Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your ductless mini-split system if it’s not working properly. The first thing to check is to make sure the system is properly plugged in and that all of the switches are turned on. You should also check to make sure the air filters are clean and free of debris. If the filters are dirty, it can prevent the system from working properly. You should also check to make sure all of the vents are open and that there is nothing blocking the airflow. If you’ve checked all of these things and your system is still not working, you may need to call a technician to diagnose the problem.

There are several reasons that an AC unit may not be cooling. The following list is not all-inclusive but covers some of the more common problems:

• Dirty or clogged filter: We recommend checking filters once a month and replacing them every three months. If you have pets, you will need to check them more often as they will cause more dust and dirt to accumulate.
• Blocked airflow: If the unit is not positioned in the right spot, or if there is too much furniture blocking it, this can impede the airflow and cause the AC unit to work harder than necessary.
• Incorrect settings: Sometimes people mistakenly think that they need to turn the thermostat down as low as it will go to cool the home faster. Setting it lower doesn’t speed up cooling; it only makes the system run longer. Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool rather than Heat or Fan, and that the set temperature is below the current room temperature.

If you’ve checked all of these and your AC still isn’t cooling, Chad’s AC Direct can send a technician to find the cause and get your home comfortable again.

A furnace can technically run without a filter, but you should never do it. Filters keep dust, allergens, and other contaminants out of the furnace and your home’s air. Without one, debris builds up on the blower and other internal components, which can reduce efficiency, cause the furnace to overheat, and lead to costly damage. Chad’s AC Direct recommends installing a quality filter and replacing it regularly to keep your home’s air quality high and your furnace working properly.

The general rule is that a heat pump should be replaced, every 10 years. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your heat pump, as well as how well it’s been maintained. You can usually tell if it’s time for a replacement when your energy bills start to creep up or if your heat pump is starting to malfunction.

There are a few potential problems that could arise with a geothermal system. First, if the ground is too dry, it may not be able to absorb the fluid used in the system. This can cause the system to run inefficiently or stop working altogether. Additionally, if there is too much water in the ground, it can cause corrosion and damage to the system. Finally, if the ground is too hot or too cold, it may not be suitable for a geothermal system.

This may have several root causes, but there are a few things to look out for. First, check all of your windows/doors for drafts or significant leaks that might be causing conditioned air to escape the room. Next, try closing any doors that lead outside of the house since wind blowing through cracks can lower the temperature inside. If you feel cold air coming in from your windows, make sure that they are properly sealed (i.e., caulked or weather-stripped). If this doesn’t do the trick, you should also check to see if your system is working properly; call a professional to come out and service it for you.

Finally, if all else fails, there may be an issue with your ductwork. If the metal is exposed somewhere (such as in the crawlspace) it may be picking up heat from other parts of the house. This could also be caused by hose bibs that open into the return; make sure they are closed tightly or insulated to minimize this effect.

Hard-to-reach places in your room, such as the top of a closet or behind furniture, may also be collecting heat. Try using a small fan to circulate the air and create some movement.

A single slow sink or tub is usually a local clog in that fixture’s trap or branch line, often caused by hair, soap scum, or grease. When the problem is in your main sewer line, the symptoms show up in more than one place. Watch for several fixtures draining slowly at the same time, gurgling sounds from a nearby drain or toilet when water runs elsewhere in the house, water backing up into a tub or shower when the washing machine drains, and a sewage odor that won’t go away. Clogs that keep coming back in the same spot are another warning sign, because they usually mean the real cause was never removed. Many older Montgomery homes have clay sewer lines, and their joints can shift, crack, or let tree roots in over time. The most reliable way to know what is going on is a camera inspection. We clear the line, run a camera through it, and show you the footage so you can see whether the issue is buildup, roots, a sagging section, or a cracked pipe before any repair is recommended.

It depends on the age of the unit, what has failed, and how much the repair will cost compared to a new system. A traditional tank water heater typically lasts around 8 to 12 years, while a tankless water heater can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Problems like a faulty thermostat, a bad heating element, a worn-out thermocouple, or a pilot light that won’t stay lit are usually worth repairing, especially on a newer unit. Replacement is often the better choice if the tank itself is leaking, the water coming out of the hot side looks rusty, the unit makes loud rumbling or popping noises from heavy sediment buildup, or it is near the end of its expected lifespan and needs frequent repairs. A leaking tank can’t be patched, and it can cause serious water damage if it fails completely. When we inspect your water heater, we’ll explain what we find, give you an honest recommendation, and lay out the cost of each option so you can make the choice that makes sense for your home and budget.

Not every leak drips where you can see it. Water lines run behind walls, under floors, beneath concrete slabs, and underground through your yard, and a leak in any of those places can go unnoticed for weeks or months. The most common warning sign is a water bill that climbs for no clear reason. Other signs include the sound of running water when nothing is turned on, damp or discolored spots on walls, ceilings, or flooring, a musty smell or mildew, warm spots on a tile or concrete floor (which can point to a hot water slab leak), cracks in flooring or foundation, and low water pressure throughout the house. You can do a quick check yourself: turn off every faucet and water-using appliance, then look at your water meter. If the meter or its small leak indicator is still moving, water is escaping somewhere. Our water leak detection service uses specialized equipment to pinpoint where the leak is, so we can fix it with as little disruption to your home as possible. Catching a leak early can protect your floors, walls, and foundation, and it can save you money on your water bill.