Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

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

Monday, 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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Rockville, MD Air Conditioning Repair: Mechanical Problems

Monday, 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

Monday, 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 Air Conditioning Repair: Causes of Strange Sounds

Monday, 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

Monday, 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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Signs of an AC Fan Problem: A Tip from a Gaithersburg AC Contractor

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Air conditioners have their share of routine problems, like any other device. One set of problems that you may run into is when the fan is not working properly. To be aware of potential problems with your AC fan, look for these signs.

Sign #1: Fan is not circulating air

Clearly, a fan that is not circulating any air is a problem. If you can hear that the fan is running, or at least trying to run, but you don’t feel air circulating like it’s supposed to, that’s a sure sign of a fan problem. It could be that the fan is just worn down by use and needs to be replaced. It is trying to circulate the air, but the motor lacks the power to do so effectively.

If your AC fan is not old enough to have outlived its usefulness, you can also check for obstructions or loose screws that may be hindering performance.

Sign #2: Fan is loud

Any loud, strange, unfamiliar or generally annoying noise is a good sign that something is going on with your air conditioner. In the case of a noisy fan, it usually means there is something loose around the fan that is getting knocked or slapped around. This could be a loose part or a piece of debris. Cut the power to the air handler unit and open the cover of the fan to see if you can get a look at what is causing the noise.

If this fails to correct the problem, there could be a mechanical problem with the fan motor. Call for repairs.

Sign #3: Fan shuts off suddenly

A third common sign of AC fan problems is when the fan just shuts off suddenly, before finishing the cooling cycle. This is usually the sign of an electrical problem that is causing power to the fan to be cut before it can complete the cycle. This could be due to frayed wiring, a short in the motor or any of several other electrical causes. When this happens, have the fan motor replaced right away. This problem will only get worse with time, and an electrical issue can quickly become dangerous.

Any time you have an AC fan problem that you can’t figure out yourself pretty quickly, you should call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating to have it looked at, before it gives rise to bigger problems for the whole AC system. We serve Gaithersburg and the surrounding area, contact us today at 301-670-0034

Remember that we offer a 5 Year Part & Labor warranty on service repairs. Check out our Ultimate Savings Agreement to learn more!

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AC Limit Switches: A Tip from Gaithersburg

Monday, July 9th, 2012

In addition to their major components, air conditioning systems have many smaller parts that all work together in generating and circulating cooled air. Among these myriad switches, valves and tubes is the limit switch, a small safety device that every homeowner should know about in the event of a performance problem.

So, let’s delve deeper into what an AC limit switch does.

Have you ever seen a treadmill that has one of those plastic key cards inserted into the console, with a stretchy strap on the outside end? Pull that piece of plastic out, and the treadmill doesn’t work. When you were a kid, did you ever try to open the door on the fridge just a bit to see if the light stayed on when you shut the door? Of course it doesn’t, because there is a switch in there that turns off the light when the doors is closed.

In effect, those two devices are limit switches – they kill the power to the machine when a certain condition has been reached. If you start to fall off the treadmill, the plastic key falls out and the motor shuts off. When the refrigerator door is shut, the light shuts off.

Your air conditioner has a similar device, which tells it when to shut off after the air has been cooled enough. In this way, the limit switch is the way that your thermostat and air conditioner communicate. When the inside temperature reaches the target temperature you have set, the thermostat activates the limit switch and turns off the AC. When the temperature rises, the limit switch turns the power to the AC back on.

The most common symptom of a problem with the limit switch is that the AC will short cycle, turning off too quickly. Or sometimes, it may not turn off or on at all. This may mean the limit switch is stuck or that the wiring has gone bad. In any case, you should call for repairs.

For any ac repair in the Gaithersburg area, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call at 301-670-0034!

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: What To Do if Your AC Breaks Down

Monday, June 4th, 2012

When the heat really starts to rise this summer in Gaithersburg, there is nothing like sitting on your couch with the cold air conditioned air blowing over you. No matter how hot it gets outside, the right AC system will ensure your home stays cool and comfortable. However, few things could be worse than if your AC stops working and the cool air stops flowing.

Your air conditioning system breaking down is something you definitely want to avoid, but even the best maintained system occasionally needs repairs. If your air conditioning system does stop working, here are a few simple things that you should check:

  • Check the Power: Before you assume that there is something wrong with your system, make sure that your unit has power. A power surge or a tripped breaker can interrupt the electricity to your AC and prevent it from functioning. This is an easy fix unless your unit is repeatedly tripping the breaker, in which case you will need a professional to examine its electrical system.
  • Check the Air Filters: If you air conditioner has power but it not cooling your home effectively, it is probably a problem with the unit. Check your air filters – clogged filters can reduce efficiency and possibly cause icing, which prevent it from cooling your home. Issues with your ductwork can also cause uneven cooling, but you will need a professional to examine your system to determine the cause of the problem.
  • Call the Pros: If you have determined that your unit has power and clean filters but is still not working, then it is time to call in your HVAC contractor. Air conditioning systems are quite complicated, and a trained technician will be able to perform diagnostics to figure out the source of the issue and repair it quickly.  The best way to cut down on the number of emergency repairs your system needs is to schedule a maintenance visit for your AC every year.

A good air conditioning system can make a big difference in how comfortable your home is this summer. If you need air conditioning repair in Gaithersburg or the surrounding area, never hesitate to call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034!

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What Does an Air Handler Do? An AC Question from Gaithersburg

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Your HVAC system is a complex system filled with vital components tasked with keeping you comfortable. One of the most important of those component is the air handler – the device responsible for circulating the heated or cooled air produced by your system through the vents in your home and into each of your rooms.

The air handler is a metal box, usually consisting of a blower and the heating or cooling elements. It might also include dampers and sound attenuators along with an air filtration and humidity control system. The simplest air handlers are designed only to transfer the heated or cooled air to the various parts of your home, while the most advanced devices are designed to perfectly condition and clean that air as it is circulated.

 Types of Air Handler

There are a few different types of air handler as well, depending on the size of the HVAC system and the nature of the heating and/or cooling used. Most homes, for example, use terminal units which consist of just an air filter, blower and coil. This very simple system is all you really need to heat and transmit air through your ductwork.

However, for larger systems, there are also makeup air units which use outdoor air instead of recirculated indoor air. There are also packaged and rooftop units which are designed to be placed outside. These devices are most commonly used for commercial applications when space is limited.

How the Air Handler Works

An air handler’s most basic component is a blower fan. This device is run by an AC electric motor and can be either single speed or variable speed depending on the size and scope of your air handler. The dampers on the fan will control the flow rate of the air going through the blower fan. Most residential blowers are part of the air conditioning or furnace system, while commercial systems often have multiple blowers to maintain steady airflow for a larger space.

Because an air handler passes all of the air that will go through your vents, it is the best place to install high quality MERV or HEPA filters to remove pathogens and contaminants. It is also a good place to install humidity control devices to either raise or lower humidity depending on the time of the year.

Your air handler is an incredibly important component in your home heating and cooling system. Without it, all that heated and cooled air you pay for each year wouldn’t reach you. So, make sure to keep your system in tip top condition. If you need any air conditioning service in Gaithersburg, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call at 301-670-0034!

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Bethesda Air Conditioning Repair Tip: The Danger of Refrigerant Leaks

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Your air conditioner is filled with a chemical compound called refrigerant. This substance is what allows your air conditioner to remove heat from and dehumidify your home. It is a necessity, but it is also a dangerous chemical that, if released, can cause damage to the environment and pose health risks to your family.

 Why Refrigerant Is Dangerous

There are many types of refrigerant but most air conditioners use either R-22 or Freon coolant – depending on their age. Newer air conditioners may use R410-A refrigerant, an environmentally safer alternative.

All of these refrigerant types are chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. These chemicals are controlled substances by the Environmental Protection Agency, meaning they must be properly removed and disposed of. Because your air conditioner does not consume any of coolant in operation, it should never need to be refilled unless there is a leak. Such a leak should be stopped immediately due to the immense damage CFCs can do to the environment.

If you suspect a leak, you should call a Bethesda air conditioning professional immediately to inspect your air conditioner.

 Damage to Your Air Conditioner

Beyond the environmental and health issues posed by a refrigerant leak, the biggest problem you will face is damage such leaks can cause to your air conditioner. Low refrigerant levels put undue stress on your compressor and can lead to damage in almost every part of the device.

Not only that but the air conditioner won’t work as efficiently. A 10% loss in refrigerant volume can result in up to a 20% increase in electricity cost to run your air conditioner.

 What to Do in the Event of a Refrigerant Leak

If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner, take action immediately. Call a certified Bethesda HVAC technician who can recapture the escaped gasses and seal the leak fast. It is important not just for your safety but for the wellbeing of the environment.

For any repairs to your air conditioning system, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call a 301-670-0034!

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