ServiceMax Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Don’t Ignore These Signs That Your AC Needs Repair

Monday, April 11th, 2016

Spring is upon us, and while our temperatures are still on the cooler side, soon enough warm weather and humidity will be here. When it hits, you want to make sure you have a properly functioning air conditioning system. Comprehensive ac service includes both routine maintenance and emergency repairs to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and reliably. In order to do so, you’ll want to take care of any AC repairs you may need as soon as you notice a problem. Delaying these repairs is likely to result in larger, more expensive repairs later down the road. Ignoring repair needs could even result in a prematurely failing air conditioner.

Scheduling an appointment for ac service is easy and convenient, with many companies offering same-day options to ensure your cooling system is restored quickly. Working with reputable brands and servicing all makes and models ensures your equipment is in good hands, no matter the type or model you own. Choosing a trusted brand, such as Carrier, Trane, Lennox, or Goodman, is important for reliability and compatibility with your system. Regular maintenance of your cooling system is essential for optimal performance, preventing breakdowns, and extending the lifespan of your unit, especially during peak summer months. A dedicated cooling team with the expertise to handle repairs, installation, and maintenance can quickly fix any issues and keep your home comfortable. Companies are committed to their customers, prioritizing satisfaction, support, and often providing special offers or discounts.

Comprehensive ac service also includes electric system checks and troubleshooting to ensure all components are functioning safely. The expertise of certified technicians ensures that your hvac system is diagnosed and repaired efficiently, using specialized tools for every job. Transparent pricing policies mean there are no extra charges for emergency services during nights or weekends, and emergency ac repair services are available 24/7 in Chicago. Licensed and insured technicians are ready to fix urgent issues and prevent further damage to your hvac system, with quick response times often within two hours of your phone call.

Professional service standards are maintained by a collaborative team approach, ensuring every job is done right the first time. Companies service all makes and models of air conditioning units, and can address issues such as moisture buildup, which may indicate refrigerant leaks or airflow problems requiring professional attention. It’s easy to schedule maintenance or repair services online or by phone, and many companies also handle sewer and plumbing issues as part of their comprehensive offerings. Technicians check and calibrate the thermostat during maintenance to ensure proper cooling, and cleaning and inspecting vents is essential for unobstructed airflow.

Preventative maintenance tasks include flushing the condensate drain line with vinegar or bleach to prevent algae growth and blockages, cleaning vents and registers to prevent blockages and ensure unobstructed airflow, clearing debris from around the outdoor unit, trimming vegetation to maintain a 2-foot clearance, and covering the outdoor unit during the off-season (except for heat pumps). Schedule annual professional inspections and a professional tune-up in the spring before the cooling season. Monitor your system from May through September, check air filters monthly, and change them every 1–3 months to ensure proper airflow and prevent dust buildup. Schedule maintenance at least once a year to avoid reduced efficiency and costly repairs. During professional maintenance, refrigerant levels are checked and tested for leaks.

Regular AC maintenance can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit, and many manufacturer warranties require proof of annual maintenance to remain valid. Preventative ac maintenance decreases the risk of unexpected breakdowns during peak usage times.

A new air conditioning system can improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, while ductless mini-split systems offer zoned temperature control and easy installation. Zone control systems further enhance comfort and help save on energy bills. ServiceMax provides free AC estimates and helps you explore replacement options, and ServiceMax offers free estimates on new air conditioners. Seek professional help if you notice weak airflow, warm air blowing, strange noises, water leaks, or thermostat problems, as these can lead to improper cooling and should be checked during regular maintenance.

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What to Expect During Spring HVAC Maintenance

Monday, April 4th, 2016

When spring arrives and the temperatures begin to warm up (although the threat of sudden cold weather still hangs around), it’s time to call your local HVAC contractor to arrange for a maintenance visit for your air conditioning system. If you’re already a part of our maintenance program, then we’ll call you with the reminder that your AC is due for its “check-up.” Make sure you schedule the service, since it’s the best way to see that your air conditioner makes it through the season without major mishaps and maintaining its energy efficiency.

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Now Is the Time to Have Your Air Conditioning System Professionally Maintained

Monday, March 28th, 2016

The early spring weather is still on the cool side here in Chicagoland, and most likely you haven’t had to run your air conditioning system much yet. But the weather will soon start to warm up, and the cooling system in your home will settle in for many months of steady work. Make sure that the AC is ready for the stresses of the middle of the year with professional maintenance. This is the best way to prevent breakdowns, unnecessary repairs, and loss of energy efficiency—and it will also help the equipment enjoy the longest life possible.

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What Does the ENERGY STAR Label Mean on ACs and Heaters?

Monday, March 21st, 2016

If you’ve purchased any type of appliance or electronic device in the last couple of decades, you’ve more than likely heard of the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.

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Why Is This Room Hotter Than the Others? Is It the Air Conditioning System?

Monday, September 14th, 2015

We’re still dealing with warm temperatures here in Chicagoland, and can expect them to keep up for a few more weeks before the time comes to start firing up our furnaces or other heating systems. The stress on your air conditioner during the last few months is often enough to lead to a malfunction that will affect your household’s comfort. One of the warning signs that this is happening is when you discover a room in the house that feels hotter and stuffier than the others.

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Watch Out for Air Conditioner Capacitor Problems!

Monday, August 31st, 2015

In our last post, we discussed some issues your air conditioning system might face at the close of the summer. It’s always a smart idea to see to any repairs your air conditioner may need right away, even as the weather begins to cool off. You may still need the AC to work for you in September, and the earlier you have any fixes done, the less expensive they are likely to be.

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A Few Air Conditioning Problems to Watch for at the End of the Summer

Monday, August 24th, 2015

Summer is coming to an end, although we can still expect some lingering heat through the early autumn. The air conditioning system in your home has probably spent most of this last season working hard, and all that stress and wear could possibly cause the system to break down. During these final weeks of hot weather, make sure that you pay close attention to some of the warning signs that your AC is having trouble. (And don’t wait to have any problems fixed in the spring! The sooner repairs are done, the less expensive they will be.)

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How Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leaks Start

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

Among the many different problems that can occur in an air conditioning system, one of the most common (and serious) is a leak along the refrigerant lines that allows the liquid/gaseous refrigerant to escape. Refrigerant, sometimes known as “Freon,” is essential for an AC to work, and if the level should ever drop, the system will not only start to work poorly, it could suffer from a catastrophic breakdown. When refrigerant leaks happen, you need to call on professionals who will 1) locate the leaks, 2) seal them, and 3) recharge the refrigerant to its proper level.

What did I do wrong that caused these leaks?

Don’t worry: you almost certainly aren’t at fault for refrigerant leaks. The unfortunate part of this problem is that it is difficult to prevent and almost impossible, even for professionals, to notice before it starts. You must simply be vigilant about your AC’s performance and call on repair technicians immediately. Regular maintenance will also catch any leaks when they are still small.

Now, as to what causes the leaks in the first place: formaldehyde. You are probably unaware of it, but this chemical is a common pollutant in residential air, and even with excellent air purifiers it is hard to remove it entirely. Formaldehyde causes something known as formicary corrosion along copper lines, such as those in an AC, as it leaves formic acid along the surface. Although copper is resistant to most forms of corrosion, formicary corrosion is an exception. It’s almost impossible to notice along copper surfaces until it weakens the metal to the point the leaks occur.

Any AC over four years old is susceptible to this kind of corrosion, and high-efficiency air conditioners are more likely to suffer from it  because they have narrower refrigerant coils to help with heat exchange. Make sure that you have quality air conditioning technicians to help you in Winnetka, IL in case your air conditioner encounters refrigerant leaks.

Malek Heating & Cooling offers 24-hour emergency air conditioning repairs in the Chicagoland area.

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Your Air Conditioner Won’t Last Forever: 3 Signs You Should Replace It

Monday, July 20th, 2015

It would be wonderful if a home’s air conditioning system never needed to retire. In fact, many people treat their AC as if it will continue to perform its important function until the end of time (or until they move out of their home). But like any mechanical system that does an enormous amount of work, an air conditioner will eventual age to the point where it is too worn to effectively do its job and it must be replaced. Below are three major indications to watch for that will tell you it’s time to call HVAC professionals and arrange to have a new air conditioning system installed.

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How to Clean an Air Conditioner’s Filter

Monday, July 6th, 2015

When it comes to maintaining an air conditioning system for a home, most of the work should stay in the hands of HVAC professionals. Once a year, usually in spring, arrange to have a technician come to your home and inspect the components of your AC and provide cleaning and adjustments. This will help your air conditioner work through the summer at maximum energy efficiency and minimum repair troubles.

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