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Author: Kevin

Take a Peek at Spring Maintenance

Ever wonder what goes on during a spring maintenance HVAC check? We follow along while one homeowner, Bob, has his two systems checked out by Lance Waterbarger, technician for Interstate AC Service. Bob has one system for downstairs – a traditional central air conditioner and gas furnace – and another unit for upstairs – a small dual-purpose heat pump. Both systems were fairly new, so Bob was happy to pass his maintenance check with flying colors!

Want to have a hassle-free air-conditioning season?  Get a system check-up today.  Call Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Helping the Homeless on Easter Sunday

One of our employees, Jeff Parks, along with a group we belong to, BOMA, (Building Owners and Managers Association) has become involved with a charity formed by two women. They needed a van so they could deliver food and supplies to the homeless in both Nashville and Lebanon. We decided we could fix one of our vans and donate it to this charity Channel 2 (WKRN) did an interview with Heather Young, the Founder of All For Him Ministry and volunteer Keisha Payton. We were very inspired to see this video. It is a great feeling for all of us to help the homeless in such a basic way. Thanks, Jeff, for making this happen.

Are Annual Maintenance Visits a Good Idea?

Do you think getting a yearly maintenance check on your HVAC system is a good idea?

Whether you answered “yes” or “no,” you’re only half right!

If you get just one visit per year, it depends on the time of year you get the visit. Generally the technician will only test the system pertinent to the season you’re in. If it’s spring or summer, they’ll check the air-conditioning system. If it’s fall or winter, they’ll check the heating system. Why can’t they do both at the same time? If you had you air-conditioner checked in say, November, and it was fine then, a lot can happen by the time April or May rolls around and your money will not have been well-spent.

We always recommend having two maintenance checks each year: once for the cooling system in the spring and another for the heating system in the fall. Have the systems checked before you turn it on for the first time that season or at least early in the season. That’s when you can prevent the most problems from occurring later on.

Here are some benefits to regular, twice yearly maintenance:

  • Better air quality, with less dust accumulation, thus creating a healthier environment.
  • Prolongs the life of your equipment, thus saving you money.
  • Addresses potential safety issues, thus preventing a disaster.
  • Keeps your system more efficient, thus reducing energy consumption and cost.
  • Addresses worn parts and potential problems pro-actively, before a breakdown, thus preventing inconveniences for you.

As a bonus, if you sign up for a maintenance contract with us, you’ll get twice yearly service and a discount on any parts that may be needed throughout the year! That saves you even more money! When you think about it, getting an Interstate AC Service maintenance contract can be a pretty smart move! Call on us at (615) 832-8500 today.

Get Ready for Spring!

Getting ready for spring often means planting and sprucing up the yard, but it also means getting ready for air conditioning season.  When it comes to spring HVAC maintenance, there are some things you can do and some you’ll probably want to leave to the professionals.

Here are the things you can (and should!) do:

Change the air filters, and make sure the vents are not blocked.

Clean the area around the outside unit. Trim overgrown grass, bushes or trees, to give the unit at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.

With a garden hose, rinse the outside unit, cleaning dirt that built-up over the winter on the fan blades and fins. For detailed instructions, and precautions regarding coil cleaning products, see our video “The Low-Down on Coil Cleaning.”

With all the rain Nashville has gotten lately, you’ll want to make sure the ground and concrete pad the unit is sitting on hasn’t shifted, and that it is level. Check our video “How Rain & Flooding Affects Your HVAC System” for more.

Blow out the condensate drain and clean the pan.  For step-by-step instructions, see our video “Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold.”

Verify your thermostat is set correctly. Set the date and time, set programming functions for summer operation, and be sure to switch the mode to “Cool” and the fan to “Auto.”

Reverse the settings on any ceiling fans so that the blades are whisking the air upwards. Check out our video post “Are you a ‘Fan’ of Changing Seasons?”

Check basements and crawlspaces to ensure they are not trapping moisture which can feed extra humidity into your air ducts.  Nashville’s summers are humid enough!

Some of the most vital spring maintenance tasks will need to be performed by a licensed HVAC technician.  These include:

  • Measuring the refrigerant level, adding refrigerant if needed, and checking for refrigerant leaks.
  • Inspecting all the electrical connections, motors, and safety controls.
  • Lubricating all the moving parts, especially the fan motor.
  • Inspecting and replacing belts as needed.
  • Checking the supply and return temperatures.
  • Cleaning the condenser coils and the condensate drain.

Never forget, the purpose of doing spring maintenance is to avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs, to keep your system running at peak efficiency, and to prolong its life!  The time and effort you put into it now, including having an HVAC spring maintenance check, will pay off down the road.

If you live in the Nashville area and need a maintenance check, call on Interstate AC Service, at 615-802-2665.

How Rain & Flooding Affects Your HVAC System

Heavy rains in Middle Tennessee serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by excessive water.  Flooding of roadways and fallen trees come to mind, but have you considered how excessive rain can affect your heating and air conditioning system? The typical central heating & air-conditioning system has 3 main components:

  • an outdoor part – which sits beside or behind your home,
  • an indoor part – usually in a basement, attic, or utility room, and
  • ductwork – which runs all around various spaces inside your home.

Let’s look at how heavy rains can affect each of these.

Outdoors

The outdoor parts – the compressor and condenser coil – are built to withstand all kinds of weather.  The sensitive electrical components are sealed and the connections are insulated and made impervious to moisture. The outer-facing parts are comprised of aluminum, copper, and other metals, which are made to handle heavy rains.  But too much rain can impact the outdoor unit in the following ways:

  • Erosion, gullies, and mudslicks can cause the pad the outdoor unit is sitting on to shift as the heavy rain washes away the earth beneath and beside it. The result is that the unit is no longer level, or in extreme cases, the unit has washed partly or completely off the pad. If you encounter either of these situations, turn the unit off and do not operate it until the unit is made level again, on a firm footing.
  • Debris from the yard or blowing in the wind can wash up near the unit or become lodged in the unit. Branches, leaves, and other debris can fall inside the unit (where the fan blades are), or can damage the fins on the sides of the unit. After a storm, always check the outdoor unit. If the fins have been damaged or you see gashes or holes, turn the unit off and call a professional. Operating the system with debris in or against the unit will cause damage to the unit!
  • Standing water or flooding around the outdoor unit can be quite serious, as it may have damaged the internal components. Turn the unit off and have it professionally inspected before you restart it. In the meantime, check the source of the water: do you have a broken or blocked gutter or a downspout that needs to be re-directed? If the source of the standing water is due to the unit being located in a low spot in yard, or in an area with poor drainage due to vegetation or slopes, consider relocating the unit or raising it up several feet to prevent future flooding.
  • Tip: Never use a tarp or plastic bag to cover the outdoor unit. It traps moisture inside, leading to rust, mold, and mildew, which weakens the components and will cause them to break down sooner. It also creates an attractive nesting ground for insects and vermin. Covering the outdoor unit while running the air-conditioner will damage the compressor.

Indoors

The indoor part – typically the furnace, heat exchanger, evaporator, and air handler – is usually located in a basement, attic, or utility room. Because it is designed to be indoors, its electrical components and construction are not built to withstand rain or extreme moisture. In a heavy rain, or even during a water heater mishap, your basement or utility room may experience flooding. If your unit is located in the attic, be mindful that a roof leak as a result of the heavy rain could develop. Any time your indoor unit is wet or encounters standing water, a short in the electrical circuits can damage the wiring, motors, and electronics, and make the system hazardous. The system should be turned off from the main circuit breaker (not just at thermostat). Do not attempt to start it again without having it thoroughly inspected by an HVAC technician.

Ductwork

Ductwork, which is often run in crawlspaces and attics, can be impacted by heavy rains. If your crawlspace floods or your roof leaks, the ductwork will get wet. Ductwork is typically not waterproof. Water entering the ducts may remain inside the duct long after the flood itself has receded, and will cause the ductwork to deteriorate. Mold and mildew will begin growing inside your ductwork, giving your whole house a musty smell, and could lead to the perfect environment for toxic mold growth. Roof leaks can often go unnoticed in the attic for some time, and moisture or even standing water in a crawlspace can go unnoticed if it doesn’t raise to the level of impacting the floors. This ongoing moisture will saturate the insulation around the ducts, in the attic, and under the floor joists. Wet insulation no longer does its job, and the increased heat transfer causes your heat and air conditioner to run longer cycles to compensate, or forces you to continually adjust the thermostat to compensate for the reduced efficiency.  But the biggest danger to you and your family from wet ductwork is the reduced air quality and health hazards of mold.

If you are concerned that your system is not working properly due to recent storms in the area, give Interstate AC Service a call at (615) 832-8500. We’ll determine if your system is safe to operate or is in need of repairs.

Is Your Thermostat the Cause of Your Heating Problem?

It’s cold and your heat doesn’t seem to be working!  Did you know your thermostat could be the cause?  Here are some troubleshooting tips and fixes you may be able to do yourself, to save time and money.

  • Power:  Is the display on your thermostat blank? It could be there is no power to the thermostat.  A tripped circuit breaker or fuse could be the problem, possibly caused by a power outage, power surge, lightning strike, or storm. Reset the tripped circuit breaker or replace the fuse. Make sure all the wires going to the thermostat are connected and not loose.
  • Batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, or relies on battery for backup power in case of a power outage, it could be that the battery needs replacing.  If you have a programmable thermostat, and had a recent power outage, it could be that without a functioning battery backup, all of your settings have been wiped out by the power outage and the thermostat reverted to its default program. You’ll need to insert a new battery, then re-enter your settings.
  • Date/Time: Check that the thermostat is set to the correct day and time, including the AM or PM designation.  One customer bought a programmable thermostat to save money, with the intent to have the heat backed down while the customer was away at work, and have the heat cranked up at night when the customer was home.  But when the customer started freezing at night, they mistakenly thought something was wrong with their heat, when the real culprit was they had the AM/PM designation backwards on their thermostat!

Here’s a tip: If you’ve lost your owner’s manual for your thermostat, most major-brand manuals can be found on the web — just go to the manufacturer’s web site.

  • Mode: Check that the thermostat is in heat mode. This switch can easily get accidentally bumped into the off or cool position. If it’s a programmable thermostat, switch it to manual control and set it for 5 degrees above the room temperature, and wait to see if the heat cycles on.  If it does not, then the problem may be at the furnace.

If none of these DIY fixes addresses your problem, and you live in the Nashville area, give us a call at 615-802-2665. We’re here to help!

Single vs Variable-Speed Blowers: Does it Matter?

Single-Speed Blowers

If your furnace or heat pump is more than 10 years old, it likely has a single-speed air handler (blower).  Single-speed blowers work like a light switch: they’re either on (blowing at maximum speed) or off (not blowing).  Single-speed units have been the standard, most affordable option, but they have some disadvantages.

Disadvantages of Single-Speed Blowers

  • It uses more electricity.
  • It causes large swings in temperature: from too cold to too hot. And because the air does not circulate at all when the blower switches off, the heated air rises to the ceiling.  This is why we recommend running ceiling fans on low, even in the winter.
  • When the blower comes on, you hear a loud rush of air and it can be noisy.  Plus, the surge of electricity it consumes may cause your lights to dim for a second each time it kicks on.
  • Because there are periods when the blower is not blowing at all, humidity control suffers.  In the summer, the air only moves through the de-humidifier when the blower is on (actively blowing), and humidity builds up when the blower cycles off.
  • The constant cycling on and off makes for more wear-and-tear on all the components, and could cause the system to breakdown sooner.

Variable-Speed Blowers

Over the last 10 years, technology has continued to advance, making variable-speed motors less complex, more reliable, more responsive, and more commonplace on HVAC units.  A variable-speed blower runs at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated or cooled air throughout your home.

On a mild day, the blower runs slower.  The AC or heat runs in longer cycles so the indoor temperature does not spike up and down, thus making overall efficiency higher.  Variable-speed blowers offer the highest efficiency and performance.  The AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of a furnace with a variable-speed blower may be as high as 95%.

Advantages of Variable-Speed Blowers

  • Sensitivity: Since it operates at different speeds, it can adapt to the unique airflow requirements of a home at any given point in time.  For example, it can compensate for the amount of dirt in the air filter or blocked vents by increasing the fan speed.
  • Efficiency: It always operates at the lowest speed required, thus it saves electricity, and is less costly to operate. This increases efficiency and allows the unit to use about two-thirds less electricity. This results in a 40% year-round energy savings (about 75% of that savings is in heating).
  • Quieter: Whether running AC or heat, the unit is quieter because most of the time it is not operating at full speed. Plus, it gradually ramps up to full-speed when needed, eliminating the sudden noisy blast of air common with single-speed units.
  • Comfort:  A variable-speed unit will keep you more comfortable because it keeps the temperatures more constant – eliminating the wide swings of too cold and too hot which results from single-speed systems cycling on and off.
  • Air Circulation:  It circulates air continuously, with fewer “off” cycles, allowing more air mixing and preventing the trapping of hot air near the ceiling.  In the summer, it allows the air-conditioner to remove more moisture from the air, decreasing humidity to make you feel more comfortable.
  • Air Quality: Because your air filter is only filtering particles when the air is moving through it, having a variable-speed blower means more air will be filtered.  This means leaving fewer particles to be deposited in your living space, which may translate into fewer allergens and less dust.
  • Longer Life: Since a variable-speed blower is not having to constantly cycle on and off, there is less wear-and-tear and thus fewer breakdowns and a longer operating life for the system.
  • Payback: Although the tax credits have expired for buying a high-efficiency variable speed HVAC unit, it is still a wise purchase.  This is because the reduced costs (less electricity consumed, fewer breakdowns) during operation mean you’ll get a return on investment (ROI) in just 4-5 years.

Does it Really Matter?

Bob, a homeowner who recently had a variable-speed HVAC system installed, says “There is a big difference… it does a better job of keeping warm and even throughout the room.”  His old system was quite noisy, so that has been a big improvement, too.  One feature Bob likes about his furnace now is that “it waits until the furnace is warm before it starts to blow hard.”

What System is Right for You?

If you live in the Nashville TN area and need help deciding between the various types of systems on the market and determining which one is best for your needs, give us a call at (615) 832-8500.

What it Takes to Replace your Home HVAC

This is a story of a homeowner whose heating and air conditioning reached the end of its life. For most systems, end-of-life can be anywhere from 12-16 years, but with some intermediate repairs, this system’s life was extended to 21 years.   In the fall of 2018, when the homeowners came home from a long trip, there was no air conditioning on the first floor of the house.  Interstate AC Service came out and added refrigerant to the system which appeared to solve the problem.  However, a week later, the refrigerant had leaked out and it became clear that something more would need to be done.  Interstate AC’s  system expert, Tommy Gentry,  discussed options with the homeowners.

The electric blower controls had been replaced two times in the last 10 years.  The existing HVAC unit was sitting on the basement floor, which made it subject to flooding.  So, the unit needed to be raised off the floor.  There were two rather small air ducts coming from the return and these needed to be enlarged.  Tommy took a lot of measurements and determined that a new 3-ton American Standard would fit the existing space and result in lower costs.  The existing heat pump was eliminated. Tommy drew up a reasonable estimate and the homeowner decided to proceed with the replacement.  Tommy provided drawings for the installers and made a list of parts that would be required. Three days later the truck arrived, and work with a two-man crew began.

  1. First, the gas was turned off, then the refrigerant was drained from the existing unit so it could be recycled.   Next, the exhaust was disconnected from the existing unit, and the old unit was removed and recycled.  Then, the area was made ready for the new furnace.
  2. A platform to go under the unit was put in place, then the blower, coils, and furnace were brought in and were put together.  Lines from the outside unit were brought inside and attached to the new unit.
  3. After a short break, Tommy brought in a load of parts, inspected the job, and helped to rebuild the new unit’s furnace exhaust.
  4. Next, they tackled the outdoor unit.  They cut the wiring and copper pipes to free the old unit so it could be removed and taken to the recycler.  The pad was prepared, and the new unit was unpacked and put into position.
  5. Wiring and copper pipes were now fitted to the new outdoor unit.  Air was evacuated from the pipes and the coils and the new unit was filled with the new, more eco-friendly, 410A refrigerant.
  6. The entire unit  – both heating and cooling – was tested.   Finally, the unit was buttoned up and connected to a new condensate pump.

The homeowner was impressed with the quality of the work and the care that Interstate AC Service took at each step of the way.  The new unit has a variable speed blower motor which makes a huge difference in reducing the noise coming from the unit.  We now have another very happy homeowner.

If you’re pondering a system replacement, let the folks at Interstate AC Service help!  If you live in the Nashville and surrounding area, give us a call at 615-802-2665.  We’re here for you!

Balancing Airflow for Uneven Temperatures – Alternatives to Zoning (Part 3)

This is part 3 of our 3-part series on alternatives to zoning. Zoning refers to creating separate thermostatically-controlled areas within your home.  But, before doing an expensive retro fit or buying a new multi-zoned system, try some of these things to address and possibly alleviate uneven temperatures in your home.  In this episode, we’ll focus on how Balancing Airflow and employing Spot Treatments may help.

Balancing the Airflow

Some rooms may be hard to heat and cool because of inadequate supply ducts or air register grills.  You may need to increase the size of the supply duct or add an additional duct to provide the needed airflow to the room. Any rooms with a lack of sufficient return airflow may benefit from relatively simple upgrades, such as: installing new or larger return-air registers, undercutting doors for increasing return air flow, or installing a jumper duct to create an air flow connection between rooms.  To see which of these solutions is best for your problem, contact an HVAC professional.

Manual Balancing

You might be able to “manually” balance the air flow by adjusting the dampers in the duct work. For example, in the summer time, you might try partially closing the dampers in the ducts going to the first floor and fully opening the ones to the second floor. This often takes a few tries to get them set right. If you have separate HVAC units feeding each floor, try setting the thermostat for the upstairs about 2-3 degrees cooler than the downstairs in the summer.  This is because heat rises.  In the winter, set the downstairs thermostat 2-3 degrees warmer than the upstairs.

Spot Treatments

Consider installing a ductless mini-split system in the rooms which are always too hot in summer and too cold in winter.  As the name implies, they do not require ductwork, so they’re easy to install and they’re super-efficient.  This will effectively make the rooms that are fed by the mini-split system their own zones, allowing you to control their temperature independently of the rest of the house.  Check out our many previous posts on mini-split systems.

Let the folks at Interstate AC Service help you sort out all the options and find the best solution for addressing your uneven heating and cooling problems. If you live in the Nashville and surrounding area, give us a call at 615-802-2665.  We’re here for all your heating and cooling needs.

Reflecting & Radiating Heat – Alternatives to Zoning (Part 2)

This is part 2 of our 3-part series on alternatives to Zoning. Zoning refers to creating separate thermostatically-controlled areas within your home to help even out the hot and cold spots.  But, before doing an expensive retro fit or buying a new multi-zoned system, try some of these things to address and possibly alleviate uneven temperatures in your home!  In this episode, we’ll focus on how Reflecting and Radiating Heat may help… and best thing is these are do-it-yourself-type projects!

Insulate the Attic

Beefing up the insulation in the attic – not just around the ducts but all around the floor of the attic – is the one thing you can do that will help the most with both heating and cooling. Plus, you’ll save money on your overall heating and cooling costs year-round.

Insulate Garage

Adding insulation to your garage, particularly to the garage doors, will prevent heat from outside radiating inside in summer, and will prevent heat loss in winter.  Not only will it make your garage a more comfortable space, but it will help your HVAC work a little less hard to keep the adjoining rooms at your desired temperature.

Reflecting Heat

Do you have windows in your garage door or attic?  What about in that one room that always seems to be too hot in the summer and too cool in the winter?  Try Iining the insides of the windows with a UV-reflective window film, which can block 99% of the sun’s UV rays while also reducing heat loss in winter by 30%.  Many types and colors are available, and some are transparent and easily removable.

Radiant Barriers

Consider adding a radiant barrier in the attic to reflect some heat away. A radiant barrier is a highly reflective material that reflects heat rather than absorbing it.  Attics with R-19 or better insulation and a radiant barrier – such as foil-laminated OSB panels or thin sheets of aluminum – may reduce an attic’s temperature by up to 30°F.

A cooler attic or garage means less heat moving into your living space!  This increases the efficiency of your ductwork, prolongs the life of your HVAC, and saves on your energy bills.

While we can’t help you with many of these DIY projects, we can help make sure your heating and cooling units are maintained in top shape for peak efficiency, and help you find the best solution for addressing your uneven heating and cooling problems. If you live in the Nashville or surrounding area, call on Interstate AC Service at 615-802-2665. We’re here for all your heating and cooling needs.