HVAC Services Blog | Ashford Mechanical

How Often Should AC Contactors Be Replaced?

The AC contactor regulates the electric flow into the unit. The contactor cuts off the power when you turn off your air conditioner. Similarly, when you turn on the air conditioner, the contactor allows electricity to power the system and is reset when your home reaches the temperature set on the thermostat.

When should you replace your AC contactor?

Capacitors typically last several years, but if you keep the same air conditioner for more than ten years, you’ll need to replace them at least once. A start capacitor is installed in many outdoor units to assist the AC in starting up, whereas a run capacitor keeps the system running after it starts up.

However, your system may only have one capacitor in the outdoor unit, and some models may also have a capacitor for the indoor blower motor. Capacitors resemble large batteries, but they are connected to wires within your air conditioning system.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply insert a capacitor into a slot and snap on a plastic cap, because it is not the same as a battery. In this case, you would need the services of a professional for AC service in Lewisville.

How do you know if you need to replace a capacitor?

Your air conditioning contractor in Lewisville claims that your capacitor has failed, the following points would indicate why:

The voltmeter indicates that there are insufficient microfarads. Every capacitor is rated in microfarads. For example, yours could be rated for 35 microfarads with a plus or minus ten range. If it falls below 25, your HVAC technician will know it’s time to replace it.
When the capacitor is far gone, it will swell up. It will appear as if someone crammed too much material into the tube, causing it to bulge at the sides.
Although this does not always occur, bad capacitors frequently leak oil.

How do you test an AC contactor?

Turn off the power to the air conditioner before removing the contactor. Perform the test at both the thermostat and the breaker level. After turning off the power, proceed to the condenser unit.
The AC’s control panel is located on the side of the unit that is connected to the wires. Remove the side cover with a screwdriver. Several colored cables are connected to the contactor.
Remove the contactor from the condenser unit’s side (while still connected to wires). Continue by removing the wires.
Use a multimeter to test the contactor and set it to the OL position. Connect the multimeter to the contactor’s low volt terminals on both sides.
If the contractor is operational, the multimeter will read between 5 and 20. If you get a lower or no reading, the contactor is broken.
Replace the condenser’s side paneling and turn on your air conditioner. If you are still unsure how to do it, call a skilled specialist for AC service in Lewisville.

When an HVAC technician says the capacitor needs to be replaced, you’ll know now what to ask. Ashford Mechanical provides a budget-friendly preventive maintenance service. Also, if your air conditioner isn’t working correctly, call us at 469-444-0628 or leave us a mail here to schedule an appointment with an air conditioning contractor in Lewisville!

How Long Does it Take to Fix a Broken AC?

Most people are unlikely to understand the inner workings of a home air conditioning system, which is fine most of the time! We need to know that our air conditioners provide cool, dehumidified air during the hot summer months. We also understand that no one wants their air conditioner to stop working suddenly during the hot summer days. A broken compressor could be the source of your air conditioner’s failure.

How long does it take to repair an air conditioner?

Before delving into how long it takes for AC repair in Lewisville, keep in mind that it also depends on the issue at hand. An air conditioner replacement will take between 4 and 8 hours on average. If you replace both your furnace and air conditioner simultaneously, the job will take 8 to 14 hours. The time required depends on these factors:

Broken ductwork: Repairing damaged or leaky ductwork can take days rather than hours. This is because the problem areas must be located through walls. Larger homes or structures may take weeks rather than days.
Strange sounds or banging noises: Do you hear odd sounds or banging noises coming from your air conditioner? The good news is that replacing a belt only takes a few hours. While this type of AC repair in Lewisville is minor, ignoring it can be a significant problem.
Dirty filters: To replace the air filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The frequency you must change will vary depending on the manufacturer. Checking for light passing through is easy to tell if it’s time to clean it. If there is no light, it is time to change the bulb.
Compressors: If the compressor fails, the air conditioner will not be able to cool your home. When there isn’t enough refrigerant, your compressor can overheat and stop working. If there is too much refrigerant, it will return to the compressor and cause it to fail.
Refrigerant: If your air conditioner’s coolant begins to leak, it will not function properly. The temperature may fluctuate as a result of this. The location of the leak will also affect the cost of the repair. Allow a trained specialist to inspect the situation to help prevent this from happening.

How often should one have the air conditioner serviced?

It’s good to have an air conditioner professional inspect your system to postpone AC replacement in Lewisville. They should come at least once a year to ensure that everything is in working order. Even if you don’t believe there is a problem, you should have them come and look.

What is the need for AC inspection?

HVAC professionals will inspect your AC to ensure it is in good working order. They can also avoid breakdowns and save money on your energy bill and will work hard to ensure that your air conditioning unit is in good working order when you need it the most.

Ashford Mechanical provides prompt, high-quality AC repair services. Our technicians are skilled in repairing common AC issues, from broken compressors to AC replacement in Lewisville. Contact us at 469-444-0628.

Ways to Avoid Air Conditioner Breakdowns

Air conditioners are an absolute necessity in a place like Texas, with average summer temperatures at some places reaching as high as 100 degrees fahrenheit. Such climatic conditions call for rigorous air conditioner usage for a major part of the year, making any appliance susceptible to breakdowns or other operational defects. If you have an appliance at risk of such unforeseen mishaps, we have put together a list of measures you can adopt to avoid such inconveniences.

1 . Tend to your appliance’s filter more often

Air filters of any HVAC play a significant role in its operation. Most owners often do not direct their attention to their filters if something goes wrong with their appliance’s operation. With increased usage, air filters have to clean the incoming rate at twice the normal rate. It makes them clog up faster than usual, so people with increased air conditioning usage should consider cleaning or changing their air filters more often.

Under normal conditions, air filters should be changed or cleaned once every month. However, with increased usage, they are likely to require more frequent cleaning and tending to. Since an air filter is one of the simplest parts of an HVAC, you should not wait for the next scheduled maintenance service and change or clean them yourself.

2 . Look after the outdoor AC unit

Outdoor air conditioning units often do not get as much attention because they remain out of sight of the owners. Although outdoor units are designed to stand rough weather conditions, you must ensure that it has ample space and a flow of fresh air for an uninterrupted supply of conditioned air for you and your family.

You may clean the outdoor unit once every couple of months with a regular water hose to rid the fans and other moving dust and debris deposition components.

3 . Keep the air vents and registers free of obstacles

The vents and registers of your air conditioning system are responsible for a continuous stream of air into your household. Whether they are located near the ceiling or above the ground, you must ensure that no furnishings, indoor plants, or other household items are blocking their path of airflow. Doing so may cause slow cooling of the room, making your air conditioning system work harder, overheat, and break down more frequently.

4 . Schedule regular maintenance services for your appliance

An imaginative professional service is one of the best ways to ensure that your air conditioning system keeps functioning efficiently and is free of any possibility of breaking down in the future. Maintenance and air conditioning tune-up services inspect your appliance for defects, leaks, and other common operational defects for a quick fix or replacement. Early detection and resolution of such problems ensure that your appliance keeps functioning at its maximum efficiency without falling prey to such unforeseen damage.

A family-owned and operated company, Ashford Mechanical has over ten years of experience in the industry. With NATE certified and a skilled team of technicians, we are best suited to deliver AC replacement in Lewisville, TX, and all other kinds of HVAC services. Visit our website to schedule a visit or know more about our sources.

Tips for Proper Care of Your Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioning system contributes significantly to your monthly electricity consumption. Your air conditioning system is likely to be used more than any other device during the summer to keep your house cool and comfortable throughout the day.

To properly maintain your AC, let’s first go over some of the most common AC problems. Most of the concerns with your air conditioner can be attributed to the following factors:

Strange noises
The air conditioner isn’t cooling
The cost of power is regularly increasing for no apparent reason.
The air conditioner is blowing hot air
The air conditioner is emitting unpleasant odors

Air conditioner maintenance and AC repair in Lewisville are required to avoid these frequent AC issues and guarantee that your system operates at peak efficiency.

Tips on to keep your air conditioner in good working order

1. Changing the air filter

Maintaining your air conditioning system by changing the air filter regularly is the most important thing. A clean air filter prevents dirt and dust particles from entering your home. However, an air filter will only function effectively if it’s not clogged with excessive particulate matter. Having dirty air filters can exhaust your air conditioner more than necessary, but they can also lower the quality of the air in your home.

2. Keeping the coils clean

Cooling your home and absorbing heat is one of the functions of your air conditioning coils. Dirt accumulates on the coils over time, reducing their ability to absorb heat. Your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your house.

Keep your coils clean to avoid putting undue strain on your AC. This can be done in many ways, but we recommend beginning by clearing away any debris around the condenser unit.

3. Examining the condensate drain

Condensate drains are an important part of the air conditioning system since they allow the condensation created inside the system to drain outdoors. Clogged condensate drains can hinder drainage over time.

If you notice that water isn’t draining properly from the condensate drain, unclog the obstruction or contact your local AC technician for AC service in Lewisville. It will help ensure your AC is functioning efficiently and you stay comfortable.

4. Keep it cool

Cooling down your air conditioner may seem counterintuitive. Still, the truth is that it increases the efficiency of your system and allows it to last longer without needing to be repaired. Your air conditioner unit needs to work extra hard to keep your room cool throughout the summer; keeping it in the shade can help lessen its burden and prevent overheating.

5. Keep it in the shade

Apart from keeping it in the shade during the hotter months, it’s also a good idea to cover the air conditioning unit entirely while it’s not in use. This encompasses the fall, winter, and early spring months. During the coldest months of the year, you may purchase a basic tarp or another form of heavy cover to keep it sheltered from the weather.

Apart from the suggestions mentioned above, you should regularly get your air conditioner serviced. Hire a trustworthy service company like Ashford Mechanical for the finest outcomes.

3 Reasons Your Furnace Cycles On And Off Frequently

Have you ever felt that your furnace is turning on and off quite frequently? If you see any such issues, then your furnace is short cycling that needs to be corrected. Neglecting these issues will result in high electricity bills and damage to the furnace. Rather than investing in high maintenance payments, schedule an HVAC tune-up by calling your furnace installation in Lewisville. The HVAC experts will meticulously inspect each part of your furnace, which will help you maintain its efficient performance.

Reasons For Short Cycling In Your Furnace?

There could be a few reasons behind frequently turning on and off of the furnace. Contact your HVAC contractor and let them observe the furnace closely and fix the issue. Or else, you might need to plan a furnace replacement in Lewisville. The most commonly found reasons for short cycling includes;

Obstruction in Airflow

If your furnace is shutting off quite repeatedly, there might be some issue in the air circulation. Look for any blockage in the air pathway of your furnace and notify a trustworthy company of furnace installation in Lewisville to book a service. There can be several other problems that can lead to decreased airflow.

For example, an air filter with a clog can obstruct the air circulation and cause heat retention. This retained heat will overheat your furnace. To improve the performance of your heating unit, keep cleaning and changing the air filter and save your furnace from short cycling.
A dirty blower wheel can also be a reason for the rapid turn-off and on of your furnace. Furthermore, if there is some blockage in the vents, you should immediately clean it to avoid short cycling of your furnace.

Defective Thermostat

A programmable thermostat controls your entire heating system automatically. If your furnace is turning on and off pretty frequently, then you must check the settings of your thermostat and reset them. Additionally, there might be some other defects in your thermostat, such as damaged wiring or old batteries. If resetting the temperature and changing batteries is not enough, then book a service from your furnace installation in Lewisville to fix it up.

Faulty Flame Sensor

A flame sensor helps in accessing the flame in your furnace when the gas valves are open. If there is no flame, then the flame sensor will automatically turn the gas valves off. If your flame sensor is dirty and corroded, it will not detect the flame and turn the gas valve close. It will cause frequent shutting down of your heating unit. Schedule a heating repair from your furnace installation in Lewisville and get a properly working flame sensor.

Ashford Mechanical Commercial and Residential HVAC is a certified company. We consider your problems as ours and try to give you excellent quality HVAC solutions for them. Dial (469) 444-0628 and get solutions for your HVAC issues all at once.

Why Is My Furnace Reset Button Not Working?

A furnace is a part of our life and our family. Knowing how it works and understanding its requirements is our responsibility so that it can keep us warm in return.

Besides knowing the basics of a furnace, you need to know the features and functions that can help you out in times of emergency. You must learn to use the reset button, which can save you a lot of trouble provided you follow the necessary steps and precautions while doing it.

How To Reset The Furnace

It is a simple process, whether you have an electrical unit or unit run by gas. Try looking into the manual if you cannot find the button. The following steps will help you out in the process.

Switch off the power button. However, if your furnace doesn’t have one, put down the circuit breaker and locate it inside the blower housing.
If you have a gas furnace, switch off the gas control while turning down the thermostat setting. Keep the pilot gas supply line open, and turn off the main supply. For furnaces with sealed pilot compartments, press the red button right under the pilot or seal to start and turn on the power. Open the main gas supply and press reset. We advise holding it for at least 30 seconds.

Reasons Why The Reset Button Is Tripping,

Don’t panic once you fail to reset your furnace. Try again, and if it doesn’t work, consider looking into the following issues:

Common in gas and oil-run furnaces, constant loss of fuel might be the reason why your reset button is tripping.
Blocked pipes, ducts, valves, and closed supply lines.
Sudden shutdown due to untimely maintenance.
Old air filters that haven’t been cleaned or replaced in a long time, straining on your furnace.

If all this is too complicated, do not hesitate to call an expert for furnace repair in Lewisville. Better careful than sorry!

Furnace Restart Button Solutions

You need to first troubleshoot the furnace restart button before coming up with a solution. Once you know where the problem lies, fix it accordingly.

Allow the furnace to completely shut down and cool off before restarting.
Unclog gas supply or fuel supply lines that might be jammed.
Replace dirty air filters that might be blocking airflow.
Clean flame sensors.

Call For Professional HVAC Experts.

Trying out DIY methods does not usually work here. It might worsen the condition of your unit since only an expert can look at where the problem truly lies. Find reliable furnace repair in Lewisville with great maintenance and service benefits. We focus on improving the quality of your air and domestic life.

We have a wide range of brands that guarantee to never make you go through the troubles of changing climate conditions. If you already have a unit that needs fixing, furnace service in Lewisville from Ashford Mechanical is the best HVAC contractor in town, as approved by community members. Our honest and reliable services are available by calling us at (469) 444-0628 or scheduling an appointment online.

How To Reset The Heating System?

Homeowners feel the need to reset their heating systems because they might feel it isn’t functioning properly. Resetting the thermostat and the furnace helps. But if the problem persists, you need to call for professional help. However, before contacting an expert, you should try to reset the thermostat and your unit.

The Need For Furnace Resetting

The reset button is not going to work all the time, but circumstances that call for such a resolve are:

There was a power outage or heavy voltage switch in your electricity supply.
The furnace was experiencing inadequate oil or gas supply.
You have kids and pets who must have done something. Unnecessary with the furnace in your absence.
You just fixed an issue and want the heating unit to restart efficiently.
A professional advised you to reset it.

Where Is The Reset Button?

Most reset buttons are located inside your blower compartment. Before pressing the reset button, there are a few things that you need to do. Switch off power, gas, or oil supply to your furnace. Look at the circuit breaker to efficiently allow your heating unit to shut down.

Easy Reset Tips

Sometimes, a task as simple as resetting your HVAC unit becomes difficult. This happens when you cannot locate it or fail to do it despite the button being right in front of you. Ask yourself, have you pressed the button and held it down long enough? Sometimes the five-second hold does not help. Try the 30-second hold.

Look into the manual for specific settings
Wipe and unclog filters before switching the furnace back on
Find thermostat reset instructions

If you don’t have a manual, copy the product and model code to search online. With Ashford Mechanical as the most efficient and reliable heating repair in Lewisville, you no longer have to worry about repairs. We will be right at your doorstep in case of any untimely furnace breakdowns.

Digital Thermostats: A Guide

Digital thermostats are great to use, the new modern way of keeping yourself warm and comfortable while following recent trends. These are easier to reset because everything is presented right in front of you. However, beware of the factory reset button. It will forget all default settings, regarding specific temperatures and timings, besides restarting the HVAC system.

Batteries are the lifelines for digital systems. Taking them out or rubbing them, or putting them back in reverse will do the trick. It doesn’t work all the time, but if it does for you, this trip was worth reading! If it doesn’t, simply change the batteries, and the heating unit will be good to go.

Still Cannot Reset Your Heating System?

Sometimes furnaces can be difficult to operate and even more complex to fix. Leave this task to Ashford Mechanical. We serve residential, commercial, and new construction areas with our best professional services. Heating repair in Lewisville has never been easier! You can even grab some wonderful offers on our website or call us at 469-444-0628. We give you a pocket-friendly estimate that is well suited according to your requirements.

Should You Spray Water On Your AC Unit?

Most electrical appliances do not go well with water. Even the manuals indicate that you should not pour water on such devices.

It is a bit different for air conditioners, as some parts require water to operate effectively. However, this does not mean that all components of the air conditioning system need spraying.

Spraying water is a part of an efficient and functional air-conditioning system and is also a part of routine AC service in Lewisville.

One of the most significant areas where water is constantly needed is the AC condenser. Here is why spraying down water on AC condenser is essential:

1. To improve its efficiency and reduce power consumption

Your device may have more AC power in hot weather as compared to cold weather. When you spray water onto the condenser, it will stop the evaporative cooling device, thereby reducing energy consumption.

The working principle of an AC is to take the hot water that is present inside the house. In this case, spraying water will lower the outside air temperature, at least as much as it needs to be removed, increasing efficiency and saving money.

2. To make your conditioner cleaner and better

Suctioning air by the condenser will leave various residues, and the particles will affect the operation of the AC device. If they accumulate on the vents over time, your AC will face constant issues.

To ensure that it is not a drawback for the system, spraying or splashing water during the cleaning process can help often. The condenser in which the particles are captive in the equivalent device no longer maintains the cooling effect of the device.

In addition, the capacitor will start to overheat and eventually stop working. Thus, early prevention is the best option compared to buying a new capacitor.

3. To extend the lifespan of the system

As long as you take good care of the cooling device, the device can work properly. If you do not maintain the device, don’t expect it to last for a long time.

Cleaning with water is a way to keep the air conditioner running. It is only a case of condensers that require water.

Converting a functioning condenser to the same condenser for the entire AC system will extend the lifespan of the AC by many years.

Is Spraying Water on The Air Conditioner Useful?

Since the air contains water mist, the ambient temperature is used as heat before the condensation unit stops evaporating the water mist.

When the temperature drops, the air conditioner does not have to work hard. In short, it improves the cooling capacity and efficiency of the air conditioning system.

The cleaning process is quite simple. You can complete it by yourself. However, if you are doubtful about something, it is recommended to seek professional AC service in Lewisville.

Contact

If you’re looking for the best air conditioning tune-up near me in Lewisville, then your search ends here.

If you want your cooling device maintained by the experts at Ashford Mechanical, give us a quick call at (469) 444-0628.

Effective Ways To Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency

The efficiency of your air conditioner may be lower than it should be, indicating that it does not run fully. When your air conditioner is running, you must maintain it to not break down on you one day.

When your air conditioners are efficient, they consume less power and therefore drastically reduce the costs. There are some ways in which you can ensure the highest possible efficiency in your air conditioner. Here are a few steps to enhance your AC efficiency:

1. Clean outdoor unit

Maintain the area around the condenser clean. If your outside unit is clean and free of debris, it will run more efficiently.

An AC repair in Lewisville can, however, undertake a more complete, in-depth cleaning.

2. Vacuum the inside vents

To help maintain consistent airflow from your system, clean dust and debris away from indoor supply vents. Keep the blinds, furniture, and toys away from the vents.

Take some time to clean out any debris that has accumulated in your indoor air supply vents. Do this to keep your system’s airflow consistent. Make certain that all of the vents are free of obstructions. Even if you have to change the furniture in a space, this is critical.

3. Adjust Thermostat

Raise your thermostat temperature by a few degrees. Changing the temperature degrees can save money and energy.

With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature at different periods of the day or when you’ll be gone for several hours.

4. Keep heat-generating appliances away

You should keep lamps, heaters, and other heat-producing equipment away.

The thermostat-based thermostat-producing devices will indicate that the air in your home needs to cool more and force the system to run longer and work harder than required.

5. Close the curtains and blinds

In the heat of the day, close the drapes and blinds. The closing of your curtains or blinds prevents some heat from entering your house if the sun shines right on your windows.

6. Clean drain line

Make sure your drain line is clear. The indoor cooling coil, which is usually located above the furnace in the basement, has a drain.

You can keep your air conditioning drain clear all summer long by spraying a cup of chlorine bleach and rinsing it with water.

7. Keep your filters clean

If your filters are clogged, airflow is reduced, resulting in less cooling in your home.

Dirty filters can even reduce airflow to the point where your air conditioning coil freezes, causing damage to your compressor.

You can avoid such issues entirely if you keep an eye on your filters and clean or replace them as soon as they become dirty.

8. Seal air leaks

To prevent conditioned air from seeping out, any ductwork that passes through unconditioned portions of your home, like your attic, should be properly sealed.

Do you require an air conditioning contractor in Lewisville? Give us a call at (469) 444-0628

What Happens If AC Is Not Service Regularly?

As professionals providing AC service in Lewisville, we often encounter this question from homeowners.

What Happens If I Do Not Do AC Servicing Regularly?

It is vital to understand the impact of neglecting air conditioning in Lewisville goes a long way to ensure that users prioritize air conditioning. However, users should also understand the benefits of regular maintenance when purchasing an air conditioning unit.

A common mistake made by air-conditioning owners is that they ignore the air-conditioning needs after installation. Like all other technical equipment, the AC system requires regular maintenance. Experts believe that it is beneficial to repair the AC at least once a year. Choosing not to do this can be costly. The more you ignore the needs of the AC, the more expensive will be AC repair in Lewisville.

To understand the importance of AC servicing clearly, we have compiled a checklist of effects that arise when you do not service your AC regularly.

Dust Accumulation

One of the main functions of an AC system is to filter indoor air, remove dust and supply it as fresh air. The air filter performs the chore of cleaning the air and distributing it to every corner of the room. If you are not hiring professionals for regular servicing of the AC signifies that dust accumulates on the filter.

The dirt and dust accumulation in the air filter during the cleaning process forces the unit to put in a lot more effort to keep the room cool. The extra effort that air conditioning systems must put in has resulted in exponential increases in energy costs.

Proper lubrication of AC Components

The fans and electric coils installed in the system are part of the air conditioning system, and they will continue to operate to cool the room. These essential tools may wear out with continued use. Regular lubrication of these tools will ensure that they work correctly.

Regular Wear And Tear

New Machines and technology are subject to daily wear and tear. Electronic devices rarely work as long as new ones due to slight signs of wear.

AC components will also wear out and reduce their performance. If you find that the efficiency of the AC system has dropped significantly, you should seek AC service in Lewisville. There is still a long way to go to ensure that wear does not affect your productivity. Servicing your AC also allows you to resolve potential problems before costly repairs occur.

You should pay attention to signs indicating that the ac needs a repair. Failure to repair the air conditioner can be disastrous.

So, hiring the best professionals for AC repair in Lewisville at the right time can eliminate problems before they become severe problems. We all install air conditioners to make our lives easier and more comfortable. To enhance the experience, you must get an AC service in Lewisville.

Ashford Mechanical can help you provide the best AC repair in Lewisville. Therefore, If you are looking for professionals to service your AC, pick up your phone and give us a call at (469)-444-0628.

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