Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Having an air conditioning system for your home in Pensacola, FL is a great investment. The weather gets hot and humid. The air conditioning system can save you from a lot of sweaty, sticky nights. However, there are some common problems that often occur with air conditioning systems which everyone should know about. Before diving into these issues, you should know there is ac service in Pensacola, FL in case there are any repairs that may need to be made.

No Cold Air Coming Out

If the air conditioning system is making noise, but you don’t feel cold air coming out, this could mean there is a problem with the refrigerant levels. The refrigerant helps the air conditioner to keep your home cooler by pushing the cold air out of your ac system. If you aren’t getting the cold air, you need the experts for ac repair in Pensacola.

Fan Isn’t Rotating

If you notice the air conditioning system fan isn’t rotating, it may be because it has worn out and needs replaced. Additionally, humidity may be causing condensation and the condensation may not drain properly. The drain may be blocked as well. You can allow expert ac repair service technicians in Pensacola, FL to handle this issue. We can determine why the fan isn’t rotating and let you know what repair needs to be made.

Temperature Isn’t As Cold As It Should Be

Have you noticed that the temperature in your home isn’t as cold as it should be? If so, the first thing which should be checked, which you may have already done, is to see if the temperature is down on the thermostat. If that is at the correct temperature, your air filter may not be clean. This can cause many issues with the cooling of your home. Your home may not be cooling properly because the air conditioner isn’t big enough to service the entire home. Get ac service in Pensacola, FL to take a look at this issue for you.

Short Cycle In The Air Conditioning System

You may also notice the air conditioning system is going through short cycles. This basically means it is turning off and on quicker than it should be. There could be numerous reasons for this issue. First, the condenser may not be clean enough. If the home is too humid, it may heat up quicker, which causes the air conditioning system to turn on sooner as well. Allow experts to figure out the solution to this issue today.

Having an air conditioning system to cool you and your home off can be a great thing. However, when you run into issues or times when the system just isn’t working properly, it is time to call in the experts. If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above or any air conditioning system issues be sure to get ac repair Pensacola right away. The sooner you have the repairs made, the quicker you can get your home cooled down again.

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The summer heat can become unbearable at times, but your home should always be cool and comfortable.  If you still find the heat unbearable, even inside the house, then it might be time to take a look at how to better cool your home.  Here are 4 ways to more efficiently cool your house this summer.

1. Central Air Is the Most Efficient

Relying on fans, window units, or portable AC units will not cool your home efficiently or effectively.  Central air is the most reliable way to be sure your entire home stays cool and comfortable this summer. These units are specifically designed for efficiency in cooling the entire home that other units just don’t have.  Without the efficiency of central air, you are risking running up energy costs and paying a fortune just to have a little relief from the heat.  Consider installing central air to maximize efficiency and save on monthly costs. Contact a professional AC repair technician to find out more about installing central air in your home.

2. Pay Attention to SEER Ratings

A SEER rating is otherwise known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  When looking into a new unit, find one that has a higher SEER rating to guarantee maximum efficiency.  While they may cost more upfront, they ultimately save more money over time as energy costs are reduced each month.  For the best results, look into buying an AC unit with a SEER rating of 16 or higher.  The accumulated savings over time makes the initial investment of an AC unit with a higher SEER rating well worth the purchase price.

3. Invest In the Right Size of Unit

A unit that is too small for a home will only have to work harder to cool the home, making it less efficient and costing you more in cooling costs this summer.  Investing in a properly sized unit for the square footage of your home means that the AC unit will have enough power to effectively cool the home and save on energy costs as well.  An AC unit that is too large for the space of your house could begin to short cycle, starting and stopping often. Not only is this less efficient, but it also wears down the parts of the AC unit faster.  Consult an experienced AC technician to find out what size unit is right for your home.

4. Look Into Dual Systems

If the setup of your home allows, inquire about installing a dual system in your home, which allows you to cool the top floor and lower floor of the home separately.  This means you can maximize the efficiency of cooling the entire home by turning the temperature up in areas of the home that aren’t in use and only cooling the areas of the house that you know will be used at certain times of the day.  While the initial cost could be more than you want to pay, this method for cooling your home is one of the best in maximizing the efficiency and saving money long term.

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When your AC unit is on the fritz, it may be a quick fix or it may be something more serious, like the compressor.  The compressor is an important part of the AC unit and is critical for cooling the house properly.  It’s the job of the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant so it can absorb the heat and release it outside.  A broken compressor can be an expensive AC repair that may even require completely replacing your AC unit. If you recognize any of these signs, call a professional right away.

Improper Airflow

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air and not cold air, then this is a tell-tale sign that your compressor may be bad.  When the compressor is not able to pump refrigerant through your system, it won’t cool down the air, signaling that it is time for an AC repair.  Weak airflow is another sign that the compressor is not functioning properly.  If the air vents aren’t putting out enough airflow, the compressor may be to blame.  Should you experience any of these signs, call an AC repair technician right away to diagnose the problem so that you can have a cool, comfortable home once again. 

Loud and Unusual Noises

When the compressor is about to go out, you will begin to hear louder than normal noises coming from the unit.  If the AC vibrates when it turns on, it may be “hard starting” because it is having trouble turning on.  This is what happens right before a compressor goes out, so be aware of these vibration noises. Grinding, squealing, or any other sound that just isn’t normal means it is time to get your air conditioner looked at by an experience AC repair technician. While noises can be the result of electrical problems or even a loose fan, it is wise to have an experienced technician investigate so that you don’t risk further damage or possible compressor failure.  Unusual noises are not something to wait out or mess around with.  Waiting to have your unit fixed will lead to more expensive repairs or maybe even needing to replace the entire unit.

Temperature Change

You know your AC is set to a lower temperature, but your house is hot and won’t cool off.  A bad compressor could be to blame.  Try turning down the thermostat to get the compressor to kick on, but if it still won’t, then the compressor has more than likely already failed.  The fan could be running and you might hear noise from the unit, but the compressor will not be operating.  Any time you suspect it could be malfunctioning, call a trusted AC repair technician for an inspection.  If your AC is an older unit, then it may be wise to just replace the unit instead of investing in an expensive compressor fix.  Be aware of the signs and inform a technician right away if the compressor is not functioning properly and cooling down your home.

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Your air conditioner is designed and built to be quieter than ever.  If you notice weird noises, odors, temperature fluctuations or, even worse, high costs to simply keep you comfortable, call us.  Your air conditioner is an important, if not vital, part of your home here on the Florida Emerald Coast that includes Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. 

If you notice any of the following coming from your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation:

• Banging, clanking, buzzing, squealing, screaming! These kinds of noises can be a definite sign that something is loose or broken, and needs repair.  Consider needing a new fan, blades, electrical parts.  In other words, something is out of balance.  A high pitch screaming sound can mean a refrigerant leak and needs immediate attention for your unit’s and your safety.  A rattling sound can be that your air conditioner is wearing down, or that it’s a simple fix such as removing leaves or twigs that have accumulated inside over time.
• Odors like smelly socks, rotten eggs, gun powder, fumes. The mold and mildew that is so prevalent in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City can wreak havoc on the performance and life of your air conditioner.  “Smelly socks smell” indicate such a thing and can easily be remedied with a service and tune-up by us.  The smell of gun powder can reveal electrical issues.  Smells like fumes and rotten eggs can indicate dangerous fluid leaks or a natural gas leak that is an emergency and requires immediate attention by us.  Don’t delay in calling us for any smell coming from your air conditioner.
• Holding a constant temperature. If your air conditioner is not staying at the set temperature for even a short period of time, it indicates that there is something not working properly.  Our air conditioner technician will not only inspect your entire unit, but ask relevant questions about your home’s insulation and how you use your electricity and air conditioner in order to optimize your air conditioner’s performance. 
• Your air conditioning costs. Have your air conditioning monthly costs dramatically increased, but not your comfort during those hot and humid days when you need an air conditioner the most?  One of our air conditioner experts will visit your home and assess the situation from every angle, being age and use of the unit, how the environment is affecting it, how you are using the air conditioner for its maximum use and comfort, to name a few.  We also have helpful tips and guidelines to get the most from your air conditioner.

Here at Peaden, we have a staff of experts who are trained, reliable and professional.  It is our goal to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year.  Being aware of how your air conditioner is working — or not working — for you can save you money and inconvenience.  And by calling Peaden at the first signs of trouble, you can maintain the life and performance of your unit.

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As you fire up your air conditioner during the hot summer months, you may notice ice forming on your unit.  Frozen AC units won’t work properly and are a sign that something could be wrong.  A frozen unit doesn’t have enough power to properly blow air throughout the house.  Here are reasons why your unit may be freezing up.

Yearly Maintenance Checks Are Not Performed

It is recommended that each year, your AC unit gets a proper maintenance check before you turn it on for the summer.  An AC repair technician will come to your house and check all the parts, such as the air filter, fan, compressor, evaporator coils, and thermostat to ensure everything is in proper working order.  Should they notice any issue, they will repair or replace the necessary parts so that your air conditioner will run smoothly all summer long.  If you skip these maintenance checks, then you might begin to encounter problems.  Lack of air flow from a dirty air filter can cause also a unit to freeze up, so be sure to check your air filter each year and replace as needed.  Similarly, a fan that isn’t working properly will not get enough air flow to the evaporator coils.  This too can cause your air conditioner to ice over. Call an experienced AC repair technician to inspect your unit before you run it this summer to avoid costly repairs.

Refrigerant Levels Are Low

Low refrigerant levels is the main cause of frozen AC units.  Proper refrigerant levels are important for the function of your unit, as the refrigerant is essential for cooling the home.  When the refrigerant isn’t changed or checked often, then the coils will freeze up.  If you notice your unit isn’t working or ice has formed on the air conditioner, then call an AC repair technician to check refrigerant levels.

Lack of Airflow

Consistent airflow is essential for an air conditioner to function as well.  If your unit has iced up and you notice a lack of airflow from your return vents, it may be time to contact a professional.  Airflow is necessary for the hot air to be sucked up and passed through the evaporator coils and cool the home. Without the necessary air flow, a unit will freeze up not be able to keep your home cool and comfortable.  Also, be sure registers are open allowing air to pass through as closed registers affect air flow and are another reason AC units ice up.

Drainage Problems

Condensation from an AC unit drains outside, but if the coils aren’t working properly and the unit is frozen, this drain could be blocked from ice.  The unit will still run, but it will use a lot of electricity and won’t cool down the home.  The coils must be unfrozen and the drain unblocked.  Clear all debris and call a professional AC repair technician.  Running your air conditioner with frozen coils will cause larger problem, such as ruining the compressor or other vital components.  It is imperative that frozen coils are fixed to avoid more costly repairs later on down the road.

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Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular as people are realizing the many benefits they offer. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners flexibility in changing the temperature, even when they aren’t home, and they help save money on energy costs and monthly electric bills. Installing a programmable thermostat is a worthwhile investment that can save money immediately and in the years to come.

Cost-Efficiency
A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to set the thermostat to change temperatures at certain times throughout the day. For instance, if you work an 8 to 5 job and know that you won’t be home during these hours, you can program your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day. To make your home comfortable for when you arrive home from work, program the thermostat to begin to cool the house down 15 to 20 minutes before your arrival time. Not only will you create a comfortable, cool atmosphere, but you will save money because your air conditioner isn’t running as much throughout the day. Let’s face it, saving money on your energy bill is a big plus that makes a programmable thermostat a great home investment.

Energy Savings
Energy efficiency is important to homeowners, and programmable thermostats can help. Setting your thermostat for higher temperature when you know you will be out of town or away from your home is a great way to conserve energy. Energy efficiency not only saves money, but also cuts down on the wear and tear of your unit over time. Not requiring your AC unit to work so hard when no one is home is a great way to make your unit last. Energy efficient units are also beneficial to the environment so you can rest assured that you are doing your part to conserve energy by installing a programmable thermostat to more accurately manage the temperature in your home.

Convenience
Technology today makes having programmable thermostats an amazing convenience. You can access most thermostats and adjust temperatures via phone or computer so that if you are at work and realize you forgot to set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you are away from home, you can easily get on your phone and adjust the temperature from there. Or perhaps you forgot to set the thermostat to begin to cool off your home before you get there and don’t want to come home to a hot, stuffy house. Simply log in and adjust the temperature before you begin the drive home so that you are assured to come home to a cool, comfortable house. The ability to control your thermostat from anywhere in the world is an amazing convenience that homeowners love.

Next Steps
If a programmable thermostat sounds like a great way for you to save energy and cost, but you aren’t comfortable installing one yourself, call a professional. With a professional AC repair technician, you are guaranteed the work is done right so you can begin saving today.

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If you own a home or business, an AC repair is an inevitable part of managing the HVAC system. While each AC repair is unique based on the type of unit you have, the severity of the repair, and other factors, it doesn’t mean that you can ignore some of the signs. Even if your heating and cooling system is hanging on and seems to be working okay minus that one strange sound, don’t put off calling an AC repair technician to take a look, and here are a few reasons why.

It Could End Up Costing More Money Down the Road

Small AC repairs that go unfixed will only lead to bigger troubles down the road. And the larger the repair, the more money it’s going to cost. The worst part is that you can usually prevent major repairs by keeping up with the minor ones. If one component stops working correctly, it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the rest of the motor, and soon you’ll be replacing multiple parts rather than one.

You Won’t Have as Much Control of Temperatures

When your unit is in need of an AC repair, you simply won’t have the same control over temperatures as you would if the unit was working in prime condition. When you don’t have control of temperatures, your comfort levels can be compromised. In extreme weather, this can be dangerous, so make sure you call a technician as soon as you think you may need an AC repair.

Indoor Air Quality Could Be Impacted

The indoor air quality can be affected when your heating and cooling unit isn’t working properly, and this can be difficult for those with breathing issues. It can also be harmful to healthy adults and children, so make sure you’re changing filters, getting yearly maintenance, and keeping up with AC repairs.

Your Energy Bill Could Significantly Go Up

If you’ve noticed that your energy bill has gone up, and it isn’t due to other factors such as a shift in temperatures or having house guests that use extra energy, then you should pay attention to your heating and cooling system. An AC repair may be the culprit and calling a pro in to fix it could correct the issue.

A Premature Installation Could Happen in the Future

The more you put off AC repairs, the sooner you’ll have to get your system completely replaced, and this is an investment that you want to be ready for. If you can increase the lifespan of your unit, you will see significant savings. Air conditioning repairs are just one way to do this.

An AC Repair Is More Affordable Than You Realize

So many people put off AC repairs because they don’t realize that they are affordable. Contact a technician and have them come out and complete an inspection. We’ll be straightforward about the cost and listen to your budget.

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Every now and then it’s important to get back to basics when it comes to your heating and cooling unit. Going over the signs that you need an AC repair is always a good thing to do from time to time. Not only does catching AC repairs early help you save money and prevent major repairs, but it keeps your home comfortable and your indoor air quality at good levels. While there are other signs that you need an AC repair, the ones listed below are the most common and the easiest to recognize.

Odd Noises

If you hear odd noises coming from your heating and cooling unit, contact a technician to diagnose the problem. You want to be careful not to try to correct the problem yourself because certain noises will be created by an issue involving the electrical work. To ensure everything is done safely and the unit works properly again, get the pros involved from the start.

No or Low Air Flow

If there is low to now air flow, you definitely have a problem and there are few things that you can do before call the AC repair technician. Make sure all of the vents are opened and they aren’t covered with furniture. Also, check the filter to ensure it isn’t clogged. You should also check your thermostat to ensure that it is reading the temperature correctly. Schedule an appointment with an AC repair company to inspect the unit and repair the problem.

Continual Airflow

In the same vein as no air flow, continual air flow should alert you that you need a repair. You don’t want your unit running all of the time because this will cause components to prematurely break due to the wear and tear. You’ll also have a very large energy bill when this happens.

Frequent AC Repairs

If you have frequent AC repair, then it’s vital that you have a pro come check out your unit. In some cases, the age of your unit will be the cause of frequent repairs and you should start to consider purchasing a new and more efficient HVAC system. In other cases, frequent AC repairs may be caused from an installation that wasn’t performed with precision or repairs that were previously glossed over.

Not Reaching Desired Temperatures

Reaching the desired temperature should not be difficult for your heating and cooling system when you use the best practices. When the unit struggles to reach the temperature you set, get in touch with a technician and perhaps consider a new thermostat that gives you even more control.

Abnormally High Energy Bills

Pay attention to your energy bills if you want to detect AC repairs. While the bill will often be higher at the peak of the season when the temperatures are extreme, it shouldn’t be consistently like that throughout the year. When your system is need of an AC repair, components have to work harder to keep up, and your energy bill will show you this.

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Heating and cooling systems are designed to be convenient and lasting, and this is a great feature. However, this can also cause you to ignore your system until an AC repair presents itself, and then you may be stuck trying to figure out what company to call to help get you back on track. Because there is so much information out there, it can be easy to get lost in what qualities to look for. If you’re looking for an AC repair solution, here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Search for a Reputable Company

Start your search by finding a company that has a positive reputation within the community. The best AC repair companies are going to have favorable reviews and a professional website that gives you detailed information about their experience and what your next steps should be to reach them. Don’t just hire the first person you meet in a hardware store near the filter section. Make sure you are selective and that you bring in an AC repair technician that you trust and who will respect you and your home.

Make Sure the AC Repair Company Is Local

Find an AC repair company that works in your local area. Sometimes when storms come through causing multiple units to go out, you’ll find people travel long distances to perform home improvements and repairs. They’ll often be quick to get the job done, collect the check, and then they’ll be out of town. If the unit ends up failing again, it is almost impossible to find them to correct their mistakes. A local company is thorough and will treat your home with respect, both now and several months and years down the road.

Ask the Technician Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask the AC repair technicians questions about what you can expect. Reputable companies will be more than happy to resolve the issues for you and address your questions with clarity. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll be about the lasting repairs. You’ll also get straightforward information about pricing and time frames.

Don’t Overlook the Signs of AC Repair

When you’re searching for an AC repair technician, don’t overlook the signs that you need the repair and push the call to the bottom of your list. Get a quality technician involved as soon as possible to ensure a minor repair isn’t turned into a major one. If you aren’t sure what the problem is, have someone come out and perform a diagnosis and provide you with an estimate.

Find Out if the Company Is Licensed and Insured

Make sure you go with an AC repair company that is licensed and insured. This not only protects them, but it protects you and your home. Reputable companies will gladly provide any information like this for you because they know it’s important to you. Be mindful when selecting an AC repair company, and once you find the one for you, make sure you involve them in annual maintenance and all future heating and cooling needs. 

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If you’ve ever had an AC repair before or you have had to replace an entire system, then you know that you need those routine AC maintenance calls to keep your unit working as it should. But even if you know the importance of these preventative services, you may not really know when the best time is to make that call. Here we provide a few of the best times for you to pick up the phone and schedule a service call.

Before Peak Temperatures Arrive

If your system is working in good condition and you haven’t had any AC repairs in some time or ever, you have a little more flexibility in your schedule than someone with a unit that isn’t working well. Often, you will find that scheduling services for HVAC systems is best done before the hottest and coldest parts of the season so that you are prepared and proactive in case something is on the fritz or needs a little extra attention.

The Same Time Every Year

If you like to keep a tidy schedule, then you can keep the yearly maintenance to prevent AC repairs and replacements around the same time every year. This way, you won’t have to worry about it coming around and forgetting about, and you will know that you are covered for all services that keep your unit working properly.

The Moment You Notice That the Unit Is Not Working Properly

As soon as you notice that your HVAC system isn’t cooling as well as it should, make sure you call to get a diagnosis. You may find that the issue only requires a minor AC repair or that you just need a simple service done such as cleaning coils. Some people will just push through the uncomfortable indoor temperatures or deal with a unit that is loud or freezes up, but the sooner you take care of the problem, you will find that the less expensive and severe it is.

Before or After You Buy a House

If you are buying or have just bought a house, then you will want to bring in the experts to ensure that you have a unit that is working the way it should and that it was installed correctly. While you will have a home inspector look at these areas, many of them will not have the in-depth knowledge that a heating and cooling technician can provide, so it will be beneficial for you to have an experienced AC repair technician check out the unit as well.

When the Unit Is Over a Decade Old

If your heating and cooling unit is over a decade old and you haven’t had a service call performed by a professional technician, then it is time to have someone take a look and perform some deeper maintenance than what you do yourself. While you should be changing filters and keeping up with other tasks like this, a technician will be able to get into the system and replace worn out parts and deep clean areas like coils, and this can make a significant difference in how well your unit runs and how many AC repairs you prevent.

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