AllTech Services, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What Is Short-Cycling and Why Is It Bad for Your AC?

Monday, July 5th, 2021

woman-holding-hand-to-ear-to-listenOne of the most common air conditioner problems that our customers call us to deal with is short-cycling. Have you ever faced short-cycling problems with your air conditioner? That is, when your air conditioner turns on and off in rapid cycles. This issue is a symptom of several possible problems with your air conditioner, and it can cause further problems if you don’t address it immediately.

While some reasons for short-cycling could require a simple fix, other problems are too complex to deal with on your own. We recommend calling experts for air conditioning repair in Fairfax, VA to come and deal with it.

This post will discuss what short-cycling is and why it’s bad for your air conditioner to help you understand the importance of dealing with it immediately.

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These Signs Indicate You Need Air Conditioner Repairs

Monday, June 7th, 2021

two-techs-working-on-outdoor-ac-unitAir conditioning repairs are often time-consuming and can be quite costly—that is, if those repair needs aren’t discovered right away. Fortunately, if you are a diligent homeowner who has maintenance done at least once a year for your AC, then our technicians can alert you to small needs before they become much bigger and result in the need for emergency repairs or even premature system replacement.

Of course, even with maintenance, there is still a chance that a repair need will crop up every now and then. Therefore, it’s important that you be aware of the signs of an air conditioner in disrepair, so you can give us a call when those signs pop up, and we can get it fixed for you ASAP. Read on to learn some indicators.

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How to Help Your Air Conditioner Perform Better

Monday, May 24th, 2021

two-techs working-on-acOne of the most popular questions we get as HVAC professionals is how homeowners can improve their system’s efficiency in a way that it will cost them less to run their air conditioners, without sacrificing comfort. Considering how uncomfortable it can get outside during our summer seasons, this is a perfectly reasonable question.

And we have good news! First off, there are a number of services you can have done that will help your air conditioner perform better, plus prevent repairs. Take maintenance, for example. Annual (or biannual, if you have a heat pump) tune-ups will ensure that your system works as efficiently and effectively as its meant to for as long as it’s meant to.

You can also help improve AC efficiency by performing a couple minor maintenance tasks on your own, like changing out the air filter and making sure the outside unit of your air conditioner is free of debris that can impact airflow. Here are a couple more things you can do that you might not have considered:

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These Sounds Mean Trouble for Your AC

Monday, May 10th, 2021

woman-holding-hand-to-ear-to-listenSpring is going to come to a close, and soon enough we’ll be using our air conditioners on a daily basis. When that time comes, your AC system will be put under a lot of stress and accumulate wear and tear quickly.

Of course, the best way to fend off wear and tear for as long as possible is with routine AC maintenance. Maintenance allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect, clean, and adjust the components that need it within your air conditioner. This helps the system work as efficiently and effectively as it should, for as long as it should.

Maintenance is key to keeping your cooling system in good shape, but repair needs can also crop up between maintenance visits, and for that reason it’s good to know the signs that something is amiss. One of the biggest signs of an AC problem is that it’s making strange or unfamiliar noises. What noises are we talking about, exactly? Read on to find out.

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The Unique Needs of a Ductless AC System

Monday, April 12th, 2021

ductless-system-air-handlerFor homeowners who want efficient and effective cooling and heating, there is a singular option that is growing in popularity: the ductless system. Rather than operating through ductwork connected to an indoor air handler and evaporator unit, a ductless mini-split breaks up the indoor unit and blower fans to independently distribute conditioned air into each room. Small air handlers are mounted—typically high up on the walls—and each one can be set to a specific temperature.

Perhaps you’ve seen these types of systems. They’re often found in newer office buildings, doctors’ offices, and hotels. There are several advantages to going ductless, including increased efficiency—especially during the cooler months. But if not installed properly, the unique needs of a ductless AC system could leave you needing repairs or even replacement. Read on to learn more!

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The Steps of Professional Air Conditioner Installation

Monday, March 29th, 2021

outside-unit-of-air-conditioner-with-techs-workingWhen you first read the title of this blog post, you might have thought, “Wow, they’re going to tell me how to install an air conditioner? What a great way to save money!”

That’s not our goal here. In fact, trying to install a central air conditioning system on your own could end up costing way more than you were planning on spending, both with the initial purchase of your air conditioner and in the long run.

This is because an improperly installed system might not be sized correctly to begin with, meaning you won’t have an efficient system, and it could even break down quicker than it would otherwise. No, we’re sharing the steps of professional air conditioner installation with you so that you understand how important it is that you hire a pro for this job. Read on to learn more!

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Is It Ever Too Late for an AC Tune-Up?

Monday, September 14th, 2020

two-technicians-working-on-outdoor-ac-unitWith the official end of summer just a week away, you may have realized you never had your air conditioner maintained for the season. It got through summer “just fine” so you may as well just wait until next year right? It’s too late to schedule an AC tune-up now, isn’t it?

Well, no, it’s never too late to schedule maintenance for your air conditioner. Unless of course it’s completely broken down to the point that there is no bringing it back no matter what type of repairs are done on it. But we’re going to guess if you’ve found yourself asking the question this blog proposes, you’re not quite there yet, right? So read on as we uncover why AC maintenance is so important, no matter what time of the year you have it done.

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Common Midsummer Cooling System Needs

Monday, August 17th, 2020

two-techs-working-on-ac-unit-with-clipboardDid you know that this is the time of year you’re most likely to have a cooling system breakdown? The reason for this is because it’s when your air conditioner goes through the most amount of work. If you have an aging system especially, components start wearing down and natural wear and tear can take hold of your air conditioner. This is even more to the point if you skipped maintenance.

If you do need air conditioner repairs this time of the year, it’s best you have them scheduled ASAP. Neglecting small repair needs now can mean in a few weeks, when you’re still using your cooling system, it could shut down on you without warning–except there was warning! Don’t let this happen to you–read on for some of the most common midsummer cooling system needs, and give us a call if you notice symptoms of this problem.

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Follow These Tips for Better AC Efficiency

Monday, August 3rd, 2020

top corner view of an outside air conditioning unitNo matter what type of cooling system you’re using to keep your home comfortable, there’s a good chance that you’d like to pay less to use it. But as we progress into August, there’s no doubt that your energy bills are going to rise. After all, our air conditioners get a lot of use during this time of the year, and go through a lot of stress as a result.

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as possible, this exacerbates the problem. If you find yourself paying too much to cool your home and are unsure if there’s any way to change that, we have good news! There are a few ways to change this. Read on to learn more. 

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“Why Is My Air Conditioner Hissing?”

Monday, July 20th, 2020

close-up-view-of-refrigerant-lineDon’t worry, you probably don’t have a snake hiding anywhere in your system. Besides, the “hissing” we’re referring to sounds more like air being let out of a tire. Alternatively, you may hear bubbling if this particular air conditioner problem is occurring. What problem is that, you ask?

Refrigerant, leaving then AC system.

Before we go any further, we need to clear up a common misconception. Refrigerant is not meant to leave an AC’s system. Ideally, upon manufacturing your air conditioner has enough refrigerant to last its entire lifespan. It’s in a closed-loop system and is the fluid necessary to transfer heat. It’s quite literally the component that allows your air conditioner to actually cool your living space. So, if it is leaving the system, what does that mean, and why does it matter? Read on to find out! 

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