Friday, June 24, 2011

Air Conditioning FAQ

Here are some of the common questions we get about air conditioning:

Why does the air conditioner run all day when it’s hot out?
It’s most likely one of two things: 1. Your system is working correctly, as its meeting all the latest energy codes and operating in the most efficient manner or 2. The unit was not designed or sized properly to begin with. Talk to your air conditioning contractor about the best way to fix this issue.

How do I know the fan or blower is working properly?
Check and see if the fan is running and you have air blowing into the rooms of your home. If you have little or no air flow and you hear the fan running, then your ducts are loose or damaged.

There’s water dripping from the copper pipe on my AC unit. Why?
The unit is probably charged improperly, as a proper charge will not cause water to form on the pipe. Call an HVAC contractor today to have the problem looked at.

Should there be ice forming?
No, and this is also an indication of an improperly charged unit.

How long do new AC systems last?
On average, around 12-15 years, if you have the system regularly maintained and serviced.

Need Hopkins MN air conditioning service? Get in touch with Abel Onsite today by visiting www.AbelOnsite.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

Minnesota Air Conditioning Tips

Having trouble dealing with the Minnesota summer heat because of air conditioning woes? Here are a couple of easy tips to ensure your air conditioner keeps working, and your home doesn’t fry up:

Keep your air filters clean
This cannot be stressed enough. In order for your central air or a/c unit to work properly, it must have clean air filters. Check them every 30 to 90 days to make sure, and more frequently if you have animals.

Don’t frequently turn the system on and off
Always turning the unit off and on will make you have to call for air conditioning service. Don’t shut it down, come home and expect your home to be cool. Heat will buildup in the wall and furniture, meaning your cooling unit has to work harder to remove it. It’s also never a good idea to turn off the a/c and then immediately turn it back on, as this can permanently damage the compressor.

Keep as much heat out as possible
An air conditioner removes heat and then cycles it as cooler air. The more heat in an area, the harder the unit has to work, which uses more electricity. During peak daylight hours, keep the blinds closed and curtains and shades drawn. Keep ceiling fans on to help the appliance work properly.

Have the system check regularly
Before the start of summer, an experienced HVAC contractor should inspect your system, to make sure the mechanics are intact. The tech should check the motor, bearings and blower fans, as well as the ducts, vents and pipes. Any problems should be repaired at that time, so they don’t appear when the sun beats down.

If you need help with your Minnesota air conditioning system, contact Abel Onsite by visiting www.AbelOnsite.com