Spray Foam Insulation Versus Fiberglass

May 30, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • San Antonio

Proper insulation is one of the best ways to regulate the temperature in your home and keep everyone comfortable. But with the variety of insulation materials available, it can be hard to settle on one. The usual dilemma homeowners have is choosing between spray foam insulation versus fiberglass. The former is the more traditional option, while the latter has been rising in popularity recently. Here’s an in-depth comparison of the two insulation materials to help you decide.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is a combination of fine fibers from recycled materials and melted glass. An adhesive agent, such as aluminum foil or glass, holds these small components together. This bonding of materials creates a vapor barrier. Most American homes use fiberglass because it is an effective and affordable insulation.

Fiberglass can come in batts, which look like cotton candy blankets. They are light and portable, making them perfect for adding insulation to an attic. A … Read Full Post »

Where Is the Evaporator Coil?

May 2, 2023. Posted by Stephen Richardson in Air Conditioning & Heating • Dallas-Fort Worth

Homeowners depend heavily on their air conditioners for comfort, especially when it is hot outside. But despite their reliance on this appliance, few are familiar with an AC’s inner workings and how to maintain it.

While you don’t have to understand how the entire AC system works, it can be beneficial to know the basics. That includes locating the evaporator coil and caring for it. Here’s everything you need to know about this essential part of your AC unit.

Remember that you can always contact AC specialists for problems you encounter with your unit. They have the necessary tools and expertise to have it running smoothly again.

What Is the Evaporator Coil, and How Do You Locate It?

Air conditioners don’t produce cold air like a furnace makes heat. AC units have refrigerant flowing inside them, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat and humidity so the air that flows into the home feels cold. … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Out Water?

April 28, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • San Antonio

“Why is my air conditioner blowing out water?” This is one of the many problems AC owners can encounter. It can be frustrating when your AC unit isn’t working as it should, especially on summer days when you want relief from the heat. If yours is blowing out water, that means there’s an underlying issue. It can be a problem with the condensation drain, evaporator coil or air filter.

Here’s an in-depth guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and get your AC running normally. While you can try to fix it yourself, it is always best to contact an HVAC specialist. A professional will evaluate the issue thoroughly and provide a long-term solution.

Issues That Can Cause an Air Conditioner to Blow Out Water

It’s never normal for an AC unit to blow out water. The AC works by sucking hot air into the unit and flowing it through an evaporator coil. … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Thermostat Flashing Cool On?

April 4, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • Corpus Christi

Air conditioners have one job—to give you cool air so you can stay comfortable. While that may sound straightforward, there’s a complex system inside each unit, and various things can go wrong. Sometimes, the thermostat can act up, too.

A thermostat flashing “cool on” is a typical problem homeowners face. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you troubleshoot your AC and thermostat issues. But remember that the best solution is to call an AC professional who can do the job effectively.

What To Do When Your Thermostat Is Flashing “Cool On”

Why is your thermostat flashing “cool on”? This operation mode means your AC is starting to do its job. It’s a safety delaying measure that lets the AC system prepare. It also protects the compressor and prevents the unit from short cycling.

The flashing is usually nothing to worry about unless it keeps going after several minutes. If that’s the case, there might … Read Full Post »

How Do I Keep My Air Conditioning From Freezing Up?

March 31, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • Austin

You might not think your AC can freeze when it’s hot outside. But, it’s a more common problem than you think and can happen even on the hottest days. The best way to prevent it is to maintain your AC unit well. If your AC is already freezing up, there are ways to troubleshoot the problem. The best solution is to contact an AC specialist who can have your unit running smoothly again.

What Causes Air Conditioners to Freeze Up and How to Prevent It

Before answering the question, “How do I keep my air conditioning from freezing up?” it’s helpful to know more about how ACs function. They work by expanding the refrigerant in the evaporator coil, cooling down the air that passes through and releasing cold air into your home. It also removes the hot and humid air, helping you feel more comfortable. But if there’s something out of order … Read Full Post »

Air Conditioner Starts Then Stops After Only a Few Seconds

March 24, 2023. Posted by Stephen Richardson in Air Conditioning & Heating • Dallas-Fort Worth

Nothing feels better than turning on the air conditioner on a hot and humid day. But, that joy turns into frustration when the air conditioner starts and then stops after only a few seconds. This issue is called “short cycling.” While it is a fairly common problem in AC units, it is a sign that something is wrong. It’s best to resolve it quickly before it leads to more expensive repairs.

If your AC has been short cycling, here are the most common causes and what can be done to fix your unit. In more complex cases, the smart move is to contact an HVAC professional who can address the problem.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Thermostats help air conditioners achieve your desired room temperature. If you set it to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the thermostat will turn the AC on and off to maintain the right temperature. But if the thermostat is malfunctioning, it can’t sense … Read Full Post »

My Thermostat Clicks but AC Does Not Turn On

March 8, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • San Antonio

Nothing is more comforting than the clicking sound of the thermostat when it’s hot out. This should mean that cool air is on its way out to relieve you of the heat. But it can be alarming when nothing follows after the click. It might be a sign that there’s something wrong with your air conditioner.

Reasons Your Thermostat Clicks but the AC Does Not Turn On

You don’t have to worry if your AC isn’t switching on despite the thermostat clicking. Most of the time, there is a simple problem behind it that you can solve yourself. However, some issues are more complicated and require the expertise of HVAC professionals. They can have your AC up and running as soon as possible.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter is the most common culprit behind this issue. Filters purify the air before it travels around your home. Over time, dust, dirt and pollen … Read Full Post »

My AC Is Not Cooling Enough

March 2, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • Corpus Christi

Is your AC not cooling enough? It can be frustrating when your air conditioner has been on for hours, but the room is still not cold enough. There are many reasons why your AC isn’t working as it should. It could be a simple issue like a clogged air filter or dirty evaporator coils. But, it could also be a more complicated problem, like a faulty compressor or damaged wiring.

Here are some ways to troubleshoot the situation. But, keep in mind, the best way to have your AC running smoothly is to get help from an HVAC specialist. You can avoid AC nightmares and enjoy cool air all year round with routine maintenance.

Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling

When your AC isn’t blowing out cold air, the first thing to do is check your thermostat’s controls. If it is in the heat setting, switch it to cool. But, if it is already … Read Full Post »

Why Is My AC So Loud?

February 2, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • Corpus Christi

Air conditioners can make our homes comfortable, especially on hot and humid days. But that comfort can be minimized when you find yourself asking, “Why is my AC so loud?” If you notice whistling, banging or rattling sounds coming from your AC, it’s probably time for a tune-up. It can also be your AC’s way of telling you that there’s a more severe issue and that you should call a professional.

If your AC is disturbing your peace at home, here are the possible reasons for its loud noises. While there are some home fixes you can try, the best way to deal with the issue is to leave it in the hands of capable HVAC specialists. They will assess your AC thoroughly and provide the best possible solution.

Here are the most common types of AC noises and what they mean.

Banging or Clanking

If your AC is making banging noises, that’s usually … Read Full Post »

Why Does My AC Capacitor Keep Going Out?

January 23, 2023. Posted by Tom Riggs in Air Conditioning & Heating • Austin

If you’re having repeated issues with your AC capacitor, you may be wondering, “why does my AC capacitor keep going out?” The capacitor is one of the most vital components of an air conditioning system, providing the motor with bursts of energy when needed. Unfortunately, it is also the most prone to breakdowns, especially under a heavy workload.

If you have been experiencing problems with your capacitor, we will review some possible reasons why it could be acting up. We also cover how capacitors work and how you can check yours at home. However, it can be complicated to fix it yourself. It is best to contact an HVAC professional to do the job for you.

Most Common Reasons for AC Capacitor Failure

Capacitors have a tough job, making them prone to wear and tear. It’s not unusual for an AC’s capacitor to break down, requiring more repairs than other parts. Here are … Read Full Post »