Considering how many possible things can go wrong with a complex system like a modern air conditioner, it’s impressive that malfunctions are rare during most of their service lives. It helps, of course, to have professionals install an AC in the first place and to provide annual maintenance; these services will reduce repair issues to a minimum.
What Does the Expansion Valve Do in an Air Conditioning System?
June 8th, 2015The modern air conditioner is quite a marvel of engineering. The complex working of its components is the reason that only professionals can effectively diagnose and repair a malfunctioning air conditioner.
When Is the Best Time to Call for Air Conditioning Repair?
June 1st, 2015Malfunctions with an air conditioning system are not always easy to detect (unless you are a trained HVAC professional). A slight drop in the cooling levels in one of the rooms, a hissing sound from the outdoor condenser unit, an uptick in electrical bills when the AC is running, and water condensation around the indoor unit are all small indications that something is wrong with a residential air conditioner. There are larger and more obvious signs, of course, such as loud grinding sounds, constant short-cycling, or a system that won’t turn on at all.
Summer Is Almost Here: Is Your Air Conditioner Ready?
May 25th, 2015We are less than a month away from the official start of the summer season. Now is the time to take an inventory of your air conditioning system to see if it is prepared to make it through the heavy amount of labor it will need to perform all that through and into the fall. If you air conditioning system isn’t in good working order, you may end up with emergency repair calls and even an irrevocably broken AC. You don’t want that to happen, so here are a few steps to take to see that your air conditioner is ready for the coming season.
Reasons Your Air Conditioning Bills Are So High
May 18th, 2015Do you think that you’re paying too much to keep your home cool through the hot season? Perhaps you’ve noticed that utility bills have been rising higher during the last year or so, despite no discernable increase in the amount that you use the AC. If this is the case, there are a number of possible reasons for it. In this post, we’ll look at a few of those reasons for rising cooling costs… and what you can do to reverse the trend.
3 Odd Noises from an Air Conditioner: What They May Mean
May 11th, 2015Whenever any mechanical device starts to make noises that are out of the ordinary, it usually means it’s malfunctioning and needs repairs (or in some cases a replacement). The air conditioning system that cools your home over the summer is no exception. Sounds that you aren’t used to hearing are a wake-up call to contact professionals for repairs. Below are three strange noises you may hear from a faulty AC and what they probably mean.
What Actually Separates a Heat Pump from an Air Conditioner?
May 4th, 2015If you have some level of familiarity with home comfort systems, you’ll likely know that a heat pump works in a similar fashion to an air conditioner. Both use a process of heat exchange involving the circulation of refrigerant that absorbs heat in one location and releases it in another. Both have similar indoor and outdoor units and contain compressors, an exhaust fan, a blower fan, and two sets of coils. The main difference between the two is that the heat pump can work in reverse so that it can bring heat into a home as well as remove it.
But what are the actual internal component differences between a heat pump and an air conditioner that make the heat pump able to work the way it does? Here are three of the key ones:
What makes a heat pump different from an air conditioner?
- A heat pump includes a reversing valve that allows it to heat and cool
- It has a suction line accumulator to store excess refrigerant in heating mode
- Heat pumps include a second condensate drain for moisture collected during heating
Unlike ACs, heat pumps can reverse refrigerant flow to provide year-round comfort
What Does the Refrigerant in an Air Conditioner Actually Do?
April 27th, 2015You probably know that one of the basic components that makes an air conditioner work (and most types of refrigeration equipment) is a chemical called refrigerant. But how much do you know about how refrigerant works to keep your home cool during the summer? If you’ve ever been curious about refrigerant, we have some facts to share with you. However, this information is no substitute for professional skill and training, so whenever your air conditioner starts to experience trouble doing its job, make sure to call on HVAC technicians to take care of the necessary AC repairs.
What does refrigerant do in air conditioning maintenance?
- Absorbs indoor heat by evaporating in the indoor coil
- Releases heat outdoors by condensing in the outdoor coil
- Cycles between liquid and gas to transfer thermal energy
- Helps cool your home efficiently without ducts
- Low refrigerant levels can signal a leak and need immediate service
3 Reasons We Think You Should Look into a Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split System
April 20th, 2015Are you in the market for a new cooling or heating system for your home? You have many options in today’s crowded HVAC technology market, and it might seem a bit overwhelming when it comes to making a choice that is not only right for your home but also will save your money.
When Should I Schedule Maintenance for My Air Conditioning System?
April 13th, 2015Summers can grow quite hot in Evanston: try to imagine making it through a week or even a few days in July without an AC that will always come on when its needed—and stay on as long as it’s needed. The best way to have this assurance of reliability and performance is to schedule maintenance for the system from a professional HVAC technician. You’ll receive a thorough check-up and inspection, plus any necessary adjustments, that will see that your air conditioner will remain energy-efficient and with little chance of encountering repair needs through the year.
To arrange for regular maintenance from some of the best AC technicians in Evanston, IL and the Chicagoland area, call up Malek Heating & Cooling today.