HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

Indoor Air Quality and Your Pets

When the windows are shut and the HVAC unit is blowing, indoor air quality is always a consideration. What about those of us with pets? Should we be more concerned?

Thousands of us are owners to our beloved pets. Being a pet owner is arguably one of the greatest joys in life. We take care of our pets by feeding them, walking them and playing with them on a regular basis. However you may not be thinking about your HVAC system and how it relates to your pet. Here are some tips to help you and Fido or Fifi have a healthy life.

Air filters

You should know that changing your air filters is imperative to the air quality in your home as well as the efficiency of your HVAC system. Changing the air filters can also help with pet dander. If you or your pet for that matter have any types of allergies, changing the air filter on a regular basis will help you breathe well.

Ductwork

Pet dander can get into the ductwork of your home. You should have your ductwork cleaned by a professional. Having this yearly maintenance will remove the pet dander and keep your family healthy and your HVAC system running efficiently.

Air purifier

Another option to deal with pet dander and allergies in your home is to install an air purifier. This can help cut down the allergens in your air and make a difference in your air quality.

Programmable thermostat

 Using a programmable thermostat will help you keep the temperature regulated in your home. You should set your temperatures according to what you prefer. Pets won't really notice changes in the temperatures too much. They are equipped to cool themselves off or to keep themselves warm on their own.

Pet doors

You may enjoy the convenience of a doggie door however you need to make sure that the doors are properly sealed. Escaping air will cause your system to run inefficiently.

Avoid drafty areas

If you have pets in tanks or cages you should keep them away from drafty areas. Also if your cage is placed near a blower this could be problematic for your pet.

We all love our pets unconditionally and it is important to keep them safe and sound inside of our homes. Follow these tips and your pet will be comfortable all day long. If you have any other maintenance questions or need service, contact Morgan Air. Our professionals will help you maintain a cool and comfortable home environment for everyone in your house. 813-500-7765

Why Change Your Air Filters Now?

Top 3 Reasons to Change Your HVAC Filters

If your air is not running as well as you think it should be the filters could be to blame.  Your HVAC filter is the only thing keeping particles and outdoor allergens from becoming unwanted guests in your home.  Changing your filters on a regular basis is the key to proper air flow and efficiency.  Here are the top 3 reasons you should change your air filters now.

Give your ac unit a rest

Your AC has been running all summer long… when you have clogged air filters, your HVAC unit is working extra hard to pump out the air through the dirty filter.  This puts unnecessary wear and tear on your unit and could lead to costly repairs.  A simple filter change can save you hundreds in the long run.

Breathe easy

Do you notice your sinuses acting up or a clogged nose?  Your HVAC filter removes allergens and pollen from the air before it enters your home.  Your filter needs to be changed on a regular basis so the air in your home is fresh.  You, your family and even your pets will be breathing easy when you change the filter.

Save money

Let’s face it, HVAC repair can be costly.  And who wants to pay more than they have to on their monthly electric bill?  If you change your filters, your unit will be more energy efficient which saves you money.  You will also cut down on costly repairs to your unit.

Don’t waste another minute; change your filters now for energy efficiency, money savings and overall better health.  If you aren’t sure how to change your filters be sure to contact your local HVAC repair service for assistance. Call Morgan AC today 813-500-7765

5 Common AC Problems and How You Can DIY

Common AC problems and how to solve them

You get home and you want to relax but your air is not functioning properly. Maybe it’s not cool enough or perhaps you hear a loud noise.  There are several simple things you can do if your ac stops working before you call for repair.  Here are some common issues and how do deal with them.

Air Conditioner will not switch on

Check that there is a supply from the main electrical panel. There could be a fuse blown or breaker tripped. The air conditioner should be on a separate circuit. If the breaker is tripped just turn it back on and your unit should turn on.  If not, then you will need to call for service.

Thermostat

Turn power off to the thermostat, remove the cover and check the batteries (if fitted). Re-assemble and switch back on after a few minutes.  If the batteries are okay and the unit still will not switch on then it could be dust in the thermostat.   The best cause of action now is to call a qualified HVAC technician to have your thermostat checked and repaired or replaced.

Poor Cooling Performance

There are number of issues that can cause poor cooling, the most common being a blocked or dirty filter.  Replacement is a simple procedure:

• Turn off power to the unit
• Open the air handler door or remove the cover and remove the filter. Depending on the type you have fitted, it may be possible to clean the filter, otherwise, replace it.
• Check for ice. If you find ice around the coils, replace the filter cover, reapply power to the unit and leave running for a couple of hours. The ice will melt naturally.

Check that the compressor is working by dropping the thermostat temperature to low and checking that the compressor starts up. If not then you need to call an air conditioning technician for more detailed testing.

Air Conditioner is noisy when running

Most modern air handlers have a direct-drive motor, but belt driven systems still exist. If the belt becomes nonaligned or loose, it makes a squealing sound. Repair or belt replacement is needed by a professional.

If the air conditioner has a direct drive system, and you can hear squealing or grinding, the likelihood is that the motor bearings are worn or damaged. You should switch the air conditioner off and call an HVAC engineer immediately.

Occasionally, your air conditioner will make squeaks, pops or small banging noises, which is usually due to the expansion of metal ducting. There is little you can do about this situation other than have a heating contractor fit insulated flexible ducting to minimize the noise. It is also worth checking that the furnace and handler doors are shut correctly as they can cause vibration noise.

Some of the issues discussed, you can fix yourself, but some do require the attendance of a qualified air conditioning technician. If you are not confident enough to undertake a task, then always contact a professional. Morgan Air has qualified technicians throughout Tampa, fl. We are only a call away. Ask a question or schedule an inspection 813-500-7765

Not all filters are created equal

Not all filters are created equal

You know enough about your home’s HVAC unit to know that you need to change your filter regularly but when you see all of the available options how do you know which one is right for your home?  All types of filters have different functions and knowing about the various types will help you choose the one that is right for you. 

What is MERV, MPR, FPR?

First of all different brands of filters use different rating systems and numbers.  These rating numbers are used to tell the consumer the amount of particles and pollutants that a filter can capture and hold.  The higher the number the more particles the filter captures.   

·         MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): Established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, MERV rates a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. The numbers are from 1-12 for residential filters.

·         MPR (Micro-Particle Performance Rating): rating system developed by 3M that measures the amount of microparticles the filter captures that are smaller than 1 micron, the numbers  range from 300-2800

·         FPR (Filter Performance Rating): rating system developed by The Home Depot.  It utilizes a color code and number scale (4 to 10) that is similar to the MERV rating.

Washable Air Filters

Air filters that are washable may seem like a more “green” option but overall are not recommended.  They have low ratings and therefore do not trap as many particles.  The MERV rating for washable filters is usually between 1 and 4. They require additional maintenance as well.  Also, fungus can grow on the filter if not completely dry before putting back.  Washable filters do little to help allergy sufferers.  They also cost more money than disposable filters. 

Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass air filters have the ability to trap larger air particles from your home but are not effective in capturing smaller pollutants and allergens. Even though they are the least expensive option, the air quality in your home will not be improved.  They also need to be replaced more often. The MERV rating is typically between 1-4. 

Polyester and Pleated Air Filters

Polyester and pleated air filters are the most effective at trapping all types of particles from your home.  These filters capture and trap pollutants and particles but do not restrict airflow in your HVAC unit.  Pleated and polyester filters have a much higher MERV rating of 8 to 13.  Easy to find and replace, pleated and polyester air filters are the best option for most homes, especially for those with allergy sufferers. 

The next time you change your filter, you will know exactly what to look for and what rating is best for your home.  Call Morgan Air today or use our online form and have the best replacement filters promptly delivered right to your door!  813-500-7765

7 Warning Signs that your HVAC needs repair

Most home owners tend to focus on things they can see. Issues such as leaking roofs, chipped paint and cracked tiles get a lot of attention.   However, it's often the things you can't see in your home that are most critical.  Electrical, plumbing and of course, your HVAC system are vital in keeping your house running efficiently and your family safe.

They may not be exciting, but you also can't live without them. But how do you know that something such as your furnace needs repair? Fortunately, there are several signs, and we've listed the more common ones here:

1.     Unexplained leaks from your HVAC system are a definite sign that all is not well with your furnace. Whether it's water or something else, you will need to identify the problem and fix it sooner rather than later. Remember that this is not just a warning sign that something is not right, but that liquids and electrical don't mix, and it can be dangerous.

2.     Loud noises, whether knocking or hissing, are another red flag. If your furnace starts making strange noises, and your house sounds like it's haunted, then you need to get your furnace checked and repaired! Your furnace should operate at a low hum at best, and anything louder is a cause for concern.

3.     Strange smells are another important warning sign that all is not well. If your vent has the unpleasant aroma of mold, must, singed wires, or anything else out of the ordinary, HVAC repair is probably required.

4.      If your AC system is working properly, then the temperature in your home should be consistent throughout. If you suddenly have hot or cold spots, that's a clear indicator that you should call your HVAC repair company.

5.     A sudden increase in your heating and cooling bills is another clear sign that something is wrong. If your furnace is working as it should, your bills should be fairly consistent every month. Sudden spikes in cost could mean that there's something wrong, and that means you need help!

6.     If it's been a while since anyone has looked at your furnace, then it's a good idea to have someone come in and do an inspection. Even if HVAC repair is not necessary, it helps to get a professional opinion.

7.     Finally, if your gas or carbon monoxide alarms are triggered, then you need to leave your home immediately, and contact a company that specializes in emergency HVAC repair. Furnaces that are leaking potentially dangerous gases cannot wait for repairs. Get them looked at as soon as possible.

HVAC repair may not be as exciting as re-tiling your kitchen or upgrading the back yard, but it's critical to your health, safety and comfort (not to mention that properly working HVAC systems are more cost effective to run.)

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to get a professional HVAC company to assess your system sooner rather than later. Morgan Air is always on call for existing and new customers. Same day service can often be accommodated.

What Happens If I Don't Change My Air Filter?

Before discussing what happens to your AC unit when filters are not changed regularly, it is prudent you first understand a few things about air filters. An air filter is an essential part of your AC unit that traps dirt and airborne contaminants from the air entering your house protecting both your family and HVAC system. But where do those trapped particles go?  They build up on the air filter with time. So, the longer the air filter stays installed, the more particles it collects, and the less amount of air flows. Eventually, it is likely that your air filter will clog making it almost impossible for your AC unit to push air. You may end up needing to contact an HVAC repair technician due to potential damages.
If you don’t change your air filters regularly, then the following is bound to happen:

1.    Increased energy consumption. Your AC unit relies heavily on the cooling unit’s blower fan, the heating performance and circulation of air that can impact the amount of energy consumed. Meaning that if the blower fan works harder than usual when drawing air, it will be reflected in your higher energy bills. According to the US department of energy, a clogged air filter may use up to 15% of extra energy. Note that just as the inefficiency increases so do your energy bills until you either call your HVAC repair technician or you service the unit.

2.    Frozen evaporator coils. In case your filter clogs during the cooling summer season, it can make the cooling coil or the evaporator to freeze up. Reason being that only a small volume of air goes past the coil to dispel condensation produced during the freezing process. Lack of enough airflow makes this condensation to cool – reducing the system’s capacity to remove the heat from the air and cool your home. It causes you to get an HVAC repair guy to service your AC unit eventual breakdown.

3.    Inadequate cooling/heating. If your filter becomes clogged with a lot of dust, debris, and dander, then you are likely to experience cold and hot spots in your residence; because your blower fan is not able to efficiently and effectively pass the air. According to the Florida Public Service Commission research findings, the second cause of increased energy bills during the summer was the clogging of air filters. If you detect that anomaly, you should contact an HVAC repair professional.


4.    Unhealthy Air. Contacting your HVAC repair professional may not be enough if air with debris and dust is circulated in your home. Why? Because chronic allergies associated with respiratory and asthma conditions may arise forcing you to contact your family doctor. Worse still, if you keep a lot of chemicals in your house, or you own pets, the indoor air quality may impact your health negatively over time. Remember all that can happen if your air filter is clogged or serviced by an HVAC repair technician.

5.    Furnace failure. According to Diamond Certified Organization, clogged air filters are the leading cause of AC unit failure as they make heaters stop. Getting an HVAC repair technician to change your clogged air filter may not be a bad idea considering that if you change it improperly, it can damage the other internal components of your AC unit.

Regularly scheduled maintenance includes changing your air filters. Indoor Air Quality tests can also be done and with proper equipment, eradicated. Call Morgan Air today to schedule maintenance or provide you with proper filters for your AC unit.

Humidity Levels Affect Home Comfort

Humidity levels in the air affect the comfort of your home. 

Particularly true when you want to tailor the heating and cooling preferences to meet your home needs. Unfortunately, this is no exception during winter. Aside from the short days associated with the cold months, winter also brings along cold and dry air. The only way to make your home comfortable is by maintaining proper humidity level.
Indoor Humidity Levels
Ensure that your home has the right levels of moisture all the time. Proper humidity levels make your home feel warm in the winter making them more comfortable to live in.
It’s important to remember that indoor humidity levels within your home will be affected by many factors including the number of people in your home, the frequency of showers that were taken and the amount of laundry done.
When your indoor humidity level drops below 25%, it may affect your comfort and your loved ones. Therefore, it’s important to keep the correct humidity level.
What Can You Do About It?
To help address the problem in humidity levels within your home, you’ll need a humidification system. A humidifier is an obvious solution to the dry air present in your home. They are specially designed to not only increase comfort in your home but also to reduce the problems associated with dry air.
However, you need to be careful because too much humidity can be equally harmful bringing in molds and bacteria. A humidifier will help you manage indoor humidity during the winter usually with an average relative humidity level of 30 – 40% recommended for the dry winter months.
This range provides you and your family the best comfort within your home while protecting your wooden floor and furniture. Consider settling for a cool mist humidifier or whole house humidifiers though make sure they are properly maintained and cleaned for positive results.
Monitoring Your Home Humidity Levels
Want to maintain proper humidity level during the dry winter months? Well, a hygrometer would work perfectly so consider settling for one. This small, useful instrument often used alongside a properly maintained humidifier will show you the relative humidity level in your room. It helps you monitor air allowing you the opportunity to adjust the humidity level quickly whenever you want.
Problems Associated With Dry Air
The cold winter makes air within your home dry leaving you and your loved ones feeling pretty uncomfortable. Aside from the significant dry air symptoms like nosebleeds, chapped lips and itchy skin, you may also get colds, flu and sinus infections.
Moreover, your home furniture would equally feel the impact of the winter dryness. It may damage hardwood floors and furniture; this is no good news to any home owner.
Final Thought
It may not be easy to keep the correct humidity level. Fortunately, with this article, you now have relevant information to help maintain your indoor humidity level.
Make the right adjustments with your humidifiers while using a hygrometer to monitor the level of humidity in your home carefully. By doing this, you’ll be creating a comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones during the dry winter months.
However, it’s important to seek help from a professionally trained heating and cooling expert if you have any concerns about how to maintain proper home humidity levels. You can reach Morgan Air at 813-501-7765

Save Money with Proper Ceiling Fan Direction

What Direction Should My Ceiling Fan Move?

Save Money with Proper Ceiling Fan Direction for Summer and Winter. Who knew? The direction of your ceiling fan can actually save you money. While you can save money by using less electricity alone, sitting in a room that’s uncomfortably cool or warm is, simply put, uncomfortable. When you use ceiling fans to maximize your comfort, you use less of your heat or air conditioner, resulting in less energy and lower power bills. Most homes in Florida have ceiling fans. If you have noticed that they help more in the winter and less in the summer, or vice versa, then the problem might be that your ceiling fan is not set for the correct season.

To help make a room cooler in the summer, set your ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise. The airflow below the fan will create a wind chill effect, resulting in a breeze that feels cooler. Then, during the winter you should reverse your fans to rotate clockwise. This will create a gentle updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.By switching the direction of your ceiling fans, you’ll maximize your comfort by keeping all the cool air from collecting near the floor during the summer and all the warm air from collecting near the ceiling during the winter. And running ceiling fans uses less electricity than running your air conditioner or heater, it can help you start saving energy and saving money right away.
How to Switch the Direction of a Ceiling Fan: After you turn off your fan and let the blades stop, all you have to do is toggle a little switch between the lights and the fan blades that usually goes up and down. One sets the ceiling fan to spin clockwise, and the other sets it to spin counter-clockwise.Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise during the summer. The leading edges of the fan blades should point up, allowing the fan to move air down and create a breeze underneath the fan.Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise during the winter. The leading edges of the fan blades should point down, allowing the fan to pull cool air upwards and push warm air near the ceiling down towards the floor.And here’s another tip. If you are one of the thousands of people who rarely clean your fan blades, you might want to consider doing this before you change directions of the blades. If not, the dust that has collected on the edge will be blown off into the floor, onto the counters and into your mother-in-law’s hair.
For help with ceiling fans, more energy saving tips, or if you have questions, feel free to contact Morgan Air at 813-500-7765.

Indoor Air Quality Issues

How to Identify Indoor Air Quality Issues (IAQ) in your home…
And what to do about it when you discover them.

Many of us do not realize the quality of the air we breathe can be the source of many health issues. We go on day to day thinking it is allergies, or the common cold. So how do we know when it is a health and safety concern? And what are the common factors to look out for? Most importantly, what do we do to rectify the situation if we discover a problem?

There are a variety of risks we take each day, some we choose to accept and others we might decide to avoid if we were informed of our choices. Indoor air quality is a risk you can do something about, with minimal effort.

In the hot days of Florida sunshine, we spend a large majority of our time indoors enjoying the controlled temperature of air conditioning. You might even say that your risk for pollutants is greater indoors, than out. High temperatures and high humidity levels can increase the potential for susceptibility to pollutants. A good air filter can make all the difference in your home’s air quality. Proper ventilation and filters can fresh air into your home and pollutants out.

So what are the signs you may have poor air quality? Some of the common symptoms are:

·         coughing
·         sneezing
·         watery eyes
·         fatigue
·         dizziness
·         headaches
·         upper respiratory congestion

If you begin to notice relief from these symptoms once you leave a room or your home, your symptoms may be caused by indoor air contaminants. Causes of these indoor air quality IAQ problems can range from dust, dust mites, mold, fungi, bacteria, insufficient outdoor air intake, humidity, lighting, gases (from carpets, furniture, paint etc.), odors, carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, perfume- to name a few.

This sounds serious, and for many it should be take very seriously.  Not all people are affected the same way and to the same extent. Some people may be more sensitive than others. As the quality of air deteriorates or your exposure becomes lengthier, more people tend to be affected.

So, what can be done?

Your ventilation system should be checked to make sure it’s operating properly. Look for causes such as mold etc. and consider having the air tested by a professional. There are state of the art products today that can cure most indoor air quality issues that are common to Florida households.

Consider a whole-house air purifier to clean the air of mold, germs, allergens and contaminants. Dirty coils on your air conditioning unit can also be a culprit of germs and bacteria. Having your AC unitmaintained could be a simple solution.

Always ask the help of a professional, there are plenty of services that offer free consultation. Morgan Air offers a free second opinion and plenty of discount options on maintenance or air quality products on their website. Check it out today, give us a call if you suspect any of these symptoms to be related to the indoor air quality of your home.

Morgan Air

Tampa, FL

813-500-7765

www.morganair.net

Back to School - Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

It’s that time of year again! Check-ups for your AC unit are usually planned around the seasons change for fall and spring. Start thinking about your maintenance plan now, and schedule ahead! It is always best  to maintain your equipment in order to increase longevity and prevent future problems with unwanted costs. Your cooling and heating system will be at peak performance by having a local licensed contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. Here are some basic tips to help you get started!

For the fall and heating season, these are the basic maintenance check up items:

·         Thermostat settings Check this to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and programmable settings save energy while you are away.

·         Make Sure All electrical connections are tight- we will measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

·         Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.

·         Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.

·         Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

·         Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

As leaves fall, and debris builds with the cooler days of fall, always remember to clear your AC unit of any fallen leaves or pollen and twigs. Protect your family and home by ensuring your HVAC equipment is running safe and efficiently. Save money by reducing your energy usage with a well maintained unit and add value to your home by extending the life of your unit. Many maintenance programs and specials are often available for early birds. Call Morgan Air today and schedule your maintenance, check their website for ongoing deals. www.morganair.net

Throwing Money out the Air Ducts?

You’ve heard of throwing money out the window right? What about throwing money out of the air ducts?

Florida homes have forced-air heating and cooling systems, in which air ducts are used to distribute the air to each room in the house. In many of these homes, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to holes, leaks, and poorly connected ducts. According to recent studies you could be losing hundreds of dollars each year due to leaking ducts, and potentially not even realize it. Duct leaks have been referred to as one of the top 3 energy wasters in most homes. Significant amount of energy is often lost when air ducts have even a small number of leaks. In addition to money concerns, leaking air ducts could create health risks, with air not being circulated properly and moist air settling in can lead to condensation and mold/mildew growth. Not to mention outdoor pollutants and airborne particulates. As a duct loses conditioned air, outside air is sucked in to replace it, drawing in those pollutants and your unit is working harder than necessary to maintain a constant temperature.

·         There are many signs that may point to air duct leaks that include:

·         It can be difficult to keep the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set.

·         Unusual Spike in Utility Bills

·         Different rooms have different temperatures, and you have difficulty heating or cooling one room over another.

·         You find a tangled or kinked flexible Duct in your system

·         Excessive amounts of dust, no matter how often you clean

Some of the above descriptions could have you wondering if you too might have a duct leak. If any of those points resonate with you, it might be time to inspect your HVAC system. It is always best to hire a professional to properly diagnose any potential problems. Crawling around in my attic is not exactly how I like to spend my Saturday afternoon. Finding the major leaks are easy… you can feel the air blowing out, however, smaller leaks are not as easy to find. Most of the leaks are where the ducts are connected together with screws, and while may seem minute… there is strength in numbers. The greater amount of tiny leaks, the bigger the problem. Best to leave it to the experts.

Scheduled maintenance regularly from a professional once or twice a year can prevent small duct leaks from becoming bigger issues that will end up costing you additional time, energy, and money. In the Tampa area there are so many choices for AC contractors, its tough to choose a reliable company. Morgan Air guarantees honesty, reliability and integrity. They also offer a FREE second opinion. Their technicians are always available and offer valuable insight and same day service. Morgan Air 14807 N 12th St, Lutz, FL 33549 (813) 500-7765