Signs of a Dirty Evaporator Coil on Your Air Conditioner

For a healthy air conditioner, it is crucial that the system remains clean. During those yearly maintenance calls, this is mostly what the technicians do. They check the system for issues and clean it to prevent any issues. However, if you are a little lax with your seasonal maintenance, knowing the signs that your evaporator coil is getting a bit dirty can help you know it is time to prioritize that maintenance call.

Your Air Conditioner is Slow to Cool

Have you noticed your home getting cool, but not as quickly as it used to? This can be a good sign that your evaporator coil is dirty. When dust and dirt begin to stick on that coil, it acts as an insulator. It makes it more difficult for it to draw heat from the air as it is passed over it. The air will still get cooled, but it will take some time.

Rise in Energy Bills

As a dirty evaporator coil takes longer to cool the air, your air conditioner runs longer. The obvious byproduct of this is a rise in energy bills. The worse it gets, the higher your bill will become. Anything outside of your usual range should be eyed with suspicion.

Water and Ice Around the Unit

The ultimate issue that will happen if an evaporator coil becomes too dirty is that it will start to freeze. This ice will then melt or break off and you may see it around the unit. Anytime you see an abundance of water around your air conditioner is a reason to call a professional out to investigate.

Unfortunately, a dirty evaporator coil is not something you should be cleaning yourself. The issue is that too much force can cause big damage that will lead to an expensive replacement. It is best that if you notice any issues to call a professional with JR Perkins Heating & Cooling.

JR Perkins Heating & Cooling is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing the Phoenix area, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com.

 

The Best Ways to Prevent Air Conditioner Repair

While repair can be inevitable as your air conditioner ages, it doesn't have to be something you need to do every season. By taking proper care of your air conditioner, you can cut the amount of repairs that it will need to have over its lifetime in half. Proper care also means that your air conditioner will run longer before it starts manifesting problems. The issue is that most owners don't know what can even be done to care for an air conditioner.

Set It To The Correct Temperature

You may feel like setting your air conditioner well below the temperature you want cools your home faster, but that is a myth. In fact, the only thing that does is tell your air conditioner to run longer. This means that if it reaches your desired temperature and you forget to set it correctly, it add excess wear on your air conditioner.

Keep the Unit Clear

An air conditioning unit is built so that it can effectively drain away condensation and have good ventilation. However, letting the leaves pile up near it or allowing the grass to grow tall around it invites moisture that can cause rust to form.

Keeping the Unit Level

Most AC units are on a concrete slab or otherwise raised off the ground. This should remain perfectly level, but if you have had a particularly wet season and you notice the unit sloping, then that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. It will cause poor drainage and any built up moisture inside will cause damage.

Keep a Maintenance Schedule

The best thing you can do for your air conditioner is to schedule seasonal maintenance for it. When that technician comes out, they will take care of all the maintenance tasks that you don't know to do. This includes:

• Cleaning the interior of the unit
• Lubricating the necessary working parts
• Checking for wear or damage
• Making proper adjustments
• Tightening any loosing bolts or screws

JR Perkins Heating & Cooling is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing the Phoenix area, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com.

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.