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Common Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling Your Home

ac, air conditioning, ac unit, ac system, air conditioner, air conditioner system, air conditioning unit, ac repair, ac replacement

Common Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling Your Home

When your AC doesn’t supply you with cold air in the summer, it can be a stressful – and hot – time. That’s why it’s recommended to have your air conditioner serviced in the spring before summer rolls around, to ensure everything is in good working condition. However, if you find yourself without cool air this season, there could be many reasons why that is.

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1. Incorrect Thermostat

If your thermostat is set incorrectly, you could be thinking your AC isn’t working when that’s not the case. Make sure your thermostat and your air conditioner are both turned on. Then, you’ll want to make sure your thermostat is set about 5 degrees cooler than your currently home’s temperature. At this point, you should be feeling the cool air blowing through the vents. If you don’t, then you may have another issue.

2. Clogged Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed every 1-3 months. If you notice inefficient cooling in your home, check to make sure your air filter isn’t clogged. The debris, dust, dirt and dander can all clog your filter, which will obstruct the airflow and cause your air conditioner to have to work harder to cool your space. The more clogged it becomes, the less air that can pass through so make sure you’re changing it frequently.

3. Dirty Outdoor Unit

Do you have an outdoor unit? Then, you may want to make sure there’s nothing covering it. Leaves and other debris can make your fan work harder. You should always make sure there’s at least 2-3 feet between your outdoor unit and any bushes, branches, or other items that have the potential to obstruct air flow. If you notice your outdoor unit is dirty and in need of a cleaning, schedule a professional cleaning today.

4. Your AC Isn’t the Right Size

Bigger isn’t always better. If you have an air conditioner that is too big, you may find that it shuts off quickly because it doesn’t have to run too long to cool a small space. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures. On the contrary, if your air conditioner is too small, it won’t be able to properly cool the size of your home. Not only that, but you’ll likely be dealing with higher energy bills as a result. To make sure you have the right size AC unit for your space, schedule an appointment with a professional HVAC technician.

5. Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak can be a serious issue. Not only can it cause your AC to not cool properly, but it can also cause refrigerant poisoning which can be life threatening if not treated right away. If you suspect you may have a refrigerant leak, it’s important you turn off your air conditioner right away and call a professional. Refrigerant doesn’t ever get used up, so if you notice the level has dropped at all then you can be fairly certain you have a leak.

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This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

The Telltale Signs It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your HVAC System

If you find that your cooling system isn’t working as it should, it may be time to repair or replace it. You can usually tell whether or not it’s time to repair or replace your HVAC system based on how often you need repairs, how your system is, and what kind of repairs you need to get it working right again. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common indicators that your HVAC needs repairing or replacing, so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed with your home’s air conditioning system.

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HVAC System

Temperature Fluctuations

Older, less efficient, systems are more likely to get stuck in an on-and-off cycle of heating and cooling, which can wear down your system much faster. You may notice that it takes longer for your house to cool down than it used to. The fix could be as simple as weather stripping or repairing a hole in the attic. If you know that your home is sealed properly, a repair may not be an option. If you’re having problems maintaining consistent temperatures, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.

Foul Odor

As your air conditioner runs, it emits smells that can take away from a pleasant environment. If you notice that there is a bad odor coming from your A/C, it’s possible that you have mold growing in your ductwork. You should have an expert come out to investigate and assess what needs to be done next. In some cases, they may recommend a repair; in others, replacement may be required. That depends on several factors including the age of the unit, quality of installation, and usage patterns.

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HVAC System

Air Leaks

Leaks are a silent killer in any cooling system. They occur when there is a hole in ductwork, a unit is poorly insulated, or rusted hangers are present, among other things. These leaks can account for up to 40% of your home’s cooling load during the summer months. Think about how much energy that wastes! Leaks will also contribute to dust build-up, leading your air filter life cycle to be shorter and wear on other parts of your system quicker. If your home is currently experiencing an air leak, call the professionals at Cool Touch. It may be as simple as sealing the leak but if the leak is catastrophic, then you may need a replacement. 

HVAC System

Lack of Maintenance

A poorly maintained HVAC system can lead to extreme temperature swings, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. If you have neglected to perform maintenance on your system, you will most likely need to replace your system earlier than most. This is because a lack of proper maintenance increases wears on components like motor bearings, filters, belts, and more. These components are all designed to work for a certain amount of time before they need a replacement; however, if they are not replaced when needed, they will likely fail prematurely. This means that you may find yourself in a situation where your system needs to be replaced sooner than you expected, costing more down the road.

HVAC system

Your System Is 10 Years or Older

Since newer systems are more energy efficient and operate quieter, they make homes and buildings more comfortable than older systems. Older units also have a greater risk of failure due to wear and tear. In fact, a system that’s 10 years old can be twice as likely to break down as one that’s only 5 years old. If your system is ten years or older, it may be time for a new one!

HVAC System

Your System Needs Frequent Repairs

If your system is out of commission for a substantial amount of time, and it seems like there’s always something wrong with it, then maybe it’s time to consider replacing it. While repairs are an important part of keeping your equipment running optimally, too many repairs indicate there is a larger problem at hand. 

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This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

5 Commonly Asked Questions About An HVAC Installation

If you’re thinking about installing an HVAC system in your home, you’re probably going to have some questions along the way. For example, how much does an HVAC installation cost? How long does it take to install? What can I do about my home’s heating and cooling when I am away on vacation? These are just some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding an HVAC installation, but you don’t have to worry because you are not alone! Here are the five most common questions that people ask about HVAC installations.

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hvac installation

How can I tell if I need a new unit?

While there aren’t hard and fast rules for determining whether or not you need a new unit, there are several signs that suggest you may need a replacement. The first thing to consider is age. If your system is over eight years old, then it might be time for an upgrade. You should also take into account how much money you have spent on repairs in recent months. If they amount to more than one-third of what a new system would cost, then a replacement might make the most sense. If these two things don’t apply but your unit still isn’t running as efficiently as it used to, then perhaps upgrading makes sense. Your best resource when it comes to determining whether or not you need a new air conditioner is a trained technician. One of our Cool Touch technicians will be able to tell right away if your unit needs replacing and can advise you on getting a new one that suits your home’s specific needs. 

Do I need to replace my ductwork?

When you’re getting an air conditioner installed, ductwork is often considered a necessary evil. But do you really need to have your ducts replaced? Not in every scenario. As long as they aren’t damaged and are in good shape, meaning not too brittle or dirty, they won’t cause problems for your new system. During your estimate, a technician will be able to inspect your ductwork to help determine if your home is a candidate for new ductwork and will be able to give you their recommendation.

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What size air conditioning system do I need?

First, you’ll need to consider how much space you want to cool, then add 20%. Most A/C units are unable to cool your home evenly because they’re designed to cool a specific number of square feet. For example, if your home is 1,200 square feet, that means it has 1,440 sq. ft. of air-conditioning territory. Your technician will be able to help you determine the appropriate size based on your home during the consultation. Purchasing the wrong size can have a negative effect on your cooling efficiency. If you purchase too large of a system, you won’t be able to run it as often as needed because it will take longer to cool down your home. If you purchase too small of a system, then you won’t be able to cool down your entire house at once. This could mean that some rooms are too hot while others are comfortable. This wastes energy and money! However, you don’t have to worry because our Cool Touch team will always steer you in the right direction!

How long does an HVAC installation take?

This depends on a variety of factors, but you should be able to get a basic idea from the technician. If you’re looking for an A/C system for your home, installation can take roughly one day. If you are looking for additional services, like installing ductwork, this could take more time depending on the complexity of the installation. In any case, it is important to have realistic expectations about how long installation will take and what it entails. You should always ask as many questions as possible so that you know exactly what to expect during your installation. 

How much will it cost?

Of course, people want to know how much it will cost to get an HVAC system installed. This is a very important question in order for you to budget properly for a new system. Many factors can determine the cost including brand, accessories, and what size unit your home needs. However, there are some general guidelines on how much it should cost to install an HVAC system. If you’re looking for a price range, expect to pay around $3,800-$6,300 on average, when installing an HVAC system with ductwork. 

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This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

5 Ways to Make a Difference with Your Water Heater

showeringYour water heater is arguably one of the most important appliances in your home. It accounts for nearly 17% of your home’s overall energy consumption. We know that 17% can seem like it’s not the largest statistic in the world, but it’s a little different when you consider that it’s coming all from one appliance. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your water heater is high efficiency and always ready to work for you.

We understand that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different things you should know about your home. If you’re looking for tips concerning your water heater in Orlando, FL, then we’re the ones you should turn to. Here are a few tips you can try out…

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Common Things To Do To Help Your Water Heater

Here are a few things you should know about your water heater, its operation, and how you can help it perform. 

1. Take Note of Your Thermostat

Your water heater has a thermostat. If you’re trying to improve your efficiency, then it’s important to make sure that your thermostat is set to a proper temperature. It’s easy to have your thermostat set to a temperature of around 130-140°F. Although this is typical, homeowners can usually find themselves satisfied with a temperature of around 120°F. Just an adjustment of a few degrees can save you 3-5% annually of your total water heater costs. 

2. Make Sure Your Water Heater Is Properly Sized

It’s important to make sure that your water heater is properly sized to meet the needs of your home. For example, the water heater needs of a 5-bedroom home that has 4 family members living in it will be different than those of a 1-bedroom home with 2 family members living in it. 

3. Insulate Your Water Tank and Pipes

It’s always a great idea to insulate your hot water tank and your water heater’s pipes. This is a simple to-do and it’s something you can do all on your own as a homeowner. Just run out to your local hardware store, get some insulation, and apply it to some of the exposed pipes of your system.

4. Consider a Water Treatment System

One of the best ways to save on your water costs or improve your water heater efficiency is by using less hot water or water in general. An easy way to do this is by improving the quality of your water. You can do this with the following water treatment systems we offer:

  • Reverse osmosis systems
  • Water softeners
  • Water filters

What water treatment system or service you need depends on the specific factors affecting your home. We’ll identify those factors and help you find the right water treatment system.

5. Consider Going Tankless

Have you considered going tankless? This is a great thing to do if you’re concerned with the efficiency of your water heater. Tankless waters, or “on-demand” water heaters, generate hot water when you turn on your tap–not a moment sooner. The beauty of this is that it eliminates the standby heat loss of tank water heater systems. You can save yourself a significant amount of money with this type of investment. 

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This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

3 Reasons for Ice on Your AC

We don’t really use ice to cool the air in our home. While ice might be a great addition to a cool beverage, or to a cooler when you go camping, it’s not going to do any good when your home is in need of cooling. For starters, ice only cools small objects and areas. You don’t want to know how much ice it would take to cool your entire home, and the energy involved in making that much ice would be absurd!

However, ice can still form on an air conditioner. We know this not just because we’re HVAC professionals, but because it’s a common problem that we hear about all the time. If you’ve ever noticed ice growing on the coil of your AC, then you’ve got a problem we might be talking about down below. Just make sure you call us for your air conditioning in Roseland, NJ.

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1. Ice Can Form From a Refrigerant Leak

When refrigerant leaks from an air conditioner, it can have trouble cooling your home. Now, you might be thinking that this is a bit paradoxical. If an air conditioner is struggling to run properly, wouldn’t it warm up rather than cool down? Well, it depends on where in the cooling process the issue is expressing itself!

When refrigerant travels to the evaporator coil, it heats up as the air inside of your home cools down. But when an air conditioner doesn’t have enough refrigerant to run a normal cycle, it might send the refrigerant through without retaining all of the heat. Continue this for a few cycles and the interior components of the air conditioner will start cooling to below freezing, causing the moisture in the air to turn into ice as it condenses. The worst part about this is that your air conditioner will be supercooling the air inside of it, but not the air in your home!

2. Clogged Air Filter

Another reason for ice growth on an air conditioner is due to a blocked air filter. Your AC requires a continual flow of air through the system in order for it to function properly. If the air filter is clogged, the unit will struggle to blow air through it and into your home, causing it to stagnate while it operates. Then, over time, the air will cool too much and ice might start growing. This can be fixed simply by changing out the air filter every 1-3 months.

3. An Issue With the Blower Fan

The blower fan is in charge of sending cooled air through your ductwork and into the rooms of your home. If it’s not working properly, or if it’s not running entirely, the cool air will be stuck in your air conditioner as it continues to cool. Thus, if you’re following along, ice will start to form as the air inside your AC gets cooled but it can’t travel anywhere.

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This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

What is a Main Sewer Line?

You hear about it all the time, but do you actually know what a main sewer line is — or how important it is to your home?

We have all of the information regarding main sewer lines right here for you to read at your convenience. Once you have a little more knowledge of main sewer lines, you’ll be better prepared if (and when) a problem rears its ugly head.

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Man cleaning out a sewer in a residential yard

What is the Main Sewer Line?

The main sewer line is exactly what you think it is. It’s the plumbing line that channels all of the waste from toilets, tubs, and sinks out of your home, toward the main sewer under the street in front of your home.

Can the Main Sewer Line Become Clogged?

Chances are you’re on this page because you’re dealing with a clogged main sewer line as we speak. So the answer is an an obvious — yes.

You’ll know when this line becomes clogged when multiple plumbing fixtures experience frequent clogs and there is a noticeable sewer smell emanating from those fixtures.

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What is a Sewer Main Clean-Out?

A home’s main sewer line is located underground as it travels from your home to the city’s street. However, there are some homes that have a sewer clean-out.

What’s that?

A sewer clean-out is a small portion of the sewer line that can be accessed by unscrewing the cap. When the sewer line becomes clogged, it’s infinitely easier to clear the blockage via the clean-out.

Homes without this unsung hero will provide a tougher challenge for your local plumber and can be more expensive for the homeowner. Avoid having a difficult time clearing your clogged sewer line by having a clean-out installed now — before a clog does develop.

Who is Responsible for the Main Sewer Line?

Most homes’ main sewer lines are connected to the city sewer system beneath the street in front of their home. So if it’s part of the city’s system, doesn’t that mean the city should pay for any repairs or sewer line replacement?

Not always.

Even though the sewer line is connected to a city sewer system, the homeowner is responsible for their sewer line. Therefore, you should always have your plumber stored in your phone’s contacts in case a blockage does occur.

(There are times when a blockage can occur at the junction of the sewer line and the sewer system — if this is the case, the city could be held responsible.)

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This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

What to Expect During Drain Cleaning Service

Water flowing down a bathtub drain.Drain clogs and wastewater backups will bring your plumbing system to a halt.

Whenever it’s time for drain cleaning service, you need a local plumber you can trust—you need the experts at Len The Plumber!

When you contact us for drain cleaning services, here’s what you can expect during the service and what you can do to prepare it.

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What Happens During a Drain Cleaning Service Call?

When you contact us for professional drain cleaning service, we’ll greet you in a friendly, professional manner and put on shoe covers before entering your home. Then, we’ll:

  • Ask some questions: To get more background on the history of your home and your plumbing system, we’ll ask a series of questions, including whether or not you’ve had drain or plumbing problems before and, if so, what those were.
  • Set a clear agenda for the service upfront: We do this so that you fully understand the diagnostic process, the drain cleaning service, and the camera inspection.
  • Perform diagnostics: We’ll test your plumbing fixtures and inspect the location of any backups. This step helps us decide what equipment is best suited for the job at hand.
  • Set up for service: After establishing clear access to the service area, we’ll put down drop cloths to protect your home.
  • Run the drain cleaning machine: This is when the cleaning happens! With our machine, the sewer line will be cleared of holding sewage. If, however, we believe the clog is outside or the line cannot be cleared, we’ll recommend an immediate camera inspection to determine the severity of the problem.
  • Test your fixtures: Once the sewage has drained out of the sewer line, we will run several fixtures simultaneously to test flow.
  • Conduct a final camera inspection: After cleaning your drains and clearing your sewer line, we’ll do a camera inspection to identify the cause of the clog. This may uncover damaged or broken sewer lines, in which case our plumber would recommend sewer line repair or replacement (so you don’t continue to experience drain and sewer line problems).

The average drain cleaning service takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete.

If, during your drain cleaning service, we discover sewer line damage that requires excavation and replacement, we’ll work with you to schedule the sewer line replacement service.

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How to Prepare for Drain Cleaning Service

Before a plumber comes to your home to clean your drains, here’s what you can do to prepare so that the service goes as smoothly as possible:

  • Make sure there is a clear path from the front door to the access point: This path needs to be at least 3 feet wide to allow room for our drain cleaning equipment.
  • Remove items around the affected fixtures and access point: The plumber will need easy access to these, so remove personal items from these areas. For example, you’ll want to clear out items under sinks that are having backups.
  • Remove sewage waste: If there are several inches of sewage in the work area, contact a remediation company to have it removed before your plumber arrives. The plumber may not be able to diagnose and fix the problems if the access point is buried in sewage.
  • Be aware that drain cleaning may not be a permanent solution: In fact, if you have a damaged pipe or your sewer system gets heavy use, drain cleaning will not be a permanent solution. Defects that impact the flow of sewage are progressive, and they will eventually lead to complete sewer system failure. Similarly, continuous abuse of sewer systems will cause continuous backups, and it may even contribute to pipe damage and defects.

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This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

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