Although air conditioning isn’t technically a necessity, we also wouldn’t consider it a luxury either. Today, almost every building, home, business, and car has some sort of cooling device, whether it is a central AC, ductless mini-splits, or simply high-powered fans. Regardless of what type of cooling system you have, it will need to be maintained, periodically repaired, and eventually replaced. That’s where Honest Abe’s Home Services comes in! We are a full-service, air conditioning, and air quality company that is pleased to be serving you with excellent customer service and knowledgeable technicians.
How To Tell if Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
Aside from not having ANY cold air, there are a few telltale signs that your HVAC unit is in need of repair. Many of these can be prevented with annual tune-ups and regular air filter changes, but as units age, problems begin to arise more often. Here are a few red flags that your system needs a repair or will in the near future:
- Inaccurate Thermostat: Check the batteries first, but if there is no change, there may be an electrical issue
- Little to No Airflow: This could mean a blockage or a broken blower motor
- Excess Humidity: An AC should remove a decent portion of the moisture in your home’s air. Finding it to be more humid than usual could be a sign of malfunction and not just higher outdoor moisture
- Loud Noises: Broken or loose parts can cause strange noises. The same can be said for loose air ducts, so always be on the lookout for anything that sounds out of the ordinary in your home.
- Bad Odors: An AC should not create any odors smelling burnt plastic, chemicals, or any other noticeable scent that is problematic
- Warm Air: If you have airflow but no cold air, you may be out of refrigerant. Similarly, an issue with your evaporator coils could also be the cause of lukewarm air.
Benefits of New AC Installations
Opting to purchase a new air conditioning system and have it installed typically comes after a lot of consideration or expensive repairs. Air conditioners only last about 15 years, but if they haven’t been maintained well, they will last a shorter period of time. No matter your reasoning for purchasing a new AC, you should consider carefully whether or not you want to have it professionally installed and by who:
- Choosing a neighborhood handyman may result in the manufacturer’s warranty being voided, and if they do not carry insurance, you may be stuck paying for any damage
- Installing a new AC system yourself can be dangerous--you will be working with a heavy unit and electricity. You don’t have to chance electrocution if you opt for an Honest Abe’s technician
- Purchasing a properly-sized AC is important to be cost and energy efficient. Our technicians can help guide you to the right unit for your home and budget
- You will increase your energy efficiency due to the unit being set up for your home. This also increases the longevity of an AC unit
Indoor Air Quality and Your AC Filter
Have you been sneezing and coughing a lot lately? Or maybe your eyes have been red, itchy, and watery. Those are all classic signs of allergies, but they may not be from pollen or anything outside. Your allergies could be being affected by a dirty AC filter!
Although forgetting to change your AC filter for a few days may not be the end of the world, forgetting to change it for weeks or months may cause a problem. Your air filter traps the dirt, debris, pollen, dust, and dander that flow through your air ducts and ensures that you don’t breathe these irritants in. A dirty filter will not be able to catch all of these contaminants, which means you will be breathing all of them in!
In addition to poor air quality, when your filter is dirty, you will also see increased energy bills and increased wear and tear on your AC. Both of these issues are due to the fact the system has to work harder to push air through your home.
What Are Ductless Mini Split AC Systems?
Ductless mini-split AC systems may sound like the newest cooling technology, but the truth is that these units have been around for years! They have been popular in overseas countries like Japan due to the little space needed for the system to function. To explain these systems a bit better, they consist of two main components and are linked by a conduit. The inside component is basically an air handler that circulates cool air in the room, and the outdoor component is similar to a compressor. As air enters the system, it is blown over evaporator coils to cool it and is circulated through the room. The refrigerant that is in the coils expands to a gas and travels to the outdoor compressor to release the heat and be compressed back into a liquid, returning to the evaporator coils.
Ductless mini-split AC systems can cool whole houses by hooking up to 4 of the indoor components (wall cassettes) to one outdoor compressor. Because these units do not need air ducts, no cool air is lost in transit making them far more efficient than traditional AC systems.
Why Is Your Air Blowing Warm?
If your air conditioning is blowing warm air or not at all, it is certainly time for a call to Honest Abe’s Home Services! As we mentioned, we’re a full-service AC company which means no problem is too big or too small for us. When our technicians arrive at a call, they will diagnose your AC problem and give you the information you need to make the best decision for your home and budget! If you aren’t sure what to do, as our honest opinion--we’ll tell you what we would choose for our own home!
Inaccurate Thermostat
If your thermostat is not accurately reading the temperature in your home, it could be a sign of an electrical issue within your HVAC system. This can cause your air conditioner to run inefficiently or fail to properly cool your space.
It's important to have a professional technician inspect your thermostat and diagnose any underlying problems to ensure your air conditioner is functioning correctly.
Inadequate Airflow
Restricted airflow can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a blocked air filter, a faulty blower motor, or leaks in your ductwork. Reduced airflow can make your air conditioner work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential system failure.
Addressing airflow problems promptly can help improve your system's efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Newer air conditioning systems are designed with advanced technologies that make them significantly more energy-efficient than older models. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency AC unit can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills.
In addition, many new systems come with features like programmable thermostats and zoning capabilities that allow you to further optimize your energy usage and comfort.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Modern air conditioners often incorporate advanced filtration systems that remove more pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from the air, improving the overall indoor air quality in your home.
This can be especially beneficial for those with respiratory issues or allergies, as it can help reduce the presence of irritants and promote a healthier living environment.
Importance of Regular Filter Maintenance
Regularly replacing your air conditioner's air filter is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of your system. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your HVAC components.
By staying on top of filter changes, you can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioner and ensure your family is breathing clean, filtered air.
Efficient Cooling without Ductwork
Ductless mini-split systems offer a versatile and energy-efficient cooling solution for homes and buildings that lack traditional ductwork. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units, connected by a small conduit.
By avoiding the use of air ducts, ductless mini-splits can deliver cool air more directly and avoid the energy losses associated with duct systems, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
Refrigerant Leaks
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, one of the most common causes is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the essential compound that allows your AC system to absorb heat from the indoor air and transfer it outside.
A refrigerant leak can cause your system to lose its cooling capacity, leading to warm air being circulated throughout your home. Addressing a refrigerant leak quickly is crucial to restore proper cooling and prevent further damage to your HVAC system.
Evaporator Coil Issues
Another potential reason for warm air blowing from your air conditioner is a problem with the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air, and if it becomes dirty, damaged, or frozen, it can prevent the system from effectively cooling your home.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the evaporator coil can help ensure it continues to function properly and maintain the desired cooling performance.
