Air Conditioning - Bob Jenson

Cures For A Noisy Air Conditioner!

Written by Kevin on August 11, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Home Improvement. No Comments on Cures For A Noisy Air Conditioner!

What in the World is that Sound?

Air conditioners are not perfectly silent appliances, but they shouldn’t be an audible nuisance. Common noises that are not usually a sign of issue include soft motor whirring while the system is running, the expulsion of air through the air ducts, and clicks when the system is started up or shut down.

If you’re hearing odd sounds that are new, consistent, or loud, there’s a chance that they signal an issue that should be addressed. Sounds such as grinding, loud humming, squealing, banging, thumping, or clanging can be indications that something is wrong. Here we’ll take a look at a few of the common noises that can signal issues and how to cure the clamor of this handy appliance.

Note: With any maintenance of a home appliance, make sure that you first shut off all power to the unit to prevent the chance of electric shock or injury from spinning fan blades while removing debris.

Fan Noise

If the outdoor fan is humming, clacking or sounds loose, it may need to be serviced. Watch the fan as the unit is running. Does it wobble and shake? A technician can oftentimes fix this issue by simply tightening screws to stabilize it. Check for debris around the fan that may be getting sucked into the blades during use. Check the blades as well to make sure they are not bent and rubbing up against their encasement.

Motor Noise

If you hear the motor constantly humming, it may be going bad. Your trusted air conditioning technician can perform a few tests to tell if the motor is on its way out. A new fan motor can be more energy efficient and improve the transfer of heat from the compressor and coils.

Coil Fins

Outdoor coil fins can also become a problem if they are dirty. Check the coil fins and clean out any dirt or debris that has collected. You can pull out leaves and lightly spray down the coils with your gardening hose. Bent coil fins can also cause excessive noise. If you notice the fins of your coil pushed in or flattened, ask your technician if he can straighten them while he’s doing the maintenance. A special fin comb can be inserted between the coil fins and slid through them to straighten the coil back to its original shape. This will improve your a/c’s performance as well!

External Conditions

If you’re hearing rattling, there is a chance that you may simply have an issue with your air conditioner not being stably supported. Concrete can transfer vibration noise into your home. You can add rubber pads under each of the feet of the a/c unit to reduce this noise. Ask your technician about these, he may even have them on his truck!

Old Condenser or Compressor

The compressor is by far the biggest noisemaker in older air conditioning units. After years of working hard the moving parts start to breakdown inside and it may be time for replacement. New units are more efficient and quieter. Some modern mini-split compressors are virtually silent! If your condenser is older, you may be able to purchase a sound blanket from the manufacturer and have it installed it over the compressor to help dampen the noise.

If you cannot find the issue or are having trouble diagnosing the issue with your air conditioning unit, it may be time to call in a professional who can give you expert advice. Bob Jenson Air Conditioning will be able to quickly diagnose the issue and make an expert recommendation on whether to replace or repair parts or the entire unit, if necessary.

Do You Believe These 3 Myths About Air Conditioning?

Written by Kevin on August 8, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy. No Comments on Do You Believe These 3 Myths About Air Conditioning?

Get the Facts!

Air conditioning is a much-needed household utility in many areas of the country. But although it is so common, there are still myths floating around about how to get the most out of your unit. Here we’ll address some of these common myths and get to the bottom of what works and what doesn’t in terms of keeping your air conditioning unit running at its best.

Myth 1: It’s more efficient to keep your unit running all the time than to turn it on and off.

Many people believe that leaving an air conditioning unit running all day and maintaining a consistent temperature requires less energy to cool a home than turning it on and off. We hear this about idling a car (vs. turning it off and restarting it) and also about keeping the heat on day and night within our homes. But in the case of an air conditioning unit that recycles warm air into cool air, there’s no need to keep recycling air that has already cooled. Therefore, turning off your air conditioning when you’re not home will consume less power than when it is operating on high for short intervals. Air conditioning units are more efficient when they are running full speed for a short amount of time vs. a lower speed for lengthy periods.

TIP: To increase efficiency without using power, consider replacing or supplementing the insulation in your home, or investing in heavy drapes and better windows to keep out the heat.

Myth 2: To cool air faster, set a lower temperature on your air conditioning unit.

Conventional units are only able to turn a compressor on or off. This means that regardless of what temperature you set it for, the air conditioning runs at the same speed. This means that it will run for longer to reach that temperature, but it will not cool air faster. If you want to cool air faster, try running a fan that blows warmer air out of a room. Turn on any ceiling fans and portable fans, and open doors to help air move about and redistribute throughout your home faster. Work on creating cross-breezes that move air quickly from one area of the home to another.

Fans redistribute air and help to cool you down by creating a draft that makes you feel cooler. But the actual temperature of the air does not change. In short: fans cool air, not people. So don’t waste money running a fan in an empty room.

Myth 3: The location of your air conditioning unit doesn’t affect its performance.

Surprisingly, it actually does make a difference where your air conditioner is stationed. Placing your thermostat in a warm area of the home or near lights or appliances can give off a false reading as to the temperature of the home, making your air conditioner work in overdrive to cool the house. It can also make a difference where in the home your unit is kept in relation to the sun. If your air conditioning unit is installed on the south or west side of the house, sunlight may warm your unit’s outdoor heat exchanger and negatively affect performance.

Are any of these myths causing your unit to lose efficiency and hiking the cost of your electric bill higher than it needs to be? Take some time to evaluate the use of your air conditioning unit and ensure that you are getting the most out of this important utility and conserving its longevity. In turn, this can help you keep your household comfortable during the warmer seasons for years to come.

Infographic: How to Stay Cool on a Budget!

Written by Kevin on July 31, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, San Diego. No Comments on Infographic: How to Stay Cool on a Budget!

The heat and humidity are here in San Diego and you’ve probably flipped on your air conditioning keep comfortable. Though we love our cool, comfortable homes we have a nagging sense we are going to pay for it later. Here is our latest infographic on ways to keep cool on a budget!

Stay Cool on a Budget, an infographic on how to cut cooling costs

What To Do When Your Air Conditioning Keeps Freezing Up!

Written by Kevin on July 21, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on What To Do When Your Air Conditioning Keeps Freezing Up!

Where did your cool air go?

Depending on where you live, air conditioning can be a crucial addition to daily life during the warm summer months. Frost or ice forming on the coils of your air conditioner, regardless of the temperature of the surrounding air, can be a symptom of a significant issue and limit the system’s capability to cool your indoor environment.

If you find yourself with a frozen air conditioning unit in the sweltering heat of summer, it’s time to do some detective work and try to narrow down the cause. Sometimes you can easily handle the issue yourself, and other times an HVAC professional is necessary to getting your unit back into proper working order. Here we’ll take a look at the causes of freezing air conditioners and the issues you can solve yourself.

Check the Filter

Check the air conditioner’s filter first. If there is not enough air flowing through the system, the filter may be to blame. If the filter is clogged with debris, it may be limiting the airflow and causing your air conditioner to freeze up. Try replacing the filter with a clean one, and see if that fixes the problem.

Check the Airflow

Check other areas of the unit where airflow may be getting blocked. This includes the registers, the duct connectors, and the ductwork. Leaks or dirt obstructing the airflow may also be to blame for faulty airflow.

Check the Fan

Another area to check is the unit’s fan. If the fan isn’t working properly, the air cannot move out of the unit, causing it to freeze. If the fan isn’t moving and there is no visible debris blocking it, you may need to call in an HVAC professional to further assess the issue and handle the repair.

Overuse

If you are running your air conditioning unit night and day, you may simply be freezing your unit from overuse. Be sure to give your unit a break here and there. This simple process not only extends the life of your unit, but it can also save you some money on your energy bill.

Check the Thermostat

If your unit’s thermostat is broken, it cannot self-regulate properly and may freeze up as a result. If your unit is freezing up, take a moment to check the temperature on the thermostat for accuracy. If it seems to be off, it may be time to call in an HVAC professional to set it straight or replace it.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

An air conditioning unit that is low on coolant can also cause your coils to freeze up. Constantly adding coolant may signal that you have a leak in your unit. If a leak is the problem, this sort of issue is best resolved by a professional.

First and foremost, if you see your air conditioning unit coils freezing up, your first plan of action should be to shut off the unit and let it thaw. Neglecting to do so can damage the unit’s compressor and rack up a pricey bill for repairs. Check the unit’s coolant levels, filters, air ducts, thermostat, and fan to see if you can identify the problem yourself. Once you have assessed that everything visible is in proper working order, turn your unit back on and monitor it closely. If your coils continue to freeze up and you have identified each one of these primary areas of concern, it may be time to call in an HVAC professional to take a closer look.

The Fight For Cool: Ductless vs. Central Air Conditioning

Written by Kevin on July 15, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Ductless. No Comments on The Fight For Cool: Ductless vs. Central Air Conditioning

Which Air Conditioning Type is Best?

Having air conditioning in your San Diego home is a modern luxury that makes controlling the climate in your home convenient and comfortable. There are now more options when it comes to type of air conditioning systems that will work for your home. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of ductless air conditioning vs. central air conditioning.

Not every home can accommodate a large central air conditioning system, particularly older homes where it is difficult or cost-prohibitive to fit the equipment in the attic or closet and find space to install the ducts needed for air conditioning. Thankfully, ductless air conditioning systems can fill the void when there are no central air options. Even people who have the option to use central air conditioning units are choosing ductless systems instead based on their efficiency and targeting power.

Here are a few key differences between these two types of air conditioning systems and a look at why you may choose one over the other.

Central Air Conditioning

This type of air conditioning is pretty common and preferred by many residents who want to keep entire homes cool with a single thermostat. Usually with central air conditioning the hot air in the home is pulled into a central return air duct, which is the larger register in your home found in the hallway or other central area. Hot air is filtered and drawn over the indoor coil where the heat is soaked up by the refrigerant and exchanged outside via the condenser. The cold air is now recirculated back into your entire home by way of the ducting system.

Advantages: Mainly, ease of cooling an entire building without having to go from room to room to make it happen. The indoor part of central air conditioning systems tend to be hidden from sight, with only the air registers seen on the walls. Sometimes you only need to replace part of your central system, this would keep costs down and improve your existing system. Since larger higher efficient filters will fit on a central system, filtration tends to work far better than with the smaller filters on a ductless unit.

Disadvantages: Central air conditioning condensers, (the outdoor unit), tend to be very large and can be noisy. Central air relies on ducting to distribute air to each room which can be torn, damaged or just fall apart resulting in major leakage, loss of efficiency and capacity. The average California home has around 30% duct leakage! Central a/c systems can be zoned for different rooms, but this requires extra, sometimes third-party equipment and adds an additional cost to the job.

Ductless Air Conditioning

Ductless air conditioning, also called mini-split systems, uses an air-handling unit that is located inside, mounted on a wall or inset into the ceiling, and connected by refrigerant lines to a compact outdoor compressor. As the name implies, there are no ducts involved in cooling the home. Instead, the wall unit pulls air across it’s coil, removes the heat, filters the air and sends it right back into the room where it is located. These systems are far more efficient, precise and quieter than many central air conditioning units.

Advantages: Ductless systems are more targeted and can cool just one spot or multiple zones in the same house. Generally up to four, sometimes eight, air-handling units can all connect to the same outdoor compressor. Unlike window units, ductless air conditioning units have programmable temperature settings (not just low, medium, and high). Unlike traditional central systems ductless systems can vary their output and energy usage based on the current conditions inside and outside the home. This ability to ramp up and down to just what is needed is what sets these systems apart.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the average household saves up to $1,000 every year on cooling costs by using ductless air conditioning units. Since there are no duct systems to install, labor cost is reduced when compared to central air conditioning installation. Other people praise the environmental benefits of the focused energy use as opposed to wasted air through central systems. Finally, the outdoor unit runs virtually silent. This feature is especially ideal when units are placed near bedroom windows, neighbors or in the backyard.

Disadvantages: With this type of air conditioning there is not one central place to adjust temperature for an entire house. For those who choose ductless systems, this is a small price to pay. Some people also view the aesthetic appearance of ductless units as a disadvantage as they are not hidden in the walls like duct systems. There are smart ways to integrate these systems though that make them less obvious in the rooms where they exist.

The best way to decide which to use is to know what is important to you and your family, what your budget is, and find out what your homes requirements are. Whatever system you choose, remember that a proper installation of any air conditioning system is what will contribute to the most comfort, energy efficiency, and safety your system can provide. Consult an air conditioning specialist for even more advice on what may be best for your space.

Why is my Air Conditioning Leaking?

Written by Kevin on July 7, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on Why is my Air Conditioning Leaking?

All the leaks

If your air conditioner begins leaking, it can be difficult to find out why, especially if you’re not sure where to look. To preserve the efficiency of your unit, you should find the cause of the leak and address it sooner rather than later. Not only can a leak lower the efficiency of your unit, but this inefficiency can also increase your energy bill. Let’s take a look at a 3 common areas where air conditioners might spring a leak!

Air Conditioning Leaking: Refrigerant

An air conditioner that is improperly installed is vulnerable to refrigerant leaks. Poorly brazed copper refrigerant lines can have pinhole leaks that take months to notice refrigerant levels have dropped. Also if vibrating parts are up against the refrigerant coils, this can cause a hole and refrigerant loss. Check that the vents throughout your home are open and your filter is clean. Restrictions in an air conditioner system can raise refrigerant pressure and cause the valves of the unit to leak as the unit gets older.

Air Conditioning Leaking: Water

One of the most common causes of air conditioning water leaks is a broken or malfunctioning condensate pump. Test your pump by pouring water into the condenser pan or directly into the pump. A float switch inside will turn on the pump when the water rises to a certain level. If the pump doesn’t activate, it may be clogged, broken or without power. Make sure the pump is plugged in and has power, there is usually a green power indicator light. A condensate pump should be wired so as to shut down the air conditioning if it fails for any reason to avoid any water damage to your home. An HVAC professional will know how to do this.

Another common cause of leaks are the condensate lines. These are what drain condensation from the indoor part of your a/c system to the outside of your home. If the primary drain line becomes clogged, the secondary line will start to drip water over one of your outside windows. This is an indicator that you have a problem and should call a HVAC Technician. If the secondary line clogs, water will back up and flood the overflow pan, resulting in possible water damage to your ceiling and other parts of your home. A backed-up line can also cause the unit to automatically shut down if it is set up to detect an issue. You can clear a condensate line by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog or calling a technician, but routine care and maintenance is the best form of prevention.

Damage to the overflow pan or PVC condensate lines can be the source of water leaks. Check the pan and PVC lines for cracks and other signs of damage. You may need a professional technician to replace the entire pan or one of the lines.

Air Conditioning Leaking: Air

Poor installation or age of your system can result in leakage of of your cold air into the attic or under your home. The average duct leakage in California is up to 30% loss! This lowers your units ability to handle the heat in your home, lowers efficiency, raises your utility bills and wastes your hard earned money! If you notice your system runs a lot longer than it used to or it doesn’t cool your home like it should, this could be a sign of air leakage from your system. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your equipment and ducting system to fix these issues.

Most of these leaking issues can be avoided with an ongoing, annual maintenance program for your system. Getting an expert assessment of the issue can save you time and money and allows you to stay cool and comfortable throughout those hot summer months. Stay cool and leak free!

San Diego Regional Air Conditioning Tips Infographic

Written by Kevin on June 2, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, San Diego. No Comments on San Diego Regional Air Conditioning Tips Infographic

Air Conditioning Tips Based on Where You Live In San Diego

We all want our appliances to last a while, especially our air conditioning systems since we’ve invested hundreds, if not thousands of dollars into them. We don’t envy the thought of purchasing a new one so we’ve created an fun infographic to help! Here are some maintenance and safety tips to extend the life of your system based on where your live here in San Diego:

5 Ideas to Eliminate Your Springtime Allergies

Written by Kevin on May 12, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Health. No Comments on 5 Ideas to Eliminate Your Springtime Allergies

Allergies, there is a solution

Spring is beautiful—flowers in bloom, animals coming out of hibernation, and a world that is flourishing with life. Unfortunately, spring also means allergies. Those flowers, newborn animals, and changes in weather mean more pollen and dander, which only makes for more sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes. If you suffer from allergies, fear not. There are plenty of things you can do around the house to keep allergens from makings your spring a nightmare.

1. Check and maintain your ventilation system.

A good ventilation system pumps clean air into your home while pumping stale indoor air out. However, a malfunctioning ventilation system can just blow around the dust already in your home or fill your home with pollen from the outdoors.

An easy solution is to replace your air filter. Air filters are designed to clean the air of irritants and allergens, making sure that what you breathe in doesn’t make you sneeze. The average air filter should be replaced about once every two to three months.

The best thing you can do for your HVAC system is to get it professionally inspected and maintained. Your ventilation system should be maintained at least once a year, which will not only keep the sniffles away, but also ensure your system’s longevity.

2. Use your air conditioner instead of opening a window.

As tempting as it might be to let in that wonderful spring air, you’re also letting in the pollen, dander, and other allergens that will set off your sneezes. As long as you’ve replaced the air filter, your air conditioner will do an excellent job of keeping your home comfortably cool. Only use fans after you follow the next step.

3. Dust your home.

Dust accumulating on air vents, windowsills, blinds, and other hard, flat surfaces will exacerbate your outdoor allergies when you get back inside. Give your home a good sweeping and vacuuming. Check curtains and drapes as well. If allergies are really bad, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief and eyes with protective glasses.

4. Give your mattress a quick clean.

Make this a seasonal habit. Use your vacuum to suck up any dust on your mattress. Sprinkle on some baking soda, wait about 15 minutes, and vacuum again. This will not only eliminate pollen and allergens, but also eliminate odors that have built up in the fabric.

5. Wash your pillows.

Allergen debris tends to collect on pillows. Considering you press your face onto them for hours every night, that’s a big problem. Vacuum foam pillows. Down and fiberfill pillows can be thrown in the laundry (but make sure you check the labels).

Spring cleaning and keeping an eye on the pollen forecast are the best ways to keep your home allergy free. Stay healthy!

Out with the Old and Preventing the Mold

Written by Kevin on May 5, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on Out with the Old and Preventing the Mold

Defending against dreaded mold

The weather is heating up, which means you air conditioner is bound to get much more of a workout, which can easily cause ducts to get a little moist. Combine that with spring’s characteristic humidity and you have the perfect recipe for mold growth.

Mold presents significant health problems and can make your spring allergies feel even worse than usual, so let’s take a look at how you can keep mold from building up in your air ducts.

Control Condensation

Mold loves moist, dark areas, and the hot outdoor temperature can cause your cooler ducts to sweat, forming condensation inside and out. To keep moisture to a minimum, insulate your ducts and cooling coils. Wrapping a duct in insulating material keeps its surface warm, preventing the temperature differential that leads to sweating. Surround the insulation in a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from getting into the insulation itself.

Run a dehumidifier in your home. If your home experiences excessively humid conditions, consider a whole-house dehumidification system. Many times these can be added on to an existing system.

Have a UV Light Installed in Your Plenum

UV light from the sun it the best natural killer of mold. The inside of your system is dark and moist near your coil and at the beginning of your duct system. With a stand alone UV light installed inside your coil or supply-air plenum you can bring the sunlight right inside your system, keeping it mold free!

If you have a lot of mold in your system already, a UV light won’t get rid of it. First you’ll need to have your system professionally sprayed, scrubbed and disinfected, then install the UV light to kill mold spores before they land on any surface.

Better Filtration Stops Mold Before It Starts

Most filters in the average home are very poor and only catch the big stuff. Mold spores are tiny, measured as small as 3.0 microns! To put that in perspective, visible dust is as small as 10 microns. Only a MERV 10-16 Rated Filter can even think of stopping mold spores that small.

Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System

If your like the rest of us, things that are out of sight are out of mind. Our air conditioning system can get neglected because it’s in our attic or on the side of our house. The best way to keep your system running in top condition and mold free is think about getting a regularly scheduled maintenance from a professional HVAC contractor that you trust. Here are some of the benefits:

They call and remind you when it’s time
Schedule when it’s convenient for you
You get a true professional cleaning, testing and ongoing evaluation of your system
Each visit is usually costs less when you part of a maintenance club
Some companies give a discounted rate off of repairs
Some companies will waive their repair diagnosis fee for club members
You can get priority service over new customers when it’s busy

Combo Punch Knockout

Preventing mold or getting rid of it will always require a combination of methods working together, cleaning, filtering, UV lighting surfaces, and maintaining your system regularly. Don’t forget, it’s important for your health and your systems longevity.

Air Conditioning Consumption in the US Infographic

Written by Kevin on October 7, 2013. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Air Conditioning Consumption in the US Infographic

The way we consume things shifts over a given period of time and the way we consume air conditioning and use energy has changed over the past 20 years. What has lead to this change? We examine the factors that have shifted our consumption of a/c in our latest infographic: