Home air conditioning systems require refrigerant to operate efficiently and cool your home properly. But what is refrigerant and how does it cool your home? Let’s take a closer look.

What is refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a substance that is found in either a liquid or gas form. It absorbs heat from the air and when combined with different cooling components, can provide a cooling effect on the air.

How does refrigerant work?

Air conditioning units store refrigerant inside their copper coils. As it absorbs the heat from the air inside your home, it changes from gas to liquid. Coordinating components inside of the AC unit send the refrigerant outdoors where a fan inside the unit blows the hot air over the coils where it is then pushed through to the exterior. After this process, the refrigerants cools down and transitions back into a gas. An interior fan in the home blows the air over the now-cool coils and distributes the cold air throughout the house. This cycle repeats over and over again resulting in a temperature controlled environment.

How do you know if your AC unit is low on refrigerant?

There a few different signs that your air conditioning unit may be low on refrigerant caused by a leak. Here are some of the most common signs that you may have a problem with your system.

• Hot air coming from air vents- If you stop noticing cold air coming from your air vents, this may be a sign that your system is low on refrigerant.
• Your system is constantly running- If you notice that your AC never seems to stop running or it seems to be working harder than it usually does, this could be a sign of a leak in your system.

If you notice either of these signs, contact L&M Heating and Cooling right away to inspect your system. Operating an air conditioning unit on low refrigerant could possibly damage the system.

Humidity in a home can increase energy costs, cause health problems for people with breathing issues and just be generally uncomfortable. But there are ways to reduce the amount of humidity in your home that are easier than you think. Let’s look at some things you can do.

Install an Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioners not only cool your home, but they also draw moisture out of the air. An HVAC professional will be able to assess your home and recommend an AC unit for your home depending on your specific needs.

Ventilate

Rooms that tend to produce a lot of moisture like kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms should be properly ventilated. Using a vent fan every time you cook, shower or wash clothes can really make a huge difference in the amount of humidity present in your home.

Invest in a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers come in all shapes and sizes depending on your specific needs. Smaller units are great for bedrooms or bathrooms, while larger units may be necessary for areas like a kitchen or basement. Some dehumidifiers work by pulling the moisture from the air and collecting it in a containment area that needs to be emptied. Whichever dehumidifier you choose, it can make a huge difference in the air quality in your home.

Move Plants Outside

If you have a large number of potted plants in your home, that could be contributing to the high humidity in your home. Try keeping some outside during the day, if you notice a difference in the moisture level in the air, you’ll know that you’ve found a source of the problem. 

Take Cooler Showers

Yes, hot showers feel amazing, but a long hot shower could be contributing to the high moisture levels in your home, especially if your bathroom is not properly ventilated. 

All these things can help reduce the humidity in your house, making for a more comfortable healthy home for you and your family.

Recently more attention has been brought to smart homes, otherwise known as homes with a Building Automation System (BAS). But what are they and what are the advantages? Let’s take a closer look.

What is home automation?

A smart home utilizes a BAS, which centralizes the control of the home’s heating, AC, lighting, security, ventilation and any other necessary system. It also gives you an automated control, making them accessible through a remote or even an app on your phone.

How does it work?

A home’s BAS is made of several different electronic devices that monitor the various systems of your home and make sure they’re functioning correctly. A professional HVAC company, like L&M Heating and Cooling, will be able to set up your home automation system.

What are the benefits of home automation?

Smart homes have lower energy costs and utility bills since you’re able to set your heating and cooling on a schedule for different zones of your home. This means you don’t need to heat or cool areas that don’t need to be, when they don’t need to be, saving lots of energy and wasted funds. You are also able to control your AC, heater or even the lights even when you’re not home. So for example, if you decide to stay an extra day on vacation in the dead of winter, you can turn your heat on even when you’re not home, saving yourself from possible emergencies like frozen pipes that can cost hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Is it expensive?

The average cost to install a BAS in your home could be anywhere from $500- $2000 depending on the size of your home and the systems you want to be controlled. But on average, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs, plus you have the priceless added convenience.

If you’re considering upgrading to home automation, contact L&M Heating and Cooling today.

Your HVAC system should be routinely checked and inspected at least every other year if it’s under ten years old, and every year if it is over ten years old. Of course, there are signs that your system should be checked right away, rather than waiting for your yearly inspection. Here are some signs that you should call L&M Heating and Cooling right away to check your HVAC system.

Burning Smell

When you first turn on your furnace for the winter season, a burning or overheating smell for the first 24 hours could be normal, but if it lasts longer than that, it could indicate an issue with the motor or wiring of your HVAC system. Turn off your system and call L&M Heating and Cooling right away.

Water Puddles

If you notice a small puddle of water near your air conditioning unit or furnace, it could just be condensation. But a large amount of condensation could indicate a major issue that needs to be addressed by a professional. Excess moisture could cause mold and then you’ll be dealing with an expensive and potentially dangerous issue, so call L&M Heating and Cooling right away to prevent a small problem from causing permanent damage.

Odd Sounds

If you hear whistling, clanging, buzzing or loud pops coming from your air vents, this could be an indicator of several different issues involving your HVAC system. They could be as minor as a blocked air duct or something major like failing hardware. Either way, it’s best to call the professionals right away to diagnose the problem.

Poor Airflow

If you notice weak airflow from your vents, first change your air filter. If the problem persists, this could indicate a problem such as a failing compressor. Calling a professional right away can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.

If you notice any of these signs, call L&M Heating and Cooling right away to check your HVAC system.

Asthma affects around 24 million Americans, 6 million of those being children. Even if you don’t suffer from Asthma, odds are you have some sort of reaction to airborne allergens. According to WebMD, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. So how do you protect yourself and your family? Installing the proper air filter and changing it regularly can significantly reduce the number of allergens in your home. Let’s take a closer look.

What air filters are good for allergies?

Regular air filters are not meant to clean the air to make it easier for you to breathe; they are designed to protect the air conditioning equipment, not your lungs. If you do suffer from allergies, it is crucial that you look for an air filter specifically for that purpose. Regular paper filters trap large dust particles from the air and prevent it from damaging the AC system, while HEPA (High Energy Particulate Air) filters are designed to block much smaller particles of dust, mold and other allergens that could negatively affect your breathing.

How do HEPA filters work?

HEPA filters are densely packed layers of glass fibers. High-quality HEPA filters can trap more than 99% of pollen and other airborne allergens, keeping them out of the air and your lungs.

How often should you change HEPA filters?

A HEPA air filter needs to be changed more frequently than a standard paper filter, at least every other month, sometimes more depending on the amount of pollen in your area.

If you have allergies, it’s not only important to use a HEPA filter, but also to have your entire HVAC system professionally maintained and cleaned at least every two years. A dirty system can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust in the ductwork, meaning your filter will have to work overtime. If you have any questions about air filters, call L&M Heating and Cooling today.

If you own a business, you know that everything is done electronically in this day and age. With technology comes electronics – expensive computers and devices that keep your business going. You’ve probably learned by now that all these electronic devices holding your precious data generate a lot of heat. To protect the core of your business -your data – it’s essential to keep the room you store this equipment in cool. This can be complicated and involves more than installing a few fans. Let’s take a closer look.

Use a Professional Company

A professional HVAC company, like L&M Heating and Cooling, can create a cooling system in your business that allows you to control the temperature not only in different rooms but in different zones. These types of multi-split air conditioning systems use variable refrigerant flow control, allowing the temperature to vary in different zones.

The Only Way to Avoid Overheating

Using a standard air conditioning system with only one thermostat means you’d either have to keep your entire facility at a very low temperature, wasting money and energy, or risk your data center overheating and potentially losing valuable information. L&M Heating and Cooling will ensure that your data center is continually kept at a safe temperature, while the rest of your facility is at a comfortable temperature for you and your employees. It is not only safer, but it can also save a tremendous amount of money over time.

Avoid Emergencies 

Power outages happen, and you need to be prepared for them. Even a short-term power loss could cause your data center to overheat, especially in the extreme heat of the summer. Use a portable spot cooler when your AC fails. Although this is only a temporary solution, it will keep you covered until the power is restored or L&M Heating and Cooling comes to inspect your system.

Call L&M Heating and Cooling today to install your personalized AC system to protect your data center.

You may not realize how important it is for your family’s health to change the air filter in your home regularly. Keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance can help your system last longer and also save you from costly emergency repairs. Certain factors can affect how often you should swap out your air filter, let’s explore those in more detail.

Allergies

Depending on the composition of your home (specifically how many people and what amount of space you are heating/cooling), you may need to change your air filter more frequently. In an “average” suburban home, the air filter should be swapped out every 3 months or so. If you have a pet like a cat or dog, or if anyone in the home suffers from allergies or other chronic respiratory conditions, the filter should be changed every 60 days to prevent discomfort.

Energy Efficiency and Cost

If you notice that your heating system isn’t running as hot as you’d like, or your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as well as it used to, it’s possible that a dirty air filter is interrupting the air flow. Since the system is working harder to push air through, your energy bill will be higher without a satisfying temperature. Changing your air filter regularly can help reduce the average $2,200 spent annually on your home energy bill by 5 to 15 percent.

Maintaining a Healthy HVAC Unit

A dirty air filter can affect your family’s quality of life just as much as it can affect your HVAC unit’s lifespan. Dirt stuck in an older filter can end up polluting the entire heating system and lead to costly repairs or emergency service if the system tries to work too hard to maintain normal air flow. A burnt-out motor or the replacement of an entire system is much more expensive than buying a pack of replacement filters to keep on hand.

Overall, replacing your air filter regularly can increase your peace of mind as well as improve breathing conditions for your family and your HVAC unit. If you have any questions about how your specific HVAC system should be serviced, the experts at L&M HVAC would be happy to answer!

Thanks to air conditioning, we have a refreshing retreat from those hot spring and summer days. It’s what keeps your family cool and comfortable…except when it’s malfunctioning. Air condition units need to have regular maintenance completed on it to ensure optimum performance. It also helps to avoid any sudden break downs where you could be left without AC for days at a time. There are many benefits to regular maintenance for your AC unit. Below are just a few!

Enjoy Maximum Comfort

When you come home after a hot day at the park or beach, the last thing you want is to wait an hour until the house finally cools down. By ensuring maintenance is performed regularly on your unit, you can rely on your air conditioning to cool you down quickly and efficiently.

Extends its Lifespan

All machines are prone to wear and tear. AC units will deteriorate just like any other machine. As the years pass, it’s performance and reliability will start to decline. You can increase the lifespan of an AC unit by ensuring it is maintained properly by a professional. You will also be alerted by the pro when it is time to get a new unit before it fails.

Saves energy

One of the most frustrating parts of running the air conditioning is the corresponding electric bill. Maintaining your unit also helps you lower that bill by ensuring it is not working harder than it needs to throughout the spring and summer. There are many filters that can be changed in your system. If changed regularly, it will help the airflow to travel easily throughout your system.

Don’t wait for a malfunction or a failure to call a repairman. Ensure you will be cool all summer through conducting regular maintenance on your system. Call L&M HVAC to schedule an appointment!

While there may be many YouTube videos and “how-to” articles online regarding how to refill your Air Conditioning unit with freon, it doesn’t mean that this is a good idea. Trying to do this on your own can result in not only damaging your A/C unit, but also yourself! Here are only a few of the many reasons why you should never try to refill freon on your own.

Freon is a Very Dangerous Chemical

Accidental inhalation of freon can cut oxygen from reaching vital organs and cells in your body. Spilling the chemical onto your skin can also result in injury. This chemical can harm you in many ways and therefore should only be handled by a licensed professional!

Freon May Not Be the Issue

Just because your Google search told you that a low level of freon might be the issue, it’s also very likely that it’s not the issue. Without consulting a professional, you could be risking damage to yourself and the unit without knowing with certainty that a low level of freon is causing the issue.

Overfilling the Unit with Too Much Freon

The most common result of DIY freon refills is overfilling the unit with freon. This could cause severe damage to the compressor. Many of the DIY freon products only show the freon pressure and not the actual amount of freon. This makes it very easy for an amateur to make this very costly mistake.

Increase in Electric Bills

By attempting to fix the unit yourself, you are eliminating the possibility of lowering your electric bill as much as a professional can. For example, accidentally overfilling your unit with freon will cause it to work harder and use more electricity. While trying to save a few bucks on hiring a professional, you will certainly pay more in the long run!

For the reasons above, and many more, please contact L&M HVAC to repair your unit. We can pinpoint the issue and if it does turn out to be the freon levels causing the issue, we can adjust the levels safely and effectively.

Once you install a cooling system in your building, you expect to enjoy controlled temperatures. However, this may not always be the case. Occasionally, you are likely to encounter hiccups from the unit. If you are switching from a heat to air conditioning unit, here are some of the problems you are likely to face:

Irregular temperatures

Some rooms are likely to be warmer or even colder than others are immediately after the switch over. These irregular temperatures can be quite drastic.  The location of the unit is another factor that may cause irregular temperature changes. Regular maintenance ensures all the debris in the ducts are cleared and boosts the efficiency of the system.

Freezing pipes

The temperatures outside will keep rising and falling depending on the season. However, if you were to install pipe insulation, you don’t have to worry. A change from a working air conditioner to a broken heating unit is likely to lead to frozen pipes throughout the building. Engage with an experienced company when switching from heat to air conditioning for your building.

Inadequate airflow

Working in a stuffy office is not your idea of a comfy and serene environment. If you are putting up with this kind of scenario, you risk catching colds and nasal infections. This eventually leads to low staff productivity due to sick offs and a poor working environment. If the air filters are not clean, airflow will be minimized. It could also be as a result of poorly installed ductwork. The only way to be sure of the problem is to have the units checked. Regular maintenance will also ensure the air filters, and cleaners are always in mint condition.

Enjoying the comfort of your office is within reach. Ensure the air conditioning unit and heating unit of your building are always in excellent condition through regular maintenance and switching from heat to air conditioning will be flawless.