Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Air Conditioning Repairs to Consider Before Summer

Friday, April 25th, 2014

Summers in Irvine can be lovely but they can also be intense. If your air conditioner breaks down during the summer months, you might be in for an unpleasant stretch waiting for emergency repairs to arrive. (Many other people will probably have their ACs break down on the same day.) To help prevent serious air conditioner malfunctions during the upcoming hot season, have all necessary repairs done now—even if you aren’t currently using your AC.

Since 1981, Saddleback Plumbing has helped homeowners in Orange County stay cool during the long summers. Our many years of experience make us an ideal choice when you need air conditioning repair in Irvine, CA.

Here are some of the repairs you should have taken care of during the spring if they’ve started to affect your air conditioning. All of these problems will grow worse without attention, so make the call today for repairs right away.

Recharge the Refrigerant

People sometimes ignore the appearance of frost along the indoor evaporator coil because it seems appropriate on a device that is sending out cold air. But ice on the coil usually means that the AC has lost its refrigerant charge due to leaking. Other signs of refrigerant leaks are hissing sounds and a drop in cooling. If the refrigerant isn’t recharged, the AC will eventually lose its cooling power and the condenser will suffer serious damage. Repair technicians will locate and seal any leaks, and then restore the refrigerant to its proper level.

Fix or Replace Failing Motors

When you hear a grinding noise coming from the AC cabinet, it usually indicates that one of the motors is failing. This can happen because of dirt, loss of lubricant, or overheating. Often, the whole motor will need replacement.

Stop a “Hard Starting” Compressor

An air conditioning system is “hard-starting” when the compressor stutters as it comes on and soon shuts off before completing its cooling cycle. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as low line voltage, a failing start capacitor, a tight or seized compressor motor, or a compressor near the end of its life. A repair technician can sometimes fix hard starting with a “hard start” kit, but in some cases the compressor will need to be replaced.

Whatever repairs your air conditioner needs, don’t try to do them yourself. ACs are intricate machines, and amateur repair attempts can cause the problem to worsen. A trained technician will need to investigate the problem and zero in on the exact cause so he or she can provide an accurate repair.

Don’t delay on any repairs, whether your air conditioning is hard starting, making odd noises, or causing hot spots in your home. Call Saddleback Plumbing and talk to our Irvine, CA air conditioning repair specialists today. Make sure you also sign up for our Membership Value Program to keep your air conditioning running each year with professional maintenance.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Repairs to Consider Before Summer

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning System May Be Making Loud Noises

Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

If you’ve ever had an air conditioning system in your home, the regular sounds it makes will be familiar to you: the whir of the fan and the hum of the compressor. Anything out of the ordinary, such as loud and unpleasant noises, is usually a sign of a malfunction or an impending one. If left unattended, this problem might eventually cause your air conditioner to cease working entirely. Whatever you do: don’t shrug off loud noises and hope they are only a temporary nuisance. When you decide you need expert help to figure out why your AC has started making loud sounds, contact the staff at Saddleback Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency ac repair services, so we can help get your air conditioner working right again at any time of the day.

Some of the usual suspects for an AC making loud noises include:

Low refrigerant charge: The fixed amount of refrigerant in your AC—it’s “charge”—can start to leak, damaging your system’s cooling power. It will also cause a loud noise in the compressor. This sound could also occur if the wrong type of refrigerant is put into the air conditioner, which is why recharging the refrigerant should always be left to HVAC experts.

Loose motor parts: If the moving parts in the motors that run the fans and the compressor suffer damage, they can create unpleasant rattling and grinding sounds. The motors will need repairs and perhaps replacements.

Damaged fan belt: The fan motors are hooked to the fans with belts, similar to the belts you find in car engines. If the belt is damaged or comes loose, it will start rubbing against other components and make strange sounds. This needs repair as soon as possible before the belt can damage other parts of the AC’s interior.

All the problems above need professional attention in order to fix them properly and safely. Don’t pry open the air conditioner cabinet to inspect the problem yourself and fiddle with any mechanisms. Contact a technician to discover the source of the problem and to repair it.

Avoid getting stuck with a busted AC in Irvine, CA. Air conditioning repair is only a phone call away with Saddleback Plumbing.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning System May Be Making Loud Noises

3 Things to Think About During Your Air Conditioning Installation

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Getting a new air conditioning system is an exciting but stressful time. This is a big decision and one that you have to live with for many years. If something goes wrong with the installation process the consequences can impact your home’s comfort and efficiency for a long time. Here at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. we offer a full range of San Juan Capistrano air conditioning installation services and we wanted to help our customers get the best possible installation that they can. Here is a quick explanation of 3 things that you should consider during your AC installation process.

San Juan Capistrano Air Conditioning Installation Tip: 3 Things to Remember

Take a look below at the top 3 things you should think about during your AC installation project.

  • The size of your new AC – One common mistake that we see homeowners make is that they run out and just buy the biggest system that they can thinking that it will provide them with more cooling. However, the opposite is usually what happens. If your AC is too large it will turn on and off again which is something that we call “short cycling”. This will cause hot and cold spots throughout your home, inefficient operation and it could increase the need for repair. Make sure that you work with a professional contractor that will perform the necessary calculations that will determine exactly what size system you need.
  • Type of air conditioner –Before you just go get the exact same type of air conditioner that you had before you may want to think about other types of systems. There are some other types of systems that offer homeowner some pretty impressive benefits. Ductless mini split air conditioners often are more efficient because of their lack of ducts and they also provide zone control as well.
  • Regular maintenance – Once your air conditioning system is installed, don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance visits for it. This is one of the best things that you can do for the life and performance of your system. Getting regular maintenance for your system could increase efficiency, reduce repair and also extend the life of your system.,

If you need San Juan Capistrano air conditioning installation services, just call us here at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Things to Think About During Your Air Conditioning Installation

Here Are Your Laguna Hills Air Conditioning Installation Options

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Choosing a new air conditioning system for installation in your home is rarely as simple as it sounds. Not only must you find a good contractor to handle the job, but you must also familiarize yourself with the many air conditioning installation options available on the market today. Why not kill two birds with one stone and contact the Laguna Hills air conditioning installation professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.? We have a great selection of air conditioning systems for you to choose from, and we have the years of training and experience necessary to ensure that you get the best performance possible from that system. Call now to discuss your air conditioning installation options.

Split central air conditioners are still the most common residential air conditioning option. They feature an outdoor condensing unit, which houses the noisiest parts of the system so that you do not have to listen to them inside. The indoor components of the system utilize a ducted forced air distribution system in order to circulate cooled air throughout your home. This allows for very even, comfortable cooling, provided that the air conditioning installation is completed by a qualified professional.

Another great option is a heat pump. Heat pumps also use air ducts in order to distribute air throughout your home. Unlike traditional air conditioning systems, though, they do not depend upon the consumption of fuel in order to cool the air distributed. Instead, they utilize the heat transfer process to move heat from one area to another. This allows your heat pump to cool down your home with greater efficiency than ever before.

If your home cannot accommodate bulky air ducts, don’t worry. We also offer great ductless mini split systems for installation throughout the area. No air ducts are required with this type of air conditioning system, as the outdoor components are connected to the indoor ones by a simple conduit containing refrigerant and power lines. The wall mounted blowers used cool rooms directly, so there is no opportunity for energy loss.

When you are ready to schedule an air conditioning installation in Laguna Hills, contact the professional technicians at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. We can answer whatever questions you may have to ensure that you get the best AC for your unique needs. Call now to learn more.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Here Are Your Laguna Hills Air Conditioning Installation Options

Common Summer Air Conditioning Repair Problems in Tustin

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

This summer you’re probably going to be running your air conditioning quite a bit in order to stay cool. All the use that your AC equipment gets could cause it to break down. If you need air conditioning repair in Tustin, make sure that you call Saddle Back Plumbing, Inc. We know how important it is for you to stay comfortable during the summer heat, which is why we put together a quick explanation of the most common problems that you could face with your air conditioner.

Do You Need Air Conditioning Repair in Tustin?

As you start to use your air conditioning system more and more this summer, keep an eye out for the following issues that could happen with your AC system. If you start to notice these or other problems developing with your air conditioner, just call the Tustin air conditioning repair experts at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc.

  • Not enough cooling – When you turn on your air conditioner, does it blow warm air or not enough cool air? This is a common problem that is very frustrating for homeowners. It could be caused by a broken thermostat, but it could also be something more serious like the fan motor or the compressor motor. The Tustin air conditioning repair professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. can help.
  • New noises – Has your air conditioning system started to make a squealing noise or a hissing noise? These are both common issues that we get called in for frequently. Squealing is usually indicative of an old fan belt, while hissing is caused by a refrigerant leak.
  • The air filter – Before you start running your air conditioner every day this summer, make sure that you change the air filter. Your AC has an air filter that keeps dirt, dust and insects from getting into the moving parts on the inside. If that air filter isn’t changed regularly and it gets clogged, it could cause huge problems for your AC including insufficient cooling, more repairs and reduced efficiency.

For all of your air conditioning repair in Tustin, call Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. today.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Summer Air Conditioning Repair Problems in Tustin

Air Conditioning Tip 2 : Go Ductless This Spring

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Spring is the right time to begin thinking about your air conditioning system. If you have not scheduled routine Irvine, CA air conditioning maintenance yet this season, now is the time to do so. If you are thinking about scheduling a new air conditioning installation before the heat really sets in, you had better get started soon. Remember not to rush the decision making process, though. There are a number of different air conditioning systems available, and finding the right one for your home and cooling habits is important. Contact Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. today to discuss the benefits of going ductless this spring.

Ductless mini splits have long been a preferred cooling option in commercial settings. In recent years, though, they have become more and more common in residences. There is very good reason for this, as ductless mini splits have a lot of benefits to offer homeowners. If your home cannot accommodate bulky air ducts, or if you do not have existing ductwork and are trying to avoid the expense of an installation, going ductless is a great solution.

Ductless mini split air conditioning systems eliminate the need for ductwork by connecting an outdoor unit to individual, wall mounted blowers with a simple conduit containing power and refrigerant lines. This design not only makes ductless mini splits a perfect option for houses without ductwork, but it also allows them to operate without risking the energy loss that is so common with ducted forced air distribution systems.

Thanks to the use of wall mounted individual blowers, it is also very easy to take advantage of zone controlled air conditioning when using a ductless system. This helps you to further conserve energy by allowing you too cool only those rooms you wish to. You no longer need to cool your entire home just to keep one or two occupied rooms comfortable.

For more information about ductless mini split installation services, contact the Irvine, CA air conditioning professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Inc. today – (949) 333-0571. Our skilled technicians can answer any questions that you may have. Call now for the information you need to find the right air conditioning solution for your home.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Tip 2 : Go Ductless This Spring

Air Conditioning Tip 7: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality This Spring

Monday, April 8th, 2013

While many Laguna Hills homeowners are concerned with energy efficiency as summer approaches, we should also consider indoor air quality. Much of our comfort (or discomfort) during the summer months stems from poor indoor air quality as we seal our homes tightly against the incoming rays of heat. Fortunately, there are many options available that can dramatically improve your air quality, such as air filtration, UV germicidal lights, and humidifiers. Beyond installing these systems, there are other steps to take. In this post, we’d like to review some things you can do to ensure your home is cool and comfortable this cooling season. For Laguna Hills air conditioning, call Saddleback today!

  • Clean and replace your air filter. As you fire up your AC this season, remember to change out your air filter on a regular basis. This simple step prevents a lot of problems, including blocked airflow and poor air quality. Your air filter is designed to prevent the passage of noxious particles throughout your ductwork and into your indoor air. It should be replaced once a month during peak cooling times.
  • Install UV germicidal lights. If your indoor air is musty and uncomfortable, then you may be at risk for mold infestation. Consider installing UV germicidal lights directly in your air handler or ductwork in order to destroy any microbiological growth before it enters your indoor air. While we may notice mold when it’s growing in our bathroom, it’s much harder to notice when it’s growing deep within our ductwork or in the walls.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program. Become a Saddleback MVP by joining the Membership Value Program. Enrolling in a routine maintenance program will improve your energy efficiency, extend the life of your equipment, and reduce the need for major costly repairs. It also provides you with various benefits such as warranties, discounts, and preferred priority service. Professional inspection, cleaning, and tuning-up makes your system shine even during the hottest days of the year.

For more information about how you can improve you indoor air quality, or to schedule Laguna Hills, CA air conditioning service, call Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Tip 7: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality This Spring

Air Conditioning FAQ 4: How Does Zone Control Work?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

It doesn’t make much sense to cool your entire home when many spaces of your home go unused. After all, we depend upon our air conditioning to cool us, not the inanimate objects in the room. Zone control systems is a great way to make sure that you’re cooling only the areas you need to. In this post we’d like to run you through the basics of how zone control works, so that you can get a sense of whether it would be right for your home. Like any cooling or heating system, zone control should be installed by a trained professional to make sure that it works efficiently and effectively. For Laguna Hills air conditioning services, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

The first stage in zone control installation is dividing your home into zones. You may divide according to floor, type of room, or whichever way works best for you. A sample division would probably divide the interior living space into bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and basement. Each zone will be given its own thermostat, so that you can optimize the cooling level of each one. This gives you a lot of flexibility. You can further customize your zone control with programmable thermostats.

The way it works is as follows. We begin by renovating your ductwork according to your zone divisions. This typically involves installing air dampers at crucial junctions in your ductwork that will electronically allow and block air according to the new layout. It also involves setting up your existing air handler to accommodate multiple thermostats in your home. The workmanship of professional installation is key here, because zone control depends a lot on the quality of the installation for it to work effectively.

Zone controlled air conditioning can maximize your energy efficiency and home comfort. By allowing you to customize the individual zone temperatures, you are in control of your energy costs, which is important, considering the duration of our cooling season. Make sure your zone control is installed by a professional. For superior air conditioning in Laguna Hills, CA, call Saddleback Plumbing today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning FAQ 4: How Does Zone Control Work?

Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning FAQ: What Does SEER Mean, and Why is it Important?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Are you looking for a new air conditioner? Call the Laguna Hills air conditioning experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We can help you understand efficiency ratings and choose the model that suits your needs. When buying an air conditioner, always look for a model with higher efficiency ratings, which for air conditioners are measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).

The SEER rating indicates how efficiently the AC system can turn a relative amount of energy into actual cooling for your home. If you have an older system, it probably has a SEER rating of 6 or less, but the minimum SEER allowed for today’s models is 13. Another easy way to know that you are getting a model with a high SEER rating is to look for Energy Star-rated models, because they will have even higher SEER ratings.

Keep in mind that heat pumps are also measured by the HSPF (heating season performance factor), and it is important to note that there will be other features to look for in terms of heat pump efficiency. Some of those features include variable fan blowers, which run at lower speeds and for longer periods taking the strain off of the compressor, and other features include advanced coil design, copper tubing, and many other small yet important energy-saving features.

The SEER doesn’t account for other factors, such as the condition of your air ducts, the location of the outdoor unit, which can be affected by high winds, and how well your home is insulated and sealed. We can help you decide if your home is ready for a high-efficiency AC system before you make your final decision about an upgrade or replacement.

Call Saddleback for all of your Laguna Hills, CA air conditioning needs.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning FAQ: What Does SEER Mean, and Why is it Important?

Laguna Hills Air Conditioning: How to Protect Your AC during High Winds

Monday, March 4th, 2013

We’ve had an unusual winter here in Southern California which included some very high winds the last couple of weeks. At Saddleback Plumbing we provide complete air conditioning repair service in Laguna Hills, CA and the entire Orange County area. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick list of some of the ways that you can protect your air conditioning system during high winds. We know how important it is to have a good AC system here in Southern California. Call your Laguna Hills air conditioning contractor if you need any kind of AC repairs.

Common Air Conditioning Repairs Caused by High Winds

When the wind picks up there are a few common problems that it can cause for your air conditioning system. One of the main problems, obviously, would be if a branch or tree fell onto your air conditioning unit. If the tree is big enough there really isn’t anything that you can do to protect against that.

Another common problem is dust, dirt or leaves getting into your air conditioning system. For your outdoor condensing unit, that type of debris can build up and cause the fan motor, fan blades or fan belt to work improperly. That dust can also attach itself to the condensing coils inside which might reduce its efficiency.

How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System

Probably the best thing that you can do during high wind situations is to put a cover over your air conditioning system. This will protect it from small branches and, especially, from dirt and dust.

Benefits of Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning Maintenance

Even though dirt and dust can get into your AC unit during high winds, they can also work their way in over the course of time. During regular air conditioner maintenance visits, your Laguna Hills air conditioning technician will be able to clean out your condensing coils and lubricate the fan motor bearings. This will likely reduce the possibility that the dust and dirt will cause any problems for your AC system.

Call the air conditioning experts at Saddleback Plumbing for any air conditioning repair in Laguna Hills, CA. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Laguna Hills Air Conditioning: How to Protect Your AC during High Winds