HVAC - Beltway Air Conditioning

The Environmental Impact of Older HVAC Systems

Written by Kevin on July 19, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

If your Arbutus, MD, HVAC system uses inefficient technology, it could have a negative impact on the environment. Old age, an extensive maintenance history, low energy efficiency ratings, and outdated refrigerant types are key markers of an out-of-date HVAC system.

Energy Consumption: A Key Environmental Concern

Older systems often use more power since they aren’t as efficient at turning energy into warm or cold air. This raises emissions and exacerbates the greenhouse effect. Modern systems can save a lot of energy and reduce your household’s carbon footprint since they are up to 30% to 50% more efficient than older versions.

Older systems often fail to effectively keep interior temperatures steady, especially during extreme hot or cold weather periods. Consequently, this increases electricity consumption and strains power systems during peak hours since they need more energy to attain their targeted comfort levels.

Utility companies are often forced to expand their infrastructure to handle surges in demand. The expansion of infrastructure, particularly power plants that rely on fossil fuels, exacerbates the problem of environmental deterioration and greenhouse gas emissions.

Refrigerant Issues: Harmful Emissions

The environmental effect of refrigerants varies greatly among different types, even though they are essential for HVAC systems to maintain cool temperatures. R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) and other refrigerants used in older HVAC systems have a high ozone-depleting potential and a considerable global warming potential.

Improper refrigerant disposal or leakage directly contributes to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, R-22 has been banned. Newer and safer products are used in new air conditioning models. One of our HVAC experts can educate you on which kind of refrigerant your system uses and whether there are any safe alternatives. Upgrading to a more modern system will ensure the use of safer refrigerants.

Maintenance Challenges and Energy Efficiency Loss

Maintenance is essential to keep HVAC systems running at peak efficiency and performance. Problems, including clogged filters, worn-out parts, refrigerant leaks, and inappropriate airflow, are common in older systems because of poor maintenance practices. Because these problems result in HVAC systems working harder to reach desired temperatures, they directly affect energy efficiency. For instance, inefficient cooling or heating due to clogged filters increases energy costs. For example, when refrigerant escapes, it releases harmful compounds into the air, reducing the system’s cooling capability. This is why it’s crucial to schedule routine inspections, change filters regularly, and have interior coils, fan blades, and interior components cleaned on a regular basis. All these maintenance tasks help maintain energy efficiency, increase the system’s longevity, and decrease operating expenses.

Noise Pollution Effects on Indoor Environment

Older air conditioning systems, particularly ones with insufficient noise-reduction measures or older compressors, tend to make a lot of noise while they’re running. Noise pollution has several environmental repercussions, including disruptions to ecosystems and animal habitats.

Noise pollution also reduces people’s quality of life by interfering with their daily activities, increasing their risk of stress, insomnia, and other health problems. Using more modern HVAC equipment and incorporating sound insulation into your home’s design are two ways to lessen the impact of HVAC systems on your indoor environment.

Air Quality Concerns

Dust, mold, allergens, and volatile organic compounds are common indoor contaminants that can accumulate in your indoor air when older systems don’t have proper ventilation and filtering. These pollutants can circulate throughout the home, endangering the health and comfort of those who live or work there. Several health conditions, such as shortness of breath, allergies, headaches, and fatigue, are common side effects of poor indoor air quality.

Technology Solutions: Innovations in HVAC Systems

Homeowners now have exciting new options to improve indoor comfort, lower energy usage, and reduce the environmental effects of their HVAC systems. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are a notable invention. These systems differ from conventional HVAC systems in that they change the refrigerant flow rate in response to the unique cooling and heating demands of individual rooms or zones within a house. This tailored method increases comfort by keeping temperatures consistent throughout the home and increases energy efficiency by decreasing wasteful energy usage.

The incorporation of smart HVAC controls is another innovation. These systems use occupancy sensors and intelligent algorithms to automatically adjust the temperature according to the day, weather, and other factors. This allows homeowners to optimize energy consumption and comfort even when not at home by remotely controlling their HVAC systems using smartphones or tablets.

Compressor technology has also progressed to the point where high-efficiency compressors are available, which use less power without sacrificing performance. The dependable and silent operation of these compressors helps save energy and lessens their effect on the environment.

Another commonality among modern HVAC systems is the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-410A and R-32. Compared to R-22 and other older refrigerants, these refrigerants have a lower GWP, making them compliant with sustainability targets and environmental legislation.

Steps to Upgrade and Improve Environmental Impact

The first step in updating an older HVAC system to reduce environmental effects is getting a professional opinion. It’s best to hire HVAC experts to check your home’s energy efficiency and provide recommendations for modifications that fit your requirements and budget.

An HVAC expert can help with all the involved processes of updating your system. This includes performing an assessment and an energy audit. These tests make it possible to assess how well your present system works and help find ways to make it better, such as sealing leaks in ductwork.

Experts will also help with the selection of an energy-efficient system. Geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems are two forms of air conditioning that use the least amount of energy. Both types also provide heating.

Hiring our experts is also helpful when it comes time to remove the old system. Avoiding environmental damage and ensuring compliance with local legislation requires proper disposal of the old HVAC unit. We will conduct a thorough sizing test to determine your home’s specific heating and cooling requirements before installing a new unit. This will help the unit last longer and achieve maximum efficiency.

Once installed, our experts will update you on the latest maintenance requirements for the system. General maintenance for most newer systems typically includes changing air filters on a regular basis and scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year. Many experts also recommend checking the thermostat periodically to ensure its accuracy. If you don’t have one yet, you should consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat.

Contact Us Today

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help you choose upgrades that can help reduce your HVAC system’s effects on the environment. We offer heating and cooling services, including duct cleaning, as well as plumbing services like drain cleaning, sump pump installation, water softening, and sewer line maintenance. Customer satisfaction is our top priority on every project. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today to learn more about upgrading the older HVAC system in your Arbutus home.

Why Air Ducts Should be Cleaned by a Professional

Written by Kevin on July 12, 2024. Posted in HVAC, Indoor Air Quality.

The air ducts in your Hanover, MD, home play an important role in keeping you and your loved ones comfortable. By circulating air from your heating and cooling system to the various rooms in your house, air ducts help ensure that the desired temperature of your living space remains consistent throughout. If neglected, air ducts can accumulate dust particles, mold, pollen, and various other types of debris. These pollutants building up in your air ducts can lead to a number of issues, making having your air ducts professionally cleaned highly beneficial.

Let’s look at the benefits of having your air ducts professionally cleaned.

Improving Air Quality

The air that circulates through your ducts is the air you and your family breathe daily. This indoor air contains potential contaminants, such as pet dander and dust, which get pulled into your HVAC system. Over time, there can be an accumulation of these pollutants in your ductwork that can re-enter the living areas of your home.

When you breathe in these contaminants, there is a greater likelihood of respiratory illness. You also run a greater risk of triggering allergies. Even if you or the other members of your household do not suffer from these issues, taking in lower-quality air can make breathing more difficult. It can also diminish the ability to focus and affect mood. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned helps to eliminate these harmful contaminants, improving your IAQ and health.

Boosting HVAC System Efficiency

If dust particles and other contaminants build up beyond a certain point in your ductwork, there is a likelihood that your airflow could be compromised. This leads to airflow inefficiency, causing hot and cold spots throughout your home. Your HVAC system winds up having to work harder to do its job of circulating enough warm or cool air for your household. This can be seen in your energy bill, which will get progressively higher. Keeping your air ducts clean allows for the free flow of air, maintains system efficiency, and prevents utility bills from needlessly increasing.

Eliminating Odors

Paint fumes, food, tobacco smoke, and various other smells can permeate a home. These odors can get trapped in your ductwork and be recycled through your home repeatedly. Awful smells can also occur from a buildup of mildew, mold, and bacteria in your ducts. There is also the potential for rodents or other vermin to either leave droppings in your air ducts or to get trapped and die. These types of smells do not go away by simply cracking a window or using an air freshener. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned helps to minimize the chance of bad odors in your household.

Keeping Your Home Safe

When dirt, lint, and other materials accumulate in your air ducts, a fire from them is possible to ignite. Not only can this cause immense damage to your property, but it also puts the lives of your family at risk. The risk of such an occurrence increases exponentially if you have an older HVAC system or if you utilize propane to power your stove, furnace, or fireplace. Having a professional regularly clean your air ducts helps to keep your home and family safe by minimizing the chance of a fire.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Unit

When your ductwork is dirty, your unit has to work harder. The strain on your system can cause wear and tear, potentially leaving you with a broken-down system that requires repair during an inconvenient time of the year. Continual use of a system that is overburdened can eventually tax the motor and compressor to the point that your HVAC system may need to be replaced altogether. By regularly having your air ducts cleaned, you can prolong the life of your system by years.

Making Air Filters Last Longer

The air filters in your HVAC system trap dirt and other contaminants. Should there be excessive amounts of these pollutants built up in your air ducts, your filters will get clogged faster than is typical. This means that you will have to have them replaced more often. This can become tedious, but by having your air ducts professionally cleaned, you can avoid having to switch out your air filters at such a rapid rate.

Why You Should Not DIY Cleaning Your Air Ducts

Doing DIY projects around the house can be fun, rewarding, and save you money. Cleaning your air ducts, however, is not the type of task that should be done on your own. First off, there is the issue of safety. A professional has been properly trained and certified to handle the task of cleaning your air ducts. They will also have the appropriate tools for the job. If you take on cleaning your air ducts, you run the risk of injury or worse by trying to do the job without the appropriate experience or tools.

There is also the matter of warranties. Some HVAC manufacturers do provide warranties that cover ductwork. You may also have coverage for ductwork in your home warranty. Warranties may cover things like normal wear and tear, replacement, or repairs. However, warranties are typically voided when there is clear neglect, or the maintenance that is performed is not professionally done. If you opt to do your air duct cleaning on your own, there is no guarantee that you will be covered should anything go wrong. That means you could be financially on the hook for any necessary repairs or replacements.

Another reason not to go the DIY route when it comes to cleaning your air ducts is that a trained technician may spot other important issues in your ducts. When a professional cleans your air ducts, they will also typically inspect the ducts for any loose connections, gaps, rust, or leaks. A technician will also insulate your air ducts, should it be necessary.

A professional who cleans your air ducts may identify problems that trace back to your HVAC system that you would not notice. Once these HVAC system issues are identified, a technician has the expertise to fix them. Trusting a professional to possess the knowledge and skill to spot and fix related issues while they are minor is a major reason not to DIY a project like this.

Your Hanover Air Duct Cleaning Team

If you are a homeowner in Hanover or the surrounding area, you can trust the experts at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating to keep your air ducts clean. We have been providing the community with stellar heating and cooling services for several years. Being a locally owned and operated organization, we take great pride in being the go-to for HVAC services for so many of our Hanover neighbors.

We honor these relationships by always keeping customer satisfaction as our number one priority. Our company wants to be the first team you think of for local home services. That is why we provide heating, cooling, and plumbing services all under one roof. If you are ready to experience the Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating difference, call our team today.

The Meaning Behind HVAC Efficiency Ratings

Written by Kevin on June 10, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

HVAC efficiency ratings are an invaluable tool for homeowners purchasing a new system. This information informs you how environmentally friendly a system is and how much it will cost to run over its lifespan. Use that information to compare any system to another and make a better buying decision. With this in mind, let’s explore the different rating systems you may encounter.

BTU

The British thermal unit (BTU) is a measure of energy and heat in particular. While it isn’t a measure of energy efficiency, it’s an important concept in the HVAC space. Many of the energy efficiency ratings we’ll discuss here use BTUs in their equations or as a criterion.

One BTU represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. A BTU is equal to about 1,055 joules. As a general rule when sizing an air conditioner, you need 20 BTUs per square foot. Most central ACs and mini-split systems in the U.S. are 45,000 BTU units. Most furnaces are within the 80,000 to 100,000 BTU range.

SEER

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures cooling efficiency over an entire theoretical cooling season. Manufacturers test their ACs and heat pumps in a laboratory setting. They then divide the BTUs of heat removed from the air by the total energy in watt-hours required.

What the consumer should know is that the higher the SEER, the cheaper the AC or heat pump is to run. It’s also important to know that the Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimums on a regional basis. There are three regions in the U.S. for the purposes of energy efficiency ratings: North, South and Southeast. As of 2023, the minimum SEER is 14 in the North, and 15 in the South and Southeast.

There are systems with SEER ratings well above the minimums. When the new minimums went into effect in 2023, there were central ACs with SEER ratings in the 20s. There were also mini-splits with SEER ratings in the 30s. Whether a higher SEER is worthwhile is a matter of comparing the added initial cost to the long-term savings.

SEER 10 was the minimum when the DOE introduced the concept of energy efficiency minimums in 1992. If you currently have a SEER 10 AC and upgrade to a SEER 14 AC, you would reduce your electricity consumption by 28%.

HSPF

Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is similar conceptually to SEER. The fundamental difference is that it measures heating efficiency rather than cooling efficiency. HSPF is relevant specifically to heat pumps. Heat pumps are similar to ACs but have a reversing valve that lets them provide heating too. Furnaces generate heat directly. Heat pumps transfer heat energy.

The minimum HSPF set by the DOE as of 2023 is 8.8, which is quite a bit less than the minimum SEER. Current air-source heat pump technologies are less efficient heating than they are cooling. This is because they use heat energy in the ambient air. In the summer, heat energy is abundant. In the winter, it’s not. Ground-source or geothermal heat pumps offer HSPF ratings comparable to their SEER ratings. This is because the earth is abundant with heat energy even in the winter.

SEER2 and HSPF2

In 2023, the DOE introduced SEER2 and HSPF2 as new versions of the SEER and HSPF rating systems. The main difference is that they now factor in the static air pressure of the air handler. This provides consumers a more accurate energy efficiency rating for ducted systems, such as central ACs. The minimum SEER2 is 13.4 in the North and 14.3 elsewhere. The minimum HSPF2 is 7.5.

Starting in 2023, all new ACs and heat pumps must have a SEER2 and HSPF2 rating available to consumers. This is in addition to the required SEER and HSPF ratings. Note that you cannot compare SEER to SEER2 and HSPF to HSPF2. At a currently undetermined time in the future, the DOE will deprecate the old rating system.

AFUE

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures the energy consumption efficiency of furnaces and boilers. An 80 AFUE furnace converts 80% of the fuel it burns into heat. It wastes the other 20% as a byproduct. The minimum AFUE as of 2023 for all three regions is 81. You also have the option of a high-efficiency furnace or boiler. These are also known as condensing furnaces and boilers. They reclaim heat energy from their exhaust. This allows for an AFUE of at least 90% and as high as 98.5%.

Electric furnaces have an AFUE of 100%, but this is a bit misleading. It’s true that they’re more efficient in that they lose no energy in the production of heat. That said, it’s an apples to oranges comparison. Electric furnaces are much more expensive to run.

EER and CEER

Energy efficiency ratio (EER) measures cooling efficiency. The difference between EER and SEER is that EER measures peak efficiency at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. SEER is much more informative to the average consumer choosing a central AC or heat pump. It just doesn’t stay hot enough long enough in the U.S. for EER to be relevant to consumers. That isn’t the case when it comes to window ACs and other room-based ACs. In those cases, EER is a good measure of your long-term costs.

The DOE introduced combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) in 2014. It measures the cooling efficiency of window and other room-based ACs. The difference between CEER and EER is that CEER also accounts for the efficiency of the unit in standby mode. That means that CEER is more valuable to the average consumer than EER.

COP and SCOP

Coefficient of performance (COP) is measure of cooling and heating performance. It applies to ACs and heat pumps. The higher the COP, the better the efficiency and the lower the cooling costs. COP is similar to EER. Seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) is similar to SEER and HSPF. It accounts for efficiency over a season rather than at a peak. These ratings are not commonly used in the U.S. The DOE does maintain COP and SCOP data because many other countries do use them.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a program run by the DOE and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA awards ENERGY STAR certification to appliances that meet certain energy consumption criteria. If a heating or cooling system has the ENERGY STAR label, you know that it’s a high performer in this regard. It can also make you eligible for federal tax credits and rebates and local and private rebates.

Your Local HVAC Experts in Maryland

If you’d like to learn more about HVAC efficiency ratings, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover is here to help. Our HVAC technicians install, maintain and repair all types of heating and cooling systems. That includes gas and electric furnaces, central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. We also specialize in thermostats, air purifiers, humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors and ductwork, including duct cleaning.

Our company has a plumbing team as well. We install and service well systems, sump pumps, tank and tankless water heaters and water filtration and conditioning systems. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment or with any questions about these services.

The Science Behind Indoor Air Quality

Written by Kevin on May 17, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

The Science Advisory Board of the EPA ranks indoor air pollution as a top-five environmental risk to public health. Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, and indoor pollutant and contaminant levels are rising. Let’s explore what you should know about indoor pollution and how you can achieve healthier indoor air quality (IAQ).

Ventilation

Ventilation in homes is a key reason poor IAQ is becoming a bigger problem. Modern construction techniques allow for houses that are significantly more energy efficient. The downside to that approach is little to no natural ventilation. Most homes rely entirely on passive ventilation. Pollutants get in, but the system doesn’t vent them out at the same rate, which causes concentration levels to rise.

Large Particulate Matter

Large particulate matter (PM) consists of particles that are bigger than 2.5 microns in size and smaller than 10 microns. Often abbreviated PM10, these are the particles you associate with allergies and asthma. This includes pollen, pet dander, dust, mold spores, dust mites, and so forth. PM10 may not have direct long-term health risks, but high levels will make you feel worse in the short term.

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter or PM2.5 is a long-term health concern. This is the aspect of air pollution that modern science links to many cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and possibly certain cancers. Most PM2.5 in your home gets there due to outdoor air pollution sources. Monitor the air quality index (AQI) for your area. On days when the AQI is at an unhealthy level, avoid natural ventilation such as open windows.

Gases and Chemicals

There are potentially many gases and airborne chemicals in your home that can affect your health. If you have fuel-burning appliances, then carbon monoxide (CO) is the most notable. Radon is the second leading cause of cancer in the U.S. only behind smoking. It can seep into your home over time. The EPA recommends testing for it every two years or after any major home renovation. Other top concerns include formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Bacteria and Viruses

The presence of some pathogens in your home is unavoidable. That said, poor IAQ can foster an environment in which the levels of bacteria and viruses are higher. In addition, poor IAQ can make you more prone to the development of infection from those viruses and bacteria.

Humidity

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity (RH) is a measure of humidity within the context of temperature. RH plays a role in IAQ in a number of ways. If RH is too high or too low, it’s more difficult to breath, and you’re more prone to irritation. Additionally, when the RH is higher, there are more pollutants in the air due to the higher level of water molecules.

How to Maintain Healthy IAQ

The good news is that there are many solutions available to help you improve IAQ and maintain it. Here are some of the strategies that our IAQ experts recommend as the most important.

Source Control

Dust is by far the top issue when it comes to poor IAQ. It’s more than just PM10. Dust is effectively a sponge that absorbs gases and chemicals, extends their effective life spans, and emits them over time. For this reason, the EPA recommends a deep dusting of your home at least once a week.

You should also be careful not to introduce pollutants and contaminants into the home. Avoid household cleaners that contain toxic substances. Store potentially harmful substances outside the home. Avoid furniture and other items that off-gas VOCs.

Air Quality Testing

The first step we recommend is scheduling an IAQ test with us. We’ll perform comprehensive IAQ testing, including for radon, and provide you with a breakdown. Armed with this information, you’ll understand your IAQ challenges and how best to use your home improvement budget.

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Schedule us for a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall. Doing so will save you money over the long term. It will also help you maintain good IAQ because we’ll clean all of your equipment. An HVAC system coupled with high dust levels is a main contributor to poor IAQ.

Air Filtration

Air filtration is a powerful tool in the battle against PM. If you have a central HVAC system, you have integrated filtration via your HVAC filter. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures filter efficiency. The EPA recommends choosing an HVAC filter rated MERV 13. Most modern HVAC systems can support this value, and it will help trap most PM10 and PM2.5.

You can also add more mechanical filtration via a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters restrict airflow too much to be on the supply side of your HVAC system. You can benefit from them through portable and room air purifiers and a duct-installed HEPA filtration system.

Duct Cleaning

At least every several years, you should schedule us for duct cleaning alongside a seasonal tune-up. No matter how much you dust, some of it will accumulate in your ducts where it’s impossible for the homeowner to reach. Our team has the equipment to extract all that dust and remove it from your home.

Air Purification

Our IAQ team also installs indoor air purifications systems. Supply-side air purifiers have activated carbon that neutralizes odors, VOCs, and many other gases and chemicals. You can also opt for an air purifier with a UV stage or UV lamps in your ducts. UV neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and more.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Whole-home humidification and dehumidification systems let you control your residence’s RH. A humidifier is most helpful in winter when the air is drier. A dehumidifier is most helpful in summer when the air is moist. This is also when your home is most prone to mold and dust mites. Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help to improve energy efficiency of your HVAC system as well.

Carbon Monoxide Monitors

If you have any fuel-burning appliances, it’s imperative to protect your family with one or more CO detectors. The coverage you need depends on the number and scope of appliances.

Whole-House Fans

If your home does not have enough ventilation, a whole-house fan is the solution. Such fans can introduce fresh air. Heat and energy recovery ventilators (HRV, ERV) are an option as well. These are more advanced whole-house fans that can improve energy efficiency. An ERV may also offset the need for a humidifier.

Your Local IAQ Experts Serving Greater Columbia

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we have locations in Hanover, Columbia, Arbutus, Pasadena, and Severn. Our IAQ experts clean ductwork and install and service air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and carbon monoxide detectors. The HVAC technicians on our team also install, maintain, and repair gas and electric furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. In addition, we have plumbers available to serve you. They repipe water and gas lines, repair sewer lines, and perform conversions and appliance hookups. They also install toilets and other fixtures, water filtration and softening systems, sump pumps, garbage disposals, and water heaters. Call us today to learn more about these services or to schedule an appointment anywhere in the Greater Hanover and Columbia area.

Why Your Air Conditioner Fan Isn’t Working

Written by Kevin on April 18, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

Air conditioners (ACs) come with two fans, which include one on the inside of your home and one on the outside. The indoor AC fan is responsible for circulating air over your refrigerant coils. It cools the air before it’s sent through your ventilation ducts. As for the outdoor AC fan, it blows air over warmer refrigerant, removing heat so your system can keep your home cool. When either of these fans fails to work, it will affect the AC’s ability to cool your home. Knowing how to detect a fan problem and troubleshooting methods can help resolve the issue more efficiently. Here are nine common reasons your air conditioner fan might not work.

1. Malfunctioning Capacitor

The air conditioner’s capacitor is essential for providing the initial jolt of electricity to start the fan motor. When the capacitor malfunctions, the fan may not start at all or may struggle to start. You could be having problems with the capacitor if you hear a humming sound from the outdoor unit without the fan turning or the fan makes a clicking noise but won’t spin.

To diagnose a malfunctioning capacitor, technicians usually use a multimeter to test its capacitance. If the capacitor is indeed faulty, they will remove and replace it. Besides, it is important to remedy this issue quickly so that the fan motor doesn’t sustain damage, requiring a more costly repair.

2. Thermostat Issues

The thermostat is the control center for your air conditioning system. It turns the cooling system on and off to maintain the temperature you’ve set. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it may fail to signal the air conditioner to turn on. This especially happens if the malfunction isn’t in the wiring but in the operational components, like the temperature sensor or another electronic component.

Some common issues your thermostat might have include a misconfigured or outdated thermostat, dead batteries or faulty wiring. Sometimes, a recalibration process is all you will need to get things back on track, and other times, replacing the battery handles things perfectly. But when your thermostat is beyond these simple solutions, you must call a professional to replace your system.

3. Circuit Breaker Is Tripped

This may sound basic, but a tripped circuit breaker can shut the whole system down. Your air conditioner’s fan needs that electrical current to keep it spinning. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect electrical overloads or short circuits, which protects your home’s electrical system from damage.

When this happens, first locate your home’s electrical panel and check for tripped breakers. If you find one, reset it by switching it off and back on. If the breaker continues to trip repeatedly, it is a sign of a serious electrical problem. Shut the system off and call a professional HVAC technician from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating to help you.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coil

If the evaporator coil in your air conditioner freezes, it can prevent the fan from blowing air effectively. A number of issues can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, including restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels or a dirty coil. Fixing an evaporator coil that has iced over will require you to turn off your air conditioner and let the ice thaw. Once the ice has completely thawed, our HVAC technicians can inspect your air conditioning system. Whether it requires cleaning the coils properly, adding refrigerant to the proper level or repairing leaks in the system, they will determine the cause and fix it.

5. Contactor Problems

The contactor in an air conditioner is a small device that is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity in your system. When you set the temperature on your thermostat, contactors conduct and restrict electrical currents that tell your air conditioner whether or not it should operate.

But how do these parts burn out? Well, like any part of any system, contactors wear out with age. Another way contactors get burnt out is when your AC system overheats. When this happens, the electrical flow of your system is interrupted and the adjacent AC components will not receive the electricity that they require and, therefore, will not operate. Besides, there are times when contactors can get stuck in the “up” or “down” position. If they get stuck in the “up” position, they won’t stop the electrical flow. In contrast, if it’s in the “down” position, the contactor will continue to run electricity to the components even if the cooling cycle has finished or, in some cases, is not supposed to be running at that time.

Therefore, if your AC fan is not working, it might be because the contactors controlling electricity to your AC fan are stuck in the “up” position or have burnt out. For this reason, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating recommends always ensuring that you perform general maintenance on your system so you can prolong its life. However, if you think you might be having AC system issues related to a bad contactor, it’s never too late to call a technician from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating since just a simple repair now might save a full replacement of AC parts later.

6. Air Filter Is Blocked

A dirty air filter is another common and easy-to-fix situation that sometimes results in your air conditioner fan not working. The air filter protects the system’s internal coils and the blower fan from dust, dirt and other airborne particulates. This keeps the coils cleaner and indoor air fresher. A clogged air filter restricts airflow so much that it might feel like your indoor fan isn’t properly circulating air. In many cases, restricted airflow shuts the entire system down. Luckily, simply cleaning or replacing the air filter should get the fan blowing again.

7. Broken Fan Blade

If your system suddenly starts making unusual sounds or vibrating, it could be that a fan blade in the outdoor unit is broken. A broken fan blade may be out of balance and strike other components in the compressor unit. To troubleshoot, you must first turn off your system, go to the outdoor unit and look through the top to see if the fan blades are intact. If a blade is broken or damaged, don’t try to restart your system; instead, call a professional to help with the repair.

8. Dirty Bearings

The fan motor spins thanks to the bearings in the motor. Those bearings can become dirty or dry out and create friction, which can cause the fan to produce some noise or stop working. Lubricating old bearings or replacing them can fix this issue and get your fan back working.

9. Wiring Problems

Faulty or loose wiring can prevent the fan from getting power to the fan motor. This can be due to poor installation, rodents chewing through the wires or simple wear and tear that occurs over time. Electrical problems can be dangerous, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose and repair a wiring problem.

When to Call the Professionals

Do you have an AC fan that isn’t working? Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating can find the problem and make sure it’s handled quickly. We handle repairs on every type of air conditioner, no matter the brand. In addition to AC and heating repairs, we also offer indoor air quality, duct cleaning and plumbing services. If you reside in Columbia, Hanover and the surrounding areas, contact us today at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating to book an appointment.

Troubleshooting an AC compressor that won't turn on in Hanover MD.

Signs Of An AC Freon Leak You Shouldn’t Ignore

Written by Kevin on April 10, 2024. Posted in Cooling, HVAC.

Taking an air conditioner system for granted is normal for many people. When it’s properly working, you probably don’t think about it much. You enjoy the cool air in your home when it’s hot outside. However, it can become all you can think about when your AC stops working or has a severe problem.

Freon is a refrigerant, a chemical essential for your air conditioning unit to function properly. This gas repeatedly goes through an evaporation process inside your AC system. The constant evaporation cycle produces cool air that blows into your home. Under normal conditions, Freon is part of a closed system. When Freon leaks, your AC unit begins working poorly.

Catching a Freon leak early and contacting an HVAC technician to repair your AC is vital to your home’s comfort. Additionally, when you ignore a potential Freon leak, further damage can occur to your AC unit, leading to a more costly repair or replacement later. In this piece, we’ll cover 10 signs that your air conditioning system may have a Freon leak.

10 Common Signs of an Active AC Freon Leak

1. Hissing Noises or Bubbling Noises

One common sign that an air conditioning system is suffering from an active Freon leak is when you hear bubbling or hissing noises emanating from the indoor or outdoor cabinet. Because the refrigerant in your system is sealed under intense pressure, any structural puncture will force the gas to escape. The specific sound you hear depends entirely on the location of the breach, the line pressure, and the physical size of the hole. Smaller pinholes in the evaporator coil typically produce a persistent hissing sound, while leaks in liquid lines often result in a distinct bubbling noise.

2. Spikes in Your Monthly Electric Bill

The underlying symptoms of a refrigerant leak are not always immediately obvious. More noticeable system failures may not occur until the leak worsens over time. However, one early indicator you should always monitor is your monthly electricity bill. As Freon leaks out, the system’s cooling capacity drops. This forces the unit to run significantly longer cycles to reach the temperature set on your thermostat, wasting electricity. If you notice a drastic increase in your electrical costs without an increase in outdoor temperatures, a leak is highly likely.

3. Water Leakage Around the Unit

When an AC unit suffers from a refrigerant leak, it alters the pressure balance inside the system, causing the indoor evaporator coil to drop below freezing. As warm, humid indoor air passes over this freezing coil, the natural condensation freezes solid. When the system cycles off, this accumulated ice melts rapidly, overflowing the primary condensate drain pan. If you notice puddles forming around your indoor furnace closet or water actively dripping from your ceiling vents, you are witnessing the aftermath of a frozen system.

4. Insufficient Cooling

Capacity

While there are a handful of reasons an air conditioner might fail to lower your indoor temperatures, an unresolved Freon leak is one of the most common. When the physical volume of refrigerant inside your system diminishes, the heat-absorption process suffers. If you find yourself turning the thermostat down incredibly low, yet the air pushing out of your supply registers feels stagnant, and room temperatures refuse to budge, your system is likely starving for refrigerant. After a Freon leak is fixed, any necessary Freon that was lost from the system will need to be replaced.

5. Warm Air

Since Freon’s primary purpose is to absorb heat from your indoor air, a drop in your system’s Freon levels leaves that indoor heat trapped inside the loop. Instead of returning crisp, conditioned air to your living spaces, your system begins venting warm air back into your home. Note that if you just turned your system on, it may blow warm air for a minute or two as the lines pressurize, which is normal. However, persistent warm air means it is time to call a professional.

6. Rapid On-and-Off Cycling (Short-Cycling)

Modern air conditioning systems utilize built-in safety controls, such as low-pressure cutout switches, to protect internal machinery. When an active leak drops system pressure below safe operating parameters, the safety switch triggers, abruptly shutting the system down. As pressures briefly stabilize, the system attempts to restart, creating a rapid, repeating loop of on-and-off cycling. This behavior places immense mechanical stress on your system controls and can lead to electrical failure.

7. Evaporator Coil Ice Build-Up

When a system lacks proper refrigerant pressure, the internal temperature of the evaporator coil drops well below the standard $32^\circ\text{F}$ Fahrenheit freezing point. Ambient moisture from your home’s air freezes instantly upon contact with the metal fins, eventually encasing the entire coil in a thick block of ice. In extreme scenarios where the indoor air handler is positioned close to primary duct pathways, pieces of this ice can break away, shooting directly out of your home’s supply vents.

8. Unusual, Sweet Chemical Smells

Pure Freon refrigerant is naturally heavier than ambient air, causing it to sink quickly toward floor level when a leak occurs. While generally odorless in trace amounts, a significant structural leak can produce a distinct, slightly sweet, oil-like chemical smell. If you notice this unusual aroma lingering directly next to your outdoor condenser, near your indoor closet vents, or pooling along the floor around your equipment, your system requires immediate professional testing.

9. Health Problems & Symptoms

Inhaling concentrated refrigerant vapors can cause a variety of acute physical health issues. Prolonged exposure to leaking Freon gases within an enclosed household can cause respiratory irritation, sudden nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches. If anyone in your Hanover household regularly suffers from these specific symptoms exclusively when the cooling unit is operating, turn the system off immediately, open your windows, and seek professional medical guidance.

10. Complete System Failure

If an air conditioner is forced to overwork for months to compensate for a lack of refrigerant, the extreme operating temperatures will eventually cause complete system failure. When internal machinery is pushed past its structural limits, primary electrical relays fail, controls short out, or the system compressor locks up entirely. Catching a leak early prevents a standard line repair from turning into an expensive emergency system replacement.

Don’t ignore any signs that your AC system may be leaking Freon. If you experience anything mentioned in this article and you live in the Hanover area, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. We offer reliable heating, cooling, and plumbing services you can trust. To learn more, contact us today!

What To Do When Your AC Compressor Won’t Turn On

The outdoor compressor is the absolute heart of your air conditioning system, responsible for pressurizing and circulating refrigerant through your cooling lines. If your indoor blower fan is running but you notice your outdoor unit is completely silent and venting warm air, your compressor has failed to kick on.

If you find yourself facing this common cooling crisis, follow this troubleshooting sequence immediately:

Step 1: Verify the Thermostat Parameters: Double-check that your thermostat is set to “Cool” mode and that the target temperature is placed at least $3^\circ\text{F}$ below your current room temperature. If the thermostat display is completely blank, replace the batteries immediately.
Step 2: Inspect Your Electrical Panel: Go to your home’s main electrical breaker panel and check the dedicated, high-voltage dual-pole breaker labeled for the outdoor AC unit. If the breaker has tripped into the middle position, flip it completely to “Off” before resetting it back to “On.”
Step 3: Check the Outdoor Disconnect Box: Open the metal weatherproofing box mounted on the wall next to your outdoor unit. Ensure the high-voltage pull-out fuse block is firmly pushed into the “On” position. If your disconnect uses a traditional switch, verify it has not been accidentally flipped off.
Step 4: Clean a Clogged Air Filter: A heavily clogged, dirty air filter blocks all ambient airflow across your indoor evaporator coil, causing the system to freeze up completely. This triggers the low-pressure safety switches, shutting off power to the outdoor compressor to prevent liquid slugging. Replace your filter and let the system thaw for 4 to 6 hours.
Step 5: Listen for Humming Noises: Walk outside to your silent outdoor unit. If you hear a distinct, quiet humming sound coming from the cabinet but the fan and compressor refuse to spin, your system’s run capacitor has likely failed and will need to be replaced by an expert.

Dealing with an indoor system freeze that has triggered a water leak around your furnace or utility room floor? Don’t risk property water damage. Reach out to our certified team for professional sump pump repair in Hanover, MD, to safely clear the line overflow before it compromises your home’s foundation.

A Crucial Safety Warning Regarding Refrigerant Top-Offs

If your compressor won’t turn on due to a low-pressure safety lockout caused by a Freon leak, do not attempt to buy DIY refrigerant recharge kits. Adding refrigerant to a leaking system without finding and fixing the physical leak is illegal under EPA regulations and will cause severe, irreversible hydraulic damage to your compressor’s internal valves.

If you have completed basic electrical checks and your outdoor unit still refuses to run, turn the system off at the thermostat immediately to prevent internal motor burnout.

Schedule Certified Local Support

Don’t let an unresolved refrigerant leak or a failed outdoor compressor compromise your home’s safety and comfort. If you notice any of the warning signs outlined in this guide, our certified local HVAC technicians are here to help.

We utilize advanced electronic leak detectors and digital manifold gauges to locate system breaches accurately, patch lines safely, and restore your system’s factory parameters cleanly. Reach out to our customer service team today to book your comprehensive cooling system diagnostics or emergency repair visit!

How To Fix Cold And Hot Spots With HVAC Air Balancing

Written by Kevin on March 22, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

Is your home plagued by uncomfortable hot and cold spots? Do some rooms feel like saunas while others are downright chilly, even with the thermostat set to the same temperature? This temperature imbalance is likely due to poor HVAC air balancing.

Proper air balancing ensures your heating and cooling system distributes air evenly throughout your home, so there are no hot or cold zones. Air balancing techniques like adjusting duct dampers, adding booster fans, and sealing ductwork can help optimize airflow and create consistent, comfortable temperatures in every room.

Our licensed technicians at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating can accurately identify and fix the causes of unpleasant temperature variations using advanced air balancing techniques.

Adjusting Duct Dampers to Redirect Airflow

One effective method for fixing hot and cold spots in a home is adjusting the duct dampers. Duct dampers are movable plates inside the ductwork that control the airflow to each room.

By adjusting these dampers, more air can be redirected away from rooms that get too hot and toward rooms that are too cold. The goal is to find the ideal balance point for each damper so that air is distributed evenly without cutting off any room completely.

Getting the precise damper adjustments right requires specialized tools to analyze the home’s ductwork layout and airflow. It also takes training and HVAC expertise to determine the proper positioning for optimum temperature balance, making it all the more important to hire a licensed HVAC technician to do the job.

Adding Booster Fans to Enhance Airflow

For rooms located far from the central air handler, the long duct runs can make it difficult to deliver enough air. This can create persistently cold spots. Adding small in-line booster fans within the ductwork leading to these rooms is an effective solution.

The in-line duct fans provide an extra boost to the air, helping to ensure that adequate air volume makes it down the long ducts to reach remote areas. The fans increase airflow to only where it’s needed without impacting the rest of the HVAC system.

Our technicians will inspect your home’s duct layout to determine the optimal locations to install in-line booster fans. Strategic placement and proper sizing of these compact duct fans can remedy cold spots caused by insufficient airflow to distant rooms. With the fans installed, we’ll balance and optimize the airflow to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the home.

Sealing Ductwork to Improve Efficiency

Leaks in your ductwork can contribute to air balancing issues and hot or cold zones by allowing conditioned air to escape before reaching rooms. Sealing ducts helps optimize airflow efficiency so that more air makes it to intended locations instead of leaking out along the way.

Our technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to detect duct leaks. We’ll seal any leaky joints, disconnected spots, or punctures with durable metal tape and mastic sealant specially designed for HVAC systems. Sealing your ducts prevents wasted energy from leaks so that your system can maintain comfort and efficiency.

Effective sealing paired with proper air balancing ensures each room gets just the right amount of conditioned air for the hottest days and the coldest nights.

Adjusting Supply Registers to Control Airflow

Supply registers are the vents in your walls, ceilings, or floors that allow conditioned air to enter each room. The size and direction of these vents impacts how much air blows into the room. Adjusting your supply registers can help fix cold and hot spots.

If some rooms are too warm during winter, for example, try closing their supply vents partially to restrict airflow. For chilly rooms, make sure their supply registers are fully open, and divert any directional vents to point the air into the room. Opening or closing specific registers allows you to control the air volume room by room.

Keeping registers dust-free also enables proper airflow. Wiping down or vacuuming the registers can help keep them free of dust and other debris that restricts airflow, but investing in duct cleaning may also be a good idea. Our technicians have equipment and the knowhow to perform a thorough cleaning that most homeowners cannot. Let us inspect your registers and make any adjustments needed to help properly balance and condition each room.

Upgrading to Zoned HVAC Systems

For homes where simple register adjustments don’t completely resolve hot and cold spots, upgrading to a zoned HVAC system may be the answer. Some zoned systems have separate air handlers and thermostats for different areas of the home, where others rely on automatic dampers to route air where you specify.

This allows you to customize the temperature in specific zones like a master suite or living room without impacting other areas. The zoned system only conditions the air in rooms being used, which saves energy. Plus, zoning enables precise temperature control in any room that tends to deviate. Our team can install and integrate a new zoned HVAC system to help fix stubborn hot or cold spots for good.

Monitoring Static Pressure

Maintaining proper static pressure is crucial for balanced airflow throughout a home’s ductwork. Static pressure is the force moving air through the ducts. Too-high or -low pressure can create hot and cold spots throughout the home.

As we make air balancing adjustments, our technicians will monitor static pressure using specialized tools. Ensuring pressure stays in the ideal range for your HVAC system prevents overworking the blower motor while still allowing sufficient airflow.

Getting static pressure just right as part of the balancing process enables air to move efficiently throughout the ductwork. This allows each room to get the right amount of cooling and heating without any area being deprived of conditioned air, leading to better overall comfort.

Checking Insulation Levels

Insufficient insulation can lead to some rooms heating up or cooling down faster than others. Rooms above garages or with lots of windows often have less insulation. Upgrading insulation in hot and cold rooms can help them retain temperatures better.

Our team can inspect the insulation levels throughout your home to identify problem areas. We can add insulation to walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces using fiberglass batts, spray foam or blown-in cellulose. Beefing up insulation regulates temperatures so that rooms stay comfortable longer after your system cycles off.

Adjusting the HVAC System Blower Speed

The speed of your HVAC system’s blower fan can impact air balancing and cause temperature inconsistencies. A blower speed that is too high can short-cycle air through the system before rooms get sufficiently heated or cooled.

Our technicians can adjust the blower speed as needed as part of a comprehensive air balancing plan. Lowering an excessively high fan speed allows more time for air to be conditioned properly as it circulates. This prevents some rooms from getting an uneven share of heated or cooled air.

Schedule Air Balancing Service From the Experts

For even, comfortable temperatures throughout your home, the key is proper HVAC system air balancing. Our technicians at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating have the expertise to analyze your home’s airflow issues and implement customized solutions. We also can provide all heating and cooling services your home needs.

Contact us today in Hanover, MD, to schedule comprehensive air balancing services. We’ll tailor a plan to your home’s needs so you can finally say goodbye to uncomfortable temperature imbalances. Our expert technicians deliver customized solutions to create the ideal airflow for consistent comfort in every room.

What To Do When Your AC Compressor Won’t Turn On

Written by Kevin on March 8, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

Having a troubleshooting guide for an AC compressor that won’t turn on helps homeowners diagnose the issue quickly and accurately, allowing for timely repairs. A comprehensive troubleshooting guide ensures that individuals can identify potential safety hazards associated with electrical or mechanical failures. If your AC compressor won’t turn on, use this guide to pinpoint the cause. Then, contact an HVAC technician right away to confirm the cause and implement the right solution.

What Does an AC Compressor Do?

An AC compressor, a crucial component of any HVAC system, is responsible for increasing the pressure of the refrigerant and distributing it throughout the cooling system. Its principal use is to raise the temperature and pressure of refrigerant gas by compression. The next step is for the high-pressure gas to pass past the condenser coil, which helps the refrigerant condense into a liquid by releasing heat into the surrounding air. After that, the liquid refrigerant makes its way to the evaporator coil, where it cools the air inside by absorbing its heat. The compressor is the key component in the air conditioner’s heat exchange mechanism.

Maryland’s Environmental Factors That Affect AC Compressors

Hanover, Maryland’s diverse climate presents various environmental factors that impact AC compressors. The state experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. High humidity levels can strain compressors by requiring them to work harder to remove moisture from the air. Additionally, Maryland’s winters bring cold temperatures, occasionally dropping below freezing. Cold weather can cause issues like refrigerant leaks and compressor damage. Furthermore, Maryland’s coastal location exposes AC units to salty air, increasing the risk of corrosion.

What It Means When the AC Compressor Won’t Turn On

If the AC compressor won’t turn on, the entire unit won’t work. This can lead to major inconveniences in your daily life since the system won’t be able to cool your home. There are many reasons why the AC compressor might not come on. Knowing the exact cause is vital to fixing the issue correctly.

Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause the AC compressor not to come on for several reasons. It could be a simple issue like dead batteries, incorrect settings or a malfunctioning sensor. Additionally, wiring problems, dust accumulation or even a thermostat placed in the wrong location can lead to compressor issues. Addressing thermostat issues promptly is crucial for restoring proper functionality to the AC system and ensuring optimal cooling performance.

Tripped Breaker

A tripped circuit breaker can stem from various causes, such as electrical overloads, short circuits and faulty wiring. When the circuit breaker trips, it disrupts the power supply to the AC compressor, preventing it from turning on. This could result in the compressor not receiving the necessary electrical power to operate effectively. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the tripped circuit breaker is necessary to restore power to the entire cooling system.

Blocked Condensate Drain

Air conditioning systems have a condensate drain line that can easily clog due to debris accumulation, algae blooms or mineral deposits. When this happens, it makes it impossible for the unit’s condensate water to drain properly. As a result, water begins to accumulate in the system, activating a safety feature that turns off the compressor’s power to prevent water damage. Deactivating this safety feature and powering back on the compressor depends on removing the clog from the condensate drain.

Faulty Contactor

Corrosion, electrical issues and regular wear and tear can lead to the failure of the AC unit’s contactors. When the contactor fails to engage properly, it disrupts the electrical circuit that powers the compressor. Consequently, the compressor does not receive the necessary power to start up, causing the air conditioner to cease functioning. To rectify the issue and restore operation, an HVAC technician must replace the broken contactor with a new one. This ensures the compressor resumes normal operation, allowing the AC unit to function efficiently once again.

Faulty Capacitor

A malfunctioning capacitor in an AC unit can hinder the compressor from starting up in several ways. Degradation of the capacitor may lead to issues such as electrical shorts or electrolyte leakage. When the capacitor fails, it may not provide sufficient electricity to start the compressor motor at all. To restore proper operation, it’s crucial to have an expert replace the defective capacitor with a new one.

Compressor Overload

The compressor’s overload safety system will activate if the internal temperature or pressure reaches dangerous levels, causing the machine to shut down. Possible causes of this problem include refrigerant leakage, blocked coils, and inadequate airflow. Preventing compressor overload requires resolving the underlying problem, such as dirty condenser coils, a broken fan motor, or electrical issues.

Refrigerant Leak

If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, the compressor won’t get enough pressure to work properly, and it won’t start. These leaks reduce the cooling capacity and efficiency of the system, which may cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid compressor failure and make sure the air conditioner is working properly, it is critical to find leaks quickly and fix them.

Faulty Control Board

A faulty control board in an AC system can prevent the compressor from starting due to various reasons. Issues such as electrical malfunctions, component failure, or damage to circuitry can disrupt the signal transmission necessary for compressor activation. Additionally, a malfunctioning control board may fail to communicate with other system components, leading to compressor inactivity. Fixing this problem will require the assistance of a licensed HVAC expert.

Faulty Pressure Switch

Problems such as sensor malfunctions, damaged wiring, or inaccurate pressure readings can hinder a pressure switch’s ability to signal the compressor effectively. Additionally, if the switch port becomes blocked or clogged, it may provide erroneous pressure readings. These issues can disrupt the proper functioning of the pressure switch, preventing the compressor from receiving the necessary signals to start. The only way to fix this is to have an HVAC technician replace the faulty pressure switch.

What to Do

Homeowners can take many preventative measures to avoid issues with their air conditioning compressors. To keep the compressor from overworking, it’s important to change the air filters regularly. Keeping the outside unit clean and clear of dirt, landscaping, vegetation, and pets is important for keeping it running at its best. Preventing compressor damage also requires checking refrigerant levels and making sure there are no leaks. Verifying the integrity of electrical connections and parts regularly guarantees their proper operation. The best way to stay on top of these upkeep requirements is to schedule annual professional maintenance. If you’re already experiencing problems with an AC compressor, contacting an HVAC technician can prevent further problems. Ignoring compressor problems will lead to significant issues and costly repairs down the line.

With warmer weather right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to schedule AC maintenance. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating works on heaters and air conditioners. We also provide indoor air quality and duct cleaning services. If you’re experiencing issues with your AC compressor, call us right away to schedule an AC repair.

Reasons Your AC is Freezing Up and What to Do

Written by Kevin on March 1, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

Are you experiencing issues with your air conditioning system frequently freezing up? A frozen AC can be a serious issue since it has the potential to cause extreme damage, so it’s not a problem you should ever ignore. Luckily, there are only a handful of issues that can cause an AC to start freezing up, and some of them are things you can overcome yourself.

What to Do If You Suspect Your AC Is Frozen

A frozen AC system is an easy issue to spot. When the evaporator coil freezes and gets coated with ice, the system will no longer be able to remove heat from your home. This means that the temperature in your house will quickly start increasing. The air coming out of your vents will also be hot since all the system can do is circulate hot air when it is frozen.

If your AC does freeze up, you should always shut it off immediately. Allowing the system to continue running when frozen puts the compressor motor in the outdoor condenser unit at high risk of seizing or burning out.

When an AC functions normally, the refrigerant captures enough heat that it naturally changes from a liquid into a gas as it moves through the evaporator coil and gets pumped back outside. When the system freezes up, it leads to the refrigerant remaining in a liquid state. If liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, it can quickly boil and cause some of the oil that lubricates the compressor motor to burn off. This can then lead to the motor not being properly lubricated, which can cause it to burn out.

A burnt-out compressor motor is an extremely expensive issue to repair and can potentially cost about as much as installing a whole new condenser unit. That’s why it’s important that you shut the system off immediately if it freezes to prevent damaging it. Depending on what caused the system to freeze, it may be something you can quickly fix on your own. All of the following issues are really the only things that can cause an AC to freeze, so it is worth checking a few things before calling in the help of an AC technician.

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter is by far the most common issue that will lead to an air conditioning system freezing up so it is always the first thing to check for. The issue is that a clogged filter greatly restricts how much warm air can be drawn into the system. The refrigerant in the system is extremely cold when it first enters the evaporator coil and then quickly starts warming up as it captures heat from the air. The problem is that a dirty, clogged air filter will massively reduce the amount of warm air coming into the system and moving across the evaporator coil. If there isn’t enough warm air continually flowing across the coil, the refrigerant will stay cold enough that all of the condensation on the coil starts freezing.

AC manufacturers generally recommend replacing the air filter in your system every three months. However, there are often times when the filter will start clogging up more quickly and need to be replaced sooner. This is why we recommend taking out the filter and inspecting its condition every month. As soon as the filter starts getting darker colored, it is time to replace it.

If your AC freezes up and the filter is quite dirty, replacing it will often solve the problem and prevent it from freezing up again. However, you need to wait at least an hour or two to make sure that the evaporator coil completely thaws before trying to turn the system on again. If the system does end up freezing again after replacing the filter, you’ll want to leave it shut off until you can have a technician inspect it.

Closed or Obstructed Vents

The other thing you should check if your AC freezes up is that all of the supply and return air vents are fully open and not clogged with debris or blocked by furniture or other items. The return vents are where warm air is drawn into the system. Although these vents generally can’t be closed, they will prevent enough warm air from coming into the system if they are clogged or obstructed.

The supply vents are where all of the cool air from the system flows out. To work properly, the majority of the supply vents in a home need to be fully open. Having one or two closed vents typically isn’t a problem, but any more than that can lead to the system freezing up. The issue is that when too many supply vents are closed or obstructed, lots of air gets trapped inside the ducts, which leads to the pressure increasing. When working properly, an AC system is constantly drawing in and blowing out the same volume of air. When the air starts to back up in the supply ducts and the pressure increases, it makes it much more difficult for the blower to bring sufficient air back in and can lead to the evaporator coil freezing.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

A dirty evaporator coil is another common culprit that can cause an AC to freeze up. Some dust and dirt always end up collecting on the evaporator coil over time, which is why the coil always needs to be cleaned every year as part of a preventative AC maintenance service. If the coil isn’t cleaned regularly, so much dust can build up that it effectively insulates or shields the coil. This means that the warm air coming into the system can’t come into direct contact with the coil, which greatly reduces how much heat the refrigerant can absorb. Again, if the refrigerant isn’t capturing sufficient heat, it may stay cold enough that condensation on the coil begins freezing.

This is an issue that you will need to have a technician check for and fix. Trying to clean the coil yourself is always a bad idea since you could easily damage it and cause a refrigerant leak or make the system far less effective.

Dirty or Malfunctioning Blower

The blower or fan also needs to be cleaned regularly since it also collects lots of dust. When the blower gets too dirty, it can make it impossible for it to circulate sufficient air to prevent the system from freezing up. The same issue can also occur if the blower is malfunctioning or starting to wear out. In this situation, a technician will always fully clean the blower and then test it to see if it needs to be repaired or possibly replaced.

Low Refrigerant Charge

Your AC system needs to have the correct refrigerant charge or level to work properly. When the refrigerant charge is low, it leads to the pressure in the system decreasing. As the pressure decreases, the temperature of the refrigerant also decreases. If the charge is too low and the pressure is below a certain point, the refrigerant can get so cold that the evaporator coil constantly freezes up.

The refrigerant in an AC system flows in a closed loop, which means that the charge should always stay the same. If the charge is low, it often indicates that there is a leak somewhere in the system. However, low refrigerant charge can also occur due to improper maintenance or installation.

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is a locally owned company that provides professional HVAC services to residential and commercial customers in Hanover and the surrounding areas. Our technicians specialize in air conditioning maintenance and repairs and can help you overcome any issues causing your AC to freeze up. We also specialize in AC installation and the full range of heating services, so contact us today for any of your home comfort needs.

13 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water

Written by Kevin on February 18, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

AC leaks cause water damage, mold growth, poor indoor air quality, and many other issues. These leaks are very common in Maryland where the notoriously high humidity can worsen AC condensation and exacerbate leaks. To prevent water damage and humidity-related problems, homeowners should fix AC leaks as soon as possible. Since repairing leaks can be tedious and dangerous, it’s best to let a professional handle the problem.

1. Disconnected Drain Line

A disconnected drain line will cause water to seep out of the air conditioner. This happens because the condensation that forms during the cooling process doesn’t empty correctly. To fix this, the technician will check the drain line and then reconnect it, making sure that it has a secure seal. The technician may use special fittings and supports to ensure the drain line stays connected.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil

When frozen evaporator coils thaw, leaks may occur. This is usually due to low refrigerant levels, limited airflow, or unclean coils. The accumulation of ice puts pressure on the system and can easily overflow the drain pan. Repairmen fix this problem by checking the airflow, cleaning the coils, and refilling the refrigerant among other things. To prevent further leaks and frozen coils, it is essential to perform preventative maintenance such as replacing the air filter.

3. Clogged Drain Line

Water will back up in the system and create leaks if the drain line becomes blocked, which is usually due to debris or algae development. When this happens, technicians will remove the blockage by vacuuming or flushing the line among other options. Additionally, if the drain line twists or bends, it will not allow water to flow freely and may seem obstructed. When this happens, technicians fix it by moving or straightening the pipe. This restores appropriate drainage and stops the leak.

4. Damaged Condensate Pump

If the condensate pump in your air conditioner wears out or becomes damaged, it won’t be able to drain the water condensate as effectively. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to a leaky AC. To fix this, technicians check the pump and either fix it or replace it so that it works properly again. The best way to keep the pump in good working order and free of leaks is to maintain it regularly.

5. Clogged Air Filter

Some of the most common types of air conditioner filters include washable, pleated, fiberglass and HEPA. You should replace a fiberglass filter once a month, a pleated filter every three months, and a washable filter every three to six months. Keeping the filter clean on a regular basis improves airflow, which in turn reduces system strain and the likelihood of leaks. A clean filter also increases the unit’s lifetime and reduces the likelihood of system breakdowns.

6. Refrigerant Issues

Leaks, low levels or incorrect charging are the most common reasons for refrigerant problems in air conditioners. Corrosion or damage to the lines carrying the refrigerant can lead to major water leaks. Repairing leaks, refilling refrigerant, and checking system pressure are all ways that technicians handle these problems.

7. Blocked Vents or Registers

The limited airflow and temperature imbalances caused by clogged air vents and registers in an AC system can result in AC leaks. To prevent his issues, make sure that there are no objects, such as curtains or furniture, blocking the vents and registers. Always keep the vents completely open to allow the most air to circulate, and dust and clean them regularly. Proper ventilation eases the load on the system. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of leaks and maximizes the effectiveness of your space’s cooling.

8. Improper Installation

A proper air conditioning installation includes many steps. Technicians must measure the area, choose a suitable unit, run ducts, connect refrigerant lines, fasten the unit, and check its efficiency. The wrong refrigerant charge, sloppy connections or poorly sealed ducts are all examples of how a poorly installed air conditioner can spring a leak. To avoid water damage and keep the AC running efficiently for its entire lifetime, it is crucial to have a professional install the unit correctly.

9. Cracked Drain Pan

The AC drain pan might develop cracks that are causecd by physical damage, corrosion, or normal wear and tear, which can cause leaks. To fix this, technicians check the pan, fix minor cracks, or replace the pan if it’s severely damaged. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you can spot drain pan problems before they cause a major disaster.

10. Leaky Ductwork

An air conditioning system’s ductwork is vital to its efficiency. The top causes of duct issues include poor installation, aging, physical damage, or deterioration that are caused by factors like high humidity. All of these issues compromise seals and joints in the duct system.

Leaky ducts can result in ineffective cooling, higher energy usage, and even water leakage. The technicians take care of this by checking for and fixing any leaks they find as well as making sure that there is enough insulation. Repairing ductwork that is leaking allows specialists to increase system efficiency, stop water damage, and keep cooling constant.

11. Dirty or Blocked Coils

The air conditioner’s coils can become dusty and blocked in a variety of ways. Dust and other airborne particles might eventually settle on the coils. Mold and mildew can form on the coils if the environment is too humid. The buildup of pet hair and dander may cause coil blockage in homes with pets. It’s also possible for the coils to clog if don’t keep a clean air filter. Furthermore, a buildup of outside debris, such as pollen or grass, may jam coils. Dirty and clogged coils can lead to a leaky AC. To address this problem, technicians will clean the coils and recommend regular maintenance.

12. Worn Out Insulation

Insulation in air conditioners helps keep the unit cool and efficient, but it can wear out and eventually cause a leak. It may also deteriorate when exposed to excessive humidity regularly. Incorrect installation, chemical exposure, and insect infestations are other possible culprits. Experts fix this problem by checking the insulation and replacing it if it’s deteriorated. If an insect or pest infestation is the cause, the technician may recommend extermination services.

13. Air Handler Issues

Air handlers are responsible for circulating conditioned air and controlling humidity levels. However, many things can go wrong with an air handler. Some of the most common issues are electrical problems, motor malfunctions, and clogged filters. All of these problems can cause AC leaks.

Service technicians fix this by checking the air handler for damage, fixing or replacing broken parts, and making sure that the air flows properly. Resolving problems with the air handler keeps the system running smoothly, optimizes the unit, and reduces the likelihood of leaks.

Need help with a leaky AC in Hanover, MD? Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating provides AC repairs, heater repairs, maintenance programs, duct cleaning, and so much more. Contact us now to experience the cool comfort you deserve.