Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog: Archive for April, 2013

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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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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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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Top 2 Questions About Air Conditioning Systems & Services

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 a 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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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 an 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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