Why Does Your Furnace Only Run For A Few Minutes?

It’s not uncommon to have troubles with your furnace during the frigid winter months. When a furnace turns on and off repeatedly, it’s referred to as “short cycling”. Furnaces are designed to cycle on and off frequently, but how often and for how long depends on a variety of factors, including the furnace, the home environment, the weather, and so on.

This is a relatively common problem that can lead to higher utility costs and costly furnace repairs if not identified and addressed right away. If the problem is left unattended for too long, the furnace may need to be replaced.

  • Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the complete heating system. Your thermostat may be damaged or broken if your furnace keeps turning off and on too quickly. There are several reasons why your thermostat may not be working properly, including faulty wiring, depleted batteries, or a misplaced thermostat.

  • Problem With The Flame Sensor

A damaged or dirty flame sensor may be the cause of frequent furnace shut-offs. When the gas valve is open, a flame sensor alerts your system to the presence of a flame. The sensor will shut off the gas valve if there isn’t a flame present, preventing the gas from entering your home.

If the flame sensor is unclean or damaged, the flame will not detect and turn off the gas valve, causing your system to shut down. If your furnace is cycling on and off excessively, call a furnace repair in Tomball to inspect it.

  • Blocked Airflow

Low airflow might cause a furnace to cycle on and off repeatedly. Because of this, if there isn’t adequate airflow, the furnace’s heat exchanger will quickly become too hot to handle. This particular problem frequently develops if the furnace is situated in a congested storage room or if the air inlet flowing from the outside of your house is blocked. The furnace switches off after a few minutes when the exchanger reaches the maximum temperature.

  • The Furnace Is Too Big For Your House

A furnace that is too large for your house may have a shorter cycle life. When your furnace is too large for your house, it will swiftly heat your house before abruptly ceasing to do so. Once the temperature in your house drops, the cycle begins all over again. If you want to fix the problem, your only option is to buy a new furnace.

  • Fuel Pipe

Short cycling of your furnace might also be caused by the flue pipe, commonly known as the exhaust vent. A blockage occurs when dirt, leaves, sticks, or other debris, such as a bird or animal nest, enter the pipe and become trapped inside. This obstruction will result in a buildup of hot gases in your furnace, which will cause it to overheat.

Is your furnace giving you trouble? Give us a chance to help! For dependable HVAC service in tomball, give us a call at (281) 719-0722.

Knowing The Symptoms Of A Bad Furnace Thermostat

HVACs are among the most popular and essential pieces of equipment in most households and businesses. And for your HVAC systems to work efficiently, all the components must be working well. One of these components is the thermostat, the main HVAC control center.

If you face any heating problems in your home, it may seem like an issue with your furnace or other heating equipment. However, more often than not, it may be your thermostat that is not in working condition.

Thermostats are inexpensive to replace and should be one of the first HVAC components to check if you have furnace trouble. Let us take a look at how to identify if your thermostat is bad.

Symptoms Of A Bad Furnace Thermostat

If you suspect your thermostat is the cause of your discomfort, look out for these signs:

1. Your Furnace Will Not Turn On

Your thermostat communicates with your furnace and sends signals to either increase the temperatures or lower them. However, it is natural for wiring to shift or come loose over time, compromising its connection to the furnace. A problem with the wiring can also affect the system to misread temperature settings and lead to irregular heating cycles.

2. Unusually High Energy Bills

Like most people, you may want to save energy and lower your monthly energy bills. However, if a thermostat does not read and communicate the correct temperature, it can lead to your furnace overworking to heat your home. It may also cause your furnace to undergo more cycles, leading to higher energy consumption.

3. Wrong Temperature Readings

Accurate thermostat readings ensure your indoor environment is at just the right temperature. However, a faulty thermostat sensor (due to old age, a manufacturing defect, or misuse) can lead to incorrect readings. You can use a portable thermometer to check if your thermostat is reading the temperature correctly.

4. Unresponsive Thermostat

An efficient thermostat promptly responds to change in temperature settings, indicated by small clicking sounds. If the thermostat does not adjust to the temperature changes, try replacing the batteries. If it is still unresponsive, you may want to look up heating repair near me to have professionals check your thermostat wiring.

5. Uneven Heating Throughout The House

Unless you have a zoned HVAC system, with different rooms set to have different temperatures, the temperature throughout your home should be uniform. However, a faulty thermostat cannot maintain proper temperature settings and causes your furnace to turn on and off constantly. If you observe that the rooms close to the furnace unit are hotter, while the ones away from it barely get any heating, call HVAC technicians like Air United Mechanical to replace your thermostat.

Contact Air United Mechanical Today!

As you prepare for the cold season, consider the signs mentioned above to know if you need to replace your thermostat. With over three decades to experience in the HVAC industry, we offer the best heating services in the area. Whether you have a malfunctioning furnace or thermostat, our team of certified experts will be there to solve your problems. Look us up for furnace replacement near me and more today!

Can A Bad Thermostat Cause A Furnace To Short Cycle?

The term furnace short cycling refers to the process of turning on and off your heating system without achieving the thermostat’s required temperature. Short cycling may also cause you to acknowledge that your home isn’t as hot as it should be, leaving you and your family members cold and unhappy, and you might have to call experts for furnace service near me frequently.

A properly functioning furnace will turn on when the temperature in your residence falls below the desired temperature on the thermostat. The furnace will then heat your home until the accurate temperature gets achieved, at which point it will turn off.

How Can A Faulty Thermostat Cause A Short Cycle?

Mentioned here are some reasons that cause short cycling in a furnace.

  • Fire Sensors Degradation

When your furnace burns a gas, it produces small amounts of water during the combustion process. Metals can oxidize and rust as a result of this over time. As a result, corrosion causes frequent short cycling of your heater, which can be dangerous to your home’s security. You should disinfect and investigate your flame sensor to avoid this problem.

  • Overloading

Your furnace may overheat and close down if temperature-monitoring components are defective. One of the most likely reasons for short cycling is regular combustion. The majority of modern furnaces will have a temperature-controlling safety device built-in.

Short cycling can also happen due to a faulty heating element. In the worst-case scenario, a ruptured heat exchanger will leak hot air into other heater components.

  • Filters For Polluted Air

A clogged air filter, for example, can cause your furnace to short cycle. Polluted air filters obstruct airflow, resulting in a backup. It means that rather than being distributed throughout your home, hot air will continue to stay in the furnace.

Your furnace’s inner temperature will increase, causing your system to shut down. That’s when the furnace will cycle too much. Also, to avoid this, try to replace your furnace air filters at the beginning of each filter cycle.

  • The furnace is Too Large For Your Place

Your furnace might be too large for your house. If your heating system is extra large, it will heat your system quickly and inconsistently. Your furnace will begin to short cycle to maintain a steady temperature all across your home.

When it comes to an enlarged furnace, inadequate insulation is also a determinant in short cycling. Because larger furnaces produce more heat, the excess heat and energy will flee through gaps, cracks, and defective seals.

  • Thermostat

A defective thermostat could be the source of short cycling. If your heater is short-cycling, the first and simplest thing you should rush to do is evaluate your thermostat to see if it is working accurately.

A homeowner may frequently forget to change their thermostat to the heating mode. As a result, the device’s cycle time will be reduced.

Are you looking for an expert furnace contractor near me to get your HVAC repair or maintenance? Air United Mechanical can be your perfect partner. To book our professional services, call us at (281) 719-0722.

How Do You Clean A Furnace Sensor?

How To Clean a Furnace Sensor?

Here are some easy tips for cleaning your furnace sensor:

  • Turn Off The Electricity

There’s a danger of electrical current when dismantling a system like a furnace, and if the heating system isn’t turned off and starts with a thermostat or buzzer while you’re working, you could get severely burned.

Out of an abundance of caution, you should remove the power supply to the unit. Remember that simply turning off the thermostat’s instantaneous temperature control does not mean the system gets turned off.

  • Take Away The Furnace Sensor

Access the outer panel with your wrench driver or connector set and store the bolts somewhere safe. Your gas sensor should be easy to find, and it’s most likely near the panel’s entrance. It should get assembled using the same hex screws as the outer panel screws, so no special tools are required.

  • Clean The Sensor First

Keep in mind that the base is most probably created- of porcelain, making it quite delicate, so be careful while handling your flame sensor. Now is the time to get scrubbing! It is only significant to clean the metal rod; don’t let your cleaning tools contact the plaster or other components.

Begin by rubbing the rod lightly with sandpaper to remove the majority of the buildup. Apart from carbon accumulation, you don’t want to remove anything.

  • Rebuild

It’s time to put everything back together now that your gas sensor is as fresh as possible. The reassembly procedure is the exact inverse of the disassembly procedure. If you separated the sensor physically, now is the time to reconnect it before reinstalling it in its mount and tightening the screws. Return the cover panel to its original position and fasten the securing screws. If you overtighten these, you risk scraping them. They need to be a bit past finger tight, but no more than that.

  • System Evaluation

Modern furnaces have several security features built-in, some of which may activate automatically if the system detects a reboot after a period of no electricity. It is normal, so don’t get concerned if your heating system doesn’t roar back to life the moment you turn it on.

Based on the thermostat configurations, the system should either be in constant alert or start running after cycling through its checks.

Are you looking for a dependable professional for a heating tune up near me? We at Air United Mechanical can help. To schedule our affordable HVAC-related services, give us a call at (281) 719-0722.

How Long Can You Run An Air Conditioner Without Air Filters?

During summer, the functioning of your AC in its optimal condition is vital for all the members of the household. It is not just about the cooling but also the quality of the air coming out of your air conditioner. That being said, we all know that air filters are the layer of protection that maintains the quality and purity of air. It is necessary to keep your air filters in good condition – for this; you can contact an AC repair in Spring.

So, the point is this – even if an AC can run for a short time without air filters, you are advised against it. Read on to know why.

Performance of an AC without air filters

Your AC can function for a maximum of 6-8 hours without air filters. This is because the longer your system goes without a filter, the more damage it faces. Dust and debris are the major causes for the malfunctioning of an air conditioning system. So, when the filter is removed, too many contaminants accumulate inside the air conditioner and pollute the air that exits your AC.

Why should I not run the AC without air filters?

Air filters are important for the functioning of your AC unit. By filtering out the pollutants, they keep the quality of the air in check. Also, when the filter is in place, the cooling of the system is optimal, so your compressor won’t run for long periods. This will help in reducing your energy bills. For AC tune-up and service, you can give a call to an air conditioning repair in Mongolia.

There are many negative side effects of taking the filter off your AC, and some of them are listed below.

  • Polluted air

The air that gets inside your house through the air conditioner is contaminated with no filters, and you cannot be sure of what all debris it brings in. The dust also clogs the major parts inside your AC and reduces its lifetime.

  • Evaporator coil issues

An evaporator coil is an AC component that absorbs the heat from your house and lets it out. When the contaminants don’t get filtered, they accumulate in the evaporator coil. This leads to the freezing of the evaporator coil due to its inability to perform. You will also face water leakage. Hire a professional from an AC repair in Spring and tune up the unit before significant damage occurs.

  • Damaged compressor unit

Lack of air filters also leads to issues with the compressor. There is a high chance that your unit’s compressor will break down from overwork during the absence of the filters. This will increase the time of the compressor cycle, leading to higher energy consumption.

To avoid these problems, regular maintenance and cleaning of the AC are essential. Get in touch with Air United Mechanical for the best air conditioning repair in Magnolia at affordable rates! Give us a call at (281) 719-0722.

Which Is The Better Option: Having A Dirty Air Filter Or No Air Filter?

The air filter in your AC acts as a barrier between your AC’s return vent and the outside world. But you might wonder, is it better to have a dirty air filter or no air filter?

Without an AC filter, dirt and debris are drawn into the system. In addition to blowing back into your home, some of the debris remains in the HVAC and builds up and can damage your home’s system, requiring costly repairs.

Consequences on running your AC without a filter

  • Rising energy costs
  • Damaged compressor
  • Air quality deterioration
  • Frozen evaporator coils
  • Insufficiently conditioned air
  • Increased dust in the environment

Let’s take a closer look at the most pressing issue, like frozen evaporator coils. ACs without filters draw in dust, and they can’t absorb heat from your home when they’re covered in dust, which leads to them freezing. Frosted coils can’t absorb as much heat, so your AC has to run for more extended periods to cool your home. With time, this will lead to higher energy bills.

Also, if your evaporator coils freeze and you continue to run your AC, it could cause damage to the compressor. Because the compressor is essential for AC, replacing it can be costly. Evaporator coils that are frozen will produce less conditioned air.

Consequences on running your AC with a dirty air filter

  • A clogged air filter can cause more harm than good. During the day, your AC should cycle on and off, but a dirty air filter can make those cycles more frequent than they should be. Cycling is not only noisy, but it also wastes energy.
  • ACs lose efficiency when their filters are clogged, resulting in a buildup of cold air that lowers the temperature inside the AC, which can eventually cause ice to form on the coils if left for long enough, and you have to call professionals like Air Conditioning Replacement Near Me.
  • A lack of airflow can cause uneven cooling, even if it isn’t enough to cause ice to form. Inconsistent cooling with hot and cold spots results in lower comfort levels at a higher price tag.
  • Allergens can accumulate in your duct system for months. Airborne allergens will be released into the air whenever a forced-air system is running. A mold problem in the ducts is possible as well.
  • A dirty filter will use more energy to cool your home, which will result in higher utility bills.

You can run your AC without a filter for a short period of time. In spite of this fact, HVAC specialists like Air Conditioning Tune-Up Near Me will suggest that running your AC without a filter for more than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to the system, as well as lowering the quality of the air in your home significantly.

Are you still confused about whether to have an air filter or not? Call us at 2817190722.

How Much Time To Wait Before Switching On AC After Coil Cleaning?

Remember to pay special attention to your ACs coils, as they are one of the most critical components. When your evaporator coils become dirty, your air conditioner’s efficiency, performance, and reliability can suffer. It’s the evaporator coils that do the dehumidification for your air conditioner.

Dust, pollen, and other particles can be found in the air that blows across the coils. As a result of the dehumidification process, contaminants can easily adhere to the coils. Unclean or missing air filters can increase the amount of material that comes into contact with your evaporator coil.

The problems when coils become dirty:

  • Diminished ability to cool
  • Increased consumption of energy
  • Operating pressures and temperatures are increasing
  • System wear increases
  • Ice build-up on coil

It is usual for an air conditioner with dirty coils to use almost 40% more energy than one with clean coils, in most cases. The cooling function can be reduced by as much as 30%, if necessary.

Coil cleaning methods
  • Compressed air

Use direct compressed air in the opposite direction of the normal airflow across the coil to achieve the desired effect. High-pressure air should be directed either at a 90-degree angle or directly through the fins if you’re using high-pressure air. You can also take professional help like AC Tune Up Near Me.

AC can be turned on after a few hours, as only compressed air has been used.

  • Brushes

Instead of using liquids or chemicals, brush cleaning allows you to apply more pressure to coils and fins with greater control. To avoid damaging the fins, avoid using hard-bristled brushes or wire brushes with hard bristles.

ACs can be turned on after a few minutes since only a brush has been used.

  • Commercial cleaners

The majority of cleaning products are foaming, which breaks down and drains away into the unit’s drainage system after a short period. Follow the product’s instructions and precautions to avoid any problems. It would be better to wait for a few hours before switching on the AC.

  • Mild detergent & water

To clean your evaporator coils, use a mild detergent and warm water. As the solution soaks in and loosens debris, it takes a few seconds to a few minutes. Before using it again, use a soft cloth or brush to remove any loose material.

ACs can be turned on after at least 6 – 7 hours, as detergent and water have been used.

  • Heavy-duty cleaning

Cleaning and maintenance of your A/C evaporator coils should be scheduled as soon as they become heavily soiled or filthy. Removing the coil, cutting and reattaching refrigerant lines, restoring vacuum in the refrigerator lines, and recharging or refilling the system are all possible steps in the process.

It would be better to wait for a few hours before switching on the AC.

Are you seeking an AC Contractor Near Me? Do you want to save money on cleaning and servicing? We can be of help. Call us at 2817190722.

What Is An Ideal Nighttime Temperature For Air Conditioning?

A good night’s sleep can provide numerous health benefits to your body, skin, and nervous system. Setting a pleasant room temperature is one of the techniques to have a better night’s sleep. According to the Department of Energy, when people are at home and need cooling, 78° Fahrenheit is the perfect spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort.

Learn why temperature matters for sleep and what setting your air conditioner should be set to at night.

Why Is It Important To Sleep at The Proper Temperature?

The temperature of the room in which you sleep has a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. Several studies have looked at the changes in body temperature while you sleep over the years and discovered that, on average, the human body lowers a couple of degrees during the early hours of the morning. This temperature decline is part of its usual cycle, but it requires a particular ambient temperature to function effectively.

It has been proven that exposure to colder or hotter temperatures disrupts sleep, increases alertness, and prevents rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. As you surely know, it’s not good if you wake up easily because it usually means you’re not getting enough sleep. It’s also counterproductive if your body cannot enter REM sleep, which is a more restful and deeper period of sleep.

Your circadian clock controls these different periods of sleep. It cannot perform correctly when subjected to harmful environmental conditions such as high humidity, too hot, or too cold. Insomnia or insufficient slumber can result from disruptions in your circadian cycle, which usually means you wake up even more fatigued in the morning.

Ideal Air Conditioner Temperature For Sleeping

The appropriate room temperature for sleeping varies from person to person and is determined by your level of comfort. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, are thought to work better than warmer conditions since they help your body’s core temperature drop.

According to experts, the optimal temperature for sleeping at night is 25 degrees Celsius. Using the thermostat on your air conditioner will help you achieve this temperature. You can also search for an AC installation near me for expert assistance.

How Can Your Air Conditioner Assist You in Sleeping?

Winters are usually not a problem because the human body likes a colder sleeping temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat that you’re utilizing to remain warm during the winter, simply turn it down a notch, and you should be ready to go.

However, things become a little more difficult in the summer. You can use a smart thermostat to automatically regulate the room temperature during the night once more. If that fails, many people rely on their old-fashioned air conditioners to keep them cool on hot summer evenings.

Do you want to cut your HVAC maintenance costs? Air United Mechanical can assist you in this task. Look for an AC replacement near me or call us at (281) 719-0722.

When Is It Time For Your Air Conditioning System To Be Repaired?

With the extreme heat of the summer in recent years, air conditioners are no more a luxury. A fully functioning, stable air conditioner, which is in good condition and helps you get through the entire summer without troubling you at once, is exactly what you would want.

Being stuck in the middle of the summer with a poorly working air conditioner or, even worse, with one that isn’t working is nothing less than a nightmare. But how would you know at an early stage that there is any fault in your air conditioner and you need AC repair in spring to avoid issues all summer?

Given below are some of the signs you shall pay attention to:

  • The Room Is Not Cool Enough

Is your air conditioner not cooling the room as it used to at a particular temperature? Is it that you have to set the temperature too low, and even then, you don’t feel cool or pleasant enough? If you keep the air conditioner working for a long period, you do not feel the room cooling adequately.

It is an obvious sign that there is some fault with your appliance, and you shall look for air conditioning repair in Magnolia.

  • High Electricity Bills

Unusually high electricity bills are another sign that you need to get your appliance checked and get it repaired. A sudden surge in electricity bills with the same use of the ac means that most likely the compressor, condenser, or refrigerant is malfunctioning.

  • Frequent Need Of The Appliance To Be Checked And Serviced

Timely and regular AC maintenance is recommended. But if you find yourself booking an appointment for the maintenance, check-up, and servicing of your air conditioner frequently even after the regular maintenance and servicing, say five to six times a year, this is a sign of a problem.

There is probably some serious issue with any part of the AC, and you shall look for air conditioning repair in Magnolia.

  • Unpleasant Noises

Before the summer arrives, make sure you check the AC by letting it on for a while. It is normal for the air conditioners to make low, dull sounds, but apart from this, if you notice unpleasant noises like clicking, banging, screeching, etc., it is time for you to call for AC repair in spring.

  • High Humidity

Air conditioners are supposed to remove the extra humidity from the air in the room to make you feel pleasant. But, if you find that your room is getting quite humid and uncomfortable, and there is some foul or rotting smell in the air, it is an indication that you need to get all components of your appliance checked by a professional and get the faulty parts repaired.

We can help you save money when you are in search of AC repair in spring. To get the best air conditioning repair or other HVAC services from a reliable organization, give us a call at (281) 719-0722.

What’s Included In An AC Tune-Up From Service Champions

Air conditioners are one of the most important appliances in our homes during the summer. With increasing heat every summer, they have become a necessity, and having them break down in the middle of the season is one of the nightmares and nothing less.

To prevent this, it is recommended that you opt for regular maintenance and tune-up sessions before the season starts.

Before typing air conditioning tune-up near me in the search box, it is advised that you get a brief idea about what is included in an AC tune-up session.

  • Inspect And Tighten Electrical Connections

Damaged wires or loose connections between your thermostat, outdoor unit, or power source would result in the appliance not getting adequate power. This would compromise the performance of the unit and might even lead it to shut down.

So during the air conditioning tune-up, the technicians would make sure that the damaged wires are replaced, and the wires are tightened.

  • Lubricate Moving Parts

The technicians would apply a small amount of oil to some of the moving parts where it is required. This would minimize the friction and save the unit from consuming unnecessary extra power and increase the appliance’s efficiency. To add to it, it also diminishes the wearing down of the parts.

  • Clean Condenser And Evaporator Coils

Next, they would clean the condenser off the dirt, grass, and debris. They also clean the clogged evaporator coils during the air conditioning tune-up session. They would suggest you go for an air conditioning replacement near me if they find out in the process that any part is faulty beyond repair and needs to be replaced.

  • Clean Condensation Drains

If your condensate drain is clogged or partially blocked, this can build up to harmful moisture and humidity in your room. So as part of the air conditioning tune-up near me, the service providers clean the condensate drains.

Adjust and clean blowers
Correcting blowers increases the appliance’s efficiency as it resolves the problem of improper flow of air. As a result, energy costs are reduced, and you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable hot and cool spots in the room.

  • Check And Recharge Refrigerant

The amount of refrigerant in your air conditioner must be of the right amount. If it should not be less, it shouldn’t even be more than the required amount. Both cases would increase the appliance’s inefficiency and would decrease the life of the appliance in the long term.

When you opt for any air conditioning tune-up near me, the experts also check the refrigerant level in the appliance. Low coolant makes your heat pump and requires your ac to work harder. So the technicians ensure that the right level of coolant is maintained.

We can help you save money when you are in search of air conditioning tune-up services. To get the best air conditioning tune-up services, look for air conditioning replacement near me or give us a call at (281) 719-0722.