How to Prevent Air Conditioning Repair

August 14th, 2017

ac-maintenance-repairIt’s hard to say why air conditioners break when they do. Your air conditioning system may be working just fine one day but refuse to start up the next. On the other hand, air conditioners may wear out slowly, with noticeably reduced performance that one day leads to a not-entirely-unexpected system breakdown.

While technicians cannot tell you exactly when an air conditioner will break, they can help you to take the necessary steps to prevent the air conditioner from breaking in the first place. They can detect that a part of your air conditioner is failing so that you can replace or repair it before you ever have to worry about a system breakdown. And that all starts with a tune-up.

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What Can You Do about a Leaky Sink?

July 31st, 2017

sink-and-wrenchWhen a sink leaks at one drop per second, it can waste 3,000 gallons of water in a year. Plus, that drip-drip-drip sound is certainly not pleasant. When it comes from underneath the sink, it could damage your cabinets or flooring. And from a plumber’s point of view, the problem with a leaky sink is that the issue can only get worse.

You should act in a timely manner when you notice a leak in the sink (or underneath it), and that means more than just putting down a bucket to catch the water. What can you do about a leaky sink, and when should you contact a plumber?

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What Can You Do Right Away When the Air Conditioner Breaks Down?

July 17th, 2017

woman-fan-hotAs air conditioning technicians, we always advise you to leave major AC repairs to a professional in your service area. Still, when your air conditioner breaks down completely, we have some advice to add on that may keep you cool while you wait—or that might fix the problem entirely (without the help of a technician).

When your air conditioner won’t turn on, there are some things you should check before calling a technician. Otherwise, there are also things you can do to stay cool while you wait. We’ve got some expert advice below, but call in our team when you do need same-day service from people who know their stuff.

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Could Your Air Conditioner Just Need More Refrigerant?

July 3rd, 2017

refrigerant-ac-systemA question we get a lot when we show up for AC repair is, “Does it just need more Freon?” This is something homeowners hope for, likely because they’ve heard it’s an easy solution. After all, when a car’s air conditioner stops working, the technician might say they can just recharge the refrigerant.

However, this might not be the case. First of all, your air conditioner has a lot of electrical and mechanical components and any one of them could be responsible for your cooling breakdown. Issues can also get worse over time, which is why it’s so important to call in technicians as soon as possible after an AC breakdown. In addition, a refrigerant leak is not something to be treated as normal.

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What You Should Know about Air Conditioner Sizing

June 19th, 2017
Air conditioning installation with outdoor AC unit beside a brick wall, on a green lawn with red flowers.

Most people think about air conditioning sizing much in the same way they would think about picking out a new computer or smartphone. If you have the funds, you’re likely going to pick the one with the largest amount of memory or storage. The bigger the memory, the better. However, this is not often the case in picking out a new central AC unit, where the correct size is determined by the unit’s cooling capacity, measured in BTU per hour.

What size AC unit do I need for AC installation?

  • Start with your home’s square footage.
  • Account for shade and sun exposure around the house.
  • Check insulation levels and air leaks.
  • Consider window size and placement.
  • Factor in ceiling height and layout.
  • Have an HVAC pro perform a load calculation to confirm the right tonnage and avoid oversizing or undersizing.

When considering ac installation, it’s important to choose the right brand for your air conditioning unit, as professionals are familiar with major brands like Midea, Frigidaire, and LG, which helps ensure proper installation and long-term reliability. Proper sizing and installation processes lead to optimal system performance, efficiency, and longevity. A larger air conditioner won’t necessarily be better, as we’ll describe in the guide below. For more information, be sure to contact a local HVAC technician, and definitely do so before installing a new air conditioner. Professional contractors offer a range of services, including installation, repair, and maintenance, and you can request certificates of insurance or other documentation for added transparency. For more information, be sure to contact a local HVAC technician to schedule a service appointment or consultation for an on-site estimate, and definitely do so before installing a new air conditioner. It’s so important to get one that is the right size for your home! For official guidelines and permit requirements, visit the Department of Buildings (DOB) website, as the department is responsible for overseeing AC installation and issuing necessary permits. If you are shifting from an old or inefficient unit, upgrading to a modern system can lead to better performance and energy efficiency.

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5 Ways to Make Your Air Conditioner Work Better

June 5th, 2017

air-conditioner-outside-wrenchWe’re grateful that the widespread use of central air conditioning means summers spent at home are not only bearable, but actually quite comfortable. That is, unless an air conditioner just doesn’t work the way you expect it to.

Your air conditioner might not be running up to your standards just yet. Perhaps it doesn’t reach the temperature setting on the thermostat fast enough, or maybe it’s costing you way too much to run each month. But there may be something you can do to make your air conditioner work better than it is right now! Follow our experts’ advice, and call our team to schedule an appointment for AC service today.

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Water Conditioners vs. Water Softeners: Which Is the Better Choice?

May 22nd, 2017

drip-water-dropsIf your home has hard water, then chances are: you notice. You might become frustrated when scaling forms around drains, the showerhead, and bathroom and kitchen faucets. Or you may notice the biggest difference when you’re showering and hard water makes it so that soap just doesn’t lather all the way.

In any case, you need to take the right steps to make hard water a problem of the past. As you look up your options for hard water remediation, you might come across two terms: water conditioning and water softening. Typically, these words describe two different types of systems that can lessen the effects of hard water in your home and on your plumbing system, but which one is right for you?

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Which Is the Best Air Conditioner for Your Home?

May 8th, 2017

Air-Conditioner-Outside-UnitMaking a major purchase is not something you can take lightly. When you buy a new car, you look at everything from fuel efficiency to paint color. However, picking out the right air conditioner for your home may require you to take some more difficult factors into consideration.

You don’t necessarily pick out an air conditioner based on how it looks. But we also strongly recommend choosing an air conditioner based on price alone. It’s a major purchase that requires careful thought, which is why we’re here to detail your options. To pick the AC that’s right for you, call a local technician today. We’d be happy to help!

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4 Reasons You Should Service Your Air Conditioner Early

April 24th, 2017

air-conditioning-service-condenserThe weather is warming up, which means your heating system can finally take a break. It’s easy to feel confident that your air conditioner will work when you need it. And it may work perfectly well—with hidden problems like AC short cycling symptoms that don’t reveal themselves until a hot, humid day finally hits.

Our maintenance services provide comprehensive, routine upkeep for air conditioning systems, including scheduled inspections and servicing to ensure long-lasting performance and improved efficiency.

Many homeowners overlook early maintenance, but it is essential to keep your home comfortable and avoid unexpected breakdowns. We encourage our customers to schedule maintenance for their air conditioning systems well before they break down, as early in the season as possible. Early maintenance is cost-effective, helping to prevent costly surprises and avoid expensive repairs. Regular AC maintenance also tunes all parts and mechanisms of your AC, enabling it to function effectively. If you’re still on the fence about whether this service is right for you, we’re here to shed light on why early AC service is vital to your comfort this year.

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Tips for Getting Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring

April 10th, 2017

sump-pump-basementYou deserve to be excited for warmer weather and springtime clothing. However, you shouldn’t neglect preparing your home for a season that brings beautiful scenery, but potentially disastrous consequences for your home. April showers bring may flowers, but they can also bring flooding to your home. That’s why you have a sump pump in place—but is it really ready for spring?

You should not count on a sump pump working properly if you have not put in the work to ensure it will run correctly. Get your sump pump ready for spring with tips from plumbers in Montclair, NJ, and call our team for more information about our helpful home services!

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