Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

3 Factors to Consider When Installing New Air Conditioning

Friday, May 16th, 2014

A new air conditioning system is a big investment, and before you pull the trigger, you want to have all of your ducks in a row. When it comes to air conditioning in Olympia, there are plenty of services to help make the big decisions with you, but you want a local HVAC company that will help you choose the right system, not just rush you into a purchase in hopes of a big payday.

Here are 3 factors to consider when installing new air conditioning, factors that a reputable service will discuss with you before installation begins.

Sizing. All air conditioners have a set power level, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). You need an air conditioner whose power output is perfectly sized for your home. If it’s too small, it will run constantly without adequately cooling the household. If it’s too large, it will engage in “rapid cycling,” turning on and off too quickly. Air conditioners use much more energy turning on and off than they do simply running, which means that rapid cycling will cost you a great deal in unnecessary energy bills. You need a unit that is neither too large not too small, but just right.
Efficiency. Air conditioners measure their efficiency in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. SEER ratings can affect the sizing of your air conditioner, but generally speaking, you want to get the most efficient model within your price range. At the minimum, look for a unit with a higher SEER rating than the one it’s replacing.
Upgrades. A new air conditioner is a golden opportunity to add some new bells and whistles to the system. For instance, look into a zone control system that lets you alter the temperature in each room individually, or a new thermostat that lets you turn the air on and off remotely with an app from your phone.

Here at Sound Heating, we can explain all of the factors to consider when installing new air conditioning in Olympia, then perform the installation with courtesy and care. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and we’ll ensure that your investment in a new air conditioner is well spent. Contact us today to make an appointment!

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The Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Monday, April 28th, 2014

Spring has arrived, and here in Olympia, air conditioning systems are being dusted off in preparation for another warm summer. Before temperatures get too warm, you might consider scheduling maintenance for your cooling system, designed to clean off the dust, recharge refrigerant levels and spot potential trouble issues for later repair. Some people consider such a service a waste of money, but nothing could be further from the truth. What’s the importance of air conditioning maintenance? We have drawn up a list of some of the bigger benefits.

Improved efficiency. Dust and dirt can increase friction on moving parts. Loose components rattle in their housings and waste energy in the process. Low refrigerant levels rob the system of its ability to do its job. A maintenance session addresses all of these things, helping your air conditioner perform more efficiently and lowering your monthly cooling bills in the process.

Longevity and reduced risk of repairs. In addition to helping your system perform more efficiently, a maintenance session lowers the overall strain on your system. That means that internal components will last longer and the chances of a breakdown will be reduced as well.

Flexibility. Maintenance sessions anticipate potential repairs before they become a big issue. Not only does that let you stop a big problem while it’s still a small one, but it gives you the luxury to set repair sessions when you want rather than when circumstances dictate. If you wait for a bigger breakdown, it might take place during a heat wave or similarly inconvenient time: forcing you to scramble rather than setting the schedule at a point that’s convenient to your life.

The importance of air conditioning maintenance cannot be underestimated, and in Olympia, air conditioning systems invariably benefit from timely service. The Olympia air conditioning specialists at Sound Hetaing provide quality air conditioning maintenance, as well as repair and installation sessions for more serious undertakings. If you want your system to perform at its peak this summer, then pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Air Conditioning

Thursday, August 29th, 2013

You may not realize it but the EPA estimates that poor indoor air quality is one of the top 5 leading threats to respiratory health. Given that most of us spend about 90% of our lives indoors this should make us realize just how important good air quality is to our health. In addition to being damaging to our health, poor indoor air quality can actually affect your air conditioning system as well. At Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a large range of professional air conditioning services in Puyallup and we wanted to share a little bit about some of the things that bad air quality can do to your AC system. Call us today if you need any kind of services or if you have any questions.

Puyallup, WA Air Conditioning Tip: Keep Your Air Clean

Modern homes are built very efficiently which means that they have to restrict the amount of outside air that can leak in. While this is great for efficiency it can also allow many different types of contaminants to build up inside your home’s air including dust, insect droppings, pollen, pet dander and more. Here are a few of the things that this can do to your home’s air conditioning system.

Clog the filter – Your air conditioning system has an air filter in it that keeps larger particles from getting into the moving parts of the system like the motor and also the evaporator coils. If you have a lot of contaminants in your air it could cause the filter to get clogged very quickly and restrict the flow of air through the system. In fact, a clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of AC repair. It can cause insufficient cooling, increased repair and also inefficient operation.
Increase repair – While your air conditioning system has an air filter, a lot of dirt and dust will still get through. This can cause the fan motor as well as the evaporator coils to get dirty. If your fan motor gets filled with dirt it could malfunction and cause you not to get any cool air in your home. Also, if the evaporator coils are dirty then they won’t be able to absorb as much heat out of your air which would reduce the efficiency of your system as well as the amount of cooling that you get in your home.

Whatever air conditioning problems that you might be having, call the Puyallup air conditioning repair experts at Sound Heating. We can also help you replace your current system if it has failed permanently.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Puyallup
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Why Your Air Conditioning System Leaks

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

Your air conditioning is a finely-tuned machine. Any imbalance among its components and mechanisms needs to be taken care of so that it doesn’t adversely affect the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. Unfortunately, problems do happen with your AC, just like they do with any other mechanical system. One common problem that may initially appear frustrating is why your AC leaks water. In today’s post, we’d like to review why this happens as well as two other types of leaks: air and refrigerant. No leak is a good leak, and even the most comparatively minor ones can negatively impact your system. Call Sound Heating for excellent air conditioning repair services throughout the Tacoma area. We can make sure that your AC operates as it should at all times.

Water leak. Your indoor evaporator coil interacts with the warm indoor air pulled in by your blower motor. This thermal exchange causes your cold, liquid refrigerant to evaporate (hence the name of the coil) while it cools and dehumidifies the air. This condensed water vapor collects on the outside surface of the coils and drips into the condensate drain pan where it is drained outside of the air handler. But if debris collect in the drainpipe, then the pan could overflow and cause a water leak.
Refrigerant leak. When your AC was installed, it was charged with a certain amount of refrigerant. The AC does not expend refrigerant during operation, so low refrigerant is the result of faulty installation or a refrigerant leak. Both puncture and corrosion can cause a refrigerant leak so it’s best to have your system evaluated by a professional.
Air leak. Your ductwork is subject to cracks, loose connections, and other types of damage that can lead to leaks. Over time, your ducts endure significant amount of wear and tear,and this can lead to issues. A duct leak can not only cause inefficient and inadequate cooling, but it can also cause your system to work that much harder, which in turn leads to further system damages.

Call Sound Heating today for quality air conditioning repair services in Tacoma, WA.

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Your First Air Conditioner: What You Should Know Before Installation Service

Friday, August 16th, 2013

An air conditioning system is a major purchase, which can add value to your home as well as providing you with cool, comfortable conditions when the temperature starts to rise. In Tacoma, air conditioning systems help us get through the muggy days of summer. When the time comes for installation, you want the process to take place smoothly and professionally. Here are some things you should know before your installation service begins.

Pick the right location. Your new air conditioning system needs to be properly placed in order to function correctly. The outdoor unit should stand clear of bushes and trees, while providing enough space for the vents and fans to do their work. If possible, it needs to go somewhere that dampens the noise so it doesn’t disturb you or your neighbors. Inside your home, ductwork needs to be placed in areas that receive air conditioning; if you have to place ducts elsewhere (like the attic) the ducts themselves need to be well-insulated. The thermostat should be placed in an area that accurately reads the temperature, away from breezeways, windows and sunny spots.
Size the air conditioning system properly. Your AC system needs to be the correct size for your space. If it’s too small, it will labor to cool the house and cost you more in energy bills. If it’s too large, it will stop and start rapidly, which also costs you energy. Make sure the BTU/hour (British Thermal Units per hour) level of the AC system is appropriate to cover the square footage in your home.
Make sure your installer is a professional. The technician performing the installation should conduct each step with care and precision. He’ll double-check his work, use quality components for sealing and securing the unit, and set the air flow rate to the level specified by the AC unit in question. He’s also charge the refrigerant levels to their proper levels and run the air conditioning unit to make sure it’s working as it should.

For professional air conditioning installation service in Tacoma, talk to the experts at Sound Heating. We treat air conditioning issues in Tacoma, WA, and take pride in our professionalism and know-how. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Tags: Air Conditioning Installation, Tacoma
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Is Your Air Conditioning System the Wrong Size?

Friday, August 9th, 2013

As we near the end of summer heat in Tacoma, it’s important to take notice of your air conditioner. How did it perform? Was it lacking in performance or energy efficiency? Were your energy bills higher than anticipated? It’s important to recognize the signs that something has gone wrong with your HVAC system. Unfortunately, one of the problems that you may encounter is improper installation. We’ve seen it more times than we’d like to admit. When it comes to the installation of your AC, make sure you take your time during the process and make certain that your AC is the correct size so that it adequately lives up to your cooling needs. Call Sound Heating if you believe that you’re in need of professional Tacoma air conditioning repair services, or if you believe that your system is improperly sized for your home.

During the installation of your AC, your technician needs to make sure that he takes an accurate load calculation, which is a fancy term for how much cooling power you need to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. It’s an important stage in the process. If your system is too small, then it will likely be inadequate to the task of cooling your entire home. It will strain during high temperatures and may have to work harder all the time just to get by, which can lead to higher energy costs. Alternatively, if your AC is too large, that can also lead to problems. It may short-cycle frequently, which can lead to increased energy costs and additional system wear and tear.

There are some signs that your AC is the wrong size. For example, if you notice that your energy bill has spiked from one month to the next, it could be an indication that your system is working too hard. If your system never shuts off, it could be too small to be able to handle the load. If it constantly turns on and off, it could be too large. Remember, bigger is not always better when it comes to your air conditioner.

Call Sound Heating today for professional air conditioning repair service in Tacoma.

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What is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

There are numerous types of refrigerant uses in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications. From natural refrigerants like ammonia and water to the latest in ozone-friendly R-410A, which is the current standard amongst air conditioning manufacturers, there are various kinds for various applications. But what is refrigerant and how does it work? The standard refrigerant has been widely tested for flammability and toxicity, and today’s refrigerants have only a minimal impact on the environment, while still remaining effective and efficient as a chemical that absorbs thermal energy at low temperatures and dissipates thermal energy at high temperatures. It’s important to know how refrigerant works because the more your know the better chance you will have at recognizing any problems. Call Sound Heating if you would like more information about the refrigerant that circulates through your coils or if you would like to schedule air conditioning services in Puyallup.

Let’s begin with the compressor. As the engine of the refrigerant cycle, it takes the low pressure, low temperature gas from the indoor evaporator coil and turns it into a high pressure, high temperature gas, one that is substantially higher than the outside temperature. It then travels to the condenser coils to be dissipated into the outside air with the help of an exhaust fan. It has now been condensed (hence the name), but it is not yet cool enough. It flows into an expansion valve where it cools rapidly and now can be used as a material for cooling. The evaporator coil circulates this cold, liquid refrigerant and the thermal interaction that occurs between the refrigerant and the warm indoor air causes the refrigerant to turn into a gas. Hence the cycle continues.

For a long time, R-22 (also known as Freon) was the standard in the HVAC industry, but it has since been exposed as a potential environmental hazard, and is now being phased out of production. Because today’s refrigerants are not able to be retrofitted into systems designed to handle this older standard, it’s important to recognize how this phase-out could affect you.

Call Sound Heating today for professional air conditioning services in Puyallup, OR.

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Common Summertime Air Conditioning Repairs

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

The summer is a beautiful time of year and is perfect for enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. But with all the heat, most homeowners end up running their air conditioning systems a lot more. Here at Sound Heating we offer fast and reliable Tacoma air conditioning repair and we wanted to put together a few of the more common air conditioning repairs that we see. Give us a call if you’re having any issues with your air conditioning system and keep an eye out for the repairs listed below.

Tacoma Air Conditioning Repair Services

Not enough cooling – One of the most common problems that we get called to repair is an air conditioning system that isn’t producing enough cooling. If this is happening at your house it could be caused by a clogged air filter, broken compressor, frozen coils, low refrigerant and several other problems.
No cooling – If your air conditioning system is blowing warm air or if it won’t even turn on at all, it could mean that the system is unplugged. But it could also be that your thermostats aren’t working well and are failing to turn on your system. It might be that your air filter is so clogged that no air is able to get into the system.
Unusual noises – You should definitely pay attention if your air conditioning system starts to make any new or unusual noises. Hissing is often a sign that you have refrigerant leak somewhere—possibly in your compressor. Squealing is a sign that your fan belt needs replacement and gurgling is often a sign that you have low refrigerant.
Leaking water – Another common issue is an air conditioner that is leaking water. I your air conditioning leaks water it almost always means that you have a clog in your condensate drain. As your AC operates condensation will start to form on the evaporator coils—similar to how water form on the outside of a cold glass on a hot day. This condensation usually drains away but if the drain gets clogged with dust or bacteria it can overflow.

Call the Tacoma air conditioning repair technicians at Sound Heating if you need to schedule repair service for your air conditioning system.

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How A Maintenance Program Can Prevent The Need For Air Conditioning Repairs

Thursday, July 18th, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning in your home you probably want your system to work efficiently and consistently. It can be frustrating when your AC breaks down frequently or when it starts to use more energy than it used to. So how can homeowners make sure that they get the best performance possible form their AC systems? Getting regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your AC working well and we wanted to put together some of the potential benefits to getting regular air conditioning maintenance. Call the Tacoma air conditioning technicians at Sound Heating if you are in need of any cooling repair or maintenance service.

Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance

As your air conditioning system operates it will develop small problems and issues. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians will look for those small problems and fix them before they can turn into larger, more costly repairs. Here are a few of the benefits that this can have for your air conditioner.

Reduced repair – One of the most attractive potential benefits is that regular maintenance could reduce the need for Tacoma air conditioning repair. By fixing problems before they actually can turn into major repairs, you could prevent them from causing you any problems.
Increased efficiency – Another awesome benefit of regular maintenance is that it could increase the efficiency of your AC system. Any small problems that your air conditioner has will likely make it work harder to cool your home which reduces its efficiency. By removing those problems on a regular basis, you could be able to return some of the efficiency to your home.
Extended equipment life – When your air conditioner has a lot of small problems it can cause the equipment to fail permanently. By regularly removing small problems you could be able to extend the life of your air conditioner and delay replacement services for as long as possible.

If you’re interested in potentially avoiding Tacoma air conditioning repair services then getting regular maintenance for your system is a great idea. The friendly experts at Sound Heating have years of experience working with all different kinds of systems. Give us a call today to talk with one of our friendly technicians.

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Common Air Conditioning Repairs During the Summer

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Are you cool, crisp, and comfortable in your Tacoma home? You should not settle for anything less than comfort and convenience in your home. During the long hot summer, you need to make sure that your air conditioning system works well at all times. However, even with pro installation and routine maintenance, there may come a time when your air conditioning system needs professional services to address its problems. Don’t fret. Like any other mechanical system, your HVAC system is susceptible to problems, and due to its complexity, your repair needs should be carried out by a professional Tacoma air conditioning technician. Call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today for comprehensive AC services, and we’ll restore your cooling.

Frozen evaporator coils. Your indoor evaporator coils are responsible for circulating the cold, liquid refrigerant that cools your air. As a vital component, any issues with its operation need to be addressed immediately. If you notice that your coils have frozen over, it means that your system is working harder than it should to keep you cool, although you may have already noticed a severe decline in cooling. Most likely, there is some type of airflow issue that is allowing cool air to build up inside your indoor air handler. It could also be low refrigerant.
Bad capacitor. The capacitor functions like a battery. It stores energy to boost the startup of your AC so that it immediately responds to your adjustments and gets beyond the limitations of residential voltage capacities. If your AC doesn’t turn on when you ask it to, or turns on only intermittently, then you may have a bad capacitor in need of professional repair or replacement.
Thermostat fault. Although small, your thermostat is vital to the operation of your air conditioning system. It is your primary user interface, and today’s thermostats can also be programmed to operate around a work or vacation schedule. But if something goes wrong with your thermostat, you may find that your AC doesn’t function as it should, or perhaps not at all.

If you think you might be in need of professional air conditioning repair services in Tacoma,WA, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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