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Author: Gee! Heating and Air

10 Surprising Reasons Your AC Electric Bill May Be High

You enjoy staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter? But what do you do when your ac bill is getting higher and higher, and you don’t know why? When it comes to your ac electricity bill, there can be multiple reasons for your bill to be high.

In this article, we will detail the most surprising reasons that your bill may be higher than you expected it to be.

1. Always Running The Air Conditioner

Some people set their thermostats at a temperature that keeps their home cool without having the ac running all the time. The more time your air conditioner spends running, the more money it costs you.Surprising Reasons Your AC Electric Bill May Be High

We recommend choosing a thermostat that you can program to run correctly, and when the house has reached the optimal temperature, it will turn off instead of continuously running.

2. Your Unit Is Old

Another reason that you may not realize is costing you money is having a unit that is old and in need of repair. For example, if your unit isn’t big enough to accommodate the size of your home and is old, it may be working harder to cool the entire house.

The harder the air conditioner works, the more energy and electricity it uses. If your unit needs repair, then it may also cause your unit to work overly hard. For example, having a leak that causes Freon to pour out will contribute to a higher electric bill.

3. You’re Not Performing Regular Maintenance

When you have an air conditioning unit, you must perform regular maintenance on the unit. If you don’t know what routine maintenance entails, then hiring a professional to complete it is the next step.

One thing that you can do is ensure that there is no water leaking from the unit. If the water remains around the unit without being cleaned, it can lead to mold that eventually can cause issues for you and your family.

It would help if you had your unit serviced at least 1-2 times a year.

4. Paying For Stuff, You Don’t Use

Have you ever wondered what the extra light switch in your home controls, but notice that it is always flipped on. This is known as a vampire electric when you’ve got electrics that your not using either turned on or plugged into the wall.

For example, when you’re not using your cell phone charger or a hair straightener, it should be unplugged because when it’s plugged in, it still uses energy.

5. Using the Wrong Light Bulbs

It’s a given that we need light to see when we are searching our home for something, but the use of overhead lights can cost you more money than you anticipated. If you can replace your lights with one of the various energy saving bulbs that are offered today.

You can also consider using lamps because they save more money than the use of an overhead light.

6. Windows That Aren’t Sealed

When your windows aren’t sealed properly, it can let all of the cool air out of your home. This will lead to your air conditioning unit, working harder to replace the air that’s being lost.

If you’re unsure if the windows aren’t sealed, you can always have a professional take and look and make repairs if necessary. If your handy at doing it yourself projects, there are plenty of videos on the internet that can walk you through a step by step how-to guide to make the necessary repairs.

7. Running Your Dishwasher Half-Full

If your dishwasher isn’t full and you run it anyway, you’re taking your money and throwing it down the drain. The same applies to your washer and dryer. If they aren’t full, then you’re wasting money.

Before using appliances such as these, ensure that they are full to make the most of each use because these appliances use a lot of money. When you run it only when it’s I’ll, you’ll also reduce the number of times that you run the machines.

8. Drastic Weather Changes

When the weather outside changes too drastically, it doesn’t give your home enough time to adjust its internal temperature causing your unit to become confused.

Instead of reacting to a drop or spike in temperature, keep the thermostat at a steady temperature, and resist the urge to change it based on the weather outside. Constantly changing the temperature will cause your electricity bill to soar through the roof.

9. Keeping Devices Plugged In For Too Long

Once your computer or cellphone is fully charged, it should be unplugged immediately. Leaving the electronics plugged in will only use unnecessary energy and increase your electric bill.

Your phone only needs a maximum of 2-3 hours to charge before it needs to be unplugged completely. If you’re looking to charge your phone more energy efficiently, you can slowly set your phone to charge over a specified period.

Once this period is over, you’ll need to unplug your phone and the wall’s charging device.

10. Close The Windows

If your planning on spending the day with your doors and windows open, ensure that you turn your ac off. The airflow from outside accompanied with the coolness inside will confuse the unit causing it to work harder.

If you plan on using your air conditioner during the day, set the temperature, and ensure that all of the windows and doors are closed. This will allow you to enjoy the summer breeze without increasing your bill.

Keeping Your AC Electricity Bill Low

When it comes to things that may be causing your ac electricity bill to increase, all of the possibilities are listed above. You’ve got to remember to unplug appliances that aren’t being used and perform regular repairs and updates on appliances that you do use.

If you’re looking for a reliable company that has more than 30 years of experience in this industry to service your ac unit, contact us or book online now. We specialize in the evolution systems that have multi-stage compressors allowing for consistent airflow no matter what the temperature is outside. The system utilizes humidity control to help reduce your electricity bill.

You can trust us to install this specialized system and repair any problems your system may have. We’ll have your home cooled off in no time.

Learn the Ropes: Air Conditioner Components And What They Do

Did your air conditioner begin acting strangely? Are you afraid that you won’t be able to speak with any degree of knowledge to the repair person?

How would you like to gain some basic knowledge about your air conditioner components? In just a few minutes, you will be able to intelligently discuss your ac system.

People tend to take their air conditioners for granted. Few understand how they work. A quick look at the inside of your ac unit will give you a better appreciation for this marvel of the modern age. It also may inspire you to take better care of your ca.

Refrigerant

The lifeblood of your ac is a refrigerant. It moves through your ac system like blood through the human body. Refrigerant is a specialized, formulated substance that easily absorbs heat. It also quickly gets rid of its heat.

Refrigerant is useful in air conditioners because of its ability to rapidly change under pressure from a liquid to a gas and then under decompression to change back into a liquid.

Your air conditioner circulates the refrigerant along its tubular pathway that connects the interior section of your air conditioner unit with its exterior section. When the refrigerant is flowing inside your home, it’s in its liquid state. As the warm air in your home passes over the tubes containing the refrigerant, the liquid absorbs the heat.

The refrigerant then travels to the exterior portion of your air conditioner. As it moves, it carries the heat that was removed from your home. The effect is that the temperature inside your home drops, leaving you more comfortable on a hot, muggy summer day in the Gainesville, Georgia area.

Let’s examine the various air conditioner components that are working to keep you cool.

Compressor

Even though the refrigerant is now hot, it’s not hot enough. To eventually dispose of the heat into the outside air, the refrigerant needs to have a temperature that’s higher than the outside air. So, the refrigerant flows to a compressor that compresses or squeezes the refrigerant by putting the liquid under high pressure.

The compression causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise. When a liquid changes to a gas, it absorbs heat. The gaseous refrigerant reaches a temperature higher than the temperature of the air outside the home. This is an important step because heat transfers from areas of high temperature to areas of lower temperature.

Condenser Coil

Once the compressor has increased the temperature of the refrigerant, the hot gas enters the condenser coil housed in the air conditioner unit outside your home. Now that the gas has a higher temperature than the outside air, it can release its heat into the atmosphere. To make the refrigerant release heat faster and more efficiently, a fan blows over the condenser coils. The fan is likely one of the air conditioner sounds that most people will recognize.

As the heated refrigerator loses more and more of its heat, it begins to cool and to transition back into a liquid. Its next stop is the expansion valve.

Expansion Valve

The refrigerant is now a liquid, but it still needs to lose more heat before it can once again be used to cool your home. So, the expansion valve’s job is to further lower the refrigerant’s temperature.

The expansion valve works in the opposite way of the compressor. If you remember, the compressor’s job is to raise the temperature of the refrigerant by increasing the pressure. Therefore, the expansion valve fulfills its job of lowering the temperature by decreasing the pressure on the refrigerant.

As the pressure of the refrigerant returns to normal, so does its temperature. It’s now ready to flow to the evaporator coil.

Evaporator Coil

The temperature of the refrigerant is now extremely low, making the evaporator coils cold to the touch. While the refrigerant is in the evaporator coils, it absorbs the heat from inside your home.

A blower fan pulls the air inside your house into the air return strategically located in your home. The warm air passes over the evaporator coils allowing the heat to transfer from the air to the refrigerant.

The refrigerant then carries that heat away from the interior of your home and eventually dispels it outside. Your home stays nice and cool, and the refrigerant continues its cycle to prepare for its next stop along its journey.

Air Filter

The air filter is probably the part of the air conditioner that homeowners think is of little importance. Local air conditioner companies like [company_name] think otherwise.

Just as a facial mask can protect you from dangerous airborne pollution and viruses, a good air filter can protect your air conditioner from inhaling dangerous dust and debris. A mask makes it easier for you to breathe in an environment that poses a risk to your respiratory system. Similarly, an air filter makes it easier for your air conditioner to breathe.

If your air conditioner becomes clogged with particles, the entire unit will have to work harder. That can result in less effective cooling, a higher energy bill, and costly repairs.

The air filter may be one of the less expensive air conditioner parts, but it’s there for a reason —a very important reason.

Thermostat

The thermostat is one of the ac components that people interact with the most. However, its everyday familiarity can make us overlook the sophisticated design that makes it work. And, it seems that each year, that design continues to evolve.

If you still have the same thermostat that you had several years ago, there’s a good chance that you’re missing out on a simple way to improve the efficiency of your system while making your home more comfortable as well as saving money.

A modern thermostat can be programmed to keep your home at a certain temperature when no one is home and then adjust the temperature in time for your arrival. Today’s thermostats can also be controlled remotely using your smartphone. That means that you don’t have to leave work and drive all the way back home because you forgot to set the temperature for your pet.

A good thermostat, coupled with a zoning system, allows you to set different temperatures for various rooms of the house. This is one way to bring peace to family members who each have their preferred temperature setting. It’s especially ideal when one person goes to bed earlier and wants the bedroom cool while other family members watching TV in the living room want the room warm and cozy.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Components Operating Smoothly

Now that you can better appreciate what is going on each day inside your air conditioner, you need to do your part to keep everything working efficiently. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Contact [company_name] today and learn more about how we can help you get the most from your air conditioner components.

7 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Old AC Unit

To replace or repair, again? Replacing your old AC unit is undoubtedly a significant investment, and it’s understandable why you consider and reconsider the decision. However, it gets to a point when the AC is no longer efficient, your utility bills go steeper, and the repairs too often.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

On average, an AC unit lifespan stands at 10 to 15 years, but if you have an HVAC system, it could last as long as 20 years. Of course, your old AC system has to be well maintained to last that long functioning efficiently. In this post, we will share with you the most important signs that will help you decide when to replace your air conditioner with a new AC system.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Old AC Unit

1. You Constantly Have To Call A Technician for Repairs

If it feels like you have had to call in a technician to make repairs to your old AC all too often, then maybe another repair will not suffice. While all home appliances require constant maintenance and upkeep, your AC system should not get repairs more often than not.

These repairs costs could add up with time and end up costing you a lot more than you would have to pay for a new AC system. A good rule of thumb you can follow and make a wise decision is that if you have to fork out half the costs of a new system for the repairs, then getting a new one is the best choice.

2. The AC Doesn’t Cool The House Evenly, And It Feels Humid

Have you noticed that some rooms in your home feel cooler than others? If so, this is a sign that your old AC is no longer as efficient as it used to be. Uneven temperatures do not always mean that an AC is inefficient. If you have a relatively new model, the problem may lie in it being too small for your home.

If your home feels humid, it is also a sign that your old AC needs replacing. You see, air conditioners work by absorbing warm air, removing its moisture, cooling it, and sending it back in the house as cool air. It could be that the airflow is obstructed, but if you recently had the system repaired, then it may be time to get a new AC system.

3. The AC Emits Odors

An AC should never emit strange or questionable smells, so if you smell a musty or moldy smell, you need to have a technician look at it. The same goes if you feel a burning odor from the system. There is a chance that the issue may be mold in the drip pan, dirty air filters, or evaporated coils, all of which can be repaired.

However, the problem could be too major to repair, and you may need to replace it. It’s always advisable to have an AC maintenance service at least twice a year so that such problems are detected before they damage the whole system. A HVAC technician will help you decide between getting repairs and getting a replacement.

4. Unusual Sounds From The Unit

Have you noticed a grinding sound from the system every time you walk by? Maybe you heard rattling, squealing, banging, or other similar noises that were never there before. One of the most significant reasons for a loud AC is a blockage from dust and debris. However, the compressor could be faulty, and the motor could simply need some lubrication.

Most of the time, these are just maintenance issues that you can resolve easily. However, if your AC lifespan has exceeded the average 15 years, the problem may be too major for a repair and a replacement could be better.

5. Your Energy Bills Are Going Higher

A major portion of your energy bill goes to cooling, but if it’s gotten to the point where you notice the bill is too high, it may be because of an inefficient AC system. One of the biggest problems of having an old AC system is inefficiency, though, after years of wear and tear, it’s no surprise its life is coming to an end.

If you want to prove that the AC is the reason for the high energy bills before replacing it, conducting a home energy audit will help you make a determination. This test will give you a verification of whether the problem is caused by inadequate insulation, air leaks, or the old AC. If the AC happens to be the problem, then get a new system with an Energy Star logo for ultimate efficiency.

6. The AC Requires The R-22 Refrigerant

AC systems usually require a gas known as a refrigerant that cools the air inside a house. All AC systems manufactured before January 2010 use the R-22 refrigerant, known as Freon. This refrigerant contains ozone-depleted agents that are dangerous to the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency specifies that new AC models use eco-friendly refrigerants. Check the nameplate of your AC system to see whether it’s still using the R-22 and if so, it’s the best time to buy an air conditioner.

7. Your Home Seems To Accumulate More Dust

Most people would never think that the dust in their home has anything to do with the AC system. However, dust buildup in your unit can cause problems.

Have you noticed that your furnishings and household items have been accumulating dust more often than normal? The problem could lie in leaks from the duct system.

If the ducts of your AC have started leaking, there will be less efficient due to the fact that your system will have to strain to maintain coolness. This is one of the most significant reasons why energy bills increase and an indication of a major problem. You may call in a technician to help you determine if all you need is a minor repair or a replacement.

Is It Time To Replace The Old AC?

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, then it may be time to replace your old AC. Having uncomfortable temperatures in your home is unacceptable, especially in the summer months, when you need the AC the most. If you finally decide to replace it, please make a booking with us, and we’ll help you through the process.

9 Incredible Benefits of Installing a Smart Thermostat

Saving on your monthly energy bills, controlling your thermostat remotely, tracking your energy usage, these are some of the many major perks of installing a smart thermostat in your home.

If you’re vacillating between keeping your old, outdated thermostat, and upgrading to a new smart thermostat, here are 9 incredible benefits of installing a smart thermostat that you just might want to read up on.

1. Cut Your Bills

Unfortunately, Georgians tend to pay a bit more than the average American on their monthly energy bills. Based on data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Georgians average $126.38 a month in energy costs.

$126 bucks a month could buy more than a few meals out…

Installing a smart thermostat can cut your monthly energy bill by anywhere from 10-23% each month. That’s money right back in your wallet, and over the course of a single year, those percentages add up.

You’re looking at saving well over $130 each year on energy bills alone. Put your smart thermostat to good use and it will easily pay for itself within a year.

2. Control Your Home’s Temperature Remotely

Left home for the day and realized you left the AC pumping? Not to worry, you don’t have to throw money down the drain. Simply use your smart thermostat app to adjust the temperature from your phone.

A smart thermostat gives you the ability to control your home’s temperature from anywhere.

3. Create a Heating and Cooling Schedule

Did you know that you can save even more money on your energy bills by lowering your home’s temperature at night when you’re snug under your covers? You can also cut costs by raising the temperature when you leave for work every morning.

The best way to set this ideal, money-saving AC schedule? Install and use a smart thermostat!

Your smart thermostat lets you set a schedule and automate temperature changes in your home. That way, you don’t have to remember to drop the AC every night before bed–your smart thermostat will do it for you and save you money while it does. Win-win.

4. Save the Planet

With a more controlled temperature in your home, there will be less energy waste. A smart thermostat lets you do your part in saving our planet.

Lowering your energy costs and reducing the amount of unnecessary energy used to heat and cool your home will help you take one step closer to making your home and lifestyle a little greener.

5. Improve Your Home Value

If you’re looking to sell in the near future or simply want to improve the value of your home, a smart thermostat is a less-expensive investment that will help.

According to research, having a more energy-efficient and modern home is not only good for builders and buyers, but it’s also extremely helpful for those looking to sell. Energy-efficient homes tend to have a higher resale value.

They also appeal more to modern home buyers. Installing a smart thermostat can be a much more financially smart move to increase your home’s value than dropping thousands on other home improvements or upgrades.

6. Track Your Spending

Every month you don’t find out your energy bill until it arrives in your mailbox. With a smart thermostat, there are no more unpleasant surprises. A smart thermostat and its accompanying app let track your energy usage and costs live.

The app your smart thermostat is typically paired with allows you to look at your energy use any time and make adjustments if necessary.

This way, you can see right when your usage is spiking and better understand what adjustments to make so you can save even more money. Maybe those hot showers were a bit long…

7. It Looks Good

This may seem like a silly perk of installing a smart thermostat, but for those individuals who take the aesthetics of their home seriously, it’s an important one. Smart thermostats not only look nicer than a clunky, old, plastic box sticking out of your wall, but they come with a high-tech allure as well.

If simply making your home look nicer is important to you, than installing a smart thermostat is a great move.

8. Easier To Use And Understand

One of the many benefits of installing a smart thermostat is that they are user-friendly. Even if you consider yourself someone who is not “techy,” all smart thermostats come with a large user interface so you can easily tell what the temperature is, how to adjust it, and what other controls there are.

No more trying to squint to read the controls or accidentally turning the heat on instead of the AC. The large, touchable controls make using your smart thermostat easy for anyone.

9. Adjust Temperatures Automatically Based On Weather

Did a sudden rainshower lower the temperatures outside while you were away? Did a summer heatwave throw your AC into hyper-drive? No worries, you can set your smart thermostat to adjust automatically when drastic changes in the outside temperature occur.

Some smart thermostats come with sensors that can tweak the temperature in your home based on the most recent changes in weather. You won’t even have to give it a thought.

Installing A Smart Thermostat Today

If you’re yet to be convinced that installing a smart thermostat is really the best option for saving money, saving the planet, and saving your peace of mind, then let our professionals answer any questions you may still have.

Contact us today and learn what else a smart thermostat can do for you. Or, find out about our many other heating and cooling services offered in your area.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing An AC Repair Service

Are you in need of a repair for your air conditioning unit? Do you want to find out what’s going on with your AC system and whether or not it needs to be replaced? If so, then you should take the time to find the right AC repair service for the job.

There are many different factors that you can use to find the right fit. Knowing what to look for in a trustworthy service can help you in your search.

See below for several factors to consider whenever you’re choosing an AC repair service for your home. Be sure to consider all these tips as you search.

1. References and Reviews

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you have a great experience with the AC repair service that you hire. You need a service that can back up their big talk with testimonies of their previous work from past and current clientele.

The only way to get those testimonies is through references and reviews. These offer you a behind-the-scenes look of what it’s like to work with that particular service.

You can use references in one of two ways. First, you can ask your connections what local AC repair service that they’d recommend. Second, you can ask people you trust about a particular company that you found online, saw in an advertisement, and so on.

There’s also the handiness and accessibility of online reviews. Be sure to factor in the overall ratings that the service received and scan the comments of each review to get a better picture.

If there’s a review that gave it a 5 out of 5, read the comments to see what specific pieces they liked about the service. If someone gave them a 1 or 2 out of 5, then see what they found unpleasant about the service and why you should stay away.

2. Experience and Years of Service

Make no mistake about it, experience level and a company’s years of service are two completely different categories.

Years of service refers to how long the company has been in business. It’s not always indicative of the experience level within that company. A company might have 25 years of experience, but one of their repairmen has only 2 years of experience.

For that reason, it’s important to ask about the experience level of the repairmen and repairwomen within the company. Make sure to vocalize your desire to have an experienced staff member working on your unit. The company will accommodate.

However, the years of service is still very important. The more years they have in the community, the more familiarity and knowledge they have of local AC issues. There won’t be any situation that they haven’t seen before.

Try to find an AC repair service with the perfect combination of years of service and experienced staff. That way, you can rest assured that even the most inexperienced workers has been mentored by a company with over 30 years of experience.

3. Proper Insurance

One of the first questions that you should as an AC repair service is whether or not they have business insurance. This is one of the best ways to separate a legitimate company from a sketchy one.

Trustworthy air conditioning repair companies will have insurance policies in place to protect their company, their clients, and their workers.

For example, each AC repair company should have policies in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

The liability insurance will protect you from any damage or loss that occurs while the service is being provided. Without it, you might be left on the hook for thousands of dollars in damage.

Workers’ compensation is put in place in case one of the company’s workers is injured while working on your unit.

4. AC Repair Costs

You want the service to be done by a trusted and reliable AC repair service, but that doesn’t mean you should have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

However, you also don’t want to make the mistake of paying for a repair service that’s too low on price. Often times, the low price reflects the quality of work. If the cost seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Instead, look for a quote with the highest return on investment. A trusted AC repair service will give you a detailed quote for your service needs. They’ll list the price as well as information on what parts, materials, and labor set that cost.

5. Customer Care

Ideally, the AC repair service that you hire can develop into your go-to company when your HVAC system starts acting up. You want to build a business relationship with them.

Because of that, it’s important to take note of the customer care that you receive when you go through the process of reaching out to them.

Do they seem to be personable and outgoing? Do they troubleshoot the problems you might be having while on the initial call? Do they seem knowledgeable about the process?

The customer care you receive on the phone is indicative of the repair service you can expect. If the brand is truly trustworthy, it will reverberate throughout their entire staff.

Find the Right AC Repair Service For Your Needs

Now that you’ve seen several key factors of hiring the right AC repair service, it’s time to find the company for your needs.

Be sure to read this article to show why [company_name] award-winning service is the perfect fit for your AC unit problems.

For more inquiries that you may have, please begin by scheduling an appointment online and we will be happy to assist you further.

8 Common AC Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Looking to invest in a new air conditioner? Thinking of installing it on your own? If so, you’d better be careful: AC installation mistakes are quite common.

Wondering what such mistakes entail? Then you’re in the right place. Here are 10 common AC installation mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Size AC

One of the most common mistakes that people make when installing an air conditioner in their home is choosing the wrong size air conditioner. Failure to choose the proper size can have fairly large consequences, leading to AC dysfunction and energy efficiency issues.

Whereas installing an AC unit that is too big for your home will result in short-cycling, installing an AC that is too small for your home will result in overwork. In both cases, the AC will take on unnecessary wear and tear, resulting in a premature demise.

In short, you need to get the size right. Find more information on the matter by clicking this link.

2. Implementing a Poor Drainage System

In the midst of an air conditioner’s operation, it creates a fairly substantial amount of moisture. If this moisture isn’t filtered away properly, it can damage everything in its proximity. This includes your house, leading to deteriorated drywall, backed-up pipes, mold growth, and musty smells.

Unfortunately, implementing a poor drainage system is one of the most common air conditioner mistakes in existence. As such, there are quite a few homes out there suffering from such water damage.

If you have any questions about how to install your drainage system, you’re highly advised to call up a professional. He or she will install the drainage system for you, ensuring that everything is in its right place for the foreseeable future.

3. Installing the Thermostat in the Wrong Area

If you’re like most people, you don’t realize that the location of your thermostat has an effect on the functionality of your HVAC system. But, you can rest assured: it absolutely does.

Unfortunately, improperly positioning the thermostat is one of the most common air conditioner installation mistakes in existence. As a result, many ACs end up working harder than they would otherwise.

The question is: where should you install your thermostat? Ideally, it will be in a spot far away from air vents and in a location where the sun rarely shines. The more regulated you can keep its temperature, the more accurate it will be, and the more precisely your AC will operate.

4. Improperly Sealing the Ductwork

Another AC installation mistake to look out for is improperly sealing the ductwork. In doing so, you can greatly affect the efficiency of your AC, letting forced air seep out of the cracks in the ducts as it’s passed through them.

In actuality, there shouldn’t be any cracks in your ductwork at all. Any and all cracks should be closed up with a permanent sealer (not tape, which is only a temporary solution).

If you need assistance in sealing up your ductwork, you should give a call to your local HVAC company. They’ll ensure that your ducts are snugly secured in their entirety.

5. Placing Your Condenser in the Wrong Area

Your AC’s condenser is vital to its overall operation. The less work it does, the more efficiently your AC will run. This will allow not only for optimal energy savings but for optimal AC lifespan as well.

How do you reduce strain on your AC condenser? Well, maintenance for one. But in addition to maintenance, you have to place the condenser in an appropriate area.

Simply put, the less sun it’s subjected to, the less hard it will have to work. So, when installing your condenser, make sure it has plenty of shade.

6. Choosing the Wrong Spots for Your Vents

The location of your vents is vital to the functionality of your AC. Place them in the wrong area, and your home will struggle to reap adequate airflow. Unfortunately, this is a mistake made by many.

How do you avoid it? By spreading vents out evenly throughout the home, and by putting them in places where they won’t easily be covered up by other objects.

7. Adding Too Much Refrigerant

You have your AC system set up. Now, all that’s left to do is to add a bit of refrigerant. Uh-oh; you added too much and now your system is malfunctioning.

Don’t let this happen to you! When adding refrigerant, you need to follow the guidelines closely. Adding too much refrigerant can ruin your entire air conditioning system, costing you substantial amounts of money in the process.

To be safe, you’re advised to just bring in a professional HVAC technician. Professionals are well-versed in these processes and will ensure that your system is set up in an optimal manner.

8. Not Providing the Condenser With Enough Clearance

In order for an AC to run optimally, its condenser needs to have at least 2 feet of clearance on each of its sides. If it doesn’t, it will struggle to intake air and will work much harder than it would otherwise. This will result in increased energy usage as well as undue wear and tear.

As such, when installing your AC condenser, you need to be mindful of the things that surround it. If at any point you hope to use that area for the storage of other items, you need to switch its location.

Want to Avoid AC Installation Mistakes at All Costs?

AC installation mistakes can cost you dearly. Want to avoid them at all costs? If so, we here at [company_name] are the people to see.

Located in Gainesville, Georgia, we’ve installed countless ACs over the years. Regardless of your AC installation needs, our team of dedicated HVAC specialists can accommodate you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

HVAC System Diagram: Everything You Need To Know

When the mercury begins to rise and sweat beads form on your forehead, nothing feels better than sitting in your air-conditioned home. Likewise, nothing causes with more frustration than the moment when your AC begins to blow hot air! When you need air conditioner repair, it’s good to have basic knowledge of how that cooling machine works.

If you’re among the nearly 100 million people who have air conditioning in the United States, you understand the frustration that a malfunctioning HVAC system causes.Gee HVAC System Diagram

If you understand an HVAC system diagram, you can better understand what’s going wrong when your vents begin to blast warm air.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about an HVAC system diagram.

What Is An HVAC System?

HVAC is the system in your home responsible for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.

The term HVAC refers to any unit that can heat or cool. So this means everything from the big units outside of factories to the smaller unit outside your home all qualify as HVAC systems. Good HVAC systems use the science of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to work.

These are all fancy terms that mean the system will make the air warmer or cooler, creating a constant temperature inside your home.

The science of cooling air means more than just blowing more air around and creating a current. Instead, your HVAC system compresses air, making it warmer, and then expands it in your home to make it cooler than it originally was.

What Are the Components of an HVAC System?

An HVAC system consists of two different parts, the indoor and the outdoor components. When you walk by homes in your neighborhood or even by businesses in urban parts of the city, you’ll see a big box either behind the home or on top of the business. This is just one-half of the larger HVAC system.

The Air Conditioner Equipment

The outdoor component is the air conditioner equipment. It generally consists of the following components.

    • Fan: The fan is the visible, loud part of the outside unit. It is a fan that you can see when you look down into the air conditioner box. It pulls outside air into the box, creating a current over and into the compressor.
    • Compressor: The compressor is the machine inside the air conditioning box outside of your home.

This is a critical component of the AC that supplies air or other gas at increased pressure. It compresses the air that the fan pulls in from the outside of the unit.

  • Condenser Coil: The condenser coil is inside the air conditioning box outside of your home. These coils cool or remove the heat from the refrigerant.
  • Refrigerant Filled Tubing: This tubing goes from the outside of your home to the inside of your home. It circulates the refrigerant between the condenser coil and the indoor evaporator coil.

 

The external part of your HVAC pumps outside air into your home, but it does more than just create a current. It compresses the air, heats it, and then removes the heat as it forces it to the indoor unit.

Gas Forced Air Furnace Equipment

This is the unit you see inside your home in a utility room or your basement. It will look like a big box with a few different tubes or coils coming from it, and it consists of these parts.

  • Evaporator Coil: This critical component sits on top of the box in your home. Your furnace blower will pass air across the coil, and the air will cool as it comes in contact with the cold coil. The heat will transfer from the warm air to the refrigerant.
  • Blower: The blower creates the current of air that passes over the evaporator coil.
  • Filter: The filter is a porous device that you, the homeowner, can replace or clean depending on the type of filter you have. Your outside air will have impurities in it. The filter removes the allergens and impurities as the air passes over it.
  • Return Air Duct: You can find this duct in the rooms of your home. It carries air from that room to the mixing air duct. This duct will not blow air into your home, so it will look like a vent but does not have any air coming from it.
  • Air Handling Unit: Your AHU is the name of the big box in the basement or utility room that houses the blower and heating or cooling units. It has the filter racks and chambers in it along with sound attenuators and dampers. It connects to the ductwork that runs throughout your home.
  • Air Supply Duct: These are the vast network of ducts that carry conditioned air from the ASU to the rooms in your home.

All of these components work together seamlessly to create a stable temperature in your home.

How Does An HVAC System Work?

So how do these parts work together? What is the process that takes warm air and turns it cold or vise versa?

Central Cooling

If you have a split system, you will have a central cooling and a central heating unit. The central cooling unit works like this:

  1. First, warm air blows across the indoor evaporator coil.
  2. The heat energy then transfers to the refrigerant inside the coil. This transfer cools the air that passes across the coil.
  3. The unit then pumps the refrigerant from the evaporator coil back into the compressor and continues to repeat the cycle.
  4. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant goes outside the home, and the unit blows the cold air inside the home.
  5. The moisture is condensed out of the air, and the result is cool, dry air in your home.
Central Heating

Central heating does not have quite the same finesse or magic of central cooling units, but they still play an important role in your HVAC system.

  1. Inside your furnace, combustion gasses light up in your furnace and pass through the heat exchanger.
  2. The air from your home blows across the heat exchanger and is warmed.
  3. Your furnace fan blows warm air through a system of ducts in your home.

Why Understand the HVAC System Diagram?

When you understand what an HVAC system diagram looks like and how your HVAC runs, you can make informed decisions like how to know it is time to replace your old unit.

If you think your HVAC needs service, we can help. Request a new system quote or schedule a repair. We can keep your temperature steady.

Choosing From The Best Air Conditioning Units: Tips To Ensure Quality

Are you finding that your room is unusually warm or feels more humid than usual? Perhaps you’ve had HVAC maintenance more than a couple of times this year but you’re still struggling with uncomfortable temperatures and high energy bills. If this is the case, it may be time for a new air conditioning unit.

Shopping for a new air conditioning unit can seem daunting, but it’s a simple process once you know a few factors to look out for.

Read on to learn about the best air conditioning units you can purchase today and the qualities you need to look for!

Factors to Consider

Before you start looking into specific brands, here are a few factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home.

Size

The size of an air conditioning unit doesn’t refer to the physical size of the unit–it measures its total cooling capacity. The size is measured in British thermal units per hour (BTU/hr). This is also known as “tons.” A ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hr.

To find the best size air conditioner for your space, you’ll want to calculate the length times the width of the area to be cooled. You’ll then multiply that number by 25 BTU.

It may be tempting to just by the largest air conditioner possible, but remember that air conditioners also remove humidity as well as cool your rooms. Although a larger air conditioner can cool your room in less time, it won’t run long enough to properly remove humidity.

Conversely, you might also want to save money by purchasing a smaller air conditioner unit. However, these units will work harder and run longer to cool the area effectively. This translates into a higher energy bill at the end of the month.

Efficiency

Next, you’ll want to consider the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Efficiency is how much cooling a unit can deliver per one watt of electricity. This is expressed by a seasonal energy-efficiency rating or SEER.

You’ll want to find air conditioning units that have a SEER of 15 or higher, as the minimum rating is 14. The higher the number, you’ll know the more energy efficient that unit is.

Noise Level

One factor that people often forget to take into account is the noise level of their air conditioning unit. How loud a noise the air conditioner makes is measured in decibels (dB). The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the AC.

Right now, the quietest air conditioners you can purchase have decibel ratings of 50 to 60. Purdue University’s Chemistry Department has given examples of how decibel levels translate into real life.

For instance, an air conditioner with a decibel rating of 50 is the equivalent of a quiet conversation. A decibel rating of 70, however, can be as loud as running a vacuum cleaner. This is important to know if your AC unit is located near a bedroom!

Programmable Thermostats

Medium or high-end air conditioning units often come with programmable thermostats that can save you money in the longterm. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on the settings you’ve previously entered.

For instance, you can program the thermostat to raise while you’re at work to automatically save you money. Then you can lower it for the evening if you prefer cooler temperatures while you sleep. Here are a few different kinds of programmable thermostats:

  • 7-Day – Best for homes with a different schedule each day of the week
  • 5+2 – Best to alter settings for the 5-day work week and the two day weekend
  • Smart – These are Wi-Fi enabled and can be programmed remotely with your phone
  • “Learning” Smart – These thermostats self-program based on regular settings you use

Thermostats can also come with extra features, such as reminders to change the filters, vacation features, digital displays, and backlighting. The best way to determine what kind of thermostat you need is to consider your schedule. For instance, if you have a highly irregular schedule, a smart thermostat that allows you to program your AC remotely may be the best choice for you.

All About Bryant Equipment

On July 17, 1902, the engineer Willis Carrier designed the world’s first modern air-conditioning system. His legacy lives on with the Carrier Corporation that sells high-quality, efficient air conditioning units for homes and businesses. One of their most popular offerings is their Bryant air conditioners.

The Evolution line of Bryant air conditioners of up to 20.5. Even better, their decibel levels range from 56 to 70, so you can find a quiet air conditioner that’s highly energy-efficient.

Once you register your purchase, you’ll be able to enjoy a 10-year parts limited warranty. If you don’t register within 90 days, you’ll enjoy a warranty of 5 years.

A Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Home with the Best Air Conditioning Units

Although purchasing your first air conditioning unit may feel daunting, knowing the size, efficiency, and noise level you need will help you narrow down your choices significantly.

You’ll find that the best air conditioning units have good SEER ratings, low decibel ratings, and even come with programmable thermostats so that you can save even more on your energy costs.

[company_name] has over 30 years of family service in the Gainesville, Georgia area. We provide worry-free comfort with exemplary customer service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Ready to begin your journey to a comfortable and energy-efficient home? Schedule a free consultation with us today!

Name That Tune: 7 Common Air Conditioning Sounds and What They Mean

Is Your Air Conditioning System Making Weird Sounds?

HVAC systems are among the most common staples of any household in the USA, with over 90% of residential households having an air conditioning unit installed back in 2018. They’ve helped many families go through the most intense summers by providing a breeze of cool air in the house.

Despite their long-standing reputation and popularity in households, though, most people still know nothing about air conditioning units beyond their basic functions. This is clear when homeowners don’t know what to do when they hear certain air conditioning sounds coming from their units.

While most sounds mean nothing, certain sounds can mean that there’s something wrong with your unit. Read on to find out what the most common sounds are and what they mean for your air conditioning unit. We service Air Conditioning units in the Gainesville, GA area.

1. Banging and Clanking

Banging noises are the most common sounds to come from your air conditioning unit. This is because it means there’s something loose in your unit. It may be something minor like a loose nut or bolt that fell into the unit.

It can also be an important part that came loose and disconnected itself. Parts like the connecting rod and piston pin are often the parts that carry the most strain. This means they’re easy to fall off if you don’t fasten them.

It can also mean that the compressor unit of your device needs replacement. AC Compressors have many small parts that are essential for proper operation. With the constant movement the compressor does, these parts can loosen and cause the unit to make banging sounds.

If it’s a clanking noise, it means that there’s a bigger part loose in your unit. The compressor itself may need examination or replacement. Other parts like the indoor blower, or the outdoor fan or its blades need rebalancing.

2. Constant Buzzing Noise When Turned On

Hearing a buzzing noise from your unit can mean many things. It can mean the fan blades of the motor or the indoor and outdoor elements are loose again. This causes some buzzing because certain metal parts are touching other parts that they shouldn’t be.

Electrical currents will run through the 2 pieces of metal and cause the buzzing noise. Other metal parts can also cause a buzzing sound because of this. Loose parts aren’t the only cause for buzzing noises, though.

Buzzing noises can also mean that you need to clean the condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils can cause the unit to be inefficient at its task. Cleaning the dust and other debris out can help you lower your energy bills.

Buzzing can also be because of refrigerant leaks. This means that the coolant is leaking from your unit. This can cause it to not cool the air it blows around the room.

There are many reasons for the buzzing noise to exist in your unit. This can make it hard to determine the cause of the sound. An experienced repair service worker can figure this out faster and help you sooner.

3. High-Pitched Squealing Noises

High-pitched squealing is a sign of high levels of pressure in your air conditioning unit. High internal pressure can cause some harm to your unit, but nothing that can lead to permanent damages. It still calls for your attention, though.

A squealing noise can be because your belt is experiencing some problems. It may face a lot of friction and cannot move as fast as it wants to. Replacing it and clearing out the surrounding element can solve this.

This can also mean the compressor has high levels of pressure. The squealing is often an alarm set by the machine to warn you. It will stop the processes since continuing will be detrimental to the unit.

Replacing the compressor should fix the problem. Cleaning it will only cause the squealing to come back on a later date.

4. Humming and Clicking Sounds

If you hear a constant humming while the unit is on, then it can mean that something’s lodged inside it. The vibration of the device can cause the lodged item to vibrate inside it, too. This will cause a loud humming noise that can annoy you.

This isn’t that harmful by itself. If you hear some constant clicking, though, then it can mean trouble. Clicking noises can mean that you have a defective thermostat or control interface.

Getting these air conditioning sounds fixed is essential for your unit’s durability. Leaving them alone can cause more problems along the line.

5. Rattling and Chattering

Rattling noises can mean that your unit is deteriorating from age. They are long-lasting machines, but constant use can still wear them down. You must still check the inside, though, as it can only be something loose in your device.

Rattling noises can also be because there are foreign elements loose in your unit. You can often find twigs inside your AC unit can also cause rattling noises. This is because they’re small enough to fit through the outdoor elements of the unit.

6. Wet Gurgling Noises

If wet noises are coming from your air conditioner, it can mean that something is clogging the drain line. This can cause your refrigerant to accumulate on the draining tray.

This will cause it to gurgle because it has nowhere to go. The gurgling noises can also be because your unit is leaking. Checking for leaks can save you from expensive problems further down the line.

7. Thumps

If you hear any thumping when you turn your AC on, it can mean that the fans are hitting something. This can be dangerous as it can destroy the unit if you don’t fix it. What’s great is that you can fix this with ease.

All you need to do is open the unit and readjust the fan. It can fall again, though, causing it to dull and wear down. This can make it less efficient at blowing air around the area.

Identify the Common Air Conditioning Sounds Today

The common air conditioning sounds will alarm and worry any homeowner. After reading his guide you now have a handle on the causes of these sounds.

Are you hearing something serious and are looking for experienced repair services? Contact us here for reliable air conditioner repair services in Gainesville today!

7 Common Air Conditioner Problems You Should Never Ignore

People all across America use air-conditioner systems to make their homes comfortable all year round. In fact, these units account for 12% of all home energy spending across the country each year. That might not sound like a huge percentage but on average this spending amounts to $29 billion a year!

However, if you encounter air conditioner problems then this could lead to a serious increase in your home’s energy bills. On top of this, ignoring problems could cause further damage to your system and be extremely expensive to repair.

So what kind of AC problems do you need to look out for? If that’s what you’re wondering then you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out seven common AC problems that you should never ignore.

1. Filter Issues

Every air conditioner unit is fitted with an air filter. These can have a big effect on the efficiency of your air conditioner unit so when something goes wrong it will affect your energy consumption.

Common air conditioner problems arise when your filter becomes clogged with dirt and dust that passes through it.

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid problems with your filter by maintaining it properly. How you do this may vary depending on the type of filter you have.

Some units have replaceable filters. These need removing and replacing on a regular basis, which can vary depending on the manufacturer. Some need to be replaced monthly while others can last for three months at a time.

Other units use reusable filters. To maintain these, you will need to remove the filter and clean it by hand before replacing it.

2. Broken or Faulty Thermostats

The thermostat on your air conditioner unit allows you to control the temperature of your house. So when this stops working properly, so does the rest of your unit.

There are a couple of simple troubleshooting things you can do to get your thermostat working. You can:

  • Ensure that it’s connected to power and turned on.
  • Clean inside the thermostat.
  • Make sure that it’s level.
  • Make sure it is positioned out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat.
  • Check the settings using the instruction manual.

If none of these things help then you may have another problem. In that case, you need expert help and, possibly, a new thermostat.

3. Poor Drainage

Every air condition unit has a drain line to carry water away from the unit. Over time this can become clogged with dirt, lint, or dust from your unit.

When this happens, it takes longer for water from your unit to drain away and this means that your drain pan will fill up quicker than normal. If this pan leaks or overflows it can damage the air conditioner unit and potentially cause further AC issues.

These leaks can also cause damage to the area around your AC unit and to any property nearby.

4. Worn-Out Contactors

The blower motor and the condenser fan motor are responsible for bringing your air conditioner to life. A worn-out contactor will stop these from working.

These contractors ensure that the motors and AC unit’s compressor receive a full and safe electrical connection. As they are used repeatedly, they can get worn out and won’t provide the same point of connection.

In that case, you will need an expert to help you replace them. If you don’t replace them then eventually the motors and the rest of your AC unit will stop working.

5. Eroded Evaporator Coils

There are two types of coils in your air conditioner unit. The evaporator coils are usually located inside the unit.

These coils take in heat from the air around them and use air ducts to emit cold air back into your home. This is a vital part of cooling down the air in your home.

Over time they can become corroded leading to problems with your AC. Because of this, it is important that a maintenance team takes a look at your evaporator coils every three years or so.

6. Dirty Condenser Coils

Your unit’s condenser coils can be found on the outside of your AC unit. These coils are responsible for releasing heat from your home into the outside air.

Unfortunately, due to their position, they are exposed to a lot of elements that can make them less effective.

It is important to clean them regularly. You can do this once a year yourself using water and a hose but make sure you inspect them for leftover dirt once you have finished. If you can’t clean all the dirt off yourself then an HVAC technician can clean them properly using a chemical cleaner.

7. Refrigerant Leaks

Each air conditioner unit includes a refrigerant liquid that is a vital part of the cooling process. This helps to cool air in the unit down rapidly before it is released back into your home.

However, this can cause a problem if the refrigerant leaks into the rest of your air conditioner unit. When this happens, it will affect the temperature of your entire unit causing it to fluctuate uncontrollably.

This can be a difficult problem to fix depending on the location of the leak. You can help to avoid this problem by getting an HVAC maintenance team to look at your unit once a year.

Get Help With Your Air Conditioner Problems!
When it comes to fixing air conditioner problems, the sooner you step in the better. This will stop the problem from getting more complicated and ensure that your system is back in order as soon as possible.

If you do think you have an air conditioner problem, book an appointment online with a member of our team today. We’re here to help!