Warning Signs You Need AC Repair 

Posted on | by Jenny

Having a good running air conditioning system is important to help cool your home. If the unit is not running as it should, there may be rooms in the home that are not cool, or the utility bills may go up. Fortunately, an air conditioning unit may give out some warning signs that it requires repair.

 When a homeowner sees the following signs, they require an Air Conditioner Repair as soon as possible. Delaying the unit getting fixed could lead to a more expensive repair or theneed to replace the unit altogether.

1. Loud Noises

 An air conditioning unit should not be making loud noises. If a person hears grinding, squeaking, or grating, they need to call for service immediately. This could be an issue with the fan or another component of the air conditioning unit. 

2. Odor

 An odor coming from the AC unit when it is running is a sign that the insulation has burned, or there may be mold growth inside the system. If a musty odor is present or a foul odor is present, an HVAC technician should be called out as soon as possible. 

3. Air Flow Issues

 When the air conditioner is on, the air should be coming out of the air vents on full blast. If there is an airflow problem in the system, the air coming out of the vents might not be at full force, or one vent may not even have air coming out of it at all. This could be a sign that the ductwork is failing or that the air conditioner is failing. 

4. Thermostat Troubles 

 In some cases, the thermostat for the unit will go bad. If this is the case, it may not call for the air conditioner to come on at all. If a homeowner notices that the air conditioner is not working correctly, it should be replaced.

5. Dusty House

 A dusty house could be a sign of something being wrong with the AC system and the ductwork. If a person dusts their house frequently and still finds that they are dealing with dust, there may be a hole in the ductwork, or dirty air is getting into the unit somehow. If this is the case, they should call for AC repair as soon as possible. 

6. Vibrating Outside Unit

 When the system starts up, the outside unit should not vibrate. A vibrating outside unit is a sign of a compressor struggling to turn on. If the compressor is struggling to turn it on, it may be getting ready to fail. If this is seen, an appointment for an air conditioning repair should be made as soon as possible. 

7. Electrical Issues 

 When the compressor of an air conditioner starts to break down, it can cause issues with the home electrical system. The compressor will cause the outdoor unit to overheat, which will cause your circuit breaker to trip. If a homeowner starts to see tripping breakers frequently, they will need to get a new air conditioner replacement soon. 

8. High Humidity

 The air conditioner unit should keep thehumidity in a home at moderate levels. If the unit is not keeping the humidity correctly, it either needs to be recalibrated or replaced altogether.

9. Frequent Cycles

 An air conditioner should have fairly routine cycles no matter what the weather is like outside. When there is hotter weather, the unit may run more frequently, but it should still follow a routine. If it cycles off and on constantly, there may be an issue with the system. A tune-up may be needed, or the unit may be in need of repair. 

10. Water Leaks

 When your air conditioner is on, it may produce condensation inside the machine. This water should go down into the drain pan. However, if there is water pooling at the base of the airconditioner, this is a strong indicator that there is something wrong with the unit. A fast Air Conditioner Repair is needed. If the water continues to pool, it can cause damage such as mold growth and damage to the structure of the home.

11. Utility Bill Spikes

 The utility bills for a home can spike for a wide variety of things. Hotter temperatures can make your air conditioner run more, which may create an increase in price. If a homeowner starts to see constant spikes, they might want to check out the furnace filter to make sure that it is clear. If it is and they continue to have a high utility bill, they will want to see an HVAC technician so that they can figure out the problem for you. 

12. No Power

 If the air conditioner is turned on, but it will not come on at all, this may be a sign that no power is getting to the unit. A homeowner should check to make sure that the breaker has not been tripped. If the breaker has not been tripped, or it has tripped and has done so frequently, they should call for an HVAC repair. 

 Staying on top of the air conditioning unit will help to ensure that repairs are made quickly. A great way for homeowners to not have to worry about repairs is to get HVAC maintenance done before it gets warm. All HVAC companies know that regular maintenance will ensure that the unit is running at peak efficiency. If there are any repairs needed, they can be done at this time. A quick AC repair can help to ensure that a homeowner is cool all summer long.

                                                       

Maintain Air Conditioner Efficiency and Slash Your Energy Bills

Posted on | by Jenny

Many people never even think about having their air conditioner serviced until it stops working. Neglecting routine maintenance will result in a steady decline in AC efficiency and performance and increased energy bills. However, regular routine maintenance will help prevent a breakdown and save money on energy bills by improving operating efficiency. While there are some simpler tasks the homeowner can perform, HVAC systems and air conditioners should be professionally serviced once a year. Here is a list of the standard maintenance procedures that can be performed by a handy homeowner or left to an AC technician:

1) Air Filters


When filters are clogged air is forced to go around the filter and any contaminants along with it. Depending on the type and the condition, air filters should be replaced or cleaned regularly. Cleaning or replacing a clogged air filter can increase performance by as much as 20 percent. One-inch pleated paper filters should be replaced every 30 days by the homeowner during times of high use or with homes that have pets. Foam filters can often be washed and replaced. Other types of filters will be cleaned or replaced as needed by the technician during the maintenance call. The filters for HVAC units are usually located in the air return duct in the walls, ceiling or in the air handling unit itself. Window or room AC units will have the filter set in front of the vent on the front of the unit.

2) Coils and Fins

Like the filter, the AC units condenser and evaporator coils and fins must be clean for the coils to work efficiently. If dirt accumulates, then airflow through the fins and across the coils is restricted and cooling efficiency is reduced. Having foliage near the unit will increase the rate the coils and fins will collect dirt and debris. Homeowners should remove, or at least trim back, plants within thee feet of the unit. The aluminum fins that the coils are encased in are designed to disperse heat from and increase airflow across the coils. Clogged fins will insulates the coils and reduce the unit’s heat-exchanging capabilities. In addition to trapping dirt and debris, these fins can easily be bent. The technician will check the fins and straighten any that may be bent. Homeowners should be very careful if they choose to do this job as the coils can be damaged if care is not exercised. A specialized too called a “fin comb” should be used to clean and restore the fins to like-new condition. Tools like screwdrivers and putty knives are not recommended as these can easily damage the fins and possibly the coils.

3) Housing

Lint from clothes dryer vents, pets, lawn mowers and trees are all sources of contamination. Leaves, grass clippings, twigs, dirt and small animals can find their way inside the units housing. All of these can end up in the fan, coils and other parts of the AC unit. Here the entire inside and outside of the unit should receive a through cleaning at least once a year. For window mounted units, the seal between the window frame and air conditioner should be check to ensure it is keeping the weather out and the cool air in.

4) Vents and Ducts

Mold can form If excessive moisture collects in the duct. Vents can be checked by the homeowner by running a cotton swab across the vent fins. If there is a black residue on the cotton, the duct should be checked for possible mold contamination.

5) Drains

The AC unit produces condensation as it operates when warmer air hits the cooler coils. The condensation drain needs to be checked and cleaned annually to ensure water can properly drain from the unit. A clogged drain can result in damage to the AC unit’s electrical components and also affect the humidity levels inside the home. This can result in excess moisture making it into the home and causing mold or damage to furniture, walls and carpet. A clogged condensate drain can be clean with a long stiff wire. Things that should be check at least once a year by a qualified AC technician include:

    • • The thermostat should be checked for accuracy and cleaned if needed. This will ensure the unit starts and shuts off as intended. The tech should also check to be sure the unit is properly cycling on and off and that there are no issues with the motor.
    • All moving parts should be examined and lubricated as needed as a lack lubrication will cause friction, increasing wear and energy usage.
    • All electrical components and connections, including motors, should be examined and the voltage checked. Faulty connections can cause a plethora of problems, not the least of which is a fire.
    • Check the level of refrigerant and refill, if needed. Test for refrigerant leaks.
    • Check for duct leakage in HVAC system and seal leaks if needed.
    • Measure the airflow through the coils.
    • Check the electric control system and sequence to ensure the cooling and heating systems cannot operate at the same

time.

  • Clean, check and tighten all connections.
  • Check belts for wear and tension.

Performing these preventative maintenance steps on a regular basis will help keep the AC unit running at peak efficiency, prolong the life of the unit and reduce energy bills. While many of these task can be performed by a knowledgeable do-it-yourself homeowner, the more involved maintenance issues should be left to a reputable and qualified technician.