3 Signs Your AC Unit Needs Professional Attention

Most people can't get through a summer day without air conditioning. Personally, I like hot weather, but it seems I'm in the minority. Those of you who like and depend on your air conditioning expect instant cooling relief when you walk through your front door. And if you're not feeling that, you quickly realize that something might be wrong - and probably start to panic.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to call out an HVAC technician Harris County TX, here are three signs that your HVAC unit may be ready to call it quits.

1. It’s Making Strange Sounds - A low humming noise is a perfectly normal sound to come from an AC unit. Anything else, however, is not. While rattling can be easily explained away by something coming loose inside (which may or may not be harmless), clunking and grinding sounds are always going to indicate a serious problem.
      
2. It’s Not Blowing out Cold Air - As obvious as this may seem, it may take some time before you realize that you’re not just experiencing a scorching hot day and, instead, your air conditioning unit simply isn’t performing as it should. Keep an eye on how long your AC has been running; if you’ve had it on for longer than 10 minutes and the air still isn’t chill, you could have a problem on your hands.
     
3. It’s Giving off a Bad Smell - An AC unit should never give off any strong odors, so a clear sign something is wrong is if yours starts to do so. A musty smell could be a sign you have a mold issue, and you must get a professional to clean it otherwise you’re at risk of breathing in poisonous spores. If the smell is pretty foul, it could mean the wires have burned out, in which case you need to get it fixed straight away to avoid a fire hazard.

The most important thing to remember is never try to fix your AC unit yourself. Electrical repairs can be complicated (and dangerous). Stay safe and always call in a professional.

Getting Consistency Out of Your Thermostat

Whether it’s a workspace or your personal residence, being too hot or too cold can interrupt your productivity and comfort levels. Even with a thermostat that is set to your desired temperature, you might find that you feel periods of hot or cold as the weather fluctuates outside. This isn’t your imagination, as there are several things that can influence the efficiency of your heating and air system.

• Dirty Equipment - As the parts and elements of your system get coated with dirt, that dirt can interfere with how well the parts rotate, turn, or interact. Look into getting an HVAC service contract Chicago IL with a local company. Regular maintenance before each major heating and cooling season can help eliminate some of this extra buildup and keep your equipment operating at optimum efficiency.
• Clogged Filters - The air filters in the building can get clogged with dust which can limit the clean airflow out of the system. When it is forced to flow backward into the unit, the trapped air lowers the operating temperature. If this is left unresolved, the unit can freeze and seize up. Ice forming on the coils is a sign that there is a serious issue with airflow.
• Worn Equipment - When your environment experiences extreme highs and lows in temperature, your HVAC unit can see a lot of use. The condensing fan motor is one of the components that is continually exposed to the elements and will wear down over time. Another reason your unit might not be outputting the way your thermostat demands is a refrigerant problem. Over time, a small leak may develop in the evaporator coil, the copper lines, or the air conditioning unit itself. This would mean your unit continually runs but without releasing cool air.

If you want to maintain cool temperatures in summer and heat in winter, taking care of your HVAC unit and components is the place to start. If you aren’t familiar with the different areas that need attention, schedule a maintenance visit with your local professionals.

Air Conditioning is Important in Florida

During the winter months we're all pretty jealous of those who live in Florida. We've got freezing temperatures and snow-covered roads, and they've shirt sleeve and shorts weather. But come spring and summer, they're all suffering - unless they can live at the beach or spend all their time indoors in the air conditioning. Floridians rely on always having a properly working AC system in their homes, especially during the summer months.

I have friends here in the Midwest who think properly working air conditioning is pretty important, too. Oftentimes they're talking about turning on the air conditioner or complaining that it quit - and I haven't even realized it was supposedly hot enough for air conditioning.  If your home has poor air circulation, or you have small children, elderly family members, or an expectant mom in your household, I know air conditioning can be very important at times.

There are a few things you can do to have a proper AC in your home.

Search Out AC System Companies

If it's time for a new AC system, some repairs to your current system, or just some regular maintenance, search out AC system companies in your area. Look online and research companies to find one with a good history of making people happy in regards to their AC system. Read all those reviews. A great example would be Gulf Shore Cooling, which is among the best ac companies in fort myers. Besides installing and repairing AC systems, they also repair furnaces and other hardware in the home.

Get A Good Warranty

Whether you have a traditional air conditioner or central air, you should do your best to get a decent warranty with your AC system. Some of my friends had their air conditioner go out last week. After a bit of scrambling, they were able to get it fixed for just the cost of a service call, because it was still under warranty. That was a huge relief to them - in more ways than one!

A properly working AC system is important, especially in Florida and on hot summer days everywhere.

Does Your Air Conditioner Work?

Our air conditioner stopped working last summer. Right when we needed it, of course. We all expect to be able to flip a switch when the weather heats up and have our air conditioner cool the house down, but what if it doesn't? How do you decide who to call? The former owners of our house left a lot of information about the companies and contractors they had used while they lived here, so we called the HVAC company they used - the same one who installed a new furnace just a few years ago.

But, if you don't have a file full of recommended contractors, here's a list of things to consider when searching for a good HVAC Company.

1.  Experience - The ideal HVAC company should have at least 2-3 years of experience in things like heating, cooling and plumbing. If their website was just created last month, that's a sign that they're new to the business and without the kind of background that you need in your repairmen. Hold outLook for people with more longevity.
2. Courtesy - Some companies offer things like an "all due respect" guarantee where they promise that their employees won't curse, smoke or drink while in your home. This is especially helpful if you have small children running around while repairs are taking place.
3. Payment Plans - While you should always consider a company's prices before hiring their services, don't write them off just because their costs are a little outside of your usual budget. A good HVAC company will offer payment plans that can be spread over weeks or months for their penny-pinching customers.
4. Staff Qualifications - Look at the company's website. What do they say about their staff? How were they trained? Where did they go to school? Do they have any certifications or memberships to industry organizations? If you can't find anything on the Internet, don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications when you call. They should be happy to tell you.
5. Location -Last but certainly not least, a good repair company will be located within your community. For example, if you live in Williamsburg, they'll be one of the many HVAC companies Williamsburg VA. This will ensure that they're familiar with all of your area's weather patterns and general heating and cooling needs as well as be readily available should you need any follow-up or future service.

These are just a few signs that your chosen HVAC company is the right one for the job. It's a decision that should be made carefully, so take your time. Don't rush into anything. Your heating and cooling units aren't going anywhere, and you should make sure that you hire good people to handle them.

Unless, of course, the weather forecasters are calling for a week of temperatures in the 90s with high humidity, and you need that air conditioner to work now.  Then, your number one priority is probably finding a company that can come out and look at your air conditioner and get it fixed. Thankfully, the company we called was available, the part was ordered, and it was fixed within a day or two. Because, for once, the weather forecast was right, and it did get hot.

Dress Appropriately for the Weather

I changed the sheets today.  I did not put the flannel sheets on.  Thankfully it's not quite time for flannel sheets or electric blankets.  It's supposed to be 70° this week!  I even slept with the window open last night, and I'm planning to leave it open at least for the next couple nights.  I don't even care if it gets a little chilly!  (though it's not supposed to)

That's right - I really don't mind getting a little chilly when it's a natural chilly - as opposed to paying to be cold by running the air conditioner.  If it's actually supposed to be chilly, I can live with that.  Then it's time for those flannel sheets - and sweatshirts and socks.  I love fall weather and wearing warmer clothes.  The problem is when it's summertime, and I'm wearing summer clothes like shorts and tank tops and sundresses, and I don't think I should have to bundle up.  So I only turn the air on when I absolutely have to - like when it's in the 90's with high humidity for several days straight, or when the rest of the family complains too much.

A typical home air conditioning unit. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I did learn this summer that it's important to run the air conditioning at least once in a while, whether we need it or not.  The first time we turned it on this summer, it would not work.  Apparently, the motor froze up because we don't use it enough.  Thankfully we have a neighbor who worked for a company that specializes in heating and air conditioning systems, and he came down and checked it out for us.  He was able to get it going that night and then get a new part and fix it for us for a reasonable price.  That really helped us out and helped our neighbor out a bit, too.  It was a very hot summer, so even I appreciated it - and that's saying a lot!

I don't know if you've seen the commercial where the man in jeans and a flannel shirt is fighting with himself, trying to keep himself from turning the thermostat down?  He's too hot - obviously, since he's not dressed appropriately for summer - and he wants to turn the air conditioning colder.  Instead of putting some summer clothes on!  The commercial is trying to sell some kind of air conditioning system that would allow this guy to cool his rooms down so he isn't all sweaty in his flannel and jeans.  I think the point really is - dress appropriately for the weather, and you don't have to cool your house to the point of refrigeration in the summer, and you won't have to turn the heat up so much in the winter.  Just a few degrees either way can make a huge difference on your power bill.  Also, I don't think I'd dislike air conditioning so much if stores, restaurants and other public places would adjust the temperature so that it's comfortable for people who are dressed appropriately for the outside weather.

Tuesday Tidbits

It's Tuesday again!

I'm loving this Cranberry Daiquiri Slush recipe so much that I made another batch today.  Only I used some Cranberry Apple juice instead of the cranberry juice cocktail, and I used some Mojito Mix I had - which is basically lime juice, sugar, and mint - because I don't have any limes.  I'm not sure how the mint is going to be in it, but it smelled good, and I'm just loving the slushy tartness of the whole thing.

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I opened the windows this morning.  I wasn't going to because it's just supposed to get hot again, but it was so nice that I just couldn't help myself.  But then, of course, today was the day they decided to do some work on the street.  They went by once with something that stirred up a ton of dust, so I had to hurry and shut all the windows to keep it from coming in.  Then, about the time I'd opened the windows again, they came through again - once again time to close the windows.  The rest of the day was pretty good, until they came through again doing something dust-free but smelly.  Really?  They couldn't do this on a day when my windows are all closed?  I think it's a conspiracy.

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Cory doesn't have to work tomorrow so I'm thinking of running to the grocery store.  After all, I need limes!  And bananas, and...  Well, if I'm going to the store, I better get busy and make a list.

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I'm re-reading the Harry Potter books.  I've been wanting to for a long time, but I always end up reading something else.  Finally, I decided to just do it.  I'm a little over half-way through the second one - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - and I'm just going to read them straight through. I've only read them once, and seen all the movies, of course - so it's about time.  Cory has read them countless times, but he's a really fast reader.  I wish I could read as fast as he does, and remember everything too.

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I've been putting horizontal lines between all these tidbits.  I can't remember if they'll actually be visible with this blog template.  I'm thinking I need to come up with some kind of special divider/graphic for Tuesday Tidbits - just because.

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Oh, the weekend?  We were pretty much bums and didn't do anything.  Well, church on Saturday, but then we came home early because Cory had a thing at the library.  And then Sunday Cory had to work, and Jeffrey and I just stayed home and did stuff around the house.  I finished the first Harry Potter book and started the second.  Well, I didn't actually start.  I just pulled it off the shelf and put my bookmark in the front - ready to start.

I think that's enough for this edition.  Tune in next week for a random list of stuff happening in my life and going through my head.

Can I Open the Windows Yet?

When Jeffrey came home from work tonight, he asked if I was feeling all right. I didn't know what he was talking about, and then he said that he thought I would have turned the air conditioning off and opened the house up.

I was wanting to, but the forecast this morning looked like it was going to be relatively nice today and then heat right back up tomorrow and stay hot for the rest of the week.  (I use the word 'hot' loosely because my idea of hot and everyone else's idea of hot seem to be different)  So, to avoid complaints from my guys, I just decided to leave the air conditioning on.  But then, this evening, the forecast had changed a bit - and tomorrow looks really nice, too - so maybe I should have opened the house up.

We've had the AC on since last Saturday, and it will probably be on all this week, too - which is a really long stretch for a Wisconsin summer.  Tomorrow looks really nice, though.

It's Going to Get HOT

-- I typed this post once, but for some unknown reason, Blogger logged me out, and everything I'd written was GONE! --

The past few days have been gorgeous!  Yes, I do like hot summer weather, but I would be perfectly happy with an entire summer of days in the 70s and cool nights perfect for snuggling.  Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.  They say it's going to get HOT and stay HOT through next week.  And humid.  You know what that means - air conditioning!

Hopefully I won't turn into an icicle.  I hate when air conditioning = refrigeration.  I don't want to have to put on a sweatshirt when I should be able to wear summer clothes.  I don't want to be wishing I had some fireplace inserts to switch on for some extra warmth.  I turn up the temperature on the air conditioner as far as I can without it getting too stuffy in here, but I still get cold.  And yes, I'm watching the news right now as they tell me how dangerous this heat is and how hard it will be on people who don't have air conditioning, so I know I should be extremely thankful.  I'll just do my best to appreciate it and go outside periodically to sit in the sun until my toes thaw out.

For now I'm going to enjoy having my windows open with a nice breeze blowing in.  I don't know when I'll get to do that again.

I Love this Summer Weather

My parents are here visiting.  They live in Kentucky, where the summers are hotter and more humid.  Of course, their winters are much more mild than ours here in Wisconsin - so I suppose there's always a trade-off.

I'm not complaining at all.  I love our Wisconsin summers, even though I also enjoy a little heat.  I just don't enjoy heat that is hot enough that my guys want to turn the air conditioning on.  When the air is on, I freeze inside the house and have to go outside every so often to warm up in the sun, or I turn the temperature on the thermostat up until I'm not freezing - and then it gets stuffy in the house. 

Thankfully, we don't often get that kind of heat.  And, when we do, it doesn't last long.  We have enough days that are warm enough the neighbors can take their above ground pool covers off and enjoy some time in the pool, but not so many days that I have to close up the house and turn the air on.

Today was a perfect kind of day - blue skies, sunshine, and a nice cool breeze.  It was cool enough that my cute little Kentucky mom had to wear her sweatshirt part of the time, and my dad sat outside on the deck enjoying the sun for a while.

Text to Complain

Jeffrey and I had to go pick up the van this evening - she needed a new motor for the back windshield wiper.  While we were out we decided to go on to Best Buy to pick up our copy of The Fighter (awesome movie!), and then he took me to McDonald's for dinner.  I had a coupon, and he had a gift card, so it was FREE!

Anyway, while we were eating the air conditioning kicked on.  Air.  Conditioning.  On March 16th.  And, of course, it was blowing on me.  (I have a hate/hate relationship with air conditioning)  I said something about it to Jeffrey, along the lines of where's the manager?  I should complain to the manager.  Then I pulled out my phone and updated my facebook status:

Air conditioning? Seriously, McDonald's?

and I put my phone away and went back to eating my cold fries.  And Jeffrey asks me, "Did you text McDonald's?"  No.  Just updated my facebook status.

But that's when it occurred to me.  Wouldn't it have been nice if I could have texted McDonald's or at least the manager on duty.  There should be a clearly visible, easily available number everywhere you go, so you can text complaints or comments or suggestions.  My first text would go straight to McDonald's in Delafield letting them know that there is absolutely no need for air conditioning in March when the outside temperature is 51°.  None.  (Of course, I could have gone and complained to an actual person, but that's beside the point)

Who would you text first?

A Plea

Dear Neighbors,

If you absolutely must spray chemicals on your lawns, could you please do it when the weather is hot, when my windows are all closed and the air conditioning is on?  Because waiting until a nice day when all my windows are open and the nice breeze wafts your chemicals right into them is just plain rude.

Thank you.

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Feelin' Like a Popsicle

It's been a little warm around here - not nearly so hot as the weather they've been having on the East Coast, but definitely warm and sticky.  I've been thinking, "It feels like summer!" and actually quite enjoying it.  This is what summer is supposed to feel like.  The other people in my house (Jeffrey & Cory) don't like the hot weather so much, so they finally turned the air conditioner on Tuesday night.  Jeffrey wanted to turn it on Sunday before we left for the fireworks, but the weather forecast said that Sunday was supposed to be the hot day, and it was supposed to cool off after that.  So we didn't turn it on, and Sunday night cooled off and was quite pleasant.

Then Monday Jeffrey had the day off and spent much of the day working outside - so why turn the air on, even though the weather didn't cool down like it was supposed to.  Of course by then the weather forecast had changed, and the heat and humidity was supposed to hang around for a few more days.  Then Jeffrey went back to work on Tuesday, and Cory and I were the only ones home.  There was enough air moving in the house to keep things quite comfortable.  At least I thought so, but Cory complained every chance he got and spent the day in the basement.  And later on, after Jeffrey got home, he closed up the house and turned the air on - meaning that now I get to feel like a Popsicle.

My toes get cold, and I have to put my socks on while I'm deleting all those emails about medical assisting school and singles looking to meet me.  Every once in a while I just have to walk outside so I can warm up.  Sure, I can turn the thermostat up, but at around 80°, it just seems to get stuffy in here, like the air isn't moving enough because the A/C doesn't kick on often enough.  I'm looking forward to tomorrow, when it's supposed to cool down and be less humid, and I can turn the air off and open all the windows back up.  I hope they don't change the weather forecast again....

I'm Wearin' My Socks

Image via Wikipedia

It's Summer. It actually feels like Summer. You know what that means - the people who were just last week complaining about how cool the weather has been are now complaining about how hot and humid it is. You just can't please some people!

Me, I like the warm weather, but I wasn't complaining about the cool, either. I like being able to open my windows and let the breeze blow through. Even on the hottest days it's usually quite pleasant here in the house - until evening comes and the breeze dies down. Then everyone starts complaining about how hot it is and how we should turn the air on. I put it off as long as possible, but they finally turned it on last night because it was supposed to be so hot and humid today and tomorrow. And now my feet are cold!

Jeffrey said he hasn't been sleeping well the last couple nights because he couldn't get cool. I thought it was very comfortable in the bedroom with the window open and the ceiling fan going. Last night, I had trouble sleeping. I kept waking up cold and pulling the covers up. I should have just given in and pulled the comforter up, too instead of just the sheet and blanket, but it's Summer! I shouldn't have to snuggle under the comforter in summer.

Now today I'm working in the basement, which would be plenty cool any time, I realize - but I have to wear socks just to keep my toes warm. I've turned the temperature up on the thermostat and gone outside into the sunshine a couple times just to warm up, but I'm thinking I'm going to need to turn it up again. What's a good temperature to set the air conditioning?