First Choice Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Some Common Thermostat Problems You May Encounter

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

Thermostats are among the most advanced parts of HVAC systems. Even the simple ones have such an important part to play that no homeowner can afford to overlook the thermostat—especially since thermostat troubles are among the most common for creating comfort issues in a home.

What’s tricky about thermostat malfunctions is that they aren’t always obviously coming from the thermostat. This is one of the reasons it’s important to have a Howell, MI, HVAC contractor on the job when you aren’t receiving the comfort levels you expect from your AC or heater, or if you’ve noticed odd behavior from the HVAC system and a steep rise in energy bills.

To help you recognize a thermostat on the fritz, here’s a list of some of the most common thermostat-based problems you may run into:

Tags: air conditioning repair, Heating System Repair, Howell, Thermostats
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Watch for Early Summer Signs You Need to Repair the AC

Monday, June 8th, 2020

Unfortunately, the need for air conditioning repair in Howell, MI can strike at any time. It doesn’t have to wait until August when the AC has already been running steadily for a few months. Even with a regular tune-up and inspection in the summer, an air conditioner can run into a problem at the start of the summer season.

It’s not fun when it happens, but if you’re vigilant about your air conditioner you may be able to catch early signs of something wrong. You’ll be able to get our First Choice technicians on the job early and prevent a bigger repair problem in the future.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Howell
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Benefits of Installing a New AC for the Summer

Monday, May 25th, 2020

Relaxed woman enjoying a cool indoor space by a sunny window after a cooling replacement.

There is plenty that a professional Brighton, MI, HVAC contractor can do for your house to make it more comfortable for summer. Our technicians can offer all that you need to ensure a cool home with the best indoor air quality. One of the most important services we offer—one that every homeowner will need eventually—is replacing old, outdated, energy-draining air conditioning systems for new ones.

What are the top benefits of installing a new AC system in summer?

Starts a new warranty period: A full replacement resets your coverage, protecting you from repair costs if manufacturer defects occur.
Better energy efficiency: Newer models use advanced technology and improved SEER ratings, lowering energy use and monthly bills.
Uses current refrigerant (R-410A): Modern systems run on environmentally safer, readily available refrigerant, avoiding supply and cost issues.
Quieter operation: Updated compressor designs and insulation reduce operational noise for a more comfortable home environment.
Peace of mind: A reliable, brand-new unit lowers the risk of breakdowns during peak summer heat.

This may be the summer you need a new AC for your home. We’ve written before about recognizing when you have an over-the-hill AC. Today we’re going to look at the positive side of needing to replace an air conditioner—all the benefits of a new air conditioner. Let’s look at what you can expect when you have our technicians outfit your personal palace with the best in an electric oasis system!

Tags: Air Conditioning Replacement, Brighton
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Should You Repair or Replace an AC Leaking Refrigerant?

Monday, May 11th, 2020

HVAC technician performing AC repair with electrical testing equipment.

One of the most concerning problems that can affect an air conditioning system is when it becomes “leaky” i.e. begins to leak chemical refrigerant. A loss of refrigerant doesn’t just take away the essential fluid for an air conditioner to cool down a space. It also puts the air conditioner at risk of a catastrophic breakdown due to a burnt-out compressor.

Leaking refrigerant is always a reason to call our technicians for air conditioning repair in Brighton, MI. But is it also a reason to schedule a replacement for the system? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Let’s get into the details but always rely on the assistance of professional HVAC advice before making a choice.

Tags: Air Conditioner Repair, Brighton
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Duct Testing May Be the Key to Better AC Performance This Year

Monday, April 27th, 2020

The performance of your air conditioning system is not as short-term as “will it keep my house cool today?” Great AC performance is about getting the most from the system each year for the lowest cost, and then keeping that performance level for the next year, and the next, until the point where replacement is the cost-effective next step.

When you take this long view of air conditioning performance, regular duct testing becomes a vital part. We recommend homeowners have this service done every 3 to 5 years—or right now if they haven’t done it already.

Tags: Brighton, duct sealing, duct testing
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“Test Drive” Your AC This Spring

Monday, March 16th, 2020

Before the warm weather settles in to stay for the middle of the year, you want to eliminate any worries you may have about your air conditioning system. The best way to do that is to call to arrange for air conditioning maintenance in Fenton, MI through our maintenance plan. Make this a step you take every spring, and you’ll have a much healthier and cost-effective AC system.

You can also do some checks on your own with a test-drive during cooler weather. This isn’t a replacement for maintenance, but a supplement. In fact, you can do the test-drive after you schedule maintenance before the actual appointment. This way, you can tell your maintenance technician about anything you’ve noticed that may be wrong, and they can focus their efforts.

To get started, simply turn on the AC during a day when you wouldn’t otherwise require it (you may need to set the temperature lower than you normally would), and look for the following:

Tags: air conditioning maintenance, Fenton
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March Means Time for Regular AC Maintenance

Monday, March 2nd, 2020

Yes, we know the weather outside is still cold enough for your house to need its heater running regularly. It may seem weird to start considering your air conditioner at this time, but March is the ideal month to plan for the coming change in seasons.

Spring is the period between peak business times for HVAC experts: the cold of winter and the heat of summer. As our schedules become less packed with emergency heating repairs and heating replacements, we can spend more time helping our valued customers get ready for warmer weather. You only have to call us to arrange for air conditioning maintenance in Howell, MI and we’ll get you on the schedule right away.

Tags: air conditioning maintenance, Howell
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My AC’s Compressor Died! Do I Need to Replace the Whole AC?

Monday, September 2nd, 2019

Shocked woman covering her mouth, possibly reacting to an unexpected cooling replacement issue.

Okay, we know this is an urgent, even alarming problem. When an air conditioning system’s compressor burns out, its AC can’t provide any cooled air. The compressor is what allows the AC to circulate refrigerant and move heat from inside the house to cool down. (A few months ago we wrote a blog post detailing exactly what a compressor does.) Without a working compressor, the air conditioner will only circulate room temperature air around the ventilation system.

What are your options when an AC compressor dies?

Replace just the compressor: If it’s still under warranty, only replacing the compressor is a practical and cost-effective solution, especially if the rest of the system is in good shape.
Replace the outdoor condenser unit: This includes the compressor, condenser coil, and fan, suitable if you’re on a tight budget and the indoor components remain sound.
Replace both the condenser and indoor evaporator coil (full AC replacement): Ensures matched components, improved efficiency, and includes a fresh system warranty, usually the best choice if the compressor is no longer under warranty.
Replace the entire HVAC system: If your heating system is also aging, replacing everything, the AC, air handler, and heater, at once can save time and money, especially if you’re transitioning to a heat pump.

You may have heard that replacing a dead compressor is so expensive that you’re better off having a complete air conditioning replacement. This is true sometimes, but not always. Below we’ll look at the different replacement options and help you think about the right choice for your situation.

Tags: Air Conditioner Repair, Air Conditioning Replacement, Brighton
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What to Check When Your AC Stops Working

Monday, August 19th, 2019

Whenever an appliance stops working in your house, it’s not a highlight of the day. But there is a big difference in finding out the microwave won’t turn on and discovering the air conditioning system isn’t cooling the house—especially during a hot late summer day!

A failed AC is something you’ll want remedied as soon as possible. In many cases, this requires calling for air conditioning repair in Davison, MI from professionals like the technicians at First Choice. But an AC that won’t turn on or won’t provide cooling may not be an emergency repair problem. Before you call for a technician, make several basic checks to see if a simple explanation is behind the failure to cool.

Tags: Air Conditioner Repair, Davison
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The Big Mistake People Make About AC Refrigerant

Monday, August 5th, 2019

We don’t expect our customers to be experts at how their air conditioning systems run. After all, that’s why professionals like us exist! However, there are a few basic facts about air conditioning that we’d like more people to know, because they help with understanding when repairs are necessary and what certain warning signs mean.

One of the biggest mistaken ideas people have about air conditioning systems is that the refrigerant running through them needs periodic refills, same as putting gas in a car or getting new batteries for a remote control.

This is completely untrue! Except in cases of refrigerant leaks, air conditioning systems never need to have more refrigerant put in them.

Let’s get deeper into the specifics of this, because it can end up rescuing your AC.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Davison
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