Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical Services Blog

Why Does My Furnace’s High Limit Switch Keep Tripping?

February 19th, 2021

Your furnace has many parts that must function correctly in order to heat your home the way you like. When components malfunction, the system can lose efficiency or fail to operate entirely. One common problem that homeowners across the Birmingham, AL, area sometimes experience is a furnace high limit switch that frequently trips. Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what high limit switches do, why this issue occurs, and how to fix it.

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch?

The high limit switch is a furnace component that controls elements of operation and safeguards the system. This component is connected to the blower motor as well as the gas valve and consists of a probe that detects temperatures mounted to a metal plate.

The limit switch has two functions.

First, the limit switch tells the blower fan when to turn on and off. It does so by sensing air supply temperature, telling the fan to turn on once air is heated in order to circulate it into the home. It allows the blower to run even after the furnace has turned off its burners, so all heated air is distributed into the living areas.
Second, the limit switch detects the supply air temperature in order to identify overheating. If the supply air is too hot, the interior of the furnace overheats, which can cause damage to components. The limit switch trips when temperatures are too hot, effectively shutting down the system and locking furnace operation until the unit cools.

Why a Furnace High Limit Switch Trips

You’ll realize that your furnace high limit switch is tripping because heating cycles will end shortly after they begin. This issue is called short cycling, and it’s known to cause excess energy consumption and wear out your furnace faster.

When the furnace high limit switch trips, there are issues within the system that must be resolved in order to allow the limit switch to operate properly.

Dirty Flame Sensor

The high limit switch has a flame sensor rod that detects air temperatures in the plenum of the furnace. If it is dirty, it cannot properly detect temperatures, which is one reason why the furnace high limit switch trips.

To clean the flame sensor rod, carefully follow these directions:

Remove the furnace access panel to locate the high limit switch on the outside of the plenum.
Unscrew the switch from the plenum.
Use steel wool or sandpaper to gently clean away soot and other materials stuck on the rod.
Replace the switch and access panel.

If it is not possible to clean the dirty flame sensor, it can be replaced. Contact your HVAC technician to replace this part correctly.

Overheating

If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system.

Check your air filter, and replace it if dirty. A dirty filter is the most common cause of airflow issues.
Open all vents and registers throughout the home to ensure proper air movement through the system and ducts.

A dirty blower motor can also cause overheating, which is one reason why the furnace high limit switch continues to trip repeatedly. Schedule a maintenance tune up to have the entire system and the blower motor thoroughly cleaned.

Defective Limit Switch

If the furnace high limit switch is tripping, it will wear out at some point. Eventually, it will trigger a lockout mode, and your gas furnace will be unable to operate until the switch is reset or replaced. Make sure you contact your technician to perform this repair task.

Hire Douglas Cooling & Heating for Furnace Repair Services

If your gas furnace high limit switch keeps tripping, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for fast furnace repairs. Our technicians find the source of the problem and make accurate repairs to ensure your switch doesn’t trip and your furnace operates as it should.

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What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Water Filtration System?

February 19th, 2021

Does your tap water appear dirty or leave a bad taste in your mouth? Installing a whole house water filtration system for home use can provide the clean, fresh-tasting water supply your family wants and needs. For more information about having a water filtration system installed in your home, contact the plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Benefits of a Water Filtration System for Home Plumbing

Installing a water filtration system for home use provides many benefits to your family, including:

Safe Drinking Water Supply

With a whole home water filtration system in place, impurities and contaminants are removed from your drinking water, sending only safe, clean water through your taps.

Filtration systems remove biological organisms and parasites that can be present in a home’s water if the water treatment process is not performed correctly, causing digestive issues in those who consume it.
Contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, and others which are potentially harmful when consumed are removed.
The pH level of the drinking water is lowered, so your water smells and tastes better!

Protection for Your Plumbing

A water filtration system for home plumbing doesn’t just benefit your family members; it benefits your plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances, too! By filtering out minerals and chemicals, buildup inside plumbing components is reduced. By slowing down buildup, you’ll reduce the need for plumbing repairs and help your appliances and fixtures stay in service longer.

Healthy Skin

Installing a water filtration system has many health benefits, too. Many people don’t realize that some skin conditions can be worsened by poor water quality. Heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and other particles in water irritate your skin when bathing, washing your hands, and even wearing clothing that was washed at home! Removing these contaminants can improve eczema and psoriasis symptoms, especially in children. Also, avoid allergic reactions and skin rashes that occur upon contact with these particles.

Clean Better with Less Soap

Another way a whole house filtration system for home use helps your skin is by reducing the amount of soap needed for bathing. It also cuts the amount of soap and detergent needed for laundry, doing dishes, and other cleaning tasks. Mineral deposits and soap scum are eliminated, protecting your skin, clothing, and dishes. Save money on soaps and detergents by using less to get the job done!

Preserve Your Clothing

By removing minerals and using less soap in the washing machine, your clothes are cleaner and stay in good shape longer. Soap scum and minerals can stick in fabrics, breaking down fibers and causing clothing to deteriorate sooner.

Save Money

When tap water tastes funky, many homeowners turn to bottled water for drinking. Buying bottled water eats up a considerable portion of your household grocery budget, but installing a water filtration system for home use can eliminate this expense altogether!

Reduce Waste

By eliminating your family’s dependency on bottled water for drinking, you won’t be contributing dozens of plastic bottles to the waste stream each month. Even if you recycle, energy is still needed to facilitate the process. Cutting the use of bottles altogether conserves this energy for the benefit of the environment.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Better Water Quality Today

Are you ready to gain the peace of mind that comes with improving your home’s water quality? Douglas Cooling & Heating will install a water filtration system for home use to treat all water that flows through your plumbing pipes. Contact us today for an estimate to install a new water filtration system at your Birmingham residence.

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Why You Should Consider Installing a Surge Protector

February 15th, 2021

You are enjoying a nice night in with your family and watching a movie when the wind decides to kick up something awful. So it comes as more of an annoyance than a surprise when a tree takes down a power line later on in the evening, leaving your house dark without electricity.

Your first focus is of course to get the lights back on but what about after that? Are you going to check on your major home appliances? You certainly should because a power outage can create a power surge which can lead to some serious damage to your air conditioner, heater, and other home appliances. And that is a problem that is preventable.

Tags: Alabaster, Electrician, whole-house surge protection
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What You Should Know About Your Outlets

February 1st, 2021

When you go to plug in your laptop you should be able to do so without fear of electrocution. The same applies to plugging in a hairdryer or another electrical appliance. A big factor in providing that peace of mind for you can actually lay with your home’s outlets.

We know it might sound strange but it’s true. Your outlets are important not just for providing power. They are vital to your safety and the safety of your home overall. That is why you should know at least a bit about what outlets go where to ensure your home runs well and is as safe as possible.

Tags: Birmingham, Electrician, Outlets
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Should You Install Filters in Your Home’s Vents?

January 26th, 2021

Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can wreak havoc on your household if they’re not controlled properly. From coughing and sneezing to dry eyes and an itchy throat, the symptoms caused by allergens can range in severity. To limit or even completely remove common allergens from your home, consider adding filters to your home’s vents as an extra line of defense.

While your HVAC system likely has a filter built into the system itself, many homeowners are beginning to install return air filters in their home’s vents as well. This will help to remove any allergens that might have accumulated within your vents, as well as catch any allergens that might’ve slipped through the cracks and gotten through your HVAC system’s filter.

Benefits of Return Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents

Allergens such as dust, pet dander, and airborne bacteria can cause common allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and dry eyes, but the issues don’t stop there. Common household allergens can also develop sicknesses like the flu or the common cold in anybody who breathes in the contaminated air.

By adding air filters to your home’s vents, you’ll catch and remove any allergens before they reach your loved ones within your home. Those within your home will likely notice the difference in the air quality almost immediately, as their allergy symptoms are greatly reduced.

Negatives of Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents

While the benefits are certainly noticeable and important, it’s also a good idea to consider the drawbacks in adding filters to your vents.

After adding an air filter to your vents, you’ll likely notice decreased airflow. This can cause your HVAC system to stay on longer as it tries to match your thermostat’s set temperature, leading to higher energy bills and consumption.

Additionally, vent filters are more of a short-term solution. In order for your filters to work effectively and limit the airborne allergens within your home, you’ll have to change the filters quite frequently.

How to Install Filters

Clean and Clear Your Vents

Before installing filters within your vents, you’ll need to turn off your heating or air conditioning system and make sure that your vents and return air vents have been cleaned and cleared of any dust or debris. Properly cleaning your vents before adding a vent filter will help to reduce the immediate workload that your filter will have to endure.

Cut Sheet Appropriately

Typically, vent filters will come in the form of one large sheet. You’ll have to cut the sheet down to an appropriate size for your individual vents and return air vents. Make sure that the vent filter you’ve cut out is the proper size and that there are no openings where non-filtered air can leak out.

Apply Filter

After you’ve cut the sheet appropriately, apply the supplied tape or velcro to the grille of the vent and simply press onto the areas where the adhesives are attached. The filter should be secure on the grille of the vent.

Where Can You Buy Return Air Filters?

Vent filters are becoming far more popular among homeowners, leading to increased availability at affordable prices. Check your local hardware or home improvement stores to find vent filters. If they don’t have any in stock, you’ll surely be able to find them on their website.

How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?

While filters for vents and return vents are certainly a great way to reduce the number of indoor allergens within your home, they’re not a long-term or permanent solution. As a general rule of thumb, vent filters should be replaced once a month or every other month.

For a more long-term solution to limiting your home’s indoor allergens, consider installing a media air cleaner or a UV air purifier.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Indoor Air Quality Services

For more information on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, or to inquire about media air cleaners or UV air purifiers, get in touch with the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We’ll provide you with any information you’re seeking and will let you know how our IAQ products can positively benefit your home.

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How to Identify a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

January 26th, 2021

You notice a strange smell coming from your gas furnace – could it be a cracked heat exchanger? Upon further inspection, you also see that there is rust along the exterior of the system. You wonder: Is this something I need to call an HVAC company about?

The answer: Yes, immediately! Both of those signs could point to a cracked heat exchanger, which, if not handled soon, poses a serious health and safety risk to your family.

Heat exchangers are the largest component of your home’s heating system, and over the course of its lifespan, it can begin to develop cracks. When you have a cracked furnace heat exchanger, the system may leak combustion gasses. This can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide entering your home.

What Do Heat Exchangers Do?

A furnace heat exchanger is a crucial component in home heating systems, responsible for a vital role in maintaining indoor comfort. Its primary purpose is to transfer heat generated during fuel combustion (like natural gas or oil) into the air circulated throughout your home. This process ensures warm and comfortable indoor temperatures during cold seasons.

What Causes a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger’s lifespan can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit. On average, well-maintained furnace heat exchangers typically last 15 to 20 years. However, some may reach 20 to 30 years or more with proper care.

If your furnace’s heat exchanger is between 10 and 20 years old, any cracks that have developed are likely from normal use. If your heat exchanger is less than a decade old, however, other factors may be to blame, including:

Poor Maintenance

Neglecting regular furnace maintenance can contribute to a damaged heat exchanger. Accumulated dirt, debris, and corrosion can weaken the metal over time, making it more susceptible to cracking. An overly clogged or dirty furnace filter or obstructed air ducts can also cause heat exchanger cracks.

Excessive Heat

High temperatures within the furnace, often caused by issues like restricted airflow from blocked registers or a malfunctioning thermostat, can accelerate wear and tear on the heat exchanger, potentially causing cracks.

Improper Sizing

Improperly sized furnaces may turn on and off frequently. This is known as “short cycling.” Short cycling causes your heat exchanger to expand and contract more than necessary. This overuse of your system may eventually lead to cracks before you’d normally see them if your heating system was the correct size for your home.

Corrosion

Exposure to moisture and corrosive substances can lead to rust and corrosion, weakening the metal and making it more prone to cracking.

Manufacturer Defects

Though rare, manufacturing defects or the use of poor-quality materials can contribute to premature heat exchanger failures.

Why Are Cracked Heat Exchangers a Problem?

If you suspect your gas furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it’s important to call a heating and cooling technician to diagnose the issue immediately. A cracked heat exchanger poses serious health risks for a couple of very important reasons:

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

The furnace heat exchanger contains and burns off carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. A leak means they could escape into your home’s air ducts. Carbon monoxide poisoning is known to cause illness, including flu-like symptoms, or, in extreme cases, death.

Flame-Outs

When a mixture of gas and hot air combust in the heat exchanger, uncombusted gas builds up until it reaches a high enough volume to be explosive. When it becomes explosive, it combusts and forces flames and air pressure out of any accessible hole, such as a cracked heat exchanger. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is to blame for one in six home structure fires across the U.S.

Signs of a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

Detecting a failed heat exchanger is crucial for your safety and the proper functioning of your heating system. Signs of a cracked heat exchanger may include:

Unusual Odors: Cracks can allow combustion gasses to escape into your home, producing unusual smells.
Visible Rust: The presence of rust on the exterior of your furnace or on the heat exchanger itself can indicate potential cracks.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off or indicates elevated carbon monoxide levels, it’s a sign of a potential issue with your heat exchanger.
Soot Accumulation: Cracks can disrupt the combustion process, leading to soot or black residue on or near the furnace.
Visible Cracks: In some cases, you may physically see cracks on the heat exchanger if you inspect it closely enough.
Inconsistent Heating: If certain rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, it could be due to a cracked furnace heat exchanger as it may struggle to distribute heat evenly.

What Do You Do If Your Heat Exchanger Is Cracked?

You may be unaware of a cracked furnace heat exchanger unless your carbon monoxide detector beeps, but you may also notice some of the other signs mentioned above. Unfortunately, you can’t really know for sure that your heat exchanger is cracked without an HVAC technician’s professional inspection.

A cracked furnace heat exchanger typically cannot be repaired and usually requires a complete furnace replacement.

Schedule a Furnace Check-Up with Douglas Cooling & Heating Today

If you suspect a cracked furnace heat exchanger, contact your local HVAC technicians for assistance right away. In the Birmingham, Alabama area, Douglas Cooling & Heating has earned a reputation as the most trusted heating company, boasting years of experience in the field.

Our regular furnace maintenance and professional inspections are instrumental in preventing and detecting potential heat exchanger issues before they become safety concerns. Better yet, enrolling in our 24/7 Club Membership provides year-round care for your home’s heating and cooling systems, ensuring their continuous performance.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out online to schedule a heating tune-up today. You can also schedule service for your other heating, air conditioning, or indoor air quality equipment to ensure your entire HVAC system operates efficiently and safely.

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Why Late Maintenance is Better Than None

January 18th, 2021

Late maintenance on your teeth can turn that cleaning into an appointment to fix a cavity. Delayed maintenance on your vehicle can lead to expensive repairs. And, as you may have guessed, delayed or skipped heating maintenance in Birmingham, AL can lead to a host of issues for your system and your home comfort.

Around this time of the heating season, we discover plenty of people have simply forgotten to get their yearly maintenance taken care of. If that’s you, it may help to know you aren’t alone—it happens! And it may also be great to know that there is no end date for when you can get maintenance done. As long as your heater hasn’t broken down, it isn’t too late to schedule a tune-up!

Tags: Birmingham, Heating Maintenance
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Does Your Water Heater Need Repairs?

January 4th, 2021

There is nothing quite so annoying as standing outside your shower while you wait for the water to heat up…and you wait…and wait….and the water just never heats. Sound familiar? If it does, you need to reach out to us to have a talk about your water heater in Helena, AL.

It can seem obvious that a complete lack of hot water is going to indicate serious trouble with your water heater. But there are indicators to watch for that will warn you that repairs are needed. We have some of the warning signs you should know listed here and, if you need water heater repairs, we have the services you need too.

Tags: Helena, Water Heater, Water Heater Repair
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Make Sure Your Home is Safe For The Holidays

December 21st, 2020

There is a lot of excitement for holiday gatherings to come, even though they may be smaller than in previous years. Small is still good though! The priority should be on safety instead of size so everyone is able to truly enjoy themselves. With that said, there are a few different ways that you may not have thought of to ensure the safety of your home this season. That’s what we are here to help with.

From double-checking your heater to making sure the lights are going to stay on you can rely on the team at Douglas Cooling & Heating to get the job done. Here are some of the different ways to ensure your home safety that you may not have thought of just yet:

Tags: Electrical, Electrical Repair, Electrician, Helena
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How Do You Repair a Leaky Compression Faucet?

December 10th, 2020

Even tiny drips and leaks can lead to serious water waste over time. To avoid wasting water and money, it’s helpful to know how to fix a leaky compression faucet, which is the most common type of faucet used in homes.

The plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating share guidance on how to repair a leaky compression faucet yourself. If you’re unable to resolve the leak or are not comfortable performing the steps yourself, please give us a call – our plumbers will be happy to address this issue for you.

What Is a Compression Faucet?

Compression faucets are the original faucets that have existed since indoor plumbing came into style. They’re commonly found in older homes and may also be used in newer homes because their cost is low compared to other faucet styles.

Compression faucets are easy to identify from other faucet types because they have separate hot and cold handles. These handles are twisted open to allow water to flow and tightened down in order to close off water supply. The faucets have a compression stem (which is sort of like a screw) and a washer that sits at the compression stem’s end, up against the valve seat.

Why Do Compression Faucets Leak?

Unfortunately, compression faucets are more prone to leaks than other types of faucets – they also require more maintenance. Because leaks are common, it’s important to know the causes as well as how to repair a leaky compression faucet.

The most common reason for a leak in a compression faucet is a worn-out washer. As time goes on, the washer inside the faucet that shuts off water flow when the handle is tightened wears out. When the washer goes bad, water flow isn’t stopped, so the faucet will leak. Typically, replacing the washer is what is needed to stop a leak in this type of plumbing fixture. A bad O-ring can also be the culprit behind leaks.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

As you disassemble the faucet, keep parts in order so you know how to reassemble them correctly. If you need replacement parts, take the old part with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct size and component.

Follow these steps to repair a leaky compression faucet:

Shut off the water supply to the faucet, then open the handles to drain any remaining water.
Remove the decorative handle cap so the attachment screws are exposed.
Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the handle screw, then remove the handle.
Unscrew the packing nut that sits below the handle with a crescent wrench.
Loosen the handle stem from the faucet body using a wrench.
Unscrew the washer at the bottom of the handle stem, and replace it with a new washer. Coat it in heat-proof plumber’s grease to protect it.
Check the O-ring for damage, and replace it if necessary with an O-ring of matching size, coating it with plumber’s grease.
Remove the packing nut from the stem assembly. Remove mineral deposits and corrosion with a brush. Check for pitting, corrosion, or other damage. If any damage is found, replace the entire stem valve.
Check the faucet seat (where the valve stem was removed from) for damage, which may occur when leaks persist long-term. With your finger, feel along its surface for pits or rough spots. If you find any pitting, roughness, or corrosion, the entire faucet should be replaced.
Reassemble the stem valve in the correct order. Tighten with pliers, screw it, and replace the handle cover.

Faucet Repair from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Fixing a leaky faucet can be tricky. If you have trouble doing so or would rather not risk it yourself, leave it to the pros. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule plumbing repair. Our plumbers know how to fix a leaky compression faucet and troubleshoot common problems. If your faucet has been damaged beyond repair, we can install a new one in no time.

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