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Temperature, Humidity, and your HVAC System

When temperatures rise most will notice the HVAC unit not cooling as well as they would like it to. Sometimes this could be signs of an issue with the HVAC unit, but a lot of times its simply due to the outdoor temps and humidity.

If the outside temperature reaches 95 or higher, the unit is running at maximum efficiency. This will normally put the indoor air at a temperature somewhere between 76-80 degrees. This is not usually a comfortable temperature for inside the home, and first reaction is to try and lower the temperature on the thermostat to try and cool the home quicker. This will not help. It will make your unit continuously run without seeing a temperature change. Running it continuously will dramatically increase your energy bill.

Some people are under the impression  “BIGGER IS BETTER“. This is not the case when it comes to HVAC units.  While yes, a bigger unit will cool the area down faster, but not efficiently. Buying a bigger unit means it will cool the area too fast leaving moisture in the air. Check out another one of our blogs discussing all the disadvantages of buying a wrong sized unit:  https://cagleservice.com/disadvantages-buying-undersized-hvac-unit/

All air conditioners are designed to remove the moisture from the air, but when humidity levels spike, most systems cannot keep up. This will make your home feel warmer than you would like and also take more money out of your pocket. Warm summer air holds more moisture so the humidity is naturally higher. Here are a few signs you may have a high indoor humidity problem:

1. The air feels wet. You make even have a clammy feel to your skin.
2. An “old house” smell. The excessive humidity causes dampness and can eventually lead to an “old”, stale air, or musty smell.
3. Foggy windows will occur when the humidity becomes trapped in the home.

Refrigerant Leaks: When to repair or replace?

So, What if the HVAC unit has a refrigerant leak?

Most people would be tempted to have their refrigerant or Freon*, as most people call it, refilled, as to try and avoid costly repairs or replacing the unit. This tends to only exacerbate the problem and could end up being more costly in the long run. Many people believe that, over time, an air conditioner uses up the refrigerant. Most believe when the warm air starts blowing, they just need a recharge like in their automobiles.  In reality, an air conditioner or heat pump has a sealed refrigerant system that should never “use up” or run out of refrigerant.

*Freon is a name brand, not the actual name of refrigerant.

Signs I may have a refrigerant leak?

If your A/C is running at a specific temperature but not blowing cool air, or if you notice your areas are taking longer to cool, you may have a leak. Sometimes a person may notice an accumulation of water near the furnace due to condensation from the build up of ice on the copper lines that extend from the HVAC unit to it’s outside coils. Another sign may be your utility bill. Basically the unit will have to work harder than it should to keep the area cool, in turn raising your electric bill. A unit with only a 10% leak can double the electric usage which cause the spike in the bill.

The Importance of Changing Air Filters in HVAC Systems

HVAC Air filters are our best defense against pollen, dust, pet dander, etc. circulating in our indoor areas. But air filters also provide a defense against any larger objects that could be pulled into the system, such as loose insulation, which could create a fire risk. Not changing air filters regularly will not only create more nastiness in the air, but it leads to conditions that foster mold or bacteria growth, and can cause unnecessary strain on the HVAC system. This can lead to future ac repair costs.

Believe it or not, clogged air filters are the number one cause of HVAC system failures. The job of the air filter is to collect all dirt, hair, dust, mold, etc. Failure in changing air filters regularly can cause hindering of the air passing through freely, as it is designed to do.

Concerns of Dirty Air Filters

– The blower fan in the HVAC system has to work harder to push air. This will increase your energy bill plus put extra strain on the system, making the system wear out faster.

– The difficulty in the air moving means rooms are not getting the air they need. This means the temperature sensors which regulate when the HVAC system turns on and off, may not register the temperature needed to signal the system to power down. That will eventually wear down your fan motor.

– When the air can’t travel out of the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner the system could possibly overheat or freeze up. Basically, the unit will run, costing you the same amount of gas/oil, but causing no change in the indoor temperature.

Tank Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Understanding Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters

The differences in tank vs tankless water heaters can be summed up in four categories:

Convenience

The biggest problems that people have with their hot water is not having enough. You may find that hot water doesn’t last long enough for everyone in your family to get a shower, or that it runs out partway through. These are problems that only exist with a tank water heater. Tankless water heaters can solve those problems. How? It’s because of how the two kinds of heaters work:

Tank heaters preheat a limited amount of water in their tank. You can get bigger tanks, but they’re expensive and there’s still a limit. If you use up all the hot water in the tank, you run out until it refills and reheats. This is what makes taking a long shower no fun.

Tankless heaters heat up water as it’s needed—whenever you turn the faucet. They can bring water up to steaming, soothing temperatures in a matter of seconds. They can provide hot water indefinitely.

Efficiency

One of the biggest things homeowners want out of a new water heater is energy efficiency. This is where there’s the most dramatic difference between the two heaters:

A tank heater operates continuously. That means it’s running even when you’re asleep, and much of that hot water will never even be used. That’s a lot of wasted energy—that you pay for.

Why springtime is the best time to service your HVAC unit

Imagine buying a car. The oil is never changed and there is never a tune up. How long would you expect that car to last? It is the same concept with HVAC units. No matter how well the brand, units are complicated pieces of mechanical equipment that need servicing, repairs, and will have breakdowns every now and then. By having a preventive maintenance package, you can reduce the need for repairs caused by breakdowns.

Why Leave the Work for HVAC Professionals?

Many homeowners wonder why they can’t just complete an entire tune-up themselves. The fact is a thorough tune-up requires skills, tools and knowledge that only experienced HVAC technicians can deliver. Here’s what to expect when you call in the pros to perform annual HVAC system maintenance:

Check the thermostat: The tech makes sure the thermostat is calibrated correctly to ensure comfort in every season. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat installed, the technician may recommend one and install it for you on the spot.

Tighten electrical connections: Loose connections are dangerous and can cause improper operation that shortens the equipment’s lifespan. The technician also measures voltage and current on equipment motors.