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Hot summers and reasonable winters are the hallmarks of a typical Nevada year, with temperatures never reaching the extremes other places are known for. It’s for this reason many a trustworthy air conditioning installation contractor recommend heat pumps to perform heating and cooling roles in homes across the state.

Heat pumps operate differently than the usual air conditioning and heating systems so some homeowners might find it a little odd and challenging at first. Some problems might not even seem like problems until it becomes worse. One such issue occurs when heat pumps appear as if they never turn off. Our HVAC specialists at Sierra Air offer the following tips to resolve problems with continuously running heat pumps.

What’s the Matter?

As both a heating and air conditioning system, heat pumps don’t necessarily “produce” heat. Instead, they transfer heat from one place to another. This process is slow and gradual compared to the instantaneous cooling or heating of an AC or furnace. In particularly cold winters, heat pumps may take more time to reach and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and appear as if it never turns off.

Other Sources of Issues

Heat pump problems can also be caused by a malfunctioning contactor. A contactor manages the power input that goes into a heat pump compressor. Think of it as the electric meter that feeds the unit directly. Any issues with the contactor can cause a heat pump to run longer than it should and fail to shut down like normal.

How to Fix Power Troubles

Contactor problems should be handled only by licensed heating and air conditioning repair technicians. If you are experiencing difficulty in managing how your heat pump turns on or off, call your local HVAC company for service right away.

At Sierra Air, we are your number one go-to resource for all your HVAC and heat pump issues. Fill out our contact form to schedule a service visit today. We serve homeowners in Reno, NV as well as in all surrounding areas.

During cold winters and hot summers, a heat pump can be an effective heating and air conditioning system for homes in Nevada. Heat pumps don’t necessarily produce heat; rather, they transfer heat from one place to another. This means they can function as both a heating and a cooling unit, depending on the needs of the homeowner.The way a heat pump transfers heat can make for noisy operation, but this normal whirring and buzzing is neither loud nor concerning. If you start to hear odd noises coming from your heat pump that don’t seem to be part of normal operation, however, this may be a sign of trouble brewing under the hood. In this blog post, your HVAC specialists at Sierra Air explain common heat pump sounds and what they’re trying to tell you.

Running Louder Than Usual

As a residential air conditioning installation, heat pumps do make noise, and if these noises seem louder than usual it could mean one of two things: the compressor is operating at a higher setting, or the whole unit is in “defrost” mode. Whatever the reason, louder-than-usual noises are unlikely to indicate serious problems.

Metallic Clanging Noises

The sound of metallic clanging can only come from the unit’s fan. If you hear what sounds like metal hitting metal, shut off the power to your heat pump and inspect the fan for any loose fasteners or parts. If you find the fan is still making disturbing sounds, turn the fan off again and call a professional technician right away. Continuing to run a faulty fan can damage its motor and result in worse problems.

Gurgling and Grinding

Heat pumps use refrigerant lines to transfer heat. Over time, the refrigerant levels get depleted, causing the unit to make gurgling noises. Contact your local residential HVAC contractors at once if you notice this sound so they can top off the refrigerant and you can avoid any complications with your heat pump.Keep your heat pumps running in good condition all winter long with the help of our experts at Sierra Air. Fill out our contact form to schedule a service visit today. You may also request a free estimate on new heat pump installations. We serve homeowners in the Greater Nevada Area.

Despite technological advancements, modern heating and air conditioning units are still limited when it comes to controlling humidity. While furnaces are effective at keeping you warm in the winter, they do so by pumping hot, dry air into your home. Dry air has been linked to a number of respiratory, eye and skin problems, and it’s also been known to exacerbate the symptoms of certain allergies. In most cases, your best bet to combat dry air is with a whole-home humidifier.

Whole-home humidifiers offer a whole slew of benefits, but many homeowners are still on the fence about getting one installed. Let our experts at Sierra Air show you the pros as well as the cons of whole-home humidifiers so you can decide if it’s the right solution for you.

Advantages of Whole-Home Humidifiers

While the benefits of maintaining a healthy level of humidity in your home cannot be stressed enough, some people feel that installing a whole-home system is going a little overboard. There are residential HVAC contractors who recommend a simplistic approach by advising the use of portable units, but you’re unlikely to get the full advantages of humidity control with these smaller systems. From another perspective, a whole-home humidifier is also more energy efficient.

Limitations of Whole-Home Humidifiers

Installing a whole-home system isn’t a DIY project. It involves a lot of planning as well as some construction in order to fit all the parts into your existing HVAC system, something that may be beyond the ability of even the most enterprising DIY enthusiast. The best way to do it is to have a professional carry out the installation, but this understandably will come at a cost. However, after weighing the value and benefits you’ll be getting from a whole-home humidifier, it’s easy to see that the initial cost is definitely worth it.

Sierra Air is your trusted local residential air conditioning installation company. Fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve all homeowners in and around Nevada.

While it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to fire up your furnace at the peak of summer, it’s still important to keep your home’s heating system in mind and keep up with heating maintenance even when it’s out of season. The upkeep requirements of a system that’s currently not in use are pretty easy to fulfill, and you’ll be glad you kept it in good shape when the weather turns and colder days kick in.

Here are some useful heating maintenance tips from our HVAC technicians at Sierra Air.

Filter Changes

Even though the furnace isn’t running, air is still being circulated throughout your ductwork. This means your furnace filters will likely accumulate dust particles even during the summer months. Our experts recommend a monthly filter change; however, you can choose to do a visual check every now and then to determine whether or not one is necessary.

Calibrating Your Thermostat

The ideal frequency for a professional HVAC maintenance check is at least once every season. This summer, ask your technician to perform the check-ups needed to keep your thermostat calibrated. You can even do a quick test yourself by turning up the temperature and waiting to see if the heat comes on. If it doesn’t, call for heating repair right away.

General Cleaning

Clean the air ducts, vents, drainage holes and registers as needed. These parts tend to gather dust over time, but spring and summer are especially notorious for causing heavy build-ups. A seasonal inspection should include duct cleaning to avoid any complications and improve your indoor air quality.

Get the Best HVAC Service From Our Professionals

Don’t neglect your furnace and heating system in summer just because they’re not getting much use. Sign up for a maintenance plan from Sierra Air, your number one local provider of high-quality HVAC services. FIll out our online contact form to schedule a consultation, set up a maintenance appointment or request a free estimate.

The main difference between bypass and fan-powered humidifiers is that the former uses the blower motor of a furnace to distribute moist air throughout the house. As a result, it can’t operate when the furnace is off, whereas a fan-powered humidifier can run on its own.

Although these two types of humidifer can already be distinguished from each other by this one difference in design, residential air conditioning and heating experts would advise you to go beyond this detail. To make an informed decision, compare them more thoroughly using the following factors:

Cost

Generally, fan-powered humidifiers are costlier than their bypass counterparts, although the price varies by model. The caveat when choosing a bypass unit is that it requires new ductwork; to link it to a furnace, a bypass duct installation is necessary.

Moreover, the operation and maintenance expenses associated with fan-powered humidifiers are usually higher. The built-in fan of these appliances causes them to consume more electricity, as well as break down more frequently if professional checkups aren’t routinely performed.

Efficiency

Bypass humidifiers are less efficient because the air they moisturize has to go through the furnace, resulting in humidity loss. Not only do they distribute less moist air throughout the house, they also use more water to prevent the water panel from getting clogged by mineral buildup.

Fan-powered humidifiers can more efficiently bring moisture in the air across more square footage. If you have a large space and live with many people, choosing a fan-powered humidifier over a bypass unit will deliver better results.

Noise

If you value peace and quiet, a bypass humidifier is for you. It has no fan, so it adds practically no additional noise to the running furnace. On the other hand, a fan-powered humidifier is definitely louder. The noise can be muffled, though, with soundproofing techniques like proper insulation.

Complete Your Residential Air Conditioning and Heating System

Whether you need a humidifier or a ventilator, Sierra Air can help make your residential air conditioning and heating system complete. Contact us to schedule your appointment with us at the most convenient date and time.

A thermostat may be small in size, but it’s huge in importance. This device is in control of your entire HVAC system; it dictates when and how heating and cooling units operate. Below are some of the steps you can take if your thermostat begins to malfunction.

Take the Temperature to the Extreme

When it comes to thermostat diagnostics, one test that you can perform is to set the device’s temperature several degrees above or below its normal setting. Set it 5°F higher in the winter and 5°F lower in the summer months. If the device doesn’t respond accordingly, there may be a problem with it.

Check the Other Settings

Your thermostat can’t talk to the right equipment if it’s in the wrong mode. If you want your cooling unit to operate correctly, your thermostat should be set to “Cool”. But if you want your heating unit to function, your thermostat should be set to “Heat”.

Look for Dirt Build-Up

Dirty thermostat components can cause your heating and cooling system to underperform. Dirt build-up is also a cause of short-cycling, a phenomenon where the equipment turns on and off too frequently.

Find the Source of Sunlight

The thermostat may think the air temperature is hotter than it actually is if it’s being hit by direct sunlight. You may also observe the same problem if your device is located too near a window or exterior door.

Consider the Age of Your Thermostat

Old thermostats ultimately fail. If you believe age is a major factor in the problems it’s having, consider replacing your device.

Turn to a Qualified Reno HVAC Technician to Decode Thermostat Problems

Sierra Air, Inc. specializes in all things HVAC. If your thermostat issue can’t be fixed by installing fresh batteries, handle the situation by turning to a qualified HVAC company like Sierra Air. Contact us to request our services so we can investigate the problem more closely and carry out the necessary repairs.

The condenser, which is the heart of an air conditioning system, doesn’t always mesh well aesthetically with its surroundings. More often than not, this unit visually detracts from an otherwise beautiful residential landscape.

Before calling for HVAC repair service in hopes of relocating your condenser, though, consider concealing it instead. Below are effective ways to hide this bulky and unattractive piece of equipment.

Use Camouflage

Wouldn’t it be nice to make your air conditioner’s condenser “disappear” from your backyard? You can create this illusion by making a barricade with something that grows abundantly in your outdoor space.

If you border your house with shrubs, place ornamentals in front of the machine to obscure it. Vegetation can also help muffle the noise it makes, so this strategy has another benefit.

Don’t limit yourself to plants, however. You can also use stone, lattice, wicker and other materials that complement some of your existing exterior elements to achieve uniformity and visual harmony.

Turn It Into an Accent

The presence of a big, unsightly condenser is a problem that can also be an opportunity. Using fences designed with captivating art to create a barrier can transform the unit into a focal point of the yard. You can also construct a beautiful garden structure around it to add more interest to the spot.

Dual-Purpose Seating

Have you been wanting more outdoor seating? Build a piece of furniture around the condenser and use its base to store the unit. Not only will this make the equipment disappear from view, it will also help protect the unit from debris and pets.

Think About HVAC Repair When Hiding Your Outdoor AC Unit

However you decide to obscure your condenser, make sure it allows for convenient HVAC repairs. Consult Sierra Air to ensure that your concealment plan won’t affect the routine maintenance of your equipment. Contact us to schedule an appointment to get your equipment professionally checked first.

A furnace with an oil burner is one of the most common heating systems for homes. Being an oil-fired system, it tends to make noises during operation. Not all of these noises mean trouble, however, but here are some tips for diagnosing oil burner noises.

TIP: Check the Source of the Noise

Start by trying to isolate the source of the noise. If you’ve had your furnace for a while or if you’ve had it when it was new, you already have an idea of what each part would sound like. More importantly, you should be able to recognize noises a typical home heating system shouldn’t be making. The oil tank and furnace are two separate units, and you should be able to isolate the source of the noise from the normal operational sounds.

TIP: Identify the Noise

Once you have isolated the source of the noise, try to identify what it is. The electric motor will produce a noise that’s similar to a generator while warm air blowers will sound like a quieter version of a vacuum cleaner. Oil-fired furnaces make less racket, so a whine, rattle or buzz should be identifiable.

Certain sounds may indicate danger and require the immediate attention of an HVAC professional. For instance, a loud bang that happens during startup, followed by a puff of soot and smoke, is often caused by unburned fuel in the combustion chamber. A roaring, freight-train sound, amplified by the chimney, is usually caused by a large chimney fire. In both cases, you should turn off the furnace until a specialist is able to perform an inspection.

TIP: No Noise Can Also Mean Trouble

You should also take note if, on the other extreme, the furnace is too quiet as the furnace may have become non-operational at this point. A blocked chimney flue also tends to dampen normal operational sounds, in addition to keeping toxic fumes inside the house and potentially damaging the burner itself.

Heating Peace of Mind With Sierra Air

To learn more about furnace troubleshooting or for more information about home heating systems in general, call Sierra Air today at (775) 800-5500. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

HVAC systems are energy-intensive, especially when used in commercial properties. As a commercial property owner or manager, balancing cooling and heating requirements with the utility costs can be difficult. In this blog, Sierra Air shares tips on how to save money with your commercial HVAC system.

TIP: Change or Clean the Air Filters Regularly

Changing your HVAC air filters should already be part of your maintenance routine and shouldn’t be put off. Dirty and clogged filters tend to overwork HVAC systems by restricting incoming airflow. Air filters are designed to be user-replaceable or -washable depending on the model and are much cheaper than the potential repair costs dirty filters may incur.

TIP: Upgrade to Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats make it easier to manage each client’s cooling and heating requirements, by allowing automated HVAC setting depending on certain conditions. For example, you can program the HVAC system to reduce its output during weekends and after office hours. This can be customized per workspace so it won’t affect clients who have operations 24/7. Using optimal output only when you need it can cut down a significant portion of your energy consumption.

TIP: Don’t Put Off Scheduled Maintenance

Regular maintenance may sound counterintuitive in terms of spending money, but considering the alternative, it could save you money. Neglected HVAC systems tend to consume more energy and can prematurely wear out. The resulting costs for a repair or unplanned replacement are much more than paying for maintenance. Plus, you will avoid potential downtime, as well as complaints from your clients, resulting in even more potential savings.

TIP: Ensure Properly Sealed Heating and Cooling Ducts

Homeowners invest money on energy-efficient windows, entry doors, and exterior walls to minimize air leaks. It only makes sense to have heating and cooling ducts to match. Leaking ducts mean increased heating and cooling requirements from your HVAC system, which results in increased monthly utility bills. Working with your trusted HVAC technician can help ensure that all your bases are covered, which makes your HVAC system more efficient and less resource-intensive.

Just Right Commercial HVAC Maintenance With Sierra Air, Inc.

To learn more about how you can optimize your HVAC system, contact Sierra Air, Inc. today.

If you have a furnace based heating system, chances are you may have had instances where it cycles on and off as often as every five minutes or so. This is a problem known as short cycling, and in this blog, Sierra Air takes a look at what you can do to prevent it.

What Is Short Cycling?

Regardless of the type, heating systems work by releasing hot air into a room then shut off when the desired temperature is achieved. The heating system cycles back on if the thermostat and/or sensors detect a change in temperature. Temperature drops do not happen in that short a time span; just think about the time it takes for soup or coffee to cool down. So if your furnace cycles on and off too fast, it’s short cycling, and it’s something you should look into.

Causes of Short Cycling

Short cycling can be caused by one or several factors. The thermostat is the usual suspect, but you shouldn’t assume it’s damaged. In fact, the fixes can be as simple as resetting, recalibrating, or changing the temperature a few degrees off then setting it on again. You can try other simple troubleshooting steps if the previous steps didn’t work.

Another common cause of short cycling is improper sizing. HVAC systems need to be properly sized in proportion to the size of the room or home it’s installed in. A furnace that’s too small will end up under constant stress just to reach your desired room temperature. A furnace that’s too large will heat the room too fast and will end up short cycling.

Effects of Short Cycling

Short cycling can result in uncomfortably uneven indoor temperatures. The frequent on-and-off cycles place additional unnecessary strain on the furnace, which can cause premature failure resulting in costly repairs. Since the motor uses up more energy when turning on, it can cause an increase in your monthly energy consumption.

If you have a furnace that is short cycling, fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.