Common Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement

Maintenance,,air,conditioner,and,hands,of,man,with,screwdriver,workingAs the hot summer months approach, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. Your air conditioner plays a vital role in maintaining a pleasant indoor environment, but like any other appliance, it may require repair or replacement over time. In this blog post, we will discuss some common signs that indicate your air conditioner is in need of professional attention.

1. Weak Airflow

One of the most noticeable signs of a struggling air conditioner is weak airflow. If you notice that the air coming out of your vents is not as strong as it used to be, it could indicate a problem with your AC unit. Weak airflow can be caused by a clogged air filter, a faulty fan motor, or even ductwork issues. It is crucial to address this issue promptly, as stagnant air can lead to discomfort and reduced indoor air quality.

2. Warm Air

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cool air, it is a clear sign that something is not right. There are several potential causes for this problem, including a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning compressor, or a faulty thermostat. While some issues can be resolved through repair, others may require a full system replacement. Consulting with an HVAC professional will help you determine the best course of action.

3. Excessive Noise

Air conditioners are designed to operate quietly, so if you notice unusual or excessive noise, it is a red flag. Grinding, banging, or squealing noises may indicate worn-out or loose components, such as belts or fan blades. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage and potentially result in a complete system breakdown. A professional technician can diagnose the source of the noise and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.

4. High Energy Bills

A sudden increase in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage can be a sign that your air conditioner is not functioning efficiently. Several factors can contribute to this, such as an aging system, leaky ductwork, or inadequate insulation. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your old unit with a new, energy-efficient model to reduce your long-term energy expenses.

5. Frequent Breakdowns

If you find yourself repeatedly calling for AC repairs, it may be a strong indication that your system is on its last legs. As air conditioners age, they become more prone to breakdowns and malfunctions. Continuously investing in repairs for an outdated system may end up costing you more in the long run than investing in a new, reliable air conditioner.

6. Foul Odors

Unpleasant odors coming from your air vents can be a sign of mold or other contaminants in your system. These odors can not only make your home smell unpleasant but can also have a negative impact on your indoor air quality and health. It is recommended to have a professional inspect and clean your air conditioner to eliminate any potential hazards.

7. Age of the System

The lifespan of an air conditioner typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. If your unit is nearing or has exceeded this average lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement. Older units tend to be less energy-efficient, have outdated technology, and require more frequent repairs. Investing in a new air conditioner will not only provide better comfort but also save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Summary

Recognizing the signs that your air conditioner needs repair or replacement is essential to maintain a comfortable and efficient home. Weak airflow, warm air, excessive noise, high energy bills, frequent breakdowns, foul odors, and the age of the system are all indicators that your AC unit requires professional attention. Consulting with an experienced HVAC technician can help you assess the condition of your air conditioner and determine the best course of action to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Got Questions? Let Us Help!

Keep cool or stay warm with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Since 1999, Ashley Brothers have been providing residential and commercial services to the St. Louis and Jefferson County area. We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair, and furnace cleaning. Craftsmanship is important, equipment choice is too. We work with only top brands like Amana, Goodman, York, and McLain. It is understandable that replacing or upgrading your equipment can be daunting. Ask us about financing. We repair all heating and cooling equipment brands. Heating and cooling repairs can happen at random, take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service. Call us today about your concerns.

Should I Keep My AC On All Day In Summer?

Heating,and,air,conditioning,units,on,the,side,of,aShould I Keep My AC On All Day In Summer?

As summer approaches and the temperatures start to rise, many of us begin to wonder if we should keep our air conditioning on all day. While it might be tempting to leave your AC running 24/7 to keep your home cool and comfortable, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of doing so.

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether you should keep your AC on all day in the summer, and what factors you should consider before making your decision.

Pros of Keeping Your AC on All Day

1. It Keeps Your Home Cool and Comfortable

The number one reason many people opt to keep their air conditioning on all day during the summer is to ensure their home remains cool and comfortable. If you live in a hot and humid area, turning off your AC can make your home uncomfortable and difficult to live in.

By keeping your AC on all day, you’ll maintain a consistent temperature in your home, which can make it an escape from the oppressive summer heat.

2. It Reduces Humidity Levels

One of the most significant factors contributing to discomfort in the summer is high humidity levels. Humidity makes it challenging for our bodies to regulate temperature through sweating, which can make us feel hotter and more uncomfortable.

By keeping your AC on all day, you’ll reduce the humidity levels in your home, making it a more comfortable place to be.

3. It Can Improve Air Quality

Air conditioning systems not only cool your home but also filter the air, removing pollutants, and other irritants. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues, particularly for people with allergies or asthma.

Keeping your AC on all day means that the air in your home will be filtered continuously, providing you with cleaner and healthier air to breathe.

Cons of Keeping Your AC on All Day

1. It Can Be Expensive

The most significant downside to leaving your AC on all day is the cost. Running your air conditioning system for extended periods can significantly increase your energy bills, potentially making it unaffordable for some households.

To mitigate this cost, consider using a programmable thermostat that turns the AC off when no one is home or using other energy-saving tips to reduce your overall energy consumption.

2. It Can Put Strain on Your Air Conditioning System

Leaving your AC on constantly can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. The longer your system runs, the more wear and tear it experiences, which could potentially lead to more frequent AC repairs or even system failure.

To prevent placing undue stress on your system, try to give your AC a break by turning it off when you’re not home or by using energy-efficient settings like “fan only” mode.

3. It Can Impact the Environment

Finally, keeping your AC on all day can have an environmental impact, as it contributes to overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.

While there are certainly steps you can take to reduce your environmental footprint, such as upgrading to a more energy-efficient AC system or using renewable energy sources, it’s essential to be mindful of how your actions impact the world around you.

Factors to Consider

Before deciding whether to keep your AC on all day, there are a few factors you should consider:

1. Your Energy Bill

As mentioned, one of the most significant factors that will impact your decision is the cost of running your AC 24/7. While it’s undoubtedly tempting to keep your home cool and comfortable, it’s essential to consider whether you can afford the added expense on your energy bill.

2. The Climate in Your Area

Another crucial consideration is the climate in your area. If you live in a region with exceedingly high temperatures and high humidity levels, it may be necessary to keep your AC on all day to ensure your home is habitable.

However, in areas with more moderate temperatures, it may be possible to get by without leaving your AC running constantly.

3. The Efficiency of Your Air Conditioning System

Finally, the efficiency of your air conditioning system should factor into your decision. If you have an older or outdated system, you’re more likely to encounter issues with costs and energy usage than those with newer, more efficient systems.

Before deciding to keep your AC on all day, consider whether it’s time for an upgrade or if there are ways to improve your system’s efficiency.

Conclusion

So, should you keep your AC on all day in the summer? Ultimately, the answer will depend on your unique circumstances.

However, by considering the pros and cons outlined above, along with your budget, climate, and the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should be able to make an informed decision that provides you with a comfortable home without breaking the bank.

Remember, there are plenty of strategies you can use to keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer without leaving your AC running all day, such as replacing air filters, closing curtains, and using fans. By using these methods of keeping your home comfortable, you’ll find a balance between your comfort and your wallet.

How Cold Can You Set Your AC?

Summer is already around the corner, and homeowners are busy dusting their air conditioners off for a busy season. Many homeowners are interested in getting maximum air conditioning from their units as they expect higher outdoor temperatures than in other summer seasons due to the changing climatic conditions around the world.

How Much Cooling Can Your AC Handle

AC settings are personal preferences, and what may be comfortable for you may be too cold for the next person. For instance, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home to help reduce energy consumption. But there will be days when even 78 seems like it’s not enough, so how low can you go without damaging your AC unit?

Understand the Working of an AC Unit

To answer this question, you must understand how an AC unit works. The air conditioner has three main and essential components. The compressor is the most crucial part of the AC. It compresses the refrigerant gas and passes it to the condenser.

The condenser is a large coil that is placed outside the house. The function of this coil is to release the heat that was absorbed by the refrigerant inside the compressor. Finally, the evaporator is placed inside the house. It is a coil that absorbs the heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant.

The above three processes are responsible for cooling your room. Now let’s see how lowering the temperature can affect these processes.

How Lowing the Temperature Can Affect Your AC Unit

Lowering your AC temperature below 70 degrees can put a strain on the compressor. The compressor is designed to work best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the compressor must work harder to compress the refrigerant gas. This can cause the compressor to overheat and break down eventually.

The evaporator also works best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the evaporator has to work harder to absorb the heat from the indoor air. This can cause the evaporator to frost over. If this happens, it will reduce the airflow and make your AC unit less effective.

The condenser also works best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the condenser has to work harder to release the heat from the refrigerant. This can cause the condenser to overheat and break down eventually.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Your AC Unit?

The ideal temperature for your AC unit is between 70 and 80 degrees. However, setting the temperature lower than this can strain the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. So, if you want your AC unit to last longer, it is best to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.

Bottom line

Straining your air conditioner by setting the temperature too low can cause damage to the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. These parts are designed to work best at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. So, if you want your AC unit to last longer, it is best to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs.

Tips for Cooling Down a Hot Room

Room cooling during the summer can be a challenge, but some tips and tricks can help. By following a few simple steps, you can cool down your room and enjoy a comfortable temperature all summer long. Here are some tips on how to cool a room.

1. Use Fans to Circulate the Air

This simple tip can make a big difference in cooling down a hot room. By circulating the air, fans help to even out the temperature and make the room feel more comfortable. In addition, fans can help reduce the level of humidity in the air, making a room feel cooler. Of course, fans cannot lower the air temperature, but they can make a hot room feel much more bearable. As an added bonus, fans are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them an ideal solution for beating the heat.

2. Let in the Cool Air

During the cooler hours of the day, open up the windows and doors to let in the refreshing air. This will help lower the room’s temperature and make it more comfortable. Just be sure to close the windows and doors when the temperature outside starts to rise again; otherwise, you’ll just be letting in more hot air.

3. Use Ice and Cold Water

Another great way to cool down a room is to use ice and cold water. Fill up a large bowl with ice and place it in front of a fan. The air from the fan will circulate over the ice and help cool down the room. You can also fill up a spray bottle with cold water and mist the room lightly. This will help lower the room’s temperature and make it more comfortable.

4. Use Curtains or Blinds

If you have windows in your room, another great tip is to use curtains or blinds. By keeping the sunlight out, you can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters the room. In addition, if you have insulated curtains or blinds, they can also help keep the room cooler by trapping in the cool air.

5. Turn Off Electronics

During the summer, it’s best to turn off any electronics that emit heat. This includes things like computers, TVs, and even lamps. These devices can add a significant amount of heat to a room, so it’s best to turn them off when you’re trying to cool down the room. Also, be sure to unplug any appliances you’re not using, as they can also add to the heat in a room.

6. Use a Dehumidifier

If the room feels especially humid, it’s good to use a dehumidifier. By removing the excess moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help to make a room feel cooler and more comfortable. Make sure to empty the dehumidifier regularly, as the collected water can start to add to the humidity level if it’s not emptied frequently.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can easily cool down a room and enjoy a comfortable temperature all summer long. Fans, ice, cold water, and curtains are all great ways to lower the temperature of a room. If you need a more powerful solution, visit Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer room cooling solutions that will keep your room cool and comfortable all summer long. Give us a call today to learn more.

The Real Use for Ceiling Fans

Summer is here, and that means you may be retreating indoors to enjoy the comfort of central air. But the downside to every HVAC system is that the air inside the home is likely to become stuffy and stale.

Did you know that there’s a simple way to improve air quality inside the home? The fact is that ceiling fans improve air circulation, which can help you breathe better and get better sleep.

Using ceiling fans for air circulation

Many people believe that ceiling fans are designed to cool down a room. They can have that effect, but their true purpose is to improve air circulation in whichever room they’re used in. This creates the illusion that the room is actually a few degrees cooler.

Ceiling fans work by creating a breeze that removes moisture from your skin—it’s that artificial breeze that creates a cooling sensation. Hot air and heat have nowhere to go once they reach the ceiling, so running ceiling fans counterclockwise during the summer can help with heat management.

Then in the winter, you can reverse the blades to mix and distribute the cold air at the bottom of the room with the hot air that rises to the top of the room. Consequently, you can save money on your cooling costs in the summer and on your heating costs in the winter by using ceiling fans.

Other fans

Ceiling fans improve air circulation, which can have health benefits and save energy. But let’s say you don’t have ceiling fans installed in your home—you can still reap the benefits of air circulation through the use of other fans. Here are some of the most common:

Do you want to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter? At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we provide a full range of heating and cooling services to meet any need your home’s energy-efficient system may have, from furnace maintenance to AC repair. Our dedicated team has the experience and know-how to get the job done right. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and get a free quote!