Heat pumps are an efficient option for heating your home throughout the year. They are popular because they combine the functions of an air conditioner and a heater. Like other systems, heat pumps experience various issues, one being water leakages. The following are common reasons why your heat pump is leaking water. 1. Drainage Issues Heat pumps contain a pan to hold normal condensation before it flows through a drain line. If the drain line is blocked or the overflow pan is not balanced, your heat pump may leak water. Our technicians can unclog the line or align the pan to prevent leaks. 2. Dirty Coils Your heat pump’s cold evaporator coil collects condensation and channels it into a pan that takes it to a drain. If your coil is dirty, it may become faulty and result in water leaks. Scheduling regular maintenance with us to clean various heat pump components is a great way to prevent leaks caused by dirty coils. 3. Frozen Coils Besides dirty coils, frozen coils can also cause leaks. Ice formation often occurs when low refrigerant levels in the heat pump disrupt the cooling process. Keeping your unit filled at an appropriate level of refrigerant...
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Air conditioners are great to have in Texas since our summers can be pretty brutal. We would all prefer it if our air conditioners could work efficiently. One factor that affects their efficiency is your home’s layout. So, how does ceiling height affect their cooling abilities? More Cubic Feet A high ceiling is usually seen as desirable since it can make a home feel more spacious. However, it does increase the amount of air you’ll have to cool, and it necessitates the need for a larger air conditioner. Typically, people use a basic formula that tells them what size of air conditioner would be ideal for a certain amount of square footage. If you have a high ceiling, you’ll also need to take your ceiling height into account. If you don’t, your air conditioner will have to work harder than it’s been designed to, and it may break down prematurely. Hot Air Rises Those of us with two-story homes know all too well how hot air rises. In a room with high clearance, hot air can get trapped in the ceiling. To keep hot air from accumulating up there, consider using a ceiling fan. The fan will keep the air...
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Ducts form part of your HVAC system and help you enjoy a warming or cooling breeze in every room. When they are not working as they should, you should consider replacing them. At Trade-Mark Air Conditioning, we advise our clients in Ingram, TX to consider duct replacement after several years or when moving into an old house. From our years of working on HVAC systems, our technicians have found the following benefits to replacing old ducts. Improved Air Quality Old ducts usually allow dust particles into the system, thus making the air quality worsen. Even if we seal any tears, some dirt may still remain in the air passage, and the air will not be as clean as it should be. However, when we perform replacements, you get new ducts with no existing dirt, and you can rest assured that you will breathe fresh air free of dust and allergens. Lower Bills Torn ducts usually allow in external air that reduces the impact of your air conditioning or heating. Therefore, the system uses more energy than usual to give you enough heat or cooling in your home. This increased usage automatically leads to higher utility bills. We advocate installing new...
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Your energy bill in summer can be quite a shock. Often, it’s because your air conditioner is working overtime to keep your home cool and comfortable. You might be looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money. 1. Check for Leaks and Gaps Leaks and gaps in the ductwork, around windows and doors, or in the insulation can cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary. They allow cool air to escape, which means your unit has to run longer to maintain the desired temperature. To check for leaks, hold a piece of tissue near suspected areas. If the tissue flutters, you have a leak. Once you’ve located the leaks, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. 2. Replace or Clean the Filters Dirty filters can restrict airflow, which makes your unit work harder and less efficiently. Check the filters monthly, and clean or replace them as needed. If you have a reusable filter, rinse it with warm water, and let it dry completely before putting it back in place. If you have a disposable filter, replace it with a new one of the same type and size. Never operate your AC unit without a filter in...
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Once you’ve reported that your air conditioning isn’t working, the landlord is given what’s considered to be a reasonable time to fix it. In general, a reasonable time would be within seven days or more. A reasonable time is defined differently in different states. In California, for example, it could go as high as 30 days. For the state of Texas, it’s generally considered seven days. Your landlord has an obligation to restore your AC to an operational level. It’s important to note that the tenant has an obligation as well. When the air conditioning in your apartment begins to show signs of malfunctioning, be sure to let your landlord know immediately. There are steps they can take to repair the unit before it completely breaks down. Regular maintenance helps to identify small problems before they become larger ones. Recommendations for Maintanance Below are three recommendations to help ensure that your AC runs smoothly all summer long throughout Ingram and the surrounding areas. 1. Keep Up With Annual Tune-up Services The annual tune-up includes a thorough inspection to check the temperature fluctuations, refrigerant pressure, blower motor capacitator, and more. Our highly trained HVAC technicians also inspect and clean the condenser...
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Thermostats are an essential part of keeping your home feeling comfortable. Ultimately, your thermostat monitors and regulates climate control. At Trade-mark Air Conditioning, we want to help you maximize your comfort through efficient heating and cooling. For many homeowners, thermostat placement isn’t given a second thought. But where you choose to place your thermostat certainly matters for your home’s comfort. Don’t Place the Thermostat Near a Window or Door Placing your thermostat near a window or door means that the thermostat will read the temperatures from outside. Outside weather not only fluctuates, but the thermostat won’t get an accurate reading of what the temperature is inside the home. Don’t Place the Thermostat Near Sunlight Similar to placing your thermostat near a window or door, placing your thermostat near sunlight will make it difficult for the thermostat to get an accurate reading of the temperature inside the home. In fact, direct sunlight will tell your thermostat that your home is warmer than it is, so the furnace won’t kick on until the sun goes down in the winter, and the AC could run far too often in the summer. Don’t Place the Thermostat Near Air Registers and Vents Don’t place the...
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When your home in Ingram, TX, needs a heating system replacement, you might be concerned about the cost of purchasing a new one. Perhaps you’ve noticed online listings of used furnaces for sale in the area. Before you purchase a secondhand furnace, here’s what you need to know about their safety and whether or not it’s worth buying one to save money. Who Will Install It? Beware of used furnaces listed for sale on social media and other online marketplaces. There’s no way to trace where those furnaces came from or whether an offer is even legitimate. You won’t be able to verify the previous maintenance history either. Since the risks are so high, most reputable HVAC companies won’t even agree to install one. They don’t want to be held liable for potential equipment defects. Licensed HVAC contractors prefer to go right to the source and get new equipment from the manufacturer. Forget About a Warranty A furnace has a life expectancy of about 15 years. When you purchase a pre-owned one, a great deal of its usefulness is already behind it. There’s really no way to tell when it might break down or what component will go next. And...
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Throughout the winter, your Center Point, TX home’s furnace keeps each room warm and toasty. During each heating cycle, the warmed air passes through the furnace filter. It’s important to replace the filter every 30 to 90 days in order to maintain good furnace performance and indoor air quality. Choosing the best furnace filter can be tricky, so follow these three easy tips. 1. Select the Right Size Each make and model of furnace has its own size requirement for filters. Refer to the owner’s manual to verify the correct size for your heating system. You’ll need to know the length, width and thickness of the filter. Ordering filters in bulk will save you money on filter replacements. 2. Evaluate the MERV Rating Minimum efficiency reported value (MERV) is a rating system for air filters. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles trapped by the filter. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or another breathing disorder, choose a filter rated at least 14. Be sure to read your furnace’s owner’s manual as some furnaces can’t accept filters with too low or too high of a MERV rating. 3. Consider Your Preferences There are disposable and reusable...
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Winter has arrived in Ingram, TX, which means it’s time to consider replacing your old furnace with a new one. With so many options available, you might feel overwhelmed. Follow these four simple tips to buy a new furnace for your home, and stay warm and comfortable for many years to come. 1. Check the AFUE Rating Annual fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, measures how efficiently a furnace converts gas into heat. Look for a furnace with at least 95% AFUE. You’ll save money and decrease your home’s carbon footprint. 2. Verify Capacity Our technicians measure your home’s heating load requirements. It’s important to choose a furnace that meets these requirements. Choosing a furnace with too much capacity will waste energy, while choosing one without enough capacity will leave your home cold, overwork the unit and shorten its lifespan. 3. Consider a Variable-Speed Blower A variable-speed blower operates at the lowest speed needed to warm your home. At lower speeds, it uses less power. Furnaces with this feature provide more consistent temperature control in your home. 4. Skip the Pilot Light Few new furnaces have the traditional pilot light. Those lights constantly burn gas. Instead, new furnaces use an intermittent pilot,...
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If there’s a burning smell when your heater comes on, it may be nothing, but it could indicate that there’s a serious problem. The type of smell can help identify what the problem is. Burning Dust Smell When you first turn your heater on after it hasn’t been used for months, you may notice a burning dust smell. Dust collects in your heater when it’s not being used and will burn once the heater turns on. The smell should go away after a little while. If the smell lingers, check the air filter to see if it should be changed. Burning Plastic Smell A burning plastic smell can be caused by one of the heater’s components wearing out. This could be a failing capacitor or a worn fan belt. You should call an HVAC company to have the problem fixed. Trade-Mark Air Conditioning in Ingram, TX, does heater repair. If another HVAC company says that your heater needs a major repair, call us to get a free second opinion. Electric Burning Smell The smell of electric burning can be produced by something harmless, but it can also indicate that there’s a serious problem. Remove registers and make sure that there...
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