What’s That Sound Coming From My Furnace in Butterfield, TX?

A furnace, like other appliances, produce some unnoticeable noises during operation. When sudden loud noises pop up while your heating system is operating, you should take immediate action because they indicate an problem that could jeopardize your household in Butterfield, TX. Here are some strange furnace noises that you shouldn’t ignore.

Banging Sounds

Banging furnace sounds when the appliance is kicking on could indicate an ignition problem. The gas valve opens when the thermostat signals the heating system to start a cycle, so the pilot light or ignition system ignites gas immediately. An ignition system issue causes gas buildup that creates the banging sounds in the chamber, which could be due to clogged or dirty burners, low gas pressure or a weak flame.

Squealing Noises

A squealing sound coming from your furnace could signal an issue with the blower motor. A loose belt could also be the reason why you hear squealing noises from the heating system. You need to hire a heating repair professional to inspect the appliance because the problem may be more complex within the blower motor.

Rumbling Noises

You need to take action if the heating system completes a cycle and makes a loud rumbling noise. Issues with flame sensors, pilot lights or burners often cause rumbling furnace noises, and these culprits increase the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is why you need the help of an HVAC technician. When fuel continues to burn in the heating system combustion chamber when the burners shut down, it could cause rumbling sounds from your furnace.

Scraping and Grinding Sounds

Scraping and grinding sounds indicate dry bearings within the blower motor of your heating system. Furnace bearings require regular lubrication to ensure that they function correctly without making unusual noises. That’s why you need a professional to maintain your furnace and lubricate the blower motor regularly.

You shouldn’t ignore any unusual or loud noise from your furnace. Hire a professional to fix your furnace as soon as you notice any of the above noises. Contact us at Kings Aire for professional and affordable heating installation and replacement services.

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5 Ways to Prep Your HVAC System for Cooler Temperatures in El Paso, TX

Even in El Paso, TX, temperatures start to drop when fall rolls around. With cooler weather comes an increased strain on your HVAC system. Read on to learn how to prepare your HVAC system for cooler temperatures.

1. Change the Filter

The filter in your HVAC keeps dirt and other harmful particles from circulating throughout your home. It works year-round, whether you’re running the furnace or the air conditioner. During periods of heavy use like winter, it’s best to replace the filter before the start of the season and about once a month afterward.

2. Schedule Fall Maintenance

Getting a yearly tune-up of your HVAC will ensure it’s ready for the cold season. Your technician will do a thorough inspection and make minor adjustments that maximize the efficiency of your equipment.

3. Seal Leaks

Air leaks in the home are a leading cause of rising utility bills. When air escapes the house or comes in from the outside, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Weather-strip doors and windows, add insulation and seal any leaks you find.

4. Check Alarms

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms keep you safe from hazards, including home fires and gas leaks from your HVAC system. Check to make sure these units are working properly and have working batteries inside them.

5. Upgrade Your Thermostat

Consider making the switch to a programmable thermostat. This will help you save money on your bills every month and prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Need help getting your HVAC system ready for cooler weather? Give us a call today at Kings Aire and ask us about our HVAC maintenance packages. We offer both residential and commercial services, and we await your call.

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5 Signs Your Home is Under Insulated in Canutillo, TX

Being a first-time homeowner can be both amazing and frustrating. Purchasing an older home, in particular, is likely to involve putting some work in to fix problems, like the home not having enough insulation. In order to help you determine if insulation problems are plaguing you, we’ve compiled a list of five signs your home doesn’t have enough insulation in Canutillo, TX.

1. Wild Temperature Fluctuations

Each room in your home should have a similar temperature. Some rooms being too hot while others are chilly is a sign that some areas of your home are more insulated than others, meaning that heat is better retained in the insulated rooms.

2. High Energy Bills

Poor insulation means your HVAC system has to work around the clock to keep your home comfortable. This is especially problematic during the hot months of summer when your air conditioner runs in overtime to try and combat humidity.

3. Drafts and Cold Spots

If you feel cool air drifting through a room that has no open doors or windows, you’d probably benefit from additional home insulation. Wind can easily penetrate through walls that don’t have insulation, leading to drafts inside.

4. Pipes That Freeze

Being in Texas, frozen pipes aren’t a huge concern, but if you notice that your pipes freeze every winter, your home lacks insulation. Lack of insulation makes the inside of your walls cold, leading to frozen or burst pipes that are a struggle to repair.

5. Problems with Pests

Gaps in doors and windows can be large enough to let rodents and bugs into your home. Insulating these areas can keep your home pest-free and save you money on energy costs.

Let Kings Aire be your one-stop shop for all your HVAC needs. If you live in an older home that doesn’t have the proper amount of insulation installed, call us at Kings Aire and we’ll assist you.

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3 Common HVAC Problems in Older Homes in El Paso, TX

Purchasing an old home in El Paso, TX, may be appealing to some homeowners. On paper, their prices look cheap, but we recommend considering inspections for possible repairs and renovation costs. Here are some HVAC problems to be on the lookout for.

1. Sub-Standard Indoor Air Quality

Older buildings are from different times and lack modern-day design adjustments. Modern houses are in line with ever-changing efficiency protocols, meaning your home allows for better ventilation and airflow than in older homes. Increased airflow and installation of air cleaners will help boost your indoor air quality in your older home.

Some older homes allow for unconditioned air to remain indoors longer. The infiltration of bacteria and pollutants can aggravate existing health conditions and allergies.

Older houses have ductwork that may be susceptible to leaks that allow excessive dirt into your home, causing irregular hot and cold spots in the house. That means higher health and energy-related bills. Proper HVAC maintenance and air filter care will significantly improve your indoor air quality.

2. The Age of the Unit

Your HVAC unit has an average lifespan of 10 to 25 years, depending on the maintenance. Older homes most likely feature an old HVAC, and you have no idea of the previous owner’s maintenance routines. To avoid risking a malfunctioning or inefficient HVAC system that will spike your utility bill, hire professionals for an AC installation.

3. Malfunctioning, Outdated Thermostats

An old house may still use an HVAC with an old and outdated thermostat that’s less energy-efficient. These thermostats can cause irregularities in readings, even leading to the air conditioner malfunctioning. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat when purchasing an older house can help head off issues before they come up.

When purchasing an older house, calculating the costs for repairs and upgrades is essential to living comfortably. Contact Kings Aire experts to inspect your older home for any HVAC problems.

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3 Common Signs You Have an Inefficient AC in El Paso, TX

With summertime temperatures soaring in El Paso, TX, your air conditioner must keep your home cool and comfortable. However, just because the temperatures outside are rising, your utility bills don’t have to follow suit. If you notice any of these warning signs, you have an inefficient AC.

A Rise in Utility Bills

A major increase in your utility bills during summer is the most obvious sign of an inefficient AC. While a slight variance in your electric bill is normal during the hottest part of the year, the increase should be minimal. Numbers never lie, so if your utility bills increase significantly during summer, your air conditioner is working too hard to cool your home.

Hotspots in Your Home

When you set your desired temperature on your thermostat, that should be the temperature in every room of your home. If you notice that certain areas are hotter than others, it means that your air conditioner is not working efficiently. When certain spots are hotter than others, your AC will overcompensate to cool every area, leading to a decrease in efficiency.

Dirty Air Filters

While we never encourage our customers to perform any type of air conditioner repairs, changing air filters is one maintenance task that you can tackle on your own. If your air filters have too much dirt and debris in them, your air conditioner can’t operate efficiently. The system will work harder to push air through the dirty filters, leading to decreased home comfort and an increase in your monthly bills.

You should never have to exchange comfort for energy efficiency. Being able to find cool, refreshing air in your home without breaking the bank is a must during summertime in El Paso. If you think your AC is inefficient, call Kings Aire to schedule your needed repairs and learn more about the rest of our HVAC services.

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What Makes a Heat Pump Short-Cycle?

If you’re a homeowner in Horizon City, TX, you know that your heat pump is an essential part of your comfort. However, the heat pump may start a short-cycle, turning on and off more frequently than normal. Here are some reasons for a heat pump’s short-cycling:

Thermostat Error

If the thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly, it may cause the system to turn on and off more frequently than normal. The error could be due to a wiring problem, incorrect calibration or a bad sensor. Resolving these issues can help fix the short-cycling problem and ensure your HVAC system is heating and cooling well.

Low Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant helps transfer heat from the air outside to the air inside your home. If there’s a leak in the system, the refrigerant level can drop, causing the heat pump to work harder to transfer heat. This can lead to short cycling as the system compensates for the lost refrigerant.

Dirty Air Filter

If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow to the system. The unit will have to work harder to circulate air, leading to short-cycling. It’s important to check and replace the air filter regularly to prevent this issue. We recommend doing so every 30 to 90 days.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils freeze, they can restrict airflow and cause the system to short-cycle. The coils can freeze if there is insufficient refrigerant or the air filter is dirty and restricting airflow. Replacing the air filter and adding more refrigerant can help to fix this problem.

If your heat pump is short-cycling, resolve the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Contact Kings Aire to help you troubleshoot problems and make any necessary HVAC repairs. We offer quality HVAC services to keep your home comfortable all year long.

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How Often Should Commercial HVAC Systems Be Serviced in El Paso, TX?

As a business owner, you understand how important it is to get as much as you can out of every appliance in your building, including your HVAC system. Obviously, the best way to make sure that your commercial HVAC system is operating efficiently and can stand the test of time is to have regular maintenance performed on the system. However, it’s important to consider some factors when you’re deciding how often to have commercial HVAC maintenance performed at your El Paso, TX business.

The Rule of Two

Generally speaking, you should plan on having HVAC system maintenance performed no less than twice a year. Whether we’re discussing a residential or commercial system, we always recommend that customers have their systems serviced during spring and fall. However, there are some factors that can create the need for more frequent service.

Age of System

Ideally, you would have a brand new, top-of-the-line HVAC system heating and cooling your business. However, that may not be the case, especially if you have purchased or are renting an older building. Depending on the age of your system, you may need to invest in quarterly HVAC service to make sure the system is operating as designed.

Demand on the System

Several factors go into the demand that you put on your HVAC system, including the size of your facility and how much you use the system every day. If you use the system a lot or have a large building, don’t be afraid to schedule maintenance more than twice a year.

The point of HVAC maintenance is to ensure that your system is operating efficiently, your facility is comfortable, and the system is in a position to last for as long as possible. No matter how many times a year your system needs to be serviced, we have you covered. Call Kings Aire today to find out about all of our commercial HVAC services.

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Do I Need a New Thermostat For My Canutillo, TX, Home?

Your thermostat controls your HVAC system, and sometimes when there’s an issue with your HVAC system, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the issue is with the thermostat instead. Here are five signs you need a new thermostat for your Canutillo, TX, home.

Higher Energy Bills

While higher energy bills result from hotter or colder than normal weather, sometimes the thermostat keeps the HVAC system on longer when it’s not needed. This is one sign you may need another thermostat if it keeps your HVAC working when you don’t need it.

Your Home Is An Uncomfortable Temperature

When you set your thermostat, you expect your HVAC system to provide your desired temperature. A faulty thermostat won’t keep a comfortable temperature within your home.

HVAC System Won’t Run Or Won’t Stop Running

An HVAC system that won’t turn on when you need it is a serious issue. You may not notice that your HVAC system isn’t shutting off on a hot day, but once your HVAC system has reached your desired temperature or passed it, there’s something wrong with the thermostat.

Inaccurate Display

A thermostat should display the temperature of your home and the temperature outside. If your thermostat displays the wrong temperature or is missing the information it normally displays, this is an indication it needs replacing or just needs maintenance.

Outdated Thermostat

The average thermostat only lasts 10 to 15 years, and after that, they start malfunctioning and lose their energy efficiency. Check the model of your thermostat to determine its age before looking for a new one. Smart thermostats aren’t only highly efficient, but you can pair them with other devices, such as those for indoor air quality.

Don’t let your malfunctioning thermostat cause you any headaches this spring. Contact Kings Aire today to experience the wonders a new smart thermostat has to offer with your air conditioner.

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Why Isn’t My Commercial Oven Heating Up in El Paso, TX?

As a busy El Paso, TX restaurant owner, you don’t have time to waste. Problems with your commercial oven can have a considerable impact on your business, costing you time and money. Let’s take a look why your commercial oven isn’t heating up.

The Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If your oven won’t heat at all, make sure your pilot light is on. If it won’t stay lit after multiple attempts, there is another issue that needs addressing.

While there are many reasons why a pilot light won’t stay lit, one of the most common is a faulty thermocouple. A thermocouple is a device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light is out. If your pilot light won’t light or stay lit, it’s time to call in the pros for a repair call.

The Oven Won’t Reach the Desired Temperature

If your oven heats up but doesn’t reach the desired temperature, it’s most likely a thermostat problem. Commercial oven thermostats need calibration to make sure they heat to the right temperatures. If you have a properly calibrated thermostat, but your oven still won’t achieve the desired temperature, it’s time to replace the thermostat.

Uneven Heating

If your oven is baking food unevenly, it’s probably due to damaged heating elements or temperature sensors. Another reason for uneven heating is improper thermostat installation, resulting in a broken capillary tube. In any of these examples, you need to call in a qualified HVAC technician to resolve the issue.

Your commercial oven is the heart of your kitchen. Oven downtime disrupts your business, impacting your ability to make a profit and expand your business.

If you worry about your commercial oven and other equipment in your kitchen, a maintenance plan is a great way to limit the chances of your oven malfunctioning. Call us today at Kings Aire to discuss preventive maintenance options.

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HVAC Maintenance Plan vs. Home Warranty: How to Choose

Your HVAC system keeps your family comfortable throughout the year. Protect it from unexpected breakdowns by signing up for a maintenance plan or a home warranty plan. Read on to learn the pros and cons of these plans for your Canutillo, TX, home.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty plan works to protect you from paying the full amount for your repairs, maintenance, or replacement of your home’s HVAC or other equipment. Therefore, the home warranty covers everything you own in the house, including the HVAC unit.

With a warranty plan, your company will require that you pay a specified amount of money monthly. However, you might need to pay an additional monthly fee if you want extensive coverage of your household items. Depending on the plan, the company issuing the home warranty may require that you pay an extra fee each time they provide maintenance, replacement, or repair services.

Although a home warranty plan has a few disadvantages, it offers several advantages. The home warranty will increase the value of your property at the time of sale, and it works best if your property is more than four years old. The major disadvantage with a home warranty plan is that it will not provide extensive coverage for your HVAC unit.

What Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

HVAC systems are expensive, and you need to establish a regular maintenance plan to ensure your system gives you the required services for the longest time. To ensure that you don’t miss your monthly HVAC maintenance visits, you’ll need to talk to your local HVAC specialist, who will give you a detailed maintenance plan for a small fee. With this plan, your HVAC specialist will visit your home during prearranged times to perform maintenance processes on your heating and cooling systems.

Advantages of an HVAC Maintenance Plan

HVAC maintenance often includes an annual tune-up by your HVAC technicians. You can also get a discount on emergency visits. Also, during an emergency, your HVAC provider may give priority to your needs and will be at your doorstep upon request.

An HVAC service agreement states that it will retain up to 90% of your HVAC system’s original energy efficiency, which promises lower monthly utility bills. They’ll also advise you on your unit’s lifespan, giving you plenty of time to budget before you get costly repairs and replacement costs.

Finally, you have a guarantee of reliable services from a trusted HVAC Company. If you reside in Canutillo, TX, and you need help deciding between a home warranty and maintenance plan for your HVAC installation, repair, or replacement needs, contact Kings Aire today.

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