In this episode of “Ask Danny,” we’re talking with Josh Hembree, owner of Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning. (3 Echoes Content Studio/Josh Hembree)
In this episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m talking with third-generation heating specialist Josh Hembree, general manager of Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning in Mobile, Ala. He’s answering some of the most-asked questions we get about heating your home.
Josh Hembree of Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning. (Photo courtesy Josh Hembree)
About Josh
Born and raised in Mobile, Josh moved away for a bit to earn a law degree, but his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to continue family legacies brought him back to run the family business.
Josh loves helping people, from serving in his church to offering his community the best care the heating and air industry has to offer.
He’s been married to Kala for six years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
Before winter comes into full force, have an HVAC professional service your heating system. (aytacbicer, Getty Images Signature)
Preseason Maintenance
Q. With the weather getting colder, what should homeowners do right now to help keep their homes warm this winter?
Josh: We always recommend preseason maintenance – pre-season preventative maintenance, if you will. Your home heating system needs some love, and often times if you proactively do that, you can avoid problems before they become a problem.
It’s even more important going into the winter season to have your heating system inspected compared to your air conditioning system because safety inspections on heating systems can save your life. For instance, making sure the vents are working properly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t be alarmed if there’s a burning smell when you turn on your heater for the first time this season. (tab1962)
What’s That Burnt Dust Smell?
Q. Homeowners are always asking me, what is that smell when you turn on the heater for the first time? So ill ask you, what is that smell?
Josh: When the first cold snap happens, our phones start ringing off the hook with that questions. It’s a very common odor when you first turn your heater on. The good news is there’s a simple explanation for it.
When your system’s been cooling all summer long — the heating system has not been run in months — little pieces of dust can accumulate on the inside parts of the system.
So when you turn your heating on for the first time in a long time, there are certain parts of the system that are designed to get hot. Those heating parts actually heat up the dust and cause that burning smell.
Oftentimes, it’s nothing to worry about, and the smell will go away after a short while.
A heat pump reverses the flow of refrigerant to pump warm air back inside your home. (jpproductions, Getty Images)
Heat Pumps
Q. I think most homeowners don’t really understand how a heat pump works during the winter. Tell us.
Josh: What we’re talking about here is a heat pump versus a gas furnace heating system. Those are the two primary types of heating systems you can have.
In regards to a heat pump specifically, in the summertime, when you’re system’s running in cooling mode, have you ever walked out to your outdoor unit and felt the air blowing out of the top it? It’s hot air.
A heat pump simply works by being able to reverse the flow of refrigerant in your system. When in cooling mode, the cold gasses are pumped into your home, and in heating mode, the process is reversed and hot gasses are pumped into your home.
So it’s actually reversing the flow of refrigerant to heat or cool your home.
And, on the bitter cold days of the year, when you’re heat pump is struggling to keep up, there are electric heat strips in the system that kick on to heat your home fast.
In theory, you can recirculate warm air from a cast iron stove throughout your home, but you shouldn’t rely on this method. (fodera72, Getty Images)
Third-Party Heating
Q. Is it feasible to only run your system on fan mode to circulate heat from another heat source? (like a fireplace, space heater, or cast iron stove)
Josh: This is a unique conversation that I honestly don’t have often. But, it could work. So long as that third-party heat source is close to the return of your central system. That way your central system will have the best chance of sucking up the heat and redistributing it throughout the home.
However, in our experience, in most cars that third-party heat source is not going to produce enough heat to keep the entire home comfortable. Airflow in the wintertime can be uncomfortable unless it’s properly heated.
It could work in theory, but it’s just not likely to be able to work well.
Also, make sure the third-party heat source is not putting off carbon monoxide. If it is, that could get into a safety issue with your central system pumping that throughout the whole home.
In unique situations, it might help some, but don’t rely on it.
Listen to the entire podcast for more home heating tips.
Don’t forget to replace your heating and cooling system’s air filters every 30 to 90 days. (American Standard HVAC)
When the season transitions to the colder months, it’s important to maintain your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Just as you want your HVAC system to keep you cool during the summer, you’ll need to make sure your unit is ready to heat your home during the winter, too.
A combination of the following do-it-yourself and professional maintenance tasks will ensure the system is ready for any season. Read on to learn more.
Water dripping from an A/C drain line creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Remove Unwanted Moisture
Condensation can lead to unwanted moisture on your HVAC system’s ducts, coils, drain lines, and pans in the summer, especially if you live in a humid area.
If this moisture isn’t removed, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, not to mention damage to your home’s A/C unit. If left uncleaned, it can even lead to sickness from airborne bacteria.
To combat this:
Clean pans and drain lines from your A/C unit. Water collects in these areas, attracting mold and mildew as well as insects and animals.
Inspect ducts. If your ducts are inadequately insulated, you may see condensation forming outside the ductwork during the summer when humidity is high and the air conditioner is running. Poor insulation cannot only increase your utility bill but also causes excess moisture that can lead to mold. Insulating ductwork is a little more complex, so you should definitely hire an HVAC technician for the job.
Call an HVAC professional to check the outdoor unit’s refrigerant levels. (JJ Gouin, Getty Images)
Monitor Refrigerant Levels
Your A/C unit has probably been working overtime during the summer, so it might be low on refrigerant.
This chemical changes from liquid to gas and back to liquid inside your A/C to cool your home. If you’re low on refrigerant, your unit will only circulate warm air.
Having the right amount of refrigerant makes air from your vents colder, reduces energy bills and makes your AC work better.
Call an HVAC professional, like an American Standard Customer Care specialist, to check it at the end of the season so you won’t be in for a rude awakening when summer rolls around next year.
Use metallic foil tape that’s specifically made for ductwork repairs to seal leaks. (Adobe Stock)
Seal Any Leaks
As the heat of summer wears off, go into the attic and check your ductwork for leaks.
Feel along the ducts for air leaks while your air conditioner is running. Also, look for discolored insulation or rusty ducts that could indicate a leak.
Pay particular attention to the joints in pipes and where runs of ducts meet in case a pipe has become disconnected.
Repair any leaks using duct mastic or metallic duct tape rather than standard cloth tape. You can also have an HVAC professional run a pressurized test of the system to check for leaks.
You should change your heating and cooling system’s filter about every 30 to 90 days. (mcphillips007, Getty Images Signature)
Change Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter needs to be changed about every 30 to 90 days, so the start of fall is the perfect time to do it.
Regularly changing the air filter is critical for its longevity, but it also helps your system work more efficiently. The purpose of the air filter is to trap unwanted allergens, dust and particles and prevent them from getting into the air you breathe in your home, so when the filter is dirty, your air will also become dirty.
Changing the filter on your air cleaner may also help save on energy costs.
Here’s how to do it:
Buy a new filter. Check your owner’s manual before buying a filter — using the right filter is essential; otherwise, you run the risk of potentially damaging your system.
Turn off the unit. Be sure the unit is completely off before attempting to change the filter. If you’re unsure of how to turn it off, turn the breaker off in your electric breaker box.
Remove the old filter. Most filters are located on the right side of the system and are easy to slide out. However, some filters may be found internally in your home’s vents. Call an HVAC professional if you think may have these internal vents as they need to be replaced by a professional.
Insert new filter. Once you’ve removed the old filter, simply slide the new filter into place. Use the arrows on the filter as an indicator for which side should face in or out.
Make sure your furnace’s pilot light works before winter arrives. (Adobe Stock)
Prepare Your HVAC Unit for the Cold Season
Now that your A/C unit is ready for next summer, take these steps to ensure you stay warm during cooler months:
Clean the area around your outdoor unit and place a vinyl cover over it.
Conduct a sound and visual inspection. Turn on your furnace and/or heating system, and check for anything unusual. This may include sounds like rattling or bumping, as well as anything that looks out of place.
Program/calibrate your thermostat. This will ensure that your heating system runs accurately and correctly.
Inspect your blower assembly. Fans and motors can gunk up after not being touched or used for a while. You may have to clean these parts off or even replace them if necessary.
Check insulation. Insulation in your home’s walls or attic may need some attention, which will help keep your home warm in the winter and reduce energy costs. Also, you may want to check duct insulation as well.
Check your pilot light. This is a continuously burning flame in gas-powered heating systems that is used as an ignition source for heat. If your pilot light has been extinguished, your heating system will not work properly.
An HVAC professional can ensure your system is in good working order during any season. (American Standard)
When in Doubt, Call an HVAC Tech
A trained professional should inspect your home’s heating and cooling systems at least once a year. HVAC technicians have a much deeper understanding of these systems’ inner workings than the typical DIY homeowner.
Homeowners can do minor A/C unit maintenance, but only HVAC technicians can run tests and check for poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide, inside a home.
In this episode of “Ask Danny,” we’re talking with Josh Hembree, general manager of Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning in Mobile, Alabama.
In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m talking with third-generation A/C pro Josh Hembree, general manager of Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning in Mobile, Ala.
Josh Hembree is a third-generation A/C pro. (Photo courtesy Josh Hembree)
About Josh
Born and raised in Mobile, Josh moved away for a bit to earn a law degree, but his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to continue family legacies brought him back to run the family business.
Josh loves helping people, from serving in his church to offering his community the best care the heating and air industry has to offer.
He’s been married to Kala for six years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
A refrigerant leak can lead to frozen pipes on an A/C unit. (CPCollinsPhotography, Getty Images Signature)
Why an A/C Isn’t Cooling
What common causes would cause an A/C unit not to cool a space as it should?
Josh: There are a variety of issues that can cause your system to not cool properly. The most common issue that we see is refrigerant charge issues.
If a system gets low on refrigerant, it’s going to struggle to cool your home. If cool air is moving through your home, but it’s not cooling your house down, it’s most likely a refrigerant issue.
Your system may be low on refrigerant or there could be a leak, which can cause all sorts of issues, like a frozen condenser unit.
What can a homeowner do to locate these leaks and how should a homeowner go about repairing them?
Josh: All ductwork systems leak to a certain degree, so the real question is how to locate and minimize those leaks.
The first thing you should do is a visual inspection of the duct system. It’s easy to do if you’re comfortable getting up in your attic, but if you’re not, call your local HVAC dealer and let them inspect it.
Beyond that, you can turn your system on and feel for cool air in your attic. Make sure there are no obvious kinks in the system, tears or any boxes on the ductwork.
Having the right-sized air conditioner will cool your home more efficiently and save money. (DonNichols, Getty Images Signature)
A/C Size Matters
We tell our listeners all the time that bigger is not always better when it comes to the size of the A/C unit. Why is that such an issue?
Josh: Having a system that is oversized is a bad idea, especially if you live in a high-humidity climate.
When your system is running, it’s trying to do two things: adjust the temperature and remove moisture from the air.
If you have a system that’s oversized, it’s going to cool your home fast — too fast, however.
Removing the moisture takes longer than lowering the temperature. So once the home reaches the set temperature, it will shut off before it can properly remove the moisture from the air.
What you need is a variable speed system. These systems run at a lower speed to properly dehumidify the home to remove the moisture in the air in a way single-speed systems can’t do.
A mini-split ductless air conditioner works well in home additions. (Charise Wilson Photography, Getty Images)
Mini-Split A/C Systems
We’re hearing a lot about ductless mini-split systems. Where and when are they a good idea?
Josh: A ductless mini-split system is a central heating and cooling system that doesn’t use ductwork to distribute air throughout the home. Instead, it’s designed for single spaces.
They’re best used for sheds, garages, sunrooms, bonus rooms any space where you have one big space instead of multiple rooms.
If you want to enclose a part of your home, most likely, your current system is not big enough to cover that square footage.
That system was designed to cover the square footage of the home without that space, so if you decide to run ductwork to that space, it could cause problems across your home. This is why ductless mini-split systems are a great option for add-ons and enclosures.
Having your A/C unit serviced twice a year ensures it runs safely and efficiently. (Spiderstock, Getty Images Signature)
What Happens on an A/C Service Call
I have always recommended to our listeners to have their A/C units serviced at least once a year, if not twice by a professional. Can you tell our listeners what an A/C pro does for a service like this?
Josh: We call this preventative maintenance on your heating and cooling system. It’s basically a check-up for your system, just like going to the doctor for an annual checkup.
An HVAC technician does a top-down inspection of your cooling and heating system. The technician checks the electrical components to make sure the unit has proper voltage and the wiring is secure.
They also clean the condenser coil, evaporator coil and condensate drain line so the system operates safely and more efficiently.
We recommend twice a year preventative maintenance. Once in the spring before the heat wave comes and then in the fall.
A piece of advice from home service workers: Always ask about the dog before you enter the backyard. (Jeff Manes, Getty Images)
A Cautionary Tale
As home service workers, A/C pros are always going into people’s homes, so you never quite know what you’re going to get into.
Josh tells us this story as a reminder to always be aware of our surroundings:
Two of Josh’s HVAC technicians were sent to a service call, but the homeowner wasn’t home when they arrived. The homeowner told the technicians to just go ahead and start looking at the outdoor unit in the backyard.
As they’re walking to the back gate, they see a massive dog. They’re a little nervous, but thought, “Well, the homeowner said to go ahead, so the dog shouldn’t be a problem.”
When they entered the backyard, the dog was weary and unsure of the technicians, but thankfully it didn’t harm them.
A few minutes later, the homeowner gets there and is shocked the dog didn’t bite them.
Turns out, the homeowner mistakenly thought he safely secured his overprotective dog before the technicians had arrived.
“It just goes to show you have to always be aware of your surroundings,” Josh says.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
