Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

If My AC Turns On, Why Bother with Air Conditioning Repair?

Monday, August 26th, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning systems, people focus on performance, especially in cities like West Chester, OH, where the hot summers necessitate daily use of an AC unit. If cool air is coming out and the house is comfortable, why bother with air conditioning repair? In truth, air conditioning repair services are at their most effective when the issue isn’t pressing. Small problems are much easier to correct than large ones, and jumping on an issue early can save you a lot of money and stress in the future.

Take, for instance, the issue of low refrigerant levels, which is fairly common to a lot of air conditioning units. When a hole develops somewhere in the lines, refrigerant can leak  out, and too little refrigerant can cause problems with the cooling cycle. It probably won’t prevent the unit from functioning entirely, but it will force it to work harder and longer to do its job. Ice will likely form on the evaporator coils, leading to water leaks and inadequate cooling. Motors may be put under greater stress. And as the leak continues, the issues will only grow worse .

If, on the other hand, you contact a professional earlier in the process, a lot of that wear and tear can be avoided. A trained technician can pinpoint the leak and then seal it before recharging the refrigerant to its specified levels. That’s a simpler, easier and more cost-effective operation than simply waiting until the AC stops working entirely, and the extra strain of ineffective cooling has caused multiple components to fail.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as the saying goes, and you can prevent a lot of problems with your air conditioning unit with regularly scheduled maintenance calls. Bartels Heating & Cooling handles all kinds of air conditioning issues in the West Chester, OH area, and can help set up a maintenance schedule that works for you. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Indicate a Need for Air Conditioning Repair?

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Your home’s air conditioning system circulates a ton of air throughout your entire home. Because of that, it should come as no surprise that your AC and your home’s indoor air quality are closely related. So what does the quality of your home’s air say about your air conditioner? Here at Bartels Heating and Cooling, we wanted to put together a quick explanation of the correlation between air conditioning and air quality. Call us if you need any kind of air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, and our technicians will be able to get your AC back up and working again quickly.

So what are the signs that your home’s air quality is suffering? Here are just a few of them:

  • Humidity issues – You can probably tell very easily if your home’s air is too dry or too humid. If you have humid air, you will likely notice a stuffy and muggy feeling in your home. If your home’s air is too dry, you may feel itchy because of dry skin; you may also experience more nose bleeds or dry, scratchy throat. If your home is having problems with humidity, particularly if your home gets humid this summer, it could be a sign that your air conditioning system isn’t working well. Your AC will naturally dehumidify the air in your home be extracting moisture out of it in the form of condensation. If your air conditioner has low refrigerant, a clogged air filter, frozen coils or a broken compressor, it might not be able to properly cool your air or dehumidify it.
  • Allergies – If you or someone in your families suffers from allergies, you might start to notice that they’re sneezing more often or that their eyes are itchy and red. Allergies can be triggered by dust and other indoor air pollutants in your home. If you notice excess dust or strange odors coming from your home AC system, it could meant that you need duct repair. Holes or leaks in your ducts can allow outside contaminants to get into your home’s air supply. Problems with your condensate drain can also cause some allergens to form on the AC unit itself.

Maintaining your air conditioning system, including occasional duct cleaning, can help keep the air in your home clean. If you need Fairfield, OH that you need, make sure that you call the specialists at Bartels Heating & Cooling.

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Air Conditioning Tip: Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Repair Services

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

It’s the case for most things in life that if you put off dealing with problems that they will only get worse. Your air conditioning system is no exception. It is usually best to call for professional air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH as soon as you suspect that you’re having any AC problems. Call the friendly experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today to talk with us about any services that you need. Here is a quick explanation of why you should never put off necessary air conditioning repair services.

  • Comfort – If your air conditioning system isn’t working well, it likely means that your hose isn’t as comfortable as it should be. Whether your air conditioner isn’t producing enough cooling or if it is making a strange noise, call early so that your house can return to normal.
  • Avoid larger issues – If your AC unit is having problems, you might be able to keep those problems from developing into even more complex issues by calling for repair as soon as you notice something is wrong.
  • Avoid long-term damage – Often, your air conditioning system can suffer severe damage from very small issues. Even something as seemingly insignificant as an air filter can actually cause tremendous damage if it is allowed to persist. Not only cause these types of problems cause immediate repairs, but they could also impact the life expectancy of your air conditioning system.

One of the best ways to avoid repairs is to get your system regularly maintained by a professional. During regular maintenance visits, your technician will thoroughly inspect, clean and repair every component of your system. This will allow them to find any small problems that could be developing and fix them early. Not only could this potentially help you avoid repairs, but it could also increase the efficiency of your system and extend the life of your equipment.

If you need air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, make sure that you call Bartels Heating & Cooling.

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Air Conditioning Repair Question: My Compressor Won’t Start

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Modern air conditioning systems are more efficient and reliable than ever before. That does not mean that you will never experience any problems with your AC, though. All mechanical systems can fail in a variety of different ways, and your air conditioner is no exception. If you notice any issues with the operation of your AC, or if it fails on you completely, contact the West Chester, OH air conditioning repair technicians you can really count on at Bartel’s Heating & Cooling. We thought it would help our customers if we provided some information on common reasons why your compressor won’t start.

Your compressor is a vital part of your air conditioning system, and if it will not start up you are in for some discomfort. Having the problem repaired as soon as possible is absolutely necessary. One reason this issue may come up is faulty wiring. Your compressor needs a constant supply of electricity in order to get running and stay on. If the power source feeding the compressor is not able to feed it that power, it will fail. The start capacitor, which transfers power to the compressor to get it going, may also be at fault.

Simple mechanical issues can also be to blame. If you have not had your system properly maintained it is possible that the motor is not properly oiled. The bearings may also be broken or damaged, or the motor itself may have some issue. Only a qualified professional can determine if a mechanical failure is causing your compressor to let you down.

Finally, a refrigerant leak may cause the level to drop enough that the compressor will not turn on. Refrigerant is recycled over and over, rather than being consumed, so a low refrigerant charge is most likely the result of a leak somewhere in the system. Contact your AC technician to have the leak repaired and your refrigerant properly charged.

To learn more about why your compressor may have failed, contact Bartel’s Heating & Cooling today. We can answer any questions you may have. Our West Chester, OH air conditioning repair technicians have the information you need to get your AC back up and running.

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AC Tip: Common Air Conditioning Repairs

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Here at Bartels Heating & Cooling, we’ve worked with countless homeowners to help them fix their AC systems. We wanted to put together a few of the most common repairs that we respond to so that you can identify them early. Check out our list below and give us a call if you need any kind of air conditioning repair services in Hamilton, OH.

No matter what kind of air conditioning system you have, it might eventually break down and need the services of a professional. Here are some common issues:

  • Not enough cooling – If your air conditioning system can’t seem to get your house cool enough, its a clear sign of a problem. This issue can be caused by low refrigerant, a bad compressor or a broken fan motor.
  • AC blowing warm air – When your air conditioning system starts to blow warm air, it could be caused by a low refrigerant charge, a broken thermostat or a broken compressor motor. Make sure that your thermostat is set low enough to turn on the AC, and that your unit has power. If you are still not getting cold air through your vents, call a professional to examine your system.
  • The air filter – One of the most common causes of AC problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC system’s air conditioner has an air filter on it that keeps dust and dirt from getting into the moving parts. If it gets clogged it will restrict the flow of air and can cause a frozen evaporator coil and inefficient cooling. During the summer, make sure you check your AC air filter once a month to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If you need air conditioning repair in Hamilton, OH,  make sure that you call the friendly professionals at Bartels Heating & Cooling.  

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How You Can Prevent Air Conditioning Repair

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

As summer fast approaches, homeowners throughout our the West Chester, OH area are making their systems can keep up with the heat and humidity. If you’d like to minimize the repair needs of your air conditioning system, the first step is ensuring that your AC is installed and serviced by a reputable, quality AC technician so that you know it’s being handled correctly. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for quality air conditioning repair in West Chester, OH.

There are numerous ways to prevent air conditioning repair. First, make sure you keep your air filter clean and clear or dust and debris as much as possible. Your air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris from disrupting the refrigerant cycle and the various components. But that’s not the only reason why it’s important to keep it clean. When it gets dirty or clogged, it actually works against the cool air, by trapping it in the evaporator, which can lead to frozen coils, as well as other problems. You’d be surprised at the difference a clean filter can make. We recommend checking it about once a month during the cooling season.

If you haven’t already done so, you should also consider enrolling in a program of preventive maintenance. There’s no better way to ensure that your repair needs are kept at a minimum. During these regular visits, your AC system is thoroughly inspect, cleaned, and adjusted to ensure that it runs well no matter what the outside temperature may be. Professional maintenance may even be required by your manufacturer’s warranty. There’s simply no substitute for the technical expertise and precise knowledge of a professional. He will also be able to alert you to potential future issues, and offer solutions that can significantly reduce costs.

But if you do need air conditioning repair in West Chester, OH, look no further than Bartels Heating & Cooling. We can get your AC back up and running quickly.

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AC Problem: Air Conditioning Electrical Problems

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

We rely on electricity more and more every year to power our various electronic gadgets, to cook food and clean our homes. But we also rely on electricity to operate our air conditioning systems. In fact, your AC is probably one of the largest consumers of your electrical energy during the cooling season. Considering how much you depend upon the crisp, cool air provided by your AC, no matter what type it is, it’s imperative that your repair problems as soon as they arise. While routine maintenance is the best way to reduce the need for repairs, sometimes they are inevitable. In today’s post, we’d like to review a special type of problem that you may encounter this summer: AC electrical issues. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive air conditioning services in West Chester, OH.

  • AC won’t turn on: First, check to make sure that you haven’t merely tripped the circuit breaker or blown a fuse. Also, check to make sure that your thermostat is set at the right temperature, is in “cooling” mode, and calling for cool air. If neither of those two helps, you may have a faulty capacitor. This small device stores extra voltage to boost the startup of your AC.
  • AC won’t turn off: While it may seem like this couldn’t possibly be a “problem,” your AC shouldn’t run constantly. It should reach the temperature that you have set at the thermostat, and should then turn off. An AC that won’t turn off often indicates an electrical or thermostat issue that needs to be taken care of. If not, it can lead to increased wear and tear on your system.
  • Short cycling: This term describes when your AC turns on and off frequently. You need to ensure that your AC operates in full and effective cycles so that you can ensure that you’re getting the most from your AC this summer.

If you’re concerned about the operation of your AC or think that you may have an electrical problem, don’t worry. Just call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive West Chester, OH air conditioning services. 

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Signs that You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Friday, May 17th, 2013

As we move into the cooling season, you may be looking to iron out any potential problems with your air conditioning system before they become major problems or before your system shuts down during the hottest part of the year. Fortunately, there are some preliminary signs that you might need professional attention. In this post, we’d like to review a few of these so that you can ensure that your system is highly effective and energy efficient this summer. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for air conditioning repair in West Chester, OH.

  • Frozen evaporator coil. Your evaporator coil resides indoors within the air handler. If it becomes frozen during operation, then there is probably an airflow issue. First, check to make sure that your air filter is not clogged. This is a common cause of frozen coils. Your air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris on various system components. But if it becomes clogged, then it can actually begin to impede airflow. When this occurs, the cool air within your air handler can’t go anywhere and this stagnates the distribution of cooling into your living space, and may freeze the coils.
  • AC won’t turn on. This is typically either a thermostat issue or an electrical one. First, make sure that your thermostat is calling for cooling. If it is, then also make sure that you haven’t tripped the circuit breaker or blown a fuse. If neither of those helps, then there is probably an electrical problem. You may have a bad capacitor or a faulty electrical connection somewhere in the system.
  • Warm air. It’s never a good sign when you feel warm air coming through your ductwork during the summer months. There are numerous reasons for this, but a few of the most common are low refrigerant, dirty condenser coils, and a significant air leak. Make sure you have your system professionally maintained in order to avoid to prevent this from happening in the middle of the cooling season.

If your AC no longer works the way it once did, or if you’re concerned about its operation, then call Bartels Heating & Cooling for air conditioning repair in West Chester, OH.

 

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Air Conditioning Tip: Different Types of Refrigerant

Monday, May 6th, 2013

As homeowners throughout the area prepare for the onset of the cooling season, we’d like to take this opportunity to provide a little bit of information about the different types of refrigerant used in air conditioning systems. Like your refrigerator, your AC relies on the refrigerant cycle to remove thermal energy from your home and cool it for distribution. But it needs the right amount of refrigerant or else the cycle won’t work properly. When you need expert Fairfield, OH air conditioning maintenance and repair, call the pros at Bartels Heating & Cooling!

R-22 refrigerant is currently being phased out because its ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) are seen to be relatively high. If you currently have an air conditioning, this is probably the refrigerant that circulates throughout your coils. As it becomes phased out of production, finding supplies for recharging will become more and more difficult. As it becomes scarce, it may be a good time to switch to a more environmentally friendly and efficient home cooling option. Today’s air conditioning systems contain the refrigerant known as R-410A, which is far less environmentally hazardous than its predecessor, although it still has a significant GWP. The new refrigerant operates at a higher pressure as well, which makes retrofitting different refrigerants difficult, if not impossible, for most air conditioning systems.

Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common problems, and they can wreak havoc on your system if they go undetected. All air conditioning systems, from ductless mini splits to heat pumps, rely on refrigerant in order to transfer heat. Refrigerant is chemically designed to produce radical shifts in temperature under pressurized conditions, and it alternates from a cool liquid to a hot gas and back again when circulating through your system. Your compressor pumps the refrigerant through the coils: the evaporator cools the indoor air and absorbs its heat; then it sends its thermal energy to the condenser coils for dissipation.

Make sure your refrigerant is always at the correct level so that you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort this summer. For Fairfield, OH air conditioning services, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

 

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Common Types of Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, April 8th, 2013

While we have only just left winter behind, spring is a great time to ensure that our air conditioning systems are ready to go when the summer heat arrives. While there are various types and brands of air conditioning systems installed throughout the area, there are some common air conditioning problems. In this post, we’d like to provide an overview of them, and to describe their possible causes. If your AC doesn’t operate properly, make sure you hire a trained professional. For air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling.

  • Inadequate cooling: If you find that your AC no longer operates as it once did, or you notice a sudden drop-off in its ability to cool your home, then you probably need air conditioning repair. While it may be something as simple as a dirty or clogged air filter, it could also indicate a frozen coil, or a mechanical problem with the blower motor. It’s important not to delay the process of repair because it could lead to further damage.
  • Hot spots: This stems from inadequate cooling, but more particularly from the lack of cooling in a particular section of your home. While it may seem like an enigma that this or that corner can’t cool down, it’s most likely due to a system imbalance. This can stem from a crack or leak in your ductwork. If your ducts cannot adequately extract hot air and replenish cool air, then that cool air may simply not reach certain parts of your home. Your air handler may need to be adjusted. If you have a zone control system installed, then one of your electric dampers may be stuck.
  • Frozen coils: Perhaps the most common cause of a frozen evaporator coil is a clogged air filter. Because of their proximity to each other, if cool air cannot pass through the filter, it tends to build up in the air handler, causing the coil to frost over. Alternatively, there may be a problem with the blower motor itself.

We hope that this gives you some indication about the various types of problems that arise during the course of your air conditioner’s working life. Make sure to get any problems diagnosed by a professional. For air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today! 

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