ServiceMax Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

When Should I Schedule Maintenance for My Air Conditioning System?

Monday, April 13th, 2015

Summers can grow quite hot in Evanston: try to imagine making it through a week or even a few days in July without an AC that will always come on when its needed—and stay on as long as it’s needed. The best way to have this assurance of reliability and performance is to schedule maintenance for the system from a professional HVAC technician. You’ll receive a thorough check-up and inspection, plus any necessary adjustments, that will see that your air conditioner will remain energy-efficient and with little chance of encountering repair needs through the year.

To arrange for regular maintenance from some of the best AC technicians in Evanston, IL and the Chicagoland area, call up Malek Heating & Cooling today.

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Here’s Why Low Refrigerant in an Air Conditioner Is a Serious Problem

Monday, April 6th, 2015

The air conditioning that keeps your home cool during the summers uses a chemical blend called refrigerant to run. This is what allows the AC to carry out the process of heat exchange: the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your house through evaporation, and then releases the heat to the outside through condensation.

There is something very important you need to know about refrigerant: it isn’t something your air conditioner “uses up.” It doesn’t work like gasoline for a car or natural gas for a furnace. The refrigerant inside the AC won’t dissipate as it goes through heat exchange, and it should remain at the same level (known as its charge) as long as you have your AC. If the charge drops because of a leak, your air conditioner will encounter major problems. At the first sign that your air conditioner is losing cooling power, call for repair technicians.

If you need air conditioning repairs done fast and done right, call on Malek Heating & Cooling for service in Skokie, IL and the surrounding areas. We have 24-hour emergency help available.

There are a number of reasons that low refrigerant is bad news for an AC and needs professional repairs right away:

  • Drop in cooling power: Without the right level of refrigerant, the air conditioner will not be able to absorb the amount of heat from inside your home necessary to reach the cooling level you expect.
  • Ice along the coils: The refrigerant that moves through the evaporator coil will not warm up enough because of its reduced amount; the remaining refrigerant will stay too cold and begin to freeze water moisture along the coils, which will further restrict heat exchange.
  • Damage to the compressor: This is the most serious problem low refrigerant may trigger. The change in pressure in the air conditioner because of loss of charge will place extra stress on the compressor, leading to it rapidly wearing down. The compressor may also overheat because of the lower amount of refrigerant. A burnt-out compressor is the most expensive repair an air conditioner may require, so you must have low refrigerant fixed as soon as possible.

Malek Heating & Cooling has taken care of air conditioning repairs since 1998. Give us a call when you need help with your home cooling. If your AC has lost charge, we will seal up the leaks and recharge the refrigerant to the right level.

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3 Air Conditioning Components You Should Know More About

Friday, April 3rd, 2015

Most homeowners know very little about what goes on inside of the air conditioning system. And for the most part, this is okay. Why should you have to worry about the inner workings of your AC when you can call technicians to take care of AC services for you? For the most part, all you have to do is program your thermostat and let the system do the rest. But if you want to prevent problems from occurring with your air conditioning unit—or even prevent damage to your home—you may want to get a little more familiar with some of the key components featured in this guide. And call the friendly technicians at Malek Heating and cooling when you’re ready to schedule air conditioning services in Evanston, IL.

  • Air Filter – You probably know that the air filter helps your family breathe a little easier by filtering out some common contaminants. But you may not know just how much damage a dirty filter can do. When the filter is clogged, air cannot get through, but your unit is designed to let in a certain amount of airflow. Without it, the evaporator coil can freeze over, and many of the components could falter as a result.
  • Thermostat – Now, you probably already know the basics of how to use your home thermostat. But are you taking advantage of all of the features yours has to offer? Make sure to program your thermostat to cool your home at an efficient temperature when you are home, and to raise the temperature (or shut off the system) when you’re away. Try not to frequently adjust your thermostat or set it to a lower setting than is necessary, as this will reflect on your energy bills.
  • Condensate Drain – This is a part you may be less familiar with, but it’s important to know that your air conditioner can leak and cause some major damage to the home, especially if your unit leaks through your ceiling and into your home. Have a technician visit for air conditioning maintenance to prevent this possibility.

Call Malek Heating & Cooling for professional air conditioning service in Evanston, IL. Whether it’s maintenance, repairs, installation, or replacement that you need, our qualified team is here to handle in for you.

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How Strange Noises Alert You to Air Conditioning Repair Needs

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

Although today’s manufacturers make air conditioners with many advanced features, they have yet to design one with a perfect self-diagnosing computer that can immediately identify when they need repair and report it to homeowners. You still need to watch out for clues that your AC has developed a malfunction. Fortunately, many repair problems in an air conditioner will create a distinct and unusual sound, and you can use these noises to figure out that you need to call for professional HVAC technicians.

We’ve put together a list of some of the more common noises that malfunctioning air conditioners can make and what they might mean. You shouldn’t use this information to attempt the repair work on your own, however. Call Malek Heating & Cooling—any time of the day or night—when you require skilled air conditioning repair in Northbrook, IL. We will send a technician to your home to track that strange noise to its source and then handle the repair work.

Some Repair Warning Noises to Listen For

  • Hissing: This sound like a high-pressure gas escaping from a nozzle probably means that there is a refrigerant leak somewhere in the AC. Loss of refrigerant charge will lead to an air conditioner that cannot maintain its proper cooling level, and it may eventually cause irreparable damage to the compressor. Repair technicians will locate and seal the leak, then recharge the refrigerant to its regular level.
  • Grinding, groaning: These mechanical noises are often indicators that one or more of the motors in the system is wearing down from excess stress. This can happen because of loss of lubrication or dirt accumulating across the moving parts. Technicians can attempt to repair the motor, or in the case of a burnt-out motor, replace it.
  • Clicking: If you hear a clicking sound as the AC tries to start, you may have dying capacitors. The capacitors store and send charge to the motors to start them running and keep them running. When capacitors start to fail, the air conditioner will “hard start” and drain excess power. Technicians will replace the bad capacitors or install a hard-start kit to overcome the problem.
  • Clanging, striking: This often points toward a damaged fan. Bent fan blades will cause the fan to begin striking its outer casing, and this can lead to the damage spreading. For older air conditioners, this may indicate a snapped fan belt. (Newer ACs use direct motors instead of fan belts.)

Whatever the reason for the strange sounds, don’t let a noisy air conditioner continue to run: the problem will worsen and cause a chain reaction of other malfunctions, and the AC will drain money. Call for repairs right away.

Since 1998, the people at Malek Heating & Cooling have delivered air conditioning repair in Northbrook, IL and the rest of the Chicagoland area with fast and effective service for their ACs. Make us your first call when you hear those strange sounds rattling around inside your cooling system.

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Benefits of a Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split System

Saturday, August 23rd, 2014

When considering a new heating and cooling system for your home, the knowledgeable technicians at Malek Heating & Cooling recommend Mitsubishi ductless mini split systems. Not only are these an affordable option but few systems have so many benefits wrapped into a small package. Like any new system, we know you’re looking for something that is energy efficient, quiet, easy to use and will make your home comfortable year round.

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What SEER Means for Your Air Conditioner

Wednesday, August 20th, 2014

Air conditioning a home through warm months and hot spells can become expensive. However, with the installation of a high-efficiency air conditioner you can reduce those steep bills to more manageable levels. The technology of cooling continues to advance each year, and with these advances comes ACs that use less power to produce greater levels of cooling.

The way you can determine the level of energy-efficiency from an air conditioning system is to check on its SEER. This technical specification will tell you how much energy the system will use and how that compares to the cooling power it produces. When you are in the market for a new AC, understanding SEER is crucial for locating the right system for you.

However, SEER isn’t the only piece of information you should know: there are many other considerations, and therefore you should always contact HVAC professionals to assist you with selecting new air conditioning in Winnetka, IL. Call Malek Heating & Cooling for the experienced technicians necessary to find the right AC for you. We’ve served the Chicagoland area since 1998.

What SEER Stands For and What It Means

The acronym SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” It represents the ratio of cooling power an air conditioner produces (as measured in BTUs) to the amount of energy it consumes (in watt-hours) as measured over a whole season. A similar specification, EER (energy efficiency ratio), is measured over a single test. SEER gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for cooling during a whole season: the higher the number, the more efficiently the AC converts electricity into cooling, and the less expensive it is to run.

For most air conditioners, SEER falls between 14 and 20. In order for an air conditioner to qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR label, it must have a SEER of at least 14.5. Some high-end ACs can have 20 SEER or even greater.

Although SEER is important, you shouldn’t simply pick an air conditioner with the highest SEER available. There are more factors involved in properly and effectively cooling a home than energy-efficiency. For example, an air conditioner can have an astonishingly high SEER of 22, but if it isn’t sized right to cool your home, all its efficiency will go to waste. You want to find a balance of factors, including SEER, to locate the ideal air conditioner for your cooling needs and your budget plans.

Since you should never attempt to install a central AC on your own, make sure that you have the professional installers involved in the process from an early stage. Experts will help you select the air conditioning in Winnetka, IL that will do the all-around job you need for comfort and savings. Call Malek Heating & Cooling when you are ready to start searching for your perfect air conditioner.

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Why Ice on Your Air Conditioner Means It Needs Repairs

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

If you notice ice on the indoor coil of your air conditioner, it may seem like a minor problem. Of course, air conditioners cool the air, so ice is to be expected from time to time, right? Not quite! Air conditioners do not actually create cool air. Instead, they cool a home by removing heat from the air as refrigerant cycles throughout the system. Ice on the evaporator coil means that something has interfered with the evaporation process and that your air conditioner may not be able to cool your home properly. Scraping the ice off the coil can seriously damage this component, and allowing it to defrost is not enough to address the source of the problem. When you notice freezing, turn off your system immediately and call a professional for air conditioning repair in Evanston, IL. You may have any of the following problems.

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3 Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

Monday, July 7th, 2014

At Malek Heating & Cooling, we know just how important your comfort is. That is why we are so happy to ensure that your air conditioning system is in the best working condition possible. When you hire our fine technicians to handle your routine air conditioning maintenance in Skokie, IL, you can count on a truly outstanding performance from your air conditioner. When the temperature soars, you’ll be happy that you did so. If you are unconvinced, for any reason, that routine air conditioning maintenance is worth it, we have some information that we’d like to share with you. These are just a few of the benefits that you will enjoy as a direct result of scheduling professional air conditioning maintenance.

First of all, regular maintenance is the best way in which to keep your air conditioning system operating as efficiently as possible. If any component within this system is not working properly, the performance of the system as a whole will suffer. This means that issues as simple as inadequate lubrication can wind up costing you money in increased energy costs. We believe that you deserve better than paying top dollar for a subpar home cooling performance. When you allow us to thoroughly inspect and tune up your air conditioner, you won’t have to worry about such issues.

Another great benefit of professional air conditioning maintenance is the fact that it can help to prevent damages to your system. When you force an air conditioner that is not in great condition to operate, the strain put on the system can result in damages. Maintenance will keep your system in great shape, and it will also afford your technician the opportunity to catch problems with your system before they can develop into serious issues.

Finally, you can ensure that you get the longest, most productive lifespan possible from your air conditioner when you ensure that it is properly cared for. Many problems with your AC can be repaired. However, it is always going to take a toll on your system to allow these problems to develop. Routine air conditioning maintenance in Skokie, IL makes it easy for you to protect the condition of your air conditioner, as well as its longevity and efficiency levels. Call Malek Heating & Cooling for more information.

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Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Replacement

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

There are probably a lot of things that you’d love to spend your money on, and we realize that a new air conditioner may not be right at the top of that list. However, there is not an air conditioner in existence that is going to last forever, and you are likely going to find yourself in need of a replacement model at some point. When you do, it is important that you choose your air conditioning replacement in Chicago, IL wisely. The AC replacement pros at Malek Heating & Cooling are here to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new air conditioning system. Keep this info in mind, and contact us if you have any questions.

Central split systems are probably the most popular of all central air conditioning systems. These are the air conditioners which feature an outdoor compressor/condenser unit, and utilize a system of ductwork in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home. They are able to cool your house quite effectively and efficiently, as well as promptly. However, the ductwork that they use may suffer from energy loss if not properly installed and maintained.

Heat pumps are another great air conditioning option, operating in essentially the same manner as split central ACs, and also using ductwork in order to distribute cool air throughout a building. The major difference is the fact that heat pumps are able to reverse their operation, providing warmth in the winter by transferring ambient heat from outside back into your home. In very cold temperatures, a heat pump may be overwhelmed when trying to keep you warm. Discuss the pros and cons of heat pumps with a skilled professional before making any decisions.

Ductless air conditioning is another great option to consider. Ductless mini splits also use heat pump technology in order to provide year round comfort throughout your home. However, they use no ductwork in doing so. Instead, they rely upon individual, wall mounted blowers for air distribution. This eliminates the risk of efficiency and IAQ issues which ductwork is sometimes prone to.

If you are dissatisfied with the performance of your existing air conditioner, or if it has broken down completely, contact a member of our team and a qualified AC technician will help you resolve your AC issues. Malek Heating & Cooling will help you decide which is your best option for your air conditioning replacement in Skokie, IL. That way you can cool your home with confidence. Give us a call today to set up a service appointment.

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Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Friday, June 13th, 2014

There is no denying just how vital your air conditioning system is during the hottest days of the year. Unfortunately, you may find at some point that your air conditioning system is just not operating as effectively or efficiently as it ought to. This can be a serious issue when temperatures soar.

The best way in which to handle any problems with your air conditioning system is to do so as soon as possible. They are not going to go away on their own, and they are only going to get worse the longer you wait to schedule professional air conditioning repair in Chicago, IL. Here are a few tips from the AC repair experts at Malek Heating & Cooling to help you determine if repair service is needed.

One of the most obvious signs that your air conditioner requires professional air conditioning repair services is a decline in the performance of your system. If you notice hot spots throughout your home, for instance, you may have a problem with your air ducts servicing that area. Is the air coming from your vents lukewarm? A refrigerant leak may be to blame. Whatever the issue at hand is, a trained professional can diagnose it accurately and resolve it completely, so give us a call today.

Another sign that air conditioning repair in Skokie, IL is needed is a sudden spike in your air conditioning costs. Over the years, your AC is going to begin to slip in the efficiency department. However, any sudden, inexplicable decline in efficiency is likely indicative of an operational problem. Don’t pay more for a lesser performance from your AC. Have your repair needs handled immediately.

Even problems that you may not think are very serious, such as a noisy performance from your system, can be signs of more serious issues to come. When it comes to your comfort, we believe that it is best to take no chances. If you have any reason at all to suspect that there is a problem with your air conditioner, Malek Heating & Cooling is the company to call. We will complete your air conditioning repair in Skokie, IL promptly, protecting your comfort and the condition of your AC. Contact us today for more details.

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