As the leaves start to change colors, we all know that cooler weather is quickly approaching. Thoughts of sitting inside with a warm fire while enjoying time with family and friends come to mind.
And at the heart of that experience? Your trusty heater, ready to keep you and your family warm all season long.
But here’s the thing – Just like any hard-working hero, your heater needs a little TLC to run its best. That’s where seasonal heating maintenance comes in. Think of it as the recipe for a home filled with warmth, efficiency, and complete peace of mind.
Why does heating maintenance matter so much? We’ll show you…
The Importance of a Reliable Heating System
Picture this: It’s the dead of winter, the winds are howling, and the snow is starting to fall. But inside your home? Pure comfort. How? That, our friends, is the magic of a well-maintained heater.
It’s about more than just keeping you warm – it’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that you can rely on. But here’s the key: Regular maintenance is the secret ingredient that keeps this scenario a reality, year after year.
Without it, you run the real risk of unexpected breakdowns, cold nights, and expensive repair costs. Who wants to deal with that during the most beautiful time of year?
First, let’s dive into why heating systems fail in the first place.
Why Heating Systems Break Down
Understanding why heaters fail is the first step in preventing breakdowns. Think of your heater as the unsung hero of your home. Day and night, it works tirelessly to keep you comfortable. But like any hardworking machine, it faces challenges:
Dust and Debris Buildup: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your heater, clogging filters and reducing efficiency. It’s like trying to breathe through a stuffy nose – not impossible, but certainly not comfortable or efficient.
Worn-Out Parts: Just as your car’s parts wear down over time, so do your heater’s components. Cracks begin, motors strain and ignition systems can falter.
System Strain: When parts aren’t working efficiently, your heater has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. This extra strain can lead to premature breakdowns.
Neglect: Perhaps the biggest culprit in heating system breakdowns is simple neglect. When we forget about our heater until something goes wrong, we miss the opportunity to catch small issues before they become big problems.
The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance. It’s like giving your heater a chance to refresh, recharge, and prepare for the work ahead.
The Magic of Seasonal Tune-Ups
So, what exactly does seasonal heating maintenance entail? Think of it as a health check-up for your heating system. Let’s break it down:
Early Detection of Issues – Imagine if you could spot a health problem before it became serious. That’s exactly what yearly heating inspections do. Our trained technicians can identify worn parts, loose connections, or poor operations before they lead to a full system breakdown, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement.
Reducing System Strain – When all the components of your heating system are clean, lubricated, and functioning at their best, the entire system runs like a well-oiled machine. Less strain means less wear and tear, and a lower chance of unexpected failures.
How We Prevent Breakdowns
Let’s take a look at some of the tasks we perform to prevent breakdowns:
Cleaning and Lubricating – Your heater’s moving parts need proper care to function smoothly. Cleaning and lubricating these components reduces friction and wear, preventing overheating and failure. It keeps your heater ready for action.
Inspecting Electrical Connections – Loose or corroded electrical connections can lead to system failure or even pose safety risks. Regular inspections ensure all connections are secure and functioning properly. It’s a simple check that can prevent major headaches down the road.
Checking the Heat Exchanger – The heat exchanger is the heart of your heating system, responsible for heating the air that circulates through your home. Cracks or leaks in this component can lead to system shutdowns or, more seriously, carbon monoxide leaks. Regular inspections can catch these issues early, ensuring your heater stays both efficient and safe.
Your Peace of Mind is Waiting…
Let’s take a moment to think about the cold weather that’s ahead. Imagine evenings by the fire, the warmth of your home welcoming you after a day in the cold, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your heater is in top condition.
This isn’t just a dream – it’s a reality that’s within your reach. By embracing regular seasonal maintenance, you’re not just preventing breakdowns; you’re investing in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and safety. You’re choosing peace of mind over worry, proactive care over reactive repairs.
Remember, your heating system works hard to keep you comfortable. By giving it the care it deserves, you’re ensuring it can continue to be the silent guardian of your comfort for years to come.
So, as the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, take that important step. Call us at Central Oregon Heating to schedule your heating maintenance today.
It’s more than just a check-up – it’s your ticket to a winter filled with warmth, efficiency, and worry-free comfort.
If you live in Central Oregon, you need the right air conditioner installation to keep your home cool and comfortable during the summertime. Each structure is different, so it’s important to take the time to find an air conditioner that is right for your home. From central air conditioners to ductless mini-splits, there are a number of AC replacement options you can get.
What Are the Basic Types of Air Conditioners?
While there are a handful of major types of air conditioners, there are many subtypes to choose from. There are different brands, features, and add-ons available, so take your time to research which option works best for your family. At Central Oregon Cooling, we can walk you through the different types so that you can find a new AC installation for your home.
Central Air Conditioners
When most people think about air conditioning, they generally think about central air conditioners. These air conditioners consist of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a network of ductwork. With the help of refrigerant, heat is transferred from inside your home to the outside air.
Central air conditioners are quite efficient, but they can be difficult to install in a home that doesn’t have existing ductwork. They also have a higher upfront cost than a basic window unit. However, they are excellent at keeping the interior of your home as cool and comfortable as possible.
Pros of Central Air Conditioners
Ensures consistent, even temperatures
Provides filtered air
Works well with smart thermostats
Operates quietly
Offers an unobtrusive design
Cons of Central Air Conditioners
Costs more for electricity if you wouldn’t normally be cooling every room of your house
Requires ductwork
Offers limited control of different zones
Higher upfront installation costs
Ductless Mini-Splits
If you’re considering different AC types, you can also talk to one of our AC installation contractors about getting ductless mini-splits. This type of air conditioner is extremely popular in buildings that don’t have existing ductwork. Instead of outfitting an entire home, you can also choose to install ductless mini-splits in individual rooms.
While these are a great choice if you want zoned control without needing any ductwork, central air conditioning may be a better choice if you have existing ductwork. To install ductless mini-splits, the HVAC technician just needs to make a three-inch hole in the wall, which makes this a comparatively easy installation process.
Plus, ductless mini-splits don’t have to be installed right next to the outdoor unit. The indoor evaporator can be located up to 50 feet away.
Pros of Ductless Mini-Splits
Provides flexibility
Has a small size
Offers zonal control of individual rooms
Doesn’t have to be placed in every room
More energy efficient than window units
Provides ideal coverage for studios and small spaces
Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits
Offers less performance than central AC in extreme weather
Visible in each room
Costs more than central air conditioning for the same cooling capacity
Requires a place to drain the condensate water
Portable Air Conditioners
A portable air conditioner is an individual unit that you can easily move from room to room. It does not have the same cooling capacity as central air conditioning units or ductless mini-splits. In most cases, a portable air conditioner will be able to cool a small- to normal-sized room. If you try to cool a larger area than that, it won’t work effectively.
However, the small size and portable nature are ideal if you live in an apartment. If you know that you’ll be moving to a different house in the future, it may be better to buy a portable unit that you can bring with you.
Pros of Portable Air Conditioners
Costs less upfront
Can be installed on your own
Rolls easily to different rooms
Can be moved from one rental to another
Cons of Portable Air Conditioners
Uses energy less efficiently than other types of ACs
May need to have water drained frequently, depending on the settings and location
Can’t handle large spaces
May not be powerful enough to keep up with extremely hot days
Must be near a window to vent heat outdoors
Creates a lot more noise than ductless mini-splits or central air conditioners
Window Units
As you consider your AC maintenance and installation needs, you may also want to look into getting window units. While these units are similar to portable ACs, there is a key difference. Instead of being placed on the floor of a room, window units are installed in the window itself.
Like portable ACs, window units create heat that has to be vented into the outside air. The location makes this venting process easier. However, your homeowners’ association or landlord may have specific rules about window units. Because they are installed in your window, they can’t be moved to a new home as easily as portable air conditioners.
Pros of Window Units
Works well for small spaces
Costs less to install
Can be transported if you move to a new apartment
Cons of Window Units
Cools ineffectively in large spaces
Produces a louder noise than central air conditioners
Can’t be used in multiple rooms
May not be allowed in certain apartment buildings or homeowners’ associations
How to Decide Which Type of AC Is Right for You?
When deciding which type of AC unit you should get, you should look at a number of factors. For example, you may want to look at how air conditioning repair costs change for different AC types. New AC installation costs and space requirements will also vary.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for in your next AC, you can always talk to an AC installation contractor at Central Oregon Cooling. We can help you understand the different types of ACs and the benefits of each model.
Consider the BTU Range
One of the most important factors when looking at an AC is the British Thermal Units (BTUs). Basically, this figure can tell you what the cooling capacity of your air conditioning system is.
In general, the number of BTUs you need is 20 times the square footage of the area you want to cool. However, this figure can vary based on where you’re located, your home’s insulation, personal preferences, and other factors.
To give you an idea of the BTUs required for your home, here are the BTUs needed for different home sizes.
1,000-square-foot homes: 20,000 BTUs
1,500-square-foot homes: 30,000 BTUs
2,000-square-foot homes: 40,000 BTUs
Additionally, each type of air conditioner has a standard BTU range. While this can vary from brand to brand, you’ll generally find the following ranges:
Central air conditioners: 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs
Ductless mini-splits: 9,000 to 36,000 BTUs
Portable ACs: 7,000 to 14,000 BTUs
Window units: 5,000 to 25,000 BTUs
Look at Your Cooling Needs
Next, you should consider your personal cooling needs. Do you need around-the-clock air conditioning? Or, are you just looking for a little cooling on the hottest days of the year?
You should also think about your family’s needs. Often, people feel comfortable at different temperature levels. If two of your family members prefer drastically different temperatures, you may want to consider getting ductless mini-splits.
Review the Installation Requirements
Before you get an air conditioner, you should check out the AC tune up, maintenance, repair, and installation requirements for each unit you’re considering. When it comes to air conditioner installation costs, the price can vary significantly.
Many homeowners can install portable ACs and window units in their homes. In comparison, ductless mini-splits and central air conditioners generally require a professional technician to do the installation work.
If you already have ducts, central air conditioners are quick to install. The price and time commitment are much higher if you don’t have ductwork installed already.
Check Out the Maintenance Needs
Next, you should also consider the AC maintenance needs of different systems. All units should get an AC tune-up at least once a year. You should also be changing or cleaning the filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. However, some units may have specific maintenance requirements.
Research the Cost
Whether you’re looking at 24-hour AC repair or ductwork installation expenses, getting an air conditioner is an investment. A good central air conditioner can last 15 to 20 years if it is taken care of well.
While the upfront cost is a necessary consideration, you should look at the average cost of maintaining it, how frequently you’ll have to replace the unit, and the amount you’ll spend on electricity. A more energy-efficient unit will often have a higher price upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run on your utility bills.
Additionally, you can always talk to your AC installation contractor about current promotions and financing options. There are many different ways to make the overall cost more reasonable so that you can afford a unit that meets your comfort needs, home size, and energy-efficiency goals.
Analyze the Brand and Features
Finally, you should consider the features associated with each unit and the various brands. For example, some air conditioners come with smart thermostats that allow you to program your cooling preferences for each time of the day. You may also want dehumidifiers, humidifiers, or air purifiers incorporated into your system.
How to Research Different Types of AC Units
Figuring out the best air conditioner installation for your home doesn’t have to be daunting. There are a few key ways you can figure out which AC is right for your needs.
Ask a Friend or Family Member
Many of your friends and family members have experience shopping for air conditioning units. You can ask them what their experience was like and which unit they eventually chose. Additionally, you can see what the long-term air conditioning repair costs will be like for each kind of AC and if they have any regrets.
Talk to an HVAC Technician
A professional HVAC technician has experience working with many different kinds of air conditioners. If you are concerned about which type of AC is right for your family, you can ask them for advice about their favorite models.
Look at Professional Reviews
Some review providers do a good job of comparing air conditioning units. Architectural Digest and Consumer Reports are both known for providing in-depth reviews of air conditioners and other HVAC equipment.
Read Customer Testimonials
You can also check customer testimonials to see what other customers thought of different air conditioner types. For example, Central Oregon Cooling has many reviews on Google, our social media pages, and our website that you can check out for information about different products and services.
Determine Your Needs
The most important factor in determining which AC you should get is your family’s needs. Start by calculating the BTUs needed to cool your home. Then, figure out your budget and whether you have existing ductwork. If you need help figuring out which air conditioners will work, you can always reach out to an AC installation contractor for extra help.
Discover the Best Type of Air Conditioner for Your Home
Whether you simply want to cool a studio apartment or need central air conditioning for an entire ranch, there are different air conditioner installation options available for your needs. Modern air conditioners are incredibly energy efficient, so updating your current AC can save you money on your energy costs. Plus, new ACs are less likely to break down than older models, so investing in an AC replacement can lower the amount you have to spend on repairs.
If getting a new AC installation feels daunting, we can help you explore all of the options available for your home. To learn more, reach out to Central Oregon Cooling today.
On a hot day, nothing inspires panic like an AC that doesn’t blow cold air. Even with the best maintenance, there are times when you may need air conditioning repair services. With the right AC maintenance and repairs, you can prevent the underlying problem from becoming worse and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home.
10 Common Reasons Why Your AC Might Not Blow Cold Air
If your home feels unusually warm, check the vents for cool air. When ACs stop blowing cold air, the following AC repair issues may be at fault.
1. Low Refrigerant Levels
When your refrigerant level is low, you may notice the following symptoms:
A frozen AC
Ice around the lines and coils
Warm air coming from your vents
Hissing or bubbling noises
If you have low refrigerant levels, you need professional AC repair services. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians to get a Section 608 certification to recharge refrigerant. Because refrigerants impact the environment and human health, you don’t want to leave this problem untreated.
2. Clogged Drain Pipes
Air conditioners are designed to pull moisture from the air. Then, the excess water is supposed to drain out of your machine using the condensate drain pipe. If this drain gets clogged by dirt and debris, water will stop draining, causing the AC to shut down as a fail-safe measure.
Luckily, this is one of the easiest air conditioner maintenance tasks to perform. You can clean out the drain pipe on your own or call a 24-hour AC repair company to remove the clogs for you.
3. Dirty Filters
Your AC may have more than one filter. You’ll most likely have one filter in your return vent and another in your air handler. If your filters become clogged, it limits airflow and stops your filter from working properly.
How often you need to change or clean the air filters depends on the manufacturer. While 30 days is a common frequency, some air filters don’t need to be changed for 60 or 90 days.
It’s important to use clean air filters because dirty filters put added strain on your AC. Eventually, this strain can cause your AC to break down prematurely.
4. Power Issues
If there are any power issues, it could prevent your AC from working properly. For example, broken wires could prevent the air conditioner from getting enough electricity.
When you’re dealing with electrical issues, it’s a good idea to shut off your AC until you can get emergency air conditioner repairs. Damaged wires and other electrical problems can be dangerous, so it’s important to leave these tasks to an HVAC professional.
5. Blocked Returns
Your air conditioner doesn’t just have vents to release cool air into your home. It also has vents that bring in air that are known as returns. Normally, returns are placed in a central location in your house so that they can circulate air.
However, you’ll sometimes see multiple vents in a single room. One of these vents may be a return. If the return vent isn’t blowing cold air, it’s because it isn’t supposed to. Returns are designed to bring air in, not out.
Sometimes, returns can get blocked by furniture, plants, or other items. When this happens, it prevents them from working properly. From time to time, check to see if your returns are blocked in any way. You should also clean the return and the filter inside it regularly.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Don’t be hasty about scheduling a new air conditioner installation. The issue with your AC could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker, which is easy to fix.
Typically, air conditioners use an inside and outside breaker. If the outside breaker gets tripped, the vents will still work but will blow warm air. In many cases, fixing a tripped circuit breaker is as easy as flipping a switch.
However, it’s important to pay attention to how often your AC trips the breaker. If this is a frequent problem, there may be an underlying cause. Faulty compressors, dirty air filters, broken coil fans, and refrigerant leaks can all trip the breaker. In some cases, you may even need to get an air conditioner replacement.
7. Damaged or Clogged Ducts
As you troubleshoot your AC repair needs, check the vents in each room. If some of the vents are able to blow cold air, your air conditioning unit is likely working fine. Instead, you may be dealing with a duct-related issue.
When your ducts become dirty or clogged, it prevents cold air from getting where it needs to go. Instead of reaching your rooms, the air could be spilling out into your attic or a different space.
Sometimes, duct-related problems are caused by a lack of pressure. If there’s not enough pressure in the ducts, they won’t be able to move air to your rooms. Issues with your blower fan can also prevent air from reaching distant rooms.
Other than inspecting ducts for clogs, you can troubleshoot duct issues by checking vents to see if air is reaching every one of your rooms. To prevent air leaks and improve your AC efficiency, make sure your ducts are properly sealed.
8. Dirty Compressor or Evaporator Coils
Your compressor and evaporator coils are integral parts of your AC. Occasionally, you may need to call for air conditioning repair services to fix the coils. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as removing excess dirt, dust, or debris from the coils.
Cleaning Your Compressor Coils
Unlike the evaporator coils, your compressor is located outside your house. The compressor coils are intended to help your AC cool the air. However, the outdoor location means compressor coils can easily become dirty or clogged with plant matter.
Luckily, you can easily inspect your compressor coils by looking at them. You should never touch them without gloves on because the coil fins are quite sharp.
If the compressor coils are dirty, you can clean them by turning off the AC’s power. Then, use the water hose to remove dirt, dust, and weeds. An HVAC technician can do a more thorough cleaning during your routine AC maintenance.
Fixing Dirty Evaporator Coils
Anything that makes it past your air filter can end up clogging your evaporator coils. Before opening any panels to check on them, it’s important to turn off your AC at the breaker box. It’s generally better to leave evaporator coil inspections to the professionals because these coils are situated behind a service panel.
There are often lines in front of the evaporator coils, and these lines must be dealt with carefully. The fins are especially sharp, so you should wear gloves when working around them. A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment can be used to remove debris and dirt that are near the surface of the coils. For an even cleaner result, an HVAC technician can use a special spray cleaner and brush.
9. Broken Capacitor
The capacitor is normally responsible for sending a surge of electricity into your air conditioner to start it. These metal cylinders are located under the service panel in your outdoor AC unit. You should never deal with a faulty capacitor on your own. It stores a large amount of electricity, so you’ll get a horrible shock if you touch it. The capacitor must always be discharged before it can be handled in any way.
If you notice any leaks, ruptures, or bulges, your capacitor may need to be replaced. You can normally tell if there is a broken capacitor because you’ll stop receiving cold air. Additionally, you might hear a humming noise or smell something burning.
When the capacitor is broken, it’s important to call an HVAC company for AC replacement and repair services. A broken capacitor is capable of melting plastic and causing damage to other parts, so you need to get it fixed right away.
10. Thermostat Problems
Before you start looking for the best AC installation in your area, it’s important to troubleshoot other issues, like thermostat problems. Your thermostat is responsible for turning your system on and off. If it isn’t working properly, it may stop signaling your AC to turn on when the indoor temperature rises.
Depending on the thermostat type, you may be able to reset the thermostat or replace its batteries. Then, see if your AC starts blowing cold air again. If it doesn’t, you may need to get your thermostat replaced.
What Should You Do If Your AC Stops Blowing Cold Air?
If your AC is blowing but not cold air, there are a few steps you can take before calling for 24-hour AC repair.
Evaluate the AC: Look for pooling water on the ground or a lack of air. Pay attention to any sounds or smells that are out of the ordinary.
Check the Filters: Inspect the filters for dirt. If necessary, clean or change the filter.
Look at the Breaker: You can turn a tripped breaker on again. If something keeps tripping a breaker, call for help because there may be an underlying electrical problem.
Clean the Coils: Dirty evaporator or condenser coils can make your system work overtime to cool your home. Cleaning these coils can help your AC cool your home more efficiently.
Unblock Registers: Sometimes, people place furniture or houseplants over a register. Check your home’s vents and registers to make sure they’re open.
Seal Leaks: If you have leaky ductwork, cold air could be escaping before it gets to each room. Inspect the ducts and seal any leaks you find.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to fix your air conditioner issue by using one of these techniques. If you’re still having difficulties, the best air conditioning repair company can help you diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
How to Prevent Cooling Issues
Once you’ve successfully fixed your AC, it’s important to prevent the same problem from happening again. The last thing you want is to require an emergency air conditioner repair on a sweltering hot day. With the following tips, you can keep your air conditioner blowing cool air.
Seal Air Leaks
To get the most out of your AC, you need to seal any leaks in your ductwork. You should also inspect your home for potential leaks. Windows and doors are common spots where cold air can escape. When this happens, your AC has to work extra hard to keep the air cold.
Insulate Properly
You can reduce your electricity bill by improving the insulation in your home. Good insulation prevents cold air from leaving. Other than reducing your power bill, insulation can prevent repairs because your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cold.
Get Routine Maintenance
Your air conditioner is supposed to get routine maintenance at least once a year. During this visit, an HVAC technician will inspect your AC for wear and tear. They’ll clean the AC’s parts, diagnose issues, and recharge the refrigerant. With proper maintenance, you can prevent future breakdowns.
Fix Your AC Repair Issues Today
If your AC unit is not blowing cold air anymore, you need professional air conditioning repair options. At Central Oregon Cooling, we can help with all your AC replacement and repair needs. To learn more about our services, reach out to one of our team members today.
If your AC is blowing but not cold air, there are a few steps you can take before calling for 24-hour AC repair.