Some Common Air Conditioning problems

In recent years, record-breaking summer temperatures have been taking their toll nationwide, resulting in many whose air conditioners aren’t quite at their prime scrambling for service before they melt into a puddle of goo. In many of these cases, the problem can be simply or easily solved with a little detective work, most of which should take far less time than waiting on the repairman – and forking over for a repair bill.

Before you call for air conditioning repair service, see if you can solve these common AC problems:

• Poor airflow.
  This is almost always due to a dirty, clogged air filter, but is occasionally due to faulty blower motor. Nasty filters are probably the number one reason for service calls. Most air filters must be changed every 3 months at a minimum, and will get quite gross in that timespan. Air filter maintenance is a cheap way to prevent the untimely death of a system struggling to breathe and function. (And how embarrassing for you to pay for a repair over an inexpensive filter you forgot to replace!)
• System won’t turn on.
  Make sure the thermostat batteries don’t need to be replaced, then verify power to the system at the breaker box. Ensure the blower door on the air handler (the part inside your home) is closed, then check the “on” switch on your outside unit. Sometimes they get bumped.
• System cycles on and off repeatedly.
  Check for a dirty filter, then check the outdoor unit for debris. Blockage by grass and other detritus must be carefully and gently removed without damaging the fins. If those are not the problem, turn it down 5-10 degrees – you could be freezing the coil, and it needs to thaw. If it’s 100 degrees outside, 68 isn’t going to happen. Grab a fan and be happy it’s 78-80 in your home.
• System is not cooling properly.
  “Operator error” is a frequent cause of hvac system repair– so make sure your thermostat is set properly. Again, check the filter and the outside unit for blockage. Check that the drain line is not blocked by algae/buried in the dirt. Your system will also turn off when the condensate overflow tray needs to be emptied.

When to call a pro
Some situations are not meant for amateurs. Call trusted air conditioning contractors if:

• You checked everything above and your system is still not cooling properly.
  This may indicate low refrigerant, coils that need cleaning, or system maintenance, which all require skills and tools you don’t possess.
• Your system went from turning on and off frequently – to not working at all.
  The compressor or fan may be worn out and need replacement.
• You heard a strange noise.
  Brief squeaks at startup maybe normal. However, hissing can indicate leaking refrigerant, which is bad for the environment. Also bad are clanking, bubbles, hisses, and screams, which could indicated everything from loose hardware to a bent fan or blown motor. Avoid the sharp and electrifying dangers housed within your unit – call a pro.

Don’t let your air conditioning problems boil over. Contact your local H & H Heating and Air Conditioning professional today.

8 Tips to Save Energy on your Summer Air Conditioning

Tired of high energy bills and repeatedly calling for air conditioning service in your Villanova, PA home? Your system may be working overtime courtesy of your bad habits. Save money on your air conditioning while increasing comfort in your home with the help of these helpful cooling practices:

1. Get the most out of thermostat settings.
   For efficient operation and energy savings, HVAC units require continual adjustment. Adding a programmable thermostat makes this job a snap, adjusting your home to a comfortable 78°F when you are home, and raising temperatures while you are away. It also helps curtail bad habits, like cranking your thermostat to a colder setting when you first get home, which does not, in fact, cool things down any faster but instead results in excess cooling and energy expenses. Techno-phobic? Rest assured, the latest in affordable learning or “smart” thermostat technology doesn’t even require programming, and can be operated from your mobile phone.
2. Stop shirking your maintenance duties.
   That nasty filter won’t change itself, and it can cause excess energy use and wear on system components as your system struggles to force air through its clogged surface. Skip needless HVAC repair costs and mark your calendar to change the air filter regularly – every 3 months, at a minimum. Additionally, don’t neglect annual routine maintenance before times of peak use, such as fall or spring, to ensures efficiency and proper operation. Neglected internal components and improper coolant levels are just as detrimental to your system as air filter maintenance.
3. Enlist the help of your fans.
   Ceiling, box, and rotating fans can keep you more comfortable, allowing you to raise thermostat settings 4°F without losing comfort thanks to the “wind chill effect.” They also help better circulate conditioned air through your home. Just remember: Fans cool people, not rooms – so turn them off when you leave.
4. Force the issue.
   Enlist the help of an air conditioning company you can trust to install a whole house fan in your attic. Best used in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler, whole house fans draw cool air in and force hot air out through attic vents to help reduce air conditioning use.
5. Tie-up loose ends.
   Properly secure leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, and address air leaks around windows and doors. These can add up to the equivalent of a constantly open window.
6. Stop fighting physics.
   Rearrange furniture to prevent blockages of vents and registers that can destroy comfort and efficiency.
7. Live in harmony with nature.
   If you live in a climate where evenings cool, turn off your system at night to sleep, then close-up your home in the morning, shutting windows and blinds to capture cool air and block out solar heat gain.
8. Avoid heat buildup.
   Opt for cool LEDs and compact fluorescents over super-hot incandescents. Avoid using ovens, dryers, and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day. If you must cook, use your microwave or outdoor grill instead.

Can’t stand the heat? Kick it to the curb with the help of your friendly, Villanova area cooling experts. Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today.