We can’t overemphasize the importance of scheduling regular spring maintenance to inspect and tune-up your air conditioning system. This is the best tactic to “armor” your AC for the heat of the summer, making it less likely to run into repair issues or to start to waste energy as it operates. If you keep up with maintenance year after year, you’ll be rewarded with an extended life for your cooling system—and that’s one of the best ways to save money.
ServiceMax Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
Filter Changes and Other AC Maintenance Jobs for the Summer
Monday, May 9th, 2016There’s Ice on My AC—Is That Normal?
Monday, May 2nd, 2016This is one of the most common confusions that people have about their residential air conditioning system: that ice is a normal, expected part of the cooling process. It’s understandable the people would have this misunderstanding. After all, if the AC is sending out cold air, doesn’t it make sense for ice to be involved?
Don’t Ignore These Signs That Your AC Needs Repair
Monday, April 11th, 2016Spring is upon us, and while our temperatures are still on the cooler side, soon enough warm weather and humidity will be here. When it hits, you want to make sure you have a properly functioning air conditioning system. In order to do so, you’ll want to take care of any AC repairs you may need as soon as you notice a problem. Delaying these repairs is likely to result in larger, more expensive repairs later down the road. Ignoring repair needs could even result in a prematurely failing air conditioner.
What to Expect During Spring HVAC Maintenance
Monday, April 4th, 2016When spring arrives and the temperatures begin to warm up (although the threat of sudden cold weather still hangs around), it’s time to call your local HVAC contractor to arrange for a maintenance visit for your air conditioning system. If you’re already a part of our maintenance program, then we’ll call you with the reminder that your AC is due for its “check-up.” Make sure you schedule the service, since it’s the best way to see that your air conditioner makes it through the season without major mishaps and maintaining its energy efficiency.
Now Is the Time to Have Your Air Conditioning System Professionally Maintained
Monday, March 28th, 2016The early spring weather is still on the cool side here in Chicagoland, and most likely you haven’t had to run your air conditioning system much yet. But the weather will soon start to warm up, and the cooling system in your home will settle in for many months of steady work. Make sure that the AC is ready for the stresses of the middle of the year with professional maintenance. This is the best way to prevent breakdowns, unnecessary repairs, and loss of energy efficiency—and it will also help the equipment enjoy the longest life possible.
What Does the ENERGY STAR Label Mean on ACs and Heaters?
Monday, March 21st, 2016If you’ve purchased any type of appliance or electronic device in the last couple of decades, you’ve more than likely heard of the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.
Why Is This Room Hotter Than the Others? Is It the Air Conditioning System?
Monday, September 14th, 2015We’re still dealing with warm temperatures here in Chicagoland, and can expect them to keep up for a few more weeks before the time comes to start firing up our furnaces or other heating systems. The stress on your air conditioner during the last few months is often enough to lead to a malfunction that will affect your household’s comfort. One of the warning signs that this is happening is when you discover a room in the house that feels hotter and stuffier than the others.
Watch Out for Air Conditioner Capacitor Problems!
Monday, August 31st, 2015In our last post, we discussed some issues your air conditioning system might face at the close of the summer. It’s always a smart idea to see to any repairs your air conditioner may need right away, even as the weather begins to cool off. You may still need the AC to work for you in September, and the earlier you have any fixes done, the less expensive they are likely to be.
A Few Air Conditioning Problems to Watch for at the End of the Summer
Monday, August 24th, 2015Summer is coming to an end, although we can still expect some lingering heat through the early autumn. The air conditioning system in your home has probably spent most of this last season working hard, and all that stress and wear could possibly cause the system to break down. During these final weeks of hot weather, make sure that you pay close attention to some of the warning signs that your AC is having trouble. (And don’t wait to have any problems fixed in the spring! The sooner repairs are done, the less expensive they will be.)
How Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leaks Start
Monday, August 3rd, 2015Among the many different problems that can occur in an air conditioning system, one of the most common (and serious) is a leak along the refrigerant lines that allows the liquid/gaseous refrigerant to escape. Refrigerant, sometimes known as “Freon,” is essential for an AC to work, and if the level should ever drop, the system will not only start to work poorly, it could suffer from a catastrophic breakdown. When refrigerant leaks happen, you need to call on professionals who will 1) locate the leaks, 2) seal them, and 3) recharge the refrigerant to its proper level.
What did I do wrong that caused these leaks?
Don’t worry: you almost certainly aren’t at fault for refrigerant leaks. The unfortunate part of this problem is that it is difficult to prevent and almost impossible, even for professionals, to notice before it starts. You must simply be vigilant about your AC’s performance and call on repair technicians immediately. Regular maintenance will also catch any leaks when they are still small.
Now, as to what causes the leaks in the first place: formaldehyde. You are probably unaware of it, but this chemical is a common pollutant in residential air, and even with excellent air purifiers it is hard to remove it entirely. Formaldehyde causes something known as formicary corrosion along copper lines, such as those in an AC, as it leaves formic acid along the surface. Although copper is resistant to most forms of corrosion, formicary corrosion is an exception. It’s almost impossible to notice along copper surfaces until it weakens the metal to the point the leaks occur.
Any AC over four years old is susceptible to this kind of corrosion, and high-efficiency air conditioners are more likely to suffer from it because they have narrower refrigerant coils to help with heat exchange. Make sure that you have quality air conditioning technicians to help you in Winnetka, IL in case your air conditioner encounters refrigerant leaks.
Malek Heating & Cooling offers 24-hour emergency air conditioning repairs in the Chicagoland area.