A-1 Mechanical Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What is it that makes some wonder “is my AC making my allergies worse” when we cool our Michigan homes? As Michiganders, we try to make the most of the summer weather, so it’s tough when your home is not the respite from the heat you need.

Why is that? Could you be allergic to your air conditioning? If you’re one of the growing number of Americans with asthma, do you feel your AC helps or hurts?

In this blog, we’ll cover why some Lansing and Grand Rapids residents feel allergies flare when the AC comes on, common indoor allergens and steps to reduce allergy symptoms when the air conditioning runs.

WHY IT FEELS LIKE AC TRIGGERS ALLERGIES

• Common “Air Conditioning” Allergy Symptoms
• Watery eyes
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Tired/fatigue
• Shortness of breath

What many people experience isn’t an allergy to air conditioning, it’s actually a response to the airborne pollutants in their homes.

Poor Air Quality

As your HVAC system pulls air into the ductwork, it brings all sorts of airborne pollutants with them. Common indoor particulates include:

• Dust
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Virus/Bacteria
• Mold/Mildew spores
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Your HVAC’s system’s air filter captures many of these but not all. If the filter is insufficient or already clogged, the contaminants circulate back into your rooms. Allergens spread and settle on surfaces, such as pillows and bedding. Poor air quality often affects babies, children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system the most.

Too Much Humidity

For anyone with respiratory or certain cardiac conditions, high humidity easily triggers difficulty breathing or full-blown asthma attacks. High humidity levels also encourage dust mite, mold and mildew growth. These three pollutants are common allergens and asthma triggers.

How is air conditioning related to humidity?

Part of the air conditioning process is removing excess moisture from the air. Humidity, or water content in the air, makes you feel warmer, so removing the excess moisture helps you feel cooler. Less moisture in the air allows your perspiration to evaporate more easily.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE ALLERGY AND ASTHMA TRIGGERS FROM AIR CONDITIONING USE AT HOME

1. Check and change your air filter regularly
2. Follow regular preventive maintenance for your air conditioner
3. Improve the filtration of airborne contaminants within your system
4. Encourage healthy home practices

Air Filter Maintenance

We encourage homeowners to check air filters each month. A handy way to remember? When the gas or electric bill arrives, check your air filter the same day. Change it as necessary. For most Michigan homes, every two to three months is sufficient.

If, however, members of your household have pets, smoke or have compromised immune systems, a monthly change might be appropriate. A clean air filter also provides the best airflow to your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump.

Dirty filters create HVAC problems, like excess wear and tear, higher utility bills and greater risk or repairs or breakdowns.

Preventive Maintenance for Your HVAC System

When a qualified HVAC technician performs a tune up, he or she inspects the system and components. As part of the tune up, the tech cleans components and notes any circumstances of concern.

These might include leaky ductwork or evidence of rodents, insects or other pests. Leaks in the ductwork allow allergens to sneak inside the ducts and your conditioned air. Rodents leave nesting material, droppings and even carcasses, which shed airborne particulates into your home.

Therefore, in addition to a more efficient air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, preventive maintenance addresses air quality in your home.

Install Air Quality Products Within the HVAC System

If you find you need greater filtration or reduction of airborne allergy and asthma triggers, install air quality equipment. There’s a variety of options available including media air cleaners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers.

When installed within the HVAC system itself, the air quality equipment filters the air throughout the whole house. Portable units are usually insufficient and require more maintenance.

Air Cleaners
Some examples include the Carrier ® Infinity ® Air Purifier – DGAPA and the Carrier Comfort™ EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter – EZXCAB.

Carrier ® Infinity ® Air Purifier – DGAPA
With whole house coverage, this air purifier uses “Captures & Kills™” technology to trap up to 95 percent of particles between 1.0 and 3.0 microns. Based on third-party testing, it even shows a greater than 99 percent kill rate for common cold surrogate Streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza.

Ever feel like your family passes the same cold germ or flu bug around for weeks? It could be in your home’s air, continually re-infecting you. It also offers flexible installation in upflow, downflow or horizontal flow furnaces.

Using easy to replace, long-lasting MERV 15 filters, Carrier offers a 10-year parts limited warranty.

Carrier Comfort EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter – EZXCAB

Another option uses the deep-pleated style MERV 10 filter to promote airflow while it removes up to 65 percent of particulates as small as 1.0 micron.

The high-dust holding capacity allows for longer periods between easy to replace filter changes. For even more filtration, MERV 13 filters are available.

Ultraviolet Air Purifier Light
A simple modification to your HVAC system, an ultraviolet air purifier light neutralizes airborne pollutants as they pass through. These UV lamps kill contaminants like mold and bacteria on the coil before they reenter your home.

Dehumidifiers
You might be familiar with portable humidifiers sold at the pharmacy or dehumidifiers sold at big box stores. Unfortunately, these temporary solutions cannot control the amount of moisture in your whole home.

If you experience asthma attacks or allergy symptoms from excess humidity, consider a whole house dehumidifier. Ideal indoor humidity is contained between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier controls the amount of moisture in the air and helps relieve the dehumidification job from your air conditioner.

Humidifiers
In the fall and winter, you may experience dry air. Common complaints of dry air include stale air, dry nasal passages, dry skin, static electricity and an increase in nosebleeds or viral and bacterial illnesses.

A whole house humidifier adds the correct amount of moisture to the air to decrease these symptoms and increase your comfort. Plus, when there’s the right amount of moisture in the air, you can set the heating system at a lower temperature.

Healthy Air Quality Habits to Avoid Feeling My AC is Making My Allergies Worse

Keep outdoors out
If pollen is a problem for you, leave your shoes at the door. There’s a lot of allergens tracked indoors on our shoes so keep them contained. Likewise, keep the windows and doors shut, especially during high pollen times.

If you’ve spent time outdoors, be sure to shower and wash your hair before bed. If pollen particulates are in your hair you don’t want to transfer them to your pillow and rub your face in them all night.

Pets and Grooming
Keep pets clean – stepping up their bath frequency if necessary. People can develop allergies at any point during their lifetime, including pet dander or saliva. If this isn’t enough, you might consider allergy shots.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
If you’re unfamiliar, VOCs come from chemicals off-gassing in your home. Unfortunately, they’re everywhere, from craft and cleaning supplies to the adhesives used in carpeting to the foam in furniture cushions or mattresses.

Most people are familiar with the “new paint smell.” You’re smelling the paint off-gassing. Strong odors like this easily trigger allergies or asthma symptoms. It’s easy to assume “why is my AC making my allergies worse” in cases like this. Good news – low or zero VOC options are readily available and are now more price-competitive.

Switch to more eco-friendly cleaning supplies and consider the “green” component of furnishing and finish purchases. Organic options are available and use less toxic glues and materials.

BREATHE EASIER WHEN YOU CALL A-1 MECHANICAL

If the high indoor humidity is too uncomfortable or compromising the health of a family member, call our team in Lansing or Grand Rapids for help. We don’t want you to worry if your air conditioning is making your allergies worse – we want to relieve your air quality concerns.

We’re proud to offer a range of heating and cooling services to our communities including air conditioner installation and AC service and repair.

Check our offers page – we frequently offer specials on indoor air quality products designed to work with your central heating and air. To request a free estimate on new HVAC equipment or to book AC repair or service, call A-1 Mechanical at 517-348-0302.

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In the dog days of summer, it’s frustrating when you must ask, “why is my AC not cooling?” In this blog we’ll review some common causes, DIY fixes and when to call a pro.

There are several reasons a central air system stops cooling effectively, so we’ll begin with steps you can take before you call for AC repair from a professional HVAC contractor.

AC DIY TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

1. Check the thermostat
2. Clear debris from the AC compressor outside
3. Check the air filter
4. Verify vents and returns inside are unblocked and open
5. See if the circuit breaker tripped

IF AC BLOWS WARM AIR OR WON’T TURN ON; CHECK THE THERMOSTAT

In some cases, an air conditioner turns on, but only blows warm or lukewarm air. Why is the AC not cooling? It could be because the thermostat is incorrectly installed or on the wrong setting.

AC Troubleshooting Fix

Verify the thermostat is set on “COOL.” Frequently, the lever or button is accidentally bumped by someone or even a vigorous duster! Plus, it’s easy, during spring and fall when our weather yo-yos a bit, to reset the thermostat after a temperature swing.

Also, check the fan setting. If the fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO” it runs 24 hours a day. In other words, the fan runs even when the air conditioner isn’t cooling.

In some cases, the thermostat is installed in a poor location, which impacts its ability to draw a true, ambient average temperature. Thermostats should be in interior rooms, away from windows, or in a hallway. Make sure there’s nothing nearby that could give off additional heat or even cooling, to confuse its temperature sensors.

Conclusion: Set thermostat on “COOL,” and the fan to “AUTO.”

IF AC STRUGGLES, HAS WEAK AIR OUTPUT; CHECK THE AC COMPRESSOR OUTSIDE

The AC compressor unit outside pumps the hot air out of your house when the air conditioner cools your house. If you use a heat pump, the compressor runs all year because a heat pump performs like an air conditioner in the summer but reverses the process in the winter.

In that case, the heat pump draws warm air from outdoors through the compressor and into the air handler where it’s distributed through the ductwork? How is that possible in colder states?

Believe it or not, heat pump technology continues to advance and keep many northern homes comfortable in every season. For example, during extreme temperatures, heat pumps draw on an auxiliary heat source, called electric heat strips. Air passes over the strips, just like a heat exchanger in a furnace, and absorbs the heat.

Regardless, heat pumps use the AC compressor unit all year. Therefore, it needs optimal airflow.

AC Troubleshooting Fix

Walk around the outdoor AC compressor unit. Clear away dirt, debris, fallen leaves and anything that’s collected around it. Too much vegetation or dirt “chokes” the AC compressor. It needs to “breathe” so make sure it’s clean.

• Locate the power switch; it’s usually inside a metal box near the AC compressor unit. Turn it off.
• Using a hose, gently spray away pollen, dirt and anything cluttering up the AC compressor fins and the base. Do not use a power washer. That is way too much force.
• Remove flowers, plants, or shrubs so that the AC compressor has a buffer zone of two to three feet.
• Make a habit of walking around the AC unit after storms to remove fallen leaves and twigs. It’s easy for twigs, for example, to end up inside the AC unit and cause problems with the fan blades.
• Trim any nearby branches if they’re leafy, thick or look like they’re dying. All it takes is a good storm and a heavy branch could really damage your AC compressor.
• When finished, let it dry as much as possible before switching it on again.

Conclusion: Clear away yard clutter and clean the outdoor unit.

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POOR AIRFLOW, AC SHUTS OFF EARLY OR AIR CONDITIONER FAILS TO FULLY COOL HOUSE; CHECK THE AIR FILTER

Similar to the AC compressor, your indoor components depend on good airflow. A clogged filter prevents air from easily passing through. The HVAC system strains to force air through the dirty filter. This puts excess wear and tear on your equipment, circulates contaminants and creates a lot of problems, including frozen evaporator coils.

AC Troubleshooting Fix

We recommend you check the filter in your HVAC system every month. Use the arrival of a gas or electric bill as a reminder. Most homes find a filter change every two to three months is sufficient. If your household includes smokers, pets or members sensitive to high pollen and other asthma and allergy triggers, change it more often.

Conclusion: Check your air filter and change it as needed.

_{^{Left: Dirty filter, Right, New filter. Image credit: Pinterest}}

AC NOT COOLING, HOT OR COLD SPOTS IN THE HOUSE; CHECK AIR VENTS

It’s common for furniture, drapes or temporary items like toys, to block air vents in the house. Again, obstructions to airflow cause your HVAC system to work harder, increasing the likelihood of an AC repair.

It’s common to have blower motor issues, frozen evaporator coils or water leaking from your air conditioner due to poor airflow. Return vents are usually larger squares or rectangles and draw air into the ducts.

They are sometimes high on the wall, but sometimes below knee-level. Supply vents are the smaller rectangle vents on the floor or up high on the ceiling.

AC Troubleshooting Fix

Walk around the house and check all the return and supply vents. Move anything blocking airflow and make sure they’re open. Sometimes homeowners think closing vents in rarely used rooms saves money. It actually disturbs the air pressure in the home and creates more problems.

Conclusion: Keep air vents unblocked and open.

AC NOT COOLING, WON’T COME ON OR SHUTS DOWN QUICKLY; CHECK CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX

Did you know the most power surges come from within your own home? Sure, lightning and external power grid issues occasionally blast power into your home, but the majority of the time, it’s your own appliances. Large appliances, like air conditioners, push a power surge through the system when they start up. If your air conditioner stops abruptly, it could be an electrical problem.

AC Troubleshooting Fix

Find the main electrical panel for your house and look for circuit breakers in the OFF position. If you’re lucky enough to have clearly-labeled circuit breakers, look for “AC” or “Air Conditioner.” If it’s tripped, push the breaker into the “ON” position and see what happens.

Conclusion: It’s possible a one-time event tripped the circuit breaker. If, however, the breaker immediately trips again when you try to run the AC, turn off the air conditioner and call a professional. It’s likely you have an electrical issue.

COMMON AC NOT COOLING ISSUES FOR PROS

If the DIY AC troubleshooting tips haven’t resolved your issues, it’s best if you call professionals for help. Common air conditioner problems causing your AC to not cool your home include:

• Refrigerant problems. It could be a leak or low charge. Regardless, refrigerant is a toxic chemical and you don’t want to mess with it. Call an HVAC technician.
• Fan motor issues. If the fan motor is broken or suffering from electrical issues, it can push cool air through your house. Call an HVAC technician.
• Bad capacitor. If the capacitor is bad, your AC isn’t getting the power it needs. You need a replacement from an HVAC technician.
• Worn out AC compressor. The compressor is a major component and often under a separate warranty. Call an HVAC technician to see if it can be saved. If not, you may need to consider an air conditioner replacement.

Weigh the cost of repair against the cost of new air conditioner installation. Consider with a new AC you’ll get a new warranty and if it’s more energy-efficient, lower AC bills immediately.

AC STILL NOT COOLING? CALL A-1 MECHANICAL

If these central air conditioning troubleshooting tips haven’t solved the problem, call our team in Lansing or Grand Rapids for help. We’re eager to help when you find your AC not cooling effectively. We offer a range of heating and cooling services to our communities including air conditioner installation, AC service and repair.

For a free estimate on new HVAC equipment or to book AC repair or service, call A-1 Mechanical at 517-348-0302.

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A quality air conditioning unit lasts for more than a decade. Air conditioning provides an oasis from the extreme heat of summer. Providing both comfort and security for your family is important. Your HVAC system is an expensive investment so it’s critical to know how to prevent air conditioner damage. Wear and tear over time results in high energy bills, and expensive air conditioner repairs may even result in premature air conditioning replacement in the future.

There are many factors that can damage your air conditioner. Both the summer sun and the frigid winters can weather your AC unit. Your HVAC unit has many moving parts which mean neglecting the air conditioner can lead to damage. A dirty HVAC system that frequently breaks down is also more prone to require replacement. A-1 Mechanical stresses the importance of properly maintaining your air conditioner to get the most out of your HVAC system.

5 Steps to Prevent Air Conditioner Damage

There are a number of key tips on how to prevent air conditioner damage and save money every month and for the lifetime of your equipment. As a local Lansing, Michigan HVAC contractor A-1 Mechanical provides our extensive experience and knowledge to help you save money. For many homeowners your HVAC system can benefit from following these steps:

Protect Your AC Unit with a Cover

When the AC unit is dormant in the late fall and winter, a protective cover prevents elements like rain, snow, leaves, and dirt from directly damaging your AC system. As we transition into warmer weather in Lansing and Grand Rapids, people seek comfort from their air conditioning units to keep them cool. Of course, you must remember to protect your unit with a cover in the fall and remove the cover from the AC unit before turning on the air conditioner.

A cover helps prevent air conditioner damage when used properly. A common mistake is to turn your air conditioning on while covered, which causes the unit to overheat quickly. This usually becomes a costly mistake if parts are ruined due to overheating. In some cases, the damage requires an air conditioning system replacement.

Inspect Furnace Filter Monthly

One of the easiest ways we know how to prevent air conditioner damage is to check your HVAC unit’s air filter every month. A dirty air filter chokes the components within the air handler and ductwork. This causes airflow to be restricted. Many furnace repairs can be linked to a dirty filter. A clean air filter helps your AC unit remain energy efficient and improves your indoor air quality.

This is simple air conditioner maintenance you can do yourself. When the filter is clogged, your system works harder to push air through it to heat or cool your home. This strains the system and ages it faster. It also requires more energy which increases your utility bills. Finally, it speeds up the path to increased repairs and even breakdowns. When you look at your air filter, first take note of any dirt or dust collected in the filter. If there is a significant amount, replace it with a new filter. Since air filters help to reduce energy costs, many homeowners choose to replace air filters monthly.

When purchasing a new furnace filter, each manufacturer recommends a compatible filter. There are many filters in the marketplace that make many claims. Always defer to the manufacturer of your HVAC system. Making sure you get the right filter type as well as a filter with the right dimensions ad type. Different types of furnace filters include fiberglass, pleated, and media. The wrong air filter can damage your air handler and air conditioner. By trusting the manufacturer your air conditioning runs properly, reduces energy bills, and prevents breakdowns.

Regularly replacing your furnace filter with the proper filter maintains the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and prevents excess wear and tear.

Clean The Outdoor Unit

Outdoor AC compressors lose airflow and thus, energy efficiency when leaves, dirt, dust and other debris collect on it. There are many sources of airborne debris that can clog your system and impact compressors. This is because the clogged air conditioner vents can’t circulate air efficiently. This, similar to a dirty air filter, causes the unit to work harder to produce the same cooling results. Cleaning restrictions from around the unit is a simple chore to perform weekly as part of your yard work. Clean systems produce cold air more efficiently and save energy.

Airborne debris also settles on air conditioner coils. Dirty air conditioner coils create an insulating effect. This makes it hard for the unit to vent the heat from your home to the outdoors. This increases cooling costs and impacts the comfort throughout your entire house.

Anytime you are in your backyard and especially after severe storms, make a quick check around your AC compressor. Specifically, pay attention during the spring storm season and during the autumn months when leaves are falling. Beware of ice on your AC unit and after the snow melts.

Inside your home keeping the area around your air handler is also important. You should think of your entire system as benefiting from steady airflow that is clean. Air will never be completely free of particulate but the cleaner you keep the area around your equipment, inside your system, and within your home, the better performance and indoor air quality.

Install Smart Thermostat

You’re probably already aware of the benefits of programmable thermostats and home automation systems, but there are certain things to keep in mind. For example, if you set your thermostat too low, you may decrease the lifespan of your AC unit through overuse. Each degree can save energy.

Programmable thermostats are helpful when you have a set work schedule. Programming your thermostat to use less energy is powerful. Using your air conditioning when you are not home is a waste of money. For many homeowners and busy families your life is not set by a work schedule, though.

Smart thermostats save on air conditioning bills by adapting to your actual activity. The smart thermostat adjusts your AC unit to respond when you leave your home. The less your air conditioner works the longer it lasts.

Schedule Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance

The final piece of advice on how to prevent air conditioner damage is to schedule preventive air conditioner maintenance. While these other steps are important DIY steps, professional HVAC maintenance is valuable for saving energy. Calibrating your system with professional HVAC professionals each spring assures your system maintains warranty and prevents surprise breakdowns.

Each brand of air conditioner requires unique steps. Professional HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical follow manufacturer guidelines and perform our thorough processes. Our experience and training guide our vision for helping homeowners achieve better performance and prevent air conditioner damage.

With a regular maintenance plan with a licensed heating and air company, you catch minor air conditioner problems before it needs more expensive repairs. This saves you money and avoids the expense and inconvenience of an unexpected major air conditioner repair later. Clean AC units with clean and well-functioning components cost less to operate. Our team also helps to verify ventilation is working properly and thermostats are optimized to save money.

If you do experience issues contact our team as soon as possible. A-1 Mechanical has experience with all types of repairs from the fan not spinning to complete breakdowns.

FOR MORE TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT AIR CONDITIONER DAMAGE CALL A-1 MECHANICAL in LANSING, MI

If you are interested in our residential air conditioner repair service or a maintenance tune up, please contact our team. We help reduce air conditioner bills and protect you against damage.

A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers just like you keep their air conditioning units in optimal running condition.

We bring heating and air service, repair, and installation to Lansing communities such as Haslett, Williamston, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte and Grand Ledge.

You’ll also find us in the Grand Rapids area, including Byron Center, Grandville, Jenison, Kentwood, Plainfield, Walker, Cutlerville, Wyoming, Comstock, Park and East Grand Rapids.

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Since air conditioners are an investment in your home, it makes sense that you would want to do your research before spending all that money. A licensed cooling system technician will be able to help you pick the best air conditioner for your budget and home cooling needs.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

When browsing new air conditioners, be sure to look at their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The government has recently required all air conditioners to have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. If an air conditioning unit has a rating anywhere between 14 and 22, then you can be sure it is energy efficient. If an air conditioning unit has a rating anywhere between 14 and 22, then you can be sure it is energy efficient.

High SEER ratings are reflective of high energy efficiencies. This means that for the same amount of energy, an energy efficient air conditioner puts out more cold air for the same cost as non-efficient models.

PRICE

When shopping for a new air conditioning unit you will have to consider both the price of the unit and the cost of installation. While some homeowners try to save money by purchasing a new air conditioning unit on their own, we don’t’ recommend it. If you are unsure what size air conditioner to purchase for your home an experienced heating and cooling contractor can help you find the right size air conditioner within your price range.

You’re better off paying money for a licensed HVAC contractor to help you pick out an appropriate central air conditioning model than to be stuck with an expensive cooling appliance that doesn’t work properly.

SIZE

The air conditioning unit size must be proportional to the size of the house; otherwise there will be complications with your residential heating and cooling system. For example, if you get a unit that’s too small for your house, it will not be big enough to provide cool air to your entire home. On the other hand, if you purchase a unit that’s too big for your house, you will end up reducing your energy efficiency and paying higher energy bills for all the electricity your oversized unit uses. This is because units that are too big for their respective houses frequently turn on and off.

Before taking a recommendation from a HVAC professional, make sure that they first do a load calculation to determine the best size air conditioner for your home. A load calculation for air conditioners takes into account the square footage of your home, along with other factors such as insulation.

If you are interested in our air conditioner unit replacement service, please feel free to call one of our Lansing cooling system technicians at (517) 272-8629. A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping homeowners enjoy comfortable homes year-round.

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With summer rapidly approaching, many homeowners are getting ready to run their air conditioner units full time. However, before making that switch, be sure to check out our tips for how to make your home more energy efficient and save money on energy bills. It’s always good practice to schedule preventative air conditioner maintenance before the hottest months of the year. That way, you won’t be stuck sweating in July while your neighbors enjoy air conditioned comfort.

Hiring a licensed heating and cooling technician to inspect your air conditioning unit can help save you money in the long run.

CHECK FILTERS MONTHLY

Air conditioner filters are responsible for catching any dust and other airborne allergens from entering your home. While this is great for improving the air quality in your home, it’s also important to check your air filters once a month. When a filter is clogged, it blocks the flow of air. This causes your air conditioning unit to work harder in order to compensate for less air passage.

Checking the filters monthly is a simple way to ensure your energy efficient air conditioning unit keeps running efficiently. If you notice a lot of dust and other debris in your filter, be sure to change it. Changing an air conditioning unit filter is simple enough that you can do it on your own without calling an air conditioning repair technician.

CLEAR DEBRIS FROM OUTDOOR UNIT

Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and other outdoor debris can collect on your outdoor air conditioning unit to block the transfer of cool and warm air. When the air conditioner isn’t able to run at full capacity, it is forced to work harder to put out the same level of cool air. This decreases your home’s energy efficiency.

To save money on your next energy bill, make sure that you check your outdoor unit to make sure there are no obstructions. This is a good thing to check for during the autumn months when the leaves start to fall. You should also check once the snow melts in the spring.

BLOCK OUT HARSH SUNLIGHT AND RUN FANS

Sun streaming through your windows brings natural light to your home. However, these sun rays also carry heat, which can quickly increase the temperature in your home. To combat this problem, be sure to close your blinds when the sun reaches its peak.

We also advise that you run fans to help circulate the air in your home and create a wind chill effect. If your home has a second story, you may want to strategically place extra fans to account for the fact that heat rises. Well-placed fans for cooling are usually enough to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the cooling season.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOL MORNINGS AND NIGHTS

If you’ve lived in Michigan for long enough, you know that the spring and fall months are known for their cool weather patterns. Take advantage of these cool mornings and evenings by opening up the windows to let in fresh air.

Not only does fresh air have a lot of health benefits, but it will also help decrease the burden on your air conditioning unit. Whenever you can let Mother Nature cool your home, you should take advantage. Especially since these opportunities will fade by the time summer comes around.

SCHEDULE AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE

With any heating or cooling appliance, it’s important to invest in regular maintenance so that it will last for as long as possible. Air conditioner replacement can be a financial burden on families, which is why it is important to keep it running effectively and efficiently by scheduling air conditioning maintenance checks so that any minor issues can be fixed before they grow into larger, more expensive, HVAC repairs.

If you are interested in scheduling an air conditioning repair or maintenance visit, please feel free to call our licensed Lansing HVAC technicians at (517) 272-8629. A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping Lansing homeowners keep their homes comfortable year-round through quality air conditioning unit services.

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Air conditioners are designed to both cool and dehumidify your home. However, oversized air conditioners aren’t able to run long enough to remove the humidity from your home. Below, you will find the top signs your air conditioner is too big for your home. For more information, we recommend you call a reputable heating and cooling contractor in your area.

YOUR HOME HAS HIGH HUMIDITY

Your home feels humid, but lowering your thermostat has no effect. In order to best cool your home, you need an air conditioner that will be able to run long enough to have an effect on the humidity. An overpowered air conditioning unit will be able to cool your home in a short amount of time. However, they don’t run long enough to get rid of the mugginess.

Just because an air conditioning unit is bigger, doesn’t mean that it’s better. An effective A/C will run for a period of time long enough to effectively cool and dehumidify the air. An ineffective A/C will turn on long enough to satisfy the temperature setting on your thermostat, but not long enough to give you relief from the indoor humidity.

THE FAN CONSTANTLY TURNS ON AND OFF

Air conditioners come in different sizes to accommodate the different sizes of homes and commercial buildings. However, when an air conditioner is too big for its respective building, it lowers the temperature too quickly. While instant coolness may not sound like a bad thing, keep in mind that this also results in shorter cooling cycles and fluctuating indoor temperatures.

Having a comfortable home relies on being able to maintain a steady indoor temperature. To resolve the issues associated with your oversized air conditioning unit, we recommend you contact an experienced cooling systems company in your area.

YOUR ENERGY BILLS ARE HIGH

Whenever your air conditioner turns on and off, it consumes energy. This means until you resolve the issue of having an oversized air conditioner, you will be paying too much for your energy bills each month. High energy bills are just another sign that your inefficient air conditioner could be too big for your home or commercial building.

To fully understand the inefficiency of oversized air conditioners, compare how your A/C is run to how you drive your car. Have you ever noticed that you get more miles per gallon when you drive on the freeway? This is because driving at a constant speed uses less energy than when you have to constantly stop and go.

The same principle applies to your air conditioner unit. Energy efficient air conditioners will run for long uninterrupted periods of time to effectively cool and dehumidify your home. To increase the energy efficiency of your home, we recommend hiring a qualified HVAC technician to do load calculations. Load calculations ensure that you install the right size A/C for your home.

If you want to learn more about our oversized air conditioner services, please feel free to give our Lansing cooling system technicians a call at (517) 272-8629. The Lansing heating and cooling technicians at A-1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping homeowners keep their homes comfortable year-round.

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