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Why is my AC suddenly not cooling?

As record heat waves arrive this summer, it’s essential that your AC unit is properly cooling your home. There could be a number of reasons why your AC is suddenly not cooling. Read on to discover the top reasons that impact AC cooling and where to find a quick turnaround for Denver air conditioner repair.

Top 5 AC Cooling Issues

The air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty air filter is one of the biggest reasons why your AC unit might suddenly stop cooling. Air filters help keep dust, dirt, and other debris from entering into the system. When they get too clogged, however, this blocks the pathway of air inside the ducts. AC air filters should be cleaned regularly in order to keep your unit working at full capacity. 

You need to adjust the settings. Sometimes AC unit fans can blow warmer air if they are programmed on the wrong settings. Try setting your window AC unit to “AUTO” mode so that the fan only turns on to pump cool air. You can also contact your local Denver air conditioner professional to ensure your home AC unit is on the right setting for your home size. 

The outside unit is blocked with debris. AC units located outside the home can often stop cooling correctly if blocked or damaged by tree branches, leaves, or other debris. Be sure that the AC condenser is not clogged, as this can impact how the unit transforms hot air into cool air for your home. Getting your outside AC unit maintenanced regularly ensures that it’s always cooling properly. 

There is an issue with the motor. Although older units are more susceptible to motor breakdowns, newer units can also experience sudden issues due to extreme temperatures. A faulty or broken motor fan will cause the unit to either blow out hot air – or stop working altogether. Fixing an AC motor is best left to a professional, however. Contact a Denver heating and cooling company for guidance on this issue.

The refrigerant fluid is leaking. AC refrigerant helps absorb heat and turn it into the cool air that pumps into your home. A lack of this fluid is a sure sign that your AC unit will suddenly stop cooling. Check around the unit for leaking refrigerant, a buildup of ice around the unit may be present. Be sure to listen for uncommon noises like hissing or gurgling.

Finding AC repair in Denver

If you’ve checked all of these issues and you are unsure what next steps to take to fix your air conditioning unit, consider the help of a professional. Having a functioning AC unit in extreme temperatures is important for keeping cool and comfortable. Professional technicians at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning can help fix your AC right away when it stops cooling. 

Contact us today for more information on how we can help with AC maintenance and repair.

What is the most efficient heating system?

Heating bills are one of the most expensive utilities for U.S. residents. In fact, The Department of Energy estimates that they make up around 30-percent of overall utility bills for the average homeowner. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to invest in energy savings and lower your bills for heating and air conditioning in Denver.

One way to do this is by upgrading to an energy-efficient heating system. These systems can help save you money on your utility bills over time, all while remaining more eco-conscious (slowing down the climate change). Learn more about the most efficient heating systems and how to choose the best one for your home. 

Efficient Heating Systems Overview

Not every heating system is made with efficiency in mind. A system’s efficiency also highly depends on the climate in which it’s located. For example, homes with colder climates typically have a gas furnace installed since it’s more effective at dispersing heat to the entire home. A heat pump would not be an effective or efficient option in this case since it would need to work harder to do the same job. 

A good way to check the efficiency of your current system is by reviewing the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating will help you understand how much energy the system successfully converts into usable energy via a percentage rate. It can also tell you how much energy is going to waste each year. This information is a great way to determine if your system is wasting a lot of energy and whether an upgrade to a more efficient system is worth it. 

The Department of Energy actually requires heating systems to have an AFUE rating of at least 80-percent or higher. However, many systems that are 30-years old or more have a low rate of efficiency. If your home has an outdated heating system, you’re most likely spending more money and energy on an inefficient heating system

Types of Efficient Heating Systems 

Upgrading to a newer system is one of the easiest ways to increase the AFUE rating. Review the following heating options to find an efficient heating solution. It will 

Gas furnace. Furnaces that utilize natural gas are one of the most efficient energy options for your home. These are especially great for chillier winter climates or larger homes that require a lot of heating power. Furnaces are known for their affordability, dependability, and high efficiency ratings.

Heat pump/Hybrid system. Heat pumps are dual cooling and heating systems that are perfect for the Denver homeowner. These hybrid systems can easily switch between pumping cool or warm air into your home depending on the outside temperature. They are also much quieter and have better air filtration systems since they pull in air to pump back inside. Since it’s a two-in-one system, maintenance and billing also becomes a simpler process. 

Switching to a more energy efficient heating system has many benefits. If you’re ready to make the change, contact Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning to discuss your options.

What are the three types of heating systems?

If you are someone who gets cold, then you most likely care about your heating system. Even if you are not someone who runs cold, heat is an essential part of winter. There are many different types of heating systems, and each one has benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for a new heating system, then the first step is to 

Forced Air Systems

One of the most common types of heating systems found in a residential home is forced air systems. They can also be found in retail stores or larger buildings. 

In these systems, the air is heated in a furnace that is then forced through ducts and to other vents. This is also known as a basic central heating system. The ductwork for the system is installed in the interior walls. It uses various fuels, depending on where you are located, including:

  • Electricity
  • Propane
  • Natural gas
  • Fuel oil

Electric Systems

This type of heating system is common in homes without access to oil or natural gas. Usually, baseboard heaters are installed and controlled with a thermostat. Individual units sometimes have a remote and can be controlled individually. The main issue with electric heaters is that the cost of electricity is usually higher than other systems.

Geothermal Systems

Known as the most energy-efficient type of heating system, it uses heat from the ground and water from wells. These systems use little electricity, which means they are good for keeping bills low when the temperature is cold outside. Setup can be a bit more costly because it is less conventional than other options.

Other Heating Options

  • Radiant Heat Systems: For homes and buildings with a boiler, you can use a radiant heating system. This is when water is heated in a boiler and then sent through tubes beneath the floor. These distribute heat throughout the home, which then “radiates” up through the floor. It can be powered by fuel oil, propane, electricity, or natural gas.
  • Steam Radiant Heat Systems: Older homes are often heated with raiders in each room. Boilers are also involved in these systems to send hot water to all the radiators. Cold water is the byproduct of this system, which goes back to the boiler unit, where it is reheated.

If you are considering any type of Heating and Air Conditioning Denver, contact us for a quote today.

What is the Difference Between AC and HVAC?

AC, HVAC–what does it all mean?

Any property owner or homeowner knows that, inevitably, there will come a time when they will need to call in certain specialists. HVAC specialists can be beneficial when it comes to keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and level of humidity, but the terms can be a little confusing if you aren’t familiar with the industry. In this article, we will explore the difference between these common acronyms.

Understanding These Common Industry Terms

Industry terms can tell us a lot about an industry, but most industry experts use easy acronyms to communicate. HVAC and AC are both common acronyms for the heating and cooling industry–and the difference might be easier to understand than you might think. Let’s break down these acronyms for some clarity.

What is HVAC?

HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This term is used in a variety of ways, and it is certainly a more simplistic way to address heating and cooling services. People use this term because it is easier to remember, but it is more than just a series of words.

 

The term “HVAC” can be used applied to any service that is related to heating or cooling in your home. This is true because it pertains to HVAC systems, meaning the systems in your home that are responsible for heating or cooling. Your home’s heater and air conditioner are often fit into one simple system–the HVAC system.

What is AC?

AC, as you might be able to guess, stands for air conditioning. Air conditioning allows you to keep your home cool when you need to, and it is generally considered to be a pretty important feature in any property. Without it, you and your family could be subjected to painfully high temperatures that could even be dangerous in some circumstances. Air conditioning units are also responsible for removing moisture from the air.

How Do They Come Together?

HVAC and AC come together pretty easily because AC is a part of the acronym HVAC. However, it is important to understand that these terms are not completely interchangeable. HVAC as a term speaks to heating and ventilation, not just air conditioning, which means that there is more to consider. Though you will call an HVAC specialist to fix your air conditioning, you can also call them for a variety of other reasons.

The Takeaway

While HVAC and AC do fit together, each term is important in its own way. Our homes can be kept at a comfortable temperature because of powerful HVAC systems, and most people would agree that the air conditioning part of the system is very important. Whether your HVAC systems need a tuneup or you are looking to invest in a new system, your local Denver air conditioning team is happy to help keep your home at the right temperature!

How many BTUs does my air conditioner need?

When buying an air conditioner unit for your home, size matters. A too small unit will fail to fill the space and leave you sticky and uncomfortable in the summer heat. However, a unit that’s too powerful causes that cold and clammy feeling since it doesn’t regulate the humidity well enough.

In terms of size, an air conditioning unit is measured in BTUs. Learn more about what BTU is, how much BTU you need for your AC, and where to find the best heating and air conditioning in Denver.

What is BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is a system of measurement that calculates the amount of heat able to increase a pound of water’s temperature by exactly one degree Fahrenheit. This amount of energy is about the same as lighting a match, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The amount of BTU is then compared to the square footage in each room or for the entire home to determine the size of the unit. This helps determine the optimal amount of power and output for the space.

How much BTU per room

For window air conditioning units, the cooling capacity has a range of between 5,000 and 12,000 BTUs. Each room requires at least 20 BTUs per square foot. However, factors like ceiling height, window size, and the amount of entryways have an impact on power output.

You can find the square foot of a room by multiplying the width by the length and adding in any spaces that aren’t separated by walls or doors. There are a few other circumstances that you should make adjustments for when trying to find the BTU per room.

  • Reduce the BTU capacity by 10% if the room or home is heavily shaded.
  • Increase the BTU capacity by 10% if the room or home has more sun exposure.
  • Increase the BTU capacity by 600 per person if it is regularly occupied by more than one person.
  • Increase the BTU capacity by 4,000 if the unit is located in a kitchen.

Best AC per room

Based on your room’s square footage, consider the following:

For smaller rooms

Smaller rooms, including home offices, guest bedrooms, or nurseries, typically range between 100 and 300 square feet. You’ll need an air conditioner unit with a capacity of up to 6,500 BTUs for this space. Look for a unit with top ratings in noise quality and comfort levels.

For medium-sized rooms

This includes your typically-sized bedroom, a cozier living room, or an apartment unit sized between 250 and 400 square feet. Look for an air conditioner unit with a capacity of up to 8,500 BTUs that still provides decent noise levels.

For larger rooms

Large living rooms, dens, or kitchens require air conditioners with a lot more power. Choose AC units with a capacity of up to 12,500 BTUs. These larger units can fill an entire space easily and work well for open floor plans.

For more information on how to find the right amount of BTUs for your air conditioning unit, contact Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning.