Blogs

Having an air conditioner is a crucial part of a comfortable lifestyle at home. They can last quite awhile if they are well taken cared of. But, these type of machines don't last forever. No matter how well we treat it, air conditioners will degrade to the point that it needs a replacement. Knowing when your home’s air conditioning needs a replacement is crucial. The costs of constant repairs on an old system can be expensive every time your A/C breaks down. Here are four signs that mean your air conditioner needs a replacement:   Your Unit Has Been Around For Awhile The typical lifespan of air conditioners on average is between 10 - 12 years. Older units are less efficient when compared to newer ones with better technology. If your unit has reached a decade or longer, you may want to talk to a professional and consider replacing it. Getting a new one can save you money on your electricity bills. Plus, you won't need as much professional help. The only downside is the initial cost, but you will save more in the long run.

What are tankless water heaters? Why has it become such a huge hit to homeowners? These water heaters are also known as demand-type or instantaneous. Hot water comes out only when you need it. This makes them energy-efficient as they don’t use up standby energy. These may not be the best option if you don't want to spend much when it comes to your water heating equipment. But in the long run, you save more money.   Consider this article as a 101 on tankless water heaters. Below are a few facts that will help you with your buying decision.

Your home’s air conditioning system may show some startling signs at times. For instance, it can leak water. You may think that a part inside your air conditioner has broken or malfunctioned. You may not have to dial a repairman right away as long as you are able to detect what is happening and fix it.   When your air conditioner’s evaporator coils meet warm air, it will gather moisture. It will then send it to the condensate pan for drainage. This is a normal process and it should not worry you. If there is too much condensation, leaks too much, and fosters mold and mildew, there may be a bigger issue.   Leaking On Hot Days   On the hot days of summer, your air conditioning will run at all times to keep the temperature cool. It will dehumidify the place by gathering the warm, humid air and swapping it for cooler air.   There is more humidity taken in during times of warmer temperature. Because of this, your air conditioner will produce more condensation than usual. That may cause your condensate pan to overflow. If this occurs often, contact an HVAC professional. You can discuss better ways for your air conditioner to cool your home.   A Restricted Airflow Will Freeze Condensation  

Summer is right around the corner. While most are gearing up for afternoons at the beach, some can’t take the heat. They would rather stay indoors with a trusty air conditioning system. But, there may be instances where your air conditioner won’t work right.   If it won’t start or it won’t cool, it doesn’t mean you have to call in an HVAC technician right away. There are a couple of do-it-yourself measures you can take to check for common issues.   Check The Power The first and most obvious thing that you can check is the power. It may seem too simple, but if you have children or pets, they may have detached the plug without realizing. See if you plugged your air conditioner in. If it is and it doesn’t start up, it could be a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Circuits may be volatile, especially in older houses. It may experience an overload especially if shared with other appliances. If a part of your air conditioner has damage, it’s best to let the professionals take care of it. You don't want to risk getting harmed or further damage to your system.  

It is important that your AC unit is ready for summer. You should get regular maintenance done on your air conditioner before summer approaches. It will prevent you from making costly mistakes. At the same time, your system will function with efficiency all throughout the season. You can do certain cleaning and maintenance tasks to avoid extra professional charges. Here are a few things you can do at home to maintain your AC’s efficiency:   Remove Condenser Covers, Coil Blankets or Lids A central air-conditioning system has a condenser unit located outdoors. It also has an evaporator unit mounted on the furnace. Starting the system with the covers in place, even for a short time, could damage your system. Remove any cover before running the system.   Remove Debris from Outdoor Coils The system coils are there to transfer heat. Dirty outdoor coils can cause your AC to overheat and trip your breaker. Small obstructions like dirt can reduce your system’s efficiency. Use a garden hose to wash off dust, pollen, and debris in the coils. Use a refrigerator coil brush to clean the coils from the outside of the unit. Be careful not to bend the delicate fins or damage the coils.  

  Buying a home is an exciting experience, but it can sometimes be quite stressful. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Something you should focus on is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They play a huge role in maintaining comfort in every home.   Buying a home without knowing certain things about your HVAC system can cause issues. You could have to deal with unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Make sure you ask these questions before signing any paperwork. That way, you will know what to expect with your HVAC system.   What Kind of HVAC System Does It Have?   Every home is different and certain HVAC systems may be more compatible than the others. A system that is not the right match the home it is in will not function to its highest potential. Your family’s comfort will suffer because of it.   As you consider buying a home, ask whether the home has central air or forced heating. Be sure to ask if each floor has a separate system or if it is a heat pump or a ductless system. You may also want to ask if it is a renowned brand or a generic model. If the HVAC system comes with a thermostat, you might want to check if it is programmable. These allow you to set the temperature for different days ahead of time.    How Old Is The System And Is It In Good Condition?   HVAC systems wear out after 10 to 15 years. With exceptional care, they can last a little longer. Still, if the HVAC system is too old when you buy it, it will break down. The cost to repair it will be yours to shoulder.    It is wise to get a good knowledge about the HVAC system’s age and condition beforehand. That way, you would know if it is too old and inefficient. If it is you can even negotiate a new system into the deal.