An abrupt malfunction in your HVAC system can cause alarm. The issue may very well be with the air conditioning or heating unit itself. However, it could also be due to a faulty thermostat. Here’s how to identify common thermostat problems and how they inhibit optimal HVAC operation.

AC Won’t Start or Won’t Turn Off

If the furnace/AC won’t start at all, this may be due to a wiring defect within the thermostat. When the wiring is loose, the thermostat can’t read the room temperatures correctly and may fail to switch on the cooling or heating.

Bad wiring may also lead to the opposite problem, in which the HVAC units won’t switch off. It’s also possible the thermostat is improperly calibrated and sending the wrong instructions to the HVAC system.

Incorrect Temperatures

The room temperature may not match the reading on the thermostat. The issue can be as simple as the thermostat’s not being perfectly level. This can occur if you accidently bump it. Fix the issue by placing a carpenter’s level below it and adjusting the unit’s level. Continue Reading →

With summer just about over and the arrival of fall around the corner, you need to be sure your furnace is in working order. When the furnace switches on, you may find that it only runs for a few seconds before shutting off. One possible cause may be a dirty furnace flame sensor.

What Is a Furnace Flame Sensor?

The flame sensor is a thin metallic rod located on the burner assembly and in front of the pilot flame. The furnace flame sensor determines whether a flame is present when the gas is on. Without the sensor, the pilot light could go out, and the furnace could emit harmful gas.

The sensor acts as a safety device. When it detects that the flame isn’t on, it shuts down the entire unit to prevent dangerous gas emissions.

Signs of a Dirty Flame Sensor

The flame sensor can become corroded due to carbon buildup from the flame. This can cause the sensor to fail. If the burner light goes out within seconds of switching on the unit, this is a telltale sign of a dirty sensor. If you see soot clearly covering the sensor, then it’s time for a cleaning. Continue Reading →

We are moving towards the end of the summer. Nevertheless, now is a better time than ever for a backyard barbecue. Break out your barbecue grill and explore these summer barbecue theme ideas. Make the most of outdoor living during this time of year.

1. All American Barbecue

Even though we’re past the 4^th of July, American pride never goes out of style. Adorn your property with red, white, and blue decorations. Scatter miniature American flags over the lawn and bunting over the deck railings. For the grub, serve American-style foods, such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, and apple pie.

2. Beach Barbecue

You don’t have to live near the coast to have a beach barbecue. Decorate the table with little seashells and starfish. You can also fill a clear vase with sand for use as a table centerpiece. If kids are in attendance, create a sandpit play area complete with plastic buckets and shovels. For food, serve grilled seafood and tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya. Continue Reading →

Properly functioning commercial refrigeration is crucial for any business that stores perishable goods. This is especially critical in the warmest time of year. A broken system can result in spoiled goods totaling thousands of dollars. It goes without saying that summer commercial refrigerator maintenance is vital.

Why Summer Commercial Refrigerator Maintenance Matters

During cooler months, lower ambient temperatures keep storage items cool even if the fridge has minor issues. Unfortunately, this benefit goes out the window in the summer months. This is why pre-summer and summer maintenance is the best prevention. It reduces chances of requiring a last-minute emergency repair. Continue Reading →

Summer is here along with the scorching heat. For homes, this means ramping up the air conditioner. Most homeowners, though, also fear drastically higher utility bills. The good news is you can keep the cost to a minimum by following some simple summer HVAC tips.

1. Change the Filter

Changing the air filter is one of the few acceptable summer air conditioning maintenance practices for DIYers. If the AC uses a disposable filter, change it at least once a month. Change it more often if you have pets or are a smoker. Too much dust restricts the flow of cool air.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Manage your HVAC with smart technology. Customize your summer air conditioning schedule even when you’re not at home. If nobody’s home, use your mobile device to switch off the AC. Alternatively, turn it down and let the indoor temperature rise a bit. Continue Reading →

Spring is the season for sunshine and blooming flowers. Unfortunately, allergies are part of the seasonal package. Do you know how humid your home’s interior is? We ask because a strong correlation exists between humidity and allergies. Reducing humidity can help reduce the sniffles.

How Does Humidity Increase Allergic Reactions?

Moisture in the air acts as a filter that traps dust, pollen, and other allergens. It also creates the breeding ground for mold and even helps dust mites thrive.

While often not as humid as summer, humidity does increase in spring after a dry winter. People also begin to spend more time outside and end up tracking dirt and debris into the home.

What Is the Ideal Humidity Level?

The ideal humidity is 45% moisture level in the air. Aim for a level between 30% and 60%. You do not want to go below 30%; lower is not better. Low humidity causes symptoms such as dry skin, chapped lips, itchy throat, and static electricity. 

How to Establish Balanced Humidity

We suggest an annual checkup of your air and water system. For businesses, we recommend an inspection of the commercial HVAC system. These systems naturally remove some moisture. However, this may not be enough on high humidity days or if the system is operating below peak efficiency. 

Another option is installing a whole-house dehumidifier. This will make a noticeable difference for asthmatics. For everyone else, at least consider a portable dehumidifier for personal bedrooms and offices.

For bathrooms and kitchens, which have exceptionally high humidity, consider installing exhaust fans.

We Help Eliminate Humidity and Allergies

Our air quality systems ensure indoor air filtration for respiratory safety. Give All Points Heating a call if anyone in the household has allergen sensitivities. Humidity and allergies have a direct connection in your living environment.

Indoor Humidity Control 

Serving customers from Arlington to Renton and Bellevue to Shoreline, including Seattle, Redmond, Bothell, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Kirkland, Mercer Island and the surrounding area.

The commercial HVAC system in your workplace keeps your staff cool in summer and cozy in winter. However, HVAC units also make a lot of unwelcome noise. At times, this can be borderline intolerable for facility members who need to concentrate. We’ll explore some ways to keep HVAC noise pollution to a minimum.

Upgrade the System

Modern air conditioning and furnace systems are quieter and more energy efficient. If your facility still relies on a system from the 1990s, then perhaps you need to upgrade. The humming is especially loud if the unit is too large for the space.

Rearrange the Room

The noise pollution is greatest at the vents and in the ductwork. If possible, position seats, cubicles, and work areas in the away from the vents. In some instances, a technician may be able to reposition the ducts and airways. Continue Reading →

With summer comes higher AC use. This puts stress on the HVAC system, especially if it isn’t an energy-efficient model. This also leaves the system prone to air conditioner short cycling. We’ll explain what this is and how it can damage the AC unit.

AC Short Cycling at a Glance

You may notice that the AC automatically turns on and off. This is normal and allows the system to adjust and maintain the optimal temperature. However, short cycling occurs when the on and off cycles occur far more often than normal. This puts wear and tear on the system, and it decreases energy efficiency. You’ll eventually have to turn the setting higher just to have the same cooling effect.

What Causes Air Conditioner Short Cycling?

Numerous factors can lead to short cycling. One common cause is an ill-fitting air conditioning system. If the AC unit is too large for your home, the interior will cool too quickly. This causes the system to constantly readjust and create temperature swings. Continue Reading →

The office shouldn’t be a 24/7 workplace. Every year, managers and CEOs should throw a company summer barbecue right outside the office. This is a great way to allow the dedicated staff to loosen their ties. Treating your work-family to good food on the company’s dime is a major morale booster.

The Food

Go for the good stuff. We’re talking about juicy baby-back ribs, lamb, salmon, T-bone steak, etc. Be sure to have vegetarian and vegan options, too. Don’t relegate the non-meat eaters to only the snacks and side grub.

We recommend buying the food and preparing them at the event rather than opting for catering. The very act of cooking and waiting on the food makes for a good social setting. We also advise investing in an outdoor barbecue grill for the company’s property. This way, you have a permanent gathering space for leisure company events.

Buy the food ahead of time and store it in your facility’s refrigeration unit to keep perishables within safe temperatures. Continue Reading →