Professional Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Signs of Compressor Problems in Your Air Conditioner

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

The core of an air conditioning system is the compressor. Although all the components in an AC are important for its operation, the compressor performs the function that sets in motion the cooling action of the whole system. Without it, an AC is nothing more than a large fan.

Compressor problems are therefore some of the most serious that can occur to an AC, and when they start you need to move fast to have the issues repaired. If professional repair technicians catch the problems in time, they can usually save the compressor. If the compressor burns out, however, it often means that the whole air conditioner must be replaced.

How can you tell there are compressor problems in your AC? Here’s a list of some of the warning signs. Call immediately for repairs for your air conditioner in Metairie, LA when these start up. You can reach A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning any time of the day or night for these emergency repairs.

Groaning, grinding sounds

These sounds are indicators of some type of mechanical difficulty occurring inside the air conditioner, often with one of the motors. If these sounds come from the outdoor condenser cabinet—where the compressor is housed—there is a high chance that they come from the motor that runs the compressor. Have the motor either repaired or replaced before it stops running the compressor. The mechanical fault could be in the compressor itself, and this needs immediate attention.

Lowered cooling power

The compressor is what provides energy to the refrigerant, turning the chemical blend into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas to start the heat exchange cycle. If the compressor starts to fail, the cooling power of the AC will also begin to fail. If you notice a drop in cooling even though the fans seem to be working fine, you need technicians to look into the issue right away.

Hard starting

“Hard starting” is a condition where the compressor experiences trouble starting the heat exchange cycle when it receives the signal from the thermostat to turn on. The compressor will stutter as it starts up, then come on for a short time before prematurely shutting off again. This is probably due to electrical issues with the capacitors, but it will place strain on the compressor that could lead to serious damage. Technicians can attach a “hard start kit” to overcome this problem, or they may change the capacitors.

As we stated above, compressor troubles are nothing to ignore or take lightly. Call for the most skilled technicians you can find when you suspect a malfunctioning compressor.

At A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning in Metairie, LA, we aim for 100% satisfaction on every job, and we can help to protect your compressor and your valuable summer cooling.

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Ways to Keep Your Air Conditioning Reliable This Summer

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

When the summer heat starts, your air conditioning will become as important to your daily comfort as your indoor plumbing and hot water. The same way that you expect water to come from a tap when you turn the handle, you expect your air conditioning to supply cooled air whenever it comes on. There are ways you can make you air conditioning as reliable as your home plumbing, and we’ll look at some of the important precautionary steps for this summer.

Just as you should always turn to professional plumbers for your pipes, you should always turn to professional AC technicians when you have trouble keeping cool. You can reach skilled experts at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning 24-hours a day when you need assistance with air conditioning in Metairie, LA.

Tips for Making Sure Your AC Keeps Working Well This Summer

  • Schedule Annual Maintenance: Air conditioners need to have a regular maintenance inspection and tune-up once a year, and if at all possible you should take care of it before the heavy summer heat arrives. This is the best way to shield your air conditioning from malfunctions, break downs, and inefficient performance. Maintenance does not take long with a skilled technician on the job, and the service pays back in years of reliable air conditioning.
  • Change The Air Filter Once A Month: One of the simplest mistakes that homeowners make with ACs—and perhaps the most common—is to neglect to change the air filter regularly during the cooling season. The air filter protects the interior of the AC from particles pulled in through the return vents. But should it become clogged, it will turn into a hindrance that cuts off air flow and forces the AC to overwork. Eventually, this may even cause icing across the coils, one of the worst problems an air conditioner can face. But if you change the filter once a month during the summer (or as long as you regularly use the AC) you should have few problems from it.
  • Avoid Overstressing The System: The more you run an air conditioner, the faster it wears down and risks repair needs. You can lower your AC use without sacrificing quality: instead of keeping the system turned down as low as possible, bump it up about 8°F (72°F is comfortable for most people). This change not only means an AC that isn’t running unnecessarily to reach a low temperature, it will also mean savings.

Start with AC maintenance right now with a call to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. Our professional tune-up will ready your air conditioning system in Metairie, LA for the challenges of summer. Our skilled and experienced staff looks forward to helping your home stay cool.

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How You Can Tell You Need Air Conditioning Repairs

Thursday, May 15th, 2014

Before the summer arrives, have any lingering air conditioning repairs taken care of. It’s likely that you’ve already needed to turn on your AC for a few days, so take some time to pay attention to its operation and look for any indications of faults or malfunctions. If you do notice anything amiss—as we’ll go over in a moment—don’t hesitate: call for professional technicians to come to your home and remedy the problem.

Keep A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning in mind when you need air conditioning repair service in Kenner, LA. We have 24-hour emergency service to make sure you have your cool house restored to you in no time.

Signs It’s Time to Call for Air Conditioning Repairs

The clearest warning sign you can receive from your AC that it has operational problems is when it starts making strange noises. If the air conditioner makes grinding and stuttering sounds when it starts up, then it is “hard starting,” which could point to a number of issues in the motors or the compressor. Clicking sounds indicate capacitors about to fail. If you hear a hissing sound, like escaping gas, then you have a refrigerant leak and need to call for repairs to seal the leak and recharge the lost refrigerant as soon as possible.

Should you detect a loss in cooling power or a drop in airflow coming from the vents, the air conditioning could be experiencing major problems. Although you may feel tempted to let these problems go and hope they’ll get better, they won’t. You could have dirty coils, blocked airflow, broken fans, burnt-out motors… all of which will require professional repairs.

An indication of repair needs that some people often overlook appears on utility bills. As you get your first bills for the air conditioning season, compare them to the bills from the same time the previous year. If you see a surprising rise in costs, it might come from an air conditioning system that is running with a malfunction. Call for technicians to investigate and find out what’s wrong. Some repair problems are difficult to detect at first, but with knowledgeable HVAC specialists on the job, it will soon be fixed.

Schedule Maintenance As Well

Even if nothing seems wrong with your air conditioner this spring, you will still need to make a call to a trustworthy HVAC company to arrange for a maintenance visit. A tune-up and inspection will catch any repair problems that might otherwise escape your notice and give you time to have them repaired.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning offers a quality maintenance program to help you get ready for summer. Along with the inspection and tune-up for your AC, you’ll also receive a 10% discount on parts and labor and priority scheduling for your air conditioning repairs in Kenner, LA.

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Warning Signs That You May Need Air Conditioning Repairs

Tuesday, May 6th, 2014

Spring is the perfect time to repair your air conditioner, especially if it seems like something may be off. As the property owner, you know your system best – have you heard or seen something that doesn’t seem normal? Not sure what you are hearing or seeing? Every system provides warnings when things are headed south, so let this list from A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning help you identify some of the warning signs that your air conditioner may be in need of repair. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair service in Metairie, LA.

Here’s a List for Potential Warning Signs

Strange Sounds

There are normal sounds your air conditioning system makes – such as a steady hum -when the unit is running. Other sounds, like clunking, banging, squealing or screeching, are not typical sounds and may indicate a problem. If you hear such sounds, call specialist to inspect it as soon as possible.

Thermostat Issues

Your home should cool evenly. If you experience one room being much colder or hotter than another, you may have an issue with your thermostat; the same goes for excessive cycling of your system. Your thermostat helps run you AC efficiently. If it’s off, you may start to see that in the form of higher energy bills. Don’t let your thermostat cost you money – call an air conditioning repair technician to check the problem.

Low Air Flow

Does the air flow seem light? Several potential problems can cause a decrease in air flow, from debris in the air ducts to a problematic compressor. Because a number of things can cause decreased air flow, it’s best to let a professional technician determine what is causing the problem.

Unpleasant Smell

The air from your air conditioner should be fresh. If you notice an odor when the system comes on, such as mold or mildew, it’s time for a professional inspection and cleaning. Left alone, these smells will continue to circulate through your property, delivering to your indoor spaces both the odor and the microbes causing it.

Total Lack of Cool Air

If you turn your system on and get nothing but warm air, you may have a problem with your compressor. Compressors are an important part of your system and require professional training for repairs. Warm air can be indicative of other problems as well, so make sure a trained specialist handles the repair work.

Schedule an Appointment for Air Conditioning Repair Service with A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning

Your air conditioning system is an important part of your home’s overall value; if you have a warning sign it may not be running properly, don’t ignore it. Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule air conditioning repair service in Metairie today. We can handle any repairs you’re A/C system may need.

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Air Conditioning Tips for the Coming Summer

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Louisiana summers are hot and humid, and home air conditioners are necessary to make the season pleasant. But you cannot just switch on your air conditioning when the heat arrives and expect the system to work its best. You can end up wasting money on power bills, running into numerous repairs, and receiving less effective cooling. You don’t have to spend a few hours a day working with your AC to get the proper cooling level from it, but you can take a few steps and change some habits to improve its performance during the summer. We’ll share some valuable AC tips for the upcoming season.

Whenever you need to have professional HVAC technician service for your air conditioning system in Kenner, LA, call on the team at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We have technicians ready to help you 24 hours a day so you won’t have to sweat out a broken AC for long.

Tips for Better Air Conditioning Operation This Summer

  • Schedule a maintenance session: You should never miss an annual maintenance visit for your cooling system. Regular attention from an HVAC professional will keep an air conditioner working and free from unnecessary stress. This will stop your electrical bills from rising, fend off repairs, prevent a sudden breakdown, and generally extend the air conditioner’s service life. Although we advise maintenance during the spring, it’s never too late to schedule it.
  • Stay away from the lowest setting on the thermostat: How low does your thermostat go? Likely around 60°F, and that is rarely the level of cooling anybody requires, no matter the heat outside. If you put your thermostat on the lowest setting, it will force the system to work longer (no, it won’t cool down your house any faster), drain energy, and put extra pressure on the components. All this for a temperature that most people won’t even find comfortable. By raising the thermostat up to 72°F, you will have the right comfort level and save between 24% and 36% off your energy bills. (Each degree higher is a 2–3% savings.)
  • Change the air filter monthly: The air filter protects the AC from debris that enters the return vents. During regular operation, the filter will become clogged with dust, lint, hair, and other pollutants. This is enough to cause the air conditioner to strain due to low airflow, and it may also lead to icing along the coils. Change the filter once a month to keep the system efficient. (You should also change it during the off-season, but once every three months is usually sufficient when the AC isn’t running regularly.)

Start Off With Maintenance

There’s still time this spring to jump ahead of the weather and have regular maintenance done. Contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and ask about our regular maintenance program, which also includes a 10% discount on parts and labor, plus priority scheduling. We’ll help keep your air conditioning in Kenner, LA healthy all summer long.

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Why Consider Ductless for Your Next AC Installation

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

If you are considering new air conditioning installation this fall to prepare for summer, you have more options than you once did. Over the last decade, ductless mini splits have made the transition from the commercial world (they’re popular in restaurants and hotels) into the residential world. Ductless systems have some important advantages that may tilt your choice for air conditioning installation in Hammond, NJ in their favor.

You will need advice from air conditioning professionals to make the best choice for your new AC. Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning and speak to our comfort specialists about the options available for cooling your home this summer.

Why ductless may be the way to go

A ductless mini split heat pump works the same way that standard heat pumps do: using the circulation of refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units to move heat from one place to another. The difference with a ductless mini split is that instead of a single indoor unit connected to a ventilation system, they use multiple smaller blower units mounted in various rooms. Each blower has its own coil, and connects through the back of the wall to the outdoor unit.

Here’s how this system can benefit you:

  • No ducts! This sounds obvious, but consider the sort of problems that ducts can cause your air conditioning. Ductwork gather dirt, dust, and even less pleasant contaminants, which then blow out into your home, lowering the air quality and dirtying the space. Dirt also impedes airflow and makes the system strain harder. You need to schedule regular cleaning to make sure the ducts remain dirt-free. Any breaks in the ductwork require repairs or else the AC will lose air pressure. Ductless systems have none of these issues.
  • Zone control saves money! The individual blowers of a ductless system allow you to control the temperature in rooms separate from each other. You no longer have to cool down the whole house when you turn on the AC, only the places that require it. You’ll see a drop in your power bills when you only need to keep the air conditioning running in the spots of the house that need it.
  • Heating and cooling! Although we’ve focused specifically on cooling down your home in this post (summer is coming up, after all), a ductless mini split heat pump has the same advantage that all heat pumps have: they work as air conditioners and heaters. Their heating power is far more efficient than that of fuel-burning systems like furnaces and boilers—another way you’ll save money.

Ductless mini splits are not the ideal comfort solution for all homes. If you already have ducts in your house, you may consider installing a standard heat pump. However, for new construction projects and add-on rooms, ductless systems are great options.

Call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment regarding your new air conditioning installation in Hammond, LA. Ductless or not, we’ll make sure you end up with the right cooling for the summer.

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Add Some Upgrades When Installing a New Air Conditioner

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

Spring is here and that means summer can’t be far behind. Here in Kenner, LA, our air conditioning service technicians are standing by to install new cooling systems as replacements for older or more worn-out air conditioners. Now is the perfect time of year to replace your existing air conditioner, since temperatures are still mild and you won’t feel the heat during the time it takes to perform the installation. You might also want to add some upgrades when installing a new air conditioner, taking advantage of new advancements to improve your system. What kinds of air conditioning upgrades should you consider?

A brief list of some of the more popular options appears below:

 Zone Control Systems

Zone control systems are often associated with ductless air conditioning systems, though variations can easily be installed in existing centralized systems. They consist of a series of valves and shutters placed in your ductwork that divide the home into specific sections. Each section has its own thermostat and control panel, allowing you to control the temperature individually rather than heating the house all at once. For example, you could turn the air conditioner up high in the kitchen while you cook over a hot stove while leaving it off in the living room where another family member is watching TV. You can even turn off the air conditioner in parts of the house you aren’t using, helping you save money on monthly bills in the process.

Thermostats

Thermostats often make a fairly painless upgrade, since new units can often be installed in the exact same spot the old one was.  New thermostats often contain a host of attractive features, including smart systems that learn to adjust the temperature based on your regular habits, and remote activation systems that let you turn on the air conditioner when you’re away from home.

Regardless of what you have in mind, you can use a professional HVAC service to add some upgrades when installing a new air conditioner. The experts at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning provide quality air conditioning services in Kenner, LA. Give us a call to make an appointment today. You’ll be glad you did!

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What Qualities Should I Look For In An Air Conditioning Service Company?

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014

Having too many choices can create as many headaches as having no choices at all. When you need professional air conditioning service in Kenner, LA, the most basic Internet search will turn up a ream of companies looking your business… but only a small number who deserve it. How do you make as choice between them?

When you look over possible AC service companies, there are a number of factors you can focus on that show you the company offers quality work and pure professionalism. Here are some of the qualities to put at the top of your list when deciding on which company to hire.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to offer some of the best service for air conditioners in Southeast Louisiana.

Look for these qualities in a professional AC service company

  • 24-hour emergency service: Air conditioning malfunctions and breakdowns wait for no man or woman. They happen at the most inconvenient times, and it will do you little good to rely on a company that doesn’t offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Make sure you look for repair technicians ready to jump on the job no matter if it’s 11 pm on Tuesday or 3 am on Saturday.
  • Extensive services, local business: Dealing with a company that offers little in the way of other services and can only perform work on a narrow range of comfort systems can be difficult and won’t give you the results you need. Dealing with a large company that covers many states can result in impersonal work where your repair and maintenance jobs are simply “the next thing on the daily schedule.” Aim to find a company between these: local and focused, but offering the same diversity of services you might expect from a large corporation.
  • Handles indoor air quality services: A company that also does work such as duct cleaning, duct sealing, and installation of air purifiers, filters, and dehumidifiers is a company with air conditioning knowledge that goes far beyond the single cabinet and the components inside it. These contractors have experience with the whole network that circulates air through your home, which makes them far more than basic repair technicians.

Since you are already on our website, take a tour of all the services we offer here at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. From heating and indoor air quality to air conditioning service in Kenner, LA, we have all the comfort bases covered. (We even handle Commercial HVAC, which brings an extra layer of experience to our work.) Whenever you need AC repairs on the double, call us any time of the day or night.

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Air Conditioning Issues to Treat Before Summer

Monday, March 31st, 2014

We are starting to emerge into full spring weather now, with the temperatures climbing up from the 50s and into the 70s. Summer is around the corner, and before you know it you’ll have your air conditioner humming away and keeping you cool.

Or will you…? What if your air conditioning isn’t fortified for the big summer heat? If your air conditioning was struggling or showing signs of malfunctions the last time it was running, then now is the time to attend to any repair needs to make sure that your AC won’t break down in summer and leave you sweating on a hot day, waiting for emergency repairs. Do a test run on your system now and see if anything seems wrong. If something feels amiss, get a jump on repairs right away.

For fast and effective air conditioning repair service in Metairie, LA, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Here are some issues you should contact us about:

  • Strange clicking sounds from the cabinet: Clicking noises usually indicate trouble with the start capacitor, the device that sends an electric charge to the motors to catalyze them. This clicking sound means the AC is “hard starting” and draining more power as it comes on. Have a technician replace the failing capacitor before it fizzles completely.
  • Water leaking: During the time the air conditioner was on vacation, the condensate drain could have become plugged with mold or other obstructions. When the condensate drain is blocked, it will quickly cause the condensate pan to overflow as water drips from the condenser coils. Call for repairs to clear and then reconnect the drain line.
  • Icing on the indoor coils: If you notice any frost developing along the indoor coils, it isn’t just an effect of cool air. It can mean that the air conditioner has lost refrigerant or the coils are excessively dirty. Repair technicians can track down and seal the leak, then recharge the refrigerant, or remove the coil to clean it. (Do not scrape off the ice; this will do no good.)

Have maintenance done as well

Spring is when you should schedule your yearly maintenance visit from an HVAC professional to make sure your air conditioner is running in top condition. This is the best way to catch repair issues before they grow more serious. Your technician will identify what needs to be done and can sometimes perform the repairs on the spot.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning has 24-hour emergency service available when you need air conditioning repair in Metairie, LA. Look into our maintenance program as well to help armor your AC for the summer.

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Hire a Pro to Handle Your Repairs and Installations

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

We know it’s a big responsibility owning a home or commercial space, but at A-Professional Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make it easier on you. Whether your home’s air conditioning or heating unit needs to be replaced or your commercial units needs a repair, you can count on us to provide you with exceptional customer service and workmanship. Having a comfortable space year round is important, especially living in Hammond, LA where the temperatures can be extreme. Call us today to schedule an appointment or schedule service online.

Commercial unit residential units

 

 

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