Common Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs

Having problems finding suitable options to install an HVAC system for you home? Have a unique scenario that you can’t seem to figure out on your own? Sierra Mechanical specializes in creating custom heating and air conditioning solutions that will help lower energy costs and get your HVAC system back up an running as quickly as possible. Get in touch with a representative and discuss your inquiry.

HVAC units are usually very reliable, however problems do arise. Some of these problems can be do-it-yourself issues. However, for the more complex problems, it is best to call a trained technician. When a service call is placed for a technician to come out and check a unit because a client is not getting any heating or cooling, these are the most common things that we check:

• Blown Fuses. Fuses protect the unit's motor or compressor against overheating, and is found in the evaporator coil. When a motor is suspected of going bad, the breaker is one of the first things the technician checks.
• Worn Contactor. There are three contactors in a unit: one for the compressor, one for the condenser fan motor, and one for the blower motor. The contactors engage when there is a need for cooling or heating, making an electrical connection. This starts the compressor and motors. Arcing and pitting can form on the contactor making it hard for the electrical current to pass and start the particular motor.
• Capacitors. The run capacitor is used to help the motors of the unit run at a consistent speed, rated in microfarads. Start capacitors give the compressor a brief increase in starting torque. If either capacitor burns out, it will need to be replaced for your HVAC to work properly.
• Gas valve. The gas valve meters the gas to flow from your gas line to your unit. They are only used during the heating season. Sometimes the gas valve gets corroded. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced.
• Filters. Filters get dirty and clogged from air particles. Once this happens, the filter needs to be changed. One way to tell if the filter needs to be changed is to hold it up to the light and see if you can see light pass through it. If you cannot, the filter needs to be changed. A dirty filter will reduce the air flow to the unit causing the unit to freeze.
• Thermostat. This is the device that tells the system what to do and when to do it. Before calling an HVAC company, make sure the thermostat is on. Many times the thermostat is accidentally turned off or is on the wrong setting. 
  
• Drain lines. The drain line commonly becomes clogged with dirt or algae. If it is clogged, the drain pan will fill up and cause water to leak over and create water damage.  
• Refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can happen with vibration of the unit while it is operating. Refrigerant leaks in the condenser or evaporator coils cannot be repaired. If the leak is found in another place the technician can remove what is left and charge the unit levels back to their correct amount. 
• Compressor. This is the heart of the A/C unit. The compressor is located with the condenser coil. If the unit is undercharged with refrigerant, the compressor will run hot and will eventually seize. If the unit is overcharged, your liquid refrigerant will get back to the compressor and cause liquid slugging. It is important that the A/C unit has the proper amount of refrigerant. 
• Condenser Coil. These are located outside with the compressor. They are exposed to the outdoor elements, so they often get dirty and should be cleaned at least yearly. This can be done with a water hose when the unit is not operating. If the dirt and grime get bad enough an HVAC technician will have to clean the coil with a chemical cleaner. 
• Evaporator Coil. On split systems the evaporator coil is located in the attic, but on a package unit it is located outside with rest of the unit. If the coil is located inside, cleaning will only be necessary if suggested and should only be about every three years or so. If the evaporator coil cracks, an HVAC professional will need to fix the break.

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, it is best to call a trained HVAC technician.

Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs in O'Fallon, MO

Heating and air conditioning repairs are commonly faulty wiring issues, air ducts or faulty motors. These are some of the most common issues found in numerous homes. With our years of experience, we can often diagnose and fix the problem on the spot. Especially in the hotter areas, air conditioners tend to fail when you need them most. When your heating and air system fails it is restricting the actual cool air being generated from the unit into the home. Maybe your air conditioner is just not turning on, or it is making a strange noise, either way, call to have one of our expert repair technicians diagnose the problem with your heating and air conditioning system.

Sierra Mechanical: 636-240-8383

What to expect from a heating and air conditioning repair visit

The heating and air repair works on a number of guidelines. Your HVAC technician should first introduce himself and ask you questions about what the problem with your AC seems to be. He will be sure to include you in the diagnostic process if you are interested in learning more about how your Air Conditioner operates. He will then take several steps to diagnose the problem like check the air flow if possible. First, if the system is completely inoperable then he will need to check the power source. Whenever an air conditioner is broken it is important for the technician to have the proper tools to remove certain parts, then begin a process of elimination to the source of the problem.

Why and How to Upgrade Your HVAC Unit

Federal laws require AC units to be a lot more efficient than they were just 10 years ago. For central AC, look for the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio, or SEER; for window units, the measure is simply called the energy-efficiency ratio, or EER. The standards mandate a SEER of 13 and an EER of 8, but devices with higher numbers will cost less to operate.

Cool Down a Hot Room Fast with These Underused Hacks

Seek Shade

Landscaping can do more than boost curb appeal. With thoughtfully chosen, strategically positioned trees and shrubs, you can actually keep your house cooler through the summer. After all, virtually all parts of the home exterior let in heat. To limit the effect, shade the roof with dense-canopied trees, ideally placed on the southern portion of the property. Also, deflect late afternoon sun with short trees, tall shrubs, or planted trellis-work situated along the western exposure.

Install Awnings

Of course, trees and shrubs can take years to mature. If yours are still too young to lend adequate shade, don't fret: Awnings achieve similar results, and they do so more or less instantly. Sure, not everyone loves the look of awnings, but few would argue against their effectiveness. Installed over a west-facing window, a fabric awning can reduce heat gain by as much as 77 percent! It's a simple concept, really: Block out the harsh sun to enjoy cooler spaces indoors.

Shield Your Windows

Go even further to reduce solar heat gain by applying reflective, heat-control window film to any windows in the hot room (or, if you choose, throughout the entire house). Made up of multiple UV-blocking layers, insulating window films limit the extent to which the sun's rays can drive up the temperature indoors. Because they're usually self-adhering, applying window film couldn't be easier. The process requires little more than a tape measure and a pair of scissors.

Focus on Fans

Don't underestimate the humble fan. In low humidity, a strategically placed fan can make you considerably more comfortable. On the sunny side of the house, particularly on upper floors, position fans to blow out toward an open window. On the shady side of the house, particularly on lower floors, do the opposite—orient fans to blow in toward the living spaces. In the summer, set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise so cool air gets drawn up from the floor.

6 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR BUILDING'S HVAC UNIT FROM THEFT

Building owners and managers know that HVAC units provide an extremely tempting target full of valuable metal and components that can often be easily stolen. The following guide provides six practical and effective ways to protect your HVAC unit from theft.

 

Why Are HVAC Units Targeted?

 

• HVAC units contain valuable metal: Most HVAC units contain copper pipes and coils. This metal can be sold to salvage yards and recycling companies, often with no questions asked about where it came from.
• HVAC units are often in secluded areas: Many times, HVAC systems are installed in out-of-the-way locations where they're not easily seen. These can include roofs or hidden areas behind buildings. This may improve the aesthetics of the area, but it provides an environment where thieves can operate more easily.
• HVAC units are portable: Some smaller HVAC units can be stolen whole after refrigerant lines and power cables are cut.

How to Protect Your HVAC Unit from Theft

 

• Install an alarm system: Alarm systems are available that can monitor the specialized characteristics of an HVAC unit. Install an alarm system that sounds if the HVAC system is tampered with or damaged. You can also get an alarm that keeps track of refrigerant line pressure and sounds if the refrigerant lines are cut or damaged. Some of these HVAC system alarms can also create a loud siren-like sound if an attempt is made to move the unit.
• Put the HVAC unit in a cage: Construct a heavy metal cage around the outdoor HVAC component to keep unauthorized  individuals from getting near it. These cages are usually very strong and take a long time to break through. This keeps thieves from having the time to quickly access the unit and get away. A tall fence can also help prevent easy access to the equipment, but may be easier to get through, or over, by a determined thief.
• Increase outdoor security: Boost the amount of lighting in the area of the HVAC system and incorporate motion detectors that turn lights on when movement is detected. Motion detectors can also be integrated into alarm systems. Install video cameras that give you constant visual surveillance of HVAC units and the surrounding area. Even realistic fake cameras can improve security if thieves aren't able to tell they aren't real. Make sure lights, cameras and other security equipment are installed at a height that prevents intruders from damaging or destroying them. If you have security personnel, make sure they take extra care to check on HVAC equipment and maintain a frequent visible presence in the area.
• Reduce accessibility: You can help protect your HVAC unit from theft by reducing or eliminating accessibility. For example, make sure that no ladders are left on the side of buildings that can allow access to the roof. If possible, move the exterior parts of the HVAC system to a more visible location or a spot where it's more difficult for thieves to operate.
• Install a wireless GPS tracker: Put a wireless GPS tracker on your HVAC unit. If the unit is stolen, you can find out where it is, which will assist you and the police in finding the thief.
• Take steps to frustrate thieves: For example, paint copper lines a bright color. This makes the material traceable and reduces the chance it will be purchased by a salvage company. Or you can attach the HVAC unit to a strong concrete base that makes it difficult to remove.

Common Cures for a Loud Air Conditioner

The noise from an air conditioning unit can have lots of causes depending on the type of unit. These noises should not be ignored and are almost always a sign something that has gone wrong or is in the process of going wrong. The type of noise may be used to diagnose the nature of the problem. Ignoring it allows the problem to worsen to the point where it cannot be fixed, or where fixing it will be very expensive. In some cases, an air conditioning unit is beyond repair by the time it starts being noisy; however, much of the time the unit will need only minor work done in order to start functioning quietly again. In this post I will focus on some of the more common noise sources in a window unit.

Fixes for Noisy Fans

For a fan to work properly, it will need to be kept clean and to be properly maintained. The first step is to locate the source of the noise. Fans that produce a rattling or harsh humming noise may be loose or need cleaning.

• Open the air conditioner cabinet and locate the fan. Remove any debris you see on or around the blades. In some cases insulation or other items may fall into the unit and be noisy due to the movement of the blades.
• If the problem is not debris, then check to see if the blade itself is loose. If so, then you can tighten the screw at the hub with a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
• Check to make sure that the blades are straight. A blade with even a slight bend may be touching the inside of the unit which will produce a noise. The blades may be bent back into place, but you will have to be gentle and precise in handling them.

Lubrication

A motor that needs lubrication may emit a humming or grinding noise. Some units come with unsealed motors and you will be able to apply lubrication in the form of SAE 10 oil placed in the oil ports. You may prevent the occurrence of noise by oiling the air conditioner motor at the beginning of each summer.

Loose Screws

When an air conditioner unit is working, it vibrates; this vibration can cause screws in the unit to come loose. Many of the problems that make air conditioning units noisy are the result of screws in panels throughout the unit that have been vibrated loose. The mounting screws that are holding the unit in place can also be loosened as the unit operates. Both situations will produce a rattling noise when the air conditioner is putting out air. These can all be easily fixed with a few turns of your screwdriver.

Coil Fins

If the coil fins have become clogged with dirt, the air conditioning unit may become noisy. Check to see if this is so; if it needs cleaning use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dirt or debris. Bent coil fins can also cause the unit to emit a humming noise; these may be straightened with the use of a tool made for this purpose: the fin comb. Insert the teeth of the fin comb between the coil fins and slide to straighten the bent fins.

These simple steps can save time and money and are relatively simple for a homeowner to do. However, if the problem persists, an HVAC contractor like the professionals at Sierra Mechanical should be contacted.