Mary Buettner – Because Im A Cat

A well-maintained air conditioning system is more efficient and costs less to run. It also reduces the risk of a breakdown on one of those steamy, humid days.

Performing routine AC maintenance is simple. First, clean the drain line. It’s a 1-inch PVC pipe that exits the evaporator enclosure. If you have any questions about what an air conditioning maintenance appointment entails, contact All Temp Air Conditioning & Refrigeration experts.

Inspect the Condenser

The evaporator and condenser units are the heart of your cooling system. They are usually found outside your home or business and have copper tubes, sometimes covered in a foam layer, running from it to your air handling unit inside the house.

These tubes are filled with refrigerant, which is what makes your AC cool by the process of heat transfer. When the refrigerant is low or leaking, you may notice that your system isn’t working as it should. During an inspection, your technician will test the refrigerant levels and refill it as needed.

They will also check for any signs of leakage and wear and tear on your compressor and fan. If they see any issues that need addressing, your technician will make repairs or replacements to keep the system working properly.

During the inspection, your HVAC contractor will also lubricate moving parts to prevent them from causing unnecessary friction that can shorten their lifespan. This is an important step because a lack of lubrication can lead to damage that increases the frequency and severity of future repairs.

Your HVAC technician will also clear the condensation drain line if it becomes clogged or leaks. The drain line carries water away from the condenser and may have an access point or exit point, both of which need to be cleaned regularly. The technician will flush the drain line by pouring a mixture of hot water and vinegar into it to clean it out. They will also check for the presence of mold and bacteria around the condensate drain pan and if necessary will clean or replace it.

In addition to these more obvious tasks, your HVAC professional will inspect the condenser fan for wear and tear, ensure that there is enough clearance around the unit, and check the condition of the coils. They will also clean the outdoor fan motor and fan blades, as well as the electrical connections and wiring. They will also check the safety limit switches, and if necessary, tighten any loose ones.

Inspect the Evaporator

The evaporator coil inside your air handler absorbs heat from the air. Over time, the coil can become dirty, which reduces the amount of heat it absorbs. This problem can lead to cooling problems and high energy bills. A professional HVAC technician can clean the evaporator coil for you.

Cleaning the evaporator coil is one of the most important maintenance tasks for your AC. You can do this job yourself, but it’s a good idea to have a professional service technician inspect and clean the coil at least once a year.

Over time, the aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can bend. This reduces airflow and increases pressure on the coil. It also causes dirt to collect more quickly, and this dirt reduces the coil’s ability to absorb heat from the air. A cleaning spray or a fin comb can restore these fins to their original condition.

Another important air conditioning maintenance task is replacing or cleaning the filter. Dirty filters prevent the evaporator coil from absorbing heat from the air, and this can lead to low efficiency. You should replace or clean your air filter at least every three months.

An inspection includes checking the evaporator coil for signs of damage or excessive wear and making sure that it’s properly insulated. The service technician will also check the refrigerant line for leaks or corrosion and inspect the drain pan for signs of mold or ice.

A final maintenance task is to clear the evaporator coil drain line regularly. This involves finding the drain line, usually a 1-inch PVC pipe coming off the evaporator enclosure, and following it to where it drains. Then you can use a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner to remove any debris that’s clogging the line. It’s also a good idea to add a drain pan tablet (available from your local hardware store) to the line to help prevent algae growth that can block the line. This will keep the line from becoming clogged and prevent the coil from draining excess condensation.

Inspect the Ductwork

The ductwork of your home is a maze of tubes that delivers heated and cooled air to the different rooms in your house. During your air conditioning maintenance, an experienced technician will take a close look at all the ducts in your home. In addition to checking the condition of the insulation and sealing the leaks, he or she will also inspect the blower unit for proper function.

Ducts that have not been maintained over time can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris. This impedes airflow and causes the AC system to work harder, which leads to higher utility bills.

In addition, a clogged or damaged duct can allow pollen and other allergens to circulate throughout the house. As a result, breathing these contaminants can trigger allergies and respiratory issues in some people. Regular duct cleaning and inspection can prevent these problems.

Your home’s ductwork may be located in the attic, in crawl spaces, or the walls of your house. Depending on the location, it may be difficult for you to access the ducts or for an HVAC professional to conduct a thorough inspection.

When you’re due for an AC maintenance visit, walk along the length of the ductwork to see if it has any obvious leaks. A leak in the ductwork allows conditioned air to escape into the attic space and unconditioned air to enter living spaces.

Leaking ducts can be easily repaired by using aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant. However, it’s important to ensure that the duct leak area is clean before applying the tape or mastic. Otherwise, the air leakage will recur once it’s applied.

In homes with insulated ducts, it’s recommended to use a UV light to sterilize the air in the ducts. This technology uses ultraviolet radiation to destroy bacteria, mold, and fungal spores. This can reduce the number of fungi in the ductwork and improve indoor air quality. In addition, a UV light can help extend the life of your ductwork. This is particularly true if you’re considering replacing your ducts shortly.

Inspect the Thermostat

The thermostat is an important component of any air conditioning system. It controls how much energy is used by the system, and it also sets the temperature that will be delivered throughout the home or office. The HVAC technician will inspect the thermostat during the maintenance appointment, and they will calibrate it as well. This is an important step because a thermostat that is not properly calibrated will not be able to deliver the correct temperature throughout the space.

The HVAC technician will also test the voltage of the unit, look for signs of damage and other issues, and clean various parts like the compressor, evaporator coils, air handler, drainage line, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and observe how the system functions through a complete cycle. They will also inspect the outdoor condenser unit and ductwork, and they may lubricate any ports that are present.

It is important to get air conditioning maintenance because it can help you save money on your energy costs and keep the air in your home or office cleaner. It can also catch problems that may be expensive to fix if they are not caught early on. The HVAC specialists know how to perform maintenance on your system and can keep it running for a long time.

The specialized tools that an HVAC technician has will allow them to do a thorough inspection of your system. This includes looking at the condensate drain lines, which can become clogged and cause leaks. The HVAC technician will also examine the venting and heat exchanger, and they will test for carbon monoxide leaks in your house. A yearly maintenance appointment is essential to keeping your system running efficiently and preventing costly repairs. The technicians will be able to answer your questions and provide you with a schedule for your annual maintenance appointments. This will make it easier for you to keep up with your maintenance. Then, you can enjoy a more comfortable home or office for years to come!

Mary Buettner

www.becauseimacat.com

Handyman

Drywall Repair: How to Make a Near-Invisible Repair

July 5, 2023July 5, 2023 Mary Buettner

If a misguided doorknob or an impromptu hockey game has left your wall with a large hole, you may think it’s time to call in Drywall Repair Las Vegas. But with a little patience and some joint compound, even the most novice DIYer can make a near-invisible repair.

Start by cutting a piece of drywall to match the size of the damaged area. Be sure to check for electrical wires or plumbing pipes before you proceed.

If you notice a crack in your wall, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. Not only does this prevent further damage to the drywall, but it can also help reduce stress on the entire structure of your home. Whether the crack is caused by the shifting of your building on its foundation, changes in weather, or simply because of age, you can usually repair it in a couple of steps and have it ready to paint in a day or so.

If the crack in your wall is a long, continuous line, you’ll want to scrape along its entire length with a stiff putty knife to remove all the paint, texture, and drywall mud until you reach the bare drywall paper. Once the area is clean, you can use a tube of paintable caulk to fill in the crack. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the caulk and letting it cure according to the label.

For cracks that aren’t as long, you can cover them with a thin coat of drywall compound. First, apply a layer of the compound with a 4- to 6-inch taping knife, smooth it out, and push it into the crack with the blade. If necessary, apply a second and third layer of the compound, with each one being thinner than the last. Lightly sand each coat to create a smooth surface and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Cracks that are caused by the shifting of your house on its foundation can be more difficult to repair than those caused by changes in weather. These cracks often appear on the corners of doors and windows, as they are most sensitive to movement in these areas. They can also develop where the foundation is leaking or where the building is resting on fill dirt rather than solid rock.

If you notice a lot of these cracks in your walls, it’s probably a good idea to have your house inspected by a professional to see if the cracking is related to a more serious problem, such as a foundation issue or seismic movement.

Holes

Whether caused by a doorknob or a power drill, holes are one of the most common types of drywall damage. Luckily, they’re also among the easiest to repair. If the hole is small, a simple spackle or lightweight joint compound may be enough to make it look smooth and seamless. However, larger holes will require something stronger and sturdier. Depending on how much damage the hole has sustained, you can either cover it with another sheet of drywall or bridge the gap with a bridging material.

Regardless of size, always sand the area surrounding the hole before starting to ensure it’s smooth and free of any rough spots. Once the sanding is complete, clean the area and remove any chipped paint or debris. Once again, square off the hole if it’s round or irregular in shape, using a utility knife to transform it into a rectangle. This will help ensure the drywall patch you create fits correctly.

To begin the actual repair process, cut a piece of drywall to roughly double the size of the existing hole. Once you’ve got the right piece, line it up with your squared-off hole and trace around it on the backside of the drywall with a sharp utility knife. This will help you create a shape to fit perfectly into the hole, says Steckel. Carefully cut along these lines, making sure you don’t cut through the front paper. Then, snap off any extra pieces but leave the front paper attached to the drywall patch.

Once you’ve got the correct shape to fill the hole, screw it into place. Then, attach strips of drywall tape to the edges of the patch and wall, as well as any joints between the drywall patch and the surrounding drywall. Finally, spread a coat of drywall compound over the entire surface of the bridging material, letting it dry per the manufacturer’s instructions.

For holes smaller than about 2 inches in diameter, a drywall patch kit will work just fine, Nungesser explains. A kit will usually include a self-adhering fiberglass mesh patch, which will simply stick to the wall and hide the gap. For holes larger than this, he recommends removing the studs if they’re visible (and then covering them with a new piece of drywall) or, alternatively, covering the hole with a large sheet of drywall.

Sagging

Sagging drywall can ruin the look of a room and create a dangerous hazard. It also indicates that it’s time to do some drywall repair work.

Drywall is made of thin paper and gypsum, which can crumble or even break when subjected to force. Furniture, heavy appliances, strong winds, and changes in humidity can all cause cracks and other damage to drywall. Left untreated, such damage can exacerbate and lead to much larger and more expensive repair jobs down the line.

One common problem that can occur in drywall is called “sagging,” when a section of the ceiling starts to droop and leaves noticeable shadow lines on the wall behind it. Often, sagging is caused by a leak in the roof or water pipes, although it can also be a result of improper installation, as noted by Confide Construction.

Incorrect spacing of screws can contribute to sagging, too. Usually, 4” screws should be spaced 12” apart to provide adequate support for the drywall. But sometimes installers will play this rule a little loosely to save time and money, which can make the drywall more vulnerable to shifting over time with changes in moisture levels and temperature fluctuations.

Another reason sagging may occur is when the original installation used only 1/2″ drywall rather than 5/8″. While this thickness is cheaper and easier to hang, it doesn’t provide as much rigidity and is more susceptible to sagging.

To fix a sagging ceiling, locate the joists, which can be seen as valleys between the drywall, notes Family Handyman. Screw 1-by-3-inch furring strips to the joist framing using 2-inch wood screws. Then, install, tape, and finish new 5/8-inch drywall over the old ceiling, screwing it to the furring strips with drywall screws. When the new drywall is in place, use a level to ensure that it’s flat. Then sand it down so that the seams are smooth, and you’re ready for paint. A few coats of quality drywall compound can hide any remaining patches or sagging in the drywall. Just remember to sand between coats so that the seams aren’t visible.

Mold

Moisture damage is one of the most common problems affecting drywall. Humidity and a lack of ventilation in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms trap moisture, which can cause drywall to become damp and eventually start growing mold. Other signs of mold in drywall include discolored water stains, bubbling or peeling paint, and musty odors. If you suspect mold in your drywall, it’s important to act fast. Otherwise, the spores may spread to other areas of the house and cause more damage and health issues.

If you’re not sure whether or not the mold is dangerous, use a test kit to find out. Some molds, especially those that grow on drywall, can produce toxins that can be harmful to children, the elderly, or people with allergies. You should also wear a dust mask and safety goggles while removing mold from drywall.

After removing the mold, wash the area with an antibacterial cleaner to prevent further growth and kill any remaining spores. A box fan and a window should be open to help with ventilation during this step. Next, sand the area with a hand sander to smooth it, and fill in any holes or voids with drywall joint compound or mud. Wait for the mud to dry and sand again until it is smooth (images 2 and 3).

Once the mud is dry, use a self-adhering mesh patch to cover the hole, or, if you can see the studs through the hole, cut a piece of new drywall that’s an identical size as the old one and screw it in place (Image 4). Apply a coat of fungicidal mold-killing primer, like this product from Zinsser, over the patch to prevent the spores from reforming.

Once the repair has been completed, use a utility knife to cut off the excess drywall around the perimeter of the affected area and throw away the pieces that have mold on them. If there is a lot of mold on the wood behind the drywall, you may need to hire a professional to treat the entire area.