Month: January 2014

Is your heat pump making noises it’s never made before? Strange noises are a major indicator of something going wrong in the heat pump or air handler. Waiting too long to act on those noises can cause more damage.

Here are some heat pump noises homeowners may hear and what they mean:

• Grinding indicates parts are scraping against each other, and that’s not supposed to happen within a heat pump. Some potential causes include a bent fan blade, the motor overheating or even debris hitting the fan blades. If the system keeps running with that grinding, it can cause further damage. Shut down the system and bring in a professional immediately.
• Humming happens when something in the heat pump may be overworking. It might be a fan motor or even the compressor. If this goes on too long, the system will shut off or overheat. Some leaks also cause the system to make a humming sound. Shut down the system and let a professional check it before restarting it.
• Hissing usually indicates a leak occurring somewhere. It might also be electricity arcing between components. To prevent further damage, shut down the system immediately and call an HVAC professional.

When you hear these noises or any other sound that’s not normal for your heat pump, you need an experienced HVAC company to handle the problem. Trying to diagnose or fix it yourself could be dangerous and void your heat pump warranty.

If you find your heat pump making noise it has never made before, contac the pros at JD’s A/C. We serve residential and commercial customers in and around the Longview area.

We’re blessed with relatively mild winters here in Longview, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to worry about keeping our heating systems running as efficiently as possible. Even with a modern high-efficiency furnace, you may be wasting many of your heating dollars due to problems with your ductwork. If your ducts are well sealed and insulated and there are no restrictions to supply and return air flow, the hot air your furnace produces will stay inside your ducts until it reaches the intended rooms. On the other hand, ductwork with leaks and other problems can not only lose energy, but also pose safety and health problems for your family.

Calling your HVAC pro out for a ductwork inspection is a wise investment. Here are some things your technician will look for to be sure your duct system is working right for you:

• Is your filter clean? Your furnace filter should be cleaned or changed regularly so that dust buildup doesn’t restrict air flow. Dirty filters reduce energy efficiency and shorten the life of your air handling equipment.
• Are flexible ducts well supported and not kinked? Sometimes installers trying to save money will bend flexible ducts too tightly around corners or install them without sufficient support to keep them from shifting, causing kinks that restrict air flow. Kinked ducts should be straightened out or replaced.
• Are duct seams and joints tight and well sealed? Seams in sheet metal and connections between ducts should be fastened with screws or clamps and sealed with mastic. Common gray duct tape won’t do the job since it deteriorates with age and heat exposure.
• Are ducts properly insulated? Duct in unconditioned areas like your attic should be insulated to minimize energy losses due to heat conduction. Insulation that’s been damaged by moisture or rodents should be replaced.
• Are supply and return registers unobstructed? Proper airflow balance is crucial to efficient operation of your furnace. Be sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture, carpets or other obstructions.

Call us today at JD’s A/C for expert ductwork inspections and repairs.