Action Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric

Your Local Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric Experts

385-509-4239 Utah
623-469-3795 Arizona

Category: A/C

Spring’s arrival brings warmer days and the promise of outdoor activities. But before you throw open the windows and soak up the sunshine, consider the unsung hero of your home comfort: your air conditioning system. In spring, check your air conditioning to make sure it’s working well for the warmer weather after being unused for months.

Signs You Might Need Air Conditioning Repair:

  • Uneven cooling: Are some rooms in your house noticeably warmer than others? This could indicate uneven airflow, clogged ducts, or a malfunctioning compressor, all requiring air conditioning repair.
  • Unusual noises: Strange noises like grinding, clanging, or screeching coming from your AC unit are red flags. These sounds often signal failing components that need prompt attention by a qualified technician.
  • Inefficient cooling: Is your air conditioner struggling to keep your home cool, even at lower thermostat settings? This may happen because of blocked air filters, low refrigerant, or a broken thermostat, all needing air conditioning repair.
  • Increased energy bills: If your energy bills are spiking, it could be a sign that your AC is working harder than necessary to maintain the desired temperature. This inefficiency often points to air conditioning repair needs.
  • Moisture buildup: Excess moisture around your AC unit or in your home can indicate clogged condensate lines, faulty drainage systems, or even refrigerant leaks, all necessitating professional air conditioning repair.

Spring AC Prep Tips:

  • Schedule professional maintenance: A professional tune-up by a qualified technician is crucial to ensure your AC is operating efficiently and identify any potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This air conditioning repair includes cleaning the unit, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring proper electrical connections.
  • Change your air filters: Regularly changing your air filters, ideally every 1-3 months, is essential for optimal airflow and efficient cooling. Clogged filters restrict airflow and force your AC to work harder, ultimately increasing energy consumption and reducing its lifespan.
  • Clean and inspect vents and ducts: Dust and debris buildup in your vents and ducts can significantly impede airflow, leading to uneven cooling and reduced efficiency. Consider professional duct cleaning to remove accumulated dust and improve your AC’s performance.
  • Trim surrounding foliage: Overgrown shrubs or trees blocking your AC unit’s outdoor condenser can restrict airflow and hinder its ability to cool effectively. Trim any vegetation that might be obstructing airflow around the unit.
  • Invest in a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set different cooling temperatures for different times of the day, optimizing comfort and saving energy when you’re away or asleep.

Follow these spring AC tips and fix any air conditioning repairs quickly to keep your home cool and comfortable during the warmer months. Remember, addressing minor issues early on can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your AC system.

Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric is your trusted partner for all your air conditioning needs. Our experienced and certified technicians are available 24/7 to provide prompt and reliable air conditioning repair services.

We can help with regular maintenance, fixing problems, or repairs for your AC system. Our experts will make sure it works well and keeps your home cool all year. Contact us today to schedule your spring AC checkup and breathe easy all summer long!

Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Home save energy and offer convenient heating/cooling with WiFi. But they can be tricky for DIY installation in some home setups. Here are some important points to consider.

Before you purchase and install a connected thermostat, consider the following:

HVAC System Compatibility

First, check if your HVAC system works with the smart thermostat model you want. It’s an important step. These thermostats rely on constant power through a C wire connection. If your system lacks a C wire, the thermostat may lose power intermittently, causing programming issues.

Some brands offer workarounds, but having our technicians install a C wire is best. We’ll inspect your system wiring as part of a no-cost estimate.

Installation Complexity

Basic smart thermostat installations are fairly straightforward if you already have a C wire. But some households require more complex installations involving rewiring the C wire connection.

Our seasoned HVAC technicians at Action Plumbing & Heating handle hundreds of thermostat installations annually across all types of heating/cooling systems. We know the most efficient process for retrofitting older systems to support smart thermostats. Let us handle any wiring intricacies!

Smart Features to Consider

Today’s smart thermostats come packed with convenience features. As you shop models, consider must-have capabilities:

  • Temperature sensors in different zones
  • Alexa/Google integration for voice control
  • Advanced programming/automation options
  • Humidity level regulation
  • Remote access via WiFi/smartphone
  • Intuitive mobile app dashboard
  • Data insights on energy usage

We can explain the leading smart thermostat options—brands like Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Emerson—to match the features that best suit your household needs and budget.

Professional Guidance Makes All the Difference!

Upgrading to a smart thermostat is an investment that can pay off for years through greater home comfort and energy savings. Our experts at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric make the process hassle-free! We will provide a free assessment to assist you with your system. This assessment will cover the installation plan, the best brands, and advanced features that are suitable for your home’s needs. Invest in convenience and savings the smart way—call us or visit us today! 

When it comes to the functions of your HVAC system, perhaps the most under-discussed component involved is your ductwork setup. Responsible for transporting air throughout the home and ensuring each room is at the appropriate temperature and air quality level, your air ducts play a major role in everything your HVAC system does throughout the year — and which materials are used in your ducts may impact how they perform.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re proud to offer numerous HVAC services, ranging from standard solutions like AC and furnace maintenance through assistance with your duct system if needed. We’re also here to help educate our clients on the various types of HVAC duct material that might be used in their home, plus some of the designations these materials fall under. Here’s a general primer on everything you need to know.

Flexible Vs Rigid Ductwork

Basically all forms of HVAC ducts fall into two categories: Flexible or rigid. Here are some basics on each:

  • Rigid ducts: The more common option found in homes today is rigid ductwork, which comes in either metal or reinforced fiberglass. Rigid ducts can be shaped into specific configurations to fit nearly any area you need, and this ability to curve the air channel makes them easier to install than flexible ducts. Rigid ducts can easily be fabricated for custom installations, and comes in a variety of sizes. It’s smooth on the inside and outside, ensuring easy cleaning and very difficult circumstances for mold or mildew to form.
  • Flexible ductwork: Flexible air ducts are made of wire coils with a covering typically comprised of plastic. It’s mostly used in smaller HVAC systems when a home has been well-insulated and no longer needs the ductwork to be as rigid. It’s also used in all kinds of commercial applications, like warehouses or clean rooms that demand completely flexible air channels. Because it can bend and twist, it’s perfect for many tighter areas. This is the type of ductwork that might be found in older homes or when retrofitting an older home with HVAC.

Rectangular Vs Round Ducts

Another important designation to think about: Whether your ducts are rectangular or round in shape. The former was the only option for several decades, but round configurations have become more popular in recent years. Both have their own set of pros and cons:

  • Rectangular ducts: These are sturdy, durable options that are ideal for low-pressure HVAC systems and tend to be the more commonly used option.
  • Round ducts: Seen most often in high-pressure systems, these are also good for commercial applications where airflow might need to be cycled back and forth quickly (like in warehouses). They tend to do a better job of redistributing air evenly throughout the home, but they’re harder to clean.

Now that we’ve been over some of the most important air duct configuration templates, our next few sections will go over the most common materials used to create these ducts.

Fiberboard

Referring to a material that’s made of fiberglass strands bonded together with a strong resin, fiberboard is the most common type of duct material used in homes today. Fiberboard is fireproof, inexpensive and easy to cut — plus it works extremely well at preventing air leakage. It’s also one of the best materials for sound absorption, which can be helpful if your HVAC system is running loudly throughout the year.

It should be noted that fiberboard ducts are typically covered by a thin plastic coating to keep them from being exposed to the elements. Fiberboard is highly resistant to mold and mildew, making it an ideal option when considering your HVAC ductwork.

Now, fiberboard isn’t without potential downsides. For instance, its inner sections are textured due to the fiberglass strands we mentioned above — this means dust and debris might stick to it more easily than other duct materials, and this could lower your efficiency if too much debris builds up (luckily, our team is here to help with duct cleaning if this happens).

Fiberglass

In other cases, fiberglass itself will be the primary material used. This is for a range of different reasons, but mainly because it’s easy to work with and widely available. Many homeowners opt for this material when they’re replacing their existing ducts or installing new ones in tight spaces.

Fiberglass has an inner coating that prevents the air moving through the channels from coming into direct contact with the fibers themselves, which could be dangerous if they came loose. Like fiberboard, it’s very resistant to mold and mildew, which makes it an ideal option for homes in warmer climates where this moisture might pose a problem.

Fiberglass ducts do require some pretty detailed cleaning, due to their fiberglass lining.

Sheet Metal

Typically made from galvanized steel or aluminum, sheet metal ducts are also highly popular in HVAC systems — and for good reason. These types of ducts are easy to work with (and thus, fairly inexpensive) and they’re great at reducing air leakage in homes. However, one major drawback is that they tend to be quite noisy when the HVAC system is running; this means these types of ducts might not be the best choice for a bedroom, but they’re ideal when it comes to living rooms or other open spaces.

One of the most common examples used is galvanized steel ductwork. Galvanized steel provides excellent airtightness, which makes it an ideal option if you’re looking for HVAC insulation that will help lower your energy bills. However, one downside is that it’s a rather expensive option, and one that might not be ideal for lower-end HVAC systems.

For more on the different kinds of HVAC air ducts that might be present in your home, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

There are several examples of words or terms in the English language that just don’t make a whole lot of sense, and one that fits right into the HVAC world is duct tape. The word “duct” included in this title seems to pretty clearly indicate that this tape will be effective for sealing or otherwise repairing HVAC air ducts – but in reality, this is not the case at all, and duct tape is not recommended for these uses at all.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re happy to offer numerous HVAC services, from AC or furnace installation to many duct-related themes, including installation of ductless mini-split heating systems for those who want to remove any duct concerns whatsoever. We’re also here to steer you away from certain homeowner HVAC mistakes, one of the most common of which is using duct tape for HVAC ducts when this should never be done. This two-part blog will go over why duct tape and other forms of HVAC tape are limited at best in their efficacy when it comes to duct sealing or repairs, and generally should not be used for these purposes.

History of Duct Tape

For starters, it’s helpful to understand the history of duct tape to grasp exactly why it’s become such a misnomer today. Duct tape was created during the World War I period, originally meant as a consumer-grade tape that was meant for ammunition boxes. At the time, it was actually known as “duck” tape – either because it was made with duck cloth or because of the images its water-resistant properties invoked of water slipping off a duck’s back.

By the 1950s, however, this name had changed. Somehow, with folks assuming this tape would be useful for their air ducts, the term shifted to duct tape. However, as we’ll dig into further in our subsequent sections, duct tape is not actually useful for these purposes – more below.

Moisture Concerns

One of the top concerns with modern forms of HVAC tape, including duct tape, is moisture reaction. Many ducts will deal with water vapor and moisture, plus could have crack or leak issues that cause small amounts of condensed water to seep out. If you’re attempting to cover these issues with HVAC tape, it will not properly prevent this moisture leakage, leading to mold issues, water damage and other concerns.

Temperature Issues

Another major problem with duct tape is its inability to resist temperature changes. Your air ducts go through a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, but these fluctuations will wear down duct tape and cause it to lose its adhesive properties fairly quickly. What good is a sealant tape for an HVAC system if it can’t stay attached? None, really.

For more on why duct tape isn’t actual meant for your air ducts, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics and benefits associated with mini-split ductless HVAC systems. These systems, which combine a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outside compressor, are intended for smaller areas or situations where you require independent temperature control between specific rooms or spaces within your home or building.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer a variety of mini-split ductless systems to fill all your needs. What are some of the situations or circumstances where installing a mini-split ductless HVAC system into your home or building might be the best choice? That’s what we’re looking at in today’s part two of our series.

New Home Additions

One of the most popular formats wherein ductless systems are often utilized is when homeowners are performing a new construction project on their space that involves adding a new level, a new room, a new garage or any other kind of significant addition. In these situations, ductless HVAC systems make the entire process far easier because they do not require specifically-sized ducts – they will naturally size themselves for the new space.

In addition, ductless mini-split systems can operate independently when installed. This means you do not need to mess with your current HVAC system, even if it’s not a ductless one. The new system will be installed as its own separate entity and will function as such.

Independent Zones

Most standard HVAC systems have a single thermostat for the whole house, meaning everyone in the space has to deal with the temperature that’s decided upon. Mini-split ductless systems, though, allow for independent temperature zones based on rooms or areas in the home – you can install up to eight separate zones in a given home, meaning each person in the home can control their own temperature.

Downsizing and Energy Savings

If you’re in a situation where certain rooms in your home aren’t being used, you may want to conserve energy by closing off vents and conditioned air to these rooms. But you may not realize that this practice can lead to pressure imbalances in a normal HVAC system, damaging its components – as you may have guessed, though, there’s no such strain placed on a ductless system, where you can simply set these rooms for less stressful temperatures. You can also simply install a ductless system for your most-used rooms, then leave the lesser-used rooms with the existing HVAC system running on a low level.

No Existing Ductwork

Finally, for any kind of an installation or remodel process that involves structural changes, mini-split ductless systems are ideal. This is particularly true in cases where you’re looking to install a new HVAC component, but the home does not have existing ductwork in place – the new installation will be both cheaper and more efficient using a mini-split ductless system.

For more on mini-split ductless HVAC systems, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In parts one and two of this multi-part blog series, we’ve gone over some of the risks associated with indoor space heaters used to complement winter heating needs. These items may help increase your heating capacity, but they come with downsides in terms of safety, health and increasing utility bills that often cancel out their benefits and then some.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to help by providing quality HVAC services and alternatives to your heating needs, such as furnace installation and repair or our modern mini-split ductless heating systems that allow for individual temperature controls between rooms. In addition to working with our team to find the best and most efficient heating products for your needs, here are several important areas to keep an eye on that will eliminate the need for expensive, risky space heaters in your home.

Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system should be changed regularly throughout the year to maintain both air quality and system performance, and this is particularly vital during winter. Filters that are clogged up with dust and dirt will not only lower your air quality, but also strain the system, forcing it to work harder to perform the same level of heating – or even lowering its maximum heating capacity significantly.

Instead of rushing off for an expensive space heater if you aren’t getting enough warm air, consider whether your filters have been changed recently and if this might be contributing to the issue.

Vent Cleaning and Air Flow

Another factor that could be contributing to poor heating quality is vents that are not clean, blocking the proper air flow from making its way around the home. One way to avoid this is by cleaning your vents regularly, ensuring the system can perform as strongly as possible at all times. Blocked vents can diminish heating capacity to a larger degree than you might have considered.

Programmable Thermostat

If your home still utilizes a manual thermostat that has to be changed by hand to alter the temperature, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat option can do wonders for your heating. This allows you to easily change the temperature and even schedule heating periods, which both saves you money and allows you to maximize comfort when you know everyone will be home.

Professional HVAC Service

Finally, regular professional maintenance from our HVAC pros will keep your furnace and other components in peak condition. This will limit the need for any additional heating items, allowing your home’s installed system to do all the work in an efficient, affordable way.

For more on the risks associated with space heaters, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In part one of this multi-part blog, we went over some of the concerns associated with indoor space heaters. Used by many homeowners to supplement heating in a given room or area, these products may increase heating capacity – but also pose several risks, from basic safety to health and, of course, a rising utility bill.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer a wide range of safer, more efficient alternatives, from basic furnace repair and installation services to mini-split ductless heating systems and many others. Today’s entry will focus on a few more specific types of indoor heaters and the issues they pose, while part three will dig into the steps you can take to improve your HVAC system so there’s no need to look for risky alternatives like these.

Filler Heaters

Filler heaters are those generally used for smaller spaces, utilizing oil as their heating fuel. This is the first risk: Oil can be spilled and become dangerous to anyone in the area, or can just create a mess you’ll have to deal with.

In addition, like with fuel-burning heaters we discussed in part one, there’s a significant risk of carbon monoxide leaking and causing negative health effects. Especially given that these heaters are used in smaller areas, this is a risk to keep an eye on. If you have a smaller space you need to heat, we recommend our mini-split ductless system instead.

Convective Heaters

Convective heaters do a good job heating a room evenly, but they come with safety risks similar to those of radiative heaters: They become extremely hot to the touch and are not safe for children or animals in the home. In addition, if anyone in the home has issues with allergies, asthma or any respiratory condition, dust movement created by convective heaters can be a significant burden.

Steam Heaters

Steam heaters are among the oldest options we’re discussing here – they’ve been used for decades in varying circumstances. There are even a few new models being made, though this is a rarity today.

Steam heaters are actually relatively safe and healthy, but the issues arise when you get into cost and maintenance areas. They are expensive to purchase, first of all, and older models have tons of potential issues that require repairs and hassle. They’re also not efficient at all, meaning you’ll spend a ton just to get the same level of heat you could accomplish for a much more affordable price by maximizing your HVAC system. Finally, steam heaters are noisy and annoying to be around.

For more on these heater types and the risks they carry, or to learn about any of our furnace installation services or other alternatives, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

Recently in this space, we went over some of the ways you can utilize your modern HVAC system to prevent seasonal allergies, which show up during the fall season for many people (also in spring for many others). Proper basic cleaning and attention to certain minor areas will help keep your air quality high and risk exacerbating allergies, asthma or any other respiratory issues occupants may deal with.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we offer a wide range of related services, from air filters and purification to whole-home duct cleaning services. This latter area in particular speaks to one of the largest single allergen and air contaminant risks present in many homes: Dust. If you’ve been struggling with a dusty home recently, here are some of the possible culprits and what you can do about them.

Air Filter Concerns

The first area to check on if your home is too dusty is the filter in your HVAC system. This filter should be changed at least once every couple months, and more often if you live in a dusty area, have pets or experience any other high-dust risks.

If your air filters have not been changed for too long, they will fill up and clog, leading to dust being spread around the system as it runs. Not only will this increase your dust content, it will cause stress on various HVAC components that may wear down faster than usual and cost you money on repairs.

Humidity Levels

Another potential cause of high dust content in the home is a low humidity level, which is particularly common in a desert state like Utah. Air that’s too dry is susceptible to dust build-ups, and some homes may require a humidifier installed in them to help remedy this concern. At the same time, it’s important not to allow humidity to become too high, as this can lead to the formation of mold and dust mite presence.

Air Duct Issues

Are your air ducts properly sealed and functioning well? If not, you might be risking unfiltered air making its way into your home – even if your filter is in great shape, you’ll still see dust because much of the air you’re breathing is bypassing the filter altogether.

If you notice lint or dust built up ear your vent registers, this is a possible sign of leak issues. Others include rising energy bills and hot or cold spots found in the house.

Window and Door Cracks

Another leak risk that will bring dusty, unfiltered air into your home is cracks around windows, doors and other openings. Check for these and seal them as quickly as possible.

Dirt Tracking

Finally, a simple area many homeowners should consider: Make everyone take their shoes off when they enter the home, especially when it’s dry and/or windy outside. You’d be shocked how much dust in your home might be there because it was tracked in by occupants or visitors on their shoes and clothes.

For more on the potential causes of high dust content in your home and how to remedy them, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC service, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

Those who have significant allergies often see them peak during the spring season, but many also are affected by these during fall and even year-round. The impact of allergies can be exacerbated during colder months as well, based on the cooler temperatures and the way they negatively impact immune function in many people.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we offer a wide range of HVAC and air conditioning service that will, among other things, keep the occupants in your home protected from significant allergen risks in the air. For those particularly concerned about fall allergy symptoms, let’s go over a few common risks and how proper HVAC maintenance limits or even completely eliminates them within your home.

Common Allergy Risks

While there are many possible allergy risks throughout the year, one that’s particularly notable during the fall season is ragweed. Able to travel hundreds of miles on the back of wind, ragweed can show up virtually anywhere and is often a major cause of allergy symptoms. It can lead to everything from eye irritation to significant hacking and lung concerns.

In addition, while mold is a risk for both allergies and other physical symptoms no matter when it shows up, its growth is a bit more common during the fall. As the temperatures drop, clouds of humidity become more common and damper than usual – conditions that are ideal for mold to grow, in other words. Combine this with leaves stacking up on the property, trapping in moisture, and the potential for mold is highest at this time of year.

HVAC Maintenance and Allergy Prevention

Luckily, there are several things that can be done within the HVAC system to prepare for these fall risks and ensure they aren’t making their way inside. Some general themes:

  • HVAC cleaning: Just taking a little time to clean dust and any dirt off your outdoor AC unit can go a long way toward limiting any allergen particles from getting inside the system.
  • Home and duct cleaning: In addition to the AC unit itself, do what you can to keep indoor and outdoor areas free of debris like leaves or dirt, which can promote allergen growth. In addition, if anyone in the home is struggling with allergy issues despite your efforts, speak to our pros about a professional duct cleaning to remove dust that might be causing these issues.
  • Filters: In many cases, the simplest reason for increased allergy symptoms in the home is air filters that have not been changed recently enough, causing them to accumulate dust and do a poor job of filtering allergens out of your air. Filters should be changed often throughout the year.

Additional Air Quality Items

If someone in your home is particular susceptible to allergies, you might consider an additional line of defense in the form of various indoor air quality products, such as purifiers. These are meant to cycle air in a particular room or area and catch all possible allergens.

For more on how to stay protected from allergies during the fall or any other part of the year, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

The summer period is often a great one to consider upgrades to your home’s heating capability – these services aren’t used as often during summer, for obvious reasons, but this means HVAC contractors will have fewer appointments and there’s a good chance heating equipment might come at a discount. One good example of a heating upgrade to consider during this period is a boiler system.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to provide high-quality boiler installation at any time of year. Boiler systems, which run hot water through your pipes to create a system known as baseboard heating, are an alternative heating format that’s become very popular among many homeowners for its efficiency and ease of use. And if you’re among those who have already taken the chance to install a boiler system, or even if you’re considering one and want to know the kinds of upkeep areas you’ll have to think about when you upgrade, here are some basic maintenance areas to keep in mind for your home’s boiler system.

Water Levels

Roughly every few weeks or so, especially during heating season, you should be checking the basic boiler water level to ensure everything is in order. Most modern boilers contain specific markings noting where the water level should be at to operate optimally – if yours doesn’t, consult the operations manual or call our HVAC pros for assistance.

If you allow water levels in the boiler to reach too low, not only will your heating be sub-optimal, your equipment could be damaged. Boilers are not meant to run without proper water levels, and could lead to significant issues not only for themselves, but also for nearby plumbing.

Dust and Debris Removal

Boilers will accumulate some dust over time, just like any other element in a home that sits in one place. The main concern here is dust or debris making its way into the fan or the motor of the boiler, which can lead to parts wearing down faster than they should. When you dust the rest of your home, roughly once a week or so, also take some time to dust the boiler.

Lubrication

Like any other machine with moving parts, boilers need to be lubricated to ensure too much friction doesn’t build up. Fans, pumps and motors are the parts of a boiler that require lubrication – our pros can offer you tips on the proper lubricant and how to carry out this process.

Regular Inspection

Finally, as part of your yearly plumbing and HVAC inspection, you should have the boiler checked along with its plumbing lines. Professionals will help you determine if there are any leaks or faulty parts, plus other issues that might crop up during the winter.

For more on the basic upkeep you need to provide your boiler system, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

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