How Rain Can Damage Your Heating System

February 18, 2019

Light to moderate rainfall usually doesn’t cause damage to your heating system. Heavy rainfall, however, may damage internal components of the unit and cause a health hazard for your family. Some of the most common issues caused by rain include mold and mildew, corrosion of internal components and flooding. Mold and Mildew Excessive rain, floods, and snow melting inside the HVAC system can lead to mold and mildew growth. You should never leave over an inch of snow sitting on top of the unit. When water gets inside of the heating system and ventilation is poor, mold and mildew can develop. Mold and mildew are damaging to your health, so it’s important to call an HVAC repair company for an inspection if you suspect these fungal growths. Warning signs your heating system may have mold include: Musty odors when the heat runs Puddles around the HVAC system Mold on the outside of the unit Frequent coughing or sneezing Corrosion of Internal Components When the heating system isn’t covered or vented correctly during heavy rain, internal components can begin to corrode from the water damage. Don’t place a heavy tarp over the unit as this is a common mistake people make...

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Your New Year HVAC Checklist

January 22, 2019

Your HVAC system is one of the hardest-working systems in your home, and to keep it running at optimum levels, it requires an annual checkup to ensure all systems are “good to go.” Using the following simple HVAC checklist covers the basics of things you can do. HVAC Annual Checklist After working around the clock during the cold winter, the following tips provide a jumpstart in the new year for getting your HVAC system “hot weather” ready to combat upcoming soaring temperatures. Filter should be cleaned monthly and replaced every three months Quick inspection for any damaged areas such as holes or rips Inspect each vent and remove any dirt or grime buildup Check system turns on and off immediately without any lag time or noise Check if system is emitting unusual odors Visual check of the lines for leaks Outside unit should free of any plants, foliage, leaves or other debris interferes with operation When your HVAC system needs service, contact the professionals at Air Comfort of Kentucky. From start to finish, our certified technicians address any problems in a quick and efficient manner, so your home is comfortable and safe throughout the year. At Air Comfort of Kentucky,...

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Signs You Need Furnace Repair

December 14, 2018

As soon as you notice a possible sign that your furnace needs repair it is best to have it inspected by a technician from Air Comfort of Kentucky. There are several things that can go wrong with your furnace while some are minor and only cause a mild inconvenience, some can be major and leave you cold and in need of major repairs or even a furnace replacement. Signs Your Furnace Needs Repairing Odd noises Higher than normal bill Heat not keeping up with thermostat Poor airflow Odd Noises Strange Noises Strange noises coming from your furnace is almost always a tell-tale sign something is wrong. No one likes to hear clunks and bangs coming from the furnace. If there a problem with the furnace you will most likely notice that the strange noises are present when the furnace turns on or is running and all is quiet again when it turns off. High Bill If your bill jumps in price, then you know something is not right with your furnace. Especially if you’re not using your furnace a lot but notice an increase in the bill. The broken furnace component is using more energy than usual to run, and...

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What is an Air Scrubber?

October 10, 2018

The release of pollutants into the air as an effect of the industrial age has brought up health concerns for many people who prefer to breathe clean air as a preventative measure or to help with allergies and asthma conditions. Although an air conditioner does help clean the air and lower humidity, it only does so as a side effect of its primary purpose of cooling the air, or heating in the winter time. An air scrubber is a much better option for people with serious concerns about air quality at home are expected to be in place in most public commercial buildings. How an Air Scrubber Works An air scrubber works by drawing in air and filtering it clean before expelling it back into the room. Portable air scrubbers are used for certain types of job sites, such as flood or fire restoration or mold removal. Permanent air scrubbers can also be set up inline with an existing HVAC system to add an extra layer of protection. Such a system allows the HVAC condenser to clean the air when it is running, then when the room is at an optimal temperature the fan continues to run while bringing the...

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Why Do Air Conditioners and Furnaces Have Variable Speeds?

September 26, 2018

A growing number of business and homeowners are choosing AC units and furnaces with variable speeds and it’s not hard to see why. Variable speeds offer a number of important benefits that you won’t want to miss out on. Comfort Choosing an HVAC unit with variable speed settings makes it possible for you to choose the temperature that is just right for you personally. Instead of running a unit at full blast all the time, you can adjust the settings for days that are neither blazing hot nor freezing cold. Energy Efficiency Variable speed HVAC units are extremely energy efficient because they can be run at continually low speeds instead of going full blast, turning off when the room is at the right temperature and then turning back on again when the room gets too hot or too cold. Because HVAC units use a lot of power when switching on and off, homeowners who use a variable speed unit will typically have lower energy bills than those who stick with a single speed unit. Lowering Humidity Humidity not only makes a home uncomfortable but also affects the structural integrity of the house. Mold growth is a common yet serious problem...

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What is a SEER Rating?

August 30, 2018

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the measurement used to define the energy-efficiency level of an HVAC unit. The higher the number is, the more efficient the unit is. Ratings range from 9 up to 25. Minimal SEER Requirements The United States government has set down minimal SEER rating requirements in an effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce pollution. Residential HVAC systems manufactured after 2006 must have a minimum SEER rating of 13; however, window units are still permitted to have a minimum SEER 10 rating. Air conditioning units with an ENERGY STAR rating must have a SEER rating of at least 14.5. Requirements for split system central air conditioners vary depending on geographical location. In Kentucky, split system central AC units must have a minimal SEER 14 rating. What are the Benefits of a High SEER Rating? An AC unit’s SEER rating is likely to have an impact on how much it costs; however, there are benefits of shelling out extra money for a unit with a high SEER rating. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that upgrading to a new unit can help you drastically lower your energy bills. It has been estimated that switching...

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What Does it Mean to be NATE Certified?

July 9, 2018

When you hire an air conditioning or heating company, you want to know you’re getting the best, most highly trained individuals to install or service your HVAC system. Contracting with NATE certified technicians lets you easily do this. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) The North American Technician Excellence (NATE), a non-profit organization for air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and ventilation, provides certification of skills. This independent organization located in Arlington, VA has provided testing and confirmation of knowledge and skills since 1997. NATE does not provide the training. HVACR technicians receive that from a variety of sources, including vocational-technical schools, business colleges or community colleges. NATE provides the testing of their work knowledge through multiple-choice standardized tests developed by a committee of industry experts. Technicians undergo rigorous testing on topics spanning HVACR topics relating to contractors, educators, manufacturers, and utilities. You can easily recognize a NATE certified individual by the patch on their uniform. Most companies also purchase decals for their vehicles denoting their trained technicians. NATE only provides these patches and decals to firms with at least one NATE certified technician in their employ. Areas of Knowledge Testing Your potential contractor won’t take a single test to cover all HVACR....

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How to Know When Your AC Needs Repairs

June 11, 2018

Over time, your AC will require repairs to keep it in peak condition. Similar to other mechanical systems, the AC is subject to wear, and you’ll notice its performance dwindle over time. Contracting a professional AC repair company to handle your AC repairs guarantees you of quality and timely repairs. Here are some indicators that your AC needs repairs: Limited Air Flow If your AC is not blowing adequate air, you’ll experience limited cooling. Over time, its ability to circulate air will fall significantly, and ultimately your indoor air quality will be compromised. This poses a health hazard to you and your loved ones. Various factors could cause the limited air flow, either the air filter is broken or clogged, or there is a refrigerant leak. Either way, it will cost you excessive money on energy bills if it goes unresolved. Short Cycling Over time, your AC system will get clunky due to failed electrical signaling or compressor components. In such a case, it will turn itself off and on for several minutes. It is hazardous and should be remedied without delay. Short cycling causes the AC to speed up the rate of the tear during use and prevents the...

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How to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

May 25, 2018

Your home’s indoor air quality can have a big impact on your health and comfort. While you might worry about air pollution when you’re outdoors, keep in mind that the air inside your Lexington home can be even more polluted. Poor indoor air quality can cause health issues for you and your family, such as respiratory problems and allergies. Find out more about how you can make the air in your home healthier. Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels The humidity levels in your home should not be too high or too low. High humidity levels, such as those over 60 percent, encourage the growth of mold and the presence of dust mites. Low humidity levels, such as those below 30 percent, cause too much dryness, which can irritate your skin and sinuses. Using a humidifier or a dehumidifier provides you with an effective way to control the humidity levels in your home. Change Air Filters The air filters in your HVAC system collect dust and other debris, especially when they’re left unchanged for months at a time. This lowers your indoor air quality and increases your risk of breathing these particles in. Replace the air filters in your HVAC system every...

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Is Maintaining Proper Humidity Levels in Your Home Important?

April 17, 2018

Human beings spend close to 90% of their lives indoors. So why not start maintaining proper humidity levels to help keep your home comfortable? Relative indoor humidity is always higher than outdoors because of activities in the house such as cooking, washing, and bathing. The optimal humidity level in the house should be about 30% to 55%. If the humidity levels are higher or lower than this, there will be some negative effects. What happens when humidity levels are low? During winter in Louisville, moisture vanishes, and the air is left very dry. Low humidity levels can lead to difficulty breathing, bloody noses, sore throats, and cracked itchy, skin. Furniture and wood flooring also suffer in homes with low humidity. The lack of moisture can dry out the wood around the home causing it crack. Old homes tend to have relatively lower humidity levels compared to newer more energy efficient homes. What happens when humidity levels are too high? A high humidity level in the house creates an ideal atmosphere for growth of mold and bacteria in the house. It is common for the humidity level in the house to be higher in the summer. These can activate allergies and...

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