Professional Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Hammond’

What Is a Thermocouple?

Friday, January 30th, 2015

Every combustion heating system needs a number of safety mechanisms to ensure that the unit runs safely. One area that has to be highly monitored with both furnaces and boilers is the pilot light. In a furnace that has a standing pilot light, the component responsible for monitoring the pilot is known as a thermocouple.

What It Is

A thermocouple is an instrument made from two differing metals; these metals are soldered together at a single point for the purpose of monitoring temperature. When the metals are heated at the point of contact, a voltage is generated; this is known as the Seebeck effect. As the heat on the metals increases, the voltage also increases; the voltage coming from the thermocouple is what indicates to your furnace that there is a pilot and that it is viable and good for lighting your furnace. The thermocouple is placed so that the point of contact, which is encased in a stainless steel encasement, is right in the flame; this is so the thermocouple can accurately measure the pilot.

How It Works

The thermocouple not only measures the standing pilot flame, it also acts as a gatekeeper to the gas line valve. When your thermostat calls for heat, the thermocouple checks the pilot light; if there isn’t a pilot light, or the flame isn’t strong enough, the thermocouple won’t allow the main gas valve to open. This helps ensure that gas won’t flow unless it can be lit. If the standing pilot is viable, the thermocouple allows the main gas valve to open and your furnace’s burner is successfully lit.

Common Problems

Thermocouples are exposed to very high temperatures, and then cool off; this kind of prolonged wear and tear can cause the thermocouple to crack. Additionally, the metal strips can corrode, which also cause operational issues. A dirty thermocouple may not be able to accurately read the flame, and a thermocouple that shifts position or is positioned incorrectly will be too far away to correctly read the flame. Any of these problems can result in ignition problems with your furnace.

The safety mechanisms on your furnace are critical; as such, they should only be repaired by professionals. Having problems with your furnace? Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule an appointment with us! We offer quality furnace repair services in the Hammond area.

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Signs Your Fireplace Needs Repair

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

Fireplaces can add extra supplemental heat to your home and make the atmosphere warm and inviting. However, fireplaces require upkeep and maintenance, and may even need repair at some point in order to stay in good working order. It can sometimes be difficult to know when your fireplace in Hammond needs repair, so to help you, our A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning experts have assembled a list to determine some of the signs:

Rust

Metal is a key element in fireboxes and dampers. Metal rusts only when moisture is present, and moisture shouldn’t be present anywhere in your firebox or chimney. Excessive rust and corrosion can compromise the safety of your firebox, so if you are seeing any kind of rust, call for help as the source of the moisture needs to be located and repaired as soon as possible.

White Staining

We’ve all seen bricks with a powdery white substance and may have thought it looked pretty; unfortunately what it really means is that moisture is inside the brick or masonry and is pushing out the salt that helps maintain the viability of that particular piece of masonry. If you are seeing a lot of efflorescence – white staining – on your masonry, it’s time to call for a professional.

Crumbling Mortar

Mortar holds together the masonry of your fireplace. If you are seeing that the mortar, usually the white, cement-looking material, is crumbling, or you can pick it off with your fingers, there is a moisture problem. Crumbling mortar can cause entire pieces of masonry to come loose, so it’s important to have it checked by a professional.

Visible Chimney Crown Damage

If you can see damage to the crown (top) of your chimney from your yard, there is likely even more damage to contend with. Chimney crown damage means the top of the chimney is weakened, which can be a potentially dangerous situation. It is not advisable that you get on your roof to inspect it yourself; allow an expert to do that.

A great deal of combustion goes on in your fireplace, so don’t let it become a hazard by ignoring needed fireplace repair. The experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can handle any kind of fireplace repair in the Hammond area, so call us today to schedule a service appointment with us.

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Reasons to Consider an Electric Furnace

Wednesday, January 14th, 2015

Fossil fuels are so prevalent that it seems like everyone has easy access to them, but this isn’t true. Many rural areas do not have natural gas lines, and some people simply prefer not to use fossil fuels. Not too long ago these things would have prevented the installation of a furnace, but today’s electric furnaces offer homeowners another choice when it comes to furnace installation.

How Does an Electric Furnace Work?

Electric furnaces use a component called a heating element to generate heat. Heating elements have a number of tightly-wound metal coils that, when electrified, become red-hot and generate heat. When the air around the heating elements reaches the right temperature, the furnace’s blower turns on and pushes the warm air into the ductwork for dispersal into your home’s living spaces.

Why Consider an Electric Furnace?

As mentioned above, not everyone has access to a natural gas line – but one thing just about everyone has access to is electricity. If you have ductwork in your home, but do not have natural gas, you have the option of installing an electric furnace. Electric furnaces have come a long way over the years, especially in terms of energy efficiency. In fact, because electric furnaces do not lose any fuel to combustion byproducts, there are many electric furnaces that have an AFUE rating of 100%. Another reason to consider the installation of an electric furnace is lifespan. The average lifespan of an electric furnace is 20-30 years; comparatively, the lifespan of a combustion furnace is 15-20 years. Lastly, electric furnaces are very clean because they do not consume fossil fuels; this means you don’t have to worry about soot and ash around your unit.

Have Questions? Work with an Expert

If you are in need of a new heater and are considering a furnace installation in Hammond, take the guesswork out of the process by working with a trained expert from start to finish. The specialists at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you with all of your heating needs, so call us today!

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How Does a Heat Pump Heat?

Friday, December 19th, 2014

With the name “heat pump” the confusing thing can be how these devices offer cooling and not just heating. Plus, they don’t pump heat at all – they transfer it. So how do heat pumps offer your home both heating and cooling? It’s pretty simple and depends on a couple of key items, but first, it’s important to know how a heat pump works.

Moving Heat Around

As mentioned above, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another; refrigerant helps facilitate this transfer process. During the summer months, a heat pump absorbs the heat in your home and transfers it outside; in the winter months, the heat pump absorbs the heat in the surrounding air, concentrates it, then distributes it to your living spaces. Heat pumps don’t generate heating or cooling, which is where they can be a little confusing to some. So why can heat pumps do this and air conditioners can’t? A component called a reversing valve.

The Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is a component that changes the direction in which the refrigerant in the system is flowing. When the refrigerant can change direction, the device can change between heating and cooling. The initiation of the mode change starts with pressing a button on your dual-mode thermostat. An electronic component attached to the reversing valve known as a solenoid begins the process of moving the sliding mechanism in the solenoid to the opposite side; once the slide starts moving, refrigerant flows into the valve, finishing the rest of the push to the other position. The positioning of heating or cooling within the valve is up to the manufacturer, so valves will differ. The important thing is that the valve slides from one position to another, otherwise it can get stuck.

“Stuck” Valves

One of the more common problems that can develop with a reversing valve is that it becomes stuck; the valve can become stuck in a mode or stuck in-between a mode. If the solenoid is the reason for the immobility, it can be repaired, but if the valve is stuck due to something like a refrigerant leak, it will need to be replaced.

Your heating is too important to be handled by someone inexperienced, so if you are having an issue with your heat pump, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule service for your heat pump service in Hammond with one of our heating experts.

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Is It Time for Furnace Replacement?

Friday, November 14th, 2014

If you’ve had your furnace for longer than a couple of years, chances are you’ve had to have some repairs done on it. The occasional need for repair is common, even in younger furnaces. Sometimes, things simply break. There are some times, however, that signal a need to replace your furnace. Below, we’ll outline some of those times, and how you can recognize them.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is what it’s called when your furnace keeps turning on and off rapidly throughout the day. This is caused by something causing your furnace to overheat. When your furnace turns on, the rapid increase in heat levels causes the furnace control system to think its overheating. The furnace shuts down as a safety measure. Then, once it’s cooled off, it starts up again and the whole cycle repeats. This can be a massive waste of energy, and shortens the life of your furnace even more. If you experience this symptom, turn your furnace off and call a professional.

Rise in Breakdown Frequency

As mentioned above, sometimes things just break and need repairs. As your furnace nears the end of its life, however, the cumulative wear and tear will cause parts to start failing in rapid succession or even simultaneously. This can be fought off for a while, through regular annual maintenance. Eventually, however, this problem visits all older furnaces that are ready to be replaced.

You could simply continue to repair and replace these parts as they fail, but you should consider the financial impact of doing so. Some of these parts, like the heat exchanger, are quite expensive to replace. If you try to keep a furnace alive for too long after you were supposed to have replaced it, you may have spent more money on parts than it would have cost to simply get a new furnace. Not to mention that at that point, most of your original furnace would probably be gone anyway.

If your furnace seems like it needs to be replaced, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. Our heating professionals cover all of Ponchatoula, LA.

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What to Check Before You Call for Heating Repair

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

Waking up in a freezing cold house is not the way anyone wants to start their morning. Your first impulse may be to call your technician for help, but there are a few things you’ll want to check before making that call. Why? There are some situations that may not require the help of a technician, and you want to rule out these options first. This does not mean that you should take on a repair yourself; any repairs to your heating system in Hammond, LA should always be handled by an expert. However, there is a small checklist of items to go over before calling for your A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning experts.

Checklist Before Calling for Repair

Following are some basic things to check for before scheduling a heating repair appointment:

Check the Thermostat

A thermostat can cause your heating system to turn off for a few reasons:

  • Batteries have died (for those that use them)
  • System has been switched to “off”
  • Program has been changed (for those thermostats that are programmable)

Check the Air Filter

When was the last time you changed your air filter? A dirty air filter can wreak havoc on a system, sometimes leading to breakdown. It’s recommended that you change your air filter every 3 months to ensure it works properly.

Check the Circuit Breaker and Switches

Sometimes weather events or other minor issues can cause the circuit breakers in your electrical box to trip. If you see that the breaker has turned off, you can turn it back on – however, if you encounter resistance, don’t force the breaker. Switches, like your furnace switch, can be accidentally turned off, so check all switches that are part of your heating system to make sure they are on.

Blocked Vents

Furniture, clothes, drapes or anything else directly in front of a vent can block it, creating issues with your system’s air flow. Make sure all vents and registers are open and clear of objects.

Make Sure There’s Fuel

Systems that use propane or oil will have separate holding tanks – make sure there is fuel in the tanks before calling for help.

Following this simple checklist can help you rule out some repair possibilities. If you find that you need to schedule heating repair service in Hammond, LA, call the people you can trust: A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

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Is It Time To Get A Dehumidifier?

Friday, September 26th, 2014

Humidity is part of our weather in Louisiana, especially during the warm months of the year. Humidity can be as much a problem for your air conditioner as it is for you. One way to help alleviate the problems caused by excessive humidity is by installing a whole-home dehumidifier. Whole-home dehumidifiers are installed as part of your existing air conditioning system, and work seamlessly with its operation (they can also work independently). Your indoor air quality is important, and part of having good indoor air quality is having a comfortable moisture level. A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can help you achieve that with the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier.

How Does High Humidity Affect Your Air Conditioner?

As we mentioned above, high humidity levels affect both you and your air conditioner. Here are some of the ways excess humidity affects your AC:

  • It has to work harder – humidity holds heat, so when it’s excessively humid outside, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your living space.
  • Clinging debris – certain parts of your air conditioner will sweat due to the excess humidity, which can cause dirt, dust and debris to stick to components. Sticking debris can hamper the operation of your air conditioner.
  • Excess water drainage – when there is more moisture in your air, more liquid will drain from your system. If there are existing problems with your condensate drain or tray, you could have the potential for leaks.

Signs of High Humidity in Your Home

  • Condensation on the inside of your windows
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Clammy feeling when air conditioner is running
  • Bubbling/peeling paint

The Benefits of Whole-Home Dehumidification

Here are some benefits of whole-home dehumidifiers offer:

  • Better health – mold, mildew, dust mites and other contaminants thrive at humidity levels higher than 60%. With a whole-home dehumidifier, you can control your indoor moisture levels to ensure that your humidity level stays below 60%.
  • Improved comfort – removing the excess humidity from the air allows your air conditioner to cool as it should, leaving you with cool, dry air to enjoy.
  • Increased energy efficiency – the dehumidifier removes the excess moisture in the air, allowing your air conditioner to run without being stressed. This can help save energy.

Humidity is a part of our weather, but it doesn’t have to weigh down you or your air conditioner. If you think you, your home and your air conditioner can benefit from the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule a dehumidifier installation in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.

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How Does Duct Sealing Help Air Conditioning?

Friday, September 19th, 2014

Have you ever considered how important the ductwork in your home is for effective air conditioning? The ducts serve as the channel that transport the cooled air from in the indoor AC cabinet and distributes it through vents into the rooms. Problems with the integrity of the ducts, such as gaps and leaks, will have a negative impact on you air conditioning in multiple ways.

Because most of the ventilation system in your home is hidden behind walls and in ceilings, it’s difficult to tell if the ducts have developed air leaks that require sealing. Any time you notice a drop in air pressure, odd smells coming from the vents, hot spots in rooms, or an increase in your utility bills that you cannot account for, contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning in Hammond, LA to investigate. If you have leaky air ducts, we will handle the sealing that will solve the problem.

How Duct Sealing Benefits Your Air Conditioner

The manufacturers of ductwork design them to keep an airtight seal from the air conditioner cabinet all the way to the vents. This maintains air pressure and maximizes airflow. Even a small leak will cause a significant drop in air pressure that will lead to reduced airflow from the vents. The lower the airflow, the poorer the AC will work at cooling down rooms. Effective sealing will keep your air conditioner providing the comfortable temperatures you want.

Leaks in ducts also cause an AC to work harder, since it must strain to reach its set temperature. Even a small set of breaches in ducts can cause an air conditioner to lose up to 30% of its efficiency. Keeping the ductwork airtight thanks to professional duct sealing will prevent your air conditioning bills from rising.

Finally, duct sealing helps to protect an air conditioner from damage and repair needs. Holes in ductwork usually open onto closed-in and dusty areas, such as the space between walls, and dust and dirt will start to enter the ventilation system through the gaps. This debris can easily enter the air conditioner’s cabinet, leading to dirty motors that will burn out and other expensive damages. When you call for professionals to seal up breaks in your ducts, you are helping to keep your air conditioner free from unnecessary repairs.

How Can I Take Care of Duct Sealing?

The best way to have your ducts sealed is to call for professionals. Trained technicians use special equipment to locate the air leaks, and then seal them using mastic and metallic tape. Do not attempt to seal the ducts on your own using “duct tape”: despite the name, duct tape is not for use on ducts and is ineffective at sealing them.

For the skilled services you need to keep your air conditioning working its best, call the team at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer duct sealing services in Hammond, LA.

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Upgrades You Can Make to Your Air Conditioning System

Friday, September 12th, 2014

Your air conditioning system is quite a feat of engineering: it removes the heat and humidity from your home and returns cool air that makes your home dry and comfortable. Today’s air conditioners are very energy efficient, but you can still upgrade your AC to make it perform better. As we’ll explain below, an upgrade can help improve indoor air quality or remove excess humidity from your home, depending on the type of upgrade you choose. But without professional installation, you may not gain any benefit from an upgrade, which is why it’s important to hire trained experts, like the ones at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Types of Upgrades Available for Your System

There are a number of ways you can upgrade your existing air conditioner. Here are few examples of the kinds of products we have at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning:

Dehumidifiers

It’s no secret that Louisiana gets hot and sticky. Prolonged periods of excess humidity can put a lot of stress on your air conditioner as it works to remove excess humidity; this can result in higher energy bills and prematurely age your AC. Adding a whole-home humidifier can take the stress off your air conditioner, because it removes the excess humidity from the air before it enters your system. With less work to do, your air conditioner uses less energy and no longer operates under stressful conditions.

Zone Control System

A zone control system offers you temperature control over different zones in your home. The zones are established by you and operate independently from one another, allowing for different temperatures to be set for each zone; you can also turn off air conditioning to an unused or unoccupied zone. A zone control system consists of motorized dampers that are installed into the supply ducts of your system. Each damper is connected to a main control panel and thermostats for the zones are connected to the control panel as well. Zone control systems help improve energy efficiency and comfort levels.

Air Cleaners

Having healthy indoor air is part of your overall comfort. While your air conditioner comes with a standard filter, this filter’s job isn’t to help improve indoor air quality; it’s to block dirt, dust and debris from entering your system. To truly clean your air, you’ll want to consider the installation of a whole-home air cleaner. There are a number of air cleaning products on the market, so the best way to choose one that fits best in your home is to work with a trained professional.

Upgrades to your air conditioning can improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality and your overall comfort. Think an upgrade might help you? Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule AC service in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.

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How Do Your Air Conditioner And Dehumidifier Work Together Against Humidity in the Fall?

Friday, September 5th, 2014

For some, fall brings cooler days and even cooler nights, but here in Louisiana it takes a little more time for the heat and humidity to subside. Warm fall days can rival August heat, which is why it’s important to have your air conditioner running optimally. Your AC removes humidity as part of the air conditioning process, but if you have noticed it needs extra help during long periods of humidity, it may be time to consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your property. A-Professional has helped our customers beat the heat for many years, and we can help you, too.

Pairing Your AC with a Dehumidifier

Your air conditioner removes both heat and humidity from your home as part of the cooling process. But during times of excessive humidity, it can be challenging for your AC to meet your cooling needs. This is because humidity holds heat, and when it is in excess, it can be a challenge for your AC to meet the demand.

A whole-home dehumidifier helps both you and your AC. How? A whole-home dehumidifier removes the excess moisture from the air before it enters your system. This takes stress off your air conditioner and helps make the air in your home drier.

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

As we discussed above, a whole home dehumidifier helps reduce the stress on your AC, but there are other benefits as well:

  • Increases comfort level – by reducing the amount of moisture in the air, your air becomes drier and feels cooler.
  • Decreases growth of mold – mold, mildew and fungus thrive in moist settings. By removing the excess moisture from your indoor air, you can help curb the development of these kinds of growths in your home.
  • Helps with allergies – dust mites thrive in moisture, and allergens tend to cling to the moisture in the air. Reducing the level of moisture can help decrease allergic reactions.

Fall is coming, but our heat and humidity are still here, and will be for a while. But, you can help yourself and your air conditioner with the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning today and schedule your dehumidifier installation in Hammond, LA with one of our experts.

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