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Can I Heat my Garage with a Mini-Split?

Written by Kevin on December 19, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Can I Heat my Garage with a Mini-Split?

Keep Your Garage Comfortable With a Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for garages and other spaces that are difficult to connect to ducted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. As the name implies, ductless systems do not require air ducts to distribute conditioned air to heat and cool a living space. Instead, individual air handlers installed in a room or zone provide conditioned air to the space. Depending on the brand and model you choose, a single compressor can run between one and eight indoor air handlers.

Ductless systems are available as both heat pumps that heat and cool with the same unit and as air conditioners that only cool. Ductless systems are more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems because no energy is lost through the ducts.

Ductless heat pumps are ideal for Central Texas weather, which has wide fluctuations in seasonal temperatures and humidity. Heat pumps are even more energy efficient because they transfer heat from one place to another instead of using energy to generate heated and cooled air. Here, we provide information about how ductless units work, how they are installed, and their benefits.

How Ductless Mini-Split Systems Work

Ductless HVAC systems work on the same principles as traditional air conditioners. The difference is that no air ducts are needed to blow conditioned air into the living space. A ductless system includes an outdoor unit that houses the compressor, expansion valve, and condenser coil. Refrigerant circulates through these components.

Inside, individual air handlers contain evaporator coils and fans. Instead of ducts that distribute air, the air handlers blow conditioned air directly into a room or zone. A conduit that contains electrical lines, tubing containing refrigerant, and a condensate drain connects the indoor and outdoor units. The conduit is routed through a small hole in the wall.

During the refrigeration cycle, gas flows through tubing to the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coils. As the refrigerant passes through the system, it changes from gas to liquid, absorbs and expels heat, and changes back to gas. Compressing gas converts it to a liquid and releases heat. In the cooling cycle, this heat is released outside.

Heat pumps work on the same principles of refrigeration as standard air conditioners. During the summer, the refrigerant removes heat from indoors and discharges it outdoors. A reversing valve changes the flow of refrigerant. During the winter, refrigerant picks up heat energy from outside and discharges it indoors.

Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

There are several benefits to ductless systems. Because there are no air ducts, they can be installed virtually anywhere, such as in outbuildings, garages, add-ons, basements, and attics. They work well in older homes that do not have a ducted HVAC system or in spaces where ducts are impractical to install, such as rooms with vaulted ceilings or homes with no attic space.

If your home or office has areas that are difficult to heat and cool with an existing ducted system, adding a ductless unit can even out temperatures in a room or zone. Kitchens, south-facing rooms, sunrooms, and upstairs spaces often overheat during warm weather. In the winter, you may feel cold spots or uneven temperatures. With a ducted system, adjusting the temperature on the thermostat affects each space connected by ducts. In contrast, mini-splits allow individual temperature control of a space without affecting other rooms.

Ductless heating and cooling systems use less energy than standard HVAC systems. Ducts are a major source of energy loss. According to the Department of Energy, air ducts lose as much as 30% of conditioned air in a typical home. Because there are no ducts in a mini-split configuration, there is no energy loss. In addition, each air handler has its own temperature control, allowing precise climate control adjustments in a room without affecting comfort in other rooms. When the space is not in use, the unit can be turned off, unlike ducted systems that blow conditioned air into every connected space.

Heat pumps are even more efficient because they do not require energy to heat and cool. Instead, they transfer heat from one place to another. They do use electricity to run fans within the unit. However, they use less energy than ducted systems because the fans do not have to push air through ducts. In humid climates, such as Central Texas summers, heat pumps efficiently remove humidity and maintain a consistent temperature, which improves indoor comfort.

Ductless mini-splits can improve air quality because air is not distributed between rooms. This is important for spaces like garages and workshops because odors and airborne pollutants are confined to a single space. In contrast, ducted systems distribute air into every room, broadcasting airborne pollutants throughout the living space,

Ductless systems are quiet. The compressor can be placed in a convenient outdoor location. Indoors, the only sound is air blowing from the cassette.

Ductless System Installation

Ductless mini-splits are simple to install. A professional can usually install the outdoor condenser and several indoor air handlers in one day. The outdoor compressor can be placed on a wall, rooftop, or the ground. Your HVAC contractor can help you select an appropriate place. Wall-mounted units require mounting hardware to support the weight. For ground installations, the unit should be placed on a pad in a level location. Whether on the ground, rooftop, or a wall, placement should follow the same guidelines used for central air conditioners. There should be enough clearance so that air circulates around it, and it should be accessible for servicing and repairs.

Indoor air handlers can be mounted on a wall, in the ceiling, or on the floor. Wall-mounted cassettes should be installed on an exterior wall, providing a direct connection to the outdoor condenser and a convenient place to discharge condensate drainage. Cassettes should be at least 6 feet above the floor with adequate clearance to the ceiling. They should not be placed in indirect sunlight or near heat sources, which can affect temperature regulation and performance.

A 3-inch hole will be drilled into the wall for the conduit that connects the indoor and outdoor components. The limiting factor in installation is the distance between the outdoor condenser and the nearest indoor air handler. The standard line length is approximately 25 feet, but longer lines are available; however, longer lines can affect efficiency.

Choosing a Mini-Split System for Your Central Texas Home

Blue Ribbon Cooling and Heating offers a full suite of heating and air conditioning services for residents in the Central Texas area. Our offices in Bastrop and Round Rock make us accessible to residents in Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, and Travis counties. Our licensed technicians are trained on state-of-the-art equipment to bring superior technical know-how to every job. We are committed to customer satisfaction.

Our experienced technicians can help you select a ductless mini-split that will keep your garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Properly sized installations optimize energy efficiency and performance. We look at the size of the garage, the amount of wall and ceiling insulation, and other factors that influence sizing. We install, repair, and service all types and brands of HVAC equipment. We also provide indoor air quality services and are even available 24/7 for emergencies.

For more information about installing a mini-split in your garage or another area of your home, give us a call.

We’re F-f-f-reezing! Why Won’t the Furnace Light?

Written by Kevin on December 12, 2022. Posted in Blog, Heating. No Comments on We’re F-f-f-reezing! Why Won’t the Furnace Light?

6 Reasons Your Furnace Is Refusing to Ignite

As we head deeper into winter and temperatures continue to drop, it’s more important than ever that your furnace lights properly. When it fails to ignite, it can’t produce the warm air that keeps you and your family comfy and cozy.

There are a number of reasons a furnace won’t ignite. Here are some of the more common problems:

1. There’s a problem with your furnace pressure switch. The pressure switch makes sure your furnace is drafting properly (removing unwanted gases that can make you sick or cause small explosions inside the heat exchanger). When this problem occurs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a trained HVAC technician.

2. The gas shut-off valve to your furnace is closed. Your furnace should be equipped with a valve that allows you to stop or start the flow of gas. If the handle is parallel to the gas pipe, the valve is open and gas should flow. If the handle is at a right angle to the pipe, the valve is closed. A simple turn of the handle should solve the problem.

3. The furnace door isn’t shut properly. With some models, the furnace will not fire up unless the door is closed tightly. This is any easy fix. When you close the door, make sure it snaps or clicks shut.

4. The thermostat isn’t set properly. If you lower the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees, the heater should kick on.

5. The circuit breaker was tripped. If your furnace has an electronic ignition system, a power surge can trip the circuit breaker. Resetting the breaker should be your answer.

6. Your furnace’s flame sensor is on the fritz. If there’s a problem with the flame sensor, it could be cutting off the gas flow too early, which prevents your furnace from lighting. This is another problem best handled by a professional HVAC tech.

Blue Ribbon is the team to trust for your home’s heating and cooling needs. We’re also pros at testing your indoor air quality and recommending improvements to make it cleaner and fresher. To schedule your appointment, use our convenient form or call us at 512.308.3515 today!

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What To Do If My Heat Is Not Working

Written by Kevin on December 1, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on What To Do If My Heat Is Not Working

What to Do If Your Heating System Isn’t Working

Despite Texas typically having mild winters, it can be extremely frustrating to find that your heating system doesn’t work when you need it. This issue can occur for a variety of different reasons, some of which are things that you may be able to easily fix on your own without needing to hire a professional HVAC contractor. With that in mind, here are the steps you should take if you ever find that your heating isn’t working.

Make Sure the Circuit Breaker Isn’t Tripped

Heat pumps obviously won’t work if the circuit breaker is tripped since they run solely off electricity, but many people mistakenly believe that gas furnaces will still work without power. If the power goes out or the circuit breaker that controls your heating system gets tripped, it will prevent the furnace from working for two reasons. The first is that the furnace will only ever run if the blower fan is also running, and the fan needs electricity to work. The second is that most furnaces use some type of electric igniter to light, and this will also only ever work if there is electricity flowing to the unit.

For these reasons, the very first thing you should do if your heating won’t turn on is to make sure that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If the breaker isn’t tripped, you can try to reset the system to see if it will now work, which we will discuss a bit later.

Check Your Thermostat

The next thing to do is check to make sure that your thermostat is set correctly with the heating on and the fan set to “Auto.” If the batteries in the thermostat are old, try to replace them to see if the system will now turn on. There are many times when the batteries still have enough charge to power the thermostat display but not enough power to signal the heating system to turn on and off.

You should also make sure that the thermostat isn’t located somewhere that stays much hotter than the rest of the home and is also not exposed to sunlight. Both of these issues can make the thermostat register the wrong temperature and prevent the heating system from running when needed.

If you have a heat pump, you should also try to turn your thermostat to cooling mode to see if the heat pump will now run. Heat pumps have something known as a reversing valve that allows them to change the direction of the refrigerant flow so that they can both cool and heat. If this valve breaks or malfunctions, the unit will be stuck and only able to run in one mode. If the heat pump will turn on when set to cooling and not when set to heating, it is a sure sign that the valve is broken and needs to be replaced.

Make Sure Your Gas Is On

If you have a gas furnace, you will also want to make sure that your gas supply is still on. This can be done by checking to see if any other gas-burning appliances like a stove, fireplace, or water heater are working. If none of your gas appliances are working, you will need to call the gas company to see what the issue is. You should also make sure that the gas line feeding the furnace isn’t kinked and that the gas valve is fully open.

Reset the Furnace

Most furnaces have a safety switch that will trigger and switch the furnace off if it begins to overheat or if it has any electrical issues that could trip the breaker. In this case, there should be a reset switch located on the blower fan inside your air handler. If the safety switch is ever triggered, it is often necessary to reset the furnace before it will work again.

You can reset the furnace on your own, but it’s always best to call in professional help if you’re uncomfortable or not sure what you’re doing. When resetting a furnace, you first need to turn the power to the unit off and also close the gas supply valve. You’ll also want to switch the heating off at your thermostat. After letting the unit sit for a few minutes, you can then turn the power and gas back on. Next, you’ll need to press the reset button and hold it in for around 30 seconds. Finally, turn your system back on at the thermostat and see if it will now ignite. If the furnace still won’t turn on after being reset, you’ll need to have it inspected by an HVAC technician to determine why it’s not working.

Replace Your Air Filter

If you haven’t replaced your air filter recently, you should also do this to see if it allows your heat to work properly. A dirty air filter won’t prevent your furnace or heating from turning on, but it can cause it to produce little to no heat or lead to the furnace shutting down soon after starting. A dirty air filter limits the amount of cold air that can flow into the furnace, which means it won’t produce much hot air at a time. This issue also typically results in the furnace overheating and automatically shutting down.

These problems can easily be avoided by making sure to regularly inspect your air filter and replace it whenever it begins to look black or overly dirty. In most cases, you should replace your filter every month or two whenever your furnace or AC runs every day. If your HVAC system doesn’t run very often, you may be able to go as long as three months before needing to replace the filter.

Inspect Your Vents

If your supply vents are clogged with hair and debris or obstructed by furniture, it can lead to the same airflow issues as with a dirty filter. The same is also true if you have more than 25% of the vents in the home closed. Again, these issues won’t prevent your heating system from running, but they will limit its effectiveness and result in little to no hot air coming out of your vents. These issues can also force the furnace and blower fan to work harder and potentially lead to either unit overheating or your heating system automatically shutting down before it can heat your home fully.

Call Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating

If you’ve checked all of these other potential issues and your heating still isn’t working, it’s time to turn to the professionals. At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, our technician’s service and repair all makes and models of heating units and can quickly diagnose whatever is preventing your system from working. We can also help you determine when replacing your furnace or heat pump is a better option than attempting to repair it. Our team offers a full range of air conditioners, mini-split, and indoor air quality services for customers in Bastrop and the surrounding areas as well. Give us a call today to schedule a heating inspection or if you need any other HVAC service.

How To Care For Your AC Unit In The Winter

Written by Kevin on November 16, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on How To Care For Your AC Unit In The Winter

How to Protect Your AC System During the Winter

Snow-capped mountains, snowball fights, holiday décor, crackling fireplaces, and hot chocolate are just a few of the things that come to mind in the winter time. Along with these festive, fun, and comforting characteristics, the winter time can also bring along inconvenient power outages, icy conditions, blistering storms, and below-freezing temperatures.

Not only can these cold conditions pose a threat to your overall well-being, but they can also wreak havoc on your air conditioning system. In addition to physical discomfort, a faulty or impaired AC unit can cost you thousands of dollars in replacement services. Fortunately, our trained technicians can help ensure that your AC system is well-protected and well-prepared for the upcoming winter months.

What Happens If You Don’t Properly Prepare Your AC Unit?

Contrary to what some may believe, snow isn’t the only culprit that can cause harm to your AC system. So, even if you aren’t in an area that frequently sees snow, you could still encounter sleet, wind chill, freezing rain, and hail, which can also do a number on your unit. If you make the proper preparations early on, you can more than likely avoid any significant or long-lasting damage. On the other hand, if you choose not to think ahead, this could potentially decrease the overall lifespan and effectiveness of your air conditioning system.

Along with decreasing the life of your unit, a lack of winter prep can also result in:

Nesting of rodents and other critters
Debris damage
Rust and corrosion
System malfunctions

How We Can Help Protect Your Air Conditioner During the Winter

The bad news is that there are several outdoor offenders just waiting to destroy or impair your air conditioning unit. The good news is that something can be done about these issues.

Here are some of the ways we can help keep your AC system functioning throughout the winter and further beyond:

Performing a thorough cleaning of the condenser
Examining the compressor
Inspecting and changing the air filter
Clearing perimeter debris
Checking the pipe insulation
Covering the AC unit
Performing routine inspections

Cleaning the Condenser

The condenser, which serves as the outdoor part of your AC system, is an important component that gathers and transfers heat. In order to properly cleanse the condenser, we will first shut the condenser unit off. The next step is to vacuum away any rubble, trash, or debris. A dull brush extension is connected to the vacuum in order to prevent any unnecessary damage. We will also check to see if any of the evaporator fins are bent. Bent fins can restrict the movement of airflow, which can diminish the efficiency of the overall AC system. A butter knife or a similar dull blade can be used to straighten out the fins. Next, we will carefully clean off all debris from the interior of the condenser.

Examining the Compressor

The compressor is an essential part of the overall AC system. It helps to facilitate the movement of the refrigerant. We can examine the compressor to ensure that it isn’t emanating any unusual sounds. While listening to the compressor, we will be on alert for any clunking or buzzing sounds. A grinding noise is also a cause for concern because it could indicate that the unit is completely worn out.

Inspecting and Changing the Air Filter

A clogged air filter may not seem like a big deal. However, a dirty filter can actually ravage your system, your wallet, and your health. It’s well-known that energy bills tend to skyrocket during the winter months. This is due to an understandable and significant usage increase. On the other hand, a clogged air filter can cause your unit to have to work harder to properly heat your home. When this occurs, your energy bills will likely rise even more.

Secondly, dirty filters trap allergens and unwanted particles that can circulate back into your home. Because it’s unlikely that you’ll want to keep any windows or doors open during the winter, there is no way for fresh air to make its way inside your home. This poses serious health issues for those with severe allergies and respiratory illnesses. Lastly, because clogged filters can cause your unit to overwork, these filters can break down prematurely and unexpectedly.

To help prevent any of the aforementioned issues, we will clean out or change your air filter as needed.

Clearing Perimeter Debris

Because most air conditioning units are placed outdoors, it’s possible for outdoor materials to get stuck inside your system. Debris can include everything from small tree trimmings and foliage to grass clippings and shrubs. These pesky obstructions can block airflow, which can be extremely unpleasant during the colder months. Depending on their size, some debris can unfortunately make its way to your motor. A motor blockage could render your entire system inoperable.

Checking the Pipe Insulation

When we check your pipe insulation, we will look to make sure that none of the copper is exposed. If there is any copper exposure, we can either secure the insulation in place or replace it altogether. Proper insulation helps to prevent condensation, which can cause your pipes to freeze once temperatures drop.

Covering Your AC Unit

If deemed necessary, we can cover your AC unit to help stop extensive damage and keep your mind at ease. Covering your air conditioner during the winter can keep moisture, mold, and mildew from building up in and around your system. Additionally, a cover can curb the effects of bad weather conditions by blocking falling debris and hard precipitation, such as hail and ice pellets. Depending on the type of cover you choose, it could even serve as an anti-theft option. Although you may be tempted to cover your own air conditioning system, it’s best to seek professional help. We can provide you with a cover that is uniquely designed to fit your unit.

Routine Inspections Are the Most Effective

After all is said and done, routine inspections are the best and most reliable way to winterize your AC unit. When we perform periodic examinations, we are able to check for and resolve most or all of the above-stated problems. A maintenance check-up is recommended at least once or twice per year. It may be wise to schedule an inspection just before winter just to make sure that your system lasts throughout the season.

Along with providing comfort in the winter, periodic maintenance inspections can help to:

Extend the lifespan of your AC unit
Prevent unnecessary and costly repairs
Improve energy efficiency

Get In Touch With Us Today

Even though harsh winter conditions are known to damage or weaken air conditioning units, there’s no need for you to fret. That’s because our skilled technicians are well-equipped to protect your unit and prepare it for the upcoming winter season. We also provide a wide range of other services, including furnace repairs, furnace installations, heat pump repairs, air purifier installations, and ductless mini-split installations. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today to learn more about our services or to schedule a pre-winter air conditioning assessment.

Winterize Your Home & Lower Your Energy Bills

Written by Kevin on November 11, 2022. Posted in Blog, Heating. No Comments on Winterize Your Home & Lower Your Energy Bills

Even a Short Cold Season Can Boost Your Costs

As late November approaches, the temperatures in Bastrop and the surrounding areas will start to drop. So now is the ideal time to winterize your home to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Winterizing also allows you to save money on your heating bills.

Here are some easy steps you can take:

Cut Your Energy Costs: Many local power companies offer free energy audits. They visit your home and then provide you with tips on cutting energy costs. This could be your first step toward saving money and improving your comfort during the chillier months.
Improve Your Furnace’s Efficiency: Your furnace will be much more efficient with a clean filter. A dirty filter is filled with dust, dirt, pollen, lint and more. This material reduces airflow and forces your furnace to work harder to warm up your home. You should replace filters at least every three months.
Consider a Heat Pump Installation: Heat pumps are super energy-efficient systems that can handle both your heating and your cooling needs. If you don’t already have one, we can discuss the potential savings and other advantages with you.
Get a Programmable Thermostat: With a programmable thermostat, you can customize your heating so the system doesn’t run when you’re at work, on vacation or away for other reasons.
Keep Out the Cold: Openings in your attic are the main cause of heat loss in your home. To prevent this from happening, make sure your attic is properly insulated. You should also apply caulk around your windows to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from sneaking in.
Add Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping your window and doors is another great way to prevent cold air from entering your home and warm air from escaping. Another easy and effective way to keep out the cold is to use draft stoppers at the bottom of doors.
Add Another Layer of Protection for Your Windows: Want to stop chilly air from leaking in through window cracks? Replace those light summer curtains with heavier drapes. They’ll help keep your indoor space toasty and lower your heating costs. For windows that aren’t exposed to direct sunlight, close the curtains or drapes to keep cold air at bay.

Blue Ribbon is the team you can count on when you need heating, cooling or indoor air quality services in Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Hays County and South Travis County. To schedule your appointment, use our convenient form or call us at 512.308.3515 today!

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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

Written by Kevin on November 8, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Why Does My Furnace Smell?

8 Possible Reasons Why Your Furnace Smells

Your furnace typically shouldn’t produce any odors when running. If you do notice any unusual smells coming from your furnace or your vents, it can indicate that there is some issue with your furnace or heating system. With this in mind, let’s look at the most common reasons that furnaces produce unusual odors and what to do about them.

1. Dust Accumulation

It is common for your furnace to produce a burning smell when you turn it on for the first time in the fall or any time it has not been used for a while. When the furnace sits unused, it allows dust to build up on the burners and the rest of the unit. Once it turns on and the gas ignites, this dust will quickly burn away and produce a smoky or burning smell.

If the smell only lasts for a few minutes, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. However, if the smell persists, then you will want to have the unit inspected by one of our professional HVAC technicians.

2. Furnace Is Overheating

Furnaces can also produce unusual smells due to overheating, and this problem is usually related to a clogged air filter or issues with your ductwork. If your furnace begins to overheat, you will often smell something like burning plastic or rubber, similar to what you would with some electrical problems.

This smell often indicates that the electrical wiring has started to melt due to high temperatures and is something you will want to have checked out immediately. In this situation, you should immediately turn the furnace off and leave it off until you can have a professional furnace technician inspect it. If you continue to run your furnace, it could create a major safety hazard due to the potential risk of fire.

3. Failing or Worn-Out Blower Fan

A metallic smell coming from your furnace or your vents can also indicate that the blower fan is wearing out or experiencing issues. As with the furnace itself, this smell often results because the blower is experiencing increased strain and overheating. In some cases, this smell can also result from the fan rubbing against the housing. Either way, this is another issue that you should immediately have checked out. Depending on the specific cause, the blower fan may be able to be repaired fairly simply, or you may have to have it replaced altogether.

4. Cracked Heat Exchanger

This is a much more serious issue that can potentially result in carbon monoxide being circulated throughout the building whenever the heating system runs. The heat exchanger primarily works to transfer the heat produced when gas is burned to the cold air circulating into the furnace. However, it also works to seal off the combustion chamber so that carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes can’t escape.

The most common reason that a heat exchanger will crack is due to overheating caused by restricted airflow. If there are any issues with the ductwork or the air filter is clogged, it can prevent the blower from being able to draw enough cool air into the system. This results in heat building up inside the combustion chamber and can eventually cause the heat exchanger to warp or crack.

Even though carbon monoxide is odorless, you will sometimes still be able to smell the other combustion fumes when the heat exchanger is cracked. This will usually have a strong chemical smell somewhat similar to formaldehyde which is often most noticeable when standing near the furnace. If you do smell this odor, it is essential that you leave your furnace turned off until it can be inspected.

If your heat exchanger is cracked, it will be necessary to replace it as it cannot be repaired. If your furnace is only a few years old, the heat exchanger will most likely still be under warranty. However, if the heat exchanger isn’t under warranty, it is often a better option to replace the entire furnace instead.

5. Clogged Exhaust Flue

The exhaust flue is what allows the combustion gases from the furnace to be vented outside of the home, but it can sometimes become clogged by debris or even due to birds or animals nesting inside it. If the flue is clogged, it can allow the combustion gases to escape back into the home. As with a cracked heat exchanger, this can be extremely dangerous and potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Your furnace should automatically shut off if the combustion fumes begin to back up inside it. If this doesn’t happen and the furnace continues to run, it may produce a chemical smell, just like if the heat exchanger was cracked.

6. Gas Leak

This is another problem that can be extremely hazardous and has the potential to cause a massive explosion. Luckily, most gas leaks are fairly minor, but they are still something you should always be on the lookout for.

Although natural gas is odorless, most gas providers add a chemical to it that gives it a distinct smell similar to sewage or rotten eggs. It is normal to smell a bit of gas for a short time when the furnace first turns on. However, if the smell is extremely strong or persists for more than a few seconds, you should immediately close the gas valve to the furnace.

Once the gas is off, quickly open as many windows as you can to help the gas dissipate and reduce the chances of an explosion. You should then get yourself and any other people and pets out of the house and safely across the street. Once you’re away from the home, call the gas company or the emergency line to report the gas leak and then stay away from the house until the gas can be shut off and the leak repaired.

7. Dirty Ductwork

If you smell a moldy, musty or mildewy odor coming from your vents, it typically indicates that your ductwork is dirty and needs to be cleaned. If your ductwork isn’t properly insulated and sealed or has any air leaks, it can cause condensation to form inside the ducts. As a result, mold may start growing inside the ductwork, and the spores will then be circulated whenever your heating or air conditioning runs.

8. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

This final issue is only related to high-efficiency condensing furnaces. This type of furnace utilizes a secondary heat exchanger that allows the unit to absorb much more heat from the combustion fumes before they are vented out through the flue. As a result, the gases will cool to the point where condensation forms inside the furnace, which is then carried away and out of the house through the condensate drain system.

If you notice any musty or moldy odors when standing near your furnace, it may be that your condensate drain line is clogged. When water sits inside the drain pan or drain line, the heat from your furnace makes it easy for mold, mildew, and algae to grow.

The solution to this problem is to have one of our furnace technicians clean and unclog the drain lines. You can also help to prevent this issue and overcome any unpleasant odors by periodically using a drain pan tablet to stop mold and mildew from growing.

Professional HVAC Repairs, Maintenance and Installation

If you notice any unusual odors coming from your furnace, the team at Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating can inspect your heating system and quickly determine the cause of the problem. We repair and maintain all types of furnaces from any manufacturer, and we also work on and install air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. We also specialize in indoor air quality services and install and service humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers and air filtration systems. Give Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating a call today if you need your furnace inspected or any other HVAC service in Round Rock, Bastrop or the surrounding areas.

How To Fix My Noisy Furnace

Written by Kevin on November 1, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on How To Fix My Noisy Furnace

Lowering Your Furnace’s Overall Noisiness

A noisy furnace can quickly disrupt your home’s daily schedule. You may notice an odd whistling sound or rumbling that can be heard all the way upstairs. While some functioning noises are normal, your furnace shouldn’t be so loud that it’s distracting. Here are a few of the common causes behind a noisy furnace and what you can do to address them.

Clogged Filters

HVAC filters can cause a lot of issues in your furnace from blocking airflow to lowering overall air quality. If your filters are clogged, they’re more likely to create a loud whistling sound. This is because they’re impeding airflow into the furnace, making it harder for the system to get enough air. You may also notice strange noises if your filter isn’t properly fitted or the correct size for your furnace.

Fortunately, filter issues are often one of the easiest to correct by yourself. It’s important to regularly switch out your filters every one to three months. Investing in pleated options rather than fiberglass will lower how often they need to be replaced.

Leaking Ductwork

Ductwork issues typically cause whistling, banging, or pinging sounds. As pressurized air moves through the ducts, it can leak out through old tears into uninsulated areas. While this issue wastes massive amounts of energy, it also makes it harder for your furnace to efficiently heat the home. Your ductwork may also not be the right size for your furnace, which can cause an unhealthy amount of pressure.

The best way to maintain your ducts is by calling for HVAC maintenance and repairs. Professional service will extend your ductwork’s lifespan and help to minimize efficiency issues like leaks.

Misaligned Drive Belt

High-pitched squealing or squeaking typically comes from the drive belt. These belts are common in older furnaces that need to manually turn the blower. Over time, these belts can lose lubrication, fray, and crack, impacting your system’s ability to distribute warm air.

It’s never a good idea to attempt to maintain these components by yourself. You may not know how to identify the signs that it’s time to replace the part. Rather than risk causing further damage to the system, call for HVAC services immediately. Scheduling regular maintenance throughout the year will ensure all parts of your furnace are functioning correctly.

Malfunctioning Ignition System

Clicking sounds indicate your furnace isn’t able to produce heat. This can be caused by a dirty or damaged flame sensor or a gas valve that won’t open. The flame sensor is responsible for detecting the pilot light so gas can be poured into the system. This part is essential for lowering your home’s risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Without gas from the supply valve, your furnace won’t be able to ignite. Valves that won’t open may be broken or suffer from a bad ignition board. Only an industry expert can safely identify the causes behind an ignition issue. You should avoid directly handling any of the gas components in your furnace. Regularly check for any odd smells that may mean there’s a gas leak.

Loose Parts or Panels

One of the most frightening furnace noises you may come across is roaring or violent rattling. Your home’s furnace is a powerful system with a multitude of moving and shaking parts. Without annual maintenance, various bolts and components can rattle loose or fall off altogether. Servicing your furnace at least once or twice a year is the best way to keep it efficient. You never want to risk serious issues developing because your system wasn’t well-maintained.

Fixing Common Furnace Noises

Pinpointing what’s causing your furnace’s noisiness can be difficult. While the issue may be as easy as switching out your filters, it could also be caused by compromised internal parts. Ensure your home is warm and comfortable this winter by learning how to properly care for your furnace. By keeping these tips in mind, you can minimize your furnace’s overall noisiness while prolonging its effective lifespan in your home.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Don’t underestimate the value of regular professional service appointments throughout the year. Expert service ensures your furnace doesn’t suffer from worn-out belts, loose bolts, or dirty flame sensors. Experienced technicians will clean out your furnace and spot any signs of rust and corrosion. They have the experience and tools to stop issues from spreading and causing extensive damage to the system. HVAC services also keep your furnace running at top speed, lowering your utility bills and future replacement costs. The risk of loud furnace noises will be greatly minimized by calling in a professional in the fall before you start using your heating system.

Use Quality Filters

Your HVAC filters are directly responsible for pulling contaminants out of your breathing air. Once a filter becomes full, it can no longer effectively stop debris and bacteria from getting into your furnace and ductwork. Low indoor air quality can have a huge impact on your health and the cleanliness of your home. Many modern thermostats will track when you should be replacing your filter. The best filter replacement schedule is based on your unique household and indoor air quality needs.

Insulate Ducts

In addition to cleaning your ducts every three to five years, you should also consider insulating them. Insulated ductwork is better protected against pests, external damage, and mold. Your furnace won’t have to work as hard to distribute hot air around the home. Insulation will also make it harder for functioning noises to travel from your furnace through your ducts. Metal ducts inadvertently act as echo chambers, amplifying small noises into thunderous disruptions. When considering duct insulation options, be sure to ask your technician about the material’s sound transmission coefficient rating.

Keep Vents Clear of Debris

Many residential HVAC systems aren’t equipped to deal with closed registers. Shutting certain vents around your home can increase the static pressure in your ducts, making it harder for air to travel. As the pressure builds, your furnace can become noisier due to the additional strain. All of your vents and registers should be unobstructed and clear of dust and dirt. Feel free to vacuum in and around your vents to remove pet hair, small objects, and other contaminants. If you want to utilize your ductwork more efficiently during the winter, consider installing dampers or a zoning system.

Award-Winning HVAC Maintenance

Call Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating when you need superior HVAC services in and around Bastrop, TX. Our absolute honesty, premium skills, and quality workmanship have made us a community staple for more than 20 years. You can always count on us to offer budget-friendly services that prioritize your family’s indoor comfort. Contact our expert team today to service your heat pump, furnace, or air conditioner. We’re ready to improve your indoor air quality by removing those pesky contaminants from your home. Our Blue Ribbon Champion Plan comes with discounts on repairs, appointment reminders, and priority scheduling. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating in Bastrop today for great savings and exceptional HVAC service.

It’s the Perfect Season to Assess Your Heating System

Written by Kevin on October 11, 2022. Posted in Heating. No Comments on It’s the Perfect Season to Assess Your Heating System

We’ll Help You Harvest a Bumper Crop of Warmth

Taking stock of where you are and where you want to go can be invaluable when it comes to living a full and happy life. Apparently, someone understood this and carved out a day for it every year. (And it’s NOT New Year’s Eve.) Oct. 19 is Evaluate Your Life Day. How deep (and cool) is that?

This special day got us wondering: Should there be an Evaluate Your Heating System Day? With colder days approaching, your friends at Blue Ribbon would like to point out the importance of scheduling a thorough evaluation of your heating system. It will help you determine if you need heater maintenance, heater repairs or heater replacement/installation. You want to get that loud furnace or other problem repaired today!

Maintenance Makes a Huge Difference

Maintenance is the smart way to thoroughly evaluate your heating system and provide it with the fluids, adjustments and other nurturing it needs. We’ll check for wear and tear along with any other signs of trouble. We’ll find minor problems and fix them (with your approval, of course) before they turn into serious issues. Plus, we’ll save you money by making sure your system is operating as efficiently as possible. Learn more about our Blue Ribbon Champion Plan here.

When your heater fails to provide the warmth you deserve, call the team at Blue Ribbon. Our skilled techs will diagnose the problem and fix it quickly. And rest assured, we will never try to talk you into a replacement when a repair will do the trick.

Of course, there will come a time when your system needs to be replaced. For your convenience and peace of mind, we offer a wide variety of heating systems, including furnaces and heat pumps. We will pay attention to all of the details—large and small—to make sure your system is the right size, has the features you need, suits your budget and is installed seamlessly—because even the best system won’t function efficiently when installation mistakes are made.

So, the next move is yours. Evaluate Your Heating System Day may not be on any official calendar, but it’s on ours. And it should be on yours, too! Schedule your furnace tune-up online or call Blue Ribbon at 512.308.3515 today! Ask us about fall humidifier benefits, too!

Start (and End) the Colder Months on a High Note

Written by Kevin on September 9, 2022. Posted in Blog, Heating. No Comments on Start (and End) the Colder Months on a High Note

Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up Today!

It won’t be long before Historic Downtown Bastrop is transformed into a music lover’s paradise. The annual Bastrop Music Festival, a four-day celebration that will include more than 40 performances showcasing a variety of music genres, is set for Sept. 22-25. Before they take the stage, you can bet the bands will spend plenty of time tuning up their instruments to make sure everything is on key and the performance does not fall flat.

Just as tuning up your instrument is critical before every musical performance, tuning up your heating system is absolutely essential before the cold season arrives. How about you? Do you make sure your heater is given a professional tune-up before the winter season? At Blue Ribbon, our outstanding technicians are experts at furnace tune-ups. We’re familiar with every make and model and will thoroughly check out your unique heating system to make sure it is running as efficiently, reliably and affordably as possible. We’ll make important adjustments to your equipment as well as perform any necessary repairs—with your approval, of course!

Why are furnace tune-ups so important? That’s a great question! In addition to peak furnace performance, regular tune-ups can lower your energy bills, reduce the risk of repairs or breakdowns and extend the life of your system. They are also a great way to experience peace of mind—knowing your system is prepared from the first cold day of the season until the last.

One of the smartest ways to make sure your heater (and air conditioner) get the attention they need and deserve is to sign up for our Blue Ribbon Champion Plan. Our annual maintenance program entitles you to two pre-season checks—one in the fall for your heater and another in the spring for your AC. You’ll also enjoy priority scheduling, 10% discounts on repairs, priority scheduling and more.

Don’t Let Those Fall Allergies Get the Best of You!

Here’s another even more timely matter that we highly recommend you plan for—fall allergies. In Texas, allergies are much more prevalent in the spring. However, fall allergies, especially ragweed allergies, are nothing to sneeze at either. At Blue Ribbon, we can help you cope with the fall allergy season by visiting your home, testing your indoor air and, if warranted, installing allergen-reducing equipment to ease your allergy symptoms. Our options include high quality air purifiers and air filtration systems.

In addition to addressing allergy problems, air purifiers and air filtration systems can also:

Eliminate bacteria and viruses
Help reduce dry skin problems and coughing issues
Reduce mold growth
… And more!

Do you want your heating system to make beautiful music all winter long? Are you ready for cleaner, fresher air to flow through your home? Schedule your furnace tune-up or indoor air quality assessment online or call Blue Ribbon at 512.308.3515 today!