Steps for Troubleshooting AC Problems

Central AC systems are fairly complicated and have numerous components that could experience an issue and prevent the system from cooling effectively. Various issues could cause the system to run longer than needed, shut off too soon, or even prevent your AC from running at all. Most AC issues will require hiring a technician to diagnose the specific source of the problem and perform an AC repair service, but there are also issues that you may be able to easily overcome on your own. With that in mind, here are some steps for troubleshooting your AC system. These steps may help you to diagnose the problem or at least rule out certain issues. Make Sure the System Didn’t Trip the Circuit Breaker If you ever find that your AC won’t turn on when the thermostat calls for cooling, you should first check your main electrical panel to make sure the circuit breaker that controls your HVAC system isn’t tripped. If the circuit breaker is tripped, switch your HVAC system off at the thermostat before resetting the circuit breaker. If not, the system could immediately overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip again. If the breaker does trip again...

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Can You Service Your AC Yourself?

In the heat of summer, a well-functioning AC system is critical for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. When it comes to servicing your air conditioner, is it possible to do it yourself? Unfortunately, the answer is both yes and no. While there are several tasks that you can perform yourself, some aspects of AC maintenance are best left to professionals. Here is an overview of which tasks you can tackle independently and when it’s best to call in the experts. Cleaning and Replacing Filters One of the most critical aspects of air conditioner maintenance is regularly cleaning or replacing the filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can significantly decrease the efficiency of your unit. Of course, you can and should perform this task regularly (every 30-90 days, generally speaking), but an HVAC technician will also do this during a routine maintenance visit. Cleaning the Condenser Coils Over time, plenty of dust and debris can accumulate on the outdoor condenser coils of your AC unit. All this dirt and debris can reduce the efficiency of your system. Cleaning the coils is a task you can handle yourself, but it requires caution. An HVAC professional can also perform this task to save...

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Signs Your AC Motor Needs Replacement

During summer, you need your AC unit in good condition to provide adequate cooling for a comfortable home environment. The AC motor is an essential component of your cooling system. When it isn’t working efficiently, it can significantly affect the whole system’s performance and warrant replacement. Here are a few signs of AC motor trouble to help you make a more informed decision about your next steps. Weak or No Airflow From the Vents Weak airflow is often the first indication that the motor is having a hard time pushing sufficient air through the ducts to reach the desired temperature conditions for your house. This can result from various factors such as dust and debris buildup on the motor or a problem with the electrical connection. If there isn’t any air coming from the vents, it’s likely caused by an AC motor that has failed completely. However, other issues can lead to airflow problems, so it’s important to reach out to a professional to inspect the system. Unusually High Energy Bills When your AC motor is struggling, it must work harder to do the same job. In addition to increasing wear and tear, this also results in higher energy bills....

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How Do I Check My Home for Air Leaks?

Home air leaks are a major cause of reduced home energy efficiency, higher utility bills, and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system. In the San Antonio area, air leaks can be especially devastating because all of that hot, dry daytime air can seep into your home. This means more expensive bills and less comfortable for you and your family. Despite the many problems they cause, air leaks often go undetected for decades. Your home may have air leaks that you don’t even know about. Luckily, is here to share a few simple ways you can find air leaks in your home. 1. Candle Method Did you know that some leaks can be detected with just a candle? With this test, you’re looking for telltale signs of leaks, such as the flame flickering or blowing out or smoke getting blown into the room. Before you begin, be sure to turn off your home’s heating and cooling system to ensure accurate results. To do the test, simply light a candle and (carefully) pass it near the seams of windows and external doors. 2. Depressurization Method You can use this test to find leaks smaller than what a candle could detect....

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The Biggest 5 Causes of Air Conditioning Airflow Problems

Air conditioning airflow issues can eventually lead to your compressor failing. That’s why it’s so important to have these problems examined by a reliable AC repair technician as soon as you notice warm and cool spots in various rooms. If your house is not getting cool enough or you experience air pressure issues, there are additional signs that you have an airflow problem with your AC unit. 1. Blower Fans Not Working Blower fans move the air through your ducts and keep the airflow consistent. If they are blocked by any objects or bogged down with dirt or dust, they can move much slower than they are designed to, which means the air will not move as quickly. 2. Condenser Unit Not Clear The condenser unit should always be free from debris and dirt. Try to remember to visually inspect it often so that it is not covered by leaves, branches or other objects in your yard. 3. Air Filters Not Replaced Always replace your air filters as often as the maker of your AC unit recommends. This is an inexpensive and relatively easy way to make sure that the air is always flowing through your home. 4. Ducts Not...

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Importance of Indoor Air Quality

When it starts to get cold outside, it’s time to keep the windows and doors of your home closed. At in San Antonio, TX, we understand that poor ventilation can cause air quality issues in your building. That’s why we’re ready to provide solutions. Having a clean furnace is important, so we offer comprehensive installation, repair, and maintenance services to ensure the air that comes out of your ducts is clean. We can also clean out your duct system and remove dirt and debris. As part of our commitment to our customers, we can offer advice on different options for air filters and purifiers. Steps Individuals Can Take There are many different ways that you could improve the air quality in your building during the cold winter months. Our professional services could reduce the particulates that you breathe so that you can have peace of mind. Our high level of experience allows us to personalize all of the services we offer. One of our professional technicians could: Install humidifiers or dehumidifiers Add additional air filters Seal leaks Install UV lights Adding living plants to your building could also help clean the air that you’re breathing. If you’ve discovered mold in...

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How Do I Know If My AC Needs Repair?

It is not difficult to know if your air conditioning unit requires maintenance, but sometimes inexperienced and inexpert individuals might wonder whether the system is in excellent condition or not. Although some homeowners might notice that their unit is showing signs of repair, they may not know who to contact to help them fix the issue before it gets worse. Keep in mind that you will need your air conditioner to keep your house cool throughout the summer. With regular servicing, your system is expected to function efficiently, but in case your unit shows signs of inefficiency, then it might need urgent repair. Here are some of the warning signs that will help you understand when it’s time to contact an AC professional. Poor Air Flow In case you notice poor air flow throughout your air conditioner unit vents, then, your system’s compressor may be having issues. When you also notice that some rooms in your house become warmer than others, then your ductwork could be experiencing problems. Over time, dust gets stuck in your AC vents. This not only obstructs the airflow but also presents health issues to your family. So, having your AC ducts cleaned restores the air...

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