Can a Dirty Air Filter Lead to Air Conditioning Problems?

May 21st, 2013

You rely heavily upon your air conditioning system in Bethesda, MD. As we enter the hottest time of the year, you need to make sure your AC is ready to perform during high heat and humidity conditions. If your system received quality installation, then you’re off to a great start, but many of our customers forget about the importance of following that up with routine maintenance. While the majority of your maintenance duties should be taken care of by a qualified technician, there is one critical task that you (the homeowner) should take care of: the air filter. For comprehensive air conditioning services in Bethesda, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

The importance of routinely cleaning and replacing your air filter can hardly be overstated. It is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris on sensitive components within the air conditioning system. Here are some possible air conditioning problems that might befall your system if the air filter becomes excessively dirty or clogged.

  • Frozen coil: One of the first indications you may have of a dirty filter is that your indoor evaporator coil freezes up. When the cool air in your air handler is blocked by the clogged air filter, then this cool air builds up inside your system, and this can lead to excessively cool temperatures resulting in frozen coils.
  • Overheated compressor: Another potential consequence of a clogged air filter is an overheated compressor. Your compressor is one the major components of your AC. It functions like an engine to pressurize the refrigerant necessary to transfer heat out of your home and to bring cool air into your home.

Remember to check and replace your air filter about once a month during the cooling season. This is a critical part of your AC’s routine maintenance, and neglecting it can be hazardous to cooling performance as well as energy efficiency. Check with your local professional about what you can do to make your cooling more effective. Call Tucker’s today for air conditioning services in Betheda, MD. 

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How to Minimize Air Conditioning Repair in North Potomac, MD

May 13th, 2013

If your air conditioning system seems to need repair or professional service often, then you may be looking for ways to minimize repair needs as we enter the cooling season. The more you use your AC, the more subject it is to general wear and tear, and any festering issues may come to light when you need your AC most. In this post, we’d like to run through some ways you can minimize air conditioning repair in North Potomac, MD. Call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today for comprehensive services.

  • Homeowner maintenance: Your AC is a complex machine with overlapping electrical, and mechanical systems, as well as various components that need to be kept clean. One of the primary ways your system stays clean is the air filter. The air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on sensitive mechanical components as well as the coils. But when it becomes dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to disrupt the refrigerant cycle by causing the evaporator coil to freeze over and other related airflow issues. 
  • Professional maintenance: The majority of maintenance tasks should be handled by an AC professional. When you schedule routine maintenance, you allow your system to be inspected, cleaned, and tuned-up by trained technicians who can spot problems that are developing, and prevent the need for repairs with thorough cleaning and adjustments. It will also help to upkeep your energy efficiency and cooling performance.
  • Too many repairs? Consider replacement if you seem to need repairs almost constantly to keep your AC running. This is especially important if your AC is old. After all, you don’t want to keep propping an obsolete system when you could save money on repairs and invest in the future of your comfort with a new one.

Call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in North Potomac, MD.

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Chevy Chase, MD Air Conditioning FAQ: What Causes Short Cycling?

May 6th, 2013

Short cycling is when your AC turns on and off frequently. Short cycling reduces the effectiveness and the energy efficiency of the cooling process, so if you notice your AC turning on and off frequently, you should definitely call a professional. We’d like to explain a few of its most common causes in this post. For comprehensive Chevy Chase, MD air conditioning services, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

  • Inappropriate sizing: Unfortunately, one of the causes of short cycling is improper installation. When you’re in the market for a new AC for your home, make sure you hire a trustworthy and certified AC technician to perform all of the work. Otherwise, your AC may end up being too large or too small for your living space. If it’s too large, then it may actually short cycle frequently during operation. This increases the wear and tear on the system and may cause premature replacement.
  • Thermostat fault: Your thermostat is the primary user interface for controlling your indoor climate. It has to be professionally calibrated in order to work properly. When it’s not working properly, it can actually cause your system to turn on and off frequently. It may be reading the temperature incorrectly, or it may have a connectivity issue that needs to be repaired.
  • Refrigerant leak: Even a seemingly microscopic puncture in your coils can lead to significant loss of cooling, energy inefficiency, and even short cycling. Make sure your AC has the right amount of refrigerant “charge” at all times.
  • Damaged control board: The AC controls may be malfunctioning or damaged by moisture.

There are numerous causes of short cycling, but they all need to be fixed by a professional technician. For comprehensive Chevy Chase, MD air conditioning services, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today! 

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Bethesda, MD Air Conditioning Tip: Cutting Down on Cooling Costs

April 29th, 2013

As we approach the heat and humidity of the Bethesda, MD summer months, you need to make sure that your home is ready. Among the various spring projects you envisioned for your spare time around the house, make sure you take a good look at your air conditioning system. You not only need to make sure that it’s working well, but also that it’s energy efficient so that you can cut down on cooling costs whenever possible. We’d like to share with you some ways you can keep you AC energy efficient this summer. For superior Bethesda, MD air conditioning services, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

  • Clean and replace your air filter: Your air filter is there to ensure that your AC system components do not become filled with dust and debris. However, it must be cleaned and replaced regularly during the cooling season not only in order to protect your mechanical components, but, perhaps just as importantly, to keep the air flowing through your ductwork. If your air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it can reduce energy efficiency and cause your system to burn more electrical energy for the same amount of cooling output.
  • Keep it clean and clear: Make sure that all aspects of your system, especially the outdoor unit, are clean and clear of any possible obstruction. Your outdoor compressor/condenser may become overgrown with vegetation or other debris during the off-season.
  • Install a programmable thermostat; If you’re still messing around with a manual conventional thermostat, consider upgrading to a digital programmable thermostat. Not only will it be easier to read and sense the temperature more accurately, it will also give you the ability to program your home temperature adjustments automatically. This is not only more convenient, but can actually save you money in the long term.

We hope you found these energy saving tips useful. For comprehensive Bethesda, MD air conditioning services, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!  

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Rockville, MD Air Conditioning Repair: Damaged Ductwork and Efficiency

April 22nd, 2013

As we enter the cooling season in Rockville, MD, homeowners throughout the area are thinking about energy efficiency. And with good reason. While we cannot control the costs of electrical energy, we can control how much we use and how we use it. That’s exactly why efficiency is so important. One of the major detriments to your AC system working efficiently is damaged ductwork. It can account for up to 30% of our energy loss, and that’s a large chunk of your utility bill that you don’t even get to enjoy. In this post, we’d like to explain the relation between damaged ductwork and efficiency. For more information, or to schedule Rockville, MD air conditioning repair, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Your ductwork, whether sheet metal or flexible, is responsible for transporting for the cooled air throughout your home. The ductwork transports the warm air from within your home and sends into the air handler to be cooled. It then returns this cool air and distributes into the rooms of your living space. It is vital to the performance and efficiency of your AC, but it can quickly disable the system if there is a damaged section.

Some of the most common problems with ductwork are cracks and holes. They can be created by physical damage such as friction with other areas of the home, or nearby construction projects. Over time, your ducts can also undergo wear and tear to the connections between the ducts and the connections used to move around corners. Loose connections, like cracks and holes, can allow air from the attic, crawlspace, or directly from outdoors, to enter into your cool air stream. This disturbs the entire balance of the system.

For more information about duct damage and energy efficiency go together, contact your local AC technician for duct repair. For Rockville, MD air conditioning and duct repair services, call the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!  

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Rockville, MD Air Conditioning Repair: Mechanical Problems

April 15th, 2013

We’ve already begun the cooling season in Rockville, MD, and if you haven’t had a comprehensive professional inspection of your air conditioning equipment, now is the time to do it. Spring is a great time for cleaning and maintenance, whether you have central air, a ductless mini split system, or a heat pump. For effective and efficient cooling all summer long, you need to make sure that your AC is clean, and free of any mechanical problems. For Rockville, MD air conditioning repair, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Let’s look at a few common mechanical problems that may affect your air conditioning system this cooling season:

  • Dry bearings in the blower motor: If you hear a grinding noise during operation, then you may have dry bearings in the motor of your blower. This can place your entire system at risk. Your blower motor sends conditioned air throughout your ductwork and into your living space, and its bearings are designed to make that process efficient and responsive. A mechanical problem in the motor may require blower motor replacement.
  • Clogged air filter: This is one of the most common airflow blockage issues we encounter. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most preventable. Check your air conditioner’s air filter at least once a month to see if it is dirty, and when it is, make sure you replace it. Consult with a pro to find the right type of filter. You need a balance between effectiveness and airflow efficiency.
  • Leaking condensate drain: Your air conditioning system cools air by the process of evaporation. The chemically designed refrigerant fluctuates its temperature radically when it is pressurized. As your warm indoor air runs over the cold refrigerant in the evaporator coils, it turns it into a hot gas. In the process, your air is cooled, and the water vapor in the air condenses into a pan fitted beneath the coils. A pipe connecting this pan and a drain is known as the condensate drain and when it leaks, it can cause serious problems in your air handler.

These are just a few of the mechanical problems that can develop in your AC. For more information, or to schedule Rockville, MD air conditioning repair, call the experts at Tuckers’ Air Conditioning & Heating today!

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Common Questions About Air Conditioning in Bethesda, MD

April 8th, 2013

Although the temperature is still relatively moderate in Bethesda, MD, it’s never too early to begin thinking about your air conditioning for the long cooling season. You may be wondering about how to maximize your energy-efficiency, or thinking about air conditioning replacement, but don’t quite know where to begin. We receive a lot of inquiries throughout the area from homeowners concerned and curious about their air conditioning. While all homes are different, there are some common questions that turn up again and again. In this post, we’d like to review a couple in the hope that it might help you. For more information about our Bethesda, MD air conditioning services, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

  • What is the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner? While there are some subtle differences in the components and mechanism of these devices, they operate on the same general mechanism: a pressurized refrigerant cycle that transfers heat. Beyond that, the only major difference is that heat pumps work in both directions. That is to say, they are able to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Even cold air has a certain amount of available thermal energy that can be absorbed by the refrigerant cycle.
  • I’ve had my AC for a long time—is it time to replace? That depends upon the quality of your AC unit. Generally speaking, even if your AC is operating repair-free and efficiently, there is a point when you should at least begin to think about replacement. The reason for this is that the technology has changed a lot in the last 20 years and you may be eligible for a significant reduction in energy costs with the purchase of a new unit. If your AC unit is old and requires frequent repairs, then it’s definitely time to consider a replacement. Sometimes it makes more sense to invest in a new system, not bolster an obsolete unit.

We hope that they help you, but if you have your own specific question, do not hesitate to reach out for professional consultation. For Bethesda, MD air conditioning services, call the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today! 

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Gaithersburg, MD Air Conditioning Repair: Causes of Strange Sounds

April 1st, 2013

Modern air conditioning systems have come a long way in recent years. With a new, high-quality air conditioning system, paired with a professional installation, you can expect a very dependable and efficient cooling performance. Of course, no mechanical system is perfect, and even the best air conditioners on the market are susceptible to occasional problems. The sooner any issues with your air conditioner are resolved, the less severe any damages are likely to be.

One indicator that you may need the services of a air conditioning repair technician is the development of strange sounds during operation of your system. Not all strange sounds will necessarily be the result of a serious problem, but any irregularities with your air conditioner should be inspected by a qualified professional. Here are some possible causes of strange air conditioning sounds from the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating.

A chirping noise coming from your air conditioner during operation may be the result of dry bearings or a worn out belt. These are very minor problems, but ignoring even the smallest issues with your air conditioning system will only allow problems to worsen. If this chirping noise continues throughout operation, contact you local Gaithersburg air conditioning repair technician to have the problem resolved.

If you hear a rattling noise coming from your AC, it is very possible that some component of the system has come loose. A panel on the system may not be secured properly, or a belt or fan within the system may have loosened up during operation. This rattling may also be the result of a bent fan blade. Again, the longer you force these components to operate in a compromised condition, the more likely it becomes that they will be seriously damaged.

If you hear a knocking coming from your air conditioner you may have a more immediate problem, such as a sticking valve or a worn out compressor. Contact your AC repair technician immediately.

For more information about air conditioning noises, call the Gaithersburg air conditioning repair technicians at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We have the answers to all your questions.

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Gaithersburg, MD Air Conditioning Tip: Why You Shouldn’t Put Off AC Repair

March 25th, 2013

It’s starting to get hot in Gaithersburg, MD and that means homeowners throughout the area are beginning to inspect, clean and turn on their air conditioners. After all, it’s important to sort out any issues now before they become major repairs. Prevention is always the best medicine, but occasionally your AC will need repair, no matter how diligent you are about keeping it clean. Spring is a great time to take care of any such AC repairs, and doing so now may help prevent a breakdown in August. For AC repair in Gaithersburg, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of AC repair:

  • System preservation. Repairing even small faults now can go a long way towards maintaining the life of your cooling system. Whether your system is 3 or 13 years old, it will eventually develop issues. While preventive maintenance can help you avoid some of the most common problems, your AC is a mechanical system, like any other. Make sure it lasts.
  • Energy-efficiency. Unless the problem completely shuts your AC down, some homeowners are content to let a few small issues handle themselves. The logic is that so long as your AC runs, what’s the problem? Unfortunately, sometimes that means you may be paying for more energy than you’re actually using. If there is an airflow, mechanical fault, or leak, then you may be paying too much to run your AC. During the peak heat of the summer, when our energy expenditures are also at their peak, that repair may have paid for itself.
  • Comfort. Maybe this is the most convincing reason for AC repair. With the sun high in the sky during late July, the last thing you want your AC to do is quit. But if you delay that lurking AC repair another few months, then you may be facing a major breakdown when you need cool air the most.

Making sure your AC is performing efficiently and effectively improves system life, cuts down on energy costs and secures your home comfort. For comprehensive AC repair in Gaithersburg, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today!

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Why You Need Spring Heat Pump Maintenance in Bethesda, MD

March 18th, 2013

Because it works all year long to control the temperature of your home, your heat pump requires maintenance. As with any other appliance or machine, the routine maintenance of your heat pump can help to prevent major problems, extend the lifespan of the unit, and improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system as a whole. Spring is the perfect time to inspect, tune-up and clean your heat pump before the summer heat arrives.

Enrolling in a preventive maintenance plan for your heat pump often entitles you to precision tune-ups, service and equipment discounts, priority service, and quality guarantees. Your heat pump removes heat from your home during the cooling season, and removes cold from your home during the heating season. There are a number of components and mechanism that make this possible. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you need spring heat pump maintenance in Bethesda, MD:

  • Equipment check. The electrical and mechanical components of your heat pump need to be checked for wear and tear and potential damage. Catching relatively minor problems and repairing them today may help to save you from major repairs later. Your compressor and blower components should be in good working order, as well as the coils.
  • Cleaning. Dust and debris pose a serious danger to the integrity of your heat pump over time. Although they may seem harmless, they can cause your system to overheat, clog up mechanical movement, dry out bearings, and generally increase wear and tear. Thorough cleaning during heat pump maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that your system runs effectively and efficiently.
  • Repair. As your local heat pump technician cleans and checks the components of your system, he is also able to inspect and troubleshoot any problems. Delaying repairs does not cause those problems to go away—in most cases, they only worsen. Spring is a great time to get those repairs out of the way so you can enjoy cool crisp air from your heat pump all summer long.

For spring heat pump maintenance in Bethesda, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today! 

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