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.

Smell of Fall in the Air.. or is that something else?

Fall Maintenance Programs at Morgan AC 813-500-7765

Funky Furnace Smell?

Ahh, the smell of the crisp autumn air and promises of apple pie and pine trees. Fall weather brings us cooler, welcomed temperatures. While this can be a relief from hot summer days, the temps at night can dip and bring frigid air. It has been many months since your HVAC system has run your heater, and during the latest temperature drop you turned it on. Those pleasant fall smells have disappeared into burning, musty odors. While you should never ignore a foul smell, there may be a simple fix to your smell.

Furnace smells are actually normal and not usually a cause for concern, though can be so strong that homeowners get worried. Here are some of the possibilities causing this strange odor.....

Dust: This is the most common cause for the smell, your furnace has been out of use for a few months and dust settles in the combustion chamber. It can collect in the duct work, and when the furnace is turned on for the first time in the season it gets blown throughout the house. The dust can also burn off and release an odor, though it should disappear within a few hours or the first couple of uses. This scent cannot be completely avoided. Try turning on your attic fan or open windows to help reduce the smell the first time you turn in on.

Dirty Filters: HVAC Maintenance not only keeps your system running smoothly and increases the longevity of your unit, but dirty filters can cause this odorous effect if not changed regularly. Air becomes blocked and cannot flow freely. There is also a possibility that the unit could overheat. It is important to install a clean filter regularly and have it tuned up once a year by a professional to keep it in the best condition in order to save you money and make your home comfortable.

Electrical burning smells, smoke or mildew may be causes for concern. Blocked chimneys and furnace motors overheating require an experienced technician to check electrical components and blockages. Don’t hesitate to call and ask a professional if you have any questions.

Often times, early in the season AC Contractors will offer maintenance and filter specials, Call Morgan AC today and schedule a heating inspection and let the experts help.

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