While we’d like to think that most HVAC technicians are friendly and professional, we know that calling for air conditioning repair can be a hassle. First, you have to locate a good technician, and then you must find the time to set aside for the repair. While most repairs are far too difficult to complete without the help of a trained technician, there are a few things you should check before calling for repairs to save yourself a little trouble.
What to Check before Calling for AC Repair
June 1st, 2015Could Your Air Conditioner Be the Wrong Size for Your Home?
May 25th, 2015If you need a new air conditioning system, the size of the unit is more important than you may think. Sizing an air conditioner does not really refer to the amount of space it takes up. When we talk about sizing an air conditioner for new installation, we are referring to its cooling capacity. The cooling capacity of your new AC system must be just right for your home or else it can require repairs early on and possibly fail prematurely. Professionals take special considerations when sizing an AC; take a look at why.
Choose Specialists for Commercial Air Conditioning Services
May 18th, 2015When is the last time a professional came to your commercial property to service your air conditioner? If it has been a year since your last air commercial HVAC service, now is the time to call a professional for air conditioning maintenance. And if you or the people in your building notice a problem, be sure to call commercial specialists only for any repairs or replacement right away. Commercial air conditioning services should not be left to amateurs or to a company that services only residential units. Here’s a look at why.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
May 11th, 2015You’ve probably heard of tankless water heaters, which heat up water a little differently than traditional storage tanks. While tank water heaters must keep hot water around at all times, tankless water heaters only heat up the water when you need it. This is beneficial for your wallet and for the system itself, but is a tankless system right for you? Let’s take a look at both storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters to find out.
3 Benefits of a Ductless Air Conditioner
May 4th, 2015Is your home one of many without a working duct system built in? Have you recently added on a room to your home that needs air conditioning, or are you using an unconditioned space like a garage or shed as a workshop? If so, a ductless air conditioner may be just right for your home. Ductless air conditioning systems contain all of the same components of a conventional air conditioning system, including an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handler. The difference is that indoor air handlers are fixed on the walls and blow air directly into that room. Here are just a few of the benefits of this system.
Is Your Home Prepared for the Warmer Weather Ahead?
April 27th, 2015When the weather outside is still chilly, it’s difficult to think about the warmer weather ahead. But sooner than you know it, we will be dealing with the heat of summer once more, and you will need your air conditioning system to run smoothly if you want to stay comfortable. The people at ACI Northwest would like to offer a few pieces of advice to those who want to use the lull of springtime (as AC technicians are usually more readily available at this time) to prepare for their homes for the heat of summer.
How to Tell It’s Time for Air Conditioning Replacement
April 20th, 2015Deciding to give up your older air conditioner and install a new one can be tough, but if you make sure to use professionals for your air conditioning replacement, you can find a new unit that uses little energy and saves you money each month. However, you definitely don’t want to spend money on replacement where repair is a better option. So how do you decide it’s time to replace?
5 Indoor Air Quality Systems and Services to Reduce Allergens in Your Home
April 13th, 2015One of the most important things that you can do for your family members is to improve the condition of the air in your home. You run your air conditioning system to keep everyone in the home more comfortable, and you try to change the filter as often to filter out some of the harmful particles that move through the air. But are you really doing all you can to reduce allergens? Take a look at some of the products and services you can bring into your home to make your air a little bit healthier.
Don’t Wait Too Long: Now Is the Time for an Air Conditioning Maintenance Visit
April 6th, 2015Air conditioning systems contain multiple complex electro-mechanical parts which can run into trouble at any time. But it’s far less likely that you’ll have to deal with the unexpected air conditioning problem this summer if you take preventive action now. Air conditioning maintenance helps to ensure that your AC system is in top shape for the cooling season, and you may not encounter any problems for the rest of the cooling season.
The Steps of a Maintenance Visit
An air conditioning maintenance visit involves several steps, which we’ll sort into three basic categories: cleaning, adjusting, and inspection.
- Cleaning – Some of the parts will gather dirt and debris over time, especially the outside condenser unit since these components are exposed to the elements. And when these parts become too dirty, the air conditioner can no longer efficiently exchange heat. Cleaning essential components such as the condenser coil makes it so that heat can absorb from the air in your home and effectively release outside.
- Adjusting – You probably ran your air conditioner quite a bit last summer, which means that parts may have become worn down, loose, bent, or otherwise damaged. Making a few adjustments can bring your unit back to peak condition. For example, the technician may use a special comb to straighten bent condenser coils, which can make heat exchange more efficient.
- Inspection – A problem with an air conditioning system may not always make itself known, but a technician can use experience and training to determine whether there is a repair that needs to be completed sometime soon.
Why Now Is the Best Time
Once the air conditioning season begins, it will be difficult to go without a reliable AC system for too long. During a maintenance visit, the technician may discover some issues with your unit, but it’s better to schedule service now than to wait for a major breakdown. Scheduling service on your own time means that you will not have to worry about staying home on a busy day to schedule a lengthy repair. Besides, the upcoming energy savings alone is worth the call for maintenance.
Call the AC experts at ACI Northwest for air conditioning maintenance or AC repairs in Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Common Air Conditioning Repairs to Watch Out for
March 23rd, 2015As we move into the spring season, it’s time to start thinking about the condition of your air conditioner. Though you may not use your air conditioner all that often during the spring, summer is not far off. You definitely don’t want your system to break down in the middle of a hot summer day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your air conditioner. Read on for a list of the common air conditioning repair issues to watch out for.
Frozen Coil
The evaporator coil is what is responsible for evaporating refrigerant to absorb heat from the air in the home. If the coil is allowed to get too dirty, or if there is a leak in the refrigerant line, the coil can malfunction and freeze over. Once frozen, the coil is unable to draw heat from the air to cool the home. If you notice ice forming on the coil in your air conditioner, call a professional right away.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the liquid that makes it possible for your air conditioner to remove heat from your home. It is not consumed during the air conditioning process, but is instead endlessly cycled through the system. A refrigerant leak can slowly drain the system of refrigerant, destroying its ability to cool the home. If you notice liquid pooling or dripping around your air conditioner, you might have a refrigerant leak. Call a professional to have a look at your system.
Malfunctioning Compressor
The compressor is the part of your air conditioner that circulates refrigerant through the system. If the compressor malfunctions for whatever reason, it can cause irregular pressure throughout the refrigerant line. This can cause all sorts of problems, including short-cycling, which severely shortens the lifespan of the air conditioner. If your air conditioner is turning on and off rapidly, that means that it’s short-cycling. You may have to have your compressor replaced to restore the system to proper operation.
If you have any questions about air conditioning repair, call ACI Northwest. We provide air conditioning repair services throughout Coeur d’Alene, ID.