Category: AC/ Air Conditioner

Did I pay the bill? Are the doors closed? Is the unit on? Are the windows closed? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Is the thermostat turned way up? Is a fuse blown? No, and no. Then why is the house still hot?!

Most of us have been in this situation before. We’ve come home to an air conditioning unit that is running but a house that is still hot. It’s frustrating, inefficient, and uncomfortable.

Many times, this is an indication that your air conditioning unit is in need of AC services. Here are a few common problems that can cause your system to not cool properly and tips about how to resolve these problems.

It’s Low Refrigerant

Your air conditioner must have refrigerant to cool, and without it, the system will blow lukewarm or hot air. If your refrigerant line is frozen or if you hear a hissing or bubbling sound, it probably means that your system is low on and leaking refrigerant.

Refrigerant is not something that your system uses up, so if your unit is low on it, there is probably a leak. Regardless, you know that if the refrigerant is low, you have another problem.

Consequently, this is an issue that must be handled by a professional and is not an issue you should try to resolve on your own. If you think your unit is leaking refrigerant, you should have the system inspected by a technician.

It’s Dirty

Contrary to what you might sometimes think, all air conditioning issues are not complicated. In fact, oftentimes, systems do not cool properly simply because they’re dirty and in need of some basic maintenance.

If either your indoor or outdoor unit is not properly cleaned, your system will not cool properly. If the outside unit is dirty or has debris on it, the condenser will be unable to get rid of heat.

As you can imagine, this makes it difficult and inefficient for your system to cool. Likewise, if your air filters are dirty, they basically smother your unit and restrict airflow to the air conditioner. This results in less cool air flowing inside your home and keeps your unit from cooling.

To avoid these problems, you should regularly check your air filters to ensure that they’re clean, you should keep your outdoor unit clear of dirt and debris, and you should have your system professionally cleaned at least once a year.

It was Improperly Installed

When you have a new air conditioning unit installed, you expect that it will cool properly and efficiently, and it’s incredibly frustrating if it doesn’t.

Unfortunately, we hear of people that have a unit installed only to find that when warm days come, the system can’t keep the house cool.

Of all the AC services that it’s necessary to get right, the installation is one of the most important ones. If a unit is installed improperly, it can lead to a number of problems. Therefore, it’s incredibly important that you have your air conditioning unit installed by a reputable contractor or company.

You do not want to find yourself with a new system that doesn’t cool! If you need a unit installed, have concerns about your system, or need any AC services, call us today at (475) 241-0896. We’ll identify and resolve any problems to ensure that your unit keeps your home cool even on the hottest days!

Forgive us for the pun but with Summer upon us, we get a lot of appointments looking to keep their homes comfortably cool. Most of the time, the focus is on repairing breakdowns or maintaining systems.

However, now is an incredible time to consider an upgrade to a more energy efficient system as well. With the hottest weather still in front of us, you'll see maximum benefit from a greener system immediately.

And the benefits of the upgrade aren't just to the environment. Your wallet and your family will be thanking you as well. Read on the get the inside scoop as to whether a new air conditioner is right for your home.

Why The Planet Will Thank You

This one is pretty obvious, after all, these energy efficient systems were designed with the environment in mind.

Particularly in the summer months, your HVAC system is likely the biggest single consumer of energy in your household.

Older systems not only use more energy, but they also don't even use it particularly well (something your wallet will be interested in!). More often than not, they run throughout the day in order to provide you with a slightly cooler temperature at best.

Beyond that, air conditioners actually contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, playing a huge part in our carbon footprint. Their impact can be felt in big cities as well - heat pumps expel so much hot air in the summer months that it can actually create a hot zone in these big cities. All of these problems are made better with each energy efficient unit out there.

Why Your Wallet Will Thank You

When most people think about upgrading their HVAC system, they focus on the upfront cost.

While that cost is real and certainly exists, it is also a little short-sighted.

There are plenty of ways that the cost is not as big as you think and that a more efficient HVAC system will actually help you save money.

• Government Rebates: Between state and local governments, there are almost always incentive programs out there to help encourage you to make the switch to greener appliances. While these shift regularly, our experts at Carmine’s are always up to date and would be happy to point you in the right direction.
• Energy Savings: There is no way around it; HVAC systems are energy beasts, particularly if they are older. And, one of the worst parts is, they waste energy. Believe it or not, older systems can actually waste around 30% of the energy they use. Newer systems are much more efficient and work more effectively, making your monthly savings felt, right from the very start.

Why Your Family Will Thank You

Of course, even more important than the environment or money, is the comfort and happiness of your family.

You may think that upgrading to an energy efficient solution will keep your house just as comfortable as before but you’d be wrong.

Newer systems utilize better and smarter technology to make you happier in your home. For example, older systems used to have two settings for air circulation: On and Off.

New systems use variable speed motors, allowing for more finesse climate control. That means your house will get to your desired temperature more quickly and stay there more regularly.

If you have any questions about upgrading your HVAC, please give our experts at Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning a call at (203) 791-8089 and we’ll be happy to help.