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Video – Which Air Quality Equipment Should I Install?
Indoor air quality is on everyone’s mind but how do you know what equipment is right for your home?
Tips to Troubleshoot Your Thermostat
If your heating or air conditioning system suddenly stops working in your Santa Clara home, it’s easy to think the worst. However, sometimes the malfunction is not really caused by your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at all, but actually from a broken thermostat.
Here are some expert tips on checking your thermostat first as well as some basic troubleshooting ideas from our Air Care Heating & Cooling team.
The Role of a Thermostat
Whether you have an old-fashioned basic thermostat or a new-fangled smart one in your California home, the operation of this component is essentially the same. A thermostat is a heat-activated switch that uses an internal temperature sensor to open or close a switch.
This switch completes or disrupts the electrical circuit that runs your heating and cooling system. The thermostat senses the current temperature and activates your furnace or air conditioner to reach the desired temperature.
Check the Obvious First
Although it may seem silly to suggest checking that your thermostat is turned on, the basic things are frequently overlooked. Besides confirming power and that your circuit breakers are operating, be sure you have selected either Heat or Cool, depending on the season. Also, ensure you have fresh, working batteries correctly installed.
If you have a programmable thermostat, confirm your settings are correct and the override function is not engaged.
Basic Cleaning
Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate inside your thermostat and affect its operation. If these or other indoor pollutants clog the thermostat, they can coat the inside and interfere with both electrical and mechanical components.
Carefully open the case, and gently clean with a small paintbrush or a can of electronics air cleaner designed for electronics. If you are uncertain about how to do this correctly, call one of our professionals to avoid damaging the sensitive components.
Consider Location and Balance
It’s important your thermostat is not located in direct sunlight or near a lamp or other electronic equipment. Such a location will inaccurately raise the temperature and cause your thermostat to malfunction. In addition, if your thermostat is not perfectly level, the mercury used in conventional thermostats will not register correctly.
Adjust Anticipator
Your thermostat has a component called an anticipator, which desensitizes your thermostat to slight temperature changes once the room temperature and the set temperature are near each other. Without the anticipator, your HVAC system would tend to cycle on and off too frequently, potentially damaging your equipment.
Usually, the anticipator will operate correctly when it is set between 0.2 and 0.8 amps. However, sometimes you may need to adjust the anticipator. Remove the outside housing and locate a small metal tab that’s near a scale measuring shorter to longer.
If your furnace is kicking on and off too frequently, move your anticipator one calibration mark toward the “longer” setting. On the other hand, if your furnace never brings your home to the desired temperature, move it toward the “shorter” setting by one calibration mark.
After making the adjustment, take note over the next hour or two to see if your problem is resolved before making further adjustments.
Trying Rebooting Your System
In order to reboot your system, set your thermostat to Heat and lower the temperature until the furnace shuts off. Go to your breaker panel and turn off the power to your thermostat and furnace system. Leave the breaker switch off for about a minute, and then turn your breaker back on.
Consider Replacement or Upgrade
If you have discovered your thermostat is beyond repair, it may be time to invest in a new one. Many different types of thermostats are available today.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), investing in a programmable thermostat and setting back your temperature during the night or workday can save you up to 10 percent of your annual energy bills.
You may even want to look at smart thermostats that can adjust to your family’s personal schedule and “learn” from your settings to help you program future days.
If you have an old mercury-based thermostat, be sure to dispose of it properly. Call us for help with this if you’re unsure how to do it.
Contact Us for All Your Thermostat Needs
If you are still experiencing problems with your thermostat or HVAC system after trying these tips, call our professional team at Air Care Heating & Cooling in Santa Clara, CA. We would be happy to send out a trained, professional technician to take a closer look, diagnose your problem, and offer a solution. Call 408.317.2950 or request service online today.
Video – Have Your Utility Bills Jumped?
Have your utility bills suddenly jumped? It could be your heating and cooling system.
Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?
You just discovered there is a puddle of water on the floor in front of your furnace. What does this mean? Why would your furnace be leaking water?
It could be a few different things. In most cases, it is not a big repair, so keep calm.
However, you will need one of our Air Care Heating & Cooling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals to take a good look at it and resolve the issue for you.
Because No One Wants to Be in Deep Water
Do not delay. Any issue dealing with water can quickly get complicated if not addressed in a timely manner. It can also speedily snowball into affecting other areas of your Santa Clara home—like mold, creating poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Schedule one of our highly trained professionals to come out to your California home as soon as possible.
How to Identify Your Furnace Type
There are a few different reasons your furnace could be leaking water, but the most common reason is a condensation leak. Before a causal determination can be made, our HVAC expert needs to know what type of furnace you have.
Is it a high-efficiency (condensing) or standard-efficiency (conventional) furnace? If you are not sure, it is easy to tell on your own. Take a look at its vent or exhaust pipe. If the pipe is white plastic (PVC), then your furnace is a high-efficiency system.
Another way to tell what is what is by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. If the rating is 90 percent or more, your furnace has a cool exhaust and produces condensation, therefore, it is defined as high efficiency.
On the other hand, if your furnace has a metal exhaust pipe, it is a standard-efficiency furnace and should not have condensation. It will have an AFUE below 90 percent.
Many times furnaces have their AFUE rating printed on a yellow energy guide sticker in plain site on the unit, since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has very strict consumer product regulations for displaying energy usage.
Unfortunately this is not always the case, especially in older models. Taking a look at the vent or exhaust pipe is a fairly accurate technique, so do not worry if you do not know your furnace’s AFUE rating.
The Possible Causes of Your Leak
Again, the most common reason for a leaking furnace is a condensation leak. High-efficiency furnaces extract heat from the combustion gases for a longer period of time than a standard-efficiency furnace does, causing the gases to cool, then condense. Condensation is routed to a drain.
You might have a clogged condensation drain or tubing, a break in the condensation line, or issues with the condensate pump, if you have such a pump.
A standard-efficiency furnace extracts some heat from the combustion gases and quickly vents them out the exhaust or flue pipe. So there should be no water involved with a standard-efficiency furnace. If there is a condensation leak, the exhaust or flue pipe may be incorrectly sized.
You really need one of our HVAC professionals to assess what is going on in your Santa Clara home. If we rule out a condensation leak, we can then help you with the other possibilities.
One such issue could involve your whole-house humidifier, especially if yours is connected to the furnace. It might be leaking inside your furnace, though having annual preventative maintenance on your HVAC system should help ensure this will not happen.
Another possibility is an internal drain system clog. If your air conditioning is running, and it shares an internal drain with your furnace, the drain could have an obstruction causing water to be sent to your furnace.
Just so you are aware, the worst-case scenario is a faulty furnace secondary heat exchanger, but it is only for high-efficiency furnaces. Unfortunately, this problems falls into the big-repair category—generally resulting in a furnace replacement.
We Are Experts in All Facets of Furnaces
Whatever the reason may be for your furnace leak here in Santa Clara, CA, it is time to call in a professional. You can reach our Air Care Heating & Cooling experienced and trained team members at 408.317.2950 or request service online. We are always happy to assist you in every aspect of furnace care.
Video – Why Is My HVAC Unit Making Unusual Noises?
If you hear any unusual noise coming from your HVAC unit, please turn it off and call us at 408.317.2950. Don’t attempt any kind of repair without consulting an HVAC certified technician first.
408.317.2950
Why Is My Heat Pump Freezing Up?
Our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling regularly gets calls about frozen heat pumps. Though common, a heat pump freeze-up usually means your system’s components are not working correctly. Sometimes you can fix it yourself. But oftentimes, you will need to call a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional, like us, as the problem may require a part replacement or complex repair.
Heat Pump Brain Freeze
To help sort things out, here are the six usual suspects causing heat pumps to freeze up:
1. Clogged Air Filter
When air filters are left to collect particles for too long, they become clogged. This hinders airflow, trapping moisture. Dust, pet dander, and smoke are just a few examples of things that can clog your filter.
The National Air Filter Association (NAFA) recommends changing your system’s filter as soon as it is loaded with dust and debris. How quickly your filter becomes clogged depends on many factors in your home. At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we recommend switching to a new filter minimally every three months.
Try replacing your air filter, then running your unit’s heat setting to melt the ice. If this does not clear the problem, contact one of our trained experts to come out to help.
2. Low or Empty Refrigerant
If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it may be leaking. This can be from of a weakened solder joint, a failed valve, or unsecured fittings. Also, when a component rubs against the refrigerant tank over time, it could eventually puncture it, leading to a freeze-up.
When the pipes start rattling, play it safe and power down your heat pump. Then contact one of our HVAC professionals for immediate inspection.
3. Filthy Evaporator Coil
Refrigerant flows through your heat pump’s evaporator coil. It transports heat into your San Jose home during cool weather and pulls it out during hot weather. When the coil becomes dirty, its ability to transfer heat is impaired. Compromised airflow can lead to a freeze-up.
If you notice ice on your coils, power down your heat pump. Then gently pour warm water over the coils to melt the ice. If your coils freeze back up, call one of our HVAC team members.
4. Faulty Blower Motor
If your blower motor is not up to speed, it can wreak havoc on your system, leading to a freeze-up.
The fan may start and stop intermittently, run at a reduced spinning cycle, or not run at all. If this is the case, have someone from Air Care Heating & Cooling replace it.
5. Dirty Fan Blades
When the blower’s fan blades are dirty, this compromises the system’s airflow and exhaust output. Moisture may become trapped and turn into ice. If this happens, give us a call to correct it, as the fan blades are quite delicate.
6. Wintertime Neglect
Depending on your heat pump model and your California home’s geographic location, some air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) do not always operate efficiently in colder temperatures. Check with one of our experts if this is an issue for your heat pump.
Also, the unit should be completely level with the ground; any tilting can cause moisture to get trapped and become frozen. Again, talk to our HVAC professionals if you believe your heat pump is not level.
Finally, your unit should be away from gutter flow, as this can cause ice formation. During the winter, always check for ice accumulation around or on your unit, and clear it to prevent further issues.
Contact Us With Any Heat Pump Issues
Experiencing a frozen heat pump? Our Air Care Heating & Cooling team of experienced HVAC professionals is just around the corner in San Jose, CA, to assist you. Call us today at 408.317.2950 or request service online if you need a repair or are interested in upgrading your current system.
Video – Replace Your Air Filter
Change your HVAC filters regularly, as recommended, which is usually at least every three months. A good HEPA filter will catch the particles before they reach your lungs. There’s so much floating in the air our eyes can’t see, and changing your filter as recommended makes all the difference.
Schedule Your Annual Furnace Inspection Now
What ’s at the top of your fall to-do list? Make sure it is your furnace.
Prepping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter in California not only enhances your safety and your furnace’s efficiency, it can help keep your repair budget in line during cold weather. Tackling this important chore is easier than raking leaves or cleaning gutters when you call the heating and cooling experts at Air Care Heating & Cooling.
Even if you have not thought about your furnace for months—it is easy to overlook if it is stationed in the basement or hidden in a closet—fall is the perfect time to make sure the most important seasonal equipment in your home is ready for action.
Before you know it, it will be time for pumpkin pie, cold starry nights, and the age-old game of thermostat tug-o-war. You may not be ready to switch on your furnace just yet, but Air Care Heating & Cooling can make sure your heating system will run as efficiently and safely as possible when the temperature outside plummets. The last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of winter.
Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?
Neglecting your furnace risks the safety and integrity of your Santa Clara home. Preventative maintenance, including an annual inspection before the heating season begins, can identify potential mechanical or electrical flaws. It can reveal potential problems that, if not corrected, may lead to expensive repairs and higher energy bills.
Even something as simple as a dirty air filter decreases airflow and can make your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Inefficiency means higher energy costs. That can translate into a big chunk of change, especially when you consider that home heating can make up approximately 42 percent of your total utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over time, a clogged air filter or dirty burner can turn a small problem into a big breakdown.
An annual maintenance check-up not only protects your furnace but also safeguards your family. A cracked heat exchanger, for example, can lead to a deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leak. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), CO exposure sends more than 20,000 Americans to the emergency room every year and causes 400 deaths. The CDC recommends installing CO detectors in your home and having all gas appliances inspected by a qualified technician every year.
Annual inspections also preserve your HVAC system’s warranty. Keep track of all paperwork relating to maintenance service and repairs and hire one of our certified, licensed experts for the work.
What Does an Inspection Involve?
Our HVAC professionals will clean air intake grilles and the burner. We will make sure belts, bearings, and other parts are in good condition and will examine the air filter, pilot light, hot surface ignitors, and flame sensors. We also will measure and analyze the combustion to make sure it follows manufacturer guidelines.
During the annual inspection, our technician will let you know if repairs are needed or if it is time to replace your system. You will have ample time to have new equipment installed if you schedule a yearly inspection before the heating season begins.
What About Do-It-Yourself Furnace Maintenance?
During the heating season, you should check your furnace filter periodically and replace it if it is clogged or dirty.
You also can wrap up the heating season by cleaning your furnace humidifier. You will need to remove or replace its water panel, turn the humidistat off and switch the bypass duct damper to the summer position. Most owners manuals will walk you through the process. If you did not include the humidifier in your spring cleaning, you can tackle the job before the heating season begins. If you are unsure, just can ask one of our HVAC professional to handle the job for you.
Contact Us Today
Ready to schedule your annual furnace inspection? The HVAC experts at Air Care Heating & Cooling in Santa Clara, CA, are eager to help. Call 408.317.2950 or request service online.
Video – Wildfire Safety Tips
Do you live near a wildfire zone? If so, here are steps you can take to protect your indoor air quality and help keep your loved ones safe.
5 Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Fall
Get ready for cooler weather here in San Jose—fall is around the corner! When the outdoor temperatures start to drop, you probably will spend more time inside your home. Be sure to focus on enhancing your indoor air quality (IAQ) so that you can boost your overall home comfort and enjoy the autumn season to its fullest.
To improve your air quality and transform your California home into the ideal living space you’ve always wanted, turn to our Air Care Heating & Cooling professionals. We are the leading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts—a company you can trust with your health and comfort.
You won’t find a more committed or thorough team better equipped to maximize your comfort at home—call us today to address your needs! Here are some key ways you can start improving your indoor air quality this fall:
- Install a whole-home humidifier and/or whole-home dehumidifier.
Fall weather means less air conditioning (AC) is needed to keep cool—but this can also lead to inadequate humidity levels inside your home. Ideal humidity levels fall within the range of 30 to 50 percent.
Inadequate humidity levels can result in respiratory issues and worsen both asthma and allergy symptoms. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 24 million people are affected by asthma—while allergies are classified as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness.
If your home feels too dry, a whole-home humidifier could provide the appropriate balance. Similarly, a whole-home dehumidifier could assist by preventing your home from becoming overly humid. - Replace or clean your HVAC filter routinely.
It’s critical to replace disposable HVAC filters (and clean off washable versions) at least every 30 to 90 days. Filters trap particles, but if you don’t routinely change your filter, you’ll end up breathing in all of the captured dust, dirt, and debris. Not only will a dirty filter result in poor indoor air quality, but it also prevents your HVAC system from operating at full capacity. - Open your windows for ventilation.
Prop open your windows for a few minutes every day if possible. Proper ventilation helps dilute any lingering bacteria and viruses by inviting fresher air inside and pushing stale air out. As a result, your indoor air will be cleaner and safer for you to breathe. - Clean your home regularly.
Routine cleaning helps eliminate surface contaminants on your floors, countertops, tables, windowsills, and fixtures. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses easily collect in these areas of your home, negatively impacting your air quality. Counteract this by dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping regularly. - Schedule a duct cleaning service.
No matter how clean you keep your home, failing to have your air ducts professionally cleaned could lead to you breathing in dust and various particles. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, don’t continue exposing yourself to triggers throughout your home—opt for a duct cleaning. A professional duct cleaning helps ensure allergens are kept at bay and encourages cleaner indoor air quality since your HVAC airflow circulates through ductwork to various areas of your home. - Opt for routine professional HVAC maintenance.
Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance visit at least once a year. Planned maintenance not only ensures your system runs efficiently—it also allows our team to catch any issues that could compromise your system and indoor air quality. Plus, an annual tune-up helps restore your system so that you can count on it when you need it most.
Call Us Today to Start Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
The best time to focus on achieving ideal indoor air quality inside your San Jose, CA, home is always now. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Air Care Heating & Cooling professionals—we can optimize your indoor comfort and create the environment you deserve. Give us a call today at 408.317.2950 or request service online.
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