Skip to main content

Author: analytics@markalon.com

How Rain & Flooding Affects Your HVAC System

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Maintenance. No Comments on How Rain & Flooding Affects Your HVAC System

Heavy rains in Middle Tennessee serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by excessive water.  Flooding of roadways and fallen trees come to mind, but have you considered how excessive rain can affect your heating and air conditioning system? The typical central heating & air-conditioning system has 3 main components:

  • an outdoor part – which sits beside or behind your home,
  • an indoor part – usually in a basement, attic, or utility room, and
  • ductwork – which runs all around various spaces inside your home.

Let’s look at how heavy rains can affect each of these.

Outdoors

The outdoor parts – the compressor and condenser coil – are built to withstand all kinds of weather.  The sensitive electrical components are sealed and the connections are insulated and made impervious to moisture. The outer-facing parts are comprised of aluminum, copper, and other metals, which are made to handle heavy rains.  But too much rain can impact the outdoor unit in the following ways:

  • Erosion, gullies, and mudslicks can cause the pad the outdoor unit is sitting on to shift as the heavy rain washes away the earth beneath and beside it. The result is that the unit is no longer level, or in extreme cases, the unit has washed partly or completely off the pad. If you encounter either of these situations, turn the unit off and do not operate it until the unit is made level again, on a firm footing.
  • Debris from the yard or blowing in the wind can wash up near the unit or become lodged in the unit. Branches, leaves, and other debris can fall inside the unit (where the fan blades are), or can damage the fins on the sides of the unit. After a storm, always check the outdoor unit. If the fins have been damaged or you see gashes or holes, turn the unit off and call a professional. Operating the system with debris in or against the unit will cause damage to the unit!
  • Standing water or flooding around the outdoor unit can be quite serious, as it may have damaged the internal components. Turn the unit off and have it professionally inspected before you restart it. In the meantime, check the source of the water: do you have a broken or blocked gutter or a downspout that needs to be re-directed? If the source of the standing water is due to the unit being located in a low spot in yard, or in an area with poor drainage due to vegetation or slopes, consider relocating the unit or raising it up several feet to prevent future flooding.
  • Tip: Never use a tarp or plastic bag to cover the outdoor unit. It traps moisture inside, leading to rust, mold, and mildew, which weakens the components and will cause them to break down sooner. It also creates an attractive nesting ground for insects and vermin. Covering the outdoor unit while running the air-conditioner will damage the compressor.

Indoors

The indoor part – typically the furnace, heat exchanger, evaporator, and air handler – is usually located in a basement, attic, or utility room. Because it is designed to be indoors, its electrical components and construction are not built to withstand rain or extreme moisture. In a heavy rain, or even during a water heater mishap, your basement or utility room may experience flooding. If your unit is located in the attic, be mindful that a roof leak as a result of the heavy rain could develop. Any time your indoor unit is wet or encounters standing water, a short in the electrical circuits can damage the wiring, motors, and electronics, and make the system hazardous. The system should be turned off from the main circuit breaker (not just at thermostat). Do not attempt to start it again without having it thoroughly inspected by an HVAC technician.

Ductwork

Ductwork, which is often run in crawlspaces and attics, can be impacted by heavy rains. If your crawlspace floods or your roof leaks, the ductwork will get wet. Ductwork is typically not waterproof. Water entering the ducts may remain inside the duct long after the flood itself has receded, and will cause the ductwork to deteriorate. Mold and mildew will begin growing inside your ductwork, giving your whole house a musty smell, and could lead to the perfect environment for toxic mold growth. Roof leaks can often go unnoticed in the attic for some time, and moisture or even standing water in a crawlspace can go unnoticed if it doesn’t raise to the level of impacting the floors. This ongoing moisture will saturate the insulation around the ducts, in the attic, and under the floor joists. Wet insulation no longer does its job, and the increased heat transfer causes your heat and air conditioner to run longer cycles to compensate, or forces you to continually adjust the thermostat to compensate for the reduced efficiency.  But the biggest danger to you and your family from wet ductwork is the reduced air quality and health hazards of mold.

If you are concerned that your system is not working properly due to recent storms in the area, give Interstate AC Service a call at (615) 832-8500. We’ll determine if your system is safe to operate or is in need of repairs.

Is Your Thermostat the Cause of Your Heating Problem?

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in General Advice. No Comments on Is Your Thermostat the Cause of Your Heating Problem?

It’s cold and your heat doesn’t seem to be working!  Did you know your thermostat could be the cause?  Here are some troubleshooting tips and fixes you may be able to do yourself, to save time and money.

  • Power:  Is the display on your thermostat blank? It could be there is no power to the thermostat.  A tripped circuit breaker or fuse could be the problem, possibly caused by a power outage, power surge, lightning strike, or storm. Reset the tripped circuit breaker or replace the fuse. Make sure all the wires going to the thermostat are connected and not loose.
  • Batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, or relies on battery for backup power in case of a power outage, it could be that the battery needs replacing.  If you have a programmable thermostat, and had a recent power outage, it could be that without a functioning battery backup, all of your settings have been wiped out by the power outage and the thermostat reverted to its default program. You’ll need to insert a new battery, then re-enter your settings.
  • Date/Time: Check that the thermostat is set to the correct day and time, including the AM or PM designation.  One customer bought a programmable thermostat to save money, with the intent to have the heat backed down while the customer was away at work, and have the heat cranked up at night when the customer was home.  But when the customer started freezing at night, they mistakenly thought something was wrong with their heat, when the real culprit was they had the AM/PM designation backwards on their thermostat!

Here’s a tip: If you’ve lost your owner’s manual for your thermostat, most major-brand manuals can be found on the web — just go to the manufacturer’s web site.

  • Mode: Check that the thermostat is in heat mode. This switch can easily get accidentally bumped into the off or cool position. If it’s a programmable thermostat, switch it to manual control and set it for 5 degrees above the room temperature, and wait to see if the heat cycles on.  If it does not, then the problem may be at the furnace.

If none of these DIY fixes addresses your problem, and you live in the Nashville area, give us a call at 615-802-2665. We’re here to help!

Common AC Problem: Inadequate Cooling

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Inadequate Cooling

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer. That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Inadequate Cooling

If your system is working fine (no leaks or noises, etc.), but it is not able to maintain the desired temperature you set on the thermostat, especially during the hottest part of the day, it could be that your unit is under-sized for your house. Perhaps you added space on to the house since it was built or removed trees near the house that were providing shade. When excessive demand is being made on the unit and it can’t keep up, you may need a larger unit. To delay having to get another system, you can add extra insulation – especially in the attic – and get double or triple paned windows with low E glass, to help improve your system’s performance. Getting regular tune-ups in spring and fall also helps to maintain your system’s efficiency so it will operate at peak performance. Other reasons for inadequate cooling include:

  • A dirty condenser or evaporator coil
  • A blocked condenser
  • Clogged drain lines
  • A lack of system refrigerant

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Doesn’t Cycle On

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Doesn’t Cycle On

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC Doesn’t Cycle On

If your AC does not cycle on, check to make sure it has power, that the circuit breaker has not been tripped, and that the thermostat is on and set to cool mode. If these check out, then here are some possible causes:

  1. System has frozen up: You might see ice on the inside or outside unit. This is typically a sign that there is a refrigerant leak (described above), but it could also be a sign that the ductwork is blocked or a dirty air filter. Turn the system off, turn the thermostat to fan, and wait for the ice to defrost, which may take several hours. Meanwhile, call an AC professional.
  2. Condensation (drip) pan is full: When condensate drips from the evaporator into the drip pan, the excess water should be carried away via pipes to the outside. If these pipes – the condensate lines – get clogged, a water float switch will automatically turn the AC unit off. If your unit is not equipped with a float switch, you will instead see water leaking from the around the drip pan. Dry out the drip pan and clean the condensate line. Refer to our post Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold).

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Blows Hot Air

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Blows Hot Air

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC is Blowing Hot Air

If your AC is not cooling or is blowing hot air, here are some possible causes and solutions:

  1. Thermostat turned to heat mode: Switch it back to “cool” and you’re good to go.
  1. Dirty evaporator coil caused by a dirty air filter:  Change air filters.  You may also need to have the evaporator coil (inside the indoor part of the AC unit) professionally cleaned.
  1. Condenser coil obstructions: Check the outside AC unit for anything blocking the condenser’s air flow, and clean any debris (such as grass clippings, overgrown bushes, etc.) around the unit.
  1. Low on refrigerant/Freon:  This is usually caused by a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system and looks like ice forming on either the inside or outside unit or both.  For this, you’ll need to contact an AC professional.  See our post Adding Freon to your AC is NOT a DIY Project.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: AC Runs Continuously

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: AC Runs Continuously

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

AC Runs Continuously

Perhaps the AC is cooling but you notice it’s working harder and longer.  You might also notice a sharp increase in your energy bills compared to last year at the same time.  This may be due to a sensor problem, which is causing improper monitoring of the temperature of the evaporator coil.  Typical sensor problems include: the sensor isn’t positioned in the right place, the connections to and from the sensor have failed (due to an electrical short, for example), or the sensor itself has died.  A professional AC technician will be needed to investigate and remedy these situations.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Unit Shuts Off Repeatedly

If the unit is turning on and off repeatedly, or has difficulty switching on, or you hear a choking and stuttering sound while turning it on, there is short cycling problem.  This can severely damage the compressor, stress the other components, and will consume excess electricity.  Some possible causes are an electrical short somewhere in the system, poor wiring (this is serious and could cause a fire), a damaged or failed part in the system, dirty air filters, or blocked ducts preventing the flow of air.  If you continue to have a short cycling problem after checking your air filter and vents, turn the system off and contact an AC professional.  In some cases – especially if the problem has persisted a while – you may require a new AC unit entirely..

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: Noises

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: Noises

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

Noises

While your AC is running, you should hear the hum of the blower, a click when your air conditioner turns on, and the whir of the outside condenser fan.  Other noises – such as rattling, screeching, thumping, clanging, or banging – mean your system is having problems.  Typical causes of noise from the AC unit include: a belt wearing out, loose hardware, a failing motor, refrigerant issues, or blower issues.  But try these things first: make sure the filter is clean, that the air vents in all rooms are unblocked, and that there are no obstructions around or in the outside unit.  If you still hear strange noises, contact a professional AC service technician before the situation worsens and leads to big repair bills and prolonged downtime.

Avoid AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Common AC Problem: External Fan Not Working

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Common AC Problem: External Fan Not Working

During the summer, your air conditioner (AC) works harder and longer.  That high demand may cause a problem to rear its ugly head.  In this multi-part post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common AC problems, talk about the possible causes, and provide suggestions for tackling each problem.

External Fan (Compressor) Not Working

Check all around and inside the outdoor unit.  Verify that the fan blades are unimpeded.  It could be that the outdoor unit sustained damage due to falling debris from storms.  Be sure to keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and check it often throughout the summer and fall.  If there are no obstructions and the fan blades are not turning, it could be caused by a lack of power to the system.  Cycle the power by turning the circuit breaker off and back on again, then set the thermostat lower than the current inside temperature and wait 2-5 minutes.  If you do not hear the compressor kick in and the fan blades start to turn, you probably have a faulty motor or compressor, and will need to contact a service professional.

Avoid Summer AC Problems

Summer can be the best time of the year, so don’t let air conditioning problems hinder you from enjoying it.  Be sure to get annual AC maintenance visits, so it will run efficiently and be ready for the high demand of the summer’s heat.  If you live in the Nashville area and experience any heating or cooling problems, call on Interstate AC Service at (615) 832-8500.

Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold

Written by analytics@markalon.com on . Posted in Maintenance. No Comments on Clean Condensate Lines to Prevent Mold

Foul odors coming from your cooling system are more than an unwelcome inconvenience – they can be downright dangerous.  Air conditioner smells are most often caused by mold and mildew growing somewhere within the system.  In this post, we’ll look at how your HVAC system can harbor mold and be responsible for circulating musty odors.

Air conditioners work primarily by dehumidifying the air.  The water drawn out of the air drips from the evaporator coils into a condensation pan (or drip pan) under the HVAC air handling unit. Drip pans are the perfect environments for mold and algae growth, which then can clog the drain lines.  If the moisture is unable to flow out of the system, the water backs up and can overflow the drip pan, causing water damage in your home as well as causing your air conditioner to shut off.  In fact, a clogged condensate drain line is the second leading cause of AC failures.

Regular Maintenance is Essential

As part of regular spring/summer HVAC maintenance, the evaporator coil and condensation lines are cleaned.  Having your system’s evaporator coil cleaned not only works to reduce smell, but the procedure will also improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. The mold, mildew, and dirt deposited on your coil will reduce airflow through the system, lowering its efficiency, and causing your HVAC to fail sooner.

Clean Condensate Pan & Drain Lines

But even if you’ve had your system cleaned at the beginning of the season, the condensate drain line could still become clogged during the course of use.  So, it is important to check the condensate pan and drain lines monthly throughout the air conditioning season.  Here’s how:

  1. Find the condensate pan – usually a metal or hard plastic pan about 3 inches deep – sitting below the HVAC’s air handling unit. In some cases, you may need to remove a metal panel to access it. The condensate pan should be nearly dry.  If it has significant rust all over, or is rusted out in sections, it must be replaced. Plus, signs of rust means there has been water backing up in the pan regularly, which is not a good sign.
  2. If the condensate pan has standing water in it or if there is water on the floor nearby, there is a problem with the condensation drain lines.  If your HVAC unit is in the attic, you might see water coming through the ceiling!  If this is the case, turn the HVAC unit off at the electrical switch and at the thermostat. Using rags or a wet/dry vacuum, remove all the water from the drip pan and around the unit.  Then clean the pan with a mild dish soap or 10% bleach solution.
  3. The drip pan connects to the condensate drain line, which carries water out of the home.  Locate where the drain line exits outside the house.  Be sure there are no obstructions, that the drain line is not buried under dirt or landscaping, and that you can see whether it is dripping.
  4. If no moisture is exiting outdoors even while the system is running or when the condensate pan is full of water, then the drain line is clogged. You may need to use a long, flexible rubber tube through the line – from each end – to dislodge the clog.  Another option is to connect the wet/dry vac to the outlet, and use your hands to make a “seal” around the drain line in order to draw the clog out, or use an AC drain sucker kit.
  5. With the system turned off, flush out the drain using distilled vinegar, hot water with mild dish soap, or a 10% bleach solution. Leave the solution to soak for up to 30 minutes, then rinse the lines with clean water. Be sure you can see the water exiting freely out of the exterior condensate line.
  6. Special cases: If the drain line does not have a direct downward slope allowing it to make use of gravity to help the water exit, you may need to have a small pump added to help push the water out.  If there is a reservoir which holds water until it exits, you may need to add a mild bleach solution, condensate drain line cleaner, or anti-algae tablets to the reservoir on a regular basis to prevent the growth of mold and algae.

If you care about the quality of the air you and your family breathes every day – and want to prolong your HVAC investment – be sure to get your HVAC serviced regularly, and keep that condensation pan and drain clear! If you’re not comfortable with any of the steps listed above, call on Interstate AC service at (615) 832-8500. Rest assured, we’re here to help!