NEWS
Video – Do I Need to Schedule a Maintenance Appointment?
Regularly scheduled maintenance can help you catch symptoms of bigger problems before they become an issue for your business. Catching symptoms of trouble early on can keep your units working efficiently and safely as long as possible.
Just like a regular physical, a regularly scheduled maintenance appointment can help find and diagnose problems that would be otherwise invisible to you because the signs are not easily seen or heard. So often we notice problems only because we miss the benefit we lost when something stops working.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noise?
It’s normal for your air conditioner to create some noise when running—that simply means it’s working. Although older units are typically louder than newer ones, all air conditioning noises are not the same.
Despite your air conditioner’s age, any sound coming from the unit can still be bothersome. If your air conditioner is producing an unusual sound, that could mean trouble. So instead of risking injury to you or your system by poking around the unit yourself, play it safe and call a professional to come inspect it for you.
To avoid any of these potential issues, we at Air Care Heating & Cooling recommend getting a maintenance inspection at least once a year to determine the health of your air conditioner, regardless its age or noise level. According to ENERGY STAR®, “proper maintenance by a qualified professional technician is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems.”
Air Conditioner Common Noises
We have heard our fair share of unusual hums, buzzes, and clatter coming from air conditioners throughout the years, so below is a list of the most common noises we have found and the problems they can indicate.
Rattling
A distinct rattle could be the cause of a loose bolt, screw, fastener, or another small part that fell into the vents. It could also be your compressor or an issue more serious than a loose part. If you suspect any of these, you need one of our skilled technicians to look into the problem further.
Grinding
A grinding or noticeable rubbing or scraping sound most likely means there is a problem with one of the fan motors. It’s also possible the noise can be originating from a worn bearing or a loose or damaged belt. This is sometimes more commonly associated with older air conditioning systems.
Popping
A popping noise might be coming from your air ducts when your air conditioner turns off and on. This usually indicates a problem with your ductwork and not necessarily a problem with your central air. Even though these potential problems can be easily confused, ductwork still ages the same as any other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and requires routine maintenance to be sure it’s functioning efficiently and effectively in your home.
Hissing
If you hear a hissing, it’s likely this type of noise is generating from within your ductwork, so let one of our knowledgeable technicians take a closer look. We can pinpoint the source and tell you if there is a bigger issue involved, such as a refrigerant leak, where a more detailed repair would be necessary.
Your air conditioner is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts and, like a car, it requires regular maintenance by experienced professionals like ours at Air Care Heating & Cooling to diagnose and treat any potential problems. Don’t ignore the signs if you suspect there could be an issue with your air conditioner. Give your unit the proper attention it needs to operate in prime condition for years to come.
We Want to Help
Trust your ears and judgment. If your air conditioner is making an unusual or harsh noise and you live here in the Santa Clara, CA, area, call us at 408.317.2950 or schedule your service online today.
Video – Why Do I Need to Change My AC Filter?
If you are not changing the filter in your AC system like you change the oil in your car you risk overworking it and damaging it that could result in expensive repairs or even replacement! At least every three months or more frequently if you have pets or dust issues!
Air Filters vs. Air Cleaners
Our highly climate-controlled indoor environments can often be extremely comfortable in our modern world. Combine that with the fact so many of our daily needs are easily met without needing to go outside, and you find a society that spends nearly all its time indoors. As a result, poor indoor air quality has become a significant area of concern as a contributor to potential health problems.
Our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling, along with many manufacturers of air filtration and air purification products, are working to provide tools to help you ensure clean indoor air for you and your family. Here are some details about currently available solutions.
Air Filters
Air filters are typically a part of your San Jose home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Before circulating air enters your furnace or air conditioner to be heated or cooled, it passes through a filter to trap and remove a wide range of particulates.
Many different types of air filters are available, ranging from very basic and inexpensive to more costly versions that filter out microscopic particles.
An industry-wide rating system promoted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) helps consumers compare one type of filter to another in terms of performance. A minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating system measures a filter’s ability to remove particles from the air. Filters carry a rating somewhere between 1 and 16, with the higher values signaling finer filtration.
Air filters can be made of many different types of materials. You may have used a layered fiberglass filter that’s surrounded by a metal grate or a pleated polyester filter in a cardboard frame. These filters typically need to be replaced every one to three months.
Homeowners living in California who have family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses may want to consider using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters capture 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger. The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) specifies six different levels of HEPA filters.
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners are often used in conjunction with HVAC-related air filters. These are usually separate appliances typically designed for a single room or a certain square footage of space. A wide variety of different technologies and systems are available, and each one usually focuses on a particular set of particles.
For example, home ultraviolet (UV) air cleaners were developed from purifiers used in hospitals for disinfecting the air. These tackle bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. On the other hand, activated carbon filters are very effective in removing gasses, odors, smoke, and other particles.
HEPA air purifiers work in a similar way to HEPA filters and remove dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores from your indoor air. Although HEPA air purifiers are effective at filtering out very small particles, they are unable to remove bacteria and viruses.
Another type of air purification technology is using ions. These purifiers emit negative ions into your living space, which attract positive ions like dust. The resulting particles become heavier and land on your home’s flooring or other surfaces to be collected during vacuuming and dusting chores. Remember to use a HEPA vacuum bag to maximize the capturing of the resulting particles.
Although all of these air purification systems typically work in a single area or confined space, you can invest in house-wide purification systems as well. For instance, electronic air cleaners work with your HVAC system by employing static electricity, HEPA filters, and ionic cleaners in a single system. Centralized air cleaners can be installed as part of your ductwork and can complement your HVAC filtration system, and air-to-air exchange systems will allow you to pull in more fresh air from outside.
Contact Us for Clean Indoor Air
At Air Care Heating & Cooling here in San Jose, CA, our professionals can provide more details about air filters and air purification systems. Our trained team can help you choose an air treatment system that can meet the needs of you and your family. Call us at 408.317.2950 or request service online today.
Video – Stay Cool During the Summer
Schedule a clean-check today.
What Does AC SEER Mean?
When it comes to your air conditioner (AC), a common term used in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business you are likely to see everywhere is your air conditioner’s SEER. But what exactly is SEER?
SEER
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—a rating system of the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to power input. In technical terms, it’s the ratio of the amount of cooling produced (in British Thermal Units, or BTUs) divided by the amount of electricity (in watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling units use more energy than any other system in your Santa Clara, CA, home. So when you are in the market for a new air conditioner, you will want to pay attention to the SEER level of the different units you are considering.
The higher the SEER number, the more efficiency bang you will get for your efficiency buck. This translates to money you save in the long run on energy costs.
The DOE requires residential air conditioner systems manufactured after January 1, 2015, to have a minimum SEER based on their location in the country. The country regions were divided in North and South, with the South being further divided into Southeastern and Southwestern regions. Minimum ratings range from 13 to 14 SEER.
Previously all systems manufactured after January 23, 2006, needed to have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (with the exception of window units, being exempt from this law). Older air conditioners have a SEER rating of 10 or under. You can usually find your system’s SEER rating on the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide sticker on the outside of your unit.
Saving Money by Upgrading
If your system is 10 to 15 years old but continues keeping you cool in the summer, you might still want to consider investing in a newer unit. By upgrading to a modern, more efficient model, depending on your current unit’s SEER, you could save quite a bit of money annually on your cooling bill.
To illustrate, say your current system has a SEER rating of 9. If you upgraded to an air conditioner with a 13 SEER, which is the lowest efficiency available, your power consumption would be reduced by 28 percent. Depending on how much you use your system and your cost of electricity, that could save you about $300 a year in energy costs.
The DOE has accessible online energy-efficiency calculators you can find to help you predict the energy costs you will save with different units carrying various SEER ratings. If you would like a more precise analysis, call Air Care Heating & Cooling, and we would be happy to send one of our knowledgeable technicians out to go over the possible savings with you.
Which SEER Is for You?
To carry the Energy Star® label, an air conditioner must be in the top 25 percent of efficient models and have a minimum SEER of 14. But automatically purchasing an air conditioner with a higher SEER is not the go-to answer. Unfortunately, things are not that cut and dry.
The SEER rating represents the potential efficiency of the unit under perfect conditions. Much of the system’s efficiency depends on the right sizing of the unit for your home, along with correct installation and an evaluation of other factors as well. For example, your ductwork and windows may have leaks, thus directly affecting your energy savings.
Also, keep in mind your air conditioner does not operate within a vacuum. It’s directly tied to your furnace or heating system. Depending on what equipment you presently have and its age, this definitely factors into your air conditioner’s SEER rating.
Even though your proposed new unit has an 18 SEER, once married to your current furnace, the SEER may decrease to a 15 or 16. What you need to aim for is the right-sized equipment operating at its optimal ratings within varying conditions for the best savings and comfort for you.
Contact Us for Your Air Conditioning and SEER Needs
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we have specialist technicians here in Santa Clara, CA, who calculate these various factors when proposing the optimal system for your home, comfort, and budget. Give us a call at 408.463.6957 or request service online, and we would be happy to help you with any of your air conditioner needs.
Video – Summer AC Check Up
Schedule a clean-check today to make sure your air conditioner runs smoothly this summer.
Heat Gain Prevention Tips
When you are in the middle of summer, it can be difficult to keep heat out of your Santa Clara home even if you have your central air conditioning system going full blast. Our team at Air Care Heating and Cooling wants to help you prevent heat from building up inside your home as much as possible so that your air conditioner can be more effective and efficient. Here are some tips to consider.
Block Sun From Outside
Although this is more of a long-term solution, consider planting shady, fast-growing trees around your home to block out the rays of the sun. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), the air temperature under the canopy of a tree can be up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than above an asphalt road.
Block Sun From Inside
While trees can help block the sun from the outside, quality window coverings hung on the inside of your California home can also reduce heat gain. If you can’t afford to invest in window coverings for your entire home, start with coverings for your southern windows first.
Install a Cool Roof
When it’s time to replace your roof, consider investing in a cool roof. Developments in roofing materials allow you to design one that absorbs less heat than a conventional rooftop. Cool roofs are comparable in price and may use a special reflective paint or covering.
Highly reflective roofing shingles and tiles are available as well. By switching roofing materials, you can reduce the amount of energy that’s required to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Select a Lighter Exterior Color
If you regularly paint your home, be sure to select a lighter color to reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. Just as wearing white clothing keeps you cooler than if you wear black, the color or exterior of your home will help reduce heat gain in your home.
Upgrade Insulation
You probably think of insulation when you think of conserving heat in the winter. However, good insulation around windows and in your home can also lock in cooler air during the summer. Be sure your windows are sealed well and your insulation is adequate.
Reduce Heat-Generating Activities
Many modern-day appliances and your overall living activities generate extra heat inside your home. Consider reducing your heat gain by reducing or relocating these activities as much as possible.
For example, consider grilling or cooking outside to reduce the amount of heat generated by your stove and oven. Let your dishes air dry instead of using the heat setting on your dishwasher, and consider bringing back the old-fashioned clothesline instead of running your hot clothes dryer.
Even small things like switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off electronics you are not using can reduce the amount of heat inside your home.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Regular maintenance is a great way to ensure your air conditioning system is working efficiently and at maximum capacity when you need it. At least once a year, hire a professional to come out and tune up your air conditioner.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning your air conditioner, inspecting components, and completing preventative maintenance tasks. Remember, when it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner, you will gain both performance and efficiency with the latest design features and increase your energy savings.
Check with our Air Care Heating and Cooling air conditioning professionals about inspecting your air ducts and vent system as well. Our experts can find duct leaks and insulation problems which can be easily fixed to maximize the amount of cooling that reaches your living space, helping to combat heat gain.
Contact Us Today
Call our professional team at Air Care Heating and Cooling in Santa Clara, CA, for more information on how to prevent heat gain even further. Give us a ring at 408.463.6957 or request service online today.
Video – What Are Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a New AC?
It’s time to replace your old or broken AC unit in your home and you don’t want anything to go wrong with the new one. Avoid the common mistakes people make when purchasing a new air conditioner and learn how to prevent them.
Is It Normal for My AC to Turn On and Off?
When an air conditioner (AC) turns on and off in rather quick successions, without running for longer periods, this is called short cycling. It’s fairly common, but when this happens it means there’s something wrong with your air conditioner. So what should you do?
Don’t leave these occurrences alone. They will increase your energy costs, usually indicate a larger problem, and could lead to permanent damage of your unit, thus requiring a costly replacement. Short cycling also shortens your air conditioner’s life span.
Have one of our professional technicians inspect your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as soon as possible. Any one of our experts at Air Care Heating & Cooling can diagnose and repair this issue for you. Don’t delay, so we can get your air conditioner back to its most efficient state for you.
While there are many possible reasons for short cycling, here are several of the most common ones and what can be done to fix them.
Low Refrigerant
The coolant that flows through your system, helping to absorb heat and cool the air inside your home, is called refrigerant. You may know it by one of its brand names—Freon®. When your refrigerant is low, the needed compressor-pressure levels are affected. This triggers your compressor’s low-pressure control, shutting off your compressor.
When the pressure rises and triggers your air conditioner to restart, this causes the short cycling. If your refrigerant level is low, this indicates your air conditioner has a leak, as refrigerant is cycled throughout the compressor, not burned off.
Low refrigerant can also cause frozen coils. One of our professionals can find your leak and prevent any further issues or damage.
While our professional is looking at your refrigerant, be sure to have a conversation about the type of refrigerant used in your air conditioner. To be consistent with the 1987 Montreal Protocol, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated regulated changes to all HVAC refrigerant here in California and across the United States. Your air conditioner may be affected. If it is, you will have some decisions to make.
Thermostat Location
Your thermostat acts as the sensor for your air conditioner, telling it when to cool your home. If its location is not optimal, such as near a window or too close to a vent, your thermostat will be sending misleading information to your air conditioning system.
Suppose your thermostat is in the direct line of a vent’s airflow. This will cause the thermostat to think it’s cooler in your home than it really is, and your air conditioner will shut off thinking it’s reached its desired temperature. Since the cool air is no longer flowing through the vent, the thermostat realizes your home is actually still too warm and triggers your air conditioner to start up again. This is short cycling. Be sure your thermostat is located in a central location away from direct sunlight and vents.
Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters are one of the most common and easily remedied problems with air conditioners we see here in Santa Clara. The dirty filters restrict airflow, which in turn causes so many problems, one of them being a frozen coil. This can cause your air conditioner to malfunction and short cycle. Be sure to change your filters regularly to avoid any issues.
Oversized Air Conditioner
An air conditioning unit that’s too large for your home short cycles, because it cools your home too rapidly while it doesn’t dehumidify it properly. So it will shut down and start up frequently.
You will more than likely also find your home has hot and cold spots, and you will experience higher energy bills. If your air conditioner is newly installed, talk to the technicians who installed it to see what they can do to help you.
You want to be sure a Manual J heat load calculation (an Air Conditioner Contractors of America [ACCA] approved method of calculating house cooling loads) is always performed when determining the proper size heating and cooling system for your Santa Clara, CA home. Call our qualified professionals to do a Manual J at your home to determine if your current unit is appropriately sized.
Contact Air Care Heating & Cooling Today
Short cycling causes a whole host of problems with your air conditioner. If you notice your air conditioner behaving like this, call one of our Air Care Heating & Cooling professionals at 408.463.6957 or request service online to assess the situation. You want your air conditioner to cool efficiently and to last for years to come. Short cycling will short change you.
Message Us
Contact us below.
Call Us
(408) 317-2950
For General Inquiries
Have a project in mind?
To get started, request an estimate.