5 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Struggling To Cool Your Home

Is your home not at the temperature you set your thermostat to? Does it seem like your air conditioner needs to run forever to get results? Does the air feel pretty warm? This means your air conditioner isn't working as it should be. When working correctly, an air conditioner unit should never fail to meet cooling demand. If any of the above problems have started, here is what could be causing them according to our team of HVAC experts at JR Perkins Heating & Cooling.

Lack of Maintenance

While you can miss a year if you forget, the longer your air conditioner goes without maintenance, the more strain it puts on the system. Lack of maintenance not only puts strain on the working parts, it may not allow them to work as effectively. If it is has been a few years since your last maintenance call, it is long overdue.

The Air Filter Needs Changed

It is widely believed that the air filter is there to improve indoor air quality, but that is actually a byproduct. The air filter is in place to protect the inner workings of your HVAC system by filtering the air coming in. If you have not changed the air filter in a while, it is not only very dirty, but it is struggling to draw in air.

Refrigerant Leak

If your air conditioner is not producing cold air, you could have a refrigerant leak. It is not excessively common, but it can happen, particularly if your air conditioner is very old or has suffered physical damage. If this is the case, you may notice ice built up on the air conditioner unit or a severe loss of cooling power.

Breached Ducts

If your ductwork has clogs or holes, the cold air produced by your air conditioner may not actually be getting to your home. It could be leaking out before it even gets to the vents. This is why if your air conditioner is struggling to meet the thermostat setting, you need to get those ducts checked out.

Improper Installation

If your air conditioner is actually new, you may not have an air conditioner that was appropriately sized for your home. Furthermore, even a unit too big can cause similar cooling problems due to short cycling. Count on our team at JR Perkins Heating & Cooling to install units that are sized according to your home’s unique measurements.

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.

How to Select the Right Contractor for Your AC Repair or Installation

Budget is a major concern for most of our customers; however, it should not be the only consideration when looking to repair or replace your air conditioning system.

Why You Should Be Leary of Ultra-Low Prices

The adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" certainly applies to AC repair and installation. It is a huge red flag if a contractor can offer rates far below the norm for contractors in the area.

• Companies that advertise extremely low prices aren't going to be able to pay their employees a competitive salary, so they aren't going to attract the most qualified and experienced technicians.
• To protect their profit margin, the company may use substandard equipment or cut corners that can impact the safety and efficiency of your system.
• Companies that offer lowball pricing typically do not stay in business long and may not be around to honor the warranty if you should need service.
• To remain profitable, companies that offer ultra-low inspection or service fees typically pad the bill with higher repair and equipment cost. They are relying on the fact that you won't call for a second opinion since they are already at your home.

How to Choose a Reputable AC Service Company

When looking for a contractor to repair or replace your AC system, you should consider the following:

How long has the company been in business?

Generally, contractors that are dishonest or who perform shoddy work do not stay in business long. At JR Perkins Heating & Cooling, we are proud to be a third-generation, family-owned business serving our customers for nearly 60 years.

What are the company's credentials?

In addition to being licensed and bonded, our HVAC technicians are North American Technician Excellence certified. We are also proud to be an APS and SRP-qualified contractor. This means that JR Perkins Heating & Cooling technicians undergo rigorous testing and continuing education beyond that required for normal licensing.

Does the company offer written estimates?

Less reputable AC contractors often refuse to offer written estimates or price guarantees. Some may even charge different prices for the same service based on the part of town where you live.

Does the company stand by its work?

A reputable AC contractor will offer warranties on both the equipment and the service. If a company doesn't believe in the quality of their work enough to guarantee the equipment and service, why should you?

What do customers have to say about their experience?

In addition to checking the company's online reviews, you should ask the company if they can offer the names of customers who may be willing to share their experience with you.

An uncompromising commitment to quality and customer service has allowed us to become the area's oldest family-owned and operated HVAC contractor. Call today to find out more about our services or to schedule a service call.

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.