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Why Is My A/C Blowing Hot Air?

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As summer approaches, skyrocketing temperatures and hot, hot, heat are going to become the norm. If you live in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, now is the perfect time to make sure that your air conditioning system is working properly.  One of the biggest bummers to come with Arizona’s warmest season is the potential reality of a broken A/C unit!

Today, we are going to set our sights on one of the most common problems afflicting homeowners throughout Phoenix by figuring out why your AC is blowing hot air instead of cool air.

Condenser Unit Is Dirty

Did you know that one of the primary reasons for an A/C unit blowing warm air is due to a dirty condenser unit? The condenser unit for your air conditioning system should reside outside of your home, typically alongside the building itself. A sturdy square structure, condenser units can quickly become overwhelmed by debris from the outside world. Your condenser coil won’t operate correctly if it is covered in bushes, leaves, grass, or anything else of the sort.

Our Tip: Grab a broom and get sweeping. Spend some time cleaning around your condenser unit to make sure that overgrowth and debris are not a problem. If this fixes your hot air problem, then you are good to go with a minimal headache!

Thermostat Is Improperly Set

Sometimes the easiest solution is the correct solution. If you notice that your AC is suddenly blowing only hot air, the first thing you’ll need to do is address the settings of your thermostat system. Make sure that the system is set to cool instead of auto, this way you know you should be receiving cooled air.  While it is fine to run the vents in your home without the AC itself, you might set yourself up for temporary frustrations by forgetting about the setting change.

If you want to maximize your cooling potential while minimizing your energy expense, consider setting your thermostat to a temperature roughly 5 degrees below the room’s temperature on the thermostat.

Our Tip: Before workshopping the issue any further, check out the settings on your thermostat. Many individuals will forget that they set their fans to ‘auto’ or ‘fan only’. A simple flick of the switch should have your air conditioning unit blowing out cool air once again.

Leaking Air Ducts

Wouldn’t you know it, but a leaking air duct can cause your air conditioning system to struggle! Leaks in air ducts can lead directly to a flawed cooling system, leaving your home warm and your energy bill sky-high. When cool air leaks through the ducts, you have to run the AC longer to catch up with the thermostat, causing exploding energy bills.

If you live in an older home or believe that you are losing energy due to poor ducting, consider consulting a professional at One Stop Heating & Cooling. A family-owned business, One Stop Heating & Cooling can identify issues within your system so as to find a quick and affordable solution.

Our Tip: Monitor your energy expenses and watch for any jumps from month to month. A leaking HVAC system will present energy spikes in your monthly reports.

Freezing Air Conditioning Unit

Did you know that an air conditioner can freeze into a solid block of ice? The evaporator coil of an air conditioning unit is required to provide heat. When the evaporator coil freezes, typically from the AC falling consistently below 32 degrees, the entire system can go down.

Our Tip: If you want to avoid freezing your air conditioning unit and its compressor, consider keeping your thermostat set on auto at a temperature between 70 and 72 degrees. Allow the compressor to thaw if it is frozen before turning the unit back on. If this doesn’t correct your issue, consider contacting an HVAC technician.

Failed Compressor

The compressor in your HVAC system is used to collect refrigerant gas before crushing it to raise the temperature and pressure of your home. If your compressor is not functioning properly it can lead to electrical failure, refrigerant backflow, and even issues with overheating. Compressors are traditionally fairly sturdy though they do begin to fail within ten to twenty years.

Our Tip: If you believe your compressor has begun to fairly, consider contacting an HVAC team for a consultation. You’ll either need a new compressor or a more cost-efficient AC unit in its stead.

Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling!

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated HAC company based out of Phoenix, TX. With a decorated roster of professional HVAC technicians backed by years of industry experience, One Stop Heating & Cooling is your destination for affordable, effective, and accessible HVAC services.

One Stop Heating & Cooling specializes in

  • Residential and Light Commercial Projects
  • Quality Workmanship
  • Expert Customer Service
  • Routine Maintenance Checks

Contact One Stop today to schedule your consultation!

Should I Turn the A/C Off When I Leave The House?

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There are several things to keep in mind when deciding whether to turn off your air conditioning when you leave your house. A good rule of thumb is, if you are going to be gone for a short time, it is best to leave it on, and if you are going to be gone a long time, it is best to turn it off.

What a long or short time is, can be subjective. If you are gone a whole day and turn your air conditioning off, it will make your unit work harder to cool the house down again. You may save a little on electricity, but lose a little on wear and tear. Being gone a whole week would be different, but even then you could set it at a very high level so it will not run much.

It is a good idea to raise the thermostat while you are not in the house if you are not going to turn it off. Air conditioners also remove humidity, and that could be a reason to leave it on. Generally, about 15 degrees less than the outside temperature is a good setting.  If it is 90 degrees outside, a setting of 75 should keep you comfortable.  If you are going to be gone a few days, you could set your thermostat at 90, or just turn it off until you return.

The professional staff at One Stop Heating & Air are always happy to answer your questions about air conditioning.

Importance of maintenance

An even more important question is how much maintenance your unit needs. Air conditioners are built to last a long time, and they will if they are maintained properly.

We have a maintenance plan that calls for service twice per year, as well as a maintenance plan for whenever you need it.  It is a good idea to have your unit inspected and repaired as needed twice a year. One Stop Heating & AIr offers plans to meet your needs, and we will come out and inspect a unit that is struggling to help get it to running better.

You may save some money by monitoring the temperature, and adjusting depending on whether you are there or not. You will save even more by keeping your system running at its best.

Looking for efficiency

If you have had your unit for a couple of decades, it may be time to replace it even if it is working. A more energy efficient system will operate better than one built 20-30 years ago. The latest technology gives you lower operating costs, and more control over the details of cooling your home. There are programmable units that will adjust to the temperature outside, and you won’t have to worry about turning them off anymore. .

Another aspect of efficiency is to have a unit that is the right size for the area you are trying to cool.  Air Conditioning units are built to cool a certain amount of space. Having one that fits that model will be more efficient, will work better and will last longer. A unit that is too small will have to work a lot harder, and will wear out sooner. A unit that is too big will also have issues.

Programmable thermostat

Many new systems have a programmable thermostat built in, but you can add one to an older system without a lot of difficulty. You can connect this to your smartphone, and always have the controls within easy reach.  Once you have it set the way you want, you may not need to touch it again, but the connection to a smartphone can be convenient.

With a programmable thermostat, you can set it to keep the temperature within 15 degrees of outside temperatures. You may also set it to adjust to when you come home, go to bed at night, or if you know ahead of time you will be gone for a few days. This is more energy efficient than trying to remember to change the thermostat manually.

Going ductless

Another option in the search for efficiency is a ductless system, where each room has its own unit. This can be more efficient because it can be adjusted for each space you want to cool. A bedroom not in use during the day, could be set higher than your living room, which is occupied all day. You may also control these units remotely with your phone, or program them to do what you need at specific times.

These units need professional installation as well as central units. Correct installation is part of the overall picture of having an energy-efficient air conditioning system that won’t break the bank.

Give us a call

Call One Stop Heating & Air for all your heating and air conditioning needs.  We also offer emergency services for when the unexpected happens. Keeping all your air conditioning equipment safe and efficient is our priority.

Have Pets? Here’s How To Maintain Your A/C

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We always have and always will love our pets, but that doesn’t mean we have to get used to the chores that they create!

Pet fur can become a real problem inside of homes inside of Arizona, particularly when it comes to the impact that it has on your air conditioning unit. HVAC machines may be big and bulky pieces of equipment, but they can be sidelined by even the smallest of airborne particulates. Whether you have a beautiful Maine Coone or a couple of rowdy dogs, the fur and airborne debris they leave behind may be wreaking havoc on your home.

Today, we are going to take a closer look at how you can prepare your HVAC system for a lifetime with pets. By enacting just a few of the following tips, you will get to enjoy a home that smells cleaner, feels fresher, and is equipped with a longer-lasting, healthier HVAC system.

Get Used to Changing Air Filters

Did you know that your HVAC system has a set of air filters that need to be regularly changed? It’s true! These filters act as a barrier to allow your HVAC system the ability to operate efficiently. By catching airborne pollutants and protecting your ducts from their appearance, your HVAC system can last longer while reducing potential airborne dangers.

Clogged filters can become a regular and recurring issue in homes throughout Arizona. Air will have trouble passing through these dirty filters, which will cause your system to work harder to produce the same conditioned air. As a result, components downstream in the system are impacted by complications that can cause a spike in energy use.

A standard HVAC filter will effectively capture insects, hair, and animal dander. You can discuss even better quality air filters for smaller particulates with a technician from One Stop Heating & Cooling. During your conversations with an HVAC technician, focus on upgrading to filters with higher MERV numbers. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration offered by the filter.

Clean Grilles and Vacuum Registers

Your HVAC system is a convoluted machine with many moving parts, though it is often the overlooked components that need help the most. Cleaning your HVAC registers and grilles may be left in the dust while you focus on potentially more important areas, but don’t forget to clean them eventually. The vents that process air into your living space can be filled with dust, hair, allergens, and other debris. Remove and wash your grilles and registers with soap and water before adequately drying everything. Once these components have been completely dried, they can be reinstalled for continued use.

Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance

A little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward preventing future issues. Most air conditioning technicians and HVAC manufacturers would suggest scheduling at least a yearly tune-up before spring to prepare your system. If you have pets, and most of us do, these tune-ups may be required on a more frequent basis. Pet hair and dander can break down your system by reducing its efficacy, raising energy costs, and reducing your comfort.

To avoid the natural degradation of your HVAC system due to time and heavy use, consider getting into the habit of scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance check-ups. Technicians from One Stop Heating & Cooling will swing by to completely assess and clean each component of your HVAC unit, including the filters, refrigerant, electrical connections, ductwork, condensate system, and blowers.

Consider a New HVAC System

The shelf life of a traditional HVAC system can be between 20 and 40 years with proper upkeep and maintenance. If you live in an older home without a history of HVAC maintenance, consider opting for a complete AC installation and upgrade. New systems have been made for the market to better accommodate homes with multiple pets or larger animals. Energy-efficient HVAC systems can better help your home remain comfortable while reducing your energy bill at the same time.

One Stop Heating & Cooling is proud to offer a variety of financing services for customers on approved credit. Is now the right time to replace your HVAC system?

Call One Stop Heating & Cooling Today!

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family owned and operated business based out of Phoenix, AZ. Established with a focus on quality customer service and expert craftsmanship, One Stop Heating & Cooling is proud to offer sales, service, repair, and installation for HVAC systems, air conditioning units, and other indoor air quality products.

One Stop Heating & Cooling promises

  • 24 / 7 Emergency Services
  • Free Estimates
  • Residential & Commercial Services
  • Honest, Reliable, and Qualified Technicians

To schedule your HVAC service or to inquire after financing for a new HVAC installation, reach out to One Stop Heating & Cooling today to schedule the services that you need, tomorrow!

What You Need To Know About AC Thermostat Calibration

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Before the weather turns hot, you want to make sure your air conditioner is in good working order. Each part of your air conditioner must work properly for the entire unit to function. Even the smallest part not working will cause the unit to stop blowing out cold air. The thermostat is the brain behind your HVAC system. This is what ensures it runs properly. It may continue to push cold out into the air, but it may not do so efficiently. The thermostat may need calibration to run correctly and efficiently. Continue reading to find out more about air conditioning thermostat calibration.

What is Thermostat Calibration?

When the thermostat is calibrated, it means the sensor it contains reads the temperature in your home correctly. When it is not calibrated, it means it is reading it improperly. For example, the temperature in your home could be 78 degrees, but the thermostat reads 70 degrees. Then, your house does not cool the way you want it to. In addition, your air conditioner will not be efficient and may run constantly. As a result, you will spend more money to cool your house to the temperature you want. This causes a strain on your air conditioning, and you may have expensive repairs as a result.

How Often to Calibrate?

It would be best if you had the thermostat calibrated at least once per year. It depends on how many people may be adjusted your thermostat. If you have it set to a schedule and do not play with it much, calibration once a year should be sufficient.

How to Calibrate

To ensure that your thermostat is functioning properly, you should contact the professionals at One Stop Heating & Cooling. We would be more than happy to meet with you and ensure your thermostat is calibrated and the air conditioning is running properly.

If you want to calibrate your thermostat yourself, there are some steps you must follow.

Check the Thermostat

You want to make sure that the thermostat is the problem. Let your air conditioner run for 15 minutes and use an indoor thermometer to check the temperature in the house. You want to compare it to the temperature on the thermostat. If there are differences by even one degree, then you should calibrate your thermostat.

Clean Thermostat

You must take the cover off the thermostat. Then, carefully use a cloth and soft brush to clean the components inside. You should not use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to clean the thermostat because the pressure is too much for the internal parts.

Make Adjustments

If there is a mercury vial, you want to make sure it is straight. You can use a level to ensure it is straight. You want to be careful with the vial. It does contain mercury. At any point, you can contact One Stop Heating & Cooling to provide assistance and calibrate your thermostat. For thermostats without a mercury vial, they have a calibration screw. The calibration screw is inside a piece of metal in the thermostat. Using the proper size screwdriver, you can turn the screw to open the contacts. After a few seconds, turn the screw to close the contacts. This will reset the contacts to provide a good connection.

Wiring Connections

You want to check the wiring in the thermostat. You want to make sure they are clean and without corrosion. You can use a cotton swab to clean the dirt. Check the wires one last time before you put the cover back on the thermostat.

Check Thermostat

After you have cleaned the thermostat, adjusted the mercury vial or calibration screw, cleaned the wiring, you want to check the temperature again. Let the air conditioning run for 15 minutes to recalibrate it. After that, take a reading with the indoor thermometer. Then, compare this temperature with the thermostat reading. The temperatures should be the same. If they still do not match, you can repeat the same steps. You can also consider contacting the professionals at One Stop Heating & Cooling. We will make sure all the parts of your air conditioning are running smoothly. They will also be able to determine quickly if the problem with your air conditioning is the thermostat or some other component.

When the thermostat is calibrated, it will cool your home properly, which creates a comfortable environment in your home. In addition, when your thermostat runs efficiently, it saves you money on your energy bill because it will not overwork and run constantly to maintain what it thinks is the correct temperature in your home. This also helps to prevent costly repairs for your air conditioning unit. When it runs inefficiently, it causes strain on the unit, which ultimately means it will break down and require repair more often.

Beat the Heat: Simple Tips for Your A/C This Summer!

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Brutal summer temperatures frequently leave Phoenix homeowners looking for HVAC support. Phoenix enjoys average highs surpassing the 100-degree mark from June through September and trust us, you don’t want your air conditioner to fail during this stretch. In order to stay cool and in control this summer, we have pulled together a list of fantastic yet simple tips for your air conditioning system.

Whether you have a small house or a massive warehouse, keep on reading to find the tips YOU need to stay cool this year!

Adjust Your Ceiling Fans

If you have to rely on your ceiling fans to keep the heat at bay, make sure to set them correctly for the summer months. In order to do this, all you have to do is set your fan to blow downwards. This causes your room to feel cooler as hot air is replaced by the cooler air from above. This is a simple fix that you can implement today that won’t cause a single penny — and we like that!

Check Your A/C Filters

Did you know that you should be in the habit of regularly changing your air conditioning filters? It’s true! While it can be easy to forget that these filters need to be changed, avoiding doing so will lead to a reduction in efficiency throughout your household.

Dirty filters make it harder for air to pass through your system and this can cause your A/C to strain from the efforts. Not only will you feel less cool, but your home’s energy will also become less efficient — leading to increased energy bills throughout the summer.

Tip — Some air conditioning filters can be cleaned at home. Check online with your filter’s manufacturer to see if yours can be scrubbed clean. Try to change your filter at least once every three months, changing based upon use.

Trap Cool Night Air

While Phoenix can feel like it is boiling during the day, nights in Arizona are actually rather comfortable. Before you go to bed at night make sure to turn off your air conditioning unit before opening all of your windows. Allow the cool night air to fill the home and then in the morning make sure to close the windows before the heat of the day arrives.

By closing the windows before it gets too hot, you can trap that cool air in your home. Shut the blinds to retain all of that precious cool air.

Install a High-Efficiency System

How long have you lived in your current home? When was the last time you oversaw the installation of a new HVAC system? The average air conditioning unit can operate effectively for between 10 and 15 years, often depending on the level of maintenance the system enjoys. As most homeowners tend to ignore their HVAC system until it breaks, the odds are good that your building is due for an upgrade.

Consider investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system by contacting a local HVAC contractor. Discuss SEER ratings and any potential green energy credits that are available with your purchase. An upgraded HVAC system can leave your home cooler for longer periods of time at a more affordable rate.

Install Blackout Curtains

Radiant heat leaking through your window can go a long way toward raising the temperature of your home. If you really want to hide from the heat, consider investing in blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are designed to completely remove the light from your room, and they are often used by people who work overnight shifts.

Blackout curtains can remove the light from your home while allowing the ambient temperature in the room to decrease. While blackout curtains aren’t exactly cheap, they are infinitely more affordable than some other options available.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

As it turns out, micromanaging the thermostat in your home can save you money and sweat. Programmable thermostats make adjusting the dial more efficient than ever, giving you the chance to take absolute control over your cooling efforts. Some studies suggest that programmable thermostats can save homeowners hundreds of dollars every single year in energy costs.

With a programmable thermostat, set the A/C to stay cool when you are awake and to turn off when you are in bed or away from the home. Easy!

About One Stop Heating & Cooling

As temperatures begin to rise, Arizona residents need to know that their cooling solutions will work. The team at One Stop Heating & Cooling has dedicated themselves to providing top-tier sales, service, repair, and installation for all air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality products.

Driven by honest and reliable work, One Stop Heating & Cooling is proud to offer an array of winning benefits to its clients throughout the area.

  • Family-Owned, Family Operated
  • 24 Hour Emergency Hours
  • Free Estimates
  • Commercial and Residential Services
  • Flexible Financing Solutions (On Approval!)

For an appointment with the best residential and commercial HVAC team in Arizona, fill out our online contact form or pick up the phone and call for a quote at your convenience!

The Differences Between Air Ventilation, Filtration, and Purification

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Understanding Your Air Handling Options

Modern HVAC technology offers a variety of methods for maintaining the cleanliness and healthfulness of your air. Three primary approaches include air ventilation, purification, and filtration. Let’s take a look at the main features, limitations, and benefits of each.

Ventilation: Air Exchange and Circulation

Pushing air around your home doesn’t automatically make that air any cleaner. If you constantly breathe the same old stale indoor air, you might actually get better air quality by going outside. Air circulation only improves air quality when you have a means of replacing the old, stale air with new, fresh air. Properly-installed, well-designed mechanical ventilation systems can make this possible. A mechanical ventilation system uses fans and ducts to pull cleaned, filtered air into the home while also pushing “used” air out. Bear in mind, however, that this very basic level of air cleaning may not be sufficient for your needs; nor can it prevent the infiltration of germs.

Filtration: Pulling Particles Out of the Air

Filtration works by setting up a physical, permeable barrier to airborne particles. Particles smaller than a particular size may pass through the filter, while anything larger gets stopped by the filter material. This straining process can provide much cleaner air for anyone sensitive to dust, dander, mold, pollen, and other common irritants. Less dust in the air also means less dust on your air conditioning coils. (Coils that get clogged with dust simply can’t operate efficiently.)

Many standard HVAC air filters do little to block any but the largest particles, which may prove beneficial only to your air conditioning components. For filtration that also helps to preserve your health, look into MERV-16 or HEPA filters, which can block particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Purification: Killing Contaminants Before They Cause Trouble

Air purification focuses on killing any germs that may infiltrate a home’s HVAC system. This makes them a natural complement to filtration systems, which may stop the majority of germs but still permit the tiniest one to remain airborne. Air purifiers work their magic by implementing either of these two technologies:

  • Ultraviolet light – Some air purifiers expose incoming air to UVC radiation (the most toxic and destructive type of UV), killing viruses and bacteria.
  • Photocatalytic ionization – This air-scrubbing technology adds a chemical catalyst to the UVC component in an air purifier system. As the UVC kills the germs, the catalyst produces chemical changes that reduce them to CO2 and water.

An air purifier may offer more air cleaning power than your home and family actually need. Some models also produce UVC radiation at frequencies that result in the production of ozone (which you don’t want in your home). If you choose this solution, ask your HVAC installer about recommended makes and models.

Which Approach Makes the Most Sense for Your Needs?

Even after examining the various pros and cons of each home air handling solution, you may still wonder which of them to install in your home. The ideal scenario, of course, would involve installing all three of them. In reality, though, one or two of these options may be all you need to tackle a pressing air handling concern or challenge. Let’s examine some specific factors that might influence your decision.

Health Considerations

Do you or your family members suffer from a respiratory condition, poor immune system, or extreme sensitivity to allergens? If health concerns dominate your air handling questions, your primary goal is to keep those particles away from your loved ones. This means starting with air filtration and purification. This “one-two punch” can strain out all but the tiniest particles while also killing viruses and bacteria. Some products actually incorporate both of these functions into their design.

Home Considerations

Your size and style of home may affect what kind of air handling devices you require. For example, if you live in a particularly snug little home with little natural air circulation, your first goal may be to get that air moving better with the aid of mechanical ventilation. It’s also possible that you simply need a better ventilation system that your home currently employs. Faulty installation or poor design can actually cause a ventilation system to make air quality worse instead of better. If you’re seeing lots of dust, your current system is probably just pushing dirty air around.

Whether your home’s air needs ventilation, purification, filtration, or any combination of the above, ask One Stop Heating & Cooling for assistance. We can evaluate your current setup, note any particular complications you might want to address, and install the ideal components to keep you breathing freely.

 

My A/C Isn’t Cooling My Home, What’s Wrong?

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Troubleshooting HVAC Cooling Issues

You might not think much about your air conditioning until something goes wrong with it. When this unsung hero of your home suddenly experiences a total failure, you know you need to get an A/C technician to come fix it immediately. Sometimes, however, an HVAC system can seem to function as it always does without producing anywhere near its normal cooling effects. What’s going on, and what can you do about it? Let’s look at some common symptoms, problems, and solutions.

Temperature Settings Make Your System Work Too Hard

When everyday temperatures get out of control, so can your electric bill. It only makes sense, then, to raise your thermostat a bit above comfortable levels when no one is at home, as a means of saving energy — right? Unfortunately, this practice may not be worth whatever money you might think you’re saving.

While you might come out ahead on this strategy when temperatures are warm but still manageable, hotter days and high thermostat settings can make your home feel like an oven by the time you get home. You then have to run the system extra-hard to get the ambient temperature back to a livable level. That extra work can cause premature wear and tear that reduces your system’s ability to do its job.

If you choose to raise your thermostat level while you’re out, turn it up only a couple of degrees higher than you’d find comfortable. You’ll still save some energy without also pushing your HVAC system to restore that comfort zone later.

Refrigerant Issues Keep Your Air From Cooling

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to keep your home cool. This substance can change pressure rapidly, going from extremely hot to extremely cold as it goes through your system’s condenser and evaporator coils. Air moving over the chilled coils becomes cool and sheds moisture through condensation.

If your system is running low on refrigerant, it can’t perform this important cooling process satisfactorily, no matter how long it cycles. Modern refrigerants don’t wear out or “go bad,” but they leak through any holes or gaps that permit it to do so. If you can’t get cold air out of a hard-working air conditioner, ask your HVAC technician to check the refrigerant.

Dirty Coils Interfere With Essential Functions

Even with normal amounts of refrigerant running through them, your HVAC system’s condenser and evaporator coils won’t operate at full efficiency if they’ve gotten dirty. These components depend on efficient heat transfer between their surfaces and the outside air. Dirt acts as a barrier that interferes with this heat transfer, resulting in incomplete cooling. Evaporator coils may even freeze up, making normal function impossible and allowing moisture to hang in your ambient air.

A Glitchy Thermostat Can’t Control Your Climate

Do the numbers on your thermostat tell the truth — and is your thermostat issuing the proper instructions to the rest of your HVAC system? Wiring problems, dust in the works, corrosion, loose terminals, screws, and other common problems can cause your thermostat to malfunction, which in turn may cause the HVAC system to short cycle (turning off too quickly after engaging to have much effect on temperature and humidity levels). Fortunately, your technician can replace faulty thermostat components relatively easily.

Air Leaks Deprive You of Your Air Conditioning

If all the components of your air conditioning system appear to be running normally, why does your home never seem to cool down? The answer may lie in unseen gaps or holes in your ductwork. If this closed system isn’t quite so closed as it was designed to be, all that cool air produced by your HVAC system may be flowing into your walls instead of your rooms. Have your ducts checked for any disconnection or damage that needs patching. Don’t forget to examine your home for any air leaks caused by defective weatherstripping or other gaps.

The Wrong A/C Size Can Doom You to Discomfort

Have you never felt satisfied with your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home? Maybe you have the wrong size of A/C unit installed. An overly-small air conditioner will never be able to cool your square footage adequately. An overly-large air conditioner will short cycle constantly, failing to live up to its capabilities. Ask your HVAC technician for recommendations on whether you need to right-size your HVAC system to suit your residence.

If you need expert help for your HVAC cooling problem, contact One Stop Heating and Cooling. We can discover the reason for your discomfort and make the necessary fixes to give you the powerful, efficient air conditioning you need!

 

Is Your A/C Crying Out For Help?

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The weather is warming up and summer is just about here. Is your air conditioning ready for the months ahead?

It’s always a good idea to try running your A/C a few times before those heavy months of use to clear out the system and prevent it from getting overwhelmed. You should also clean out any noticeable debris build up and replace filters if you have not done so for a while. This is also a good time to pay close attention to the system and check for any potential problems that may need professional attention.  

By taking the time to evaluate your A/C system now, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress (not to mention sweat) later on when the temperatures are at their peak. While the system can’t exactly tell you when something is broken, damaged or just needs a little care from a professional, it does tend to give off some key warning sends. Follow this quick guide to check your A/C out and see if it’s crying out for help:

Is it Running Quietly?

When it’s working properly, you shouldn’t be able to hear your air conditioning at all unless you are right next to it. Even then, the noise you do hear should be nothing more than a pleasant hum of air flowing. Banging noises, clanking, pounding, grinding, intense whirring, squeaking, etc. are all cause for concern. A good rule of thumb here is if it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. A good A/C professional will be able to listen and diagnose the issue so it can be fixed. 

Does it Smell?

Your A/C shouldn’t give off any smells, much less bad ones. If you notice anything that smells like burning, dirty socks, mold, must, etc., turn off the system and make an appointment with a professional as soon as possible. There could be a variety of causes for this (such as mold/mildew, a dead animal trapped in the unit, a pest infestation, or even parts not working correctly and causing friction), but because you won’t know the severity right away, it’s best to keep your A/C off until the problem can be handled professionally. 

How is the Air Temperature?

One of the best ways to figure out whether or not something is wrong is to take stock of the air itself. Is it too warm despite being on the coldest setting? Is the air cool but very unevenly dispersed throughout your home? Do you need to keep running it for longer and longer periods of time just to get your home to an acceptable temperature? If you answered “yes” to any of those, it’s high time you had the system checked out by a pro. There are a few different things that can cause this problem, and the good news is that it often does not mean that the whole system needs to be replaced. 

Do Any Areas of Your Home Feel ‘Stuffy’?

A good A/C system that is working as it should will distribute air evenly throughout your home without noticeable temperature differences. If you do notice that it is failing to do this or that any rooms feel like the air is suffocating or “stuffy”, then it is definitely time to call in some help. The problem could be as simple as a blocked or damaged vent that can be fixed or replaced, but it could also indicate more serious mechanical issues.

When your A/C is running properly, you shouldn’t have to throw open any windows or run fans to try to cool certain areas of your home. Please note that this is different from multi-zone A/C systems, which actually allow you to control the temperature in different rooms (still, no room should ever feel “stuffy”). 

Is the Thermostat Reading Accurately? 

Even if everything else seems to be functioning properly, an A/C unit with an inaccurate thermostat is cause for concern. While there could simply be something wrong with the display, an inaccurate reading could also indicate a more severe problem. Sometimes mechanical issues may not be noticeable by themselves (while they are still minor), but they may affect the temperature display depending on their placement. While it may not seem serious on the surface, this is a good problem to not ignore. 

Are Your Energy Bills Staying Consistent? 

Obviously, your air conditioning / energy bills will fluctuate between seasons and temperature needs. However, they should be staying fairly consistent throughout each season. If you notice that your bills keep jumping up throughout warm weather months, then your air conditioning may be pushing itself too hard. An air conditioning constantly going into overdrive is cause for concern, especially if you’re not constantly playing around with the temperature.

Even older A/C systems that are running properly will run efficiently enough so that you shouldn’t see much difference in your cooling bills from month to month. In this case, it’s time to call in a professional before the problem gets any worse and keeps costing you money.