4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC

It can be difficult to detect when you are having problems with your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC). Some common problems, if left unattended, can damage your system, increase your utility bills and cause poor indoor air quality. Any time one of the following problem presents itself, make sure to have your HVAC system repaired by a professional, to avoid it breaking down or needing to be replaced.
1. A Dirty AC Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants. When the filter is clogged, your system needs to work harder, expending more energy and reducing its lifespan. A dirty filter also spreads contaminants around your home and the other parts of your HVAC system.
It’s essential to check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If no light passes through the filter, it needs to be changed. To keep your HVAC unit working correctly, you must change your air filter every three months and make sure that nothing is blocking your air registers, such as curtains or furniture.
2. Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your HVAC unit absorbs outside air heat during the winter, and gives off heat in the summer, warming and cooling your home as needed. If your AC is not cooling your home properly and you notice an increase in your utility bills, the culprit can be low refrigerant caused by poor installation or a leak.
A wet area around the connections of the hose or oily streaks around your compressor are possible signs of a leak. A lot of older HVAC units leak some refrigerant every year, so regularly replacing this refrigerant should be part of its maintenance. If you find that your coolant needs to be recharged more than once per year, an AC technician needs to repair the leak in your unit.
3. Problems With the Thermostat
Your thermostat won’t work properly and get an accurate measure of the temperature of your home if it’s close to your oven, next to a draft or on a warm sunny wall so make sure to avoid these placement areas. The components in your thermostat can also be dirty from dust, causing your AC unit to work overtime and waste energy.

If your thermostat is not working at all, most likely this is due to a wiring issue, or a battery issue if you have a wireless model. Check that your unit is turned on, the batteries are working, and it’s correctly set for the season.
4. Ductwork That’s Leaky or Dirty
Dirt, must, dust and other contaminants will start to accumulate inside your ducts, lowering your HVAC units efficiency. Other things that can lead to lower indoor quality and higher energy bills are gaps, leaks or poorly installed ductwork. Some of the indicators of a leak are whistling, buzzing or flapping wings noises.
To ensure that you have clean ducts, open the air register and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any pest droppings, cobwebs, mold or dirt remains in the fabric, then your ductwork needs to be professionally cleaned. An HVAC professional will also register and fix any leaks, so your unit runs at its optimal conditions.

The post 4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/11/02/4-things-can-go-wrong-ac-2/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/11/4-things-that-can-go-wrong-with-your-ac.html

Air Conditioning Services San Antonio

Tune up and your AC service

The hard working appliance that helps you to defeat heat is your Air conditioner. It comes with a number of moveable parts and it can generate the immense amount of heat. This appliance has an indoor part and an outdoor part due to which it is exposed to many different elements like dust and dirt in the air; also it requires much wear and tear maintenance. If you just look briefly into the mechanism of your air conditioner you will come to realize that in order to get it work more efficiently and effectively it has to get maintenance tune-ups on regular basis especially before summers ,the spring tune ups
So we reach the main point that regular tune ups are required to keep away the dust and dirt from your AC to make it work effectively and efficiently. But, how it can be done is still a question. The most effective system can only be achieved by having a most effective and efficient AC filters. The description of which is described below.
Clean filters; keeping the filters of your AC clean is the most vital part of AC maintenance. It can help you in saving both time money and energy. It will save up your maintenance cost. Most importantly a clean filter provides a clean environment by refining the air quality of your room.
Replacing your AC filters three to four times per year is very vital during the time of high usage. Always prefer to buy the one which provides the maximum benefit, otherwise, you will end up replacing it again and again for different reasons and requirements. There are many different types of filters available in the market. Some of them are
1. Filters with disposable fiberglass; these filters are the least expensive which makes it comes with the least benefits and effectiveness. It is only designed to help to block the large particles and small particles can very easily pass through it.
2. Filters with washable electrostatic; As the name explains these filters comes with the static charge that has the ability to attract the dust particles and may other matters. These are not so cheap and are comparatively more effective than disposable ones, but still, it also lacks the ability to stop small dust particles.
3. Filters with plated allergy; this is designed to trap big allergens similar to pollens and molds which are done through a dense and networked material.
4. Electrical air cleaners; removing the pollutant particles by magnetizing it in an ionized electrical field is done only by electrical cleaners. It has the ability to remove or trap all the pollens and spores of molds for up to 90% to 95% and also it helps in removing airborne viruses for more than 80%
5. HEPA furnace filters; these filters are the most effective and the most efficient thus they are mostly used for commercial purposes. It is designed to clean all small and large particles providing the cleanest and effective system.

Tune-ups for your Air Conditioner

It is highly recommended to get the inspection of your AC each season to prevent and maintain it from different problems that can affect its working; it will help in making your system run throughout the year.
AC tune-ups include number of services like;
• To get the peak level of efficiency it is important to make the inspection of you air conditioner’s coolant level and its pressure.
• For the improvement of comfort and to get maximized control it is important to check for ideal temperature and cycles and to calibrate the thermostats.
• To control the wear and tear cost it is important to make inspections of wirings, capacitors, and contacts.
• Keeping the elevator coil clean is very important
• The drain of Condensate should be clear and clean
• Air Conditioner’s condenser should be clean
• Inspection of outdoor disconnect is necessary
• Lubrication of condenser’s fan motor, blades and other parts is must
• The amplifiers of compressors should be checked
• Safety checks should be performed on regular basis.

Maintenance of your Air Conditioner

Timely and regular maintenance of your air conditioners can save you a lot of time and energy by improving the system’s performance and reducing the cost of energy. As it improves and maintains the system’s parts it increases the life of your AC and its equipment’s. Costly and expensive breakdowns are also prevented by regular maintenance.
Small maintenance can be performed at home as well no professional are require every time to make small adjustments. Here are something’s that you can at your home
1. Make sure you have turned off or have disconnected the electricity to your AC before initiating any task
2. Also, try to keep the outdoor unit clean from dust and leaves
3. A garden hose can be best utilized to clean the compressor but make sure to turn off the electricity first.
4. Most importantly as mentioned above change your AC’s filters on regular basis. Mostly do it every month during the season of high usage to keep your air conditioners working efficiently and effectively
5. Make inspection of your fan belt tension
6. To get the accurate and precise measurements try to keep your AC’s thermostat away from the sources of heat.
7. Try to keep the temperature of your thermostat as high as possible because for every 1 Degree increase in thermostat can save the cost of energy by 3%
8. Try to keep the windows and drapes of your house closed during the day time when the sun is out to keep your house naturally cool
9. Placing barriers around your AC is very important. Placing a fence around your AC is the best option. Many people prefer to place bushes around it but it leads to reduced airflow. The fence will prevent stray animals especially dogs to stay away from it. Dogs often urinate around the AC’s outdoor; its urination is acidic in nature and can very adversely affect your air conditioner’s equipment. Bushes can also work but then they have to be placed at least 20 to 30 inches away from your unit.

The post Air Conditioning Services San Antonio appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/10/04/391/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/10/air-conditioning-services-san-antonio.html

How Air Conditioning Improves Your Quality of Life

As the number of people that have asthma or allergies has risen in the past few years, so has the discussion of the importance of making improvements to indoor air quality. Indoor air quality focuses not just on making sure your AC unit runs smoothly and operates at full capacity, but also on making sure your health is not at risk. Using an AC means that your indoor air quality is improved, and in turn your qualify of life as well.

Better Air Quality – Better Breathing

When your body is not inhaling contaminated air, it is easier to breathe and you feel better. For you to stay alive, your body needs to receive the appropriate oxygen. When the indoor air quality in your home or office is at its best, the need for doctors and hospital visits, as well as multiple sick days, will be diminished. When your environment has the right amount of moisture in the air, you will also be able to breathe easier, as you are not breathing in dry air.

Enjoy the Indoors

You always want to be comfortable in your environment, especially in your home or office. Unfortunately, having a poor indoor air quality makes your office or home life uncomfortable. It’s important that you walk into your home or office and not feel sick or that your breathing capacity is diminished. When you improve your indoor air quality with an air conditioner, it makes a huge difference in your comfort levels.

Less Allergies

If something in your home is making you have allergic reactions, but you’ve ruled out almost all the possibilities, making a change to your indoor air quality with an AC can be the solution you’ve been looking for. AC units remove a surprising amount of allergens from your home, including pollen, mold, pet hair, and other allergens that can cause you trouble. When you take the step of installing an AC unit in your home, this will substantially increase your indoor air quality by removing the allergens.

How Does an AC Improve Air Quality?

All AC units contain filters that remove pollutants and allergens by trapping them and therefore improving the air that circulates in your home.
However, this dust, dirt, and mold can build up inside your filters and AC unit, so the filters need to be regularly maintained. Otherwise, your air quality will be reduced.
To improve the air quality in your home, follow these steps:

1. Choose an AC unit that suits your homes individual needs: Make sure that you are purchasing your unit that fills both your AC and heating requirements. It’s also recommended that you get the expertise of an AC technician to discover your home’s specific needs, so you keep your home cool and your energy bills low.

2. Clean your filters: You should clean your AC filters yearly, to ensure any dust, dirt or mold buildup is removed.

3. Replace your filters: Your manufacturer’s guide should tell you how often your filters should be replaced; it’s usually around every three years.

The post How Air Conditioning Improves Your Quality of Life appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/08/29/air-conditioning-improves-quality-life-2/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-air-conditioning-improves-your.html

Prevent Damage to your Air Conditioner with Maintenance

There are always going to be some frustrating times when your air conditioner requires repair and knowing that you could have averted the problem will double the frustration. Hence in this article, we stress the idea of keeping your air conditioner in a tidy and well-maintained condition in order to minimize any future cost of repair.

Following are some common damages that occur in air conditioning units if they are handled with negligence and proper care is not made available for them.

1. Freezing of Evaporator Coils
One of the most common yet concerning problems that occur in an air conditioner is freezing in the evaporator coils. Even though freezing sounds as something super fantastic for an air conditioner it actually is not.
It is normal for the air conditioner to move hot air out of the house in order to pump in the cool air and it tends to decrease the temperature of a coil responsible for cooling the air. However, the problem occurs when the coils get cool to the extent that it starts freezing. A frozen coil will stop removing heat from the air and thus the performance of the air conditioner will definitely be harmed.
This issue can easily be resolved if you take proper care of your AC unit and keep constant checks regarding its maintenance. Glitches in the fan motor, lower levels of refrigerant and a muggy air filter are possible reasons for this problem.

2. Water Leaks
Air conditioners can sometimes cause some really disastrous water leaks which can damage many important parts of your house depending upon the placement of the indoor unit. So next time you see a water leak somewhere in the house stay alert as it is possible that it is not your common plumbing leak but a potential air conditioner problem.
Drainage is a routine task for an air conditioner, it carries the moisture that condensates on the inner coil to outdoors through a drainpipe. However, if there is some obstruction in the drain which does not allow it free passage to move the moisture outside then it is bound to leak. Just keep the drain clean to avoid this problem.

3. Untimely Wear and Tear
No air conditioner can work forever. With time they will require their share of attention. However, if you don’t maintain your air conditioner properly it is bound to develop problems earlier than expected.
If you calculate the expense of maintenance to the possible expense of repairs that your air conditioner can cost you without maintenance then you will find that maintenance at proper intervals is way cheaper and cost-effective.

In the End
Most of the problems that happen with our air conditioner should not require repair but only a maintenance inspection from a professional team of air conditioning repairers that can get rid of potential threats which may mar the performance of your air conditioner in the future and save you from expensive repair costs.

The post Prevent Damage to your Air Conditioner with Maintenance appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/07/30/prevent-damage-air-conditioner-maintenance/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/07/prevent-damage-to-your-air-conditioner.html

4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC

It can be difficult to detect when you are having problems with your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC). Some common problems, if left unattended, can damage your system, increase your utility bills and cause poor indoor air quality. Any time one of the following problem presents itself, make sure to have your HVAC system repaired by a professional, to avoid it breaking down or needing to be replaced.

1. A Dirty AC Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants. When the filter is clogged, your system needs to work harder, expending more energy and reducing its lifespan. A dirty filter also spreads contaminants around your home and the other parts of your HVAC system.
It’s essential to check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If no light passes through the filter, it needs to be changed. To keep your HVAC unit working correctly, you must change your air filter every three months and make sure that nothing is blocking your air registers, such as curtains or furniture.

2. Low Refrigerant

The refrigerant in your HVAC unit absorbs outside air heat during the winter, and gives off heat in the summer, warming and cooling your home as needed. If your AC is not cooling your home properly and you notice an increase in your utility bills, the culprit can be low refrigerant caused by poor installation or a leak.
A wet area around the connections of the hose or oily streaks around your compressor are possible signs of a leak. A lot of older HVAC units leak some refrigerant every year, so regularly replacing this refrigerant should be part of its maintenance. If you find that your coolant needs to be recharged more than once per year, an AC technician needs to repair the leak in your unit.

3. Problems With the Thermostat

Your thermostat won’t work properly and get an accurate measure of the temperature of your home if it’s close to your oven, next to a draft or on a warm sunny wall so make sure to avoid these placement areas. The components in your thermostat can also be dirty from dust, causing your AC unit to work overtime and waste energy.

If your thermostat is not working at all, most likely this is due to a wiring issue, or a battery issue if you have a wireless model. Check that your unit is turned on, the batteries are working, and it’s correctly set for the season.

4. Ductwork That’s Leaky or Dirty

Dirt, must, dust and other contaminants will start to accumulate inside your ducts, lowering your HVAC units efficiency. Other things that can lead to lower indoor quality and higher energy bills are gaps, leaks or poorly installed ductwork. Some of the indicators of a leak are whistling, buzzing or flapping wings noises.
To ensure that you have clean ducts, open the air register and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any pest droppings, cobwebs, mold or dirt remains in the fabric, then your ductwork needs to be professionally cleaned. An HVAC professional will also register and fix any leaks, so your unit runs at its optimal conditions.

The post 4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/06/30/4-things-can-go-wrong-ac-2/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/06/4-things-that-can-go-wrong-with-your-ac.html

Air Conditioning Tune Ups

With summer on the way, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is in top shape. Neglecting it could mean your high summer electricity bills will be even higher than necessary. Here are the steps you need to take to make sure you spend as little as possible on summer air conditioning.

Put in fresh filters

Minimal air conditioner use during the winter might have meant you got out of the habit of regularly changing your air filter. Start the air conditioning season with a brand new air filter to ensure maximum air flow. If your filter is clogged, it’s making your air conditioner run longer and use more energy. Write down the date your filter needs to be replaced, and strictly follow the replacement schedule until the end of air conditioning season.

Take care of your outdoor condenser unit

Falling leaves and other winter debris have likely accumulated on or around your condenser during the winter. With the power disconnected to ensure the fan doesn’t suddenly turn on and injure you, be sure all of this debris is cleared away. Trim any surrounding bushes or plants to make sure your AC condenser has a couple of feet of breathing room. If you have no plants around it, planting bushes nearby can help provide shade that will keep it cool and running more efficiently.

Make sure your AC’s vents aren’t blocked

If you have ceiling vents, this will be easy, but make sure no hanging decorations or large furniture are blocking your air flow. For floor or window vents, be sure you haven’t moved any furniture or other items in front of them. In addition to making sure the space directly in front of the vent is clear, you’ll also need to make sure there is nothing blocking the air from circulating around the room. Also make sure your vents are clean — dirty vents are no better than vents with a couch blocking them.

Install a programmable thermostat

Turning the temperature up by five degrees while you’re at work during the day could cut your electricity use by 5 percent. You can try doing this by hand, but there will be many days where you forget to turn up the temperature before you leave or come home to a miserably hot house. A programmable thermostat will make the adjustments for you to save energy during the day and make sure your home is comfortable when you return.

Schedule an AC tune-up

An annual AC tune-up can help restore your air conditioner to peak performance. Much like going without oil changes or maintenance over time, not maintaining your AC regularly reduces its performance. When your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, parts inevitably need to be realigned or cleaned. Each small problem can add several percent to your electricity bill if not corrected. Regular air conditioning tune-ups can also prolong your AC’s life and reduce repairs by detecting small problems before they turn into big ones.

Call Trophy-AC in San Antonio to schedule an AC tune-up and check out our money saving coupons to get the best deal possible on your air conditioning repair and tune-up. Call today at 210-393-9617.

The post Air Conditioning Tune Ups appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/06/28/air-conditioning-tune-ups/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/06/air-conditioning-tune-ups.html

How to Prepare Your AC for the Summer

How to Prepare Your AC for the Summer
Your home’s energy bills are largely dependent on the consumption of energy from your boiler or furnace system, and especially on how efficiently your AC unit is running. A unit that is operating at its best efficiency can decrease your energy bill by as much as 20 percent, while a unit that has not been properly maintained will increase your energy bills substantially.
When you haven’t been using your AC, it will collect debris and leaves, so it needs a bit of maintenance to get running properly. It’s vital that you perform this maintenance before summer arrives, so you can make sure your AC is in great shape to keep you cool during the summer months and save you money in energy bills.
There are five basic steps to get your unit ready for performing at its best:
1. Change or Clean the Filter Monthly
Your AC might have disposable filters, or its filters might be able to be cleansed with water. No matter the type of filter your unit has, your priority needs to be cleaning the filters. When your filters are dusty or dirty, your AC system needs to function more to deliver cold air into your home.
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit is also known as a condenser, and it shouldn’t have anything obstructing the equipment. Any debris, grass clippings or plant growth can damage and clog your system, making it run less efficiently. Carefully and gently cleanse the coil from the fins using a clean brush or cloth, being careful not to bend the fins. When you keep your outdoor unit without dirt and debris will boost your AC unit’s efficiency by reducing the resistance. Remember to turn off the thermostat before cleaning your AC system!
3. Clean Indoor Ductwork
A professional should conduct a total cleaning of your ductwork, as it is hidden within your walls and ceilings. You can do some cleaning yourself; you just need to remove the registers, inspect and wipe the duct parts that are visible. Make sure to check the ducts for any water damage or tears, as they can become a bigger issue in the future, and you need to get them fixed.
When your air ducts accumulate moisture due to condensation, this will wreck your system and lead to fungus and mold growth. This problem needs to be addressed immediately by contacting a professional plumber. Don’t try and fix the unit by yourself, as the malfunction could be due to a variety of issues.
4. Maintain and Check the Fan Belts on the Outdoor Unit
The fan belts need to be regularly adjusted or replace if needed. You can purchase these belts at a home improvement or hardware store. It’s important that you make sure you buy the proper replacement parts for your system. These components guarantee that your AC unit runs at peak performance, so they are a vital part in keeping your energy bills lower.
5. Schedule a Pre-Summer Tune-Up by a Professional
Every once in awhile, hire an AC technician to check your AC unit and make sure it’s running properly. A professional will have the know-how and proper tools to fix, upgrade or unclog your unit, keeping it operating at its maximum efficiency. They will also address any problems before they become a larger issue. The expense of having a professional tune-up your system will prolong your unit’s lifespan, making it a great investment.

The post How to Prepare Your AC for the Summer appeared first on Trophy AC.

from Trophy AC http://trophy-ac.com/2017/05/31/prepare-ac-summer/
via http://trophy-ac.com
http://trophy-ac.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-to-prepare-your-ac-for-summer.html