In the heat of the summer, your air conditioner is working hard to make your house a comfortable place to be.  If your AC unit is working as it should, then it should be able to handle the heat, no problem.  However, too much strain placed on your AC system can lead to less efficiency and more wear and tear.  There are ways to minimize the strain put on the AC unit so that your unit can work efficiently and last for years to come, saving you money on energy costs and AC repairs.  Here are four tips for reducing the workload for your AC system this year.

Make Adjustments to the Home

There are things you can do to the home to take the pressure off of the AC system.  One thing you can do is have an attic fan installed.  An attic fan will help keep the attic cooler which will reduce the overall temperature in the home so that your AC unit isn’t always running.  Additionally, making simple changes such as putting up blinds or curtains can keep the heat out during the hottest part of the afternoon to keep cooler temperatures inside the house.

Turn Up the Temperature When Away From Home

When you travel for a long period of time or are even away from home for the day while at work or school, it is a good idea to turn the thermostat higher so that your AC doesn’t have to work to cool the home when you aren’t there.  Setting the thermostat for a higher temperature when you are away and lower temperature when you are home is a great way to reduce the strain so that it can work efficiently all summer long.

Change the Air Filter

Dirty air filters block the airflow, which makes your AC unit work harder to produce colder air.  This added strain will cause your unit to use more energy and cost you more money.  Changing the filter will allow for proper airflow and increase energy efficiency so that it is easier for your AC system to cool the home to a comfortable temperature.  When your unit doesn’t have to work so hard to keep up with the demand, it will last longer and require fewer repairs throughout its lifespan.

Hire an AC Repair Company to Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

The best way to minimize the strain on your air conditioning unit is to ensure all parts are in working order.  To do this, hire an expert AC company for a maintenance service visit and they will go over every inch of your AC unit to make sure everything is working as it should.  If they find something amiss, they can inform you and correct the problem so that your system is performing at optimal levels throughout the entire summer season.  Call Comfort Experts today to schedule an appointment and reduce the strain on your AC unit this year.

When people think of air conditioning, they typically only think about the cooling aspects that are needed during the summer. But air conditioning is just one (albeit, very important!) aspect of the entire “conditioning” system. In a full HVAC system, you also have heating for the winter and basic ventilation when the circulation of air is more helpful than directly heating or cooling your home.

Below are a few reasons why you should consider getting air conditioning (or updating your unit) regardless of how hot it is this summer.

1.) You’ll Stay Cool in the Summer.

Keeping cool during the hot summer days is one of the most important things you can do during the season. It’s helpful to your body to not have to constantly regulate the overall body temperature. Keeping cool can also help you relax and feel calmer during the summer.

2.) And Warm in the Winter.

With the heating aspects of an HVAC system, you and your family will stay nice and toasty throughout the coldest months of the year. This also helps prevent pipes from freezing and breaking alongside keeping you and your family happy and comfortable.

3.) Pulls the Humidity Out of the Air.

In both extremes of the year, as well as all the months and weeks in between, the humidity that we experience in the air is sometimes just as bad, if not worse, than the extreme temperatures. The moment the air is dehumidified, “hot temperatures” aren’t as unbearable. Running the air conditioning, even at “higher cooling temperatures” can be a great way to pull the humidity out of the air and lower the overall intensity of even particularly hot temperatures.

4.) Air Conditioning Will Clean the Air.

HVAC systems, aside from their ability to cool or heat our air, are also responsible for cleaning the air we breathe. As long as you regularly change out or clean the filters, having an air conditioning system can improve air quality by capturing dust, smoke, pollution, and more.

5.) There Are a Variety of Units to Meet Different Needs.

Depending on your living situation, you may think that getting an air conditioning system is not necessary or not an effective way to spend your money. However, there are so many different kinds of AC and HVAC systems out there and we’re certain you’ll find the unit that meets your needs. Whether you need a full-blown HVAC system that can handle multiple rooms at any temperature level or you only really need to cool or heat a couple of rooms, there are units out there for all living situations.

Contact us today to learn more about air conditioning units and how they can help you throughout the year. If your current system needs AC repair, you can schedule an appointment, or we can help you pick out a new unit. Give us a call to get started!

Most homeowners don’t think too much about their HVAC system until something is wrong with it. You likely use it almost every day, especially during hot summer days or chilly winter nights. Any system is bound to run into issues and problems as it grows older, and an AC system is no exception. You might be wondering why your AC starts to smell when you turn it on. Listed below are a number of different reasons why your AC might smell strange when you first turn it on.

Mildew

The indoor unit and cooling coils are a perfect place for biological growth. It’s cold and damp. AC units are not only designed to take the air and cool it to a comfortable level, but they’re also designed in such a way to help directly remove moisture from the air. If it’s not efficiently draining the captured moisture, then it creates a welcoming environment for mold and mildew to form. In addition, having a dirty filter can also cause the smelly odor of mildew to waft up from the register vents and be smelled throughout the home.

Dead Animal

Every once in a while, a small animal can squeeze its way into the air ducts or AC system. Injured or sick birds or rodents may have been able to get into the small, confined space of the AC unit or ducts. When the entire system is turned on for the first time, it spreads the odor throughout the entire home. The smell can often be unbearable, and you’ll need to hide a professional to clean out all of the ducts to ensure that all the rodent remains are properly and completely removed.

Backed Up or Ruptured Sewer Pipes

If you smell a whiff of sewage, you might be smelling the aftermath of a backed-up sewer line or a ruptured vent pipe that’s near the AC system. An improperly run condensation drain can cause sewer gasses to enter the AC system.

The odor you may be smelling is methane gas, which is an incredibly dangerous gas to have seeped through your home. If this is something you smell, you should evacuate the home for safety and immediately call an HVAC team to examine the situation.

Shorted Out Motors and Circuit Boards

On occasion, a fan or circuit board will short-circuit, causing your home to begin smelling like gunpowder. Although this may only be prevalent when you first turn the system on, it is an important smell to be aware of. If you smell the odor of gunpowder, call your AC repair technician today to schedule an appointment. They will be able to help you identify any broken parts and can recommend replacement components.

If you smell something strange in your AC unit, give us a call today at Comfort Experts. Some smells may be harmless but others can be incredibly dangerous. If you smell something particularly awful or odd, give us a call immediately and we’ll be able to help you identify the cause of the smell. In some cases, it’s wise to get out of the home before you make the call, just in case you are smelling a dangerous gas that is harmful to you and your family. Play it safe and give us a call today!

What Happens to an AC If It Runs While Frozen for a Long Time?

Recently, we were asked by a customer about what happens to an air conditioner if it runs for a long period of time while frozen. We ended up having a lengthy discussion about the most comprehensive and common consequences, along with touching on some of the more technical details regarding particular components of the AC unit.

At the end of our discussion with this particular customer, he told us how much he appreciated our explanation and that we should “educate” more people about those topics because they really matter! And oftentimes, the typical homeowner doesn’t know or understand the consequences of certain aspects of their air conditioner, which can lead to very large and expensive repairs when not dealt with appropriately.

So, here it is: what happens to an air conditioner if it runs while frozen for a long period of time?

Even before the consequences, first, you need to know that a frozen unit typically results from insufficient refrigerant or an airflow restriction. Either way, the effect is that the air conditioner evaporator coil can’t transfer heat like it should, creating an ice block.

Once all the damage has been done, here are the major consequences you and your air conditioner will face:

You, Will, Have a Significant Repair Bill to Pay

That’s right, an AC repair will cost you a lot more with a frozen evaporator coil. Not only can it damage that specific component, but other adjoining components as well, and can lead to a compressor failure! You can end up replacing several other parts of your system because of the frozen evaporator coil.

Your Chances of a Complete System Failure Have Increased

It’s not rocket science here: if your AC unit keeps running for a long period of time while frozen, the chances of a complete system failure have increased dramatically!  Moreover, since you kept it turned on, it will put more stress on the whole system because it’s running in less than minimal condition.

You Have Wasted Energy And Money

It’s also obvious that if you keep your AC running while frozen it can’t possibly work properly, which means that it will need more power to deliver the same indoor temperature… and that extra power will be shown on your next electric bill!

You Have (Probably) Lost Some of Your Sanity

Last but not least, running your frozen AC for a long period of time will probably have its own effect on your sanity! We know how loud can it be in a house with such a problem, and the noise will eventually become unbearable. You definitely need that AC repair was done as quickly as possible.

Hopefully, this information sheds some light on a common problem that we get asked about regularly. If this sounds like your problem, contact us right away. We can help you avoid unnecessary repair costs, a complete system failure, wasted energy and money and lost sanity. Call us today at Comfort Experts!

No matter what time of year it is, your air conditioner can freeze. Literally, sheets of ice can take over your AC unit, leaving you confused and stressed about your lack of cold air in the house and the seemingly freezing air surrounding your air conditioner. Here are the top four reasons that you air conditioner might be frozen, and what you should do next.

Refrigerant

When the refrigerant levels are low or your unit is leaking refrigerant, problems arise quickly. Low refrigerant levels cause the remaining refrigerant to maintain a lower temperature, and it’s at that temperature that the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil. This causes moisture to take over the entire evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. As the unit is taken over by ice, restricted air movement only speeds up the freezing process. it speeds up If you suspect a refrigerant issue, you should contact a professional right away, as you may suspect low refrigerant instead of a leak and could make the freezing problem worse.

Air Flow

If something is impeding or restricting the air flow to your unit, the evaporator coil can freeze. This happens because humidity will collect on the coil, and when the temperature of the coil drops, this water will of course freeze. The impeded air flow keeps the heated air from properly traveling across the evaporator coil, making the process of freezing speed up significantly. When the evaporator coil is frozen, the rest of the air conditioner won’t work properly, causing the entire thing to freeze over. While an object or debris can absolutely impede the air flow of your air conditioner, other things might be reducing the air flow to the point of freezing up the unit. Collapsed or poor ducts, dirty air filters or coils, and damaged motors can all be responsible for reduced air flow and a frozen air conditioner.

Outside Temperature

Your outdoor air conditioner is not meant to function in low temperatures, and it can often freeze up if it gets too cold outside while it’s trying to run. Certain temperature controls can be installed to help your unit run in cooler temperatures, but until you’ve implemented one of these, a cooler outdoor temperature can definitely be a possible source of a frozen air conditioner.

What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Is Frozen?

If you’ve discovered a frozen air conditioner, the first thing to do is turn the unit off. Keeping an air conditioner running while frozen for a long period of time can seriously damage the unit. Once you’ve turned it off and it’s thawed, you should do a quick check of the system’s main components. See if your filter is damaged or dirty, check to see if there is something obviously impeding air flow, and think about what the most recent outdoor temperatures have been. If one of those things doesn’t seem to be the obvious source of your frozen air conditioner, you should make a call to Comfort Experts. We will come out to your home and check all of the possible sources of the freezing, and we will then implement whatever tactics necessary to repair your air conditioner and keep it from freezing again.

A frozen air conditioner is definitely frustrating, but it doesn’t have to become a big ordeal. Call the professional AC repair technicians at Comfort Experts and let us take care of your AC maintenance and repairs today!

Air conditioning allows us to ignore the sweltering heat stagnating outside the walls and enjoy the comfort of our ideal temperature right inside our homes. However, as with all things that have moving parts, the AC can and eventually will fail us. In order to avoid the headache and the sweat, here are some tips on how to ensure your AC system is running properly.

Check the Cables

We all roll our eyes when we hear that first question from tech support, the one about checking if the system is plugged in. While it may sound silly, doing this check is the simplest step when assessing the state of your AC system. You don’t want to go ahead and unscrew lids and look at fans and belts only to later realize that the AC is receiving no current.  Be sure to check the breakers as well as make sure that power is running to the unit.

Take a Good Look at Your Air Filters

If you find that the AC is running but you’re still feeling like a roasted duck inside an oven, check up on the AC’s air filters. All filters, regardless of type and purpose, will eventually collect debris. If too much dirt gets inside, your AC won’t be doing anything besides consuming electrical current. The filters can be cleaned or replaced without professional help.

Check the Fan Blower Belt

If your AC system has braved through many a hot summer, chances are that, by now, the belt is worn down. If it’s loose, it can be fixed; however, if you spot signs of damage, it’s better to replace it altogether. A damaged belt will cause ice to form inside the unit, which can lead to much bigger problems and may lead to you needing to replace your entire air conditioner.

Make Sure the Thermostat Has Power

Replacing batteries for thermostats, either for AC or heating systems, can be something quite easy to forget since it’s done so seldom. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises that will have you tinkering inside the unit (in this case for nothing), remember to put in new batteries as often as the manufacturer specifies. It’s also recommended to get the best kind of batteries. You don’t want them dying too soon or melting inside the thermostat.

Maybe It’s Simply Too Hot

Extremely high temperatures can pose a problem for older or inexpensive AC systems, even if everything seems to be in order. If your unit isn’t delivering the temperature it’s meant to, it probably means that it quite simply can’t. Unfortunately, there’s no DIY or cheap solution for this, but to make sure this is your problem check the BTU number of your system and compare it to the size of the room or house it is trying to cool. If the heat’s too much or the space is too large, you may have to upgrade to a better system.

There are so many terms and acronyms when it comes to AC systems that it can be a difficult subject to understand.  At some point or another you may end up needing some AC repair, and it will help to know what the AC repair technician is talking about. This isn’t a complete guide and it won’t make you a cooling expert, but it will shed some light on terms you may not know.

BTU or Size

A cooling system may have a BTU number.  The term stands for British Thermal Units, which is a common energy term.  This is used to show how much heat is being removed per hour.  You’ll generally see this number listed on portable and window air conditioners, although you may notice your home cooling system works a little differently.  It will most likely be given a number 1 through 5.  This represents the number of tons.  Each ton means that the unit is removing 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.  So if your system is rated at 3 tons, it is removing 36,000 British Thermal Units of heat every hour.

Load Calculation

The load calculation is used to determine the heat gain and heat loss of a structure so that the equipment installed in a house won’t be too big or too small.  The load calculation is a huge factor to consider when replacing an HVAC system in your home.  If you get one too big, you’ll waste money and energy.  But if you get a unit that is too small, your home may not be comfortable.  Typically, the load calculation is something that your heating and cooling company can figure out based on the size and layout of your home.

Efficiency Rating

You may have been to an appliance store and noticed that the efficiency of a product is now in the spotlight.  This is also the case when it comes to air conditioning.  The rating to pay attention to when looking for a cooling system is the EER, which stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio.  This is usually displayed as a number with the minimum standard being a 9.7 or higher set by the U.S. Department of Energy.  Another rating system is the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.  It is similar to the EER, but the minimum rating starts at 13.

Air conditioning terminology can be very confusing.  This list will help you when looking at what type of cooling system you have or possibly may want to get.  There are many other terms that have to deal with the cooling unit itself.  Terms like condenser, coil, and compressor are common, along with others that were not discussed here.  You may find yourself hearing some of them when dealing with a professional, and understanding general terms will help you to comprehend what an AC repair tech is talking about. If there is an issue with the parts mentioned above, it’s possibly an issue that is best left up to those who know what they are talking about, like the experts at Comfort Experts, Inc.