to a unit getting overworked. The only way to keep your unit reliable throughout the summer months is by having it professionally maintained.
While professionals will need to handle the bulk of the maintenance your unit needs, there are some things you can handle on your own. Cleaning your HVAC unit thoroughly can make it run more efficiently and may help to reduce repair issues as well.
The following are some of the things you need to focus on when trying to clean your HVAC unit.
Check and Change the Air Filter
Indoor air quality is something you should be concerned with as a homeowner. Breathing in too much dust or other allergens can cause a number of respiratory problems. The first line of defense you have against these allergens is your HVAC unit’s air filter.
This filter is designed to catch dirt dust and pollen. As time goes by, the air filter will begin to get clogged and will need to be replaced. Failing to replace this air filter will not only lead to your indoor air supply suffering, it can also cause your unit to get overworked.
If you are using a pleated filter, you should be changing it out once every two months or so. Investing in a higher-quality filter will help you keep your indoor air supply clean and your unit functional.
Clean the Condenser Coil
Some homeowners get so fixated on maintaining the inside portion of their HVAC unit that they forget all about the outdoor portion. One of the important parts of your HVAC unit is the condenser coil, which is located on the outside of your home.
As time goes by, the condenser coil will begin to be affected by outdoor elements like dirt and even grass. If the fins on this coil are clogged, it will be hard for your unit to get the airflow it needs to operate. With a water host and the right cleaning solution, getting this coil clean is easy.
If you notice the fins on the condenser coil are bent, then investing in a fin tool is a good idea. With this tool, you can straighten out this problem before it does any real damage to your unit. If you are unsure about how to do this work, be sure to contact a reputable HVAC repair professional for help.
Make Sure the Drain Lines Aren’t Blocked
A home HVAC unit has a number of different parts. Unless all of these parts operate correctly in unison, it will be impossible to get the best performance out of your unit. The drain system an HVAC unit has helps to reduce the amount of condensation you have to deal with.
In some instances, dirt or even grass may clog up this drain line. If this happens, it will result in lots of water damage. Instead of dealing with this damage, you need to get in the habit of inspecting and cleaning the drain line if needed.
Using compressed air is a great way to blow out the line quickly. If you notice any leaks or other damage to this line, be sure to call in professionals immediately. With their help, you can get the drain line repaired in a timely manner.
Getting Your Ducts Cleaned
Having cool air blowing through the vents of a home is something most people take for granted. The only way you can get the cool air distributed throughout your home is with a functional and clean duct system. The older your home gets, the more problems you will start to experience with HVAC air flow.
Often times, these problems will be caused by dirty ductwork. If the ducts are clogged with dust, they will prohibit air from flowing as it should. Addressing this problem will require you to hire professionals to clean the ducts.
Some homeowners try to do this work on their own but usually fail to get the results they are after. This is why hiring a professional with the right tools is so important. They should have no problem getting the ducts cleaned in a hurry.
Lubricate Moving Parts
The motor bearings and other moving parts on your HVAC unit will dry out over time. Allowing them to stay dry may result in serious HVAC repair issues developing.
When cleaning your HVAC unit, you need to invest in a can of spray lubricant. With just a few squirts of this lubricant, you can help these parts do their job.
If you still notice squeaking after applying the spray lubricant, it may be time to replace the motor bearings. Waiting too long to address this problem may cause the unit to breakdown completely. This is why calling in professionals immediately is a good idea.
Hiring Professionals to Perform Air Conditioning Maintenance in Houston
When it comes to checking the refrigerant in your unit or addressing repair issues, working with professionals is your best course of action. Professionals can get air conditioning maintenance in Houston done in a timely and efficient manner.
Are you in need of HVAC repair or maintenance? If so, contact us now to find out more about the services we offer.
What is the Difference Between Heat Pumps & Furnaces?
Making sure that your home is safe and warm during the cold winter months is very important. When you are looking for a heating source for your home, two of the most popular options are furnaces and heat pumps. While many people use these terms interchangeably, there are actually many differences between the two heating options.
Source of Hot Air
The main difference between a furnace and a heat pump is how they create hot air for your home. A furnace will typically use natural gas or electricity as the fuel source to generate hot air. With a heat pump, the pumps will actually take the warmth out of the outside air. This is similar in process to how an air conditioner creates cool air for your home. This process actually makes them more efficient and environmentally friendly than furnaces as they do not rely on natural resources as much to create heat.
Ability to Work in All Environments
Another difference between heat pumps and furnaces is that they are designed for different environments. If you live in a warmer climate where it does not generally get too far below freezing, a heat pump could be a far more efficient option. However, heat pumps have a harder time consistently creating hot air in very cold climates. Because of this, you may be better off having a furnace if you live in an area that has long, cold winters.
If you want to learn more about heat pumps, furnaces, and your other options for heating and cooling your home, reach out to P&M Air Conditioning and Heating. P&M Air Conditioning and Heating have been providing heating and air conditioning services to customers all over the Houston metro area for more than 70 years. P&M can meet all of your installation, repair, and maintenance needs for your home heating and air conditioning systems.
Can Heating Systems be Recycled?
When the Christmas music comes on the radio, it is a sign that winter is coming. While it is an exciting time of year for Santa, it also means that the temperatures are starting to drop. Perhaps there is already some snow on the ground. Maybe it is already frigid outside. This means that the heating system gets booted up and some families might notice that it doesn't work as well as last year. It could be time to replace that heating system. With this goal in mind, can families recycle their old heating systems?
Recycling the Old Heating System: It's Possible
Sometimes, people can recycle parts of their old heating system. The short answer is that some bits and pieces of the heating system are likely recyclable while other parts are not. Some pieces that can be recycled include:
- The packaging that the heating system came in
- Some of the gears and motors that propel the heat into the home
- Some of the metal framing that is used to give the system its structure
- Compressors that are used to produce heat
- Some of the brass fittings that hold the system together
- The coils that generate the electric current that produces heat
Many of these parts are able to be recycled. What parts of the heating system cannot be reused?
Not Recyclable
Unfortunately, there are also parts of the heating system that cannot be reused. Some of these include:
- The flexible duct that transmits the warm air into the home
- The capacitors which are responsible for transmitting the electrical current
- Some of the tiny plastic parts that degrade over time
Try to recycle as much of the heating system as possible before installing a new one. Where should people turn to for information about heating systems?
Trust the Trained Professionals
There are many options out there for families who are looking for a new heating system. Those in need of assistance should trust the trained professionals at P&M Air Conditioning at Heating. Serving the Houston, TX area with a variety of services including heating installation, heating repair, and heating maintenance, families can make sure that they spend their winter in comfort. Don't wait for the snow to fall! Contact our professionals today to make an appointment!
How Often Should My Furnace Be Replaced?
Most homeowners know how often they should replace a lot of things in their home. They may, however, be confused when it comes to their furnace. Most of them wait until their furnaces can no longer work at all. This is not right. With regular maintenance services, your furnace can stay I good working condition for 15 to 20 years. This, however, does not mean that the same applies to all furnaces. Some of them may have a shorter lifespan especially if you do not perform regular maintenance services.
Age
If your furnace is 15 years old, it is time to start thinking about a replacement. Newer models are very efficient. They may help you to save up to 20% on energy bills. You do not need to wait for your old furnace to break down before purchasing a new one. It may cause you a disappointment when you least expect it.
Frequent Repairs
If your furnace is not yet that old but you are spending too much money on repairs, it may be time to replace it. You should also consider our energy bills If they have increased, it may mean that your furnace is losing its efficiency. Needing repairs often is a sign that your furnace has served its lifespan. In the long run, it may be cheaper to get a new one than to keep spending money on the old one.
Professional Opinion
Another reason to replace your furnace is if you are unsure of its ability to get you through winter. Your doubt could stem from a number of factors including advice from your technician. If your technician is trained and experienced, they are likely to have better knowledge about your furnace than you do. It is wise to listen to them and be prepared.
Furnace Tune-Up in Houston, TX
If you have any furnace installation, maintenance, or repair needs in Houston, contact P&M today! We have an A rating with BBB and a team of professional, NATE-certified, and experienced technicians who will provide you with the best service possible. If you have any questions, we will be glad to answer them. Our services are timely and they offer 24/7 emergency service. The costs to replace your furnace are affordable and their customer service is exceptional.
What are the Benefits of a Ductless HVAC System?
Have you noticed that some rooms in your home have a different temperature than the rest of your home? Then you should consider installing a ductless HVAC system. The primary reason why you may be experiencing this problem is your AC unit isn't providing a consistent level of comfort.
The ductless systems are efficient and offer consistent comfort in every room. The ductless system usually consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit attached to an outdoor compressor via a small 3-inch hole for power and refrigerant lines. Now let's get into the top benefits of going duct-free.
Quiet Operation
Typically, a ductless air system consists of both the indoor and the outdoor components. Therefore, contractors usually install the noisy elements of the system such as the motor and the compressor outside. In fact, you won't believe how quiet these ductless systems are while in operation. The ductless system will operate at approximately 26 decibels which is quieter than even the average whispers in a library.
Increased Comfort
When you are installing the ductless system, you determine where you want to place it and how many units you prefer for your home. You can put it in any part of your home you wish. Since we have already established that different rooms in your home record different temperatures, you place the unit in a strategic place to boost the overall comfort of your home. You can have more than one unit and install them in different rooms.
Energy Efficient
Every homeowner would love to make their home energy-efficient to cut down on energy bills. Typically, more than 30 percent of energy consumption in your home is through the traditional ductwork. The ducts tend to consume a lot of energy even before the conditioned air reaches your home. With the ductless systems, you are getting 100 percent of the unit’s output. The energy saving of a ductless system goes beyond the system’s output. Since you are heating or cooling the required rooms only, you use less energy.
Environmental Friendly
Apart from being energy efficient, the ductless system also operates on the R410A refrigerant which is specially designed to prevent damage to the ozone layer. Since your home is also energy-efficient, its overall negative impact on the environment is significantly reduced.
Are you looking for heating and cooling experts in Houston? Contact us here at P&M for quality HVAC services today and we'll take great care of you!
Emergency HVAC In Houston Services
Southeast Texas is no stranger to inclement and harsh weather. In fact, recent torrential downpours in Houston flooded many areas. These storms also brought heavy and gusty winds, along with lightning, thunder, and especially tornadoes. From Sugar Land to Katy, countless homes were without power and experienced damages to their AC and heating units. If you are one of these victims, emergency HVAC in Houston is simply a phone call away.
With years of extensive industry experience, local AC and heating professionals can repair and resolve a number of issues. This includes system mechanical failures, along with damages to vital parts and components. They also replace any outdated accessories, including fans, rotary blades, motor blades, compressors and much more. With emergency services 24/7, Houston customers are assured timely and affordable services across the board.
Tornadoes are notorious for causing millions of dollars in damages to entire cities and towns. Sadly, many fatalities have also occurred due to tornadoes touching down on subdivisions, apartment complexes, offices, and commercial establishments. These acts of Mother Nature even cause electrical interference, and can easily result in downed power lines and transformers across any city.
With this in mind, HVAC units are always susceptible to both exterior and interior damages. While Houston does have emergency response systems in place, you need professional AC and heating teams to restore normal and proper airflow to properties. Local technicians have the ability to repair or completely overhaul your units while you wait. This includes central cooling and heating systems, along with portable units for residences and businesses.
As part of any service or maintenance job, technicians will also check filter and vents for proper air returns. They even seal up any leaks, while ensuring maximum airflow in attics, crawlspaces, and other moist and dark areas. As always, your HVAC professional will also check for mold and contact a remediation expert if any spores are found.
With Houston in the middle of tornado activities, now is the right time to secure your units before irreparable harm and damages occur. With just one phone call, you can get the professional AC and heating repairs and services you need. Local technicians are committed to excellence in all services and are fully certified to handle all unit types, models, and designs.
As always, technicians will also check your units to make sure they are properly sized. This includes the coils, which play a pivotal role in optimal airflow throughout your home or business. They also drain water pans connected to the central unit, while checking attics to ensure proper insulation is in place as well.
Tornadoes and harsh weather can seriously damage homes and businesses at any time. However, it is great to know that repairs and services are just around the corner. Whether via phone, text, or e-mail, Houston AC and heating professionals are determined to help all customers get the services they need. You can check Google to compare service providers in your area as well. In fact, this is the best way to make a decision about which company or contractor you want to hire for your AC and heating maintenance.
Heating And Air Conditioning Friendswood
With the advent of indoor sports arenas which easily accommodate games ranging from tennis to track and field to football and baseball, you might assume that the weather really doesn't matter, since the players and fans will be protected from the harsher elements of weather conditions. However, for many sports, including football, outdoor stadiums are still the most common way to play or watch a game. Of course, games watched in the comfort of heating and air conditioning Friendswood homes are always comfortable.
Football is a game which has a lengthy season, beginning in the spring with training camps and continuing on through pre-season games, as well as college football events. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day are marked by a number of televised games in all parts of the country. The post-season games and the Super Bowl are played in still more locations and weather conditions.
Most weather conditions affect both fans and players. Some weather conditions also affect the equipment. The inflation of the football, the right type of uniforms and footwear can make a big difference in how well the teams are able to perform. In many cases, the inclement weather will affect both teams in a relatively similar manner.
Since teams switch sides on the field during the game, conditions such as the sun's glare, wind gusts, and rain showers may not give an appreciable advantage to one team or the other. The home turf may actually play a greater role in the team's performance than weather conditions.
Rain showers can cause a game to be highly unpleasant for fans and for the players. Artificial turf can become slippery and can even cause various types of injuries which would be less likely on a natural sod playing surface. For rainy days on artificial turf, there are efforts made to cover the playing field and eliminate much of the water issues.
Some games are played when it is snowing, particularly in the New England and other northern locations. Snow brings its own set of problems to players. It can be difficult to see the actions of other players and even to identify the path of a thrown football. Added to visibility problems are the surface slipperiness.
Wind is another issue which can affect the game, A football in the air, whether kicked or thrown can be markedly affected by a sudden gust of wind. Conversely, a wind gust at the right moment can cause a longer throw to be counted, so long as the receiver is able to track the path of the ball and be in a position to catch it when it comes down.
The fans at least have the opportunity to avoid going out into really inclement weather. If they are determined to attend the game, they can take handwarmers and foot warmers and parkas with hoods. They can also enjoy the refreshments served at many games. When the weather is unseasonably warm, fans can enjoy the iced drinks and any little breeze that appears. However, the best way to be sure of pleasant temperatures is indoors, in front of the big screen TV.
Money Saving Tips For Heating And Air Conditioning Bellaire
Trusting all HVAC install, repair and maintenance to a professional service provider offers peace of mind and the best value. Highly skilled and trained technicians are available to keep your heating and cooling appliances fully operational with minimal fuss and the goal to save you time and money. For heating and air conditioning Bellaire installers repairmen will advise on ways to protect against chilly weather conditions in South Texas according to your budget.
You may be under the impression that having HVAC systems regularly inspected is expensive and unnecessary. Unfortunately a failure to keep these mechanisms properly cleaned and checked can lead to unexpected damage, sluggish performance and increased energy consumption leaving you with a high bill and little relief. Keep out the cold effectively and avoid downtime by calling on the right people for the install and the management of equipment.
With the onset of severe weather conditions, it is important to prepare with reliably operating heaters. Storms and cold may leave you stuck indoors and should include an effectively operating heating appliance to assist in the prevention of sudden indoor temperature drops. Calling on HVAC specialists will best manage your air conditioner and minimize expenditure including breakdowns and replacement of units.
Experienced and skilled experts in HVAC operation and maintenance will provide superior performance solutions for all air conditioning equipment. Keeping indoor temperatures warm during the winter months and cooler in the summer will place a great deal of demand on these systems. Appliances kept in a quality condition supports efficiency and the production of clean air according to safe environmental standards.
The colder outdoor temperatures is a sure sign of the extremes in seasonal change. To prevent the bitter chill from causing discomfort or high bills in heating operations, call on certified HVAC technicians. A professional approach can save on the costs of buying the wrong equipment, incorrect installation or having inexperienced persons handle the repairs of broken down equipment.
A warmer and more comfortable environment makes it easier to relax and perform regular tasks. Having a trustworthy HVAC company provide unique design solutions will keep apparatus in quality condition and efficiently operating through the year. A professional maintenance procedure is completed quickly and is one of the most affordable ways to manage the integrity of heating and cooling equipment.
Never attempt the repair of appliances without the assistance and recommendations delivered by experienced technicians in the industry. Licensed professionals are familiar with the operation of air conditioners and will detect problems without the risk of causing complications. It is more affordable to have these services performed rather than look at cutting costs and having to spend more money down the line on repairs and replacements.
Before the temperatures plummet, have your HVAC system checked and maintained with a reputable technical air conditioning and heating service. Cost effective procedure with efficient measure are provided to keep appliances fully operational during the year including the colder winter months. A lack of general maintenance and failure to obtain assistance from licensed technicians can compromise system operation and its longevity.
HVAC League City AC Air Conditioner Tips
Increased heat waves and humid conditions make for uncomfortable indoor environments. Reliance on a fan brings little reprieve while poorly maintained air conditioners consume more electricity without properly adjusting the temperatures. HVAC League City installation Houston offers reliable and quality solutions to beat the hot weeks ahead.
With AC installation Bellaire Texas households can expect systems designed to produce high quality and efficient cooling operations. The purpose is to maintain comfortable conditions for a home or office when outdoor temperatures begin to soar and become unmanageable. Reliance on a reputable AC repair and installation service can assist when hot weather hits and simply cannot be handled without the functionality of air conditioning units.
Indoor air quality and the maintenance of efficient and fully operational equipment can deliver exceptional results and prevent breakdowns leaving you hot and bothered. Trusting the install and repair of apparatus to a qualified and experienced service can prevent the severe discomfort caused by extreme heat and humid weather. It ensures that you remain cool when the temperatures begin to rise without additional costs or complications to restore or replace appliances.
An air conditioning service installation in Friendswood communities can advise on the types of systems that must be installed to deliver efficient and cooler operation. Temperature regulation is dependent on high functioning apparatus with the purpose of creating a cooler more conducive environment. A professional can advise on the design and size of machinery offering the greatest capacity to reduce the intensity of hot and humid weather patterns.
Effective repair and maintenance services are delivered by certified technicians to ensure that air conditioners deliver a high level output when temperatures begin to soar. Run down mechanisms that have not received a scheduled service will consume more electricity and fail to deliver the proper output contributing to hiked utility bills. Assistance provided by qualified technicians can prevent breakdowns and restore much needed efficiency.
Intensified heat lasting for days to weeks can make for unpleasant living and working conditions. With reliance on the install of fully operational, efficient and powerful air conditioning installs Houston Texas homes can deliver cooler air for a comfortable indoor space. The onset of hot temperatures for the upcoming weeks requires the proper management methods to keep HVAC systems operating at full capacity for conducive conditions over a period of time.
Maintenance is performed with professional assistance including the replacement of air filters, checking coils, refrigerant levels and thermostat operation. Keeping internal mechanisms clean produces healthier environmental conditions minimizing exposure to the accumulation of dust, dander and indoor contaminants. The system is able to operate at higher levels of efficiency when debris and dust are removed for effective and long term function.
The installation of an HVAC system to manage soaring temperatures requires the professional and quality services delivered by air conditioning experts. Highly qualified technicians can perform routine maintenance and scheduled repairs to keep mechanisms fully functional and ensure that the environment remains cool and comfortable. Beating a heat wave can be achieved with reliance on the right types of conditioners.
Dodging A Bullet With Hurricane Matthew
Most Americans still remember the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. This was one of the most powerful storms of this type in history, reaching category 5 with sustained winds of over 160 miles per hour. Most of the country recently dodged a bullet when Hurricane Matthew made a pass up the east coast. This was the first storm to reach category 5 status since Hurricane Felix in 2007.
Matthew formed as a tropical wave near the west coast of Africa and began its track across the Atlantic. Along the way, it formed into a tropical storm and later a hurricane. The storm caused major damage in Haiti and the Bahamas. It also produced heavy rains and high storm surges from Florida to the Carolinas before tracking back out to sea and dissipating.
Floods from the storm were seen as far inland as 40 miles in North Carolina. Even though this storm did not make a landfall in the US while at its full strength, it did cause significant flooding and wind damage all along the east coast during its passage. There was one officially reported landfall in the US while the storm was still rated as a category 1 storm that produced sustained winds of 75 miles per hour.
The damage caused by this storm was extensive and will take quite some time to assess and clean up. However, it could have been much worse had the storm maintained its intensity longer or made a more direct landfall. Its path was far enough from the coast during most of its duration that this minimized the damage felt inland.
While Matthew stayed off the east coast, it could have entered the Gulf of Mexico under other circumstances and maintained its intensity for a much longer time. Had this happened, the damage would have been much worse all along the gulf coast and inland. There could easily have been an extensive loss of life as well as property damage had this occurred.
One facet of the reconstruction following storms of this intensity is repair or replacement of damaged HVAC systems. Heating and air conditioning are essential to more than just human comfort. They can save lives when the weather turns violent or temps go to extremes. While this may be a low priority for those affected by Matthew, it can serve as a reminder to the rest of us to have our systems checked.
Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems can help to ensure that they function when needed, no matter what the weather. Potential problems can be caught by routine inspections and repaired before they become problems. Early detection and repair can also save money.
Hurricanes are not the only natural disasters that affect us each year. They are, however, among the most damaging to life and property. For anyone rebuilding after a major storm or other disasters, installation of an appropriate system can help with the process. Even before construction is completed on structures, a well-installed system can be turned on in order to help keep those working on the reconstruction comfortable and protect materials used by controlling humidity.