One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning / Furnace and Air Conditioner repair in Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, and Gardner

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

admin Air Conditioner Problems, announcements, front page August 15, 2023August 15, 2023ac coil, air conditioner coil leak, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, refrigerant leak

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

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.
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.
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 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.

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.

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.

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

admin front page January 16, 2014January 17, 2014air conditioning repair, Angie's List Super Service Award, best air conditioning repair, best furnace repair, furnace repair, Heating repair, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

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.

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.