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Spring Plumbing Maintenance

While experienced professionals are used to dealing with backups and clogs, household members can feel squeamish when unexpected plumbing fiascos occur. This is especially true during spring and summer vacations, when guests are more likely to stay for extended periods. To avoid plumbing mishaps, annual plumbing maintenance is recommended for all types of homes.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are not uncommon, especially if the home has older fixtures. Unless renovated, houses built before the ‘80s typically have old piping that may also need repairs. Annual maintenance keeps both the fixtures and underground piping from untimely damage.

Aging pipes are known to burst, regardless of how much water is used or which water appliances are running. If an underground pipe bursts due to damaged piping material or freezing temperatures, it can be expensive to fix. Aside from repair costs, water damage can ruin floorboards and walls, causing mold and other toxins to invade the home.

Leaks can be prevented with routine inspections. First, a plumber will measure the water pressure and secure the fittings. Once the joints are sealed, water stains will not form underneath the sink. This process does not take long and can be completed in one day.

Avoid Aging

Although all plumbing systems will eventually age, regular tune-ups can significantly prolong their lifespan. Certain tasks may require something other than a professional.

Homeowner maintenance includes monthly drain cleanings. This helps prevent clogs that can cause backups in the shower and sinks. Instead of using harsh chemicals found in over-the-counter drain solutions, homeowners are advised to use a mixture of baking soda and hot water. By slowly pouring the mixture directly into the drain and waiting five minutes, they can clear out bits of food or soap scum.

Technicians can prolong a plumbing system by ensuring the pipes are well insulated. Frozen pipes can occur even in warmer climates. Unheated areas often include attics, crawlspaces, and basements. A plumber can test the temperature and water pressure in these areas if extra padding is necessary.

Saving Money

In addition to having a dependable bathroom and kitchen, maintenance will also save homeowners money. Pipe replacement can be expensive, especially for older houses, which is why many people schedule annual maintenance in advance.

When the plumbing system is performing at its best, it will save on repair and replacement costs and reduce monthly water bills. One leak can lose up to 1,400 gallons of water in 24 hours. If the washing machine hose is broken, it can lose up to 12 gallons per minute. Preventing appliance and piping leaks is much more cost-effective than repairing the damage later.

Plumbers do more than just indoor work. A trained plumber can maintain the sewer line to prevent outdoor property damage. Typically, this happens when tree roots invade the piping due to structural damage.

Outdoor leaks cause sewage to seep through the dirt and into the lawn. If not treated, this may cause wet spots or strange odors. Luckily, this problem can be avoided with spring plumbing maintenance.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company provides water heater maintenance, plumbing repair, and additional plumbing maintenance services. Call The Darville Company today to learn more about their $25 off coupon for drain cleaning in Odessa, TX.

Stay Comfortable and Keep Bills Low

St. Patrick’s Day is here, and everyone is focused on finding their pot of gold. One reason people are so focused on fortune and good luck is that utility bills only seem to go up, stressing an already tight budget. March, one of the few months when homeowners get a reprieve from rising utility costs, is the perfect time to prepare for the high bills that come from cooling the home in summer.

Here are a few tips from heating and cooling professionals to help homeowners save their pot of gold. Following this advice all year long allows homeowners to enjoy savings indefinitely without choosing between staying comfortable and paying high bills.

Learn How to Use Ceiling Fans

One of the most underutilized tools for climate control is the humble ceiling fan. Most homes have ceiling fans in living spaces and bedrooms, but besides the fan providing some ambiance for sleeping, most people don’t understand their function in a heating and cooling scheme.

The secret to the good use of ceiling fans lies in knowing how they work and how to make them keep a space comfortable – for example, the heat from the heating system pools near the ceiling in the winter. The area near the ceiling is always a couple of degrees warmer than the temperatures that people are experiencing in the habitable space. Using ceiling fans to push that air downwards without creating a draft will make the whole room seem warmer. To do this, simply make sure the fan is turning clockwise.

Likewise, sweat from a person’s skin evaporates to keep them cool in the summer. Ceiling fans speed up this process by providing a continuous cooling draft, making the space feel cooler than it is. By allowing the fans to turn counterclockwise in the summer, homeowners can bump up the thermostat but stay cool.

Change Air Filters As Often As Necessary

Energy efficiency is a buzzword in today’s social climate, and the goal is a winner for everyone. Who doesn’t want to get more for the same amount of effort? Energy efficiency is as essential as ever when it comes to keeping bills low and the home comfortable.

The easiest way to protect the efficiency of an air conditioner or heater is to ensure the filters are always clean. Disposable air filters pull dust out of the air but slowly become clogged. This reduces airflow to the unit, making it work harder to condition the space. By changing air filters at least every three months, homeowners can lower their bills by protecting the efficiency of their units.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

For maximum savings, why not let the thermostat do the work? Smart thermostats are the latest innovation for eco-friendliness and efficiency. They use the latest technology to monitor energy usage and adjust the home’s temperature effortlessly, keeping it comfortable while reducing the total use of the heater or air conditioner. To get noticeably lower bills without manually working the thermostat constantly, install a smart thermostat as soon as possible.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company lowers bills with smart thermostat installation and AC maintenance. Their trustworthy technicians offer straightforward pricing on heater and AC repairs. Call today for HVAC service in Odessa, TX.

Tips to Help Homeowners Catch Water Leaks Early

Water leaks can lead to catastrophic damage in homes and businesses, but there are ways to detect leaks before they cause irreparable damage. By being aware of some of the most common signs of water leaks, homeowners can increase the odds of repairing the leak before it gets out of control.

Though some signs may go unnoticed if they aren’t being monitored, here are some common signs that homeowners can look out for to prevent water damage.

Most Common Signs of a Water Leak

• Low Water Pressure: If the water pressure in a home is suddenly lower, even when no other fixtures are in use, it could point to a potential water leak. There are other causes of low water pressure, such as sediment buildup or faulty valves, but homeowners should check for leaks when lower water pressure becomes noticeable.
• Mold or Mildew: A leaking pipe will eventually cause mold or mildew, which can be dangerous for homeowners. Not only are mold and mildew unsightly, but they can also cause health concerns. If a homeowner notices mold or mildew, it is important to check for leaks and call in a professional to detect the root of the problem.
• Sagging Ceilings or Water Staining: If homeowners notice sagging, staining, or a dark spot on the ceiling, it could be water damage from a roof leak or, if you have an upstairs bathroom, a water leak. When a homeowner notices sagging or a water stain, the leak may have occurred for a while. It is important to address it quickly to avoid costly repairs.
• Blistering Paint or Wallpaper: Blistering or peeling paint or wallpaper can indicate a leaking pipe in the wall. This doesn’t happen immediately, so immediate action must be taken if a homeowner notices this sign of a water leak.
• Damaged Flooring: When a pipe leaks, flooring can stain, warp, or become soft. Homeowners should watch for changes in tile, hard flooring, or carpet to quickly ensure leak detection. Water leak repair is necessary to maintain the safety of the flooring in homes.
• Unusual Water Noises: Plumbing should be relatively silent in most homes. Therefore, if homeowners hear unusual running water, they should immediately check for a water leak. Homeowners may also notice vibration or rattling, indicating a loose fixture.
• Rusty Pipes: In older homes, pipes may begin to rust, and this can cause a water leak. If homeowners notice any rusting, staining, flaking, or discoloration on exposed pipes, it is a sign of corrosion and needs to be repaired quickly to avoid further damage.

High Water Bills Can Also Indicate a Water Leak

For the most part, families use roughly the same amount of water each month. If there is a sudden spike in water usage (over 12,000 gallons for a family of four is considered high), there could be a severe leak in the home. Even a small leak can cause an increase in a family’s water bill for the month.

Use the Water Meter to Check for Water Leaks

There are easy ways for a homeowner to monitor water usage. One tip is to check the water meter when no household member is home. Checking the water meter when the last person leaves and checking again before the first person arrives home can help homeowners determine if they are losing water. If the water meter moves, there is a leak. Sometimes, this can indicate nothing more than a toilet leak, but even that can result in significant waste of water.

Though water leaks may seem like easy fixes, they often require professionals. Leaks are serious and have the potential to cause irreparable damage. Trusting a professional will ensure a reliable repair that will give homeowners peace of mind.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company is located in Odessa, TX, and offers services to surrounding areas. The company is “in the business of comfort” and offers 24/7 emergency service, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. The technicians at Darville are friendly and knowledgeable, with the skills needed to solve all plumbing problems. Call today and enjoy top-rated plumbing care.

Why a New Heating Installation Could Be the Best Way To Kick Off the New Year

If done right and on time, a new heating installation might be one of the best ways to start another brand new year – especially with the winter season in full swing by the time 2024 rolls around. Who wouldn’t want to be warm, cozy, and worry-free as the ball descends on Times Square or the confetti rains down on the party?

Is It Time for a Heater Replacement?

When it comes to replacing the home’s heater, timing is key. One wouldn’t want to replace it before it’s due for retirement. Otherwise, one would waste perfectly good money on a replacement when the heater still has much life left. Neither would one want to keep the heater running longer than it should; otherwise, it could break down beyond repair at the most inconvenient time, leaving one without a heating option while they wait for a replacement.

So when is the best time to get a new heater? There isn’t one definitive sign, but a combination of signs that, when taken together, could signal the need for a heater replacement. These signs include a heater’s age. Anything within the 15 to 20-year range is due for a replacement, especially if it also shows signs of deteriorating performance, inability or decreased capability to heat rooms evenly or sufficiently, decreased energy efficiency resulting in high electricity bills, as well as any odd sounds or smells coming from the vents.

How To Pick the Perfect Heater for Your Home

Once it’s been determined that a new heater is in order, the next thing to consider is what kind of heater to install in place of the old one. Just because a home is equipped with a certain type of heating system also doesn’t mean that the same kind of system must take its place. Heating replacement is a good way to consider if it’s best to change the existing system and opt for a better fit for the home. The following are some of the most common options available to most homeowners:

• Forced air – this is the most common type of heating system installed in most homes mainly because they heat air quickly and can be combined with cooling capabilities. This makes them best for homes that experience extreme temperatures. However, the downside to this kind of system is that it requires extensive ductwork and takes up a lot of space.
• Boiler and radiator – this is the traditional heating system in older homes and is typically more energy efficient, but the radiators can limit space and furniture placement.
• Heat pump – this system is best for homes in milder climates since heat pumps have a harder time working when temperatures are at their extremes. They can be installed without ductwork, are energy efficient, and give greater control over each space in the home.
• Electric resistance – these are best for supplemental heating since they use a lot of electricity, making them a good option for seasonal rooms that don’t have to stay heated all the time.

Benefits of Regular Heating Maintenance

Once a new heater is in place, it might be tempting to stop thinking about it because it’s supposed to work perfectly – and it should, for the time being. Eventually, though, as with all things, it will wear down and require maintenance. However, the severity of the issue will depend on how well it’s been taken care of, so homeowners who don’t want to be faced with a large and costly repair will want to schedule regular maintenance at the recommended rate of at least once a year.

Regular maintenance keeps the heating system in top shape and keeps it clean, prevents it from wearing down easily, and helps catch issues early while they are still small enough to be manageable. This way, homeowners don’t just have a heater that is running smoothly but also one that will last them a long time.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company is a trusted plumbing and HVAC solutions company that has been providing professional services to the families and communities of Odessa for over 70 years. They have earned a reputation for on-time, reliable, and thorough services backed by a 100% guarantee that’ll give homeowners the peace of mind of knowing that whatever HVAC problem they are dealing with, Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.

Backflow and Why It Is a Problem

People here in the United States tend to take clean, potable water for granted, but even here, sometimes things go wrong with the water flow, whether it is a municipal problem or a rural water district issue. Backflow can cause serious issues for any homeowner, no matter where they are. This occurrence happens when, instead of flowing down the drain, as wastewater should, the flow comes back up, causing overflow and possibly causing water contamination. A home’s backflow device is responsible for preventing the waste water from getting into the clean supply lines. 

Why Does Backflow Happen and What Problems Arise?

Several scenarios can cause backflow. The typical reason is a clog in the drain line. Most people have experienced this with a clogged drain or toilet. If this happens throughout the home, it may be a very deep clog, or something more sinister could be at work. Flooding is another common reason for backflow. If an area is saturated with rain, it can be difficult for the contents of a septic tank to be absorbed as they should be. Problems with city wastewater systems can cause backflow. This can have horrible implications for a community. The primary problem beyond the water damage to houses is that wastewater often carries disease. A problem affecting a whole area’s water can lead to a medical emergency, such as an outbreak of preventable diseases.

Testing a Home’s Backflow Preventer

This is where a backflow prevention device becomes the first line of defense. The backlogs device itself is not an extremely complex apparatus. It is a set of two valves between the pipes from a municipal water supply and the pipes that supply a residence. They generally stay open, but are designed to close under a fairly small fluctuation in pressure to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the supply.

Many cities require a certificate from each home saying that their backflow preventer has been tested and found to be functional. This backflow test is usually performed annually. A certified backflow tester will come to the home in question and perform the test, which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. The steps of this process are listed below.

• Water supply to the house must be turned off
• The plumbing professional will attach a testing device called a differential gauge
• They will check that the valves are opening and closing at the proper time and under the proper pressure
• They will turn the water supply back on if there are no problems

Why Is Backflow Testing Important?

Considering the inconvenience the backflow test causes for a typical household, why is it so often required? This preventative measure is about more than just a single household.

• Public Safety: Functional backflow preventers can keep a whole city healthy if there is a problem with the water system. It keeps germs out of the water.
• Personal Health: It keeps individuals safe from contamination as well.

About The Darville Company

Offering friendly, on time service in Odessa, TX and the surrounding areas, the Darville Company provides highly trained technicians for backflow service. Call today to schedule an appointment.

How Do You Improve Indoor Air Quality? Let Us Count the Ways!

The holidays are just around the corner, and with parties, gatherings and get-togethers happening left and right, the last thing anybody would want to be dealing with amid all the festivities is a stuffy, uncomfortable home that is sure to be no fun for either the hosts or the guests. Following one or all of these tips will improve the air quality inside the home.

Regular Air Filter Replacement

Any HVAC expert will recommend first replacing the air filter. This is because an HVAC system’s air filter is the first defense against most indoor air pollutants. The AC filter traps many contaminants in its spun fiberglass or pleated paper material and then keeps them there so that they don’t make their way into the heating or cooling system and out through the vents that supply the indoor air we breathe.

Even with a 99% efficiency rate, air filters eventually reach a point where their material cannot trap and hold any more pollutants. This usually happens by the third month, in which case the filter needs to be replaced at least once quarterly or four times annually.

Keep the Evaporator Coil Clean

Aside from air filter replacement, regular cleaning of the HVAC’s evaporator coil is also a step towards better indoor air quality. This is because a dirty evaporator coil affects the performance of the entire HVAC system. Not only will it take a long time for the air to heat or cool to the comfort level desired by the home’s occupants, therefore causing them to suffer in too cold or too warm environments, but a poorly maintained and filthy evaporator coil is also prone to breaking down and can also cause high electricity bills. Ensuring the evaporator coil is free from thick layers of dust and grime can create better comfort and breathability indoors.

Schedule a Professional Indoor Air Quality Assessment

While most homes respond almost immediately to regular air filter replacements and consistent evaporator coil maintenance, some homes can’t seem to get over the poor indoor air quality hump. In such cases, homeowners can call indoor air quality service providers and ask for indoor air quality testing.

Testing is a great way to determine what is driving down the quality of a particular home’s indoor air quality. By figuring out the cause or causes of poor indoor air quality, homeowners and professionals can devise a plan to fight the problem and restore comfort in the home. To do this, professionals usually test for various harmful materials that encompass everything from gasses and chemicals to mold, metals, and organic and inorganic compounds. Having this test done at home takes out a lot of the guesswork and helps homeowners begin the work of improving indoor air quality as soon as possible.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company is a trusted plumbing and HVAC solutions company that has provided professional services to the families and communities of Odessa for over 70 years. They have earned a reputation for on-time, reliable, and thorough services backed by a 100% guarantee that’ll give homeowners the peace of mind in knowing that whatever HVAC problem they are dealing with, Darville will make it right. Their team of highly qualified and experienced technicians works quickly without leaving a mess behind. Homeowners can also trust that they will get straightforward pricing and flexible financing options. Call them today in Odessa, TX for HVAC service.

Understanding Trenchless Sewer Repairs

Building codes and newer materials have come a long way towards ensuring that sewers are reliable. Even though sewer lines have to deal with all kinds of materials and the hazards of being buried underground, they are remarkably reliable. Unfortunately, problems with the sewer line can cause many nasty problems.

Dealing with the fallout from a sewer line problem is just the beginning. The sewer line repair process can be expensive and invasive as plumbing excavation trenches up the yard. Instead of paying for more damage to the property, wouldn’t it be great if there was a non-invasive way to perform sewer line repairs? Luckily, trenchless sewer line repair is a growing industry offering a variety of repair practices as well as benefits. Here are a few facts about trenchless repairs from local experts.

What are the Most Common Trenchless Methods?

After the mess is cleaned up from a sewer line problem, the next step is to schedule repairs. This can be even more upsetting than dealing with a sewer problem since accessing buried sewer pipes often involves trenching the yard and destroying landscaping and concrete work around the home. With trenchless pipe repairs, three methods can make sewer pipe repairs easy without all the hassle. Each of these methods uses two access holes to locate the sewer line. Then, these methods are used for repairs:

• Pipe-Bursting: A cable is passed through the old sewer line at one access point and retrieved at the other. Then, a powerful hydraulic ram is pulled backward through the pipe. This destroys the old pipe while pulling a new, seamless pipe into place.
• Slip Lining: Instead of destroying the old pipe, a new, more flexible pipe with a slightly smaller diameter is pulled into the existing pipe, giving the old pipe a new, leak-resistant lining.
• Cured-in-Place (CIPP): For jobs with long stretches of pipe, CIPP is the method of choice. This method uses epoxy to coat the pipe’s inside and seal leaks.

What Problems Do Trenchless Pipe Repairs Fix?

Trenchless pipe repair methods are great because they can be applied to fix most of the common problems homeowners will encounter with their sewer lines. The most common issues that trenchless pipe repair methods can fix are:

• Invasive tree roots
• Chronic sewer line clogs
• Corrosion
• Sewage leaks
• Sewer backups
• Upgrading outdated clay or iron sewer pipes

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

With any plumbing repair, about half the cost goes for labor. This can cause sewer line repairs to be prohibitively expensive since plumbing excavation requires special equipment, training, and permits.

Trenchless sewer line repairs can be done faster and more cheaply because they do away with spending hours on an excavator tearing up the lawn. They also reduce costs by allowing homeowners to save the money they would have spent repairing the damage done during excavation. Trenchless pipe repairs are the obvious choice for faster and cheaper pipe repairs that last just as long as traditional, invasive repairs.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company handles sewer repair needs for residential and commercial customers. Their skilled technicians offer straightforward pricing on a variety of plumbing repairs. Call today for excellent plumbing service in Odessa, TX.

Know When to Replace the Thermostat

It’s essential to know when to schedule a thermostat replacement in a home to keep HVAC systems operating correctly. If it fails, a home’s air conditioner cannot turn on and off as expected, and the temperature in the house will rise to an uncomfortable level.

To avoid these problems, homeowners should recognize broken thermostat symptoms to know when to install a new thermostat. Some signs to watch include increasing utility bills, incorrect temperature readings, and short cycling.

Higher Energy Bills

There are many signs homeowners should watch for that can indicate they have a broken thermostat. One sign is high energy bills. If a thermostat malfunctions, it can cause the HVAC system to overwork, which can use more energy.

It can waste energy by:

• Not accurately reading the temperature or failing to communicate with the heating and cooling systems properly. It can fail to turn off the HVAC system, causing more energy to be used.
• Causing the air conditioner to run continuously, especially if it malfunctions and is stuck in the “on” position.
• Delayed response times to temperature changes, causing households to adjust the temperature reading and increasing energy usage.
• Programming errors that can cause a smart thermostat to fail to follow the programmed settings and cause the system to run when it’s not supposed to.

Incorrect Temperature Readings

Another sign homeowners must watch for is if a thermostat shows incorrect readings. Property owners should recognize the symptoms that a thermostat is failing and needs to be replaced, including:

• Significant differences between the displayed temperature on the thermostat and the actual room temperature
• Failure to reach the set temperature, even when the air conditioner keeps running, trying to achieve it
• Sudden temperature changes in a home
• Short-cycling of the HVAC system, causing it to turn on and off quickly without reaching the temperature setting
• The unit’s buttons or screen are unresponsive

Short Cycling

Short cycling is another sign that a thermostat is malfunctioning. If an HVAC system turns on and off quickly without reaching the desired temperature setting, it can indicate a problem with the air conditioner or that the thermostat needs to be replaced.

Faulty thermostats can cause short cycling due to:

• Malfunctioning sensors that cannot detect the temperature
• Wiring problems or poor connections between the thermostat and the system
• Damaged components in the thermostat prevent it from accurately controlling the heating and cooling cycles
• Compatibility issues between the thermostat and the HVAC system
• Accumulating dirt, dust, and debris inside the thermostat can interfere with its ability to function

About The Darville Company

For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.

Get a Basic Understanding of Your Home’s Plumbing

Homeowners should have a basic understanding of their plumbing system. While they don’t necessarily need to know how every appliance works or how to fix each fixture, they need to know the symptoms that can indicate a problem. Property owners must spot the signs of a problem as soon as possible to schedule plumbing repairs.

Plumbers can give homeowners tips on symptoms to watch for when to schedule maintenance and when they need repairs or replacements.

Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures can lead to increased utility bills in a household. Faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, sinks, and water heaters can form leaks, break down, and wastewater.

Plumbers have tips for reducing water bills and making these fixtures more energy efficient. One way is to install a dual flush, water-saving toilet. Plumbing fixture installations of this water-saving device can reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain each time the toilet is flushed. Households can also use low-flow, water-saving showerheads to conserve water. These can provide the same quality water pressure but with less water, resulting in water and energy savings.

Experts may also recommend installing water-saving faucets to reduce utility bills. These have aerators that can reduce the water flow from a faucet to lessen water bills.

Common Signs of Plumbing Problems

Water damage is a major plumbing issue. It can result in expensive repairs and even health issues if mold or mildew forms. To avoid these problems, homeowners need to be able to spot the signs of a problem.

Some common symptoms to watch for are:

• Strange noises coming from faucets. If this occurs, it can be due to numerous issues, including air in the pipes and other problems. A plumber will need to determine the exact cause.
• Reduced water pressure. Various issues, including leaks or clogs can cause low pressure from shower heads or faucets.
• Bad smells. Foul odors coming from drains can indicate a clog or a blockage.
• Slow-draining sinks. When sinks take longer and longer to drain, it can signal a clog in the pipe that will need drain cleaning service.

The Importance of Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep plumbing systems running well is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance. These appointments let experts examine the system and look for any problems or signs of wear and tear that should be repaired. This can prevent plumbing emergencies – and costly repairs – from occurring.

Some of the tasks plumbers will complete during an inspection are:

• Check for signs of leaks
• Looks for water damage or signs of mold or mildew
• Examine the pipes
• Look for signs of corrosion on the pipes
• Check the faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, and sinks for problems
• Run tests to determine if there are clogs in the pipes
• Perform drain cleaning services to remove buildups in pipes

About The Darville Company

For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for plumbing services in Odessa, TX.

What Is Refrigerant?

To keep an air conditioner running properly, it needs sufficient refrigerant and coolant. This substance is essential to correctly cool a home.

Refrigerant, located in the coils of an AC unit, absorbs heat and provides cooler air. Without refrigerant, AC units could not produce enough cold air to cool homes.

HVAC technicians answer key questions about refrigerants, including how homeowners can determine which type of refrigerant they need, what causes refrigerant leaks, and signs that indicate professional repairs are needed.

How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses

Many homeowners are surprised to learn there are numerous types of refrigerants. Households need to identify which type of refrigerant their AC unit needs. These substances are not interchangeable, and adding the wrong one can harm the air conditioner.

To determine what type of refrigerant an AC system needs, property owners can:

• Check the manufacturer’s manual or documentation that came with the air conditioner. These should provide information about the type of refrigerant needed.
• Look for a label on the air conditioner that lists the refrigerant type.

If property owners are unsure what type of refrigerant is needed, they should consult an HVAC technician.

Homeowners should also be aware of how old their AC unit is. If built before 2010, it may use R-22, or freon. R22 refrigerant was banned for use in new systems because it can cause damage to the ozone layer. Property owners may need to replace the unit or consider retrofitting it.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

If an air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it cannot properly cool a home. Numerous issues can cause leaks. Some common causes can be aging or wear and tear as units age.

Corrosion can also lead to leaks, as exposure to chemicals and moisture can cause rust. This can lead to small, pinhole-sized holes forming in the tubes.

Other common causes can include poor installations, damage to the unit, malfunctioning components, and a lack of maintenance on the system.

When is it Time to Call a Professional?

Homes can get hot quickly without the right amount of refrigerant in an AC system. Fortunately, homeowners can quickly get their air conditioners up and running by scheduling repairs with an HVAC technician.

Property owners should call for services when they notice their air conditioner is not cooling their home to the temperature setting on the thermostat. When this happens, it can indicate a refrigerant leak, which needs to be fixed to get the AC unit working properly. Technicians can use refrigerant leak detectors to find the problem.

Homeowners should also schedule services if their air conditioner is not turning off and keeps running continuously, and if they hear hissing or gurgling sounds from the unit. These sounds can be caused by refrigerant escaping through small holes or cracks in the lines.

Another sign property owners should watch for is ice formation or frozen AC coils. Refrigerant leaks can cause ice to form on refrigerant lines, coils, or other components of the AC system. These frozen coils need to be inspected and repaired by professionals.

About The Darville Company

For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.