Most air conditioning units produce water as part of the cooling process.
They use the water to cool the warm air that your home discharges. However, the
water produced should run out of the back or through a specific drain line
within the system. If you notice that water is leaking from somewhere else and
pooling in your home, you should be alarmed. Here are some of the top reasons
why your AC is leaking water and what you can do about the problem.
Clogged drain lines
The air conditioner is designed to drain most of the water that is produced
during the cooling process. Unfortunately, with the debris and dust in the air,
your drain lines may get clogged over time. This causes water to collect in the
unit instead of getting discharged. The accumulated water leaks through the
ducts and other indoor components. If you notice that the AC is leaking, unplug
it and inspect the drain line for blockage. Ensure that it is clean before
plugging in the unit.
Ice collection in the coils
During the warm weather, the AC unit may collect a lot of water due to high
levels of humidity. When there is too much water in the air conditioner, the
fans blow some of it on the cold coils. This can cause the coils to collect
ice. As warm air blows into the air conditioner,
it melts the ice and causes water to pool beneath the AC. Your air conditioner
coils can collect ice even during the summer; therefore, you should check the
coils if you notice puddles of water below the unit.
Infiltration of warm air
Your window air conditioner requires
proper sealing to prevent warm air from infiltrating your home. If the unit
isn't sealed correctly, air flows through, and as it hits the conditioned air
in the house, it condenses. Humidity is forced out of the air, and this leads
to the formation of water droplets which drip down the sides of the AC unit.
You should seal it properly to prevent warm air from infiltrating the house.
Water leakage can significantly affect the performance of your AC unit's
components. If you are unable to pinpoint the source of the problem, don't
hesitate to contact us. We will inspect the AC unit, identify the problem, and
carry out the necessary repairs to restore its performance. We service Phoenix,
AZ, specifically 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.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Monday, January 29, 2018
6 Qualities to Seek in Your Air Conditioning Contractor
Air conditioner problems seem to strike at the most inopportune times.
Fortunately, you can survive the unpredictability of air conditioner troubles
if you have a top-notch air conditioning contractor. From superb accessibility
to expert technicians, you should seek an air conditioning contractor that
offers the following six qualities.
1) Responsiveness that is second to none. When your air conditioner fails and you reach out to your contractor for help, you deserve a prompt and professional response. Make sure that your contractor offers same-day appointments and after hour emergency service.
2) Decades of industry experience. Contractors with multiple decades of experience have invaluable expertise acquired through years of resolving the most challenging HVAC issues. They typically have accumulated an extensive network of contacts and resources that can be instrumental in resolving your air conditioning complications quickly.
3) Industry accreditations. As you conduct your search, look for contractors who are APS Qualified and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Contractors who are Trane Comfort Specialists are also good choices, as they are committed to the best installation and cooling technology.
4) Affordable pricing. The contractor you choose should offer fair pricing and convenient financing options such as monthly payments. The contractor you choose should also reward new and existing customers by offering special promotions.
5) Highly trained technicians. A team of properly trained technicians is the cornerstone of success for an air conditioning contractor. Ideally, your contractor should have North American Technical Excellence (NATE) Certified Technicians on staff to ensure that your air conditioner is serviced by a contractor with training in nine specialty areas.
6) A focus on the future. The most accomplished contractors are interested in helping you save money and conserve precious energy. They educate their customers about HVAC care and offer energy savings programs to encourage preventive maintenance.
There is no substitute for a combination of experience, responsiveness, and professionalism when it comes to selecting an air conditioning contractor. By choosing a contractor that possesses the qualities above, you will be ready to face the heat of the summer with confidence. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
1) Responsiveness that is second to none. When your air conditioner fails and you reach out to your contractor for help, you deserve a prompt and professional response. Make sure that your contractor offers same-day appointments and after hour emergency service.
2) Decades of industry experience. Contractors with multiple decades of experience have invaluable expertise acquired through years of resolving the most challenging HVAC issues. They typically have accumulated an extensive network of contacts and resources that can be instrumental in resolving your air conditioning complications quickly.
3) Industry accreditations. As you conduct your search, look for contractors who are APS Qualified and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Contractors who are Trane Comfort Specialists are also good choices, as they are committed to the best installation and cooling technology.
4) Affordable pricing. The contractor you choose should offer fair pricing and convenient financing options such as monthly payments. The contractor you choose should also reward new and existing customers by offering special promotions.
5) Highly trained technicians. A team of properly trained technicians is the cornerstone of success for an air conditioning contractor. Ideally, your contractor should have North American Technical Excellence (NATE) Certified Technicians on staff to ensure that your air conditioner is serviced by a contractor with training in nine specialty areas.
6) A focus on the future. The most accomplished contractors are interested in helping you save money and conserve precious energy. They educate their customers about HVAC care and offer energy savings programs to encourage preventive maintenance.
There is no substitute for a combination of experience, responsiveness, and professionalism when it comes to selecting an air conditioning contractor. By choosing a contractor that possesses the qualities above, you will be ready to face the heat of the summer with confidence. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
The Hidden Costs of Your Old Air Conditioner
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.
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.
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.
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