3 Common AC Problems You Can Fix Yourself

When your AC unit is working properly, it easily keeps your home at a comfortable temperature, even when it’s sweltering hot. Therefore, there are few worse things than discovering your AC is not working properly on a hot summer day. It’s best to confront problems before they become an issue, so we outline a few of the most common AC problems, how you can identify them, and how to fix them.

Your AC Won’t Turn On

If you have a central AC unit, the first thing you need to do is check your thermostat and ensure that it’s set to “cool” mode. All external wiring should be inspected to make sure it’s intact, as animals chewing on them can sometimes damage them. Does that all check out? If so, look at the electrical wiring in your home as your next step, as you might have blown a fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Resetting the power in your home can help fix the issue.
If you are still having issues with your AC not turning on after those fixes, you might have a problem faulty internal wiring or a broken motor. In both cases, you should contact an HVAC technician to examine your unit and appropriately correct any issues.

Your AC is Not Cold

If no cold air is coming out of your AC unit, check the thermostat and make sure the proper temperature is set. One trick is to lower the temperature by a few degrees, and if there is no noticeable difference, then the problem might be a clogged condenser or evaporator. Turn off your unit and carefully clean out any noticeable dirt or debris, as the build-up of dust or debris such as weeds, leaves, dirt and pollen prevent the cold air from entering your home. Ensure that the coils and fins of your condenser are clean so the air can flow properly. If this doesn’t fix the issue, then you should contact a professional.
Another possible problem might be that your unit has a refrigerant leak. To check if this is the problem, inspect the set line and look for any damaged areas, and do a visual inspection of the inside and outside connections. If there is a wet spot somewhere, this means that there is a refrigerant leak, which an AC technician must fix.

Your AC Conditioner Fan is Not Working

If the conditioner fan in your AC unit isn’t working, you need to check your electrical system and ensure that no switched off the circuit breaker or tripped wire is causing the problem. Next, check your AC unit for excessive ice buildup, which could be causing the fans coils to freeze. If you notice that is the case, then you need to shut off your unit and contact an HVAC technician.

Your AC Has Mold Conditions

Mold in AC units is a common problem, but it’s a serious one, as it can be a detriment to your health. Unfortunately, fixing this is not something that you can DIY, so your best course of action is to contact an HVAC professional. They will have the tools and knowledge to tackle this problem and keep you healthy and happy.
For any Question please visit www.Trophy-AC.com

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The Social Impact of Air Conditioning

Air conditioners are often thought of as just a machine that conditions and cools the air that surrounds us. However, the effects of air conditioners are far reaching, even beyond atmospherics. They have an effect on the way homes are built, what area of the country we live in and how our time is spent. It can be said that air conditioners enable the modern American life style.

Before the invention of air conditioning, in a former (and more likely less comfortable!) era, people used all kinds of strategies for staying cool in the heat. People’s homes were designed keeping airflow in the forefront, meaning that they had higher ceilings and more windows. Porches were also very popular back in the day, and that’s where the whole family spent hot days trying to cool off. There were even sleeping porches with beds so that people could survive the hottest summer nights. A lot of homes were designed with solar developed principles in mind, even though that’s not what they called them.

Introduction of AC into the American Homes

The introduction of air conditioners to our daily life means that it has shaped our family life along with our homes. Houses are now not designed with ventilation in mind; they are now designed for central cooling systems. Very few new homes are built with porches, and families don’t use them anymore, at least not as much as they used to. Now, families gather inside, in the comfort of rooms cooled by an air conditioner and watch television. One might wonder if television would’ve gained its central place in our families life if the rooms we watch it on were not comfortably cool.
Air conditioning has had a significant economic and social impact on modern life, as well as revolutionized society. The invention of air conditioning has influenced nearly every aspect of life. Apart from architecture, it has also changed entertainment and scientific advancements. It could be safe to say that, besides the invention of the computer, air conditioning can be considered the other most significant invention of the 20th century.
Computers give off a lot of heat, and overheating can kill a laptop or PC. Therefore, the computer industry would not have made such significant advancements if it were not for the invention of the air conditioner. When the computer was first invented, they were the size of rooms and gave off a fair amount of heat. If air conditioning wasn’t around to cool down the machines, it’s possible that the computing industry may have never existed.
There are a lot of good things to say about the progress that has been made possible due to air conditioners. Air conditioning allows us to be more productive, and that might even be better for the environment than heating. The air quality we receive from air conditioners means that our health is better, and air conditioners may even save our lives. In Europe, where air conditioners are not as common, a heat wave in 2003 killed more than 70,000 people. Naysayers of air conditioning point out that it has a great electrical and environmental cost, which is true if you see it as an indulgence rather than a necessity.

AC has changed our Lives

As we are becoming more environmentally conscious, it could be tempting to keep our air conditioners off. However, it’s wise to remember that air conditioners have not only cooled the air around us, they’ve also reshaped our habits, entertainment, and infrastructure. Therefore, turn it off if you want to, but the progress and changes have already been made.

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How Air Conditioning Improves Your Quality of Life

As the number of people that have asthma or allergies has risen in the past few years, so has the discussion of the importance of making improvements to indoor air quality. Indoor air quality focuses not just on making sure your AC unit runs smoothly and operates at full capacity, but also on making sure your health is not at risk. Using an AC means that your indoor air quality is improved, and in turn your qualify of life as well.
Breathing
When your body is not inhaling contaminated air, it is easier to breathe and you feel better. For you to stay alive, your body needs to receive the appropriate oxygen. When the indoor air quality in your home or office is at its best, the need for doctors and hospital visits, as well as multiple sick days, will be diminished. When your environment has the right amount of moisture in the air, you will also be able to breathe easier, as you are not breathing in dry air.
Enjoy the Indoors
You always want to be comfortable in your environment, especially in your home or office. Unfortunately, having a poor indoor air quality makes your office or home life uncomfortable. It’s important that you walk into your home or office and not feel sick or that your breathing capacity is diminished. When you improve your indoor air quality with an air conditioner, it makes a huge difference in your comfort levels.
No More Allergies
If something in your home is making you have allergic reactions, but you’ve ruled out almost all the possibilities, making a change to your indoor air quality with an AC can be the solution you’ve been looking for. AC units remove a surprising amount of allergens from your home, including pollen, mold, pet hair, and other allergens that can cause you trouble. When you take the step of installing an AC unit in your home, this will substantially increase your indoor air quality by removing the allergens.
How Does an AC Improve Air Quality?
All AC units contain filters that remove pollutants and allergens by trapping them and therefore improving the air that circulates in your home.
However, this dust, dirt, and mold can build up inside your filters and AC unit, so the filters need to be regularly maintained. Otherwise, your air quality will be reduced.
To improve the air quality in your home, follow these steps:
1. Choose an AC unit that suits your homes individual needs: Make sure that you are purchasing your unit that fills both your AC and heating requirements. It’s also recommended that you get the expertise of an AC technician to discover your home’s specific needs, so you keep your home cool and your energy bills low.
2. Clean your filters: You should clean your AC filters yearly, to ensure any dust, dirt or mold buildup is removed.
3. Replace your filters: Your manufacturer’s guide should tell you how often your filters should be replaced; it’s usually around every three years. Contact Trophy AC in San Antonio for Air Conditioning Repairs

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5 Signs Your AC is Failing | Air Conditioning Repair San Antonio

5 Signs Your AC is Failing
For many of our clients, this isn’t an uncommon situation: it’s the hottest day of the year and you head on over to your AC system only to find it’s broken. Ouch. This can often be avoided, as long as you pick up the warning signs before it’s too late. The following are five most common symptoms that may point to your AC being on the verge of failure.
1. Higher Energy Bills
When an AC unit is wearing out, it must run for a longer period to cool down the temperature. This leads to you receiving higher and higher energy bills, so it’s important that you get it checked out as quickly as possible. It’s best that you replace the filter and clean the coils when the AC starts slowing down, as it will make a big difference. Therefore, if you notice a higher energy bill, along with a less efficient cooling of your house, the most likely culprit is a failing AC unit.
2. No Cold Air Coming From the Vents
Are you not receiving as much cold air as you remember from your vents? If it is not cold at all, or your vents are pumping out warm air, this means that your AC isn’t working properly anymore and needs to be repaired. There are several fixes to this problem, some as simple as refilling the refrigerant or more extensive repairs.
3. Weak Airflow From Your Vents
If not much air is coming through the vents, this means that your AC unit’s compressor is possibly failing, or that your air conditioner ducts need a cleaning. Debris, dust and pet hair build up in your vents over time, weakening the air flow and reducing the air quality in your home.
4. Strange Noises
Your AC unit is manufactured to run as quietly as possible. If you hear strange sounds coming out of your unit, such as a grating, squealing or grinding sound, this is a definite sign that your AC needs repair. A hissing noise could mean that you have leaky ducts that are disrupting the airflow in your system and cause freezing of the indoor evaporator. Buzzing might mean that the problem is electrical, which puts both your AC unit and your home at risk of a fire. Any banging sounds usually mean that there is something loose inside the unit.
If you hear any noise coming out of your AC, you need to call a technician. Any sounds indicate that there is something wrong with your unit and if you do not address this issue, your unit will break down and lead to more serious repairs in the future.
5. Moisture Where None Should be Present
Do you have any pools of water around your AC unit? This possibly means that you have a blocked or broken drain tube, which disposes of the condensation. It’s important that you repair this, as the moisture and water can lead to mold growth.
Have a lot of water dripping inside your AC unit? That means trouble. If your drip pan is full, this might mean that you have melted ice inside your unit, which can severely damage it. Another bit problem is the sound of ice chunks falling. If you notice excess moisture or hear the sound of ice falling, then shut off the unit and contact a technician as quickly as possible.

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How to Get Your AC Ready for Summer

With summer on the way, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is in top shape. Neglecting it could mean your high summer electricity bills will be even higher than necessary. Here are the steps you need to take to make sure you spend as little as possible on summer air conditioning.

Put in fresh filters

Minimal air conditioner use during the winter might have meant you got out of the habit of regularly changing your air filter. Start the air conditioning season with a brand new air filter to ensure maximum air flow. If your filter is clogged, it’s making your air conditioner run longer and use more energy. Write down the date your filter needs to be replaced, and strictly follow the replacement schedule until the end of air conditioning season.

Take care of your outdoor condenser unit

Falling leaves and other winter debris have likely accumulated on or around your condenser during the winter. With the power disconnected to ensure the fan doesn’t suddenly turn on and injure you, be sure all of this debris is cleared away. Trim any surrounding bushes or plants to make sure your AC condenser has a couple of feet of breathing room. If you have no plants around it, planting bushes nearby can help provide shade that will keep it cool and running more efficiently.

Make sure your AC’s vents aren’t blocked

If you have ceiling vents, this will be easy, but make sure no hanging decorations or large furniture are blocking your air flow. For floor or window vents, be sure you haven’t moved any furniture or other items in front of them. In addition to making sure the space directly in front of the vent is clear, you’ll also need to make sure there is nothing blocking the air from circulating around the room. Also make sure your vents are clean — dirty vents are no better than vents with a couch blocking them.

Install a programmable thermostat

Turning the temperature up by five degrees while you’re at work during the day could cut your electricity use by 5 percent. You can try doing this by hand, but there will be many days where you forget to turn up the temperature before you leave or come home to a miserably hot house. A programmable thermostat will make the adjustments for you to save energy during the day and make sure your home is comfortable when you return.

Schedule an AC tune-up

An annual AC tune-up can help restore your air conditioner to peak performance. Much like going without oil changes or maintenance over time, not maintaining your AC regularly reduces its performance. When your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, parts inevitably need to be realigned or cleaned. Each small problem can add several percent to your electricity bill if not corrected. Regular air conditioning tune-ups can also prolong your AC’s life and reduce repairs by detecting small problems before they turn into big ones.

Call Champion Plumbing and Air in San Antonio to schedule an AC tune-up and check out our money saving coupons to get the best deal possible on your air conditioning repair and tune-up. Call today at 210-393-9617.

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Don’t Get Burned by These 3 Hvac Scams

When your furnace breaks in the middle of a cold spell or your air conditioner quits at the height of summer, getting the appliance fixed fast will likely be your top concern. Though most HVAC repair companies operate with integrity, there are a few rotten apples in the barrel. Here are a few HVAC scams to look out for and what you can do to avoid being burned.

Phantom Part Replacement

In this scam, the perpetrator convinces the owner that the unit needs to have a part replaced but doesn’t actually install anything. The person is usually able to get away with this because a homeowner typically does not stand over the technician’s shoulder watching while he or she pretends to fix it. Alternatively, the contractor may overcharge for the part or replace parts that don’t need to be fixed.

To combat this problem, always get a second opinion from another top-rated HVAC company. Ask for a written estimate of the costs associated with the repair, and use the Internet to search for the average price for your area and compare it to the quote to ensure you’re being charged fairly. If the technician says he or she has to install a replacement part, ask for the old one to make sure you got what you paid for.

Black Mold Scam

Another scam that homeowners are often hit with is being told they have black mold in their air ducts that must be cleaned out right away. In some cases, the unscrupulous person may even show the homeowner a picture the individual claims he or she took of the inside of the ducts as “proof”. Often the person will engage in high-pressure sales or scare tactics to get the homeowner to agree to pay hundreds of dollars for air duct cleaning.

While it is possible to have mold growing in your air ducts, it’s not a common problem. No matter what the technician says or how aggressive the person is, decline the service and have your ducts tested by a professional mold tester to verify or dispute the individual’s claims.

Impostors

Another growing problem is scammers who pretend to work for reputable HVAC companies in the area. One person recounts his experience of having a scammer obtain a cell phone in the business’s name and pretend to be the company when calls were mistakenly routed to him. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also recently released an advisory about impostors operating in the northwest who would call unsuspecting consumers pretending to be area businesses.

Use the Internet or other resources such as the BBB to look up a company’s official phone number to avoid mistakenly calling an impostor. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, especially if you’ve never done business with the company previously.

HVAC technicians must have a license to operate, which a scammer is unlikely to have. Ask for licensing information and either call your state licensing board or visit the state’s verification site to check that the license is valid.

Most HVAC contractors are legitimate businesses who only want to help customers. If you think you’re getting scammed, contact a reputable company like Champion Plumbing and Air for a second opinion.

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Spring tune up and your AC service

The hard working appliance that helps you to defeat heat is your Air conditioner. It comes with a number of moveable parts and it can generate the immense amount of heat. This appliance has an indoor part and an outdoor part due to which it is exposed to many different elements like dust and dirt in the air; also it requires much wear and tear maintenance. If you just look briefly into the mechanism of your air conditioner you will come to realize that in order to get it work more efficiently and effectively it has to get maintenance tune-ups on regular basis especially before summers ,the spring tune ups

So we reach the main point that regular AC tune ups are required to keep away the dust and dirt from your AC to make it work effectively and efficiently. But, how it can be done is still a question. The most effective system can only be achieved by having a most effective and efficient AC filters. The description of which is described below.
Clean filters; keeping the filters of your AC clean is the most vital part of AC maintenance. It can help you in saving both time money and energy. It will save up your maintenance cost. Most importantly a clean filter provides a clean environment by refining the air quality of your room.
Replacing your AC filters three to four times per year is very vital during the time of high usage. Always prefer to buy the one which provides the maximum benefit, otherwise, you will end up replacing it again and again for different reasons and requirements. There are many different types of filters available in the market. Some of them are
1. Filters with disposable fiberglass; these filters are the least expensive which makes it comes with the least benefits and effectiveness. It is only designed to help to block the large particles and small particles can very easily pass through it.
2. Filters with washable electrostatic; As the name explains these filters comes with the static charge that has the ability to attract the dust particles and may other matters. These are not so cheap and are comparatively more effective than disposable ones, but still, it also lacks the ability to stop small dust particles.
3. Filters with plated allergy; this is designed to trap big allergens similar to pollens and molds which are done through a dense and networked material.
4. Electrical air cleaners; removing the pollutant particles by magnetizing it in an ionized electrical field is done only by electrical cleaners. It has the ability to remove or trap all the pollens and spores of molds for up to 90% to 95% and also it helps in removing airborne viruses for more than 80%
5. HEPA furnace filters; these filters are the most effective and the most efficient thus they are mostly used for commercial purposes. It is designed to clean all small and large particles providing the cleanest and effective system.

Tune-ups of your Air Conditioner

It is highly recommended to get the inspection of your AC each season to prevent and maintain it from different problems that can affect its working; it will help in making your system run throughout the year.
AC tune-ups include number of services like;
• To get the peak level of efficiency it is important to make the inspection of you air conditioner’s coolant level and its pressure.
• For the improvement of comfort and to get maximized control it is important to check for ideal temperature and cycles and to calibrate the thermostats.
• To control the wear and tear cost it is important to make inspections of wirings, capacitors, and contacts.
• Keeping the elevator coil clean is very important
• The drain of Condensate should be clear and clean
• Air conditioner’s condenser should be clean
• Inspection of outdoor disconnect is necessary
• Lubrication of condenser’s fan motor, blades and other parts is must
• The amplifiers of compressors should be checked
• Safety checks should be performed on regular basis.
Maintenance of your Air conditioner
Timely and regular maintenance of your air conditioners can save you a lot of time and energy by improving the system’s performance and reducing the cost of energy. As it improves and maintains the system’s parts it increases the life of your AC and its equipment’s. Costly and expensive breakdowns are also prevented by regular maintenance.
Small maintenance can be performed at home as well no professional are require every time to make small adjustments. Here are something’s that you can at your home
1. Make sure you have turned off or have disconnected the electricity to your AC before initiating any task
2. Also, try to keep the outdoor unit clean from dust and leaves
3. A garden hose can be best utilized to clean the compressor but make sure to turn off the electricity first.
4. Most importantly as mentioned above change your AC’s filters on regular basis. Mostly do it every month during the season of high usage to keep your air conditioners working efficiently and effectively
5. Make inspection of your fan belt tension
6. To get the accurate and precise measurements try to keep your AC’s thermostat away from the sources of heat.
7. Try to keep the temperature of your thermostat as high as possible because for every 1 Degree increase in thermostat can save the cost of energy by 3%
8. Try to keep the windows and drapes of your house closed during the day time when the sun is out to keep your house naturally cool
9. Placing barriers around your AC is very important. Placing a fence around your AC is the best option. Many people prefer to place bushes around it but it leads to reduced airflow. The fence will prevent stray animals especially dogs to stay away from it. Dogs often urinate around the AC’s outdoor; its urination is acidic in nature and can very adversely affect your air conditioner’s equipment. Bushes can also work but then they have to be placed at least 20 to 30 inches away from your unit.

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