Sitting on your couch watching TV should be an enjoyable experience, especially after a long day at the office. But, if your air conditioner deposits an abnormally high volume of cold air directly onto your couch, making you shiver despite the 90 degree heat outside, you may have a cool spot. Cool spots are an unfortunate side effect of modern air conditioning technology. They often occur when HVAC systems are improperly sized or ductwork is improperly installed. Other factors like insulation, vent configuration or window placement can also contribute to the presence of a cool spot (and possibly some hot spots). So, what can you do about it?
Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’
What to Do About Cool Spots in Your Home
Monday, July 6th, 2015The Role Refrigerant Plays in Your Air Conditioner
Monday, June 29th, 2015With most of us using air conditioners on an almost daily basis during the summer, it’s important to keep an eye out for problems with your system. One of the biggest problems that air conditioners face is refrigerant leaks, which can cause all sorts of problems and eventually lead to a breakdown. In order to understand this problem, you have to first know the role that refrigerant plays in your air conditioner. Let’s take a closer look at what refrigerant actually does, and why it’s so important to the system.
Air Conditioner Parts You Need to Know About The Compressor
Monday, June 22nd, 2015Air conditioners are complex systems, and it’s unreasonable to expect you as a homeowner to know exactly how they work. After all, you don’t need to know how your car works down to the smallest detail in order to drive it. However, there are a couple of air conditioner parts that you should know a bit better. One of these parts is the compressor. Let’s take a closer look at the compressor, and how it can affect the wider system.
3 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
Monday, April 27th, 2015Problems with your air conditioner, as with most HVAC systems, are progressive in nature. The longer a problem is allowed to persist, the more likely that it will spread to other parts of the system. Some problems can even cause the entire air conditioner to break down if left alone for long enough. So how can you identify problems in time to stop them from damaging your system? By recognizing the signs. Read on for 3 common signs that your air conditioner needs repairs.
Scheduling AC Repairs During a Heat Wave
Friday, June 13th, 2014Air conditioning repair in Tustin, CA doesn’t always arrive at the most convenient times. We’ve already seen our share of hot temperatures this year and the summer is looking like one for the record books. Ideally, your air conditioner will perform reliably throughout the cooling season, which you can help ensure by scheduling regular maintenance sessions. But what happens when your air conditioner conks out at the very worst possible time? What do you do about scheduling AC repairs during a heat wave?
Generally speaking, you should turn your air conditioner off any time there’s a problem, regardless of whether it will still run or not. To do otherwise risks serious damage to the system with a correspondingly higher repair bill. Once the unit is off, you need to gauge the general safety levels to the heat and whether you can safely stay in your home. If you have access to fans, run them. Keep hydrated with plenty of water, and close blinds or curtains to keep the sunlight from shining into your home. If you can, head somewhere that offers air conditioning, whether it be a friend’s house, a nearby shopping mall or a public library. That way, you can stay cool and comfortable while you plan for a repair session.
With your immediate concerns out of the way, you should look for a service that provides quick and reliable repairs. Ideally, they should offer 24 hour service. Even if you don’t need it, it’s a sign of a company that can work confidently under pressure, and get you air conditioner repaired as quickly as possible. In those cases, the experts at Saddleback Plumbing are on call to move with speed. Summers in Southern California can be a killer and emergency air conditioning sessions, while unwanted, can be a serious matter. We handle all kinds of air conditioning repair in Tustin, CA and our trained staff is ready to handle any problem you might encounter. That way, you can get back to a comfortable home without worrying about the health and safety of your family. If you’re interested in scheduling AC repairs during a heat wave, then pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!
Air Conditioning Repairs to Consider Before Summer
Friday, April 25th, 2014Summers in Irvine can be lovely but they can also be intense. If your air conditioner breaks down during the summer months, you might be in for an unpleasant stretch waiting for emergency repairs to arrive. (Many other people will probably have their ACs break down on the same day.) To help prevent serious air conditioner malfunctions during the upcoming hot season, have all necessary repairs done now—even if you aren’t currently using your AC.
Since 1981, Saddleback Plumbing has helped homeowners in Orange County stay cool during the long summers. Our many years of experience make us an ideal choice when you need air conditioning repair in Irvine, CA.
Here are some of the repairs you should have taken care of during the spring if they’ve started to affect your air conditioning. All of these problems will grow worse without attention, so make the call today for repairs right away.
Recharge the Refrigerant
People sometimes ignore the appearance of frost along the indoor evaporator coil because it seems appropriate on a device that is sending out cold air. But ice on the coil usually means that the AC has lost its refrigerant charge due to leaking. Other signs of refrigerant leaks are hissing sounds and a drop in cooling. If the refrigerant isn’t recharged, the AC will eventually lose its cooling power and the condenser will suffer serious damage. Repair technicians will locate and seal any leaks, and then restore the refrigerant to its proper level.
Fix or Replace Failing Motors
When you hear a grinding noise coming from the AC cabinet, it usually indicates that one of the motors is failing. This can happen because of dirt, loss of lubricant, or overheating. Often, the whole motor will need replacement.
Stop a “Hard Starting” Compressor
An air conditioning system is “hard-starting” when the compressor stutters as it comes on and soon shuts off before completing its cooling cycle. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as low line voltage, a failing start capacitor, a tight or seized compressor motor, or a compressor near the end of its life. A repair technician can sometimes fix hard starting with a “hard start” kit, but in some cases the compressor will need to be replaced.
Whatever repairs your air conditioner needs, don’t try to do them yourself. ACs are intricate machines, and amateur repair attempts can cause the problem to worsen. A trained technician will need to investigate the problem and zero in on the exact cause so he or she can provide an accurate repair.
Don’t delay on any repairs, whether your air conditioning is hard starting, making odd noises, or causing hot spots in your home. Call Saddleback Plumbing and talk to our Irvine, CA air conditioning repair specialists today. Make sure you also sign up for our Membership Value Program to keep your air conditioning running each year with professional maintenance.
Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning System May Be Making Loud Noises
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013If you’ve ever had an air conditioning system in your home, the regular sounds it makes will be familiar to you: the whir of the fan and the hum of the compressor. Anything out of the ordinary, such as loud and unpleasant noises, is usually a sign of a malfunction or an impending one. If left unattended, this problem might eventually cause your air conditioner to cease working entirely. Whatever you do: don’t shrug off loud noises and hope they are only a temporary nuisance. When you decide you need expert help to figure out why your AC has started making loud sounds, contact the staff at Saddleback Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency ac repair services, so we can help get your air conditioner working right again at any time of the day.
Some of the usual suspects for an AC making loud noises include:
Low refrigerant charge: The fixed amount of refrigerant in your AC—it’s “charge”—can start to leak, damaging your system’s cooling power. It will also cause a loud noise in the compressor. This sound could also occur if the wrong type of refrigerant is put into the air conditioner, which is why recharging the refrigerant should always be left to HVAC experts.
Loose motor parts: If the moving parts in the motors that run the fans and the compressor suffer damage, they can create unpleasant rattling and grinding sounds. The motors will need repairs and perhaps replacements.
Damaged fan belt: The fan motors are hooked to the fans with belts, similar to the belts you find in car engines. If the belt is damaged or comes loose, it will start rubbing against other components and make strange sounds. This needs repair as soon as possible before the belt can damage other parts of the AC’s interior.
All the problems above need professional attention in order to fix them properly and safely. Don’t pry open the air conditioner cabinet to inspect the problem yourself and fiddle with any mechanisms. Contact a technician to discover the source of the problem and to repair it.
Avoid getting stuck with a busted AC in Irvine, CA. Air conditioning repair is only a phone call away with Saddleback Plumbing.
Common Summer Air Conditioning Repair Problems in Tustin
Tuesday, June 18th, 2013This summer you’re probably going to be running your air conditioning quite a bit in order to stay cool. All the use that your AC equipment gets could cause it to break down. If you need air conditioning repair in Tustin, make sure that you call Saddle Back Plumbing, Inc. We know how important it is for you to stay comfortable during the summer heat, which is why we put together a quick explanation of the most common problems that you could face with your air conditioner.
Do You Need Air Conditioning Repair in Tustin?
As you start to use your air conditioning system more and more this summer, keep an eye out for the following issues that could happen with your AC system. If you start to notice these or other problems developing with your air conditioner, just call the Tustin air conditioning repair experts at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.
- Not enough cooling – When you turn on your air conditioner, does it blow warm air or not enough cool air? This is a common problem that is very frustrating for homeowners. It could be caused by a broken thermostat, but it could also be something more serious like the fan motor or the compressor motor. The Tustin air conditioning repair professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. can help.
- New noises – Has your air conditioning system started to make a squealing noise or a hissing noise? These are both common issues that we get called in for frequently. Squealing is usually indicative of an old fan belt, while hissing is caused by a refrigerant leak.
- The air filter – Before you start running your air conditioner every day this summer, make sure that you change the air filter. Your AC has an air filter that keeps dirt, dust and insects from getting into the moving parts on the inside. If that air filter isn’t changed regularly and it gets clogged, it could cause huge problems for your AC including insufficient cooling, more repairs and reduced efficiency.
For all of your air conditioning repair in Tustin, call Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. today.
Laguna Hills Air Conditioning: How to Protect Your AC during High Winds
Monday, March 4th, 2013We’ve had an unusual winter here in Southern California which included some very high winds the last couple of weeks. At Saddleback Plumbing we provide complete air conditioning repair service in Laguna Hills, CA and the entire Orange County area. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick list of some of the ways that you can protect your air conditioning system during high winds. We know how important it is to have a good AC system here in Southern California. Call your Laguna Hills air conditioning contractor if you need any kind of AC repairs.
Common Air Conditioning Repairs Caused by High Winds
When the wind picks up there are a few common problems that it can cause for your air conditioning system. One of the main problems, obviously, would be if a branch or tree fell onto your air conditioning unit. If the tree is big enough there really isn’t anything that you can do to protect against that.
Another common problem is dust, dirt or leaves getting into your air conditioning system. For your outdoor condensing unit, that type of debris can build up and cause the fan motor, fan blades or fan belt to work improperly. That dust can also attach itself to the condensing coils inside which might reduce its efficiency.
How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System
Probably the best thing that you can do during high wind situations is to put a cover over your air conditioning system. This will protect it from small branches and, especially, from dirt and dust.
Benefits of Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning Maintenance
Even though dirt and dust can get into your AC unit during high winds, they can also work their way in over the course of time. During regular air conditioner maintenance visits, your Laguna Hills air conditioning technician will be able to clean out your condensing coils and lubricate the fan motor bearings. This will likely reduce the possibility that the dust and dirt will cause any problems for your AC system.
Call the air conditioning experts at Saddleback Plumbing for any air conditioning repair in Laguna Hills, CA. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today!
Laguna Hills Air Conditioning FAQ: AC Services Available
Monday, January 21st, 2013If you live in Southern California then you know how critical a good air conditioning system is to your comfort. We enjoy wonderful weather all year long but on those hot days you need an efficient AC system to cool your home. There are so many different options available for cooling your home. At Saddleback, we provide complete air conditioning services throughout the Laguna Hills, CA area. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the options that are available to homeowners in the Laguna Hills area.
Air Conditioning Maintenance in Laguna Hill, CA
We’re all looking to reduce the amount of energy that we use in our lives. One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system is to get it regularly maintained by a professional Laguna Hills air conditioning contractor.
Over time, and with continued use, your AC system will begin to wear out. This is just a natural part of your equipment’s life-cycle. But during regular maintenance visits, your air conditioning technician will look specifically for problems or issues that might be causing your AC unit to work harder. This can include dirty fan bearings, worn out fan belt, dirty cooling coils or leaking refrigerant. Your technician will clean any dirty parts, lubricate the moving parts and replace any parts that are worn down.
Ductless Mini Split Systems in Laguna Hills, CA
One type of heating system that is gaining popularity among many homeowners in the Laguna Hills area is the ductless mini split system. As their name implies, ductless mini split systems heat and cool your home without the use of cumbersome ducts. In this type of system, each room has their own unit that is mounted on the wall. Installation of these wall units is as easy as drilling a 3-inch hole in the wall to allow for electrical and refrigerant lines. Outside, a condensing unit provides for the exhaustion of heat.
Ductless mini split systems are terrific for old home renovations in Laguna Hills that don’t have room for ducts. They are also highly efficient and allow you to control the temperature in each room.
Zone Control Systems in Laguna Hills, CA
Finally, another great air conditioning service that we offer at Saddleback, is zone control systems. Zone control systems are a way for homeowners to potentially reduce the amount of energy that they use in their homes. If you have a traditional AC system, then you have to cool your entire home every time you turn on your AC. However, zone control systems allow you to target your cooling to just the rooms that you’re using. This saves you energy of having to cool your whole home when you’re just using one or two rooms.
If you need any kind of air conditioning repair just contact Saddleback today!