Lubbock HVAC, Plumbing, and Energy Management Blog

Normal Air Conditioning Repairs Will Soon Change

Daniel Sinclair — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

At the end of January of this year (2012) the EPA implemented a mandatory reduction in the manufacturing of R-22 refrigerant. This is what cools your home in the spring and summer months. The following day I called to get a price for R-22 and found out that it had tripled! Also many supply houses had limited the selling of R-22 to one canister per employee until they could get a handle on how much to charge. It was crazy.

What does this mean for you as the consumer? Well if you do not know what type of refrigerant is used to heat or cool your home than I would highly recommend you find out. The demand for R-22 refrigerant has sky-rocketed in a very short time and if you have R-22 in your HVAC system then you could have a hard time finding someone to repair your unit this summer. With the cut that the government has put in place, R-22 will be hard for suppliers to keep in stock if Lubbock has another summer like last year (2011.) This is bad for the consumer because R-22 systems that have refrigerant leaks cannot be recharged without the same refrigerant.

This information is not to scare you but to educate you on making an informed decision. This may be the year to upgrade your system and get away from the old refrigerant that is going away. If you would like to know what type of refrigerant is in your system or want more information, contact Sinclair Air Conditioning.

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Common Water Heater Thermostat Problems

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Water heater thermostat problems are never good for anyone to have at their home or business. Electric and gas tank-type water heaters have thermostats on them that control the temperature of the water inside the tank. Here are some common problems that can occur:

Thermostat was set too low

Believe it or not we get a lot of plumbing calls that have the thermostat set too low on the water heater. The reason for this low setting comes that way out of the box. Manufactures have a low temperature setting so that the water will not scald you when your water heater first gets to the set temperature. Make sure when you have a new water heater installed, move into a new home, etc... that you check the thermostat to make sure it is set to the temperature that you like but will not get burned.

Wired up incorrectly

This is another common issue that can happen when having a new electric water heater installed. Make sure that the plumbers that you have hired to install the new water heater, do it correctly before they leave your home or business. Remember, these types of problems never happen at a convenient time, so make sure the plumbers stay at your home or business until you have hot water.

Heating element is bad

This is one issue that I am sure all owners of electric water heaters are familiar with. The heating element can obviously cause the water in the tank to get colder than normal. This is a big deal because until the element gets replaced the water in the tank will not get hot! For areas in the United States like Lubbock, Texas we have hard water that can cause elements to go out faster than normal. So if you notice a sudden change in your waters temperature, you may have a bad heating element.

These are only a few issues that can cause water heater thermostat problems. If you notice a sudden temperature change in your hot water contact your local plumbing company or if you live in Lubbock County contact Sinclair Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.

What Are The Differences In HVAC Air Filters?

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:42:00 GMT

HVAC air filters are one of the most important parts in your system but often the most over-looked. There are several different HVAC air filters that you can choose from and I wanted to shed some light on which one(s) you should buy for your system.

Cardboard Filters (low MERV rating & 1" thick):

These filters are the most common ones that I see in units and at Lowe's or Home Depot. They do filter the air but they only catch big dust particles, not the small ones. Cardboard filters are very cost effective for those that do not want to spend a lot of money and do not have bad allergies.

Pleated Filters (low MERV rating & 1" thick):

These filters are much better than a cardboard filter and catch more dust. Instead of the thin, hairy material used in a cardboard filter, pleated filters use heavier stitched material that looks similar to thin pieces of thread. Pleated filters cost more than cardboard filters but to me they are worth the extra money.

Cardboard & Pleated Filters (medium MERV rating & 2" to 4" thick)

These filters are not required to be changed every month because they can hold more substance than a regular 1" cardboard filter. They are expensive but they catch a lot more stuff in the air than the previous ones I mentioned. I would recommend going with one of these filters but keep in mind that your existing system may have to have a special compartment for the thicker filter. You will not be able to find these at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Pleated Filters (high MERV rating & have special cabinets)

These filters are the best, in my opinion. These filters are hospital grade filters that can catch almost anything in the air. These filters are about 4" thick and have special cabinets (like the Bryant Perfect Air Purifier) that have to be installed by HVAC professionals. Obviously they are going to be more expensive than the standard 1" throw away, but for those of us that have allergies they are well worth the money!

I hope this helps you decide which air filter is best for your home. Indoor air quality is very important in west Texas and having the right air filter can make your home a better place to live.

HVAC and Plumbing Blogs You Should Read in 2012

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:05:00 GMT

This is the time of year for giving so I wanted to give you links to HVAC and Plumbing blogs that I think are worth reading in 2012. I feel that these blogs are similar to mine but offer different tips and information that you might find useful for saving money in 2012.

1. T.F.O. Brien

This HVAC company out of Long Island, NY has been writing some great blog articles this past year. Kerry really focuses on how to save consumers money with HVAC products, attic insulation, or sealing up your home.

2. Conditioned Air

This HVAC company is out of Florida and has more of the technical side of the air conditioning world. Even though Theo is technical in some of his blogs, it is easy to understand and not "over your head." He also has some great money saving aritcles as well.

3. Leone Plumbing & HVAC

This company is out of Rochester, NY and focuses mainly on plumbing in their blogs. Andy writes about the repair side of plumbing and how to spot plumbing issues in your home. I find these articles very helpful for those that may have plumbing issues in their home.

4. US Home Filter

This particular blog appeals to me because I have bad alleries and I have been diagnosed with asthma. The blogs main focus is on air filters for your HVAC system and how to reduce allergens and oders (that may cause you to have allergic reactions) in your home. Very informative blog so check it out.

Utility companies will continue to raise rates and these blogs are some that I would recommend reading in 2012. They will help educate you and maybe help save you money on your monthly bills.

The NEST Learning Thermostat

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:27:00 GMT

Have you seen the NEST learning thermostat? (Video below) If not you are going to be surprised because it looks nothing like the thermostats you have seen recently. It does look similar to the old turn-dial thermostat but with a new sleek design. I feel like this thermostat is going to change the way people use there HVAC systems because it learns from you!

One of the coolest features about this thermostat is obviously that it learns what temperatures that you like but I think that the design will be a big selling point. The main reason I believe this is because older consumers used to use a thermostat very similar to this. You would turn the temperature dial in order to move the temperature up or down. This one operates very similar to the old style.

Another reason that I feel this thermostat will interest older consumers is because the thermostat will set its own temperature schedule if you want. The NEST thermostat is very sensitive to every temperature change for the first two weeks and then it will start to operate on its own. If you don't like the temperature setting its on, just turn the dial and it will learn from that change.

There is something for the younger generation as well because you can access this thermostat from your phone or PC! With wireless internet access in your home, you can connect the thermostat to it and this will allow you to change the temperature, monitor your HVAC energy usage, and much more!

This thermostat is a very innovative design for the HVAC industry and one that I think has something for everyone. There is a lot more to the NEST thermostat that I was not able to cover today but I would love to know what you think about it.

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HVAC Management: How To Save Money This Winter

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:30:00 GMT

There are several ways to save money on your energy bills and sometimes the most effective ways to save money is with your HVAC system. The best way to manage your HVAC system and home this winter is to follow these tips that I have listed below:

1. Lower the temperature on your water heater

Heating the water in your home can take up to 25 percent of the average energy bill. If you lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 to 130 degrees you can save a lot of money this winter when heating your water!

2. Turn the thermostat down

You can save up to 4 percent on heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat, according to the EPA. But the easiest way to save money with your thermostat is to buy a programmable thermostat. Set it and forget it!

3. Buy a programmable or smart thermostat

Like tip number 2 says, a programmable thermostat is the easiest and most effective way to save money with your HVAC system (without replacing an older HVAC system.) You can set the times and temperatures that you want and you don't have to change it every time you get home or leave. A smart thermostat gives you even more ways to save money. Lets say that you go on vacation and you forget to set back your thermostat. It will still run the set program, which means you are spending money to heat/cool your home while no one is there! With a smart thermostat you can remotely connect to it and set it to "vacation mode" or turn the unit off!

4. Turn ON the ceiling fan

Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they are turning clockwise in order to pull cool air up and push warm air down. Believe me, this works!

5. Get out the caulk gun

On average windows account for 20 percent of heat loss and gaps around wall outlets can allow heated air to leak outside of the home. Seal up cracks around your windows and wall outlets to help prevent hot air from leaving your home.

Managing your HVAC system and your home can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. If you have more questions about programmable or smart thermostats, contact me and I will answer all the questions that I can.

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Introducing Schlage Link: Home Connectivity At Your Fingertips

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:30:00 GMT

I am excited to announce a new product line that will help you connect and control your home any time you want! Schlage Link can give you access to several different appliances in your home and even your door locks. You can access your home with iPhone, iPad, Android apps, and any web enabled device (like your PC).

You might be wondering, what does Schlage Link have to do with HVAC? With the help of American Standard Air Conditioning, Schlage Link has designed two different thermostats that can be accessed on this system. I am so excited about this new line of products because this gives you the home owner easy access to your HVAC system and an easier way to program it. Along with the ease of accessing your thermostat remotely, Schlage offers other options in managing your home.

Platinum ZV Thermostat

The ZV thermostat (pictured above) has a 7" display that can easily be seen for those that have problems with seeing the temperature on their existing thermostat. This full color display can also access weather information (with Wi-Fi internet) and can be accessed remotely with your Schlage Link system. Pictures can also be displayed on the thermostat using an SD card instead of having the temperature displayed.

Door locks

There are two different types of locks that we can offer, the first being the Lever Lock. This lock has a numerical keypad above the lever that enables you to enter a pin number to unlock the door rather than using a key. The coolest feature is that this lock can also be locked and unlocked from your phone or web enabled device! The other lock is a dead bolt lock that also has a keypad above it (pictured above.) You can also activate this dead bolt to be unlocked with your phone or PC. Worried about the locks matching your home decor? No need. The lock comes in three different finishes.

There are more accessories Schlage has to offer but I wanted to briefly introduce the product and encourage you to check back as we highlight even more features of the Schlage product line. Would you use Schlage Link for your home?

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Why Are Home Furnace Repairs Important?

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:19:00 GMT

During the fall and winter months you use your furnace to heat your home. If your heating system is not working properly than this can become a serious problem. It is important to have home furnace repairs done annually to help prevent failures from happening. I wanted to go over some of the most common repairs that our technicians run into and why they are important to have done.

1. Dirty flame sensors

With older systems this is a very common repair but necessary as well. This sensor sits in front of one of the flames that is blowing into your heat exchanger. This sensor eventually will have carbon build-up on it but it can also have too much dirt on it as well. When this happens your pilot will not stay lit on your furnace, so it is important to have this sensor checked every year to make sure it is working properly.

2. Broken Hot Surface Igniter

With newer systems these have replaced the old pilots so you do not have to physically light a pilot any more. When your thermostat tells the system to turn the heat on, the hot surface igniter starts to heat up and eventually gets so hot that it ignites the gas. Hot surface igniters have been a great addition to the newer systems but when they break you are left with no heat.

3. Cracked Heat Exchangers

This is one of the most important issues that we look for during our pre-season checks. A cracked heat exchanger means that carbon monoxide is leaking into your duct system, when it should be blown into the atmosphere! You can choose to have this repaired but this usually cost more than just replacing the faulty furnace.

These three home furnace repairs are why it is so important to have annual heating checks and repairs done. Schedule your home furnace check-up today so you can be ready when the cold weather hits.

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Sinclair HVAC and Plumbing's Tips For Fall

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:02:00 GMT

The health of our customers is very important to us, and these upcoming months we all are worried about catching the flu. We want you to know that our service plumbers and HVAC service technicians are doing what they can control germs.

•   Our technicians have bottles of antibacterial hand sanitizer in their trucks, and they use it before going into your home.

Here are some tips that might help for fall and winter months. Thanks to Spryliving.com for the following information:

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY:
•   Get out more. One theory is that social people take better care of themselves—setting enough sleep and seating well.
•   Get some shut-eye. People who log less than seven hours of sleep per night are about three times more likely to catch a cold after being exposed to the rhinovirus than those who snooze eight hours or more.
•   Get moving. In one study, only 30% of women age 55-plus who walked or cycled moderately for 45 minutes, five days per week came down with a cold, compared to nearly half of the women who only attended stretching sessions once a week.
•   Don’t starve a cold. Your body needs energy to fight infection. If you cut back on calories, your body may not be able to mount an immune response, says Dr. Elizabeth M. Gardner, a nutritional immunology professor at Michigan State University.

Flu viruses can live 8 to 12 hours on paper or cloth, 24 to 48 on nonporous places like doorknobs and knobs and up to 72 hours on wet surfaces, like towels and faucets, says infectious disease expert Dr. J. Owen Hendley. Your best defense?
WASH YOUR HANDS, especially after touching these cold- and flu-friendly surfaces:
•   ATM, elevator and photocopier buttons
•   Doorknobs
•   Faucets
•   Gym equipment
•   Shopping cart handles
•   Kids’ toys
•   Money
•   Computer keyboards
•   Remote controls

I hope that some of these suggestions will help you stay well this winter. Don't forget that we offer indoor air purifiers that can help with catching flue viruses and allergens. Do you have any other tips or suggestions?

Why You Should Avoid A Pushy Lubbock HVAC Contractor

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:57:00 GMT

Purchasing a new HVAC system is a big investment in your home. Getting prices from different companies can be stressful and you can run into pushy contractors as well. Reputable Lubbock HVAC contractors should not be this way and I wanted to give you some tools on how to tell who the non-reputable companies may be.

1. Do they have an HVAC license?

For those contractors that do not have an HVAC license, this is required by law to be posted on the side of their commercial vehicle. This is important to you as the consumer because those that do not have a license can install the equipment improperly. Then you can end up paying more to fix this is the long run.

2. High Pressure Sales

Like I said in the introduction, purchasing a new HVAC system is a big investment. You should NOT feel pressured into buying a new one but yet given an OPTION on what you would like to do. Lots of consumers get taken advantage of because they feel like they have no other choice or the contractor has lied to them. You do have a choice on who you choose to install equipment in your home. You may want to get another opinion if you feel pressured into buying.

3. Warranty

This word means nothing if the contractor installing the equipment will not stand behind their work. Problems do happen and a reputable contractor should come back and fix the problem if it falls under the warranty that they or the manufacturer provide. Make sure you ask about the warranties that are offered by the company or ask around. You will be able to tell who stands behind their work just by asking your friends or co-workers. Try it, send a message out on Facebook and I promise you will find a contractor that did NOT warranty their work.

Remember these three things and you will be able to make an informed buying decision on your next HVAC purchase. Pushy HVAC contractors are out there and you have the right to say no to them. Have you had any experiences with pushy HVAC contractors?

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Do It Yourself: Lubbock HVAC Repairs and Maintenance

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:00:00 GMT

With fall right around the corner, now is the time to get your heating system ready for winter. There are three things you can do to get your system ready without the help of a technician, and I thought they would be helpful for those cold nights and mornings.

Clean the inside unit:

This only requires a vacuum, cleaning solution (non-flammable), and cleaning cloth. Take the metal cover off of the heating system so that you can clean it. Gently remove as much dust as possible and if you see big chunks of dirt, vacuum it up or throw it away. Lots of dirt on your heating system can play havoc on all of the electrical components, so it is important to keep this part of the system as clean as possible.

Replace the air filter:

This should be done on a monthly basis (with conventional air filter) but I always like to remind people of how important this is. Once a new filter is installed, it can help your HVAC system run much more efficiently when it gets hot or cold. High quality air filters do not have to be replaced as often but should sill be checked regularly.

Wash the outside unit: (Applicable only if you have a heat pump system)

Locate the outdoor unit and make sure you disconnect the power to it. Take a water hose and turn it all the way on (DO NOT put a spray nozzle on the end). Get the water as close to the aluminum coils as possible and you should start to see dirt flowing on the inside of the unit. This will help the unit breath better and increase the efficiency of the heat-pump. This will also help for the cooling season as well.

These HVAC repairs and maintenance tips can help you be ready when it gets cold. This is not the most efficient way to be prepared for the cold months ahead but it can help. What other things do you do to get ready for the winter?

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Why Does My Tank Water Heater Make Banging Noises?

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:24:00 GMT

My wife and I used to live in a house that had a water heater that made banging noises all of the time. It sounded like someone was shooting a shotgun next door! I wanted to explain why this only happens with tank water heaters and how it can happen so quickly.

The banging noise happens to tank water heaters because of sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank. The dictionary defines sediment as "matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid." If you google pictures of sediment you will find a lot of pictures that look like rocks. You probably don't have rocks in the tank of your water heater but you do have flat spots of sediment. When the gas flame turns on underneath the water heater in order to heat it, that is when the sediment will keep the heat from rising properly and will cause the popping sound.

The main cause of sediment build up is because of our water supply. Lubbock's water is very hard and sediment is already in the water once it is pulled out of the ground. This is another reason sediment build up can happen so fast with a new tank water heater in this area.

Solutions?: To be honest there is not a lot you can do. You could try to flush out the tank but that involves removing the tank and letting all of the water out of it (Not very cost effective). This does not guarantee that all of the sediment will be removed because the drain tube can become clogged with sediment chunks very easily. Also one sediment chunk can still cause a popping sound.

I hope that this helped explain why your tank water heater can make a popping sound. I wish there was more that could be done about this issue and maybe in the future someone will come up with a way to better service this problem or maybe the city will purify its water even more.

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Kitchen Refrigerator Tips

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:10:00 GMT

Kitchen Refrigerator Tips by Beth Sinclair

A decision that you need to make very carefully when remodeling or building a kitchen is the choice of the refrigerator. I have some strong ideas on this subject that I would like to share with you.

I wanted the front panel of the refrigerator to match my other cabinets. I was told that the space for my refrigerator could best be fitted with a side-by-side refrigerator, that it was ample for a family of four (4). A family of 4!! This is going to be a great addition to my new kitchen!

The new side-by-side refrigerator that I ended up purchasing is not deep enough for a large casserole dish! You must turn it the other direction in order to fit and one dish takes up an entire shelf. It will not hold four one gallon jugs of milk! If you have young children and like to shop in bulk, this is very important. The freezer side of the appliance will not hold a frozen pizza box. It’s too narrow! Seriously, a family of 4?!

Friends, I thought I knew what I wanted but again, I am just advising you to DO YOUR RESEARCH and ask your friends! Get as many measurements as you can. Measure the refrigerator on display and measure the hole that you want it to fit into. Think before you buy!

Can you offer any other tips about purchasing a new refrigerator?

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Can A Dirty Furnace Filter Cause Water To Leak?

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The short answer to this question is yes! A dirty furnace filter causes a restriction in air flow across the indoor coil. If the restriction becomes too bad then the refrigerant freezes up and will start to form a layer of ice on the inside unit. If the system turns off then the ice will start to melt on the inside unit and this is when water will start to leak on the inside of your heating system. The system may continue to turn on and off (this will cause more ice to build up!) until you contact an air conditioner repair company to fix this problem. Here are some things that you can do to avoid this situation in your home or business.

The first thing you need to do as a home or business owner is to make sure that the filter(s) are changed on a monthly basis. This can help keep your indoor coil from freezing up and leaking water into your home or business. If you have a digital thermostat, usually they have a filter reminder that can be set up (Check your installation manual.)

Another issue that can cause water to leak is having a dirty blower compartment. This is not applicable to all customers but if you have to remove your blower door in order to replace your filter, then get a flash light and look to see how dirty the blower compartment might be. You might be surprised how much dirt can build up on the blower wheel fins! If you notice a lot of dirt then you need to have it cleaned. A combination of this and a dirty furnace filter will definitely cause your system to freeze up and then drip water.

These are just a couple of things that can be done in order to avoid having water leak into your home or business. Remember to replace your filter(s) monthly and also consider having your system serviced twice a year. This can help prevent water from leaking and save you money. Have you ever had this problem happen in your home or business?

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Commercial Air Conditioner Repairs And Maintenance Tips

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

One of the main things that building owners want to do is save money, but building owners also know how important it is to keep their customers comfortable when they are shopping, eating, etc.... So, I wanted to offer some simple tips on how to save money but also accomplish a comfortable goal at the same time.

The best way to do this as a business owner is to have your commercial air conditioner repairs and maintenance performed at least twice a year. This is very important to your bottom dollar because having your unit(s) serviced twice a year will help extend the life of the equipment. It will also help the equipment heat and cool when it needs to. This helps make you more money because your customers are comfortable while shopping.

Another important aspect of maintaining your commercial air conditioning systems, along with having them serviced twice a year, is to have the filters changed quarterly (or more depending on the application.) This will help prevent the air filters from getting clogged up and causing the unit(s) to freeze up. This can cause your commercial air conditioning systems to not work! Your customers get uncomfortable and may even leave your store. Then you are not making money!

The last thing to consider with a commercial building is replacement versus repair. Any building owner would want to get the most life out of the air conditioning system(s). Whenever a unit reaches the end of its life, the natural tendency is to "fix it." Actually the best thing to do is evaluate how much money you are putting into repairs and you might be surprised what you find. Even though replacing the unit is a major investment, you can save money in the long run by not investing any more money into an old unit that keeps needing repairs.

These are just a few tips for commercial air conditioning repairs and maintenance. The main thing to keep in mind for a building owner is that the air conditioning system needs to be maintained on a regular basis. Do you have any other tips to add that I am forgetting?

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Tips to Help With Air Conditioning Efficiency

Daniel Sinclair — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Crawl spaces and attic accesses have a big impact on your homes performance during the spring and summer months. When the summer sets in, heat can collect in your crawl space and penetrate through your roof access into your home. This means your cooling system has to work harder to make up for the extra heat pouring into your home. Installing insulation beneath your floor can help prevent this heat transfer and having the proper attic access covering can help prevent heat infiltration into the house.

Here are a few tips for installing subfloor insulation in crawl spaces and sealing your attic access:

Seal air leaks in the crawl space’s ceiling (the subfloor). Leaks are often found around drains, pipes, ductwork plenum's and wiring. Anyplace the ceiling is penetrated is spot for a possible leak.
Be sure to seal and insulate any accessible ductwork in the crawl space.
If everything is dry, close the crawl space vents. Vents can suck heat and moisture into crawl spaces, which can cause problems.
Make sure and insulate around the edges of the attic access (use a thin weather guard strip or gasket)
Insulate the attic cover. Glue some insulation to the top of the cover to help heat from penetrating through the cover.

You might be surprised by how much heat is leaking into your home from an attic access or crawl space. Try some of these techniquies and let me know how they work for you. Do you have any other tips I may have missed?

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A Personal Plumbing Safety Tip: Water Alarms

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:55:00 GMT

This plumbing safety tip is coming from first hand experience of a major water leak in my personal home. I wanted to share this information with you because a water alarm could help prevent a major water leak in your home or business.

The first thing I will admit is that having any type of water appliance up in an attic or higher than ground level is not a good idea. My tankless water heater "used" to be in my attic until last month when disaster struck. I was at work that morning when I got a frantic call from my wife and she said that water was coming out of the ceiling! I rushed home and turned off the water but it was too late. There was so much water on top of the sheet rock (in the attic) that it slowly started caving in and then collapsed into our bathroom! It was like watching a horror movie, my poor wife started to cry and I was stressed to the max! We were having a baby in one week and how was I supposed to get this fixed in that amount of time! Luckily my parents have "connections" and we were able to get everything repaired within the week.

What I learned through this ordeal was that a water alarm would have helped notify my wife that water was running into the emergency drain pan. She could have turned off the water and maybe prevented this disaster from happening. The other lesson that I learned was that putting my water heater in the attic was a bad idea. An emergency water pan can only hold so much water and even though I got hot water a lot faster than I do now, it was not worth the risk.

Since this disaster I have relocated the tankless water heater to my garage and I have included a water alarm. The water alarms sensor is located inside of the emergency drain pan, underneth the water heater, so that if water ever touches the sensors it will sound a loud alarm. These are very inexpensive alarms and can pay for themselves if you can catch the leak in time. So if you have an air conditioning system in the attic, a water heater upstairs, or any appliance that can leak water, I would highly recommend that you install an emergency drain pan and a water alarm.

I wish that I could have written this plumbing safety tip under different circumstances but maybe it will help one of you prevent a similar accident from happening.

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Three Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning System Is NOT Cooling

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:50:00 GMT

During this time of year it is hot and you need your air conditioning system to work. The worst thing that can happen when it is 100 degrees outside is for your air conditioner to stop working. There are usually 3 major issues that can occur and I will also tell you how a Sinclair HVAC technician can fix the problem.

1. Refrigerant Leak in the System

This is one of the most common issues that occurs during the spring and summer months. A lot of times this is an issue because a customer does not want to get the leak fixed and so we go out every year and put refrigerant into the unit for a temporary fix. The best solution to the problem is to get the leak fixed. Sometimes this means replacing a coil or repairing a copper line. Whatever the repair might be, consider the cost because you could have paid for the repair versus adding refrigerant to the system for the second or third time. Also, don't forget that air conditioning systems are NOT supposed to leak so get the leak repaired!

2. Clogged Air Filter

This is another common issue that can cause your system to not cool and if you read this blog regularly than you have heard me talk about this before. A clogged filter can occur even after 4 or 5 months after replacing it. It all depends on your home environment. If you have pets, plants, or just a dirty home than your filter will get dirty faster than someone else that might not have these things in their home. If you consistently have clogged air filters every 3 to 5 months than maybe it is time to consider an air purifier?

3. Mechanical Issues

A lot of times during the summer months your air conditioning system can run all afternoon if not all day! This is hard on the mechanical equipment inside of the outside unit and inside unit. Most of the time your outdoor units fan motor will go bad but if you have a major problem than your compressor could lock down as well. This is not good because the compressor is the heart of the system and no refrigerant can be moved without it. The usual fix is replacing a bad fan motor but sometimes we have to replace the compressor. This can be a costly repair, so make sure you are having your system checked once or twice annually to help prevent these problems from happening during times when you need them the most!

Again these are only common issues that we see almost every day. Uncommon issues can occur as well so keep that in mind. Make sure you have your system looked at before extreme weather occurs and you can have some peace of mind knowing that your system is going to keep your warm or cool.

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Tankless Water Heater Vs. Tank Water Heater

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:10:00 GMT

A debate that has been going around the Lubbock area for the last couple of years has been tankless vs tank water heaters. Several years ago tankless water heaters were very popular here in Lubbock and the buzz has faded recently. Here are the pros and cons to both types of water heaters.

Tankless Water Heater

Pros: The best thing about a tankless water heater is that you will never run out of hot water, assuming you don't have a mechanical failure. Another pro is that you do not have to wait to take a shower after someone else takes a shower like you do with a tank water heater. If you have a big family you know what I am talking about.

Cons: If you are trying to convert from a tank water heater to a tankless it can be challenging. Most of the time the gas that is supplied for a tank water heater is not enough to support a tankless. Lubbock's water is very hard on the heat exchanger of a tankless water heater and accessories have to be added in order to meet manufactures warranty, which means more money. Another con that can come with a tankless water heater is having to rework venting if the conversion is made to tankless. Most of the cons that come from a tankless water heater happen when trying to convert from a tank to a tankless. Usually it is better to install a tankless when building a new home or doing a remodel.

Tank Water Heater

Pros: One thing about tank water heaters that compares to a tankless water heater is that they use very little gas and electricity. Even though tankless water heater manufacturers boast about the low gas usage, remember that most gas companies still charge you a minimum amount every month just to have gas service. In my opinion the two even out because a tank only uses about the minimum amount of gas usage every month and the gas that it takes to run a tankless, after it has not been used, cost about the same in the end. Another pro is replacing and installing a tank water heater can be very cost effective versus a new tankless water heater. The average amount it takes to install a new tankless water heater is about $2000 to $5000 depending on the application. A tank water heater will average out at about $800 depending on the size.

Cons: Hot water will run out and like I said earlier in this article you will have to wait for the tank to fill and heat back up. This can take up to 45 minutes to get the temperature back to set point. Like a tankless water heater, Lubbock's hard water is hard on a tank. I highly recommend buying extended warranties, this can come in handy if your water heater fails.

I hope that these pros and cons have shed some light on tankless and tank water heaters. Either way I would only recommend installing a tankless water heater into a new home or remodel condition. What are your pros and cons of a tankless or tank water heater?

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What Is The Best Type Of Air Conditioning Filtration System?

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:03:00 GMT

The best type of air conditioning filtration system is not cheap but well worth your money. I know this because I purchased one not too long ago. Before moving into my newly built home I had regular 1" filters installed in order to "save money". No big deal right? Wrong! This was probably the worst possible filtration system for me to have in my new home. With asthma and bad allergies all of the new construction dust was making me miserable. I thought the dust would settle over time but after 3 years I finally decided enough was enough! I installed a Bryant Perfect Air Purifier and that filtration system has been worth every penny. This system has a MERV 15 rated filter in it which means it can catch a lot of things that the human eye cannot see.

Another great filtration system is American Standards Accuclean filtration system. These two systems are similar but differ in the actual filtration process. However, both perform the same function- they clean the air so you can breath better!

In my opinion the best type of air conditioning filtration system that you can buy needs to have a high rated MERV filter in it, capture and kill technology, and ease of use for the consumer. The Perfect Air Purifier and the Accuclean system both meet these standards and would be great additions to your air conditioning system. Air conditioning filtration is one of the most important aspects of your AC system. Low quality filters are cheap but do not clean the air like a high quality filter does. In my opinion it is better to spend a little more money on a high quality filter so the air you breath will be clean after going through it.

You can check out some pictures of actual filtration installs on our Facebook page. Any thoughts or experience with filtration systems?

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Lubbock Air Conditioning Tips: How to feel air flow

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

When I used to run air conditioning repair calls with my dad he would show customers some easy tips to help them with staying cool for the summer. Most of the time customers would complain about not being able to feel cool air so I wanted to share these same tips with you so that you will be ready for a summer that I think will be extremely hot!

1. Leave the Fan set to "On"

One of the common misconceptions that people have with their air conditioning equipment is that running the fan will cause the system to run more or raise your energy bill. In reality this has the opposite effect. Setting your thermostat fan setting to the "On" position will constantly circulate air in the house that feels cooler to the skin. This will also help the air conditioning compressor to not run as much, which helps you to save money on your energy bills.

2. Turn fins of supply grills down

This is one of those tips that I never thought of until I saw my Dad show this to a customer. On this particular call there was nothing wrong with the air conditioning system but the customer didn't think that the system was cooling like it should because they could not feel cold air. So, my dad asked the customer if they would be willing to try something in order to help them feel the air. He went to one of the grills in the master bedroom and angled the fins on the supply grill down towards the bed (pictured above). He had the customer sit on the bed and they could not believe the difference! It was that simple and no extra money had to be spent.

These are just a couple of tips on how to help cool your home and be able to feel the cool air this summer. Sometimes Lubbock air conditioning systems can be easy to fix and sometimes they can be hard. These tips are definitely money savers and let me know if you have more tips to share.

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When Is It Time To Call An Air Conditioning Installation Company?

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 03 May 2011 22:45:00 GMT

I know this might sound like a simple question to answer but for many consumers out there this can be a very tough question to answer. Buying a new HVAC system can seem like buying a new car. There are many different types, some do more than others, and some can save more money than others. In my opinion you have to look at a couple of issues to help make the decision of whether or not to hire an air conditioning installation company.

The first issue I would consider would be on how much money you are spending in repairs on your existing system. Are you having repairs done on your system more than twice a year? Keep in mind, I am not talking about scheduled maintenance visits. If you are spending $200 to $500 in HVAC repairs yearly you should seriously be considering purchasing a new system!

Another major deciding factor would be whether or not your existing system has a (R-22) refrigerant leak (This is assuming you have an R-22 system currently installed). With the rising demand of R-410A since the halt of manufacturing on R-22 refrigerant, the supply of R-22 has diminished dramatically. In other words the cost to repair or replace R-22 systems will far exceed the cost to repair or replace R-410A systems. So if you have a R-22 leak in your current system, it might be time to think about making the conversion to a R-410A system.

The most important decision to consider is how reputable the company is installing the equipment? Do they offer any warranty? Will they come back and fix a problem within the first year after the install? You as the homeowner should ask these types of questions to the salesmen or company representative. This is a big investment into your home and the company you choose to install the equipment is, in my opinion, the most important decision you will make. Check out some of our installations on our Facebook page.

These are just a couple of reasons I think you should consider when to call an air conditioning installation company. There are more things to consider but I want to hear what you think about before making a big decision like this.

Common Digital Thermostat Problems

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:45:00 GMT

With today's advanced technology a lot of homes now have digital thermostats. There are several problems that occur with having one of these thermostats in your home or business and I wanted to give you the most common issues that I run into on a daily basis.

1. Low Batteries

Usually a homeowner will purchase a digital thermostat at the local hardware store and install it themselves. When this happens the homeowner usually does not know how to hook up permanent power or they do not have the option to have permanent power to the thermostat. So, the manufacturer has added an option on these thermostats to add batteries. When the batteries get too low it can cause the display to go blank. So if you do not look at your thermostat on a daily basis you might miss the "low battery" icon.

2. The program has been changed

A lot of times our technicians have to go into the programming of a digital thermostat and reset all of the times, temperatures, and days to the owners specifications. This problem happens a lot in commercial applications when there is not a lock box over the thermostat. When you get different people changing the thermostat to different temperatures and different settings it can cause many problems with the original settings.

3. Too Different

Many homeowners that have older homes or older equipment are used to the old turn dial thermostats or something similar to it. When they convert to a digital thermostat it can be quite a shock. Instead of turning a knob or moving a button, now everything is touching the screen. There are more settings and most digital thermostats have the capability to set days of the week up on a program. This is something that has never been available and some new owners want them taken out because they cannot get used to them.

The good news is that with all of the new technology coming out, manufactures have realized that the first generation of digital thermostats were not user friendly. Now they are 100% focused on making thermostats easier to use and easy to set up. This makes my job a whole lot easier. I wanted to share these common digital thermostat problems with you today in order to let you know that the 2nd generation of thermostats that are coming out will help solve most of these problems.

Do you have any digital thermostat problems that you want to share?

What Is Involved With Water Leak Repairs?

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:20:00 GMT

Being in the plumbing business I hear tons of calls that come into the office that are water leaks. Some of the water leaks that are repaired are easy and some are not! I wanted to give you an idea of what is involved when a water leak is repaired at your home.

One of the most common water leaks that occurs in a home is at the kitchen sink or in the master bathroom. This happens because they are the most used faucets in the house. Especially with older homes, older pipes, and Lubbock's hard water, this can be a bad combination. Hard water will constantly eat at copper piping and that is why plastic piping has become so popular in this area. Usually after one of our plumbers finds the water leak, he will remove the bad copper piping and replace it with a plastic water pipe that is very resistant to Lubbock's hard water.

Another common water leak repair that can occur in your home is a slab leak. This is a very serious problem that can happen at the worst possible time. Slab leaks are not covered by your insurance company which I don't understand because they are very expensive and damaging to your home. Once the water leak is located (when under the concrete slab) concrete has to be busted, tile removed, or wood flooring has to be removed. Either way this repair is serious because the plumber has to access the water piping that runs underneath the house in order to make the proper repair.

Either way you look at it water leaks are not good for you and your home. Hopefully you will never have any type of water leak but if you do, call Sinclair at 806-749-2665 or schedule a call through our website and let the professionals take car of it.

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Mr. Slim Split Ductless Systems

Daniel Sinclair — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:20:00 GMT

We have gotten a lot of questions about the Mr. Slim product by Mitsubishi Electric. In the video, Jim our comfort consultant and Beth wanted to help answer some simple questions about a Mr. Slim system and what it can do for your home or business. Below, are some highlighted questions that you might find helpful as well as the video.

1. What is a Mr. Slim?

A Mr. Slim system is a ductless (or ducted) heat-pump unit (1 indoor unit and 1 outdoor unit) made by Mitsubishi Electric that can heat and cool rooms in your home that you might have a problem with.

2. Where would you install a Mr. Slim unit?

This unit can be installed in a home or business! That is the beauty of the system. Examples: Second story of a house that is always hot. Mounted on the wall of a master bedroom, garage, sun room, server room, or storage room. Basically it can be used in any room that you want to heat and cool that is not conditioned or that you have problems with.

3. Is any duct work involved?

Mitsubishi has designed some of these units for duct work but you can buy Mr. Slim units that do not require duct work. Jim has sold numerous jobs with the Mr. Slim unit that did not have any duct work involved. In fact we have some pictures of a Mr. Slim install on our Facebook page!

4. How loud is a Mr. Slim unit compared to the conventional unit?

A Mr. Slim unit is so quiet that we have installed them in master bedrooms. The outdoor unit is a lot quieter than the conventional outdoor unit.

5. Where do you install the actual Mr. Slim units?

The indoor unit is mounted on the wall of the room you want to heat and cool and the outdoor unit is usually installed on the outside wall of the room that is being conditioned by the Mr. Slim.

There is much more information in the video above, so check it out! I hope that this video will help you to make an informed buying decision. Mr. Slim units are some of the best ductless units on the market today so set-up an estimate if you are interested.

What other questions do you have about the Mr. Slim system?

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