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Heat Pump in Washington, MO Heat Pump in Washington, MO

Why Your Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

Written by Kevin on November 18, 2022. Posted in HVAC. No Comments on Why Your Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

Your heat pump pulls double duty, both heating your home in the winter and cooling it in the summer. However, it can seem like an overwhelming task to troubleshoot why it won’t turn on when you have a problem. Take a deep breath because there are only a few reasons your heat pump may not be working.

Keep in mind that there are several different kinds of heat pumps, including air-source and various geothermal systems. The air source heat pump is the most popular, so that’s the focus of this piece. Discover the reasons why it may not run, what you can do about it, and when to call a professional to troubleshoot the problem.

Thermostat Issues

Whenever there’s an issue with your heat pump, it’s a good idea to start by checking your thermostat. There are a few things to check that may prevent it from turning on when it should.

First, check that the thermostat has power and that the battery symbol isn’t flashing. It may be as simple as needing to replace its batteries.

Next, check the mode to make sure that it’s set to heat and not to cool. While the heat pump is capable of both, it won’t switch between the two automatically.

Finally, check to see if the unit is in defrost mode. This is an automatic mode designed to help prevent the outside coils from freezing over the winter. If it is in this mode, let it finish, and it will switch back to heating shortly. Call for a professional inspection if you find your unit switching into defrost mode frequently.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

It should go without saying that your heat pump cannot run without power. If your thermostat seems to be set properly, start hunting down the various components of the system’s power supply. Start at your circuit breaker box inside and check to see if there’s a tripped breaker for the system.

If you don’t find a tripped breaker inside, move outside and check the power supply there. Some units have a fuse, others have a breaker. Check to make sure this is in the “On” position to ensure that power is passing properly into the outdoor unit and compressor.

A breaker that continually trips indicates a serious issue that’s causing the system to draw too much electricity. A faulty compressor is one of the more common causes of an excessive electrical draw. A technician can quickly identify the underlying cause and help you identify whether you can repair it or if you need a system replacement.

Bad Starting Capacitor

Starting is the part of the cycle that consumes the most power. In fact, it requires so much power all at once that your system has a capacitor. This component stores extra power to kick-start the system when it signals to initiate a heating or cooling cycle.

However, these capacitors do tend to wear out over time, especially if your system starts short cycling. You may hear a loud buzzing sound coming from the outside unit when the capacitor is failing. Additionally, you may also hear your unit trying to start, but failing to fully engage.

If you think you have a bad capacitor, do not try to fix it yourself. As mentioned, these hold an incredibly high charge, which poses a risk of serious injury if it’s not properly discharged. Fortunately, the repair is not complicated for properly trained professionals, so it’s not usually a very expensive repair to have completed.

Dirty Air Filter

Heat pumps must circulate air to properly heat or cool your home. However, you may not think that dirty air filters would prevent your system from turning on. But that’s not exactly the case.

The airflow restrictions caused by dirty air filters cause unusual temperatures within the system. These temperatures can trip internal sensors that cause the system to shut off, and it won’t turn on again until after they return to within the normal operational range.

Prevent this by giving your air filters the attention they need. For central ducted heat pumps, you need to watch carefully for when your filter needs replacing. Depending on its size, your air quality, and how you use the system, this can range anywhere from once every 30 days to several months. Check your filter monthly and gently vacuum off the intake side to help improve its efficiency between changes.

Ductless mini-split systems typically have washable filters in each air handler. You should wash these every two weeks to prevent airflow restrictions and keep your system running effectively.

Stuck Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is the component that allows your heat pump to switch between heating and cooling. The valve can become stuck, which prevents it from switching to the opposite mode. This can even happen in the middle of the winter if it goes through a defrost cycle.

It’s easy to get a sense of whether your heat pump has a stuck reversing valve. Try switching the mode on your thermostat. If it operates in one mode but not the other, you likely have a stuck reversing valve.

The question becomes why the reversing valve got stuck in the first place. There is no sense in replacing the valve if there’s another issue in the system that will just ruin another one. For instance, a common issue that ruins the reversing valve is bad compressor windings.

Clogged Condensate Drain

When your heat pump runs, it causes moisture to condense out of the air, which is known as condensate. Your system has a drain to prevent the fluid from building up around the unit and eventually overflowing around your unit.

However, this drain will collect contaminants from within your system, which will eventually cause it to clog. Some systems have a float switch that will turn the system off if there is a condensate backup in the drip pan.

The best way to prevent this is to flush the condensate drain about every three months. Simply pour warm water down the line and watch for clean water to come out wherever it drains. If you find that it’s backing up, call your HVAC repair company to fix it and avoid using any cleaners or bleach.

Closed or Blocked Registers

Even though it may seem like your system isn’t running, it may be, but you may not have air coming from your vents. Double-check several vents in your home to see if you have air coming from some but not from others. If so, check to see if the vent is closed. While there, ensure that it has at least a 2-inch clearance above and around it to allow air to circulate effectively.

For nearly 50 years, Level 9 Heating & Cooling has been the go-to company to keep homes around St. Louis comfortable. Our team provides award-winning heating and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance alongside indoor air quality solutions. We offer financing for new system installations and a maintenance plan to keep your unit running great throughout its life. Call to schedule heat pump repair or another service with one of our expert technicians today.

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Preparing Your AC Unit for Winter

Written by Kevin on October 17, 2022. Posted in HVAC. No Comments on Preparing Your AC Unit for Winter

With autumn finally here, you no longer need to keep your air conditioning running. As you make the transition to heating your home, don’t forget to properly protect your AC unit from the coming cold temperatures and snow. Take the time now before the weather worsens to check and care for your air conditioner so you won’t be faced with any surprise issues come next spring. Along with professional maintenance, you can also clean your unit and protect it against freezing conditions. Make time today to complete these easy maintenance tasks that will protect your air conditioner.

Remove Debris

Before you remove the unit’s cover, clear away any vegetation, leaves or sticks that have settled around the outside. External objects can obstruct airflow into the unit and cause damage to the fins. Vines are particularly dangerous as they may wind their way into the system and get tangled up in the wires and electrical components.

After you take off the cover, sweep away any dirt, rocks or mulch at the bottom. Make sure no animals have made their way inside. It’s also a good idea to trim back any obstructive flowers, trees or hedges. Constant snow and rain can weigh nearby plants down onto your system, letting large amounts of water seep inside. Checking for debris and pests before the start of the cold season enables you to proactively protect the efficiency and safety of your unit.

Clean Your AC Unit

Just like you did at the beginning of the warm season, take the time now to thoroughly clean your AC unit. Start by unplugging it or shutting off power from the circuit breaker. You should then remove the cover and use a hose to spray down the sides. Avoid using a power washer or a strong setting on your sprayer. Excessive force can cause serious internal damage that you might not notice until next year.

Be sure to wrap the motor in plastic before using your hose. Wipe down any grime or dust that’s accumulated inside. You can even grab a vacuum to suck out the finer particulates deep within the system.

Check for Problems

While you’re cleaning, look around for any visible sources of stress or strain. Bent fins, loose wires or leaking refrigerant can all indicate the unit is having internal issues. Check for rust, existing cracks and other physical damage that could worsen during the winter. Finding these problems early gives you the chance to minimize the spread of damage throughout the system.

You don’t want to risk opening up your AC unit after winter just to find it won’t turn on. Taking proper care of your air conditioner before the start of the cold system preserves your budget and future indoor comfort. Assessing your AC unit also allows you to inform your technician of your concerns so they can better direct their efforts.

Schedule Maintenance

After you’ve done all you can to care for your AC unit, schedule professional maintenance. Keeping your home cool for an entire season has likely caused some regular wear and tear. You could be running low on refrigerant or have a few loose bolts or belts. An experienced technician will check every inch of your air conditioner for potential issues or damages. They’ll ensure every part is working as intended while giving you tips on how to better take care of the system.

Routine maintenance during the year is the best way to extend your AC unit’s lifespan. Professional service also helps to minimize surprise issues when you next use the system.

Cover the Unit

Once you’re completely done using your unit for the season, it’s time to cover it up. The safest option is a properly designed air conditioner cover that provides ideal levels of ventilation. These covers are waterproof and breathable and are often made from plastic or vinyl. You can find many excellent options either online or at a nearby home improvement store. Don’t forget to insulate the external pipes and wiring too so they’re less exposed to damaging freezing conditions.

The less formal option is covering it with plywood or similar sturdy materials to protect it from the elements. Some families even build little structures over the AC unit to both protect it and add to the landscaping. Choose the best cover based on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Feel free to ask your local HVAC company for high-quality AC unit cover recommendations.

Monitor Regularly During Winter

Even with a cover on, you should still check on your AC unit at least once a month during the winter. Remove any twigs or leaves from the top and dust off heavy snowfall when necessary. Make sure water isn’t accumulating near or inside the unit. Pest problems tend to become more pressing during the winter when local animals are searching for warm homes.

If you spot droppings or disturbed snow near your unit, immediately check to see if they’ve made it inside. Mice, squirrels and other small rodents can chew up the wiring and scratch the fragile fins while making nests. Pull away any new plant growth and keep the area clear. Protecting your home’s HVAC system is an important responsibility that requires constant energy and dedication on your part.

Importance of AC Care

Winterizing your AC unit ensures it will survive the harsh winter conditions. Water that gets inside your system can freeze and cause extensive damage. Animals, heavy snow and frosty temperatures can all cause issues that you might not notice until it’s too late. Preventative maintenance keeps your air conditioner functioning as intended, minimizing costly repairs and part replacements. Neglecting regular service can decrease your system’s lifespan and increase your costs when you use it again.

You should also keep your HVAC system’s warranty in mind when caring for your AC unit. Not following a regular maintenance plan or caring for your system can nullify your warranty, making all future repair or emergency costs your responsibility. Protect your temperature control and comfort by properly maintaining and winterizing your AC unit this season.

Quality HVAC Service in Washington

Level 9 Heating & Cooling always strives to boost your comfort in Washington, MO and the nearby areas. Rely on our trustworthy character and quality HVAC services today. Our luxury customer service caters to your specific comfort needs. We can even provide specialized industry knowledge and information to help you choose the perfect system for your home. Our certified technicians have years of experience diagnosing HVAC issues and providing reliable solutions.

We’re ready to help you with all your heating and cooling concerns. Let us repair, maintain and replace your furnace or air conditioner. We also offer a full range of indoor air quality solutions like air filtration systems, UV light, air testing and dehumidifier installation. You don’t have to worry about any residential or commercial HVAC problems when you count on Level 9 Heating & Cooling. We’re even prepared to handle sudden issues with our reliable 24/7 emergency repair services. Call us today to schedule your HVAC service appointment in Washington.

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8 Reasons Why Your AC Makes Your House Humid

Written by Kevin on July 26, 2022. 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.

Static Pressure in Washington, MO Static Pressure in Washington, MO

Understanding Static Pressure in HVAC Systems and How It Affects Your Unit

Written by Kevin on June 20, 2022. Posted in HVAC. No Comments on Understanding Static Pressure in HVAC Systems and How It Affects Your Unit

Static pressure is the resistance a cooling and heating unit faces when trying to push air throughout your house. It’s an important factor in evaluating the performance of your HVAC unit. However, it’s the root of many cooling and heating problems in residential properties with ductwork. In many cases, you can significantly improve your home’s comfort while lowering energy bills when you address HVAC static pressure. Therefore, checking this parameter regularly to understand the basics will help you spot problems with your home’s air conditioning more easily. Below is a detailed guide about HVAC static pressure and how it affects your home’s comfort and HVAC unit.

What Is HVAC Static Pressure?

Static pressure in HVAC units refers to the resistance to airflow within the air ducts. For your HVAC to function correctly, it needs to push air through the air ducts with greater intensity than the static pressure level within the pipes. If your system does not meet this condition, airflow will get affected.

Your cooling and heating system relies on ductwork to distribute conditioned air. Without a proper duct system, the HVAC unit cannot cool or heat your living space as it should. On the other hand, sufficient air ducts provide consistent and even temperatures in your house. The better the indoor air circulates, the more your HVAC system provides comfortable and clean air to every part of your home. The right amount of HVAC static pressure will also enable your air filter to do its job and work better. This way, you’ll have fewer germs, allergens, and dust particles in your indoor air.

How to Measure HVAC Static Pressure

Like your blood pressure, HVAC static pressure has an acceptable range and should not exceed certain values. Too low or too high static pressure indicates an issue with your cooling and heating unit. To read static pressure values in your ducts, your HVAC contractor will drill several test ports and then insert a manometer within the ductwork.

This device measures static pressure in inches per water column (in WC), which is related to PSI (pressure per square inch). An ideal system operates at 0.5 in WC. However, if your static pressure is below 0.9 in WC, you are still within the ideal range. The higher the value, the stronger your static pressure will be and the weaker the airflow.

Signs of HVAC Static Pressure Problems

Several signs indicate static pressure problems within your HVAC unit or ductwork. The following are the common indicators of static pressure problems in your home.

A Noisy HVAC Unit

If your HVAC produces loud mechanical noises when distributing conditioned air within your home, it might be a sign of high static pressure. Air moves through your unit’s return grille, vents, and ducts faster than normal. Due to the decreased airflow, the blower motor will have to work harder to push air through it, producing loud noises. You are hearing the unusual sounds because the blower motor is currently running at maximum speed.

Increasing Energy Bills

HVAC units with correct and balanced static pressure work efficiently to offer consistent indoor comfort. However, if your energy bills are increasing steadily, you need to call an HVAC technician to check your unit. That’s because it might be suffering from high levels of static pressure. If left unchecked and your system continues working too hard for long periods, high static pressure can cause HVAC breakdowns or premature failure.

Uneven Cooling and Heating

Uneven cooling and heating or cold and hot spots in your living space is a common indicator of high levels of static pressure in the HVAC system. It shows that some parts of your house are receiving too much cool or warm air while others are not getting enough of it. In many cases, uneven cooling and heating occur due to poor air circulation in some parts of your system.

Causes of Static Pressure Problems in Your Ductwork

During HVAC preventative maintenance, your technician will measure static pressure in two locations within your unit. By doing so, the professional can zero in on where the air resistance is occurring. The following are the common causes of static pressure problems in HVAC systems.

Undersized Air Returns

Generally, improperly designed or undersized ductwork increase static pressure. Undersized air intake returns can also cause static pressure problems. Air return ducts draw air from the rooms and send it back to your cooling and heating system. If you have undersized air returns, it will be harder for the HVAC system’s blower motor to pull air into the unit to keep circulating. This problem is more apparent after installing new HVAC equipment or repairing and sealing air ducts.

Undersized air returns can also cause air conditioner problems. Air conditioning involves circulating the refrigerant through your unit in a closed-loop, and a lack of enough return air will throw off the refrigerant loop. This problem can cause major issues with time, including expensive repairs and system breakdowns.

Dirty or Small Coil

Clogged ductwork creates airflow resistance, leading to elevated static pressure. Too much debris or dust inside your ducts can prevent balanced air movement. Small coils can also cause static pressure problems. Like the air return vents, if your coil isn’t big enough, it restricts airflow.

The coil is usually responsible for heat transfer. In the winter, the coil heats the air that later circulates throughout your home. During the summer months, the refrigerant liquid carrying heat from your living space evaporates before passing via the coil. The HVAC system’s coil transfers this heat so the refrigerant can change into liquid form and travel back via the unit to attract more heat. Therefore, when there’s an issue with the coil, there’ll be a problem with the entire unit.

The coil will create air resistance just like the filter but not enough to cause problems. However, if the system’s coil is dirty, that’s a different story altogether. Dust, debris, and other buildups on the coil can restrict airflow within the unit and ductwork.

Restrictive or Clogged Air Filters

The air filters act as screens, preventing pollutants like dust, dirt, and allergens from circulating through your air vents and ductworks. As air passes through the filter, it traps the particles and adds more resistance. Normally, that is not a problem. However, if you fail to replace your filters for several months, they’ll get clogged, causing more resistance. To prevent that from happening, invest in filters with a higher MERV rating and regularly change your unit’s filters.

Work With the HVAC Pros

Too low or too high static pressure in your HVAC system may seem like a complicated problem to solve, but it doesn’t have to be. You can talk to your HVAC technician about the main issues mentioned above during routine maintenance visits. The professional can take new static pressure readings and then compare them with previous ones to determine the performance of your unit.

If you are experiencing cooling or heating problems due to static pressure issues or any other factor, our HVAC experts are ready to help. At Level 9 Heating & Cooling, our HVAC maintenance programs can help prevent your unit from experiencing breakdowns and ensure it runs efficiently during its service life.

We also offer air conditioning, air quality, heating, geothermal, and commercial HVAC services to the residents of Washington, MO, and its surroundings. Call us today if you notice problems with your home’s HVAC system or to schedule your service appointment.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Written by Kevin on April 14, 2022. 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.

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6 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for Springtime

Written by Kevin on March 16, 2022. Posted in HVAC. No Comments on 6 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for Springtime

The Washington, MO spring is at our doorstep, and with it will come rising temperatures, pollen-filled air, and, most likely, lots of demand on your HVAC unit. To keep your household comfortable through the spring and summer, you’re going to need your cooling system to be healthy and strong. You can’t count on that happening automatically, though; especially not if you’re running the system frequently. Over-usage of your HVAC unit can result in malfunctions, breakdowns, and sky-high monthly electricity bills. However, if you take steps now to make sure that your system is prepared for the changing season, you should be able to avoid any major issues.

1. Get Your Ducts Cleaned

If you want your HVAC unit to remain healthy and efficient throughout the next few months, you’ll certainly need clean air ducts. Your home’s ductwork serves as the means for your HVAC unit to circulate conditioned air around the household. However, even if you keep a clean house, particles of dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and maybe even mold will gradually accumulate inside of the ducts.

As more and more contaminants build up, it becomes harder and harder for your HVAC system to do its job. In some cases, the ducts will even become obstructed, leading to uneven temperatures and extreme stress on your appliances. Additionally, the quality of the air you breathe will deteriorate, and you’ll see your monthly energy costs rise.

A professional duct cleaning will clear out all of the contaminant particles from the interior of your air ducts. Plus, the cleaning process will reveal any leaks or damage being harbored by the ducts, which will present many problems this spring if not repaired promptly. You’d be wise to schedule a duct cleaning appointment each year, and the beginning of spring is an excellent time to get it taken care of.

2. Preventative HVAC Maintenance

During the chilly Missouri winter, you’ve most likely been relying heavily on your HVAC unit to keep your home warm. If that’s the case, then your system has probably accumulated quite a bit of wear and tear. Before you start adding more mileage to the unit to keep you cool during the spring and summer, you’d be wise to invest in a professional system tune-up.

At Level 9 Heating & Cooling, our trained HVAC technicians can handle your tune-up for you. They’ll clean all of the dust, dirt, and debris out of your HVAC unit, which will allow it to circulate cool air more smoothly and efficiently. They’ll also look the system over carefully for any signs of a current or an imminent problem. If any component is close to wearing out or there’s any indicator of an upcoming mechanical failure, they’ll diagnose it accurately. By investing in a simple fix or preventative measure, you can most likely save yourself money and avoid some hassle down the road. Plus, you’ll rest easy knowing that your HVAC unit won’t break down while it’s scorching hot outside.

3. Purchase an Air Purifier

One of the most obvious signs of spring’s arrival is all of the pollen floating around the air. In addition to the unpleasant allergy symptoms it can cause, all that pollen can also make life harder for your HVAC unit. The abundance of airborne contaminants means that your home’s HVAC air filters will be working overtime, and that means they’ll become clogged much quicker than they normally would. Clogged air filters will be detrimental to your cooling system’s efficiency, performance, and health.

Air purifiers, which are very affordable, can make a huge dent in the amount of pollen and other contaminants floating around your household. They’ll automatically trap a high percentage of them before they can get cycled into the workings of your HVAC unit. If you have a large, open home, don’t hesitate to install several of these purifiers spread throughout the different sections of the house.

4. Clean All of Your Vents

Having dirty or obstructed air vents can turn into a big problem as the weather heats up this spring. All of the air your HVAC unit circulates must pass through a vent to reach your living area, so if they’re packed with contaminants, much of that air will be blocked. Your AC unit will struggle to keep you cool, and many of those contaminants will inevitably end up in the air you’re breathing.

First and foremost, double-check that nothing is obstructing your vents, such as a couch or random clutter sitting in front of them. You’d be surprised at how often this happens. Once you’ve verified that their pathways are clear, remove each vent’s protective panel and clean them out with a vacuum cleaner hose extension. Ideally, you should perform this task every month throughout the spring and summer months.

5. Search for Household Air Leaks

You can do your HVAC unit a major favor this spring by eliminating any household air leaks. If you allow large quantities of conditioned air to escape while the weather is hot outside, your cooling system will have to strain itself excessively to keep your home’s climate in check. That will impact your energy bills as well as the overall health of your HVAC unit. To find those leaks, you’ll want to carefully inspect the edges around every window and doorway in your house. Remember, leaks don’t need to be large to cause problems. No matter how small the openings are, you should seal any that you find with caulk and weather stripping, which you can find for a low price from any hardware store.

6. Switch Out Your HVAC Air Filters

Replacing your home’s air filters should be a regular part of your household upkeep routine. During spring, it’s especially important that you stay on top of this task. Your HVAC filters have likely trapped many contaminant particles over the last few chilly months, which means they’re badly in need of being replaced. If you neglect them, your HVAC unit won’t be able to circulate air efficiently as the weather heats up going forward. The system will need to increase its air pressure just to keep you comfortable, which will waste electricity and make a system breakdown or malfunction far more likely. Plus, the filters won’t have any room for all of the pollen that’s floating around. If you suffer from allergy symptoms, it can quickly turn into an unpleasant situation.

Replace your air filters now, before you begin relying heavily on your cooling system. If you have pleated filters, replace them at least once every three months going forward. If they’re fiberglass filters, don’t wait longer than a month.

Since we were founded in 1975, we at Level 9 Heating & Cooling have provided top-notch heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and geothermal services to the greater Washington area. Our company’s core values are centered around what we believe to be most important: trustworthy character and high-quality work that you can rely on. We offer our customers 24/7 emergency repair service, financing on approved credit, and free estimates for every job. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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