A well-functioning air conditioner is essential in any household in Oak Harbor. It helps keep the air inside your home comfortable and circulate fresh air throughout. If you want to keep your AC running smoothly, without having to face costly major repairs later on, it’s important to catch small issues before they become too severe. Luckily, there are several ways one can go about doing this. Pay Attention to Noises One of the most important clues that your AC system needs a maintenance service is strange noises, such as grinding, humming, and rattling. One of the biggest causes of these noises is the fan belt, whose job it is to turn the fan blades. If you hear strange noises coming from your AC unit, then it’s likely that something has gone wrong with the fan belt or its components. Another possible source of noise is the compressor, which is responsible for running the refrigerant through the system. If the compressor produces a loud, rattling noise, then it could be due to worn-out bearings or something else going wrong inside. Additionally, the fan blades may be making unusual noises if they run too fast or are not properly balanced. It’s best...
View Article
Regular air conditioning inspections are an important part of HVAC maintenance. Of course, a professional maintenance visit is the only way to ensure your AC is running optimally, but it’s also a good idea to casually inspect your AC on your own a couple of times a year. This allows you to find any potential issues and get them fixed before they become worse. If you want to keep your air conditioner functioning as effectively as possible, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these warning signs. Malfunctioning Thermostat Problems Start your inspection by checking out the thermostat. You can test indoor air temperature with a thermostat to see if the thermostat is properly calibrated, but keep in mind that HVAC professionals will have more accurate equipment for testing air temperatures. You should also make sure the thermostat is communicating correctly with your AC system. To do this, turn the thermostat temperature down to see if the AC kicks on and up to see if the AC turns off. Debris Around the Exterior Unit Don’t forget to include the outdoor unit in your inspection. This part of your AC system helps to dissipate excess heat outside. However, if it’s...
View Article
If the air conditioner in your Oak Harbor, Washington home malfunctions or fails, you may be able to sidestep the costs of replacement or repairs. Nearly all AC manufacturers offer five-year product warranties that cover defective parts. However, the only way to enjoy the benefits that these warranties provide is by scheduling routine AC service. Why Professional AC Service Is Essential Annual service optimizes the efficiency of air conditioners. When scheduled in spring, these services also prime cooling equipment for the challenges that lie ahead. They give our technicians a chance to identify and address problems early on. This way, minor issues never spiral out of control. During routine AC service, we replace worn or missing parts, calibrate cooling equipment, and take other measures to limit system stress. Well-maintained AC units last a lot longer than models that never receive professional care, and they’re less likely to require expensive repairs. If you skip annual maintenance service and your air conditioner breaks down, your AC manufacturer is unlikely to cover your repairs. This remains true even if your AC problems are the result of a manufacturing defect that would otherwise qualify you for coverage. The reason is simple. When you sign...
View Article
Your air conditioner is probably one of the most vital appliances in your home during the summer months. An AC keeps your indoor environment cool and comfortable from the scorching temperatures. But even the best brands in the market require professional service to facilitate proper functioning throughout the hot days. However, it may be challenging to determine when to schedule a service for your air conditioner. Here are five tell-tale signs that it’s time for AC service. 1. System Makes Strange Noises Usually, an air conditioner makes some low-level sounds, especially when turning on and shutting down. But during normal operation, it should make little to no noise. If you notice any strange sounds, such as buzzing, screeching, humming, or rattling noises, it indicates that your AC needs service. A screeching sound may be an indication of a malfunctioning fan motor. Humming or buzzing may signify a compressor problem, while rattling noises may be a sign of a mechanical issue. An experienced professional will assess your system’s internal components during AC service and fix the issue. 2. AC Blows Warm Air The main function of your AC is to cool down your indoor space. But if you turn on your...
View Article
As a homeowner, you rely on your HVAC system to provide heating and cooling inside your home year-round. While you need your HVAC system to stay comfortable, you also want to ensure that you take steps to keep your energy bills in check. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to balance comfort and energy efficiency. You can also follow a few tips to get the most out of your HVAC system. 1. Service Your HVAC System Often Can you recall the last time you had your HVAC system checked? If not, lack of maintenance could be the reason you’re paying more on your energy bills than usual. Investing in regular maintenance is perhaps the most important thing you can do to ensure that it is running efficiently and free of operational issues. Unmaintained HVAC systems often contain dirty or worn-out components that make it harder for the system to do its job. An overworked system will drive up your energy bills and have a harder time keeping you comfortable. Lack of maintenance can also lead to costly repairs and premature breakdowns, costing you even more money. 2. Invest in a New Thermostat HVAC thermostats have come a...
View Article
If you own a home in Washington State, ductless AC can be better than a traditional HVAC system. There are several reasons to consider having a ductless AC system installed in your home. What Is Ductless AC? Also known as a mini-split system, a ductless AC system has two components. There is an outdoor unit and an indoor air-handling unit. There is a conduit running between these components that has a refrigerant line, power cable, condensate drain, and suction tubing. Some outdoor units can attach to up to four indoor air handlers. Heat and Cool Your Home A ductless AC can also heat your home. In the summer, it moves warm air out of your home and releases it outdoors. In the winter, it moves heat from the outdoors into your home. As such, a ductless AC will completely replace a traditional HVAC system. Better Energy Efficiency A ductless AC is more energy efficient than furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. One reason for this is that you’re only heating or cooling a single room instead of your entire house. Another reason they’re very efficient is that they don’t need ductwork, unlike traditional HVAC systems. In most homes, over 30%...
View Article
With the usually mild temperatures around Oak Harbor, it’s worth exploring whether your home is best served by a heat pump or a central air system. Discover the differences between the two systems, and how to determine which is the best option for your situation. How Do Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Work? Let’s begin by looking at how air conditioners and heat pumps work. Both use a system that uses a refrigerant to transfer heat. In the case of an air conditioner, it absorbs the heat from the air circuiting inside your home and transfers it to the air outside. It does this by regulating the pressure of the refrigerant, making it cold enough to absorb heat by dropping the refrigerant’s pressure. It then compresses it, increasing the temperature, to make it hot so that it can transfer that heat outside. A heat pump operates on the very same principle as the air conditioner. The difference is that the heat pump has a reversing valve, allowing it to operate as a heating system in addition to cooling. When the reversing valve activates, it increases the pressure inside your home rather than lowering the pressure. Different Types of Heat Pumps...
View Article
An AC unit works by absorbing the moisture and heat from the air in your home. The moisture from your home’s air condenses on the condenser coils and runs down into the drain pan before being expelled through the drain line. The tube leading from the drain pan to the outside of your home is called a “drain line.” Most of the time, the drain line works great. However, because it is an enclosed, damp space, it’s an ideal breeding ground for mildew, mold, and sludge. Additionally, dirt and debris can get into the drain line and accumulate in it. If the drain line is not drained regularly, these items can clog it, allowing water to back up into the air conditioning unit and causing damage to the unit itself. The most common signs of clogged drain lines are: Dripping water An always full condensate pan Moldy and musty smell coming from the unit Insufficient cooling Water damage inside your unit Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to unclog the drain line in your AC unit. The following easy steps will show you how. 1. Turn Off Your AC Unit First things first, when working on your AC unit, it is...
View Article
Energy costs can make up a significant portion of your monthly bills. This is particularly true during the summer season when many people run their air conditioners frequently. Whether you are in need of a new cooling unit or are looking for a way to save money, you may be wondering if a window unit or whole-home HVAC system is a better option. This depends on a number of factors. Let’s take a look at those factors so that you can make the best decision according to your home’s needs. How Much Will You Pay for a New System? When deciding between a window unit or an HVAC system, one of the most important factors to look at is the amount you need to pay upfront. On average, a window air conditioning unit ranges in price from around $250 to $1,000. According to the most recent statistics, a new central AC system will cost between $3,800 and $7,400, with the national average sitting at about $5,600. You also have to factor in installation fees. Most homeowners can install a window unit on their own in as little as 30 minutes. A central AC, on the other hand, requires professional installation,...
View Article
Spring will soon arrive, but you should prepare your HVAC system before it does. It has been working hard all winter, so it needs a little tender loving care to get it ready to work throughout the warmer months. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up The first step is to contact a professional firm like to schedule a routine HVAC tune-up Spring is often a hectic time for our hard-working professionals, so you’ll want to get them to come to check out your unit as soon as possible to prevent problems during the warmer months. While talking to them, have them install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. With a programmable thermostat, you won’t have to get up to adjust it at night or remember to change it when you leave for work. Change Your Filters It’s easy to forget, but take the time to change your HVAC filters once a month, or as directed in the manufacturer’s instructions. When dirt and debris build up in your unit, it must work harder than normal, which can end up leading to higher utility bills. In the worst-case scenario, debris buildup can make your system stop working altogether. Clean Around Your...
View Article
