ACI Northwest Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Common Problems with Air Conditioning Condenser Arrays

Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Air conditioners for homes are known as “split systems,” or simply “splits,” because they consist of two sets of cabinets, one housed inside and the other outside.

The outside cabinet contains the condenser array, the components necessary for condensation to take place in the heat exchange cycle. These components are the compressor (which heats and places refrigerant under pressure), the condenser coil (where the heat of the refrigerant is released), and the fan (which forces cooler air across the condenser coil and then vents the heat outside).

The cabinet that protects the condenser array is sturdy, but no condenser is 100% damage-proof, and other types of repair needs can affect it as well. Here are a few of the more common troubles you can encounter with the condenser that will require you call ACI Northwest for skilled air conditioning repair in Coeur d’Alene, WA. Our NATE-certified technicians will get the job done right the first time.

Condenser Problems You May Encounter

  • Dirty condenser coil: Because the condenser is outside, it can pick up dust and dirt that will infiltrate the cabinet. (Make sure to have regular maintenance to prevent the system form becoming too dirty.) Dirt along the evaporator coil will make it harder for the coil to release heat, and the refrigerant will not cool down sufficiently for the second half of the heat exchange. You will need technicians to remove the coil and clean it if the grime is restricting proper operation.
  • Damaged or broken fan: The fan draws in the outdoor air across the hot coil to cause the condensation that releases heat. If the fan develops damages or it stops working because the motor fails or a fan belt breaks, the heat exchange cycle will become less efficient. Damage to the fan blades from debris can also cause the fan to start striking the casing and injure other components. Loud noises from the condenser cabinet are a reason to call for repairs.
  • Compressor issues: The last part of an air conditioner that you want to stop working is the compressor, which is the “engine” of the whole system and also the most expensive part to replace. (Often, you need to have the whole system replaced in the case of compressor failure.) If the compressor becomes dirty it will start overworking, and possibly overheat. Motor problems and capacitor failures will also affect the compressor’s performance. Any suspicion of malfunctions in the compressor requires immediate action from repair technicians.

When you need to move fast for condenser array repairs for your air conditioning system, call ACI Northwest. We are ready 24/7 to assist you with any AC troubles you have this summer.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Problems with Air Conditioning Condenser Arrays

Air Conditioning Upgrades to Consider

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Your air conditioning works hard to keep you feeling cool and comfortable all summer long in Coeur d’Alene. But did you know that you can get even more out of your AC system? Our air conditioning experts are ready to give your AC some new upgrades this summer for increased comfort and accuracy with your system. You may even be able to reduce your monthly energy bills.

Technicians at ACI Northwest are ready to talk about any air conditioning upgrades that interest you. Here are a couple of options you should consider.

Digital Thermostat

Are you still relying on a manual thermostat to sense the temperature in your home? Manual thermostats can be unreliable and difficult to read. If you notice your home is constantly cooler or warmer than you want it to be, it may be due to an inaccurate thermostat reading. The thermostat essentially tells your AC system when to turn on and off. If you’re constantly readjusting your thermostat, you may be paying more in energy bills than is necessary.

A digital thermostat can help you avoid these readings with a reliable digital display and advanced settings. You can set your AC to turn on and off at certain hours of the day when cooling your home is not needed. This can save you money and ensure the temperature is always set to your preference.

Zone Control

Another option that can be added to your system is zone control. A technician will install dampers in the ductwork of your home, allowing you to choose the temperature in different areas of your home with separate thermostats that sense the temperature in each room or zone. There may also be a master thermostat to control multiple rooms in the home. This can keep your family members more comfortable by allowing individuals to set their room temperatures according to their own unique preferences. This can also lower your energy bills; you can decide to adjust the temperature in rooms that are unoccupied in order to avoid cooling an empty space unnecessarily.

ACI Northwest has the expertise and experience to assist you in selecting the best upgrade for your home air conditioning system. Call now for professional air conditioning service in Coeur d’Alene.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Upgrades to Consider

How Dust and Dirt Contribute to Air Conditioning Problems

Friday, June 20th, 2014

Dust and dirt are a common problem in households, so it is no surprise they can cause problems with your air conditioner, too. Our beautiful Spokane alpine woods have enough dirt to keep us vacuuming for months.

Air conditioning manufacturers know that dirt and dust are common problems with air conditioners, so your air conditioner comes with a built-in air filter that helps to strain out much of the dirt and dust that get into your system – but it can’t get all of it. And, if left to build up, dirt and dust can create some potentially serious problems with your air conditioning.

Dirt and Dust: Not Your Air Conditioner’s Friends

ACI Northwest has been servicing customers in Spokane and the surrounding area for over 20 years, and in that time, we’ve seen what dirt and dust can do to a system when left to accumulate:

  • Dirty vents – the main job of your system’s built-in filter is to collect as much dirt and dust as possible, but it simply isn’t possible to get all of it – especially if your filter isn’t changed regularly. Dirty vents can obstruct air flow, increase air loss, and greatly decrease air quality in your home, something that could be bad for any allergy sufferers.
  • Clogged air filters – your AC’s air filters need to be changed regularly in order to avoid becoming clogged. When the air filters become clogged, a number of things can happen, including decreased air flow, decreased air quality and greater stress on the system.
  • Accumulation on coils – dirt and dust love to cling to your AC’s coils. Unfortunately, when left to accumulate, a layer of insulation can form, inhibiting the coils from doing their job of releasing heat. The heating and cooling process in your air conditioner’s coils is a delicate one, and once the balance is tipped, the entire cooling process can become irregular and possibly malfunction.

Get Rid of Dust and Dirt with Regular Maintenance

During a routine maintenance appointment with ACI Northwest, your entire air conditioning system is inspected, cleaned and adjusted as needed. This means that vents are visually inspected for build-up and/or problems, air filters are changed and coils are cleaned.

Are you seeing dust and dirt build-up somewhere in your system? Then call ACI Northwest and schedule air conditioning maintenance in Spokane – your air conditioning system will thank you!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How Dust and Dirt Contribute to Air Conditioning Problems

3 Air Conditioning Fan Components That Can Suffer Damage

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

The air conditioning system in your home that keeps you cool during the summer operates using two fans. Inside your home in the evaporator cabinet is the blower fan, which draws in air from the rooms through the return vents and blows it across the evaporator coil (cooling it) and then into the ventilation shafts leading back into your house. Outside your home in the condenser cabinet is a fan that pulls in warm outside air across the condenser coil, releasing heat that then vents out the top of the cabinet.

This pair of fans is crucial for AV performance. If either malfunctions, it can mean a drop in cooling and airflow, resulting in inferior comfort. Here are 3 components of AC fans, each of which can sustain damage that will threaten your home’s cooling.

When you need air conditioning repairs in Spokane, WA, call on the 24-hour emergency services of ACI Northwest. We are committed to quality and your comfort.

1. The blades

The fan blades of the outdoor fan are susceptible to damage from any debris that enters the cabinet, such as rocks, sticks, gravel, even tree branches (yes, this can happen). If the blades of the fan become bent, they will start to strike the edges of the fan casing, leading to an alarming clanging noise. Turn off the system immediately when you hear this sort of noise and call for repairs; the fan will cause more internal damage to the system if it is allowed to continue running.

2. The motor

Older air conditioners used fan belts to connect the fan motor to the fan, and the fan belts could break. More recent fans use direct motors. Motors can wear down from overuse, layers of dirt, or loss of lubrication in their moving parts, and this extra stress will eventually cause the motor to overheat and fuse its wiring together. A motor that burns out will need to have a professional replace it in order to get the fan operating once more.

3. The thermostat wire

Technically, this isn’t inside the fan, but it’s essential to its operation and damage to it will cause the fan to either 1) run continuously, or 2) refuse to run at all. Five different wires originate from a thermostat: one operates the compressor, and the other four turn the two fans on and off. Should one of these wires break or sustain damage, it will affect the connected fan. It’s difficult to determine that a problem with the fan originates with the thermostat, so have technicians look into it. If it is a thermostat problem, it is thankfully an easy fix.

Whenever you hear noises from the fans or notice that one of them has stopped moving, it’s time to call on the professionals at ACI Northwest for professional air conditioning repair service in Spokane, WA. Our NATE-certified technicians are ready around the clock to serve you.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Air Conditioning Fan Components That Can Suffer Damage

3 Signs of a Problem with Your Air Conditioner

Thursday, May 15th, 2014

One of the ways to have a great summer is to make sure you’re air conditioner has a great summer as well. To prepare your AC for a smooth season cooling your home, make sure any malfunctions it currently has receive professional repairs before the hot weather starts.

Since you’ve likely had your air conditioning working for a few days during spring, you’ll have an opportunity to notice anything awry or unusual in how it runs. Here are three signs to look for that can warn you it’s time to call for repairs so you will have a cooling system prepared for whatever the summer sun can hurl at you.

ACI Northwest has a trained staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to come to your aid when you need reliable air conditioning repair services in Spokane, WA.

3 Warning Signs of AC Repairs

  1. Loud, unusual noises: Modern air conditioners are designed to make as little noise as possible, with special baffles and soundproofing on the casing, and precision fans with whisper quiet operation. When you hear anything other than the fan whir and the hum of the compressor, it almost always indicates a malfunction that needs repairs. Some specific noises to listen for: grinding, groaning (motor troubles), clicking (capacitors failing), screeching (dirty motor bearings), hissing (leaking refrigerant), and rattling (loose mechanical components).
  2. Unusual spikes in utility bills: Always inspect your monthly electrical bills to see if costs take a sudden rise. This often points toward a mechanical malfunction in the AC that is causing it to strain in order to operate at its regular level. Compare current bills to bills from the previous year to locate when the costs have started to escalate. If you cannot detect anything specific due to noise or other symptoms, rely on a professional to find the root cause and fix it.
  3. Short-cycling: “Short-cycling” describes an air conditioner that continually cuts off its cooling cycle and shuts down its compressor before it can lower the temperature to its user-set level. The compressor will turn back on again a short time later, and shut off again before it finishing the cycle. This creates a huge drain on energy and will wear down the compressor rapidly. A number of issues can cause this, such as thermostat miscalibrations, clogged filters, and failing motors. Whatever the source of the problem, it needs to be fixed quickly before the compressor suffers damage.

Most air conditioning repairs are basic and inexpensive… if you catch them early enough. Do not let a repair slide until you “really need” the air conditioner in the summer. Contact seasoned professionals, like those at ACI Northwest, to handle your necessary air conditioning repairs in Spokane, WA.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Signs of a Problem with Your Air Conditioner

Should I Install a New Air Conditioning System?

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

If you have considered replacing your current air conditioning system during the last year, then the approaching summer should make the decision feel more urgent. Spring is a good time to have a new system installed: you can beat out the heat as well as have time to discover any malfunctions with the new air conditioner. Plus, installers have less busy schedules between winter and summer.

So… it’s time to get down to brass tacks and answer the question: Should you install a new air conditioning system?

Wait, wait, don’t panic… this isn’t a choice you need to make on your own. You can find professional assistance in Spokane, WA for air conditioning services from the skilled team at ACI Northwest. With more than 85 years of experience, we can zero in on the troubles with your current air conditioner and help you decide if the time has come to replace it.

Some Air Conditioning Replacement Considerations

  • System age: Central air conditioners have estimated lifespans between 10 to 15 years, depending on the model. Some can last longer than this if they receive regular maintenance. However, any air conditioner over 15 years is at high risk for becoming inefficient. If your air conditioner is this old, any sign of malfunction should warn you that it’s time to schedule new installation.
  • Repair costs: Air conditioners (as well as heaters) require the most amount of repairs during their last two years of operation. As your AC starts to rack up repairs in order to keep running, it’s usually a sign that The End Is Nigh. Here’s a simple metric to help: if you need to spend $500 per year on repairs for your air conditioning to keep it operational, than you are better off replacing it.
  • Better options are available: During the time your current air conditioner has cooled down your house, the technology of ACs has made major leaps. New air conditioners have superior efficiency to the ones manufactured only 10 years ago. Other advances include features like increased humidity control, better sound insulators, and more durable construction material. Even if your aging air conditioning system seems to work without major malfunctions, maybe it’s time to take advantage of new technology for superior comfort and energy efficiency.

Installation of a new central AC is a large job, but if you place the work in the hands of trained professionals, it will go smoothly and you will end up with the ideal new system keeping you cool. If you are ready to make the choice in time for summer, contact ACI Northwest and speak to our specialists in air conditioning in Spokane, WA today.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Should I Install a New Air Conditioning System?

How Do You Detect a Problem with Your Air Conditioning System

Monday, July 29th, 2013

During the heat and humidity of summer, you need to make certain that your air conditioning system in Spokane is working well at all times. But it can be difficult to figure out whether your AC is slow because it is getting old, or whether there is an actual problem with one of its components. Your AC is a complicated system of parts and mechanisms, of refrigerant and coils, and it needs to work well at all times if you want to stay comfortable. At ACI Northwest, we provide professional air conditioning services. Call us today to learn more about our services.

So, how do you detect a problem with your AC?

  • Keep an eye on your energy bills. Make sure you keep an eye out for any unexpected spikes in your energy consumption without a corresponding increase in cooling. You need to make certain that you’re getting exactly what you pay for when it comes to cooling, which is surely one of the major expenses of the summer season. If you notice anything unusual, it’s probably an indication that you need to hire a professional to investigate further.
  • Listen for any strange sounds. You should expect some noise from your AC. It’s an inevitable fact of a mechanical operation. But you should not neglect any strange or loud sounds. While your AC may get a little louder as the years go on, any hissing, banging, whistling, or grinding should be reported to your local HVAC technician. These could be evidence of a serious problem with your system that could lead to dire consequences for your future comfort.
  • Check your air filter. The air filter is designed to protect your system components from accumulating dust, dirt, grime, and other debris that can get in the way of the cooling process. But when the filter itself becomes clogged or excessively dirty, then it actually begins to impede air flow, which can cause all sorts of issues.

Call ACI Northwest today if you need professional air conditioning services in the Spokane, WA area.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How Do You Detect a Problem with Your Air Conditioning System

Common Summer Air Conditioning Repair Needs

Thursday, July 25th, 2013

Summers in Spokane can be surprisingly warm, with temperatures spiking into the triple digits during heat waves. A reliable air conditioning system is an absolute necessity in the summer months, and if it breaks down, you need a repair service able to do the job quickly and efficiently. It pays to know what kind of problems your air conditioning unit may experience in the summer time, and what kind of repair needs you may face when temperatures rise.

For example, you may notice that the air flow is weak if you turn it on. That can come from a clog or an excess of build-up in the system, or possibly ductwork that has sprung a leak. The AC blower may also be dirty from lack of use, which can result in low air flow.   If the air blows, but it’s not sufficiently cool, your system may have leaked refrigerant, or the condenser coils may not be working the way they should.

You may also experience an air conditioning system that rapidly cycles between the on and off settings. In that case, it may mean that the condenser or evaporator is dirty, or that the condenser unit is blocked. In cases where an air conditioning fails to work entirely, it may have overloaded the power and tripped the circuit breakers, or triggered one of its own safety features, which shut the unit down when a significant problem arises.

Many problems such as these have simple causes, such as a build-up of dust or wear and tear on the system. They’re not uncommon during lengthy periods without use, and if you haven’t run your air conditioning during the winter and the spring, problems may have developed without your notice. In many cases, the issue can be fixed fairly rapidly, either by replacing a damaged part, cleaning the dust and dirt, recharging refrigerant, or tightening existing fittings. Whatever the cause, however, it pays to call upon a licensed air conditioning technician to do the job right. DIY repairs can compound the problem, and when the mercury rises, the last thing you need is unnecessary work or delay.

When you experience difficulties with your air conditioner, call the experts at ACI Northwest. We respond to common summer air conditioning repair needs throughout the greater Spokane area. With more than 85 years’ experience, we can provide the peace of mind that comes from doing the job right. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Summer Air Conditioning Repair Needs

Ducts or No Ducts: How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

During the Spokane summer, you need to make sure that you have an air conditioning system that is both reliable and effective. It needs to be responsive to your temperature adjustments and to deliver a powerful cooling experience on those particularly hot days. But if you’re in the market for a new model, making the right decision can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult to figure out what type of system is right for you, whether you are building the home of your dreams from scratch or looking to replace your previous system. One of the major choices you’ll have to make is between ducts and no ducts. First and foremost, however, make sure you’re dealing with an HVAC technician who has the experience and knowledge to make your new AC installation a success. Call ACI Northwest today if you need air conditioning services.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of each system.

  • Ducts. Most homeowners in America have a forced-air distribution system. This means that an extensive network of air ducts is installed throughout the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home. These ducts extract the warm indoor air from your home, cool it, and then return it for circulation. They can be made out of sheet metal or flexible plastic coils. In some cases, they are insulated to reduce the chance of energy loss. The layout of a ducted system involves an outdoor unit comprising the condenser coils and compressor, and an indoor unit comprising the evaporator coils and air handler. The refrigerant circulates through the compressor, coils and an expansion valve to move thermal energy out of the house and provide cool air.
  • Ductless. Ductless mini split air conditioners have long been the standard in other areas of the world where they are prized for their energy-efficient operation and compact size. But they are gradually becoming a popular alternative to ducted systems such as central air. They operate on the same principle of cooling by refrigerant cycle, but they do not used ducts to circulate air throughout the home. Instead, the indoor units sit directly in the living space. By removing the intermediary, they tend to offer efficiency ratings far exceeding those possible with the use of air ducts.

For more information about ducts versus ductless air conditioning systems, call the Spokane air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Ducts or No Ducts: How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System

What You Should Know about Commercial Air Conditioning

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Is your business or commercial property heating up this summer? Is the indoor climate uncomfortable for your tenants and employees, not to mention your clients? You need to make sure that you have a cooling system that matches your needs so that your commercial property or business does not suffer unnecessarily during the hottest time of the year. Whether you’re in the market for a new system, a replacement for your old one, there are some things you should know about commercial air conditioning in Hayden, ID. As a leaking provider of cooling solutions in your service area, the team at ACI Northwest can help you with your commercial AC. Call us today to find out more about our services.

  • Size. Commercial AC units are built for durability and performance, and the most obvious way they are able to accommodate larger spaces is to increase the footprint of the machine itself. Bigger coils, bigger compressor, and more ductwork.
  • Packaged. When you own a commercial air conditioner, it’s the workhorse of your building or business. You need to ensure that it operates effectively at all times, but is also accessible for routine maintenance and periodic repair needs. A packaged system groups both parts of a split system together to cut down on service time.
  • Operation. Commercial air conditioners endure much more wear and tear than your average residential system. They are not only larger to accommodate a more intense schedule of cooling output, but they may also require professional attention on a more regular basis to keep them clean and well adjusted.
  • Repair. You need to make sure you have an excellent, reliable repair technician on call who can take care of your commercial AC problems, should they arise. Keep his number close to hand during the summer months.
  • Maintenance. Because of how much use and abuse they endure day-in and day-out, it’s no wonder that they may develop problems. However, with routine professional maintenance, you can significantly reduce any such issues.

ACI Northwest is the Hayden, ID air conditioning company to take care of all of your commercial HVAC needs. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for your commercial air conditioning.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on What You Should Know about Commercial Air Conditioning