Chad's AC Direct Archives - Page 14 of 28

How To Make Air Conditioning Last Longer

Dangerous Temperatures

It is not abnormal for Alabama to reach the mid-90s during summertime. Although it's a common occurrence, this doesn't make it safe. Without proper air conditioning, an entire household can suffer from heat exhaustion, dehydration, headaches, and more. To keep the AC unit lasting throughout the hottest months of the year, homeowners should first check the evaporator coils.

What Is an Evaporator Coil?

An evaporator coil is essential for central AC. Its main purpose is to absorb heat from the indoors. An air conditioning system will not provide enough cool air to sustain the desired temperature without a clean, well-maintained evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil is typically found on the side of the furnace or inside the air handler. It works with the condenser coils to exchange heat. An evaporator coil removes hot air using refrigerant to absorb the heat rather than pumping cold air into the home.

Frosty Coils

The air conditioning system can completely shut down if the evaporator is dirty. This happens when dirt creates condensation on the coils. A frozen evaporator coil will prevent the heat exchange process so that even if the air conditioner is blowing air, it is no longer energy efficient. This leads to longer cycles and unnecessary wear and tear.

Signs of a dirty coil can be felt as well as seen. If homeowners notice the AC is running but not producing enough cool air, this is likely due to an issue with the blower fan caused by the AC evaporator coils.

Annual AC maintenance is recommended for all homeowners. A thorough air conditioning inspection will identify any problems with the AC coils, blower fan, or refrigerant.

Long Lasting AC

A central AC unit typically lasts 10-15 years. Although it may still blow cool air once the unit reaches 15, this does not mean it's working properly. Homeowners are encouraged to maintain the evaporator coils, so there is enough cool air to keep the overall system affordable and effective.

AC systems can be expensive to replace, especially if the home is a house; the larger the building, the more air conditioning is needed. Cleaning the unit is key to keeping air conditioners lasting for as long as possible.

The AC coils must be handled with care. A trained professional has the proper tools to prevent coil damage. Cleaning methods may vary depending on how dirty the coils are and the type of debris affecting them.

Dirty evaporator coils are known to cause microbial growth. When this is circulated throughout the air conditioner, indoor air quality is contaminated. This negatively impacts both the unit and the household due to the buildup of bacteria.

An evaporator coil cleaning takes less than an hour to complete, but most people choose to have the entire system inspected. Typical AC maintenance includes changing the air filters, cleaning both coils, lubricating specific components, and checking electrical wiring.

Homeowners are advised to have an evaporator coil cleaned at least once yearly. This prevents the unit from working overtime due to refrigerant leaks or built-up debris. It can also save hundreds of dollars on needlessly high energy bills.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct is the AC service company Montgomery, AL homeowners trust. Their expert technicians are licensed and insured, with upfront pricing and personalized solutions. Call today to learn more about their $25 off coupon or to schedule AC service!

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Take a Breath of Fresh Air for National Wellness Month

Understanding Indoor Air Quality

During August, people celebrate National Wellness Month. National Wellness Month is a great time to start new habits promoting health and wellbeing every year. While most people focus on managing stress and taking a relaxing day off, there is a chance that those things could do more harm than good.

For those who own aquariums, water quality is one of the chief concerns for keeping the fish alive. Why does no one pay the same attention to the air quality in their homes? With a population that spends more time indoors, the implications of poor indoor air quality can be serious, especially considering that indoor air is many times more polluted than outdoor air. This month, take some advice from those who know. Here is a quick guide to better indoor air quality from local experts who want to see people thrive in healthier air.

Health Implications of Low-Quality Air

Most people focus on what goes into their stomachs regarding health and well-being. Unfortunately, this means they completely forget about what is going into their lungs. In the wake of a global respiratory pandemic, people should not be so forgetful of their lung health. Some of the complications that arise from constantly being exposed to low-quality air are:

Allergies
Asthma
COPD complications
Headaches
Dizziness
Sore throat and nose
Sinus problems

While these symptoms can conspire to make life miserable, there is hope!

AC Maintenance and Air Filter Changes

Every air conditioner, whether a ductless mini split or a central AC system, needs a series of air filters that must be maintained. The first step in cleaning up the home's air is to ensure filters are replaced or cleaned at least every three months. Air filters can be changed more often for those who continue to suffer ill effects. This can empower homeowners to take control of their health.

Regular air filter changes can go a long way towards easing the effects of low indoor air quality, but they aren't the only thing. AC maintenance is the next step in ensuring that the air stays clean. Allowing professional AC maintenance technicians to look at the air conditioner annually ensures the AC keeps pumping cool, clean air.

Air Purifiers and UV Sanitizers

In many cases, people in a home need air to be cleaner than what high-quality filters can offer. Luckily, there are still two great options for cleaning up the air. For those with allergies, the best option is air purifiers. Air purifiers can be portable units, or they can be installed with HVAC equipment. They are essentially very high-quality filters that remove even the smallest pollutants.

For those who suffer from general respiratory problems aggravated by dust, UV sanitizers are the best choice. These devices are installed within HVAC equipment, and they constantly pump ions into the air that kill pathogens and cause dust to clump together and fall out of the air. By adding one of these two systems to an HVAC system, owners can get hospital-quality air.

About Chad's AC Direct

Chad's AC Direct can handle any air quality issues in a home. With written estimates, owners can be confident in the service and pricing they receive. Call today for residential or commercial HVAC service in Montgomery, AL.

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Headed Back To School? Take This Refresher Course on All Things Air Conditioning

The AC Is Your Summer BFF, Here’s How To Care for This Relationship

Summer can become a difficult time without an air conditioner, so those privileged to have a working AC in their home, no matter what kind it is, should take note of how they work and how to best take care of them. While school is already looming on the horizon, it’s not yet too late to take a crash course on all things AC and make sure that they are in tip-top shape to help the household find comfort despite the ebb and flow of each incoming heat wave.

What Types of Air Conditioners Are Most Commonly Used?

There are many brands and varieties of air conditioners out there offering a wide range of impressive features. Still, across the board, most can be categorized as either the central air conditioner type or the ductless air conditioner. Both are great options for cooling a home, and their differences in size, function, installation, and operation give homeowners the power to choose how best to cool their homes, given their specific circumstances.

Those who want a discreet appearance and the convenience of setting one temperature for the entire home may choose central air over the mini split air conditioner. Central ACs, as its name suggests, have one unit to control the temperature of the entire home and rely on a network of ducts and vents hidden in the floors, ceilings, and walls to distribute cooled air.

On the other hand, homeowners who want more flexibility in setting different temperatures in different home areas may benefit from the mini split. These kinds of ACs come in sets of two - an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor - that provide individualized temperature control. These newer model ACs are preferred for their flexibility, ease of air conditioning installation, and energy-efficient operation.

How To Deal With a Malfunctioning AC

Encountering problems with the air conditioner that will require the assistance of a professional is not entirely uncommon. Air conditioners, especially when running constantly in the thick of the hot summer months, may break down or show signs of an impending problem. Most of the time, these problems have to do with a significant decrease in cooling power that may be due to a leak or low refrigerant levels.

Other possible issues with the AC could be related to weak airflow, musty, moldy smells, clanging, banging sounds, or high electricity bills. In these cases, it would be good to run through a checklist of possible causes, such as physical blockages in the airways that may be affecting the airflow, lack of proper drainage causing the growth of mold and the resulting musty smell, loose parts that may be creating unnecessary noises; or malfunctioning parts that could be causing decreased energy efficiency that is, in turn, driving up the energy bill.

Making the Most of AC Maintenance

While air conditioning repair is often unavoidable, as all things naturally break down or malfunction occasionally, it is still possible to reduce the frequency and severity of the problems that may beset ACs occasionally. It’s as simple as committing to the tasks required to maintain and keep an air conditioner in great condition. These tasks include changing the air filter at least once every quarter and scheduling regular maintenance visits by a licensed HVAC technician. Doing this will not only save on unexpected repair costs but will also lengthen the life of the unit and save the exorbitant cost of having to go through a complete air conditioning replacement.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioner Refrigerant

What Is Refrigerant? What Does It Do?

Air conditioning systems aren’t magic; they require refrigerant to get the job done. This liquid constantly undergoes a cycle of liquidation and evaporation to regulate an AC unit’s operations. What’s great about refrigerant is that it remains in the system, even with prolonged use. One should never have to refill their AC with refrigerant or measure how much there is.

To ensure their system continues running smoothly, one should know the basic details about refrigerants and how they work. Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions:

What Refrigerant Does an AC System Use?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all refrigerant for AC systems. Each unit has different needs and must cool certain square footage. Yet, in general, one can find the refrigerant their system uses on the unit’s label. The refrigerant is likely in the user manual if there isn't a sticker.

A homeowner should consult a professional if an AC system needs refrigerant because of a leak. By handling a leak themselves, they risk:

Mixing refrigerants. Refrigerants cannot be mixed. Doing so could damage the AC system and risk homeowners’ health.
Overlooking the problem. A healthy AC system doesn’t leak refrigerant. The homeowner doesn’t address the problem that initially led to the leak by just refilling the system.

Here’s an important note. Many AC systems built before 2010 have a refrigerant called R-22. Also known as freon, this substance is illegal because it harms the environment. If one’s system has R-22, a professional can advise homeowners on their options.

What Leads to Refrigerant Leaks?

Most AC systems can last decades and never have a refrigerant leak. Other systems aren’t so lucky. Some things that can lead to refrigerant leaks include:

Wear and tear. As some parts of the AC system age, they’re more likely to suffer punctures that can lead to leaks. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that most AC systems reach the 10-year mark. However, once an appliance reaches that point, certain problems become inevitable.
Damage. Damage from infestations and water damage can seriously damage an AC system, leading to refrigerant leaks and other issues.
Sudden temperature changes. If the temperatures suddenly rise and fall, the AC system’s pipes can contract and constrict, leading to leaks.
Poor installation. An unskilled HVAC technician may bang up the AC unit while attempting to install it. This can lead to avoidable issues, from refrigerant leaks to uneven cooling.
Chemical reactions. Some refrigerants and other chemicals can cause rust, corrosion, and other damage that can eat away at a system’s pipes.

When Should a Homeowner Call a Professional About a Refrigerant Problem?

AC problems do not get better on their own. They need attention from a professional. Some signs that warrant a call from an HVAC expert include:

A frozen AC coil
Refrigerant leaks
Higher-than-usual energy bills
Unexplained water damage

Ideally, a homeowner should consult with an HVAC specialist once a year. An expert can run a diagnostic test and check for any problems. Then, they can offer the necessary repairs, whether patching a refrigerant leak or fixing a refrigerant leak detector.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Finding trustworthy HVAC help shouldn’t be difficult. That’s where Chad’s AC Direct comes in. This family-owned company prides itself on various HVAC services, offering discounted rates and same-day service. Homeowners in Montgomery, Alabama, can schedule an appointment today.

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Getting a Dehumidifier This Summer? Why Not?

Understanding Humidity

Humidity is something that most people deal with when there’s either too much of it or too little. The word itself is used to describe the amount of water vapor that is present in the atmosphere. Low humidity levels are often a concern in the cold winter months, causing the air to feel dry because of a lack of moisture.

The opposite can also happen - high humidity levels peak in the summer months when the high temperatures cause water to evaporate and hang in the air as water vapor. This becomes a problem because oversaturated air with water vapor prevents more water from evaporating, leaving people with sticky skin coated in sweat that doesn’t dissipate. While not much can be done about this outdoors, homeowners thankfully have the option to do something about this problem within their indoor comfort zones through a whole-home dehumidifier.

What’s a Dehumidifier and What Does It Do?

As its name implies, a whole-house dehumidifier decreases humidity in the air by removing excess water vapor. A series of coils in this machine is cooled by refrigerants, which is what humid air first encounters when it gets sucked into the dehumidifier. As humid air passes through these cooled coils, the water vapor in the air condenses back into liquid form and is collected in a tray or tank within the system. The dehumidified air is then allowed to pass through a final set of coils that warms the air before being blown back into the room.

How To Tell When Your Home Needs a Dehumidifier

While most homeowners may benefit from using a dehumidifier in their homes during the summer season, some houses are especially prone to high humidity levels and require a dehumidifier installation. Some signs that a home needs to be dehumidified include:

Water forming inside window glass - this is called condensation and is an indication that there is excess water vapor in the air. The excess water vapor is responsible for the presence of condensed water as it hits the cooler surface of the glass.
Musty smell - a musty smell could be because too much water is collecting in soft, porous surfaces like carpets or upholstery and is not being allowed to escape through evaporation.
Presence of mold - unchecked, condensation could allow fungal growth such as mold to take root and cause all sorts of problems at home.

The Dehumidifier Advantage

Homeowners can’t go wrong with installing a dehumidifier to combat high humidity levels this summer. Aside from the fact that these nifty machines improve indoor air comfort by eliminating the sticky, stuffy, suffocating feeling that comes with excess water vapor in the air, they also do wonders for asthma and allergy sufferers since dehumidifiers are also able to minimize dirt, dust and other allergens that irritate the airways. Dehumidifiers are also effective at preventing the growth of mold, which in turn creates a healthy atmosphere at home.