Posts Tagged ‘Bethesda’

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Can a Dirty Air Filter Lead to Air Conditioning Problems?

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

Monday, 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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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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Why You Need Spring Heat Pump Maintenance in Bethesda, MD

Monday, 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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How Do Ductless Mini Split Systems Work? A Bethesda, MD Heating Question

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Ductless mini split systems are a great option for homeowners comfortable and efficient heating for their home. While some homeowners have already started to take advantage of them, some people may not know how they provide heating. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer complete ductless mini split system repairs and maintenance in Bethesda, MD. We wanted to clarify exactly how these amazing systems provide heating for your home.

Traditional Heating Systems

Furnaces and boilers are two of the most common heating systems in the country. They offer comfortable heat for homeowners and are also fairly cheap to repair. However, they produce heat by burning fuel. Burning fuel in your home can be dangerous: not only is there risk of fire but there is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Unlike other traditional heating systems, ductless mini split systems don’t burn fuel to create heat. Instead, they just move heat from one place to another. Ductless mini split systems have individual units mounted on the wall in each room. These units circulate the air in the rooms and heat or cool it. It does this by pulling air into the unit and passing it over a series of evaporator coils that are filled with refrigerant.

The “split” part of their name comes from them being connected to an outdoor condensing unit. This condensing unit is responsible for collecting the heat that will go into your home. In heating mode, heat from the outside air is absorbed by a series of coils in the outside unit. The newly heated refrigerant circles back into your home where the evaporator coils in the room units allow the heat to be distributed into your home.

If you’re interested learning more about ductless mini split systems in Bethesda, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We provide complete ductless mini split installation and repairs throughout the Bethesda, MD area.

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5 Benefits of Heating Maintenance That You’re Missing Out On

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Think about how your car would run if you didn’t get the oil changed regularly. Now imagine how the heating system in your home will run without maintenance. Regular tune-ups and maintenance are a great way to positively impact the heating system in your home. To show just how beneficial regular maintenance can be, we’ve put together 5 benefits that you might be missing out on without it.

Reduced Repair Costs

One of the main benefits of regular maintenance is that it can potentially reduce the amount of repairs that are needed for your heating system. When you have a professional heating technician looking over your equipment on a regular basis, they can find small problems before they turn into larger, more expensive repairs.

Improved Efficiency

Over time, the efficiency of your heating system will start to deteriorate. This is just a natural part of life. Moving parts start to wear down and they cause the system to have to work harder to accomplish tasks. Regular heating maintenance is a good option for slowing that process down. During their maintenance visits, the technician will lubricate moving parts, replace worn belts and generally perform upkeep on the system. This may be able to improve the efficiency of the system.

Extended Life

Another benefit of regular maintenance is the potential to extend the life of your heating equipment. Your professional heating technician will be able to catch small problems before they can destroy your system completely. This reduces the chances that catastrophic issues will develop.

Safety

In some cases, regular maintenance might be able to improve the safety in your home. Some problems that develop with your heating system, particularly those systems that burn fuel, can be threatening to your health and your home. For example, if you have a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger, it might be leaking carbon monoxide into your home. This problem is very difficult to detect. But with regular maintenance, your professional technician will most likely be able to identify the symptoms and propose a solution.

Greater Comfort

With regular maintenance your heating system will probably work better. This will most likely result in a greater level of comfort in your home due to the proper operation of your heating system.

If you have any questions about the heating system in your home in Bethesda or the surrounding areas, contact the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been providing comprehensive heating installation, repair and maintenance services in the Bethesda area for many years. Call us today!

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Central Heating Maintenance

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Do you change the oil in your car regularly? Most people do. Regular maintenance for your car is a great way to potentially reduce repairs costs and increase efficiency for your vehicle. That principle is also true for the central heating system in your home. Making sure that all of the components in your central heating system are working properly may be able to reduce the cost of repairs in the long run. Here are a few of the common maintenance tasks that your professional heating technician can perform when they visit your home.

Forced Air Systems

If you have a forced air system like a furnace or a heat pump, there are a number of different things that your technician can do to make sure that your system works well.

  • Check the air filter – The air filter on forced air system is one of the easiest parts to maintain. It is also the most common cause of problems that we see in Bethesda.
  • Check the flue – If you have a gas-fired system like a furnace, your flue is responsible for removing the harmful combustion gasses out of your house. If it starts to leak, it can allow carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants. Making sure that the connections and joints in this system are properly fitted, are absolutely critical.
  • Refrigerant levels – If you have a heat pump, whether it’s air or water source, your technician will check the pressure gauge to make sure that the refrigerant levels are at the proper levels.
  • The fan – The fan is one of the most critical parts of a forced air system. It’s the part that actually pushes the air through your duct work. Checking the fan blades, the fan bearings and the belt are great ways to make sure that the fan works correctly.

Water Circulation

Water circulation systems include boilers and other radiant heating systems. Because these systems don’t use a series of ducts to move air, they obviously require different maintenance tasks.

  • Check water pressure – This is one of the most crucial parts of a boiler system. Near your boiler there normally is a pressure gauge that indicates the water pressure in the lines. Depending on the brand and type of boiler you have, the optimal levels can vary. A trained technician will be able to tell you exactly what that is.
  • Expansion chamber – This chamber holds heated water that is allowed to expand and produce pressure. Water or air leaks in this chamber can lead to poor performance of your boiler system.

No matter what kind of heating system that you have in your home in Bethesda, the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating can help make sure that it works well when you need. We are committed to our customers’ complete satisfaction and have experience working on all types and brands of heating systems. Call us today at 301-670-0034 to learn more about our maintenance program, the Ultimate Savings Agreement!

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Air Conditioning Question from Germantown: Why Install a Ductless Air Conditioner?

Monday, August 20th, 2012

If you are in the market for a new AC system, ductless air conditioners are a great option.  The benefits of ductless air conditioning systems are many, and the AC experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating want to help you understand these benefits.

Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

Ductless air conditioners offer flexible zoning options, high energy efficiency, a variety of design options, and reduced operating noise.

Easy zoning capability allows you to individually maintain temperatures in zones throughout a building. The outdoor compressor unit connects to multiple indoor air handling units.  Each of the indoor units can be placed in different sections or rooms of a building, allowing for each specific zone to have its own unique temperature settings.

By utilizing a zone control system, ductless air conditioners can make your cooling practices more energy efficient.  Run the air conditioning only in rooms which are in use, rather than cooling an entire building in which only one or two rooms may be occupied.  Unnecessary cooling of unused spaces accounts for a lot of energy waste, and by eliminating this you can save not only energy but money as well.  Without the use of duct systems, which can be quite inefficient if they are not maintained, you eliminate the heat loss associated with them and can save even more energy.

Indoor air handling units on ductless air conditioning systems can be installed in a variety of places and this can make them easier to incorporate into any given room’s design.  They can use inconspicuous covers or be mounted flush to the ceiling or wall to avoid being an eyesore.

The noisiest components of a ductless AC system are kept outside, and there is no air being forced through ductwork.  This means that the indoor units are quieter, using a nearly silent evaporator and fan to blow the cooled air, and thus offering a cooled space without the noise associated with other types of air conditioners.

Ductless systems not only cool the air, they can heat it as well.  This means that with the installation of one single system, you are able to enjoy year-round indoor comfort.  You don’t have to worry about installing an additional heating system.

The AC technicians at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating work with ductless air conditioners every day and can help you with your ductless AC installation in a quick and efficient manner. If you’re in the Germantown area and need AC service, call Tuckers today at 301-670-0034!

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Things to Consider Before Choosing Geothermal in Bethesda

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a wonderful option for both heating and air conditioning indoor spaces, and they offer a significant amount of energy savings throughout their long lifespan.  As a licensed geothermal company in Bethesda, Tuckers Air Conditioning and Heating wants to help you understand what things to consider before choosing a geothermal system so that you are well-prepared to take the next step in the process.

Before Choosing A Geothermal System, Consider This:

Some specific information about the geothermal system that you purchase and your building, landscaping and land will be important factors in choosing a geothermal system.

  • Heat Transfer Rates are directly affected by the soil type and presence of rock in your land.  Some soils conduct heat quite well while others do not.  If heat transfer levels are high for your area less piping will need to be installed in order to get the geothermal process done properly.
  • Rocky Soil:  The type of ground loop system that is used will be determined by the amount of rock in the soil.  Large amounts of rock can actually result in the need for a vertical loop system rather than a horizontal loop system.
  • Water Source Loop Systems Save Money.  A water source loop system can also be a great option.  Instead of digging holes and placing pipes underground, the piping of the loop system can be placed in a body of water such as a lake or pond and sometimes even with some groundwater sources.
  • Land: If you have lots of land you are well on your way to saving more money.  Unobstructed landscapes can mean a wider variety of options on the type of loop system which is installed.

Contact Tuckers Air Conditioning and Heating today for more information about geothermal heating and cooling installation in Bethesda and the surrounding areas!

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Central Air Conditioning: How it Works

Monday, July 16th, 2012

If you’re ready to install a new cooling system in your home you may want to consider a central air system. Central air conditioning systems offer many features and benefits for your home’s comfort, but it is important to get the facts before deciding if central air is right for your Gaithersburg home. Here is some information on how central air conditioning systems work to get you started.

Central air conditioning systems circulate cool air throughout a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers, which are the grate-covered openings you see in floors, walls and ceilings, carry this cooled air throughout the home. The air, which has become warmer during circulation, is then returned to the central air conditioner through the return ducts and registers.

If you have a furnace already and require only an air conditioning system, a split-system air conditioner can be a very economical choice. An outdoor metal cabinet contains the noisy compressor and condenser components, while an indoor unit contains the evaporator. This cabinet may also include a furnace or the indoor components of a heat pump if you are also heating your home with this central system. The evaporator coil is often installed in this cabinet or in the main supply duct of the furnace or heat pump component.

When replacing or upgrading your current cooling system in Gaithersburg, central air conditioning is certainly worth your consideration. They are much more efficient than running individual window units and even systems manufactured just 10 years ago pale in comparison to the efficiency of newer models. If you think that central air conditioning may be right for you, call Tuckers today. We have the answers to any additional questions regarding the benefits and operation of central air conditioning systems that you may have.

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