5 Warning Signs Your HVAC is Working Overtime and How to Fix Them

September 8, 2017

Your HVAC system can’t talk to you and tell you when it needs your help, but it just might be showing you signs. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting money. If your home’s HVAC system isn’t working efficiently, then that might be exactly what you are doing. The key to keeping costs low is spotting signs that are meant to warn you that your HVAC system is working overtime and burning money. While not always apparent, it is the minor things that can add up to a need for major repairs. If you can spot the signs, however, then you will not only cut back on your monthly costs but can extend the life of your HVAC system. Temperatures from One Room to the Next Vary Greatly If you walk from room to room and the temperature varies greatly, then you either have ductwork that is too long or dirty. The easiest way to solve the problem is to have your ductwork cleaned and change the air filter. If that doesn’t work, then you might have to consider reworking the ducts to shorten their supply chain. Your House is Still Humid Even with the AC On If you are...

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Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Heat Pump in the Summer

September 1, 2017

Many people are under the wrong impression that the cooling and heating systems need attention only in particular seasons. In the view of many, an air conditioner is used during summer and has to be serviced just before the onset of the season. Similarly, they feel that the heater can be neglected in the summertime as it is out of use. The truth is that it is absolutely necessary to take care of your HVAC system throughout the year. In fact, proper maintenance in one season can prepare your system to function optimally in the coming season. Does Your Heat Pump Need Attention During the Summer? Yes, it is very important to take care of your heat pump during the summer months. Here are some reasons why you should not neglect your heat pump even when the days are warm: A delay in repairs may lead to further problems. If you ignore the warning signs the situation may become worse. Last-minute repairs may be expensive. It may not be possible to get assistance immediately and you may have to remain on the waiting list for some time. It may take a longer time to repair defects which have been there...

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Answers to Common Questions about an AC System’s Performance

August 28, 2017

Whether you need to repair or replace your air conditioning system, you can count on Scott-Lee Heating Company to be there. Having your AC run effectively is vital for your home, especially during the hot summer months. If you notice that your system is making some strange sounds or there are signs of slow performance, you should get it checked. It could be that the system is getting old and is worn out. Other issues may be easily fixed but still require the service of an experience St. Louis HVAC technician. The following are some common issues that your AC system may be having. What To Do If: The AC is under-performing – There are a number of different reasons for this and the majority of them will require professional attention of some sort. But there are a few things you can check before you give us a call. Make sure that the thermostat settings are right and check that vents are not blocked. Make sure that the outside unit is free of debris. Water is leaking from the unit – To correct this problem you can check the drain system of the AC. See if there is a clog...

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Mold Prevention and Treatment – St. Louis Commercial HVAC

August 15, 2017

Mold prevention and treatment are important steps to keeping employees happy and healthy. Mold infestation is extremely problematic for HVAC systems. Mold spores have been known to cause a large amount of property damage. Moreover, in workplace establishments, it can lead to significant health hazard to workers. Mold spreads quickly and can cause those who are allergic to have serious reactions. However, clearing a mold infestation is not an impossible task. Why HVAC Systems are Susceptible to Mold HVAC systems are susceptible to mold growth. Part of the cause is the constant presence of moisture which makes it a very conducive environment for fungus and mold. The fight against mold is more really a fight against chronically humid, moisture-laden, and damp areas in the house. Therefore the HVAC system proves to be one of the most favorable locations for breeding mold infestations. In particular, one can find mold accumulation and growth in the following places: In and around condensation drain pans On cooling coils Inside the interiors of the duct work On humidifying equipment On cooling towers On dehumidifying equipment On return-air plenums Outdoor air intakes On screens, grills and air filters that are clogged with dirt and debris It...

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The Benefits of Zoned HVAC Systems – St. Louis HVAC

August 8, 2017

Zoned HVAC systems help keep your family comfortable and also help with efficiency. Often, homeowners have to deal with uneven temperatures in different rooms of the house. This happens due to the positioning and layout of the home. For example, rooms at the top, attics, etc. often seem to be warmer than other rooms, while those on the lower grounds, like basements, end up much colder. Moreover, different members of the family could have different temperature preferences. For example, someone complains that the HVAC does not cool enough, while another family member simply ‘freezes’ when the conditioning is on. These are common concerns with a traditional HVAC setup when one uniform temperature setting heats or cools the entire home. Customizing the temperature according to everyone’s need, or trying to ensure that the whole house is equally warm or cool can turn into a thermostat war, often reducing the efficiency of the HVAC. At times, homeowners turn to quick-fixes like closing vents in rooms where the temperatures are unequal or where the different temperature is desired. Such quick-fixes can cause disturbances in the airflow of the HVAC reducing its efficiency. Zoned HVAC Systems Zoned HVAC setups eliminate the inability of traditional...

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How to Prevent Air Conditioner Failure?

August 3, 2017

The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail on a hot summer day in St. Louis. The last thing any homeowner would want on a hot summer day in St. Louis is an air conditioner that does not work. It is important that all HVAC owners understand the reasons for air conditioning unit failure and know the measures that can help prevent it altogether. While a number of issues can crop up and lead to HVAC unit failures, they are all preventable and very easy to put into practice. The most common reasons are irregular or lack of service and maintenance of the HVAC unit, incorrect installation, and improper care of the AC unit and its components. To ensure that such issues do not lead to an HVAC unit failure, HVAC owners should put the following into regular practice. Ensure Proper Installation Poor installation of an HVAC unit can cause it to overwork and this leads to failure. Poor installation could include poorly planned installations, for example, placement of HVAC unit, vents, and ducts in a way where optimized cooling does not take place and renders the ability of the HVAC to condition the air, ineffective....

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Why is My Air Conditioner is Making a Hissing Noise?

July 31, 2017

It may be a sign of a refrigerant leak and needs to be serviced as soon as possible. If your air conditioner is making a hissing noise or a bubbling sound, it can be rather worrying. But don’t panic. In this article, we will explain what it is and what you should do about it… The most likely cause of these noises is a refrigerant leak from your AC unit. It is the refrigerant that makes the warm air cold, which is sent out into your home to lower the temperature. So, it is vital to the effective running of your AC system. When refrigerant leaks from the system, not only will your AC unit be unable to cool your home properly, but it can also cause further damage to your system, so it must be sorted out as soon as possible. Signs of a Refrigerant Leak We’ve already mentioned the hissing or bubbling noises that occur due to refrigerant leak, but there are other signs to look out for as well. You are likely to find that it takes a long time for your home to become cool when you turn on your AC unit. It might become cool...

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Enhanced Efficiency Reduces Operational Costs of Commercial HVAC

July 25, 2017

Scott-Lee Heating can help enhance the efficiency of your commercial HVAC system and minimize operational costs. What most facility and property managers desire to find is a way to enhance the efficiency of their commercial HVAC systems so as to minimize their operational costs. It becomes even more important during the summer months when cooling is absolutely necessary. You can make use of specialized equipment that is installed in the HVAC system to achieve higher efficiency. Read on to know more about these components. Enhanced Airflow You can integrate terminal units into your HVAC to improve airflow. They improve the airflow quality in your building, ensuring more comfort to your employees. St. Louis HVAC technicians explain that the enhanced airflow does not put pressure on the systems, which means they will use less energy. In most cases, outdated HVAC systems can only distribute a limited amount of air in a room. Terminal units, on the other hand, can distribute various amounts of air depending on need. Up-to-date HVAC systems ensure more efficiency, which translates into lower operational costs. These terminal units are integrated into the system ductwork just close to every room of the building. They also work with each...

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What to do About Spores and Mildew in Your HVAC System

July 22, 2017

Our technicians can improve the indoor air quality in your home, so your family can breathe easily. Unfortunately, mildew and spores is a common problem with HVAC systems. It’s a potential health problem and it can also cause issues with your system. It’s very important to deal with the problem as soon as you discover it. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, our experienced technicians can help improve the indoor air quality in your home. HVAC Systems – The Perfect Breeding Ground The problem is, that HVAC systems are the perfect breeding ground for mildew and spores. They are hard to spot, and so it is likely the first thing you’ll notice is that you or someone in your household becomes ill. It can be pretty dangerous if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. A cold you can’t get rid of, or symptoms that appear like asthma are signs to watch out for. For anyone particularly vulnerable, such as babies, the elderly, or anyone suffering from respiratory problems, spores in the air can sometimes be life-threatening. Another Early Warning Sign Another sign to look out for is a musty smell. A clear system will never have this smell. If you notice it,...

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Is It Normal for a Central Air Conditioner to Run Constantly?

July 19, 2017

Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. However, in some cases constant running could be a cause for concern. A central air conditioning system that runs constantly can be cause for concern. It’s important to determine whether this is a normal occurrence or if there is a problem with the system. Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. The air temperature is hotter outside and so the system needs to work harder in order to get the air to the desired temperature. In that respect, it is normal for the air conditioning system to run with fewer on/off cycles. In fact, smaller cycles can be advantageous. It’s good for dehumidifying the home and it can help increase the life span of your system as there is less stopping and starting. If the home is achieving the correct temperature and the occupants feel it is comfortable, and the bills are at a similar level to previous years, then there is likely no cause for concern. However, if the temperature is not desirable, if the AC unit literally never stops running and the thermostat never reaches the set temperature, then this is a sign...

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