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Is Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling Well? It Could Be Clogged with Cottonwood Seeds

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As the scorching heat of summer arrives, our reliance on air conditioners becomes paramount to stay cool and comfortable indoors. However, if you’ve noticed that your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as efficiently as it used to, the culprit might be something unexpected: cottonwood tree seeds. These seemingly harmless seeds can wreak havoc on your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor unit.

Understanding the Cottonwood Seed Issue

cottonwood seeds in an air conditioner

Cottonwood trees, which are everywhere in Olathe and Johnson County, produce copious amounts of lightweight seeds that are easily carried by the wind. Unfortunately, these seeds have a knack for finding their way into outdoor air conditioning units. Due to their small size and fluffy nature, they can easily penetrate the outer cabinet of the unit and get trapped between the coil and the cabinet.

When cottonwood seeds accumulate between the coil and the cabinet, they obstruct the airflow and disrupt the proper functioning of your air conditioner. This blockage hampers the heat exchange process, preventing efficient cooling. As a result, your AC unit may struggle to reach the desired temperature, causing discomfort and potentially leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

The Importance of Scheduling an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

To address the issue of a clogged air conditioner caused by cottonwood seeds, the most prudent course of action is to schedule an air conditioner tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician. During a professional tune-up, the technician will thoroughly inspect and clean the system, paying particular attention to the outdoor unit. They will have the expertise to safely remove any cottonwood seed clogs without causing damage to the unit.

Air conditioning units are complex systems that require specialized knowledge and tools for proper maintenance and repair.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Beyond resolving the cottonwood seed issue, regular air conditioner maintenance offers several additional advantages. By scheduling periodic tune-ups, you can:

  1. Improve energy efficiency: Clean coils and unobstructed airflow allow your air conditioner to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
  2. Extend system lifespan: Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, thus prolonging the lifespan of your air conditioner.
  3. Enhance indoor air quality: Cleaning and servicing your air conditioner helps eliminate dirt, dust, and allergens, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
  4. Ensure optimal performance: A well-maintained air conditioner performs at its best, delivering consistent and reliable cooling to keep you comfortable throughout the summer months.

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home as effectively as it should, it’s possible that cottonwood seeds have clogged the unit. It is recommended by most manufacturers to schedule an air conditioner tune-up with a professional HVAC technician. They possess the expertise and tools necessary to safely and effectively clean the system, ensuring optimal cooling performance and preventing further damage. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently, providing you with the comfort you deserve during the hot summer season.

THE Most Important Thing a Homeowner Can Do To Make Sure Their Air Conditioner Doesn’t Stop Working in Olathe, KS

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one hour heating and air conditioning performing air conditioner maintenance

Regular maintenance for your air conditioner is the most important thing an Olathe homeowner can do to ensure your air conditioner doesn’t stop working. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

a dirty filter can cause your air conditioner to not cool enough

Clean or replace air filters:

Clogged or dirty air filters restrict airflow and reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner. Clean or replace them regularly, typically every 1-3 months. If you have a pet, you’ll want to change your furnace filter more often.

Also, dirty furnace filter can also cause the air conditioner or coil to freeze up and stop working.

Most air filter have an arrow on the outer edge. To install the filter correctly, the arrow always points toward the furnace.

bad-ac-example

Clear debris around the outdoor unit

Ensure that the outdoor unit is free from leaves, grass, dirt, and other debris. Adequate airflow is essential for the proper functioning of the system. We recommend trimming back bushes and trees at least 6-8 feet.

Check and clean the condenser coils

Over time, the condenser coils can accumulate dust and debris, reducing their efficiency. Clean them every year or as needed to ensure optimal heat transfer. That warm air you feel coming off the top of your air conditioning unit is all the hot air from inside your home! It needs space to get rid of all that heat!

For a brief explanation of how to check if your condenser coil is dirty, view this video.

Keep the area around vents clear

Make sure your furniture, curtains, or other objects do not obstruct the vents. Obstructions can disrupt airflow and affect the cooling performance.

one hour heating and air conditioning performing air conditioner maintenance

Schedule professional residential HVAC maintenance with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Consider hiring a One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician to inspect and service your air conditioner. They can identify potential issues, clean the system thoroughly, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Monitor refrigerant levels

With routine air conditioner maintenance, the One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician monitors refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or other issues. If you notice a decline in cooling performance that could be a sign that the refrigerant level has dropped or there may be a leak that needs to be repaired.

If you encounter any significant issues or suspect a malfunction, it’s best to contact a qualified One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC professional in Olathe for proper diagnosis and repair of your air conditioner.

The Essential Guide to Residential Air Conditioner Repair in Overland Park: Keeping Cool and Comfortable

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As the summer heat intensifies, a reliable air conditioner becomes a cherished asset for homeowners seeking respite from soaring temperatures. However, even the most well-maintained air conditioning systems can encounter issues over time, requiring prompt and efficient repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore common residential air conditioner problems and offer practical solutions to keep your cooling system in optimal condition.

  1. Understanding Common Air Conditioner Problems

a. Insufficient Cooling: If your air conditioner fails to cool your home adequately, several factors may be at play, such as a dirty air filter, blocked vents, refrigerant leaks, or a malfunctioning compressor. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective repairs.

b. Strange Noises: Unusual sounds emitted by your air conditioner, such as rattling, buzzing, or screeching, could indicate loose components, damaged fan blades, or a malfunctioning motor. Ignoring these noises may exacerbate the problem and lead to costly repairs.

c. Frequent Cycling: When an air conditioner constantly turns on and off, it is experiencing frequent cycling. This issue may be caused by a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser coils, or an improperly sized system. Addressing this problem promptly will prevent excessive wear and tear on the unit.

d. Water Leaks: Moisture or water pooling around your air conditioning unit signifies a potential problem. It could indicate a clogged condensate drain, a damaged drain pan, or a refrigerant leak. These issues need immediate attention to prevent water damage and maintain the efficiency of your system.

  1. Troubleshooting and DIY Fixes

Before contacting a professional technician, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve minor air conditioner issues:

a. Check and clean the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter can improve performance.

b. Inspect and clear the condenser unit: Ensure there are no debris, leaves, or obstructions around the outdoor condenser unit, as this can hinder airflow and cause inefficiency.

c. Reset the thermostat: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve thermostat-related issues. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate steps.

d. Verify power supply and circuit breaker: Ensure that the air conditioner is receiving power and check the circuit breaker to rule out any electrical issues.

  1. When to Seek Professional Assistance

While some minor air conditioner problems can be addressed through troubleshooting, certain issues require professional expertise. Consider contacting a certified HVAC technician if you encounter the following:

a. Refrigerant leaks: Handling refrigerant requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Professional technicians can identify and repair leaks while adhering to environmental regulations.

b. Compressor malfunctions: The compressor is a vital component of an air conditioner, and its repair or replacement should be handled by trained professionals.

c. Electrical problems: Faulty wiring or electrical issues pose a safety hazard. Qualified technicians can diagnose and resolve electrical problems to ensure the system operates safely.

d. Complex mechanical repairs: If your air conditioner requires intricate mechanical repairs or component replacements, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to prevent further damage.

Regular Maintenance is Your Best Protection Against Air Conditioner Problems

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your residential air conditioner. By understanding common problems and implementing troubleshooting steps when appropriate, you can address minor issues and potentially avoid costly repairs. However, it’s crucial to recognize the limits of your DIY abilities and seek professional assistance for complex problems. Remember, a well-functioning air conditioner not only keeps you cool and comfortable but also enhances energy efficiency and reduces utility costs during the hot summer months.

Why Every Homeowner Should Know About Combustion Air

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combustion air

What is combustion air?

Combustion air is a source of oxygen needed to burn fuel such as natural gas. Your gas-burning appliances cannot produce a flame without proper combustion air.

Why does a homeowner need to know about combustion air?

Recently we were in a home where the homeowner finished the basement himself. It was a 100% DIY project, and may I say, he did a great job. The project included closing in a small room where the gas furnace and hot water heater were located. At first we were concerned that he had not accounted for combustion air, until we saw the door to the “furnace room”.

combustion air

The homeowner provided a way to get combustion air to he gas burning appliances by adding this louvered door to the enclosed room.

There are calculations you can use to make sure you are getting enough oxygen to your gas-burning appliances.

What if you don’t have enough combustion air for your gas appliances?

You need combustion air for two reasons:

1. Safety: A lack of adequate combustion air may cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in your home. If it’s severely short of air, the negative indoor pressure can draw the CO back down into your house.

2. Operation: If your furnace is starved of air, it simply will not function properly. If you see yellowish flames, or flames that are not uniform and almost look like they are “dancing” your unit may need more combustion air. Also a sign of a unit that needs more combustion air is soot around the opening of the burners.

How do you calculate how much combustion air an appliance needs?

You should always consult the code requirements for your area. In general, there should be two openings between the room where the combustion appliances are located and the adjacent rooms that contribute to combustion air, one within 12” (305 mm) of the floor, the other within 12” of the ceiling. Each opening should have a minimum of 1 sq. inch of net free area for every 1,000 BTUs/hr

Here is a short video showing the enclosed area where a homeowner added combustion air while finishing the basement:

You need to know about these Tax Credits…

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New Tax Credits in 2023 for HVAC Improvements.

We want to inform you about some tax credits that are new in 2023 that may save you money on your heating and cooling improvements.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, new federal income tax credits are available.  These provide up to $3,200 annually to lower the cost of energy efficient home upgrades by up to 30 percent.

Improvements such as:
 – installing heat pumps, 
 – high efficiency central air conditioners (SEER2 > 16 is eligible),
 – high efficiency gas furnaces (AFUE > 97% are eligible), 
 – as well as electrical panel upgrades and more!

These energy efficient upgrades can also help you save money on monthly energy bills for years to come. 

Link to more information about tax credits for homeowners.

Here’s some good news:

If you were at all considering replacing any piece of your heating and cooling system, the upgrades could qualify for the new tax credits.  Now is a great time to schedule free estimate to understand your options. 

Have you noticed the price of HVAC Equipment has gone up? Here’s a video to explain why:

How Does a Steam Humidifier Work? The BEST Whole-Home Humidifier

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The steam humidifier is truly an independent appliance.  It’s a moisture making machine, a small boiler. We’ll explain how a steam humidifier works in the article below.

Installing a Steam Humidifier

Installing a steam humidifier requires a little more work than your typical humidifier. The most difficult part of the installation is getting an electrical circuit to the humidifier. It requires a 20 amp 240 volt circuit. If you don’t have that already set up we’ll need to do some electrical work to guarantee power to the humidifier.

the inside of a steam humidifier
The inside canister of a steam humidifier.

We run our circuit to the humidifier unit and next to it will look like a typical light switch. It’s actually a double pole switch, so we can kill the power to the humidifier if we need to.

We need a space to mount the unit. It can be a wall or space near the furnace where there is room for serviceability. Typically we will install a piece of plywood up on the wall so we have a nice secure place to mount it.

It also requires water so we run a water line to it and and outlet that comes off the top and injects steam into the home. The steam gets injected straight into the supply plenum.

When the furnace blower is on a circulation mode we will inject steam into the air and spread it throughout the house.

How Does the Steam Humidifier Work?

When you call for humidity at your thermostat, water will begin boiling inside the steam humidifier and will be immediately injected into the airflow. It is much like if you have a pot of boiling water on the stove.

Inside of the steam humidifier there is a canister. Inside the canister there is are probes that goes down into the water. Two electrical probes literally boil the water inside the canister.

The humidifier constantly adjusts itself to the hardness of your water. It may take several days for the humidifier to figure out what it’s going to take to both boil the water to and keep the water as low as possible.

As the humidifier is in use, the canister will collect residue on the sensors. The water level will rise to overcome the residue.

Since the steam humidifier is constantly finding the optimum water level, it will occasionally need to drain hot water. We don’t want to drain hot water into the floor drain, so it will actually mix cold water into the water that needs to be drained so it will be able to be drained through a plastic tube.

It helps to have the plastic hose secured to the floor drain so the water does not end up on the floor.

Please enjoy the video below as Ramon explains the installation and operation of a steam humidifier.

Does A Heat Pump Save Money In The Winter?

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Does A Heat Pump Save Money In The Winter?

Today we answer a question about heat pumps. A subscriber from our Youtube channel asks the question:

“I currently have a ducted HVAC with gas furnace I’d like to address heating costs during the winter. Can I retrofit a heat pump in my current system, reuse not only existing duck work, but also the outside condenser? It’s in good condition. Thanks.”

Yes, you can fit a heat pump to operate with your gas furnace. We call that a dual fuel system: two different fuels being used to heat the home. The heat pump would replace the outdoor cooling section.

As far as the cost comparisons…that is going to be a local question. You’re going to have to weigh the efficiency of the appliances to what you are paying for your utilities. It could be propane it could be natural gas versus electricity. The amount of utility savings with this kind of system really depends on the cost of gas or power in your area.

Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough? Here Is What You Can Do

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air conditioner cleaning

If your air conditioner is not cooling enough, there are a few simple things you can do to make it cool better. Here are the steps to take to fix your air conditioner when it is cooling, but not enough:

  • 1. Make sure there is a clean air filter

The filter is usually something that is easily overlooked but has big impact on the performance of the air conditioner…especially if it’s a higher efficiency filter. (Higher efficiency filters block more airflow.)

  • 2. Gently clean the outdoor unit. If the outdoor coil has a layer of dirt on the surface, that can cause the air conditioner to not cool enough.
air conditioner cleaning
First turn the unit off. Then spray water (using just your regular household hose-end sprayer) and simply wash it down.

Pay close attention to the side of the unit that faces the house. The airflow is a little different and can tend to get dirtier than the other three sides.

  • 3. Trim back trees and shrubs 8-10 feet from the outdoor unit.

The HVAC system needs to breathe. The outdoor unit is trying to take all the heat from inside the house and move it to the outside. If something is blocking the airflow above or around the outdoor fan, it can cause your air conditioner to not cool enough inside.

Bonus Tip: Make sure your dampers are open for the cooling season. Learn how to find and adjust your dampers here.

If you do all of the above and your air conditioner is still not working well, we would recommend scheduling an HVAC professional to come check out your air conditioning.

Checks For Your Air Conditioner: Save Time And Money This Summer

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These three easy checks will save you time and money this summer.

Before the weather turns hot and everyone in your neighborhood starts turning on their air conditioners, let’s turn your ac on and test it out.

By checking it before it gets hot, you can schedule an appointment at your convenience instead of waiting for days because every HVAC company is booked.

  1. The first check is to go outside and check your outdoor unit. Remove any covers. Also remove any debris that has collected around the unit during the winter.
  2. The second check is to change your filter next to your furnace. The third step is to turn your thermostat to cool and run the air conditioner for about 15-20 minutes. That gives the unit enough time to run and you can decide if it is working properly.
  3. The third step is to turn your thermostat to cool and run the air conditioner for about 15-20 minutes. That gives the unit enough time to run and you can decide if it is working properly.
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