Skip to main content

Now offering commercial plumbing services!

615-802-COOL (2665)

Author: Kevin

Sealing & Insulating Ducts – Alternative to Zoning (Part 1)

Written by Kevin on . Posted in General Advice. No Comments on Sealing & Insulating Ducts – Alternative to Zoning (Part 1)

In a previous post, we talked about zoning: creating separate thermostatically-controlled areas within your home to help even out the hot and cold spots. Although zoning can save you up to 30% in energy costs, it is not without cost itself. Suppose you don’t want the expense of replacing your current system with a new multi-zoned HVAC unit, or re-working your current ductwork layout to accommodate a retrofit. Never fear! There are lots of things you can do to address and possibly alleviate the uneven temperatures in your home. In this post (the first of a 3-part series), we’ll focus on how sealing and insulating ducts may help.

Step 1: Seal the ducts

Ductwork is used to distribute the heated or cooled air throughout your home.  In a typical home, 20-30% of the air in the ductwork is lost due to leaks, holes, and poor insulation.  The result is difficulty keeping the house comfortable no matter how the thermostat is set.  Check the ducts in your attic, crawl space, and basement, and look for holes or gaps, areas where the ductwork has been crushed or kinked, or has become disconnected.  Repair and seal the holes using mastic sealant or metal-backed (foil) tape – NOT the typical grey fabric duct tape! Contrary to its name, “duct tape” is not the best solution for sealing ducts.  Cloth-backed utility tapes are not recommended because they will fall off easily, degrade with extreme heating and cooling, and do not reflect heat.  Look for aluminum-backed tape with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo. Duct mastic is the preferred material for sealing ductwork seams and joints, especially irregular or jagged edges.

Step 2: Seal Registers & Vents

Check all the air register vents in each room, and the return air grill, to ensure there is a tight seal between the duct opening and the grill, that there are no tears in the ductwork from debris falling inside the register, and that the duct has not torn away from the opening.

Step 3: Insulate the ducts

Insulate the ducts, especially in the attic where the temperatures soar in the summer, and in the crawl space and basement where the temperatures are coldest in the winter.  Wrap all ducts with foil-faced fiberglass insulation having an R-6 value or greater and seal the joints with foil-faced duct tape.

Prefer a hands-off approach to your ductwork?  If you live in the Nashville and surrounding area, call on Interstate AC Service at 615-802-2665 to help with ductwork repair, or whatever heating and cooling issues you may have.  We’re here for you!

Common AC Problem: Inadequate Cooling

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Inadequate Cooling

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer. That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Inadequate Cooling

If your system is working fine (no leaks or noises, etc.), but it is not able to maintain the desired temperature you set on the thermostat, especially during the hottest part of the day, it could be that your unit is under-sized for your house. Perhaps you added space on to the house since it was built or removed trees near the house that were providing shade. When excessive demand is being made on the unit and it can’t keep up, you may need a larger unit. To delay having to get another system, you can add extra insulation – especially in the attic – and get double or triple paned windows with low E glass, to help improve your system’s performance. Getting regular tune-ups in spring and fall also helps to maintain your system’s efficiency so it will operate at peak performance. Other reasons for inadequate cooling include:

  • A dirty condenser or evaporator coil
  • A blocked condenser
  • Clogged drain lines
  • A lack of system refrigerant

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Doesn’t Cycle On

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Doesn’t Cycle On

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC Doesn’t Cycle On

If your AC does not cycle on, check to make sure it has power, that the circuit breaker has not been tripped, and that the thermostat is on and set to cool mode. If these check out, then here are some possible causes:

  1. System has frozen up: You might see ice on the inside or outside unit. This is typically a sign that there is a refrigerant leak (described above), but it could also be a sign that the ductwork is blocked or a dirty air filter. Turn the system off, turn the thermostat to fan, and wait for the ice to defrost, which may take several hours. Meanwhile, call an AC professional.
  2. Condensation (drip) pan is full: When condensate drips from the evaporator into the drip pan, the excess water should be carried away via pipes to the outside. If these pipes – the condensate lines – get clogged, a water float switch will automatically turn the AC unit off. If your unit is not equipped with a float switch, you will instead see water leaking from the around the drip pan. Dry out the drip pan and clean the condensate line. Refer to our post Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold).

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Blows Hot Air

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Blows Hot Air

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC is Blowing Hot Air

If your AC is not cooling or is blowing hot air, here are some possible causes and solutions:

  1. Thermostat turned to heat mode: Switch it back to “cool” and you’re good to go.
  1. Dirty evaporator coil caused by a dirty air filter:  Change air filters.  You may also need to have the evaporator coil (inside the indoor part of the AC unit) professionally cleaned.
  1. Condenser coil obstructions: Check the outside AC unit for anything blocking the condenser’s air flow, and clean any debris (such as grass clippings, overgrown bushes, etc.) around the unit.
  1. Low on refrigerant/Freon:  This is usually caused by a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system and looks like ice forming on either the inside or outside unit or both.  For this, you’ll need to contact an AC professional.  See our post Adding Freon to your AC is NOT a DIY Project.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Runs Continuously

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Runs Continuously

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC Runs Continuously

Perhaps the AC is cooling but you notice it’s working harder and longer.  You might also notice a sharp increase in your energy bills compared to last year at the same time.  This may be due to a sensor problem, which is causing improper monitoring of the temperature of the evaporator coil.  Typical sensor problems include: the sensor isn’t positioned in the right place, the connections to and from the sensor have failed (due to an electrical short, for example), or the sensor itself has died.  A professional AC technician will be needed to investigate and remedy these situations.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

If the unit is turning on and off repeatedly, or has difficulty switching on, or you hear a choking and stuttering sound while turning it on, there is short cycling problem.  This can severely damage the compressor, stress the other components, and will consume excess electricity.  Some possible causes are an electrical short somewhere in the system, poor wiring (this is serious and could cause a fire), a damaged or failed part in the system, dirty air filters, or blocked ducts preventing the flow of air.  If you continue to have a short cycling problem after checking your air filter and vents, turn the system off and contact an AC professional.  In some cases – especially if the problem has persisted a while – you may require a new AC unit entirely..

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: Noises

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Noises

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Noises

While your AC is running, you should hear the hum of the blower, a click when your air conditioner turns on, and the whir of the outside condenser fan.  Other noises – such as rattling, screeching, thumping, clanging, or banging – mean your system is having problems.  Typical causes of noise from the AC unit include: a belt wearing out, loose hardware, a failing motor, refrigerant issues, or blower issues.  But try these things first: make sure the filter is clean, that the air vents in all rooms are unblocked, and that there are no obstructions around or in the outside unit.  If you still hear strange noises, contact a professional AC service technician before the situation worsens and leads to big repair bills and prolonged downtime.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: External Fan Not Working

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: External Fan Not Working

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

External Fan (Compressor) Not Working

Check all around and inside the outdoor unit.  Verify that the fan blades are unimpeded.  It could be that the outdoor unit sustained damage due to falling debris from storms.  Be sure to keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and check it often throughout the summer and fall.  If there are no obstructions and the fan blades are not turning, it could be caused by a lack of power to the system.  Cycle the power by turning the circuit breaker off and back on again, then set the thermostat lower than the current inside temperature and wait 2-5 minutes.  If you do not hear the compressor kick in and the fan blades start to turn, you probably have a faulty motor or compressor, and will need to contact a service professional.

Avoid Summer AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Adding Freon to Your AC is not a DIY Project

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Adding Freon to Your AC is not a DIY Project

Perhaps you’re really handy around the house, and enjoy taking on fix-it projects.  Adding refrigerant to your HVAC system – what we call a “shot of Freon” – is definitely NOT a do-it-yourself task!

Iced Up!

When your air conditioner is low on Freon, it means this colorless gas is leaking out from somewhere in the system (see Causes of Refrigerant Leaks). Typically, you will see ice forming on either the inside or outside unit or both.  If this happens you need to turn the HVAC system off completely, wait for it to thaw out, and call an HVAC professional.

Not DIY

Here are just some of the many reasons why you cannot just “add a shot of Freon” to your AC yourself:

  1. Possessing most refrigerants – which are toxic chemicals – requires a special EPA 608 certification, which typically only licensed HVAC contractors can get.  It is unlawful to possess HVAC refrigerants without such a license.  If you find a seller that will sell directly to a consumer and does not ask for your 608 certification, then you should be suspicious that what they’re selling is counterfeit (see our post Fighting Back Against Fake Refrigerants).
  2. There are now many different type of refrigerants on the market and each unit will work with only a certain type.  Putting the wrong type of refrigerant in your unit will damage the unit, and could also cause significant hazard to you!  Furthermore, as one refrigerant (R-22) has been phased out of production, other refrigerants may be used in its place, but may require certain updates to your system in order to do so.  You cannot assume that a supposedly “equivalent” product is compatible with your system.
  3. To replace the leaky part or to update the refrigerant, the “old” refrigerant needs to be evacuated first.  But this cannot be done simply by exhausting it into the air (it is unlawful to do so)!  It must be captured into a special pressurized container so it can be recycled. Keep in mind that refrigerants are gasses at room temperature, and are compressed under extraordinary pressures in order to liquefy. Special gear is required to diagnose where the leak is, and to evacuate the old refrigerant and fill with new refrigerant.  Purchasing the appropriate gauges, diagnostic equipment, and pressurized vessels would exceed the cost of the service call.
  4. Depending on the source and extent of the leak, it may be better and more cost-efficient to replace the entire unit, rather than to continue to fill it with Freon that will only leak out again in a short time. Sure, the cost to repair or replace your system may be higher than simply adding another “shot of Freon,” but not addressing the cause of the leak causes recurring expenses that will only escalate.  For example,  recharging the system several times could cause the oil in the compressor to deplete enough to damage the compressor, and then you may require a major, really expensive repair!

Are You Cost-Conscious?

The bottom line is this: if you’re cost conscious, then the best “bargain” is calling an HVAC professional when your system needs a shot of Freon.

If you live in the Nashville area, call Interstate AC Service at 615-802-2665.  We’ll help you with whatever ails your HVAC system.

Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Maintenance. No Comments on Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold

Foul odors coming from your cooling system are more than an unwelcome inconvenience – they can be downright dangerous.  Air conditioner smells are most often caused by mold and mildew growing somewhere within the system.  In this post, we’ll look at how your HVAC system can harbor mold and be responsible for circulating musty odors.

Air conditioners work primarily by dehumidifying the air.  The water drawn out of the air drips from the evaporator coils into a condensation pan (or drip pan) under the HVAC air handling unit. Drip pans are the perfect environments for mold and algae growth, which then can clog the drain lines.  If the moisture is unable to flow out of the system, the water backs up and can overflow the drip pan, causing water damage in your home as well as causing your air conditioner to shut off.  In fact, a clogged condensate drain line is the second leading cause of AC failures.

Regular Maintenance is Essential

As part of regular spring/summer HVAC maintenance, the evaporator coil and condensation lines are cleaned.  Having your system’s evaporator coil cleaned not only works to reduce smell, but the procedure will also improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. The mold, mildew, and dirt deposited on your coil will reduce airflow through the system, lowering its efficiency, and causing your HVAC to fail sooner.

Clean Condensate Pan & Drain Lines

But even if you’ve had your system cleaned at the beginning of the season, the condensate drain line could still become clogged during the course of use.  So, it is important to check the condensate pan and drain lines monthly throughout the air conditioning season.  Here’s how:

  1. Find the condensate pan – usually a metal or hard plastic pan about 3 inches deep – sitting below the HVAC’s air handling unit. In some cases, you may need to remove a metal panel to access it. The condensate pan should be nearly dry.  If it has significant rust all over, or is rusted out in sections, it must be replaced. Plus, signs of rust means there has been water backing up in the pan regularly, which is not a good sign.
  2. If the condensate pan has standing water in it or if there is water on the floor nearby, there is a problem with the condensation drain lines.  If your HVAC unit is in the attic, you might see water coming through the ceiling!  If this is the case, turn the HVAC unit off at the electrical switch and at the thermostat. Using rags or a wet/dry vacuum, remove all the water from the drip pan and around the unit.  Then clean the pan with a mild dish soap or 10% bleach solution.
  3. The drip pan connects to the condensate drain line, which carries water out of the home.  Locate where the drain line exits outside the house.  Be sure there are no obstructions, that the drain line is not buried under dirt or landscaping, and that you can see whether it is dripping.
  4. If no moisture is exiting outdoors even while the system is running or when the condensate pan is full of water, then the drain line is clogged. You may need to use a long, flexible rubber tube through the line – from each end – to dislodge the clog.  Another option is to connect the wet/dry vac to the outlet, and use your hands to make a “seal” around the drain line in order to draw the clog out, or use an AC drain sucker kit.
  5. With the system turned off, flush out the drain using distilled vinegar, hot water with mild dish soap, or a 10% bleach solution. Leave the solution to soak for up to 30 minutes, then rinse the lines with clean water. Be sure you can see the water exiting freely out of the exterior condensate line.
  6. Special cases: If the drain line does not have a direct downward slope allowing it to make use of gravity to help the water exit, you may need to have a small pump added to help push the water out.  If there is a reservoir which holds water until it exits, you may need to add a mild bleach solution, condensate drain line cleaner, or anti-algae tablets to the reservoir on a regular basis to prevent the growth of mold and algae.

If you care about the quality of the air you and your family breathes every day – and want to prolong your HVAC investment – be sure to get your HVAC serviced regularly, and keep that condensation pan and drain clear! If you’re not comfortable with any of the steps listed above, call on Interstate AC service at (615) 832-8500. Rest assured, we’re here to help!