3 Air Conditioning Fan Components That Can Suffer Damage

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.

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Electrical Considerations for a New Security System

May 30th, 2014

Homeowners have a natural desire to keep their family and possessions safe. A reliable security system is an excellent way of doing so. Here in Spokane, electrical services can help you plan for and install a new security system. Because so many security systems rely on electricity to work, you should consult with an expert before deciding which system is right for you. Here are some electrical considerations for a new security system that you should keep in mind.

Security systems typically rely on sensors to work. Contacts on your doors and windows will alert you if someone tries to break in, while motion detectors in key areas of the homes (usually centralized rooms and “choke points” such as stairways or halls). Depending upon your home, you may want to have motion-activated security lights installed as well, to activate in the event of movement in your yard.

All of these things require wiring to function as they should. That means you need to chart a path from their location to the central security box and/or the circuit breaker box in your home. The electrician will need to run wiring to all those locations, which may involve moving around plumbing, other electrical wires and even load-bearing woodwork depending on the specifics of your home. (Alternately, you could just run the wiring along the outside of the walls, but that can ruin the aesthetics of your home as well as leaving the wires vulnerable to damage.) The electrician also needs to calculate the load for each component and ensure that the new wiring can handle it without triggering the circuit breakers. It’s not usually a problem – security systems don’t require much electricity to work – but professional evaluation can ensure that no issues arise.

Any electrical considerations for a new security system need to take your safety in mind. The system needs to work at all times, or else it may as well not be working at all.

If you live in Spokane, WA or Coeur d’Alene, ID, electrical services like those at ACI Northwest can make that process a lot easier. Give us a call today and we’ll help you set your system up right!

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Not Just Lightning: The Causes of Power Surges

May 23rd, 2014

When people think of power surges and trying to protect their home’s appliances from them, the first image that comes to mind is something catastrophic like a lightning strike or power lines downed during a storm. Although those are definitely cause for concern and reason to find ways to keep your electrical system safe, there are more frequent reasons for power surges that can go on continually and add up to tremendous damage.

Power strips along the outlets are a layer of protection that works when it comes to power surges. However, they do not do well against most of the more insidious and frequent causes for surges. In addition to those power strips, you need to have a whole-house surge protector. Installation requires the work of professional electricians. For the necessary electrical services that will install a whole-house surge protector, contact the expert electricians at ACI Northwest today.

Causes of Power Surges

  • Lightning: Yes, this is a serious problem even if it isn’t as common as the others. A lightning strike on power lines can result in a massive surge that no home’s electrical system can bear. The power that comes through the lines is enough to ruin systems such as computers and home entertainment centers. A power strip is some defense against this, but not always. In any case involving expensive equipment, you need the best protection possible, and a whole-house surge protector offers a level above power strips.
  • High-Powered Appliances: This is the reason for most surges in a home: whenever an appliance comes on that demands large amount of power—such as the compressors of air conditioners and refrigerators—it put strain on system that can unbalance the flow of voltage. This may not necessarily cause a power outage, but the low-level will start to gradually damage other components connected to the system. Flickering lights are a common warning sign that this is happening and you should have a whole-house surge protector. Power strips do not help with this.
  • Bad Wiring: If you live in an older home, aging wiring can lead to uneven voltage that will cause similar damage to when powerful appliances turn on. For pre-1970 homes, you should have an electrician not only install whole-house surge protection, but also investigate if the wiring needs replacement.
  • Utility company problems: Surges can sometimes come from the power company itself if they experience equipment malfunction. These surges can range from small to “power line downed” level, so make sure you electrical system is prepared for anything.

Whole-house surge protectors are an easy installation for professional electricians: they connect them at the electrical control panel and test to make sure they work properly. To arrange for the work, call ACI Northwest today. We provide many types of electrical service in Spokane, WA.

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3 Signs of a Problem with Your Air Conditioner

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.

 

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What Are GFCI Outlets and Why Should I Have Them Installed?

May 6th, 2014

Electrical outlets continue to improve with each decade. Old two-prong outlets gave way to grounded three-prong outlets. And now GFCI outlets are overtaking the standard three-prong model.

You have already encounter GFCI outlets before, although you perhaps did not know that is what they are called or what they do. GFCI outlets have two buttons, usually color-coded red and yellow, between their two sockets. A small difference, but an important one.

If your home still has standard three-prong outlets (or archaic two-prong ones), you should make installation of new GFCI outlets a priority. ACI Northwest specializes in this installation work. We have served Couer d’Alene with electrical services for many years. Call us today to schedule an appointment to improve your home’s electrical safety.

GFCI outlets: protecting people from electrical shocks

GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter. It performs a function similar to a fuse. But where a fuse is designed to protect your electrical system from an overload and prevent fires, a ground-fault circuit interrupter is designed to protect you from a direct electrical shock.

A GFCI outlet can detect a subtle change between the flow from the “neutral” and the “hot” slots in an outlet. (The hot slot is the smaller of the two slots.) Power flows from the hot slot through an appliance and to the neutral slot during regular operation. The ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet monitors the amount of current moving from hot to neutral, and should it detect a change in the balance—as small as 4 or 5 milliamps—it will immediately trip an internal circuit breaker that cuts off power to the outlet. An imbalance like this means that the power from the hot side is going into something other than the appliance, and that usually means it is going into a person. With a correctly working GFCI outlet, the power will shut off before you can even notice the shock. You can then reset the circuit by pressing the “reset” button on the outlet.

Although modern homes have sturdier electrical systems capable of handling large electrical loads, this doesn’t lessen the danger from electrical shocks due to malfunctioning appliances or from accidents. Installing GFCI outlets will greatly reduce the potential for electrical injury in your home.

Call ACI Northwest for all your Couer d’Alene, WA electrical needs. We can perform fast and effective installation of new outlets that will keep you and your family safe.

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Should I Install a New Air Conditioning System?

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.

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These Signs May Warn That You Need Whole-House Surge Protection

April 29th, 2014

Power surge. When you hear these two words, what first comes to mind? A lightning strike, a downed power line, massive wind gusts… these are what most people associate with a sudden burst of electrical energy into a home that causes the power to go out and deals unfortunate damage to computer hard drives. (You didn’t save that novel you’ve worked on for three years in only one place, did you?)

However, power surges also come in smaller sizes, and these types are much more common. They often happen when a large appliance, like a refrigerator or an air conditioner, suddenly makes a large demand on the power supply. Standard power strips that protect computers and high-end equipment do little good against these pulses that run through your electrical system. Although less noticeable than major surges, the cumulative effect of the smaller surges can cause injury to your appliances. To defend against power surges, you’ll need a whole-house surge protector installed.

For this service, and for all types of electrical repairs in Spokane, WA, call ACI Northwest today.

Watch for these indicators that you need a whole-house surge protector

  • Flickering lights: If your lights occasional dim and flicker, usually when you hear a large appliance turn on, then the demands along the power lines are triggering surges. This visual sign is a strong warning that damage is already occurring around your house because of the surges.
  • Constantly tripped circuit breakers: If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows because you plugged in a powerful device, than you know the cause of the problem. But if breakers continue to trip for no obvious reason, then it’s probably the fault of multiple small power surges. (You might also have an outdated fuse box or circuit breaker panel.)
  • Charred or discolored outlets: Call for repairs immediately if you see any indication of fire damage on one of the outlets. Power surges are probably at fault, but you need to have an electrician check the safety of the wiring. While the electrician is there, ask about whole-house surge protection installation.

You shouldn’t toss out your local power strips when you decide to go with whole-house surge protection; they will still serve a purpose as an extra layer of defense. And you should have all the defense you can to protect your home from the damage these electrical pulses can cause.

You will need the work of professional electricians to find a whole-house surge protector that meets your home’s needs and keeps you safe. Call ACI Northwest and talk to our experts in electrical repair service in Spokane, WA today to get started.

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Experiencing One of These Common Heater Problems?

April 9th, 2014

Heaters are an indispensable part of life in the Pacific Northwest. With our chilly winters and constant cloud cover, we rely heavily on heating units of all varieties to keep our homes comfortable and warm. A good heater can last you for many years, but like all appliances, it will need repairs from time to time. Here in Spokane, WA, heating service companies can usually correct the problems for you. Are you experiencing one of the common heater problems in Spokane? Don’t hesitate to call upon an expert.

Most heater problems boil down to one of three basic issues:

  1. The air isn’t blowing, or is blowing with insufficient speed. This is often caused by a blockage in the ducts or lines somewhere, though it also crops up if the fan or the fan motor is experiencing problems. It’s troublesome because it forces your heater to work harder and longer to do its job. Not only do you need to wait for a longer period of time for your home to warm up, but it will cost you more in monthly heating bills in the bargain.
  2.  The air is blowing, but there’s no heat. A lack of heat often means a problem with the burners, such as a clog or more substantial damage. It could also mean trouble with the blower or a breach in the ducts that pulls the heated air out. Again, the end result is the same: less heat means the heater must work harder, costing you more money with fewer overall results.
  3. Bills are going up. Sometimes, there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong overtly, but a faulty component or general wear and tear will force the heater to work harder. That costs you money unnecessarily, as well as increasing further strain on the heater and making future repairs increasingly likely. If your heating bills are going up for no apparent reason, that’s usually cause for concern.

If you’re experiencing one of the common heater problems, call on ACI Northwest to help. Fast and effective heating services in Spokane, WA if one of our specialties, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction at every step. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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Why Would You Consider Installing a Geothermal Heating System?

April 2nd, 2014

Geothermal systems require extensive installation work and a solid parcel of land for their underground coils in order for them to operate properly. They also cost more to install than other heating systems like furnaces, air-source heat pumps, and boilers. So why would you put geothermal on your shopping list for home heating system in Coeur d’Alene, WA?

We can think of a few reasons that might sway you toward using the power of the earth to heat your home (and cool it). To find out more about installing a geothermal heat pump for your home, talk to our geothermal specialists at ACI Northwest. We offer a written unconditional one-year money-back satisfaction guarantee on all our residential installations.

Reasons to have a geothermal heat pump installed

  • Energy savings: Although installing a geothermal heat pump (a.k.a. a “ground source heat pump”) does cost more than other home comfort systems, their high energy-efficiency from using the earth’s natural heat means they will pay back their installation costs in a period of 5–10 years… and after that, it’s all savings.
  • Longevity: To help with those energy savings, geothermal systems have extremely long lifespans. The indoor heat pump unit will usually last 20+ years, while the coils—the most expensive part of installation—can last more than 50! A geothermal heat pump is a long-term investment in comfort and efficiency.
  • Reliability: Air-source heat pumps have one major drawback, which is that they will lose heating efficiency as the air temperature outdoors drops below freezing. Ground-source heat pumps never have to worry about this, since the temperature in the earth 6–10 feet below the surface remains stable around 55°F regardless of the temperature above ground. The geothermal system will also have ample heat to draw on for heat exchange.
  • Help the environment: Geothermal systems have reduced emissions, so they will not cause extra damage to the environment because of ozone-depleting or global warming gases.

Find out if geothermal will work for your home

Before you get too excited about having a geothermal system installed for your home, you need to know if your house and property will allow a geothermal heat pump to work. Hard rock ground, for example, makes it impossible to put in the underground loops. It will probably turn out that if you won’t benefit from a geothermal system, there is another option that’s ideal. Call a heating and cooling professional for an opinion.

ACI Northwest has more than 85 years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining heating in Coeur d’Alene, WA. Give us a call when you want to find out if geothermal is the best option for your home comfort.

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3 Ways Attic Fans Benefit Your Household

March 31st, 2014

If you’ve ever ventured into your home’s attic during a warm summer day, you know that this shaded, enclosed spot can turn into an oven. Attics can reach 120°F easily on hot days, and this turns the region into a massive heat sink that will affect the rest of your home.

One way to protect your house from the extra heat is with proper attic insulation. But you can go a step further with installation of attic fans that equalize the temperature between the inside and the outside of the attic. These fans are also effective at decreasing the moisture that rises into the attic year-round from kitchens and showers.

If you are interested in attic fan installation, contact ACI Northwest and ask about our electrical services in Coeur d’Alene, WA.

3 benefits from attic fans

  1. Increased comfort and energy efficiency: The basic function of an attic fan is to reduce the temperature in the attic, and subsequently keep it from seeping down to heat up your home even more during hot weather. With the fans in operation, the attic averages 50 degrees cooler, and this translates to a drop of 10 degrees inside the rest of your home—a significant difference. You will end up using your air conditioner less during the summer to combat extra heat, and this means a reduction on your utility bills.
  2. Extended roof life: The high levels of heat and trapped moisture inside the attic will shorten the lifespan of your roof, which is one of the most expensive parts of a home to repair or replace. Water moisture that becomes trapped inside the roof will encourage the growth of damaging molds. When the temperature drops in winter, the moisture will freeze, expanding and causing cracking to roofing material. Attic fans pull down the temperature and dissipate the moisture that can ruin your roof.
  3. Storage protection: Most households use the attic as a storage place for items only needed a few times a year, or for valuable keepsakes and heirlooms. The intense heat inside an attic during the summer can cause damage to many of these items, especially if they are exposed to it year after year. Moisture will also cause severe harm, particularly to wood and precision objects such as musical instruments. Attic fans regulate these problems, making the attic a safer place to store your important possessions.

Attic fan installation is a large project, but with the right Coeur d’Alene electrical service contractor on the job, you should have no difficulties. ACI Northwest provides excellent attic fan installation, as well as any repairs you might need. Don’t suffer from unnecessary heat in your home this summer: call ACI Northwest today.

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