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What Can Cause an AC to Stop Cooling Efficiently?

Keeping a home at the most comfortable temperature can often be taken for granted. Everybody expects their air conditioning unit to continue working properly, and they go about their daily routines without so much as thinking about it – until something changes. When your home’s temperature gets noticeably warmer or cooler, that means something is likely amiss within your air conditioning system.

Whether it’s simply a minor issue or something more drastic, you want the issue resolved quickly so you can get back to living in comfort. It’s important to identify what’s causing the issue, but it’s just as important to let a professional HVAC technician diagnose any complex problems that require AC repair in Denver. Regular maintenance can help prevent a lot of these issues, but there are a number of things that can impact the efficiency of your system.

Clogged Air Filters

One of the biggest culprits for hurting the efficiency of your air conditioning system is the filter. When the air filter becomes dirty or clogged, airflow is restricted. That reduces the efficiency of the overall system. Regularly changing or cleaning the air filter is critical for optimal performance from your system. This should be the first thing you check when investigating your system’s efficiency, and inspecting this regularly will give insight into how often it should be replaced.

Dirty or Blocked Coils & Drains

As time passes, the coils on the evaporator and condenser units can accumulate dirt and other debris. This reduces their efficiency, meaning regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the best heat exchange. Also, if the condensate drain becomes clogged, it can lead to water buildup and impact the system’s ability to cool the air. Regular maintenance and inspections on both of these items can prevent both of these issues.

Electrical Problems

Faulty wiring or constantly tripping breakers can mess with the electrical system of the air conditioning unit, leading to inefficient cooling or other issues. Electrical issues at the thermostat can also cause it to malfunction, which can make the AC not cool your space adequately. During your regular inspections, the technician should be able to identify some of these problems, and electrical issues should always be addressed immediately.

Bad or Leaky Insulation

Poor insulation in your structure can cause the conditioned air to escape, impacting its efficiency. Leaks in the ductwork can create a similar problem. This loss of the cooled air will reduce the overall efficiency of your system. Not only does this cause issues with keeping your space at the right temperature, but it can also result in higher energy bills while your system works that much harder to cool the area.

Most of these issues can be curbed with regular maintenance from an HVAC professional, and some of these problems can just pop up from age and wear over time. Regular inspections will be less expensive in the long run, and keep your home at the comfy level you desire. For more information on how to keep your AC running optimally and efficiently, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Should You Put AC in Every Room of the House?

When it comes to keeping your home cool, your air conditioning unit has to be reliable. You want to be comfortable throughout your home but putting an AC unit in every room might be a little bit of overkill. It can also get costly to run multiple units, particularly if you aren’t utilizing every room in your home. Understanding your own preferences will go a long way in determining the right balance for where you should use air conditioning.

It might not be necessary to have an AC unit cooling every room in your house, and there are a lot of factors to consider. One of those is your personal preference and where you spend your time. If there are rooms you rarely enter, it might be more cost effective to simply use AC in those spaces.

Climate & Budget Considerations

If you live in a region with hot and humid weather, central air conditioning or a well-placed AC unit may be essential for overall comfort. Denver air conditioning is a bit different, as Colorado’s climate can change on any given day. However, the warm summers and constant sunshine mean you might prefer an AC unit, but you also might be able to rely on other cooling methods – like fans or window units – in specific rooms.

Budget is also important, as AC units generally are not cheap. Consider your budget and installation costs, but don’t forget about ongoing energy bills. Central air conditioning systems are often more cost effective for cooling larger spaces, but they may require a higher upfront investment. You should also consider the energy efficiency of the units you choose. Modern systems are designed to be more energy efficient, which can really help reduce overall energy costs.

Usage Patterns & Zoning

When considering putting an AC unit in every room, it’s crucial to evaluate how you use different rooms in your home. If some rooms rarely get used, it might not be necessary for those spaces to have an AC unit installed in them. Focus on the areas where you spend the most time, and understand how much cooling those spaces need. Understanding where you’re spending your time will make the overall system more efficient.

Some central air conditioning systems allow for zoning, which means you can control the temperature independently in different areas of the house. This can provide more flexibility in your cooling system, without the need for a separate unit in each room. Some home might not have the physical space or electrical capacity to accommodate multiple AC units. That makes it also important to consider the practicalities of installing AC in to each room.

There are nearly countless ways to cool your home, and understanding your budget and where you spend your time are two of the most important factors when figuring out the right method. For more information on the pros and cons of placing air conditioning in each room of your house, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Cooling today.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Ever pondered over the question, “Just how long will my AC unit last?” Like any other appliance in your home, your air conditioning unit isn’t designed to last forever, but with the right maintenance, it can serve you well for many years. Let’s talk about how to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and keep your home fresh and cool for as long as possible.

As a leading company for AC Repair in Denver, we know that a little preventative maintenance can save a bunch of cash and sweat in the long run…

  • Regular checkups and tune-ups
  • Keeping the unit clean and dust-free
  • Changing filters regularly
  • Ensuring good ventilation around the unit

Let’s dive deeper into understanding how you can lengthen your air conditioner’s operational life and lessen the frequency of needed AC repairs.

Keep It Clean: Importance of Regular Air Filter Replacement

Reliable and long lasting, your air conditioning unit serves the important role of providing your space with essential comfort during those hot summer months. A crucial aspect of ensuring your AC unit stays operational for as long as possible is regular filter replacement.

Air filters trap dust particles, pollen, and other types of airborne debris, preventing them from moving through your air conditioning system. Over time, these particles accumulate and the filter becomes less effective, making your AC unit work harder to cool your space.

Keep It Clear: Clearing Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Similar to how a clean interior enhances the performance of your air conditioner, a clear exterior also plays a crucial role. Your outdoor air conditioning unit, often located in the backyard or side of your house, requires your care and attention as well.

Why? The outdoor unit houses critical components like the compressor and condenser. When obstructions are prevalent around these parts, it can restrict air flow, putting additional stress on your system, reducing its efficiency, and potentially leading to expensive repairs.

Control the Temperature: Optimal Thermostat Settings

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your air conditioning unit is to maximize efficiency with optimal thermostat settings. The truth is, overworking your unit not only increases your energy bill; it wears your AC system out prematurely.

Understanding the ‘Magic’ Number:

During the summer months, the recommended thermostat setting is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. This temperature setting strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency, reducing the unnecessary stress on your AC system.

Seal It Up: Importance of Properly Sealing Windows and Doors

The importance of properly sealed windows and doors can’t be overstated when it comes to enhancing the efficiency and extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Seals that are in good condition serve as a barricade preventing hot air from creeping in and cold air from leaking out, ensuring your home remains cool and comfortable.

Quality seals not only strengthen your air conditioner’s performance but conserve energy and save money. Merely a tiny crack around a window or door can allow enough hot air in to make your AC work harder than necessary, increasing wear and tear on the unit and cutting its lifespan short.

Schedule Annual Maintenance: Importance of Professional Inspections

Professional inspections are not something to overlook when it comes to extending the lifespan of your AC unit. Even with all your diligent maintenance, there’s some aspects of air conditioning care that require a keen, professional eye. The importance of these inspections cannot be understated – they offer a chance to prevent minor issues from escalating into major malfunctions down the line.

Conclusion

And there you have it! The great news is that extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit isn’t rocket science. All you need to do is to follow the practical steps we’ve outlined. Remember, just like maintaining your car helps it run better and last longer, the same principle applies to your air conditioning unit.

For all your air conditioning and needs in Denver, including AC repair, fitting, and servicing, make Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning your first call.

Energy-Efficient Heating Tips for Winter: How to Lower Heating Costs

Keeping your house comfortable during the winter months is a must, but it doesn’t have to include a massive spike in your energy bills. Figuring out energy-efficient solutions for Denver heating will chop down those heating costs, and keep everybody in the right temperature throughout the chilly winter season.

Of course, we can all dress warmer during the winter, but your HVAC system should Performing some simple preventative maintenance and checking things out around your house, there are a number of ways to improve the energy efficiency around your home. Getting into these habits can be good practice for when the weather gets warmer, as well.

Check For Gaps & Cracks

The first thing you can do to make your home more energy efficient is to make sure you’re not letting any of that warm air get left out in the cold. Start by checking your insulation, which should be consistent throughout the walls and around the windows to make sure there isn’t any heat loss. Also be sure to check the attic to ensure there aren’t any gaps in the coverage, as well. Your insulation is the first line of defense against heat loss, so it’s imperative that’s in place first.

Once you know your insulation is set, be sure to check for any gaps or cracks in your windows, doors, and walls. Cold air can often breach the home through gaps around these areas, so get those gaps sealed as soon as possible. Weatherstripping can also be beneficial in sealing gaps. Another place to check is your hot water pipes. Insulating these pipes can prevent heat loss as water travels from the water to the faucet.

Inspect Your HVAC System

You furnace is responsible for delivering heat throughout your home, and it’s important to check it out – especially if it hasn’t been used since the previous winter. It’s good practice to replace or clean your HVAC filters every month. Clogged filters make your HVAC system work harder than it has to, which means it’s taking up more energy. It’s also recommended to schedule annual maintenance for your heating system to ensure it’s running properly.

You can also check to see that every room is getting the proper amount of heat, because that can indicate something might be amiss with your system. Along those same lines, closing the doors and vents in rooms that aren’t frequently used will concentrate the heat in the areas you want. You can also consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. These will save you more money long-term, especially if your current HVAC system is getting up there in age.

Getting the most from your furnace during the winter will help get more money in your pocket and keep you whole family warm throughout your home. There are a number of ways to be more energy efficient. For more helpful tips, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

How Often Should I Change or Clean the Air Filters in my AC?

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home and family comfortable. There are a lot of things in the air we breathe, and your air conditioner also filters out various particles and contaminants as they circulate through your HVAC system. Dust and dirt, pollen, pet dander, and smoke are just a few of the things that your AC filter pulls out of the air to make the air pumped throughout your home that much healthier.

It’s easy to forget about your air filter. The Colorado climate can be pretty mild, and if your unit is efficient enough, you can go long periods of time without even considering what’s happening with your HVAC system. However, with Denver air conditioning, there are a number of factors that can play into the frequency in which the filters need to be changed.

Different Type of Filters

One of the main factors that will determine how often you replace your AC filter are what type of filter you’re using. There are a few different kinds of filters out there, and each one of them has a different lifespan. Most disposable filters (your standard 1-3 inch filters) will generally last 1-3 months. However, if you have allergies, live in a dusty area, or have pets, you may want to change them every 1-2 months.

Another option are washable and reusable filters. These need to be cleaned to maintain their effectiveness, and most of these can last a long time if washed every 1-3 months. The top-rated filters on the market are high-efficiency filters – also known as HEPA- or HERV-rated filters. These are effective at trapping small particles and allergens, and often don’t need to be replaced for six months to a year. Those are more expensive, but might be necessary depending on the air quality and usage in your home.

How Much Are You Running the AC?

The other major factor that can impact the lifespan and effectiveness of your filter is the amount of usage. This can depend on a number of variables, as well. How much of a workout your AC unit is getting everyday can depend on things like the size of your home, the number of occupants in your home, whether or not you have pets, if there’s smoking in the home, or other environmental factors like pollen or dust.

One or more of these factors can cut down on the effectiveness of your filter, simply because it has to work harder to keep up with things. In order to determine the optimal schedule for cleaning your AC filters, it’s good practice to check the filter regularly. If the filter looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to either replace it or clean it.

A dirty filter can drastically decrease your indoor air quality, and it can also potentially lead to more significant maintenance issues. Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, is crucial to keeping you comfortable and saving you money. For more information, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.