Unexpected issues with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be stressful and costly. However, a few simple maintenance steps can save you from an HVAC emergency. And you can avoid untimely breakdowns and costly repairs with some primary care and attention. In this article, we’ll share how you can prevent HVAC emergencies. Keep reading.

How to prevent HVAC Emergencies

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best way to avoid HVAC emergencies is to have your system inspected and serviced at least once a year. During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will check components for signs of wear and tear. They address minor problems before they turn into big, expensive repairs. For example, they may find loose connections that could cause a short circuit. Or they might notice a dirty air filter that is reducing airflow. Replacing these parts now prevents system failure down the road.

Watch for Warning Signs

Be alert for any changes in the performance of your HVAC system. Subtle changes often indicate underlying issues. For instance, if your system is suddenly louder or you notice odd smells, have it checked right away. Other warning signs include increased energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, or failure to maintain desired temperatures. Don’t ignore these red flags. Addressing minor issues promptly reduces the likelihood of complete system failure.

Change Filters Regularly

A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, causing premature wear and tear. Experts recommend changing filters every one to three months. Mark your calendar as a reminder. Pay attention to filter notifications from smart thermostats as well. Take five minutes to swap in a clean filter when reminded. Clean filters ensure proper airflow and system efficiency.

Clear Debris Outside

Take a walk around your home and inspect the external HVAC components. Look for dirt, leaves, nests, and other debris hindering performance. Carefully clean the area around your condenser unit. Also, check that nothing is obstructing airflow from vents on the outside of your home. Blockages force air back into the system, increasing strain.

Monitor Insulation

Proper insulation helps your HVAC system maintain comfortable temperatures efficiently. Check for gaps or cracks that allow cooled or heated air to escape. Adding weather stripping and sealing ducts can improve efficiency. Also, inspect insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Improvements like blown-in insulation can make HVAC systems work less to heat and cool your home.

Utilize Smart Features

Today’s high-tech thermostats and HVAC controls offer preventative maintenance features. Take advantage of automatic filter change alerts and regular maintenance reminders. Monitoring systems can notify you of unusual activity indicating a problem. Advanced controls can spot issues and adjust settings to avoid system failure.

Call the Professionals

Partnering with skilled San Antonio emergency HVAC experts provides extra protection. Let the experts handle seasonal maintenance and inspection. Trained professionals know how to spot issues and make recommendations. Investing in preventative HVAC maintenance saves money and headaches down the road. So, following these tips will help avoid emergency repairs and keep your system running smoothly all year. 

Call Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio for Expert HVAC Maintenance

Elmer’s experienced technicians specialize in preventative maintenance to keep your system operating efficiently. Trust your HVAC equipment with the knowledgeable professionals at Elmer’s Home Services. Contact us today at (210) 503-0210 to schedule a maintenance appointment. Invest in prevention now to avoid emergencies later!

Surviving the sweltering San Antonio summers means relying on your trusty air conditioner. But all that runtime means your AC filter gets dirtier faster, clogging up with dust and debris. Replacing that filter is crucial for your unit’s performance and indoor air quality. But how often should you be swapping out those filters? The recommended timeframes vary based on filter type, usage patterns, and overall home conditions. In this article, we’ll explore how air conditioner filters function and what factors determine ideal replacement intervals. 

The Purpose of AC Filters

Air conditioner filters have an important job. As air circulates through the system, the filter captures dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other particles. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with debris, making it harder for air to pass through. A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder to push air through. Filters protect the sensitive internal components of your air conditioning unit. Dirty air can coat the cooling coils with a thick layer of dust. Clogged filters also mean less refreshed air circulating through your ductwork and registers. So, replacing a dirty filter helps your AC run more efficiently and keeps indoor air cleaner.

How Often Should You Change AC Filters?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing air conditioner filters every 30-90 days. But the ideal replacement interval depends on several factors:

Filter Type

• Disposable filters – Change every 30 days
• Pleated filters – Replace every 90 days
• HEPA filters – Swap out every 90-120 days
• Electrostatic filters – Replace every six months

The denser the filter media, the less often it needs replacement. Disposable fiberglass filters trap fewer particles and become clogged faster than pleated media or HEPA filters.

Home Characteristics

Do you have pets or indoor smokers? Is your home near a busy highway or construction zone? Homes with more indoor pollutants need filter changes more frequently. Air conditioner run time also impacts filter lifespan. Units running 24/7 get dirtier faster than systems used only on hot afternoons.

Filter Appearance

Check your filter each month and replace it if it looks overly dirty. You should not wait for the recommended timeframe if the filter already appears clogged with dust and debris. A simple visual inspection each month ensures your filter gets changed when needed.

Signs Your AC Filter Needs Replacement

Don’t just rely on guesstimated timeframes. Watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to swap out your AC filter:

• Increased energy bills from working harder
• Reduced airflow at registers
• Unusual smells emanating from vents
• Visible dirt accumulation on the filter
• Decreased system performance

A dirty AC filter makes your system work less efficiently. Check filters monthly and replace them at the first sign of dirt buildup to keep your HVAC system running at peak performance.

DIY or Leave it to the Experts?

Changing your air conditioner filter is generally a quick DIY project. Be sure to turn off the power to your HVAC unit before accessing the filter. Review manufacturer instructions to ensure proper filter size and orientation. Take care not to bend or damage the filter when installing. Some high-efficiency electrostatic filters require professional cleaning rather than replacement. Call the experts at Elmer’s Home Services for complex ductwork or tricky filter access. Our NATE-certified technicians can inspect your overall system health while changing difficult-to-reach filters. Proper maintenance keeps your AC operating efficiently all summer long. Contact Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio for all your cooling needs, from filter changes to new system installations. Keep your home comfortable and energy bills affordable with routine AC filter replacements.

#1 San Antonio HVAC Expert

Ready to change your air filter? Contact us today at (210) 503-0813 for all your AC maintenance needs. Our team serves the greater San Antonio area with fast, friendly, affordable HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance.

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day out in the Texas heat, eagerly anticipating the cool air from your HVAC system, only to find it’s not working. Or waking up shivering because your heater didn’t kick on during the night. As a San Antonio homeowner, a non-functioning cooling or heating system is bad news. But how do you know if your HVAC issues require calling for emergency repairs right away versus waiting a few days to schedule a service appointment? Certain problems just can’t wait. Ignoring seemingly minor issues now frequently leads to pricey solutions later. Don’t play guessing games trying to self-diagnose strange. Read on to discover which HVAC alarms warrant ringing up the local emergency line.

 Signs You Need San Antonio Emergency HVAC Repair

Strange Noises Coming From the Unit

If you hear odd noises like banging, screeching, or buzzing from your HVAC unit, that likely signals a problem. Most issues that cause strange noises won’t fix themselves and often indicate failing parts. The unusual sounds mean your system isn’t running smoothly. Don’t ignore the noises, hoping they go away. Call an HVAC company for immediate repairs. The sooner you can pinpoint the cause of the noises and fix it, the less likely you’ll need expensive replacements.

Limited or No Air Flow in Specific Rooms

Proper air circulation is key for an efficiently running HVAC system. If you notice certain rooms in your home aren’t getting cooled or heated like they should, limited air flow could be the culprit. Things like dirty air filters or a stuck damper can restrict airflow. But this problem might also indicate failing parts like a broken blower motor or faulty ductwork. Restricted airflow strains your HVAC system. Call for emergency repairs if air isn’t flowing to restore proper circulation.

Strange Odors From the Unit

Odd smells wafting from your HVAC unit also deserve prompt attention from professionals. Unusual odors often mean something is overheating or burning inside the system. At best, the stench could just be built-up dirt and debris burning off. But it also might signal failing electrical parts or a problem like a cracked heat exchanger leaking dangerous fumes. Don’t take chances breathing in strange HVAC odors. Call for emergency repairs to identify the cause and fix it.

Evidence of Leaks or Water Damage

Finding pools of water or signs of moisture damage around your HVAC unit requires urgent repairs. Leaks signify several possible issues, like refrigerant leaks, drain line clogs, failing coils, or a cracked evaporator. Left unfixed, leaks create additional damage as water ruins insulation and corrode parts. Moisture also promotes mold growth in ductwork, leading to poor indoor air quality. Don’t wait on leak repairs—the problem will only worsen. Call for emergency service at the first sign of water around your HVAC equipment.

No Cooling or Heating At All

If your HVAC unit isn’t blowing any cool or warm air, you obviously can’t go without climate control fixes for long. Summer in Texas brings stifling temperatures you can’t endure for days without AC. And systems improperly functioning during San Antonio’s brief winter season still leave homes uncomfortably chilly. If your unit stops providing heating or cooling entirely, technicians need to diagnose the problem right away. Severe issues like refrigerant leaks, electrical failures, or motor breakdowns could be the culprit. Don’t wait on total losses of heating or cooling. Call for urgent repairs to get your system running again ASAP.

Call Elmer’s for Emergency HVAC Repairs in San Antonio

Don’t mess around with HVAC problems. Strange noises, limited airflow, odd smells, leaks, and total failures all require immediate repairs you can’t put off. Contact Elmer’s Home Services at (210) 503-0813 for emergency HVAC help anytime in the San Antonio metro region. Our skilled technicians are available 24/7 to diagnose issues and make urgent repairs. Trust the cooling and heating experts at Elmer’s for quality emergency services you can rely on!

As a San Antonio resident, it’s easy to empathize with the brutal heat of our summer months. When your trusty air conditioner unexpectedly stops working right before a major heatwave, it’s enough to make anyone break a sweat! Most often, you are faced with a tough decision on whether to pay for repairs on your current A/C or replace the old unit entirely. Many homeowners have found themselves weighing spending hundreds on fixing an aging air conditioner versus shelling out thousands on a shiny new system. Trust me- this is not a great position to be in! The fact is, there’s no “one” answer that applies to everyone’s situation. Several factors should be considered, including the age of your current unit and the nature of the problem. Replacing an AC that conked out last July may have made sense if the repair costs came close to the price of a new model under warranty that would provide reliable cooling. To help homeowners make the best, most cost-effective choice for their home, here’s a handy guide on whether to repair or replace an air conditioner in hot and humid San Antonio. Let’s dive in.

Which Is Better: A/C Replacement Or Repair?

When deciding whether to repair or replace several factors come into play, including the age and condition of your current A/C, the cost of repairs vs. replacement, and how urgent your need is. Let’s explore those considerations:

Age of the AC Unit

If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, replacement may be the better option. Older units use outdated, inefficient technology. Putting more money into repairs could just be “putting a bandaid on it.” A new, energy-efficient model can save on your electric bills over time.

Severity of the Problem

For minor issues like dirty air filters or low refrigerant levels, repairs make more sense than replacement. But major problems like a leaking evaporator coil or failing compressor indicate your AC is too far gone. At that point, you’re better off investing in a brand-new system.

Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement

Add up repair estimates to see if they exceed 50% or more of a new air conditioner’s cost. If so, replacement is likely the smarter move. You’ll get improved performance and longevity out of a new unit.

When To Repair Your Air Conditioner

Repairs are the way to go when problems are minor or your current A/C unit is less than 5-7 years old. Here are common problems that call for repair:

Refrigerant Leaks

If your refrigerant level is low, your AC’s cooling ability drops. Recharging the refrigerant can often fix the issue at a reasonable price.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

This indicates low refrigerant and can be repaired by adding more coolant and fixing any leaks.

Clogged Condenser

A debris-filled condenser coil blocks proper airflow. Professional cleaning fixes this quickly.

Faulty Capacitor

Capacitors help start the compressor. Replacement costs be cost effective and could help avoid buying a whole new compressor.

Broken Fan Motor/Belt

Replacing the fan motor or belt breathes new life into an aging AC.

When To Replace Your Air Conditioner

When age or major underlying issues make repairs unlikely to provide a long-term fix, replacement is the smart call. Here are some indicators a new air conditioner is needed:

Rust and Corrosion

Extensive rust inside the condenser cabinet or on other parts can mean an AC is too deteriorated to salvage.

Old Age

Units older than 10 years have likely used up their lifespan. Upgrading to a new model prevents future breakdowns. Not to mention the added benefit of saving on your high Texas energy bill. 

Repeated Failures

No one wants their system breaking down in the middle of summer.  Frequent breakdowns and repairs over a short period signal it’s time for a new air conditioner.

Higher Energy Bills

Inefficient operation and soaring energy costs point to a failing unit. Replacement saves on monthly bills.

Major Component Failure

A shot compressor, leaky coil, or busted blower motor exceeds repair costs.

The Bottom Line

As you decide between AC repairs vs. replacement, focus on both short and long-term costs. Minor fixes can briefly extend an air conditioner’s life. But if age or major problems indicate an imminent breakdown, investing in a new unit often makes better sense for your home’s comfort and your wallet. With proper maintenance, a new air conditioner should provide trouble-free cooling for many Texas summers to come!

Your Trusted AC Expert

For personalized advice on your AC repair vs. replacement decision, contact the experts at Elmer’s Home Services today. We’ll inspect your system and deliver honest recommendations so you can make the optimal choice. Beat the Texas heat with an air conditioner that keeps your home cool and comfortable all summer long! Give us a call right now at (210) 306-4472.

As the weather gets colder, now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your home—and that includes your heating system. By taking a few simple steps to winterize your furnace or boiler, you can help keep your family warm all season long while also saving money on your energy bills. Plus, a little bit of preventative maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are four easy steps to winterize your heating system.

1. Schedule a tune-up with a professional.

Just like your car, your furnace or boiler needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. scheduling a tune-up with a professional before the weather gets too cold is a great way to make sure everything is in working order and catch any potential problems early on. Most HVAC companies offer fall furnace tune-ups for a reasonable price, so this is an easy way to get started with winterizing your system.

2. Change your air filter.

Your furnace or boiler has an air filter that helps remove dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from the air before it’s circulated throughout your home. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and cause it to work harder than it needs to. Checking and changing your air filter at least once every three months is key to keeping your system running efficiently—and it’s something you can do yourself without having to call in a professional.

3. Inspect your vents and ducts.

Another easy task you can do to winterize your heating system is to inspect all the vents and ducts in your home and make sure they are clear of any debris or obstructions. All it takes is a quick visual inspection; if you see anything blocking the vents or ducts, simply remove it so that air can flow freely through them. This will help improve the efficiency of your heating system and ensure that every room in your home stays nice and cozy all winter long.

4. Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats are a great way to both save money on energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round—and they’re relatively inexpensive, too! By investing in one of these devices, you can set specific temperatures for different times of day and have complete control over when your furnace or boiler turns on and off. Many newer models even allow you to control the temperature remotely using your smartphone or tablet, so you can adjust it no matter where you are.

Schedule your tune-up with Elmer’s.

Now that you know how to winterize your heating system, it’s time to schedule a tune-up with Elmer’s Home Services. Our technicians are highly trained and will make sure your system is running efficiently. We’ll also check for any potential problems so you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule your appointment today and rest easy knowing your heating system is ready for winter.

It is hard to think of a product that provides more value for people than quality heating and air conditioning. Statistics show that the United States has an industry for heating and air conditioning contractors that generates above $120 billion every year! There are more than 590,000 people in the United States working in the heating and air conditioning contractor industry. Of course, finding a great “HVAC service near me” can be especially important when the winter months are approaching. There are a number of things that people can do to prepare their heating systems for the winter. Failing to take these steps can mean paying a price in efficiency and the health of your system. With the right preparations, your heating system will be as efficient as it can be during the upcoming winter months. That can lower your energy bills. On top of that, doing your yearly preparations for the winter will help your system last longer. So what do you need to do to make sure that your heating system is ready for winter? Read on to learn all about the most important steps to take to get your heating system ready to manage colder months!

Prioritize the Health of Your HVAC System

This may be the best time in our lifetimes to learn about taking care of the health of our heating and air conditioning systems. In recent months, inflation has led to higher energy bills. However, those bills have gone even higher due to the effects of international unrest. Events around the world are decreasing access to traditional sources of energy. Together, these effects mean that an inefficient heating system can cost you a lot more money than it would have cost you in the past.

Check for Any Possible Heating Issues

Depending on your situation, it may have been some time since you tested the heating abilities of your HVAC system. Many people wait until it gets cold enough for their system to automatically switch over to heating. However, it is at that point that they often discover that they have maintenance issues with their heating system. Of course, finding this out as the months get colder is terrible timing. For that reason, you may want to prioritize testing your heating system as soon as you can. It is better if you can discover any problems it might have before it gets too cold. That way, you can make any necessary repairs before you have to deal with a cold house. To do this, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature. The higher you set the thermostat, the greater the chance it will turn on your heating system. However, if your system never turns on no matter how high you set the thermostat, you may have a problem. You can check to make sure that your system has access to power. If you know a little bit more about your system, you may also be able to check the heat pump or the furnace fan for any obvious problems. However, in most cases, if your system doesn’t turn on, you will need to call up professional contractors to help you get your system ready for the upcoming winter.

Change the Air Filters in Your System

Your heating system processes incredible quantities of air to control the temperature of your home. At the same time, it doubles as a type of air filter. If it didn’t do so, then the contaminants from the air outside would be channeled into your home through the heating system. Fortunately, your system will have filters in place to catch these contaminants and keep them out of your airspace. At the same time, the more contaminants these air filters catch, the harder it is for air to flow through them. Many people ignore this problem without realizing the consequences of doing so. The harder it is for your system to pass air through it, the more energy it will consume to keep your home warm. That is even more expensive considering recent increases in energy costs for many people. Changing your air filters will also help you enjoy superior air quality in your home. Old air filters struggle to continue to filter out dust and other contaminants from the air. You can call a contractor to do general maintenance on your HVAC system. They can install a new air filter while they are doing so. On the other hand, you may be able to handle the process yourself. If you are not already calling a professional for help, then it might be worth your while to figure out how to change your air filter on your own. The process is often as simple as opening up your system, pulling out the air filter, and pushing in the new one.

Cover the Condenser to Avoid Emergency AC Repair

When you are getting your system ready for winter, it is important to also make sure your air conditioning doesn’t take damage during the colder months. Heat pump systems do not require you to cover the AC condenser. However, other kinds of HVAC systems will have an AC condenser that you may want to cover. This way, falling icicles and other potential damage will not affect your air conditioning system.

Consider Cleaning Your Heat Exchanger

In the ideal case, you will make sure your heat exchanger is clean at least once every year. If you can’t do that yourself, you can find a contractor to do it for you as part of system maintenance. However, you should make sure to clean the heat exchanger one way or another. Otherwise, it could cause a leak of carbon monoxide into the house.

Consider Investing in a Smart Thermostat

This may be the right time to invest in a smart thermostat. Of course, more and more people have smart thermostats and end up not choosing to use them. Although these systems can be confusing at first, a single hour of getting to know them can pay off for the rest of your life! With the right programming, you can set your thermostat to keep your home comfortable without using up more energy than is necessary. Many people are lowering the temperature of their entire homes to try to cut costs on energy. However, you may be able to keep the important rooms in your home warm while still lowering your energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to tell your heating system when to warm up which rooms in the home. In many homes, there are rooms that people do not use during certain times of the day or night. Figure out which rooms people tends not to use in your home, and set your thermostat not to heat those rooms during the hours that people are absent. This will also decrease the strain on your heating system. That will help it last longer and experience less wear and tear.

Look For Other Ways to Increase HVAC Efficiency

While you are prepping your heating system, you can also look at the insulation of your home. The better your home insulation, the easier it will be for your heating system to maintain the desired temperature. Just as with using a smart thermostat, that will decrease the burden on your heating system. When your system has to run every hour of the day, it wears out faster than when it can take occasional breaks. Improving your home insulation will also decrease your energy bills and help you avoid drafts in the home.

Invest in Quality HVAC Maintenance

Most people do not know how to take care of the various HVAC system maintenance tasks that allow for maximum efficiency and system health. If you haven’t done so recently, there is a good chance you would benefit from hiring a professional service to restore your heating system to excellent condition.

How to Find the Best HVAC Installation Service

If you are looking for an HVAC service, consider looking at online ratings and reviews. These can help you to find whichever HVAC professionals are the best choice for your specific situation.

Find the Right HVAC Service Near Me This Winter

The more that you know about how to prepare your heater for the winter, the more efficient it will be and the longer it will last. Not everybody takes the time to learn about these essential preparations, but doing so is an investment that pays for itself. Of course, that may mean that you need to find a great “HVAC service near me” to help you with maintenance and preparation. To learn more about how to make sure that your heating system is ready for the upcoming winter months, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

When the weather outside starts to turn cold, the first thing most of us do is crank up the heat. But have you ever stopped to think about which type of heater is right for your home? T here are three main types of heaters—gas furnaces, heat pumps, and electric heaters—and each has its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll help you decide which type of heater is right for your home.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are the most common type of heater in the United States, and for good reason. They’re relatively inexpensive to install and operate, and they’re very reliable. Gas furnaces work by burning natural gas (or propane) to create heat, which is then circulated through your home by a blower fan. One downside of gas furnaces is that they require regular maintenance, such as annual tune-ups, to keep them running efficiently.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are like air conditioners in that they use electricity to move heat from one place to another. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and circulates it inside your home. Heat pumps are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bills, but they’re more expensive to install than gas furnaces or electric heaters.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are the simplest type of heater—they convert electricity into heat, and that’s it. Electric heaters come in a variety of forms, including baseboard heaters, radiant floor heating, and space heaters. Electric heaters are relatively inexpensive to install and operate, but they’re not as efficient as gas furnaces or heat pumps. So, which type of heater is right for your home? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your climate, your budget, and your home’s existing heating system. If you live in a cold climate and you’re looking for an efficient way to keep your home warm all winter long, a gas furnace is probably your best bet. If you live in a moderate climate and you’re looking for an energy-efficient heating option, a heat pump might be the right choice for you. And if you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive way to add some supplemental heating to your home, an electric heater might be just what you need.

Call Elmer’s for Heater Installation

With so many types of heaters on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your home. Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio can help you choose the perfect heater for your needs and install it quickly and efficiently. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!

Are you trying to avoid a costly repair bill this winter? Keep your heater running smoothly all season long with these four simple maintenance tips. By following these simple steps, you can help prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running efficiently all winter long. So don’t wait – read on for some helpful tips on how to take care of your heater!

1. Change your air filter every month

A heater is a necessity during winter, but it’s important to keep up with heater maintenance to avoid problems. One key part of heater maintenance is changing the air filter every month. A dirty air filter not only makes your heater work harder, but it can also lead to a number of problems, including decreased airflow and reduced efficiency. In some cases, a dirty air filter can even cause the heater to overheat and shut down. By taking the time to change your air filter on a monthly basis, you can help ensure that your heater will run smoothly all winter long.

2. Inspect your heater for any leaks or broken parts

Homeowners should inspect their heater once a year for any leaks or broken parts. A professional can do this inspection, but it is fairly easy to do it yourself. First, check the area around the heater for any water stains. Next, feel the heater for any warm spots, which could indicate a leak. Finally, listen for any strange noises coming from the heater. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional to have the heater repaired. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your heater is in good working condition and help prevent costly repairs in the future.

3. Clean the unit regularly to remove any built-up dust or dirt

Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the heater coils and other parts, causing the unit to work harder to generate heat. This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased heater lifespan. Additionally, built-up dirt can be a fire hazard. To clean the unit, first turn off the power and let the heater cool completely. Then, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dust or dirt. For tougher buildup, you may need to use a cleaning solution and scrub gently with a soft cloth. Be sure to completely dry the heater before turning it back on. With regular cleaning, you can help prolong the life of your heater and keep it running safely and efficiently.

4. Schedule a tune-up with a professional HVAC technician at least once a year

Few things are as frustrating as a heater that doesn’t work when you need it most. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to schedule regular tune-ups with a professional HVAC technician. During a tune-up, the technician will inspect your heater for any potential problems and clean or replace any parts that are worn out. This preventive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your heater and prevent costly repairs down the road. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any unusual noises or smells coming from your heater. These can be indicative of serious problems that should be addressed by an HVAC company as soon as possible. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your heater will be there for you when you need it most.

Call Elmer’s Home Services

Now is the time to make sure your heater is in good working order before the cold weather hits. Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio can help you with all your heating maintenance needs, from tune-ups and repairs to replacements and installations. Give us a call today!

Temperatures in San Antonio, TX often reach over 96° in the summer. To keep yourself and your household members comfortable, you’re going to want to make sure that your HVAC system is fully functional. Of course, it can be hard for average homeowners to know when their HVAC systems are not operating at full capacity. If you want to know more about the signs that indicate an under-functioning or broken AC, read on. This article will go over 8 of these.

1. Your HVAC System Uses Dangerous Refrigerants

Are you an eco-conscious person? If so, you probably want to read this closely. If your HVAC unit is a certain age, it could contain a refrigerant that is not only a danger to the environment but also a danger to you. A refrigerant is any kind of substance that can move heat from one area to another. As well as being used in HVAC systems, these substances are also often used in freezers and fridges. Unfortunately, the handiness of this substance can come with great prices. To start with, some popular type of refrigerants all known as Freons (including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like CFC-12 and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like HCFC-22) can deplete the ozone layer when it is used. This is not a good situation, as the ozone layer protects us from ultraviolet radiation. If we’re exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation, we can develop skin cancers and cataracts. For this reason, no new HVAC units can legally include this refrigerant. However, your HVAC unit may be old enough that it can contain this refrigerant. You can find out which refrigerant your system uses by checking the nameplate. Luckily, you and the members are in no immediate danger if there are Freon refrigerants in your HVAC. These refrigerants only become dangerous if they start to leak out of your system. Before that happens, you may want to replace your current refrigerant with a safer alternative.

2. Your HVAC Vents Smell Foul

Any bad smells coming from your HVAC vents can indicate a few different problems. A burning smell can mean that there’s a burned-out part in your system or that the filters haven’t been properly replaced. A musty smell can mean that your vents have been contaminated with mold, which could pose a health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), molds can cause a variety of health effects. People who are sensitive to mold can experience wheezing, a stuffy nose, and/or itchy throat and eyes. In the most severe cases, mold victims can experience fever and shortness of breath. Thus, it’s not a good idea to let molds fester inside your vents for a long time. You can clean your vents of mold yourself, but it’s better to leave that job to AC repair technicians. They are the most likely to get all mold growth removed from your vents and they also know how to remove mold safely. One thing that you can easily do is replace your AC filter. If you smell a burning stench, try learning what kind of filter your AC needs and then replace the old one with a new one. Also, in the future, you should do this every one to two months to better the quality of your air and ensure that your HVAC doesn’t catch on fire. If the burning smell goes away after you do this, you’ve solved the problem that caused it. However, if this smell doesn’t go away, something is broken in your HVAC. An air conditioner repair technician will do the best job of diagnosing the problem and fixing it.

3. Your HVAC Is Producing Strange Sounds

What falls under the category of a strange HVAC sound? Anything that sounds different from the usual functioning sounds of your HVAC unit should be a cause for concern. However, there are specific sounds that you can listen for that indicate particular problems. For instance, your outdoor unit shouldn’t be clicking, clanging, banging, or screeching. All these sounds can indicate that either there’s an obstruction in your outdoor unit’s fan or there’s something generally wrong with your outdoor unit’s fan. Clicking can also indicate that one or more of the system’s components are experiencing an electrical problem. Hissing, screaming, bubbling, gurgling, and squealing are also concerning sounds that you need to keep an ear out for. These sounds indicate issues with your compressor, condensate drain line, and fan belt respectively. Each of these can lead to your HVAC either ceasing to function and/or the system presenting a possible danger to you. The only move that you can make against any of these sounds is to remove obstructions from your outdoor fan (make sure your unit is turned off before you do this, of course). The other problems are highly technical and best handled by an AC and heat professional. Luckily, you may only need to get HVAC unit parts replaced in this case and not the whole system.

4. Your HVAC System Is Blowing Hot Air

An HVAC system can blow hot air when it’s regularly functioning, of course. If it’s blowing hot air when you told it not to via the control panel, your system could likely be experiencing one or several different problems. HVAC systems usually blow hot air when they shouldn’t when there’s a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, an electrical malfunction, and/or a problem with the compressor. As mentioned before, you can replace the air filter and see if that solves the problem. If it doesn’t, though, you don’t want to try and solve any of the other issues yourself. It’s most likely that you’ll waste a lot of time trying to diagnose the exact problem and/or you’ll end up misdiagnosing the issue and causing an even bigger problem. Then you might need to contact a more expensive emergency AC repair service.

5. Your HVAC Energy Bill Has Mysteriously Gotten Higher

Even with regular maintenance, no HVAC systems last forever. The typical lifespan of any HVAC system is 20 years. As your system reaches that age or goes past that age, you’ll find that its energy efficiency decreases. Of course, it’s very difficult to see or feel a difference in energy efficiency if your HVAC seems to be functioning normally otherwise. The best indication of a failure in energy efficiency will show up on your energy bill. If your energy bill seems to be creeping up without any indication of inflation or heavier usage, your unit is probably just old. The best way to save yourself these extra expenses is to invest in a new HVAC installation. This can cost a fair amount at the beginning (around $3,000 to $10,000 to be exact), but this new unit will eventually pay for itself by saving you energy costs.

6. Your HVAC Isn’t Regulating the Humidity

Besides keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, your HVAC also has the job of regulating the humidity level in your home. This is a very important job. Too much humidity in the home can lead to poor home air quality, weakened walls and ceilings, mold and mildew growth, and more. If your home seems muggier than usual, consider buying a humidity measurement tool. If the humidity seems higher than what is healthy (you can learn about healthy levels of humidity online), consider contacting an AC and heat technician company. Their employees can best determine if your HVAC is the cause of the high humidity and fix the issue. If your HVAC isn’t the issue, high humidity can also be an indication of plumbing problems and you may need an emergency plumber.

7. Your HVAC Keeps Turning On and Off

A fully functional HVAC unit will turn on, blow some air, and then turn off when the room has reached a satisfactory temperature. It should only do this a few times during the day. If your unit seems to be turning on and off several times during the day, it may have a broken thermostat. Your HVAC system knows when the room has reached the temperature you set because of its thermostat. If the thermostat breaks, the HVAC will be unable to sense the temperature well and will turn itself on and off repeatedly to keep up with the wildly fluctuating temperatures the thermostat is indicating. Luckily, replacing a thermostat is an easy and often cheap repair process for an HVAC technician to perform.

8. Your HVAC Unit Is Just Old

If you check your HVAC unit’s age and find that it’s older than 20 years, replacing the whole unit can be a good next step. You’ll likely save yourself from a lot of dangers and expensive repairs in the future. Of course, you can discuss the matter with an HVAC repair technician and make certain that this is the best route for you.

Hire Us to Handle HVAC, Plumbing, and Water Heater Repair in San Antonio

As you can see, contacting an HVAC repair service is the best way to fix a malfunctioning HVAC. The prices can get high. However, the comfort and safety you provide for yourself and your household members can be well worth it. Also, if you just typed “HVAC service near me” and are in Texas, consider using our services. We are a family-owned and operated business in San Antonio and the surrounding areas with HVAC, water heater, and plumbing services. Book our services as soon as you notice a problem and we’ll promise to put you first.