Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

June 18th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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It’s completely normal for your air conditioner to create water through condensation when it’s working properly. But, if you are finding pools of water near your air conditioner, you may have a problem. While shutting off the unit will stop the problem for the moment, you need to address the underlying issue. Understanding why your air conditioning unit may be leaking can help you solve the problem. 

Why Air Conditioners Create Water

We have all seen what happens to a cold glass of water on a hot day. Water condenses on the outside of the glass, dripping down the sides onto the surface below. The same is true of an air conditioning unit. As refrigerant expands and cools inside the air conditioning unit’s coils, cooling the air that is pushed out of the unit, this causes condensation on the outside of the coils. This water then drips into a drain pan that should be draining the water outside. However, if this drain line becomes clogged, that water can overflow onto the floor near your air conditioner. 

This back-up of water can damage your floor and also cause problems with your air conditioning unit. If you know where your drain line is, you can attempt to remove the clog yourself. However, if you are not sure where it is or cannot access it, it’s time to call your air conditioning service company. They can perform a full inspection to make sure the unit is working properly, remove any clogs from the drain line and ensure no more damage is caused to your home or unit from the backed up water.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Tips To Reduce Air Cooling Costs

May 8th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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As summer approaches and temperatures rise, so does the cost of cooling your home. Even the most efficient air conditioning system can cost a pretty penny to keep running on days when temperatures reach the 90 or 100 degree mark. Before you get sticker shock from opening your energy bill, consider these tips to keep your cooling costs as low as possible. 

  • Heat producing appliances. It is bad enough that the air outside is hot; don’t make the situation worse by adding unnecessary heat indoors. Many appliances create heat when in use, including computers and stoves. If it’s not necessary, keep these appliances turned off or unplugged.
     
  • Programmable thermostat. One of the biggest contributors to high cooling costs is cooling your home when you are not home or your family is sleeping. A programmable thermostat can help you automatically set your air conditioning to turn off when it is not needed. Talk to your HVAC service company about installing a programmable thermostat if you do not have one.
     
  • Cooking. On the hottest days, consider cooking meals on an outdoor grill or buying take-out foods for dinner. Turning on your stove or oven on a hot day puts extra strain on your cooling system.
     
  • Keep shutters and curtains closed. In the mornings, close all your curtains and shutters on your windows and glass doors to insulate your home from the heat outside. Consider purchasing drapes which are specifically designed for insulating purposes.
     
  • Keep your air conditioning system maintained. Having annual HVAC maintenance performed on your air conditioning unit can ensure that it is working efficiently as possible.

 Hopefully using these tips will help keep your cooling costs to a reasonable level this summer. If you have not already done so, schedule your annual air conditioning maintenance now to avoid breakdowns and additional costs during the hottest months ahead.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Three Common AC Condenser Problems

April 10th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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When your air conditioning unit stops working correctly, there is a good chance the problem could be traced to the condenser component. The condenser is comprised of coils that cool the heated refrigerant which the compressor has pressurized into a hot liquid. The hot liquid travels through the condenser coils while air blows on the coils,  giving off heat through the coil fins. Once the fluid reaches the end of the condenser coils it has cooled, leaving the coils through a valve that transforms the fluid into a cool, gaseous mist. This process is essential for your AC unit to work efficiently. 

3 Common Condenser Problems

There are a few problems that can stop your condenser and AC unit from performing optimally. Your condenser must be receiving air to cool the coils; it also must be able to push the hot refrigerant through the coils and radiate the heat from the hot fluid through the fins.  Here are three of the most common issues: 

  • Dirty coils. If the condenser’s coils are dirty, the heat may not be escaping properly. Dust and debris can insulate this heat.  The coils can be cleaned with water, spraying off the coils while the unit is turned off.
  • Blocked air flow. If sufficient air is not allowed into the AC unit from outside, there may not be enough air flow to cool the coils. Make sure that there is nothing blocking the air vent into the AC unit, either on the outside or in the unit.
  • Damaged coils or fins. The coils and fins on the condenser can become damaged over time. If fins are dented or bent, they can restrict the heat release needed to cool the air. If coils are damaged, it can cause refrigerant leaks. 

Regular residential HVAC service can ensure your condenser is clean and in good repair.  Before summer begins, have your AC unit and condenser serviced to make sure it is ready for the hot months again.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Are All A/C Filters The Same?

March 25th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The air filter in your home heating and air conditioning system helps remove respirable particles from the air, making your home safer and healthier for your family. Most air filters in A/C units need to be changed every 30-90 days, depending on the type of filter, and the amount of airborne particles in the home. However, there is a difference in the level of quality and efficiency of air filters, which can impact the overall performance. For homes with larger families, especially furry family members, choosing a higher quality air filter may improve the air you breathe. 

Choosing The Right A/C Filter

There are several varieties of air filters, each with different ratings and effectiveness for cleaning the air in your home. Two of the rating factors used on air filters are the clean air delivery rate (CADR) and the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). CADR shows the percentage of particles removed from the air, multiplying the percentage by the amount of air flowing through the filter. MERV ratings gauge the size of particles that the air filter can trap, with higher values giving increased filtration. 

In addition to ratings, each type of filter can have different quality and longevity standards. Some of the most common filters used include: 

  • Mechanical – A common type of disposable filter, these use fiber strands to filter out particles.
     
  • Pleated – Pleated filters come in different varieties. The cheaper models use fiberglass, which only filter out larger particles and can be irritating to people with respiratory problems.
     
  • HEPA – High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, or HEPA filters, can remove over 99% of particles in the air. 

Talk to your HVAC professional about which filter would give your home the most protection against airborne particles. They can recommend the filter that would be the best fit for the size and capacity of your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Is Your HVAC System Ready For Winter?

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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With colder months ahead, now is the time to make sure that your HVAC system is ready to keep you warm and cozy through the winter. Even newer HVAC systems need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Nobody wants their heating system tofail in the middle of a cold snap; not only is it inconvenient, it is also when HVAC technicians are the busiest and may not be able to quickly get out to fix your problem. Like most mechanical systems, preventative maintenance can save you money and time by fixing issues before they become expensive problems. 

Winter Maintenance Items

There are a few items on your HVAC system that should be checked or replaced before the coldest months of the year are upon you. Some you may be able to do yourself, however regular annual residential HVAC maintenance should be performed by a professional. 

  • Filters. Many filters on HVAC systems need to be cleaned or replaced monthly, or every three months at maximum. Before the cold sets in, make sure your filters are clean and ready for duty.
     
  • Thermostat. One of the most common problems in a heating unit is the failure of the thermostat. While HVAC systems can last decades, the thermostats often need replacing more often.
     
  • Duct cleaning. Through the year, dust and bacteria can build up in your air ducts. Before blowing these contaminants around your home, have your ducts cleaned for a healthy winter. 

Not only can maintenance prevent breakdowns, it can also save on energy bills. By having your HVAC cleaned and maintained before the winter months, it should run more efficiently and be ready to handle your heating needs until spring arrives.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Four Common Causes Of HVAC Breakdowns

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Although an HVAC system has many different mechanical parts, there are a few common areas that are typically more likely to cause a breakdown in the unit. If the system begins to malfunction or stops working altogether, these are the first areas that should be checked. Some can be easily remedied and may not require a service call to a HVAC professional, while others will most likely need a skilled technician to fix.  

  • Check the thermostat. The first area to check is whether the thermostat is on. It is not uncommon for the thermostat to accidentally get turned off, and a professional is called out just to turn it back on again.
     
  • Blown fuses. Fuses can blow when the HVAC begins to overheat. Check fuses first, to see if that’s the problem. While this is an easy fix, there may be other problems that should be looked at if the unit is overheating or if the fuse blows again shortly after being replaced.
     
  • Clogged filters. Filters that become clogged can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. Check the filter to see if you can see through it when held up against a light. If it is clogged or dirty, it needs to be replaced. 
     
  • Worn out contactors.  Each motor or compressor within an HVAC unit has a contactor, which supplies electrical current to start them. These can wear out over time, and may need to be replaced. 

There are many other problems that can go wrong with an HVAC unit, however these four areas are a good place to start. Scheduling regular residential HVAC maintenance and inspections for your unit can eliminate many of these problems before they occur, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?

October 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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You know that your home is clean, but do you know what’s lurking in your air ducts? After all, that’s not an area you can very well attack with a vacuum cleaner and a feather duster. What happens to all the built-up air and dust that gets sucked through your HVAC system?

Remembering to schedule a residential duct cleaning session is an important part of your HVAC system maintenance, and for a variety of reasons. The first is that cleaner air ducts can mean a reduced level of irritation to members of your family suffering from respiratory ailments or asthma. still, poor air quality affects everyone in your home. Even those without respiratory issues may find it difficult or uncomfortable to breathe when the ductwork in your home is harboring dust, dander and other irritants.

When your ductwork is significantly clogged with dust, dirt and debris, it affects more than just the quality of air in your home. It also affects the efficiency of your HVAC system. Airflow can be obstructed or restricted when it’s moving through clogged ducts, thus raising your energy bills and reducing the comfort of your home.

Thankfully, cleaning your ductwork is the work of an afternoon for an experienced HVAC contractor. Making an appointment with a heating and cooling professional in your area for a thorough duct cleaning allows you to improve your home’s efficiency and keep vulnerable members of your family healthy. Discuss your options with a local technician, and determine the best course of action for your particular situation. Before you know it, you’ll be breathing clean air and saving big bucks on your energy bills.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter

October 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The chilly days of autumn are upon us, reminding everyone that winter isn’t far behind. With the extreme temperatures and weather of winter approaching, now is the time to start preparing your home. That includes your HVAC system, which will require a bit of routine maintenance and inspection before the season for heat arrives. By taking the time to get your system ready for winter’s chill, you may be able to shave money off of your electric bill. You will also be helping to extend the life of your HVAC system by caring for it appropriately.

One of the first repairs you should make to your heating system before winter sets in is to change the filters. Ideally, they’ll be changed every month but should definitely be switched out within three months. Green-minded folks may even want to opt for reusable filters, which can be rinsed and replaced. No more chucking an old filter into a landfill while you search for the perfect replacement, just rinse and go.

It’s also wise to consider upgrading your thermostat before winter arrives in earnest. An old, inaccurate thermostat can be a sinkhole of excess energy usage, costing you more money and increasing your carbon footprint. Digital thermostats, especially programmable models, can make a very real difference in the amount of energy your home uses during the winter months.

Cleaning and inspection is key, especially when it comes to heating ducts. Make sure that you set up an appointment with your local heating and cooling professional for a routine residential HVAC service call to ensure the health and functionality of your system. A professional should inspect your duct work, cleaning it if necessary, and give the system a thorough once-over to ensure that everything is in normal, working order.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

October 9th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Most homes are equipped with a heating system and an air-conditioning unit.  Keeping your HVAC system from breaking down requires more than knowing how to turn them on or adjusting the thermostat.

To keep your home heating and cooling system running free of unexpected breakdowns, schedule residential HVAC preventative maintenance each year. This is important as it’s estimated that 90% of all heating system and an air-conditioning unit failures are due to dirt or rust that could have been avoided by routine maintenance.

Also, remember you are breathing air that is filtered by your heating and air-conditioning systems. Unchanged filters result in you and your family breathing air that is contaminated and harmful.

Finding Professional Help

If you don’t already have a good HVAC technician, then it’s essential that you find a reliable heating and air-conditioning service company.

It’s never a bad idea to ask family and friends for recommendations. A friend or family member might have recently hired a company or know someone in the industry. Such inquiries can result in valuable information and solid recommendations.

Be sure to ask them if they:

  • Were pleased with the service
  • Have any advice
  • Suggest questions to ask the technician
  • Know of any companies to avoid

Doing an online search will likely yield many heating and air-conditioning service companies. Nevertheless, don’t choose the first company that you discover.

Instead, invest a little time in finding out more about the heating and air-conditioning service company. You always want to hire the company with service technicians who are experienced and very knowledgeable in the industry. Lastly, it’s recommended to choose a company that has many satisfied clients and reviews.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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The Best Times of Year For A Heating & Air-Conditioning System Check

October 9th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The efficient performance of your heating and air-conditioning system requires preventative maintenance.

Systems that are poorly maintained almost always increase your energy costs, expenses, and the chance of premature system failure. Furthermore, regular residential HVAC maintenance  is less expensive than repair and replacement costs.

It’s excellent practice to have your residential heating and air-conditioning system serviced each year. And as a rule, it’s best to schedule your annual system’s check before you need to use it. Typically, spring or fall seasons are ideal because once the winter (heating) and summer (cooling) seasons are in full force, service professionals are quite busy. Therefore, to save yourself the hassle and time, schedule your check before everyone does.

An easy and helpful way to remember when to schedule preventative maintenance each year is by planning to have it done with the time changes.

  • Spring check-ups will be scheduled when you set the clock forward.
  • Fall check-ups will be scheduled when you set the clock back.

Here’s an excellent checklist for preventative maintenance:

  • Controls and thermostat settings should be checked to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
  • Drains should be inspected for and cleared of any blockages.
  • All moving parts should be lubricated to ensure efficient running of the motor.
  • Coils, burners, and blower components should be cleaned. Any damaged equipment needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Air conditioning should be checked for proper levels of refrigerant.
  • Ensure duct work is inspected for damage.

Lastly, it’s important to do your part by cleaning or changing your filters every month.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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