Havertown Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why is My Air Filter Damp?

June 18th, 2013

You depend heavily upon the integrity of your air conditioning system to deliver clean, cool air throughout your home on a daily basis during the summer months. Air conditioners are generally built to last; they are built of sturdy components are designed to withstand damage. However, some problems are inevitable. Among the various problems that you may encounter with the operation of your AC concerns high levels of humidity. Moisture is a necessary component of comfortable air, of course, but in high amounts, this can lead to microbiological growth and system damage. A damp or wet air filter is a common issue in air conditioning, but it needs to be properly diagnosed to find the root of the issue. In today’s post, we’d like to look at this issue more closely. Call the Havertown air conditioning repair experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. for service.

Let’s take a look at two potential reasons why your air filter is damp:

  • Condensation: The most common reason for this is due to the condensation caused by the thermal interaction of the evaporator coil and warm indoor air. Your evaporator coil circulates cool, liquid refrigerant that absorbs the heat from indoor air. This process dehumidifies the air and the resulting condensation goes into a condensate drain pan, which is itself connected to a pipe that removes the water away from sensitive air handler components. If something goes wrong with your condensate drain system, you may have additional moisture in your HVAC system, including possibly a damp air filter.
  • Humidifier fault: If your HVAC system is outfitted with a whole-home humidifier, then your wet air filter problem could be related to a fault within the control valves. The result is saturated air moving directly into the air filter.

If you have high levels of moisture in your air conditioning system, you should consider having it checked by a professional technician. This can be a symptom of a more serious problem that can reduce performance and energy efficiency. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Havertown, PA.

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Why Call a Plumber if Your Toilet is Running: A Media, PA Plumbing Tip

June 11th, 2013

When your bathroom fixtures start to cause problems, whether it’s your toilet, shower, or sink, it can be frustrating. One problem in particular, a constantly running toilet, can not only be annoying but it can also cost you in wasted water. When you need a Media, PA plumber, call the experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing and Heating. Since 1977 we’ve been offering faster, reliable and quality plumbing services for all different kinds of plumbing components. We put together a quick list of some of the reasons why your toilet might be constantly running.

  • Flapper is loose – Yes, that is the technical name for the circular rubber flap that covers the hole in the bottom of your tank. If the flapper doesn’t create a tight seal over the flush valve seal it can let a little water flow from the tank into the bowl. Every few minutes the toilet refill will kick on the replace the water. This issue can be caused by an old flapper, a flapper that is the wrong size or if the chain that runs from the lift arm to the flapper is too short.
  • Float rod and float – The float arm is what deactivates the refill process for your tank after you flush the toilet. If the float arm is broken and not able to lift up far enough then water will keep coming into your tank. The overflow pipe will keep the tank from overflowing but it will still be wasting water.
  • Bad fill valve – The fill valve is what controls when water comes into your toilet If it is broken it could let water keep pouring into your tank even when it is already full. The excess water will flow into the overflow pipe. This is also incredibly wasteful.

If you need a Media, PA plumber make sure that you call the friendly experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing and Heating. We have over 35 years of experience working on all types of toilets and toilet repair issues.

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Newtown Square, PA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Why Your Coils Froze

June 4th, 2013

You need to ensure that your Newtown Square, PA air conditioning system works well as we shift into the summer season. We see a great variety of problems every cooling season. One of the more common among them is frozen coils. The coils in question make up the evaporator, which resides above the air handler in the indoor unit. As the warm indoor air is extracted from your home by the blower motor, it then interacts with the cool, liquid refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coils, and returned to the ducts to be circulated throughout the home. So, how could they freeze? Let’s take a look at some possibilities. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for exceptional Newtown Square, PA air conditioning services.

  • Clogged air filter: Your air filter is designed to prevent dust and other debris from accumulating on your sensitive mechanical components. When this occurs, it can lead to all sorts of problems, from inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency to premature system replacement. But if your air filter itself becomes dirty or clogged with debris, it can actually begin to impede cool airflow, and this can lead to a frozen coil.
  • Blower motor fault: Over time, your blower motor may suffer a fault or malfunction. If it does not extract enough warm air to blow through the evaporator, then this can lead to the air surrounding the coils to become stagnant. The coils become too cold, and this can lead to frosty coils.
  • Low refrigerant: If the level of your refrigerant is low, then you can expect neither performance nor energy efficiency. The “charge” of your refrigerant should stay the same throughout the life of the AC. However, because of a leak or improper installation, you may find yourself with low refrigerant levels. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to make sure that you get it fixed and recharged. Low refrigerant can also disrupt the refrigerant cycle, which can lead to coil problems like frost buildup.

If you have frozen coils, then call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive Newtown Square, PA air conditioning repair services.

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Happy Memorial Day!

May 27th, 2013

Every year on the final Monday of May, citizens of America come together to honor those who have served our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day came to prominence after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers on either side. Although its origins are somewhat ambiguous, it has always been about bringing people together to recognize our country’s military personnel and history. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who have served our county.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. We hope that you have a wonderful day off, and that it is a great start to your summer!

 

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Has the Time Arrived? Air Conditioning Replacement Tips from Drexel, PA

May 21st, 2013

Are you tired of paying for frequent repairs? Can your system no longer cut the heat during the summer? It can be tricky to know whether to continue repairing or to replace your air conditioning system. There are numerous factors to consider and ultimately you have to make the decision that’s right for your home, cooling needs, and budget. But don’t do it alone. Ensuring that you have a proper technical guide to rely on is critical to the future comfort of your home. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive Drexel, PA air conditioning services.

Let’s take a look at some things you should consider for your air conditioning replacement.

  • Old age and frequent repairs? First and foremost, you need to decide whether it makes sense to replace your existing system. If you have an older system, then you should at least consider the possibility of replacement . If it also requires frequent repairs, then you should probably invest in the future of your comfort with a new model, rather than to continue to prop up a declining and obsolete system.
  • Size: You need to make sure that the size of your new system matches the needs of your home. A professional installer will ensure that this is so, and may even make recommendations about how you could improve the energy efficiency of your home as well as your new AC’s cooling performance.
  • Duct or no ducts? During replacement, you may want to consider switching up the type of AC. If you previously had a central air system that required extensive ductwork installed within your home, then you may wish to stick to what you know. But if you’d like to improve your energy efficiency and avoid the indoor air quality issues that come with the use of air ducts, then you may want to consider going ductless. A ductless split system is similar to a central AC system, but instead of using ducts to distribute the air from a central unit, there are multiple air handlers placed inside your home. 

We hope this brief guide helps you get started thinking about whether you need air conditioning replacement in Drexel Hill, PA. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. for AC services today!  

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Why Schedule Havertown, PA Air Conditioning Repair as Soon as Possible?

May 13th, 2013

Is your AC no longer cooling as well as it once did? Have you noticed a leak around your indoor air handler? Making sure that you schedule  air conditioning repair as soon as you notice a problem or deficiency is the best way to allow your system to work as it should. You need to make sure that your AC is not only performing well so that you can stay comfortable during the summer, but also that it is performing efficiently, so you can keep your energy bill to a minimum. Both of these concerns rest on an AC in good working order. In this post, we’d like to review why the timing of pro repair is so important. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive Havertown, PA air conditioning repair service.

  • Energy efficiency: During the summer months, you need to make sure that your AC operates efficiently, meaning that the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output remains high no matter what the outside temperature is. While your AC has a SEER rating that indicates its estimated efficiency, the actual energy efficiency depends upon the cleanliness of your system, its age and condition, as well as the insulation of your home and the condition of your ductwork.
  • System longevity: Even minor problems can lead to significant problems if left unaddressed. Neglecting air conditioning repairs can decrease the working longevity of your system, and it may cause your system to break down much earlier than it should.
  • Performance: Repairing any problems in the first instance is the best way to ensure that they don’t get in the way of your comfort. This is the reason why you have a comprehensive home cooling system, so don’t allow a minor repair to shut your system down during the hottest days of summer. Whether you have a dirty condenser coil, low refrigerant, or an overheated compressor, your AC will not work well unless it is repaired by a professional technician.

If you’re concerned about the integrity, efficiency, or effectiveness of your system, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive Havertown, PA air conditioning repair services. 

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Havertown, PA Plumbing Guide: Replacing Plumbing Components

May 6th, 2013

Our plumbing system works behind the scenes. We readily enjoy the stream of hot water coming out of the shower fixture high on the wall, or the washing machine unit that somehow fills up with water, but we don’t think about how our plumbing works. The truth is that a lot of hard work and design is responsible for the conveniences of our modern plumbing systems. But it won’t last forever and there may come a time when you have to replace some of your plumbing. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive plumbing services, from whole home repiping to water heater replacement.

Here are some examples of common parts of your plumbing you might need to replace:

  • Piping: You have piping throughout your home plumbing supply system, and you can expect it to be durable, provided it is taken care of and was installed properly, but nothing, not even copper, lasts forever. Temperature and pressure fluctuations, hard water, and simply general wear and tear on pipes and connections can cause multiple leaks and corrosion. It’s important to try and prevent systemic pipe failure so that you can avoid any water damage in your home. If your pipes frequently leak, have a plumber examine your system to see if you need pipe replacement.
  • Water heater: No matter what type of water heater you have, it will eventually need repair or replacement. If your tank storage water heater has turned your home water supply a rusty color, then it could mean that oxidization has started to rust the interior of your water heater. This can be not only hazardous to your water supply, but it can also lead to major water heater failure, which can mean a lot of hot water leaking into your home.
  • Fixtures: The fixtures that function as the intermediaries between you and your water supply are subject to wear and tear just like the rest of your plumbing components. Don’t let small faucet leaks increase your water bill. If you have a faucet that is constantly leaking or a toilet that keeps running, its important to get it repaired or replaced quickly. If you want to make your home more environmentally friendly, replacing your faucets, showerheads, and toliets with fixtures specially designed to be low-flow can have a big impact on how much water your home uses.

Keep an eye on your home plumbing system. When you need to replace any of your Havertown, PA home’s plumbing components, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today! 

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Springfield, PA Air Conditioning FAQ: Why is My AC Leaking Water?

April 29th, 2013

As we enter the cooling season in Springfield, PA, you may be checking on your AC to ensure that there’s nothing wrong with its operation before the heat and humidity begin. One common problem we see is air conditioning systems leaking water. If you’ve ever wondered about where that water is coming from, you’re not alone. The air conditioner is a complex machine, but one thing to keep in mind is that it also dehumidifies the air as part of the cooling process. We’d like to explain why your AC might be leaking water. For Springfield, PA air conditioning services, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today!

To understand the leaking water, let’s take a look at the process of cooling and dehumidification. Inside the indoor unit where the air handler sits there is an evaporator coil that is responsible for cooling the warm air in your home. It is a pyramid-shaped series of coils through which a cool liquid refrigerant circulates. As the warm air comes into contact with these coils, the moisture in the air condenses on to the coils, and the air is dehumidified.

But where does that water go? There is a condensate drain pan fitted beneath the evaporator coil, so that any condensed water vapor can drip right into the pan, and down the drainpipe. From there, it either goes to its own drainage, or connects to your wastewater disposal system. When this system works, the condensed water is not a problem, but if not, that water is at risk of moving into the air handler itself, or possibly on the floor in front of the indoor unit. This typically occurs because the condensate drain pipe becomes clogged with dust and other debris, causing the drain pan to overflow. However, leaks can also occur, whether because of physical damage or due to general wear and tear. These are usually quick fixes for your AC contractor.

For more information about your Springfield, PA air conditioning system or to schedule repair service, call the experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today! 

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Havertown, PA Air Conditioning Guide: Is it Time to Repair, or Replace?

April 22nd, 2013

Spring is a great time to ensure that our home is in tip-top shape for the heat and humidity of the summer. While routine maintenance should help ensure you get years of reliable cooling, there may come a time when you need to consider the decision between repairing and replacing. While it may make more financial sense to replace your AC in many cases, it’s important to know what your options are. That’s why professional consultation is so important. When you need exceptional Havertown, PA air conditioning services, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services!

There are a number of factors to think about when deciding whether to repair or replace: your cooling needs, the condition of your home, budget, and so forth. The following is only a brief guide, and hands-on diagnosis should be performed by a professional before you make any decisions. That said, let’s take a look at some potential reasons to repair or to replace your AC:

It’s probably time for repair if…

  • Frozen coil: This is often caused by a clogged air filter, or some other airflow problem. When fixed, your AC will usually return to normal. 
  • Water leak: Water leaks in or around the air handler are caused by a condensate drain overflow or drainpipe clog. This device fits under your evaporator coil to catch water and make sure it drains properly. Clearing the clog is usually a quick fix.
  • Debris accumulation: Sometimes your AC just needs to be professionally cleaned in order to restore its efficiency and effectiveness. Obviously, not a problem that requires you to replace your system.

It’s probably time to replace if…

  • AC is old: If your AC is old and it seems as though it’s reached the end of its life, then it’s a good time to at least begin thinking about replacement, even if your AC still works.
  • Frequent repairs: If your AC requires frequent repairs, you should consider replacement as a viable alternative. Not only would you receive a brand new highly efficient system, but you would also be able to avoid supporting an old system, and begin investing in your future comfort.

Whether you need repair or replacement, the Havertown, PA air conditioning experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services are here to assist you. Call us today! 

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Springfield, PA Plumbing Tip: Pros and Cons of Copper Piping

April 15th, 2013

If you’re in need of plumbing replacement, you may be wondering what type of pipes your plumber will use. While copper piping has become the standard hard pipe in the plumbing industry, and has been used in plumbing applications for many years. It is only since the 1970s that plastic piping has offered a viable alternative to copper plumbing. In this post, we’d like to run you through the pros and cons of copper piping so that you and your plumber can make an informed decision about what’s right for your home and your plumbing requirements. For more information about copper piping, or to schedule a Springfield, PA plumbing service, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services today!

As a tried and tested standard of the plumbing industry, copper offers many pros, including:

  • Durability: While it’s ductile enough to be used for fittings and joints, copper is incredibly durable. In addition to its fire resistance, it is also corrosion resistant. Its rigidity allows for less supports when spanning distances, and it maintains alignment under pressurized conditions.
  • Malleability: Plumbers love copper because of its strength and malleability. Sweating copper pipes is one the basic techniques of the residential plumber.
  • Fire resistance: Copper has a high thermal rating, making it resistant to fires. For homeowners concerned with using fire retardant materials, copper makes an excellent choice.

That said, there are some potential cons to take into account, as well:

  • Cost: The major reason for the rise of alternative piping is cost. Copper piping is more expensive than plastic piping, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The latter is quickly becoming a standard in many residential applications for its strength and flexibility.
  • Metallic flavor: While it is minimal, copper piping may add a metallic flavor to your drinking water, which may be off-putting for some homeowners.

Remember to discuss your options with a plumbing professional in order to receive the most up-to-date information on piping. For Springfield, PA plumbing services, call the experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services today! 

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