9 Warning Signs You Need Air Conditioning Service
Experiencing an issue with your AC can be quite frustrating, especially when facing one of the hottest days of summer. Not only will you tackle uncomfortable sweltering heat and high humidity, but you will likely need costly emergency repairs. Fortunately, your AC unit usually gives off obvious signs of trouble to inform you of an impending breakdown days before it happens. Look for the nine warning signs you need air conditioning service.
High energy bills
If your energy bills have soured without extra usage, your AC unit is not running efficiently. The cause of this problem varies from broken thermostat switch to leaks in your HVAC system’s ductwork. This problem is typically common with aging systems with over ten years of service. As your AC ages, it becomes increasingly inefficient, forcing the unit to work extra hard to achieve the same results. Regardless of the cause, high energy bills can dent your budget. Call a professional to repair or replace the unit.
Strange noises
The indoor unit of an AC is designed to operate silently. If you hear strange grinding, squealing, or scraping noises while the system is on, there is a problem with the belt movement, or your unit needs more lubrication. Don’t ignore these noises and hope they will go away alone. Loose parts can cause further damage to other components of your system. Contact an experienced air conditioning service to fix the issue and avoid costly damage.
Odd smells
Your AC is not supposed to let off a foul smell. If this occurs, there is a problem with the unit. A strong smell could be due to burning wiring components inside the unit. On the other hand, if you perceive a musty smell, it may indicate the presence of mold within the unit or inside your ductwork. Musty odors can cause you and your family or workforce to get sick due to the spread of mold.
Warm air coming out of the vents
An AC is designed to deliver cold air through your home vents so that you get comfortable temperatures in your spaces. If you can perceive warm or hot air coming out of the vents, it is a sign of something wrong with your unit. Generally, this problem is caused by a clogged filter, a bad capacitor, or low refrigerant levels. A licensed HVAC professional can diagnose and fix the issue before your air conditioner sustains extreme damage.
Leaks around the unit
If you notice leaking around the unit, it may indicate a refrigerant leak which is a significant issue. Freon refrigerant is highly hazardous, and inhaling high concentrations can cause several illnesses, including breathing difficulties, fluid buildup in the lungs, organ damage, and even fatalities. It is vital to fix the problem to protect the health and safety of your household.
Another common leak to watch out for is water leaks. Although it is not hazardous, a water leak indicates a condensation-clogged tube. Hire a professional AC technician to address any moisture leaks around your system immediately.
Weak airflow from vents
Another typical sign that you need air conditioning service is when you have weak airflow coming through your vents. This problem is usually due to a clogged filter, leaky ductwork, or debris buildup inside your ducts. Weak airflow could also be a sign of a failing compressor. Scheduling regular tune-ups is an effective way to avoid this problem. Have a professional change your air filters every month.
High humidity levels in your spaces
Apart from cooling your home, an AC should also reduce the humidity inside your house. Even on the hottest summer days, the air typically maintains little moisture. If you notice signs of humidity inside your home despite the AC running, the unit’s efficiency has been impacted. During summer, the evaporator in the indoor cooling unit may freeze, causing the spaces to feel humid. This may also lead to the formation of ice and frost on the coil surface that prevents refrigerant within from absorbing heat to remove moisture from the air and lower air temperatures.
The unit is over 10 years old
Like all other home appliances, an AC has a limited lifespan. A well-maintained air conditioner can last up to 10 years. If yours is older, it is time to shop for a new unit. Old units are impacted by wear and tear elements that affect their efficiency. Not only will the AC work overtime during the hot summer days, but it will also be forced to run constantly to keep your home comfortable. This ultimately translated to high energy bills. A professional AC service professional can replace your old units with a new, more efficient one.
Frequent repairs
A quality and efficient new air conditioner should run efficiently for a long without any problems. If your AC needs frequent repair services, its performance, and efficiency have decreased. Although repairing it is an easy option, it becomes extremely costly if you have to call for air conditioner service every so often. The money you spend on frequent repairs is better utilized if you acquire a new unit. Call an expert to replace your faulty AC.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix
An efficient air conditioner is a big investment for home and business owners. A working air conditioner is crucial to your family’s comfort and health. Unfortunately, air conditioning problems can impact your unit’s performance and efficiency. When issues occur, it is best to call a trusted air conditioning service to diagnose and fix the problem. Trying to fix the issues yourself can lead to further damage and unnecessary costs should something go wrong. If you have noticed any of the mentioned signs of malfunctioning AC, the experts at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix can help. We have been providing quality air conditioner repairs for decades now. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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Learning About HVAC Control | Air Conditioning Service
The importance of a heating and air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable during the extreme weather seasons or months cannot be overstated. It regulates the indoor temperatures of a closed space by moving the cool or hot air in a while, exhausting either. While doing this, an HVAC system also controls the indoor humidity, ensuring overall enhanced indoor air quality at your home. Doing this ensures that your home has safe air. This keeps your home perfectly cooled or warmed during summer or winter and ensures your home is adequately ventilated. Are you planning to have an air conditioning service provider install an HVAC system at your house? If you are, then having all the information you can get on HVAC controls can help realize the investment’s potential and ensure an efficient operating system.
What is an HVAC Control?
Like your brain makes various decisions by interpreting external signals, an HVAC controller receives commands via a sensor or manual input signals to complete a particular task. Although HVAC controllers and terminal unit controls can be a bit complex, you need to know the basics to make the most out of your HVAC system.
Homeowners rely on these heating and cooling systems to ensure their living areas are comfortable, especially on those coolest or hottest days. HVAC controls are designed in such a way that they can cater to fluctuating environmental needs. They can even handle the worst-case scenarios; thus, having an air conditioning service provider install one at your home could be beneficial. However, HVAC control usage is affected by factors such as building occupancy, humidity, appliance age, and solar heat loads.
Fortunately, the HVAC control helps your unit react to the above changes effectively. It ensures that the temperatures are adjusted to make living conditions safe and comfortable for pets, people, and even perishable food items. Having an air conditioning service provider install an HVAC control system means that any unnecessary energy expense will be reduced while maintaining a steady temperature. It means that you will pay less in energy utility bills.
With the simplest HVAC controls, homeowners can turn the system off or on using the Off and On Controls. For instance, suppose it’s been raining outside the entire day, and you have pleasant weather. You can turn the heating and air conditioning system off to avert energy wastage. Other controls include trend logs, timers, logic, set points, time schedules, and alarms.
The programmable nature of the advanced controls allows homeowners to customize them. Hence, if you have an older control unit, having an air conditioning service provider replace it with a more advanced system might be beneficial. These controls have digital inputs for controlling the airflow based on the settings like cold or hot and analog inputs for measuring humidity, pressure, or even temperatures.
How Does an HVAC Control System Work?
Controlled Device
After a sensor collects and relays the information to the controller, the controller directs the dedicated device to perform the specified actions. In an HVAC system, the HVAC control module is the part that directs the output devices. The computerized system governs all the operations in the unit to adapt to variations in the environment to ensure they maintain your preferred condition. Any issue with the control module might make your unit inoperable, meaning it won’t cool or heat your home as required. This is where air conditioning service plays a key role. When the technician comes to inspect and maintain the HVAC, one of the areas they will check is the control module and recalibrate it if required.
Sensors
A sensor is a digital component of your HVAC control system that detects changes and sends a signal to the system to act. For the controller to make intelligent decisions, it needs this input from the sensors and compares the information with the set point. Without a sensor or with a faulty one, regulating and monitoring the indoor climate might prove impossible or borderline difficult. For instance, various controlled variables essential for your heating and air conditioning unit include airflow, temperature, and humidity. Hence, it is essential to have a regular air conditioning service to check the sensor’s status and clean or even recalibrate it. If the set point temperature is 75, the sensor detects the current room temperature, and if higher, it sends a signal to the HVAC to begin cooling.
Controller
The other element of any HVAC control system is the controller (or thermostat). This device regulates the behavior of the heating and cooling system. It takes the sensors’ inputs and processes them, generating an intelligent/smart output signal. The thermostat then sends this signal to the HVAC to start heating or cooling. For instance, whenever temperatures rise above certain levels, the sensors detect it and then send a signal to the HVAC to start reducing the temperatures to cool down the place. However, one of the main issues with controllers is the placement. You should ensure it is placed in a home away from heat-generating sources, direct sunlight, or busy hallways. Additionally, enlist an air conditioning service provider to give your thermostat a routine checkup, cleaning, and calibration.
Source of Energy
An air conditioning service provider might install two main types of HVAC control systems in your home; electric and pneumatic. Either requires power to operate. Although you use an electrically powered HVAC system, did you know other powering mechanisms exist? One of the alternative sources that you can talk with your air conditioning service provider about is solar power. Though it has a high initial installation cost, it can recoup in due time as it means you won’t be paying for energy utility bills.
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Do you need any air conditioning installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix to book your appointment for a free consultation.
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What Mistakes You Can Make With DIY Air Conditioning Service?
Your air conditioning unit has many electrical and mechanical parts crucial to your unit’s seamless operation. Therefore, when improperly handled, they can cause your system to malfunction, break down, or cause irreversible damage to the system, such that you have to change it. That is why only a skilled air conditioning service expert must open your AC unit or even repair it. Trying online DIY servicing procedures on your system can lead to problems, such as expensive repairs and time when your system will not operate. In extreme situations, trying DIY AC services can lead to danger to your safety and even death. Other mistakes include:
Using a Dirty Rag to Clean the AC’s Coil
Your air conditioning unit’s coils are essential in circulating clean air into your home. Although they do not filter your air supply as air filters, their condition impacts the cleanliness of the air you and your family breathe. Therefore, using dirty rags may lead to mold and bacteria entering your breathing. In addition, they may also leave ugly streaks and marks on your air conditioning unit.
Not Checking the Filter
The other common mistake that most homeowners need to remember is to check the status of their air filters. Although a qualified air conditioning service technician should do most AC services, there are those that you can perform safely at home. One of these services is constantly checking and replacing your air filter when they are due. However, most homeowners sometimes need to remember to perform these services, which means dirt and debris accumulate on the air filter.
Consequently, this can lead to contamination of your breathing air by these pollutants that can cause breathing-related problems such as asthma and irritate allergies. Failing to check the air filter can also contribute to your system working harder to meet your temperature requirements. If your AC system continues to run with dirty filters and works harder with each cycle, it will break down some parts of your system.
Thus, this necessitates repair and replacements, which can be expensive. Additionally, the inefficient running of your AC will lead to increased energy consumption and high monthly electrical bills. Therefore, check your filters regularly for your in-house air conditioning maintenance.
Overtightening Bolts in the AC Unit
Although it may seem simple, separating an AC unit and putting it back together is more than just unscrewing and putting the bolts together. There is a degree of tightening that your air conditioning unit needs to run efficiently, and an AC technician understands it. Most homeowners will over-tighten the screws and bolts of the AC unit when putting it back together, which can cause damage to the components they are assembling, such as the sealant gasket. In turn, this could lead to leaking parts in the AC. Therefore, letting an expert open and close the AC unit is advisable.
Forgetting To Check for Leaks in the System
Leaks in an air conditioning system indicate something is wrong with the system. On the other hand, they can lead to the improper operation of the air conditioning unit, which somebody could improve to save energy and money. Therefore, when performing an in-house air conditioning service, check for a leak before you start. If one exists, contact an AC expert to determine the underlying problem.
Ignoring Water in The Drain Pan
The presence of water in your system’s drain pan indicates that your system is running efficiently. However, you must empty the water in the drain pan to continue satisfying your home’s temperature needs. If left unattended, this water can cause severe damage to the surrounding walls and floors if it spills. In addition, the continuous presence of water in the drain pan will make it harder for the AC unit to operate by increasing the system’s heat. This heat will need more time to disperse before your system restores its cooling properties. Therefore, it is best to empty the drain pan frequently for your system to continue its efficient operation.
Ignoring Changes in The AC Unit
Your air conditioning system will give you signs such as a change in smell, sound, or temperature when something is wrong in the system. However, most homeowners need to pay more attention to these warning signs when completing servicing the unit. Therefore, some warning signs you should look out for in your AC unit include feeling hotter than usual, new sounds when running, and distinctive smells. If you notice these signs, your AC unit may need an air conditioning service technician to check it. If you ignore these signs and continue using the system, it could eventually break down, necessitating a complete system change.
Failing To Check for Signs of Corrosion
One of the fundamental steps while dealing with your air conditioning unit is checking for corrosion in metal lines and electrical connections. This easy step requires no experience, expertise, or touching. However, most homeowners do not go through the pipes and ensure all is well. Corrosion presence in your AC system can result in leaks and system breakdown if not repaired.
Forgetting To Turn off the Power
One of the most catastrophic mistakes in operating an air conditioning unit is not disconnecting it from the power. This can result in dire health hazards, such as the risk of shock and even loss of life through electrocution. Therefore, you should always turn off the power before servicing the AC unit, no matter how minor it is. This will reduce the risks involved with electricity, keeping both you and your system safe.
Your AC unit is essential to the operation and comfort of your home. Therefore, avoid making the above mistakes by contacting us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix and scheduling regular maintenance and servicing to maintain it in top-notch condition.
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Drafts in The Heating System and Ways of Averting Them | Air Conditioner Repair
When buying an HVAC system for your home, you want it to be as efficient as possible. However, over time, drafts can be a significant cause of regular visits by your air conditioner repair company technician. They will cause your system to strain as it tries to meet your home’s temperature needs, thus skyrocketing your electricity bills. So, what are the causes of drafts in the heating system?
Cause of Drafts
Gaps In Floors, Walls, And Ceilings
Does your home have cracks and gaps? These small openings may be a possible way for cold air to enter your home. Therefore, when outdoor air has constant access to your home, your heating system struggles to meet your home’s temperature requirements. Consequently, this lowers its efficiency.
Poorly Sealed Doors And Windows
When your windows and doors are not properly sealed, cold air enters your home, causing a decrease in your indoor temperature. Your heating system works harder to keep the temperature at the required level.
Damaged Or Worn Out Weather-Stripping
When the weather stripping to your doors and windows is worn out or damaged, cold air from the environment slips into your home, reducing the warmth of your home. Consequently, the HVAC works harder to bring the temperatures back up again, forming an endless loop. Therefore, each time your heating system works harder, it reduces efficiency, leading to regular breakdowns and needing an air conditioner repair technician.
Poorly Insulated Attic and Crawl Spaces
The hose must be insulated and isolated from outdoor temperatures for your heating system to keep your home warm. However, with poorly insulated attics and crawl spaces, cold air from the environment gets to your home, diluting the heated air, thus causing your system to work harder. Therefore, immediately contact a professional to insulate your attic to reduce the risk of drafts.
Leaky Or Disconnected Ducts
When your ducts leak due to disconnection or spaces, it can cause interruption to your system’s efficiency due to drafts. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular maintenance services from a qualified technician. The technician will check your ductwork and repair any disconnection or leaking parts.
How Can You Seal Drafts and Increase My System’s Energy Efficiency?
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat will help you to control the indoor temperatures reducing the draft risk effectively. A programmable thermostat lets you choose when your system should heat your home and to what temperature. For instance, you can set it to start heating your home some minutes before you get home. Therefore, your heating system will only run when someone is in the house. Consequently, energy conservation will save you money since you will only heat your home when needed. It is advisable to consult an air conditioner repair company on the best compatible thermostat for your system.
Check and Replace Weather-Stripping
When you notice drafts in your heating system, your first step should be checking your weather stripping, especially if your home is old. When you see this is the cause of the draft, contact a professional to replace it for better HVAC efficiency.
Insulate Your Attic and Crawl Spaces
Properly insulated attic and crawl spaces will keep your home isolated from the outside temperatures, which will help keep the conditioned air inside your house and the system operating efficiently. Therefore, hire a professional to insulate your attic and crawl spaces, especially if your home is conventional and has had its insulation for a long time. This would solve any drafts or prevent the risk of currents if they did not exist.
Check Your Ducts
As outlined before, your home’s ducts are one of the major causes of drafts. Therefore, you should have a professional check your air ducts when you notice a change in the operation of your heating system to ensure they are correctly connected and sealed. The technician will connect them properly if disconnected and help you seal them if there are leaking parts. These simple steps will improve your heating system’s efficiency and lifespan.
Expert Tips for Preventing Drafts in Your Home
As a homeowner, preventing the formation of drafts in your heating system is much better than dealing with the results of it. It helps keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Below are some tips to help you avoid drafts in your heating system.
Use Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are also known as draft snakes. A qualified air conditioner repair company professional will put it at the base of your windows or doors to block drafts. It is most efficient in preventing drafts in older homes.
Schedule Regular maintenance
Your heating system’s efficient operation depends on regular maintenance from a professional. The technician will help prevent drafts by identifying areas of weakness and fixing them before they become full-blown.
Upgrade Your Heating System
If your system is older, the best option is to upgrade it. Newer systems in the market are more energy-efficient and can better prevent drafts. In addition, a new heating system will help save you money through cheaper electricity bills. Notably, a qualified technician must install the system to enjoy all the advantages of an upgraded system.
Check for Air Leaks Around Switch Plates and Electrical Outlets
When looking for sources of drafts for your home’s heating system, you might overlook the switch plates and electrical outlets. But these can also be a source of drafts. Therefore, be sure to conduct a thorough investigation around them. Be cautious when performing the checks since these are connected to electricity. Remember, you should never open any electrical component. A professional is best suited and skilled to handle all electrical work.
Averting Drafts in an HVAC System
The best way to take care of your system is through regular preventive maintenance services by a skilled professional. However, drafts can permanently be fixed even afterward. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix for any draft-related questions.
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How Calling A Professional Ac Repair Company Can Save You Money
Not very many homeowners think that hiring a professional AC repair company is something that can save you money. Well, the truth is it actually can! While you may think that calling an AC repair company is always an expensive venture, which could lead you to try to repair your home’s air conditioner by yourself, there are many ways in which you can save money by calling in a professional to do the job. For starters, a good AC repair company will have the knowledge and experience required to detect and repair any problems with your air conditioner before they rear their ugly heads. With these types of preventative services, you can be sure that an AC repair company will ensure you don’t end up forking over more money to somebody else to come and clear up a shoddy job, which is exactly what could happen if you attempt a DIY repair. In this article we will cover the many ways in which calling a professional AC repair company can help you save money, so read on to find out what you want to know.
They Know Exactly What To Do
One of the biggest temptations for homeowners that enjoy repairing things around their house is to attempt a DIY repair on their air conditioner. In most cases, they will look up a tutorial video online, grab a wrench and a couple of screwdrivers, and get to work. That’s all fine and dandy, except they can make enough mistakes without being aware of them, that they can end up ruining their entire air conditioning system. This happens because they lack the training, and knowledge to repair it, and even though they are following the instructions on the video, a bunch of things can go seriously wrong, which will result in having to hire an expert anyway, but at a higher cost. On the other hand, a technician from a reputable AC repair company will have the knowledge and experience to fix the air conditioner, no matter what may be wrong. They will repair it without any mistakes that could lead you to pay even more. So, when you feel the temptation to do it yourself, remember it’s in your best interest to do it yourself.
They Have All The Tools And Equipment
Besides actually knowing what they are up against, techs from a reputable AC repair company also have all the tools and equipment they could need to get the job done. If you are wondering how that saves you money, the answer is quite simple. It is highly unlikely that you would have the types of specialized tools and equipment they have, just sitting in your garage waiting for the day you need them. If you are adamant about fixing your air conditioner yourself, you will have to purchase your own tools, and they cost a pretty penny. So, even if you only consider this point, just the cost of the tools you would need is much higher than the cost of a professional repair.
They Know How To Do The Job Safely
Did you know that many accidents that happen during DIY adventures happen because the most basic safety precautions are ignored? Many homeowners who have tried to repair their air conditioners by themselves, without the knowledge or the tools, with only an online tutorial for guidance, end up in the emergency room after having injured themselves because they didn’t use any safety measures. When you attempt to repair your own air conditioner, you are exposed to electric shocks, electrocution, severe cuts, and even chemical poisoning from the coolant liquid. If you end up in the hospital, no matter how great your insurance may be, you will end up spending money you didn’t plan or budget for. This doesn’t even include any damages to your property, which can be as serious as the loss of your home from an electrical fire. So, save yourself the pain and embarrassment and call a pro instead.
They Can Do The Job Quickly And Efficiently
A licensed AC repair technician can get the job done quickly and efficiently, which saves you money that you would otherwise lose from taking the day off from work to do the job yourself. Even if you wait until the weekend to get the job done, if temperatures are soaring outside, you might end up having to pay a few nights at a hotel for you and your family to be cool and comfortable.
When your air conditioner malfunctions, it can put your family in danger, especially when you are in the middle of a heat wave. Extreme temperatures can seriously affect small children and the elderly. Because you are invested in your family’s safety, and care about them being comfortable when the temperatures outside are scorching hot, your best investment will always be calling a professional air conditioner repair company to get things up and running again. Additionally, if you consider all the ways calling a licensed repair professional can save you money, you have to admit you are looking at a win-win situation. So, give yourself and your finances a break. Prevention is always the best option, so don’t leave your family sitting in a sweltering house until you can figure out what’s wrong with your AC and give a professional a call.
Having to deal with a malfunctioning air conditioner in the middle of a heat wave in is the subject of nightmares for many homeowners. Because of this, it is in your best interest to have a reputable AC repair company you can fall back on in times of need. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix we are always happy to provide high quality, professional services, which is one of the things that has made us the most sought after AC repair company in the area. So, when things start heating up deep within your air conditioner, don’t think twice and give us a call right away!
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