My Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On? What Can I Do? The weather is finally hot, you go to turn on your air conditioner, and a whole lot of nothing happens. What is going on? What can I check for? Here are a few things to look at before calling for service! The weather outside finally breaks 80 degrees and you look forward to finally kicking that old air conditioner on for the first time of the year. It apparently has other ideas as a whole lot of nothing happens when you go to turn it on. Be sure to check these items before calling for service to possibly save yourself some time and money. Check Your Filter & Outdoor Coil Make sure to check you furnace filter to verify that it is clean enough for air to pass through it. Did you know that the number one cause of HVAC breakdowns is dirt and other buildup? Yep. Also, go outside and check your outdoor condensor unit for any build up of grass and other dirt on the coils of the unit. These fins and coils on your condensor need to be able to breathe in order for your AC to run properly. Is Your Thermostat Set To "Cool"? If your air conditioner isn't turning on, this is the most obvious place to start! Most programmable thermostats have 3 settings: Heat, Auto, and Cool. Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling mode to ensure your air conditioner turns on....
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When Was The Air Conditioner Invented? Summers before the air conditioner was invented could be down right miserable for some people! When the summer heat sets in, those who live in areas affected by the temperature understand the importance of air conditioning. It helps make the summer months bearable and even enjoyable for us. It was not always that way. Prior to the invention of the air conditioner, residents in warmer areas of the country had to face the summer heat with just the help of fans and the local swimming hole. The development of the modern air conditioner, however, was an adventure itself. The First Air Conditioner The building blocks for the first air conditioner began back in 1902, thanks to an engineer working for a printing company. Willis Carrier had sought to find a way to prevent heat and humidity from expanding and contracting the paper, thus disrupting the company's work. Carrier developed a way to circulate cold water through heating coils. He was thus able to drop the air temperature down to the appropriate degree within the printing factory. The idea quickly caught the attention of people everywhere. Willis Carrier, 1915In 1914, an air conditioner was first used inside a residence. The Charles Gates mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was the first for this honor. Within the next decade, department stores began to take advantage of the idea, with J.L. Hudson's in Detroit, Michigan, being the first. The following year, movie theaters began to take advantage of the...
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Common HVAC Myths Debunked Here are some common HVAC myths that simply aren't true! Myth: The Bigger The System, The Better It Is This one seems like it would make sense at first thought, but unfortunately, it just isn't true. If you end up having a system installed that is too big for your home, it will likely just cycle on and off repeatedly and cause you higher monthly bills. Not to mention, a unit short cycling will drastically reduce it's lifespan. Make sure your system is properly sized for your home and installed by a licensed HVAC professional. Myth: Close Vents In Rooms Not Used To Increase Efficiency: Unfortunately, air flow does not work like this. By closing off vents in your home, you are increasing the air pressure within the duct work which can cause leaks at vent seams. It's always best to keep your vents open and clear from any debris to maximize efficiency. Myth: The Location Of My Thermostat Doesn't Matter False. The location of your thermostat matters a lot actually. If you put it too close to air vents or sunlight, you run the risk of your thermostat giving you false temperature readings and not properly cooling or heating your home. The best place for your thermostat is on an interior wall away from windows and air vents. Myth: Routine Maintenance Is Not Necessary False. Routine maintenance is necessary for you HVAC system just like it is for your car. If you fail have annual...
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What Does My Air Conditioner's Contactor Do? The capacitor and contactor work hand in hand to keep you air conditioner running all summer long. AC Power Center Along with the capacitor, the air conditioner's contactor works all summer long to keep power flowing to your air conditioner's most important parts. The contactor is essentially a type of switch that receives a low voltage signal (24V) from your furnace to power on. By creating a magnetic field, it pulls down a piece of metal that will connect both of the higher voltage sides. This closing of the circuit allows electricity to power the air conditioner's fan and compressor motors. Contactors come in generally two different types: single pole and double pole. A single pole contains one magnetic coil that will connect one circuit. A double pole is essentially the same thing but it has two coils and connects two circuits. How To Know If A Contactor Is Bad One of the most classic signs a contactor has gone bad is a loud "chattering" type of noise coming from your outside condenser unit. Without a chattering noise, the best way to diagnose a bad air conditioner capacitor is to use a multi-meter device that measures the flow of electricity. Also, you may notice that some of the contacts on the contactor itself may have become pitted and worn down which happens naturally over time as the contactor ages. The average lifespan of a good contactor can be anywhere from 5-10 years assuming...
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