With warmer days ahead, you want to make sure your AC is ready to go. Sometimes the long break during winter will stop your unit from running properly when you need it to start up. A little maintenance can go a long way.
Prepping Your AC Unit After Winter
It’s always a good idea to clear any debris around your AC unit before turning it on. Sticks and leaves from the fall and winter can collect around your system and interfere with its air flow and overall function. After you check that area out, take a peek at your air filter. It might be time to swap your old filter out for a clean, new one. This will make it easier for your AC to run.
You’ll also want to make sure your unit has power. If the unit doesn’t kick in after you’ve adjusted your thermostat, go ahead and take a look at your circuit breaker before calling your HVAC company. The switches should be flipped to “on,” so this could be a simple fix if you’re having trouble with your AC. Otherwise, you might be looking at some different issues.
Common Problems Starting Your AC
Some problems that pop up after winter are relatively easy to fix, but others require professional expertise. These are some of the most common hiccups we see with units starting up in spring.
1. Thermostat Problems
Hearing a loud racket when you turn on your AC unit is usually a sign that something isn’t right with your blower motor or fan motor. Of course, if you aren’t hearing anything at all, then you might be having a problem with your thermostat.
The electrical wiring from your thermostat is connected to your AC. Assuming your thermostat has good batteries, you might be facing an issue with some electrical work. An HVAC professional can take a look and let you know what needs fixing.
2. Low Refrigerant
When your unit doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your home. Your HVAC company will have the equipment needed to measure the levels and see if they’re low. Unfortunately, just topping off the refrigerant might not be enough. Your system could have a leak. If your HVAC technician says low refrigerant is to blame, make sure they’ve also done a leak search. You don’t want the issue to repeat itself!
3. Dirty Units
After the “off” season, you might also have trouble with a dirty system. The AC unit itself, also known as the condenser, may have dust and debris inside it. This can mess with the fans and block airflow, just like a dirty air filter indoors. A good cleaning can help.
In other cases, you could be facing a dirty evaporator coil. Older units and equipment that hasn’t been serviced in a while will sometimes run into this problem. Because the coil needs to be completely removed for cleaning, this isn’t something you can handle on your own. You’ll need an HVAC technician to help you out. Still, it’s a pretty quick process.
Plan Ahead with a Spring AC Tune-Up
Letting your unit run when it isn’t working properly can lead to a series of bigger problems. If your unit isn't working for your home, call on your HVAC company. Units that are dirty or need a leak repaired should be addressed sooner rather than later. Typically, these problems can be fixed during your annual maintenance!
Scheduling regular maintenance can keep your unit working its best. A technician can check all of your connections, clean up your unit, lubricate its moving parts, and more. Our LCS Annual Maintenance Plans are designed to help you out.
Getting routine checks with your unit before it acts up can help extend its life. Plus, it’s more convenient than waiting for service when something goes wrong. The temperatures will only continue to rise, and you don’t want to be caught without cool air. Let us know how we can help. Give our team a call at (317) 238-3961.
The ENERGY STAR label is pretty recognizable, but that blue and white logo is more than just a pretty sticker. It’s proof from the EPA that a product is in the top tier for efficiency. And that means big savings on running your home appliances.
The label’s real goal is to help consumers identify energy-efficient products. Since the program’s inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR has helped people save an estimated $430 billion on their utility bills. But do you know what those savings actually mean for your own annual expenses?
About the Ratings
As a general rule, the ENERGY STAR label is awarded to the top quarter of products on the market. Put another way— an air conditioning unit that qualifies for the ENERGY STAR certification typically ranks in the top 25% for energy efficiency. This classification helps tell consumers which products might have a better long-term value.
You see, it’s not just about the upfront costs on major home appliances. You also have to consider how much it will cost to run the equipment every day and every year. In that sense, ENERSY STAR appliances are a lot like cars with low gas mileage. Two vehicles might cost the same on paper, but the one that can get 5 or even 7 more miles to the gallon might be a better option because it’s less expensive to run. Saving on energy costs is always better for your bottom line.
Savings with ENERGY STAR Appliances
The latest technology makes a big difference with efficiency. Check the numbers and it’s easy to see—opting for ENERGY STAR appliances is a great way to lower your utility bill every season.
Laundry Machines and Dishwashers
New “smart” features allow your machines to use less energy (and less water) when cleaning your clothes and dishes. And you still get a good clean! Laundry machines that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label require 40 to 50% less energy, and dishwashers work with 41% less energy (compared to the federal minimum standards).
Refrigerators and Freezers
Better insulation and more accurate temperature readings make these ENERGY STAR products big winners. Qualified refrigerators use at least 15% less energy, and qualified freezers use at least 10% less energy than what the current federal standards require.
Heating and Cooling
Roughly 50% of your home’s total energy costs are spent on heating and cooling. Choosing high-efficiency models can help knock down the total on your utility bills and give you some pretty noticeable savings month-to-month. ENERGY STAR air conditioners, for example, are typically 15% more efficient than other standard units.
Smart Thermostats
Pre-programed settings and WiFi features help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient 24/7. Although the ENERGY STAR specification for programmable thermostats is no longer active, installing a “smart” thermostat is easily one of the best home upgrades you can make. Homeowners can save an estimated $180 every year on their energy costs just by making the switch to a newer model.
More Ways to Save
Your ENERGY STAR appliances aren’t just helping your lower your utility bills—they can also give you credit on your taxes. Whether you’ve upgraded some windows or doors in your home, or just swapped out your dishwasher for a newer, more efficient model, be sure to claim those credits on your taxes.
ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning units can give you a $300 tax credit, and the same goes for high-efficiency heat pumps. Qualified gas furnaces will get you a $150 tax credit. Check out this overview on 2016 benefits for more information. It’s another great perk of efficient equipment!
And remember: The high-efficiency ratings on your HVAC equipment heavily rely on annual maintenance. Wiring and electrical parts need to be regularly tested to make sure they’re running at peak efficiency. If you haven’t already scheduled your spring system tune-up, be sure to give LCS a call at (317) 238-3961. Our team would be happy to help you out!
We all want our homes to be comfortable year-round. In the summer, we want to stay cool. During winter, we seek heat. For some homeowners, a heat pump can give them the best of both worlds!
These types of units are often super energy-efficient because they use heat that’s already present. By working with both indoor and outdoor air they can balance—or rather, counterbalance—whatever temperature you want inside. A heat pump can be a great asset. But when it’s not working properly, no one’s happy.
How Heat Pumps Work
If you want to understand heat pumps, it’s good to know that they aren’t too different than an air conditioner or refrigerator. Think about it this way: The coils on the back of the fridge always feel a little hot because the refrigerator works to pull warm air out. That’s why everything in the box stays cool. The same goes for air conditioning units. They’re made to extract heat from the air, and then sort of “exhale” it outside.
They have similar parts and similar purposes to air source heat pumps, but the heat pump has one unique advantage. Both refrigerators and A/C units work to keep places cool. What’s neat about heat pumps is that they work to both cool and heat a home. Here’s the shortlist of what they’re made of:
- Compressor
- Liquid Refrigerant
- Fans/Fins
- 2 Sets of Coils—one for indoors, the other for outside
- Reversing Valve (this is what makes the heat pump different)
Their overall goal of a heat pump is to move heat from one area to another. The compressor works to circulate refrigerant between the two coil sets. And that refrigerant either absorbs or releases heat—depending on the coil set—to get your indoor temperature just right. The fans help move the air around so when you’re ready to switch seasons, your cooling unit can become a heating unit.
Switching the thermostat from heat to cool, or vice versa, will cause the reversing value to switch the direction flow of refrigerant. At that point, the hot air will move in the opposite direction. Rather than “exhaling” the air outside, as it does in the summer, it “exhales” the air inside, producing efficient and economical heat.
Since they do double-duty, heat pump systems can run in any season. They push hot air outdoors in warmer months, and then pull warm air indoors when it’s cold. It’s all with a flip of the switch. Pretty cool, right?
Pros and Cons
Heat pumps have a big appeal for cutting energy costs because they don’t have to exert as much energy creating the heat. They simply use the heat that’s already present and move it to where you need it. Some people don’t realize that there’s still some amount of heat in the air even in cold weather. The little heat pump can still do its thing in winter because it draws in all the heat it can find outdoors and sends it inside.
So as long as outdoor temperatures aren’t super-low, the heat pump can easily be the only heating source for a home. For moderate climate areas, these units can save big bucks on energy costs. It’s when the thermometer drops that it might need backup. As a general rule, this tends to happen when it falls to 30 degrees or below outside.
Because a heat pump isn’t the most effective heating source in below-freezing temps, it might need to be partnered with another supplemental heat source, like a furnace or an air handler, during extreme winter weather. If you’re unsure about your area’s limits, it’s a good idea to consult with a local professional. The right heating and cooling setup can keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.
Heat Pump Maintenance
Like other HVAC units, a heat pump will last longer with annual maintenance. In addition to annual maintenance, A lot of heat pump users also extend the lifespan of their unit (10-12 years is average) by changing the filter on a regular basis, or about once a month for consistent use. Other than that, just keep the fans and coils clear of debris and you should be set!
If other problems arise, you might need to call on a professional. They can help you diagnose any heat pump repairs by doing all of the following:
- Check indoor coils, ducts, or filters for obstructions
- Seal leaking ducts and ensure adequate airflow
- Confirm proper refrigerant charge (and no leaks)
- Inspect electric terminals, and clean or tighten connections
- Lubricate interior motors, and check belts for tightness and wear
- Test reverse valve and thermostat operations
A heat pump can help keep energy costs low throughout the year—but only as low as it’s properly maintained. A neglected heat pump can end up wasting as much as 25%. So as long as you have a heat pump, you’ll want to keep it in good working order to get those energy savings.
Whether you want to be warmed up or cooled off, a heat pump is a great solution for home comfort. If it’s not doing its job, call in a good heat pump company. A few repairs might be able to put it back on the right track.