Top Halloween AC Concerns
Homeowners might wish to be frightened by a spooky movie or creepy front yard decorations this Halloween. But most homeowners are probably not interested in being terrified by their HVAC system. Here are some of the most popular HVAC horrors to be on the lookout for this Halloween and during the winter months.
Carbon Monoxide Leak
Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer" for a reason. Because it is odorless and colorless, many individuals are unaware that it is present in the air. On the other side, it can also be deadly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous in enclosed environments such as houses and garages. This is because carbon monoxide may accumulate in a home over time. Cars left running in garages and faulty HVAC systems can contribute to carbon monoxide levels in the home's air.
Without the correct testing equipment, it's difficult to identify if you have a carbon-monoxide problem. Too many individuals fail to see the problem until it is too late. Even carbon-monoxide poisoning symptoms are often misconstrued.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector is the only reliable technique to test for carbon-monoxide buildup in your house. Like a smoke detector, this gadget will alert homeowners if carbon monoxide levels reach a harmful level. Homeowners need to ensure the detector's batteries are changed regularly. It's a good idea to swap them out when the clocks are changed in the spring and fall. Every five years, one should replace the complete detector.
Mold Growth
Mold commonly grows inside air conditioners during warm weather when the AC is turned off. Water droplets gather inside the system, and the warmth and dust on the HVAC components create an environment in which mold may thrive.
If homeowners smell a musty gym bag stench emanating from their air ducts, mold may be present in one of the following components of the HVAC system:
- The drain pans
- The condensate drain line
- The evaporator coils
- The air ducts
A few ways homeowners can help reduce mold include using an air filter with a MERV value of 13 to keep mold spores out. Homeowners may also consider installing an air scrubber, which will trap pollutants like mold spores. Additionally, homeowners should remember to have their air conditioner serviced once a year to clean the interior and outdoor AC units.
Overheating Furnaces
There are a few common signs that the furnace is overheating. A burning smell is the most evident and prevalent indicator of an overheating furnace. This occurs when the furnace overheats and the higher temperatures damage its internal components.
Another sign of overheating is if the furnace repeatedly turns on and off. When the furnace unit warms up, a safety function may trip and cause it to stop working. When the device cools down, it restarts and overheats again, resulting in another trip. This On-Off cycle might go on indefinitely. It causes the furnace to use massive quantities of energy while also placing the unit in danger of irreparable destruction.
Homeowners should check the air filter and replace it if it appears unclean. Check that all vents are open and unobstructed and that the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. If the filters are clean and the ducts are in good working condition, it may be time to contact an HVAC technician to troubleshoot the system.
About Boutwell's Air Masters
Boutwell's Air Masters has been serving Pensacola's heating and cooling needs and surrounding areas since 1973. Our winters are nothing to sneeze at, with temperatures dropping into the 20s. Spend only one summer on the Gulf Coast and you will realize just how imperative it is to have a working air conditioning system. Call Boutwell's Air Masters for HVAC services in Pensacola, FL.
