When choosing pleated air filters for your air conditioning system, there are several factors you should consider. Whether purchasing an air filter for your home AC or a facility you manage, choosing the right air filter is critical. Whenever you are unsure of a suitable unit for your home, you should consult your air conditioner repair professionals for the best unit to install at your home.
Choosing the Right Air Filter For Your Applications
When choosing an air filter, there are several factors to consider. It is not as easy as waking into a store and picking just the available one. There are specific filter requirements for any home or facility. Below are some tips to help you choose the best, especially the pleated filters.
A Filter’s MERV Ratings or Efficiency
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a filter efficiency scale from ASHRAE from 1-20. However, the standard commercial pleated filters have a MERV rating of 7-13. HVAC professionals recommend that you search for pleated filters from those with a MERV rating of 8. This is because you’ll increase the efficiency by about 15% for a minimal price increase. Are you seeking a pleated filter for a single-stage air conditioning system to help maintain or obtain a LEED green certification? Then look for pleated air filters with a MERV rating starting from 13.
Filter Construction
Self-supported Pleats (SSPs) and wire-backed when choosing a pleated filter exist. Wire-backed pleats provide an additional support layer for filter media. This is helpful in applications that have high temperatures and moisture. They can also be used for applications involving high air velocity. This wire helps prevent filter collapse or deformation, which could lead to air bypass & ultimately, the shutdown of your HVAC system.
Your air conditioning system will eventually become strained from ongoing problems that can cost thousands to fix in addition to the cost of labor and product replacement. The main disadvantage of wire-back pleats is that they are more expensive and not entirely incinerable. Are you looking to replace your current wire-back pleat air filters with their cheaper alternatives? Do you even need a wire-back pleated filter in the first place? Consult your reliable air conditioner repair technician to help determine this.
The self-supported pleats (SSPs) are nearly identical to the wire-backed pleated filters, although they offer an alternative means of providing filter media stability without using metal. This allows them to be produced more cost-effectively. Is temperature, moisture, or high air velocity not a concern for your home? Then you can use these filters. They provide a cost-effective solution while filtering the air at the same efficiency level as the wire-backed pleats.
Dust Holding Capacity
Over the service life of a pleated air filter, considerable amounts of dust collect onto the media. Eventually, the air filters are loaded to a point where it restricts airflow, causing pressure buildup within the system. This causes failure because of deformation, leading to air bypass. The dust holding capacity of a filter is the volume of dust a filter can hold while at the same time maintaining its MERV rating or inside its pressure drop to dirty from clean. Dust holding capacity is usually measured in grams and reflects the dust retained.
A filter with a high dust-holding capacity has a higher lifespan. You use less money on air filters and labor when changing them. If a filter can last longer, you won’t have to dispose of them after every 30 days. This is good for the environment. Some pleated filters are available in “high capacity” versions that use more media, extending filter life even further.
Although you might anticipate that extra media would limit airflow, the contrary is true. The total number of pleats increases when the amount of media increases, which slows down the airflow via each pleat rather than the filter as a whole. As a result, your filters will hold more dust and last longer, which will cut their total purchase costs.
Standard Sizes and Dimensions
You can only select the right pleated air filter if you know how large your filter flame is. The depths for pleated air filters come in sizes of 1,2,4 inches depending on the unit and frame you will install it into. There also is a difference between normal or standard-sized filters and exact. While standard air filters are more common and refer to the frame size where the filter will be inserted, the latter refers to a custom fit.
If you don’t know the size that will fit into your AC, enlist the help of an air conditioner repair technician. If you purchase the wrong-sized air filters, there are two possible outcomes. A too-small filter that won’t securely fit into the filter frame. This will result in air bypass, which allows particulates to clog your air conditioner’s components and negatively affect air quality. On the other hand, a too-large filter won’t fit into the frame or unit and might not be returnable because of a custom size.
Initial Resistance Or Pressure Drop
Although high-efficiency pleated air filters capture many contaminants, they also can restrict air movement into the blower. The initial resistance refers to the amount of airflow pressure through the filter’s media experiences. Lower initial resistance means that the air conditioner will use less energy. Considering the initial resistance when reviewing a product could save you a fortune from energy use.
Pressure drop is another term you might notice when searching for a replacement filter. When the air filters are loaded with dirt, the spaces available for the air to flow through are clogged, resulting in restricted airflow. As the airflow gets restricted, the air filters create a pressure drop that will eventually cause problems requiring air conditioner repair. This could even cause filter failure.
Choose the Right Filter
Do you need help Choosing the right pleated air filter? Contact us at Minuteman Heating and Air today for more information.
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Causes of HVAC PCB Damage and How a Heating and AC Repair Technician Can Help
Some homeowners do not know much about the features of their air conditioning system. They don’t think about their unit as long as it operates and a heating and AC repair expert regularly maintains it. However, knowing the parts of your air conditioning system is essential. Therefore, to help you understand your HVAC unit better, this article will highlight all there is to know about AC’s printed circuit boards. It will discuss what causes faults in a printed circuit board and help you decide whether to replace or repair a faulty circuit board.
What Is A Printed Circuit Board In An AC Unit?
A printed circuit board is commonly called a PCB. It’s a greenish plate in the air conditioning unit that acts as a wiring point for most components in the HVAC. Some of the elements it wires include transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Due to its function and purpose, the PCB is the most expensive part of your air conditioning system. To better understand it, the PCB is like the Central Processing Unit of a computer or its motherboard. However, the air conditioning system also contains a motherboard. Connective tracks are connected between the different parts wired by a PCB. The conductive tracks are made from copper layers and masked with fiberglass. The PCB in your air conditioner functions as a combiner of various components, such as communication and sending specific commands.
What Causes PCB Damages In Your HVAC?
Have you wondered which is the best way to care for your air conditioning system? In addition to having a reliable AC repair technician, the best way to take care of your air conditioner parts is by knowing what causes damages to avoid those situations. Since the printed circuit board is very sensitive, it is easily damaged by electrostatic discharge and other elements. Notably, even a small electrostatic discharge can cause immense damage to the PCB of your HVAC unit. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your system is protected. Some of the reasons why your PCB can get damaged include;
Incorrect Input voltage
If a technician inputs the wrong voltage in the PBC during installation, it can damage the entire printed circuit board. Therefore, only use a qualified heating and AC repair technician to install your air conditioning unit. The qualified technician is well-trained and skilled in dealing with PCBs; therefore, your HVAC will be safe.
Short Circuit
Another major factor that contributes to printed circuit board damage in most homes is short circuits. Therefore, consult a technician to install protective measures in your home against short circuits.
Accidental Impact
The components’ connections to the PCB are delicate and not strongly attached. Therefore, accidentally dropping or hitting your air conditioning unit can damage the system’s printed circuit board.
Small Insects
The other major cause of PCB damage in most homes is small insects such as cockroaches and ants. Since some insects love a warm place, they infiltrate the air conditioning unit and hide in the circuit board. In turn, these insects create static charges, short circuits, and other charges which damage the printed circuit board. To avoid this, contact a heating and AC repair company and schedule regular cleaning services for your AC. The technician will carefully open the unit and remove all the insects in the system.
Exposure To Elements
The other major cause of damaged printed circuit boards in most homes is dust, heat, and moisture exposure. When dust particles settle on the PCB, they eventually interfere with the components’ connections, leading to a damaged PCB. On the other hand, moisture will cause a short circuit in the PCB when it condenses and forms water droplets.
Age
Age is another common factor in damaging the printed circuit board of an air conditioner. As the PCB ages, the connection of the components to the board weakens, and eventually, the circuit board will give in.
Is A Printed Circuit Board Repairable?
If your printed circuit board is damaged, it can be repaired and restored to all its functionalities. However, repairing a circuit board demands intense technical knowledge, proper equipping, and correct diagnosing. However, some PCBs cannot be repaired in your home, depending on the damage. The heating and AC repair technician must take the PCB to the workshop to fix it efficiently. After repairing it, the technician will test whether the circuit board works and reinstall it in your air conditioning unit.
Which Is Better, To Replace Or Repair A PCB?
Once a printed circuit board is damaged, it is always better to replace rather than repair it. The repairing process of a printed circuit board is complicated. Therefore, it may take longer, meaning you’ll stay without conditioned air in your home. In addition, it requires the services of a skilled air conditioning repair expert and thus might be expensive.
Notably, experts in the air conditioning field will only recommend repairing a PCB as a last result, especially if the PCB in question was discontinued from manufacturing. In addition, opting for repairing your air conditioner PCB opens you to frequent repair needs due to the high possibility of errors in repairing any electrical component. Therefore, if your AC’s printed circuit board is damaged, consider replacing it with a new system that will give you better and long service.
What Is The Cost Of Replacing An AC Printed Circuit Board?
The cost of replacing a faulty printed circuit board depends on an array of factors such as brand, model, and year of manufacture of the air conditioning unit. However, the PCB is one of the most expensive parts of an AC system. Therefore, when looking for an HVAC PCB, you can also consider a second-hand option if you are on a tight budget.
Do you suspect your HVAC may be PCB faulty or damaged? Contact us at Minuteman Heating and Air for any PCB replacement or repair services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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How Can Your Reputed AC Repair Company Help Ventilate a Windowless Room?
Ventilation is an essential part of air conditioning. Without it, there will be no means through which the stale air would leave your indoor space to the outside. Unfortunately, this means that you’d have a stuffy indoor space that is uncomfortable at best. Do you have a windowless room at your home? Such a space could be prone to ventilation issues, ultimately affecting indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways an AC repair company can help. A lot can be done to ventilate the windowless room, from installing mechanical ventilation systems and dehumidifiers to using extractor fans and cleaning the vents. Other ways include;
Use a Mechanical Ventilation System
Since a mechanical ventilation system is independent of natural factors such as wind and offers better airflow control, it can provide fresh air to your windowless room by taking air from the surrounding and circulating it in the room. In addition, a mechanical ventilation system lets an air conditioning repair company technician incorporate a timer or switch to control the system since you can operate it intermittently or continuously. Therefore, when you are not using the room, you can switch off the ventilation system and turn it back on when needed. You can also leave it to run continuously to avoid stuffiness and provide aeration.
Install an Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is a system with two different airstreams that do not mix during operation. The heat from your home is transferred in an air-to-air exchanger from one stream to another without mixing. Therefore, the air-to-air heat exchanger will help you maintain indoor air quality by exchanging the stuffy air from your windowless room with fresh air from other parts of your home.
Use A Roof Ventilation System
If your home is one-floored or the windowless room is on the top floor, you should consider using a roof ventilation system. The system works by sucking hot air from the room and replacing it with fresh cooler air from the environment. It will help improve the room’s indoor air quality and reduce heat buildup. Unfortunately, the roof ventilation system does not apply to rooms without roof access.
Use a Window Fan
As the name suggests, a window fan is a device you can place near windows to draw fresh air into a room. However, when using it for a windowless room, this method can only be effective with other methods, such as opening the window and door to an adjacent room to increase fresh air flow. You should consult an AC repair company technician on the best window fan to us for your home.
Use Temporary Ducts
This is an excellent option when ventilating a windowless room for a temporary period. A professional will easily install and remove these ducts. Therefore, this makes it a convenient option if you only need ventilation for a short time. A temporary duct pulls air from the atmosphere and directs it to the room, thus reducing indoor air pollution by aerating the room.
Use an Exhaust Fan
An exhaust fan is used to vent out unwanted air, odors, and pollutants from inside your home to the environment. It allows you to ventilate a windowless room. An AC repair company technician will easily install it on a wall or place it on the ceiling. This fan works by venting out all the air in the room with no windows, creating a vacuum. The vacuum then sucks in fresh air from other rooms in your home. Therefore, although the air does not come directly from the outside, you can be assured that the stuffy and used air from the windowless room is disposed to the outdoors.
Install A Solar Powered Ventilation System
The other way to ventilate a windowless room in your home is by installing a solar-powered ventilation system. This system utilizes solar energy to power the fan, which pulls fresh air from the environment. A solar-powered ventilation system can minimize energy costs since it uses renewable energy. In addition, it is very effective in giving you proper ventilation. However, a skilled technician should install the system for you to enjoy all its benefits.
Use Extractor Fans
Another method to effectively and affordably ventilate a windowless room in your home is using extractor fans. This easy-to-install method works by drawing out air from the windowless room and disposing of it outside. Consequently, it reduced the number of pollutants and moisture in the room’s supply air. The fans can either be installed on the wall or ceiling. Additionally, extractor fans come in different styles and sizes. Therefore, you can always find your ideal choice regardless of your room’s size or décor.
Use Passive Vents
These are small vents that an AC repair company professional will install on the ceiling or wall of your windowless room. The vents will then allow air to circulate by utilizing the air pressure difference between the indoors and outdoors of your home. Since this is a low-maintenance, affordable ventilation solution, it is slowly becoming popular among homeowners.
Use Dehumidifiers
Similar to using portable air purifiers, dehumidifiers will improve your indoor air quality and reduce the number of pollutants in your breathing air. Without the availability of windows, a dehumidifier is an excellent option for reducing moisture in a room. It is a practical, affordable solution that reduces indoor moisture levels, which must be addressed and can lead to mold development and other respiratory issues. The dehumidifier will pull moisture out of the air supply and store it in a small tank which you can empty later. Due to low prices and high effectiveness in moisture elimination, a dehumidifier is a popular option among homeowners for windowless and other rooms.
Do you need assistance ventilating your windowless room? Contact us at Minuteman Heating and Air. Our technicians will devise a solution to ensure your windowless room is properly ventilated and improves indoor air quality.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Understanding the Thermistor and Its Role in Your AC Unit From Your Reliable Air Conditioner Repair Technician
Knowing all the parts of your air conditioning system are essential as a homeowner. Even if you are less skilled than an air conditioner repair technician, learning the parts, components, and operation of your system will be helpful during the purchase or breakdown of your system. Therefore, the article will discuss the air conditioner thermistor as a comprehensive guide to help you understand your system better. It will highlight how a thermistor works and the signs to look out for a bad thermistor.
What Is a Thermistor?
The first step in understanding your air conditioning system is knowing individual parts and their role in cooling your home’s air. A thermistor is a small device in your air conditioning system designed to sense the temperature changes in your home. The sensor helps the air conditioner operate by noting the temperature changes and sending the necessary signals to the air conditioning system. Thermistors are mostly found in modern air conditioning systems.
How Does a Thermistor Operate
As explained earlier, a thermistor is a temperature sensor incorporated in modern air conditioning systems designed to sense the temperature changes in your home. After detecting the temperature change in your home, this device sends a signal to that air conditioning unit through a resistance signal. In turn, the AC adjusts and controls the temperature, automatically correcting your home’s temperature. However, it needs regular maintenance by an air conditioner repair technician to operate efficiently. Thermistors are also used in cars to help regulate the temperature. It is either inside the cabin or under the hood of a car.
Where Is the Thermistor in AC Unit?
The thermistor in your air conditioning unit is located near the evaporator coils. During regular operation, the air from your home passes through the evaporator coils and the temperature sensor, thermistor, as it goes through the air conditioning system. As the air passes by the thermistor, it reads its temperature and compares it to your system’s requirements. Therefore, if the air is hotter than your home’s set temperature, it sends a signal to the air conditioner to cool the air and vice versa. The other place you can find a thermistor in your system is the condenser unit in the outdoor part of the system. Similarly, it functions as a temperature sensor to indicate to the air conditioner when the temperatures in your home are not at the required level.
How Do You Know a Bad Thermistor in Your AC?
Since a thermistor act as a temperature sensor in your system, it is easily noticeable when it malfunctions. You should know that your thermistor is faulty if you notice your air conditioning unit blowing cold air for a limited time. Since your AC will not efficiently cool your home in this condition, you will quickly discover something is wrong with your system. You should contact an AC technician immediately after you notice to avoid further damage to your system.
When your AC thermistor breaks down or malfunctions, it does not efficiently communicate to the system the change in temperature in your home. Therefore, the unit operates with the signal from the thermostat, even though it is wrong. Consequently, this limits the team from activating or deactivating the cooling of your temperatures resulting in short bursts of cold air into your home.
Which Are the Costs Involved with Replacing a Thermistor?
Unfortunately, when your thermistor breaks down, the only way to restore efficient operation of your air conditioner is by replacing the faulty piece with a new one. There are two costs involved in replacing a bad thermistor. The first one is the purchasing of the device. Notably, before purchasing a thermistor replacement for your air conditioning unit, you should note the brand and size of the thermistor in the system. This will help you to get the correct thermistor for your home. Conversely, you can carry the faulty thermistor and have the seller replace it.
Another issue to consider is the number of thermistor sets you will require. Therefore, speak to a technician to guide you through the buying process. The other cost to budget for when replacing your system’s thermistor is the labor cost of a certified air conditioner repair professional. It is advisable to have a qualified technician install the replacement to operate your system effectively. The technician will fit it appropriately, restoring the operation of your system.
Removing and Replacing the Thermistor
Although removing and replacing your home’s thermistor with the right tools is possible, contacting a professional air conditioner repair technician is advisable for help. The technician is not only better equipped but also experienced in removing thermistors. The technician will effectively navigate through the wires and remove and replace the thermistor. In addition, the technician will also investigate the root cause of the thermistor failing and fix it to restore the operation of your system.
What Is the Difference Between a Thermistor and a Thermostat?
These two devices can be very confusing to homeowners. Although they sound the same, a thermistor and a thermostat have significant differences in their operation. However, both these devices act as temperature sensors in the air conditioning unit. For starters, a thermostat is cruder than a thermistor. Since conductivity relies on the movement of electrons in a heated metal, a thermistor will notice the smallest temperature changes in your home.
Conversely, a thermostat can only allow the metal to rise above the contact or press upon contact when the temperature rises. In addition, a thermistor can detect changes in conductivity; thus, it is more complex than a thermostat. The thermistor can also detect changes in warmth as conductivity in your system varies.
Be On the Lookout
A thermistor is a device that notices temperature differences in your home and sends a signal to your AC control unit. Therefore, when you notice a problem with its operation, contact us at Minuteman Heating and Air for a replacement.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Benefits Of Hiring A Duct Cleaning Service In Grand Prairie, TX
Your HVAC system should be maintained every year to ensure it functions as efficiently as possible. Also, minor issues can be detected during the maintenance service, so the HVAC tech can fix the problem before the problem escalates, resulting in a higher repair bill.
If your HVAC system is maintained yearly, you can’t forget about the air ducts. The treated air goes from the unit through the air ducts to the vents throughout your home, and you should hire a duct cleaning service regularly to ensure they remain in working order.
If you don’t believe hiring a professional to clean the ducts is worth the time and money, you should consider how your home and family can benefit.
Improved Air Quality
The dirt, dust, and debris in your house can get into the air ducts, even if you keep a spotless home. Up to five pounds of debris can accumulate in the ducts in one year and will continue to collect.
When the heat or AC runs, the debris will circulate in the air, affecting your home’s air quality and could cause your family to develop allergies.
A duct cleaning service can clean the debris from the ducts, improving the air quality, and your family will remain healthy.
Detect Damage
The air ducts in your home are hidden for aesthetic purposes, so you won’t be able to see visible damage. If the ducts are damaged, the treated air will escape through the damaged area before reaching the vents, resulting in minimal airflow. The temperature in your home will be affected without sufficient airflow, so you should hire an HVAC tech to clean the ducts every year to detect duct damage early.
The HVAC tech can fix any damage they find while cleaning the ducts, restoring the airflow, and ensuring your home remains comfortable.
Reduce Your Energy Bills
Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills lately? If so, your air ducts could be to blame. Damaged air ducts will allow the treated air to escape before reaching the vents, and clogged air ducts will prevent adequate airflow, affecting your home’s temperature. Your HVAC system will work harder to keep the house comfortable when the airflow is restricted, consuming more energy, and your energy bills will increase.
A duct cleaning service will send a tech to clean the ducts and repair any damage, ensuring adequate airflow, so your HVAC system won’t have to work harder, preventing an increase in your energy bills.
Increase the HVAC System’s Lifespan
As mentioned above, issues that restrict airflow from the vents will cause the HVAC system to work harder. When the system works harder, it will cause excess strain that can reduce its lifespan, causing you to replace it sooner than necessary.
Although an HVAC tech will charge you to clean the ducts, it will be much cheaper than replacing the HVAC system, so the ducts should be cleaned yearly.
Mold Detection
Under the right circumstances, your air ducts are the perfect environment for mold growth. The air ducts are dark, and when it gets humid, condensation will form, causing mold growth. Mold in the ducts is a serious problem because mold spores will circulate in the air when the HVAC system runs, exposing your family to mold.
Mold exposure can cause several health problems, such as skin rashes, allergies, chronic headaches, and respiratory problems, and can weaken your immune system. If a family member has a chronic lung or respiratory condition, mold exposure can worsen their symptoms.
If you have the ducts professionally cleaned every year, the tech can detect the presence of mold early before it affects your family’s health. They’ll use an antimicrobial fogger to eradicate the mold, ensuring your family remains healthy.
Detect a Pest Infestation
When it gets cold outside, mice seek a warm, dry place to ride out the winter. Unfortunately, your air ducts are the perfect place for mice to build a nest because they’re warm, quiet, and close to a food and water source.
An infestation in the ducts creates a significant health hazard in your home because mice carry duct cleaning service diseases that can be passed through the droppings. When the HVAC system runs, the droppings will circulate in the air, putting your family at risk for various illnesses, such as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Mice carry hantavirus, and if your family comes in contact with the drippings, they can develop the condition. It starts like the flu, and if it isn’t treated, the disease can result in death.
When you hire an HVAC to clean the ducts, they’ll inspect them for signs of an infestation. The tech can clean the waste the mice left in the ducts, and you can call an exterminator to handle the infestation.
Call Minuteman Heating & Air
If your air ducts are due to be cleaned or haven’t been cleaned since you moved into your house, look no further than Minuteman Heating & Air. We’re a full-service HVAC company, providing excellent service to our customers for years.
Our HVAC techs are professionally trained and have the knowledge and skill to handle any job you have, whether it’s a minor repair or something more complex. They also receive ongoing training to ensure they are up to date with the latest HVAC technology and can install, maintain and repair the newest HVAC models.
Your comfort is our top priority, so if you have an HVAC issue that affects the temperature in your home or puts your home and family at risk, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you call for emergency service, we’ll send a tech to your house quickly to resolve the problem.
When you schedule an appointment for HVAC service, the tech will arrive at your house on time in a fully-stocked truck, allowing them to make most repairs the same day. This will eliminate the need for a second service call, which is more convenient for you.
Call us if you need an appointment, or book online.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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