Why Does My Central Air Conditioning Keep Turning On and Off?

Posted by & filed under air conditioning service Scottsdale AZ .

You have likely discovered today’s article because you were looking for information about why your air conditioner is turning on and off frequently. This occurrence is called “short cycling”, and it is a very common issue for homeowners. Unfortunately, if it is not caught early, it can become very costly. That said, it is not a problem that the average homeowner is going to be about to troubleshoot on their own. It is going to take a qualified technician to make the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, below is a list of the more common conditions.

Why Is Your AC Sort Cycling?

  1. Poorly Placed Thermostat– So, if a thermostat is too close to a vent, it can be fooled into registering a cooler temperature because cold air is blowing on it. This will cause your air conditioner to turn off too soon. However, a thermostat near the window can receive too much exposure to the sun, tricking the unit into thinking the house is warmer.
  2. Leaking Refrigerant – Have you ever had your air conditioner inspected and the technician told you that the refrigerant needed topping off? The refrigerant should never need topping off. This is a sign of a refrigerant leak and it must be repaired in order for your air conditioner to run properly and efficiently.
  3. An Oversized Air Conditioner – This is one of those times when bigger is not better. Determining the right size unit that you need requires considering and calculating many factors correctly. When an air conditioner is too large, your home can become too humid, it can cost more to operate, and the AC is at greater risk of breakdowns.

Today’s article shared some of the more common reasons why your central air condition may be turning on and off frequently. However, it is vital to contact a trusted and reliable HVAC repair company to properly identify and correct the issue. The longer you wait, the more likely serious damage can occur.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, located in Scottsdale AZ. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

How Many Years Does an Air Conditioner Last?

Posted by & filed under Air Conditioning .

Every year, air conditioning units have been getting better. Regardless, even the best will not last forever. Many people take technology for granted, and don’t remember the days when air conditioners were not commonplace. They are often considered an essential component of a home and a necessity rather than a luxury. Nonetheless, their complex nature leaves many homeowners without a clear understanding of such basic issues as performance and longevity.

Essentially, this tends to make, “How many years does an air conditioner last?” one of the most frequently asked questions. But, like many other home repairs, the correct answer tends to rely on a list of considerations. Despite this, probably the most important factor is usage. Like anything, the more you use your air conditioner, the more wear-and-tear and stress it must take. A unit in Scottsdale, AZ will not last nearly as long as one in New England. That said, usage is not the only factor. A homeowner who stays on top of regular maintenance will fare better than one who does not. Much like an automobile, an air conditioner cannot fulfill its full expected lifespan without regular service.

Still, the typical air conditioner has an expected life of 12 to 18 years. But, if you believe your unit is on the verge of failure, take some time to monitor it. Is the unit starting to make unusual noises, such as whining, rattling, or grinding? Are you experiencing more dust than usual? Has your home started to feel humid? These are all signs that your air conditioner is in need of repair or replacement.

Furthermore, there are some air conditioner issues that the typical homeowner may not notice, such as the length of cycles. If the cooling cycles are running long or short, this can be a sign of a problem. Depending on what is actually wrong, the best choice for the homeowner may be to replace the air conditioner. In fact, a new, energy-efficient air conditioner may actually save you more in the long run. While consuming less energy, modern air conditioners provide much better comfort and results.

Today’s article discussed how many years an air conditioner should last. Overall, there are good reasons not to worry about a breakdown. Replacement can be an opportunity. But, before doing anything, a homeowner should have their unit evaluated by a professional local service person.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

What Happens During an Air Conditioning Service Call

Posted by & filed under Air Conditioning, air conditioning service .

One of the most important things you can do to extend the lifespan of your cooling system and keep it running smoothly all season long is to schedule an annual air conditioning service call. However, if you’re like most homeowners, you may be unclear about just what happens during this call.

What happens during an HVAC service call:

  1. Clean your system. Our air conditioning technician will thoroughly clean the dust, dirt and debris from your cooling system during the service call. A dirt-clogged system is one of the major reasons that cooling systems fail prematurely. A clean AC system also uses less energy, since it doesn’t have to push air through that dirt, so this cleaning can save you money on your monthly electric bill.
  2. Lubricant the moving parts. Another key part of an annual service call is to oil all of the mechanical parts of your cooling system and make sure that they are in good working order. Catching a potential problem early during the service call can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in repairs later.
  3. Check the refrigerant. The technician will also check to make sure that your system has enough refrigerant to operate efficiently and that there are no leaks in the coil or other parts of the system. Having adequate refrigerant means that your cooling system will keep your living spaces comfortable, even during the middle of the hot Arizona summer.

While it might seem that skipping the annual service call for your cooling system could save you money, that might be short-sighted. Having an HVAC technician check, clean and lubricant your system can actually save you money in the long run.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding cities. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Discover the Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Posted by & filed under ac repair, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair .

In order to survive the summer without buying a new air conditioning unit, it is important to maintain your home’s cooling system and, if needed, contact a professional air conditioning repair company. Staying on top of this home maintenance issue ensures you will reliably stay cool and comfortable during the heat.

How do you know if you need to call a professional? Air conditioner units should continuously cool your home to the temperature you set. In order to avoid long days of discomfort, we have created this list of common warning signs you will need AC repair.

Increasing Costs – Cooling your home costs money, but if you notice that your bills are higher than normal, you should have the air conditioning system checked.

Poor Airflow – Your unit should cool your home evenly. If you have hot spots or the house is not cooling rooms equally, you will need your compressor and duct work checked.

No Cooling – If you are getting good airflow but no cooling, there may be a problem with the compressor or coolant levels. Call an AC repair professional.

Strange Noises – If there is grating or screeching noises coming from your air conditioner, the motor may need repair or there is a lubrication problem. Don’t ignore noises.

You can rely on J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling for fast, professional and reliable heating and air conditioning service. We will keep your home cool all summer long in the Scottsdale AZ area. If you would like to talk more about the signs you need air conditioning repair, or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit us at www.JRPerkins.com or call us at (480) 422-4437.

How to Save on Your Summer Air Conditioning Bill

Posted by & filed under Air Conditioning, JR Perkins .

In the summer months, the largest part of the typical household’s energy bill is the result of cooling costs. It is probably safe to say most people will run their air conditioners none stop. Unfortunately, the cost can drain your savings account. There are ways to take control and save on your summer air conditioning bill.

Programmable Thermostat – The ideal temperature in a home for balancing cost and comfort is 78 degrees. However, you don’t need to keep it there when no one is home. A programmable thermostat will automatically change the setting based on the schedule you set, saving you from cooling an empty house.

AC Check-up – Ensure you have a professional complete an annual AC Check-up that includes replacing air filters. Reduced efficiency will increase your energy usage. Regular maintenance will also save you from unexpected repairs and being without AC in the summer.

Air Seal – Controlling heating and cooling costs relies on air sealing your house and closing the building envelope. Check around windows and doors, and seal cracks with caulk. Plus, check and replace any damaged weather-stripping.

Upgrade – Today’s air conditioners are 40 percent more efficient than ones just 10 years ago. A professional can help you determine the energy usage of your current unit, and the savings from installing a new air conditioner.

If you would like to talk more about how to save on your summer air conditioning bill, especially in the Scottadale AZ area, or need more information, please call us at (480) 946-5083 or visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com.  J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling has been a family owned and operated business since 1960. We treat our customers like family.