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Air ducts are an essential part of your whole-house heating and cooling system, as they circulate heated or cooled air throughout your house. Over time, dust, pollen and other particles collect inside air ducts, which you will need to clean out. Here local air conditioning installation contractor  Sierra Air shares tips on how to keep your air ducts clean for longer.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Air filters trap dust and other particles before they can enter your HVAC system. Over time, they’ll become clogged, requiring cleaning or replacement. Experts recommend replacing air filters every three months, but it really varies by household depending on factors such as dust levels in the area, if there are pets in the home and the season; air conditioners tend to be heavily used in the summer.

If you’re not sure when your air filter should be replaced, check on it every week or so. If there’s a layer of dust and particulates on it, then you need to replace it. Fortunately, air filters are designed to be user-replaceable, and replacements can be purchased off the shelf; just make sure you choose the same size as the old one.

Dust and Vacuum More Often

Dust, dander, and other particulates that may collect in the heating and air conditioning ducts come from everywhere. Keeping up with a regular house cleaning routine can help prevent these particulates from getting into your HVAC system. Keeping your indoor spaces clean can also contribute to maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing occurrences of asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems.

Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Air ducts require cleaning every three to five years to remove any particulates that have collected within them. During a typical air duct cleaning, the air ducts are sealed and subjected to negative pressure, after which a brush-like mechanical device is used to knock dust and other particles loose. The negative pressure works like a vacuum and sucks particulates into a dustbin. Sealant may also be applied to seams and joints, either as a sprayed-on caulk or an aerosol. The ducts may also be sanitized to prevent odors caused by mold and bacteria.

Call Sierra Air for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning repair and installation services. You can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Reno, NV, and nearby areas.

In addition to service appointments, homeowners also need to know how to perform some basic maintenance tasks on their own. Here the residential and commercial heating and cooling contractors at Sierra explain why both sets of tasks are crucial to keeping your HVAC system in good condition.

Why Is It Important for Homeowners to Know How to Do Certain Tasks?

We often get asked by homeowners why they have to do HVAC maintenance tasks at all. We tell them that while a great deal of maintenance and repair work is performed by an HVAC technician, only a homeowner cant keep an eye on their heating and cooling systems on a daily basis.

As the homeowner, you can keep an eye on the system and perform simple maintenance tasks that require minimal effort and risk. Calling in to report minor issues you may find along the way can help prevent major problems such as unexpected breakdowns and help keep repair costs to a minimum.

Maintenance Tasks That You Can Do On Your Own

Owners of commercial air conditioning systems typically have checklists for routine HVAC inspections. Home inspections are not as complicated, but a checklist can help you make sure you don’t forget anything. In addition to cleaning the area around your HVAC system’s outdoor unit, your checklist should include the following.

Change the Air Filter — Most HVAC systems need the air filter to be cleaned or replaced every three months or so. Many HVAC problems such as blocked airflow, inefficient operation and an overheating blower motor are caused by clogged air filters, so the filters in some homes may bear checking as often as every month. If it there’s a thick layer of fiber and dust on the filter, you definitely need to clean or replace it more frequently. Fortunately, air filters are designed to be user-replaceable. When buying a new air filter, just make sure that you get one that’s the same size.

Clean the Condensate Drain Pan — The condensate drain pan is a container that fills with the moisture that the air conditioner collects from your indoor space. A full drain pan may lead to the build-up of mold and algae.

Maintenance Tasks That You Should Leave to the Pros

There are certain tasks that should be left to your HVAC technician because they’re dangerous, may cause further damage to your HVAC system or might void your warranty.

Electrical Work — It goes without saying that electrical work should be left to licensed electricians or HVAC technicians. If you find loose connections or frayed wires, turn off the HVAC system’s circuit breaker and call your HVAC technician.

Furnace Repairs — Improper furnace repairs pose several risks, including burns and inhalation of carbon monoxide fumes.

Refilling Refrigerant — In case of refrigerant leaks, never try to refill refrigerant yourself. In addition to the dangers of handling a toxic substance, your HVAC system needs to have the correct refrigerant type and level.

Call Sierra Air for Your HVAC Maintenance Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of AC heating and air conditioning services. You can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

With COVID-19 compelling everyone to stay indoors, we at Sierra Air understand that clean and healthy air, as well as HVAC maintenance, remain priorities for our customers. In this blog, we share an overview of the steps we are taking to provide residential and commercial heating and air conditioning services during these times.
Clean and Healthy Indoor Air

Whether you’re quarantined at home or are running a public facility such as a supermarket, clean indoor air is important. Every HVAC system is equipped with an air filter that catches dust, pollen, and other particulates. HVAC systems equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can help ensure clean indoor air by trapping very small particles, including airborne virus particles. Combined with regular maintenance, your HVAC system is instrumental in helping reduce spread of disease.
Preventative Measures

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically affected businesses across the world, including the HVAC industry. We consider ourselves fortunate that we can still provide commercial and residential air conditioning installation and maintenance services during these times. In accordance with the CDC and local health guidelines, we have immediately implemented preventative measures to ensure cleanliness for our office staff, field personnel, and—most importantly—our customers.

We have been developing and changing our policies to reduce risk for our employees, including remote work for those who can. Employees who are not feeling well are compelled to stay home, with financial support if they turn out to be affected by the virus. Field personnel are trained on best sanitation practices. They will also be equipped with proper safety equipment upon deployment, as well as decontamination procedures upon their return.
Sierra Air Will Remain Open

Sierra Air will remain at your service, and will still be able to provide emergency HVAC services 24 hours a day. We have also provided a helpful HVAC troubleshooter tool on our website to help you identify common HVAC problems. Rest assured that we are taking everyone’s health very seriously, and are doing everything in our power to maintain health and safety for our customers, our employees, and the community.
Call Sierra Air for Your HVAC Needs

Sierra Air continues to serve as your local residential HVAC contractors during these trying times. Fill out our contact form for more information. We serve customers in Nevada and nearby areas.

The air coming from your air conditioner isn’t supposed to have a smell, so if it smells moldy or musty you probably need the help of a trusted HVAC technician. Here residential HVAC contractors at Sierra Air share a look at the common causes of air conditioner odors and how to get rid of them.

Causes of Air Conditioning Odors

Air conditioning odors can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Excess Moisture in the Ducts or Vents — High humidity levels can result in excess moisture collecting in the air ducts and vents. The combination of darkness and moisture allows mold to grow unnoticed. If you can smell it, chances are it’s starting to spread in the ductwork.
• Frozen Evaporator Coils — Evaporator coils can freeze due to clogged air filters. The lack of airflow causes water to collect on the evaporator coils, where it can then freeze.
• Full Drain Pan — Excess humidity from your indoor space is collected in a drain pan, also known as a drip pan. Stagnant water can accumulate mold and bacteria over time, resulting in a foul odor.
• Clogged Condensate Line — Similar to what happens with a full drain pan, water that’s stuck in clogged condensate lines can contain mold and bacteria.
• Oversized HVAC System — HVAC technicians need to calculate the size of your living area in order to determine the right heating and air conditioning system for your home. Choose one that’s too small, and it will be performing at full capacity all the time. An air conditioner that’s too big, on the other hand, will turn off too soon, resulting in improperly-dehumidified air that can encourage mold and bacterial growth.

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Air Conditioning Odors

Get rid of odors coming from the ductwork with a professionally-conducted air duct cleaning. In addition to getting rid of dust, mold and other pollutants that may cause odors, the air ducts will be resealed at the joints. Disinfectant will also be applied to minimize mold and bacterial growth. Having your ducts cleaned every three to five years can help keep it clean and sealed off from indoor air pollutants.

Regular inspections, including cleaning the drain pans and checking the condensate lines, can help prevent bacteria buildup. Air filters should be replaced once every three months, or as often as once a month during periods of heavy use. Lastly, if you find issues that require repairs, avoid doing them yourself. Instead, contact an HVAC professional.

Call Sierra Air for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of residential air conditioning installation and repair services. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Nevada and nearby areas.

The compressor is considered to be the heart of the air conditioning system. Therefore, if it fails, the entire air conditioning system fails. In this post, your local air conditioning installation contractor Sierra Air discusses the common causes of AC compressor failure and how it can be prevented.

What Causes Compressor Failure?

Compression is a crucial stage in the refrigeration cycle. It’s what puts the refrigerant into a very cold state that results in cooled air. The following are some of the most common causes of AC compressor failure:

1. Dirty Coils — Dust, grime and mineral deposits can build up on the condenser coils. When this happens, the air conditioner can’t expel waste heat from the system, which affects its efficiency and can result in overheating and, ultimately, failure.

2. Blocked Refrigerant Lines — Refrigerant lines are tubes that transport refrigerant throughout the air conditioner. When they get blocked, the heating and air conditioning system’s output can be diminished, which can later lead to overheating and compressor failure.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels — Low refrigerant levels are typically caused by leaks in the refrigerant lines. Low refrigerant levels make the compressor work hard just to pump enough refrigerant through the AC unit, which, as you may have guessed, can lead to compressor failure.

4. Incorrect Repair Procedures — One reason why you should leave HVAC repairs to the pros is because improper repairs result in issues such as the incorrect replacement refrigerant being used. A DIYer or inexperienced technician could also end up putting too much or too little refrigerant into the compressor.

How to Prevent Compressor Failure —  Most of the aforementioned causes of AC compressor failure can be prevented by adhering to a regularly-scheduled maintenance routine. Ideally, HVAC systems should be inspected twice a year; once in preparation for the winter season, and again in the summer season. Inspections should be conducted by a certified HVAC technician. Recharging the refrigerant in particular requires precise calculations to avoid putting in too much.

Cleaning the compressor coils also requires correct cleaning procedures to avoid damage to the aluminum fins.

Call Sierra Air for HVAC Maintenance and Installation Services

Sierra Air is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning repair and maintenance services. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Reno, NV, and nearby areas.

Heat pumps and air conditioners need refrigerant to generate hot and cold air, which is why it’s important to take precautions against leaks. It’s equally important to take action as soon as signs of refrigerant leaks are noticed.

What Happens When HVAC Refrigerant Leaks?

HVAC refrigerant isn’t consumable like furnace fuel; as long as the heat pump or air conditioner doesn’t spring a leak, it won’t have to be topped off. A heat pump or air conditioner pumps refrigerant through stages of compression and condensation, which produces both hot and cold air, depending on which stage or mode is used. Refrigerant lines may get worn out over long periods of use. They’re invisible unless the HVAC covers are removed, therefore signs of an impending leak aren’t easily noticeable

Signs of Leaking Refrigerant

The following are signs that may indicate leaking refrigerant. If you notice one or more of the following, contact a residential and commercial air conditioning systems technician.

Low Output — If you already have your heat pump or air conditioner cranked up and the temperature still doesn’t feel adequate, you may be running low on refrigerant. The less refrigerant there is to work with, the less heating or cooling your HVAC system can produce. Constantly cranking up your HVAC system can also put undue stress on it, which could result in premature failure.

High Energy Bills — Low refrigerant levels mean more work for your HVAC system, resulting in high energy bills. If you notice a spike in your utility bills, this may coincide with other symptoms described here, so you may be looking at a refrigerant leak.

Hissing Sounds — Heat pumps and air conditioners are supposed to run relatively quietly. If you’re hearing hissing sounds, this could indicate leaking refrigerant. Bigger leaks may even produce a gurgling sound.

What We Can Do for Your HVAC System

Usually, refrigerant line repair work includes replacement of damaged or punctured refrigerant lines and adding more refrigerant until you have the required amount . Since refrigerant undergoes liquid and gaseous states—and therefore different expansion and contraction stages—refrigerant levels have to be precise. If your HVAC system contains an obsolete refrigerant such as R-22, it will be completely drained and replaced with a standard one like R-410A. Additional inspection will also be performed to make sure your heat pump or air conditioning system is in its best shape.

Call Sierra Air for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning services. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

One of the first things you do when you have small children at home is make sure that corners, stairs and other similar areas are sll  childproofed. HVAC floor vents are easily accessible to small children, and thus may require childproofing, too. In this blog, the local residential HVAC contractors at Sierra Air share tips on how to do this.

Why Do You Need to Childproof Your HVAC Floor Vents?

Small children like to explore. While some may overlook such things as HVAC floor vents, others don’t. Small children will typically drop things like pens and other small items between the slots of vent grilles. In fact, you’ll probably find a lot of items you thought were missing if you remove the floor vent grilles.

Children may poke the vents with their fingers. This is a big problem, as their fingers can get stuck in the openings, and, depending on the type of vent, it could have sharp edges. Also, you probably don’t want to have their hands covered in dust and dirt from handling these vents.

How to Childproof Your HVAC Floor Vents

Fortunately, childproofing your heating and air conditioning floor vents isn’t complicated:

Secure the registers — Registers are designed to be easily removed for cleaning. Unfortunately, this feature also makes it easy for small children to lift the entire panel and play with the open vent. Most types of vent grilles can be nailed or screwed to the floor; however, you can also use velcro or double-sided tape if you don’t want to damage your floors.

Replace the Vent Covers With Plastic Ones — Metal vent covers have sharp edges that can lead to cuts. A quick fix is to replace the vent covers with plastic ones, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. The majority of vent covers come in standard sizes, with a wide selection of colors and finishes to choose from. This means you should be able to find a suitable plastic replacement vent cover that matches the old one

Ask an HVAC Professional — Most tHVAC professionals like us don’t just install heating and cooling systems; we also make sure that our installations won’t cause harm to your home’s occupants. We can help you come up with options that will make your HVAC system safer for your little ones, while still providing efficient heating and cooling.

Call Sierra Air for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of residential air conditioning installation services. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Nevada and nearby areas.

With spring just a few weeks away, you should start thinking about preparing your HVAC system for the season. Here the residential and commercial air conditioning contractors at Sierra Air share tips on getting your home ready for warmer days.

Replace the Air Filters

Most HVAC systems require new air filters every three months, or even as often as once a month during periods of heavy usage. Air filters are designed to be user-replaceable, which means as long as you choose the right air filter size, you should be able to replace it yourself. In addition to maintaining indoor air quality, clean air filters also help prevent pollen and mold from infiltrating your indoor space. By the same token, you should inspect the media panel on your humidifier and replace it if needed.

Have the Ductwork Cleaned

If you have not had your home’s ductwork cleaned in the past 5 years or so, there’s no better time than this season to do so. Clean air ducts help make sure that the conditioned air that’s released through the vents is clean. Residential and commercial air conditioning companies like us offer duct cleaning services that also include sealing the joints in the ductwork. This makes your air distribution system more efficient by reducing leaks in the ductwork.

Reset Programmable Thermostats

If you have different thermostat settings during the spring, don’t forget to reset your programmable thermostat. A correctly-programmed thermostat helps make your HVAC system more efficient by raising and lowering indoor temperatures only when you need to. Households with fixed weekday-weekend schedules can benefit from 5-2 or 5-1-1 thermostats, as it lets you program separate cycles for weekdays and weekends.

Review the Heating System Shutdown Procedure

Furnaces that burn fuel need to be properly shut down. Leaving leftover fuel in its reservoir can cause problems such as loud popping sounds when you start it up again later in the year. Also, make it a point to test your air conditioning system well before the summer season begins. This way, f the air conditioner has problems, you won’t have to suffer spending a hot day at home while waiting for your AC to be fixed.

Call Sierra Air for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of air conditioning replacement services. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of indoor air pollutants in homes is often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. With the average person spending 90% of their time indoors, every homeowner needs to prioritize maintaining good indoor air quality.

Your trusted air conditioning installation contractor Sierra Air sheds light on the common causes of indoor air pollutants, and how to combat them in this post.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

You may not realize it, but some common indoor air pollutants come from things that are already in your home, like the following:

1. Indoor Smoking — Nicotine from tobacco smoke leaves stains on fabrics and painted surfaces. Nicotine particles may also remain in the air, which leaves a lingering tobacco smell. Prolonged exposure to these particles can cause respiratory problems, even for non-smokers.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds — VOCs are substances that are present in common household items such as paints, plastics and resins from pressed wood boards. These substances are released over long periods—sometimes decades—through a process called off-gassing.

3. Exhaust — Furnaces, stoves and fireplaces, as well as attached garages, can be sources of soot and carbon monoxide if not vented properly.

4. Radon — Radon is a gas that’s released when trace amounts of uranium, commonly found in soil, break down. Radon gas can enter the house through dirt floors, floor drains and cracks in concrete floors.

5. Biological Agents — These are indoor air pollutants that come from pets or plants, such as animal dander, pollen and mold.

How to Fight Indoor Air Pollutants

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to fight indoor air pollutants. The first thing you should look at is your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Perform regular inspections and make sure the air filters are replaced when full. HVAC systems typically require new air filters every three months, but your filters may need to be replaced as often as once a month if heavily used. Having a humidifier/dehumidifier in your HVAC system can help inhibit mold and mildew growth.

You can flush out indoor air pollutants by opening the windows in your home for at least 15 minutes a day. This won’t completely get rid of particulates in the air, but it can keep them at safe levels. Fine insect screens can help prevent pollen and other outdoor particles from entering your home. Changes to your routines, such as keeping smoking to certain outdoor areas and regularly bathing your pets, can also contribute to better indoor air quality.

Call Sierra Air for Your Indoor Ventilation Needs

Sierra Air is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning repair and installation services. Fill out our contact form to find out more information. We serve customers in Reno, NV, and nearby areas.

We at Sierra Air have been dedicated to providing the best heating and air conditioning services to homeowners in the Sierra Nevada area since 1986. Thus, upon learning that our dedication was recognized when we received the 2019 President’s Award from Carrier, we couldn’t have been happier! Let us tell you a little more about this prestigious award.

The Carrier President’s Award

The Carrier President’s Award is bestowed annually on a select group of Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealers who achieved top scores based on qualifications and standards established by the Carrier brand. A strong focus on leadership and management, brand recognition and industry expertise are among these criteria.

As one of the most recognized names in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, Carrier knows that customer intimacy and operational excellence are essential to meeting customer expectations of quality, comfort and performance. We at Sierra Air draw from decades of commitment and experience to provide superior HVAC services you won’t find anywhere else. This is the same commitment to service that led to us receiving the prestigious 2019 Carrier President’s Award.

Why Work With Us?

Carrier is the most trusted brand of HVAC systems in the world, and is always one step ahead of others in the industry when it comes to heating and cooling technologies. Millions of households trust Carrier to provide their homes with reliable heating, cooling and ventilation. We at Sierra Air aim to live up to this level of trust by practicing honesty and integrity in all our business dealings and providing excellent customer service.

Our status as one of Carrier’s Elite Leadership Dealers doesn’t just allow us to offer exclusive Carrier products; our team also undergoes special training that few dealers in the area receive. As if this isn’t enough, each of our technicians have received North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. This is your assurance that our technicians have run the full gamut of qualifications in order to bring you top-notch service worthy of a Carrier President’s Award recipient.

Call Sierra Air for Award-Winning HVAC Service

Don’t just take our word for it! Experience what our residential and commercial heating and cooling contractors at Sierra Air can do for you by filling out our contact form to schedule an appointment.