FAQs

FAQS

CLS Mechanical, Inc.

Have an HVAC-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • Why is my AC running but not cooling?

    There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. The following are just a few of the many different possibilities.


    One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner will run but not cool is because the evaporator coils are frozen. When this happens, air can’t flow properly through the coils, which prevents the AC from doing its job. The problem may arise as a result of dirty air filters, a malfunctioning fan, or a refrigerant leak. Our team emphasizes that air filters should be changed at least once every three months. If you have pets in your home or someone in your household suffers from allergies, you'll need to change your filters more frequently.


    Another common reason your AC may not be cooling your home is a dirty outdoor condenser. Your AC condenser is responsible for heat exchange, and it is located outside at the mercy of the natural elements. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the outdoor unit. It may even be blocking the airflow necessary for proper cooling. You can avoid this problem by keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean and devoid of bushes and trees.


    The problem could also be that you have a refrigerant leak. In this situation, your AC will run, but it won't cool your home. In fact, it could even make your home feel warmer than usual. This is because the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from your indoor air and releasing it outdoors. A lack of refrigerant will cause these heat-transferring abilities to be insufficient. Signs of a refrigerant leak include ice buildup, decreased cooling, and hissing sounds from your unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact CLS Mechanical, Inc immediately for AC repair in Grand Ledge, MI. This is not a do-it-yourself job as it requires special equipment and training to diagnose and repair.

  • Why is my AC so loud?

    AC units may make a few different noises:


    • Humming noises: Typically, humming noises are not indicators of serious issues with your AC. A humming noise could be due to the vibration of loose parts such as a panel on your AC that has come loose, motor blades, fan blades, or refrigerant piping. Some loose parts in your AC are harmless and can be easily tightened or put back into place. However, other parts coming loose can be a more serious issue. Any loose parts can turn into greater problems if not taken care of. According to This Old House, consumers spend more than $10 billion each year on HVAC repair and maintenance services. Addressing loose parts promptly can save you a lot of money in the long run.
    • Banging noises: A broken or detached part will make a banging noise that sounds like it’s coming from inside your unit. Parts that could be broken or detached include a piston pin, a connecting rod, a crankshaft, an unbalanced internal blower, or a number of other internal parts. If a part of a compressor is broken or detached, it’s very likely the compressor will need replacing.
    • Whirring sounds: If you hear something that sounds like a helicopter flying overhead, it’s commonly due to a malfunctioning fan in the internal or external AC. Malfunctioning fan blades may be out of place, spinning, or hitting something they shouldn’t be.

    Whatever the sound may be, if you hear something out of the ordinary, it is best to get your AC system checked out by a technician. Don’t wait for something catastrophic to happen before calling professionals specializing in heating and cooling in Grand Ledge, MI.

  • Why am I running out of hot water so fast?

    We all know that dreaded feeling. You’re taking a nice hot shower, and then the water starts getting colder faster and faster. By the time you’ve washed your conditioner out, you may as well be taking an ice bath. If your hot water keeps running out before you’re done using it, there could be a number of reasons behind this. Here are some of the potential culprits:


    • Sediment buildup: Water naturally has minerals and other sediment in it, and over time, this builds up in your water heater. This buildup takes up space in your hot water tank, which reduces the capacity.
    • Bad heating element: At the bottom of your water heater is the part that heats your water. The upper element of it takes cold water and directs it down to the bottom, where it then heats the cold water to your desired temperature. If your heating element goes bad, this lowers the temperature of your water and greatly affects how much hot water you get. If you start out with hot water, but then it goes cold fast, it could be that the water isn’t getting heated anymore.
    • Troublesome thermostat: Your water heater comes equipped with a thermostat that tells it how hot to heat your water. If your water heater’s thermostat is having problems, this impacts how hot your water gets, which could mean it never reaches the temperature it should.

    Regardless of the cause of your hot water issues, CLS Mechanical, Inc can provide the solutions you need. We're proud to provide dependable services for water heaters in Grand Ledge, MI.

  • Why does my furnace have a weird smell?

    All HVAC systems emit odors. Sometimes these odors are good, and sometimes they're bad. Bad smells to pay attention to include:


    • Rotten eggs
    • Melting plastic, metal, or rubber
    • Smokiness

    The key to staying safe is to never ignore smells from your furnace — knowing the reasons behind a smell makes it easier to ask for help. Let's take a closer look at the different types of furnace smells:


    1. Rotten Eggs


    This smell is all too familiar to most people. If you get a whiff of this in your home, it means there’s a gas leak that may be coming from your furnace.


    If your house smells like rotten eggs, get everyone out of the house immediately and call your gas company. Make sure to remain somewhere safe until the leak has been repaired by the proper technicians.


    2. Something Burning


    If you notice an overheating or burning smell from your heater, this could mean that a motor function or other electrical functions in your furnace are getting too hot. These types of odors are typically best described as:


    • Burning plastic
    • Hot metal
    • Melting rubber
    • Electrical smells

    Unfortunately, these odors may indicate that a component of the furnace is actually burning, and there’s a strong possibility that the problem will escalate and cause a fire.


    If your furnace smells like something is burning, turn off your HVAC system and contact an emergency technician immediately. This smell is a sign of immediate potential danger and should be treated that way.


    3. Smoke


    Keep in mind that the smells of burning and overheating are not the same. Your furnace may emit a burning smell within the first several hours after you start it up for the season due to dust that has built up over the summer.


    However, if you notice your furnace smells like smoke for longer than 24 hours, we urge you to take action. Turn off your furnace at the breaker. Shut off the gas valve. Call your HVAC technician and ask them to do a comprehensive check-up.


    If you've noticed any unusual smells coming from your furnace, don't hesitate to contact CLS Mechanical, Inc. We can take a look at your furnace and provide any necessary services for heating repair in Grand Ledge, MI.

  • How often should I change my furnace filter?

    At a bare minimum, we urge you to change your filter as recommended by the manufacturer. We've found that these recommendations can vary from changing your filter every month to changing it once every six months.


    Of course, more frequent filter changes may be necessary in some situations. Here are some signs that you may need to change your filter more often:


    First, pay attention to the air quality in your home. Are you dusting more frequently? Is there a strange odor? If so, take a peek at your filter; it is probably time to change it.


    Next, take a look at your heating bills. Are they higher than normal? A clogged filter will make your furnace work harder, which uses more energy.


    Finally, be aware that you'll need to change your filter more often if you are prone to allergies. Frequent filter changes will ensure you have clean air to breathe.


    If you need assistance changing your furnace filter or any other HVAC services, contact CLS Mechanical, Inc today. When it comes to heating and cooling in Grand Ledge, MI, we're the team you can trust for reliable and efficient service.

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