Posts Tagged ‘air conditioning repair’

Keeping your HVAC Efficient

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Spring is a traditional time to clean and repair your home after the winter season. It is also the best time to have an HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) contractor perform an annual pre-summer inspection of your system. This will ensure that your cooling system will be working properly when the hot summer weather arrives.

According to ENERGY STAR, a typical contractor maintenance check-up should include the following:

  • Change air filters on a regular basis. Dirty filters reduce system efficiency and increase costs.
  • Check furnace system controls and thermostat. This will insure that the starting cycle is working properly so the unit keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy (and money) when you are away.
  • Tighten the electrical connections and lubricate all HVAC moving parts. Faulty electrical connections and lack of adequate lubrication can reduce the life of the unit components. An improperly operating system can also cost you in the increased amount of electricity you use.
  • Make sure the condensate drain is working properly. Not only can a plugged drain or pipe cause water damage, it can also affect the humidity levels in your home.
  • Clean the evaporator and air conditioning coils. Dirty coils can cost you money. They reduce the system’s ability to cool the home so it must operate longer, leading to higher energy bills. Longer operating times also reduce the system’s life and increase the amount of energy needed to operate.
  • Check air conditioner refrigerant level. Too much or too little refrigerant will affect system efficiency, increasing energy costs and system life.
  • Make sure blower components are properly adjusted. ENERGY STAR? Guidelines indicate that airflow problems can reduce system efficiencies by up to 15 percent!

 

Don’t let the heat get to you.  Look no further than QwikBids for your licensed service professional.  Licensed professionals are ready to bid on your requests at just a moment’s notice.  

Also, visit http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy for Arizona state rebates, energy programs, and upcoming energy related events.

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Home Air Conditioning Repair and Service

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

Many take what seems to be the everlasting, indestructible A/C in our homes for granted. We go years without a single worry, and so don’t budget nor plan for its failure. When your A/C finally lets you down, the sudden cost and unplanned expense could be surprising. It’s not a matter of if you’re A/C will fail; it’s truly a matter of when. Here we’ll outline most causes, preventative measures, and proper maintenance.

Most A/C problems are a result of faulty installation, as well as poor service and maintenance. The compressor not coming on, a water leak, the air blowing but not cool and low airflow are just a few. If the unit doesn’t start at all, what can the homeowner do?

Before getting into a panic, try the circuit breakers or fuse box first. I can’t tell you how many folks have called out an A/C repair service, only to find it was as simple as throwing the switch back into position. It’s an expensive throw of a switch if the service call costs between $50 and $150 just for the technician to show up. Replacing a fuse can be an easy task as well, costing just a few dollars and a few minutes of time.

If an air conditioner turns itself on and off frequently, it could be a couple things. Either the unit is not the proper size to cool the area of home efficiently or the fan or compressor controls are worn out (in either of these cases it is wise to consult a professional). If the air isn’t cooling efficiently but the unit turns on, there could be a low refrigerant level, the coils are frozen over or the evaporator and/or condenser coils need to be cleaned.

Then, there are the filters. Normal airflow is restricted when these filters are not properly changed, and could considerably raise the amount of energy used to cool the home. Most of the time, something as simple as changing the filter or cleaning the coils can be done simply, with minimal cost. But if you find yourself questioning whether or not it would be safe to do so without causing further complications, it’s highly recommended to call in a professional.

If it’s a qwik response you’re looking for with the A/C, look no further than QwikBids. Licensed professionals are ready to bid on your service requests at just a moment’s notice. Don’t let the heat get to you. You’ll otherwise lose your cool when failure occurs!

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Save Money with Air Conditioning Service Program

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

While still relatively cool, summer is here. In our region of the country, air conditioning is a need, not a luxury. It’s a dry heat ya know? To imagine life in metro Phoenix without this is a dreadful thought. The electric bill can be a challenge unto itself, and in our current economic climate, every dollar counts. So let’s talk about saving money, while staying comfortable as temperatures soar.

I am sure you are all aware that a well-insulated home, as well as properly sealed doors and windows, are key ingredients to saving energy. But what gets over-looked so often is regular maintenance of our much needed air conditioning systems. We tend to think, at least most of us, that changing a filter from time to time will do the trick. But many home owners encountering huge, expensive problems don’t realize until it’s too late the problem could have been avoided.

Introducing preventative maintenance; spotting small problems before they become large ones. In other words, spending a little here and there is far better than scrambling for extra money (or using the children’s college fund) to pay for something you could have prevented. QwikBids did its homework, and found out that saving much coveted money is not rocket science!

I have talked to several experts, and all agree that spring is the best time to give your cooling system a checkup. Waiting until it’s time to use your system in the summer is a disaster waiting to happen. When choosing a technician, be absolutely certain it’s one that has come recommended and is properly licensed.

The technician will check several key things. Freon level is usually first, checking for leaks. Then electrical component and controls are checked, motors oiled as needed, accuracy of thermostat verified, and condenser and filters checked. In between annual visits, there are some easy tasks to put on your list of to-dos around the house.

Make sure there are no obstructions around the unit outside. This is where the air is drawn in to be cooled. Change the filters regularly, as dirty ones will restrict air flow, making the unit use more energy. Finally, enjoy the fact you could be saving thousands doing what most overlook!

Shameless Plug! Yes, QwikBids.com is the place you can find qualified air conditioning experts who are experienced at keeping these units in good running condition. Enter a bid request and have these experts show you how this type of maintenance can improve your peace of mind and your wallet over time.

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