Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

Common Fan Problems

Friday, August 15th, 2014

There are two fans in your air conditioner, a condenser fan in the outdoor unit and a blower in the evaporator. Each plays an important role in the heat release/cooling process; each also provides air flow in your system. When there is a malfunction with your fans, the effects can be felt system-wide. Many times, the problems can look like something other than fan issues, which is why it’s important to call the professionals at Sound Heating to repair your AC.

What Do the Fans Do?

Each fan helps equally with air flow, but plays different roles in the heat release/cooling process:

  • Condenser fan – the condenser fan is part of the outdoor unit. The condenser fan sucks up the heat that gets released by the refrigerant in the condenser coils and blows it out into the air. This helps cool the refrigerant in the condenser coils while also dissipating the heat.
  • Indoor blower – the indoor blower blows warm air from indoors over the chilled evaporator coils, and then sends the chilled air into the supply ducts for delivery into your home.

What Types of Problems Occur with Fans?

There are a few common problems we see frequently with fans:

  • Motor issues – fan motors can falter due to electrical issues, or burnout, and sometimes require replacement.
  • Problems with fan blades – fan blades can become bent or loose. One of the main problems with loose or bent fan blades is that they can bang into other parts of your system as they rotate, causing damage. If you hear banging or clunking noises coming from your fan, call a technician for repair.
  • Wiring issues – the wires in and around fan motors can fray, corrode and/or disconnect. This can cause uneven voltage to reach the motor, or a total loss of electricity, resulting in breakdown. The wiring in your fan motors can be complex, so it is best to have a trained professional repair any electrical issues you may experience.

Repair Your Fans Correctly with an Expert

The fans in your system are important to its overall operation, so while no one likes to call for repairs, it’s the smart thing to do. If you are experiencing issues with your fans or anything else, call Sound Heating today and schedule AC repairs in Tacoma with one of our trained technicians.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Fan Problems

Signs That Air Conditioning Systems Have Low Refrigerant

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to do its job: running through a theoretically closed system that first converts it to a liquid (releasing heat into the outside air) then shifts it back into a gas (pulling heat from the nearby air which can then be blown into your home). The cycle depends on specific amounts of refrigerant (the exact figure depends upon the make and model of your air conditioner), and when leaks spring up, it can create a number of difficulties. There are plenty of services that can fix air conditioning systems in Olympia, and knowledgeable technicians can usually seal the leak before recharging the refrigerant to its proper levels.

Here Are Some Signs That Air Conditioning Systems Have Low Refrigerant

  • Ice on the coils. The biggest sign you can detect is the formation of ice on your evaporator coils. The ice represents lost cooling potential that should be going into your home, as well as forming an insulating layer between the remaining refrigerant and the air it’s supposed to cool. Don’t ever scrape the ice off: it won’t do any good and you could damage the coils in the process. Instead, shut off the system and call in a technician to treat the issue.
  • Reduced cooling power. Along those lines, if you notice that the air conditioner isn’t providing cool air like it used to – if the air blows warmer or is flat-out hot – then there could be problems with the refrigerant.
  • Water puddles. Condensation forms on you air conditioner as it cools the air, and a certain amount is normal. When refrigerant levels run low, however, the system will generate more condensation than it should, resulting in puddles of water around the base of your system.

If you spot the signs that air conditioning systems have low refrigerant, call the professionals at Sound Heating to correct the problem immediately. We handle all kinds of repairs for air conditioning systems in Olympia, and we’ll treat the source of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Summer months are too hot to go without an efficient AC system. Give us a call today and let us keep yours in top shape!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Signs That Air Conditioning Systems Have Low Refrigerant

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Air Conditioning

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.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Your Air Conditioning System Leaks

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Summertime Air Conditioning Repairs

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How A Maintenance Program Can Prevent The Need For Air Conditioning Repairs

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Air Conditioning Repairs During the Summer

How Dirt and Dust Can Lead to Air Conditioning Repair Service

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Is your AC clean? Are you comfortable in your home during the summer? Grime, dirt, dust, and other debris can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of your cooling during the summer months. While professional installation can go a long way towards ensuring that your AC provides comfort for you and your family for the years to come, it’s simply not enough to instill confidence about its reliability and performance. By following up your installation with routine preventive maintenance, you can make sure that your AC does not suffer from unnecessary air conditioning repairs and premature replacement costs. Call the Tacoma air conditioning repair techs at Sound Heating today for comprehensive repair services throughout the Greater Puget Sound area.

Let’s look in more detail at some problems that develop as a result of dirt, dust, and other debris.

  • Frozen evaporator coil. Frozen coils are one of the most common issues affecting air conditioners in the summer months. There are several reasons why it can happen in your home, including low refrigerant. But one of the most common reasons is related to a clogged air filter as a result of excessive dirt. When debris builds up on your air filter, it not only no longer performs its function, but also blocks the flow of cool air, which can then buildup inside your air handler.
  • Dirty condenser coils. Your condenser coils are subject to increased levels of debris because of their outdoor location. However, they need to be kept clean in order to function properly.  They play an important role in dissipating the thermal energy drawn from your indoor air into the outside air. But they simply will not be effective if they are caked with debris.
  • Blower motor fault. Dirt and dust are bad for motors. They create friction and reduce the effectiveness of moving parts that often require lubrication to operate. If dirt and debris get inside your blower motor components, then it could shut down, which means that your system cannot operate.

Make sure you take care of any dirt and dust that build up on your air conditioning system. Call Sound Heating today for excellent air conditioning repair services in Tacoma, WA.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How Dirt and Dust Can Lead to Air Conditioning Repair Service

Causes of Inadequate Cooling

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

During the hottest days of summer, a subpar performance from your air conditioning system can be a serious problem. There are a lot of reasons why your air conditioner may come up short in the cooling department. While you should never attempt to repair any problems with your air conditioning system on your own, understanding a little more about the causes of inadequate cooling can help you avoid making mistakes that can reduce the comfort level in your home. Here are a few examples of reasons that your air conditioning system may fail to provide you with the exceptional service you deserve. Contact the Tacoma air conditioning repair technicians at Sound Heating for more details.

One very common cause of inadequate cooling from air conditioning systems is a very dirty air filter. This is a perfect example of a problem that you yourself can resolve and avoid in order to allow your air conditioning system to operate with the great efficiency and effectiveness you want. As your air conditioner operates and air circulates throughout the system, the airborne pollutants in that air are filtered out on the air filter within your AC. If too much dirt and debris is allowed to build up on this air filter it can create too much airflow resistance in the system. This can lead to frozen coils, excessive wear and tear as well as many other operational issues.

Another reason that your air conditioning system may not be performing properly is due to an improper refrigerant charge. If you hope to get a great performance from your AC it is necessary that it has the right amount of refrigerant in it. If your refrigerant is low, it likely means that there is a leak in your system. You air conditioner does not consume refrigerant, but rather recycles it again and again. If your refrigerant is leaking or if some has escaped during service, we can recharge it to proper levels.

To learn more about some common causes of inadequate cooling, contact the Tacoma air conditioning repair pros at Sound Heating. We’ll answer any questions that you may have to help you get a better cooling performance in your home. Schedule service today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Causes of Inadequate Cooling

Air Conditioning Question: What Are Thermostatic Expansion Valves?

Monday, August 13th, 2012

The thermostatic expansion valve, sometimes known as a TEX, TEV or TXV, is a critical piece to influence the efficiency of air conditioning and refrigeration units.  A tiny sensor controlling the evaporating phase of process, the valve can have a big effect.

Cool air is manufactured by a rapid movement of a refrigerant between liquid and gaseous states.  Compound chemicals that are able to do this at a low temperature are compressed and expanded, absorbing and releasing heat at different points along the way.  The TEV controls the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator coils according to the temperatures of the various ingredients.

Cool Air 101

To condition air, the refrigerant, most often freon or another fast acting, low temp compound, evaporates into a gas that runs through a coil and absorbs heat.  Passing through a compressor, the freon condenses under pressure back into a liquid again and releases the heat, becoming cool enough to chill a party.

Too much freon in the evaporator tube and the pressure is not low enough to expand to gas and absorb heat, working inefficiently for no gain.  Too little freon and the conversion is also ineffective by not reaching the density needed to condense.

There are four types of valves with different benefits for different types of cooling environments.  With its ability to adjust minutely to changing conditions, the thermal expansion valve creates the perfect mixture of pressure and freon for more complicated systems.

At the Starting Gate

An interactive device, the valve senses the evaporator pressure and temperature and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant so as to maintain a given “superheat”, the differ­ence between the refrigerant vapor temperature and its sat­uration temperature.  By controlling superheat, the TEV keeps nearly the entire evaporator surface active while not permit­ting liquid refrigerant to return to the compressor.

Some valves operate on an electrical impulse from sensors that can measure the temperatures.  Others are open all the time.  The thermostatic expansion valve actually utilizes the pressure between the two sections to open or close itself, regulating flow based on the very same pressure it is designed to moderate.

Like the buildings they comfort, central air conditioning systems in Tacoma are varied and diverse.  For more information about air conditioning or to schedule a service call, contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Question: What Are Thermostatic Expansion Valves?