AboutFrank A. Expertise I will be happy to answer any basic HVAC question by a homeowner, installer, or technician about their split-system maintenance, repair, and installation. I would not be willing to do extensive research into the particulars of a specific system, but any homeowner looking to get questions answered about why we contractors charge what we do, explanations of why a certain part is needed, how to improve indoor air quality and basic repair. I specialize in ELECTRIC HEAT and HEATPUMPS...NOT gas or oil. Although I may be able to answer the odd question about gas and oil, please do not ask me questions pertaining to them because I am not an expert in that aspect of the field.
Experience I repaired my father's unit when I was 9, and always had an interest in the field. Became a helper at 16, and am now a certified contractor for residential systems in HVACR. So I have 16 years experience in the field, and add about 7 more of just dabbling and study.
Publications HVAC Insider, A/C Experts, HVAC Contractor South Florida, mentioned as a reference in Trane Instructional Videos 2-5.
Awards and Honors I won the ACCA technician award on the state-wide level 8 years running. This is the all-around A/C repair competition where most large companies each send their best guy to compete for the plaque. I am 8-for-8, rated as the #1 technician in Florida. I have the plaque to prove it.
Past/Present Clients Tommy Lee Jones, Santana Moss, Wayne Brandy, Jennifer Lien, Patrick Stewart, Jason Taylor, Kirsten Dunst, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Robert Picardo, Ethen Phillips, Ashley Judd, Debbie Gibson among others.
Question QUESTION: Just moved into a new house (for us) and when the compressor kicks in there is a loud whistling noise which appears to be louder in the attic. One guy says its the expansion valve and someone else says there is nothing wrong.
Any ideas?
ANSWER: One of two things most likely...Either he is right and the expansion valve is crummy, or it is the air whistling through the ductwork/cabinet of the air handler in the attic. Easy way to tell which. Turn A/C to off on the thermostat and the FAN to on...If the noise is there, it is NOT the valve because it won't be engaged/energized without the outside unit being on...If it is there however, it is a ductwork/air quality issue.
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QUESTION: I have no fan setting on my thermostat so when I change to Auto and move the temp up, the fan is on and the compressor off. When I do this, there is no noise. Only when the compressor kicks in does the noise start. So based on that are you saying it is the valve or it could still be the ductwork. The guy who thinks it is not the valve says he has never seen the valve go bad on a Trane A/C.
Answer I have never seen a thermostat that doesn't have a fan setting. I have seen several Trane valves go bad actually...But now that you say it is a Trane, it may very well be that it is a newer model with a variable-speed fan motor. I really have to see it to be sure, but it is possible that the dipswitches are set incorrectly. It could still be the ducts. Do you feel air leaking out of the cabinet when it is running? Feel around with your hands. If so, maybe the oanels on the front aren't on tightly and need to be taped and you are hearing the air leaking. I have to see it, sir, I am sorry...But these are things I would check for.
