First Choice Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘air conditioning repair’

Some Common Thermostat Problems You May Encounter

Monday, 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

Monday, 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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The Big Mistake People Make About AC Refrigerant

Monday, August 5th, 2019

copper-tubesWe 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.

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If You Haven’t Scheduled AC Maintenance Yet, Now’s the Time!

Monday, May 27th, 2019

calendar-scheduling-bookOne of the most important jobs of a professional HVAC company in Highland, MI is seeing that its customers have their cooling equipment inspected and tuned-up before the hot weather arrives. Although it’s better to have maintenance done later than never, it’s best to have the service done during the spring.

In other words, if you haven’t scheduled maintenance for your home’s air conditioning system yet, we urge you to call us now to arrange for it. We’ll get you on the schedule for the most convenient appointment time.

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Your AC’s Evaporator Coils—Explained!

Monday, September 17th, 2018
air-conditioner-evaporator-coil

If you’ve heard an HVAC technician discussing making repairs to an air conditioner—possibly your air conditioner—you may have overheard terms you didn’t fully understand. For example, the evaporator coils. You might know evaporate coils have something to do with cooling the house, but not exactly what.

We’re here to help you better understand this essential part of how your air conditioner works. This isn’t to give you DIY advice, however! When it comes to fixing trouble with the evaporator coils, or any other part of your AC, always trust professionals for the service.

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How Wear and Tear Can Affect Your AC

Monday, August 6th, 2018

thermometer-going-redIt’s August, and some of the harshest hot days are going to strike during this month and the next. Air conditioning systems have already put in a great deal of work, and with more on the way, homeowners may start to ask the question: “Is my air conditioner going to wear down so much that it breaks?” Nobody wants the answer to be “yes.”

Fortunately, in most cases a broken AC can be repaired. It just takes the right licensed professionals to do it. There are situations, such as an air conditioning system that’s more than 15 years old, where it’s more cost-effective to replace the system because the massive amounts of use have finally caught up with it.

But how does wear and tear affect an air conditioner? If you’re wondering what exactly in your home’s AC is running down through a hot summer, this is the post for you.

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Air Conditioning Maintenance: The Best Way to Prevent Repairs

Monday, April 30th, 2018

Air-conditioner-repairmanAt last we’re starting to enjoy warmer weather that says spring is really here, and summer is approaching right behind it. The lingering cold weather may have put your air conditioning system out of your mind, and we can’t blame you for not giving must consideration to cooling your house.

But now it’s time to focus on the coming warm weather and ensuring your AC can do the best job through the middle of the year, and without you needing to call for repairs.

But there’s no way to prevent repairs 100%, right?

That’s right, there can never be any guarantee for any mechanical device to work without any faults. But you can prevent the majority of problems with planning and proper care. When it comes to your air conditioning system, planning and care means arranging for maintenance (a tune-up and inspection) from qualified HVAC professionals.

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Common Air Conditioner Repairs at Summer’s End

Monday, September 4th, 2017

outdoor-ac-condenser-unitThe last days of summer are a great time to pack in a few more fun activities you didn’t get to during the rest of the season. And one of those fun activities is arranging for repairs on your air conditioning system!

Uhm, wait, I’ve been handed a correction… Okay, this actually isn’t a fun activity, but it’s one that’s often necessary. If you have put off any repairs for your AC earlier in the summer, don’t wait to schedule them. Just because there are cooler days ahead doesn’t mean you might be able to scrape past with an AC that isn’t at 100%. It can mean bigger repairs down the road, elevated utility bills, a sudden system breakdown on a hot day, and even an air conditioner that has to be replaced years too early.

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Why Is There Ice on the AC Coil? Is Something Wrong?

Monday, August 7th, 2017

ice-patternWe’ll cut to the quick: Yes, something is wrong with your central air conditioning system if you notice ice forming on its coil. If this was your first instinct, then you’re thinking along the right lines. People often dismiss the appearance of ice on an air conditioner as a sign that the system is perhaps working a bit too well. The air coming out of the AC is cool, so why wouldn’t ice be part of the process?

But as you may already know, an air conditioner doesn’t use ice to cool down the air it sends into a home. What it actually does is remove heat from inside the house and release it outside, a process called heat exchange. If the air conditioner is working correctly, no ice should develop during this absorption and release of heat.

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Are Leaky Air Ducts Stealing Money from You This Summer?

Monday, July 24th, 2017

vent-coverYou’ve had your air conditioner running steadily for a few months at this point, so you’ve already had a chance to see what your summer utility bills look like. Have they been noticeably higher this month? As we’ve pointed out before, this often indicates a repair need in the air conditioning system. We strongly recommend calling us for repairs as soon as possible: we’ll find out what’s wrong and fix it so that not only will your bills drop, but you’ll be in less danger of the air conditioner failing on you during a hot late summer day.

However, we may discover something outside of the AC unit itself is the source of those high bills. Another part of the HVAC system that frequently “steals” money from you without you realizing it is the ductwork.

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