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5 Signs You Need To Call AC Repair

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Summer’s heating up, and there’s no better time to make sure your air conditioning is working as it should. Even minor AC unit problems can spell disaster if left unchecked, and full seasons of heavy use can cause wear and tear on units both new and old.

While it’s always a good idea to call in a professional to assess your AC unit if it’s been sitting unchecked for years (or if you’ve recently moved into a new home), there are some key signs that indicate you shouldn’t wait. Here are five signs you need to call AC repair now: 

1. You Can’t Get ‘Cold’

At its highest settings, your air conditioning should feel not just cool, but downright cold. If you’re finding that you have to keep cranking up the power to get cool air or you can’t get cold no matter what you try, there may be a mechanical problem. Likewise, the temperature should not be fluctuating once you set it. Definitely call for AC repair if you notice you are often adjusting the temperature just to maintain an evenly cool temperature. 

2. You Aren’t Getting Good Airflow

Air conditioning has come a long way over the years, and these days there’s no excuse for poor airflow. When your AC is on, you should be able to feel the cool air flowing evenly out of the vents. If you feel like your air conditioning is weak, that it’s short-cycling (stopping and re-starting) or you notice that it just doesn’t cool the space very well, it’s time to have a professional take a look.

3. You Hear Noises

When your AC is working as it should, the only noise you should hear is the low, gentle hum of air flowing. In fact, it should barely be noticeable. If you notice any thumping, grinding, whirring, whining, banging, or any other kind of noise, you should turn off your AC (to prevent major damage) and call an experienced technician. The good news is that scary noises do not always indicate a serious problem, but it’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible. 

4. It’s Leaking

A tiny amount of condensation isn’t usually cause for concern, but any kind of leaking is. Your AC should never leak anything, and if it is, you probably have a problem with the refrigerant. And don’t wait to fix it, because ignoring the problem can mean serious mechanical issues later on. 

5. Your Bill is Too High

Don’t assume that high energy bills are just a part of running your AC. In fact, it’s a myth that cooling a home costs more than heating it (the opposite is usually true). If your cooling bills are running consistently high, your AC unit could have an issue that’s making it work too hard. 

When you notice AC issues, time is of the essence to get them fixed. Continued use of the unit can only worsen things and result in more extensive fixes. Furthermore, the beginning of summer is the best time to get your air conditioning working properly. Not only will you ensure your comfort for the entire season, but waiting too long can mean getting stuck in the mid-summer influx of other people trying to get their AC units fixed. Don’t wait to call in the pros! 

Is Your AC Ready for Spring Season?

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The weather is getting warmer and sunnier, and like many homeowners, you’re probably starting to get downright hot during the afternoons. That’s right — Spring is here!

Temperatures will only continue to creep up as the weeks go on, and this is the perfect time to make sure you air conditioning is up to snuff. Whether your AC unit is years old or it was only installed last season, it’s time to give it a good look and make sure it is working as it should. Here’s a useful checklist you can follow to see if your AC is running properly and to identify potential issues:

Check Different Rooms

If your AC system is meant to cool your entire house, then it’s important to check different rooms after it’s been turned on for a while. There should be an evenly cool temperature throughout, and problem areas could indicate damaged parts. It could also be a matter of reassessing the ventilation flow in your home, which you will need a professional for. 

Check the Filter

AC units have a filter, just like the air unit in your car. While there are many different AC system designs, the air filter is typically located by the return air duct. Some systems may even have multiple filters. If you do not have a manual that helps you locate it, a professional HVAC tech can help you find it. If the filter is dirty and has not been changed in a while, it will not do its job properly. This could lead to poor cooling, and worse, contaminated air. It’s always best to switch your AC off while you are checking the filter. 

Now, it is possible to clean your filter instead of replacing entirely each time. You can do so by switching the system off and removing it carefully, then rinsing it off with a garden hose or cleaning it in your sink with water and a diluted vinegar solution. Always allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back in place. That said, filters are not designed to be permanent fixtures, and cleaning will only help delay replacement for a bit rather than preventing it entirely. 

Check the Vents

Go around to each vent in your home to make sure that they are open and air is coming out as it should. Sometimes people think there is a problem with their AC, but it’s just a vent that’s stuck closed or is otherwise blocked. If you notice the vent is dirty, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly to prevent further buildup and dirty air from being blown out into your home. 

Now, it’s worth noting that many older homes have ventilation issues. This is either because the current AC system was installed long after the home was built and may not have been done efficiently, or because the existing system is very old. If you feel that vent placement or air flow may be a problem, contact us for a consultation. 

Pay Attention to the Settings

When it comes to how cool people like their homes to be, personal preferences vary greatly. Because of this, modern AC systems come with a wide range of different temperature settings. If your AC doesn’t seem cool enough, check your settings to make sure they’re not too low. Likewise, it is important to make sure the system is not blasting at its top capacity all the time, as this can lead to it wearing down faster and even becoming overworked and blowing out entirely. 

Don’t Ignore Noises

When running properly, your AC system should be fairly silent. In fact, the only sound you should notice (if any) is a gentle, low humming sound of air flowing. If you notice anything other than this, like banging, grinding, whirring, rattling, whining, squeaking, etc., then it’s time to have the system looked at by a professional. In the event that you notice any particularly alarming noises (like loud banging) or ones that seem threatening, then it’s best to turn the system off entirely and wait for professional assistance. 

The good news news is that strange noises coming from your AC do not automatically indicate that there are any major problems. In many cases, it could just be a loose part. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Don’t Settle for a Hot Home

If you notice something is wrong during your AC check, it’s important not to wait to reach out for help. You’re only doomed to a hot and sweaty home if nothing is done to fix the problem!

Now, if your AC is failing to cool your home or isn’t turning on at all, don’t assume right away that you need a whole new cooling system. Many times, it’s just a part or two that needs to be replaced or other simple fix. It’s a good idea to get an expert consultation sooner rather than later, so you can make sure you’re cool and comfortable straight through spring and into summer. 

Give us a call today or send us a message to schedule your AC consultation. We’re here to help!

Know Your AC Zone Systems

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If you live with family members or roommates, there’s a good chance you’ve argued over your home’s temperature at times. In fact, for many people it’s a hotly contested issue. But long gone are the days where you’re doomed to reach a compromise where nobody is totally happy or one of you has to live forever cold or hot. With the right AC zone system, you can adjust the temperature in different areas of your home as needed. 

It’s important to not just jump on the first zone control system you find. Instead, take the time to learn more about temperature air flow in your home, as well as the different types of zone systems available. By doing so, you’ll find the perfect zone system for your home and make an important long-term investment that brings you both comfort and higher air quality! It’s also worth pointing out that many homeowners save up to 30 percent on their energy bill after a year of installation.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Homes Are Best Suited for Zone Control Systems?

Obviously, arguing with your roommate or family member over your home’s temperature is enough to make you start considering an AC zone system. But knowing whether or not such a system would actually benefit your home is another. If you meet any of the following points, a zone control system could work wonders for you:

  • Your home has multiple levels (stories)
  • You notice significant temperature differences when moving between rooms and hallways
  • You have large windows
  • You have rooms with high ceilings
  • You live in an older home, with insulation, walls and windows that may not have been updated in a while
  • You don’t use all of the rooms in your home all the time
  • All or part of your home is often shadowed by outside trees, landscape or other buildings

The good news is that even if you’re still unsure if a zone control system would work in your home, you most likely still have a lot of options. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced air conditioning and heating expert before making any major decisions. 

How an AC Zone Control System Works 

It’s important to know how anything you’re installing in your home works, and AC zone control systems are no exception. This type of system plays off of the way airflow naturally works in your home, as in, which areas are naturally kept warmer and which are naturally maintained with cooler air. By identifying these different temperature spots, your zone control system can be set up in the most advantageous way possible. 

So, with this in mind, an AC zone system is actually fairly straightforward in function. First, you will need an expert to come in and form a plan for how best to divide up your home into different temperature zones. Each of these “zones” will have its own heating/cooling control thermostat placed in convenient locations. Dampers will also be placed all throughout your home’s existing HVAC system, allowing the zones to be sectioned off and closed / opened as needed. All thermostats will be centrally connected to one main operating system with an easy-to-use control pad. 

Are you starting to see how this system works yet? By dividing your home into these zones with their own thermostats, you will be able to adjust the temperature in each area either individually or all at once as needed. You will be able to do so either from the thermostats themselves or via the central control pad. 

What Kind of Zone Control System Does My Home Need?

Generally speaking, different AC zone systems all operate in pretty much the same way (as outline in the previous section). That said, the amount of temperature zones you have set up in your home can vary greatly. In this sense, the type of system you need will depend on a few different factors, specifically the size and shape of your home, the amount (and size) of rooms you have, and the naturally warm/cold spots. Homes with more levels and more rooms usually need more controlled zones, while smaller homes and apartments can usually get by just fine on between two and four. 

Now, because zone control systems vary in size means that installation time can vary greatly as well. However, in many cases a zone control system can be put in within one to two days. 

It’s also worth pointing out that many people who are in the process of renovating their homes use this time as the perfect opportunity to put in a zone control system. If you do so, it is recommended that you wait until the renovations are reaching their final stages, so you have a better idea of how temperature and air flow are going to naturally work between your new walls.

Ready to get started? We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more about AC zone control systems and how your home can be optimized for your temperature comfort needs!

AC Maintenance Tips Before Summer Arrives

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Care and maintenance are vital to keep your AC unit functioning properly. The last thing you want is for it to break down during the hot summer months.  To avoid any interruption in your AC working all summer long, it’s best to have a professional perform regularly scheduled maintenance on your unit. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a broken AC unit and costly repairs. The heat will have you stressed out enough, don’t enhance it with having to pull out your credit card or dive into your savings to fix or even repair your AC unit at the last minute.  

There are some maintenance tasks you can perform on your own to keep your unit in tip-top shape. However, it’s important to know what these tasks are and which ones you think you can handle on your own. If this seems far outside your scope, it’s always best to hire a professional to inspect and service your AC unit. If you were to incorrectly perform a task on your unit, you may wind up damaging it. 

Read on to learn about a few tips to for keeping your AC unit running smooth and cool this summer.

Clean and Replace the Air Filter

This is a simple task almost anyone can do. Air filters need to be regularly cleaned and replaced. The amount of cleaning depends on the season. During the summer, clean the filters every month since this is when you use your AC unit the most. During the Spring, it only needs to be cleaned once or twice. Keep an eye on it and check it regularly to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt, dust, and allergen particles that interrupt your unit’s cool airflow. To replace the air filter, you can follow the instructions on the package or hire a professional to help you with this. 

Inspect the Thermostat

After cleaning or replacing the air filter, next check the thermostat. If your thermostat is not working properly, your home will not be entirely cooled. One room could be warm, while another is freezing cold, or the entire house could be at a higher temperature than what it should be. The best thermostats to use with an AC unit are the programmable ones. They are easy to use and keep your property at a nice, comfortable temperature. They also save on power and the costs of running your AC unit. 

Inspect the Condensing Unit

Your condensing unit has an attached fan that should be in good working condition at all times. For this reason, it must be regularly inspected. What you want to look for are any chips or cracks on the fan blades. If you notice any, the fan should be immediately replaced. For older model AC units, we recommend applying oil to the fan motor on a regular basis. A professional HVAC technician can help you with this task.

Inspect the Wiring System

This is one maintenance inspection that you should definitely leave to the professionals. There are many wires connection your AC unit and it takes special knowledge to understand what goes where, why it goes there, and when it needs to be repaired or replaced. However, you can check the wires from time-to-time to look for any abnormalities. When you have your AC unit routinely inspected, the HVAC expert will inspect the wires for you. If they are damaged and need to be repaired, he will explain to you why and answer any questions you have. For example, the AC professional will check the system capacitor using an electrical tester, something the average homeowner can’t do. 

Clean Your AC’s External System Part

The AC unit is tucked away, out of sight and out of mind. It’s forgotten all winter and remembered again when the weather turns hot. Just like any other piece of equipment in and around your home, it collects dust, dirt, and other contaminants that wreak havoc on your AC system’s air flow and overall effectiveness. The external part of your system is no exception and must be regularly cleaned. Before doing this, be sure to shut off the system’s power and then you can remove all the debris and gunk with a regular garden hose. Better yet, call in a professional HVAC technician to do this task for you. 

The Bottom Line

As you can see, proper maintenance for you AC unit is a must. It will save you money, ensure your unit remains functional during the summer, and catch any repairs that need to be done. If you don’t want to find yourself living without AC this summer, it’s best to give (insert company name here) a call to come out and take a look at your AC unit ASAP. In the meantime, be sure you have extra air filters on hand and utilize the tips mentioned above in order to keep an eye on your AC unit.