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

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.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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Air Conditioning: How To Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Summer

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

As the temperature slowly begins to rise in Tacoma, WA, it’s finally starting to feel like spring, and fairly soon we’ll be well into the cooling season. Now is a great time to ensure that your AC works well. If you haven’t already fired it up, then make sure you do before too long. Discovering any issues early can prevent headaches later on. Our customers often want to know how they should prepare their AC systems for the upcoming summer. While there are various types of cooling systems on the market, there are some general actions to take if you want to maximize your AC’s performance this year. For more information, or to schedule excellent Tacoma, WA air conditioning services, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Enroll in a preventive maintenance program. Prevention is the key to lasting performance. If you want to ensure that your air conditioner can thrive during even the hottest temperatures, make sure you enroll in a maintenance program, if you haven’t already. There’s no substitute for professional care. With professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups, your AC will be in good hands for the years to come.
Change your air filter on a regular basis. We can’t emphasize this simple task enough. Far too many air conditioning systems have been ruined as a result of neglecting this key duty. By regularly changing your air filter, you are making sure that your system components are fully protected against particles of air that enter your home. Also, when an air filter becomes clogged or dirty, it can begin to impede airflow, which can reduce the performance and energy efficiency of your system, and may even cause system damage.
Install a programmable thermostat. This cost-effective upgrade can help you save on your energy bill during the cooling season. It will also give you a way to schedule temperature changes that match your work schedule, so that you can save energy without sacrificing your comfort.

These are just a few of the things you can do to get prepared for the cooling season this summer. For more information, or to schedule exceptional Tacoma air conditioning services, call the experts at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Air Conditioning Tip: When to Schedule Spring Maintenance for Your AC System?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

At Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer comprehensive air conditioning maintenance service in Tacoma, WA. One of the main services we offer is an annual tune-up for your air conditioner or heat pump. It is a good idea to schedule this service in the spring, before the hot weather gets here and when you have to use your air conditioning system the most. This helps to ensure that any known issues are handled before your turn on your AC so that your system doesn’t break down in the middle of a heat wave.

During one of these routine tune-ups, here are some of the basic tasks that our technicians will provide:

Clean condenser coil
Check and tighten electrical connections
Check for oil and refrigerant leaks
Test safety features and efficiency levels
Inspect blower belt
Inspect expansion valve and coil temperatures
Replace or clean air filter
Check refrigerant level and charge if necessary
Check condensate drain for clogs
Lubricate moving parts as needed

In addition to these basic tasks, we also give advice on how to properly operate your air conditioning system, including the thermostat. We can also show you how to do basic maintenance tasks and keep your system clean. We give customers who sign our service contract priority service under certain conditions, including your agreement to operate the AC system according to our instructions. It’s also important that you notify us as soon as you notice anything unusual about your air conditioner, whether it’s a strange noise or poor performance.

Another reason to schedule tune-ups in the spring is that it will help to ensure that your AC system is working at optimal efficiency levels. If not our Tacoma air conditioning specialists can give some tips or pinpoint areas of improvement, such as installing a programmable thermostat or insulating parts of your home.

Call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning for your next Tacoma, WA air conditioning service and tune-up!

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