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Most homeowners don’t think much about their air conditioner until it breaks and in need of an emergency service. That’s why Munro Heating and Air is here for you. We understand that most people aren’t as passionate about air conditioning as we are! Below are some of the most common causes of AC failures and ways to help prevent them:

Common Causes of AC Failure

Forgetting annual maintenance. Annual maintenance is necessary to ensure your air conditioner continues to work properly. During your annual maintenance check your system will be cleaned and inspected allowing problems to be identified and corrected before they happen.

Refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the “stuff” that your air conditioner uses to remove the heat and humidity from the air in your home or business. If your system develops leaks in the refrigerant lines, you can end up with not enough refrigerant to effectively cool the air and your system may not operate correctly. Refrigerant is harmful to the environment any leak should be repaired and recharged by a licensed technician.

Frozen coil. Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is filled with refrigerant, and is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air like a sponge. It may sound counter-intuitive, but those coils need warm air circulating around them to work properly. When something goes wrong with the airflow and the evaporator coil gets too cold, a layer of ice can build up on the outside. When that happens, you’ll get warm air or none at all coming from your air conditioning supply registers. Dirty air filters or blocked ductwork can cause air flow problems in your system resulting in a frozen coil. Cleaning and replacing your air filter regularly is a great way to prevent a frozen coil.

Dirty condenser coils. Your unit’s condenser coils, part of the outdoor unit, gets rid of the heat removed from the air by expelling it outside the building. The condenser coil won’t work well when it gets covered with a layer of dirt and grime. When this happens, heat transfer is impeded, and your unit has to work harder to do its job, leading increased wear on the parts and even system failure.

Damaged compressor or other system components. When your air conditioner’s compressor fails, it’s usually due to another issue causing stress on your system such as low refrigerant, electrical problems or dirty coils. Annual maintenance often catches warn out and damages parts before you need an emergency repair.

Faulty Thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working right, your air conditioner may continuously cycle on and off or fail to work at all. If this is the case installing a new thermostat will get things running correctly again. When selecting a new thermostat be sure to consider all of the programmable and wifi thermostats many which allow you to set and adjust temperatures at set times or even remotely.

Preventing AC Failure

Don’t neglect regular maintenance. Virtually all of the most common causes of air conditioner problems can be easily prevented with regular maintenance. Have an HVAC expert come in to inspect and tune up your system each spring before starting it up for the first time. It’s relatively inexpensive, and you’ll save yourself from having to make that emergency call when the AC stops working on the hottest day of the year.

Replace your air filters. Dirty and clogged air filters cause air flow problems that lead to coils freezing.

Inspect ducts and repair holes. If it seems like there’s not enough air coming from the registers, or your energy bills keep going up, have an HVAC expert take a look at the condition of your ducts.

Clear debris from around your outdoor unit. When the condenser and outdoor fan unit get clogged with leaves, trash and dirt, the unit can’t expel heat as effectively.

Your HVAC system requires regular maintenance and care to continue running properly and efficiently. Contact Munro Heating & Air to schedule your routine maintenance appointment today! (484) 932-8374.

The warmer weather is finally here and you may have already turned on your air conditioning a few times. For many, turning on the air conditioner signifies the start of higher electricity bills! Air conditioning uses more household electricity than anything else, by far. A ceiling fan uses much less energy, so the trick to saving money is using it more and your AC less. Below are a few ways to cut energy costs with your ceiling fan.

Set Your Home’s Temperature Higher

When using your AC and ceiling fan together, raise the temperature on your thermostat by 4 degrees (or more). While your ceiling fan doesn’t cool the air by itself it does help circulate the cool air created by your AC. It also creates a breeze, which makes the room feel cooler than it actually is. This allows you to turn up the thermostat temperature without experiencing a change in comfort.

Turn Off the Fan When You Leave

While programmable thermostats allow you to schedule your AC unit to turn off and on based on your schedule, most ceiling fans do not have a programmable feature, which means you’ll have to remember to turn them on and off yourself. Leaving a ceiling fan on while you are gone for an extended period of time will not change the temperature of the room, it will only waste electricity.

Make Sure Your Fan Is Turning In The Correct Direction

Most ceiling fans have a clockwise and a counter-clockwise setting which allow you to change the direction the fan spins changing the direction of air flows. Determining whether your fan is set correctly for the summer season is easy. Stand under your fan and turn in on. If you feel a breeze from the fan, then it is set to the “summer” setting and you are good to go. If you do not feel the breeze, then grab a step stool or ladder and check your fan’s base for a small button or switch that that sets the fan to run in the opposite direction. Form most fans the “summer setting” is counterclockwise, but this can vary from model to model depending on how the blades are aligned.

Heating and cooling costs account for nearly half a home’s total energy bill. If your central air unit is more than 10 years old, replacing it with a high-efficiency model could save you up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs. Contact Munro Heating and Air today to learn more and begin saving today! (484) 932-8374

Air conditioning is a must have for many families in south eastern Pennsylvania, especially as temperatures continue to rise as we head into summer. While you may know that your HVAC system require regular maintenance and care to keep them running properly, how well do you really know your HVAC system? Take this true/false quiz to test your knowledge!

True or False: Your HVAC unit will perform the same no matter where it is installed.

False! Your HVAC equipment is meant to last, but it’s not indestructible. It is best to install an outdoor unit in the shade, out of direct sunlight. When planting greenery around your unit for shade or for aesthetic reasons, make sure not to block airflow. When installing a thermostat in your home, it is best to keep it away from appliances and lights that give off heat because this may cause your unit to run longer than needed.

True or False: You should change your air filters at least once every 3 months.

True! You should be replacing your air filters every 60 to 90 days, to dispose of the dust and other allergens that they catch. It’s easy to change your filters; doing so will ensure the longevity of your heating and cooling systems and keep your air clean.

True or False: Lowering the thermostat will help cool your home faster

False! Modern HVAC systems work at the same speed no matter the temperature. Most units have a central air unit that uses a single fan. This means no matter how low you set your thermostat, the unit will continue to deliver cool air at the same rate. So even if you turn the unit down to 50 degrees won’t cool you down any faster. Set your thermostat to the desired temperature or you may strain your system and run a higher-than-expected energy bill, especially if you forget to re-adjust the thermostat back!

True or False: Leaving the AC on all day is more efficient than re-cooling your house when you get home.

False! Even though it may seem like a good idea to leave the air-conditioning running so you can return to a cooled house after work, it’s really a waste of time and energy. There’s no need to keep replacing cool air with more cool air when you’re not at home to enjoy it. If you have specific temperature preferences, it may be time to invest in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to turn your air conditioning temperature up when you leave the house and set a timer to start cooling things down about a half hour before you return home. By setting a cooling schedule you will use less energy and put less strain on your A/C (and your wallet)!

True or False: Closing the shades or drapes on a hot and sunny day will give your AC a break.

True! Keeping the hot sun from entering your windows will help prevent a spike in indoor temperature. This will help your AC unit, so it isn’t overworked.

True or False: To cool a room faster, leave a ceiling fan on.

False! Fans cool people, not air. They cannot lower a room’s air temperature. The cooling effect is felt through evaporation on the skin. Leaving your ceiling fan on when you are not in the room can waste energy and money.

As common as AC and HVAC systems are, there is a lot to learn. To keep your systems running as efficient as possible, rely on Munro Heating and Air to handle any of your HVAC needs! Contact us today (484) 932-8374.

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Turning on your air conditioner can signify the start of summer. While the sound of the cool air flowing into your home can be calming, what happens if you hear a disconcerting sound coming from your system?  Some noises are normal but others can indicate a problem.

Rattling

Your outdoor condenser is protected by a grate that keeps out large debris, but smaller debris like twigs and pebbles can make their way through. Many times these intruders can be removed by taking off the vent cover, but in other cases, it may be easier to call a technician to check for and remove debris from an outdoor condenser.

Hissing

Hissing usually suggests escaping air. If you hear this noise coming from inside your walls, it could mean that your duct work is leaking and needs to be repaired. It could also mean that your vent flaps are closed too tightly or your filter may not be properly sealed.

Clanking/Scraping

The sound of metal scraping usually indicates loose parts like fan blades, or loose pipes clanking against other parts. Correcting these issues is important because they could cause additional damage to your system. If you hear these types of noises it’s best to contact a technician right away so the cause can be found and corrected.

Squeaking/Thumping

Squeaking and thumping often occurs when your system is starting up or shutting down and can indicate worn belts or parts. You should consider scheduling an appointment to have these components checked before a worn part becomes a broken one.

Popping/Clanging

Metal can expand and contract during temperature changes. Ducts may pop open or clang shut which is completely normal. If these noises become bothersome, insulation can be installed to help lessen the noise.

Bubbling

Bubbling is the most worrisome sound and usually indicates air being trapped in the refrigerant line, possibly because of a leak. You should contact us immediately so we can determine the cause and location of the leak.

Unsure about what the noises coming from your HVAC are trying to tell you? Wondering whether they’re normal or an indication of a serious issue? Contact us to schedule your maintenance appointment today (484) 932-8374.

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Changing the filter on your HVAC system may seem like a small and insignificant “to do” on your long list of household chores, but failing to change your filter can have an big impact when it comes to the health of your HVAC system and of your family.  Ideally filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending upon the type of filter being used.

Dirty Filters = System Damage

Clogged filters can cause extensive damage to your system. Checking and changing  your air filter regularly helps you ensure the longevity of your system — saving yourself thousands in possible repair and replacement costs. Dirt and neglect are one of the leading causes of heating and cooling systems failing. These failures are completely avoidable with regular checking and changing.

Dirty Filters = Dirty Air

Changing the air filter in your system regularly ensures cleaner, fresher, healthier air. This is better for everyone in your home, particularly children and the elderly, and most especially for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma. A clean air filter means you are not constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen and other small particles in the air. Clean filters also allow your system to purify the air, leaving it cleaner and healthier.

Dirty Filters = Wasted Energy

Cleaning out or changing a clogged air filter will also save you a significant amount on operating costs. A dirty air filter makes it harder for your system to “breathe” causing it to use much more energy than it would a new, clean air filter. Your system working harder means a higher electricity bill for you. You can save up to 15% on utility costs just by keeping your air filter clean.

HVAC maintenance is important to keep your unit working efficiently, to ensure your home’s heating and cooling costs stay down, to prolong the life of your unity, and to ensure the air quality inside your home stays clean and breathable for your entire family. Proper serving of your HVAC unit can give you peace of mind that when you need your unit most, it will be ready to deliver. Call Munro Heating and Air to schedule your maintenance appointment today, (484) 932-8374.

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Springtime in Southeastern Pennsylvania means warmer temperatures, sunshine, getting back outdoors and SPRING CLEANING! Many times home owners don’t take into account the cleanliness of their HVAC system, especially if it is working properly. While routine maintenance is always recommended to help keep your system running at it’s best, skipping maintenance can have an effect on the health of your machine as well as your family.  Without proper maintenance, there could be mold and mildew hiding in your ducts.

 Be Aware of the Warning Signs

Listen to your nose! If you smell a musty or damp smell in your home, it’s time to schedule a service appointment. As a homeowner you can checks of your indoor and outdoor systems for signs of mold growth and signs of condensation which can lead to future mold growth.

Where does Mold Come From?

HVAC systems that do not receive regular maintenance may not be able to properly remove humidity. When this moisture combines with dirty air filters it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive. As a part of the maintenance Munro Heating and Air can check your system to make sure it is performing it’s condensing cycles properly and that your system is free of clogs and debris. By making sure that moisture is not collecting, mold will have a difficult time growing inside of your system.

What Can I Do To Prevent Mold Growth?

The best way to prevent mold from becoming an issue is to schedule regular maintenance. Being aware of the warning signs listed above is also a great start. If you are having trouble determining whether or not mold is an issue in your system, we can help. We’ll work with you to clear out any existing problem before it results in a costly replacement.  Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment (484) 932-8374.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the warmer months. Here at Munro Heating and Air we are big believers that your HVAC system should be included in your spring cleaning and maintenance checklists for your home.  Benefits regular cleaning and maintenance include:

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Having your HVAC cleaned regularly and changing your air filter can help remove particulate from the air which means you, your family and guests visiting your home will not be inhaling dust, dust and pollen which can aggravate allergies.

Increased Efficiency & Equipment Life

After a long harsh winter you may find dirt, debris and leaves around your outdoor HVAC unit. While you can and should remove these items from the area on your own, it’s best to leave the intricate cleaning to the professionals. Professional HVAC technicians  have the right tools and equipment to clean both the inside and outside of your HVAC unit. They are even able to clean condenser and evaporator coils allowing your system to work more efficiently.

Having your unit checked and cleaned regularly will help ensure that it is running properly and allow it to reach it’s maximum life. A clean unit is able to operate more smoothly than a dirty system and checks also allow worn components to be replaced before they cause your system to fail.

Munro Heating and Air can assist you with all of your spring HVAC cleaning and maintenance needs. If your unit is older, we can help you determine how much life is left in it and can make recommendations for more energy efficient solutions for your home’s heating and cooling needs. To learn more about our services and to schedule your spring maintenance, call us today (484) 932-8374.

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