HVAC Repair - Installation and Maintenance Information

Air conditioning controls the air circulation, filtration, temperature and humidity levels of the environment. It is connected to the dehumidification and cooling process of air. AC systems help in keeping the entire house cool during summers, while also helping decrease levels of indoor humidity. The HVAC can also be installed with ductwork to carry the air to different rooms.

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A lot of people do not know the facts of HVAC equipment. They believe that air conditioners are utilized for lowering the temperature at homes by blowing in cool air. However, the method involves removing warm air through the house and distributing it back as colder air. This cycle is regarded as a standard cycle which keeps running till the time the thermostat is able to reach the set temperature. Elements or components involved while cooling the air are a fan, a compressor, condenser coil, refrigerant, and evaporator coil. The air conditioning unit excerpts heat from the house air and transfers the heat outside, ensuring that the cooled indoor air is re-circulated for keeping the temperature at the right equilibrium.

However, there is a possibility for the AC to fail suddenly due to temperature fluctuations or heavy load. The most obvious indicators that decide whether to repair or replace the unit are:

        1. Operating cost of the unit

        2. Age of the HVAC

In fact, a standard furnace is known to have an expected life of approximately fifteen years and can even run for a longer period through proper services and maintenance. In case the furnace has crossed its life expectancy, then it is time to consider replacing it. For making the right decision, inspect your furnace thoroughly at proper intervals by hiring an HVAC technician and getting an estimate for a replacement and a repair. You must also ensure that the calculation includes possible energy savings, duct inspection, furnace inspection, and expected long term and short-term costs for replacement, repair, and new installation.

Some of the services offered by HVAC technicians include:

1. HVAC Repair and Service

2. Maintenance Programs

3. Installation of new A/C Units

4. Furnace service and repair

5. Air Handler Service and Maintenance

6. Heat pump repair

7. Thermostats

8. Ductwork Installation

9. Ductwork

If you wish to have high quality indoor air then it is important that you call an expert that can help resolve your problems related to HVAC for efficient living. Also, make sure the HVAC professional you hire has the right experience and expertise to offer you the right service. There are several companies that claim to offer repair services at cheap rates. 

However, they may only make things worse as most of them hire unskilled staff and generally have no insurance. That means any form of accident will land you into trouble. Hence, it is important to choose wisely. Ideally, you should go for a certified company. Certified companies own licenses. They have professionals that have the training to perform AC repairs. It is impossible to expect quality from a company which is non-licensed.

Spring Air Conditioning Tune-Up Checklist!

Are you thoroughly enjoying the spring? Do not let the warm summer months come upon you without making sure you have the A/C serviced. Tune-ups before the season are helpful for ensuring optimum performance and decreasing potential for repair requirements.

What does a tune-up really mean?

A tune-up is a chance for a certified HVAC technician to evaluate your system professionally and ensure that all issues are corrected. The technician arrives with a tune-up checklist and starts the process with a physical inspection of the outside and inside units. It can go with few of the following treatments and tests:

1. Leaks are diagnosed and pressures tested
2. Refrigerant level is adjusted if needed, and related refrigerant leak issues are addressed
3. Any fittings that are loosened are tightened
4. Lubrication of bearings and other parts
5. Condensate pans and coils are cleaned and properly inspected
6. Thermostat is inspected
7. Ducts are inspected

If there are any issues with the system, the technician will bring them to your attention, and suggest replacements or repairs required to complete the optimization of the system.

Advantages of A/C Tune-Ups

There are numerous reasons you will need a tune-up. It is important to service the AC every spring to get the best possible performance. This can lead to:

1. Your AC unit has a longer life
2. Approximately 95 percent decrease in unforeseen repairs
3. Reduced energy bills and enhanced efficiency
4. Better quality of home air
5. Complete comfort during the summers
6. Professional recommendations about the system’s life
7. Assistance in planning for the eventual equipment upgrade

Signs that your A/C unit needs a tune-up!

Most people put off tune ups for a very long time just to avoid that extra expense. However, it is important to pay attention to certain telltale signs that something is not working correctly, planning service to evade serious damage. Some problems that you must watch out for are,

1. Poor flow of air from your air ducts – there may be a block in your coils or ducts, or filter
2. The air temperatures are not very cool – reduced refrigerant levels may cause poor cooling
3. You see a layer of ice on your system’s coils –dirty coils or decreased refrigerant levels can lead to freezing of the system coils
4. Unfamiliar sounds from the outdoor or indoor unit – the equipment may have a loose or broken part that may lead to unrepairable damage
5. The system runs continuously – the settings of the thermostat may be incorrect or the battery may be low
6. Unexplained increase in the energy bills – there could be an issue with your equipment, a proper tune-up will offer a solution

A tune-up is very helpful in addressing these problems and offers the opportunity to have an inspection for your equipment overall. In case of a system failure, make sure you call up a professional A/C repair service provider. They are the best in dealing with any sort of issue with the machine, without making things worse.

Water leakage in an Air-Conditioner

A fully functional air conditioner is the most desirable gadget that every household needs during summer. Sometimes even the small cooling issues can lead to big problems forcing you to compromise on cost and comfort levels during hot, sultry days.

One of the most annoying problems that you may encounter with an air conditioner is the dreaded water leak. A water seepage from the air conditioning system can be challenging indeed and difficult to diagnose. It can have multiple root causes and several solutions. This article focuses on few basic things to be considered if there is a water leak noticed in the air conditioning unit.

Main reasons for water leakage in an air-conditioner:

• Faulty pump: The most recurring cause for water leak in an air conditioner is a faulty condenser pump. The main job of this pump is to drive water out of your house. This is the water that is removed from room air by your air conditioning unit. Due to constant presence of water in the pump, it may get clogged and its capacity to pump water may get hindered. This can be tested by pouring water in the condenser pan to see if it can properly pump out excess water.
• Clogged drain line: There is a drain hole in an air conditioner for the wasted water to be driven out. Over time, dirt gets accumulated that may mix with water thereby clogging the drain pipe. Since water flow in the drain pipe becomes restricted due to congestion, water starts leaking through the main unit. By identifying the exit pipe for your drain, the water leak problem can be solved.
• Improper installation: When the main air conditioning unit and drains are not properly installed, it can cause several problems, including water leakage. A window air conditioner must be installed so that it is slightly lower at the rear than the front. This allows easy removal of water from the room towards back of the machine. If installed too low at the front, this water flows into the room rather than moving outside.
• A frozen coil: If airflow is impeded due to extensive use of the air conditioner, frost can form on the evaporator coil which eventually melts thus causing water seepage. The first thing to check in such a scenario is the air conditioner filter. If filters are clogged, air flow to the system is blocked and ice may form on the coil. Even the intake registers need to be checked to ensure that nothing is blocking the air flow into the system. Turning off the unit for a few hours every few days to allow the ice to melt may prove to be a feasible solution.
• A worn-out insulation coil: The insulation coil, at the back of the main unit is responsible for soaking up condensation that is formed on the copper wire. Due to daily wear and tear, this coil may not function properly, thereby causing water to leak from the back of the unit.

Final word of advice, do contact a reliable HVAC technician to ensure professional handling of the water leakage issue.