signs Archives - Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Telltale Signs of an Electrical Wiring Problem

Spot Faulty Wiring at Home Before It Becomes a Problem

Having electricity at home to power daily lives is a technological marvel that has become so commonplace and matter-of-fact that it’s now taken for granted. But having it on-demand and safely available at home is nothing short of a miracle. Electricity allows the convenience of comfort, powers devices, and makes everything available with the touch of a button.

However, this doesn’t mean the electrical infrastructure at home that makes this possible shouldn’t be taken care of, as well as everything else. Homeowners should be aware that faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires. For this scenario to be avoided, it’s vital homeowners are aware of the signs of faulty electrical wiring to resolve it immediately and keep it from happening again.

Watch Your Fuses and Circuit Breakers

It isn’t out of the ordinary to have a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker happen at home every once in a while. After all, fuses are meant to be blown, and circuits tripped because they are essentially safety devices meant for protection. Both devices are intended to interrupt the flow of the current when there is too much of it to prevent electrical hazards and damage.

While fuses are meant to be used only once and then replaced, circuit breakers can be reset once they trip. However, if homeowners find themselves replacing fuses or resetting circuit breakers more often than usual, it could indicate a bigger problem, such as faulty wiring, and an electrician should be called immediately to inspect the electrical system and see if there is a problem with the wiring that needs to be resolved.

Outlets Shouldn’t Be Hot to the Touch or Have Burn Marks

Electrical outlets are the receptacle through which household residents access electricity. However, it doesn’t mean they should be hot to the touch or bear any signs of electrical damage, such as burn or scorch marks. If someone’s hands or eyes sense evidence of these problems, this should be a red flag that faulty electrical wiring may be the culprit.

Homeowners who experience an electrical outlet that is hot when touched or one that has burn marks on it must call an electrician immediately to fix this, as electrical issues like faulty wiring are extremely dangerous and could lead to an electrical fire if not repaired immediately.

A Buzz or Burning Smell

When it comes to faulty electrical wiring, the sense of sight and touch aren’t the only ways to sense the existence of a problem. People can also turn to their sense of smell or hearing as a way to be alerted to faulty electrical wiring. Homeowners who notice a burning smell or a buzzing sound near electrical outlets should also call an electrician immediately.

These are common signs of a problem with the electrical wiring, as outlets aren’t supposed to emit that electrical hum, nor are they supposed to smell like they’re burning. If the burning smell is akin to burning plastic, chances are, the wiring has gotten hot enough to melt the insulation coating, and it may be a sign of the beginning of an electrical fire behind the walls.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has more than three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and financing. Call them today for wiring repair and replacement services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Know the Signs That Point to AC Replacement

Three Signs That an AC System May Need Replacing

Summer is here, and with the warm weather comes the inevitable reliance on air conditioning. But what if the AC isn't working as well as it should? Don't suffer through another sweltering season worried about the air conditioner breaking down – it may be time for a new unit. A few telltale signs can indicate the AC is on its way out, including poor airflow, odd noises and smells, and high energy bills.

If homeowners have noticed any of these issues, it's time to get it inspected by an HVAC contractor and consider options for a new AC. Don't wait until the heat waves hit – take action now to ensure the home stays cool and comfortable all summer.

Strange Noises and Smells

A well-functioning AC system shouldn’t emit unusual smells or noises. If it does, that’s an indication that something is wrong. Here’s what to know:

An exhaust fume or chemical smell could indicate a refrigerant leak and needs immediate attention.
A burning smell from the AC system could indicate a burnt-out blower fan, an electrical issue, or overheating. All of these things also require prompt attention from a professional.
Except for an ambient hum, an AC shouldn’t make any noise. If one hears rattling, banging, or hissing, this could point to a loose component, air leak, or another issue that needs addressing.

Higher-Than-Normal Energy Bills

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) notes that the average Florida homeowner spends around $130 on their monthly energy bill. This number can be even higher when an AC system doesn’t work as it should. The reason why an air conditioner that needs replacing may jack up a home’s utility bills includes the following:

If the AC cannot get the home to the desired temperature because of an issue, it will work overtime and use more energy to try and reach the correct temperature.
A malfunctioning AC might short-cycle, meaning it turns on and off quickly. This on-and-off cycle can affect home comfort and increase cooling costs.
Poor energy efficiency and high energy bills could also result from an old AC that needs to be replaced due to age and wear and tear.

Poor Airflow

When it comes to staying cool during the summer months, there's nothing worse than having an AC system that's not working correctly. One of the biggest warning signs that it's time for a replacement is weak airflow. If homeowners notice little to no air coming out of their vents, or if the air that does come out isn't cooled, they may need to consider investing in a new system.

While trying to troubleshoot the issue may be tempting, seeking professional help to determine the best course of action is vital. A replacement may seem like a significant investment. However, it can save homeowners time and money in the long run by ensuring their home stays comfortable and energy-efficient without issue.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day services, and financing. Call them today for AC replacement and installation services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Signs That the Home's Air Ducts Need Repairs or Replacement

How to Know When the Air Ducts Need Attention

Many homes in South Florida have central cooling systems. These systems rely on air ducts to channel cold air from one room to the next. In this blog, homeowners can learn the signs of damaged air ducts, the benefits of duct replacement, and what duct repair entails.

Signs That the Air Ducts Need Repair or Replacement

Some signs that ductwork is damaged and a professional should be called to examine a home’s air ducts include:

Strange noises
Foul odors like that of mold or mildew
Some rooms in the house feel cooler than others (uneven cooling)
Increased energy bills

With just one visit, an HVAC professional can examine the ductwork for damages, assess the issue, and determine the best solution, repair, or replacement. Fixing the problem with the air ducts or installing new ones should eliminate the above signs and lead to more even cooling and reduced cooling costs.

The Benefits of Air Duct Replacement

Replacing air ducts can greatly improve the overall efficiency of a home or business's air conditioning system. Newer air ducts tend to have better insulation, which helps them run more quietly and use less energy than older ducts. This means that homeowners can enjoy quieter rooms while also saving money on their energy bills.

Additionally, newer air ducts can help circulate cleaner, temperature-regulated air more efficiently throughout the building, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for everyone. So while air ducts being damaged enough to need a replacement may seem like a negative, they offer the benefit of being a cost-effective way to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of a home or business.

How Do Technicians Fix Damaged Air Ducts?

A homeowner should not attempt to repair ductwork alone. Doing so could cause more damage than what’s originally there. When a professional HVAC technician recognizes a problem with the air ducts, they can fix the problem by:

Patching any leaks: An HVAC expert may fix a leak by spraying foam or applying a patch. This prevents air from escaping the system and wasting money.
Replacing part of the air duct: Some damaged air ducts need replacing. A professional will aim to do this as non-invasively as possible, so if only one part of the duct needs to be replaced, a technician may remove and replace only that section of ductwork.
Cleaning the air ducts: Some air ducts don’t need repairs––just a good cleaning. A professional may clean an air duct using a vacuum or other specialized equipment.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over 30 years of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and financing. Call them today for ductwork cleaning, repair, or installation in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Haunting Signs an Air Conditioner Needs Repair

Signs the AC Needs Repairs This Halloween

Being scared on Halloween is usually associated with getting the chills, but cold sweats might be more applicable to South Florida. The sweating part, at least. As temperatures stay high throughout this time of year, air conditioners continue to work to keep people cool and comfortable inside their homes as things outside get spooky.

There are some signs of a faulty air conditioner that are commonly confused with Halloween creepiness. In this blog, common signs the AC needs repair will be discussed, and by catching these problems early, homeowners can avoid the horror of being stuck without the air conditioner.

Startling Loud Sounds

Air conditioners are reliable equipment even when they work as hard as they do during the summers. When any piece of machinery starts to falter, it gives off signs, often in the form of new and unusual noises, many of which can be confused for Halloween sound effects during this time of year. Stay on the lookout for these signs that indicate problems with the AC:

Buzzing or Humming: These sounds are a common symptom of electrical problems brewing in the air conditioner. When capacitors go bad, or motors start to burn up, they often give off loud buzzes or hums when the unit starts up. Addressing this problem early can prevent a total outage.

Squeaks and Squeals: Squeaks and squeals can transmit through ductwork and be heard pretty much anywhere in the home. However, the problem is usually due to a lack of maintenance and lubrication. Also, blower wheels can squeak as they get grimed up and out of balance.

Dead Silence: This is the most haunting problem of all. Typically, if the unit is on and supposed to be running, this is a sign that the unit has completely failed. In some cases, the air filter may be so dirty that no airflow occurs.

Faulty Thermostat

The best way to beat the heat is to crank down the thermostat. The thermostat is one of the most important parts of the heating and cooling system. It tells the system when to turn it on and off and regulates the temperature in a home. If a thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can cause several problems.

The first thing homeowners may notice is that the home isn’t as comfortable as it should be. The same is true if the temperature in the house is too hot or too cold. Another problem homeowners might notice is that their heating and cooling system is running more than they should be. If the system is constantly turning on and off or seems to be running more often than usual, the thermostat may not be working correctly. This can waste a lot of energy and money.

There are a few things people can do to check whether or not the thermostat is working correctly. First, make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If it’s not, adjust it and see if that makes a difference. Next, check the batteries in the thermostat. If they’re old or dead, they may not be providing enough power to the thermostat. Replace the batteries and see if that solves the problem.

If the thermostat still isn’t working correctly, homeowners may need to replace it. Thermostats don’t last forever, and they can break down over time. If a thermostat is over ten years old, it’s probably time for a new one. Scheduling routine maintenance with an expert can ensure that thermostats are accurate and keep the home comfortable.

Uneven Cooling Around the Home

Those cold and hot spots around the home aren’t restless spirits but likely a sign of a faulty AC system. Often, uneven cooling around the house is a sign of poor airflow. Poor airflow is often due to dirty air filters that weren’t changed on time or damaged and leaking air ducts.

Replacing the air filter around every three months is essential to airflow and even cooling. Try changing the air filter if some rooms in the home are uncomfortably hot or cold, and see if that makes the Halloween season less frightening. Another cause of poor airflow can be air ducts leaking treated air, so the air isn’t properly distributed. Professional technicians can patch leaks in the air ducts or replace damaged sections of ductwork to fix this issue.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has more than three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and a membership club with perks. Call them today for air conditioning repairs in Pompano Beach, FL.