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While there are lots of things to worry about when creating a budget that you’ll have to allot for building your dream home, there are a ton of things to consider.

However, while your roof, walls, toilets, sinks, and sockets are definitely items that you’ll have to think about when getting a brief estimate of what you’ll need to shell out, the HVAC system that you’ll use every day in your new home is one that you’ll definitely have to take into account.

The importance of having a good HVAC system
With the right HVAC system at the right price, you’ll be able to have a comfortable amount of warmth and coolness in your home while keeping your bills as low as possible. Although there are many types of cooling and heating systems to choose from on the market, finding the right one entails having to take into consideration the power usage, installation costs, and overall value for money according to your needs.

Calculating the costs of your new home’s HVAC system
In order to find out exactly just how much a new HVAC system in your home will set you back, there are several components that you’ll have to take into account when coming up with the final figure:

● The cost of your furnace
● Your central air conditioning unit,
● The means of transmitting air (such as ductwork or radiators)
● Your thermostat

Other than the “big 4” of your HVAC system, you’ll have to worry about these complementary appliances as well:
● The brand and grade of each and every one of your system’s components
● The size and scope of your new home’s construction
● The certain type of each component in your HVAC system that you’ve chosen
● The difficulty or complexity of your HVAC system’s installation according to the structure of your home
● The need for duct work
● The cost of living in your area

Another way to compute the costs of your HVAC system and its ductwork
If you aren’t up for tallying each and every individual cost that your HVAC system is going to incur, you can use another approach in trying to estimate the full cost: the cost per square foot. Typically, a 1,200 to 2,200 square foot area will cost around 1,000.00 USD to 4,000.00 USD in ductwork, depending on the type of material that you’ll be using. While some construction firms may include your home’s ductwork in the overall package, it’s best to just go with trying to include the HVAC system costing in your overall budgeting to have a bit more of a conservative estimate in your overall budget.

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In spite of purchasing it as an investment for your comfort, AC units are not as indestructible as their owners hoped they would be when making the hefty downpayment for it. At times, your air conditioning unit has the potential to break down for no reason, putting an abrupt end to the comfort that you look forward into your home and swapping it with uncomfortably high internal temperatures. While calling your local AC expert or HVAC contractor might seem like the best thing to do, you might find yourself at a point in time where you definitely have to troubleshoot things on your own.

3 common reasons behind air conditioner systems that don’t cool
If your air conditioning system isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, here are a few reasons behind the sudden malfunction that might surprise you:

1. Your air filter might be filled with dirt
While AC system ownership seems like it costs most in terms of ownership than other types of appliances, the small adjustments and maintenance procedures that you carry out can actually make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your aircon unit. If your AC isn’t cooling the house properly, then chances are that you have forgotten to clean the air filter after overlooking the need to clean them out at least once a month. Assuming normal use, AC system filters can fill up with dust, dirt, small items, and other types of debris, resulting in a clog that compromises your system’s functionality. You can fix cooling problems by changing or cleaning your air conditioning unit’s air filter if you can’t take the sustained periods of heat. However, if it’s within your budget, you can even invest in higher quality filters that don’t clog as quickly and facilitate air circulation better for improved cooling.

2. Your thermostat settings aren’t properly set
A lot of people assume the worst when their AC system decides to quit on them, but the truth is that the source of the problem might be much simpler than you would assume. Inefficient air conditioner performance and cooling abilities may be caused by high thermostat settings. If you have set your AC system at a high temperature, it isn’t going to keep you as cool as you’d like. It’s best to check the thermostat before making any other assumptions. Typically, thermostats are also configured with auto settings that allow you to set and forget, but at times they may completely reset and require you to configure your AC unit’s settings again.

3. Your air conditioning system itself might be dirtier than it could possibly handle
Aside from the air filter, the overall presence of dirt in your entire air conditioning system might be the root cause for the lack of cool air coming out. If your AC system uses an outdoor air conditioning unit, perhaps you have neglected its monthly cleaning. This is a simple mistake that can compromise your unit’s functionality. Certain factors, such as the refrigerant not being cool enough or shrubbery being too close to your outdoor air conditioning unit can cause your AC system to blow out hot air instead of the cold air that you yearn for as well.

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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.

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