July 2014

During the hot summer months there is nothing more frustrating than a broken air conditioner. There are several reasons why the air conditioning unit may not be working like it should. In some situations the problem is a quick fix, but there are times when you need to have repairs done by a professional heating and cooling repair company. The following signs will alert you when it is time to contact professional HVAC contractors. Funny Noises Most people become accustomed to the background noise made by the air conditioner, but when the sound changes, it becomes quite noticeable. Unusual sounds may include a squealing sound, which often indicates a problem with the fan belt. If you hear rattling noises, it may be the indication of a loose part, so you should turn the unit off and contact a heating and cooling repair company as soon as possible. Change in the Air The air conditioner is supposed to blow cool air in every room, so if you are noticing warm spots it may mean the evaporator coils are frozen. In some situations you can thaw out the system and get it working again. However, if you have thawed it out and are still having problems, it is recommended that you call a professional, as the system may need to be taken apart and cleaned out. Strange Odors There typically should not be any type of odor present when you turn the air conditioner on or during the time it is running. If you notice any type…

Like any other appliance, your air conditioning unit needs regular maintenance and preventive care to keep it in top-performing shape. This includes a thorough inspection and cleaning, which includes the unit’s condenser coils. Old and new systems alike need equal attention. What Are Condenser Coils? Condensers and condenser coils are the main components of your air conditioner. Coils are located in the outdoor part of your air conditioning unit and are essential to the cooling process. Similar to a kitchen refrigerator, a condenser compresses a refrigerant and then moves it to the coils. Coils become cold, thus cooling the warm air drawn from inside your home. The cool air recycles back into the home. The process repeats and produces the flow of cool air which we refer to as “air conditioning.” What Happens When Coils Become Dirty? Built up dirt insulates the coils, decreasing the rate of heat transfer, thus inhibiting the cooling process. In layman’s terms, coils become unable to do their job and the unit does not function properly. The system has become inefficient and wastes energy and money. The A/C unit may break down altogether—not what you want in the heat of the summer. When and Why Should I Have the Condenser Coils Cleaned? Every year before peak season begins, have the condenser coils in your A/C cleaned as part of the seasonal tune-up. With proper care of condenser coils, your air conditioner will run more efficiently. A clean set of coils and a well-maintained A/C unit…