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

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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3 Great Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

As the heat of summer quickly approaches, many homes are starting to run their AC systems a lot more. We all want to stay comfortable in our homes and we need our air conditioners to run well in order to make that happen. We often get asked about how homeowners can get more consistent performance from their AC and potentially avoid repairs. Scheduling preventive maintenance is a great way to potentially make that happen. As you run your air conditioning system it will naturally start to degrade and develop problems. Those problems will likely turn into more costly and larger repair issues without the intervention of a professional. Here at Bartels Heating & Cooling, we offer complete services for all different types and brands of AC systems in Fairfield, OH. Check out a few of the benefits of getting regular  air conditioning maintenance.

  • Potentially reduce repair – One of the most attractive potential benefits to regular AC maintenance is that it could reduce the instances of repair. During regular maintenance, the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling will thoroughly inspect every aspect of your home’s AC system. We will look for those small problems and fix them before they cause any further damage.
  • Extended life – Air conditioning system can actually be severely damaged by small problems that are allowed to fester and linger. By getting regular air conditioning maintenance you could be able to extend the life of your air conditioning system by fixing those issues early.
  • Increased efficiency – The small problems that your air conditioning system develops over time can cause it to have to work harder to cool your home—which reduces its efficiency. By finding the repairing those problems you could be able to return some of that lost efficiency to your air conditioning system.

For all your Fairfield, OH air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance service you need, call Bartels Heating & Cooling. We can fix any problem that your air conditioner might be having and we are dedicated to your complete satisfaction.

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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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Air Conditioning Options

Monday, April 29th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new West Chester, OH air conditioning system, then you may find yourself overwhelmed by the various options. There have been recent technological advances in energy efficiency and performance that give homeowners a much wider range of cooling systems to select from. The most important aspect of the process, however, is selecting the right AC contractor. Only pro installation can ensure that you get the most out of your AC, whatever brand or type it is. For superior West Chester, OH air conditioning installation, contact the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at several of your air conditioning options. While not all systems may be right for your home and budget, it’s important to know what’s out there so you can make an informed decision.

  • Central air: This is by far the most popular type of AC in the US. It is tried and tested, and many customers are pleased to have a central split air conditioning system. The basic layout of this system is an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler/evaporator. A refrigerant circulates throughout the coils, cools the warm air removed from your home, and dissipates this thermal energy outside. This type of forced air distribution system uses an extensive system of ductwork and registers to extract and send air throughout your home.
  • Ductless mini split: A ductless mini split uses a similar type of outdoor compressor/condenser unit as central air. However, as its name suggests, it doesn’t use ductwork. Instead, the air handler/evaporator coil is either designed to sit right inside your home, high on the wall or recessed in the ceiling. Because of their lack of ducts, they tend to be highly energy efficient, and they also offer built-in zone control; you can typically assign up to 4 different air handler units for every outdoor unit and put them throughout your home.
  • Heat pump: A heat pump is more or less a similar type of setup as central air, with one major difference: it can also heat your home during the cold. 

For more information about your West Chester, OH air conditioning options, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today! 

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Upgrading Your Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Is your AC no longer operating as it once did? Do you have trouble keeping your home cool during the hotter months of the year? If you’re considering upgrading your Fairfield, OH air conditioning system, spring is a great time to do so. Not only do you eliminate the risk of a major breakdown when the heat and humidity are at their highest levels, but you also ensure that your AC will operate at a high level of energy efficiency this summer. Because it’s one of the major energy costs during the summer, your AC needs special attention. For more information about Fairfield, OH air conditioning services, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at some things to consider:

  • SEER rating: You may have already come across the acronym SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It’s a national standard that seeks to estimate the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output. All air conditioning units are given one when they are manufactured and it’s a fairly good indicator of how efficiently your air conditioning system will be. The higher the number the better the efficiency.
  • Ducts or no ducts? Upgrading your air conditioner is an opportunity to consider moving to a ductless mini split system. These systems do not use ducts to distribute cool air throughout your home; rather, multiple indoor air handlers are installed directly in your living space, typically high on a wall, or recessed in the ceiling. They are highly efficiency because of their design, and the fact that ducts can account for up to 30% of energy loss.
  • Heat pump: If you previously had a central air, consider a heat pump. They operate according to the same refrigerant cycle as an air conditioner, but they can also heat your home in the winter. They offer year-round comfort and are highly energy-efficient. They can also be combined with furnaces.

For more information about upgrading your air conditioning system in Fairfield, OH, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

 

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Using a Zone Control System with Your Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 15th, 2013

If you have a forced-air distribution system, then you know that you often end up cooling parts of your living space that are unoccupied. Without anyone there to enjoy that cool air, it is a waste of energy. Energy costs are high enough as it is. Fortunately, there is an efficient solution to such problems. For Fairfield, OH air conditioning services, including zone control systems, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s learn more about zone control systems:

  • What it is: A zone control system is a set of dampers, thermostats, and other devices that integrate into your existing central AC unit. A professional will visit your home and install electronically controlled dampers that control the passage of cool airflow at particular points in your ductwork. These are assigned to thermostats linked to the air handler.
  • How it works: A zone control system works by utilizing this zone division of your ductwork, and gives you the ability to control each one separately from the others. Whereas before you had only a single adjustment for the entire space of your home, with a zone control system, you can fine-tune and customize the zones of your home.
  • Why it’s a good idea: A zone control system is a good idea because it will improve both the energy efficiency of your home as well as your home comfort. Not only will you be able to shut off the cooling to parts of your home that are hardly used, but you will also be able to configure the temperature of your bedroom differently than that of your kitchen. The one-size-fits-all is an outdate approach. Control your indoor climate while saving energy in the process.

For more information, or to learn about whether your AC can be integrated with a zone control system, call the Fairfield, OH air conditioning experts at 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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