Posts Tagged ‘Gaithersburg’

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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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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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Rockville, MD Air Conditioning Repair: Damaged Ductwork and Efficiency

Monday, 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

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, MD 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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Can You Add Zone Control to a Geothermal System? A Geothermal Question from Chevy Chase, MD

Monday, February 4th, 2013

A geothermal heating and cooling system is a great way to boost energy efficiency in your home and to make it more environmentally friendly. Because a geothermal heating and cooling system does not consume fuel in order to keep your Chevy Chase, MD home comfortable, but rather transfers existing heat, it uses much less energy than traditional systems. There are upgrades that you may choose to make to your geothermal system, though, that can make it even more efficient. Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today to learn more about zone control system installation.

A zone control system is a great way to improve the efficiency of most any forced air heating and cooling system. It does so by granting you more control over how energy is used in your home. Have you ever heated empty bedrooms in your house just because you wanted to make the living room more comfortable? With a zone control system you can avoid this conundrum.

A zone control system installation allows you to break your home up into different temperature zones. Each of these zones can then be controlled independently of the other zones. This means that now you can turn up the heating or air conditioning in the living room when entertaining guests without having to do so in unoccupied rooms upstairs. This level of control allows you to exercise more control over energy use in your home, in turn allowing you to save money on energy costs.

Another great benefit that zone control systems offer is the ability to keep everyone in your home comfortable. Different bodies are comfortable at different temperatures, after all. When you think of it that way there is no reason that your entire house should be heated or cooled to the same degree. With the addition of a zone control system to your geothermal heating and cooling system you can enjoy greater efficiency while keeping everyone comfortable and happy.

Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034 for more information about how you can incorporate a zone control system into your geothermal heating and cooling system. Save even more energy and money in your Chevy Chase, MD home. Get the system you need to reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills at the same time.

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Heating FAQ: When Should I Schedule Heating Repair Service?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you need a heating repair service, call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Not only do we provide quality repairs, we also provide free estimates on replacement equipment, as well as free second opinions. If someone else has quoted you on a repair that you aren’t sure you need, give us a call.

We’ve put together a list of common heating problems and some of the potential causes and solutions. Remember that it is important to call as soon as you notice an issue with your heater, since this helps to prevent further damage and equipment failure.

Furnace Not Producing Heat

When a furnace is not producing heat at all, make sure it is on and that your thermostat is on the right setting. You should also make sure it’s set to the heating mode. Consult your owner’s manual if you are not sure how to check the mode. A tripped circuit breaker can also cause your furnace to stop producing any heat. You should call for a repair if these simple fixes do not take care of problem. The furnace could have larger issues or need replacement parts.

If the furnace is running but not producing enough heat, make sure the vents are open and that you’ve changed the air filter. Dirty air filters can affect the airflow and cause your furnace to under perform. Change them often in the winter, at least once every two months, or once a month depending on the model.

Boiler Problems

If your boiler has stopped working, it could be a safety feature that has shut down the system when there’s an issue. If you have an older boiler, or one that has not been maintained, it could also be sediment in the water tank, especially if you hear hissing or popping noises. The sediment could be boiling and damaging the inside of the tank.

Call the heating experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating if you experience any of these problems, or if need any heating repair service in Gaithersburg.

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Why Consider Geothermal Heating?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

As energy costs continue to rise and the green movement continues to pick up momentum, many homeowners are looking for more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly home heating options. Before you make any decisions about a new heating system for your home, call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We have some information about geothermal heating and cooling systems that you may want to consider. There are a lot of benefits that come with this type of heating system, and we can help you decide if a geothermal heating system installation is right for your home and personal heating habits.

A geothermal system, like other heat pumps, does not consume energy in order to heat your home. Rather, it will use just a small amount of electricity in order to transfer existing heat, allowing it to heat your home in a sustainable way as well as cooling it with a simple reversal of the operation. The elimination of the need for fuel consumption greatly reduces the amount of energy your system will use, in turn greatly reducing the amount of money it takes to keep your home comfortable throughout the heating season.

Geothermal heating systems are also very durable and boast long, efficient lifespans. A geothermal loop system is buried beneath the ground surrounding your home or submerged under water on your property. It is from here that heat is gathered as an antifreeze solution or, in some cases, water itself circulates throughout the loop system. The underground loop system will last you decades, and the heat pump itself has fewer moving parts than many other heaters, cutting down on wear and tear.

The fact that geothermal heating and cooling systems rely on heat beneath the ground or under water also makes them more predictable and dependable than other heat pumps, such as those drawing heat from the air. This is because the temperature beneath the ground or water is much less susceptible to fluctuations than the air is. This makes the geothermal heating option more versatile and reliable in harsher climates.

For more information about why you may want to consider a geothermal heating system on your property, contact Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034. We have all the information you need. Call us to discover if a geothermal heating system is right for your home.

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