Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Your air conditioner is designed and built to be quieter than ever.  If you notice weird noises, odors, temperature fluctuations or, even worse, high costs to simply keep you comfortable, call us.  Your air conditioner is an important, if not vital, part of your home here on the Florida Emerald Coast that includes Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. 

If you notice any of the following coming from your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation:

• Banging, clanking, buzzing, squealing, screaming! These kinds of noises can be a definite sign that something is loose or broken, and needs repair.  Consider needing a new fan, blades, electrical parts.  In other words, something is out of balance.  A high pitch screaming sound can mean a refrigerant leak and needs immediate attention for your unit’s and your safety.  A rattling sound can be that your air conditioner is wearing down, or that it’s a simple fix such as removing leaves or twigs that have accumulated inside over time.
• Odors like smelly socks, rotten eggs, gun powder, fumes. The mold and mildew that is so prevalent in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City can wreak havoc on the performance and life of your air conditioner.  “Smelly socks smell” indicate such a thing and can easily be remedied with a service and tune-up by us.  The smell of gun powder can reveal electrical issues.  Smells like fumes and rotten eggs can indicate dangerous fluid leaks or a natural gas leak that is an emergency and requires immediate attention by us.  Don’t delay in calling us for any smell coming from your air conditioner.
• Holding a constant temperature. If your air conditioner is not staying at the set temperature for even a short period of time, it indicates that there is something not working properly.  Our air conditioner technician will not only inspect your entire unit, but ask relevant questions about your home’s insulation and how you use your electricity and air conditioner in order to optimize your air conditioner’s performance. 
• Your air conditioning costs. Have your air conditioning monthly costs dramatically increased, but not your comfort during those hot and humid days when you need an air conditioner the most?  One of our air conditioner experts will visit your home and assess the situation from every angle, being age and use of the unit, how the environment is affecting it, how you are using the air conditioner for its maximum use and comfort, to name a few.  We also have helpful tips and guidelines to get the most from your air conditioner.

Here at Peaden, we have a staff of experts who are trained, reliable and professional.  It is our goal to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year.  Being aware of how your air conditioner is working — or not working — for you can save you money and inconvenience.  And by calling Peaden at the first signs of trouble, you can maintain the life and performance of your unit.

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As you fire up your air conditioner during the hot summer months, you may notice ice forming on your unit.  Frozen AC units won’t work properly and are a sign that something could be wrong.  A frozen unit doesn’t have enough power to properly blow air throughout the house.  Here are reasons why your unit may be freezing up.

Yearly Maintenance Checks Are Not Performed

It is recommended that each year, your AC unit gets a proper maintenance check before you turn it on for the summer.  An AC repair technician will come to your house and check all the parts, such as the air filter, fan, compressor, evaporator coils, and thermostat to ensure everything is in proper working order.  Should they notice any issue, they will repair or replace the necessary parts so that your air conditioner will run smoothly all summer long.  If you skip these maintenance checks, then you might begin to encounter problems.  Lack of air flow from a dirty air filter can cause also a unit to freeze up, so be sure to check your air filter each year and replace as needed.  Similarly, a fan that isn’t working properly will not get enough air flow to the evaporator coils.  This too can cause your air conditioner to ice over. Call an experienced AC repair technician to inspect your unit before you run it this summer to avoid costly repairs.

Refrigerant Levels Are Low

Low refrigerant levels is the main cause of frozen AC units.  Proper refrigerant levels are important for the function of your unit, as the refrigerant is essential for cooling the home.  When the refrigerant isn’t changed or checked often, then the coils will freeze up.  If you notice your unit isn’t working or ice has formed on the air conditioner, then call an AC repair technician to check refrigerant levels.

Lack of Airflow

Consistent airflow is essential for an air conditioner to function as well.  If your unit has iced up and you notice a lack of airflow from your return vents, it may be time to contact a professional.  Airflow is necessary for the hot air to be sucked up and passed through the evaporator coils and cool the home. Without the necessary air flow, a unit will freeze up not be able to keep your home cool and comfortable.  Also, be sure registers are open allowing air to pass through as closed registers affect air flow and are another reason AC units ice up.

Drainage Problems

Condensation from an AC unit drains outside, but if the coils aren’t working properly and the unit is frozen, this drain could be blocked from ice.  The unit will still run, but it will use a lot of electricity and won’t cool down the home.  The coils must be unfrozen and the drain unblocked.  Clear all debris and call a professional AC repair technician.  Running your air conditioner with frozen coils will cause larger problem, such as ruining the compressor or other vital components.  It is imperative that frozen coils are fixed to avoid more costly repairs later on down the road.

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Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular as people are realizing the many benefits they offer. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners flexibility in changing the temperature, even when they aren’t home, and they help save money on energy costs and monthly electric bills. Installing a programmable thermostat is a worthwhile investment that can save money immediately and in the years to come.

Cost-Efficiency
A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to set the thermostat to change temperatures at certain times throughout the day. For instance, if you work an 8 to 5 job and know that you won’t be home during these hours, you can program your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day. To make your home comfortable for when you arrive home from work, program the thermostat to begin to cool the house down 15 to 20 minutes before your arrival time. Not only will you create a comfortable, cool atmosphere, but you will save money because your air conditioner isn’t running as much throughout the day. Let’s face it, saving money on your energy bill is a big plus that makes a programmable thermostat a great home investment.

Energy Savings
Energy efficiency is important to homeowners, and programmable thermostats can help. Setting your thermostat for higher temperature when you know you will be out of town or away from your home is a great way to conserve energy. Energy efficiency not only saves money, but also cuts down on the wear and tear of your unit over time. Not requiring your AC unit to work so hard when no one is home is a great way to make your unit last. Energy efficient units are also beneficial to the environment so you can rest assured that you are doing your part to conserve energy by installing a programmable thermostat to more accurately manage the temperature in your home.

Convenience
Technology today makes having programmable thermostats an amazing convenience. You can access most thermostats and adjust temperatures via phone or computer so that if you are at work and realize you forgot to set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you are away from home, you can easily get on your phone and adjust the temperature from there. Or perhaps you forgot to set the thermostat to begin to cool off your home before you get there and don’t want to come home to a hot, stuffy house. Simply log in and adjust the temperature before you begin the drive home so that you are assured to come home to a cool, comfortable house. The ability to control your thermostat from anywhere in the world is an amazing convenience that homeowners love.

Next Steps
If a programmable thermostat sounds like a great way for you to save energy and cost, but you aren’t comfortable installing one yourself, call a professional. With a professional AC repair technician, you are guaranteed the work is done right so you can begin saving today.

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If you own a home or business, an AC repair is an inevitable part of managing the HVAC system. While each AC repair is unique based on the type of unit you have, the severity of the repair, and other factors, it doesn’t mean that you can ignore some of the signs. Even if your heating and cooling system is hanging on and seems to be working okay minus that one strange sound, don’t put off calling an AC repair technician to take a look, and here are a few reasons why.

It Could End Up Costing More Money Down the Road

Small AC repairs that go unfixed will only lead to bigger troubles down the road. And the larger the repair, the more money it’s going to cost. The worst part is that you can usually prevent major repairs by keeping up with the minor ones. If one component stops working correctly, it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the rest of the motor, and soon you’ll be replacing multiple parts rather than one.

You Won’t Have as Much Control of Temperatures

When your unit is in need of an AC repair, you simply won’t have the same control over temperatures as you would if the unit was working in prime condition. When you don’t have control of temperatures, your comfort levels can be compromised. In extreme weather, this can be dangerous, so make sure you call a technician as soon as you think you may need an AC repair.

Indoor Air Quality Could Be Impacted

The indoor air quality can be affected when your heating and cooling unit isn’t working properly, and this can be difficult for those with breathing issues. It can also be harmful to healthy adults and children, so make sure you’re changing filters, getting yearly maintenance, and keeping up with AC repairs.

Your Energy Bill Could Significantly Go Up

If you’ve noticed that your energy bill has gone up, and it isn’t due to other factors such as a shift in temperatures or having house guests that use extra energy, then you should pay attention to your heating and cooling system. An AC repair may be the culprit and calling a pro in to fix it could correct the issue.

A Premature Installation Could Happen in the Future

The more you put off AC repairs, the sooner you’ll have to get your system completely replaced, and this is an investment that you want to be ready for. If you can increase the lifespan of your unit, you will see significant savings. Air conditioning repairs are just one way to do this.

An AC Repair Is More Affordable Than You Realize

So many people put off AC repairs because they don’t realize that they are affordable. Contact a technician and have them come out and complete an inspection. We’ll be straightforward about the cost and listen to your budget.

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Every now and then it’s important to get back to basics when it comes to your heating and cooling unit. Going over the signs that you need an AC repair is always a good thing to do from time to time. Not only does catching AC repairs early help you save money and prevent major repairs, but it keeps your home comfortable and your indoor air quality at good levels. While there are other signs that you need an AC repair, the ones listed below are the most common and the easiest to recognize.

Odd Noises

If you hear odd noises coming from your heating and cooling unit, contact a technician to diagnose the problem. You want to be careful not to try to correct the problem yourself because certain noises will be created by an issue involving the electrical work. To ensure everything is done safely and the unit works properly again, get the pros involved from the start.

No or Low Air Flow

If there is low to now air flow, you definitely have a problem and there are few things that you can do before call the AC repair technician. Make sure all of the vents are opened and they aren’t covered with furniture. Also, check the filter to ensure it isn’t clogged. You should also check your thermostat to ensure that it is reading the temperature correctly. Schedule an appointment with an AC repair company to inspect the unit and repair the problem.

Continual Airflow

In the same vein as no air flow, continual air flow should alert you that you need a repair. You don’t want your unit running all of the time because this will cause components to prematurely break due to the wear and tear. You’ll also have a very large energy bill when this happens.

Frequent AC Repairs

If you have frequent AC repair, then it’s vital that you have a pro come check out your unit. In some cases, the age of your unit will be the cause of frequent repairs and you should start to consider purchasing a new and more efficient HVAC system. In other cases, frequent AC repairs may be caused from an installation that wasn’t performed with precision or repairs that were previously glossed over.

Not Reaching Desired Temperatures

Reaching the desired temperature should not be difficult for your heating and cooling system when you use the best practices. When the unit struggles to reach the temperature you set, get in touch with a technician and perhaps consider a new thermostat that gives you even more control.

Abnormally High Energy Bills

Pay attention to your energy bills if you want to detect AC repairs. While the bill will often be higher at the peak of the season when the temperatures are extreme, it shouldn’t be consistently like that throughout the year. When your system is need of an AC repair, components have to work harder to keep up, and your energy bill will show you this.

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Heating and cooling systems are designed to be convenient and lasting, and this is a great feature. However, this can also cause you to ignore your system until an AC repair presents itself, and then you may be stuck trying to figure out what company to call to help get you back on track. Because there is so much information out there, it can be easy to get lost in what qualities to look for. If you’re looking for an AC repair solution, here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Search for a Reputable Company

Start your search by finding a company that has a positive reputation within the community. The best AC repair companies are going to have favorable reviews and a professional website that gives you detailed information about their experience and what your next steps should be to reach them. Don’t just hire the first person you meet in a hardware store near the filter section. Make sure you are selective and that you bring in an AC repair technician that you trust and who will respect you and your home.

Make Sure the AC Repair Company Is Local

Find an AC repair company that works in your local area. Sometimes when storms come through causing multiple units to go out, you’ll find people travel long distances to perform home improvements and repairs. They’ll often be quick to get the job done, collect the check, and then they’ll be out of town. If the unit ends up failing again, it is almost impossible to find them to correct their mistakes. A local company is thorough and will treat your home with respect, both now and several months and years down the road.

Ask the Technician Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask the AC repair technicians questions about what you can expect. Reputable companies will be more than happy to resolve the issues for you and address your questions with clarity. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll be about the lasting repairs. You’ll also get straightforward information about pricing and time frames.

Don’t Overlook the Signs of AC Repair

When you’re searching for an AC repair technician, don’t overlook the signs that you need the repair and push the call to the bottom of your list. Get a quality technician involved as soon as possible to ensure a minor repair isn’t turned into a major one. If you aren’t sure what the problem is, have someone come out and perform a diagnosis and provide you with an estimate.

Find Out if the Company Is Licensed and Insured

Make sure you go with an AC repair company that is licensed and insured. This not only protects them, but it protects you and your home. Reputable companies will gladly provide any information like this for you because they know it’s important to you. Be mindful when selecting an AC repair company, and once you find the one for you, make sure you involve them in annual maintenance and all future heating and cooling needs. 

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If you’ve ever had an AC repair before or you have had to replace an entire system, then you know that you need those routine AC maintenance calls to keep your unit working as it should. But even if you know the importance of these preventative services, you may not really know when the best time is to make that call. Here we provide a few of the best times for you to pick up the phone and schedule a service call.

Before Peak Temperatures Arrive

If your system is working in good condition and you haven’t had any AC repairs in some time or ever, you have a little more flexibility in your schedule than someone with a unit that isn’t working well. Often, you will find that scheduling services for HVAC systems is best done before the hottest and coldest parts of the season so that you are prepared and proactive in case something is on the fritz or needs a little extra attention.

The Same Time Every Year

If you like to keep a tidy schedule, then you can keep the yearly maintenance to prevent AC repairs and replacements around the same time every year. This way, you won’t have to worry about it coming around and forgetting about, and you will know that you are covered for all services that keep your unit working properly.

The Moment You Notice That the Unit Is Not Working Properly

As soon as you notice that your HVAC system isn’t cooling as well as it should, make sure you call to get a diagnosis. You may find that the issue only requires a minor AC repair or that you just need a simple service done such as cleaning coils. Some people will just push through the uncomfortable indoor temperatures or deal with a unit that is loud or freezes up, but the sooner you take care of the problem, you will find that the less expensive and severe it is.

Before or After You Buy a House

If you are buying or have just bought a house, then you will want to bring in the experts to ensure that you have a unit that is working the way it should and that it was installed correctly. While you will have a home inspector look at these areas, many of them will not have the in-depth knowledge that a heating and cooling technician can provide, so it will be beneficial for you to have an experienced AC repair technician check out the unit as well.

When the Unit Is Over a Decade Old

If your heating and cooling unit is over a decade old and you haven’t had a service call performed by a professional technician, then it is time to have someone take a look and perform some deeper maintenance than what you do yourself. While you should be changing filters and keeping up with other tasks like this, a technician will be able to get into the system and replace worn out parts and deep clean areas like coils, and this can make a significant difference in how well your unit runs and how many AC repairs you prevent.

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We are all seeking ways to prevent AC repairs, and even more of an investment, AC replacements. There are a lot of tips out there that can help enhance the longevity of your unit and keep it working in optimal condition on the hottest days of the summer. Here are 5 tips to take control of your HVAC unit and prevent those premature repairs and replacements.

Invest in New Windows

While windows save us money in a lot of ways, such as allowing natural light to brighten a room and adding to the beauty of our space, when they are not in good shape, they can wreak havoc on our AC unit. They let the hot sun in and the cooling system has to work harder to compete with it. When your unit is trying to keep up with the outdoor temperatures, you want to make it as easy as possible to prevent wear and tear that simply causes components to reach their lifespan. If your windows are older, not insulated, or have gaps around the seams, consider investing in new windows to help your AC unit.

Check the Attic Space

If you want to prevent premature AC repairs, then check to ensure the attic is properly insulated because you could have air creeping in and out making your unit work harder than it should. You can ask the HVAC specialists to give your home a walk through and show you the different areas that air can seep in out and of so that you can take care of these areas.

Have Rules About Setting the Thermostat

The thermostat can create a battle between people that live together, whether you have roommates or a family that all likes sleeping and living at different temperatures. Constantly changing temperatures and adjusting them to a lower number than the unit can handle will cause issues down the road. Have rules about how many degrees the temperature can be set inside based on the external heat, and consider investing in a thermostat that can be checked by the head of the household remotely.

Keep Up with ALL of the Maintenance

Make sure you keep up with the maintenance that comes with owning a powerful piece of equipment like an air conditioning unit, including changing the filters and cleaning debris around the outside unit. You should also be getting professional routine maintenance every year for cleaning, maintenance, and preventive services.

Seal Cracks Around Doors

Just like with windows and the attic, you will want to seal up all of the cracks around doors. While it would be wonderful to invest in new windows and doors if yours are drafty, if this isn’t an option for you, then you can get products at home improvement stores that will help seal those areas so that you can enjoy all of the benefits of preventing premature AC repairs. Take the time to keep up with a few simple tips, and your AC unit will last longer and be more efficient.

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When you have an older unit, you will find that you are calling often for AC repairs, and you may be trying hard to hold on to that old unit. After all, an HVAC system is an investment and you probably already have an idea how much it will cost. But once you do decide that you are not going to deal with another bill for an AC repair or you are tired of your unit not cooling your house as it should, then you will find the process gets a little more fun because you will get to enjoy many benefits. Here are just a few ways that a new air conditioning system will make cooling your space a breeze.

You Will Get the Latest Advancements in Technology

The newer systems are more advanced and efficient, and you will notice how much better your space is cooled immediately. You will notice this efficiency in a lower energy bill and how the unit performs on the hottest days, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to worry about AC repairs for some time.

You Will Have a Thermostat That Has More Features

A thermostat is a vital part of how your AC system runs, and the more control you have, the better you are able to apply the proper settings based on the changing outdoor temperatures. A new thermostat will often come with filter reminders, timers, and remote options so that you can set temperatures while you are at work or out running errands.

You Will Enjoy Better Air Quality

One of the best parts of getting a new AC unit is the efficiency. Once the installation is complete, you may be surprised by the results and will be so excited to enjoy cool temperatures again and a better quality of indoor air. If you have allergies or more serious issues, this can make everyday life better, and if you have pets and a lot of foot traffic, you will notice the difference a new unit can make as well.

You Will Add Value to Your Home

Whether you are selling your home now or plan on it in the future, a new AC unit will add value. Because this is such an important piece of equipment for keeping your home’s structure and belongings protected, as well as for providing comfort in your living space, you will want to stay on top of AC repairs. When it is time to replace the old unit, you will be happy to see the value rise with a new and more efficient cooling system.

You Will Be Able to Call a Reputable Company for Future AC Repairs

When you have a reputable company install your air conditioning unit, you will have someone to call if you require AC repairs and yearly maintenance. We will help you prevent AC repairs and keep the system working in top condition and will be there for all of your heating and cooling needs.

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Finding an AC repair company that you can trust is important to all homeowners, because at some point, you’ll need their services. When you find a company you like and trust, you can have a little peace of mind when you are dealing with air conditioner issues. Read on to learn about the top qualities to look for in your next AC repair company.

Great Communication

Calling the company on the telephone for your AC repair is the first interaction that you will have with that company. The most important part is to talk to a live human being. If you reach an answering machine or an answering service and it is during business hours, then that should be a warning. If you actually talk to someone in the office and they are polite, explain how things are going to work, and successfully set up an appointment for you, then you are off to a good start.

Experienced Technicians

Once you have an AC repair technician in your home, the next thing you are looking for is someone who has the skills and the experience to properly service your air conditioner. They should ask all of the correct questions about what is going on in your home, know what to look for while diagnosing your AC repair issue, and have the ability to repair it so you have cool air making your home comfortable again. You should also expect the technician to be courteous, punctual, and professional.

Ability to Finance Large Necessary Purchases

Hopefully, all homeowners have the resources to handle expensive repairs when they occur, but replacing an entire air conditioning unit can be expensive. Make sure the company you are looking at has a financing plan for large purchases just in case you need to utilize that feature. If the need arises and it is extremely hot outside, that is not the time to realize you do not have enough in savings to repair the system properly.

Emergency Service

It would be great if all AC repair emergencies happened during business hours, but sometimes things happen late at night and on weekends. The company you select should have emergency services available so that you can have your air conditioner repaired no matter when it needs it. When it is hot outside, all you want is to have your air conditioner working again. Waiting an entire weekend until Monday morning is not a real option in hot regions during the summer.

Free Estimates and Affordable Prices

Referrals are great, and if you can find a company that is highly recommended, you’re probably in good hands. Another major factor is a company that provides free estimates to let you know exactly what is going on with your air conditioner and their rates should be affordable. Everyone wants to be treated fairly, so be sure to find a company that can meet all of your needs and make you feel good about your selection.

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