HVAC Blog Manhattan, Kansas | Standard Plumbing, Heating & AC

1 Task to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

A Spring Tip to Prevent an Air Conditioner Emergency

Much of the summer work we do in homes all across Manhattan, Wamego, Junction City and surrounding towns comes down to one thing: fixing an air conditioner. Over the hottest days, we are flooded with phone calls from homeowners who suddenly find out their AC system isn’t working.

We usually can quickly solve their problem with simple maintenance or tune-ups. Sometimes more of a repair is needed for the air conditioning system. And then there are times when the system is too broken down (or simply too old) to be worth a large repair. In those times, our technicians work hard to get a new air conditioning system installed.

It is quite common for a breakdown or problem to happen without the homeowner having any clue there was a looming problem. It can be quite a surprise to wake up sweating because suddenly your AC has started blowing hot air instead of cold. It doesn’t take long during some of our hot Manhattan summers for a home’s inside temperature to shoot up when there’s not a cooling system doing its job properly.

As we know, another hot Kansas summer will be here before we know it. Before it comes, we want homeowners to know the best thing they can do to avoid any sort of air conditioner emergency.

There is one simple thing you need to do.

The 1 Best Way to Avoid an AC Emergency

You need to turn your air conditioner on. Yes, that’s pretty much it. But there is a catch. It’s when you turn your AC that make this simple step be effective.

You need to test your AC unit in the spring. When it’s blustery and chilly outside, it may seem odd to be thinking about needing your AC. But that is precisely when you need to turn it on for a test run. This time of year Kansans are not relying on their AC, and also probably not needing their furnace as much as they did. At Standard and other HVAC companies across Manhattan, this our slow time. While we often schedule heating and cooling installation and maintenance checks during this time, we are not getting a lot of calls for repairs. We are more readily available to come to your home right away, often the same day.

Finding out your air conditioner isn’t putting out cold air in March or April means we’ll definitely get to fixing the problem before you need your home’s cooling system. However, if you wait until the first 80-degree day to find out your AC is broken, you’ll likely have to wait. You won’t just have to wait for work from us at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, but any reliable, professional HVAC technician will also be swamped with AC repairs at that time. You and your family will unfortunately be left sweating it out until a technician is available. Some will resort to using a less reputable repair person for the job.

A Manhattan Homeowner’s Spring Air Conditioner Test

To test if your AC is working, set your thermostat several degrees below current temperature. Also make sure that it is set to the COOL setting.

Do you hear your outside AC unit kick on? If you do, you’re not out of the woods yet. A running air conditioner doesn’t mean everything is in working order.

Check to see if you feel cold (not just cool) air coming from your vents. Your cooling system likely already has cool air inside it that you may immediately feel, but that is not air that’s actually been cooled by the system. Wait to ensure that the air you are feeling is cold, air-conditioned air. You may need to turn your thermostat down a few more degrees to help you make sure it is cold air created by your air conditioning system.

Beyond the Spring AC Test

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that an air conditioner you test in March or April will work just as well in June or July. A lot can happen over a couple months. Dirt and pollen could clog up your outside unit and cause problems. A rodent could take to nibbling on exposed wires to your AC unit. There are a variety of other issues that could happen that a homeowner may easily miss.

How can you be sure your AC is ready for the next Kansas summer? Contact us. Our team of experienced heating and air technicians can not only repair broken air conditioners, we can maintain and tune-up working systems to ensure they continue working throughout the next season and beyond.

With a Spring AC Check & Tune-Up, one of our experienced HVAC technicians will come out and do all necessary testing of your home’s air conditioning system. We will make sure that your AC is working properly and efficiently. An inefficient system can waste energy and possibly leave you with a larger than expected energy bill.

Standard’s Spring AC Check & Tune-Up Includes:

• Install new 1” filter (or clean re-usable one)
• Check Freon levels
• Clean condenser
• Check condensate drain and clean if necessary
• Check evaporator coil, electrical connections and compressor
• Clean and check thermostat
• Check and record all electrical readings
• Check, adjust and align belts

Because a tune-up of your cooling system is the best way to ensure your home is ready for a hot Manhattan summer, we are offering a special deal. Contact Standard today to take advantage of our Spring AC Check and Tune-Up Special available through June 30, 2023.

It is our commitment to provide the heating and air service you need as quickly as possible. If you allow us to service your air conditioning system before the summer sets in, you can have peace of mind that your system was checked and maintained by experienced AC professionals.

Annual Heating & Cooling Maintenance to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

While this special can have you set for summer, Standard does provide a maintenance service all year round. With our VIP Maintenance program, you can receive maintenance checks, tune-ups, discounts on repairs and a variety of other great benefits all year long. There are great reasons to become a VIP member. Call us at (785) 776-5012 to see how Standard in Manhattan can take the worry and work of home maintenance off your hands.

Furnace Burner Shuts Off Intermittently

Some Reasons Why a High-Efficiency Furnace Keeps Stopping

Understanding Your High Efficiency Furnace

Having a high-efficiency furnace is the ideal way to keep your home warm during cold Kansas winters. But while these popular high-efficiency furnaces are reliable systems, problems can still happen. One of the problems that can happen is when a high efficiency main burner shuts off shorting after ignition.

What is a high-efficiency furnace?

A high-efficiency furnace has an AFUE rating of 90 or higher. That AFUE number means that these heaters can convert at least 90% of the energy it uses to run into heat that disperses through your house.

Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has installed furnaces and other heating systems in Manhattan, Wamego, Junction City and surrounding towns in Kansas for over 100 years.

Our team of home heating experts know their way around these great new advanced furnaces that are great at keeping homes warm while saving on energy costs. One critical component of high efficiency furnaces is the furnace burner.

Keep reading to understand what furnace burners are and troubleshooting a potential problem.

Furnace Burners 101

Furnace burners are a main component to the combustion process within your furnace. Their job is to ignite and burn the fuel (which is usually natural gas or propane) to generate heat. Burners are inside the combustion chamber of your furnace. This is where air and fuel mix, ignite, and create the heated air that circulates through your home.

You will have either a single or dual burner. Which one you have will depend on how big your furnace is.

There are several types of burners. More modern, high-efficiency furnaces typically have an Inshot Burner that has a blower which moves air through the ignition chamber and heat exchanger.

The Role of Furnace Burners in High-Efficiency Furnaces

High-efficiency furnaces are designed to maximize the amount of heat generated from the fuel while minimizing waste. Furnace burners play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Here’s how:

Many high-efficiency furnaces are equipped with condensing technology. This means that they recover and utilize the heat from the combustion process more effectively. The burner’s design is optimized to create a hotter flame, which results in more efficient heat transfer.
Some high-efficiency furnaces feature modulating burners. Instead of running at full blast and then shutting off, modulating burners can operate at varying levels of intensity, ensuring a more consistent and efficient heating experience.
Advanced burners are often used in zoned heating systems. The precise control offered by these burners ensures that you only heat the areas you need, further improving efficiency.

Furnace Burners at Work

First your HVAC system will detect there is need for heating up the air once the temperature is lower than the desired setting on your thermostat.
Then the combustion process starts. A fuel valve opens which releases fuel for the furnace burner. At the same time, the air intake system is allowing fresh air to come in.
Next your heater’s ignition system ignites the fuel-air mixture and creates a controlled flame. While older furnaces may use a pilot light, nearly all modern furnaces use electronic ignition.
Now the burner is lit. Warm air will blow throughout your home’s ductwork and out your vents. Your furnace will run continuously to reach the thermostat temperature setting.

Problems with Older Furnace Burners

Since it is regularly exposed to high temperatures, an older burner is more prone to cracking.

Another issue with burners on older furnaces is rust and deterioration. This problem can be prevented by having professional maintenance done regularly on your home heating system.

A professional HVAC technician will ensure your furnace is clean and will be able to identify signs of aging or wear. They can often replace damaged parts before they cause bigger problems that can cause a heating system to entirely break down.

Heating System Maintenance in Manhattan, KS

Keeping a furnace maintained well can often extend the life of your entire heating system.

Ongoing maintenance can help make sure your furnace burners operate at peak efficiency. A good furnace tune-up would include cleaning the burners, inspecting the flame sensor, and ensuring proper air and fuel mixture. A well-maintained burner not only ensures efficient heating but also contributes to the safety and longevity of your heating system.

Contact Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for professional furnace maintenance service. Learn about our special VIP Maintenance Program that many of our customers use to let us make sure their system is well maintained. Call us anytime to schedule this service at (785) 776-5012.

If your furnace burner shuts off and you need immediate repair to get the heat back on in your home, call Standard. We provide 24/7 emergency repair services and provide service to all surrounding Manhattan, KS communities including Wamego and Junction City.

How to Check for Broken Water Pipes

6 Signs of a Broken Water Pipe Underground or In Your Walls

As a homeowner, it’s important to stay on top of the working systems inside your home. That includes your plumbing system. One of the most common and potentially costly issues you may face is a broken water pipe.

When left unattended, a broken pipe can lead to water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. Standard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is providing this guide to assist you in checking for a broken water pipe in your home.

Our team of experienced Manhattan plumbers can be called at anytime to handle a broken water pipe or other plumbing emergency. But sometimes a plumbing system may need repair and it’s not immediately obvious. Read through these helpful tips to learn how to check for broken water pipes in your home.

6 Signs of a Broken Water Pipe

You have a higher than usual water bill. An unexpected spike in your utility bill is often an early sign of a hidden water leak. If you notice a significant increase in your monthly water supply costs without an obvious explanation, it’s time to investigate.
There are water stains on your walls. Inspect your walls, ceilings, and floors for any water stains or peeling paint. These can be signs of a leak within your walls or ceilings.
You hear unusual plumbing sounds. Do you hear running water when no one is using a faucet or appliance? That is a clear sign that something is wrong in your plumbing system. It could indicate a hidden pipe leak.
You have poor water pressure. A sudden drop in water pressure in one or more of your faucets or fixtures might signal a problem. This could be caused by a broken pipe restricting the flow of water.
Something smells musty. Mold growth thrives in damp environments. The smell of mildew or mold in your home may indicate a hidden water leak.
Your water tastes bad. Have you noticed your tap water looks or tastes strange? That may be from rust or dirt entering the water from a broken pipe.

Other Plumbing Signs to Look For

While the above list are signs that may alert you to a potential broken water pipe, there are other indicators that a homeowner might have to go look for. If you suspect you have a leak, try these troubleshooting steps to investigate the problem.

Inspect your property for any pools of standing water in your yard, particularly in areas where there’s no good explanation for a puddle. Be aware that some leaks might not be readily visible, as water can travel underground.
Check any exposed pipes for visible signs of damage, like cracks, bulges, or corrosion. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to call a professional. Call Standard Plumbing for a quick fix at (785) 776-5012.
Perform a water meter test. Turn off all water usage in your home and check your water meter. If it’s still moving, there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Most homeowners can perform these basic checks on your own. Doing so may help you determine what is happening or where the leak is coming from. When in doubt, call a plumber.

You should contact Manhattan area professional plumbers like those at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Experienced plumbers can use specialized tools to locate hidden leaks and determine the extent of the damage.

Preventing a Broken Water Pipe

Regular maintenance is your best defense against water pipe problems. Schedule routine pipe inspections with a trusted plumbing service like Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We can catch potential issues before they become costly emergencies. We provide complete plumbing services including maintenance and new system installation.

Remember, timely detection of a broken water pipe can save you from headaches, costly repairs, and water damage to your home. By staying proactive about your home’s plumbing system, you can keep your home’s water system running smoothly for years to come.

If you think there’s a broken water pipe or plumbing issue, contact the experts at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Call Standard Plumbing for a quick fix at (785) 776-5012.

Humidifier Filter: Replacing the Water Panel

How Often to Change the Filter in Your Whole Home Humidifier

Here in Kansas, we know all about the problems of dry winters. That cold harsh wind makes low temperatures feel even colder. Cold air in your home also contributes to problems. Dry air can also cause problems like dry skin and static throughout the home.

The best way to tackle dry air is with a whole home humidifier. While these devices work great, it is important to realize these units require regular maintenance. The main task homeowners need to be aware of is to regularly change the humidifier filter.

Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides complete service of whole home humidifiers that work directly with your HVAC system and ductwork. Whether it is an AprilAire humidifier, Honeywell, or some other brand, you need to change the humidifier filter on a regular basis. These humidifying systems are excellent at maintaining comfortable humidity levels, but they require basic maintenance.

Whether it is an AprilAire humidifier, Honeywell, or some other brand of unit, it is vital that you change the humidifier filter regularly. For a home humidifier to work well for many years, you need to keep it maintained, primarily by replacing its water panel.

What is a Water Panel?

Inside your humidifier unit is something called a water panel. It is also referred to as a humidifier filter or humidifier pad. It is important to know these different terms for when you need to purchase your replacement filter. You will often see it listed as a “water panel.”

This water panel is a rectangular piece that works to disperse moisture that passes through the humidifier into the air throughout your house.

You will see it immediately upon opening your humidifier. Different types and brands of humidifiers will open differently.

You may see a screw at the bottom to undo to open the unit to access the water panel. The image to the right shows a Honeywell humidifier. Others open from the side.

How Often do you Need to Change the Humidifier Filter?

Much like the air filter you change at your furnace, this water panel gets dirty and needs to be replaced regularly. If ignored, it will get clogged over time with the dirt and particles.

You may notice when your humidifier filter is dirty. The air will feel less comfortable, drier and colder in the winter months. Look at your thermostat to see what your current humidity levels are.

You should replace your house humidifier filter about once a year. You can schedule this water panel replacement to coincide with one of your air filter changes in the fall. Another great idea is to set a recurring reminder or task on your calendar to change it September 23.

September 23 is the first official day of fall. That is also typically when homeowners turn on their home’s heating system for the first time of the season. This will also serve to remind you to turn your humidifier on. There is usually a knob for you to switch it from on to off.

Some homeowners may find they need to change their humidifier filter more often. If you notice signs of a dirty water panel, take it out and inspect it. If it’s dark or covered with dirt, you should change it again right then.

How to Change a Water Panel

Changing a humidifier water panel is rather simple and quick! While manufacturers create each model differently, here are the basic steps:

Set your unit to Off or Closed.
Open the humidifier unit’s cover. Many just pop right off.
Find the hose connected to your water supply and take it off.
Pull 2 tabs at the top to pull out the humidifier filter.
Simply slide the panel out of the frame (you will need this frame later) and dispose of this old panel.
Put the new filter in. Be sure to install it in the right direction. You will see colored marks (it doesn’t matter what color). Those need to be pointing up.
Put the frame back into your humidifier unit with the drain hole at the bottom of the frame. That goes above the drain coming out of the bottom of your humidifier.
Put that hose you removed earlier back into the hole at the top of the frame.
Replace the humidifier front cover and you’re done!

If you are doing these steps at the beginning of the cold season, now is the time to turn your system back on.

When Humidifier Maintenance Doesn’t Happen

Not changing the water panel when needed can cause problems, even damage to parts of your home. A clogged humidifier filter can potentially lead to basement flooding problems. It can affect your home’s heating and cooling systems. A humidifier with a very dirty filter can cause the furnace fan to work harder, putting a strain on your HVAC system.

If you have any problems with replacing your humidifier filter or need any other type of service on it, contact us at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air. Call us at (785) 776-5012 or you can request service by sending us a message online.

Furnace Not Heating Due to Clogged Exhaust Vent

Troubleshooting Tips When a Furnace is Not Venting Outside

Losing Heat in the Middle of a Manhattan Winter

When your furnace stops working in the middle of winter, it’s vital to get it fixed right away. Unfortunately, a lot of different issues could cause this problem to happen. However, some issues – like a clogged exhaust vent – is something most homeowners can check and possibly fix themselves! Keep reading to learn about this common furnace problem and how to possibly clear things up yourself.

Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional furnace repair and replacement for the entire Manhattan, KS area. It can be a complicated job, as a home’s heating system is more than just a furnace in your basement. It is an entire system that works its way through ductwork, vents and other components throughout your home.

There are potentially a lot of different possible causes to a furnace breaking down. One problem that can easily be missed by homeowners is a blocked furnace exhaust vent.

What is a Furnace Exhaust Vent

Your furnace isn’t only piping warm air throughout your home. Just like when we breathe out carbon dioxide, a furnace also emits something called exhaust. This exhaust is like the furnace’s breath that it doesn’t need anymore.

A furnace makes hot air for your home, but it also makes some not-so-nice stuff along with it. Your heating system is designed so that this exhaust goes outside, away from your house, so that you and your family can breathe fresh air.

The furnace exhaust vent is like a tunnel for that exhaust to be find its way outside. Modern high efficiency heating systems have two pipes sticking out of your house. These pipes are the combustion air intake and the combustion air exhaust pipe.

Signs of a Blocked Exhaust Vent

Look out for any of these signs that indicated your furnace exhaust vent is blocked or clogged.

Strange odors could mean you have a blocked vent. This can release dangerous gases like carbon monoxide into your home. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, take it seriously. A blocked exhaust vent can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home, which is a potentially lethal threat. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, turn off your furnace right away, make sure your family is safe, and call for an emergency repair.
Your furnace is frequently shutting down and restarting. That might be due to your system’s safety mechanisms kicking in to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
Your furnace is not heating well. A clogged exhaust vent can decrease how well your furnace operates, causing uneven heating or reduced airflow in your home.

What Can Clog a Furnace Exhaust Pipe?

Rodents or birds getting inside the vent
Snow blocking vent
Leaves gathering around or in the vent
Soot buildup in the vent
The vent could have blockage from being damaged or rusted out

Lost Heat After a Snowstorm?

If you lose heat shortly after our Manhattan area was hit with a large snowstorm, you may want to checkout the furnace exhaust pipe outside your home to see if it’s blocked by snow. If your vent pipes are relatively low to the ground, it may not take a lot of snowfall to block it. Wind could have pushed a pile of snow, clogging the vents.

See if snow has gathered up around those exterior furnace pipes. Shovel the snow away to make sure the area around the pipes are clear.

If you clear the snow and that doesn’t get your heat to turn back on, contact Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for a quick repair on your heating system. We provide 24/7 emergency repair service to Manhattan, Junction City, Wamego and surrounding towns.

Safety Precautions and DIY Solutions

Because a clogged furnace exhaust vent is a safety concern, you may want to call on a professional HVAC technician that services the Manhattan area like our team at Standard. However, here are some good steps homeowners can take:

If you think your exhaust vent is blocked or clogged, turn off your furnace and do not use it until the problem is resolved.
Remove any visible debris around the exterior pipes, such as snow, leaves or twigs.
Clear snow around the exhaust vent to prevent it from getting blocked during the winter.
Install a vent cap or screen to keep debris and small animals from getting into the exhaust vent. Note: Installing something not designed specifically for covering a furnace exhaust pipe can cause blockage and furnace problems.

Professional Manhattan, KS Furnace Exhaust Pipe Service

For a thorough inspection of a furnace exhaust vent, get help from the heating experts at Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experienced technicians are trained and experienced in handling all components of your home’s HVAC system. We will ensure that your furnace is operating safely.

If you have any problems with your furnace, just contact Standard! Give us a call at (785) 776-5012 for immediate service or you can contact us online to schedule service.

Your AC Produces Gallons of Water a Day!

Surprising Air Conditioning Fact

Your AC can produce gallons of water each summer day you have it running. Sometimes this water can back up, leaving homeowners with a big wet mess. Some may mistake this big puddle as a sewer problem.

When we think of air conditioners, we often picture them as devices solely responsible for keeping our homes cool during scorching summers. However, there’s an intriguing aspect of air conditioning that often goes unnoticed – the significant amount of water that ACs produce.

Watch this video to hear one of the owners of Standard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning explain this surprising amount of water that AC generate.

The AC Water Creation Process

Air conditioners are ingenious devices that not only cool the air but also regulate humidity levels inside our homes. This is made possible by a process called condensation. As warm air passes through the evaporator coils of an air conditioner, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets due to the difference in temperature. These water droplets collect on the coils, forming water.

Most air conditioners have a drainage system to manage the water created during the cooling process. This excess water is collected in a reservoir, commonly known as the condensate pan. From here, it’s directed through a drainpipe to the outside of the house, preventing the excess moisture from accumulating indoors.

The amount of water produced by home air conditioners can be surprisingly substantial. Depending on factors such as the size of the unit, outdoor temperature, and humidity levels, a typical air conditioner can generate about 30 gallons of water per day! This is a significant volume of water that would otherwise contribute to indoor humidity levels, making your living spaces feel muggy and uncomfortable.

Have an AC Leak? Call on Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Have a problem with your air conditioner or seeing a leak around your HVAC system? Call on the team of expert plumbers and HVAC technicians to resolve whatever problem you are having. Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional services to Manhattan, KS and surrounding towns. Give us a call today at 785-776-5012.

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