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What is the Most Common AC Repair?

Everybody wants their air conditioner to work right when they need it. Because of the uncertainty of Colorado’s climate, your air conditioner can get a workout even in months that are outside of the summer. These systems and appliances deal with wear and tear, and there are a number of common problems that don’t require extensive repairs. It’s important to make sure you don’t perform any repairs with components you’re not familiar with, but here is some insight into the most common problems when dealing with Denver air conditioner repair.

Faulty Capacitors & Nasty Filters

If your system is not blowing cold air, despite what your thermostat reads, it might be something outside of the system. Check the unit outside, and the air being blown from the unit’s fan should be warmer than the air outside. If nothing is blowing, then your capacitor might need replacement. The capacitor is what gets the unit’s motors running properly, and can wear out over time.

If your air filter is full of dirt and dust, it can also impact the performance of your unit. Clogged filters decrease the flow of air, meaning your unit has to work harder to provide the same amount of comfort. That affects your energy bills, but also your system. A clogged filter in place too long can cause your unit to freeze up if not replaced regularly.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your AC unit is working too hard, or isn’t cooling your space properly, this might mean that it is low on refrigerant. This could be due to a leak or simply being undercharged at the time of installation. This seems like a simple problem, but it’s more complicated than just giving your air conditioner a refrigerant refill.

If you’re under the impression that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it should be dealt with by a trained professional. The technician will be able to identify and fix the leak, test the repairs to make sure the unit will perform optimally, and then charge the system with the right amount of refrigerant. This level should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications, so getting it right is vital to the proper performance of your unit.

Thermostat Issues

The problem might not be in the AC unit at all, but rather in the device that controls it. This is the brain of the operation that keeps your house comfortable, and the thermostat itself could be faulty and in need of repair or replacement. The first step of troubleshooting your thermostat is to reset it to refresh the signals being sent to it.

If problems persist, you should make sure to clean out any debris that might be preventing the terminals from getting the proper signals. You can also test the wiring to see if it’s faulty. No matter what repairs are needed for your air conditioner or furnace, it’s important to make sure you let the experts handle any problems that seem too complex to fix on your own. For more information on getting your air conditioner back to normal, contact the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

What to Do If AC Is Not Cooling

Your air conditioner is a big part of keeping your home comfortable, but it can be an afterthought until you actually need it. When those warm temperatures kick in, you want your AC unit to promptly kick in, as well. Sometimes that’s not the case, and the air conditioner either doesn’t cool your home or is blowing cold air. Because of Colorado’s climate, you never know when you’ll have to switch between heating and air conditioning in Denver.

There could be a few reasons for this, and some of them could be simple fixes you can take care of in your home. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing anything with your air conditioner, make sure to call a professional technician to check things out. Here are some of the reasons why your air conditioner might not be cooling properly.

Check Simple Solutions First

There are a few things that could be happening if your AC isn’t blowing cold air, and the best way to troubleshoot is to start simple. Check your thermostat and make sure it is set properly – ensuring that it is set to use the AC and not just the fan. You can also reboot or reset the unit to make sure the fresh signals are getting through.

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced the air filter inside of the system, that could be the culprit. Those filters get clogged with dust and dirt, and that can affect the flow of air from the unit throughout your home. A clogged filter can cause your system to overwork, trying to meet the demands set by your thermostat. Leaving a clogged filter in place too long can even cause your system to freeze up.

Inspect Coils & Compressors

Dirty coils can also cause your system not to cool. The condenser coils are generally located outside the compressor unit, and the evaporator coils are enclosed near the indoor blower unit. If either of these sets of coils gets dirty, the amount of cold air coming from the unit can be diminished. You can clean they by removing the protective metal enclosures. Make sure to use a non-rinse cleaner for the evaporator coils, and there are specific condenser coil cleaners to use for those specific coils, as well. Always make sure to read the instructions properly when attempting this on your own.

If there is anything piled around or up against the compressor unit, it can lead to the unit pulling an insufficient amount of air. This component is usually on the back of the outdoor unit, and can get covered by things such as leaves or weeds. Clearing that area can help with the performance. Make sure the power is off before attempting to clean the coils or compressors.

Don’t be afraid to call a professional if any of these things seem too daunting, or if you can’t pinpoint what is causing the issue. For more information or help figuring out why your air conditioner isn’t cooling, call the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Who Invented the Air Conditioning?

Air conditioning is one technology it is hard to imagine life without–who actually made it?

Hot weather is great when you are lounging by the pool, but it can be a lot less pleasant when you are melting inside on your couch. Though fans can provide some temporary relief, nothing works quite like the air conditioner. In today’s world, we have so many different models with different features–but have you ever thought to look back at where it all began? In this post, we’re looking into the invention of the air conditioner.

Inventing the Air Conditioner

Bringing cool air to the masses is the kind of offering that is guaranteed to bring you some degree of fame, but the original versions of the air conditioner weren’t quite what we know today. The history of the air conditioner is surprisingly complex. Let’s take a look at how it all began.

When Was the Air Conditioner First Made?

Even though most of us can’t imagine life without the air conditioner, it actually wasn’t introduced until the 1900s. Specifically, the first version of the air conditioner comparable to what we know today was created in 1902. Before that, fans were the only real relief from the heat available!

Who Created the First Air Conditioner?

The version of the air conditioner that was released in 1902 was created by a man named Willis Haviland Carrier. As you might expect, Carrier was a very talented engineer. Like any engineer, he was committed to solving a problem–and the problem actually wasn’t the masses melting in the sweltering heat. He was looking to cool down a business dedicated to printing. Yes, objects received this technology long before we did!

How Have Air Conditioners Changed?

Throughout history, air conditioners have changed time and time again–always for the better. Since their introduction, air conditioners have decreased in size and increased in efficiency. We can fit them into smaller places (including windows!), and they take a lot less energy to run. Even today’s systems that are not considered energy efficient are more efficient than older models.

Are There A Lot of Air Conditioner Manufacturers?

Given the popularity of air conditioners, we shouldn’t be surprised that a lot of big names have joined the market. There are tons of air conditioner manufacturers all around the world. Thanks to these talented groups, we have the cold air we know and love!

The Takeaway

Life without air conditioning is hot and humid. Even though Denver isn’t known for its humidity, it is known to bring the heat during those summer months–especially in the evenings. For all of your modern Denver air conditioning needs, we are happy to help. Our experts will help you to enjoy all of the benefits that modern air conditioning systems can offer and more!

How to Install an A/C Unit In an Apartment

Not all apartment buildings have central air conditioning, and those tenants that don’t have that luxury may have to go out and buy their own window unit. But before the tenant can enjoy the cool comfort the air conditioner provides, they have to get the A/C unit installed correctly first. There are a number of factors that go into getting air conditioner, so it’s vital to make an informed decision.

Before You Install an Air Conditioner

Because it’s not your property, the first step is to make sure that you have permission from the landlord or property owner to install the air conditioning unit first. The property owner might have rules or preferences about how or where you install the unit, as well. Depending on the landlord’s preferences, it’s good to find out which room is optimal for cooling the whole space.

There are a lot of options out there, so knowing how many square feet you need to cool can help determine the number of British Thermal Units (BTU) you need. Generally, every 400 square feet requires around 20 BTU to cool. Factors like vaulted ceilings, sunny spaces and multiple occupants can increase that number, as well. Also, before you go grabbing the biggest unit with the most BTU, make sure the unit you choose will fit where it’s getting installed.

Securely Installing Your Apartment A/C Unit

Once you know the size of your space, and the other particulars, it’s time to get it installed and running so you can relax in the comfort. When dealing with apartment heating and air conditioning in Denver, it is vital to make sure the A/C unit is installed correctly. A mishap may create a dangerous situation – depending on what floor you’re on – or could damage the window or frame it is mounted in. Remember, the more BTU, the heavier the unit will be.

You’ll need all of the proper tools, and the manual should provide a list of what you need. Once the unit is properly assembled, it’s important to be safe when getting it mounted in the window. Don’t just balance the A/C unit on the window sill, because the window sash is not designed to bear all of the weight of an air conditioner. If your unit doesn’t come with one, use a support bracket on the outside wall. Rest the unit on the bracket for help in securing it when you get it into place. Not placing it properly and getting it sealed in place with the sashes around the unit and window can meke it not work as efficiently, and can be dangerous.

Correctly installing an air conditioner in an apartment is more than just buying one and propping it in a window. Making sure it’s done safely and correctly is important for the tenant and landlord alike. For more information on how to install an A/C unit in an apartment, contact the experts at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning today.

How Do You Clean an Air Conditioner?

The comfort of your home is a vital part of daily life. During those long heat spells of late summer and early fall, the last thing you want is your air conditioner not working up to par – or not working at all. Not every malfunctioning air conditioner is in need of replacement or expensive repairs. If an A/C unit is working overtime to keep your house at a comfortable level, cleaning it might get it back working correctly again.

Clean Your A/C Unit’s Outside

The outside of your air conditioner takes a beating from the elements, meaning dirt and other debris can pile up quick. Start by shutting off the power and then remove the fan unit and grill on the top. Once that’s removed, you’ll be able to see all the debris inside. Follow that up by cleaning the coils and fins. This can be done with a pre-made cleaning solution found at a hardware or home improvement store.

Follow that by straightening the air conditioners fins – since they’re a vital piece to your efficiency that keeps costs down. A fin tool can be purchased at the same home improvement store where you bought the cleaning solution. Once those are back in place, clean around the unit and make sure its level before returning the fan and grill.

Head Inside to Complete the Cleaning

The power to the unit should still be off, so open up the unit and clean the evaporator coils. Those simply need to have the dust from the coils brushed away, and this might require a mask depending on the amount f dust. You can get a specific cleaning spray for this task at the same store as previously mentioned, and make sure to get those hard to reach areas.

Once finished with the evaporator coils, clean out the drain pan. Soap and water are usually sufficient, but for really dirty jobs, using some bleach with the water won’t hurt. If that soap and water takes some time to drain, you might need to clear the A/C unit’s drain. Put the panel back on seal it with new HVAC tape – but make sure to leave the label visible.

Preventative Maintenance is Important

Making sure your air conditioner is running clean and efficient can help you save money and keep your space comfortable year round. The best way to stay away from serious breakdowns is to catch those issues before they happen. Replace your filters, and make sure you have the right size. While you’re at it, check the lines to the condenser unit to make sure that there aren’t any fraying or splits in the cables or cords. Just doing these quick things every once in a while can go a long way in getting in front of major issues.

Your air conditioner is a complex appliance, and it’s important that you do not attempt repairs on your own if you’re unsure of the process. If you still have any questions or need help cleaning your A/C unit, contact the experts in Denver air conditioning repair at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.