The heat exchanger in a furnace separates the combustion process from your breathing air. It is a combination metal chamber and passageway that starts at the burner assembly and ends approximately where the chimney vent connects to the furnace. Air is heated as it is blown across the hot metal surface of the heat exchanger. The heated air is then distributed through the house to warm the house.
The heat exchanger must have an air (and gas) tight seal to separate the gasses in the flue products inside the heat exchanger from the breathing air passing over the outside surface. This is because the flue gasses can be poisonous – such as deadly carbon monoxide – and contamination of the breathing air by these gasses pose a health risk and can be fatal
All heat exchangers fail eventually. This is because of metal fatigue. Metal when it is heated up expands, and when it is cooled off contracts. This expansion/contraction cycle is part of the normal furnace heating process. Over time this constant expansion and contraction have the same effect on a heat exchanger that bending a paperclip back and forth: it breaks. And when that happens contamination occurs and it is no longer safe.
While heat exchangers are typically manufactured to last between 10 – 20 years, many factors can accelerate the process of heat exchanger failure. These factors usually fall under the categories of poor maintenance, poor initial system design, and installation, or poor equipment design by the manufacturer. Anyone or a combination of these factors can result in a heat exchanger failing in a few short years.
For over three decades, the Goodman® brand has concentrated on something more important than simple brand-recognition consumer advertising. Since 1982, we’ve focused on helping millions and millions of homeowners achieve reliable, high-quality and affordable indoor comfort with products that continue to be designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S.A. As a result, the Goodman brand has earned the loyalty and respect from thousands of local independent heating and cooling professionals across North America.
What does a hard start kit do?
Here’s the bottom line: A hard start kit makes your AC start smoothly and quickly, which reduces damage to AC parts and prolongs the life of your cooling system. But why does an AC have a hard time starting up in the first place? Well, when you turn on your AC, its compressor (the “heart”) powers on to help the system cool your home. However, starting up the compressor requires 4–8 times more electric current than running it. That’s a lot of electrical juice! Over time, this jolt of power, which creates a surge of heat, can damage the compressor and other important AC components—especially if your compressor is already old and worn out. And if your compressor is already worn out, it requires even more electricity to get it to shift from “start” to “run” mode. That’s when a hard start kit saves the day: A hard start kit shortens the startup period of the compressor and reduces the amount of electricity it takes to start your AC. In fact, with a hard start kit, the electrical efficiency of the startup process is as high as 98%, compared to an efficiency of only 50% without one. This efficiency reduces heat and wear on the compressor and other important AC components.OK, so you know a hard start kit helps your AC compressor turn on. But do YOU need a hard start kit?
Do I need a hard start kit?
You should consider installing a hard start kit if you find yourself in one of these scenarios:
Scenario #1: Your AC is already hard starting
If your air conditioner is already hard starting, you should contact a professional ASAP to investigate the problem.
“How do I know if my AC is hard starting?”
You’ll know if you notice these 4 signs:
1. AC starts, then quickly shuts off after you turn it on: This is called short-cycling, and it means there’s something wrong with your compressor.
2. You hear clicking noises when the compressor starts: A clicking sound points to a problem with your compressor, which is using too much power to turn on (hard starting).
3. Your compressor trips your circuit breaker: This means your air conditioner is using too much energy to start, so your circuit breaker trips before any serious electrical damage occurs. This is a symptom of hard starting.
4. Your lights flicker when you turn your AC on: This is normal to a certain extent, but if you notice a dramatic flicker then it means your AC is drawing too much power to start, which is a symptom of hard starting.
Solution: call A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA to investigate the problem. If your compressor motor is struggling to turn on, then a hard start kit could potentially solve the issue.
However, if your compressor is near the end of its life, then a hard start kit may prolong its life for a short time, but shouldn’t be viewed as a long term fix. If your compressor is about to die, talk with your technician about replacing your AC system (it’s usually more cost-effective to replace your whole system rather than buy an expensive compressor).
Scenario #2: You have a new air conditioner
In the past, most single-phase ACs came from the manufacturer with built-in hard start devices, but many newer AC models don’t include a hard start kit.
If your air conditioner doesn’t have a built-in hard start kit (your technician will let you know), you should consider having A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA install one. If your compressor is new and in good shape, a hard start kit could extend its life and help it start even in difficult conditions like low voltage or high head pressure.
Your air conditioner gives you cool, clean and fresh indoor air during the hot summer days. Thanks to air filters. Air filters play an integral role in keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. Here are the different types of air filters to choose from.
Fiberglass Air Filters
Disposable, most affordable yet with the lowest straining ability of all the types are fiberglass air filters. They work better in protecting your air conditioning system than screening dust and pollutants in the air. If you are using this type of air filter, you might still be prone to respiratory problems.
Pleated filters
Made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds, pleated air filters are effective in filtering dust and other pollutants. Choose those with more pleats because they offer better filtering performance.
Washable Air Filters
Washable air filters cost bigger than disposable types but save you big time in the long run. They can be removed and cleaned, so you don’t need to constantly replace them. Read the manufacturer’s specs on how to maintain filters of this type. Make sure to schedule cleaning ahead of the time. Let it dry completely because using it dump will cause mold growth and bacteria buildup.
Electrostatic Air Filters
Electrostatic air filters use an electrostatic charge to magnet dust and airborne particles then prevent them from being distributed in your home. Some filters of this type are washable while there are also those that aren’t.
HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air filters are best for people with allergies and prone to respiratory difficulties. They are effective in screening contaminants up to 99.97% — a reason why the US Department of Energy recommends this type.
UV Filters
This type of filter uses ultraviolet lights to kill bacteria and viruses in your home. Although less efficient in screening dust and other pollutants, they are good at combatting microorganisms which are also dangerous to your health.
The variation of air filters provides choices for home and business owners in terms of efficiency, health benefits, costs, and maintenance. Call an HVAC professional at A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA for suggestions as to which type of air filter fits your home and comfort needs.
Furnace hot surface igniter kit. The igniter gets very hot and glows bright orange to light the gas burner. If the igniter is cracked or defective, the furnace won’t heat.
An HVAC sequencer is a small circuit designed to help stabilize circuits and turn switches on and off quickly in an electrical setting. The sequencers are designed to stage the different parts of the electrical equipment so that the appliance does not overload and break the circuits. Many products use the HVAC sequencers to keep engines and other mechanical devices from overheating or exploding.
Identification
An HVAC sequencer is identified by its unique size and shape. Depending on the size of the final product, the sequencers can be different sizes as well. There are usually two different segments to an HVAC sequencer, and they are attached together by a smaller middle piece. They are constructed of tough metal and are usually heavy. HVAC sequencer can be used in things such as electric pumps, furnaces, and motors.
Features
Each type of HVAC sequencer has its own set of features. Some of the most common features, however, are shared among many different kinds of HVAC sequencers. Some common features are the ability to have a few seconds delay between sequences, several different mounting positions, the ability to resist shocks and vibrations, and 24-volt input control. HVAC sequencers are designed for several different kinds of tasks, which makes them have versatility in the features that they offer.
Your air conditioner gives you cool, clean and fresh indoor air during the hot summer days. Thanks to air filters. Air filters play an integral role in keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. Here are the different types of air filters to choose from.
Fiberglass Air Filters
Disposable, most affordable yet with the lowest straining ability of all the types are fiberglass air filters. They work better in protecting your air conditioning system than screening dust and pollutants in the air. If you are using this type of air filter, you might still be prone to respiratory problems.
Pleated filters
Made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds, pleated air filters are effective in filtering dust and other pollutants. Choose those with more pleats because they offer better filtering performance.
Washable Air Filters
Washable air filters cost bigger than disposable types but save you big time in the long run. They can be removed and cleaned, so you don’t need to constantly replace them. Read the manufacturer’s specs on how to maintain filters of this type. Make sure to schedule cleaning ahead of the time. Let it dry completely because using it dump will cause mold growth and bacteria buildup.
Electrostatic Air Filters
Electrostatic air filters use an electrostatic charge to magnet dust and airborne particles then prevent them from being distributed in your home. Some filters of this type are washable while there are also those that aren’t.
HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air filters are best for people with allergies and prone to respiratory difficulties. They are effective in screening contaminants up to 99.97% — a reason why the US Department of Energy recommends this type.
UV Filters
This type of filter uses ultraviolet lights to kill bacteria and viruses in your home. Although less efficient in screening dust and other pollutants, they are good at combatting microorganisms which are also dangerous to your health.
The variation of air filters provides choices for home and business owners in terms of efficiency, health benefits, costs, and maintenance. Call an HVAC professional at A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA for suggestions as to which type of air filter fits your home and comfort needs.
A furnace pressure switch is an automatic safety feature located near the motor. It shuts the furnace down if it senses negative pressure created by the draft inducer motor. This protects your home from dangerous backdrafting, which is when exhaust fumes are reintroduced into the system. The pressure switch also guards against gas leaks and prevents the furnace from cycling if there’s a mechanical failure.
Types of Pressure Switches
The design and number of pressure switches your furnace has depends on whether it uses conventional or condensing technology:
A single-stage conventional furnace has one hose leading from the draft inducer fan to the pressure switch.
A single-stage condensing furnace has two hoses on the pressure switch, one to sense pressure at the draft inducer and another for sensing venting pressure at the condensate collector box.
A two-stage furnace may have two pressure switches.
A modulating furnace may have three pressure switches.
The reversing valve is a somewhat delicate component that has a pipe on the bottom and three on the top. The job of the reversing valve is to change the direction of the flow of refrigerant in your system; this is how the heat pump changes modes between heating and cooling. The valve has two settings within it: one is excited, the other is relaxed. The valve manufacturer sets which state stands for heating and which stands for cooling, so there can be variations between valves. What doesn’t change is that once a state is set for a specific mode – either heating or cooling – it stays that way for the life of the pump.
So how do the pump change modes? As the homeowner, you press a button on your dual-mode thermostat. This cues the heat pump’s solenoid, which is a low-voltage electrical component, to slide the valve in the opposite direction. As the valve slides, the refrigerant also helps the valve to change states between relaxed and excited, or vice versa. Once the valve has slid into the correct position, the mode has changed.
When the Valve Is Stuck
One of the most common problems that can develop with a reversing valve is that is can get stuck. It may become stuck in a specific mode or in between modes. If the valve is stuck due to a bad solenoid, the solenoid can be replaced; but should there be another problem causing the valve to stick, such as leaking refrigerant, the valve will need to be replaced.
Reversing valve repairs should only be handled by trained professionals at A/C Advice Of South Carolina. The valves can be complex, but more importantly, they operate with refrigerant, and you must be certified to handle refrigerant. The trained technicians at A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA can handle all types of heat pump repairs in the upstate of South Carolina, so don’t hesitate to call A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA to if you need help with your heat pump system.
The ideal comfort system for any home is one that just works without you realizing it. Rheem® specializes in dependable, quiet, efficient systems that make your home comfortable. Whether you need to stay cool in the summer, warm and toasty during winter or equally comfortable all year long, Rheem has the solution for your home. Browse Rheem’s entire line of high-quality, sustainable, high-efficiency air conditioners, furnaces, and more below.
The HVAC air conditioner condensing unit compressor should not be started unless the air conditioning or heat pump system is at the static pressure. I have responded to calls where the air conditioner or heat pump condensing unit was not equipped with a delay timer and the air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit was inadvertently started before the pressures were allowed to become static. Often the compressor inside the condenser is locked up, the run capacitor is shot, a fuse is blown, a breaker is tripped, the compressor is damaged mechanically or electrically beyond repair or a combination of any of these things mentioned.
HVAC Condensing Units and Compressor Mechanics – Delay Timers and the Air Conditioner Condenser
If the homeowner is lucky, the only thing wrong is the capacitor or fuse. The run & start capacitor for your compressor can be replaced for a minimal cost compared to replacing a compressor. If the compressor is locked up there is a chance that it can be unlocked (note the word chance). A hard start kit and a good rap with a hammer can sometimes do the trick. If this doesn’t unlock the compressor then you will have to replace the compressor or the air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit. It is often in the homeowners’ best interest to replace the condensing unit.
Your air conditioner gives you cool, clean and fresh indoor air during the hot summer days. Thanks to air filters. Air filters play an integral role in keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. Here are the different types of air filters to choose from.
Fiberglass Air Filters
Disposable, most affordable yet with the lowest straining ability of all the types are fiberglass air filters. They work better in protecting your air conditioning system than screening dust and pollutants in the air. If you are using this type of air filter, you might still be prone to respiratory problems.
Pleated filters
Made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds, pleated air filters are effective in filtering dust and other pollutants. Choose those with more pleats because they offer better filtering performance.
Washable Air Filters
Washable air filters cost bigger than disposable types but save you big time in the long run. They can be removed and cleaned, so you don’t need to constantly replace them. Read the manufacturer’s specs on how to maintain filters of this type. Make sure to schedule cleaning ahead of the time. Let it dry completely because using it dump will cause mold growth and bacteria buildup.
Electrostatic Air Filters
Electrostatic air filters use an electrostatic charge to magnet dust and airborne particles then prevent them from being distributed in your home. Some filters of this type are washable while there are also those that aren’t.
HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air filters are best for people with allergies and prone to respiratory difficulties. They are effective in screening contaminants up to 99.97% — a reason why the US Department of Energy recommends this type.
UV Filters
This type of filter uses ultraviolet lights to kill bacteria and viruses in your home. Although less efficient in screening dust and other pollutants, they are good at combatting microorganisms which are also dangerous to your health.
The variation of air filters provides choices for home and business owners in terms of efficiency, health benefits, costs, and maintenance. Call an HVAC professional at A/C ADVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA for suggestions as to which type of air filter fits your home and comfort needs.
