I recently heard a homeowner bragging about their old air conditioner
"it still runs." Unfortunately, he doesn't realize his electric bill
is probably quite higher than necessary. An air conditioner is not an heirloom
possession.
Better Efficiency
Over the past decade or so, efficiency has dramatically improved. This is
because of public awareness of energy and the government enacting efficiency
requirements. Your airconditioner efficiency is very low if it was installed before 2006. Today's
air conditioners are more than twice as efficient as the pre-2006 units (based
on government-defined efficiency ratings).
Imagine the cost of electricity for the major electricity consuming
appliance in your home as half as much.
Over-sizing was the Rule
Rule-of-thumb was the method for sizing old air conditioning systems. That
rule was to make sure it was big enough to cool the house. Unfortunately, in
keeping to this rule, a rather generous safety margin emerged. Everyone knew it
would use a good amount of energy, but electricity was cheap back then.
There are two problems with this sizing rule. The obvious one, electricity rates have increased tremendously over the decades. The other problem has
to do with the cooling needed by the home. If you have done absolutely nothing
to your home since installation of the air conditioner, then its capacity is
probably about right. But, if you have replaced windows, added siding, or added
insulation above your ceiling, then the cooling requirement for the home could
be less. An over-sized air conditioner causes temperature swings in your home
due to rapid on and off cycling.
Do Not Decide on Your Own
Even if it seems that you should replace your air conditioner, you will need
assistance in selecting the best economical size and efficiency. The
professionals at J. R. Perkins can provide this assistance and they can provide
more insight than provided in this short article. After talking to J.R. Perkins,
you can do the bragging.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East
Valley and services Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more please
visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com
or call (480) 422-4437.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Properly Cleaning Out Your Air Conditioning Unit
If you use an air conditioner to cool down your home or apartment during
warmer months, it is likely you do not wish to experience downtime due to
improper maintenance. Yearly assessments of your air conditioner, in addition
to regular cleaning sessions of the components within the unit, will aid in
keeping your machine working at times you need it most. Here are some steps to
follow when cleaning out a window unit.
Turn Off Power To Your Unit Before Doing A Cleaning Session
Before you clean out your air conditioner, make sure it is not plugged into an electrical outlet. Failing to unplug your air conditioning unit before doing a cleaning session can lead to the possibility of an electrical shock as you will be working with the interior portions of the unit with cleaners and water. While turning off the unit will aid in keeping it from running during your cleaning session, electricity will still be present if you do not unplug it.
Remove The Grill Cover And Clean Out The Coils To Remove Debris
The exterior side of your unit will have a cover present which you will be able to remove rather easily. Pry the cover away from the unit with a screwdriver if it does not come loose when you use your fingertips to pull it away from the main portion of the air conditioner. When this cover is taken off, coils underneath will be exposed. These coils should remain free of debris to ensure maximum efficiency in the cooling of the interior of your home or apartment. To remove surface dust, dip a piece of microfiber cloth in water and wring out the cloth to remove excess liquid. Use the cloth to gently wipe down each coil by hand.
Use A Vacuum Cleaner To Remove Excess Dust And Change The Filter
The grill portion of your air conditioner, in addition to the inside components, can be vacuumed to remove dirt. Use a soft brush attachment to do the job. When you vacuum the interior of the unit, do not rub the brush over any of the components as you remove dirt. Instead, keep the brush an inch or so away from components to aid in the avoidance of damage to them. Swap the brush attachment with a crevice tool to remove dirt from the fins that make up the grill portion of your unit. After dirt is removed, slide out the air filter and replace it with a new one. If your machine has a washable filter, remove it and soak it in a sink full of warm water for several minutes and allow to air dry before placing back in your unit.
It is best to have your air conditioning unit serviced yearly. This will ensure it is able to be used during the hottest temperatures without unnecessary downtime. If you require assistance in maintaining your air conditioning unit, do not hesitate to contact JR Perkins to schedule an appointment. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, serving Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Turn Off Power To Your Unit Before Doing A Cleaning Session
Before you clean out your air conditioner, make sure it is not plugged into an electrical outlet. Failing to unplug your air conditioning unit before doing a cleaning session can lead to the possibility of an electrical shock as you will be working with the interior portions of the unit with cleaners and water. While turning off the unit will aid in keeping it from running during your cleaning session, electricity will still be present if you do not unplug it.
Remove The Grill Cover And Clean Out The Coils To Remove Debris
The exterior side of your unit will have a cover present which you will be able to remove rather easily. Pry the cover away from the unit with a screwdriver if it does not come loose when you use your fingertips to pull it away from the main portion of the air conditioner. When this cover is taken off, coils underneath will be exposed. These coils should remain free of debris to ensure maximum efficiency in the cooling of the interior of your home or apartment. To remove surface dust, dip a piece of microfiber cloth in water and wring out the cloth to remove excess liquid. Use the cloth to gently wipe down each coil by hand.
Use A Vacuum Cleaner To Remove Excess Dust And Change The Filter
The grill portion of your air conditioner, in addition to the inside components, can be vacuumed to remove dirt. Use a soft brush attachment to do the job. When you vacuum the interior of the unit, do not rub the brush over any of the components as you remove dirt. Instead, keep the brush an inch or so away from components to aid in the avoidance of damage to them. Swap the brush attachment with a crevice tool to remove dirt from the fins that make up the grill portion of your unit. After dirt is removed, slide out the air filter and replace it with a new one. If your machine has a washable filter, remove it and soak it in a sink full of warm water for several minutes and allow to air dry before placing back in your unit.
It is best to have your air conditioning unit serviced yearly. This will ensure it is able to be used during the hottest temperatures without unnecessary downtime. If you require assistance in maintaining your air conditioning unit, do not hesitate to contact JR Perkins to schedule an appointment. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, serving Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Central vs. Ductless Air Conditioning
There are quite a few kinds of air conditioners,
but not all are equally suited to residential usage. Here is a comparison of
two popular residential air conditioning solutions: central and ductless
mini-split systems.
Central air conditioners are simple and effective. Central air conditioners extract heat from regular air and then distribute the resulting cool air throughout your home. Central air conditioning is often the best choice when you are looking to cool your entire home, but it does require a little extra maintenance. Not only do you need to keep the air conditioner in working order, but you also need to make sure that your ventilation isn't getting clogged up.
Ductless Mini-Split systems are similar in that they have a central cooling unit and outlets throughout your home. You can choose which rooms get cold air at any time. While a central system uses ventilation to move cold air, a ductless system has refrigeration lines that directly connect the refrigeration unit to the fan systems in each room. This cold air is then blown right into the room, somewhat like a cleaner swamp cooler.
So which option is better?
Central air conditioners require much less effort to install if you already have ventilation in place. They are also pretty good choices if you are planning on keeping all of your rooms equally cool.
Ductless systems are easier to install if you don't have ventilation already. They are efficient if you are only planning on cooling a few rooms since they allow you to save energy that would otherwise be spent on bringing down the temperature in the rest of your house.
Central air conditioners are simple and effective. Central air conditioners extract heat from regular air and then distribute the resulting cool air throughout your home. Central air conditioning is often the best choice when you are looking to cool your entire home, but it does require a little extra maintenance. Not only do you need to keep the air conditioner in working order, but you also need to make sure that your ventilation isn't getting clogged up.
Ductless Mini-Split systems are similar in that they have a central cooling unit and outlets throughout your home. You can choose which rooms get cold air at any time. While a central system uses ventilation to move cold air, a ductless system has refrigeration lines that directly connect the refrigeration unit to the fan systems in each room. This cold air is then blown right into the room, somewhat like a cleaner swamp cooler.
So which option is better?
Central air conditioners require much less effort to install if you already have ventilation in place. They are also pretty good choices if you are planning on keeping all of your rooms equally cool.
Ductless systems are easier to install if you don't have ventilation already. They are efficient if you are only planning on cooling a few rooms since they allow you to save energy that would otherwise be spent on bringing down the temperature in the rest of your house.
Did you know that JR Perkins was the first heating and air
conditioning company in the East Valley? Our service area includes Phoenix,
Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Friday, September 29, 2017
How Big Does My Central Air Conditioner Need To Be?
In past blog articles, we shared that having an oversized central air
conditioner can cause you a number of problems. These issues can
include your house becoming too humid, increasing the operating cost, and
creating a risk of breakdowns. So, this likely has you wondering what size air
conditioner you actually need. Today's article hopes to explain what goes
into determining the best size.
First off, it is important to understand that size really does matter. A unit that is too small will continuously run, will not be able to keep up on hottest days, and will ultimately increase your energy consumption. On the other hand, in addition to what was stated above, an air conditioner that is too big will cost more to run, will cycle on and off frequently, and will not provide consistent cooling. You may be tempted to look at your existing unit to determine the right size, that is very often an unreliable method.
In order to figure out the correct size unit, an air conditioning installer must calculate your home's heat load, which is essentially how fast your house heats up. Factors to consider is the home's overall volume, the exterior area exposed to direct sun, and the number and condition of your windows. Also considered are the age and overall condition of the house, the type of insulation in the walls and attic, and any existing ductwork. Even the type of roof you have has an impact.
When you know your home's heat load, you then know exactly how much cooling power you need. Regardless, this is not something that can be done by the average homeowner or some online calculator. Only a qualified and professional air conditioning installer knows what to look for and has the software to make a precise calculation. Installing a new air conditioning unit is just one of those home repair projects that a person cannot do on their own.
First off, it is important to understand that size really does matter. A unit that is too small will continuously run, will not be able to keep up on hottest days, and will ultimately increase your energy consumption. On the other hand, in addition to what was stated above, an air conditioner that is too big will cost more to run, will cycle on and off frequently, and will not provide consistent cooling. You may be tempted to look at your existing unit to determine the right size, that is very often an unreliable method.
In order to figure out the correct size unit, an air conditioning installer must calculate your home's heat load, which is essentially how fast your house heats up. Factors to consider is the home's overall volume, the exterior area exposed to direct sun, and the number and condition of your windows. Also considered are the age and overall condition of the house, the type of insulation in the walls and attic, and any existing ductwork. Even the type of roof you have has an impact.
When you know your home's heat load, you then know exactly how much cooling power you need. Regardless, this is not something that can be done by the average homeowner or some online calculator. Only a qualified and professional air conditioning installer knows what to look for and has the software to make a precise calculation. Installing a new air conditioning unit is just one of those home repair projects that a person cannot do on their own.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company
in the East Valley, located in Scottsdale AZ. To learn more please visit our
website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480)
422-4437.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Common Air Conditioner Noises and What They Mean
On a hot day, the last thing you want when you turn on your air conditioner
is for it to start making noises that remind you of a 747 heading down a runway
or rocks being tossed around inside a steel drum. The following are a few of
the most common air
conditioner sounds that you might encounter and what they mean.
Screaming:
You turn on your AC and hear a high-pitched screaming or hissing sound similar to a tea kettle coming from the outside unit that stops within a few seconds. The air conditioner may also cycle on and off frequently. This is usually the result of high pressure building up in your system and causing the compressor to scream. You should immediately turn off your AC and call for service.
Knocking, Banging, or Clanging:
If you notice this sound when the outside unit is running but not when you set the thermostat to fan only, the most likely cause is an obstruction. The fan may be hitting a rock or stick or may have come loose from the mount causing it to wobble inside the cage. You should turn your air conditioner off and call for service.
Gurgling or Bubbling:
It may be hard to identify the source of the gurgling, but it is most likely the condensate drain line or a refrigerant leak. You probably will not make the problem worse by continuing to run your AC, but you should make sure that you have a proper trap for the condensate drain line. You should also call a professional to rule out a refrigerant leak.
Screeching:
A metal-on-metal screeching sound while the AC is running typically indicates that the fan motor bearings are worn and that the fan motor should be replaced. You should avoid running your AC if possible and call for service.
Squealing:
If there is an intermittent squealing coming from the inside unit, you may have a worn or misaligned fan belt. The sound may come and go as the belt expands and contracts with changes in heat and humidity. Your AC may continue to run for a while, but it is best to go ahead and call for service since the belt will eventually break and leave you sweltering in the heat.
Clicking:
If you hear a sound similar to a baseball card in the spokes of a bicycle tire, there is probably a small obstruction in the fan of the outdoor unit. You should remove the obstruction before continuing to run your AC. If the outside unit tries to turn on but only clicks, you may have an electrical problem involving the compressor, thermostat, or capacitor.
Any type of strange noise coming from your AC should be evaluated by a trained HVAC professional. J.R. Perkins Heating and Cooling has been serving homeowners in Scottsdale and the surrounding area since 1960. Call (480) 422-4437 today or visit our website www.JRPerkins.com to have one of our licensed HVAC experts make sure that your AC is ready for the hot weather to come.
Screaming:
You turn on your AC and hear a high-pitched screaming or hissing sound similar to a tea kettle coming from the outside unit that stops within a few seconds. The air conditioner may also cycle on and off frequently. This is usually the result of high pressure building up in your system and causing the compressor to scream. You should immediately turn off your AC and call for service.
Knocking, Banging, or Clanging:
If you notice this sound when the outside unit is running but not when you set the thermostat to fan only, the most likely cause is an obstruction. The fan may be hitting a rock or stick or may have come loose from the mount causing it to wobble inside the cage. You should turn your air conditioner off and call for service.
Gurgling or Bubbling:
It may be hard to identify the source of the gurgling, but it is most likely the condensate drain line or a refrigerant leak. You probably will not make the problem worse by continuing to run your AC, but you should make sure that you have a proper trap for the condensate drain line. You should also call a professional to rule out a refrigerant leak.
Screeching:
A metal-on-metal screeching sound while the AC is running typically indicates that the fan motor bearings are worn and that the fan motor should be replaced. You should avoid running your AC if possible and call for service.
Squealing:
If there is an intermittent squealing coming from the inside unit, you may have a worn or misaligned fan belt. The sound may come and go as the belt expands and contracts with changes in heat and humidity. Your AC may continue to run for a while, but it is best to go ahead and call for service since the belt will eventually break and leave you sweltering in the heat.
Clicking:
If you hear a sound similar to a baseball card in the spokes of a bicycle tire, there is probably a small obstruction in the fan of the outdoor unit. You should remove the obstruction before continuing to run your AC. If the outside unit tries to turn on but only clicks, you may have an electrical problem involving the compressor, thermostat, or capacitor.
Any type of strange noise coming from your AC should be evaluated by a trained HVAC professional. J.R. Perkins Heating and Cooling has been serving homeowners in Scottsdale and the surrounding area since 1960. Call (480) 422-4437 today or visit our website www.JRPerkins.com to have one of our licensed HVAC experts make sure that your AC is ready for the hot weather to come.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Why Is My Central Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?
Is your central air conditioner blowing warm or hot air? When a customer asks these questions, they are understandably frustrated and aggravated. However, if you are experiencing this problem, there is no reason to sweat. While you may ultimately need a professional technician to inspect your air conditioning unit, there are some things you can do before making that call.
The fact is, there are many different reasons why an AC could blow warm or hot air. Regardless, the most common causes are simple. Today's article will walk you through some easy, do-it-yourself troubleshooting.
Causes of a Central AC Blowing Warm Air
1. Check Your Thermostat - believe it or not, having the thermostat set to "heat" is likely the most common reason for this issue. Also, with the fan switched to "on" means it will blow continuously, even when the AC unit is not cooling. So, the fix is simple. Switch the thermostat setting to "cool" and the fan to "auto."
2. Clean the Outside Unit - Bad weather can cause debris to build up around the air conditioning unit's components. These components require unrestricted airflow in order to draw the warm air from your home. Try sweeping away any visible debris and trim nearby hedges and any tall grass that could be getting in the way.
3. Check the Power - Your air condition unit is actually two parts. It is possible for the outside unit to lose power, but your inside unit to push warm air throughout your home. First, check your circuit breaker box to see if the breaker tripped. Next, find your "emergency shut off" switch, likely located on the home’s exterior wall. It can sometimes get accidentally switched off.
Today's article discussed some common causes for a central air conditioner blowing warm or hot air, and the easy do-it-yourself fixes. Nevertheless, if you still have a problem, it is time to call a professional air conditioning repair technician. You may have a refrigerant leak, damaged duct work, or another condition. Only a professional can properly diagnose and repair these problems.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company
in the East Valley serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding cities. To
learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com
or call (480) 422-4437.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
What If I Need Air Conditioning Service Repair?
When your air conditioner goes out, it can be a disaster - especially in the
summer in Scottsdale AZ. Getting your a/c back up and running again will become
the number one priority. This does raise some very important questions:
With in-home cooling, whether you decide to hire locally or through a business, all of the above questions can be easily answered through their available website. If it does not list prices, area availability, time frames, warranty guarantees, and if there are any available promotions, there should at least be a contact number available to speak with someone in person about these questions. Any information you get through the website or through an individual, I would get a copy of in e-mail. This will ensure that if you end up speaking with someone else, you are still able to get the original terms you were quoted.
- Can I repair my air conditioner myself or do I need to hire someone?
- If I do need to hire, should I hire a local contractor or a company professional?
- Can our budget afford this? What kind of pricing will I be looking at?
- How long will this take? Is it going to be anywhere between a day and a month?
- Does the repair service come with a warranty? If it quits again in a month, will they come back out for free?
With in-home cooling, whether you decide to hire locally or through a business, all of the above questions can be easily answered through their available website. If it does not list prices, area availability, time frames, warranty guarantees, and if there are any available promotions, there should at least be a contact number available to speak with someone in person about these questions. Any information you get through the website or through an individual, I would get a copy of in e-mail. This will ensure that if you end up speaking with someone else, you are still able to get the original terms you were quoted.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company
in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Solve Uneven Cooling With These Tricks
Uneven cooling is a common problem, especially in multi-story homes. Dirty
filters, ductwork issues, or the age of your air conditioning system can all
affect how well your AC
cools the various parts of your home. If one part of your home
feels like a sauna while another feels like Alaska, the following tips may
provide a solution.
Check Your Vents:
Start by making sure that all vents and registers are free of dirt and debris and that they are not blocked by furniture or other items. If the second floor of your home is overly warm, you can partially close some of the first-floor vents. This will help direct more of the cool air to the second floor of your home.
Adjust the Fan Setting:
Most people keep the fan setting on their thermostat in the "auto" position. This means that the fan only runs and circulates air during the cooling cycle. Switching the fan to "on" allows it to continue to run even when the rest of the system cycles off, which can help even out the temperature throughout the house.
Check for Leaks:
Small holes, tears, and gaps in your ductwork can allow cool air to escape before it reaches its intended destination. Ductwork leaks also force your air conditioner to work harder, which can significantly shorten the lifespan of your system. An HVAC professional can inspect your ducts and make any necessary repairs.
Add Insulation:
Adding more insulation to your attic will help you get more out of your air conditioner by keeping the cool air in and the hot air out.
Upgrade Your AC:
Although it does require a larger financial investment, a new zone cooling system will give you the flexibility to independently control the temperature in various parts of your home. An HVAC professional can help you design a zoned system based on the size and layout of your home along with how you use the various spaces within the home. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is probably time to considering replacing it. Air conditioning technology has improved significantly over the past decade to provide greater comfort and energy efficiency.
J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling has been providing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale, and the surrounding area with reliable HVAC service since 1960. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Check Your Vents:
Start by making sure that all vents and registers are free of dirt and debris and that they are not blocked by furniture or other items. If the second floor of your home is overly warm, you can partially close some of the first-floor vents. This will help direct more of the cool air to the second floor of your home.
Adjust the Fan Setting:
Most people keep the fan setting on their thermostat in the "auto" position. This means that the fan only runs and circulates air during the cooling cycle. Switching the fan to "on" allows it to continue to run even when the rest of the system cycles off, which can help even out the temperature throughout the house.
Check for Leaks:
Small holes, tears, and gaps in your ductwork can allow cool air to escape before it reaches its intended destination. Ductwork leaks also force your air conditioner to work harder, which can significantly shorten the lifespan of your system. An HVAC professional can inspect your ducts and make any necessary repairs.
Add Insulation:
Adding more insulation to your attic will help you get more out of your air conditioner by keeping the cool air in and the hot air out.
Upgrade Your AC:
Although it does require a larger financial investment, a new zone cooling system will give you the flexibility to independently control the temperature in various parts of your home. An HVAC professional can help you design a zoned system based on the size and layout of your home along with how you use the various spaces within the home. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is probably time to considering replacing it. Air conditioning technology has improved significantly over the past decade to provide greater comfort and energy efficiency.
J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling has been providing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale, and the surrounding area with reliable HVAC service since 1960. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Friday, April 21, 2017
What Are the Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat with my Air Conditioner?
The big benefit of a programmable thermostat, with your air conditioner, is
that it will save you money and energy. Programmable
thermostats are able to store settings for different times of the day, and
different days of the week, so that you are not running your air conditioner
full force when you are not home. For example, you could set a programmable
thermostat so that your cooling system does not work very hard while you are at
work or on vacation. As a result, you can potentially save up to 10 percent on
your home cooling costs with just a 7 to 10 degree setting change for the 8
hours you are at work. How does that sound?
Before the advancement of microchip technology, the typical thermostat used a rather unsophisticated mechanical mercury switch. The switch tilted one way when the temperature was achieved, turning off the cooling system. When the house started to warm again, the switch tilted the other way, and the air conditioner turned back on. It was all very simple and very easy, but was a bit inaccurate and required manual setting. Microchip technology advanced thermostats, making them more accurate, user-friendly, and far more efficient.
However, while a basic programmable thermostat has many great features like a 7-day programmable schedule, holiday recognition, and diagnostic features, technology continues to advance. Today, you can install a smart thermostat. Smart technology is loosely described as everyday items and appliances with internet connectivity. Therefore, smart thermostats allow you to control your home's temperature using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, smart thermostats have the power to learn your behaviors and preferences, and will begin to make automatic adjustments based on things like today's weather or if it detects you coming home early (via your smartphone's location).
Ultimately, whether you choose a programmable or smart thermostat, all are certified by the government to have features that will help you save energy. That said, with proper use, they will not only save you money, but they will also improve your comfort at home. Look for a thermostat with the ENERGY STAR logo on the package.
Before the advancement of microchip technology, the typical thermostat used a rather unsophisticated mechanical mercury switch. The switch tilted one way when the temperature was achieved, turning off the cooling system. When the house started to warm again, the switch tilted the other way, and the air conditioner turned back on. It was all very simple and very easy, but was a bit inaccurate and required manual setting. Microchip technology advanced thermostats, making them more accurate, user-friendly, and far more efficient.
However, while a basic programmable thermostat has many great features like a 7-day programmable schedule, holiday recognition, and diagnostic features, technology continues to advance. Today, you can install a smart thermostat. Smart technology is loosely described as everyday items and appliances with internet connectivity. Therefore, smart thermostats allow you to control your home's temperature using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, smart thermostats have the power to learn your behaviors and preferences, and will begin to make automatic adjustments based on things like today's weather or if it detects you coming home early (via your smartphone's location).
Ultimately, whether you choose a programmable or smart thermostat, all are certified by the government to have features that will help you save energy. That said, with proper use, they will not only save you money, but they will also improve your comfort at home. Look for a thermostat with the ENERGY STAR logo on the package.
Serving
Scottsdale AZ, JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in
the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner’s Condenser Fins
Air conditioners contain a number of components that remain a source of
mystery for many homeowners. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding often
leads to the need for more expensive repairs when things go wrong down the
line. If you would like to learn more about your AC, as well as the maintenance
it requires in Scottsdale AZ, read on. This article will discuss how--and
why--to keep your condenser fins in good condition.
The Role of the Condenser Fins
As you might guess, the condenser fins are located on your air conditioner’s condenser unit--in other words, that large whirring cube that can usually be found along the exterior of your house. The fins are responsible for helping to diffuse the heat generated by the condenser as it operates. This keeps the condenser from overheating and breaking down.
Condenser Fin Problems
The condenser fins, being made up of extremely thin and close-set sheets of metal. Over time they tend to become caked with dirt and yard debris. Likewise, their fragile nature makes them susceptible to becoming bent out of shape. Both of these things act to decrease the effectiveness of the fins at transferring heat, thus reducing the operating efficiency of the condenser, while also increasingly the likelihood of a breakdown.
Fin Cleaning and Straightening
The good news is that it is fairly simple to keep your fins in good shape. Begin by cutting off power to the condenser and, if your unit has one, removing the outer metal frame that surrounds it. This will expose the rows upon rows of condenser fins. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Then rinse the fins off using your garden hose. Bent fins can be straightened out again through the use of the inexpensive tool known as a condenser fin comb.
The Role of the Condenser Fins
As you might guess, the condenser fins are located on your air conditioner’s condenser unit--in other words, that large whirring cube that can usually be found along the exterior of your house. The fins are responsible for helping to diffuse the heat generated by the condenser as it operates. This keeps the condenser from overheating and breaking down.
Condenser Fin Problems
The condenser fins, being made up of extremely thin and close-set sheets of metal. Over time they tend to become caked with dirt and yard debris. Likewise, their fragile nature makes them susceptible to becoming bent out of shape. Both of these things act to decrease the effectiveness of the fins at transferring heat, thus reducing the operating efficiency of the condenser, while also increasingly the likelihood of a breakdown.
Fin Cleaning and Straightening
The good news is that it is fairly simple to keep your fins in good shape. Begin by cutting off power to the condenser and, if your unit has one, removing the outer metal frame that surrounds it. This will expose the rows upon rows of condenser fins. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Then rinse the fins off using your garden hose. Bent fins can be straightened out again through the use of the inexpensive tool known as a condenser fin comb.
Serving
Scottsdale AZ, JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in
the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Tips to Pick the Perfect Air Conditioning Contractor to Rescue You
Air conditioning and heating is one of the most competitive industries in the nation. There are all kinds of companies, big or small, and any one of them could be honest and trustworthy, while some others might bend the rules just to make money. To find the best air conditioning contractor in your area you need to not only do research, but also know what to look for. When it comes to choosing a reputable and reliable air conditioning contractor, consider several characteristics of solid company.
Reputation and credentials
Look for a licensed and insured contractor, and avoid ones that aren’t. First, find out if a company is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified or APS qualified. Also, take a look at their Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List ratings. These are reliable checks you can perform, and will immediately tell you if you are looking at an honest and well-trained contractor.
Flexible financing and competitive pricing
A solid, upstanding HVAC company often offers free estimates on new systems. Most people want to use the credit card of their choice or consider financing options, especially when investing in a new A/C system. Demand flat rate pricing with total transparency from your HVAC service provider.
Prompt service
As a customer, it’s frustrating to wait around with a broken heating and cooling system, especially with extreme temperatures. Rely on a company that offers same day appointments. Requesting service and estimates online lets you get back to your day. When you need emergency service after normal business hours, it’s important to contact a company that treats you like family.
When your heating or cooling system fails, you want the perfect air conditioning contractor to rescue you. Just as the paramedics help you in a medical situation, a good HVAC contractor is a lifesaver when a unit goes out: providing fast, professional service from a reputable and qualified company for a reasonable price. JR Perkins serves the Phoenix AZ area and surrounding cities including Scottsdale.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Reputation and credentials
Look for a licensed and insured contractor, and avoid ones that aren’t. First, find out if a company is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified or APS qualified. Also, take a look at their Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List ratings. These are reliable checks you can perform, and will immediately tell you if you are looking at an honest and well-trained contractor.
Flexible financing and competitive pricing
A solid, upstanding HVAC company often offers free estimates on new systems. Most people want to use the credit card of their choice or consider financing options, especially when investing in a new A/C system. Demand flat rate pricing with total transparency from your HVAC service provider.
Prompt service
As a customer, it’s frustrating to wait around with a broken heating and cooling system, especially with extreme temperatures. Rely on a company that offers same day appointments. Requesting service and estimates online lets you get back to your day. When you need emergency service after normal business hours, it’s important to contact a company that treats you like family.
When your heating or cooling system fails, you want the perfect air conditioning contractor to rescue you. Just as the paramedics help you in a medical situation, a good HVAC contractor is a lifesaver when a unit goes out: providing fast, professional service from a reputable and qualified company for a reasonable price. JR Perkins serves the Phoenix AZ area and surrounding cities including Scottsdale.
JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
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