New Berlin Air Conditioning | Common Air Conditioning Problems

Common air Conditioning Tips for you.  If you currently need a Air Conditioning Repair.  Feel Free to Contact us.

Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner's compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor's access panel.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Inadequate Maintenance

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

Electric Control Failure

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

Sensor Problems

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Drainage Problems

When it's humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn't clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Waukesha WI

 Before your call for air conditioning repair, follow these simple steps to make sure your air conditioning system is running properly.

1. Physically inspect the surroundings of the air conditioning unit. Cut down shrubs and weeds, along with other plants that have sprung up around the unit. This essential step ensures that the unit will manage to suck in sufficient amounts of outside air to cool and blow inside the house.
2. Turn on the air conditioning unit on the first day that the temperature hits 70 degrees in April or May, and let it run for about 60 minutes. Detecting problems and scheduling proper air conditioning repairs and even replacing a faulty unit will be painless when it is still relatively cool outside and HVAC companies are not running around from house to house tackling emergency calls.
3. Check the air filter, and change it if necessary. Some air filters may need to be replaced every year, whereas permanent air filters only require annual cleaning for optimal performance. In either case, dirty filters can create a multitude of problems for an air conditioner; the unit’s energy usage will increase, while the evaporator may even ice over when a filter is allowed to accumulate too much dirt. In addition to making sure the filter is changed or cleaned, go around the unit, picking out obstructions such as leaves or debris that may be blocking parts.
4. Freon level inspection: If the freon levels are low in the air conditioner, a leak is probably present and a freon recharge might be necessary to compensate the lost freon. Low freon levels significantly decrease the life of the compressor, the key component in any a/c unit, and overheating is likely.
5. Tighten screws. A yearly air conditioning maintenance routine also includes checking that all screws are tightly fastened.
6. Check Air Conditioner Thermostat operation. While this may sound obvious, you should also double check that the A/C thermostat is set on “cooling” mode, and the temperature is well below room temperature to automatically turn on the air conditioning unit.
7. Safe air conditioning maintenance: If you encounter a problem during the air conditioner test run and you have a hunch of what may be causing the malfunction, don’t fail to follow basic safety rules that apply to any home maintenance jobs. Cut off power to the a/c unit first, and never just hose down a unit; you will run the risk of electrocution.

How to Maximize Useful Life of the A/C Unit

If you run into problems that require professional air conditioning repair service, as an early bird you are likely to get the fastest and most attentive care from a local Heating and Air Company. Routine Air Conditioning maintenance is the most economical solution to guarantee cool air blowing through your house during the summer months, but if it is time to install a brand new unit, make sure to look into energy standards and tax incentives offered to homeowners who opt for environment friendly appliances.

Air Conditioning keeps shutting off | New Berlin and Milwaukee Air Conditioning repair

Is your air conditioning turning off all the time, and is it not cooling as well as it should?  Milwaukee is going through a heat wave right now and air conditioners are running non stop.  One thing you may want to check on is its filter.  Your air conditioner has been running and sucking in hair and dust for the past few days and when the filter gets clogged, it will be much less efficient and the air flow will be limited.  The coils will then freeze up.  Let your air conditioner stay off for 2-3 hours so the ice can melt.  During that time, take out the filter and clean it out.  Hold the power supply reset button if it has one and it should finally reset.  Give it a try, it may be that simple.

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting New Berlin

Sometimes you don't need to call for repairs on your Air Conditioning system, try these troubleshooting ideas first. 

Is your thermostat set in the "cool" position (or “warm” for winter heat pump operation)?

• If so, is your outdoor air conditioning or heat pump unit running?

• Did the circuit breakers in the circuit breaker box (or electrical panel) trip to the “OFF” position?

• Is the outdoor "disconnect switch" on your outdoor unit in the "ON" position? (The disconnect switch is usually a small metal grey box mounted on a wall near the outdoor unit.)

• Is the blower motor in your furnace or air handler running when your thermostat is activated? (Make sure the furnace switch is in the "ON" position.)

• Have you changed your filter? (A blocked filter can cause your unit to shut down due to lack of proper airflow.)

• Are the air registers (supply or return ducts) plugged?

Air Conditioning New Berlin

Air Conditioning systems will break down and at some time you will need to purchase a new one.  New Berlin customers ask me from time to time "when do I need a new air conditioning system?"  Here is some advice from an article I read. 

One of the most expensive purchases you will ever make for your home is an air-conditioner - whether you are replacing existing equipment or choosing a heating and air-conditioning system for a new home.
Once your AC system is up and running, it could be a decade or more before you replace it. Since you will be living with it for a long time, you want to choose wisely.
If done correctly, a new air-conditioner will result in more comfort year-round, lower energy bills and better air quality -- particularly because of recent improvements in cooling-equipment technology and installation procedures.
Here are basic points to remember during the process:
1. Pick a trusted contractor. Unless you have worked in the HVAC field, you cannot expect to completely understand all the details in air-conditioning; no homeowner can. This creates a situation where you might be taken advantage of, and you need to proceed carefully.
Do pick a contractor based on recommendations from friends or neighbors or a reputable referral network. Don't choose one after talking to a telemarketer or because someone came to your door to make a solicitation. Be suspicious of mailings offering cut-rate prices.
Check on how long the contractor has been in business. Someone who has been around at least five years has a commitment to the job and can typically be counted on to return if you have problems.
HVAC contractors must register with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Get the license number and check it out at azroc.gov under "contractor info & searches."
Then check with the Better Business Bureau to see whether a contractor has been the subject of complaints. Finally, ask each contractor you interview for past customers' names and call a few.
Ask references: Did the contractor do what was promised? Has he or she returned to fix problems that came up after installation? How do the customers like the air-conditioner they chose? What impact have they seen on their utility bills?
2. Take the contractor's advice. Researching online or asking others who have purchased air-conditioners is always good. But be cautious about insisting on a specific brand or size of air-conditioner, especially when recommended by someone living in another state.
Once you choose an installer you trust, ask for suggestions. The contractor may know about options that suit your home better than what you had in mind. A good contractor also knows which manufacturers give the best warranty.
3. Buy an AC that fits your home. Make sure your contractor does research about your house, the microclimate you live in, and the condition and placement of your air ducts. That way, he or she can determine how much air-conditioning you need and whether you need to repair or realign ducts to improve your cooling efficiency.
Be very, very cautious. If a salesperson makes a proposal without visiting your attic to look at your furnace and air handler or without checking the AC in the yard or on the roof, he or she is not doing the necessary homework.
4. Bigger is not always better with air-conditioning. AC experts tell us that for years we have "over-tonned" houses in Arizona by installing air-conditioners too large for the size of the house.
A quick explanation starts with a few definitions: The cooling power of air-conditioners is often described as "tons of refrigeration." A ton of refrigeration is roughly equal to the cooling power of one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice melting in 24 hours. Residential central-AC systems are usually from 1 to 5 tons in capacity.
The industry used to recommend installing 1 ton of refrigeration for every 400 square feet of floor space in your home. But times have changed, and energy efficiency has improved. You can probably go with 20 percent less tonnage than before. You can go down about half a ton in your AC without even noticing it.
Be wary of contractors who recommend increasing tons because of warmer areas in your house. That cannot be solved by increasing the capacity of your air-conditioner.
An oversize AC stops and starts more often; that costs more kilowatt hours and could lead to mechanical breakdowns. Oversize air-conditioners do not run long enough to dehumidify the air. A smaller unit will run longer and perform more efficiently.
Your contractor should perform a heat-load calculation before deciding what size air-conditioner you need. That calculation should consider the size, shape and orientation of your house, insulation, window area, air infiltration, climate, number of residents in the house and their comfort preferences.
5. Change your entire HVAC system. If you replace just the outside AC unit with a condenser and compressor without replacing the furnace and air handler, you might not be happy with your comfort level or energy bills.
Those separate units are designed to work together and need to match in capacity and efficiency. Otherwise, you might not get the benefits of the SEER rating promised by the equipment you buy.
6. Understand the SEER rating. In shopping for a new AC system, be sure it has an Energy Star label. Energy Star products, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, are at least 20 percent more efficient than air-conditioners that meet minimum federal standards.
An Energy Star AC will have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ranging from 13 to 21. The higher the SEER, the more efficient and less costly your unit will be to operate. An AC with a rating in the middle will probably work best and pay for itself more quickly than units with the highest ratios and prices.


Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/diy/articles/20120611buying-air-conditioner-8-smart-strategies.html#ixzz2Y02S216O

Common Air Conditioning Problems and Fixes New Berlin Air Conditioning

Air conditioning and HVAC units don’t last forever — 12 years is an average lifespan — and the moment they fail is usually when you need them the most. The good news is that not every system malfunction spells total doom.

Warning sign #1: My air conditioning won’t turn on

Possible cause: Often, the most likely culprit is the easiest to remedy: the thermostat isn’t set correctly, or power isn’t reaching the AC unit.

The fix: Check to see that the thermostat is set to AC or “cool,” that the temperature setting is correct, and that the battery is fresh. Second, check the circuit breaker: Could simply be a tripped fuse.


Warning sign #2: I’m not as comfortable as I was last year

The fix: Change the filter. (You should do this as part of regular HVAC maintenance anyway.) Depending on the quality of the filter, the amount of people living in the house, and if there are pets, the filter should be changed every 30-90 days.

Outdoors, make sure there’s at least 24 inches of clearance on the sides and 5 feet on top of the unit. Also, check to make sure there are no obstructions to the home’s cold air returns and registers.

Warning sign #3: My utility bills are abnormally high

Possible cause: A spike in operating costs typically signals inefficient operation. After a dirty filter (warning sign #3), the most likely culprit is a choked condensing coil. Located within the outdoor unit, the coil has countless cooling fins — much like a car radiator — that can accumulate dust and debris.

The fix: Call out a pro for a spring tune-up.


Warning sign #4: Weird noises during startup and operation

Possible cause: Rattling, buzzing, or ticking? The good news is that the cause might be little more than a loose screw. The bad news is that it could be caused by a bum blower motor (indoors) or bent fan blade (outdoors).

The fix: If you’re lucky, a simple tightening here and lubricating there will fix the problem. If not, you might require a new fan motor or fan blade.


Warning sign #5: The AC shuts off before or long after I’m comfortable

Possible cause: Improper placement of the thermostat can wreak havoc on one’s comfort. The unit might be in direct sun, too close to a register, or near a hot oven. Also, a remodel might have you spending more time where the thermostat is not.

The fix: Relocate the thermostat.


Warning sign #6: There’s a puddle of water next to my furnace

Possible cause: During normal operation, the system generates moisture in the form of condensate. That water collects in a pan and flows out a line either into a floor drain or sump basin. An accumulation of water signals a blockage or disconnection of the tube.

The fix: Inspect the tube for crimps, clogs, and disconnections. Also, if the water flows into a sump basin, ensure that the sump pump is in good working order.


Warning sign #7: The air coming out of the registers doesn’t feel as cold as it used to

Possible cause: The refrigerant lines aren’t insulated.

The fix: The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor system by two copper refrigerant lines, which should be covered with an insulating sleeve. Make sure that it is. Also, the system may need its refrigerant re-charged.


Warning sign #8: My AC unit refuses to kick on at all

Possible cause: Burnt-out compressor

The fix: If the compressor fails, the unit won’t run. The only fix for this is a costly replacement of the equipment.

It might be wise to replace your air conditioner if it’s more than 8 years old.

West Allis Air Conditioning Repair | Tune-ups

West Allis Air Conditioning Repairs are going to begin as our weather is finally starting heat up.  Its a good time now to call and get your air conditioning or Central Air unit serviced before the heat rolls in.  We will check your coolant, inspect for damage, and give your unit a tune-up so you can be assured that it will be running in top condition when you need it.



Air Conditioning And Central Air Installation | New Berlin

Is your air conditioning on the blink?  Central air not cooling anymore and not interested in another year of Repairs?  Right now is the time to take advantage of instant savings on a new Central air Conditioning unit!  Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Waukesha.

www.goodmanmfg.com

www.rheem.com

www.everrestextremecomfort.com

www.york.com

Central Air Repair Milwaukee

 Central air repairs and service for Milwaukee

Central air conditioners circulate cool air through a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers (i.e., openings in the walls, floors, or ceilings covered by grills) carry cooled air from the air conditioner to the home. This cooled air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; then it flows back to the central air conditioner through return ducts and registers.
Air conditioners help to dehumidify the incoming air, but in extremely humid climates or in cases where the air conditioner is oversized, it may not achieve a low humidity. Running a dehumidifier in your air conditioned home will increase your energy use, both for the dehumidifier itself and because the air conditioner will require more energy to cool your house. A preferable alternative is a dehumidifying heat pipe, which can be added as a retrofit to most existing systems.

Types of Central Air Conditioners

A central air conditioner is either a split-system unit or a packaged unit.
In a split-system central air conditioner, an outdoor metal cabinet contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet contains the evaporator. In many split-system air conditioners, this indoor cabinet also contains a furnace or the indoor part of a heat pump. The air conditioner's evaporator coil is installed in the cabinet or main supply duct of this furnace or heat pump. If your home already has a furnace but no air conditioner, a split-system is the most economical central air conditioner to install.
In a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in one cabinet, which usually is placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house's foundation. This type of air conditioner also is used in small commercial buildings. Air supply and return ducts come from indoors through the home's exterior wall or roof to connect with the packaged air conditioner, which is usually located outdoors. Packaged air conditioners often include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. This combination of air conditioner and central heater eliminates the need for a separate furnace indoors.

Choosing or Upgrading Your Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners. In addition, they are out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate. To save energy and money, you should try to buy an energy-efficient air conditioner and reduce your central air conditioner's energy use. In an average air-conditioned home, air conditioning consumes more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, causing power plants to emit about 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide.
If you are considering adding central air conditioning to your home, the deciding factor may be the need for ductwork.
If you have an older central air conditioner, you might choose to replace the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. If you do so, consult a local heating and cooling contractor to assure that the new compressor is properly matched to the indoor unit. However, considering recent changes in refrigerants and air conditioning designs, it might be wiser to replace the entire system.
Today's best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
Proper sizing and installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. Too large a unit will not adequately remove humidity. Too small a unit will not be able to attain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days. Improper unit location, lack of insulation, and improper duct installation can greatly diminish efficiency.
When buying an air conditioner, look for a model with a high efficiency. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. The minimum SEER allowed today is 13. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for central air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater, but consider using air conditioning equipment with higher SEER ratings for greater savings.
New residential central air conditioner standards went into effect on January 23, 2006. Air conditioners manufactured after January 26, 2006 must achieve a SEER of 13 or higher. SEER 13 is 30% more efficient than the previous minimum SEER of 10. The standard applies only to appliances manufactured after January 23, 2006. Equipment with a rating less than SEER 13 manufactured before this date may still be sold and installed.
The average homeowner will remain unaffected by this standard change for some time to come. The standards do not require you to change your existing central air conditioning units, and replacement parts and services should still be available for your home's systems. The "lifespan" of a central air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers typically continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available and honoring maintenance contracts after the new standard goes into effect.
Other features to look for when buying an air conditioner include:

• A thermal expansion valve and a high-temperature rating (EER) greater than 11.6, for high-efficiency operation when the weather is at its hottest
• A variable speed air handler for new ventilation systems
• A unit that operates quietly
• A fan-only switch, so you can use the unit for nighttime ventilation to substantially reduce air-conditioning costs
• A filter check light to remind you to check the filter after a predetermined number of operating hours
• An automatic-delay fan switch to turn off the fan a few minutes after the compressor turns off.

Installation and Location of Air Conditioners

If your air conditioner is installed correctly, or if major installation problems are found and fixed, it will perform efficiently for years with only minor routine maintenance. However, many air conditioners are not installed correctly. As an unfortunate result, modern energy-efficient air conditioners can perform almost as poorly as older inefficient models.
When installing a new central air conditioning system, be sure that your contractor:

• Allows adequate indoor space for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the new system, and installs an access door in the furnace or duct to provide a way to clean the evaporator coil
• Uses a duct-sizing methodology such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual D
• Ensures there are enough supply registers to deliver cool air and enough return air registers to carry warm house air back to the air conditioner
• Installs duct work within the conditioned space, not in the attic, wherever possible
• Seals all ducts with duct mastic and heavily insulates attic ducts
• Locates the condensing unit where its noise will not keep you or your neighbors awake at night, if possible
• Locates the condensing unit where no nearby objects will block airflow to it
• Verifies that the newly installed air conditioner has the exact refrigerant charge and airflow rate specified by the manufacturer
• Locates the thermostat away from heat sources, such as windows or supply registers.

If you are replacing an older or failed split system, be sure that the evaporator coil is replaced with a new one that exactly matches the condenser coil in the new condensing unit. (The air conditioner's efficiency will likely not improve if the existing evaporator coil is left in place; in fact, the old coil could cause the new compressor to fail prematurely.)

Air Conditioning Repair Milwaukee | Air Conditioning Problems

 We have found these problems to be the most common when working on Air Conditioning Repair in Milwaukee.

Here is an article from energy.gov

One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home's windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home.
Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer's specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full. Learn what to ask for when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.
Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner's compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor's access panel.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Inadequate Maintenance

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

Electric Control Failure

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

Sensor Problems

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Drainage Problems

When it's humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn't clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

Read More

Air Conditioner Repair Milwaukee | Maintenance for your Air Conditioner

Air Conditioning and Central Air Units in Milwaukee Wisconsin Spring maintenance.

• Clean dust or move objects away from the grates that supply air into each room. Do the same to the large return grate, usually in a hallway, to ensure proper air flow.

• Clear leaves and debris from the system’s outdoor condenser unit grille. If the interior unit is dirty, contact your contractor to perform a power wash that will not bend the fins of the grille.

• Examine ducts in attic or crawl space for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might leak air.

• Trim shrubbery to allow at least two feet of clearance from the unit.

• Set the thermostat mode to cooling (and heating for heat pumps) to make sure it’s working. Contact the dealer for service if you hear any unusual noises.

• Replace your air handler filter once a month to reduce airflow restrictions and wasted energy.

• Make sure condensate line is clear to allow liquid runoff.

• Set up annual checkup of your system.

West Allis Air Conditioning Repair | Tips before you call a repair

Thinking about Repairs or Replacing your air conditioning units in West Allis Wi.  Here are a few tips before you call.

One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home's windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home.
Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer's specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full. Learn what to ask for when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.

Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner's compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor's access panel.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Inadequate Maintenance

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

Electric Control Failure

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

Sensor Problems

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Drainage Problems

When it's humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn't clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

Cooling Problems

Make sure the thermostat is in the cool position and it is turned down below the room temperature.

Make sure filter is clean.

Make sure on/off switch on the side of the furnace is in the on position. Also, check circuit breaker.

Make sure outside unit is running, if not, check circuit break for the air conditioner.

Make sure outside coil is clean (not restricted with dust, debris, or cotton wood), clean if necessary, make sure electricity is OFF before attempting to clean outside unit.

For water leaks, check the drain hose, and the drain fitting (the hose is attached to this fitting) for obstructions and restrictions.

If the above fails to solve problem, call for service.

Air Conditioning Repair New Berlin | Troubleshooting and warning signs

 Air Conditioners will be on soon I promise!  Summer will be here in New Berlin and your going to want to make sure your Air Conditioning is working properly.

It’s actually not difficult to tell if your air conditioning system is in need of repairs, but sometimes inexpert and inexperienced homeowners might wonder whether the air conditioner is really not working or it is all in their head. Other homeowners might feel that though their air conditioning system is showing signs that it needs repairs, it is better to look after the problem before it gets worse or before their air conditioning system stops working completely.
When summer heat strikes, the best way to fight back is to turn on your air conditioner. Air conditioning keeps you cool over the summer, and with usual maintenance, your air conditioner ought to perform efficiently even during the hottest months. In case your air conditioner is not functioning as it should, it may be in need of expert attention. You should always call a qualified repair professional as soon as you decide that your air conditioner is not working properly.

Some of the signs are fairly obvious, while others are more subtle. Knowing the warning signs will help you search for professional service before the problems gets out of control.

1. No Cool Air

At some point, you may find that your air conditioning system simply isn’t doing its job. Even at full blast, the air coming from your vents just isn’t as cold as it used to be – or isn’t cold at all. This could be a sign that your system is need of serious repair. For instance, lack of cool air could mean that your system’s compressor has failed. It could also mean that you’re your system’s Freon levels are too low. When that time comes, you might have to to replace the unit.

2. Poor Air Flow

If you are noticing weak or little air flow through your AC vents, the unit’s compressor may be failing. In case your areas or rooms in your home are getting cold air while others are not, then the trouble might be with your duct work and it’s a sign that your AC system needs urgent repair.
Over time, debris can get stuck in your air conditioning vents. Not only this obstructs airflow, but it also presents a health risk to you and your family. Having your air conditioner’s ducts cleaned is a great way to restore airflow and ensure that your AC system is working well when you need it most.

3. Thermostat Problems

At times the trouble is not with the air conditioning unit, but with the thermostat itself. One way to tell if your thermostat is a problem is if one part of your house is very cold while another part remains at the same temperature.

4. Moisture Where It Shouldn’t Be

Moisture or leakage around or near your system can be an indication of problems. When you see leaks from your air conditioning system, it can mainly because of two reasons.
In the most serious cases, the leak could be refrigerant. Refrigerant leaks can cause serious health risks to you and your family and need to be repaired at once. You must call an air conditioning repair expert right away.
Water pools adjacent to your air conditioner might show that the drain tube which disposes of the air conditioner condensation is either blocked or broken. This is not as serious an issue, but should be tackled quickly to avoid less important problems like mold growth.

5. Strange Sounds

Squealing, grating, grinding sounds from your air conditioner might be a sign that you need a replacement unit. These noises imply that something is wrong inside the unit. Failure to service the unit could result in a pricey breakdown.
A squealing noise means that the belt has slipped out of place. It may also indicate that a metal component in your air conditioner requires more lubrication. A grinding sound may mean that your motor’s bearings are broken.

6. Strange Odors

Pungent or foul smells from your air conditioning vents normally means that your conditioner’s wire insulation has burned out. Musty smells generally indicates that there is mold inside your unit or ductwork which must be taken care of without delay.

Air Conditioning Repair Greenfield Wi | Spring Maintenance guide

Spring Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

Prepare Your A/C Unit Before the Heat Rolls In

Spring can be a hectic time for a Greenfield homeowner, but the annual air conditioner check up should never be left out of the (endless) to-do list of maintenance chores of the responsible homeowner. Unfortunately, most of us wait until the first heat wave to crank the old air conditioning unit, and more often than not, an unpleasant surprise awaits those who procrastinate. Local air conditioning contractors are busy during the hottest months, so to get in on the most convenient service and best air conditioning repair discounts, time your service call between March and May.

Central Air Conditioner Check List

1. Physically inspect the surroundings of the air conditioning unit. Cut down shrubs and weeds, along with other plants that have sprung up around the unit. This essential step ensures that the unit will manage to suck in sufficient amounts of outside air to cool and blow inside the house.
2. Turn on the air conditioning unit on the first day that the temperature hits 70 degrees in April or May, and let it run for about 60 minutes. Detecting problems and scheduling proper air conditioning repairs and even replacing a faulty unit will be painless when it is still relatively cool outside and HVAC companies are not running around from house to house tackling emergency calls.
3. Check the air filter, and change it if necessary. Some air filters may need to be replaced every year, whereas permanent air filters only require annual cleaning for optimal performance. In either case, dirty filters can create a multitude of problems for an air conditioner; the unit’s energy usage will increase, while the evaporator may even ice over when a filter is allowed to accumulate too much dirt. In addition to making sure the filter is changed or cleaned, go around the unit, picking out obstructions such as leaves or debris that may be blocking parts.
4. Freon level inspection: If the freon levels are low in the air conditioner, a leak is probably present and a freon recharge might be necessary to compensate the lost freon. Low freon levels significantly decrease the life of the compressor, the key component in any a/c unit, and overheating is likely.
5. Tighten screws. A yearly air conditioning maintenance routine also includes checking that all screws are tightly fastened.
6. Check Air Conditioner Thermostat operation. While this may sound obvious, you should also double check that the A/C thermostat is set on “cooling” mode, and the temperature is well below room temperature to automatically turn on the air conditioning unit.
7. Safe air conditioning maintenance: If you encounter a problem during the air conditioner test run and you have a hunch of what may be causing the malfunction, don’t fail to follow basic safety rules that apply to any home maintenance jobs. Cut off power to the a/c unit first, and never just hose down a unit; you will run the risk of electrocution.

How to Maximize Useful Life of the A/C Unit

If you run into problems that require professional air conditioning repair service, as an early bird you are likely to get the fastest and most attentive care from a local Heating and Air Company. Routine Air Conditioning maintenance is the most economical solution to guarantee cool air blowing through your house during the summer months, but if it is time to install a brand new unit, make sure to look into energy standards and tax incentives offered to homeowners who opt for environment friendly appliances.

New Berlin Air Conditioning | What and how to choose a new Air Conditioner

 Air conditioners don't last forever. Shocking, I know. The good news, though, is that if you have an old air conditioning system, replacing it should save you money. Efficiency has improved a lot since that old hunk of metal and noise was installed in your back yard.
Beyond just swapping out the old equipment for new, getting a new air conditioner really needs to involve some thought. Here are five things for you to think about and ask potential contractors.

1. Will the contractor address your air conditioner replacement using a house-as-a-system approach?

If possible, you should use an HVAC contractor who understands building science and will treat your air conditioning problem using a systems approach. An air conditioner is only one component of many that helps with the heating and cooling of your home. Insulation, air leakage, duct leakage, solar gain through windows, radiant heat problems in bonus rooms, and more all affect the comfort, healthfulness, durability, and energy efficiency of your home.

2. How will the new air conditioner be sized?

If you ask an HVAC contractor how they're going to decide what size air conditioner to put in, there are some wrong answers that should have you yelling, "Next!" Here are a few:

• Well, you've got a 3 ton AC in here now, so we're just going to put in a new 3 ton unit.
• Well, you've got a 3 ton AC in here now, so we're going to add another ton to that and give you a 4 ton system. You'll be nice and cool!
• You told me your house was 2400 square feet, so that means you need a 4 ton air conditioner.

The first answer is bad because they're assuming the original contractor sized the system properly—and that nothing has changed since. The second is bad because they're assuming that bigger is better. The third is bad because using a rule of thumb based on square footage doesn't work, and they should measure the house themselves rather than relying on your number.
The proper way to size heating and cooling systems is to calculate the actual heating and cooling loads for your home. To do so, the contractor has to measure the house completely, get all the insulation R-values, window types, orientation, infiltration rate, duct leakage, and more. Then they put all that into their load calculation software and find out how many Btu's per hour your home needs. The most common way of doing this is to use the Manual J load calculation protocol.
Proper sizing is important because an air conditioner does two jobs: (i) cools the air, and (ii) dehumidifies the air. In a humid climate, an oversized air conditioner will cool just fine but won't dehumidify well. Also, oversized systems go on and off a lot, and all those start-ups and shut-downs will shorten the life of your air conditioner.

3. Does the contractor test for duct leakage?

What happens inside the cooling equipment is only part of making your home cool and comfortable. The distribution system plays a huge role, and the typical duct system has a lot of leakage in it. If you're paying a lot of money each month to run your air conditioner, you don't want to waste that cooling through a lot of leaks in your ducts, do you? A duct leakage test will determine how bad your ducts are.

4. Does the contractor assess the air flow in the duct system and make recommendations for repairs?

Duct leakage isn't the only problem with getting cool air into your home. Many duct systems don't move as much air as they should because of ducts that are too small, kinked, too long, or have other types of constrictions. At a minimum, your HVAC contractor should measure the total external static pressure and make sure it's within the limits specified for the equipment they're installing. Ideally, they'll also measure the air flow to each room to make sure your home will be heated and cooled uniformly. Remember, it's not all about the air conditioner. The overall performance depends a lot on how well the ducts move the conditioned air.

5. Are you using the Quality HVAC Installation Checklist from the Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA)?

If you're serious about getting a new air conditioner installed for peak performance, head over to the ACCA website and download their Quality HVAC Installation Checklist. Use it as a guide to choose the right contractor. In addition to the checklist, they have a nice page on their website on choosing the right HVAC contractor.

Summary

Getting an air conditioner replaced is a big investment. It's also an opportunity to improve the comfort, healthfulness, durability, and energy efficiency of your home. It won't happen without your involvement, though, because many HVAC contractors will be happy just to swap out old equipment for new without looking at the bigger picture. Find one who's willing and able to go beyond the box. Even better, get a full home energy assessment.

New Berlin Air Conditioning Repair | Try these Troubleshooting tips

• Note: Always shut off power to your central A/C before beginning any air conditioner maintenance.
• If you used an air conditioner cover to protect your unit during the Winter, make sure to remove it before turning the unit back on!
• Check your refrigerant levels by feeling the pipe connected to your A/C unit. If it doesn't feel cool-ish (around 60 degrees), you may be low on refrigerant.
• Don't forget to replace dirty A/C filters! They put more strain on your A/C unit than clean filters and increase your energy consumption.
• Have a professional clean your evaporator coil every couple years to prevent debris build-up. Other than routine air conditioner cleaning, a professional A/C contractor should be involved with all major A/C maintenance work to prevent damage or problems during repairs.
• Clean your air conditioner's ceiling registers. While this task doesn't affect your A/C unit directly, it does help ensure all its hard work doesn't go to waste.
• Keep the area around your outdoor A/C unit free of grass, furniture, and debris that could interfere with its performance. If any grass or weeds have grown inside or around the unit, be sure to completely remove them.
• If the concrete slab on which your outdoor A/C unit sits isn't level (use a carpenter's level to find out), add rocks, gravel, or dirt underneath to level it out to ensure your A/C runs as efficiently as possible.

Air Conditioning Repairs and Replacement West Allis | Gregg Heating

Yes we know its only 14 degrees out right now in West Allis, but the air conditioning season is right around the corner.  A few things you may want to do before you use your air conditioner this year.

• Note: Always shut off power to your central A/C before beginning any air conditioner maintenance.
• If you used an air conditioner cover to protect your unit during the Winter, make sure to remove it before turning the unit back on!
• Check your refrigerant levels by feeling the pipe connected to your A/C unit. If it doesn't feel cool-ish (around 60 degrees), you may be low on refrigerant.
• Don't forget to replace dirty A/C filters! They put more strain on your A/C unit than clean filters and increase your energy consumption.
• Have a professional clean your evaporator coil every couple years to prevent debris build-up. Other than routine air conditioner cleaning, a professional A/C contractor should be involved with all major A/C maintenance work to prevent damage or problems during repairs.
• Clean your air conditioner's ceiling registers. While this task doesn't affect your A/C unit directly, it does help ensure all its hard work doesn't go to waste.
• Keep the area around your outdoor A/C unit free of grass, furniture, and debris that could interfere with its performance. If any grass or weeds have grown inside or around the unit, be sure to completely remove them.
• If the concrete slab on which your outdoor A/C unit sits isn't level (use a carpenter's level to find out), add rocks, gravel, or dirt underneath to level it out to ensure your A/C runs as efficiently as possible.
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