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Expert Strategies to Quiet Your HVAC System

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The replacement of a residential HVAC system is a significant investment, aimed at improving efficiency, energy savings, and overall comfort. Most homeowners focus on the efficiency ratings and technological advancements of the new unit. However, one often overlooked factor is the importance of sheet metal transitions on the HVAC system’s noise level.

Understanding Sheet Metal Transitions:

Sheet metal transitions play a crucial role in HVAC systems. They serve as a connection between the air handler and the ductwork. These transitions guide the airflow smoothly and efficiently through the system, ensuring optimal performance. However, the construction of these transitions influence not only their durability but also the amount of noise generated during operation.

The Noise Factor:

HVAC systems can produce varying levels of noise. For homeowners, reducing this noise is often a priority. Traditional sheet metal transitions, when not properly reinforced, can act as sound amplifiers, allowing vibrations and turbulence to escape and resonate throughout the ductwork and living spaces. HVAC system noise can be reduced with proper installation techniques.

The Solution: Adding a Cross Break

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician in Olathe, KS creating a cross break in a duct work return.

One effective way to mitigate noise in sheet metal transitions is by incorporating a cross break into their design. A cross break involves forming a raised ridge or indentation across the surface of the metal, increasing its structural integrity and reducing the likelihood of vibrations and noise transmission.

Benefits of Cross Breaks in Sheet Metal Transitions:

  1. Noise Reduction: The primary advantage of incorporating cross breaks is the significant reduction in noise levels. Homeowners can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable living environment, especially in spaces where HVAC noise might be more noticeable.
  2. Longer Lifespan: The added strength and durability provided by cross breaks can extend the lifespan of the sheet metal transition, reducing the likelihood of wear and tear over time.
  3. Energy Efficiency: Improving airflow through the system can contribute to increased energy efficiency. With less resistance and turbulence, the HVAC system can operate more smoothly, potentially resulting in energy savings.

Before You Replace Your Residential HVAC System in Johnson County, KS:

While upgrading your HVAC system is an excellent way to enhance home comfort and energy efficiency, don’t overlook the impact of sheet metal transitions on noise levels. By incorporating a simple design element like a cross break, you can significantly reduce the noise generated by your HVAC system. The goal is to create a more peaceful and enjoyable indoor environment for you and your family.

When investing in a new HVAC system, consider working with professionals who prioritize not only technological advancements but also the finer details, ensuring that your entire system operates seamlessly and quietly.

Click here to schedule a free estimate to replace your residential HVAC system.

Enjoy this video of Evan, an HVAC Installation Technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, KS explain the importance of adding a cross break to a sheet metal transition.

Evan with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning shares why he adds a cross break in the sheet metal transition when he replaces HVAC systems.

Evaporator Coil Guide: Where is it located, how does it work, and why does it leak?

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leaking evaporator coil

In the realm of residential HVAC systems, the air conditioner coil plays a vital role in maintaining your indoor comfort. However, over time, you might encounter a rather common and frustrating issue – refrigerant leaks. These leaks can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, increased energy bills, and an overall uncomfortable environment. We’ll delve into the intricacies of how an air conditioner coil, attached to the indoor furnace, can develop refrigerant leaks, and explore a solution that holds promise for improved longevity and performance.

Where is Your Air Conditioner’s Coil Located?

Found either within the air handler or attached to the furnace, this coil is nestled within the ductwork or plenum of your home. Its concealed location ensures that the coil efficiently absorbs heat from the indoor air, playing a crucial role in the cooling process.

How Does the AC Coil Work?

As warm air flows over the coil’s cold surfaces, the refrigerant within the coil evaporates, absorbing heat and subsequently cooling the air before it’s circulated back into your living spaces. This fundamental process underscores the significance of the evaporator coil in maintaining the comfort and climate control of your home.

This coil facilitates the transfer of heat from inside your home to the outside environment by using refrigerant – a specialized fluid that undergoes phase changes to absorb and release heat.

How Evaporator Coil Holes Lead to Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can stem from various sources, and one common culprit is a hole in the evaporator coil. When a hole forms in the coil, whether due to corrosion, wear and tear, or other factors, it creates a pathway for the refrigerant to escape. This compromised coil allows the high-pressure refrigerant to leak into the surrounding environment. The result is not only a loss of cooling efficiency but also a potential environmental concern. Detecting and repairing such leaks promptly is crucial to restoring the system’s performance, maintaining optimal energy efficiency, and minimizing the impact on both comfort and the environment.

VOCs in the Air: An Often Overlooked Culprit

One factor that might contribute to coil leaks is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. VOCs are emitted by a range of household products like cleaning supplies, paints, adhesives, and even certain types of furniture. When these compounds come into contact with the coil’s surface, they can lead to a chemical reaction that corrodes the coil over time, causing leaks.

Dissimilar Metals: A Potential Cause of Evaporator Coil Leaks

In our experience, we have noticed that AC coils that utilize dissimilar metals are more prone to developing leaks. This phenomenon is due to a process called galvanic corrosion, where different metals in contact with each other can create a flow of electrical current, leading to the deterioration of one or both metals. This corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the coil, resulting in tiny openings that allow refrigerant to escape.

Precision Leak Detection: Unveiling Evaporator Coil Leaks

air conditioner coil with a refrigerant leak.

An experienced HVAC service company employs a range of advanced techniques to accurately detect leaks in your evaporator coil. One of the primary methods involves using electronic leak detectors, which can sense the presence of refrigerant escaping from even the tiniest holes.

HVAC service professionals at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning pinpoint the location and severity of leaks swiftly and accurately, ensuring timely repairs and optimal system performance.

The All-Aluminum Solution

To mitigate the risk of refrigerant leaks caused by galvanic corrosion, HVAC technology has evolved. Newer coils are often made entirely of aluminum, eliminating the potential for dissimilar metal interactions. Aluminum is highly resistant to galvanic corrosion, making it an ideal choice for coil construction.

Benefits of All-Aluminum Coils

  1. Enhanced Longevity: With no dissimilar metals in contact, all-aluminum coils are less susceptible to galvanic corrosion, leading to a longer lifespan for the coil and the entire HVAC system.
  2. Efficiency Boost: Reduced risk of leaks ensures that your AC system operates at peak efficiency, effectively cooling your home while saving energy and reducing utility costs.
  3. Peace of Mind: Installing all-aluminum coils brings homeowners peace of mind, knowing that they’ve invested in a durable, reliable, and long-lasting solution.

Understanding the intricate relationship between your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and refrigerant leaks is pivotal in maintaining the efficiency and comfort of your home’s HVAC system. By installing all-aluminum coils, you’re proactively addressing the potential for galvanic corrosion, ensuring a reliable cooling experience for years to come. One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, KS, is committed to quality and innovation in our choice of materials, benefiting both our customers and the environment.

Remember, regular maintenance, timely repairs, and informed decisions can make a substantial difference in the performance and longevity of your HVAC system. Stay cool, comfortable, and informed with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, your reliable partner in residential HVAC solutions.

The Unsung Hero of Your Air Conditioner: The Capacitor

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If you’re a homeowner, you probably know how crucial your air conditioner is, especially during these hot midwest summers. However, the inner workings of HVAC systems might remain a mystery to many.

One essential component that plays a significant role in your AC’s operation is the capacitor.

Let’s demystify the air conditioner capacitor, explaining what it does and why replacing it preventatively can save you money in the long run.

What is an Air Conditioner Capacitor?

air conditioner capacitor

To put it simply, an air conditioner capacitor is an electrical component that stores and releases energy to help start and run the AC’s motors.

Think of it as a temporary battery that assists in generating the necessary power to kickstart the compressor and fan motors, which are crucial for cooling your home. Without a functioning capacitor, your air conditioner won’t be able to function efficiently, or worse, it might not work at all.

The Significance of Routine Maintenance:

Your air conditioner’s capacitor is under constant stress, as it’s involved in every cooling cycle.

Over time, due to this stress and natural wear and tear, capacitors can weaken or even fail. Routine maintenance is the key to ensuring your HVAC system operates smoothly and efficiently.

During a professional maintenance visit from One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, an HVAC technician will inspect and test the capacitor. If they notice that the capacitor’s performance is declining, they’ll recommend replacing it preventatively. This proactive approach helps you avoid sudden breakdowns during the hottest days when your AC is working at its maximum capacity.

The Cost-Effective Nature of Preventative Replacement of an Air Conditioner Capacitor:

Here’s the catch: Replacing a capacitor preventatively is considerably more cost-effective than waiting for it to fail. When a capacitor reaches the end of its life, it can cause significant problems in your HVAC system.

A failed capacitor can lead to:

a. Reduced Cooling Efficiency: An aging capacitor might not deliver the necessary power to run the motors efficiently, leading to decreased cooling performance and higher energy bills.

b. Stress on Other Components: When a capacitor fails, other parts of the HVAC system, like the compressor or fan motor, might have to work harder to compensate. This increased strain can lead to premature wear and even more expensive repairs.

c. Potential AC Breakdown: In the worst-case scenario, a failed capacitor could cause your entire air conditioner to stop working. Emergency repairs can be costly and often require immediate attention.

Ensuring Comfort and Peace of Mind:

Replacing your air conditioner capacitor preventatively not only saves you money but also ensures that you and your family remain comfortable throughout the hot summer months. Regular maintenance, including capacitor checks and replacements, helps maintain peak performance, efficiency, and longevity of your HVAC system.

As a responsible homeowner, it’s essential to understand the role of an air conditioner capacitor and its significance in keeping your HVAC system running smoothly.

By scheduling routine maintenance and replacing the capacitor preventatively, you can save money, avoid sudden breakdowns, and ensure that your air conditioner operates at its best when you need it most.

Trusting qualified HVAC professionals from One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning for regular inspections and repairs is the key to a cool and comfortable home.

Basement Odors? How a Whole House Dehumidifier Makes a Difference

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Living in Olathe, Kansas, we’re no strangers to humid summers and the challenges they bring to our homes. One area that is particularly affected is our basements, which can often feel damp, smell musty, and become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Fortunately, there’s a solution that not only transforms the basement environment but also boosts the efficiency of our air conditioners – a whole house dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers help your basement feel less humid in the summer and it helps your air conditioner run more efficiently. Today we will explore the numerous benefits of installing a whole house dehumidifier in your Olathe home, improving your indoor air quality and enhancing energy efficiency.

How a Whole House Dehumidifier Helps Your Home

  1. Controlling Humidity Levels: Basements are prone to high humidity levels due to their location below ground and lack of proper ventilation. Excess humidity can lead to condensation, dampness, and musty odors. A whole house dehumidifier tackles this issue by efficiently removing excess moisture from the air throughout your entire home, basement included. This helps maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, preventing mold and mildew growth and ensuring a more pleasant environment.
  2. Eliminating Musty Odors: Musty smells in basements are often a result of trapped moisture and mold development. By installing a whole house dehumidifier, you can bid farewell to these unpleasant odors. The dehumidifier continuously extracts moisture from the air, leaving your basement and the rest of your home smelling fresh and clean.
  3. Preventing Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, posing health risks and causing damage to your home’s structure. The whole house dehumidifier acts as a preventative measure by keeping humidity levels in check, making it more challenging for mold and mildew to flourish. This ensures a healthier living space for you and your family.

Enhancing Air Conditioner Efficiency

During the hot and humid summers in Olathe, our air conditioners work tirelessly to keep us cool and comfortable. However, when the indoor air contains excess moisture, the air conditioner needs to put in extra effort to dehumidify the air, leading to increased energy consumption. Here’s how a whole house dehumidifier can complement your air conditioner and optimize its performance:

  1. Decreased Workload: By effectively removing excess humidity from the air, the whole house dehumidifier reduces the workload on your air conditioner. With less moisture to deal with, your air conditioner can focus on cooling the air, resulting in more efficient and energy-saving operation.
  2. Enhanced Comfort: When your air conditioner doesn’t have to prioritize dehumidification, it can maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. You’ll notice a significant improvement in the overall comfort of your home.
  3. Lower Energy Bills: A more efficient air conditioner means lower energy consumption, which directly translates to reduced energy bills. Over time, the savings can be substantial, making a whole house dehumidifier a wise long-term investment.

Here’s the bottom line…

If you’re looking to transform your basement into a dry, pleasant space and increase the efficiency of your air conditioner in Olathe, Kansas, a whole house dehumidifier is the answer. Not only will it maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing musty odors and mold growth, but it will also complement your air conditioner by reducing its workload and improving energy efficiency. Say goodbye to humidity-related woes and embrace a more comfortable and cost-effective living environment with a whole house dehumidifier.

What do you do now?

If you would like more information, schedule a free estimate by choosing “get a quote” on our online scheduling system.

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.

Why Every Homeowner Should Know About Combustion Air

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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:

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.

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