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

Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Is it an Electrical Problem?

Wednesday, July 31st, 2013

Your air conditioning is a vital component in your home, and with the hot summers in Rockville, MD, you want your air conditioning repair service to move quickly to get a malfunctioning system up and running again. A trained technician can perform a formal diagnosis for you, but it may help if you have some idea of what the problem is before you give them a call. For example, is the problem with your air conditioning system an electrical problem? Here is some information on electrical issues with your AC, grouped according to the symptom.

  • No power at all: A loss of power can be caused by the circuit breakers tripping due to an overload. Check your breaker panel to see if the breaker connected to your AC has been tripped. If the problem persists, you can point the service technician to it right away. Electrical power may be cut off if there’s a problem with the wiring itself. Faulty wiring means an unreliable electrical flow to your AC unit, which definitely requires the attention of an expert.
  • Electrical motor: If the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, but the air conditioner still won’t turn on, the issue may lie with your AC unit’s electrical motor. It may also be an electrical motor problem if the air conditioning system starts, but suddenly turns off. An overloaded motor may switch off automatically if it gets too hot. This may be a problem with its internal wiring; it may also arise from a blockage due to inadequate ventilation in the system.
  • Condenser fan: If the air conditioning unit’s condenser fan isn’t blowing, or it’s blowing slowly, it may suggest an internal electrical short somewhere.  A bad fan motor may also be tripping the circuit breaker in your home, or may activate its own shut-off mechanism if it’s overheating or experiencing any similar problems.

For air conditioning repair services in Rockville, MD, call the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We service the greater Gaithersburg, MD area and have experience in dealing with electrical problems to your air conditioning unit. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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How Damaged Air Ducts Impact Your AC’s Performance

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

If you have a forced-air air conditioning system in your home like central AC or a heat pump, then you have a series of ductwork that runs through your home’s ceilings or under the floors. This ductwork is one of the most overlooked components of air conditioning systems. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer duct repair services for all different types of air conditioning systems in Bethesda and the surrounding areas. We thought it would be helpful to explain just how much damaged ducts can affect your AC’s performance.

When you stop and think about it, all of the air that travels into your home from your air conditioner has to pass through the ducts. If there are any issues with the ducts, it can severely impact your AC’s operation and your home’s comfort.

  • Leaks – If your ducts have leaks in them, then it means that a lot of the air that travels through the ducts is leaking into the unconditioned spaces in your home. Not only is this incredibly wasteful, but it makes your air conditioner have to work harder to make up that lost air which reduces efficiency. It can also cause your home not to get as cool because so much of the air is leaking out.
  • Clogs – Over time, there are a number of different things that can build up in your ducts, including dust, bacteria and construction debris. If your ducts don’t get cleaned out, then these types of things can cause big problems for your air conditioner as it has to work harder to push the air past these obstacles.
  • Pinches – Another issue that we often see is pinches or unnecessary turns. If your ducts are pinched or collapsed, it will restrict the flow of air into your home. This could decrease efficiency and also decrease the comfort in your home.

If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your ducts or if you start to notice that your air conditioning system isn’t cooling as well as it should, you could have a problem with your ductwork. Call the air conditioning repair professionals at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today for service in Bethesda and the surrounding areas.

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Plumbing Repair Tip: Why Your Drains are Clogged

Monday, July 15th, 2013

Are your drains slow or completely clogged? If so, you should not hesitate to get in touch with a plumber in your area. Neglecting such problems only allows them to worsen over time. There are several different reasons why your drains could be clogged.  The best way to stay on top of your plumbing needs is to take preventive measures such as drain cleaning and avoiding the improper use of your plumbing fixtures, although sometimes plumbing repairs are inevitable.

Let’s take a look at why your drains are clogged. Keep in mind, however, that this is a general and speculative list and cannot replace a professional hands-on diagnosis.

  • Hair and other debris: Hair is a notorious drain-clogging substance. Because of its shape and strength, it can quickly join together with other materials to form a tightly packed blockage that can get in the way of your water flow.
  • Foreign object: You need to make sure everyone in your household knows that only organic waste and toilet paper are put down the toilets and drains. Putting non-organic materials into your drainpipes leads to clogs.
  • Grease: Grease is not only a problem for commercial restaurants, but can also present a challenge for homeowners who like to cook in the kitchen. Animal fats and oils must be disposed of properly. Putting them down the drain can clog your pipes.
  • Sewer line fault: If not one but multiple drains are clogged in your home, all at the same time, then it could be a problem with your sewer line. It might be blocked by tree roots or could have collapsed due to soil erosion or old age. This is a serious issue that must be taken care of immediately.

Whether your drains are already clogged, or they have become slow, it’s critical to make sure that you take care of them so that they can take care of you. For professional plumbing services in Rockville, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today.

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Air Conditioning Tip: What to Do if Your AC Trips the Breaker

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Your air conditioning system is one of the most important components of your home, especially right now as we head into the hottest part of the summer. Your AC uses a lot of electricity to keep your home comfortable which can put a strain on your electrical system. If your AC keeps tripping the breaker, it can be an indication that you need AC repair.

Your home’s main electrical line comes from your utility company and ties into your circuit breaker which is responsible for distributing power throughout your home. Most of your larger appliance will have their own dedicated circuit because of how much energy they use—including your AC system. If your air conditioner is causing its circuit to overload then the breaker will flip and cut off power to the AC in order to protect the system. Here’s why that might be happening.

  • Electrical problem – Your AC is a complex system, with many mechanical and electrical parts needing to work together to cool your home. Faulty wiring or a bad capacitor can cause your AC to try to use too much electricity, which can trip your breaker. A failing or overloaded compressor is also a frequent cause of this problem.
  • Older AC system – If you have an air conditioning system that is older it could have a number of things wrong with it that causes it to need more energy. As it demands more energy the flow of electricity through the breaker will increase which could cause it to flip.
  • Frozen evaporator coils – Another issue that could cause your AC to demand more electricity is if the evaporator coils are frozen. This problem can cause by a clogged air filter, low refrigerant or a broken fan motor.

If you notice that your AC isn’t turning on or if you are having any other problem, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We offer comprehensive air conditioning services to Bethesda, MD and beyond.

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Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

The 4th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

 

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