front page

The Crucial Role of Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning: Why DIY Isn’t Enough

admin Duct Cleaning/Sealing, front page

Why is dryer vent cleaning essential? Over time, lint, dust, and debris accumulate in your dryer vent. This build up hinders airflow and causes the dryer to work harder to dry clothes. This not only decreases the efficiency of the dryer, which leads to longer drying times and higher energy bills, but also poses a severe fire risk.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean dryer vents is a leading cause of residential fires.

When it comes to cleaning dryer vents, the equipment used by professionals differs significantly from what homeowners typically have at their disposal. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

  1. High-Powered Vacuums: Professional dryer vent cleaners utilize industrial-strength vacuums with powerful suction capabilities. These vacuums are designed to effectively remove lint, dust, and debris from the vent system, ensuring thorough cleaning and optimal airflow. Homeowners may have household vacuum cleaners, but they often lack the suction power needed to adequately clear out built-up lint and other obstructions.
  2. Rotary Brushes: One of the most essential tools used by professionals is a rotary brush system. These brushes feature rotating bristles that scrub the interior walls of the dryer vent, dislodging stubborn debris and ensuring a comprehensive clean. Rotary brushes come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different vent sizes and configurations. While homeowners may attempt to use manual brushes or makeshift tools, they lack the efficiency and effectiveness of professional-grade rotary brush systems.
  3. Flexible Rods and Extensions: Professional dryer vent cleaners have access to flexible rods and extensions that enable them to reach deep into the vent system, even in hard-to-reach areas. These flexible tools allow for thorough cleaning of the entire length of the vent, from the dryer to the exterior exhaust vent. Homeowners may struggle to reach certain sections of the vent system without the proper equipment, leaving behind hidden pockets of lint and debris.
  4. Video Inspection Cameras: Many professional dryer vent cleaning companies use video inspection cameras to assess the condition of the vent system before and after cleaning. These cameras provide a detailed view of the interior of the vent, allowing cleaners to identify any obstructions, damage, or signs of wear and tear. Homeowners typically do not have access to such specialized equipment, making it challenging to conduct a thorough inspection of the vent system.
  5. Safety Gear: Professional dryer vent cleaners prioritize safety and often wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks. This equipment helps protect them from exposure to dust, debris, and potentially harmful substances that may be present in the vent system. While homeowners can certainly wear protective gear during DIY cleaning attempts, they may not have access to the same level of professional-grade equipment.

Overall, the equipment used by professional dryer vent cleaners is specifically designed to deliver thorough, efficient, and safe cleaning results. While homeowners may attempt to clean their dryer vents using household tools and DIY methods, they often lack the necessary equipment and expertise to achieve the same level of cleanliness and safety. Entrusting the task to professionals ensures that the vent system is properly cleaned and maintained, reducing the risk of fire hazards and optimizing the performance of the dryer.

To schedule a free estimate for a dyer vent cleaning, please click here and select “get a quote.”

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

admin Air Conditioner Problems, announcements, front page , , ,
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.

THIS IS HOW YOU CLEAN AN AIR CONDITIONER!

admin Air Conditioner Problems, front page

This is how you clean an air conditioner!

We were called to a new customers home because of a noisy furnace blower motor. However, after fixing the noise, Jordan recommended a cleaning of their air conditioner in order to better get through the summer! You can see why!

This poor air conditioner was unable to breathe and function properly with so much dirt and debris. Jordan washes the outdoor unit and gets it working like new again. This dirty air conditioner had not been cleaned in 5 years!  This customer signed up for our Club Membership program and will now get full HVAC cleanings twice each year!

Getting a regular cleaning and maintenance done on your air conditioner is the best way to keep it running longer and at a higher efficiency.

As a Club Member ($19.95 per month) You Receive:

  • 2 Maintenance visits each year for thorough HVAC system cleaning.
  • 20% off all repairs.
  • FREE Service Calls
  • Guaranteed service within 24 hours
  • Refer a friend and we waive their initial service fee.

NOTICE: Major Changes Make Repairing Your Air Conditioner More Expensive

admin front page , , , ,

Summer is almost here and we want to notify you about a change in our industry that will make repairing your air conditioner much more expensive this year than ever before.

R-22 is a type of refrigerant (Freon) that has been commonly used in air conditioners and heat pumps for years. Unfortunately, it contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that deplete the ozone layer. The EPA has deemed that production and consumption of R-22 must be gradually diminished and ceased by the year 2020.

Due to this phase-out of the type of refrigerant in your air conditioner, the price to add R-22 has increased dramatically! In October 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its plan to phase out R-22. In 2015, R-22 has been drastically cut to a 10% supply with a complete phase-out by 2020.

Prices are rising quickly due to supply and demand. The closer we get to 2020, the higher the prices will go. With limited production, supply goes down, yet there are homeowners that still need the old refrigerant.

If your cooling unit is 10 years old or older, this is an excellent time to compare your air conditioner to a new high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump. The new models can reduce your utility expense by 30-50%, and they are engineered to work with R-410A refrigerant, the more environmentally-friendly refrigerant choice.

The volatile cost of R-22 is going to be extremely high as supply drops, and the cost will jump fast. Do not put your family budget at risk.

Your time to replace is today! As an added incentive, we are offering you up to $1,700 off a new premier comfort system until April 15, 2015.

Kansas City Star Article Features One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning As Good Example

admin Current Articles, front page

The Kansas City Star has published a fantastic article by Steve Everly about the few number of required permits pulled in the Kansas City area for heating and air conditioning installations.

According to The Star’s analysis, an estimated 84 percent of the furnaces replaced in the four cities in 2013 didn’t have permits. Industry insiders say the problem also affects other area cities.

The bottom line is that homeowners miss out on the city safety inspections.

Ramon Blachly, who owns Olathe Heating & Cooling (dba One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning), which pulls permits, agrees: “Saying I do it right is one thing. Having someone else inspect it and say it’s right is another.”

Read the full article here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/03/08/4875172/permits-are-lacking-on-many-home.html

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

admin front page , , , , , ,

Award reflects One Hour’s consistently high level of customer service

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“We are so proud to have this award for the 5th time.  It really feels like a ‘thank you’ from our clients and that makes us extremely grateful.  In the service industry, it is all about trust between you and your clients and you earn that trust by meeting and surpassing their expectations.  The fact that so many of our clients would recommend us to others says that we must be doing something right,”  said Ramon Blachly, Owner of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning.

“Only about 5 percent of the companies One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning competes with in Kansas City are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

One Hour Sponsors School Outing in Honduras

admin Current Articles, front page
One Hour Sponsors School Outing in Honduras

One Hour helped a class of third graders celebrate children’s day on September 10th. They went to Wendy’s for the first time. The kids had a kids meal, cake, a piñata an a bag of goodies also rented a small bus to go to the city.

School: CENTRO DE EDUCACION BASICA RAMON PADILLA COELLO
City: Choluteca
Town:( rural ) Pavana
Grade: 3rd

We enjoyed the cute pictures and thank you cards the kids sent back.  Hope you kids had a great day!

Thanks to Everyone Who Donated to Our June Food Drive!

admin Current Articles, front page , ,
Thanks to Everyone Who Donated to Our June Food Drive!

The Olathe Food Pantry (operated by the First Presbyterian Church of Olathe) has been providing aid, encouragement and support to the residents of the greater Olathe community for more than 30 years. Over the years the needs of the community have grown and for the first time they are faced with the possibility of turning people away.

During the month of June, we collected cans during our service visits.  We are deeply grateful for all our generous clients who donated to the Olathe Food Pantry.

Book Now
Call Us Now