Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Orange County’

Why Matching Coils are Important to Air Conditioning Systems

Monday, August 6th, 2012

Within our air conditioning systems the evaporator coil and condenser coil work together to cool our indoor air.  Because whole building AC systems tend to use split systems with an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator unit it is important that these two systems work properly together.  The Orange County AC professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning understand how to properly size AC systems while also matching condenser coils and evaporator coils.

The Importance of Matching Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Air conditioning manufacturers tend to lab-test and rate their air conditioning systems together.  Thus having the same brand evaporator coil as condenser coil means that they have already been tested while working together and you will possibly get the most efficient usage out of each.

Proper sizing of an evaporator coil to a condenser coil is of vital importance.  If they are sized differently they will not work together as designed.  The evaporator coil can be up to a ton larger than the condenser coil, but it is not recommended to go much beyond a one ton difference.  A bigger condenser should never be used with a smaller evaporator.

When the entire air conditioning system is properly sized for the internal space which it is cooling as well as properly sized to its own separate parts you get the most energy-efficiency.  This means that not only the evaporator and condenser are properly sized, but the refrigerant tubing, circuit breaker, fuses, and electrical system all function as intended.

When matching evaporators and condensers to one another, there are a few main items that must be considered by your air conditioning technician that is performing the job.  These can include air flow and fin spacing, in addition to performing a manual load calculation for proper AC sizing, ensuring proper ductwork sizing, and that the blower is properly sized for both coils.

It is normally recommended that when the compressor goes out, both the compressor and evaporator are both replaced at the same time.

Contact Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and get assistance with your Orange County AC system and all its vital parts including the condenser coil and the evaporator coil, while ensuring that all your questions are answered along the way.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Matching Coils are Important to Air Conditioning Systems

Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems in Orange County

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Below are some of the most common kitchen plumbing problems in homes.  These tend to be the kitchen plumbing problems that we get the most repair calls for, and they can be quickly handled by our professional plumbing repair or plumbing replacement services.

  • Clogged or Broken Garbage Disposals:  Clogged or broken garbage disposals are high on the list.  This is normally because of something which should not be in the garbage disposal, or possibly that the garbage disposal broke due to age.
  • Leaking or Blocked Faucets:  Faucet leaks can be because of broken internal seals or washers.  Blocked faucets can indicate an issue with an aerator that has gotten blocked with debris in the water lines.
  • Clogged Drains:  Drain clogs can occur because of foreign objects that have managed to make their way into the drain, food which was not properly cut up by the garbage disposal, or cooking grease or other oils that have clogged the pipes.
  • Noisy or Leaky Dishwashers:  Noisy dishwashers that make thumping or other loud noises tend to indicate problems with an internal part, such as an inlet valve which needs to be replaced.  Leaking dishwashers could have loose or broken hoses, or a defective pumps seal.

As a professional plumbing company in Orange County, Saddleback Plumbing has a team of licensed plumbers who are highly skilled and have years of hands-on experience in dealing with all sorts of kitchen plumbing problems.  Let us ensure that you receive quality plumbing services, from the most common kitchen plumbing problems with garbage disposals, faucets, drains and dishwashers to kitchen plumbing replacement or repiping.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems in Orange County

AC Question: What Causes Evaporator Coils to Freeze?

Monday, July 9th, 2012

When warm temperatures arrive it is important that your Orange County cooling system is performing at peak levels. Not only do you want your home to be cool and comfortable, but you want your system to be working efficiently. One of the most common problems with cooling systems is the freezing of AC or evaporator coils. There are many factors that can lead to this problem, and eliminating these factors will ensure that your air conditioning system is up to the task of keeping you comfortable during the hottest times of the year.

First things first, it is important that your AC system be turned off if you develop a frozen evaporator coil. Prolonged operation in conjunction with a frozen coil can cause serious, unnecessary damage to you system’s compressor. Don’t let a relatively small problem become a bigger one.

Restricted air flow across the evaporator coil is a very likely cause of its freezing. If the temperature is allowed to drop below freezing, the humidity and condensation that it is evaporating will freeze up. Maintaining proper air flow is a priority. Your air filters should be replaced if dirty and the evaporator coil’s intake must be free of blockages. Also check to make sure that multiple service registers in your home are not closed or blocked off. If cooled air has no outlet it can freeze up your evaporator coil.

Check your blower motor. If it is not running your evaporator coil is very likely to freeze up. Insufficient refrigerant in your system can also be responsible. If your systems refrigerant is low, call in an HVAC technician to recharge your system and to check for any potential refrigerant leaks. If you’re running your air conditioning system when the temperature outside is low, there will not be sufficient pressure to push the refrigerant through the evaporator and the coil will freeze.

The only way to sure of what is causing your evaporator coil to freeze is by having an Orange County AC specialist investigate the problem. Don’t get stuck in the heat when warm weather arrives. Call Saddleback and get your home’s cooling system back on track.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on AC Question: What Causes Evaporator Coils to Freeze?

What Can You Do Yourself if Your Central AC Unit Does Not Work? When Should You Call a Lake Forest AC Professional?

Monday, June 18th, 2012

If your Lake Forest air conditioning system suddenly stops working or is not keeping your house as cool as you think it should, the chances are good that you will have to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs and get you back on track. However, there are a few things you can do on your own before you make that call to ensure that this really is something you cannot take care of on your own.

While it may seem obvious, the first thing you should check is the thermostat to make sure that it is set to a temperature that will trigger the air conditioning to come on. If your thermostat for some reason is set too high, then the air conditioner will not receive the signal to start cooling the house. This is an easy fix, of course, and you will be back up and running in no time.

If the thermostat is indeed set where it should be, the next thing to check is the air filter. Most people with central air conditioning know that they should change the filter once every month or so, but this seldom actually happens.

If it has been a while since your air filter was changed, there is a good chance that it is clogged and therefore blocking air from circulating from the air conditioner through the rest of the house. This is an easy enough fix, as all you need to do is replace the current air filter and your system should be able to pick up right where it left of. However, if the blocked air filter has also caused ice to form behind it, you may have to wait for a couple of hours until the ice has a chance to thaw.

Next, you will want to check and make sure that the air conditioning system is actually getting power. Look to see if any of the breakers are tripped or if there may have been a current interruption for any other reason that is within your power to fix. If this is the case, though, it is a good idea to turn the air conditioning system off before you attempt to restore the power.

If none of these measures are able to get your air conditioning system up and running again, you should not hesitate to call a Lake Forest air conditioning professional. Many air conditioning repairs are quite basic, but they still need to be performed by a licensed professional. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today if your air conditioner needs service!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on What Can You Do Yourself if Your Central AC Unit Does Not Work? When Should You Call a Lake Forest AC Professional?

Air Conditioning Tips: Causes of AC Short Cycling

Monday, June 11th, 2012

A common problem with Orange County air conditioners is short cycling.  Short cycling is when an air conditioning unit will have either short run times or short off times.  This type of quick movement back and forth between being on and off–or rather starting and stopping rapidly–can be detrimental to the overall life of an AC unit, and is also not energy efficient.

There are quite a few air conditioning repairs that can be made to solve this short cycling problem.  Below are the main causes for air conditioning short cycling, which can be checked, diagnosed, and fixed quite easily.

  • AC Refrigerant Leak:  There could be a refrigerant leak somewhere within the AC unit.  A temporary fix might be to add refrigerant and recharge the air conditioning unit, but long-term, an HVAC specialist will need to be contacted in order to find and fix the leak properly, ensuring excess money is not paid to continually add an unnecessary amount of refrigerant.
  • AC Coil Icing: This means that the evaporator coil or cooling coil has become encrusted with ice or frost and is causing the unit to malfunction by turning on and off in short bursts.  Turning off the unit completely and letting the ice melt, then checking and replacing dirty filters can oftentimes fix this problem.
  • AC is Oversized:  The amount of power needed (or the BTUs needed) to cool a space is directly proportional to the size of the space or room which is being cooled.
    • If AC short cycling has been a constant problem since day one of an AC system installation, it is entirely possible that the A/C unit is too large for the space which it is cooling.  This could mean contacting an HVAC technician to have the unit analyzed and a new, smaller unit put in.
    • If A/C short cycling is a relatively new problem, some possible causes could be: closing or opening doors which previously were not closed or opened frequently, or the addition of partitions within rooms which effectively makes the room size smaller.  This could mean simply adjusting the thermostat, or the blower fan to a lower speed to compensate for the change, or opening interior doors to increase the size of the space which is being cooled by the AC unit.
    • AC Control Board Problem:  While less likely, the problem could be in a control board or control switch which has been damaged, thus causing erratic and rapid starting and stopping cycles.  In this case an HVAC technician would need to be contacted in order to replace the broken control switch.
    • AC Compressor Damage or Start-Up Issues:  Some AC systems have hard-starting compressors which take time to re-pressurize properly after shutting down.  If the AC system is being turned on or off manually on a frequent basis, the compressor might have a hard time restarting because the high pressure which had built up on the previous on-cycle had not had a chance to come down to normal levels again.  An easy way to diagnose this problem is if after leaving the AC unit shut off for thirty minutes, the unit works properly after being turned on again.  To help this compressor issue, an HVAC service technician can add a starter capacitor to the AC unit.

These and other AC short cycling causes can be checked, diagnosed, and fixed quite easily by calling Saddleback Plumbing.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Tips: Causes of AC Short Cycling

Plumbing Tip: How to Fix Leaky Tub Faucets in Showers

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Do tub faucet leaks sound like a familiar issue in your Orange County home? You turn on your shower, flip the switch to go from tub faucet to shower head and the tub faucet continues to leak. Not only is it rather irritating, but it draws from the water pressure in the shower head. Let’s take a look at why this happens and how to quickly fix it.

Why the Leak?

There is a valve in your tub’s faucet that diverts water from the tub to the shower head when the switch or lever is pulled to turn on your shower. Because the valve is not a perfect seal, the tub faucet will drip a small amount during a shower. However, if a large amount of water is coming out of the tub faucet and very little is coming from your shower head, it is likely a problem with that valve.

In some cases, the only way to know the root of this bathroom plumbing repair is to take apart the assembly and check all of the valve parts individually for damage. The specifics of the repair process will depend largely on the type of shower and diverter valve you have.

Fixing the Problem

To fix this problem, you can either replace part of or the entire shower diverter valve. Start by removing the faucet and pulling the screw that holds the shower diverter valve in place. Once the screw is removed, take out the rubber washer and replace it. Many times, this is enough to fix the problem.

If it is not, however, you may need to replace the entire shower diverter valve. There are some situations that make it hard to reach the shower diverter valve, such as when you have a shower handle instead of a faucet knob. If this is the case, you may need special tools or professional assistance in removing the knob to access the valve.

If you find that this does not fix the problem or that you are uncomfortable attempting this repair, contact Saddleback Plumbing who is experienced in removing and replacing shower diverter valves.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Plumbing Tip: How to Fix Leaky Tub Faucets in Showers

How Indoor Air Quality is Affected by Crawl Spaces in Laguna Beach

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Indoor air quality problems in Laguna Beach come in many forms. The most common is a specific irritant like dander or pollen getting in through poorly sealed windows or a lack of ventilation keeping stale air inside during the winter. However, for those with crawlspaces beneath their home, the risk of potentially dangerous indoor pollutants rises sharply.

Radon in Your Crawlspace

Radon is a gas emitted from the natural decay of uranium found in almost all soil. Any home can sit atop radon emitting soil – the real question is whether that gas can make its way into your living space. Unfortunately, poorly sealed crawlspaces are a frequent problem, either due to previous owners using the space for storage or to it being poorly sealed during construction.

If your home shows high levels of radon, the crawlspace is likely the first space that will be inspected by your contractor. Because radon gas can lead to diseases like lung cancer (in as many as 21,000 people each year), the risk is not worth ignoring.

Mold and Mildew

Another major problem faced by homeowners with crawlspaces is the presence of moisture in the crawlspace. Moisture is a direct contributor to the growth of mold and mildew which can quickly spread into your home. Proper sealing is highly recommended if natural moisture builds up in the crawlspace or if a lingering mold problem simply won’t go away.

Crawlspace Inspection

Inspection of your crawlspace starts with carefully analyzing the indoor air quality of your home to be sure nothing is currently causing problems. If high levels of radon or mold are detected, the crawlspace is usually the first place to check. If they are not, it is still good to inspect the space to check for both as they can quickly spread to the rest of the house.  Another preventative step you can take is installing air cleaners in your HVAC system to help reduce air pollutants.

An unsealed crawlspace is almost always an unnecessary danger that should be seen to as quickly as possible. If you are interested in keeping tabs on your home’s air quality, it starts at the foundation. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today and learn more about what they can do for you.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on How Indoor Air Quality is Affected by Crawl Spaces in Laguna Beach

Sump Pump Maintenance is Easy in the Spring

Monday, May 7th, 2012

For those of us with sump pumps in Orange County, their maintenance is one of the most important things to make a little time for on a regular basis.  If a sump pump is not working properly it could mean flooding of a home or office building that sits below the water table level, or that had a basement waterproofing system in place.  Flooding can mean excessive damage to not only the basement, but to any other lower floors, and even foundation damage which will all then need to be repaired or replaced completely.  With such simple precautionary steps as performing a few quick plumbing maintenance checks it is easy to keep that sump pump running properly without such damage.  A good time to go about sump pump maintenance is during early Springtime prior to the rainy season when the weather changes once again and other areas of the home or building are being checked as well.

  • For electric sump pumps: Ensure the sump pump is plugged into a working outlet, and that the cord is in good shape.  Due to the damp, the breakers on these outlets can trip more easily, which then shuts off the sump pump.  This is a simple fix as the breaker just needs to be reset.
  • For battery powered sump pumps: replace the battery as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.  On back-up battery powered pumps, replace the battery every two to three years.
  • Check that the sump pump is standing upright.  Since sump pumps vibrate they can fall to one side, which can jam vital parts, causing it not to activate properly.  While upright, all working parts should be free to move as necessary.
  • Pick up submersible pumps to clean the grate on the bottom.  Ensure that there are no small stones in the grate which could block the inlet or damage the pump.
  • Check that outlet pipes are tightly joined together, check that their outlet is at least twenty feet from the foundation of the home or building, and that when the sump pump is on it is actually removing water through the pipes.
  • Clean the vent hole in the discharge pipe, remove any debris which was stuck in it.

Besides performing maintenance on a sump pump annually, it is good to check it again after heavy rains to ensure that it is still removing water properly.  Also check it after longer dry spells by dumping a bucket or two of water near the machine to make sure it starts up automatically and that it drains efficiently.  While most new models have indicators which alert you when the pump is not working properly, it is still good to physically check the machine periodically to ensure it is running properly.  With proper sump pump maintenance your sump pump will give you great service for a long time.  Call Saddleback Plumbing to schedule your next simp pump maintenance vist.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on Sump Pump Maintenance is Easy in the Spring

What to do When Air Conditioning Coils Freeze Over in Orange County

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Here are a few reasons air conditioners in Orange County can develop cooling coil icing problems; either the air filter has not been properly replaced, or there is a condensing coil leak.  It is best to check and test the easiest problem first and then move on from there.

It is important to perform the air conditioning maintenance of changing the filters as often as recommended by the manufacturer.  A common result of not replacing filters frequently enough is a buildup of dust and dirt on the filter, which causes reduced air flow throughout the air conditioning unit.  With reduced air flow, the evaporator coil or cooling coil within the air handler can become blocked by ice or frost build-up.  Having cooling coil icing can significantly reduce or completely stop the amount of cool air being produced by an air conditioning unit.

Easy steps to diagnose and resolve air conditioning cooling coil icing problems:

  • Visually inspect the air conditioning cooling coils to check whether reduced air flow has been caused by cooling coil icing.  If ice or frost is found on the coils, thus blocking air-flow, proceed with the next step.
  • Turn off the air conditioning system completely to allow ice to evaporate, the unit will have to remain off until all ice is completely melted and drained away from the unit
  • Unclog the condensate drain to ensure proper drainage of melting ice
  • Replace all dirty filters on the air conditioning unit
  • Once the a/c unit is de-iced and has fresh filters, it is safe to turn the system back on, to test whether the icy build-up happens again

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on the cooling coils do not ice-up, the unit runs normally and cool air runs smoothly through the system, congratulations!  That do-it-yourself attitude paid off; the problem has been fixed!

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on cooling coil icing happens again, this could mean one of two things.  Either too little of the refrigerant is being released into the cooling coil due to a clogged capillary tube or a stuck thermostatic expansion valve.  Or the refrigerant charge is too low due to a refrigerant leak.  A refrigerant leak can happen at any point in the refrigerant piping system which would then need to be soldered and resealed, or it can happen in the cooling coil or condensing coil which could mean the entire coil needs to be replaced.  Fixing of refrigerant leaks should be handled by a HVAC professional.  Contact Saddleback Plumbing so we can identify the air conditioner cooling coil icing problem and execute the proper solution.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on What to do When Air Conditioning Coils Freeze Over in Orange County

What Huntington Beach Residents Should Do If Their Furnace Keeps Turning On and Off?

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Furnaces in Huntington Beach are designed to last decades without major problems so long as they are regularly maintained.  They typically work so well, in fact, there is a danger of taking our comfort for granted and skipping the annual furnace maintenance for a year or two as time rushes by, waking up suddenly and brutally to a dark night and no heat.

In retrospect, a preliminary indication of trouble could have been the furnace continually turning off and on in short bursts, something that was tugging at your senses, but not strongly enough to really catch your attention.

Possible Problems

A furnace constantly turning on and off could often be a direct result of poor airflow through the system.  Heat builds up and the detectors sense the proper temperatures have been reached and automatically shut down.  In the room, the thermostat calls for more heat and starts the cycle over again.

A relay switch or control valve may also be worn and working improperly.  A crack in the heat exchanger might fuel the flame to burn too hotly and cause the sensor to misinterpret the information and shut down.

These problems not only impede the distribution of heat to the living spaces, decreasing comfort, but also create intense wear on the motor and controls, threatening the very life of the appliance.

Simple Solutions

Restricted airflow can be caused most often by a dirty or clogged filter.  At the furnace, there is usually a panel that can be removed to check, clean or replace the filter.  It is typically a single or series of cardboard and screen panels approximately 1′ by 2′, but varies by manufacturer and furnace output.

A vacuum to pull lint free or compressor to blow it clean are the recommended tools to use a few times each year.  It is a good idea to change the filters at the beginning of each heating season. The belts are also easily replaced.

The fan belts for the blower may also be worn loose and not pushing the air hard enough to get through the filters.  It is a good idea to check them regularly as well.

The Calvary Charge

When in doubt, call Saddleback Plumbing.  Scheduling an annual inspection and service with us takes the worry out of living in a furnace heated home.  Besides the rite of safe passage for your peace of mind, trained mechanics can spot the defects and give you the best assurance of a long life of comfort and warmth.

When contracting with the same HVAC company over time, a relationship is built whereby they care nearly as much as you.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off on What Huntington Beach Residents Should Do If Their Furnace Keeps Turning On and Off?