How to Prevent Air Conditioner Failure?

August 3, 2017

The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail on a hot summer day in St. Louis. The last thing any homeowner would want on a hot summer day in St. Louis is an air conditioner that does not work. It is important that all HVAC owners understand the reasons for air conditioning unit failure and know the measures that can help prevent it altogether. While a number of issues can crop up and lead to HVAC unit failures, they are all preventable and very easy to put into practice. The most common reasons are irregular or lack of service and maintenance of the HVAC unit, incorrect installation, and improper care of the AC unit and its components. To ensure that such issues do not lead to an HVAC unit failure, HVAC owners should put the following into regular practice. Ensure Proper Installation Poor installation of an HVAC unit can cause it to overwork and this leads to failure. Poor installation could include poorly planned installations, for example, placement of HVAC unit, vents, and ducts in a way where optimized cooling does not take place and renders the ability of the HVAC to condition the air, ineffective....

View Article

Read More

Why is My Air Conditioner is Making a Hissing Noise?

July 31, 2017

It may be a sign of a refrigerant leak and needs to be serviced as soon as possible. If your air conditioner is making a hissing noise or a bubbling sound, it can be rather worrying. But don’t panic. In this article, we will explain what it is and what you should do about it… The most likely cause of these noises is a refrigerant leak from your AC unit. It is the refrigerant that makes the warm air cold, which is sent out into your home to lower the temperature. So, it is vital to the effective running of your AC system. When refrigerant leaks from the system, not only will your AC unit be unable to cool your home properly, but it can also cause further damage to your system, so it must be sorted out as soon as possible. Signs of a Refrigerant Leak We’ve already mentioned the hissing or bubbling noises that occur due to refrigerant leak, but there are other signs to look out for as well. You are likely to find that it takes a long time for your home to become cool when you turn on your AC unit. It might become cool...

View Article

Read More

What to do About Spores and Mildew in Your HVAC System

July 22, 2017

Our technicians can improve the indoor air quality in your home, so your family can breathe easily. Unfortunately, mildew and spores is a common problem with HVAC systems. It’s a potential health problem and it can also cause issues with your system. It’s very important to deal with the problem as soon as you discover it. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, our experienced technicians can help improve the indoor air quality in your home. HVAC Systems – The Perfect Breeding Ground The problem is, that HVAC systems are the perfect breeding ground for mildew and spores. They are hard to spot, and so it is likely the first thing you’ll notice is that you or someone in your household becomes ill. It can be pretty dangerous if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. A cold you can’t get rid of, or symptoms that appear like asthma are signs to watch out for. For anyone particularly vulnerable, such as babies, the elderly, or anyone suffering from respiratory problems, spores in the air can sometimes be life-threatening. Another Early Warning Sign Another sign to look out for is a musty smell. A clear system will never have this smell. If you notice it,...

View Article

Read More

Is It Normal for a Central Air Conditioner to Run Constantly?

July 19, 2017

Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. However, in some cases constant running could be a cause for concern. A central air conditioning system that runs constantly can be cause for concern. It’s important to determine whether this is a normal occurrence or if there is a problem with the system. Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. The air temperature is hotter outside and so the system needs to work harder in order to get the air to the desired temperature. In that respect, it is normal for the air conditioning system to run with fewer on/off cycles. In fact, smaller cycles can be advantageous. It’s good for dehumidifying the home and it can help increase the life span of your system as there is less stopping and starting. If the home is achieving the correct temperature and the occupants feel it is comfortable, and the bills are at a similar level to previous years, then there is likely no cause for concern. However, if the temperature is not desirable, if the AC unit literally never stops running and the thermostat never reaches the set temperature, then this is a sign...

View Article

Read More

Should I Replace the Furnace and the AC at the Same Time?

July 9, 2017

If one of your systems breaks, it may be time to replace both your air conditioner and furnace. What do you do if either your AC or furnace is broken? You replace the broken one and leave the other one because it’s fine. Right? However, it might make sense to replace both systems at the same time. Here are a few things to consider if you find yourself in this situation. The first step is to ask the advice of your St Louis HVAC technician. Upon inspection, an experienced technician may discern that your system is not actually broken. If they can fix the system then this may give you some extra time to consider your options or to save up for a replacement that you will eventually need. Replacing Your HVAC System If the technician does suggest that you need a replacement, then it is time to check out the rest of your system and check to see how it is working. Does it work as well as it should? What are your energy bills like? Do they seem to be too high? You should also think about the age of your system. On average, an AC unit will...

View Article

Read More

What to Know: St. Louis HVAC Issues to Leave to the Experts

July 4, 2017

Some minor maintenance a homeowner can do themselves, but most HVAC issues should be left to an experienced technician. There are some parts of your HVAC system that you can fix yourself. For instance, changing an air filter yourself is pretty simple. However, some tasks could be potentially dangerous, so it’s important to know which tasks you can safely undertake yourself and which you need to leave to the professionals. Electrical Problems HVAC systems conduct high amounts of electricity. An unqualified person who tries to fix electrical issues, is putting themselves at risk of being electrocuted. And not only can this person personally dangerous, it can also damage your system if you meddle with it. If you have any concerns that your HVAC system has developed an electrical issue, it is very important to call an experienced St. Louis HVAC technician. Keeping the Unit Clean Outside One job you can do, that could save you time and money later, is to ensure that the outside unit is free from debris such as twigs and leaves. Sweeping your yard regularly is a great habit to get into. Cleaning the Coil Fins While cleaning the coil fins may seem like an easy...

View Article

Read More

Troubleshooting Leaks in Your Air Conditioner : HVAC Repair St. Louis

June 29, 2017

If you have a leak in your AC unit, a Scott-Lee Comfort Specialist will be happy to help resolve the issue. It is very important for homeowners to have a little knowledge about their air conditioning unit. Having a clear idea of what is normal and what is not, is helpful when determining what the problem is and when it’s time to contact a trained and qualified St. Louis HVAC technician for repairs. The most common cause of worry for homeowners is water leaks from the air conditioner. Often, one can see a small pool of water collecting near a condensate drain pipe or outside the HVAC unit. These small amounts of water are normal. Water near a condensate drain pipe often collects due to humidity. At the same time, water pooling near the outside of the HVAC unit is also no concern for worry, as this could result from water recycling that takes place within the HVAC unit. However, a homeowner should have a cause for concern if these small amounts of water increase and the leaks are persistent. Such leaks can result in permanent damage of the HVAC system. Here are some of the common known causes of...

View Article

Read More

What is Making My Air Conditioner Blow Warm Air? St. Louis AC Repair

June 25, 2017

Scott-Lee Heating will help improve the comfort level of your home environment this summer. In the hot summer months, the last thing one wants is for the air conditioner to blow warm air and make the inside of the home as unpleasant as the weather outside. Hot or warm air from the air conditioner can be a reason for concern and should be checked. There are many reasons that could cause the air conditioner to blow warm air, of which some can be easy to address. However, some others need professional help and troubleshooting at the hands of a trained, qualified and experienced St. Louis HVAC technician. The following are some of the commonly known reasons for warm air blowing out of an air conditioner. Thermostat Setting Most modern HVAC’s have digital programmable thermostat settings and at times, these can get confusing for new HVAC owners to understand. HVAC owners should use and check the instruction manual while using the air conditioner. One should make sure to check if the fan setting is set to ‘ON’. This setting allows the fan to run even when the AC is off, blowing normal air into the vents. When the AC is not...

View Article

Read More

How to Make Sure Your Home is Always at the Perfect Temperature!

June 23, 2017

It seems like a simple thing, but many struggle to keep their homes at an ideal temperature. Do you have trouble ensuring that your home is always at the right temperature for you? Not too hot in summer, but not too chilly in winter? It seems like such a simple thing, but many of us really do struggle to make our homes comfortable. Ideally, the temperature should be such that you simply don’t think about it, it’s just at the right level. However, this can be hard to achieve, and even harder to achieve without spending a fortune on heating and cooling! We’ve taken some tips from St Louis HVAC experts and put them together to give you the ultimate guide to keeping your home at your ideal temperature all year round! Setting your Thermostat During the Day in Summer Many of us have our thermostats set at 74 degrees. If you do, try changing it to 78 degrees instead. By doing this, you can save a massive 12% on your cooling! If you still feel too warm, then run a ceiling fan. These are great because they are inexpensive to run, but they make your home feel around 4...

View Article

Read More

HVAC Air Filters – How they Help with Allergies

June 14, 2017

Air filters help your HVAC system run more efficiently and filter out allergens too. As any St Louis HVAC technician will tell you, air filters have a variety of functions. They keep the dust away from the internal workings of your HVAC system and so help it to run efficiently and have a longer life. But they also filter out a wide range of allergens too. HVAC filtration has even been found to be more effective at combating allergens than portable HEPA units. This is important news for anyone who suffers from allergies! Different Levels of Filtration Available MERV 1-4 :: This is the cheapest type of filtration with the most basic of filtering. This will filter general household dust such as skin cells. It will also filter clothing lint, dust mites, and pollen. While it is basic filtration, anyone suffering from hay fever should notice a reduction in their symptoms when using this type of filtration system. Additionally, it can be a benefit to anyone with asthma due to the fact that it filters out dust mites. Around half of the people with asthma have an allergy to dust mites. MERV 5-8 :: The next level of filtration is...

View Article

Read More