Author: onestoput

How To Test An AC Capacitor

How to Test an AC Capacitor?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC, Maintenance.

How to Test an AC Capacitor: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Air conditioner capacitors store electrical energy, and when they malfunction, it can cause your AC unit to run inefficiently or not at all.

Testing an air conditioner capacitor is relatively simple.

Nevertheless, it will require you to know a few things about your AC unit first.

By understanding how an air conditioner capacitor works and what tools are needed to test one, you can quickly identify any issues before they become unfixable.

This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to test both start capacitors and run capacitors.

We’ll also discuss different types of AC capacitors and their function in the overall operation of an air conditioning system.

Keep reading to learn how to diagnose a capacitor problem in your AC.

What is an AC Capacitor and How Does It Work?

An air conditioner capacitor is an essential component of a home air conditioning unit.

It is typically found near the fan blades or coils of the AC unit.

Its primary function is to store and supply power for your system’s motors.

In simple terms, it acts as a surge protector, providing a jolt of electricity to get your AC up and running when you first turn it on.

The amount of electricity required to turn on an AC can be quite high.

As such, the capacitor helps reduce this load by storing energy in powerful bursts.

This helps increase the speed at which your air conditioner starts up.

It can also help with reducing wear and tear on its components.

After the initial start-up phase, the capacitor reduces its output to a steady current that powers your system until it shuts off.

Air conditioner capacitors come in different sizes and are measured in voltage and microfarads (MFD).

Voltage measures how fast electrical current moves through the capacitor.

Meanwhile, MFD indicates how much electrical current it can store.

Most capacitors range from 5 MFD to 80 MFD, depending on their size and model.

A larger capacitor will typically have more voltage and MFD than smaller models.

This means they can handle higher loads of electricity without overloading the system or causing damage.

While all capacitors serve similar functions, they should not be used interchangeably.

Since they are designed for certain types of air conditioning systems, using them on an incompatible system can lead to irreversible problems.

If you’re unsure about what type of capacitor is right for you, contact your local HVAC specialist.

They can help you identify what type of capacitor works best for your AC unit.

What Is a Dual-Run Capacitor?

A dual-run capacitor is a combination of two capacitors in one unit.

It powers the fan motor and compressor motor simultaneously, helping reduce the amount of energy needed to start up your AC unit.

Dual-run capacitors are more common than single-run models as they help improve efficiency while also reducing wear and tear on the components.

Start and Run Capacitors: What Are They?

Modern AC units have two types of AC capacitors: a start capacitor and a run capacitor.

Let’s look at each type before moving on to our step-by-step guide:

Start Capacitor

A start capacitor is a temporary capacitor that helps get the motor running.

This type of capacitor has a higher voltage rating and will only be used for a few seconds when you first turn on your AC.

Run Capacitor

The run capacitor, on the other hand, works to maintain continuous power flow to the motor after the initial start-up phase.

It has a lower voltage rating and stays charged until the AC is turned off.

Its main function is to ensure that the fan or compressor motor runs efficiently without straining or overheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Test AC Capacitor

Now that we’ve gone over what an AC capacitor is and the two types of capacitors used in modern ACs, let’s take a look at how to test the capacitor.

Materials & Tools Needed to Test an AC Capacitor

To test an AC capacitor, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

  • Multimeter
  • Insulated gloves
  • Voltage tester
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers

Step 1: Wear Insulated Gloves

Before beginning, make sure to wear insulated gloves for safety.

Additionally, double-check that your AC has been turned off, to avoid harmful and unwanted accidents.

Step 2: Locate the Capacitor

As mentioned earlier, the capacitor is typically found near the AC fan motor or compressor.

Use your screwdriver to open your AC unit and find the AC capacitors.

You’ll see some wires connecting your AC components to the start and run capacitor.

Take a picture of the wires to use as a reference when you reconnect them later.

Step 3: Discharge the Capacitor Terminals

Capacitors that are in good condition can carry charges for hours up to months after being unplugged from their main power source.

Before anything else, make sure to discharge the capacitor terminals to avoid harmful accidents.

Using the metal shaft of your screwdriver, short the terminals connecting your AC unit to the capacitors.

Keep your fingers as far away from the screwdriver’s metal shaft as possible.

It may take a few minutes for the energy to evacuate the air conditioner capacitor.

Step 4: Check voltage rating and Remove Wires

Check the voltage on the capacitors using a voltage meter or multimeter.

Using a pair of pliers, remove the wires connected to your air conditioner capacitor.

Now, you can test your capacitor’s “capacitance” levels.

Step 5: Set Multimeter

You can use two types of multimeters to test a capacitor: an analog or digital multimeter.

A digital multimeter is easier to use than an analog meter. However, we’ll walk you through how to use each type.

How to Use a Digital meter

Set your digital meter to “capacitance.”

Using the probes provided with the multimeter, touch one end of each capacitor terminal.

If the readings are below the stated capacitance setting on your AC manual, you likely need a new capacitor.

How to Use an Analog meter

If you’re using an analog meter, connect the probes to each capacitor terminal.

Turn your dial until you reach the capacitance setting and observe the needle’s deflection.

Again, if the needle does not move far enough or points below the stated capacitance value on your AC capacitor, it likely needs replacement.

Tips for Troubleshooting AC Capacitor Issues

If you experience any issues while testing your AC capacitor, here are some tips to help troubleshoot them:

  • Make sure all connections are secure and firmly in place.
  • Inspect the capacitor for any signs of corrosion or damage to the casing.
  • Check that all wiring is intact and properly insulated.
  • Use a quality multimeter to ensure you’re getting an accurate reading.

When all else fails, it is best to seek professional help from an HVAC technician.

Signs of a Bad AC Capacitor

A bad AC capacitor can be tricky to spot. Fortunately, there are signs that can help you identify an AC capacitor problem.

Compressor or Condenser Fan Motor Won’t Start

The first sign you’ll notice when dealing with a bad AC capacitor is a dysfunctional compressor or fan motor.

Since your AC capacitor is not supplying enough energy for either component, it makes it harder for them to maintain functionality, if they manage to turn on at all.

Insufficient Cooling

Another sign that your AC capacitor has gone bad is if your AC stops producing enough cold air for your home.

This is because your unit might not be receiving sufficient energy to keep things running.

Higher Energy Bills

The condenser fan motor has to work harder to make up for a faulty AC capacitor.

You can expect lesser efficiency and higher energy bills as a result.

Since your fan motor needs to work twice as hard to keep up with the demands of your home, a faulty capacitor can also shorten the life expectancy of your unit.

In other words, you may have to replace your AC unit sooner than you thought.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the AC capacitor in your system has gone bad, it is best to replace it as quickly as possible.

Testing an AC capacitor is not a difficult task as long as you know what you’re doing.

If you arm yourself with the right materials and tools, as well as understand how to use them properly, you can easily test your AC capacitor for any faults.

If all else fails, seek professional help from an HVAC technician who can handle the job safely and efficiently.

A specialist can also detect any other underlying issues in your AC unit that could be causing a problem and make the necessary repairs.

Reliable and Effective Solutions to All Your HVAC Needs

Having a malfunctioning air conditioner can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient.

Not only is it uncomfortable, but you also run the risk of higher energy bills due to inefficient cooling.

Plus, if your AC capacitor has gone bad, it could shorten the life expectancy of your unit and require costly repairs or replacements.

A qualified and experienced professional can inspect your AC unit, identify any underlying issues, and provide reliable and effective solutions to all your HVAC needs.

One-Stop Heating and Air Conditioning is a trusted provider of HVAC services for homeowners across Sandy, UT.

With years of experience in providing air conditioning and heating systems, we are devoted to making sure that your home is comfortable and energy efficient all year round.

Our team of qualified professionals can provide comprehensive diagnostics of your AC system. We also offer reliable and effective solutions to all your HVAC needs.

Whether it’s a new AC capacitor, AC repairs, or AC maintenance—we can help you get the best results at an affordable price.

Contact (801) 355-9500 for more details.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace AC Capacitor

How Much Does It Cost to Replace AC Capacitor?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC, Maintenance.

Comparing Prices and Options for HVAC Repairs

An AC capacitor is a vital part of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.

Without a capacitor, your AC unit won’t be able to turn on or run efficiently.

But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about your air conditioner capacitor — let alone how much it costs to replace it when it starts to fail.

In this article, we’ll look at AC capacitor basics: different types available on the market today and associated costs for replacement parts and installation services.

Keep reading to learn more about the costs of AC capacitor maintenance and repairs.

What is an Air Conditioner Capacitor?

An AC capacitor is like a battery that provides the initial jump of electricity to start and run the AC system. It also helps keep it running steadily by controlling the amount of power going into the compressor motor.

How Long Does An Air Conditioner’s Capacitor Last?

Generally speaking, an air conditioner’s capacitor lasts around 10 years or longer. Age and usage will play a big role in how long they last.

If your AC capacitor is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start looking into AC capacitor replacement costs and options.

Types of AC Capacitors

The three main types of AC capacitors are run capacitors, start capacitors, and dual-run capacitors.

Run Capacitor

The run capacitor is responsible for keeping the AC compressor motor running smoothly.

It helps regulate the electrical current that is needed to power the AC compressor motor consistently.

Start Capacitor

The start capacitor provides an initial burst of energy when starting up your AC unit, allowing the AC blower to begin circulating air.

Dual Run Capacitor

A dual-run capacitor is a combination of both a start capacitor and a run capacitor. The great thing about dual-run capacitors is that they can run larger AC units thanks to its larger power supply.

Unfortunately, if one part fails, you will have to replace the whole thing. This may mean more expensive AC repair costs.

Signs of a Bad AC Capacitor

A common sign of air conditioning capacitor failure is a sudden decrease in AC performance.

If your AC unit is no longer cooling or heating as it should, it may be due to a faulty HVAC capacitor.

Other signs can include:

  • Loud humming or clicking noises coming from the AC unit
  • Delayed fan start-up times
  • AC doesn’t turn on
  • AC shuts off randomly
  • AC doesn’t produce cool air as efficiently
  • A burning smell coming from the AC unit
  • Higher energy bills
  • Gas leakage

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time for an AC capacitor replacement. Contact an HVAC contractor to help diagnose your problem.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace AC Capacitors Alone?

Standalone AC capacitor prices generally depend on the type and model you’re planning to buy.

The capacitor’s brand and voltage may also affect its price.

If you plan to replace an AC capacitor in your HVAC system, you must consider these factors in your budget.

Here’s a closer look at how much each capacitor type is:

Costs for a New Dual Capacitor

Dual capacitors can cost around $15 to $45.

They’re the ideal choice for large HVAC systems as they can easily power both the compressor and fan motors simultaneously.

You have several options for where to buy the parts.

You can visit a local AC parts store or shop online from various AC part suppliers.

Costs for a New Start Capacitor

You can buy a start capacitor at a slightly cheaper price than dual-run capacitors.

For parts alone, you can expect to spend around $9 to $25.

Location, labor, voltage, and other factors can affect these numbers.

Request a quote from your HVAC services provider before finalizing any decisions.

Costs for a New Run Capacitor

Run capacitors are responsible for maintaining the proper energy supply in your air conditioner system.

Buying a new run capacitor can cost you anywhere between $6 to $30.

Other Factors That Affect AC Capacitor Cost

There’s more to consider than just capacitor prices alone when trying to determine the overall costs of replacements.

Location

Location is a major factor that affects AC capacitor prices.

Depending on where you live, AC parts may be more expensive due to higher demand or lack of AC repair contractors.

Hotter climates typically require ACs to run year-round, which can increase AC repair costs as the demand for AC services increases.

Similarly, living in an area with a higher cost of living can lead to more expensive AC capacitor replacement costs.

AC Type and Size

AC capacitor cost can vary depending on an HVAC system’s type and size.

Larger AC units may require more expensive capacitors to power their systems.

Meanwhile, smaller ACs can get by with cheaper AC parts.

AC units that are older models will most likely need to use an AC capacitor designed for those types of ACs.

This can be harder to find and may need to be custom ordered. Thus, it may cost more than traditional parts.

Season

AC capacitor cost can increase significantly during the summer. That’s because AC contractors are busy and more people need AC repair when it is hot outside.

If you want to save on replacement and repair costs, consider getting services during off-peak seasons.

AC Capacitor Cost: DIY Replacement

Some homeowners prefer DIY air conditioner capacitor replacements.

While it’s true that DIY repairs and replacements can save some people money, it’s not always the best solution.

You can replace an old or malfunctioning AC capacitor for as little as $60 to $100. This saves you around $60 to $200 in parts and labor costs.

However, taking things into your own hands means you need to take extra care when conducting repairs.

The slightest mistake can set you back several hundred dollars.

Additionally, if you don’t already have the necessary tools to conduct DIY repairs, you need to set aside a budget for it.

Materials and Tools Needed

Tools and materials can also affect your AC capacitor replacement cost.

Here’s a general list of tools you’ll need with their corresponding prices:

  • Electricians Safety Gloves ($20)
  • Insulated Screwdriver ($15)
  • Nut Driver ($5)
  • Safety Glasses ($10)

These prices are not fixed. Your location, the brand you buy, and the date that you buy will affect the tool prices.

AC Capacitor Cost: Professional Replacement

If researching how to properly and safely replace an AC capacitor is not your style, you can always ask a professional to help.

Depending on their level of experience, assistance from a professional can cost you anywhere between $60 to $200.

Transportation, tools, parts, and union are typically charged separately.

DIY vs Professional AC Capacitor Replacement: Which Is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

It all depends on your AC repair needs and your skill set. If you’re comfortable with DIY AC capacitor replacements, then go for it!

On the other hand, seeking help from a professional AC repair contractor can give you peace of mind that the AC capacitor replacement is conducted in a proper and safe manner.

This could save you money in the long run, as well as prevent any future AC repair problems.

Whether you decide to go for DIY or professional AC capacitor replacements, always remember to compare prices and options from different sources.

This can help you find the best AC capacitor replacement for your AC unit.

How to Save Money on AC Capacitor Replacement Cost

We understand why most people would want to avoid getting professional services.

Most people aren’t willing to pay for professional AC capacitor replacement costs.

However, there are still ways you can save on professional services when you need to replace an AC capacitor:

Buy Your Own Replacement Capacitor

To save money on a professional AC capacitor replacement, purchase your own AC capacitor and hire an experienced HVAC technician to do the installation. You can find capacitors in a variety of sizes, voltage levels, and types, so make sure you do some research online before buying the right one for your AC unit.

Study the Signs of Capacitor Failure

Know the signs of a failing capacitor. That way you can shut off your air conditioner before further problems arise.

Get Regular Maintenance and Repair

Get maintenance and repair services during off-peak seasons. Contractors are typically in less demand this time of year.

Inquire About Packages Deals and Discounts

Ask your provider if they offer package deals or discounts to shave a few dollars off your bill.

Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Heating and Air Conditioning

Keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient requires a well-running HVAC system.

Unfortunately, your air conditioner capacitor can malfunction or break down anytime, leading to costly repairs and replacements.

AC capacitor problems can be hard to detect until it’s too late.

This can result in expensive repair bills that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

One-Stop Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help!

We provide professional AC maintenance and AC repair services at competitive prices so you don’t have to worry about taking things into your own hands.

Our experienced technicians are knowledgeable about all types of air conditioners available on the market.

Thus, we are confident that we can help you find the best solution!

We also have package deals and discounts so you can save money on our services.

Please feel free to reach out to learn more about our offers or get a free quote by calling (801) 355-9500 today.

We look forward to working with you!

How to Diagnose a Freon Problem in Your Home

How to Diagnose a Low Freon Problem in Your Home Air Conditioning Unit

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC, Maintenance.

Are you worried that your home air conditioning unit might have a low Freon problem? Don’t worry – it’s not as difficult as it may seem.

In fact, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can diagnose their AC and identify potential problems.

This article will provide an easy-to-follow guide on correctly diagnosing your system and pinpointing any issues related to refrigerant levels or blockages in the refrigerant lines.

We’ll also discuss the importance of proper maintenance for air conditioners and provide tips on how to prevent future problems from occurring.

What is Freon?

Freon is a refrigerant used to cool your home. It’s often referred to as a “refrigerant gas” or “coolant” and is found inside most AC systems.

It is a colorless, odorless gas and was first developed in the 1930s. It is referred to by its chemical name, dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), and is one of the most widely used refrigerants in the world.

Freon works by evaporating and condensing rapidly to create a cooling effect. This process is known as vapor compression refrigeration.

When the compressor in your system compresses freon gas, it increases its temperature and pressure. The new hot and pressurized freon then travels through a series of coils.

As this happens, heat is released outside while cooler air flows into your home or building’s interior spaces. The newly cooled air is then sent back to the compressor where it begins the cycle all over again.

What Causes Freon Problems in Air Conditioning Systems?

If your AC unit is running inefficiently or isn’t cooling correctly, it could be due to a low refrigerant issue. Low levels of freon can be caused by several things, including:

  • A leak in the evaporator coil
  • Refrigerant blockages
  • Improper maintenance
  • Poorly installed units

How to Diagnose a Low Freon Problem

In order to properly diagnose a low freon problem in your AC system, you’ll need the following tools:

  • An AC pressure gauge
  • A thermometer
  • A vacuum pump

Step 1: Check for Leaks

The first step in diagnosing a low freon problem is to check for leaks. Begin by inspecting all of the refrigerant lines and joints. Look for any signs of wear or damage that could be causing a refrigerant leak, like cracked seals or loose fittings.

If you find any visible signs of a leak, the next step is to use the pressure gauge. Connect it to the refrigerant line and check for a drop in pressure from one side of the system to the other. If you see a significant difference, this could be an indication that there is a leak in the line.

Step 2: Check for Blockages

After checking for leaks, the next step is to check for blockages. Start by checking all of the refrigerant lines and making sure that there aren’t any foreign objects blocking the flow of freon gas. You can also use a thermometer to measure the temperature of each line. If it’s significantly cooler than the outside air, this could be an indication of a blockage.

Step 3: Check for Proper Maintenance

If you haven’t been regularly maintaining your AC system, this could also be causing problems with the refrigerant levels. Make sure that you have had your AC unit serviced by an HVAC technician at least once per year in order to ensure that it’s running efficiently and the refrigerant levels are correct.

Step 4: Check for Poor Installation

If your AC system was not properly installed, it could also cause problems with your AC’s refrigerant levels. Make sure that all components are properly configured and connected during installation to ensure optimal performance.

Step 5: Use a Vacuum Pump

If all of the above steps have been completed and you still haven’t been able to diagnose the problem, then your last option is to use a vacuum pump. This tool will help to remove any air or moisture from the system and can help to identify any leaks or blockages that may be causing the issue.

Low Refrigerant Symptoms: What You Should Know

It’s important to be aware of the signs of low refrigerant problems in your AC system. Common symptoms include:

  • AC produces warm or hot air instead of cold air
  • Unusual noises coming from the unit
  • Increased energy bills
  • Ice on your evaporator coil

Let’s take a closer look at each sign:

Reduced cooling power

Is warm air blowing from your AC? The first sign you’ll notice when your AC unit is low on freon is reduced cooling power. This is when your AC produces lukewarm or warm air instead of cool air. You can use a thermometer to check the air temperature of your unit.

Another symptom of a low freon problem is poor air circulation. This means that your AC unit isn’t efficiently distributing the air throughout your home or office. You may notice that certain areas of your space are not cooling properly, while other areas are over-cooled.

Unusual noises coming from the unit

Leaking freon lines is a common cause of low refrigerant problems. This means there is refrigerant escaping somewhere in the coils. As a result, your AC won’t have enough refrigerant to carry out its duties.

When there’s a refrigerant leak, you will often hear an unusual bubbling sound or hissing sound coming from your HVAC system.

If you do, turn off your AC unit and contact an HVAC expert immediately. An expert can help you spot the leak and patch it up quickly and safely.

High energy bills

Are your utility bills suddenly higher this month? This could also be a sign of a low refrigerant problem in your AC system.

Air conditioners need freon to effectively cool your home. If there’s a shortage of it in your AC unit, your system will work twice as hard to compensate for the cooling demands in your home.

Not only can this increase your monthly energy bills but it can also cause the early deterioration of your system’s components.

Ice on your refrigerant lines

If you see ice or frost forming on your refrigerant lines, this is a surefire sign of a freon problem.

This usually happens because the AC unit isn’t able to adequately cool the air inside your home so it begins to freeze the refrigerant lines instead.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician to refill your air conditioner’s refrigerant and perform necessary repairs.

What to Do If Your Air Conditioning System Is Low on Refrigerant?

If you’ve identified that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it’s important to take action quickly. The best course of action is to contact an HVAC expert as soon as possible.

An experienced technician can diagnose the problem and help you decide on the best solution for your situation. They will also be able to repair any damage and ensure that your AC unit is running efficiently.

Can I Refill the Freon in My Air Conditioner?

While it’s perfectly possible for you to refill the freon in your air conditioner, it’s not exactly legal.

According to EPA regulations, only a certified HVAC expert is allowed to change the refrigerants in your air conditioning system.

We strongly advise against changing the freon in your air conditioner alone. If you suspect that your unit is already low on freon, we would be more than happy to assist you!

How Often Should the Freon in My AC Be Refilled?

It is recommended that you check the freon levels in your air conditioner once a year. This should be done during the spring or summer months when your AC is being used more frequently.

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to contact an HVAC expert right away so they can check the level of refrigerant in your AC and refill it if necessary.

By regularly checking the freon levels in your AC, you can help maintain a healthy, cooling system for years to come.

Benefits Professional HVAC Services

When it comes to air conditioning problems, professional HVAC services can provide you with the fast and efficient solutions you need.

An experienced technician can not only refill your unit’s refrigerant but also make sure that all other parts of your system are functioning properly. This is especially important if you want to prevent future air conditioning problems from occurring.

24/7 HVAC Maintenance and Repair in Sandy, UT

Looking for reliable and accessible HVAC maintenance and repair services can be tricky. This is especially true if you don’t know what to look for in a provider. Luckily, we’re here to make your search much easier and faster.

Here at One-Stop Heating, our priority is always our customers. Therefore, all our services are tailored to fit your needs and requirements exactly.

Before we do any work, we will do a full assessment of your air conditioning system and provide you with an honest estimate of how much it will cost.

We offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can count on us for all your HVAC needs anytime!

Contact (801) 355-9500 for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Fill AC Refrigerant

How to Refill AC Refrigerant

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC, Maintenance.

Can’t Beat the Heat? Here’s How to Recharge your Home Air Conditioner 

Picture this: It’s summertime. The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and it’s getting harder and harder to stand the heat. When the fan has been doing nothing but blowing hot air around the house, you finally decide to turn on the AC. You wait for hours, but somehow, your house isn’t getting any cooler. What could be the problem?

Owning a home air conditioning unit is a huge convenience, especially in places where summers can go up to 95 degrees. However, it’s very important to be on top of all repairs and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your unit. If you’ve been diligent with maintenance but your unit is still not cooling as intended, maybe it’s time to recharge your AC.

What does recharging your AC mean?

Recharging your air conditioner means refilling your unit’s refrigerant, which is the main component that cools your house. With the help of your AC’s evaporator and condenser, the refrigerant constantly changes from one state to another to absorb the heat from your home and convert it into cool airflow.

A lot of people still refer to refrigerant as Freon, as it has been the main refrigerant that has been used in residential air conditioners for many years. However, studies have shown that Freon or R-22 is extremely bad for the environment; thus, it has been phased out by manufacturers worldwide.

As of 2020, manufacturers no longer make Freon or Freon-compatible AC units. Modern air conditioners instead use Puron or R410A, which is safer for the ozone layer but still provides the same level of cooling.

Although the production and importation of Freon are banned in the United States, Freon can still be found for sale online or under certain conditions. However, for those with older AC units, it is recommended to upgrade to a more modern unit to avoid using R-22 altogether.

Whether your unit requires R-22 or R410A, it is designed to hold refrigerant for its entire lifespan. If you need to recharge your AC, that means there’s been a leak in your system that’s contributing to the refrigerant loss.

Before you set out to refill your refrigerant, you need to do a leak repair first. Adding refrigerant to a leaking unit can cause even more damage. It is important to consult technicians to conduct check-ups and AC repairs to avoid further damaging your unit.

How to know if it’s time to recharge your AC

There are a few ways to diagnose if your AC needs a refrigerant refill. Although some symptoms don’t necessarily mean your AC is leaking refrigerant, it is important to still watch out for one or more signs so that you can attend to the problem as soon as possible. Here are some issues that can mean it’s time to recharge your unit:

  • Your air conditioner runs the whole day, but it’s not effectively cooling your home or it’s blowing warm air
  • You find ice or frost buildup on the refrigerant line
  • You find water leaks from melted ice around your unit
  • Your electric bill may be higher due to your AC operating inefficiently
  • You hear concerning sounds like gurgling, hissing, or bubbling coming from the refrigerant line

How do you know if the refrigerant is the problem?

Sometimes your AC not cooling your home can be fixed by simply cleaning the unit and its air filter. However, if you have done your routine cleaning but your AC is still not working, this may be a surefire sign to have your refrigerant refilled.

Another sign to look out for is if the weakening of your unit’s cooling system is gradual. Sometimes, an AC’s decreased cooling ability is caused by a broken thermostat. If that is the case, your unit may lose cooling very suddenly or have its output temperature fluctuate. In contrast, a slow and gradual decline in cooling ability signals refrigerant loss over time, which points to a leak.

If you’re unsure, schedule a check-up and AC maintenance session with certified technicians to pinpoint the real cause of your AC issues.

How to Recharge your Home AC

If in doubt, don’t do it yourself. Refrigerants are dangerous substances, and if you’re not careful, you can sustain injuries that would need serious medical attention. Refrigerant inhalation can lead to headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. Longer exposure can even lead to more severe effects like brain damage and sudden death. Meanwhile, physical contact with refrigerants can severely irritate the eyes and skin.

In general, recharging air conditioners is a dangerous procedure not just for your health, but also for your unit, since doing the procedure incorrectly can add damage to your AC.

It is highly recommended to hire skilled and certified technicians to recharge your AC for you. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all professional technicians to be certified, so you can rest easy knowing your unit is in safe hands.

Technicians can also start with a broader diagnosis of your unit and can facilitate the leak repair before refilling the refrigerant.

However, if you are confident in your DIY and AC maintenance skills and you have access to the right equipment, you can try your hand at recharging your air conditioner. As long as you are correctly handling modern refrigerants, there is no law preventing you from doing this procedure at home.

Here are the steps you need to take before you refill your AC refrigerant:

  1. Make sure the AC is clean and maintained.
  2. Choose the correct refrigerant & prepare the right tools.
    • For this procedure, you will need a refrigerant gauge set with 3 valves and a canister of refrigerant. You may also need an electronic leak detector.
    • Make sure that you have the correct refrigerant for your unit. If you’re unsure, check your device manual or check your unit for more information. Certified technicians can also determine this for you.
    • If you have an older unit, you may need R-22, which can be difficult to source since you will need EPA certification to do so. In this case, you will have to hire a maintenance service to do this for you.
  3. Check the temperature outside your home.
    • Refrigerants are attracted to the coldest temperatures. Normally, this will be the inside of your AC unit, which is where the refrigerant should be. If it’s too cold outside, your refrigerant may behave erratically and get attracted to the outside environment.
    • Schedule your AC recharge when the temperature outside is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit so that the refrigerant remains in your unit.
  4. Wear protective gear.
    • To avoid any injury, prepare thick gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeved protective clothing, and a respirator before you start the procedure.
    • In case you come into physical contact with refrigerant, rinse the area immediately and seek medical attention. In case of accidental inhalation, go to a well-ventilated area away from the refrigerant and seek medical help.

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start recharging your AC. Here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow:

  1. Start the procedure by turning off your AC unit. Then, make sure to turn off its power source at the breaker and thermostat.
  2. Hook your refrigerant gauge to your AC. Only connect the left (blue) and right (red) tubes and leave the middle valve open for now.
  3. Wait 15 minutes, then turn the AC back on. Let it run for a while so you can get an accurate reading on your gauges.
  4. Attach one end of the yellow hose to the refrigerant canister and another end to the center valve.
  5. Open the low-pressure valve (left side). Do so intermittently until you reach the right subcooling temperature on your gauge. To find out the correct temperature, check your outdoor unit’s rating plate.
  6. Once you reach the correct subcooling temperature, switch the valve off.
  7. Close your refrigerant canister. Then, disconnect all hoses from their valves & remove the gauge from your unit.
  8. Conduct a leak test using an electronic leak detector. Doing this will ensure that the refrigerant is staying in your unit and not escaping. You can also hire a technician to do this for you.
  9. Store your refrigerant responsibly. Each canister comes with instructions for proper storage. Refrigerant canisters are pressurized and need to be put away in the right conditions to avoid accidents. Some refrigerants are also flammable, so make sure to read the canister properly.

After refilling the refrigerant, observe your air conditioning unit and see if it’s cooling effectively again. If everything has been done correctly, you can now sit back and enjoy the comfort of a cooled home.

Preventative Maintenance for your AC

When temperatures soar, nothing beats the comfort of an air-conditioned home. To make your AC unit last longer, you need to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance. The air filters need to be cleaned or replaced every 1-2 months, while the interior of your AC unit has to be cleaned at least once a year, which is best done before summer.

Air conditioners require high-quality and constant maintenance. While you can clean filters yourself, it can get hard to find time to do full AC maintenance on your own, especially if you run into more complex problems like leaks and mold.

Licensed air conditioning technicians can help you properly maintain your unit. They know how to dismantle, clean, and reassemble your unit’s parts correctly. Moreover, they can provide assessments and diagnose if your air conditioner has any other problems that need attending to.

With regular care, a good air conditioning unit should last up to 10-15 years.

One-Stop Heating and Air Conditioning

Schedule your next maintenance session with the most trusted Heating and Air Conditioning service in Sandy, UT. Our skilled and highly qualified technicians can take care of your AC systems for you.

Don’t settle for anything less. We provide affordable, effective, and reliable services to ensure your utmost comfort at home.

We also provide a 24/7 Emergency Repair Service to attend to your most pressing AC issues. Should you need to replace your unit, we also offer AC Installation services.

Call us now at (801) 355-9500.  

Our hotline is open 24/7 to attend to your emergencies and urgent inquiries.

You can also schedule an appointment online, and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Why is my furnace so loud

Why is my Furnace So Loud and How Do I Fix It?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

Colder months must be maddening if you can’t live without warm air but struggle with loud noises.

Why is my furnace so loud?

Your heating system may be in trouble if you hear a loud bang instead of a bit of cling-clang. If furnace noises keep you up at night, whether a loose screw or restricted airflow is to blame, it won’t go away by itself. Routine maintenance and tune-up services are a must, especially with older furnaces. 

Rattling noises may indicate loose parts, but a carbon monoxide leak does not sound like anything. Without a carbon monoxide alarm, you may not detect the hazardous leak in time.

Call a professional HVAC technician immediately if you suspect one. A reliable HVAC technician will help you remedy a furnace making unusual noises and suspect your airflow for any hazards.

Here’s everything you need to know about your noisy furnace.

Loud Furnace: Should I Be Worried?

If a professional technician regularly inspects your well-maintained HVAC system, then no. Some annoying noises are just that. Furnace noises aren’t unusual and may result from vibrations, especially when it is linked to air ducts.

However, you should worry about your loud furnace if you neglect routine maintenance and inspection. A poorly maintained furnace making noises may indicate a much more serious problem. Don’t worry. You can still salvage your old furnace by detecting a serious problem early.

Let’s familiarize ourselves with a furnace’s various noises and possible causes.

What Causes a Noisy Furnace?

Any noise indicates operations, cogs turning, resource burning, and output distribution. However, the volume and frequency can help you determine whether there is a malfunction.

Loud noises are worrisome. These noises indicate various stressors and hindrances. You must know what these noises mean to keep you and your entire family safe from their potential hazards.

A Cracked Heat Exchanger

A cracked heat exchanger disrupts the heating cycle, producing insufficient heating and a whistling noise.

A faulty heat exchanger may be due to the high-pressure air or gas buildup formed by air and heat exchange. Your heat exchanger may develop abrasions or corrosion and eventually crack under all that static pressure. It’s important to pay attention to that whistling sound and listen if rattling noises accompany them.

Note: Gas buildup may leak out of cracks and into your airways.

Carbon monoxide may make it into your air ducts and cause hazardous indoor air, especially if you have a central air conditioning system. Warm air traveling through ductwork is only filtered in some ways. If your air ducts aren’t regularly cleaned or checked, your ductwork may already be saturated with toxic gases.

Immediately contact a professional HVAC technician to fix the crack or replace the heat exchanger. Any issues with your heat exchanger left untreated for a long period may lead to bigger problems.

Still, it would be best if you prevented minor issues from snowballing into bigger ones that crack your heat exchanger. So how does your heat exchanger sustain a crack?

Dirty Burners

Banging noises aren’t typical. They are not operational noises stemming from vibrations or burning. Just the opposite! Banging or popping noises indicate overcompensation from other components or forceful operations.

The sudden ignition of the surplus of gas trapped within your furnace produces a loud booming noise. The banging noise is due to delayed ignition. The gas line continues supplying your furnace with the necessary fuel at the rate your home demands through control systems. However, dirty burners hinder the pilot light from igniting the gas resulting in delayed ignition.

The delay in ignition firing up that much gas all at once causes a shaky and loud furnace. If whistling sounds accompany the popping, your dirty burners may have already cracked your heat exchanger.

Regularly cleaning your furnace, its entire surface, and everything accessible to you will prevent dust from settling. Make it a habit to cover your furnace during warmer months when it isn’t used to keep dust, insects, mold, and mildew from infiltrating its access points.

A Clogged Air Filter

Another reason to keep the outside of your furnace clean is to ward off any buildup from saturating your furnace filter. A filter can effectively keep impurities from contaminating your breathing air. However, the filtration systems of your AC units, ducts, and home directly filter your indoor atmosphere.

A furnace filter keeps the interior of your furnace clean, ensuring none of its internal components are contaminated or obstructed by any particles. It is the line of defense your furnace relies on against different debris. However, a clogged air filter can’t protect your furnace from damage and contamination, leading to scraping sounds and hindered heating.

A dirty filter leads to various issues with different particles building up and shaking around your furnace. Always clean dirty filters to protect critical furnace components from sustaining any damage.

Small particles scratching metal components produce rattling and screeching sounds. A loud scraping noise or something like metal against metal sound means little rocks or loose parts are scratching against each other.

You need to call a professional technician to fix the problem immediately before hazardous debris enters your fan belt or motor.

A Malfunctioning Blower Motor or Motor

Possibly the most costly fix furnace noises will ever warrant involves your blower motor and fan belt. The blower motor facilitates airflow and is vital to the entire operation. If your blower fan and blower motor won’t work properly, it results in a compromised airflow, producing a whistling sound.

Debris caught in the fan belt, or blower wheel produces a louder rattling noise. If debris is caught between the fan blades and the blower wheel, it will sound more like screeching. You must contact experts immediately if you suspect debris or loose elements are knocking around your blower wheel.

It may cause a domino effect if these loose elements are blown into your home’s ductwork. Your air ducts lead to different heating vents and HVAC components which may negatively affect their components. Anything metal rattling around other components results in damage and scratching noises.

External elements infiltrating your blower motor are a different story. Your blower fan has metal fan blades, but the motor is an engine and houses electrical components. Debris fraying wires may result in a mini-explosion leading to different fire hazards.

Yes, it’s a possibility. A miniature explosion or flame can lead to a bigger one when there’s gas involved. It’s a long shot, but the worst-case scenario of a malfunctioning motor is causing a large explosion when it’s too close to your gas supply.

Be sure to call the experts to fix your furnace before something more drastic takes place. Something that might seem small now can lead to hazardous and potentially fatal problems.

Unusual Noises: Do’s & Don’ts

We know your furnace deals with a potentially volatile mix of different elements. It is best to enlist specialists to fix any problems. However, there are some remedies you can do at home if you don’t have the resources to hire a professional.

Note: A DIY remedy isn’t a quick fix that encompasses all your furnace noises. Do not attempt to eliminate a noise you aren’t familiar with or fix internal components without expert tools and techniques. You are posing a danger to yourself and the furnace.

Here’s what you can do instead:

What You Can Do Yourself?

Remember to turn your furnace off and unplug it from any electrical outlet. If a valve regulates the fuel supply, shut it off before removing the combustion chamber doors to access internal components.

  • Vacuum the surface of burners and blowers.
  • Gently wipe off debris from fan blades.
  • Dust or wipe off excess moisture on the pilot light with an emery cloth.
  • Dust or wipe off the opening of ducts and vents.
  • Inspect the interior for any pollution and possible obstructions.

Remember, rattling and whistling that isn’t loud may be harder to notice. However, they aren’t always harmless. A thorough vacuum should be enough to remedy a minor rattling noise.

If the noise persists and gets louder or worse, there might be more issues than debris or a loose screw rattling around your blower. Pick off all the loose elements around your blower, but if there aren’t any to produce the loud sound you heard, more comprehensive repairs may be in order.

Some homeowners can conduct minor repairs and tune-ups, such as replacing filters or cleaning the surface igniter. However, we cannot advise everyone to do these themselves. Some of us have sensitive skin and are more receptive to allergens.

What You Should Leave to the Experts?

You should contact a professional technician if you hear a different noise or notice unknown particles within your furnace. An unfamiliar noise may be hazardous to check out without proper know-how and equipment.

Don’t wait! Report the noise.

Furnace Maintenance & Tune-Ups

Remember, there is a way to avoid unwarranted breakdowns and nuances. Preventive maintenance and tune-up services ensure your furnace doesn’t stall in the middle of winter. Routine furnace maintenance also lengthens the lifespan of your heating system.

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

We got just the guys for you if you need reliable furnace repair around Sandy, Utah. At One-Stop Heating, we prioritize your comfort and safety.

Leave your worries to us.

Call us anytime for emergency heating repair. Our top-rated team of honest and reliable experts will be there!

Call Us Now At (801) 355-9500

How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

If it’s suddenly cold outside, that’s a sign to brace yourself because winter is coming.

While most of the year you can rely on steadily warm and humid weather, the incoming months starkly contrast with what you are used to all year. A Utahn winter season can be grueling for you and your heating system.

If your furnace has laid dormant during warmer months, get to dusting and tidying all that dust for seamless heating.

Here are some furnace maintenance tips to prepare it when the temperature drops.

Pre-Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips

Scheduling pre-season maintenance is always advisable. Enlisting a professional to clean and inspect your furnace after a long period of not being used can better ensure its reliability and efficiency throughout the winter months.

Tip #1: Hire a trained professional to conduct an annual maintenance service during autumn.

Here are other quick furnace maintenance tips you can do yourself. Remember, nothing beats regular maintenance. However, these are things you can do if you are already gasping for warm air.

Quick view of maintenance tips:

  1. Schedule yearly furnace maintenance before winter.
  2. Inspect and clean your filters.
  3. Check the state of your burners.
  4. Remove any obstructions near vents.
  5. Clean your pilot light assembly before primary re-ignition.
  6. Replace corroded or rusty fan blades.
  7. Check the manufacturer’s specifications in case of system failure.
  8. Report unusual noises. 
  9. Familiarize yourself with your thermostat.
  10. Keep up with routine professional maintenance.

Furnace Filter

Tip #2: Check your furnace filter system.

A dirty furnace filter can hinder your heating system, costing more energy while providing insufficient warmth. Many homeowners with natural gas furnaces think they save on energy costs, but that is only part of the truth. If you don’t maintain your gas furnace, distributing heating around air ducts can cost more energy.

Your furnace’s filter plays a major role in the entire operation. While filters cannot directly better air quality, your furnace’s air filters protect internal components from dust and debris. Any particle pollution and contamination pose different obstructions and hazards to internal components. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, preventing sufficient input from making it where it needs to be.

Your furnace’s air filter can affect the one in your HVAC system or air ducts once dust and debris make it past the primary air filter into heating vents blowing air into your living spaces, directly affecting your indoor air quality.

If you see a dirty filter in your furnace after months of no usage, clean it to ensure only pristine air flow through your air ducts. However, only some dirty or clogged filters can be remedied by thoroughly cleaning. Change your furnace filter every few months.

Burners

Tip #3: Check your burners.

Furnace maintenance requires a thorough cleaning, and it isn’t just filters that get dirty. While filters help prevent pollution from contaminating your furnace, residual fuel and burner moisture can cause corrosion.

Burners and blowers may not be accessible from the outside, and you will have to open up your furnace to inspect them. Ensure all systems are off and any links to supply lines before opening furnace doors to check on internal components. A sophisticated configuration of internal components comprises your home furnace. The most vital parts lay in your burners:

  • heat exchangers
  • pilot light
  • flame sensor
  • ventilation

Each element plays a unique role that’s crucial to keep your furnace working properly.

Heat Exchangers

The heat exchanger facilitates airflow in and out of your furnace, letting usable air into the furnace and keeping breathable output separate from contaminated air. Heat exchangers dispel waste heat into chimney-type vents and direct breathable hot air into your air handlers.

Tip #4: Remove obstructions and use a vacuum cleaner around all openings; blocked vents may redirect carbon monoxide fumes into your AC system.

Pilot Light

A low, light yellow or flickering flame indicates dirty furnace burners. If the pilot light doesn’t turn on, don’t be too quick to blame it on a sensitive or faulty flame sensor. Delayed ignition may be due to internal contamination or residue and condensation.

Tip #5: Gently dust off debris with an emery cloth, and wipe off any residue on your pilot light assembly using light grit sandpaper. 

Blowers

Tip #6: Replace rusty fan blades, and wipe off or remove any dust and debris on your blower wheel.

Your burners let air flow through various vents to gather input and produce output. A blower system is responsible for allowing air in and out of your furnace. Natural gas furnaces also require air intake to generate any output. Insufficient air can result in an overheated furnace due to various pressure buildup, causing overcompensation and a possible surge in your utility bill.

Like burners, your blowers are more than just a one-person team. Various elements make up the entire furnace blower system. Keep an eye on these components and ensure they undergo routine maintenance, as any damage will warrant costly repairs.

Blower Motor

The heating season may throw your motor into overdrive. You must maintain the motor to keep everything else in working order. Always keep your furnace clean to secure your engines from dislodged parts and harmful particles. Anything that infiltrates them may get in the way of their wire connections. Your entire furnace may break down due to frayed wires. If you live in an area with rats, deploy extra precautions against rodents and pests.

Tip #7: Depending on manufacturer warranties, you might be able to replace a malfunctioning or damaged motor.

Blower Fan

The blower fan, the wheel it’s on, and its blades all directly affect one another. Solid debris, such as rocks, may be caught in your blower if your furnace produces unusual banging and rattling noises. Small stones and sharp objects may tear through the furnace filters into other components. The filter can only vet microparticles and soft larger ones. Winter requires more heating, causing fans to rotate much faster.

Tip #8: Remember that you may attribute a few unusual noises to more vigorous fan rotation, but the higher demand for heating shouldn’t warrant alarming noises.

Thermostat

Tip #9: Always familiarize yourself with manufacturer specifications before setting your thermostat.

A cooling or heating system comes with a separate thermostat. Thermal controls allow quick temperature alterations. However, a thermostat may not quickly shift from cooling to heating at a moment’s notice. There are also possible issues with compatibility with your thermostat and HVAC system. You might need to replace the unit or fix its internal wiring if your HVAC equipment stops responding to thermostat controls. No predictable or universal lifespan guarantees your thermostat. However, with its systems included in your yearly maintenance, it should last a decade.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Heating System

The most important tip of all our furnace maintenance and tune-up tips, especially before winter months, is to ensure regular inspection and comprehensive maintenance. Things that start with your filter that isn’t dealt with in time may keep you from your dreams of a cozy winter. Comfort isn’t the only thing a dirty furnace can negatively impact. Your faulty furnace can also put your health and safety at risk.

How Your HVAC System Can Affect Your Health?

Something as simple as bird nests resting on exit pipes and heating vents can threaten your health. Nests blocking intake pipes may contaminate the resources going into your furnace. However, anything blocking your exhaust pipes traps contamination within your furnace, impacting your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Indoor Air Quality

A lot of us know about IAQ but continue to neglect the different dangers it poses to our health. Your home’s IAQ is determined by the presence of Carbon Dioxide in your indoor environment. A buildup of CO2 can lead to chronic and acute respiratory illnesses. However, it isn’t your home’s most dangerous chemical gaseous compound. Carbon monoxide exposure is more harmful and potentially fatal compared to CO2 buildup.

While you can still let carbon dioxide out through natural and mechanical ventilation systems, carbon monoxide poisoning happens much more quickly. Even more problematic is carbon dioxide smells like rotten eggs, allowing homeowners to pick up on it faster than its more hazardous counterpart.

Carbon monoxide doesn’t smell like anything and stagnates anywhere with static pressure. You won’t be able to get rid of it as fast as it can build up. Call for emergency heating repair immediately.

Furnace Maintenance & Repair

Tip #10: Don’t hesitate to call professionals for help. 

A furnace is a sophisticated system. It requires professional tools and techniques. Using amateur tools and techniques, you might cause more damage by conducting haphazard repairs. If you have been duped by unreliable services before, remember that there are transparent and honest HVAC technicians you can entrust with your heating system.

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

Problems with your cooling and heating system? Don’t worry! One-Stop Heating & Air Conditioning does more than just winter furnace maintenance.

Not only can our top-rated team of specialists clean and replace your air filter, we can also maintain all your vital furnace components at a moment’s notice, just in time for the heating season! Catch problems early before they need costly repairs.

Are you looking for a furnace tune-up or furnace repair service in Sandy, Utah? We’re there! Contact us day or night, and we will get your heating and the rest of your HVAC equipment up and at them for winter and all year long.

Call anytime anywhere (801) 355-9500

Why is my furnace making a clicking noise

Why is my Furnace making a Clicking Noise?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

Is your furnace clicking? No. We don’t mean clicking with your cozy winter vibe. We mean, is your furnace making a clicking noise?

Furnace clicks shouldn’t keep you from having a silent night during cold winter months. You can have the happy and peaceful holiday you deserve.

Here’s everything you need to know about that pesky clicking sound that won’t go away!

What to Do When Furnace Is Making Clicking Noise?

Your furnace giving up in the middle of winter can be a significant hassle, and it sounding like a time bomb is more than a suitable metaphor. With hindrances and malfunction in your furnace, you can expect erratic “explosions” in your utility and energy bills.

Something seemingly trivial as a clicking noise coming from your furnace, may be detrimental. Call an HVAC technician to look into your furnace immediately. Please get to the root of the problem before it worsens.

What Causes Clicking Noises?

Your furnace making a few noises is excusable. If you have an old-fashioned coal or gas furnace, you can expect sounds of blistering that are mistakable for clicking. Vibrations and burning can result in minor, hardly audible dins.

However, you should investigate a loud or lingering sound. If the clicking noise is chronic and disruptive, there are plenty of possible underlying causes.

Ask yourself these questions before we jump to conclusions based solely on that annoying clicking noise.

Are You Getting Enough from your Heating System?

Cross-check your thermostat with your home’s ambient temperature. Does it check out? Or are you distracted by all the repeated clicking to notice the rest of your furnace performance?

Does the temperature written on your thermostat match your indoor environment? If the temperature set on your thermostat is different than the room temperature, there’s a misalignment somewhere in your furnace.

Are There Any Strange Odors?

It may be harder to notice any strange odors while you have been inside for a long period. The surrounding aroma may have already desensitized you to the odor. Try stepping out and wait at least ten minutes before walking back indoors.

If you pick up on a certain smell, there may be clogs, obstructions, corrosion, or contamination in your furnace. While a slight burning smell after ignition is acceptable, foul odors accompanied by an obnoxious noise are not.

Are You Keeping Up with Routine Maintenance?

If you hear clicking, it might be due to a poorly maintained furnace. A furnace clicks for various reasons.

A clicking furnace indicates the need for maintenance service, whether due to particle buildup settling on your burners and other inner workings or worn motor bearings.

If you have missed a few of your yearly routine inspections and tune-ups, your furnace’s ignition system may already be clicking for one!

It’s best to listen to your furnace when clicking for help. You will be glad you did. A clicking noise is only the beginning. It isn’t an S.O.S. yet, but the clicking noise can quickly snowball into worse problems.

Gas Valve

Issues with your gas valves may produce a clicking sound. The furnace clicking may indicate problems with the power supply linked to your gas valve. An automated system relying on specific voltage distribution may need to conduct more electricity to facilitate the gas valve properly.

An uncontrollable gas valve may botch the rest of your ignition system, storing high volumes of gas. If your gas valve fails to secure the supply line from inducing resources into your burners without your pilot light burning leads to a surplus of unburned gas.

All that gas has to go somewhere. The next thing you know, your home doesn’t only have insufficient heating but is now a dangerous environment thanks to a gas leak.

Flame Sensor

Thankfully, there are fail-safes for all furnaces. If your furnace’s spark igniter doesn’t trigger the pilot light, an automatic override should shut down your furnace’s resource chambers, including intake and gas pipes. You have the furnace flame sensor or thermocouple to thank for that comprehensive security measure.

However, a lack of tune-ups and cleaning may disrupt transmission vessels in your furnace and result in a faulty flame sensor. Your flame sensor may shut down the rest of your furnace with your spark igniter still trying to light an ignitor flame or other components on your burner assembly.

Thankfully, if you have a gas furnace with a hot surface ignitor, it shuts down along with the rest of your burners. However, if you have a spark igniter, it can protest against the flame sensor. That clicking sound is your spark igniter, not heeding the commands of your flame sensor and still trying to kick-start the ignition system.

Your pilot light and the rest of the furnace ignition system won’t ignite without a corresponding fuel supply. It’s like trying to light a Zippo without sufficient butane in the tank.

Blower Motor

Your flame sensor isn’t alone in its protective plight. Your inducer motor also has its own safety protocols. While it cannot control the gas valve, as transmissions from the flame sensor near your pilot light can, the blower motor can withhold air distribution.

The motor can effectively withhold resources just as much as the gas valve can. There’s no way a pilot light will ignite with motors shutting down the inducer fan, suffocating the flame, and trapping gas flow.

The clicking sound may come from either your igniter still trying to start up ignition or loose parts in your burners and blowers.

Fan Blades

If there is a broken fan blade, your furnace will be unable to pull air into the furnace or push air and gas flow out of the flue pipe. A draft inducer fan can cause a furnace clicking sound when it isn’t powered by motors and encounters slight air exchange.

If it is loose enough, it is more prone to being pushed by stagnant air and dirt particles trapped within the blower wheel. That furnace click caused by the minimal rotation of the fan may echo around chambers and air ducts.

However, loose fan blades hitting against the duct seam may produce screeching, like metal scratching against metal. Ensure you remedy the clicking sound before it turns into worse blusters.

Motor Bearings

Motor bearings typically keep the sound of vibrations to a minimum. If you don’t smell any strange odors and your heating checks out, your furnace clicking might be due to worn motor bearings.

Vibrating motors, furnace clicking, fan blowing, and fire burning make operational dins. If you can hear them while they seemingly function smoothly, blame your worn-out bearings.

Worn-out bearings won’t be able to contain clangors, and you will hear the smallest dins your furnace operations make.

It’s a common wear and tears all furnaces go through over time. A routine tune-up and replacement should do the trick if you can no longer bear the noise.

Hearing Any Unusual Sounds from the Furnace?

As you have read, there is a myriad of underlying possibilities just waiting to be exposed. Your furnaces will help expose various issues through distinguishable noises.

If your furnace starts clicking, there may be minor issues you can resolve right away. However, you should call a reliable HVAC technician before it turns into a buzzing, rattling, whistling, screeching, popping, or banging noise.

The Most Common Reasons Behind Strange Noises

You probably guessed it. Strange noises come from faulty or dirty components and could easily be avoided by cleaning your furnace quarterly or yearly. You don’t have to clean air filters every few months, but going a whole year without expert inspection is a recipe for disaster.

An HVAC professional should access the internal components of your furnace at least once a year to ensure its stability and efficiency. Neglecting to do so can result in more than just obnoxious rackets.

Preventive Furnace Maintenance, Tune-Up, & Repairs

Are you tired of your furnace sounding like a ticking time bomb? Well, it might not be right now. However, anything wrong with your furnace left untreated for too long may result in total system failure…and baby, it’s cold outside.

It’s best to make sure you have an abundance of heat indoors. Otherwise, you might get heat from the rest of the family for not taking better care of your furnace system.

HVAC Professional Services You Can Trust in Sandy, Utah

Remember, your furnace may not have been used since last winter, resulting in various pollutants lingering in your burner, blower, or motor. If you want toasty heat this winter, hire a professional furnace tune-up service as early as autumn.

Luckily, reliable furnace repair, maintenance, and tune-ups are accessible in Utah!

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

You don’t have to figure it out yourself. Only try and repair things you are familiar with on your furnace, or you may end up causing more damage. Leave your worries to our team of Utah’s top-rated HVAC technicians.

Please don’t hesitate to call us for any furnace repair you need, even during the holidays! Our experts are at your beck and call!

Call our hotline now for emergency heating repair!

Call Now at (801) 355-9500

Heat Sensor - Why is it important

Why Heat Sensor of a Furnace Is Important?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

With winter just around the corner, you should check your heating system. A mid-season breakdown of a heating and cooling system is one of the most significant inconveniences no one should face.

However, furnace failure is pretty common in homes across America.

Scared of Your Furnace Stalling?

Routine maintenance and tune-ups can ensure the reliability of your heating and cooling system all season long. While you can clean some components, there are other elements you can’t reach.

Professional services are always best. It’s advisable to schedule your yearly furnace tune-up in autumn, just in time for winter.

Why do you need a professional’s touch? There may be other elements you need to familiarize yourself with before conducting any DIY efforts.

One sophisticated element that needs gentle handling is your flame sensor. Need to know what it is and what to do with it?

Here’s everything you need to know about a furnace flame sensor.

What is the Furnace Flame Sensor?

You might have a bad flame sensor if your furnace issues are often related to ignition components. An extinguishing flame, delayed ignition, or a pilot light that won’t turn on may stem from a dirty flame sensor.

A flame sensor is a sleek metal rod in your burner assembly. It is inserted through a burner chamber into the pilot light.

What Does the Furnace Heat Sensor Do?

The flame sensor or metal rod near your pilot fire is connected to an electrical box through a single wire that transmits signals to a separate control panel. 

If you have an oil or natural gas furnace, they are more sophisticated than you think. Even an older model comes with a safety feature or two.

An oil, electric, and gas furnace each has a gas valve that facilitates the release and withholding of fuel supply. Transmission from the flame sensor and control board automatically facilitates fuel supply for efficiency and safety.

Sounds complicated? Don’t worry. We are here to help.

How Does The Furnace Flame Sensor Control My Heating System?

The flame sensor is just a sensor and cannot control your heating system alone. The flame sensor sends an electric current through the ignition surface toward the control boards.

Together, the flame sensor and controls close off the gas or oil supply, preventing burners from igniting the flame.

What Does the Flame Sensor Sense?

The name sums it up. Your flame sensor senses whether there is a flame or not.

A flame sensor is sensitive to temperatures. Most furnace flame sensors are directly within an open fire chamber of a burner assembly.

They determine whether or not the pilot light is burning in only a few seconds. If there is a fire, the temperature of the metal rod is higher than when there is none.

What happens if my flame sensor stops working?

If a flame sensor is bad, it cannot determine whether the flame burns or not. You can expect either one of these two effects:

  1. Your furnace won’t fire up.
  2. It results in a surplus of wasted fuel.

Your flame sensor is likely hindering your furnace from powering on unless it isn’t plugged into a power source but needs electricity to function.

Newer furnaces have various safety precautions in case of a faulty flame sensor:

  • Screw shut the gas valve (remove any avenues for supply to flow through)
  • Cut the power source (for intermittent pilot flames)
  • Shut down burners (for standing pilot flames)
  • Initiate a flame sensor restart

However, not every furnace has that safety process. Your furnace may not have that security measure in its process against a broken flame sensor.

Dangers of a faulty flame sensor

An older furnace flame sensor may not be able to stop a gas furnace from releasing gas, leading to a potentially hazardous amount of unburned gas.

Gas may leak out of other elements on your burner assembly and stagnate in your air. Gas may seep into your ductwork if your furnace is linked to a central air conditioning system.

Your air conditioner may distribute the gas around your home, causing a dangerous amount of carbon buildup indoors.

How a bad flame sensor can impact your health?

It can lead to various health and safety risks. Too much carbon monoxide in your home can lead to an explosion when ignited.

That much carbon monoxide in your home, distributed through your air conditioning, can cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

Common Causes for a Dirty Furnace Flame Sensor

Exploding and poisoning are significantly dangerous risks for a lesser-known element in your furnace to cause. What’s more troubling is a buildup of such seemingly harmless or unavoidable debris in your furnace may be the root cause.

Inevitable elements such as dirt and soot settling on or within your furnace can clog chambers and filters, indirectly impacting your flame sensor.

Always inspect the state of all the burning components of your heater. 

Clean whatever needs cleaning, fix whatever needs repairs, and replace whatever needs to be replaced to avoid known and unknown dangers from occurring in your home.

Is My Furnace Flame Sensor Broken?

Are you tired of suffering from a furnace malfunction? Familiarize yourself with your heater at home before inspecting the unit.

You should know what irregularities to look for and which warrant immediate attention. Problems with your flame sensor affect the rest of the heating process.

Call a professional to clean, fix, or replace the unit if you notice something wrong with your furnace flame sensor. However, you should know how to tell if there’s something wrong with it or not before calling anyone else for help.

There are many ways you can tell if your flame sensor is bad. Some methods have you reaching too far into your furnace than you are comfortable doing.

Your best bet is to check the flame itself. Inspect your pilot flame for any of these symptoms:

  • Flickering
  • Burning low
  • Burning yellow
  • Delayed or won’t ignite

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, your furnace may have a faulty or dirty burner assembly. Your flame sensor cannot work properly with even just one compromised element in its lineup.

Fortunately, it is easy to clean a furnace flame sensor.

How to Clean Your Furnace Flame Sensor?

Not every heating and cooling system is built the same. Getting to your furnace flame sensor may differ. However, you can still clean your flame sensor, as stated below.

Always ensure all power sources and supply lines are shut or closed. Gather these materials rubber gloves, clean cloth, oxalic acid, emery cloth or light grit sandpaper, warm water, and misting spray bottle.

  1. Follow the single wire attached from the power controls (integrated thermostat or furnace control panel) to the flame sensor to locate it.
  2. Carefully remove the furnace access cover once you reach the burner assembly.
  3. Remove any screws holding the rod in place.
  4. Separate the flame sensor from the mounting screw or protective vessel.
  5. You may notice discoloration on the porcelain insulation.
  6. Gently rub it with a diluted mixture of oxalic acid and warm water using a clean cloth.
  7. Only use emery cloth or sandpaper to scrub off residue and contamination on the rod. (Steel wool is a viable alternative if you scrub lightly. The best option is still an emery cloth to lessen risks for damage.)
  8. Wipe off debris with a damp cloth before placing the flame sensor back.
  9. Inspect the remaining adjoining elements, such as screws, for residual gas and soot.
  10. Clean other elements with a damp cloth gently and replace corroded screws saturated with soot.

Remember to place everything back where you found them before you power your furnace back up.

When it comes to your flame sensor, it’s best to clean it once a month. Depending on your usage, it may develop contamination more rapidly.

When Should I Replace the Furnace Flame Sensor?

However, you can only clean corrosion and rust partially from your furnace. While it may look “clean enough” to you, your furnace flame sensor may not be as responsive as it should be.

Replace a corroded or faulty furnace flame sensor before it worsens.

You can clean and replace a mounting screw, but don’t attempt to change out wires on your own. If more crucial components need to be replaced, you should leave them to the experts.

How Much do New Furnace flame sensors cost?

A new sensor won’t cost you much. Assuming furnace flame sensors cost anywhere between $10 and $20 is a safe assumption.

It is technically just a piece of metal—however, the quality, compatibility, and installation matter more than finding an affordable one.

Before buying a new sensor, remember to find one that fits. Your furnace access cover may not shut if it’s too large or long to fit in the chamber.

If your furnace flame sensor needs to be replaced, call heating and cooling system specialists for its management.

The Importance of Furnace Maintenance

Upon cleaning your furnace flame sensor and other components, don’t risk the rest of your unit on “clean enough.”

Rust tends to infect surrounding elements, which can spread quickly, especially if you have a metal furnace frame. Internal corrosion in your furnace may creep to external elements and impact the entire furnace beginning with your flame sensors.

What Do I Do If There are Signs of Corrosion?

Immediately check the gas valve if you notice rust anywhere in your unit.

If you see any corrosion on the gas valve, remove as much of it as possible with an emery cloth. You can then add some baking soda and lime. Let the mixture sit before scrubbing it off with an old toothbrush.

The corrosion may infiltrate the internal connection and make it harder to manage your gas supply, especially in an emergency.

Heating and Cooling System Maintenance, Tune-Ups, & Repairs in Sandy, Utah

You don’t have to let it get as far as corrosion. You can prevent anything from going wrong with your furnace.

Whether to prevent the flame sensor from getting dirty or the thermostat from malfunctioning, routine maintenance is always helpful.

Regular cleaning and inspection can lengthen their lifespan and increase the overall reliability of your furnace.

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

Troubles with your furnace flame sensor? Is your furnace acting up? Is your furnace down for the count? Say no more. Our top-rated team of experts is just a call away.

Entrust us with your furnace repair and tune-ups. We even provide emergency heating repair round the clock for more urgent furnace issues.

If you are tired of your old furnace, it might be time for a newer, safer, and more efficient unit! Call us for furnace replacement and installation services today!

Call us for Emergency Heating Repair at (801) 355-9500

Boiler vs Furnace

Boiler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

Are you having trouble deciding between a furnace or boiler for your new home? If the boiler VS furnace debacle keeps you up at night, you came to the right place.

We’re here to put the entire Boiler VS Furnace debate to bed. We are breaking down all the details you need to know about both heating systems.

Hopefully, by the end of the article, you will pick up a few things, such as:

  1. Their differences and similarities.
  2. Their pros & cons.
  3. The most reliable HVAC professionals for their installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Here’s everything you need to know about a furnace or boiler.

The Full Boiler VS Furnace Rundown

Nearly all homes in the United States have home heating systems. We need furnaces and boilers for hot water and warmth, especially when winter rolls around.

Heating equipment is our only defense against the cool air. Closed doors and windows can only keep so much cold air outdoors, but your home’s insulation won’t hold for long.

Boilers, furnaces, and other heating installations alter and supply air temperature according to your preferences.

Quick View: Boiler VS Furnace

  • Natural gas furnaces blow hot air into your home’s duct system. Forced air systems are interlinked, facilitating airflow and temperatures.
  • Hot water boilers heat water and distribute them throughout your home. Heat distribution is directed into radiant flooring systems and water heaters.

A furnace or boiler can effectively heat your home and water supply. Their utility and function are similar, but the main frame and inner workings vastly differ. Heat exchangers, distribution channels, and energy efficiency are some of their greatest differences.

Older furnaces and boilers are neither sustainable nor energy-efficient, ranking amongst low-efficiency heating systems. Newer furnaces and boilers are more efficient and come at higher upfront costs. If you have an older furnace or boiler, it’s best to replace them with newer systems to increase reliability and efficiency. Still, it is a tough choice between a furnace VS boiler.

Here’s how your furnace provides your home with heated air.

Furnace Heating System

A natural gas furnace is the most traditional installation across America. Gas furnaces are linked to central air conditioning systems for whole-home and multi-zone building distribution.

Millions of Americans depend on gas furnaces for faster heating using little to no electricity. A heat exchanger generating heat by burning a direct natural gas supply provides cleaner and faster output. While gas furnaces might transfer heat cleaner and faster, that only sometimes translates. Depending on your HVAC unit, environment, and upkeep, a gas furnace may be an unsustainable installation.

Pros & Cons: Furnace System

A furnace system benefits smaller structures with more limited access to electricity. Unlike electric furnaces, natural gas options are a dependable system to have around during power outages. However, its rudimentary systems raise questions about energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Natural gas Furnaces Heat Air to Produce: Warm Air

A furnace heats air by gathering various resources through pipes and supply lines. An intake pipe collects air to facilitate natural gas flow in and out of a heat exchanger. The burner assembly includes a standing pilot light that ignites the fuel supply in the combustion chamber.

Energy efficiency & Safety

Older furnaces are less energy-efficient, producing insufficient heating, using more resources, and having higher fuel costs. High-efficiency heating systems have a second heat exchanger to process residual resources and waste heat produced by the primary exchanger. Recycling resources allow your furnace to use less fuel and power to produce your home with more hot air. While more efficient systems can lessen carbon dioxide emissions, they do not eradicate them.

A natural gas furnace with a continuous pilot light isn’t the safest installation. A clogged furnace filter can lead to various buildup and contamination, such as particles, debris, and pressure. Air pressure in your combustion chamber can crack the heat exchanger and lead to carbon monoxide leaks. Your furnace emitting nearly all the fuel in its storage can generate enough carbon buildup and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Gas furnaces are dependable and independent from the rest of your systems. They are seldom affected by external factors. However, installation and maintenance are costly, and extensive damage warrants higher repair costs.

How do steam boilers sound?

Boiler Heating System

Air heating using boiler systems sounds complex. We assure you, it is. Boiler installations are hot water systems connected to baseboard radiators, cast iron radiators, or steam systems. A boiler heats water by injecting heat particles into a stored water supply before distributing them to different fixtures. Water is a better thermal conductor than air, retaining temperatures for longer periods.

However, boilers require a constant power supply to function. Even high-efficiency boilers use electricity to generate, store and distribute heat.

Pros & Cons: Boiler System

Steam boilers operate better in moderate climates and function slower than a furnace. Hot water heat allows fewer risks of heat or energy loss during travel and poses no threat to your air quality. Without channels for air distribution, boilers also don’t have air filters that need routine maintenance.

Boilers heat water to Produce Heat

A natural gas boiler works a lot like a gas furnace. A natural gas furnace or boiler has a burner assembly that uses gas to ignite a flame and generate heat. Hot water is transferred to the necessary fixtures to produce output, such as hot water storage for showers and baseboard radiators. Thanks to hydrogen particles, steam boiler heat are more easily distributed, effectively providing even heating throughout structures.

Boiler systems may be more efficient with fewer risks for heat loss, using radiant floor systems instead of air handlers. The channels of distribution are better than those of a forced air system. However, you may have more erratic heating and cooling without a reliable energy source.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Boiler heat is quicker to distribute, and its retention is more dependable than air handling alternatives. Without an air filter, there are fewer contamination risks due to negligent maintenance. However, you might burn wood pellets for warmth during winter without a backup generator.

Which Heating System Reigns Supreme?

Each heating system comes with its unique risks and benefits. The furnace VS boiler debate all boils (no pun intended) down to your needs and environment. Your furnace or boiler depends on two types of fuel supply. The resources they burn directly to generate heat and the fossil fuels the electricity consumes to power their mechanisms. Due to the erratic inflation of fuel prices, you should opt for heating that relies on less fuel consumption.

Choosing between a furnace or boiler is complicated. Before committing to one that suits your needs best, check their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating (AFUE). A furnace or boiler with an 80% AFUE rating is standard; anything below guarantees less efficiency, and anything above is considered more efficient.

If you are looking for energy efficiency, neither heater stands head and shoulders above the other. Still, other options are on the market for more efficient and reliable heating.

What are Heat Pumps?

Other heating installations, such as heat pumps, are also forced air installations. However, a heat pump is arguably the most innovative forced air system geared toward energy efficiency. Still, they have yet to become a household name in America. While these integrations have gained prominence in Asia and Europe, they only recently gained popularity in the West.

A heat pump is an HVAC system that distributes heat through airflow. However, unlike a furnace or boiler, a heat pump doesn’t generate heat through ignition. Pumps gather surrounding air and alter temperatures using coils and refrigerant. They also don’t produce the same hazardous fumes or waste gases as combustion heating methods. They have higher upfront costs but are easier to install without any ductwork. These versatile installations can also alter air temperatures to fit your needs through colder or warmer months.

Like furnaces and boilers, these HVAC equipment require routine maintenance and tune-ups. Any mechanism benefits from regular tune-ups, such as cleaning a vent connection pipe or replacing an air filter.

Routine Maintenance & Tune-Ups

Anything that works with volatile compounds and fire isn’t best left alone. Systems with combustion components require routine inspection by reliable professionals. There are more risks with things that produce hazardous emissions harmful to your health and the environment.

Dust, dirt, soot, and residue may all result in corrosion and clogs. If your heating equipment doesn’t undergo routine inspections, you risk its stability along with your health and safety.

REMEMBER: Yearly boiler or furnace tune-ups is the key to long-lasting stability and efficiency for all heating systems.

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

Call Utah’s finest if you hear, smell, or observe any irregularities in your HVAC systems! Our team of top-rated experts will help maintain your systems or help you upgrade your current ones.

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning offers furnace repair, maintenance, and installation. Please don’t hesitate to call us anytime.

Call (801) 355-9500 For Emergency Heating Repair

Furnace Limit Switch

What is a Furnace Limit Switch?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating, HVAC, Maintenance.

Do you know what a furnace limit switch is? Does anyone? There’s a reason why you have found different how-to articles claiming the furnace limit switch is one thing, with another article asserting it to be another.

A furnace limit switch has varying definitions due to the different furnace types. Limit switches differ in form, position, and size, but they all serve the same function.

What is a Furnace Limit Switch?

The quick answer: A furnace limit switch is a long temperature-sensor probe within a mounting plate in the combustion chamber, linking multimeter probes in terminals.

Its definition is a little hard to read, but its purpose is simple. A limit switch operating correctly can effectively prevent your furnace from overheating. However, a faulty furnace limit switch can be a hassle during colder months.

Is a Furnace Limit Switch NECESSARY?

Regarding fixtures that handle volatile compounds, manufacturers tend to name each component as close to its purpose as possible. This hastens the process of finding which parts are responsible for which malfunctions, for professional technicians anyway.

If you have been scouring the internet for answers to conduct a furnace repair or tune-up yourself, consider calling experts for help. Read on if you are here to learn about your furnace in-depth.

First, let’s figure out how furnaces work to understand the purpose and pitfalls of their limit switches.

How Your Heating System Works?

A forced air furnace is a natural gas, oil, or electric installation linked to an HVAC unit for distribution. Your furnace has different intake, heating, ventilation, and output components.

Within your heating system are valves, motors, and sensors facilitating combustion. Internal components coordinate the transmission of resources and signals to prevent furnace overheats, malfunctions, and other hazards while providing your home with heated air.

Here’s a quick rundown of its heating process:

Your furnace has various links, such as intake pipes, fuel supply lines, and power sources.

  • Motors distribute electricity to furnace blowers and sensors, including furnace limit switches and control panels that automate activation and deactivation.
  • The gas valve discharges gas supply into furnace burners, opening and closing as required by thermostat demands.
  • A furnace plenum reaches between different source and distribution pipes; blockages may deflect air flow into the furnace and result in short cycling.
  • An air filter (furnace filter) prevents any debris or carbon buildup within the air inside your furnace, which may cause hazardous clogs and affect the entire burner operation.
  • The furnace blower fan directs intake and discharges through chambers to begin heating, which may lead to airflow issues due to loose parts and pollution.
  • The combustion chambers contain ignition components that ignite the fuel supply according to the thermostat’s designated setting.
  • A heat exchanger manages heat particles from one state to another, separating fuel input and breathable warm air output into the air ducts of your HVAC system.

Sensors are armed to detect a surplus in supply based on the temperature inside your furnace. The furnace limit switch is the safety feature that deploys a lockout mode for supply intake and a hard shutdown of engines.

Why is the Fan Limit Switch Important?

The quick answer: A furnace housing a functional limit switch prevents overheating.

Overheating is caused by various factors and may affect one or more of your furnace’s components, impacting their integrity and functions. All elements play vital roles and work in conjunction with one another. When one component fails, another overcompensates to make up for its role.

Switch terminals linked to separate control panels prevent the furnace and heat exchanger overheating when the supply and demand do not align. A surplus of hot air in your furnace due to waste heat from components working overtime hinders the cohesive function of your furnace, leading to disastrous airflow issues.

The furnace fan limit switch prevents the internal air handler (furnace fan or another air exchanger) from exceeding a specified temperature. A corresponding component of the furnace limit switch located inside the control board manages other materials, such as engines, to withhold power and ignition.

High-temperature Limit Switch

A furnace high-limit switch works much in the same fashion. However, it is more accurate in deploying safety measures such as a total furnace shutdown.

Unlike the furnace limit switch, a flame sensor, another safety device located near the pilot light, directly prevents ignition based on the temperature inside the combustion chamber or the surface of its bearings.

The furnace limit switch shuts down furnace burners when the air temperature inside the furnace is too high. Too much heat within your furnace affects intake and output, leading to pressure buildup and damaging your furnace further.

Furnace High Limit Switch for less reliable furnaces

A furnace high-limit switch is more useful for unstable heating systems.

A gas furnace, especially older or poorly maintained, produces an erratic fuel supply. Its furnace blower may also affect temperature readings due to producing minimal cool air by mixing condensation with airflow.

Due to poor and unreliable intake, a standard furnace limit switch may intermittently shut systems down and boot them back up. Endless repetition will eventually initiate a lockout mode, preventing any supply from coming in and any output from being produced.

While routine maintenance can prevent any of that from occurring, a furnace repair specialist may recommend upgrading your furnace limit switch. It is best to upgrade your heating system and have them tuned up regularly. However, if you are still getting ready for a new HVAC unit, upgrading your furnace limit switch is a necessary first step in ensuring safe and reliable heating.

Can You Manually Adjust the Furnace Fan Limit Switch?

If your air handlers are blowing cold air against your designated temperature settings, your furnace’s limit switch may have shut down the heat exchanger. In this instance, the furnace limit switch inhibited the furnace fan from delivering warm air into your vents.

A furnace limit switch and its corresponding fan limit switch are predominantly automated. However, you can take measures to operate the furnace fan yourself if you think the furnace limit switch is faulty.

You can manually adjust the furnace limit switch to control your heating system.

Faulty Blower Fan Limit Switch: Control Wires

Faulty furnace limit switches may be due to their wires being frayed or corrosion in their sensors. The high-voltage electricity wires connecting the furnace fan limit switch to different components may have been compromised during operations or improper maintenance.

If you clean your own furnace, be careful while opening chamber doors and dismantling components. You may trip wires and cause short circuits, compromising sensors and making your furnace fan limit switch less reliable.

How Do I Know If My Furnace Limit Switch is Broken?

You need your furnace limit switch inspected by a professional HVAC technician.

You can rely on your assumptions and jump to conclusions about your furnace fan limit switch and spend on a new switch when all you may need is to clean a dirty filter.

OR you can reach out to professionals for help.

What to Do About a Malfunctioning Limit Switch?

A furnace doesn’t only deliver heat; it impacts your air quality in many ways. Without a proper inspection, maintenance, and tune-up, your furnace may succumb to typical wear and tear a decade earlier than its life expectancy.

Contact specialists if you suspect a defective limit switch or anything wrong with your furnace. They have the necessary HVAC tools and expertise to detect carbon monoxide leaks, conduct thorough internal inspections, and do everything it takes to keep your furnace pristine and functional.

How Much Does Limit Switch Replacement Cost?

It depends on the type of furnace you have. Sometimes, furnace limit switches are only a few dollars, but a high-limit switch may cost more. Some limit switches cost up to twenty or so dollars. It is a necessary safety device on your furnace, and if you have to spend on a repair or replacement cost, don’t tighten the purse string for a limit switch.

Please remember safety features on furnaces should only be installed by professionals. You may establish a faulty switch and be left entrusting your family’s safety to a defective component.

Keep Your Family Safe from Winter & the Furnace

If you live in Utah and require heating and cooling assistance for furnace tune-ups and maintenance, we have just the guys for you!

A Professional Service You Can Trust in Sandy: One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning

One Stop Heating & Air Conditioning is a Utahn-built and beloved furnace repair specialist. Our top-rated team provides heating and cooling services all over Utah.

Please leave your sophisticated HVAC systems to experts and reliable contractors. Unreliable handypersons who don’t possess the necessary expertise may add to the damage. Your comfort and safety are our priority. Please book a consultation online today, and let our dedicated representatives guide you through your needs.

At One Stop, we prioritize transparency, honesty, and efficiency. Give us a call to find out why we rank among Utah’s most beloved contractors.

Call for Emergency Heating Repair (801) 355-9500

We provide residents and commercial establishments with 24/7 emergency assistance. Direct your urgent concerns to the hotline provided above.

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