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AC Installation in St. Louis, MO AC Installation in St. Louis, MO

Learn 3 Benefits of Replacing Your AC This Summer

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Learn 3 Benefits of Replacing Your AC This Summer

Installing a new AC unit this summer may be a smart investment for homeowners. It may be more convenient to simply continue spending money on repairing your system, but it may not be the smartest choice. Oftentimes, it is more cost-efficient to install a brand-new system rather than pay for frequent and costly repairs.

The expected lifetime of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. Even if you have had regular maintenance on your air conditioning system over the years, if it is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a brand-new upgrade. It will make your home energy efficient and provide you with the most comfortable indoor environment.

With summer just around the corner, homeowners are preparing themselves for hot and humid days. Here are three benefits of installing a new AC unit this summer.

3 Benefits of Installing a New AC Unit This Summer

If you find yourself needing frequent repairs, you notice uneven cooling, or are seeing higher utility bills, it may be time to upgrade your air conditioning unit. Most experts agree that if you are facing repair bills that will add up to half the value of a new system or greater, it is a sound financial decision to upgrade. Part of their reasoning is that with repair bills that high, the unit is probably close to the end of its useful lifetime anyway. The other reason is that newer units have several benefits that your older cooling system lacks. Here are some of those benefits.

1. Improved Indoor Comfort

New AC systems have advanced features that allow you to regulate your indoor temperature better. You will experience a more comfortable living space throughout your home because a new system is able to distribute the air at the set temperature evenly.

In addition, your indoor space will also be more comfortable by having a higher indoor air quality. While a HVAC filter’s primary function is to prevent dirt and debris from damaging the internal components
of your cooling system, they also capture contaminants that would otherwise recirculate throughout your living spaces. New systems have the best filters in the industry, which capture airborne pollutants such as pollen, debris, and dust. Your family may be less likely to experience allergy symptoms and other respiratory issues if you decide to upgrade your system.

Another feature of new AC units is that many models can better control humidity levels than an older unit ever could. This is especially important in humid climates when summertime becomes muggy. A new cooling system will better regulate the humidity level in your home, increasing the quality of the air you and your family breathe while spending time in your home.

You will also experience more comfort by having better indoor temperature control. New systems feature variable speed fans for precise cooling. No more uncomfortable uneven cooling in different rooms of your home. New systems may also have the ability to divide your home into zones, which allows you to customize the temperature in particular spaces throughout your house.

Finally, you will experience more comfort with a low-noise AC unit. Newer systems are much quieter than older models. New technology has a quiet compressor, fans, and other components that don’t make as much noise as the older systems. Advanced models today can reduce the AC noise inside your home by 20%, making your home more comfortable no matter the time of day.

2. Maximum Energy Efficiency

A huge advantage of installing a new AC unit is achieving maximum energy efficiency. This not only allows you to protect the environment with a lower carbon footprint, but it also puts money in your pocket with lower utility bills.

Today’s new AC units use approximately 50% less energy than units that are over 10 years old. This means you will be able to cool your home comfortably while using half the energy, reducing your utility costs. This is especially important during the hot summer months when you spend the most money on electricity costs to cool your home.

New air conditioning systems have a great SEER score. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It represents the amount of energy and money necessary for your AC unit to operate efficiently over a single year. The appropriate SEER for your home depends on where you live.

The recommended SEER rating score is 13 or above. At this score, your home will have a comfortable indoor climate while remaining energy efficient. An HVAC professional will be able to help you choose a unit with the best score considering your region, the size of your home, insulation, ductwork, and other factors.

3. The Best Reliability

One of the most important benefits of a new air conditioning system is knowing that it will cool your home when you need it most. During hot summer days, the last thing you want is to have an AC malfunction. Not only will an emergency breakdown most likely be expensive, but it may also come at a time when you have not budgeted for the expense. This scenario is likely to cause a lot of stress because you know high temperatures can be harmful to your and your family’s health.

New AC units are constructed with the latest technology and best materials in the industry. This often results in higher durability and long-lasting performance. They are less likely to experience a malfunction and require repairs. Installing a new AC system not only makes your cooling system more cost-effective and energy-efficient, but it also gives you peace of mind because it is reliable.

Something else that can give you peace of mind is that your new AC unit will most likely have a warranty. If your system is old, it may no longer have a warranty. When it breaks down, the entire cost to fix it falls on you to pay. A new HVAC system often comes with an extended warranty, offering years of coverage to pay for unexpected repairs.

Additionally, new AC units are more reliable because the installation is performed following the latest industry standards. Nowadays, there are more strict safety standards that must be followed during every installation.

Work With an Experienced HVAC Team

At Level 9 Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of St. Louis, MO since 1975. We install, maintain and repair heating and cooling systems. We also provide indoor air quality, commercial HVAC, and 24/7 emergency services. We also offer our residential customers a Comfort Club Membership. This membership comes with two annual tune-ups, one in the fall for your heating system and one in the spring for your cooling system. Additionally, the program offers you discounts on repair costs and priority scheduling.

Our technicians take pride in offering our clients excellent customer service. We can provide a comprehensive inspection of your AC unit and all system components throughout your home if you are having trouble deciding if it is time for an upgrade. Contact Level 9 Heating & Cooling today, our team is ready to help you determine the best solution for your home this summer.

AC Fan Speed in Washington, MO AC Fan Speed in Washington, MO

A Guide to Adjusting Your AC Fan Speed

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on A Guide to Adjusting Your AC Fan Speed

The summers in Missouri tend to be extremely hot and muggy, and this can create issues with high indoor humidity. If your AC unit is the proper size and working correctly, it should be able to control your home’s humidity level on its own. Nonetheless, there are many times when this doesn’t happen and the indoor humidity level remains too high despite the AC maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. One possible solution to this issue could be adjusting the speed of your blower fan. To help you better understand how this works, let’s now take a look at airflow rates and the effect that AC fan speed can have on indoor humidity.

Understanding Airflow Rates

Your air conditioning system needs to move a certain volume of air in order to cool effectively. If the airflow is too high or too low, it can create various issues that will impact indoor temperature and humidity. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The general rule of thumb is that you need between 350 and 400 CFM of airflow for each AC ton. This means that if you have a 2-ton AC unit, the airflow should be between 700 and 800 CFM. For a 5-ton AC, you’ll need 1,750 and 2,000 CFM.

If the airflow rate is below 350 CFM, it can quickly cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. This occurs because there isn’t enough volume of hot air flowing over the coil. When this happens, the refrigerant stays too cold, and this allows the condensation on the coil to freeze. If the airflow rate is too high, it can have a major effect on the system’s performance and usually results in much higher indoor humidity. Both of these problems put added stress on the AC system and can potentially damage the compressor motor or cause it to overheat.

The airflow rate is determined by the speed of the blower fan inside your air handler. Unfortunately, it is not something that you can measure on your own as it requires very specific equipment and knowledge. This means that you will need to hire an AC technician to measure your airflow if you suspect it is too high or too low.

The Link Between Fan Speed and Indoor Humidity

The normal factory setting for blower fans is 400 CFM per ton. This is the setting that is recommended for use in drier climates. However, in more humid climates like Missouri, your fan speed should really be set at 350 CFM.

The higher the fan speed is, the more volume of air it will move at one time. This results in the AC cooling the house down more quickly due to the increased volume of cold air being circulated every minute the system runs. While this may sound like a good thing, and in some cases it is, it can have a major impact on indoor humidity.

When your AC runs, it absorbs both heat and moisture from the air inside your home. The higher the fan speed is, the less time it will take for the AC to cool your home to the desired temperature. This obviously has an impact on how much moisture the system can remove from the air. If the AC only runs for a few minutes before shutting off again, it will obviously remove less moisture than if the fan speed was lower and the system ran for longer.

This is one of the major reasons why variable-speed AC units are so much more effective at managing indoor humidity. These units can reduce the speed of the AC compressor motor, which will slow down the rate of cooling and allow the system to remove more moisture. If you’re looking to replace your old air conditioner, a variable-speed AC is definitely the best choice for humid climates. Nonetheless, you may be able to achieve a similar effect by having an AC technician reduce the speed of your blower fan if it is set too high.

How Does an AC Technician Adjust Fan Speed?

Some HVAC systems have a variable-speed fan motor, in which case you won’t need to worry about adjusting the fan. However, most systems use a single-speed fan. Even though the fan only ever runs at one speed, you can still adjust this speed to be faster or slower.

Most blower fans have three different speed settings: high, medium and low. When your system was installed, there is a good chance that the fan speed was set to high. If so, changing it to the medium setting may help reduce your high humidity issues by allowing the system to run for longer periods of time. Again, this is something that you will definitely need to hire a professional to change as otherwise you could potentially ruin the fan motor.

There is a separate wire for each speed setting, but only one of these wires is ever attached to the fan relay terminal. These three wires are always color-coded to allow the technician to determine which wire corresponds to which speed. The issue is that basically every AC manufacturer uses a different color-coding system. If you don’t know which wire is which and connect the wrong one, it can negatively impact the system’s performance and potentially damage the fan motor.

To change the fan speed, a technician will first need to flip the AC circuit breaker to shut off the electricity to the fan motor. They will then disconnect the high-speed wire from the terminal and secure it with a wire nut to prevent short-circuiting. Next, the technician will strip the end of the wire and then connect it to the terminal in place of the high-speed wire. The last step is to turn the power back on and then test the system.

As soon as the system turns back on, you should be able to hear that the fan speed is lower. You will also quickly notice that your AC now runs for longer at one time than it did before.

Other Issues That Can Contribute to High Indoor Humidity

Fan speed is not the only issue that can cause your AC to fail to manage your home’s humidity. One of the most common issues is that the AC is oversized. If your AC unit is bigger than your house needs, it will cool the home much too quickly to ever make a difference in the indoor humidity level. It could also be that your ductwork is either not the correct size, poorly designed or improperly installed.

We also regularly run into situations where high indoor humidity is caused by having the fan set to “On” instead of “Auto.” When your AC is on, you should always leave the fan set to Auto. When your system shuts off, there is still a large amount of condensation on the evaporator coil. If the fan continues to run when the AC condenser is off, the warmer air blowing over the wet coil will absorb the moisture. This can greatly raise the humidity of the air blowing out of your vents.

Professional AC Maintenance and Repairs

If your AC is struggling to manage your home’s humidity, Level 9 Heating & Cooling is here for you. Our certified technicians can check your fan speed, ductwork, AC size and other factors to determine why your humidity level is high. We can then make any necessary adjustments or repairs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your AC system. Our technicians also specialize in installing whole-home dehumidifiers in Washington and the surrounding areas, and this is often the best solution for overcoming high indoor humidity. For more information on AC fan speed or the ways you can manage your home’s humidity level, give us a call today. We also offer heating and geothermal services.

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What You Need To Know About the AC Capacitor and Replacing It

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on What You Need To Know About the AC Capacitor and Replacing It

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner has a huge amount of wiring and a part that plays a very important role in your AC system. This part is known as the AC capacitor.

Among all of the replaceable parts of the AC unit, the capacitor is replaced most often. This is due to the fact that it has complete control of your HVAC system and whether it runs or not. So when the capacitor fails, then your AC will be working twice as hard, which will raise your energy consumption.

In order to understand the AC capacitor completely, we will explain what the capacitor does, why it is necessary, and how it can be replaced.

What the Air Conditioner Capacitor Does

The air conditioner capacitor supplies the motors of your air conditioner with the necessary power to perform as they should so that the conditioning process can begin and get your home cooled. As soon as the air conditioner is putting out cool air, its capacitor decreases the amount it outputs while maintaining a power supply up until a cycle ends.

The air conditioner capacitor is measured by the number of microfarads and the voltage. The microfarads determine the capacitor’s maximum current. The voltage displays the amount of current that is flowing within the AC capacitor.

When there is a high amount of capacitor voltage, then the current will flow faster throughout. The AC capacitor’s microfarads can be as high as 80 microfarads.

Although an AC capacitor may have similar qualities as a battery, it should not be confused for one because it’s connected directly to the AC unit. This makes it difficult to just replace it when you feel like it.

This is why you should contact Level 9 Heating & Cooling to change it out. Plus, you will be a lot safer and less likely to sustain an electrical shock when you attempt to change out the AC capacitor yourself.

Is The AC Capacitor a Necessary Part?

Regardless of the air conditioner being attached to the electrical system of the home, a higher amount of power is required if you want it to be effective. This is due to the air conditioner being a machine that needs a high amount of power to keep the home cool and comfortable. Your home’s electrical system is unable to provide the extra power the AC requires.

In order for the AC unit to gain the extra power, the AC capacitor will kick in and run the motor that then helps cool the home. The capacitor then stops once cooling is accomplished and then repeats once another cycle is required for cooling.

With a lot of work expected from the AC capacitor, there is no wonder why the AC capacitor may fail and cause the AC unit to malfunction and lead you to replace the part.

Replacing the AC Capacitor

An AC capacitor can be easily replaced with the right material and tools that you currently have laying around. However, you need to be aware that an AC capacitor is full of electricity, which can lead to shock if discharging is not done. Although you can replace the AC capacitor following the steps below, it’s highly recommended you call a professional.

Switch the Power Off

You want to have the AC power switched off. In order to accomplish this, it is best to disconnect the fuse from your circuit breaker that is near the AC unit outside.

If an outside fuse box does not exist, then you can disconnect the AC’s circuit from the circuit breaker within the main breaker box. The breaker bar will be 240 volts and will say AC breaker. After removing the breaker, the home thermostat needs to be turned off. Turning the thermostat off eliminates the chance of any volts reaching the capacitor.

Take the Access Panel Off

With the power off, you can now access the AC panel by unscrewing the screws with a nut driver. The panel will likely be near the casing of the air conditioner. Make sure the screws are stored with the panel.

Purchase the New AC Capacitor

Find the AC capacitor by searching for a can-shaped part. It will also have a sticker connected to it. This sticker will have important information concerning the tolerance, voltage, and capacitance. It is important that your replacement capacitor has identical information. Although the shape may differ, what matters is the ability to be mounted.

Capacitor Discharging

In order to conduct a discharge of current, you only need to draw a screwdriver blade along the terminal contacts that are sticking from the body of the capacitor. When this is accomplished, the discharge is completed by short-circuiting the capacitor in order for the remaining electricity to be discharged.

Now that you have discharged the system, you can continue working safely.

Wire Inspection

You now need to check the wires of the old AC capacitor and note the locations of the common, fan, and compressor wires. You should see markings on the old capacitor indicating where they go. It should be labeled appropriately for each wire, such as “C” for the compressor or “Fan” for the fan. In order to identify the wires, it is best to have the wires marked with tape and to mark the terminals to where they get connected. With labeling done, you can now have the spade wire disconnected as well as the capacitor wires from the old one. Now, you can remove the mount and pull out the capacitor.

Place the New AC Capacitor

With the new AC capacitor in hand, you just place it where the old one was. By using the mounting strap, it will secure the capacitor. Connect the spade wire to the connections, and ensure that each is connected to the appropriate contact for the common wire, fan wire, and compressor wire.

Reconnect the Circuit Breaker and Turn the AC Unit Power Back On

After you have reconnected the circuit breaker or the block fuse, it will turn the AC unit power back on.

With the power back on, you can also switch on your thermostat. Conduct a test by having the temperature setting low and making the AC unit kick on. You will know that it is connected properly by feeling the change in the environment. If not, then you will need to restart again and ensure that the wiring is connected properly. After verification that the AC unit is functioning, you can reconnect the unit’s cover.

Other Services Provided by Level 9 Heating & Cooling

At Level 9 Heating & Cooling, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs. Besides replacing your AC capacitor, we are able to assist with:

Get in Touch

Knowing what an AC capacitor is and how it functions is important knowledge to have. However, if you are unsure or feel uncomfortable with making the replacement yourself, then you need to contact us today. We will get the replacement completed safely so that you can continue to enjoy your St. Louis air conditioning.

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8 Reasons Why Your AC Makes Your House Humid

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on 8 Reasons Why Your AC Makes Your House Humid

High humidity levels are not only uncomfortable, but they also create a number of unpleasant effects. These effects include creating a suitable environment for the growth of mold and damage to wallpapers and paintworks. In addition, serious health issues like heat stroke and muscle cramps can be caused by high humidity levels in your house. High humidity levels in your home might be due to high humidity in the external surrounding in your house. AC units are designed to reduce the amount of humidity in your house. But why is your house humid despite having an air conditioner?

The following are eight reasons why your AC makes your house humid.

1. Air Leaks in the Air Ducts

If you realize that your house has become more humid than usual, the air duct in your AC unit might be the problem. This might be due to neglecting your air conditioner in general and hardly providing it with any maintenance services. This leads to air leakages, especially in the duct connection points.

You probably like keeping your windows open even when the air conditioning unit is on because you want more air from the outside to circulate in your house. Due to the leaks in your air ducts, the air from the outside is bound to leak into the AC air ducts. This is probably the cause of high humidity in your house because, for every 100 CFM of air leakage in your ductwork, almost 12 gallons of moisture is added to the atmosphere in your living space.

2. One Speed of the AC

If you are experiencing high humidity in your house, you might want to check if your AC unit has only one speed, the on and off speed option. This affects the efficiency of your AC unit. The AC will only run until the set temperature is reached, then it turns off. For example, if you set your temperature at 45 degrees, then the temperature rises to 46 degrees, the AC will function to raise the temperature by one degree and then go off.

This method of functionality does not necessarily reduce the humidity in the house but is majorly concentrated on regulating the temperature. That is why your house’s humidity levels remain high.

3. Low Refrigerant Charge

You may have purchased your AC unit with the hope that it will regulate and maintain the temperature and humidity levels in your Washington, St. Louis house at optimum levels. However, you may realize your living space still has uncomfortable high humidity levels. This is why you should consider getting professionals like the staff from Level 9 Heating & Cooling to check the refrigerant charge in your AC.

You might be wondering why the refrigerant charge is important. When the refrigerant charge is low, the evaporator coil is directly affected. This makes it unable to condense water vapor properly and effectively. As a result, your AC unit will be unable to keep up with the task of extracting the humid air from your house, thus causing the humidity levels in your house to increase significantly.

4. Malfunctioning Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are very important components of an AC unit because they help regulate the humidity levels in your house. Evaporator coils usually have a lower temperature than the rest of the parts in an AC unit. This ensures they can efficiently condense the humidity in the air to make it liquid so that it is disposed of through the condensate pan. The liquid air exits the AC system through the condensate drain. When humidity levels in your house remain high, this may be a sign that the evaporator coils in your AC system are not fully functional.

One of the major signs of a malfunctioning evaporator coil is when its temperature does not get lower than the temperature around your house. This makes it impossible for an evaporator coil to regulate the humidity level of the air circulating in your home. In addition, your evaporator coils might be exposed to extremely low temperatures, which might have led to the development of frost on the evaporator coils. This may result in less humidity control.

5. The Size of Your AC

You may have a properly maintained AC unit, yet the humidity levels in your Washington, St. Louis home remain high. This may be due to having a relatively small AC system in regard to the size of your home. However, the AC size, in this case, refers to the cooling capacity of the AC and not its physical size. It is also possible that your AC size could be bigger than what your space requires. It takes about 15 minutes for a properly sized AC to start dehumidifying your space.

Large AC units are designed to turn on and off frequently after short periods. The time it stays on may not be enough to regulate the humid air in your home. This always results in very high levels of humidity. This is why you need proper professional advice before getting an AC to get the size that will be right for your space. Level 9 Heating & Cooling has experienced HVAC technicians that can advise you on the correct AC size that can efficiently regulate the temperature and humidity in your Washington, St. Louis home.

6. Wrong Settings

The settings options in your AC unit contribute to normal or high humidity levels. The correct settings options will allow your AC unit to operate effectively. You might think that running the fan will help get rid of moisture in the air, but that may increase the humidity levels in your house. This is because as the fan moves the air without the AC running, it may lead to blowing back the moisture that the AC had removed back to the house.

7. Lack of Tune-up Services

There may be several reasons why your AC unit is malfunctioning. Professionals are always in a better position to detect the problem with your AC unit. AC tune-up services should be scheduled at least twice a year. This is the best way to reverse the high humidity levels you might be experiencing in your house. This is because AC tune-up services will ensure all the parts of your AC are functioning at their optimum capabilities. AC tune-up services are mostly directed towards parts of the AC linked to humidity control. They mainly involve checking the refrigerant charge and cleaning the evaporator coils and other essential parts of your AC unit. Lack of care for your AC is a major reason why your AC makes your house humid.

8. Old AC

An AC goes through wear and tear even if it is properly maintained. Aging is a common cause of inefficiency, which causes the AC unit to perform poorly. The evaporating coils may be worn out, thus hardly performing condensation. The air ducts may also develop holes, thus leading to AC leakage. That is why you may need to replace your AC unit and install a new one. This is because old AC units are inefficient in regulating the humidity levels in your house.

Contact the Professionals Today

It is very hard to determine the right AC that will control the humidity levels in your house. This is because there are several factors that need to be considered in regard to AC units to help maintain the right humidity levels in your house. The best thing to do is to hire an HVAC professional. If you are a resident of Washington, St Louis, or its surrounding, you can reach out to Level 9 Heating & Cooling. The professionals from Level 9 Heating & Cooling can help you find the right AC unit that will help keep your house at comfortable humidity levels. Level 9 Heating & Cooling also provides repair, maintenance, and replacement services for your AC. We also offer a variety of heating services and various HVAC products.

Contact Level 9 Heating & Cooling today for any queries about your air conditioner.

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Steps for Unclogging an AC Drain Line

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Steps for Unclogging an AC Drain Line

The condensate drain line is an important part of any air conditioning system. Air conditioners work by using cold refrigerant liquid to absorb heat from the air inside the building. The process instantly cools the air so that the air coming out of the system is usually around 20 degrees colder than the air going in. As part of this process, the temperature difference between the hot air and cold refrigerant causes condensation to form on the evaporator coil, and the condensate drain line works to channel this water away from the system and out of the building.

If the drain line gets clogged, it can cause water to back up and start leaking out of the drain pan and onto the floor. This can potentially lead to water damage and mold growth or possibly cause your AC to completely shut off until the line is unclogged. Luckily, you can usually unclog the line on your own without needing to hire a professional, and here is everything you need to know to do it.

What Causes Drain Lines to Clog

Drain lines usually become clogged due to a buildup of algae, mold, and slime caused by the high heat and humidity inside the air handler. Over time, dirt and debris can also build up inside the drain line and cause the same issue. This issue is especially common in situations where you don’t have your evaporator coil cleaned every year. Dirt and dust can quickly build up on it.

How to Know If Your Drain Line is Clogged

The easiest way to tell that your drain line is clogged is if you see water dripping out of the air handler, or you have standing water on the floor near the unit. If your air conditioner won’t turn on, you should also open up the access door on the air handler to see if there is standing water in the drain pan. Some AC systems have a float inside the drain pan that will automatically trigger the system to turn off if the water level in the pan rises too high.

If you notice moldy or musty odors around the air handler or coming from your vents, this can also be a sign that the drain line or drain pan is clogged. You should also regularly inspect the area around the air handler for any signs of water damage or mold growth as this will also indicate that the system is clogged or leaking.

How to Identify the Condensate Drain Line and Access Points

If you suspect your drain line is clogged, the first thing you’ll need to do is find the line and see where it runs to. The line should be a small PVC pipe that exits out the side of the air handler and then runs either directly outside the building or into a floor drain somewhere near the air handler.

After finding the line, you’ll also want to determine where the access points are. There should be one tee located near where the line exits the air handler and also an access point near the end of the line. If the line runs into a floor drain, there should be a tee that comes off the pipe where it enters the drain. For lines that run outside, the access point is usually a PVC cap located somewhere near the condenser unit outside the building.

Methods for Unclogging Your Drain Line

Now that you’ve figured out where the access points are, the first step is to see whether the drain pan itself is clogged. If there is any standing water in the pan, you’ll need to use towels or a wet/dry vac to get rid of it first. Next, take a stiff-bristled brush and push it down into the hole in the bottom of the pan to see if you can remove any clogs, and then do the same at each of the other access points. If you have a plumber’s snake, you should also use this at the access point at the end of the line to see if you can pull out any clogs further into the line. If the line runs into a floor drain, you should also use a pipe snake or a plunger to make sure that the floor drain itself isn’t clogged.

The next step is to take your wet/dry vac and secure it to the end access point with tape to create an airtight seal. Then turn on the vacuum and see if you can suck out any debris or clogs. After doing this, you will now need to run a garden hose to the air handler. Stick the hose down as far as you can into the tee near the air handler making sure that it is running down toward the end of the line and not back up to the air handler.

If the line runs into a floor drain, you should know within a few seconds of turning the hose on whether or not it is still clogged. However, if the line runs outside, you’ll need to have another person stand at the end of the line to see whether the water flows out of it. Be careful to only run a small amount of water into the line at first to make sure it doesn’t back up if the line is still clogged.

If the drain line is still clogged, the next step is to use either two cups of vinegar or an equal mix of one cup of water and one cup of bleach to see if you can break down whatever is clogging it. Using a funnel if necessary, pour the vinegar or the diluted bleach mixture into the same tee where you put the hose. Be careful to make sure that the liquid goes down the pipe and not back toward the air handler.

After letting the vinegar or bleach sit inside the line for at least 30 minutes, use your vacuum on the end access point and then try to flush the line with water one final time. If none of this works to clear the clog, you’ll need to hire a professional AC technician to take care of the issue for you.

Professional AC Repair and Maintenance

If you’re experiencing any issues with your AC, including a clogged drain line, Level 9 Heating & Cooling can help you quickly resolve the issue and get your air conditioner working properly. We offer maintenance and repair services for all types of cooling and heating systems and we work on equipment from any manufacturer. Our HVAC technicians handle both residential and commercial accounts, and we offer 24/7 services should any emergency repair needs that might arise. If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your furnace or AC, we carry a wide selection of Carrier equipment and can help you choose which unit is best for your building. We have been providing exceptional HVAC services to customers in the Washington and St. Louis vicinity since 1975, and we would love to show you what makes us the area’s top heating and cooling company. To learn more, give us a call today.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Ductless air conditioners are a fantastic alternative to traditional units because they require no ducts. They’re installed inside your home on the walls or ceilings. When you turn on the unit, it will cool your home by using a refrigerant to cool air and circulate the cool air throughout your room.

An Evaporator Unit

An evaporator unit is used to remove moisture from the air and deliver it to the outdoor system. It works with an evaporator coil that absorbs heat from the air being cooled and transmits it to the refrigerant. A blower fan is used to circulate the air throughout the room.

A Condenser Unit

It takes in the refrigerant gas and removes heat from it in a heat exchanger section. The heat is transferred to outdoor air. A fan blows the outdoor air over the coils and after absorbing heat. A compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant and circulates it through the system.

A Conduit

It is a rigid connection between the condenser and evaporator units, used as a corridor to deliver refrigerants. It contains a drain line, refrigerant tubing, and an electric line to power the indoor and outdoor units. The drain line carries out the excess moisture from indoors.

Thermostat

A thermostat is used to regulate and control the temperature in a room. The thermostat of a ductless system has its management module, which includes an indoor sensor.

The sensor on the indoor unit monitors the temperature in your house by sensing the air that comes through it. When the indoor sensor senses a temperature increase, it instructs the module to turn on. Once your power unit is on, the blower fan in your indoor unit will circulate air throughout your room while the compressor begins to function.

The thermostat sensors compare the temperature of the air to the set temperature. The sensor will activate the compressor if the air is warmer, and the system will begin to cool the room. If the air gets cooler, it shuts off the compressor. This added convenience and energy efficiency make ductless air conditioning technology a very attractive option for most homes.

How Does It Work

A ductless air conditioning system has a condenser outdoor unit, an indoor evaporator unit, a conduit, and a blower fan. A warm or hot room is cooled by heat transfer. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator unit is sent outside your home through the condenser unit.

A fan draws in air and blows it over the coils. The refrigerant passes through the evaporator coils located in the indoor unit. It absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates as it passes through the coils. Cool air is distributed throughout the room by a blower fan. The refrigerant passes through a refrigerant tubing to the condenser.

A compressor is used to pressurize the gas and help the thermal heat transfer process more efficiently. A fan draws air from the environment and blows it over the condenser coils. As the refrigerant passes the coils, heat is transferred to the outdoor air, and it changes from a high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid.

The high-pressure liquid then passes through an expansion valve that reduces the pressure in the liquid refrigerant. This results in the lowering of the temperature of the refrigerant. It then goes back to the evaporator unit, where the cycle continues.

How Does a Refrigerant Work

A refrigerant works by absorbing heat and transferring it to the outdoor environment. The refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas by absorbing heat. The heat is supplied through coils in the evaporator unit of your ductless air conditioning system. The refrigerant passes through the evaporator unit at low pressure and low temperature and absorbs heat, causing it to evaporate into a gas.

The gas then enters the condenser unit. A compressor increases the pressure. As it passes through the coils in the condenser, it transfers heat to the colder air outside of your home. It returns to a liquid state and travels back to the evaporator, where it repeats this process over again, cycle after cycle.

What Are the Advantages of a Ductless Air Conditioning System

1. It is energy efficient. Ductless air conditioners require only a fraction of the energy that traditional central systems use. The energy reduction is because there are no ducts or venting required, which means less heat loss.

2. It saves on space. They are much smaller and take up less space than central units. You can place them in any room that needs cooling. They are effective for adding to a room if you live in an area that gets hot, humid summers.

3. They are quiet. You will not hear a loud fan running constantly, and they are more efficient at cooling a room. They are very quiet and do not run constantly like central systems.

4. It has flexibility. Ductless air conditioning systems are very flexible and can be used for various applications, including home additions, new builds, food service, health care, etc. This versatility makes it an excellent option for businesses that want to install them in several different locations throughout their building.

5. Easy to maintain. Ductless air conditioning systems require less maintenance, which is good news for those who have to do it themselves or those who are busy and don’t have the time to deal with it.

6. It’s environmentally friendly. Most ductless air conditioners recycle the refrigerant into liquid form after cooling hot air in your home. They also use outside sources of energy such as electricity and solar power to do their work.

7. Easy to install. They are easy to install because they must be plugged into an outlet like any large appliance. There are no special tools or other specialty equipment needed.

8. It is safer. There is no risk of an electrical shock because no high voltage wires or cables run through your home. You need to plug in the unit and turn it on.

9. Ability to connect multiple units. It is easy to add to ductless air conditioning systems. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to add more cooling to their home when it gets hot during the summer or add on more units to cool larger house sections.

10. It is cost-effective. Ductless air conditioning systems are a cost-effective alternative to traditional central cooling. They are more affordable in the short term and more efficient long term.

In conclusion, although there are more and more ductless air conditioners available today, the best place to purchase them is a reputable dealer who has experience installing and maintaining these units. A dealer is required to sell and service these units. We at Level 9 Heating & Cooling deal in ductless air conditioners. We offer air conditioning and heating services in Washington, St. Louis, and the surrounding areas. Contact Level 9 Heating & Cooling today for more information.

AC Repair in Washingotn, MO AC Repair in Washingotn, MO

Why Air Conditioning Costs a Lot More in 2022 than 2021

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Air Conditioning Costs Today – And Why 2023 Will Be Even Worse

It’s all because of EPA regulations.

See, in 2009, the EPA banned new R-22 systems. So, AC manufacturers switched to R-410A. The EPA will soon ban new R-410a systems, so AC manufacturers must switch again.

The cost of refrigerants (R-22 & R-410a), shot up as much as 500% from 2021 to 2022. Those prices will never come down again.

On top of that, starting in 2023, the EPA require manufacturers to produce even more efficient, even “greener” systems.

It’s a Good News / Bad News situation.

The good news is that starting in 2023, all new AC systems will be both greener and more efficient. The bad news is that greener and more efficient also means a whole lot more expensive.

Why should you care?

If you replace your old HVAC system before December 31, 2022, you’ll be able to buy one of the less expensive, pre-2023 systems. After December 31, all new systems will have to meet the new EPA requirements. And that means, all new systems will be more expensive.

So, even if your older AC system is still good, plan ahead.

Regular, professional maintenance is essential to keep it running as long as possible. Get your old AC system checked out by a competent professional (like us, for example!)

Spring AC Maintenance includes a 14-point system check-up, plus we clean all the built-up gunk, dirt and debris around your supply & return vents, your compressor, fans, and condenser.

Finally, we’ll give you honest feedback about how much life is left in your AC system. If it’s still got plenty of life, we will tell you. And if it’s in danger of suddenly leaving you with a miserable home, we’ll give you a no-nonsense, no-obligation estimate.

Call now to schedule your full HVAC system check-up

Look, we understand…

Nobody wants to buy a new HVAC system. Owning a new AC isn’t “fun” like owning a new car. It’s just one of those things you have to do, like laundry or going to the dentist.

Upgrade My AC Today!

We make it as easy and painless as possible. We’ve put together the most creative financing in the HVAC industry. Many of our customers have been able to replace their old, costly AC without spending any more money each month. I’ll bet Level 9 Heating & Cooling can help you – contact us today!

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Why Should You Get An AC System Clean & Check

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Why Should You Get An AC System Clean & Check

The purpose of the Level 9 A/C System Clean & Check is to measure and improve the efficiency of your A/C system. It will help you get the maximum comfort for the minimum money.

Plus, maintenance helps extend the life of your system. That saves you money as well.
Here’s what you’ll get once we complete our Spring Maintenance Clean & Check:

Thermostat

All connections are confirmed good, wires are tight, battery is new.
An improperly calibrated thermostat will call for more or less cooling than you want. The former will cost you money, the latter will cost you comfort.

Return and supply is unrestricted

Better airflow means your system doesn’t have to work as hard. That saves you money now. And over the lifetime of the system, it can add months or years to the life of the system.

Humidifier is off

The humidifier makes your A/C work harder. So, it needs to be off during the humid warm months.

Condensate drain is open and draining

A clogged condensate drain can cause severe water damage as well as increase indoor humidity levels.

Air Filter is new

Proper airflow increases efficiency and comfort and prevents premature system failure.
We replace standard throwaway filters free of charge. We clean electronic air cleaning cells and pre-filters with detergent, free of charge. We will replace large, high efficiency media filters at current prices with customer approval.

Evaporator coil is clean

Grease and dirt build-up reduces system efficiency. And a dirty coil can cause condensate water leakage and damage to the property.

Blower is clean and lubricated

Proper adjustment and cleanliness of blower and components are necessary for adequate airflow.
Motor bearings require semi-annual lubrication to reduce friction and wear. The blower wheel must be clean to deliver proper airflow. (Some motors do not require lubrication.) And they must be cleaned to prevent overheating.

Condenser is clean of dust, dirt, grime, and mold

Just like the evaporator coil, when grease and dirt build up, it reduces your system’s efficiency.

Exterior electrical components are tested, and connections are tight

Loose connections can cause an improper voltage to various components. And that can damage your system, cost money, and lead to a premature failure of your system.

Temperature drop tested and recorded

This test verifies your total system efficiency. By measuring the amount of temperature drop throughout your system, our technician can verify whether or not your system is performing like it should.
If we find that it isn’t working correctly – even after cleaning and adjusting – then we can pinpoint the source of the problem and recommend the best path to repair.

Operating pressure tested & recorded

Improper refrigerant charge – too much or too little – can damage your compressor and create higher-than-necessary electric bills.

Compressor amperage tested and recorded

We’ll make sure your system will start and operate when needed. This will help assure that you get maximum life out of your system. Improper amperage can reduce significantly the life of the compressor, evaporator, and condenser motor.

Outdoor coil is clean, and fins are clean and straight

If the fins are clogged or bent, it reduces airflow. That’s why we clean and straighten them. Foreign material on the condenser coil reduces the system’s capacity to remove heat and increases energy usage.

Exterior Fan is clean and free of debris and brush

Lubrication of outside the exterior fan motor will extend its life, making it less expensive to operate.

What We Include in the Clean & Check

Level 9’s comprehensive A/C system Clean & Check consists of 14 efficiency and safety tasks.
1. Thermostat: Visually inspect wiring. Confirm that wiring is tight, make repairs as necessary. Replace batteries.
2. Return and supply: Verify that return and supply are unrestricted. Advise the customer if restrictions exist. Volunteer to move item(s) if appropriate or advise the customer to move items.
3. Humidifier: If the customer has a humidifier, turn it off for the cooling season.
4. Condensate Drain: Check condensate drain for blockages. Clear if restrictions exist. After cleaning, confirm it is draining properly.
5. Filter:
• If it is a 1” filter, replace it no questions asked.
• If it is not a 1” filter, inform customer that it needs to be replaced, give them a price, obtain their approval to replace it, and then replace it.
6. Evaporator coil: Clean if you find dust, mold, grime, or dirt.
7. Blower: Clean if you find dust, mold, grime, or dirt. Replace components as necessary. Lubricate the blower motor unless it’s a model that requires no lubrication. Test and record electrical specs. Repair if necessary.
8. Condenser: Shut off power, remove debris inside and around condenser, wash condenser with condenser cleaner, rinse condenser.
9. Exterior electrical components: Tighten loose connections and replace frayed connections. Restore power, allow condenser to dry.
10. Temperature drop: Measure temperature drop across evaporator coil. Check freon level using sub-cooling for txv system, superheat for piston, adjust as necessary (+/-3 degrees). Record result.
11. Operating pressure: Test operating pressure for proper refrigerant charge. Record results. If additional refrigerant needed, notify customer, get approval for additional cost, and add necessary refrigerant.
12. Compressor amperage: Test and confirm amperage on motors. Record result.
13. Outdoor coil: Clean and straighten fins if bent, dirty or blocked.
14. Exterior Fan: Verify proper rotation of fan. Check for signs of bearing failure. Remove trash & brush from inside and around fan. Replace panels and covers. Place sticker on system and record data on sticker.

As the costs continue to rise, make sure that you are taking the time to care for the important HVAC equipment in your home so that you can keep your family comfortable all year long!

Schedule AC Maintenance Today!

Call Level 9 Heating & Cooling today to speak to an air conditioning technician about scheduling maintenance. Our professionals can check and clean your system today!

two clean and new hvac units in yard two clean and new hvac units in yard

Consider the Best Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Consider the Best Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

Most homeowners are reluctant to purchase a new air conditioning system, and there’s a perfectly good reason for that. Buying and installing a new AC is an expensive home project. That is why most air conditioning systems these days are built to last for about 15 to 20 years. The older ones, though, tend to last closer to 10 to 12 years, and their efficiency diminishes as they approach the end of their life expectancy. Eventually, a replacement system will be inevitable.

Prior to purchasing a new air conditioner, however, you might wonder when is the best time to do that and have it installed. What are the factors you should consider? Different homeowners have different needs, of course, and this decision will largely depend on yours. One thing is certain, though. Waiting until your current unit finally fails completely isn’t really your best option.

Long before you start shopping for a new air conditioning system, you should take a moment to think the timing of it over. This article will help you determine the best time to purchase an air conditioner at the best price possible.

It Costs to Procrastinate

Most cooling systems give us warning signs that they have seen better days. One of the first indications is that your AC simply doesn’t cool your home as effectively and evenly as it once did. Perhaps you have hot and cold spots. Maybe the system cycles too frequently without ever getting the entire space cool. These are signals that your air conditioner is less efficient than it once was, and that is costing you money. Have you seriously looked at your utility bills lately? Are they much higher than they should be?

It’s true that a new unit is a significant investment, but it’s also a wise one. Modern air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient, and a replacement would start saving you money the first month you operate it. That helps defray the cost of the purchase. From that perspective, the sooner you buy a new AC, the better.

Buy Before Your Old AC Dies

If your air conditioner keeps breaking down and you keep calling an HVAC technician to fix it, that’s another sure sign you should buy a new one sooner rather than later. Everything spent to keep old cooling equipment limping along could be better applied to purchasing a new system. There’s a simple rule of thumb to bear in mind. When repairing an old system will cost you approximately 40% of the price of a new one, it’s time for the replacement. Waiting until your current unit quits completely will only limit your options. An AC always fails in the summertime, and then, you’re under the gun. You know how hot it gets in St. Louis.

The age of your system is another major consideration. If your current equipment is more than 15 years old, it’s probably on borrowed time. Use that time to shop.

Schedule Installation to Coincide With Construction

If you’re remodeling your house, you should consider simultaneously buying and installing a new AC unit to replace your existing one. Home renovations sometimes involve months of reconstruction. It would make sense to get everything done at once, and the scheduling would allow you to take advantage of the seasonal pricing discussed below.

When you buy a newly built house, you can choose everything from the ground up, and that includes a new air conditioning system that suits your household’s needs. This is an ideal time to install the AC you want. With all the other real estate considerations, just make sure you take time for this important matter.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned home that has an older HVAC system, make sure you have it thoroughly inspected for mold, rust, worn-out parts and damaged ductwork. This is your opportunity to role the cost of the AC purchase into the overall negotiations. Later, you’ll be glad you did.

In any of these scenarios, you’ll probably want to consult with qualified HVAC professionals to advise you of your options. Reach out to Level 9 Heating & Cooling for an expert recommendation.

Buy Your HVAC System During the Off-Season

Summer is obviously the time of year when people in the St. Louis area use their air conditioners the most. Manufacturers know when a product is in the highest demand, and they tend to price it accordingly. Consequently, summertime is probably the most expensive season in which to purchase a new cooling system. Spring is better, and you won’t feel as much pressure to get the chore accomplished. Fall is better yet. The swelting summer temperatures have gone down, and so have the prices. You might even find a really good deal on excellent equipment. After all, no one else is really thinking about it because they’re starting to feel cold. Manufacturers and suppliers sometimes lower the costs of the units to clear their stock and make room for new models.

There’s another component to this seasonal logic. Summer is also when air conditioners tend to break. That means that HVAC professionals are swamped by service calls and repair emergencies. They’re often so busy during this time of year that it’s hard to schedule discretionary work like replacing a customer’s AC with an upgrade. If you think about it, you’ll realize they’re pretty busy in the winter as well. The best time to schedule your AC installation is in the spring or fall. Your technicians will thank you, and they’ll have even more time to focus on your particular concerns.

Rely on Conscientious Experts for Assistance

Purchasing a new home cooling system is a big investment and not one you should take lightly. There are many things to think about. What type of equipment do you want and need? Correct sizing is vitally important to operational efficiency. You should carefully look over the warranty. And, as we’ve seen here, the time to buy and install the system is another key factor. If your AC unit does not need urgent replacement, take your time to do all the research this purchase requires. You should also inquire about discount offers and investigate possible rebates or tax incentives for upgrading your unit. Compare prices to help you make an informed decision and save money. Then, choose the ideal time to have the equipment installed.

You’ll want some friendly expertise to help you with the process, and at Level 9 Heating & Cooling, we provide clients with both that and excellent cooling equipment. We install top-notch air conditioning systems for our customers in Washington, St. Louis and the surrounding areas, and we’ve been doing it since 1975. In fact, we perform a complete range of indoor air quality, heating and cooling installation, maintenance and repair. Count on us for your geothermal needs as well. Here’s another important point to keep in mind. To make things as easy for you as possible, we offer affordable financing on AC installations to customers with approved credit. Contact us at [company name] today and schedule an appointment for an estimate or a consultation.

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