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Why Would a Gas Fireplace Not Work?

close-up of a gas fireplace

How do you know when you need gas fireplace repair?

If you haven’t tested it yet, when the temperatures start to drop you’ll know if you need a gas fireplace repair service. Unfortunately, various things may be wrong with a gas fireplace, which means there are many different reasons you may find yourself reaching out for gas fireplace repair in Charlotte, NC. If you do find yourself in need of this kind of assistance, our professionals can be there to help. Reach out at 336-214-1972 today if you need this kind of service.

What could be wrong with my gas fireplace?

You may be thinking to yourself that you haven’t used it all summer, what could happen to a gas fireplace to keep it from working?  Even if it has sat idle all summer, multiple possible problems could cause you to need a gas fireplace repair service: 

1. IGNITION MALFUNCTIONING 

This may be the most common problem with any gas fireplace. Repair technicians will typically find wiring has been damaged causing it to draw too much current and trip the breaker. If your gas fireplace won’t start, check the circuit breaker box and if the breaker is tripped, flip it back. If it rips repeatedly, call a professional gas fireplace repair technician. 

 2. THE PILOT LIGHT

How do you fix a gas fireplace pilot light that won’t stay lit? The pilot light on a gas fireplace will get covered in dirt and dust, even if isn’t being used. This will block the sensor’s beam and keep the pilot light from igniting. You can clean the sensor yourself and then try to light your gas fireplace. Repair service by a professional may be necessary if that doesn’t work. 

3. BURNER FLICKERS

If your gas fireplace flame isn’t a steady blue-to-yellow flame, but flickers instead, there are a couple of possible problems. One is the flame is too high, and this can be fixed by lowering the flame. It can also be the thermocouple is failing because of insufficient voltage, or the thermostat may be going out. Before making that call for a professional gas fireplace repair service, try cleaning in and around the fireplace first to remove any buildup from last winter. If that doesn’t help, you’ll need to schedule that appointment.

4. FOUL SMELLS

Foul smells from a gas fireplace are not normal and is often caused by a dirty chimney. Last winter, debris or soot built up in the chimney or flue and when you started the fireplace this year, they got hot and started to smell. Or you may have a small critter in your chimney that didn’t make it back out. In this case, a chimney sweep would be the person to call, but if you smell something electrical burning, or you smell gas even with the fireplace off, you need to turn it off and call a professional gas fireplace repair service for emergency service. 

Other problems you may have with your fireplace would be hearing unusual sounds, which could be the blower motor going out, or soot buildup which would need the attention of a chimney sweep or a professional gas fireplace repair service technician. 

Why is my gas fireplace not starting?

A gas fireplace may not be responding and starting if the gas logs are operated by a remote control. Changing the batteries in the remote will usually fix this problem and you can do this yourself, saving the cost of a gas fireplace repair service. 

How do you reset a gas fireplace?

Believe it or not, replacing the batteries in the remote will reset your gas fireplace. We’re all familiar with remote control batteries dying without any warning. Even if you feel that you just changed them, do it again with fresh new batteries. 

But you don’t stop there!  When it comes to gas fireplaces, you also have to change the batteries in the receiver. The remote operates one side of the controls and the little black box inside the fireplace, the receiver, needs fresh batteries at the same time. The receiver batteries are one of the first things a gas fireplace repair technician will check. 

Are there maintenance contracts for gas fireplaces?

Ask the company you purchase your gas fireplace from about any maintenance contract they offer. You should have a professional inspection that includes cleaning, lubricating if needed, and replacing any worn parts. 

For your part as the owner of a gas fireplace, repairs can be minimized, even avoided by performing these four maintenance tasks yourself: 

  1. Turn the Pilot Light Off: Allow it to cool down before taking the following steps. 
  2. Clean Glass: Refer to the owner’s manual on how to remove the front glass and lay it on a soft surface. With a clean, soft cloth, clean both sides of the glass with a designated fireplace glass cleaner.  
  3. Clean the Airflow and Louvers: With a clean, soft cloth, wipe the louvers down to remove any dirt and dust buildup. If your fireplace unit doesn’t have louvers, clean any air cavities of any excessive dust or obstructions.
  4. Inspect and Wipe Down the Unit: With a clean, damp, soft cloth wipe down the exterior and inspect the paint. If you notice any bubbling or peeling paint, have a professional gas fireplace repair service inspect the unit. This often indicates that the unit may not be functioning properly. 

Keeping Warm: What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?

A quality gas fireplace that is professionally installed and properly maintained after installation can have a lifespan of up to 15 years with normal use. Keeping this in mind can help you determine when you might find yourself in need of a service such as a gas fireplace replacement rather than a repair. Meanwhile, our team can always be there to help determine what service you need to keep your gas fireplace functioning properly. When you need assistance, reach out to us by calling 336-214-1972.

Is AC Coil Cleaning Worth It?

HVAC Technician Cleans Coils

Should I clean my AC coils?

Your air conditioner coils are vital to its operation. Keeping them clean will ensure your air conditioner is performing at peak levels. All Climate Heating & Cooling recommends you clean your coils at least once a year, preferably in the spring, before summer heats up. Twice a year is even better. A fall cleaning can be valuable as well.

Here are some benefits of AC coil cleaning in Greensboro, NC:

  • Clean coils will lower energy bills. Dirty coils cause the air conditioner to work harder and expend more energy.
  • Cleaning coils will help you save on repair and maintenance costs. Coil cleaning is a fast and effective maintenance service.
  • Cleaning coils will help your AC last longer. The less work your AC has to do, the longer parts last and the longer the unit itself will last.

If you’re ready to save money and extend your air conditioner’s life, set up a time for AC coil cleaning by calling our team at 336-214-1972.

Where are the AC coils located?

Your air conditioner functions with two types of coils–the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. You can find the evaporator coil in the air handler unit inside your home. This coil absorbs the heat and humidity from your home. The condenser coil is found in the outside unit and it releases any excess heat from your home to the outside.

How do I know if my AC coil is dirty?

Clean evaporator coils will ensure that your air conditioner will perform at peak levels. Here are a few ways to tell if your evaporator coils are dirty:

  • The air conditioner will run longer than normal. That’s because the dirt and debris are blocking heat absorption and making the air conditioner work harder to cool your home.
  • Dirt and debris that’s built up on the coil will cause the AC to cool less effectively.
  • If frost builds up on the coils, dirt and debris are preventing proper heat absorption, and causing the refrigerant to become too cold. This, in turn, causes water vapor to condense on the coil.
  • Dirty coils will cause your AC to work harder. Extra energy use results in higher bills. Clean coils will save you money.
  • Dirt and debris can cause restricted airflow. This makes your AC work harder to cool your home.

All of these issues will cause your air conditioner to expend more energy which will cost you in utility bills as well as affect the wear and tear on your machine.

How long does a coil cleaning take?

An AC coil cleaning generally only takes about half an hour.

How long do you wait before turning your AC on after cleaning the coils?

After your AC coils have been cleaned, you’ll have to let the coils dry before turning the air conditioner on again. For the coils to dry, you leave the access panel off and let them dry for 30-60 minutes. After they are thoroughly dry, you can turn the air conditioner back on.

Can I clean my air conditioner coils myself?

It is possible to clean your AC coils on your own. To do so you will need the right equipment and cleansers.

One method for cleaning the coils is to use a combination of compressed air, a shop vac, and heavy-duty chemicals. It’s best to only use this method on your outdoor condenser coils. Using this method indoors, you’ll end up blowing dirt and debris into your home.

You can also clean your coils with household detergent and water. You apply the mixture with a low-pressure sprayer. Allow the coil to drain naturally or rinse it with a garden hose.

You can also use commercially available chemical cleansers that come in low-pressure sprayers or aerosol cans. It’s usually best to let HVAC contractors clean the coils using these chemical cleaners. Contractors often use special brushes to clean out the larger bits of debris.

If you have any doubts about AC coil cleaning, you should call a professional.

Does spraying your AC unit with water help?

As temperatures rise in the summer, your air conditioner works harder to keep you cool. One thing you can do to ease some of the energy use is to spray your unit with water. It helps lower the ambient temperature, which in turn, keeps the air conditioner from working as hard to keep things cool. And while it’s wise not to mix water and electricity with most appliances, it’s OK to do so with an AC. You can even spray the water while the air conditioner is running.

Of course, spraying water on your AC is a temporary fix. You can also set your thermostat to around 77-78 degrees to reduce energy usage. But, regular maintenance, including coil cleaning, is the best way to ensure that your AC is working at peak efficiency.

You can also spray water on your condenser coils to remove some of the debris that’s settled on them. Do this about twice a year. You can do a more thorough coil cleaning about once a year, usually in the spring.

How long do AC coils last?

The lifespan of AC coils will vary but typically they’ll last about as long as your air conditioner does. This means you’ll get about 15 years or so out of your coils. As with any component, keeping the coils clean will give them a longer lifespan.

What damages the AC coil?

Evaporator coil leaks are caused by the corrosion of the copper tubing in the coil. Corrosion usually occurs because formic acid accumulates on the tubing. This is caused by interactions of water, copper and volatile organic compounds inside your home. Air filtration systems can help remove some of these compounds

AC coil cleaning near me

Regular maintenance, including AC coil cleaning, is key to your air conditioner’s health and efficient operation.

Want to have your coils cleaned professionally? All you have to do is set up an appointment with us and we can get them cleaned. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 336-214-1972.

A Technician Cleans Coils.

Would AC Not Working Be an Emergency?

A Condenser Unit

Is it an emergency when your air conditioner stops working?

When your AC stops working, do you need an emergency air conditioner repair? This really depends on the situation. If your air conditioner has stopped working and the outside temperature is 90 degrees or higher, then, yes, you have an emergency situation on your hands. You’ll want immediate help for both comfort and safety. Here are more emergency situations that will need immediate attention:

  • The safety of young children, elderly family members, or family members with serious illnesses is compromised.
  • A leak has appeared that will cause water damage to your home.
  • Frequent electrical problems are occurring–the AC is tripping breakers, or it’s dimming lights when turned on, or you smell something burning.

If you’re experiencing any issues like these and need emergency air conditioner repair in Greensboro, NC, you can get help from the reliable and experienced professionals at All Climate Heating & Cooling. We can be reached at 336-214-1972.

How do you stay cool when waiting for an emergency air conditioner repair?

If your air conditioner has stopped working in the middle of a hot summer day, you have an emergency situation on your hands. The first thing you want to do is call for an emergency air conditioner repair.

Although most HVAC companies provide emergency repair services, you might have to wait a short time before technicians will arrive. No matter how long you have to wait, it won’t take long for the temperature to rise in your home. To stay safe and comfortable here are some things to consider when your AC is out:

  • Learn about heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Find out the signs and treatments for these illnesses and stay alert to them in yourself and your family.
  • Go somewhere that is cooler. If at all possible find a place that is cooler such as a neighbor’s house or shopping center or library. If you do go out, make sure to let the technician know to call you when they are on their way so you can meet them when they arrive.
  • Turn on fans and open windows. You can create a cross breeze by opening windows in the opposite part of the home from where the fans are located.
  • Take off any clothes that you modestly can because clothes trap heat. Thin cotton clothes will breathe better than other materials.
  • Take a cool shower to cool your body down and don’t dry your hair afterward to help stay cool.
  • Use a damp towel to help cool your body down.
  • Drink water to cool down. But you want to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks or hot drinks like coffee or tea. Also, avoid drinking alcohol as alcohol increases fluid loss.
  • The later in the day that it is, the hotter it will be, so avoid cooking when it’s late in the day.
  • Because heat rises, you want to stay as low as possible. If you have a basement, it will be cooler than other parts of the home.

How long does it take to replace a new air conditioner?

If you’re going to need a new air conditioner in an emergency, it can take on average about 4-8 hours for technicians to install one. If you are replacing both the AC and heater, it can take anywhere between 8-15 hours to complete.

To stay cool in the meantime, you can follow some of the tips outlined above. You can drink water, for instance, or wait somewhere that’s cooler, or use a damp towel to stay cool.

Should you give your AC unit a break?

The hotter the days get in the summer, the cooler you want to be. Turning off the AC at this time seems unthinkable. And when temperatures are above 90 degrees, it’s generally not safe to turn the system off. But, your AC works hard in the heat and there are some ways to stay cool during the summer and put less strain on the AC.

  • Except for safety reasons, it’s best to keep your thermostat somewhere between 77-78 degrees during the day. This will help your AC run more efficiently as the temperature rises.
  • Try not to use your oven during the hottest part of the day and keep cooking to a minimum.
  • Turn on fans to help cool occupied rooms. Don’t run fans in rooms that aren’t occupied.

Is my AC broken or is it just too hot?

When the temperature rises outside, it’s hard to stay cool, even when you’re in an air-conditioned home. If your AC is running and you’re feeling cold air blowing at regular intervals, you should be relatively cooler inside than out.

When your AC is running and you’re not feeling cool air and it seems to be getting hotter in the house, you might have a problem. The first thing you want to check is your thermostat. If you’ve had your AC turned off for some reason, you want to make sure the thermostat’s switched to “air conditioning”.

If your AC is running, but it doesn’t seem cool and it’s really hot outside, your AC could lag some before it begins to cool. If your inside temperature and your thermostat are consistently different, you might have a problem.

You will also want to check your filter. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and your AC’s ability to cool the home. Changing filters regularly will help your AC out tremendously.

Emergency Air Conditioner Repair Near Me

If your AC has broken down and you need emergency air conditioner repair in Greensboro, NC, you can always count on the professionals at All Climate Heating & Cooling. We are available for emergency services. We respond promptly to all service calls with the goal in mind of making the repairs as quickly and effectively as we can. We want to make sure to restore your comfort and safety as soon as possible. It’s also easy to reach us. All you have to do is call 336-214-1972.

A Technician Tests an AC.

What Is Considered an Old AC Unit in Greensboro?

Any AC unit older than 15 years can be considered “old” and may require a replacement. This is true in Greensboro, NC, and throughout North Carolina and the entire United States.


New Air Conditioner

How Old is Your AC Unit?

Do you have an air conditioner that’s 15 years old? Most modern air conditioners have lifespans of about 15 to 20 years. If your air conditioner has reached 15 years of age, you might want to look into air conditioner replacement in Greensboro, NC.

Regular maintenance is the key to an air conditioner’s longevity. If you’ve skipped out yearly maintenance, your AC may not last as long as expected.

Age isn’t the only factor affecting your decision to replace your system. If you’re paying more for repairs yearly than you would spend on a new AC, no matter how old it is, it’s generally better to replace it.


Finding the AC Age By Serial Number

One way to determine the age of an AC unit is through the serial number. However, each brand manufacturer uses a different pattern for inserting the date into the unit’s serial number, making it challenging to identify the precise number.

Luckily, this Building Center resource is a great database to decode your unit’s serial number and determine its age based on the brand.


Key Takeaway


Old AC Unit Graphic

Can I Just Replace My Outside AC Unit?

While it’s possible just to replace your outside AC unit, it’s not advisable. That’s because the outside and inside coils need to match. Your air conditioner will not work as efficiently as the mismatched parts will be unable to meet the demands put on it.

New inside and outside units will fit together perfectly so your air conditioner will operate at peak efficiency.

That said, here are some reasons you might be better off just replacing the outside unit:

  • The compressor is still under warranty.
  • Your budget is tight.
  • Your AC doesn’t appear to have other problems.
  • The inside unit is new or was recently replaced.

Replacing The Compressor Vs. The Whole Unit

When your air conditioner goes out, it’s often due to a bad compressor. If it breaks down, you might have to choose between replacing the compressor or the whole unit. Your air conditioner’s age will play a determining role in whether you’ll replace the compressor or the entire unit.

If your air conditioner is between 10-15 years old, replacing just the compressor may be a temporary fix. Eventually, the air conditioner will age out, and you’ll need to replace it anyway.

So, the best choice at this point is to install a new system. This way, you’ll save money in the long term.


Does Replacing The AC Unit Increase Home Value?

If you’re selling your home and have an older air conditioner, you might think it’s a good idea to install a new unit.

The value will improve by $2,500-$3,000 or 5-10% if you install a new heating and cooling system. But, because the average cost of a new HVAC system is about $10,000, the return on your investment will not be immediate.

If you plan to sell soon, it probably won’t be worth it to install a new system. But, if you’re not planning to sell for a few years, a new AC could prove valuable when you do sell.


How HVAC Units Save Money on Utility Bills

Air conditioner replacement is often a good choice if you want to save money on energy bills. New units are even more energy efficient now than 5-10 years ago. This means you’ll use less energy to cool or heat your home. You’ll save as much as 20-40% every month.

Over the course of the next 8-10 years, the savings you’ll experience will likely pay back the costs of putting in the new unit.

Of course, the key to these savings is regular maintenance. Regular maintenance will keep your system operating efficiently.

Otherwise, you’ll spend money on repairs or even have to replace the unit sooner than expected.


How Long Does it Take to Replace a Home AC unit?

A new air conditioner replacement can take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to complete. Times will vary depending on the size of the current system, as well as the weather and accessibility. Two components will be installed–the outside unit or condenser and the interior unit or evaporator coil.


Can I Replace My AC Without Replacing My Furnace?

Yes, it is possible to replace your air conditioner without replacing your furnace. But, before you do, you might want to see if tax rebates are available in your area that reward you for changing out an older AC unit for a newer, more energy-efficient model.

If your area offers these rebates, and you want to take advantage of them, then you’ll need to replace your furnace as well.


Can I Replace my Air Conditioner With a Heat Pump?

If you are considering air conditioner replacement in Greensboro, NC, you might want to look into installing a heat pump instead.

Heat pumps can be a more cost-effective solution to your heating and cooling needs than a central air and heating system. Heat pumps will cool your home as effectively as a regular air conditioner, pulling warm air out of your home to cool your home down.

A significant advantage of installing a heat pump over a complete HVAC system is that you won’t need an air conditioner or furnace to cool or heat your home.

All you’ll need is the heat pump. In the winter, the heat pump can be used to heat your home. That’s because, in the winter, heat pumps draw cold air out of your home to heat it.

Heat pumps, like air conditioners, can be limited in extreme heat. For heat pumps to work at optimal levels, they should be set at temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.

A heat pump’s thermostat set at 80 degrees, for instance, will be the optimal setting for an outside temperature of 100 degrees.


Summary for Identifying Old AC Units

If you’re a resident of Greensboro, NC, and unsure whether your AC unit has passed its prime, consider checking the serial number to identify the manufacturer date. If your unit is 15 years or older, it’s likely “old” and should be replaced within a reasonable period.

While some air conditioners can last up to 20 years or even longer, homeowners take a considerable risk by pushing them to their maximum possible lifespan.