Alabama Climate Control, Inc. Frequently Asked Questions

It’s not uncommon to notice a burning smell when your heater is on, especially when you turn it on for the first time in months. While it can be a sign there’s something very wrong with your heater, it can also be a minor issue. These are a few possibilities for what could be causing the smell:

Dust in Your Furnace

When you haven’t used your furnace in months, dust collects inside it. When you turn the furnace on, the dust will combust and produce a burning smell. This smell should clear up within an hour or so and isn’t anything to be concerned about. At Alabama Climate Control, Inc., we offer a heater tune-up service. We clean the inside of your furnace so you won’t have a burning smell when you use it after months of not needing it.

Debris in Ducts

It’s possible something fell into your ducts and is producing a burning smell when it’s heated up. If the smell is in just one room of your home, open the register and look inside the duct for debris. Remove the object and see if that resolves your problem. 

Dirty Furnace Filter

If the furnace filter is dirty, it can produce a burning smell. Check the filter and replace it if it looks dirty. You should replace the furnace filter every other month to prevent a burning smell and other problems.

Damaged Wiring

A burning electrical smell, when your furnace is on, indicates there’s likely some wiring that is damaged. Electrical wiring can break down due to wear and tear. You should schedule an appointment with an HVAC company to resolve this problem. 

Blocked Flue

If you have a gas heater, combustion gasses are vented outside your home. When the flue becomes blocked, the gases have to go somewhere and can enter your breathable air. If you smell smoke when your furnace is on, turn it off and call an HVAC company.

As the provider of HVAC service Huntsville, AL counts on, our team at Alabama Climate Control, Inc. maintains, installs, and repairs heaters and air conditioners. We can also help you with indoor air quality, ductwork design, and custom homes and remodeling. Please call today to schedule an appointment.

These are the benefits of fall preventive maintenance service performed by our skilled technicians at Alabama Climate Control.

Identify Potential Problems

A fall preventive maintenance visit allows our NATE-certified technicians to identify any parts with excessive wear and tear. These parts could fail at any time, and replacing them before they fail could prevent a breakdown of your heating system. We also inspect connections, sensors, and valves for misalignment, loose parts, and other faults. These essential actions also prevent unexpected malfunctions of your heating system. Having your maintenance done early in the autumn ensures that there’s plenty of time to replace any faulty parts before cold weather arrives in Huntsville.

Boost Energy Efficiency

Fall preventive maintenance increases your heating system’s energy efficiency. Your heating system could be 15% to 30% more efficient by keeping up with regular tune-ups. Replacing an old, dirty air filter boosts the system’s efficiency by at least 15%. During a preventive maintenance visit, we also clean all the sensors and burners. By removing dirt, ash, or other debris, we improve the heating system’s ability to convert fuel or electricity into heat.

Improve Indoor Comfort

A well-maintained heating system does a better job of maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. You won’t have to worry about spots that are too cold. A fall tune-up of your heating system also improves your home’s indoor air quality. You’ll breathe easier after we replace your heating system’s old, dirty air filter with a new, clean one.

Alabama Climate Control is the trusted provider of services for heating and air conditioning in Huntsville, AL, including repairs, maintenance, and installation services. You can also count on us for ductwork, electrical systems, and refrigeration. To learn more about our fall preventive maintenance services, contact Alabama Climate Control today.

A thunderstorm can quickly damage your AC unit in several different ways. It can be damaged by lightning, wind, or even rising water. It is important to always check out your air conditioner after a storm to ensure that you do not have problems. If you do find any issues with your cooling system upon inspection, you will want to contact an HVAC specialist as soon as possible. These are some common signs it's been damaged and you need the HVAC service Huntsville, AL trusts:

Burning Smell

If you smell a burning odor coming from anywhere near your AC unit following a storm, you will want to turn off your system immediately. This smell could be coming from a short circuit or a damaged motor. After you have turned off your AC unit, you will want to call for an immediate repair.

Your AC Is Not Cooling Effectively

If you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling your home effectively, it could be a sign of problems like refrigerant leaks, a damaged motor, a clogged condenser, and more. You never want to leave your AC unit just barely cooling. Instead, you should make an appointment to get it looked at. Some issues that arise may worsen if they are left alone for a long time. Getting an immediate repair can help to save you money in the long run and ensure that your house stays comfortable. 

Strange Noises Coming From Your AC Unit

During a storm, strong winds can cause debris to enter your outdoor unit. This debris may cause noises inside the outdoor unit. You may hear buzzing, screeching, or rattling sounds. The debris will need to be removed as soon as possible. Debris that is left in an outdoor unit can result in system failure, as it causes the machine to overheat. If the debris is large enough, it may also lead to other kinds of damage to the unit internally. It is always best that you call an experienced HVAC technician if you hear any kind of noise coming from your outdoor unit.

If you have had a storm in your area and your air conditioner is not working like it should, call Alabama Climate Control today. Our company proudly serves the Brownsboro, Paint Rock, Madison, and Huntsville areas. We offer heating and cooling installation and repair, ductwork design, indoor air quality services, and home remodeling.

It might sound unusual, but your Huntsville, AL home’s air conditioner could get too cold. A frozen air conditioner can’t remove heat from your house. Read on to learn about three reasons why your air conditioner has frozen up.

1. Poor Airflow: Poor airflow is a leading cause of frozen air conditioners. A problem with the fan or motor may cause a lack of airflow over the coils. A dirty air filter also reduces airflow. Rarely, a collapsed or broken air duct reduces airflow over the air conditioner’s coil. When there’s not enough airflow, there’s no warm air passing over the coil. The compressor keeps running, which makes the coil get even colder.

2. Refrigerant Leak: A refrigerant leak may cause the outdoor coil to freeze. In a leak situation, the low pressure of the refrigerant causes a flash-freezing event. This causes ice to build up on the copper pipe of the outdoor unit. The ice will keep building up until the air conditioner’s safety system triggers it to automatically shut down. If you see ice on the outdoor unit, turn off your air conditioner and call for an urgent repair.

3. Dirty Coil: A dirty coil may cause the air conditioning system to freeze. A layer of dust can get onto the coil if you skip a maintenance visit or run the unit with a clogged air filter. The coil is usually damp from the cold refrigerant encountering humid air passing over it. The dust creates a sort of blanket that keeps the coil cold. Eventually, it gets cold enough to freeze the condensation, which turns into ice.

At Alabama Climate Control, we provide services for heating and air conditioning Huntsville, AL residents trust. You can count on us for heating repair, heating and air conditioning maintenance, and installation. Our indoor air quality, humidification, air purification, and duct design services are designed to optimize your comfort. For more details about why your air conditioner has frozen up, get in touch with us at Alabama Climate Control today.

If you need a new air conditioner, you want to find one that’s energy-efficient. Thankfully, modern air conditioners are much more energy-efficient than older ones in several ways.

SEER Rating

Air conditioner energy efficiency is shown by its SEER rating, SEER, or “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating,” which is like MPG for cars. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. Note that the SEER rating tells you the air conditioner’s maximum potential. 10 years ago, air conditioners had SEER ratings of 10 or even less. They weren’t very energy efficient. They’re now required to be at least SEER 13. The EPA recommends you buy one that is at least SEER 15. There are air conditioners made that are rated over SEER 25, although they’re rather pricey and are overkill for most people.

Variable Speed Compressors

Some modern air conditioners have variable speed compressors. This technology allows them to operate as low as 25% capacity. When operating at lower power, they still adequately cool your home. When the compressor is operating at a lower capacity, less electricity is used.

Variable Speed Fan

There are also variable speed fans in some modern air conditioners. The fan moves cool air through your home’s ductwork. Unlike older air conditioners, the motor can run within a range of speeds. This provides better air control. An advantage of variable speed fans is they are more energy-efficient than older air conditioners. Their motor consumes less electricity than single-speed motors. This saves money on your electricity bills. Variable speed fans are also great for zoning your home. When you zone your home, you can cool different parts of your home to different temperatures. You can allow unused rooms to get warmer, which is energy-efficient. 

Alabama Climate Control sells and installs modern energy-efficient air conditioners. We also repair and maintain them. Our company provides the same services for heaters. Other services we offer include indoor air quality, air purification, humidifiers, ductwork design, custom home, and remodeling. Please call today to learn more about our HVAC service in Huntsville, AL.

Maintaining a cool home ranks as a high priority for those who live in regions with hot summers. As temperatures continue to climb in the coming months, you’ll rely more and more heavily on the comfort your air conditioner provides. A problematic or poorly maintained unit will quickly show its true colors as cooling demands grow.

A general lack of cooling power is one of the most common complaints regarding residential air conditioners. No matter how long your system runs, your home may never seem to get down to the desired temperature. If this sounds familiar to you, then keep reading. 

An Obstructed Condensing Unit

The condensing unit located in your yard is responsible for reconditioning your refrigerant after each cooling cycle. The motorized compressor increases the pressure to help the hot, gaseous refrigerant flow onto the condenser coil. The condenser coil displaces much of the refrigerant’s heat, allowing it to return to its liquid state. A condenser cools refrigerant by increasing its exposure to outdoor air. Because the refrigerant has a higher temperature than the air, heat naturally moves out of the refrigerant. In order for this transfer to work effectively, the condenser must have access to a steady flow of air.  Air flows in through the sidewalls of your condensing unit. This air flows around the condenser coil and then moves upward out of the unit, with the help of the fan mounted on top. However, if the sidewalls of the condensing unit are blocked, even this fan won’t be able to keep airflow within acceptable limits. For this reason, you should never store lawn equipment too close to the condensing unit. Likewise, keep bushes and shrubs several feet away. All sides of the condensing unit should be unobstructed by vegetation or objects. Anything blocking the flow of air will reduce the condenser coil’s efficiency, leading to less effective cooling inside of your home. 

A Dirty Condenser Coil

Even an unobstructed condenser unit can have inefficient cooling if the condenser coil becomes excessively dirty. Dirt and grime will naturally accumulate on the coil as time goes on, given its exposure to the elements. As this layer of dirt grows even deeper, it will insulate the coil. The refrigerant in an excessively dirty coil will have a much harder cooling down, even with the air passing through the unit. The refrigerant will thus have to make extra passes through the condenser coil in order to change back to a liquid. Even then, the temperature of the refrigerant might be higher than desired.

A dirty condenser coil ultimately makes it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home. In addition, your system will be forced to run for longer periods of time. This means you’ll have progressively poorer cooling – and progressively higher energy bills – until you get your condenser coil cleaned.

Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant leaks undermine the ability of your air conditioner to properly cool your home. Even the tiniest of holes will eventually allow critical amounts of refrigerant to escape. The lower your refrigerant level, the harder your system will have to work. Meanwhile, the conditions in your home will grow steadily warmer. A refrigerant leak is one of the most frustrating problems an air conditioner can develop because holes can form in numerous places. If you suspect that your system may be suffering from a leak, then be sure to contact a reputable technician as soon as possible.

For more information about how to keep your AC operating at peak efficiency, please contact the cooling experts and providers of HVAC service in Huntsville, AL at Alabama Climate Control, Inc.

You probably know you should change your HVAC filter regularly, but you may not realize just how important it is. You don’t want to be lax about changing the filter. A dirty filter has a serious impact on the functioning of your air conditioner or furnace, so much so that a clogged filter can lead to the need for expensive repairs. Here are three problems that can arise from a dirty HVAC filter.

Your Air Conditioner Can Freeze Over

You might be shocked to see your air conditioner covered in ice on a hot summer day, but that can happen when the filter is so clogged that airflow is restricted. When not enough air circulates around the coils, the refrigerant that cools the coils causes the condensation to freeze. The ice that forms causes the problem to keep escalating until your air conditioner is covered in ice. This is a bad situation because your AC won’t be able to keep your home cool until the problem is fixed. In the best-case scenario, changing the filter and allowing the ice to thaw might fix the problem. However, if the low airflow and ice buildup cause damage, you may need to have repairs that could have been avoided by changing the filter on time.

Your Furnace May Short Cycle

A short-cycling furnace is one that runs for a short period and then shuts off again. Short-cycling puts undue strain on the furnace and causes it to wear down. If the problem isn’t corrected, it can lead to damage to the limit switch. Your furnace may even stop working altogether. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the air handler of the HVAC unit, which causes the furnace to overheat and trip the limit switch. The limit switch is a safety mechanism that keeps your furnace from running when it isn’t safe to do so. Another problem with a clogged furnace filter is that it allows debris to get inside the blower of the air handler. Dust on the blower can also cause the furnace to malfunction. Changing the filter regularly helps prevent these problems, but to keep your furnace in its best working order, you should also have the blower assembly cleaned on a regular schedule.

Your Indoor Air Quality May Suffer

The filter on your HVAC traps dust and small particulates to protect your furnace, and in doing so keeps them from recirculating in your home. If the filter is clogged with dust, it can’t remove additional particles. If you’re sensitive to allergens, particles might cause you to experience more symptoms such as a stuffy nose. To protect your furnace and keep your indoor air quality as clean as you can, you should change the filter as often as recommended by the manufacturer. You may need to change the filter monthly, but the important thing is to change it before dust clogs the surface. As an added benefit, your HVAC will operate more efficiently since it won’t struggle with low airflow problems. A more efficient HVAC could result in a lower monthly electric bill.

Changing your HVAC filter regularly helps prevent these problems and as a side effect, it helps your HVAC have a longer life with fewer breakdowns. You might struggle to believe that something simple like a dirty filter could cause so much damage, but the unfortunate part is the damage could be prevented with regular HVAC service in Huntsville, AL. While changing your HVAC filter is vital to the efficient operation of your furnace and air conditioner, that’s not the only thing necessary to keep your HVAC in good shape. Regular HVAC maintenance and prompt repairs are also important. If your HVAC needs cleaned, serviced, or repaired, call Alabama Climate Control Inc. for fast and professional attention. We’re ready to help.

Even in Alabama’s hot and humid climate, it’s possible to reduce the energy you use to run your central air conditioning (AC) system. Here are three ways to cut your summertime power needs while you stay cool.

Schedule a Preseason Tuneup

Central air conditioning units require very little in the way of maintenance. As long as you change the filter every few months, your AC unit will give you years of fresh air. However, if you want your AC unit to operate the most efficiently and last as long as possible, a bit of maintenance beyond filter-changing is necessary.  Your AC unit has parts that must be checked and cleaned to ensure the reliability of your system. It may not seem that a mechanical part can affect energy usage, but dirty parts don’t move smoothly or allow optimum airflow. Lubricated parts and unclogged ducts allow for proper mechanical movement, optimum air exchange, and lower energy usage. 

Because there are so many parts to inspect in an AC unit, it’s best to let a professional HVAC service in Huntsville, AL handle your preseason checkup. During the inspection and cleaning, the AC pro will do the following:

• Empty the drain pan
• Tighten all fittings
• Clean condenser coils
• Inspect and repair electrical connections
• Test blower motors and fans
• Test for refrigerant levels
• Check ducts and other AC components

Unless you’re familiar with all of the above parts, you save hassle and money by letting an expert prepare your AC system for summer. The pros notice and repair problems with your system ahead of time, so you have a fully functional AC system before hot weather hits. When your AC unit runs properly, it uses less energy, too.

Reduce Extra Heat Sources

Your AC unit can only do so much to keep you refreshed when the weather is hot and sticky. Help out your AC unit by reducing sources of heat in your home. Use drapes that block out the warmth from sunny windows. Hang laundry to dry on a line outside, or only use the clothes dryer in the cool of the night. Serve cool meals like salads and sandwiches that don’t need heat to prepare. Set up an outdoor kitchen with a grill and cooktop, and move dinner prep to the back deck or patio. Avoid using the oven or stovetop in the hottest part of the day. When possible, upgrade your old windows and doors. Seal up cracks around your home, and beef up insulation in your attic and crawl space. These energy-aware actions make it easier for your AC unit to keep your home cool on steamy days.

Use a Smart Thermostat

Another way to help your AC unit is to adjust the thermostat to accommodate timing and temperature changes. On cool evenings, you don’t want the maximum chill. There’s also no sense overcooling a residence when no one is home to enjoy the feeling. Install a programmable thermostat that you can set to your preferred temperature and schedule. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the AC system to a higher temperature while you’re at work. Then the timer lowers the temperature so the house is cool by the time you return home. Smart thermostats can be accessed from your phone or other devices. With this option, you can turn the AC off from the airport as you leave for vacation or switch on the AC for guests when you have to work a few minutes extra at the office. When you employ your smart device and don’t overuse your AC unit unnecessarily, the appliance lasts longer while it saves you energy.  

Contact Alabama Climate Control Inc. to schedule your preseason AC inspection in the greater Huntsville area. We offer experienced installation, repair, and maintenance of AC systems from our licensed and bonded HVAC techs.

Excessive dust and debris buildup can do a number on your home in a variety of ways. Not only can it choke the life out of your HVAC system, but it can also make life difficult for allergy and asthma sufferers by triggering a broad range of symptoms. You might not be able to make your home completely dust-free, but you can significantly reduce the amount of dust buildup that goes on within your home.

Change Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

The humble air filter inside your HVAC system plays a big role in keeping dust and debris at bay. Your air filter serves as the first line of defense against dust buildup, trapping dust and other allergens before they have a chance to circulate elsewhere inside your home. Once it becomes completely filled with dust, however, it won’t be as effective at reducing dust. To avoid the problems that a completely clogged air filter can bring, it’s important to have your air filter changed on a regular basis. Most HVAC manufacturers and technicians recommend changing it on a monthly basis, although, some air filters can go as long as three months between changes depending on indoor conditions.

Upgrade to a Better Air Filter

If you’re using the same type of air filter that originally came with your HVAC system, then you may be missing out when it comes to your air filter’s performance. Most HVAC systems come equipped with a fiberglass air filter rated at MERV 3 or 4. While it’s sufficient for keeping larger dust and debris particles out of your HVAC system, it may let finer dust particles and other types of airborne debris pass through. Pleated air filters offer a finer mesh that’s capable of trapping smaller dust and debris particles than a typical fiberglass air filter. Replacing your current air filter with a pleated air filter rated at MERV 7 or higher can help reduce dust buildup tremendously. At the same time, it also plays a role in improving your home’s indoor air quality.

Invest in an Air Purifier

Not only should you keep a close eye on your HVAC air filter, but you should also consider investing in an air purifier. Equipped with HEPA filtration technology, air purifiers are dedicated to controlling dust and allergen buildup. Air purifiers specifically target very small particles that would escape even the best HVAC air filter. Air purifiers come in portable and whole-house variants. Portable air filters are meant to be used on a room-to-room basis, targeting specific areas where dust buildup is most prevalent. Whole-house air purifiers are actually installed as part of your HVAC system, providing your entire home with effective air filtration.

Keep Your Ductwork in Good Shape

Taking good care of your ductwork is essential to keeping dust buildup at bay. Damaged or disconnected ductwork not only leaks 30 to 40% of your HVAC system’s conditioned air, it can also draw dust and debris from walls and crawl spaces into your ductwork. In addition to having the rest of your HVAC system inspected by a trusted professional, you should also have your HVAC technician take a close look at your ductwork. By patching, sealing, and replacing damaged ducts, you can improve your HVAC system’s overall efficiency while reducing dust buildup.

Clean Your Carpets and Upholstery Frequently

Good housekeeping goes a long way towards curtailing dust buildup. This is especially true of homes that are heavily carpeted and/or have lots of upholstered furniture. Carpets and upholstered surfaces are notorious magnets for dust and they can also hide other unpleasant surprises, including dust mites. Cleaning your carpets and upholstery on a regular basis can help curtail dust buildup and keep both looking pristine for years to come. When vacuuming carpeted or upholstered surfaces, be sure to use a vacuum that’s equipped with a built-in HEPA filter. This allows you to trap more dust and debris than with a non-HEPA vacuum.

Contact the experts at Alabama Climate Control Inc. if you want to learn more about controlling dust buildup in your home or if you need the HVAC service Huntsville, AL residents can rely on.