Published on Dec 21, 2020 by Blog in Blog
Without a working furnace, you and your family could be in for a miserably cold winter. Poorly performing heaters cannot effectively cool your house the way there are supposed to.
Plus, furnaces that are not properly maintained will be less efficient and waste energy, which costs you money. Luckily, there are a handful of easy steps you can take to boost the performance of your furnace and ensure it lasts longer. Follow this simple furnace maintenance checklist to prepare for the coming cold.
The easiest thing you can do to improve the efficiency of your furnace and keep your house warm is to regularly change your furnace filter. All of the air that heats your home initially passes through this filter.
A dirty filter will cause your furnace to work harder, trying to push air through the clogged filter. Plus, the air filling your home will be less clean.
Make it simple by purchasing a multipack of filters and set an automatic reminder to change the filter every three months. During the winter, when your heater is running continually, it’s best to change the filter every one to two months. While you’re at it, you can upgrade your air filters for increased performance, breathability, and air quality.
Your furnace and A/C unit need space around them in order to effectively take in air. Make sure to keep the area around your furnace clear. Sweep around and wipe it down regularly.
For outdoor units, make sure they are free from long grass, plants, branches, and other debris that may affect their functionality. Remove any leaves, pollen, sticks, and other debris from the outside of the unit.
If your ducts are leaking hot air where they aren’t supposed to, then less heat will make it to the furthest ends of your home. These areas will be much cooler, and as a result, your furnace will have to work harder to try heating these areas.
You will have an inconsistent home temperature, which is always frustrating. You’ll also cause unnecessary strain on your unit, shortening its lifespan.
One of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner is to install a modern, smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. Older homes usually have outdated thermostats. These usually have two settings; on and off.
Newer thermostats give you much more control over the temperature and comfort level of your home. You can set your heater to a specific temperature, rather than run it indefinitely.
You can also create schedules. You can have the temperature automatically decrease in the evening when you are warm in bed, as you don’t need the heat to be so high while you sleep.
You can also control the temperature from your smartphone. If you know you are coming home from work early, you can bump up the temperature so it’s nice and warm by the time you get home.
Ultimately, a modern thermostat makes your furnace more efficient, ensuring it lasts much longer.
Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is always working. Check it and replace the battery at least once a year.
The furnace is usually a source of gas in the home. If there is any type of leak, you need to know about it instantly in order to keep your family safe.
It’s pretty hard to see inside your air ducts. Chances are, if you could see it, you’d be pretty grossed out. Over the years air ducts collect dust, dirt, debris, and even mold.
A build-up in your ducts could prevent air from passing through. Again, this would cause the unit to work harder trying to pump air into each area of your home.
This could also be a source of indoor air pollution. If anyone in your home struggles with allergies or respiratory issues, it is a good idea to get your vents cleaned, as most of the air we breathe in our homes passes through these.
There are many components of your furnace that need a regular checkup in order to maintain proper function and warmth in your home.
The heat exchanger needs to be inspected regularly. Burners need to be checked and cleaned. The fan switch may need to be adjusted to prevent energy waste.
Gas lines should be inspected thoroughly to ensure your home is safe. There are many more components that may be beyond what most people can find and inspect themselves. Calling highly trained specialists who are committed to a thorough inspection of your HVAC equipment is extremely important.
The best time to get your furnace serviced is early in the fall before temperatures drop too much. HVAC contractors often offer specials during this time for those who understand the importance of furnace maintenance.
Having your furnace serviced before it breaks, and before winter, is far more cost-effective. The last thing you want is your furnace to fail in the dead of winter, late at night. Your only option is to call for emergency furnace repair.
Unfortunately, furnaces do not last forever. Even if you prioritize regular furnace maintenance, there comes a time when it simply passes its useful life expectancy. If your furnace is 15 years old or more, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Not only will your home be more comfortable and warm due to increased efficiency and output, but your wallet will be happier too. Newer models are far more cost-efficient on a monthly basis.
Ultimately it’s our jobs as homeowners to ensure our furnace is working properly for many years to come. Few things in your home are more important. They keep your family happy, healthy, and safe.
The least you can do is follow the easy furnace maintenance checklist above. For anything else, you can schedule your heating service with Infinity Texas Air today to ensure your heater is in prime condition for the upcoming season.
Published on Nov 24, 2020 by Blog in Blog
With the pandemic still active, the air we breathe now needs a lot more attention than before. That said, your air conditioning can do a lot more than provide warm and cold air.
It’s also useful in removing airborne particles from your homes and lessens the risk of catching diseases.
However, maintaining your air conditioning can be quite problematic. There are plenty of components in your AC that may need repairs or replacements.
In this guide, we discuss some things that AC repair Forney TX can offer. We also discuss some signs that may need attention for repairs. Read on to learn more about the importance of HVAC maintenance and how to maintain your unit.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) can last from 15 to 25 years. However, it all depends on the type of system you have, and other factors can affect the lifespan. Some common factors that can affect your HVAC system life include:
Your furnace life expectancy can also last for 10 to 15 years with a yearly maintenance check. The heat pump of your HVAC can live up to 16 years, while your tankless water can last 20 years. Regular water heaters can persist for ten years, and the thermostat can last the longest for 25 years.
An air conditioner needs proper maintenance and repairs to work properly. It’s good to know some common HVAC problems to determine when you need a repair. Here are some signs that require your attention to your AC system.
There are times that your AC unit will stop cooling or heating, making the room feel cold or hot. This is a common AC problem that occurs even when your AC is on. You can check whether the refrigerant, sensors, drainage, or filter is the problem.
If your AC doesn’t turn on, it could be a problem with the thermostat or a faulty power line. You should also check for blown fuses or tripped wires affecting the electricity flow. Make sure that you know the age of your AC if it’s past ten years.
Frequently switching the AC on and off can wear down the fan controls and compressor. If the AC refuses to turn off, check the fans, air filters, and condensers. Some parts of the AC won’t work if you don’t regularly clean the dust and debris.
It’s time to open up your AC and check the ductwork and filter. Your ducts may be leaking air out, or it’s either constricted or clogged. A clogged filter can restrict the airflow while decreasing the unit’s efficiency to cool or heat the air.
There may be problems with the filters or thermostat that causes your AC to blow hot air. Dirt and debris can block out the condenser or evaporator, which can dispense the wrong temperature.
Once you hear your air conditioning making loud or strange noises, turn it off. Squealing noises indicate that there are belt issues such as misalignment. If you hear grinding noises, the motor may have started to rust.
Rattling noises state a loose, bent, or dirt on the coil fins or fan blades. Pinging sounds tell you that there’s a loose piece of metal mixed in the duct system. Be sure to contact Infinity Texas Air Repairs to help you replace or repair the unit to avoid more issues.
Oversizing and inept maintenance can be detrimental to the components of your HVAC. Lacking maintenance can lessen component lifespans, which can lead to blower motor failures.
An unmaintained HVAC unit works at least 20% harder, which gives more stress to the unit, lowering its lifespan.
With proper care, your HVAC systems can last longer than expected. Monthly to yearly maintenance can reduce your risk of HVAC breakdowns by about 95%. It also cleans your air filled with airborne pollutants 2 to 5 times better than without maintenance.
The distribution of air in each room will become steadier and even. Regular maintenance will help minimize the chances of strange noises and odors. It also safeguards anyone in your house from the risk of inhaling carbon monoxide.
You can get proper AC maintenance at Infinity Texas Air, so take a look at what AC Repair Forney TX can offer.
With professional help, they can tell you more about your AC and how to maintain its condition. However, here are some general things you can do to maintain the good condition of your AC unit.
As mentioned earlier, a dirty filter can make your air conditioner work harder. Changing your filters from time to time can reduce a big burden on your AC system. It’s also easy on your set budget and lowers your electricity bills.
The coils and fins of your AC help absorb the heat and give cold air to the room. If you leave debris on it, the unit may start malfunctioning or stop working. You can clean them with a broom and a garden hose as long as it doesn’t give out much pressure.
If you tend to stay away from the house for long periods, turn up your AC temperature. It will lessen the time your AC unit works and lengthens the life cycle. Air conditioners use less energy for every degree that you raise on the thermostat.
AC Repair Forney TX can offer many services from fixing air conditioners to improving your air quality. You can find us at 12025 Lewis Cir, Forney, TX 75126, from 8 AM to 8 PM.
We serve many areas in Texas from Combine and Garland to Mesquite and Terrel. If you need our services, don’t be afraid to contact us for your heating and cooling needs.
Published on Oct 28, 2020 by Blog in Blog
Winter’s just around the corner. Time to cover up your air conditioner… or should you? While covering up an air conditioner can have some benefits, it can also have some drawbacks as well.
So, if you’re wondering, “should I cover my air conditioner in winter?”, you should read on. We’re going to discuss some of the specific related to the practice below.
To be sure, there is some benefit to covering an air conditioner in the winter. However, it’s probably not the benefit that you expect.
Covers aren’t going to do much to stifle the effects of rain and snow. Much of the moisture from rain and snow will still make its way to the unit. And what you might be happy to hear is that, even if they’re not covered, air conditioning units will go largely unscathed.
See, these units are built to withstand the effects of rain and snow. Their manufacturers understand that they’ll be installed outside, and so construct them in a way that keeps moisture and ice damage to an absolute minimum.
Yes, there is a chance that their internal components will become a little dirty. However, the amount of dirt that they take on will pose no problems. Plus, you should be cleaning the interior of your air conditioner unit on a regular basis anyway.
There are two upsides to covering an air conditioner during the winter. One of these upsides is that you’ll help to keep the system’s internal components clean. After all, if the top of the unit is closed off, not as much dirt will be able to make its way in.
The other benefit of covering an air conditioner is that you’ll prevent items from falling into the unit. So, for example, if a branch were to break off of a tree and fall onto the unit, the residue from the branch wouldn’t be able to fall down into the system.
It’s important to remember, however, that air conditioning units are already covered with metal bars. And while these bars won’t entirely deter the entry of miscellaneous debris, they’ll still keep out the large items.
So, while there are upsides to covering your air conditioner, they don’t make a substantial difference. And many would argue that they fail to outweigh the downsides of putting on a cover.
Putting a cover on an air conditioner has benefits, so why shouldn’t you do it? Well, because it could actually do more harm than good.
First of all, by putting a cover on your air conditioner, you’re allowing it to trap moisture in close quarters. The result of this? Mold growth, and, in the long run, rust.
Another problem associated with covering your air conditioner is that you’re essentially creating a home for rodents and other pests. When the weather gets really cold, these pests will look for covers quarters in which they can lodge. Your air conditioning unit will be an obvious choice.
Once they’ve made their way to your AC unit, they might try to work their way into it. Once there, they can do damage to various components. So, in essence, by covering your AC unit, you could be attracting damage to it.
Lastly, covers cost money. So, if you were to use one, you would essentially be paying for the potential destruction of your AC system. That’s just a bad deal.
Now, let’s say that you do want to cover your air conditioner. That’s fine. But if you do so, you’re going to want to do it so that you limit the downsides as much as possible.
So, instead of wrapping the AC unit up entirely, you should only cover the very top of it, ideally with a plywood board. Hold that board down with a brick or two and you’ll be good to go for the rest of the winter.
By doing this, you’ll keep debris out of the AC but will also prevent mold and rust from building up upon it. The AC’s external shell should offer enough protection for its internal components, rendering a full cover meaningless.
But again, this isn’t really necessary. You can make do easily without covering your AC unit at all.
Though covering your AC won’t do much to prepare it for the winter, implementing some other measures will. Make sure to clear (including trees and hedges) the area around the condenser so that there is as little risk for debris as possible.
You’ll also want to change your HVAC’s air filter and listen out for any strange noises. Make sure to check for refrigerant leaks as well.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have your system inspected by a professional. That way, they can handle any potential problems before the winter weather exacerbates them. It’s wise to have your HVAC system inspected yearly anyways, so now would be a good time to facilitate that.
And there it is, an answer to the question of “should I cover my air conditioner in winter?” As you can see, by and large, covering your air conditioner is a bad idea. If you really want to prepare your AC unit for the winter season, you should instead utilize the services of a professional air conditioner maintenance company.
Looking for air conditioner maintenance in Forney, TX? Infinity Texas Air has you covered. We provide not only AC maintenance services but AC repair and AC installation as well.
Contact us now to get the process started!
Published on Oct 1, 2020 by Blog in Blog
If you do the cleaning in your home (because if you don’t no one else will, right?) then you know how quickly dust collects. Especially on dark-colored surfaces!
But that dust isn’t just annoying to clean – it can be dangerous to breathe! Having an air filter or following the below seven tips on how to improve air quality won’t get rid of all the dust in your home, but it will sure help reduce it!
Read about how to keep a cleaner home, below!
Plants filter the air by ingesting Carbon Dioxide (what we breathe out) and converting it to Oxygen (what we breathe in). During the process, those same plants will filter out impurities and produce clean(er) oxygen in the room. While this is a powerful process, you’d have to essentially live in a floor-to-ceiling greenhouse to depend on plants to do all the air filtering for you.
Ivy is a great plant to grow indoors, and only needs a moderate amount of sunlight. Not into ivy? Check out different types of ferns, or the snake plant. Snake plants are so hard to kill that they’re sometimes called “mother-in-law’s tongue” plants because they’re simply relentless!
Indoor plants are a great addition to any home’s plan to improve air quality, but they can only do so much. Make sure you pick another option from the list below, to keep your family breathing easy.
As we go into fall and winter, the air gets dryer and that can affect the way it interacts with our lungs and sinuses. Depending on where you live, you might find that you can sleep and breathe better, but there are other benefits too.
One study found that raising indoor humidity levels in the winter can reduce the spread of airborne viruses by up to 85%. Wish we had known that in 2019! They’re also thought to improve your skin appearance (more moisture is a good thing for skin!), help reduce snoring, and even prolong the life of your wood furniture – who knew?
The only caveat to humidifiers is that they’re hard to clean and it’s very important to clean them regularly. Since they take in air from your environment and filter it back through, it helps to make sure your air is clean to start. You can do that by getting regular vent clean outs and replacing your home’s air filters on time.
Follow your specific model’s cleaning suggestions and clean your humidifier at least once every two weeks. Fill it with distilled water if you want extra credit!
It’s important to get organic air into your home from time to time, and who can resist opening the window when you get that first fall breeze? No one – and you don’t have to.
But since it’s been so hot and you’ve had the windows closed al summer, it’s a good idea to take your screens down and clean them with soap and water. If that’s not possible or you don’t want to expend that much effort, rub down the inside of your screens with a paper towel and tap lightly from inside your home.
This should loosen any debris or pollen that got stuck to your screen over time and it will lessen the amount of work your in-home air filter has to do.
Always remember to keep windows closed when pollen indexes are high or when people are doing yard work outside – especially if it involves a leaf blower!
Did you know you should have your HVAC unit serviced at the start of Spring and the Fall? It needs a tune-up or at least a check-up when you switch from using mostly AC to mostly heat and vice versa. It sounds like a lot, but regular maintenance prolongs the life of your system and keeps your energy bills low.
Your HVAC unit is part of the overall investment you make in your home!
Plus, fall tune-ups are a good way to prevent that burning dust smell you get when you turn on the heat for the first time.
We mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. Your HVAC system has air filters built-in that are meant to be changed every few months. You want to change air filters at least every season, but more often if someone in your home has bad allergies or if you have pets.
Don’t know how to change it, what model you need, or where to get a replacement filter? That’s what we’re here for! We carry a wide range of the best air filters on the market. Ask your technician to bring one when they come over to …
Yes, you could get a small room-size air purifier, but that only cleans one small-size room at a time – and they’re not cheap. By the time you bought an air purifier for every room, you would have already spent more than you would on a custom air purifier for your home.
Not only is a custom air purifying system a good investment for your family’s health and safety, but think about the value it’ll add to your home’s resale value! Improving physical and financial health in one swift move.
When you purchase services from us, you can opt-in to the “No Breakdown Club“. Think of it like the best extended-warranty or maintenance plan you’ve ever seen. Not only will we make sure you have clean air filters, but we’ll call you to schedule appointments.
We make the health of your family’s air our job – so you have one less thing to do!
Now you have seven simple steps you can take towards cleaner and healthier air in your home. And almost all of them we can take care of for you! The health and safety of your family is our passion and we can’t wait to serve you. Give us a call to schedule services, here.
Published on Sep 8, 2020 by Blog in Blog
The average US homeowner can expect to dedicate on average $110.88 per month to air conditioning costs during the Summer.
While this number will drop in Winter months, the summertime in Texas is usually filled with hot days that demand a much-needed reprieve in the form of expensive air conditioning. While air conditioning can be expensive, there are a variety of ways to cut costs and make your bill more affordable.
There are a variety of ways to reduce air conditioning costs in the summer, here are the top five!
Even in the sweltering Garland, Texas heat, there’s still the few days of blissful wind and mild temperatures. On those days, be sure to leave your windows open to take advantage of the natural cool air. A cool breeze through your house partnered with ceiling fans can significantly lower the temperature in your home to a comfortable level without the need for air conditioning.
One of the biggest wastes of money when it comes to an electric bill can be caused through faulty windows, specifically the window seals. If the window seals in your home are in disrepair, they could be letting out your cool air, thus increasing the need for the air conditioner to continue running. Likewise, they could also be letting out precious heat in the winter, which could continue to raise your electric bill with the need for increased heat throughout your home.
Let’s break this down by numbers. The national average cost of an air conditioner is around $5,750. While maintenance may not always seem necessary, preventative care is key to keeping you from spending potentially thousands of dollars, all while sitting in the glaring Dallas heat. Performing regular air conditioning service and repairs on your unit can ensure that your wallet and your family are well taken care of!
While solar panels are great for the environment, they’re also beneficial for your wallet! For example, the average family in Sunnyville, Texas would save around $86.08 per month on their electric bill just from installing solar panels.
One of the most often overlooked causes of rising air conditioning costs is the lack of insulation in a home. While upfront costs may deter homeowners from insulating, the continued savings from insulation could make the cost worth it. Especially with old homes, insulation could mean a major price difference when it comes time to pay your electric bill!
While there are many tips for reducing air conditioning costs in your home throughout the summer, these five are sure to help! In the end, we’re sure your wallet and your air conditioning unit will thank you!
With the sweltering summers in Texas, having an air conditioning company ready to step in and help with any trouble is a much needed asset for homeowners in the area! At Infinity Texas Air, we offer heating and cooling services at affordable prices! If you’re looking to make the most out of your air conditioner and heating units, check out these articles with tips to save you time and money!
Published on Aug 28, 2020 by Blog in Blog
Did you know that the US has been a world leader in air conditioning? It consumes more energy through air conditioning than any other country. Talking about energy consumption, how much does your AC consume?
Unless you are among the few homeowners who conduct a routine AC maintenance check, it must be consuming quite a lot. The bigger problem with this is that you may not even know it. Your central air conditioning may be built to thrive through all conditions, but air conditioning maintenance is necessary because, like all appliances, it could malfunction and need repairs or even a replacement.
The question is, how do you know when your air conditioning system needs maintenance? In this post, we’ll address seven telltale signs that your AC needs a tune-up.
Strange noises that usually don’t come from the AC are the surest sign that there is something wrong with it, and an air conditioning maintenance tune-up is due. The only subtle noise your AC should be making is the whirling of the condenser fan. The thing is, if you have an older AC, you may have gotten used to any strange sounds that come from it, but any sound from buzzing, whistling, hissing, and the like are not normal.
If you have been hearing clunking noises, chances are you have loose components in the AC, or something is stuck and needs to be removed.
If, on the other hand, you have heard squeaking or squealing sounds, then you are dealing with a loose or broken belt. A buzzing sound is usually a signal of a blockage, and a humming sound could be damaged blades or a dying motor.
When an AC malfunctions, it works harder than necessary, which results in the consumption of more power and, ultimately, high utility bills.
If you have been observing hiked utility bills without adding any other appliances that could be consuming the extra power, there is a high chance your AC is the culprit. When an AC is not properly maintained, it retains dirt, dust, and debris, all of which disables functionality and makes it run harder than it should.
An air conditioning maintenance tune-up may be necessary at this point, and it’s advisable to hire a professional technician who will find the core issues and fix them. This tune-up will not only help reduce your energy bills but extend the life of your air conditioning system as well.
One of the most common AC issues and a telltale sign that it needs a maintenance tune-up is short cycling.
Short cycling is when your air conditioner runs for a while, then turns off and starts again repeatedly. Some of the most significant problems of short cycling are that the AC takes too long to maintain the desired temperatures and consumes too much energy.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors like control board issues, inadequate refrigerant levels, dysfunctional evaporator coils, and clogged air filters. Given that it’s not a straightforward problem, the best way to solve is by conducting an air conditioning maintenance tune-up immediately.
Another sign that you need to have your air conditioning maintenance check-up is fluid leaks. The fluid leaking from your condenser is known as refrigerant, and it is vital to the functionality of the air conditioner. If by any chance, the refrigerant leaks out, the air conditioning unit will be utterly inefficient.
There’s one primary reason why the refrigerant could be leaking, which is a punctured refrigerant line. This is the line that connects the condenser to the system in the house and is usually located about a foot above the ground.
Given that the condenser is located outside the house, any physical item like a tree branch or a rock could fall on the line and damage it, leading to a leak. If this is what you’re facing, then you need to have a technician patch it up and fill up the refrigerant back to the optimum level.
When you make temperature changes to your thermostat, your AC should correspond immediately. However, if it takes as long as 30 seconds or more to fire up, then you have an AC problem that needs fixing. You could be facing either one of two problems.
First, it could be the thermostat, and two, it could be the thermostat sensors. The sensors could be dirty, and the thermostat could be faulty, but either way, you need the services of an air conditioning service.
Bad odors are another sign that your AC could be needing a maintenance check. If your AC is emitting bad odors, it could be for a variety of reasons, with the most common one being mold growth. Mold usually grows and thrives in areas prone to moisture, so if there’s any moisture getting in your AC, then mold will undoubtedly grow.
The thing is, mold can spread to your duct system as well. In this case, you’ll not only need an air conditioning repair service but a mold inspector as well to avoid mold contamination in your home. The bad odor could also mean that the wire insulation needs to be changed, or you have a trapped rodent giving off the pungent smell.
During the summer and spring months, the air is usually quite sticky. However, the air conditioner is able to take care of it automatically, and your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be sticky. If you notice that your indoor air is sticky, then your AC is not working efficiently.
In this case, the refrigerant could also be low, and the evaporator coil may not be getting cold enough. This results in the inability to cool the air sufficient to remove the humidity from the air. A professional AC technician will fill the refrigerant, fix the coil, and get your AC running smoothly again.
If you’re experiencing one or more of the signs above, then you undoubtedly need to have an air conditioning maintenance tune-up immediately. After that, ensure you always get routine maintenance check-ups at least once a year to ensure optimum efficiency and longevity.
Now that you know exactly what your AC needs, our professionals at Infinity Texas Air will be more than glad to serve you. Please contact our team, and we’ll send one of our technicians immediately!
Published on Jul 25, 2020 by Blog in Blog
When people think of air pollution, they tend to think about the smog that settles in the air in big cities, or a hazy ozone layer in the summer heat. However, the inside of a home or building can house many pollutants as well. Sometimes the air indoors is even worse than outside.
Indoor air quality can be affected by a number of things including dust, chemical fumes, lead, radon, fire-retardants, and conventional cleaners. Other pollutants are brought from the outside in.
So, how can you improve indoor air quality? What can be done on a regular basis to ensure that the air inside is fresh and clean?
There are some things that can be easily managed by the homeowner and some efforts that require professional assistance.
Let’s take a look at 8 ways to improve the air quality inside:
Your HVAC system is likely working around the clock, especially during the hot summer months and during a time when people are home more often than ever.
Maintaining the perfect temperature indoors takes lots of air cycling through your filters.
Before long, the air filters will fill up with pollutants and dust and not work as efficiently as they should.
Air filters that aren’t performing properly spell trouble for indoor air quality. Filters that are blocked up can lead to expensive repairs if they aren’t changed in a timely manner.
One of the simplest yet most effective things anyone can do to keep their air quality clean is changing out their air filters regularly.
The AC filter isn’t the only one that people should check in an effort to maintain clean air indoors. Taking that extra step to ensure clean air means checking other filters within the home.
These might include vacuum cleaner filters, the filter inside the clothes dryer, kitchen vents, etc.
Some of these filters should be checked every week while others require monthly cleaning.
The air ducts are responsible for distributing cold and hot air throughout the entire home making it possible to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.
Air ducts that are either installed improperly or not regularly maintained can distribute all kinds of contaminants throughout the home.
Without being checked and cleaned by a professional, dander, dust, and even mold can start to accumulate in the air ducts. This greatly reduces overall air quality.
A professional can make sure the air ducts are cleaned out and that there are no leaks. Having clean air ducts will drastically improve air quality.
There are a surprising number of air pollutants that originate in the kitchen. Gas stove release harmful contaminants including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
And electric burners aren’t harmless. They release some of the same pollutants, albeit in smaller doses.
When cooking, homeowners should make sure to turn on their kitchen vents or open a window to allow the circulation of fresh air.
Carpet and rugs are big culprits when it comes to collecting dust and debris particles which become embedded deep in the carpet fibers.
Because of this, carpets and rugs should be vacuumed on a weekly basis bare minimum, and daily if young kids or pets are present in the home.
Homeowners should consider having their rugs and carpets professionally shampooed. A professional deep cleaning can get rid of dust particles and dirt that a regular vacuum can’t easily access.
Moisture and humidity in the home make for the perfect breeding grounds for mildew and mold. When mold and mildew are present, occupants might start to experience serious respiratory problems including asthma and allergies.
Those who live in humid locations should be especially careful about monitoring the humidity levels in their home. This can be done with the help of reliable humidifiers.
Other ways of controlling the humidity levels include fixing leaky plumbing to prevent mold, using an exhaust fan when cooking or running the dishwasher, not overwatering houseplants, and venting the clothes dryer to the outside.
If there’s a suspicion of mold growth, a professional HVAC technician can help.
How can you improve indoor air quality?
Plants make great air filters, both outdoors and in. Not only do plants enhance the decor, their pull contaminants out of the air and keep things smelling fresh and clean.
Plants can be added in any room where there’s adequate sunlight to help everyone breathe easier while inside.
Many people associate the strong smell of bleach, pine or lemon-scented cleaner, and synthetic laundry detergent fragrances with cleanliness. Many of these cleaning products contain lots of different chemicals that can contaminate the overall quality of the air indoors.
When possible, use natural cleaning agents such as baking soda or vinegar and limit the use of aerosol sprays. Fragrance enhanced air fresheners are also a big culprit.
For a fresh-smelling home, opt instead for open windows and indoor plants.
So, now you know the answer to the question, “How can you improve indoor air quality as a homeowner?”
While we’ve discussed some of the most common ways to improve your air quality yourself, one of the best things you can do is get help from a professional.
We’re here to take the hassle out of improving the air in your home. We can help you maintain your air filters or change them out for you as needed, and get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment!
Published on Jun 1, 2020 by Blog in Blog
HVAC systems have a lifespan too. Albeit, it’s a bit shorter than ours.
Nonetheless, the life of your HVAC can and should be prolonged. It’s through routine maintenance that we can achieve longevity for our systems.
In this article, we will cover the factors that affect the HVAC, typical life spans and replacing a system.
Keep reading to find out: how long do HVAC systems last?
When it comes to the longevity of your system there are many various factors that play a big part.
Global temperatures are getting warmer, but that’s not too much of an issue. The release of airborne particles, also known as off-gassing is a big problem for the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
The chemicals that are used in the building process of a home can cause the condenser coils inside of your AC unit to corrode quicker. Modern methods of construction homes mean that there is less natural airflow into the building. That may be a big plus for your energy bill but it also means chemicals from cleaning products and building materials will remain in the home longer.
For this reason alone, outdoor HVAC systems last longer than indoor units.
Another big factor that affects the lifespan of your HVAC is your usage of it. In most states, people use their AC a couple of months of the year. A machine that is used less often will last longer than that which is used 24/7 all year long.
Here are some additional points of consideration for the life span of your HVAC unit:
Some of these issues may be beyond your control, but many are not. Lack of routine maintenance can lead to quicker component depreciation and a shortened life span for your unit. Oversizing (choosing a unit that is too large for your needs) means that your system will stop and start more frequently. This leads to more wear and tear and reduces lifespan significantly.
Let’s take a look at the typical longevity for HVAC units.
Beyond the factors that affect longevity, the service life is dependent on the type of device. HVAC covers a large variety of devices, and is not limited to the ones listed below. Nonetheless, these are the most common and useful for residential properties.
With routine maintenance, a gas furnace can last 30 years, and sometimes longer. Usually, a furnace is changed when a heat exchange starts to leak. Systems without maintenance might last 10 years, but that’s unlikely.
A boiler always lasts longer than a furnace. With an average life span of 35 years, it is only replaced when the heat exchanger starts to leak, much like a furnace. However, a boiler can freeze up in the winter when not used, therefore proper usage is important.
The majority of air conditioners last 15 years, but in reality, it’s closer to 10. In a coastal area, this number can be as low as seven years. They are replaced when a compressor or condenser fails.
A ductless mini-splits provide both cooling and heating and can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. If you live by the coast they will tend to corrode faster. This is due to the high alkalinity and salt-contents in the air that enters the ducts, and get processed by the copper condenser coils, which are susceptible to corrosion.
A heat pump lasts about 20 years, but 15 is the average. Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners, but they can also provide heating and therefore they are used more often during the year. In a coastal area, a heating pump will last a maximum of 12 years.
Even though these are the common longevity time frames, a homeowner will probably replace a system sooner. As system ages, it becomes less efficient, increasing the utility and repair costs.
Once a system has reached a decade in age, the energy savings from a newer model can justify the investment by saving you money in running costs and repairs.
If your HVAC unit is older than 15 years or if your furnace is reaching 20, it’s probably the right time to change it. Especially if something breaks or you’ve had issues in the past.
When you factor in the repairs, labor, and replacement of components it can be as expensive as a new unit with installation coverage.
If you have a coal/oil furnace from 50 years ago, there’s very little chance that it will be working efficiently. Replacing this system will prevent all of the issues that you have somehow been able to avoid. It will also reduce your heating costs.
You might also want to replace a heat pump or evaporative cooler with a completely new HVAC unit, which will last as long if not longer than your previous system. It will function better and help you save money. The sooner you replace it, the sooner you can start to reap the benefits.
It’s a common question: How long do HVAC systems last? Now you know the answer, you are well on your way to replacing your old system or getting a new one for your new home. Either way, modern systems are made to last and are more efficient so can reduce your costs.
There’s really no reason not to get one installed. If you’re interested in a newer system, get in touch with us (Infinity Texas Air) and we will happily accommodate your needs.
Published on May 8, 2020 by Blog in Blog
The current pandemic has led many people to question the quality of their self-quarantine.
Many people fear that the indoor air they’re breathing in isn’t safe. They fear that it’s harmful to their families to be locked indoors for that long.
That fear is justified. There are many different things indoors that could complicate a person’s breathing such as mold, radon, or carbon dioxide.
In order to make sure the family is protected, homeowners need to take an extra step during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve their air supply. Here is how people can keep their home air quality clean.
Just because everyone is supposed to be self-quarantining doesn’t mean they should be removing all traces of the outside air from their home.
In fact, there are several benefits that humans receive from having access to a higher supply of fresh outdoor air.
This can be as simple as opening the windows in the house for a few hours or taking a brief walk outside while practicing social distancing. If a homeowner has a backyard, they should definitely be taking advantage of it.
The fresh air intake system will do its part to add fresh air to the house’s HVAC system, but opening the windows for a bit will give it some much-needed assistance.
Even those with coronavirus symptoms should get their fair share of outdoor air via an open window to help with their breathing.
Many people aspire to install a hardwood floor into their home and rid themselves of that dreaded carpet…now is the time to act on that desire!
While it may not occur to many people, carpet becomes a hazard to a human’s breathing over time. It traps all the dirt and dust that comes into the house, with nowhere to escape.
Even if a person were to vacuum their carpet often, some of the dirt is too far into the fibers of the carpet to reach.
The compounding (and hidden) dirt in your carpet can lead to serious breathing problems for those with heavy allergies.
People can eradicate this issue by installing the tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring they’ve had their eyes on for a while.
For some, getting the floors remodeled isn’t in the budget during this time. If not, then a healthy alternative is having the carpets professionally cleaned.
The HVAC system in a household should be serviced no less than twice a year by a professional HVAC expert.
Those that aren’t serviced on a biannual basis can lead to less lubrication in the gears of the system, which will quicken the system’s wear and tear.
There are also risks of dust and other objects interfering with the HVAC system’s fresh air intake system. Those out there that don’t replace their filters often enough know this problem all too well.
These days, a new HVAC installation can cost a homeowner up to $10,000. The more that a system is serviced each year, the longer it will last and the less likely it will need a replacement.
HVAC experts don’t want you to spend thousands of dollars on installation if you don’t need to. They’ll try their best to extend the life of the system until it can function properly anymore.
However, if that HVAC expert isn’t scheduled for a checkup often enough, there’s not a lot they can do to save the system.
All homeowners need to do is build a business relationship with a trusted HVAC service and they won’t have to worry about their home’s air quality during the quarantine.
Homeowners essentially have one responsibility that falls on their shoulders for maintaining their HVAC system, and they do it forgettably. That responsibility is to change out the air filter once a month.
If not replaced on a consistent basis, the dirt and debris on the filter can cause the system to work extra hard to operate. That will inevitably lead to the system either overheating or shutting off as a defense mechanism.
No matter how often someone currently replaces their air filters, they should be doubling that effort these days.
Doubling down on the air filters will ensure the air supply that the HVAC system is pumping through the house is as fresh as possible.
High-traffic areas, as the name would imply, are the areas of a house that garner the most usage.
Generally speaking, this would be rooms such as the living room, hallways, and kitchens, to name a few. Because of the higher foot traffic, they’re also the place with the most dirt and debris in them.
Because of that, they need to be cleaned twice as often as any other room. The weekly house cleaning isn’t enough. People need to make sure and wipe down all surfaces, vacuum the floors, and spray the high-traffic areas thoroughly 2 to 3 times a week.
Homeowners should take the time to consider what places in their homes have the most traffic in order to improve air quality.
The awareness of how to improve the home air quality is the first battle for most modern homeowners.
Be sure to read this article on how to control symptoms of AC allergies from home. This article will give more tricks on how to fix certain allergy complications.
For more inquiries, please reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist in any way possible!
Published on Apr 9, 2020 by Blog in Blog
Did you know that Texas has become the hottest state in the entire country? In fact, of the 50 hottest cities in the nation, more than a dozen are in the Lone Star State! And yes, Dallas has made it to this list.
While Texas may be more known for its insufferable heat, it does get below zero temperatures too. There was even a time when Dallas received almost eight inches of snow!
That said, you should treat your furnace with the same care that you give your air conditioner. If you have a furnace making noises you haven’t heard before, take that as a sign that you have a faulty heater. It’s best to get it checked by a pro ASAP, otherwise, you might get snowed in without any heating.
The question now is, which furnace “sounds” are normal and which ones aren’t? What do these weird sounds even mean?
We’ll take a closer look at some of these odd noises that furnaces make, so be sure to keep reading!
Sometimes, a furnace that hasn’t been in use for a long time can make a super loud noise right after you power it on. This is usually caused by expanding and contracting metal. Metals, after all, expand when heated and contract when cooled.
In most cases, this is normal. The sound should mellow down the more you use your furnace.
If, however, the heater sound remains super loud or even worsen, there may be a blockage somewhere in the unit. It’s best that you contact a furnace repair technician to have it inspected and assessed.
It’s also possible for your ductwork system to make a loud, almost-like-gunshot sound. This noise is also usually due to expanding and contracting metal. However, the sound could be worse in air ducts without any insulation or have worn insulation.
In this case, you should consider getting your ductwork updated with better insulation. Not only will this help reduce the noises induced by contracting and expanding metal. It can also help seal those air duct cracks and holes, which could be wasting up to 30% of your conditioned air.
Dirt and debris can interfere with your heater’s ability to “fire up”. The filth that’s clogging the burners can cause incomplete combustion. This is a safety hazard, as it can generate carbon monoxide (CO) among other harmful gases.
CO alone is deadly, as it’s a silent killer that causes at least 430 accidental deaths in the US every year. CO poisoning also lands up to 50,000 people in emergency departments each year.
Either way, if the heater noise you hear is almost like an “explosion”, turn off the system right away. A furnace’s delayed ignition may be due to a gas build-up, which in turn, can create that very loud sound. You need to have the unit’s burner checked for dirt build-up or damage.
Screeching, squealing, and wailing noises can all indicate a lack of lubrication. This, in turn, is usually caused by neglect or a lack of proper furnace maintenance and tune-up.
Keep in mind that your furnace has a lot of moving parts, all of which need to remain lubricated. Otherwise, they will get exposed to too much friction, which can wear them down early.
Worse, the excess friction can add up to the heat within the blower motor. This can make the furnace’s internal components even more susceptible to overheating. It won’t take long before your motor overheats and breaks down completely.
If you hear a loud buzzing, humming, or whirring sound, it may be due to loose parts, such as fasteners. For example, loose bolts and screws have “extra” space between them and the part they’re fastened to. This space can then amplify the vibrations of a furnace that’s currently powered on.
Parts that are really loose can also cause rattling or knocking sounds. Aside from fasteners, a loose or unfastened blower fan may also generate such sounds. A detached panel, or one that doesn’t close fully, may also be to blame.
Banging sounds often indicate fallen parts, as in completely detached nuts and bolts. The noises come from the part being strewn around by the force or pressure of the furnace’s blower.
Scraping or screeching usually means that a foreign object got trapped in the blower. As the fan rotates, it forces the object to move along with it. The object could then “scrape” against the sides of the blower, screeching along the way.
A chipped, cracked, dented, or warped blower blade can also cause those scraping sounds. The “screech” may come from the damaged part running against the sides of the blower case.
A furnace making clicking noise while running often signals worn motor bearings. Bearings reduce friction between moving parts, so they will wear out over time. When this happens, they’ll “thin” down and become loose.
As the motor runs, a worn bearing can vibrate and repeatedly hit the shaft or rod inserted in its hole. The can then result in clicking or soft knocking sounds.
Do you hear whistling coming from your furnace? If so, then a likely culprit is a filthy filter. The filter has become clogged with dirt that air can’t pass through it properly.
The good news is, you can fix this common furnace problem on your own — simply clean or replace the filter. This will also help make your heater “breathe” better, which can then boost its performance. A fresh filter can also help you trim your central HVAC energy costs by 5% to 15%.
There you have it, the only guide you need when it comes to a furnace making noises. If it was only a one-time “loud noise”, then don’t worry, as that was likely the furnace coming out of its “resting” phase. However, if you continue to hear these noises, shut down your heater right away and contact an HVAC expert.
If you live within the Dallas County or nearby areas, we here at Infinity Texas Air can help. Ring us up now if you’re experiencing furnace issues, especially banging sounds.
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