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

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

admin announcements, Top HVAC Tips for Homeowners or Beginners June 3, 2023June 3, 2023ac repair, air conditioner, air conditioner repair, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

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.

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.

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

admin Air Conditioner Problems May 23, 2023May 23, 2023ac repair, air conditioner repair, air conditioner repair in overland park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

admin announcements June 13, 2022June 13, 2022ac repair, Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough, air conditioner repair

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.

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.

Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough: Simple Checks to Save Money Before Calling a Professional

admin announcements May 11, 2022May 12, 2022ac not cooling well, ac repair, Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough, air conditioner repair olathe, air conditioner repair overland park, how to fix air conditioner

If your air conditioner is cooling, but not cooling very well or not cooling enough, you want to check a few simple things before calling anyone to fix your air conditioner.

If your air conditioner is not cooling enough, the first thing to check is your air filter.

A dirty air filter can restrict air flow and prevent your air conditioner from cooling enough. The furnace air filter is very easy to change yourself and could be your main problem!

If you see a mat of dust and dirt over the surface of the filter, it is likely causing a problem due to poor airflow.

However…

Even if the filter is a little bit dirty, a safe bet is to just replace it. Typically you change your filter every three months, but depending on the time of year and how much your HVAC system is running, if it looks dirty, go ahead and change it.

The type of filter matters.

Home stores sell filters that can be extremely restrictive to air flow. A “high efficiency” filter with some dust and dirt can almost turn into the equivalent of a piece of cardboard. A restricted air filter can cut down the air flow to the air conditioner to the point where it affects how well it can cool.

We suggest a mid range MERV rating around 6 or 7.

Your air conditioner may not be cooling enough because of trees or bushes blocking the airflow from the outdoor unit.

The next thing to check is the outdoor ac unit. The outdoor unit is called a condensing coil.

You may find bushes or trees that have overgrown and now they are blocking the airflow out of the top of the unit. So, make sure everything is trimmed back at least a couple of feet all the way around the air conditioner. Hot air needs to be ejected off the top of the unit. If you have tree limbs or bushes hanging down over the unit, that causes the hot air to recycle back through the air conditioner. So we want everything cleared away from the top and sides of the unit. Keep everything 6-8 feet away from the unit to allow the discharge of heat and allow a free flow of air.

Is the outdoor coil clogged with dirt and debris?

Another check: is there dirt on the condenser coil? Make sure it is not dirty with dust, dirt, or debris from nearby trees and bushes. How you check the outdoor coil depends on what kind of cabinet you’re looking at. Some outdoor units have little horizontal louvers you can look through to know if there’s dirt on the coil. (Other units are vertical and some don’t have any louvers at all where the coil itself is completely exposed.) Look down and up into the condensing unit. You should see the surface of an aluminum coil. It has little fins.

Dust, dirt, or cottonwood seeds can get inside and completely impact that coil. This cuts down the airflow and that is probably the number one reason why your air conditioner is not cooling enough.

If the outdoor coil is clogged with dirt and debris, the air conditioner will not cool enough. If your outdoor condensing coil is clogged, you can try to clean it yourself. A professional coil cleaning will clean from the inside out. If you wish to clean the outdoor unit yourself, make sure to only use a light stream of water. Too much pressure can damage the coils. A nice, light stream of water at an angle can help remove some of that dirt and debris.

(It is possible to wash out an air conditioner in a way that damages some of the components. Therefore we always recommend a professional perform a through cleaning.)

Watch a professional cleaning here.

Check Air Flow

We also encourage homeowners to walk around the living space and check air flow. Put your hand over a vent and see if the airflow feels normal or not. If there is barely any air coming out of some vents, but lots of air pouring out of others, that may mean you need to adjust dampers.

Adjust Dampers for Summer

Typically dampers can be adjusted manually.

If your dampers are not adjusted properly for the season, you may be moving the conditioned air to parts of the home where it is not needed, leaving other areas uncomfortable. This is very common in two story homes.

Watch this video about changing dampers.

Where are the dampers?

The dampers are generally located in the basement or near your furnace. If you’re looking at the furnace, straight above it is what we call a plenum. It’s the big metal box that comes off the top of the furnace. The plenum separates out throughout your home.

Right where it starts to branch out is usually where you will find some manual dampers.

There’s usually a handle to grab a hold of to rotate the damper. The direction of the metal handle is the direction of the damper. If it’s parallel to the duct it’s wide open and it’s letting all the air through. If the handle is straight up and down and it’s perpendicular to the ductwork, it’s completely shut off. You are not allowing air to that part of the home.

Is your air conditioner leaking water?

If you see any water or condensation on top of the furnace, that is a problem. If you see water on the unit or on the floor around the furnace where there shouldn’t be water, it can usually mean one of two things.

1. One possibility is the drain is plugged up. Your air conditioning system is trying to remove heat and humidity out of the house. The condensation is designed to go down to the floor drain. If something gets clogged up it starts overflowing and there will be a large volume of water where it does not belong.

2. Your coil could have ice on it. The coil is a big box that sits above your furnace. Ice can block the airflow and cause the air conditioner to function poorly.

The coil can actually become a huge block of ice. When it thaws it will drip water all over the place so it ends up on top of the furnace or on the floor. A dirty filter can cause that. This is most likely an indication that you need maintenance on your system. Dirty filters or an improper refrigerant charge can cause the unit to not cool well.

If your coil is frozen, turn it off. The ice needs to be completely thawed before you can turn on your air conditioner again.

What is the best way to prevent air conditioner repairs?

Ultimately the best way to reduce the likelihood of having an air conditioner problem (and paying for a costly repair), is to have regular maintenance and cleaning. We recommend a professional cleaning twice a year to keep your HVAC system running efficiently for many years to come!

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Olathe, KS specializes in air conditioner repair in all of Johnson County, KS.

Notice: 2017 More Expensive Than Ever To Repair a Leaking Air Conditioner

admin News March 2, 2017April 14, 2017ac repair, ac repair cost, air conditioner repair, air conditioner repair cost, Freon shortage, lenexa air conditioner repair, olathe air conditioner repair, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, overland park air conditioner repair, shawnee air conditioner repair

Our distributors have informed us of more cost increases of R-22 refrigerant. Due to the EPA mandated phaseout of one of the most commonly used refrigerants in residential air conditioners, the cost of repairing a leaking unit has gone up dramatically. There has been a 30% price increase over the last two years and the prediction for the summer of 2017 is a 50% increase of the cost compared to 2016.

Replacing your air conditioner now will be less expensive than waiting for your unit to have a problem this summer. For the month of April we are offering new air conditioner replacement at 2016 pricing. When April ends our prices will increase to keep up with the demands of summer.

Call 913-390-1211 now to schedule a no-obligation visit by one of our Field Advisors to give you options on replacement options that would work best for your home.

To learn more about the EPA Phaseout click here to go to the EPA website.

Savings Coupons

admin announcements June 27, 2012May 8, 2013ac repair, air conditioner, air conditioner repair, furnace, furnace repair, heating, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, residential heating and air conditioning

Heating and cooling service or repairs are often needed, but seldom much fun. That’s why we hope these savings coupons from One Hour will help you feel just a little better. Simply print out a coupon and present it to your One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician the next time you have a need. Or, refer a friend or family member who might have a need. They’ll owe you one! Call 913.829.1505 to schedule an appointment.

Photo Caption Contest

admin Current Articles November 18, 2011January 24, 2013ac repair, air conditioner, air conditioner repair, furnace, furnace repair, heating, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, residential heating and air conditioning

Ok who has the best caption for this picture? We’ll kick off with: “if those trucks were red, someone’s house is on fire.” Hint: there’s a $10 starbucks card in it for whichever one makes us laugh the most.

Results:

Sue D- One Hour Parking

Sara G – how many One Hour technicians does it take to install a lightbulb..er.. a heating system?

Kenneth K – I said I needed ‘someone’ to help at Kim Kardasian’s winter system check but this is ridiculous! – Winner! Congratulations Kenneth!

Donnie H – Our parking lot is being redone . So we had to park somewhere.

Lisa H – Practical Story Problems for 4th grade Math: If it takes one technician from OHH&AC one hour to fix a broken A/C, how quickly can they fix it if they call in 5 of their buddies? And most importantly, will they finish in time for the Chiefs game kickoff?

Mary F – My wife made pie! Come on over for a slice! Said one OHH&AC employee to another, Word travels fast! Must be Some PIE!

Gayle A – One Hour will fix the problem no matter how big!

Don W – Those people better be REALLY comfortable AND SOON!

Richard D – Game time! Football and friends

Anne O – The word is out in our neighborhood about One Hour’s fast and reliable service!

Michael D – Sorry about this but we are only allowed to work 1 hour per truck at a time and this job is going to take at least 6 hours.

Meghan C – Excellent customer service– one benefit of keeping your french maid costume on a little after Halloween.

Frequently Asked Questions

admin Current Articles November 18, 2011February 13, 2013ac repair, air conditioner, air conditioner repair, furnace, furnace repair, heating, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, residential heating and air conditioning

How often should I replace the filter?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of filter changes is driven by how much your heating and air conditioning system operates, which is also driven by your individual climate.

Start by checking the system’s filters at least once a month. Hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to a clean “spare.” When light is obscured by captured dust and dirt particles, the old filter should be changed. Keep a record for one year and then replace the filter on that basis. At a minimum, it is always a good idea to change filters at the start of the heating and cooling seasons and then in between according to your need. Also, it is a good idea to have your heating and air system checked at the beginning of heating and cooling season to insure proper operation.

Why should I replace my working furnace or air conditioner?

Although your present furnace or air conditioner may be working, if it is more than 12 years old you should consider replacing it with a new high efficiency system. A new heating and air conditioning system could save up to 50 percent on energy costs, and save you money in the long run on heating repairs. While these products save you money on your utility bills, they also offer a better degree of comfort within your home.

Why can’t you add coolant to my system without checking for a leak or repairing an exiting leak?

Since July 1, 1992 it is illegal to release refrigerants into the atmosphere, either intentional or accidental, because they can cause severe damage to the ozone layer. When refrigerants such as Chlorofluorocarbon’s (CFCs) are removed, they should be recycled to clean out any contaminants and returned to a usable condition.

How does the Clean Air Act impact heating and cooling systems?

The portion of the Clean Air Act that applies to the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry encourages the development of ozone-friendly substitutes for chemicals that contain ozone destroying chlorine, which are called hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The chemical refrigerant of choice for more than four decades, referred to as R-22, is in the HCFC category. R-22 is widely used in heat pumps and AC condensing units to heat and cool homes. Today, a refrigerant called R-410A is used because of its ozone-friendly properties.