First, don’t panic!  We are here to help.  It may be something simple.  Often times it is simply the power source.  Start by checking the Thermostat.  Does it have batteries?  Even weak batteries can cause the air conditioner not to turn on.  Also, check the circuit breaker.  If your AC has been working hard this can trip the breaker.  If neither of these step’s work.  Don’t worry call the professionals and we can have your home at the right temp in a jiffy.

A smart thermostat is a simple, easy, and affordable HVAC upgrade that truly makes a difference in energy savings! A smart thermostat can reduce energy costs as much as 26% per year.  Call our experts and learn more about how a smart thermostat can benefit you!

Covering an outdoor unit during the winter isn’t necessary, but it can be done. You need to decide what’s best for your system by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of covering the outside components. One thing to remember is that most manufacturers don’t recommend covering the outdoor unit.

• PROS TO COVERING YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT
  • Covering an outdoor unit does have some advantages, and there are some inexpensive covers you can invest in. If you choose to cover your unit, here are some benefits:
    • A cover protects your air conditioner coils, so they stay a little cleaner, allowing them to run efficiently the next time you use the air conditioner.
    • Protection from heavy debris, such as branches or sticks, is possible with an outdoor unit cover.
    • Covering your outdoor unit helps prevent water resting on your coils, causing them to freeze when the temperature drops.
  • CONS TO COVERING YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT
    • Covering your outdoor unit isn’t necessary because they are manufactured to withstand any type of weather. After reviewing the pros of covering your unit, here are the drawbacks if you choose to cover the outdoor unit:
      • There is an increased chance water, and excess moisture won’t be able to drain out of the unit, leading to mold issues.
      • Trapped moisture will also affect the electrical wiring, wiring connections, and circuit boards in your outdoor unit.
      • Rain actually helps clear out debris from your outdoor unit that collects throughout the year.
      • During the winter, small animals seek warm places for shelter against the colder elements. A covered unit is exactly the type of place pests will hide. They will leave excrement, feces, and debris inside the cover, causing damage to the components in your outdoor unit.
      • One of the biggest reasons to not cover your outdoor unit is because most air conditioning manufacturers don’t recommend it.
      • If you have a heat pump, you should never cover the outdoor unit for fear of a fire hazard.
    • THE DECISION IS YOURS
      • Whether you cover your outdoor unit or not, the decision is completely up to you. You will have to weigh the pros and cons for what you think is best for your system. However, if you have a heat pump, you should never cover the outdoor unit since it is used year-round. Covering the outdoor components of a heat pump is a fire hazard and may result in massive damage.

How often you change your air conditioner’s filter depends on the type of filter you are using and environmental factors specific to your household. Typically, 1” disposable filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months. If you have a thicker, high-efficiency filter, you should change it once every 6 to 12 months.

• FILTER GUIDELINES
  • Most filters have a recommended guideline detailing how long they last or when they should be changed. When you purchase a new filter, check the packaging for these details. The standard time recommended to change a high-quality air filter is at least once every three months. However, if the filter appears dirty, change it immediately! Dirty or clogged air filters prevent healthy air flow, damage components inside your air conditioner, and decrease your system’s efficiency.
• FACTORS AT PLAY
  • If your filter doesn’t indicate when it should be changed, there are some factors to consider when deciding how often to change it:
  • Number of occupants in the house
  • The overall air quality in your home
  • The type of filter your air conditioner requires
  • Any construction or remodeling in or around your house
  • If there are pets in the home
  • When you have more contaminants in the home, from pets, people, and activities, air filters should be changed more frequently.
• PROBLEMS FROM A DIRTY FILTER
  • The filter is supposed to keep your unit clean, and when the filter is dirty or clogged, some problems can arise, such as:
    • Indoor air quality in a home becomes compromised when the filter is dirty. The filter isn’t able to trap and eliminate pollutants that come with everyday activity inside a home. Pollen, mold, smoke fumes, dust mites, and other pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more contaminants are filtered out of your indoor air.
    • The ductwork in your home will become clogged with dirt and debris when the air filter is dirty. The groves inside the aluminum tubes catch anything that is sucked into the ducts and become lodged, creating a source for moisture to build up. This allows mold to grow and for mold spores to circulate around your home via the ducts when your system is operating.
    • A dirty filter won’t stop debris from gathering inside your condensate drain. When the condensate drain becomes clogged, the water can’t drain properly and will turn into water damage to your system. You will also experience increased humidity in your home when the condensate drain can’t eliminate moisture.

On average a system can last between 10 to 25 years with preventative maintenance. The life expectancy of any HVAC system or equipment depends on the preventative maintenance and service performed on them, as well as the type of equipment and your usage. You want to always have a qualified HVAC technician perform maintenance at least twice a year on your equipment.

• FURNACE LIFE EXPECTANCY
  • The life expectancy of a furnace depends on several factors. If your furnace was correctly sized for your square footage and installed by a licensed technician, you can expect a long lifespan. With regularly scheduled maintenance, your furnace could last anywhere from 15 years up to 25 years.
• AIR CONDITIONING UNIT LIFE EXPECTANCY
  • Just like with a furnace, an air conditioning unit’s lifespan will vary depending on how well it was sized for your home and if it was installed properly. You can get between 12 to 15 years out of your air conditioner if you have it inspected and serviced at least twice a year. Maintenance will catch issues with your air conditioner before they turn into massive failures down the road.
• HEAT PUMP LIFE EXPECTANCY
  • Heat pumps generally last up to 16 years with proper maintenance. A heat pump does the jobs of a furnace and air conditioner, so it doesn’t ever get a break. There can be extensive problems that lead to mechanical breakdowns and failures if you don’t have a technician inspect and clean the unit regularly.
• THERMOSTAT LIFE EXPECTANCY
  • Thermostats can last up to 25 years, but most people replace them as technology changes. Preventative maintenance inspects your thermostat for any performance issues, and a technician will let you know if your thermostat is lacking. Considering the importance of your thermostat for your heating and cooling system’s performance, you want to make sure it remains operational at all times.