Did You Have Your Air Conditioning System Serviced this Year?

July 25th, 2015 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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It happens every summer. Many people put off having their air conditioning serviced in the springtime, thinking they will have time before the hot weather hits. However, with the crazy weather that has happened over the last few years, procrastination is not a good idea. If you are one of the many homeowners that did not get your air conditioning serviced in the spring, don’t wait another moment. Here are a few good reasons to schedule your annual service today: 

  • Energy bills. Air conditioning costs plenty in energy bills so why make it worse with a poorly maintained system? Regular maintenance helps your air conditioning system run efficiently, saving you money off cooling costs over the summer.
  • Reduce replacement costs. A well-maintained A/C unit will last longer and need to be replaced less often, saving you money in the long run. An annual service fee is nominal compared to spending thousands of dollars on a new system.
  • Murphy’s Law. If you don’t have your air conditioning unit serviced, you know that Murphy’s Law means that it will breakdown. Not only will you be without A/C, it will most likely happen on the hottest day or week of the year. You’ll have to wait your turn with the hundreds of other people in your area waiting to get their unit repaired, suffering in the heat while you do so. 

Don’t be another victim to procrastination when it comes to your air conditioning system. Call your local HVAC service company today to schedule your annual maintenance before the dog days of summer arrive. You’ll be glad you did!

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Common Signs of A/C Problems

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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With the hot days of summer just around the bend, now is the time to take stock of your air conditioning system. The last thing you want is for problems to arise just when the temperatures start edging up toward the 100 degree mark or beyond. Although an A/C unit can breakdown without warning, there are usually a few signs that it needs service before it stops working altogether. Here are a few common signs of A/C problems:

  • Cool air, yet not cold. Turn on your A/C and test the temperature of the air when turned on the highest cooling setting. Does the air quickly become cold, or is it only cool? If it is not getting cold in a matter of minutes, it is a sign that there is a problem. It may be something as simple as a clogged filter, but you want it resolved before the heat hits.
  • Drips or leaks. Run you A/C system for a few hours and look for any drips or leaks. This is one of the most common issues, usually indicating a low pressure system. If you notice any leaks around fittings or find a puddle on the floor, call in a HVAC specialist.
  • Strange sounds. Listen to your unit when it is running. Is it louder than usual or have any strange sounds that catch your attention? If the compressor or other components are wearing out, they often will begin making unusual noises that can alert you of impending repairs.

The best way to be ready for summer is to have a professional maintenance service performed on your air conditioner. A technician can check all the components and perform any maintenance that is needed, ensuring your system is ready to keep you cool all summer long.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Is Your HVAC System Trying To Tell You It Needs Maintenance?

July 10th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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There are certain sounds that your HVAC unit can make to alert you of impending problems. If you ignore these noises, you may end up coming home to an uncomfortably hot or cold home in the very near future. Beyond the normal sounds of your unit doing its job, these clicks, buzzes and hums may be telling you it is time to call in a professional for needed HVAC service or repair. Here are some common noises that may be signs of problems with your HVAC system: 

–        Buzzing electrical panels. If you hear a soft buzzing or crackling coming from any of the electrical panels in your unit, call a professional right away. There may be a problem that could short out the unit or worse, start a fire in your home.

–        Gurgling. The sound of gurgling or bubbling liquid could mean you have a coolant leak. If you are losing coolant, eventually your unit will stop providing chilled air, so call your local HVAC service professional.

–        Sounds in the duct work. It is normal for the duct work to make some sounds when it expands and contracts. However, scratching or other animal noises could mean you have an unwanted pest in your duct work. Squealing, roaring or mechanical squeaking echoing through the ducts may be the air handler fan having problems.

–        Clicking. If your A/C relays are making a clicking noise, it could be a sign of a problem with your thermostat. 

Do not wait for your HVAC system to stop working altogether during the hottest (or coolest) time of year. At the first sound or sign of a problem, call in a professional to inspect your home heating and cooling system and get the issue resolved before it becomes a serious problem.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Hottest July On Record

August 8th, 2012 Posted in Central Air Conditioning
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The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that this past July was the hottest month on record.  The average temperature across the country for July was higher than any recorded since officials started keeping records in 1895.  The record heat is probably not news for those of us whose air conditioners have been running around the clock trying to keep up with the heat, but it’s one more reason why you should consider replacing that old central air conditioner with a new, energy efficient air conditioning system.

Central air conditioning systems use a lot of electricity to cool our homes.  However, manufacturers have made big gains in air conditioner efficiency in the past decade.  According to the Department of Energy, modern central air conditioning systems are 30% to 50% more energy efficient than those installed in the 1970’s and 20% to 40% than those sold just ten years ago.

These figures are based on the efficiency of the systems when they were new.  All central air conditioners lose some efficiency as they get older so your energy savings will probably be even greater!  Imagine keeping your home cool and comfortable using only half or two thirds of the electricity you are using today.  In this record heat, the savings can really add up quickly.

When you add in the savings on maintenance and repairs needed to keep that old system running, it won’t take long for a new central air conditioner to pay for itself.  After that, you will enjoy year after year of energy efficient cool comfort.  If beating the heat is putting a dent in your wallet, talk to your local heating and air conditioning contractor about installing a new energy efficiency system in your home today.

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Why Can’t My Air Conditioner Keep Up?

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Summer is almost here and soon temperatures will be really heating up.  If this summer is anything like last summer, many parts of the country will be seeing record highs.  These high temperatures will be keeping your air conditioner working hard to keep you and your family cool and comfortable this summer.

It’s not unusual for an air conditioner to be working extra hard in hot weather like this, but if your air conditioner is working overtime and your home is still not comfortable, it may be time to call your heating and air conditioning company to have the system checked out.

Before you make the call, it pays to check your air filter first. A dirty furnace filter can significantly reduce your central air conditioner’s efficiency and you can save the cost of a service call if a dirty air filter is the cause of the problem.  If you find a dirty air filter clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris, install a new air filter and see if it helps.  If your system is still struggling, then it’s time for the experts in air conditioning repair.

Your HVAC technician will service the system including adjusting the refrigerant levels and making sure the system is working properly.  If the system is working as designed, you may need to have your duct system sealed and inspected.  It is estimated that leaky air ducts can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 20%.  Sealing leaky air ducts can make a big difference, especially if your duct system is routed through non-conditioned space like an attic, basement, or crawlspace.

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Save On Your Cooling Costs With Clean Coils

April 30th, 2012 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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How would you like to save money on your air conditioning bills while extending the life of your central air conditioning system?  If this sounds good to you, then take a few minutes to inspect and clean the evaporator and condenser coils on your air conditioner or heat pump.

Most HVAC services should be handed by an HVAC professional because it requires training, skills and equipment that the average homeowner doesn’t have.  However, one thing most handy homeowners can do between scheduled HVAC maintenance visits is to clean the coils.

With a typical split central air conditioning system, the evaporator coil is located in the ductwork near the furnace, downstream of the furnace filter.  If you have a heat pump, this area is called the air handler.  Changing the furnace filter or air filter regularly will help keep the evaporator coil free of dust and debris, but over time there may be some build up on the coil.

Before cleaning the coils, turn off the power to the system.  Using a vacuum cleaner or shop vac with a soft brush attachment, vacuum the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris from the coil. Be very careful not to bend or damage the soft aluminum fins.

The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit.  You may need to remove the metal casing to access the coil.  Remove any leaves, grass clippings and large debris with a soft brush.  Again, be very careful so that you don’t damage the fins.

Cleaning the evaporator coil and condenser coil allows air to flow freely over the coils and helps your system operate most efficiently.

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What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Does Not Turn On

March 12th, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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As warmer temperatures make their way across the country, many homeowners will be turning off their furnaces and turning on their central air conditioning systems.  A surprise awaits a few unlucky homeowners:  when they turn on the air conditioning, nothing happens!  For most, the initial reaction will rightly be to call their local HVAC to schedule air conditioning repairs but before you make that call, there are a few things to check that might fix the problem and save you the cost of an unnecessary maintenance visit.

One of the first things to check is your circuit breakers.   The circuit breaker for your air conditioner may have tripped over the winter.  If so, re-set the breaker and try again.  If breaker trips frequently, you may have a problem with your air conditioning system that should be addressed by a good HVAC technician.

If you just changed the air conditioner/furnace filter (which is an excellent idea) make sure the filter access door is properly closed.  Many units have a switch that prevents the air conditioner from operating with the access door open and unless the door is fully closed, the switch may be preventing the air conditioner from turning on.

Finally, check to be sure that your thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature setting is below the ambient air temperature.  Some digital thermostats use the same settings for heating and cooling so you may need to adjust the  thermostat temperature setting for comfortable cooling.  Also, some digital thermostats have a time delay to avoid “short cycling” the system which can cause damage.  Just waiting 5 to 10 minutes will sometimes solve the problem.

After checking these items, if your air conditioner still does not turn on, it’s time to call your local HVAC contractor for a system maintenance visit.

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Clearing a Clogged Condensate Line

December 6th, 2011 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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A central air conditioner or heat pump not only cools the air in your home, it extracts moisture from the air which makes the air feel cooler and keeps your home comfortable.  The moisture collects (or condenses) on the coils inside the air handler which is the unit inside your home.  The condensate drips into a drip pan and is carried away by gravity through the condensate line which is typically a white PVC pipe.

Depending on where your system is installed, the condensate flows by gravity into a drain or outside the home, or it may flow into a small sump pump.  The sump pump is activated by a float switch and pumps the condensate safely out of your house.

On occasion, your condensate line can become clogged.  This is usually due to an accumulation of dust and dirt or algae growth.  Whatever the cause, a clogged condensate line should be cleared.  Otherwise, the condensate will overflow and can cause damage to walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and your personal property.  In some locations, up to a gallon of water per hour will accumulate so you should get the clogged condensate line cleared before all that water causes damage to your home.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to clear a condensate line.  Sometimes just blowing through the line is enough to dislodge the clog.  If not, try using compressed air or a shop vac to clear the line.  A small plumber’s snake will also usually do the trick.  If you still can’t clear the line, call a good local HVAC contractor.

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