Something that needs to be regularly inspected is your home’s air conditioner. AC units play a vital role in keeping your home comfortable. An AC unit also aids in the maintenance of good indoor air quality. When it’s not regularly checked for issues, you won’t be able to determine if there’s a problem with it or not. That could be bad, as some problems with your AC unit might compromise not just your comfort, but your health as well.

If you’re considering to have your AC inspected sometime soon, read on. We will share with you what you can expect from a professional AC inspection.

Physical Inspection: Inspecting the Parts and Other Aspects of the AC Unit and HVAC

There are various things that an AC inspection is concerned with. When all of these aspects are not carefully checked, issues that will deal a serious blow to the unit’s efficiency will arise. Your AC may even be the reason why you or your family members are suffering from asthma attacks and allergies.

During the inspection, the HVAC technician will check the ductwork. This area is prone to dust and mold buildup. When dust and mold are released from the ductwork into your home, they can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. The technician will conduct an inspection in an effort to determine if air duct cleaning is in order. The ductwork will also be checked to see if it’s stable enough to withstand rigorous cleaning. This is because the ductwork in older homes may have weakened due to age and wear and tear.

The HVAC inspector will also check other components and features for problems, including the thermostat, fans, and coils. They will also check for condensation and humidity levels. Of course, temperature levels will be checked to see if they match the capacity of the AC unit.

Inspecting for Energy Efficiency

Many think that as long as their AC unit is able to cool their home, the system is doing well. However, if your bills are higher than normal, take it as a sign that there could be something wrong with your AC or your entire HVAC system. It’s true that your AC is not the only thing to blame for energy inefficiency, but it’s a huge part of it.

To determine if your AC is contributing to energy wastage, the HVAC technician will seek to determine your energy consumption averages throughout the year. You will also be asked if you notice excessive noise coming from any part of the AC unit and the entire HVAC assembly.

What’s Next?

After the thorough inspection, the HVAC personnel will recommend the best course of action if any issues have been found. They will tell you whether the problems of your AC or HVAC system can be repaired or if a replacement is required. They may also suggest additional products or services you can avail of that will further improve your AC unit’s performance.

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Keep an eye on the thermostat

The first thing you need to do when you’re looking to maintain the longevity of your AC is to make sure that it’s not overworked. One way you can do that is to check your thermostat to see the settings. You don’t want to keep the temperature too low from the get-go, especially with an older model. Start off with a higher temperature, ideally around 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, and make your way down the scale if it’s not cool enough for you. For modern thermostats, you can set up an automated program to make it less of a hassle.

Set up regular maintenance and repairs

The AC has to go through an incredible amount of air every day, which means that it will have to filter out a considerable amount of dust, debris, and other particles. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your unit is well-maintained and that there is no dust or dirt buildup inside it. You can easily do some maintenance work by yourself, such as cleaning the filter, but more intricate and complicated processes are best left to professionals.

Always keep your SEER rating high

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating indicates how well your AC unit converts energy into performance. AC units with higher SEER ratings consume less energy to generate the same amount of cool air, which means that they are more energy efficient. This is something you won’t have to worry about if you buy a new AC, but for older models, you always have to check their SEER rating. Not only does it tell you how much money you can save, but it can also indicate what condition your unit is in. For instance, if your unit’s SEER rating drops significantly, it’s a sign that it’s is no longer in the best condition and needs to be fixed or replaced right away.

Use a fan in conjunction with the AC

You may have heard that it’s not a good idea to turn on the fan while the AC is running, but this is one of the biggest myths in the industry. A fan can help distribute cool air from one part of the room to the other, thereby lightening the workload of your AC. Therefore, if you’re looking to increase the energy efficiency and longevity of your AC unit, turning on the fan in your room will help immensely.

Provide some shade to your condenser

One thing that not many people fail to do when trying to increase the longevity of their AC is to provide shade for the condenser or exterior system of the AC. This will help the condenser avoid dealing with so much heat, which will help it distribute the cool air into your room much more effectively.

The post 5 Tips to Keeping Your AC in the Best Condition – Our Guide to AC Repairs appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Complete understanding of the functions of the HVAC unit

It should go without saying that HVAC contractors should know everything there is to know about the HVAC unit. Not only should they know how to install the unit, but also how to choose the best one for the home and how to maintain it in the best condition. While many may say that this information can be learned from the internet, it’s still very confusing and overwhelming for people who don’t know much about HVAC systems.

Therefore, your contractor should be more than just a service provider, but also an educator and advisor to make the most of your unit. If the contractor you work with doesn’t want to cooperate with your needs and is trying to get as much money as possible, it’s safe to say that you should keep looking for a better option.

Experience in the field

The next thing that you should look for in HVAC contractors is their experience. Since the HVAC installation and repair industry is and always has been a competitive business, different companies are still on the lookout for new ways to overcome their competitors. The ones who are willing to offer the most and have the best quality service to give to their clients are usually the ones that can stay in business for the longest. Therefore, you should ask when the company was first established and their work history so that you have a better picture of what to expect when working with them.

For example, some companies may run their HVAC parts chain, which allows them to offer their services at much lower costs. Other companies may rely on the quality of their service and long-lasting warranty, which can help to save a considerable amount of money in the long run. You will need to find out the best company according to your needs to enjoy all the benefits of your HVAC system.

Aftercare services

The last thing you should look out for is their aftercare service. While most HVAC units are usually quite durable and can last up to decades with minimal care, they are not invulnerable to damage, especially in areas where the elements are less forgiving. For example, if you live in a desert area, the HVAC unit will have to deal with intense heat, high amount of dust and dirt, as well as a higher workload as it will be turned on for most of the day. This will result in a significantly shorter lifespan of your HVAC unit, which means that you will need to call in a repair service much more regularly. This is something that HVAC services understand, and the best ones will take advantage of this situation. Some may offer a repair package to make sure that you don’t have to spend an absurd amount of money every year and you can pay for it once and have everything taken care of.

It would help if you talked to your HVAC service provider to make sure that they have everything you need so that you won’t have to deal with these issues throughout the year.

The post 3 Tips on How to Find the Best HVAC Contractor for You appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Why do I have to change my air filter?

When you don’t change your air filter for a time, there will be an increased amount of dirt, dust, and other pollutants in your home. The severity and prevalence of conditions such as allergies and asthma will also go up. Changing your air filter will also help you cut down on your energy bills by reducing the workload of your AC system. Since the filter is clean, your AC won’t need as much energy because it won’t have to work hard to keep the room cool.

What’s more, a dirty air filter will also reduce the quality of air in your home, which will make you feel more tired when you do any type of exercise. This may make your home uncomfortable, so it’s essential that you follow a strict schedule for replacing your air filter.

You should also consider that each season comes with a particular concern you should be mindful of. For example, there’s a lot of pollen in the air in springtime, which can cause issues for those who have allergies. Therefore, if you know you’re sensitive to certain allergens, it’s best to prepare your AC unit for an increased workload during that season.

How often should I replace my air filter?

For a standard suburban home, you should change your air filter every four to five months on average. However, this number will change according to the environmental conditions of your home. There are other factors you have to consider as well. For example, if you live in a dusty area or have a pet, the longevity of your air filter will be reduced to two months or so. This is because animal hair can get stuck in your filter and cause it to become clogged. The same is true for the dust from the outside, as those particles will be filtered out by the AC unit before they end up in your home.

For a summer home that you don’t live in all year round, you can expect to change the air filter of the AC at least once a year. Since the AC won’t be turned on as often, its filter will last much longer.

Do some DIY filter cleaning

You can extend the longevity of your air filter by cleaning it regularly. You can do this by yourself by removing the filter from the socket and washing it with a garden hose. If you see a bundle of dust or animal hair stuck to the filter, you can use an old toothbrush to remove it. Be gentle so as not to damage the mesh, because if you do, that will affect the quality of the air filter.

You should also consider the condition of the other parts of your unit, as the filters prevent the dust from getting into the unit and prevent the particles inside the AC from getting out. You will have to call an inspector to your home and have them inspect the of the unit to make sure that it’s in the best possible condition.

If you’re looking for an experienced, licensed AC repair service, Penguin Cool is your best option. Call us today and see what we can do for you.

The post Why You Need to Change Your AC Air FIlter: All You Need to Know appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

An air conditioner may lack refrigerant because of two reasons: a leak or a defect during installation. In either case, you would need to have a professional come over to take a look and make repairs. But what are the tell-tale signs that your air conditioner has refrigerant problems?

You have higher bills

When your AC lacks refrigerant, less air is cooled in a given amount of time. Thus, the AC’s compressor takes more time and energy to cool the air in your room. This added effort would push your bills sky-high. If you notice an unusually steep increase in this month’s electricity bills compared to last month, you need to revisit your bills for the same month last year. See if there were increases in generation and distribution charges increased. Recall if your place experienced a severe heat wave during the previous year. If there were no significant increases in utility charge rates nor heat waves, the increase in your bill could be attributed to a problem with your AC’s refrigerant.

Your room feels uncomfortable

Refrigerant problems can cause you to have to wait longer before your room cools. It can also contribute to the feeling of warm air coming from the AC’s vents. However, before you conclude that it is indeed the problem, you have to make sure that the setting of the unit is on cool mode instead of fan mode. Clean your filters, vents, and compressor. If the air still feels too warm or cools too slowly, then you need to call a professional. There are other causes behind inefficient AC performance and you will need expert help to single out refrigerant issues.

Your evaporator coil is frozen

When there is insufficient refrigerant passing through the evaporator coil, the warm air may nor get cooled enough to keep the coil’s surroundings dry. When this happens, moisture forms on the surface of the coil. Additionally, lower refrigerant means lower pressure inside the coil, which also lowers the temperature on its surface. The temperatures become so low that the moisture formed on the coil’s surface freezes. Leaks within the coil can also directly cause the formation of frost.

You hear hissing noises

Aside from manufacturing and installation defects, the only other cause of a low supply of refrigerant in your system is a leak. The refrigerants air conditioners use are a type of gas that makes a hissing noise when it leaks from a tube in your system. When you hear a hissing noise somewhere within your system, chances are that there is a stream of refrigerant escaping from somewhere.

Nevertheless, not all leaks involve major cuts, wears, or breaks. However, minor leaks can also lead to loss of refrigerant. If you suspect that this is the case, call a professional to have your system checked. They have the tools and equipment needed, including a sniffer that can detect abnormally high amounts of refrigerant even when the leak source is tiny.

// Get in touch with a professional to deal with low refrigerant levels

Regardless of how big a leak is, it is bad for your bills and the environment. Leaking refrigerant is also something that untrained people like you can’t handle safely on your own. Thus, you need to have a professional check your unit immediately and have it undergo repairs, or possibly, even replacement.

The post 4 Signs That Your Air Conditioner’s Refrigerant is Running Low appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Understanding the Issue

Having an AC that won’t shut off is a significant issue, as it will consume a considerable amount of energy, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. The most obvious solution to this issue would be to shut off the breaker, but if you turn it back on and the AC is still running, then obviously there’s an issue with the internal workings of the unit. If your HVAC unit won’t turn off, here are four tips on how to fix it:

1. Check the Thermostat

The first thing you need to do is to check the thermostat to see the settings. Modern AC units have a damage report system that will let you know if there’s an issue. It will show up on the display of the thermostat. If you see a sign on the display, you can cross-check it with the manual so that you have a better idea of what the problem is. Sometimes, the issue lies in the internal thermometer of the system, as it may not be functioning properly. If you suspect that this is the case, try setting the unit’s temperature to above the room temperature to see if it shuts off.

2. Clean the Condensing Unit

If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t help, the next thing you will need to check for is damage to the condensing unit. Dirty condenser coils will trap the cool air from being dispensed into the room, which means that the unit will have to work double-time to keep the room cool. While this may not be what’s really causing your AC to stay running, it can contribute to the longevity of the unit, which may result in the system becoming unable to go offline. Therefore, if you see a pile of dust or debris on the coils, be sure to clean the coils right away.

3. Check the Fan Switch

The fan system of some AC units works separately from the cooling system, which means that it may be one thing or the other that’s on the fritz, causing it to stay running. Therefore, you will need to see whether it’s the fan or the cooling system that’s not functioning properly.

4. Do Some Proper Maintenance

Your AC unit requires regular maintenance to ensure that every system is in optimum condition, so it’s essential that you do all the required work to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Sometimes, the answer to a problem with your AC unit may lie in the most obvious place, if you know where to look. That said, you would still need to bring in a professional who can give some insight into what could really be causing the problem. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, it’s best that you work with an experienced AC repair service.

If you’re looking for an experienced, licensed AC repair service, Penguin Cool is your best option. Call us today and see what we can do for you.

The post Your AC Won’t Turn Off? 4 Tips on How to Fix It appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

A malfunctioning thermostat

If your air conditioning unit runs too long and works too hard, it may be working too hard, causing your AC coils to freeze up. A malfunctioning thermostat will need to be fixed by a technician. Sometimes people will try to change the batteries and think it’s fine. But if frozen air con is an issue, this will be useless.

Issues with air flow

Your air conditioner’s coil needs proper air flow in order to keep condensation from freezing. A frozen AC unit might just be from airflow problems, meaning that your AC’s airflow keeps warm air from regulating the temperature due to this condensation. The easiest solution to this problem is to change your air filter, and dirty air filters could be the culprit. You want to change your filters regularly while keeping in mind that your freezing problem is probably due to lack of maintenance.

A leaking coolant

If you find that airflow isn’t the problem, it might be a refrigerant leak. Leakage can cause a lack of pressure, which will lessen its functionality in absorbing heat. This may cause your coil to freeze, and a temporary solution is just to add more refrigerant to your system, but you might also need to call in a professional to help you out.

A clogged condensate line

Condensate lines in your air conditioner will allow your air conditioner to drain any moisture buildup. A clogged line, especially if it’s near the evaporator coil can freeze the water and coils. This could be the issue to your air conditioner freezing, but there are other things that it could be. At this point, asking a professional to come to inspect it might be a better idea.

What to do

You should call in a professional who can help you with your issue. Rather than trying to do anything yourself and possibly making the issue worse, get someone who has all the tools and materials needed to come to help you. Trying to do it yourself might just lead to a more expensive and time-wasting issue. Unfreezing an air conditioner is not a simple task.

There are many issues that could be causing it, so you want to get a professional to come in and inspect your AC unit in order to identify the root of the problem. In order to get right to the issue and fix it, you will definitely need someone who has experience fixing air conditioners. It will be a faster and better option rather than trying to figure it out blindly on your own.

The post Why Your AC Might Keep Freezing Up – What to Know appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

Obstructed airflow

The first and most important sign you have to look for is restricted air flow. This can be attributed to many issues, from the shifts and bends in the unit, dirt buildup, to clogged filters. Therefore, the best thing you can do when you start to feel that the air distribution is not optimal is to open the front case and remove the filters to see if there’s any dirt buildup inside the unit. If you use a flashlight to shine inside the grids, you will be able to see the black spots inside the air dispenser. This may be the thing that’s disrupting the airflow. If these dirt buildups become frozen, it will be a pain to remove. You will need to make sure that you take care of it before the winter comes. If the buildups are in an accessible place, you can use a cleaning stick and a wet piece of cloth to get rid of it. If not, you will have to call a professional to help you with it.

Serious water damage

Another significant concern with HVAC units is water damage. This is particularly a pressing matter during the rainy months and hurricane seasons. If the exterior unit is located near the gutters, the water may spill onto the unit and seep into the compressor. This can cause the unit to short circuit. This will cost you a fortune to repair, especially if the compressor is damaged. Therefore, you will need to install some water protection on the unit to prevent the water from dripping onto the compressor. Additionally, you should make sure that you check the compressor during the winter to make sure that there’s no ice shard forming on the compressor. That may cause the fan to take on unnecessary weight, which can cause it to become bent.

The system doesn’t produce any cool air

Obviously, when the AC doesn’t produce any cool air, it’s a sign of a problem. If you notice that the unit doesn’t generate any cold air even when you have it on the highest settings, the problem may lie in the refrigerant level. Most of the time, this can be done very easily by refilling the refrigerant tank. This will help to solve around 70% of these cases. However, you should keep in mind that refrigerants don’t just run out by itself regularly. You may have to fill it once every couple of years.  If it’s any more often than that, there may be a leak in the refrigerant pipe.

Continually running the heat pump

This is a rare issue, but it does happen from time to time. If the heat pump is continuously running regardless of the temperature outside, the problem may lie in the thermometer. When an automated heat pump unit is unable to determine the temperature, it will assume that it needs to keep working, which can lead to an expensive energy bill. Additionally, it can also be caused by ice buildup on the compressor. This will make the heat pump thinks that it’s colder than it actually is.

The post 4 Common HVAC Problems You Need to Look Out For appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.

If you want your furry friends to remain comfortable, even when you are not in the house, you should think about how you can keep your home’s temperature at safe levels for them. Normally, they will be waiting for you by the door, which may cause a spike in body temperature or heart and respiration rates to increase due to the heat.

Therefore, it is important that you keep a controlled humidity and temperature that is optimal for the comfort of your pets. Extreme shifts in temperature can cause your furry pet to suffer a cold or heat stroke.

You might think you can just leave your AC on while you’re gone, but that will take a huge toll on your wallet when the electric bill comes around. Here are some reasons why a Smart AC can help you keep your pet safe and healthy:

Creating a safe environment

High humidity can bring mold and even a flea infestation. This can become a health hazard to your pet. By installing a Smart aircon, you will be able to keep your pet safe from any harmful allergens and anything that can affect them.

Since they will stay at the right temperature, they will stay comfortable or safe, and not suffer any hazards that happen with unliveable temperatures. A Smart aircon will also stabilize the humidity in your home so it will not be too high in case your home is more susceptible to mold growth.

Keeping your home at the optimal temperature

A Smart aircon will keep your home at the right temperature, even when you’re not around. It will do this effectively in order to keep your pets comfortable, to keep the room at a good temperature for when you return, and to ensure that your utility bill is not running beyond your budget. Smart airconditioners will also be better at energy efficiency.

Keeping your home at a good temperature is not just good for your pets, but it is also good for you, and your home’s well-being as well. Keeping humidity stable is important in prolonging your home’s life.

Comes with an app

Even when you are not at home, you can see your usage and analytics of how often or how much aircon you are consuming. This will allow you to adjust your usage in order to save more on your utility bills in the long run. Even when you’re away from home, you will be able to control your home’s temperature and keep things nice and comfortable for your pet.

You will also be able to prepare your home’s temperature for when you arrive, meaning you will not have to sit and wait for the room to cool down before you can laze around comfortably.

If you’re looking for an experienced, licensed AC repair service, Penguin Cool is your best option. Call us today and see what we can do for you.

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But what if you have a drafty house? This is one concern that many homeowners complain about, particularly in areas that experience a winter season. A drafty house can be quite uncomfortable. Rather than staying warm and cozy inside, you feel cold air creeping into the nooks and crannies of the house, sending chills up and down the spines of those within. Instead of being a comfortable place to stay, a drafty house can quickly turn out to be a snow den.

There are actually several ways that cold air can seep through to the inside of your home. First of all, cold air can get into your living space through areas in the house such as the windows, doors, electrical outlets, and recess lighting. The main culprits behind drafts are the cutouts in the house, which become common intrusion areas.

To address this housing problem, you have to target areas of the house where cold air is more likely to get into. Moreover, you can also resort to other means that can help regulate your house’s ambiance and prevent it from becoming too drafty. Here are five tips that you might want to consider in order to reduce the drafts creeping into your home:

Invest in Thick Curtains

Although most people purchase curtains to complete the look of their windows, there are many more reasons to invest in a good set. Curtains, especially the thick ones, serve as a blockage for cold air diffusing into the living space. Thick curtains in heavyweight, tightly woven textiles such as velvet, tapestry, denim, and suede can be dense barriers against the chilly outdoor air. Hence, it’s a good idea to look for new curtains and hang them in your home. Great curtains may cost you quite a bit, but we assure you that they will be a worthwhile investment.

Install Window Films

Another way to keep cold air from creeping into your home is by installing window films. High-quality films are made up of durable glass particles that add as an extra insulative layer, preventing the chilly outdoor air from getting into your indoor space. Most households do not resort to installing window films and would rather buy thick curtains to regulate the air inside due to financial constraints. If you have the money, however, then it’s a fantastic idea to have window films installed in your house. Apart from keeping the chilly air out during the winter, films can also keep the heat from coming in during the summer. This way, it will be beneficial all year round!

Maintain Your Fireplace

We all know what a fireplace at home can do, especially during winter. Not only can it heat a room, but it will lend a relaxing ambiance amid the cold air outside. Modern fireplaces vary in heat efficiency depending on the design. There is a wide variety of fireplace designs that can be set up in your home. But the catch here is that you have to maintain your fireplace at home, ensuring that the brick, stone, or metal is in place to contain the fire. This way, it can serve its purpose most efficiently and effectively.

Recaulk Your Windows and Doors

Caulking is the process of sealing a gap or seam using a waterproof filler or sealant. Caulking is usually done on windows and doors towards the completion of construction. However, the caulking does get worn out over time. This may leave gaps and openings where cold air can come in. In cases like this, recaulking and weatherstripping your windows and doors can help you close the small holes, thereby avoiding having a drafty house.

Another thing you should check out is your HVAC, if you’re looking for an experienced, licensed HVAC repair service, Penguin Cool is your best option. Call us today and see what we can do for you.

The post 5 Ways to Reduce Drafts into Your Home appeared first on Penguin Cooling and Heating.