There are numerous reasons why you might need emergency service for your home’s air conditioning system, but one of the most common issues arises when your AC compressor fails. Replacing your compressor too frequently can be costly, but you can reduce your need to do this by investing in routine preventative maintenance for your AC system. Before you call an air conditioning contractor out to your Seattle home, take a look at this list of the most frequent causes of a failed AC compressor.

Refrigerant leaks. When refrigerant leaks through a gap or crack in the lines, the level of refrigerant in your air conditioning system naturally begins to decline. This means that a great deal of strain will be put on your compressor—which can eventually lead to a breakdown. If your refrigerant lines become blocked, the same problem can result. Periodic inspections of your refrigerant lines can help to prevent this from becoming an issue.

A dirty system. Everything in your house needs to be cleaned from time to time, and your air conditioning system is no exception to the rule. Over time, the inside of your air conditioning system can become clogged with dust and dirt, which can reduce the effectiveness of your air conditioner and can also put unwanted pressure on your compressor. A routine professional checkup of your entire AC system will ensure that it stays clean, efficient, and effective.

Grime on the coils. If dust and grime are allowed to accumulate on your AC condenser coil, it will force your air conditioning system to work harder in order to provide your home with cool air. This increase in pressure can overwork your compressor and make a breakdown much more likely. The best way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is to schedule routine checkups and cleanings from an experienced air conditioning professional in your area.

When the days begin to grow warmer, most Seattle residents begin using their air conditioning more frequently. If you want to keep your air conditioning system operating at top capacity, it’s important to invest in routine maintenance. Here are some of the most critical reasons to have your air conditioner serviced by an HVAC professional on a regular basis.

You’ll need fewer repairs. The longer your system goes without a professional inspection, the more time it has to malfunction. All too often, these minor issues go neglected—and turn into major issues. When a qualified HVAC technician looks at your air conditioning system, he or she will be able to look for signs of trouble and prevent them from turning into expensive repairs for you. Routine maintenance is an investment that can pay off in the form of fewer calls for emergency AC repair.

Your system will be more efficient. When your air conditioning system goes without a professional checkup for too long, it will inevitably begin to operate less efficiently. This will translate into subpar performance, which means that you’ll need to run your air conditioner more often to keep your house cool. Eventually, your AC system may not provide you with good service at all. You can dodge this problem by having your system professionally serviced from time to time.

You’ll enjoy better performance. The best reason to have your air conditioning system routinely serviced is that it will result in a more comfortable home for you and your family. If any element of your air conditioner is failing, it is bound to affect the performance of the entire system. If this happens during the warmer months, you could be left without a fully functional air conditioner—which is something that no homeowner wants to contemplate. Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of a malfunction by investing in routine professional HVAC service.

Heat loss can cause your heat pump or boiler to work less efficiently during the cold winter season. If you are looking for a great way to improve your comfort at home and boost the efficiency of your furnace, you may want to explore the benefits of fireplace inserts . A company that installs fireplace inserts near Seattle can help you determine whether a new insert will help to reduce the heat loss in your home.

There are a couple of ways that fireplace inserts are able to cut down on heat loss in a home. A properly installed insert will warm up air that enters your home from the outside. Replacing your conventional fireplace with an insert will also create a closed system that is not affected by drafts or cold outdoor temperatures. By radiating heat, a fireplace insert will also help you keep your home warmer and more comfortable during the chilly months of winter.

During the chilly months of winter and the hot summer season, your heat pump and air conditioner will keep your home at your desired temperature. In order to avoid the need for major repairs to your HVAC near Seattle , you will want to take all of the steps that are needed to prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling system. By taking the time to maintain your air conditioning and heater, you will get the best performance and longevity from your system. Read on for some handy tips that will help you expand the lifespan of your HVAC unit.

Change the Air Filters

One of the most effective strategies for expanding the lifespan of your HVAC unit is to change your air filters regularly. If your HVAC system is operating with a dirty air filter, its various components may have to work harder to deliver clean, conditioned air to your vents. During the peak heating and cooling seasons of the year, your air filter may need to be changed up to once every month.

Resist Closing Vents

While it may seem like a good idea to close off air vents in rooms that are infrequently occupied throughout your home, closing your air vents can actually cause your HVAC system to deteriorate more quickly. When you close off one or more air vents, you will increase the total pressure of the system. As a result, your HVAC components will experience additional wear and tear, and will need to be replaced sooner.

Set Up Preventative Maintenance

If you want to keep your HVAC system in prime operating condition for decades to come, you will need to set up preventative maintenance services with your HVAC professionals. During a preventative maintenance appointment, your technician will check out the safety, performance, and reliability of all of the major parts of your system. Addressing maintenance problems before they become severe is an effective strategy that will help your HVAC system run smoothly for a longer period of time.

With the spring season just around the corner, now is an important time to consider whether you need to replace your air conditioner. In this video from Angie’s List, you will receive valuable tips and information about how to know when to replace your HVAC near Seattle . As a general rule, you should replace your air conditioning or heat pump when repairs become cost prohibited.

Whether you are gearing up to replace your air conditioner, or you simply want to service your HVAC system, you will want to make sure to book your appointment with an experienced contractor. A team of trained technicians can help you decide when it is the right time to replace your HVAC system with a brand new unit.

A quality air conditioner serving Seattle may be just what you need to get through the summer comfortably, but it could be difficult to keep the temperature consistent between your upper and lower floors. It is possible to achieve the right temperature throughout the house, but you might need the help of an HVAC professional . Watch this video clip on how to get your home’s air conditioner temperature right.

Many people struggle to keep the temperature even throughout their houses, and this is often due to the location of the thermostat. If your thermostat is on the ground floor, it will base its information off of nearby readings. You can keep your heating and cooling systems running by switching the fan to the “on” position. You could also talk to your air conditioner and HVAC professional about a zone system, which consists of adding a second thermostat to your upper level for better temperature control.

Are you considering installing ductless air conditioning near Seattle ? Ductless air conditioning is a great choice for residential or commercial buildings that have non-ducted heating systems or lack space for adding ductwork. Keep reading to get the scoop on what a ductless air conditioner can do for you.

How It Works

A ductless mini-split air conditioner is composed of two main elements. One, the compressor and condenser, is installed outdoors. The other is an indoor unit that diffuses air throughout the room. The two components are connected by a conduit, which contains the multiple cables and tubing that the system requires. Several indoor air handling units may simultaneously be connected to one outdoor unit. The result is that each indoor unit handles the temperature in its own “zone,” meaning that you can control the heating and cooling system in each room individually.

How It Looks

Ductless mini-split systems are small and relatively easy to install. Installation of the conduit only requires a small hole in the wall about three inches in diameter, so it won’t require a major remodel. The indoor units of ductless air conditioners can be installed in the most convenient place for you, whether that’s hanging from the ceiling or the wall. And their sleek packaging blends seamlessly with your interior design. Placement of the outdoor unit is equally flexible; it can be installed at a distance of up to 50 feet from the indoor unit, meaning you can choose an inconspicuous location near your building.

How It Saves Energy

Ductless mini-split systems can help you save on your energy expenses in a few ways. Most air conditioning systems that use ducts run through spaces that are not temperature controlled, such as the attic or crawlspace. This leads to energy losses and causes your cooling system to work extra hard. As mini-split systems don’t use ducts, they avoid this loss of energy. In addition, the flexibility of mini-split systems also helps you save energy and money by allowing you to cool only the spaces that are occupied at a given time.

Having trouble with your air conditioning in Seattle? One of the most frustrating things that can happen on a sweaty summer day is for your air conditioner to break for an unknown reason. Sometimes a simple fix can get your unit working properly, while other times it is necessary to call in the expertise of a professional. To learn more about some of the common problems that occur with air conditioning units, keep reading.

User Error

That’s right—air conditioner units most commonly have issues because of improper use. When your air conditioner is on, make sure that all of the windows and outside doors in your house are closed. It’s also your responsibility to make sure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained. That means keeping the air conditioning filters and coils clean to avoid premature compressor or fan failure. Finally, thoroughly read through user manual for some basic operating rules that can increase the lifetime of your air conditioning unit and prevent future problems from occurring.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your unit is low on refrigerant, it is likely that you have a refrigerant leak. Refilling your unit’s refrigerant won’t solve this problem. You’ll need to call a professional technician to repair the leak and refill the repaired system with refrigerant. That’s because it’s important that the refrigerant charge precisely matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it is undercharged or overcharged, your air conditioning unit won’t work as it should.

Thermostat Sensor Issues

If your unit is behaving strangely by turning on and off at random periods, cycling constantly, or varying heating and cooling options, it’s likely that there is a problem with your thermostat sensor. The thermostat sensor is located behind the control panel and works to calculate the room’s air temperature. It can become dislodged, resulting in faulty temperature measurements. Check and make sure that the sensor is in place behind—but not touching—the evaporative coil. You can adjust the position of the sensor by moving the wire that holds it in place.