announcements / Furnace and Air Conditioner repair in Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, and Gardner

Why does furnace start and stop? (why does my furnace keep shutting off)

admin announcements December 3, 2020May 4, 2021Furnace Ignites Then Turns Off, Furnace Tries to Start Then Shuts Down, furnace turns on then off, what does short cycling mean, Why does furnace start and stop?

Why does furnace start and stop?

If you are wondering why does furnace start and stop?, we have a few easy checks. Ramon with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, KS details what is happening when your furnace turns on then immediately turns off.

This is a problem known as short cycling.

What does is mean when your furnace is short cycling?

When your furnace is short cycling, it is a safety control that turns the furnace off. Your furnace is sensing that something is wrong. It may not be venting properly for example and the furnace turns off to protect your home. It is for this reason why if your furnace is short cycling, it means that your furnace is sensing a problem that needs to be addressed. We recommend a professional look at your furnace and perform a professional cleaning. Often, short cycling can be prevented with routine maintenance.

Problem #1 Furnace Tries to Start Then Stops

The first possibility for why your furnace turns on then off is that there could be a problem with the ignition portion of the furnace. When your furnace tries to turn on, and you hear the actual burner lighting and then shutting off, there is a problem with the flame guard circuit of the furnace. Meaning, it is not sensing a proper flame. Probably a thorough cleaning is what is needing to fix this particular problem.

Problem #2 Furnace Ignites Then Turns Off

The next possibility for why your furnace is turning off is that is is not venting properly. If you hear the inducer assembly (which is a little combustion blower on the furnace) cycle on and off the issue is going to be in the circuitry of the inducer assembly.

The pressure switches are sensing a flu problem or an improper draft in the flue.

We’re talking about the safety controls turning the furnace off

Short-cycling is a safety issue.

If you are experiencing short-cycling from your furnace, it is sensing a safety issue that makes it unsafe to operate. We recommend scheduling a professional heating and air conditioning technician to find the problem and correct the issue.

It’s time to have your furnace serviced. This is a problem and it’s not going to go away. If you’ve caught it acting up once it’s going to do it again. When it does short-cycle again it’s going to be when you want to use it.

Here’s the good news.

Short-cycling is Prevented With Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Typically short cycling is a problem with a common culprit: dirt.

This is a maintenance-related problem where dirt causes a poor ignition. Regular professional cleanings and adjustments can keep this problem at bay. The good news is that short-cycling is typically not a costly repair, but it does take an experienced technical hand to know exactly what’s going on.

Why does my furnace keep shutting off? When Your Furnace Runs, But Does Not Reach Desired Temperature Before Turning Off?

Short cycling, is mainly when a furnace turns on then immediately turns off. If it runs for a few minutes and turns off, that is a different problem. If you suspect your furnace turning off before it completes a full cycle, there are some adjustments that can be made with the communication between the furnace and the thermostat. Again, it is best to have an experienced heating and cooling technician handle this one as mis-wiring can create more problems than you’re trying to solve.

Easy Tips On How To Adjust Dampers Plus How to Tell if Dampers are Open or Closed

admin announcements, Top HVAC Tips for Homeowners or Beginners November 2, 2020April 29, 2021adjusting airflow, hot spots and cold spots in house, How To Adjust Dampers, how to close dampers, how to open dampers, How to Tell if Dampers are Open or Closed

Do you have rooms that are too hot or too cold?

Recently we received a question from our “ask an expert” page on our website. Yevette asked: “I was wondering if you could tell me how to switch my dampers now that we have the heater on because it’s set for summer right now, and is pushing all of the hot air upstairs and it is stifling up there.” Yes, we can help you with some easy tips on how to adjust dampers plus how to tell if your dampers are open or closed.

Where are HVAC dampers located?

Typically in most homes, your HVAC dampers are located in the main supply trunks. The supply trunks are the parts of the ductwork that are blowing warm air or cold air depending on the season. How many dampers are you looking for? Every house is different. Some homes have no dampers at all. Hopefully most homes have a damper in each one of the supply ducts. Your home may have a supply duct go to the right and you might have one go to the left off of your furnace. You’ll also typically have a damper in the supply duct going to your upstairs. If you have exposed ductwork, look at all the runs and check which ones have dampers. Some homes have dampers in every run, which is great for air balancing.

How to tell if HVAC dampers are open or closed?

Dampers are made of sheet metal. These sheet metal dampers have a little wing nut on them. The very center of the bolt that goes through that wing nut has a flat spot on it and that tells you the position of the damper. When you look at it and it’s been smashed in a certain direction, that means the damper is in that position. As you rotate it you visualize that a damper is attached to the part you can turn. It moves in the same position as the direction you turn the wing nut. If you look at it and it is horizontal that means it is open. If you turn it at an angle it will cut down the amount of air going through the duct.

When you loosen the wing nut to adjust the damper, you may need a pair of pliers to loosen it. Turn it, then hold it there and tighten the nut back down to keep the damper in position.

To summarize, if you are looking at ductwork going horizontal over your head and the little wing is in a horizontal position that means it’s open. If you are looking at a duct that is coming off the furnace and going straight up like it is going to the upstairs, and the wing is in the same direction as the duct, it is open. If the wing is in the opposite or vertical position to the ductwork, then the damper is closed.

When should you adjust a balancing damper?

You’ll notice a need to adjust your dampers when you are changing seasons. When the temperatures get cold enough that you turn on the furnace, you will notice your upstairs feeling too hot. Personally I wouldn’t adjust the dampers until you are routinely using either the furnace or air conditioner so you can better understand where you want the conditioned air to go.

How to test if your dampers are open or closed?

If you have someone to help you, an easy way to check if the dampers are open or closed is to get someone to go upstairs and place their hand over each vent. By placing your hand over the vent in a bedroom, you can test each damper to make sure it is open or closed. It takes some teamwork, but it is a great and easy way to get maximum comfort for hot spots and cold spots in your home.

HVAC Damper Open Or Closed In Summer/Winter

In most homes, dampers going to the upstairs are open in the summer and closed in the winter. By closing the dampers to the upstairs in the winter, it allows for the heat to rise naturally after first being introduced into the lower levels of the home. In the summer, the downstairs is naturally cooler and most people complain of hot bedrooms. Opening the dampers to the upstairs and closing as much air to the downstairs as possible allows maximum cool air to go to the bedrooms in the summertime.

Still have hot spots or cold spots after adjusting dampers?

Dampers are great, but they may not be enough to completely end hot spots or cold spots in your home. There are several reasons you may still have air balancing issues.

Poor air flow. Have you changed your filter recently? Dirty air filters can block necessary air flow to keep your home comfortable.
Blocked air vents. Make sure you don’t have furniture or personal items blocking the vents where you are feeling hot or cold spots.
Air leaks in your duct work. Most homes leak a significant amount of air through unsealed portions of their ductwork. Ductsealing is a great option for fixing hot spots and cold spots in your home.

Where to Put Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your House? Homeowners Guide for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

admin announcements, Top HVAC Tips for Homeowners or Beginners October 15, 2020December 22, 2020What Causes a Carbon Monoxide Detector To Go Off, What To Do If Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off, Where to Put Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your House

What Causes a Carbon Monoxide Detector To Go Off?

Your carbon monoxide detector can be set off by any gas burning appliance. Gas burning appliances include your water heater, furnace, fire place, and gas stove. All of these appliances can give off trace amounts of carbon monoxide. However, if these appliances are not burning correctly, they will set off the carbon monoxide detector. Often times, if there is not adequate ventilation for your gas burning appliances, this can be a cause of the detector to sound an alarm.

How Can You Check for Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?

The best way to continuously check for carbon monoxide in your home it to have a low level carbon monoxide detector. If you do not have a detector, you can have an HVAC professional check it for you during their routine maintenance. Most HVAC professional wear a carbon monoxide detector on their belts since they commonly work with gas-fired furnaces. However, having an HVAC professional check will likely cost money, so you could also call 911 or the fire department if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home.

If you suspect you currently have a carbon monoxide leak, please leave your home and call 911.

Is One Carbon Monoxide Detector Enough?

One carbon monoxide detector is great, but you want to have one in the hallway outside of bedrooms. If you have bedrooms on more than one level in your home, it is a good idea to have more than one detector. Why you want to have it in the hallway outside of bedrooms is so you will be able to hear it, wake up, and safely exit your home if there is danger.

Where is the Best Place to Put a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

The best place for a carbon monoxide detector is in each hallway outside of bedrooms. It is often recommend to place it 5 feet off the ground and on every level of your house. Place at least 5-20 feet away from any gas-fired appliance so you do not get false alarms. Another great place for a carbon monoxide detector is near your attached garage, since the fumes from a running car can be dangerous in your home if not monitored properly.

According to epa.gov: Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you are getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.

What To Do If Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

Call 911 or call the fire department and leave your home.

Go to Trade School or Get Hired as an Apprentice? How to decide trade school or apprenticeship

admin announcements, HVAC Careers July 14, 2020December 22, 2020hvac apprenticeship programs, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, pros and cons to trade school, Should I Go To Trade School or Get Hired As An Apprentice, trade school

Should I Go To Trade School or Get Hired As An Apprentice?

I recently spoke with Matt who has been an HVAC technician for 21 years. He went to trade school for his education however he also runs the apprenticeship program. The following are Matt’s opinions about the pros and cons of going to trade school vs. getting hired as an apprentice.

Pros and Cons of Going to Trade School:

One of the good things about trade school is there is generally a lot of “lab.” This provided many changes to work on real-life air conditioners. It is always great to get hands on experience instead of reading a book about HVAC.

In this industry, you can’t just read a book or take a test and think you know what you need to know to be a successful HVAC technician.

In trade school, a lot of you experience depends on the teacher and how much ownership they take in the students. The teachers do teach a very well-rounded education. For the student that doesn’t know which part of the industry they want to pursue, they will learn about residential, commercial, industrial topics in about two years. Trade school give you an option to learn a little bit of everything. An apprenticeship will just focus on one part of the industry such as residential, commercial, etc.

If you go to trade school, try to work in the industry at the same time.

When I went to trade school I was working at the same time. I went to trade school in the morning and then worked in the afternoon. I will say my progression through trade school was significantly faster than I think the typical student. I was learning and also out there in the field doing it. None of my fellow students were in the field. All they could do was envision what the industry was going to be like.

Pros and Cons of Skipping Trade School and Being Hired as an Apprentice

Many HVAC companies have found that they have success in hiring when they hire based on if the applicant has a good attitude and personality and train for the technical skills “in-house.”

In our particular case at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re a residential service provider. Good people skills and good communication is something they can’t teach in trade school, but we can look for that when we hire. We know that in our industry someone’s success rate has more to do with communication skills than their technical skills. I would say that’s one thing that a lot of trade schools are not teaching as much…the communication aspect of our industry. But it’s so important.

The apprentice program is a way for us to hire the right person, then provide a high level of education without the need to go to school.

Here’s the kicker…

I personally think one of the biggest benefits to the apprentice program is the one-on-one you get with your instructor. We just completed a program with three individuals. One of the employees had zero experience and the other two had already been through trade school…and we still put them through the apprenticeship program.

All three ended up in the field at the same time. They were all on the same level playing field and all three are just doing amazing. When you are in trade school, you’re in a classroom full of maybe twenty five other students and and there’s only so much time the teacher can spend with each student.

What is an HVAC Apprentice Program Like?

In the One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning program in Olathe, KS we’ll spend about six hours per day with the apprentices. They have class room days where we’ll start in the morning, take a lunch and then get back at it in the afternoon. Then on the non-classroom days they spend their time doing ride alongs and shadowing with experienced technicians. They will also be “helpers” on an installation crew. They get to see all all the different aspects of our industry. On the classroom days, you’re able to make eye contact with every one of those individuals and they’re not afraid to ask questions. Most people don’t want to feel like a fool in front of 25 other people, but when you are in a room just with a few other people, you are free to ask questions without consequence.

How long is the HVAC Apprentice Program?

For the apprentice coming in who knows absolutely nothing, how long does it take before they are ready to be in a truck?

Eight months.

After eight months of classroom, field training, and shadowing the typical person is ready.

Avoid dreadful student loan debt.

Our apprenticeship program takes potential technicians from knowing absolutely zero to being in a truck. Imagine having no experience whatsoever to being a working technician in the field without going into debt.

Here’s the kicker…

It doesn’t cost a penny.

We hire who we want to train, then train them at no cost. We also pay an hourly wage while we train.

However, it is a big investment for the company. It takes a lot of time and money for a company to train someone, but we find it a worthwhile investment. We have had great success with apprentices turning into long-term employees.

Another big benefit of an apprentice program is that we can teach and train for exactly what we need and want in a technician. Trade schools teach everyone universally. In our apprentice program we teach a lot of technical training but also a lot of communication training.

Advice For Anyone Interested In a Career In HVAC

My tip is always to just go and do a ride-along. (Ride with a technician for a day.) If you just have this vague interest, go see what it would be like in real life and see if you would be good at the job. Approach a company in a professional manner and nine time out of ten they would be happy for you to ride along with one of their technicians for a day.

I think that that would be a good investment of your time. Spend a couple of days doing a ride along instead of going to school for a year or two and then realizing after completing school that you don’t enjoy the HVAC industry.

Can You Be Passionate About HVAC?

When it comes to following your passion…we twist that saying a little bit and encourage people to find something that you are good at. Find something you’re good at and you tend to start loving the things your excel in and you get better and better every day.

In the video below we provide pros and cons to trade school vs apprenticeships and how to decide between trade school or apprenticeship. If you have questions about how to become an hvac apprentice, please contact us.

See What Happens At A Full Air Conditioner Tune Up: AC Tune Up Near Me

admin announcements June 24, 2020July 14, 2020ac tune up, AC Tune Up Near Me, Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough, air conditioner tune up, hvac near me

What Does An AC Tune Up Include?

An AC Tune Up includes checking and cleaning all major components of your air conditioning system. Also included is checking to make sure you have the proper freon levels in your ac unit. This makes sure the ac unit is not leaking and will not leave you without air conditioning in the summer.

It is important to check the power level of your capacitor. Checking the capacitor, makes sure it will continue to start your outdoor unit. If your capacitor is low on power, an HVAC technician typically recommends replacing your capacitor preventatively. If the capacitor loses enough power, it will leave you without air conditioning. Also an important reason to replace a capacitor that is low on power preventatively, is if the capacitor is not providing enough power to the more expensive components, it can create problems for those other parts. These parts are much more expensive to replace such as a blower motor. Watch this video that explains the importance of checking your capacitor.

At One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, we also check the major components of your furnace as well during your air conditioner maintenance to make sure we are not overlooking one side of the system.

How Often Should AC Be Tuned Up?

We recommend getting regular maintenance done or getting an ac tune up one time per year. It is important to keep your outdoor unit free of debris that clogs it throughout the year. The outdoor coil can be considered the “lungs” of the system so if it can’t breathe properly, the air conditioner will not be able to cool your home enough.

Often ac tune ups will uncover an ac repair that needs to be done preventatively so you will not be left with an air conditioner breakdown.

How To Wash Out Your Air Conditioner

While a professional cleaning is always best because you can get a much more thorough clean from the inside out, you can help your air conditioner by washing the outside. Watch our demonstration here to learn how to wash out your air conditioner properly. If you have a professional cleaning done once per year, it is not necessary to clean your outdoor unit yourself unless you have an unusual amount of leaves, dirt, etc. on your outdoor unit that may be causing it to not work properly.

Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough?

If your air conditioner is not cooling enough, it is possible that you can help solve the problem. Lack of maintenance and dirt in general creates problems for your air conditioner. If your air conditioner is not cooling enough, try changing your air filter and do a gentle wash of the outdoor unit with a light stream of water. These simple changes may help! It is important to change your air filter regularly. Please watch this video on what can happen if you do not change your filter.

UV Light Maintenance

admin announcements, Indoor Air Quality: Filters, UV Lights, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers March 31, 2020December 22, 2020UV Light, UV light effective in killing virus, UV Light Maintenance

UV Light Maintenance is extremely important if you want your UV Light to kill germs and bacteria to it’s fullest ability. It is important to change your uv light bulbs every year or every two years depending on the type of UV bulbs you use.

If the UV light is not maintained properly it will not function at it’s best capacity. We also discuss the best placement for your UV light as the UV light location is dependent on what you want to achieve with your UV light. Finally we discuss how to get the best performance by adjusting your fan or blower speed.

Can UV Light Kill Virus? HVAC UV Light Worth It?

admin announcements March 18, 2020July 14, 2020Can a Residential UV Light Kill a Virus, HVAC UV Light, UV light effective in killing virus

Can a Residential UV Light Kill a Virus? Is an HVAC UV Light Worth It?

Understandably many people are worried about viruses in their homes. We have installed UV lights for years with great results. In this video we answer frequently asked questions about residential uv lights and if they can kill viruses, bacteria, can a uv light help when you have an illness, and if our clients feel like they are worth it.

Watch a Complete Aprilaire Bypass Humidifier Installation

admin announcements February 11, 2020July 14, 2020bypass humidifier, bypass humidifier installation, Watch a Complete Aprilaire Bypass Humidifier Installation

This is a whole home humidifier or whole house humidifier installation done by our professional HVAC Technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, KS. This video is fun for homeowners to understand how a bypass humidifier works. It can also be used as an HVAC training video to show a very clean and professional whole house humidifier installation.

You will learn how a bypass humidifier works and all the components involved to keep your home at the perfect humidity all year long!

How do I choose an HVAC company? The Importance of HVAC Education, Furnace Load Calculations and Code Inspections

admin announcements February 5, 2020July 14, 2020How do I choose an HVAC company, hvac education

We always say, “the most important day in the life of your heating and air conditioning system is the day it’s installed.” The knowledge and expertise of the technicians you hire to install your equipment is extremely important.

Today we talk about a recent article in The ACHR NEWS about how improper furnace installations scan end up costing homeowners in time, money, and safety. We touch on the importance of HVAC ongoing education, HVAC equipment sizing, equipment matching, load calculations, and HVAC code inspections when it comes to choosing a company to install your furnace and air conditioner.

There is so much to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor so we give you some easy questions to ask when the time comes for replacing your heating and cooling equipment.

Articles discussed in the video:
https://www.achrnews.com/articles/142…

https://www.hvac.com/blog/hvac-qa-nee…

Indoor Unit Will Not Turn Off: Why Does My Furnace Keep Running?

admin announcements January 28, 2020July 14, 2020blower not turning off, Indoor Unit Will Not Turn Off, Why Does My Furnace Keep Running

How Do You Fix A Furnace That Won’t Stop Running?

We give detailed instructions on what to do if your furnace will keep running and will not turn off. Walk with us as we show you step by step how to fix a furnace that is not turning off and also signs that you may need a professional to help you. We hope this helps you save time and money when it comes to your home’s hvac system.

Please watch the video below

Step 1: Check to make sure the thermostat is not calling for the unit to run. Make sure the thermostat is set to “auto” instead of “on”. If the blower is set to “on” it will not turn off.

Step 2: Turn the thermostat to “off” and “auto”.

Step 3: Turn off power to furnace either at the switch or plug.

Step 4: Turn power back on to the furnace…sometimes a reset can fix the issue.

Step 5: If the furnace turns back on without calling for it to come on from the thermostat, that means something is stuck. Try to cause a vibration in the furnace (see video) to see if you can easily un-stick the furnace.

If the furnace continues to run, it may be an electrical problem and we would recommend calling in a professional.

If the furnace is running and won’t turn off and is also heating to an uncomfortable degree, you could turn off power to the furnace or if you have a runaway furnace where it continues to heat even without power, you could shut off the gas to the furnace by shutting off the furnace gas valve that should be located very close to the furnace.