5 Air Conditioning Problems That Happen More Often Than Not
More than 87% of American homes have some form of air conditioning. Many homes have central air, while others use alternatives like window units and portable air conditioners instead.
We rely on air conditioning to keep our homes cool and comfortable. That's why it's so frustrating when you have air conditioning problems.
Luckily, we've outlined the most common air conditioning issues and what they mean below. Plus, you'll learn some AC troubleshooting tips and when it's time to call a pro to handle your AC repair.
1. My AC Unit Is Blowing Hot Air
One of the most common air conditioning issues is when the unit blows hot air instead of cold. First, make sure your unit is set to AC and not heat, as this can happen.
If that's not the issue, you could have a low refrigerant or a dirty evaporator coil caused by a dirty air filter. Your outside unit could also have lost power due to a tripped circuit or blown fuse. If you still can't figure it out, call for repairs.
2. The AC Isn't Keeping Up with the Thermostat
If your AC isn't cooling your house to the temperature setting on your thermostat, debris like grass or plants might be blocking your outdoor unit. It could also be a leak in your air ducts.
It could even be an issue with your attic ventilation or a lack of insulation in your home. If you're not sure what the problem might be, find a local AC maintenance technician to investigate.
3. The AC Unit Won't Turn On
If your AC won't turn on, first check the batteries in your thermostat. If that's not the problem, make sure the thermostat is on and set to AC mode.
It could also be from a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Try resetting your circuit breaker or replacing the fuse.
4. My AC Unit Runs Constantly
If you've just had a new AC unit installed but it runs constantly, it could mean the unit isn't large enough.
If this is a new problem, it could point to an issue with the blower or fan. You might also have a clogged air filter, dirty condenser, or a thermostat issue. This can be a complicated problem to diagnose, so you may want to call in a technician.
5. The AC Makes Strange Noises
AC noises can point to a range of different problems, so decide what the noise sounds like. If it's hissing or buzzing, that could mean a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem.
If you're hearing banging or thumping, that's a sign of a blower or motor problem. If you hear screeching, you might have a problem with your fan motor or compressor. It's best to call a service technician before the problem gets worse.
Are You Dealing with These Air Conditioning Problems? Call a Pro Today
If you've been having air conditioning problems and troubleshooting isn't working, it's time to call an HVAC technician. They can find the root of the problem so you can get back to enjoying an air conditioned home.
If you're looking for reliable air conditioning repair in the Tulare, Hanford, or Visalia area, we can help. At Comfort Now Air Conditioning and Heating, our expert technicians and installers can give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us today to get a quote or book a service call.
Cleaning Furnace Burners: Keep Your Furnace Working Properly
To quote Game of Thrones, winter is coming. That means it's time for quality heating. Here in Visalia, CA, temperatures can drop to 38°F in winter.
If you've noticed your home is slow to heat up, that could point to an inefficient furnace.
Dust builds up throughout your home throughout the summer. Other allergens in the air can also build-up, along with condensation.
This buildup, when added to the dirt and soot from the previous winter, clogs the burners. They won't burn as efficiently as clean burners, meaning it costs more to warm your home.
Make cleaning gas furnace burners part of your regular maintenance regime. Next year, you'll have clean burners before you need them.
If you're keen to start cleaning furnace burners in your Visalia CA home, read on to learn how and why to do it.
1. Check the Burners are Clean
Before you dismantle the furnace, you can tell if your burners need to be cleaned at all. Look at the flames.
If they're even and blue, your burner is clean. Yellow flames mean the burners are dirty. The flames change color as they cope with debris or dust.
If you've got yellow flames, move onto step 2.
2. Check the Furnace Filter
Turn off your gas and electricity supply to the furnace before you start any maintenance.
Check the filter is clean before you start cleaning dirty furnace burners. The filter might be in the furnace itself. Otherwise, it'll be a grate in the floor or wall nearby.
Remove the filter and hold it up to a light source. Is the light shining through it? Your filter is fine and you can move onto step 3.
If the light can't get through, you need to change the filter. Replace the filter and move onto step 3.
3. Access the Burners
Take the front panel off the furnace. Your owner's manual will give specific instructions for your type of furnace.
You'll find the burners in a chamber above the blower. Take the burners out so you can clean them.
4. Cleaning Furnace Burners
Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to clean the burners. It'll remove dust or rust that has built up since the last clean.
You might find the dirt is too stubborn to remove. If so, tap the burners to help knock any debris loose. Vacuum around the blower too while you have the furnace open.
5. Reassemble the Furnace
Once they're clean, put the burners back in the furnace. Replace the front panel on the unit. It's now safe to turn the gas and electricity supply back on.
If your heaters are blowing cold air, check out our guide to diagnose the problem.
Enjoy a Warm Home
Now you know why cleaning furnace burners should be part of your annual maintenance. You also know how to do it so you can clean them yourself.
Yet you may still find issues with your furnace. It may need further repair, so you'll need professional help to diagnose the problem.
If you're in Hanford CA or Visalia CA, contact us today and we'll get your home toasty warm for the winter.
Choosing the Right Commercial HVAC System Size in Terra Bella, CA
Purchasing the right HVAC system for your commercial space ensures that it is efficient and provides comfort. Choosing the right size HVAC system is a daunting task, and there are factors you need to take into consideration. Here are things to consider when sizing to put a new unit into a commercial building in Terra Bella, CA.
Building Type
It is important to consider the space where you will install the unit. You will need to consider the square footage of your building and the height of your ceilings to determine the cubic foot volume. A building with high ceilings will require a unit that offers more heating and cooling.
Application
The nature of your business will determine the size of an HVAC system. Some businesses like grocery stores or hospitals will require more cooling than office spaces.
Location
The climate of your location will help you determine the size of your system. A building in a hot climate will have different cooling needs than the one in a colder climate. Buildings in hot and humid climates usually require larger systems than buildings in cooler regions.
Existing Insulation
Insulation helps to keep outdoor heat from entering your home. Buildings with inadequate insulation may require larger systems to keep them comfortable.
Windows are a source of energy loss in a building. A building with many windows will require more cooling. The type of windows also affects the size of the system that you will require.
Type of System
There various types of HVAC systems. Some HVAC systems offer more heating or cooling than others. For example, furnaces offer more heat than heat pumps due to their combustion process. Other systems require existing ductwork while others don't.
ZONE Air & Heating Inc. provides AC repair services. We offer flat-rate pricing with excellent quality of work and customer service that guarantees 100% satisfaction. Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc. today for all your HVAC maintenance and installation services.
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5 Common AC Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Your AC unit is essential for livability and comfort. In the US, nationwide AC installation costs now average between $8,000 and $15,000, a figure that is rising. That's why it is important that the technician who installs your AC gets it right the first time.
There are a number of common AC installation mistakes that poorly trained technicians can make. These mistakes can end up costing you time and money.
That's why being able to identify the mistakes before they happen is crucial. When you know the most common AC installation mistakes, you will be able to ensure that your technician gets it right the first time. Read on to find out what you need to be aware of when getting a new AC.
1. The Wrong Size AC
The most common mistake when installing AC is when a technician chooses the wrong sized unit for your home. There are various different unit sizes that a technician might recommend.
They might try and sell you the biggest unit they have, which will be more expensive. However, an oversized AC unit will fail to properly cool your home and may lead to some serious structural damage. Bigger is not always better when buying an AC unit.
2. Refrigerant Pipes Are Too Long
There are numerous locations for units in your home. No matter where you choose to put it, it is important that the refrigerant pipes that connect the indoor and outdoor units are kept as short as possible.
Pipes that are too long will make it impossible to complete the essential cooling cycle, leading to the overuse and breakdown of your AC system.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Placement
The thermostat of your AC has the role of regulating how much power your AC unit uses and how to keep indoor temperatures at optimal levels. When choosing where to place thermostats, it is important that it is placed somewhere that will not throw your AC unit out of whack.
Placing a thermostat near a heat source such as a radiator or light bulb is a big no-no, as this will prompt the AC to work overtime.
4. Poor Insulation
Providing adequate insulation is a vital part of any AC installation service. This could mean filling open areas of window units with insulation foam. It could mean installing the right size insulation ducts.
If your AC has poor insulation, then it may suffer from cold air leakage. This can lead not only to insufficient cooling but also a complete breakdown of your AC system.
5. Badly Designed Drainage Systems
AC systems tend to create a lot of wastewater. This must be safely drained away if you do not want any problems. Improperly installed drainage systems will lead to a buildup of water in and around your AC unit.
This will not only cause unpleasant leaks in your home, but it can also lead to severe damage to your AC. What's more, poor drainage can cause water to freeze in the pipes, destroying your AC completely.
Call a Professional to Avoid AC Installation Mistakes
AC installation mistakes may be common, but they are by no means unavoidable. Never be afraid to ask your technician questions about the installation process and let them know that you are clued up.
The best thing you can do is to call an installation expert with years of experience, who will be sure to avoid any mistakes. For this, do not hesitate to call our professional AC installation team today to arrange an error-free AC experience.
3 Ways to Tell a Ductless HVAC Unit Is Malfunctioning in Porterville, CA
Ductless HVAC systems have become increasingly popular because of their added control and energy efficiency. However, before you consider having one, you should understand that ductless systems, just like any other system, are can develop problems. In this guide, we explain three ways to tell if your ductless unit is not working properly in Porterville, CA.
1. Unusually High Utility Bills
A ductless system is a good choice for keeping your home cool and improving your indoor air quality during the summer. You’ll want to keep a close eye on your monthly utility bills to see if they are consistent with those from previous months and years. Suddenly getting unusually high utility bills could indicate that there is something wrong with your ductless system and that you need an expert to check it.
2. Low Output
A low output of conditioned air could indicate that there is a problem as well. Several factors might cause low output from your ductless system. This can be as a result of an electrical problem with a single unit or an issue with a particular air handler.
Loss of output can be a result of a faulty air handler motor, which could compromise its ability to circulate air. Low output from the air handlers may also insinuate that you have a bigger problem, and you may need an expert to examine the system. A common explanation for this problem is that the system is leaking refrigerant.
3. Weird Sounds
You should never ignore any unusual, creepy sound that may crop up when the ductless system is operating. Although these sounds may seem trivial, they are among the first indicators that your ductless unit is not working properly, and you need an expert to check it. A bubbling sound from your system might indicate that your system is failing.
Our team of HVAC experts provides excellent quality work and customer service in Porterville, CA. Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc. today to learn more about our ductless AC and commercial HVAC services.
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Why Is the Heater Blowing Cold Air? 5 Likely Reasons Your Home Isn't Warming Up
Heat in your home during the colder months is essential. It can mean the difference between a comfortable environment and one that is completely inhospitable.
In order to ensure that you are comfortable, you probably depend on your heater a lot. However, often things can and do go wrong with it. Your heater may start blowing only cold air.
When this happens you will probably want to know, why is the heater blowing cold air? In order to troubleshoot this problem, you will need some guidance. Here is a look at what you need to know.
1. Why is the Heater Blowing Cold Air?
The fact is that there are several reasons why the heater could be blowing cold air. One of the first things you should check is your breaker. Often the breaker will trip and prevent the heater from functioning properly.
If you have a gas furnace this is still relevant to you because gas furnaces usually have an electric starter. This electric starter is used to ignite the furnace.
2. Check Your Flame Sensor
Your flame sensor may be dirty. The flame sensor tells the gas heating unit to turn on. It also tells warm air to cycle through the heater.
When the sensor is dirty it will often not recognize if your burners are turned on. A dirty sensor can prevent ignition as well. The end result is that cold air is passed through the heater.
3. Your Heat Pump May Be Covered
Another common reason why your heater may not be working is that your heat pump may have been covered in snow.
The heat pump can also malfunction if it is low in refrigerant or has bad valves. Check your metering device as well. If any of these are bad you will need to get professional help.
4. Check the Pilot Light
If the gas supply to the furnace is interrupted then the pilot light on the furnace will go out. When this happens this will make the heater blow cold air.
Check the manual that came with the furnace, it will usually contain instructions on how to relight your furnace. If after you have re-lit your furnace it will not stay lit then you need professional help.
5. Is Your Thermostat Working?
If you keep your thermostat in the on position instead of the auto position the furnace will run continually.
This means that the furnace will be running even when it's not on the heat cycle. All you need to do is adjust the thermostat. Check the thermostat batteries as well to make sure they are functioning correctly.
Get Warmed Up
You now know the answer to, why is the heater blowing cold air? If you find this happening be sure to troubleshoot your breaker, flame sensor, heat pump, pilot light, and thermostat.
More than likely something has gone wrong with one or more of them. Often you can fix the issue yourself.
If you find that you cannot fix it yourself then you can hire professionals. When you need professional help do not hesitate to contact us.
4 Things that Could Make Water Drip from Your Air Vents in Tulare, CA
Water dripping from your air vents isn’t normal and is a problem that needs to be fixed right away. While some of these issues are minor, others can be severe and require professional help. Here are a few things that could cause water to drip from air vents at your home in Tulare, CA.
Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant can occur as a result of leaks or undercharging. This problem can cause your air vents to leak water, just like the air filters. Professional maintenance may be necessary to diagnose and fix the issue.
Clogged Condensate Line
Over time, your condensate line will become clogged with dirt, algae, dust and debris. This is particularly true because it is outside the house. Too much dirt can cause accumulation of condensation in the air vents and cause water to drip from the air vents.
Air Leaks
Air leaks around the AC vents can cause condensation to develop and drip from your AC vents. Air should pass through the supply gates rather than escape around the vents.
You should check your air vents to see if there is any air escaping. Better still, call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Trying to troubleshoot or diagnose HVAC issues on your own can be a risky proposition. Without the proper knowledge and training, you could end up causing additional damage to your equipment or void any warranty coverage you might have.
Call ZONE Air & Heating Inc. today to schedule routine maintenance, prompt repairs, or AC installation services. Your home comfort is our number one priority, so we work hard to ensure your AC functions correctly. Our highly qualified technicians strive to provide you with top-quality services to improve your home's comfort level as well as your overall quality of life.
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Ceiling Fan vs. AC: A Comparison of Power, Price, and Payoff
Did you know that 90% of American households have AC units installed?
As the summer rolls on and the temperatures continue to rise, AC could seem to be your best option for cooling your house.
However, more and more people are starting to see the value of installing fan systems to cool their homes.
Where do you stand in the fan vs. ac debate? What are the advantages of each system?
Why not read our in-depth article to find out more
The Advantages of Fan Systems
If you are interested in lowering your carbon footprint, then a fan system could be for you. The fan unit itself will produce or use no harmful gases or pollutants whatsoever. This means that you will have a more environmentally friendly air movement system.
A fan system is a very simple system. As mentioned it does not require any chemicals. This means that it does not require and piping or invasive installation before you can switch it on. The operating costs are generally low and it will require little maintenance over its long lifespan.
Fan systems can be portable or fixed. You can move a portable fan system from room to room as you need to. If you stop using a room, you can remove the fan from the room for free. This is not so easy with an AC System.
Fan systems definitely have their advantages, however they do lack some significant functionality. What are these?
The Advantages of AC Systems
While fan systems do have their advantages, we have to accept that actually, they only move air in the room. They do not actually have any cooling or heating ability. If you have a room that becomes stifling hot in summer, an AC unit is the only way to lower the ambient temperature in the room.
While fan systems are generally cheaper, AC systems are also dropping in price. When you consider their greater functionality, you may wish to benefit from a low-cost AC unit.
Many people are not aware that AC units also work as dehumidifiers. This means that your skin's cooling system is more effective due to the average low moisture level in the air.
The Verdict
Fan systems are effective at providing air movement and a degree of relief in a warm house. However, if you are constantly living or working in a warm or humid environment, you will likely need a more powerful system that can control the temperature in the air.
Fan vs. AC - Which Should You Choose?
There is an ongoing debate about Fan vs. AC. Which is best for you? You likely now have the data you need to be able to choose how you will cool your home.
If you are interested in learning more about home heating and cooling systems, then we are here to help. We leverage our experiences as professionals in the heating industry.
Why not check out our blog or contact us to find out more.
How to Use Your New Home Air Purifier in Porterville, CA
Air purifiers can help you and your loved ones breathe easier, get relief from allergy symptoms and have a cleaner home. They are truly made to improve the indoor air quality of your home in Porterville, CA. Get the most out of your air purifier by following the tips below.
Keep It Going
It is best to keep your air purifier running at all times if you can afford it. You should keep it on the low or medium setting, so it will run quietly in the background. Running your system on automatic may cut it off when you need it most.
Clean the Filters
You should always make sure that you clean your air purifier's filters on a monthly basis. You can rinse them under clean water, wipe them down with a damp cloth or even vacuum them. This will ensure that your air purifier can continue doing its job without clogs or excess debris.
Replace the Filters
It is also important to replace the filters in your air purifier as necessary. Most air purifiers require a replacement on at least a yearly basis, but you should do this more often if you have excess dust or pet dander. Many filters continue to perform for more than a year, but it is best to keep to a replacement schedule.
Go Over
Most Air purifiers will list the square footage that they can cover. It is better if they do not have your home's exact square footage, to go over rather than under. Choose an air purifier that covers slightly more area rather than slightly less.
Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc.
When you decide that an air purifier is the right choice to improve the air quality of your home in Porterville, CA, contact our team at ZONE Air & Heating Inc. for your installation. We're trusted for our commitment to service and ready to help you choose the equipment that's best for you.
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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home This Summer: The Top Hints, Tips, and Tricks
Summer is here, and hot weather isn't the only thing that has arrived with it. For many people, hotter temperatures also mean poor indoor air quality.
This can lead to the development of many unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and sinus congestion, among others.
Keep reading for five things you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
1. Keep Any Carpets and Rugs Clean
If you have any pets, you know how easy it is for their hair to stick to carpets and rugs. But did you know that carpets and rugs can also trap dust and other particles?
This means that if you clean them, they can work as air filters. However, if they are left dirty, their effects can be damaging.
Clean them once a week to be safe!
2. Control Household Humidity
Depending on where your home is, summer might be a humid and sticky time. If that is the case, the humidity levels in your home should be controlled.
Too much humidity in the air encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory reactions. Those with allergies and asthma will also find high humidity levels particularly uncomfortable.
Consider buying a dehumidifier to maintain consistent and comfortable levels.
3. Change Your AC Filter
Air conditioners work hard to keep a consistently cool temperature in your home. As they filter through different types of common air pollutants, they stop working as well, and can also negatively affect the air quality of your home.
Change your filter regularly, especially if you live in a city or are prone to allergies.
Comfort Now Air Conditioning and Heating is happy to help you service any air-conditioner, and can even repair or install a new one if necessary.
4. Use Natural Scents
Synthetic fragrances might evoke feelings of cleanliness, but consider using naturally-scented or fragrance-free products instead.
Products such as laundry detergents, cleaning sprays, and air fresheners emit a variety of chemicals into the air. The effects that many of these chemicals have on human health are still not certain.
Using natural or fragrance-free products will eliminate any potential risk.
5. Don't Smoke Indoors
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different chemicals and is, therefore, a huge factor in indoor air quality.
Not only are these chemicals damaging to the smoker, but they also affect others in the room. Those with secondhand smoke exposure have been found more likely to suffer from respiratory problems and infections.
Many Americans have quit smoking in recent years, but if you haven't, there are a variety of different guides that can help you.
If you still need to smoke, do it outside!
Indoor Air Quality Improvement - Let Us Help You
For many people, summer also means lower indoor air quality. However, this does not need to be the case, and there are several things you can do to keep air quality levels high.
Consider investing in a new HVAC unit, or at the very least repairing or maintaining the one you have.
Contact us today and let us help you make your home a safer and more comfortable place!