Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘A/C and Heating’ Category

There are times when you absolutely know that you need a heater repair, and then there are other times when you are left scratching your head wondering if something else may be the culprit. If you have a relatively new unit or have never had a problem with your current system, and the issue is one that you aren’t familiar with, then there are a few steps you can take before calling in the experts. Here are five steps to take before you call for a heater repair.

#1: Change the Filters

Even if you change the filters on a regular basis and they aren’t due for to be replaced or cleaned for a couple of weeks, when your heating system isn’t working, then this should be the first place you look. Filters that are clogged and dirty can prevent air flow, leading you to believe that your unit needs a repair. When you have heavier foot traffic in your home than normal due to visitors, pet sitting for a friend, or you’ve been deep cleaning, you may discover that your filter will have to be changed more frequently because of the extra dirt and dander.

#2: Look to the Thermostat

While you may think that your heater needs to be repaired, the true issue could actually be someone living or working in your space is changing the thermostat on you. Before you assume the unit is broken, pay attention to the setting on the thermostat and see if it has been adjusted. Also, if you think the problem is your thermostat not registering correctly, you can get a stand alone one so that you have two ways to read the temp inside the home.

#3: Check the Electric

When you have blown fuse or a tripped breaker, most heaters will stop working, often being the reason for the sudden disruption. If turning on the breaker doesn’t correct the problem, be sure to bring in the professionals to handle the job because you don’t want to cause more damage or injure yourself when dealing with heater repairs or electrical problems.

#4: Find a Reliable Heater Repair Company

If you’ve tried everything listed above and your system is still not working, then it’s time to call in a reliable heating company to handle the job. Be sure that you’re selective about the company that you choose, because you want someone that is licensed and insured. You also want someone that shows up on time and with equipment necessary to get the job done.

#5: Gather Information

Once you’ve called in the pros, take the time to learn more about your particular heating system so you’ll have questions ready for when they arrive. The more you understand about the brand, age, and features of your unit, the more prepared you’ll be for times like these when you think you need a heater repair, but just aren’t sure.

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Saving money is on the back of everyone’s mind these days. However, just like most investments such as residential or commercial property and quality HVAC units, you’ll need to spend a little money from time-to-time to protect them. AC repair and yearly services from a professional will keep your unit durable and working the way it was intended to. Here are a few reasons that you shouldn’t put off that call for an AC repair any longer.

You’ll Prevent Further Damages

When you just let your AC unit push through dirty coils and blockages, then it can end up causing more damage and more money. However, when you’re proactive when getting AC repairs, you’ll find that your unit will be more energy efficient, as well as have more longevity. Many people only see AC repair as an extra expense, but in most cases, it will save you money in the long run to invest in a repair today.

Also, when you have your unit serviced yearly by the professionals, you’ll find that you won’t need as many repairs in the future because the proper cleaning and maintenance keep it healthy. These routine yearly check-ups allow the HVAC system to continue to run in prime condition so that you have stronger and more reliable unit over the course of its life.

You’ll Have a Better Understanding of Your AC Unit

When you understand how your HVAC system should sound, the normal amount of air flow it creates, and the average amount of time it takes before you need to change your filter, you’ll know when you need an AC repair. Catching small issues before they develop into bigger problems will save you money on repair costs, as well as your energy bills. And it’s hard to be proactive in these situations when you don’t know what to look for.

Take the time to get familiar with how strong the air flow is coming out of your vents, as well as the temperature. Look for leaks around the outside of the unit and ask a professional where natural condensation will develop versus water that is a problem. Listen to your unit from the inside and outside so that you’ll notice when there has been a shift in sound.

You’ll Find That It’s Easier (and More Affordable) to Get AC Repair Than You Think

When you go with a quality AC repair company, then you’ll discover that the process is easier than you think. We know that your schedule is busy and when you only need a minor repair, you can push that phone call to the bottom of the to-do list. However, if you want to prevent a small repair from turning into a very large one, then make (and keep) that appointment for repairs and yearly services. On top of being prompt, you’ll find that AC repair is affordable and makes a huge difference in the quality of your air. You’ll thank yourself for making that call today!

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While most property owners keep up with their HVAC units using the proper practices, it can still be tough to know when a common problem occurs that requires AC repair. While some things will be more noticeable than others, when you’re giving your unit a visual inspection, you can look for these signs something is wrong. Here’s a list of common problems that can result in a call to the pros for an AC repair.

The Condenser Fan Is Not Working Outside

Spend a little time outside with your unit and listen to the fan so you know what it should sound like. If you notice that your unit isn’t cooling the interior of your home the way it should be, this outside fan may not be working and is in need of a repair. As soon as you notice that the fan has stopped working, it’s critical that you call for an AC repair so that further damage doesn’t occur to elements like the compressor.

There Are Frozen or Dirty Coils

If your unit has frozen coils, there are a few different factors that could be the cause of it. It could be low on Freon or it could be the result of a dirty air filter that is obstructing the air flow. When you have your yearly service call with a professional AC repair company, they’ll clean the coils to ensure that they continue to work as they should. If you skip the yearly maintenance, then it’s more likely that you’ll need future repairs to address the dirty coils, so it’s better stay proactive.

The Freon Levels Are Low

If you have low Freon (or refrigerant) levels, then you’ll need to call in a certified AC repair company to handle the situation for you. Refrigerant usage is regulated by the EPA, and it’s essential that it is handled by someone who has the proper training to use it. When your HVAC unit needs to be recharged, there is good chance that you have a leak, and this will demand immediate attention. As soon as you notice your system not cooling properly, call for an AC repair.

The Wiring Is Faulty

If you’ve had multiple contractors work on your HVAC unit, some of whom may not have the training to repair air conditioning, you might find that there are some faulty elements. Bad wiring is one of the primary issues that people can have with their unit because it doesn’t allow the system to get the power it needs to function. Plus, it’s dangerous to have faulty wiring running to any part of your property. The experts will be able to resolve the situation and get you AC unit repaired and working safely again.

The Thermostat Doesn’t Work

If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading or setting the temperature, then you won’t know how or what to set it to. Have an AC repair crew come out and either repair the current thermostat, or replace it with a new one.

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Over the course of time, your AC unit will require some routine maintenance and repairs. However, most of us want those repairs to come fewer and far between. The good news is, when you take proper care of your HVAC system, you’ll find that it saves you more energy on your bill and it works in excellent condition for the duration of its life. Here are few of the best practices that will help prevent AC repairs from occurring more often than they should.

Change and Clean Those Filters!

We know that you’ve heard before how important it is to change and clean filters on a routine basis. However, it just can’t be stressed enough! Not keeping up with filters can wreak havoc on your unit and require an AC repair well before one should be due. Set a timer on your thermostat or tie a string around your finger to help you remember to change the filter, but find a method that you’ll pay attention to.

When changing your filter, you should also make sure that you’re doing it as often as you need to. You don’t want to waste money on filters if you only need to change it every 90 days, but you also don’t want to cause damage because you don’t change it frequently enough. Talk to a professional about how often you should clean and change your filter based on things like how many pets and people are in your home, as well as the quality of air.

Clean the Condensate Drain Line

Condensate line clogs can cause flooding and damage to your home. It can also cause you’re a/c unit to shut down. This is one of the common maintenance tasks that must be performed frequently on all air conditioning systems. Flushing the condensate drain line will prevent unexpected leaks and shutdown. As your ac unit cools your house it creates condensation that is transported outside your home through the condensate drain line. Over time this slime and debris can clog the line. It is recommended that bleach mixed with water is poured down the line every couple of months to prevent the line from clogging.

Clean Up Debris Outside

Many of us are very mindful of our air conditioning when we’re inside, but we may ignore the big unit that sits outside. When you’re scheduling time to change your filter, also add a few minutes to go outside and give your HVAC unit a visual inspection. You can prevent AC repair by keeping debris away from the unit. Be sure to cut bushes back away from the outside unit and protect your outside unit from plant life such as vines from invading the interior elements. You should do this on a regular basis, as well as when big storms with heavy winds come through.

Be Mindful of Temperature Settings

When setting the internal temperatures for your home, be mindful that you have realistic expectations for what your unit can do. Even some of the newest models and quality brands will have limitations on just how cool they’ll get your home. If you’re hoping to get the temperature inside thirty degrees or more below the hot temps outside, then speak with a professional to ensure your HVAC unit has the ability to perform in this way.

You’ll also need to consider other areas of your home when setting temperature expectations. For example, if you don’t have energy efficient windows or curtains, you’ll lose a lot of those cool temperatures out the window, and your unit will continue to work hard to try to keep up. Preventing AC repair doesn’t have to be complicated when you gain a little insight into the proper HVAC care techniques from the pros. Rest assured that if your AC does break and your in the Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach or Panama City Beach, FL area that you can count on Peaden to fix it.

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When your AC unit is making unnatural and loud noises, you don’t want to ignore it. Even if the air conditioner is still producing the air quality in your home that you desire, these noises can be a warning of a future issue. It’s crucial that you’re proactive when it comes to the noises that your AC unit makes. If you aren’t sure what your unit should sound like, take a little time every day to familiarize yourself with the noises that are normal so that you can identify if you hear one that isn’t. Here we’ve listed a few of the different sounds that will alert you to a problem with your unit and what could be causing the loud noises. We’ll also go over the best practices for prevention. 

The Different Sounds an Air Conditioner Can Make and What Could Be Causing Them 

While advances in AC units have provided us with much quieter units, they’ll still always make a slight humming noise as the fan turns and the unit runs. That is normal, but if you hear any of the noises below, it might mean that it’s time to call in the pros to run diagnostics to find out what the problem is and properly repair it.

• A rattling noise. A loud rattle can alert you to the fact that your compressor is getting older and may be due for a repair or service very soon. However, it can also be a sign that debris has made its way into the unit. Rattles can also be caused by loosened screws, bolts, and other hardware or parts.
• A grinding sound. When you hear a loud grinding within your unit, it might be a worn bearing on your fan motor, or another issue with your fan motor. Grinding noises should never be ignored and a certified air conditioning repair professional will be able to identify and repair the problem quickly.
• A loud hissing or whistling sound. A hissing or whistling noise can alert you to a ductwork issue or a possible refrigerant leak.
• A popping noise. This is usually the result of old ductwork, and often won’t be a direct problem with your unit. However, the loud popping noise is often most prevalent when the unit is turning off and coming back on and should be checked out by a professional.

How to Prevent an Air Conditioner from Being Loud

As with most air conditioning unit situations, reducing the amount of repairs you have over the years and keeping the noises normal is easier than you think. Start by adding your own routine maintenance to your calendar such as changing filters and clearing debris away from the outside of your unit. Many of the new AC units will have a setting on the thermostat that will alert you when it’s time to change a filter. You should also get annual checkups from certified AC technicians. Take the time to listen to your unit often so that you are aware when a sound is not natural so that you can get a quick repair.

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Common Reasons for an Air Conditioner Leak 

It can be very alarming when you notice that your air conditioner is leaking. After all, you’ve invested a lot of money on your air conditioner and it’s essential to keeping a comfortable temperature in your home. While it might be easy to just continually clean up the water rather than finding out what the problem is, in order to have an AC unit that is durable and offers longevity, you’ll want to get the problem fixed promptly. Here we look at some of the common problems of why your air conditioner is leaking and how you can prevent it from happening in the future.

Condenser Tray Concerns

The interior of your air conditioning unit is equipped with an evaporator coil. This evaporator coil works as a collector of the condensation that forms as part of the process of creating cooled air. The warm air from inside the home is forced over this cooling coil. As the warmer air cools, it drops some of the moisture that it is carrying. This moisture then drips from the coil into a tray or pan, which in turn goes into a drain in the tray.

There are sometimes problems with the tray that can cause water leakage. If the tray is not set at a slight angle, the water cannot exit. Much like a bathtub, the pan must be at a slant to drain properly. An AC repair technician may only have to make a slight adjustment to the tray’s position to fix the problem. Increasing the slant or even moving the pan sideways can fix this water issue. It’s also important to know that the pan can also have cracks that are causing the leakage. If this is the case, the tray may have to be replaced.

Drainpipe Drama

Air conditioning systems are designed with drainpipes underneath them. These drainpipes are made to get rid of the water that condenses and falls into the tray. The basic problem with these drainage pipes is that they can become clogged with dirt and debris. If they become clogged, the water draining into them backs up into the pan, causing it to overflow and leak.

Although a professional repairman can correct the problem, it is in your best interest to do whatever you can to help prevent this problem from occurring. Water leakage is one of the most damaging of household problems, so avoiding the problem in the first place is absolutely ideal.

Signs of Leaking Refrigerant

If there is a leak of the AC refrigerant, there will be many things that you notice. Some happen immediately and others you might notice with time. However, it is best to recognize the issue immediately, if at all possible, when it comes to leaking refrigerant. Things you should pay attention to include the following:

• Cooling output issues. This might be caused by duct leaks or a thermostat that isn’t working properly. However, it could mean leaking refrigerant, as well. If the refrigerant is leaking, your home can’t be cooled properly.
• Increased energy bills. The longer your AC is on, the higher your energy bills are going to be. If there is a huge spike in your bill, it could mean your AC unit is leaking refrigerant.
• Ice surrounding the coils. While this could be that the air filter is just dirty, leaking refrigerant could be the culprit, too. Without refrigerant properly running through the AC unit, the condensation freezes on the coils.

Other Common Causes of a Leaky AC Unit

Here are a few of the most common reasons for leaking, but there are other causes beyond the list below:

• A cracked condensate drain pipe
• A dirty or frozen evaporator coil
• A rusted drain line
• A clogged air filter
• A condensation build-up
• A disconnected drain line
• A broken pump

Other reasons why your conditioner may have a leak is because it was not properly installed. Be sure that when you invest in an air conditioning unit that you use a professional and certified company to ensure that the job gets done correctly and doesn’t end up costing you more money down the road.

Also, in some cases, a leak may occur due to temperature changes, and if any of the elements of your unit are frozen, they’ll thaw and leave a puddle. However, what you want to look for isn’t condensation, but pooling water or a steady drip. Some level of condensation is considered normal, but these other types of leaking are more serious. These issues will need to be addressed quickly.

There are some scenarios which you’ll be able to fix the leak yourself, but in many cases, the best way to ensure the problem is resolved and doesn’t end up costing you more money is to bring in a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

How to Prevent Your Air Conditioner from Leaking

If you’ve had an air conditioner leak in the past, you should already know there are a few ways you can prevent this from happening again. The first step is to make sure you’re performing regular maintenance on your unit by changing filters on time, keeping your unit free of debris, and scheduling a yearly HVAC service call.

You can add a secondary drain line for your air conditioner, as well as have a shutoff switch installed for the drain pan overflow. You’ll also want to ensure that you have correctly installed ductwork and have refrigerant levels monitored.

Preventing air conditioning leaks doesn’t have to be complicated. We know that they can get messy and it can disrupt your day. But Peaden is here to get your air conditioner working in prime condition again and get you back to your schedule. Hiring a certified professional is essential to getting the most value out of your unit. If you have a leak, get the experts involved today!

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You might not notice right away when your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should be, but as soon as it starts blowing out hot air, it can disrupt your lifestyle and create an uncomfortable atmosphere. However, that still makes you wonder, why is my air conditioner blowing hot air? Well, there are many common reasons, as well as a few unique ones, that can be causing this problem. Here are a few of those causes, as well as a few ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

Common Causes for Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air 

Many people don’t realize their AC unit isn’t working in prime condition until the hot summer months are upon them. However, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the problem and just push through until the colder weather. Here are a few of the most common reasons for an air conditioning unit that isn’t blowing cold air:

• The thermostat isn’t working properly or isn’t on the correct setting. In some cases, this can feel like wondering why your toaster isn’t working only to discover it isn’t plugged in. Check to make sure your settings are correct and that you don’t just have the fan on. There may be something a little more technical involved, and you’ll need a pro to diagnose and correct the problem.
• The airflow is restricted. If you haven’t had your annual maintenance done on your air conditioner in some time, then you may have dirty coils that can restrict air flow. Also, dirty filters can cause this problem because of the build up.
• The refrigerant is low or leaking. Because refrigerant absorbs heat, when your AC isn’t working properly, you’ll get hot air instead of cool air coming through.
• No electricity is getting to the outside unit. The inside elements of most air conditioners will continue to push air through even if the outside isn’t getting the electricity it needs. Check for breakers that have been tripped to see if this is the problem.
• The outside of the unit is dirty or covered with debris. The more buildup you have around your unit, the better the chances are that you’re going to come across a problem in the future, like it blowing hot air instead of cold air.

As we said before, these are just a few of the most common causes. There may be other reasons why your air conditioner is blowing hot air. To get to the root of the problem, call in the professionals to diagnose your problem and get your unit working in prime condition.

How to Prevent Hot Air from Blowing Out of Your AC Unit

The best way to prevent hot air from coming out of your AC unit (as well as many other problems) is to change and clean your filters on a regular basis, as well as keep up the annual service calls from a professional technician. Also, pay attention to the inside and outside of your unit. A little routine care will go a long way!

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In order to protect your home while also saving money, you’ll have to keep a few prevention checklists around, and AC repair and maintenance is one of them. You can display this on your fridge or next to your calendar, and you can get the entire family involved with the chores that are required to keep your AC unit working in prime condition. Here are a few tasks that you should be doing everything month so that you save money on your energy bill as well as prevent future AC repairs.

Listen to Your Unit

The sounds your air conditioning unit makes will be one of the first signs when you’re in need of a repair. Once a month, listen to your unit from the outside and inside to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If you hear odd pops, hums, clanking, and other strange sounds, then you’ll want to call an AC repair company.

Check Your Thermostat

If you suspect your thermostat isn’t reading temperatures correctly, then it may be time to invest in a new one. You don’t have to get a new unit when you invest in a new thermostat and you’ll find that this is an affordable option for many people that want a more efficient unit. Even if your thermostat isn’t the reason you need an AC repair, talk to a specialist about how a new one with better technology features can benefit you.

Change or Clean Filters

Changing and cleaning filters should be done on monthly basis, and it should always be on the checklist. While most people follow the rule to change filters once a month, if you find that they are extremely clogged, then you might want to change your filter every twenty-five days and see if that is better. To prevent an AC repair, you need to make it easy on your unit when it’s working, and a clean filter will provide that.

Clean the Outside of the Unit

Take care in cleaning the outside of the unit if you want to prevent AC repair. Keep outdoor debris off of it and make sure the unit stays level and doesn’t sink into the ground. If you think you need a new pad for the unit to sit on, seek the advice of an expert. As you start to notice the outside of the heating and air conditioning unit getting dirty in places you can’t clean, you’ll know it’s time to call in the pros for routine services.

Hire an AC Repair Company

Even if you don’t need an AC repair, you should have a professional company to call just in case something does go wrong. This way, you’ll have an expert to call when something goes awry, and they’ll have an understanding of your air conditioning system from the yearly maintenance that is performed. Start the search now for a quality company and put their phone number by your checklist, and you’ll rest easy knowing that you have a plan for your investment.

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