How the Condensate Drain in Your AC Works

August 3rd, 2020

waterYour refrigerant-based air conditioning system doesn’t use water to cool down the air (that’s what swamp coolers do). But the process of evaporating cold refrigerant in the indoor coils of the air conditioner creates water moisture. So when you hear the sound of water dripping inside your AC, that’s part of the normal process of cooling your home. The air conditioner is getting rid of the moisture that built up.

The way it removes this moisture is with the condensate pan and drain. We’re going to look into this component of your air conditioner, because if it develops problems, you need to call us for air conditioning service in Howell, MI.

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Watch Out for These Cheap Mistakes Amateurs Make with AC Installs

July 20th, 2020

outdoor-ac-condenser-unitWhen you need a central air conditioning system in your house, what’s the best way to have it done right?

  1. Do it yourself. There are probably some videos online that make it super-easy.
  2. Call a non-licensed amateur who can do it inexpensively. Why pay more for a professional?
  3. Call a Highland, MI, HVAC contractor with experience and certification.

The correct answer is “3.” We hope you didn’t even consider “1,” because an air conditioning installation is an enormous task and there’s no way you can do it yourself. Unfortunately, many people are tempted to pick “2” because they think there isn’t that much difference between an amateur and a professional contractor.

But there is! And when it comes to installation, amateur work means years of trouble from an air conditioning system that can’t be repaired except with a full system replacement. We’ve seen plenty of the cheap shortcuts that amateurs take whenever we’re called on to install a replacement system for one that failed. Professional contractors are experienced with all types of air conditioners and HVAC systems, including newer models that offer improved efficiency. Choosing an energy efficient system during HVAC replacement results in improved efficiency, reliability, and comfort, making it a smart investment for long-term savings and performance. Older HVAC units, on the other hand, tend to be less efficient and more costly to operate in the long run, further emphasizing the importance of professional installation and timely upgrades. If an HVAC system uses R-22 refrigerant, consider replacing it due to regulatory phase-out and rising costs.

Below are a few of the common mistakes amateur make on AC installations:

Amateurs often overlook critical components that should be replaced during installation, which can lead to failures.

These mistakes are often the telltale sign of amateur work and can result in higher price and the need for unexpected financing options.

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What to Do With a Noisy AC

July 6th, 2020

air-conditioner-units-near-grassAir conditioners runs using motors and fans, so they can never run silently. However, the construction of standard split system air conditioners removes a great deal of the noise from the house by placing the compressor and exhaust fan outside. Inside the house, most of the sound will come from the indoor blower fan, water dripping from the evaporator coil, and the movement of air through the ventilation ducts.

This is the basic “white noise” of summer—until it isn’t. A rise in sounds from the air conditioner, and this includes a noisier outdoor unit as well, is a problem. And not just because it can be annoying. Let’s look into what can be done about a noisy AC.

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Some Common Thermostat Problems You May Encounter

June 22nd, 2020

technician-working-on-thermostatThermostats 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:

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Watch for Early Summer Signs You Need to Repair the AC

June 8th, 2020

desk-fanUnfortunately, 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.

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Benefits of Installing a New AC for the Summer

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!

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Should You Repair or Replace an AC Leaking Refrigerant?

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.

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Duct Testing May Be the Key to Better AC Performance This Year

April 27th, 2020

duct-sealing-with-caulkingThe 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.

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Noisy Furnace at the End of the Season?

April 13th, 2020

furnace-flamesIt’s probably going to be the last month you will run your furnace for a good long while. You have a few more days left, and it’s easy to think that it doesn’t matter much if the furnace isn’t working as well as it usually does.

However, no matter when you need to have heater repair in Grand Blanc, MI, it’s important to have it scheduled as soon as possible—no matter how close the warmer weather may be. In the case of a gas furnace (which is what you probably have) allowing the heater to run without a malfunction can potentially be dangerous.

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Understanding Risks of Delaying Furnace Replacement

March 30th, 2020

furnace-oldThe end of the winter season is a period when we recommend homeowners who have heating equipment that is older than 10 years give consideration to when it needs to be replaced. No, this doesn’t mean that a heating system that’s older than 10 years is an automatic replacement. But this is the period when the heater may start to show signs of wearing down, losing energy efficiency, and becoming a higher risk for a breakdown.

This is especially important for gas furnaces, which is probably the type of central heater your house uses. When you think about the recent performance of the furnace, are you on the fence about replacing it? We want to help you understand what kind of risks you’re taking if you delay replacing a furnace that needs it.

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