Professional Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Hammond’

Hissing Sounds from Your Air Conditioning: What They Mean

Monday, June 16th, 2014

An air conditioner, when operating normally, makes a predictable series of sounds: fans whirring, the compressor humming, and the occasional sound of condensate drainage. When another sound interrupts this pattern, it usually indicates that the AC needs to have professionals look into it and see if it requires repairs. Grinding and groaning sounds can point toward motors undergoing excess stress, clanging that a fan belt has come loose or a fan blade is bent, and clicking that a capacitor is about to fail.

In this post, we’ll address one sound in particular. It isn’t as loud and noticeable as some of the others, but it can warn of a problem as bad if not worse. When you hear a hissing noise from either cabinet of your AC, it means you probably have refrigerant escaping… and that requires professionals to perform air conditioning repair in Hammond, LA on the double, before your cooling system sustains serious damage that may even lead to requiring a replacement. Look to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for the work you need, when you need it.

The Problems of Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant (sometimes called “Freon”) inside an AC is responsible for carrying out heat exchange. To do this properly, it must remain at a set level, known as a “charge,” that is balanced for a specific air conditioner. Refrigerant does not dissipate under normal circumstances, but the charge can start to drop if the AC develops leaks.

When the charge lowers, the air conditioner will start to lose its ability to absorb heat along the evaporator coil. The refrigerant in the coil will remain cold, and this will trigger the condensate moisture along the coil to freeze. The presence of ice will further restrict heat absorption, and even more ice will develop, leading to a cycle that will eventually conclude with a solid block of ice across the coil and a complete end of the cooling cycle.

Even more worrisome: a drop in refrigerant charge will cause an imbalance inside the air conditioner that will damage the components. The compressor—the most vital piece of machinery in an AC—can overheat and burn out due to a lowered refrigerant charge. A burnt-out compressor will have to be replaced, or even the whole air conditioner with it… the most expensive “repair” of all.

You do not want leaking refrigerant to continue for any longer than necessary. At the first hissing noise, or the moment after you spot ice forming along the evaporator coil, call for professional air conditioning repair in Hammond, LA. A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning is available 24 hours a day to bring you the skilled work that will keep your AC cooling your home all summer long.

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Why Should I Consider Installing A Dehumidifier?

Monday, June 9th, 2014

Louisiana is known for muggy summers, and anybody who has lived here for a year or more knows how unpleasant the weather can become when the humidity climbs over 60%. An air conditioning system can offer some relief from humidity, since the action of evaporation that ACs use to extract heat from the air also draws in moisture. However, this is not the primary function of air conditioning systems, and for the high humidity of Louisiana, they are rarely up to the task of providing relief from damp days. (Anything above 60% humidity is too much for an air conditioner to handle.)

This is why we at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning recommend that when you have air conditioning installation in Hammond, LA, you also add a dehumidifier to the system. There are many advantages to this choice beyond achieving superior comfort during the summer.

Adding a Dehumidifier?

A dedicated dehumidifier works something like a small air conditioner. A fan draws in humid air and then passes it through coils cooled with refrigerant, and the evaporation pulls moisture from the air along with the heat. The moisture drips into a reservoir, and a reheater restores the air to its initial temperature (this way a dehumidifier will not make the air from your AC too cold). The reservoir in most dehumidifiers removes the excess water through a drain. A humidistat gives you control over the amount of moisture the dehumidifier removes from the air.

Aside from making you feel more comfortable (the less moisture in the air, the easier it is for your body to lose heat through perspiration), a dehumidifier will help you save money because you will no longer need to run the AC as often.

Lowering the humidity in a house has a beneficial effect on health: high humidity is linked to respiratory troubles, and it also encourages the growth of mold and mildew that will have a negative impact on the air you breathe.

High levels of moisture will cause damage to furnishings, walls, and floors, so a dehumidifier will also do the job of protecting your home.

Look For Professional Installation

You should always have professionals for your air conditioning installation in Hammond, LA. Make sure you retain them to perform the dehumidifier installation as well. A dehumidifier must be sized correctly to work with your AC and neither dry out your home too much or leave it too damp.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning has indoor air quality specialists who are ready to help you find the right system for your new AC installation. We also handle repair and maintenance to keep your new dehumidifier and air conditioner working in prime condition for many years.

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Why Consider Ductless for Your Next AC Installation

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

If you are considering new air conditioning installation this fall to prepare for summer, you have more options than you once did. Over the last decade, ductless mini splits have made the transition from the commercial world (they’re popular in restaurants and hotels) into the residential world. Ductless systems have some important advantages that may tilt your choice for air conditioning installation in Hammond, NJ in their favor.

You will need advice from air conditioning professionals to make the best choice for your new AC. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and speak to our comfort specialists about the options available for cooling your home this summer.

Why ductless may be the way to go

A ductless mini split heat pump works the same way that standard heat pumps do: using the circulation of refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units to move heat from one place to another. The difference with a ductless mini split is that instead of a single indoor unit connected to a ventilation system, they use multiple smaller blower units mounted in various rooms. Each blower has its own coil, and connects through the back of the wall to the outdoor unit.

Here’s how this system can benefit you:

No ducts! This sounds obvious, but consider the sort of problems that ducts can cause your air conditioning. Ductwork gather dirt, dust, and even less pleasant contaminants, which then blow out into your home, lowering the air quality and dirtying the space. Dirt also impedes airflow and makes the system strain harder. You need to schedule regular cleaning to make sure the ducts remain dirt-free. Any breaks in the ductwork require repairs or else the AC will lose air pressure. Ductless systems have none of these issues.
Zone control saves money! The individual blowers of a ductless system allow you to control the temperature in rooms separate from each other. You no longer have to cool down the whole house when you turn on the AC, only the places that require it. You’ll see a drop in your power bills when you only need to keep the air conditioning running in the spots of the house that need it.
Heating and cooling! Although we’ve focused specifically on cooling down your home in this post (summer is coming up, after all), a ductless mini split heat pump has the same advantage that all heat pumps have: they work as air conditioners and heaters. Their heating power is far more efficient than that of fuel-burning systems like furnaces and boilers—another way you’ll save money.

Ductless mini splits are not the ideal comfort solution for all homes. If you already have ducts in your house, you may consider installing a standard heat pump. However, for new construction projects and add-on rooms, ductless systems are great options.

Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment regarding your new air conditioning installation in Hammond, LA. Ductless or not, we’ll make sure you end up with the right cooling for the summer.

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Signs That You Need to Replace Your Furnace This Off-Season

Monday, March 3rd, 2014

Question: When is the optimal time to replace a furnace?

Answer: Whenever you least need to use your furnace.

If you want to plan ahead for installing a new furnace (instead of waiting for your current one to break down—never a beneficial strategy), then the best time to take care of it during the coming spring and summer, when heating in Hammond, LA is not a priority. However, proper planning also requires knowing that you need to plan. Here are some of the warning signs you may encounter during the closing days of winter that you should schedule pre-emptive furnace replacement.

Turn to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning when you want to set up installation for your new furnace. We can help you pick and size the new unit, and bring the professional skill necessary to install it right.

Signs the time has arrived to retire your furnace

Steady rise in heating bills: As a furnace wears down with age, it will drain more power to perform its regular work load. If you have noticed a steady rise in your heating bills that you can’t trace to a specific malfunction, then you may have a furnace too old to do its job efficiently. Check on the manufacturer’s expected lifespan: if you furnace is approaching it, or even gone over it, than you should schedule a replacement.
Constant loud operation: Strange noises from a furnace cabinet usually signal repair needs. But if these noises become the rule rather than the exception, the furnace has deteriorated too far for any targeted repairs to restore it to its former working condition. Take special caution with gas furnaces, since this noisy operation could indicate problems that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
Large repair bills: If you have regular annual maintenance for your furnace (and you should) you can expect minimal repair needs. However, an old furnace will begin encountering operating problems no matter how well it has been maintained. Furnaces have the most repair needs during the last two years of their lives, and if you find yourself spend around $500 a year on repairs to keep the furnace running, then it’s no longer worth it.
Comfort just isn’t what it used to be: A more subjective sign, but combined with the others it can make all the difference. If you simply no longer feel warm and comfortable in a home with an older furnace, then it’s time for the furnace to go.

Make sure you hire experienced professionals for installing your new heating system in Hammond, LA. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment with our technicians today to get started.

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Consider a Dehumidifier with Your Heating Installation

Monday, February 24th, 2014

We don’t need to tell you that Louisiana can have extremely humid spring and summer weather, and that the higher the humidity rises, the hotter the temperature will feel. (The reason for this is that as the moisture in the air condenses on your skin, it releases additional heat.) But humidity can cause problems during colder weather as well, especially if it gets inside your home. When you have new heating system installation in Hammond, LA, you should consider the addition of a dehumidifier to combat these problems.

There are some good reasons that a dehumidifier will benefit your heating. We’ll look over why you should put a dehumidifier on your list for home improvements when you have your new heating system installed. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule both jobs.

Benefits of a dehumidifier

Increased comfort: Although high humidity will make the heat in your house feel even warmer during the winter, this isn’t the sort of comfortable warmth you want. Humidity will make a house feel stuffy, muggy, and closed in; a drier heat (although not too dry) will make your house a more pleasant place to live.
Reduction in mold and mildew: The water moisture of humidity will encourage the growth of microbacteria such as mold, mildew, and viruses throughout your home, especially in hidden places like your vents. Aside from looking unpleasant, these growths can contribute to poor health, leading to flu- and cold-like symptoms and breathing difficulty. This is especially hazardous if you have people with allergies living in your home.
Wood rot and other damage: High humidity is bad for your home’s furnishings and construction. It leads to peeling wallpaper, warped boards, destructive wood rot, and the ruin of the finishing across furniture.

What a dehumidifier does

A dehumidifier added onto your heating system works in a simple way. A fan draws in the humid air from the ventilation system and moves it through a refrigerated evaporator. This cools the air below the dew point, which causes the water moisture in the air to condense along the surface of the evaporator. The water condensation from this process is removed through a drain line.

Installation of a dehumidifier is easy

You can have a dehumidifier installed in your heating system at any time, but the easiest time is to schedule it for when your new heating system is installed. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today to talk about what we can do to decrease your home’s humidity and make it safer, cleaner, and more comfortable with professional heating installation in Hammond, LA.

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The Best Heating Systems for You

Monday, January 27th, 2014

There are so many different heating systems available on the market today that even thinking about new installation for your home can make your head swim. However, we’re here to help: we’ve outlined the top heating systems for Hammond, LA homes. To help you further narrow down your choices, call our heating experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the old warhorses of the heating world, existing in some form since humans first moved into cities. Modern furnaces come in numerous styles that use a variety of heat sources, so there’s almost always a furnace that’s right for your home. Natural gas-powered furnaces are particularly energy-efficienct and effective at providing whatever level of heat you need.

Heat Pumps

The climate in Hammond is well-suited for a heat pump, an electrically-powered system that is essentially and air conditioner that can reverse the direction it moves heat so it brings heat inside your home. The major advantage of a heat pump is that it works as both an AC and a heater, so you’re covered for a whole year with a single unit. Heat pumps also have high energy-efficiency in heating mode because they use electricity to power the mechanics that move heat, not to directly generate heat as in an electric furnace.

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

This system uses the same method of providing heat as a heat pump: the difference is its delivery system. As the name implies, ductless mini split heat pumps do not require ductwork. Instead, they use multiple blower units mounted on walls throughout a home to push the conditioned air directly into the rooms. This saves money on duct cleaning and repairs, and also gives you control over which rooms receive heating/cooling.

Fireplaces

Wait… what? A fireplace is only cosmetic, right? No, not necessarily. Although we don’t advise that you have a fireplace as your sole heating system, an efficient gas log or electric insert, or a pellet stove, can provide large levels of heat to a specific place in the home that can take some of the stress off your other systems. And, of course, they come with the benefit of coziness.

All of these heating systems require professional installation, so make the wise move and have the installers involved from the start of choosing a heater. An HVAC expert can determine your home’s particular needs for proper heating, and then match you with the right system to give you the best comfort possible. After that, the installation experts will put in your new system and you’ll be enjoying quality heat in no time at all.

Make your call about which of these heating systems in Hammond, LA will work for you to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We combine the service of a large company with the personal touch of a small one.

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What Is AFUE and How Does It Affect Heating Repair?

Monday, January 20th, 2014

If you’ve spent any time shopping for a new heating system, or if you’ve taken time to inspect the furnace or boiler in your home, you may have come across the letters AFUE. What do they stand for, and do they have any effect on heating repair?

Understanding AFUE is important, and we’ll explain what those letters mean in this post. If you have more questions, contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We are available 24-hours a day with emergency heating repair in Hammond, LA.

AFUE = “annual fuel utilization efficiency”

The acronym AFUE stands for “annual fuel utilization efficiency.” It measures how efficiently a heating system burns fuel to create heat. It is expressed as a percentage measuring the amount of units of heat produced for every 100 units of fuel burned. So a gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 85% returns 85 units of heat (measured in BTUs) for every 100 units of natural gas it burns. The higher the AFUE rating, the less fuel the heater wastes.

For the sake of comparison, the AFUE rating of burning wood is 45%-55%. Mid-efficiency natural gas heaters score between 78% and 85%, while high-efficiency models can score from 90% all the way to 98%. For a gas furnace to receive the U.S. Energy Star label, it must have AFUE of 90% or greater.

(AFUE only applies to furnaces and boilers. Heat pumps use a different set of efficiency ratings.)

How does AFUE affect heating repair?

AFUE does not have a direct effect on heating repair, but it can indicate some of what you might expect from a heater. As a general rule, the higher the AFUE is on a heating system, the more complex the system. For example, a high-efficiency condensing furnace, which can achieve an AFUE rating of 98%, contains more components and mechanisms than a standard furnace. High-efficiency furnaces need to have more stringent maintenance and repairs to keep them running at their best.

However, this doesn’t mean that if you have a lower-efficiency heater with an AFUE rating in the 80%-90% range that you can go slack with getting repairs or scheduling maintenance. Make certain you have signed up for a regular maintenance program so your heater receives annual check-ups and tune-ups, and that you never let a repair need go without immediate professional attention.

Whatever the AFUE of your heater, A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can handle your heating repair in Hammond, LA. Call us any time of the day or night for repairs, and look into the benefits of our maintenance program.

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Signs of Problems with Your Boiler

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

If you have taken good care of your boiler with regular annual maintenance visits, then you probably haven’t had much worries with it; boilers are well-known for their few repair needs and their longevity. However, no system can run perfectly, and a time may come when your boiler develops problems that can put your heating in jeopardy.

Here are some signs to watch for in your boiler that will warn you it’s time to call for professional heating repair service in Hammond, LA. Make your first call to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, where we have 24-hour emergency service to take care of your needs.

Signs your boiler needs help:

Rumbling sounds from the tank: Boilers run quietly, much more so than furnaces or heat pumps. When a boiler starts making a loud noise, you will notice it. If the tank of your boiler begins making a rumbling sound, it could mean a number of things. A broken valve might be permitting too much cold water to enter the tank, and the mixing of hot and cold water is creating the rumbling. Or the noise might indicate the water is overheating, which could be due to sediment in the tank, limescale, or corrosion. All these troubles need immediate professional attention.
Leaking: Any time you see leaks occurring from your boiler system, whether from the tank, the connections, or the pipes, you have to call for repairs right away. Leaks can mean a spike in water pressure, deteriorating connections, corrosion, or damage. Professionals can seal the leaks and find out what is causing them.
Corrosion developing: Boilers are designed to resist corrosion and rust, but the problem can still happen—especially in an older boiler or one that hasn’t received proper maintenance. If you notice rust appearing anywhere on the tank or its components, you need to call for assistance. Too much corrosion on the boiler tank often means it must be replaced.

Have your boiler repaired right away

Even problems that seem small, like a tiny leak, can threaten to ruin your boiler if they are allowed to continue. If you catch the trouble early enough, a heating specialist can usually fix the problem fast and thoroughly… so make sure you don’t hesitate to summon experts when you think your boiler is acting (or looking) strange.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning works hard to give our customers complete satisfaction. For your heating repair in Hammond, LA, for a boiler or any other system, call on our skilled technicians.

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Which is Better: Gas or Oil Systems?

Friday, January 10th, 2014

For many years, oil was one of the main fuel sources people used to power their heating systems: boilers and furnaces often ran from a supply of oil. Today, oil has lost ground to natural gas that is piped into homes through lines from a municipal supply. The most popular furnace and boiler models today are powered by natural gas.

Is natural gas the superior option? We definitely think so, and we’ll explain in this post the benefits of natural gas over oil when it comes to heating in Hammond, LA. For more about installing a natural gas heater in your home, or if you need repairs or maintenance, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning… any time of the day or night.

The advantages of natural gas

Easy access: Natural gas comes directly into homes through pipes. You can run out of your oil supply and need to wait for delivery before you get your heating back, but you always have natural gas ready whenever you need it.
Less expensive: Natural gas is not only less expensive than oil, it’s often less expensive than electricity. Comparison studies have shown that it can cost up to three times more to heat a home during the winter with oil than with electricity.
Useful in other parts of your home: Natural gas is useful throughout a house, not just for a heating system. It can power stoves and ovens, and even some laundry machines.
Better for the environment: Natural gas burns “cleaner” than most fossil fuels, which means it produces fewer emissions that are toxic for the environment. And this works locally as well as globally: there’s none of the soot that burning oil can leave behind.

There is only major disadvantage with natural gas: you need to have a connection to a municipal supply. If you don’t have access to natural gas, then propane or electric furnaces (or a heat pump) are perhaps the best route to go for heating. Electricity is always available, although propane furnaces can often reach higher levels of heat. Consult with home comfort experts for your best option.

When you are researching choices for heating systems in Hammond, LA, have professionals working with you from the beginning. A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning has a staff of heating experts who will know the right system for keeping your house warm this winter and for many winters in the future. Contact us today to get started.

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Heat Pump Repairs We Often See in the Winter

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Although we usually experience mild winters in Louisiana, we still have many chilly days and chillier nights when we will need a sturdy heater keeping us warm. Heat pumps make great home heating options, since they also provide the important air conditioning we need during the summer, and can handle the level of cold during the winter without losing efficiency.

Because you’ll have more use from your heat pump during the summer when it stays in cooling mode, it’s more likely to malfunction during that time. But winter brings its share of repair issues for heat pumps as well. Here are some of the ones we often see at this time of year. If you need heating repair service in Kenner, LA for a heat pump—or any type of heater—you can rely on the 24-hour service of the professionals at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Common heat pump repairs

Sealing leaks and recharging refrigerant: Although people associate the word “refrigerant” with cold temperatures, not with heating, the refrigerant that runs through your heat pump is just as vital during the winter. If leaks develop along the refrigerant line, it will reduce the system’s heating capacity. A repair technician will need to find the leak, seal it, and then recharge the refrigerant level.
Fixing outdoor fans: Winter weather can be cruel to the outdoor unit of your heat pump, and we often have to repair damage done to the fan that draws air across the outdoor coil so it can absorb heat. If the fan breaks or develops bent blades, it could cause the system to lose its heating power.
Replacing broken reversing valves: The key component that allows a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes is the reversing valve, which changes the direction of the flow of refrigerant. It’s an unpleasant surprise for a homeowner to discover on the first day he or she needs heating power that the heat pump can’t switch functions—and usually it’s because of a broken valve. Fortunately, this is a simple fix for professionals, who will find the right heating valve replacement to match the heat pump.

Heat pump repair requires special training and tools. On your own, you wouldn’t know the correct kind of refrigerant to use to recharge a leaking unit, for example. Trust to heating professionals, such as those at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, to handle any trouble you may experience with your heat pump. We aim for complete customer satisfaction in all our work doing heating repair in Kenner, LA.

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