HVAC Maintenance Archives - Ideal Partners

HVAC Maintenance

June 20 2023

3 Most Common HVAC Problems in the Summer

As the temperatures continue to get hotter and hotter throughout the Texas summer, your AC will be put to the test. The strain put on AC’s during the summer is why the season is the busiest for HVAC technicians. Here are some of the most common HVAC problems that you may encounter with your AC over the next few months.

Doesn’t Turn On / Unscheduled Shutdown

Imagine arriving at your residence on a sweltering summer day. You’re relieved to get to your cool home but when you arrive, the AC is not running. You attempt to turn it on, but it either doesn’t come on at all or runs for the beginning of the cooling cycle and then quits. This is one of the most frustrating problems imaginable.

Unfortunately, these issues tend to require an expert to be fixed. One thing you can try is resetting the breaker box and testing out the AC again. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely a faulty thermostat, which the experts at Ideal Partners can repair or replace in no time.

AC Freezing Up

We’ve probably all seen in-person or online a strange picture of an AC unit covered in ice on a sunny day. Well, those aren’t photoshopped photos. They’re actually the result of poor thermostat settings, dirty air filters, vent blockages, and various mechanical issues with the drain lines and refrigerant.
If your AC is freezing up, try replacing your air filters and ensuring that your thermostat isn’t set too cold on a cool summer night. If the problem persists, it won’t get better on its own, so call the professional at Ideal Partners.

Strange Noises

With all the moving parts in modern AC units, there are bound to be some noises, but if your AC is making more noise than usual, or the sounds coming from it are peculiar, there is likely something wrong that is making the noise.

Squealing noises can often come from loosely mounted and poorly lubricated fan blades. Shaking and rattling noises can be due to a poorly fitted AC belt or the AC being mounted loosely to the ground. That’s not to mention buzzing that could indicate electrical issues.

If something sounds weird, then something probably is weird. The heat in Texas is no joke, and being stranded without AC for even a few days can be a major health risk. If your AC is struggling to keep up with the Texas summer, call Ideal Partners today for a free estimate on your AC repair or replacement.

May 24 2023

Before You DIY, Dial Ideal

HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Repairs

Ideal Partners applauds the roll-up-your-sleeves, do-it-yourself types, but there are some real dangers to attempting DIY HVAC repairs. Here are some of the dangers of HVAC repairs and some situations where you’re going to want to call the professionals at Ideal Partners.

Voided Warranties

For starters, read the fine print on any of the HVAC appliances in your home. Most of them have a clause that states that any attempt at DIY repairs will automatically void the warranty on the appliance. Even if you can fix the appliance, the repairs may eventually fail and then what? Once the manufacturer catches wind of your DIY repair, you could be paying for all that damage out of your pocket. If you are wondering whether the project you have in mind will void your HVAC warranties, you should give the pros at Ideal Partners a call.

Personal Safety

There are also many chemicals at play when dealing with HVAC equipment, and they can cause irreparable damage to your personal health. Carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure is a real concern in HVAC repair that only professionals will be equipped to oversee. There is also a flame risk, especially when dealing with heating appliances (i.e. a furnace).

HVAC Damage

Last, but definitely not least, you can end up making the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let’s say you believe that you fix a tear in your ductwork, but, that tear opens a week after your patchwork was applied. That can lead to contaminants like insulation and dust entering your home’s AC vents. It can also cause those contaminants to enter your AC unit and cause more damage to the unit over time. Saving money in the short term can end up costing you much more in the long run.

Here’s Something You CAN Do

That’s not to say we don’t think DIYers can save a buck here or there by doing it themselves. One of the easiest maintenance tasks a homeowner can do is to regularly check and replace air filters. This will prolong the life of the AC unit and it’s typically easy to do. Follow the instructions on each filter to know how long they should last before needing replacement. You can also spend a little time making sure that your thermostat is properly programmed for optimal efficiency.

So think twice before crawling up into your attic to attempt a repair on something you suspect is broken. Give the experts at Ideal Partners a call first. Use the form on our website to receive a free estimate.