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Hopefully your "ductwork" doesn't look like this...

... it may hurt your systems effficiency.

Common Ductless AC Problems

Ductless air conditioners can have different problems than those of regular ductwork air conditioners, different signs and different fixes. Here are 3 of the more common problems and signs for ductless mini-split air conditioners:

• Not enough cooling - Possibly the most common issue. The most likely culprits are a clogged air filter, low refrigerant, a broken compressor, or a bad fan motor.

• Unusual noises - If your system starts to make new noises you should call in the pros asap. If it's gurgling, screeching, squealing, hissing or otherwise it's probably only going to get worse the longer you wait. You may have a refrigerant leak or a bad motor somewhere.

• System won't turn on - This can be caused by a broken thermostat which controls when the system is supposed to turn on. It could also be caused by faulty motors for the fan or compressor, or maybe even a bad capacitor which provides a surge of power for the system to turn on.

Ductless or otherwise, if your air conditioner is having issues, give us a call today and get everything running as it should be!

Freon is going the way of the dinosaurs, are you prepared?

The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) along with the environmental agencies from many other nations around the globe have joined forces to phase out Freon. Scientific evidence has shown that Freon, otherwise known in the HVAC industry as 'R-22', damages the ozone layer that shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet sun rays. However, many consumers who still own older air conditioners and heat pumps that use Freon coolant are left wondering if their system can be recharged still.

The phase out is taking place over the course of approximately 20 years, and an existing system that uses Freon can be recharged until January 1st, 2020. However, due to a decrease in supply as a result of the phase out, the cost has significantly increased as of late. Homeowners who need to recharge their system due to a Freon leak or otherwise may find that they will have to spend several hundred dollars to do so.

In January 2010, air conditioning manufacturers stopped making equipment that uses Freon. When a Freon coolant system breaks down or starts leaking the homeowner must decide between repair and replacement, and it's only going to get more and more expensive as Freon becomes more difficult to obtain. For many homeowners a system upgrade is the better choice, economically in the long run, and environmentally. Newer systems use R-410A coolant, otherwise known as Puron, which is just as efficient as Freon without the negative environmental side-effects.

It's true that you can still buy Freon, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't start planning ahead toward your next air conditioner. An upgrade could net you lower energy bills and lower environmental impact today, so give us a call!

Are you beating the heat?

It's still hot outside, but fall is just around the corner. Are you beating the heat?

The difference between conserving energy and being energy efficient.

Both energy conservation and energy efficiency result in less energy used. Energy conservation is doing something, often an alternative way, that results in lower or no energy use. An example would be to air dry your clothes rather than run the dryer. Energy efficiency is the efficiency that a technology uses energy, like a fluorescent light bulb using less energy than a traditional one. While energy efficient technologies typically have a bigger up-front cost, both energy efficiency and energy conservation will (eventually) result in money savings.

Here are some ways you can conserve energy:
• Turn off the lights when you're done in a room.
• Turn off the TV, Computers, etc. when you aren't using them. Additionally, turn off the power strips they are plugged into at night; TVs, DVD players and the like use several watts of power while in standby mode.
• Air dry your dishes.
• Air dry your clothes.
• Take short showers instead of baths or long showers.
• Close the doors and windows to your home when the heating or cooling system is running.

Here are some ways you can be energy efficient:
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to efficiently manage your systems and temperatures.
• Purchase low-flow shower-heads.
• Washing laundry and dishes only at full capacity to maximize efficiency.
• Use appliances, electronics and light bulbs with Energy Star labels, as these products meet very strict efficiency requirements.
• Purchase a newer, more energy efficient heating and cooling. You'd be surprised how far efficiency and standard efficiency requirements have come.

If you're looking for a new system or maybe just a thermostat, give us a call today!

Key AC Installation Factors That Can Make Or Break Performance.

So maybe you've decided it's time for a new Air Conditioning system, or maybe you're just wondering what could be keeping the one you have from performing as good as it could be. Here's 4 of the most important factors to consider when your having a system installed:

System Size - It's relatively common for systems to be too big or too small for a home's needs, unfortunately. Being anything aside from perfect can affect your systems efficiency. A system that is too big will start and stop too often adding extra wear to the components as well as supplying inferior humidity control. A system that is too small will run for far too long, and struggle to keep up on hot days.

Duct Leaks - Air leaks in the ductwork can account for up to 35% of a home's total energy loss. Plus, unfiltered air from the attic or crawlspace can find it's way into your cleaner, distributed air.

Airflow - If your airflow is poor, then your ideal temperature will be hard, if not impossible, to achieve; but your air conditioner will keep trying anyway. A well-trained professional can check for restrictive grills or ductwork design, improperly sized ducts or if your air handler is incompatible with your other equipment.

Refrigerant Charge - This often goes unnoticed to homeowners; up to 70% of home A/C units are using an incorrect refrigerant charge. An HVAC technician will know how to set this charge, maximizing the efficiency of your system.

If you're planning on buying a new Air Conditioner or suspect any of these problems with your current system, call us today to make sure whatever system you have will run great!