Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

AC Repair

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

As modern homeowners, we obviously expect to live in a certain amount of comfort. This means that we must be able to successfully cool our homes with our air conditioners during the summer season. There are few experiences more alarming on a hot summer day than flipping on the AC, only to realize that it is blowing warm air. There are a number of potential reasons as to why this may be the case, and they vary in severity. Whatever the issue may be, though, you can count on our team to complete any necessary air conditioning repairs in Timnath, CO.

  • Low refrigerant levels may be the cause of the problem, and if this is the case you can expect more problems to develop over time. Your air conditioner removes heat from the air in your home to cool it. Refrigerant acts as the heat transfer liquid, and it must evaporate in the evaporator coil in order to draw heat out of the air. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your system due to leaks or an improper charge, your system will struggle to cool your home effectively.
  • Leaky ducts are another potential cause of the problem. It could be that your air conditioner is actually cooling air just fine, but that hot air is getting into your ductwork through bad seals or tears. Having your air ducts repaired or professionally sealed can resolve the problem.
  • Improper settings can also be the root cause of your problem, and this is by far the best-case-scenario. Before you call our number to schedule AC repairs, do yourself a favor and double check the thermostat. You may have inadvertently put the system in a “fan only” mode, so it is not blowing the cool air you need.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning with all of your AC service needs.

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Does My Air Conditioner Need a Leaking Coil Replaced?

There are a number of different problems that you may encounter with the air conditioning system that you rely upon in order to keep your home cool and comfortable. Investing in a good system from a trusted manufacturer and scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance will help you to keep the risk of repair needs to a minimum. Ultimately, though, there is no way in which you can hope for any air conditioner to operate 100% reliably. One of the most distressing of all problems that you may encounter with your air conditioning system is a leaking coil. You will learn a bit about how to spot a leaking coil, and what that may mean for your system, below.

 

Evaporator and Condenser Coils

There are two coils that perform integral functions in your air conditioning system. These are the evaporator coil, which is located within your home in the air handler unit, and the condenser coil, located in the outdoor condenser unit. Either of these coils may develop leaks, though the state of refrigerant in the evaporator coil makes this the more common point of problems. It is the evaporator coil in which refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the air passing over it in order to cool it down. The refrigerant is condensed back to a liquid form at the condenser coil outside, as heat is dispersed into the air.

Refrigerant leaks may develop at any point in the system through which the refrigerant passes. This problem may develop for any number of reasons, including manufacturing flaws, poor welding, and accidental damage to the coils. Whatever the cause of the problem, it can be very costly to replace the coil. That being said, a good technician may be able to seal the refrigerant leak for you. Pinpointing the source of the leak may be time-consuming, but it may also save you a substantial amount of money compared to the cost of investing in a replacement coil.

If you see ice on your indoor air conditioning coil, or if your system is struggling to cool your home effectively, you may have a leak in a coil. You cannot afford to ignore this problem. Unresolved refrigerant leaks can lead to serious damages, or even the complete and irreversible failure of your air conditioner.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning if you have any reason to suspect a leak anywhere in your AC. We serve Loveland, CO.

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AC Not Working? Check for These Potential Problems

There is no denying the fact that a malfunctioning air conditioner is of serious concern during the hottest time of the year. The fact of the matter, though, is that there are a number of potential problems that could impede the operation of your air conditioner, but which may not be terribly serious or difficult to resolve. Sometimes it pays to be optimistic, so we encourage you to check for these best-case scenarios before panicking or calling in a professional AC repair technician. Of course, if there is not an obvious fix for your problem, the pros on our staff are happy to handle your AC repairs in Loveland, CO.

Double-Check the Thermostat

You really do not need to pay a professional air conditioning technician to come to your home in order to reset your thermostat. That is just what you may wind up doing, though, if you do not think to double-check your thermostat when your air conditioner is failing to meet your cooling needs and expectations. It is possible that you simply set the thermostat wrong, or that it is switched to an “off” or “fan only” position. If this is the case, you need only make a simple adjustment in order to resolve the problem of discomfort in your home.

Check Your Circuit Breaker

Because of the amount of electricity that your air conditioner uses when running, it is very likely to be running on its own circuit. That is why you should go check your circuit breaker if your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be working, even if every light in the house is still on. Again, you really don’t need to make a service call just to have a breaker switch flipped.

When Did You Last Change Your Air Filter?

Too many homeowners fail to heed the warning about changing their air filters. Failure to do so is a great disservice to your AC system, and to your comfort. If you have not changed your air filter lately, there is a good chance that your cooling problems are stemming from a dirty, clogged filter in the system.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning if you have any concerns about your air conditioning system.

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Ice on an Air Conditioner Is a Sign of Potentially Serious Trouble

When you see ice forming on an air conditioning system, your first reaction may be to suppose that the system is just doing a very good job of cooling things down. In truth, though, this is not the case. Ice on your system is a sign that something is wrong, not that your system is cooling the air down too effectively. Should you notice ice on your refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil in your home, contact a member of our staff immediately. The sooner that any necessary air conditioning repairs are completed, the better off your system is going to be.

  • Refrigerant Leaks: We’ll get this one out of the way first and foremost, as it’s a bit of a worst case scenario. The refrigerant in your system must be at a certain level, or charge, if your system is going to successfully remove heat from the air in your home. If you do have ice forming on your system, it may be a sign that there is not enough refrigerant in it and that not enough heat is being absorbed by the system. Icing up is only going to compound the problem further, so you should have a trained technician come to pinpoint the source of your refrigerant leak, or to recharge it if it was not properly charged to begin with.
  • Dirty Coils: There are a lot of reasons why it’s so important that you schedule professional air conditioning maintenance on a regular basis. If you don’t, certain components, such as your evaporator coil, won’t be cleaned. The evaporator coil absorbs the heat that evaporates the refrigerant. If it is dirty, you’ll run into the same problems with heat absorption that are mentioned above.
  • Clogged Filters: Clogged filters can reduce airflow throughout the HVAC system. When this happens, your evaporator coil can ice up because there is just not enough hot air moving over it. Changing air filters is one of the best ways in which to keep your AC functioning properly.

Schedule your AC services in Loveland, CO with the experts at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Why Might My Air Conditioner Short Cycle?

When the heat of the summer season really gets underway, you want your air conditioner to function properly, and you want it to function reliably. If you encounter problems with your air conditioner of any kind, remember that it is always in your best interest to schedule prompt air conditioning repairs at the very first sign of trouble. One of the most problematic of the issues that you may encounter is that of short cycling. If your air conditioner in Windsor, CO is short cycling, be sure to contact a member of our team right away.

What Is Short Cycling?

Short cycling occurs when your air conditioner starts up, runs for a short while, and shuts back down before the cooling cycle is complete. This is detrimental for a few reasons. It puts a lot of excess wear and tear on the system, and it also eats up more energy than your AC should, meaning that you are actually paying more for a weaker performance from your system. It also means that your AC won’t dehumidify the air as much as it would during a full cooling cycle.

What Causes It?

There are a few situations in which you may encounter short cycling. It can occur if an air conditioner is too large for the home in which it is installed. Your system will cool your home too quickly, and the system will cycle off rapidly. Before long, the system will be forced back into service. Unfortunately, there is no repair that can “fix” an oversized system.

If the short cycling is a new development, though, it may be due to a failing run capacitor. The run capacitor helps to maintain a constant current in the AC motor(s). If it fails, then it is not going to be able to keep the system running dependably, and short cycling may develop.

Finally, you may just have a faulty thermostat on your hands. If this is the case, your thermostat may be registering cooler temperatures than it is actually experiencing.

Be sure to schedule your air conditioning repairs with the pros on the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning team.

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3 Signs That You May Need Air Conditioning Repairs

Now that we’ve made it to April, many homeowners are anxiously anticipating the onset of the summer season. Of course, enjoying summer to its fullest demands that you are able to escape the clutches of its heat when you are ready to cool down. In order to do so, we recommend that you not only invest in a great air conditioning system, but that you also allow the pros on our staff to install and service that system.

Of course, even the best air conditioning systems on the market, and even when well-maintained, are going to encounter occasional operational problems. Scheduling prompt AC repairs in Wellington, CO is always in your best interest, so here are some signs of trouble to look out for.

  1. A decrease in your system’s cooling output is one of the most obvious signs that there is something wrong with your home cooling system. If you feel as though your system is struggling to cool your entire home effectively, or if it seems to be blowing lukewarm air, call our number right away. Refrigerant leaks, issues with blower fans, and other problems could be to blame.
  2. Ice on the system is another sign that your air conditioner is definitely in need of repair services. You may think that ice on an air conditioner is actually a good sign, proof that the system is cooling your home effectively. In truth, though, clogged air filters or low refrigerant levels may be leaving your system incapable of absorbing sufficient heat.
  3. Strange sounds emanating from your air conditioning system during operation are also cause for concern. No, your AC is not going to operate in a silent stealth mode. However, you shouldn’t really be hearing loud grinding, screeching, or booming sounds. If you do, it is in your best interest to allow a member of our staff to evaluate it for repairs ASAP.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for great air conditioning repair services.

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What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Is Not Operating Properly

It can be quite alarming to discover that one’s home cooling system is not functioning precisely as it ought to. However, before contacting a member of our team to schedule professional air conditioning repairs in Windsor, CO, there are a few things that you can check on your own. We are, of course, more than happy to handle any AC repairs that you may need. Double-checking that there is no obvious cause of your problem which can easily be righted, though, can help to avoid unnecessary service calls. If you find that there is no simple fix to your problem, then, by all means, contact a member of our staff immediately. Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning will complete any necessary repairs promptly. 

  • Check that power to the unit is on. This may sound obvious, but it is possible that a tripped breaker is behind your “broken” air conditioner. You don’t need a technician to help you reset it if this is the case.
  • Clean or change dirty air filters. You may not think that  a dirty air filter is that serious of a problem. You’d be wrong in believing so, though. You see, dirty or clogged air filters can leave your system unable to distribute conditioned air effectively throughout the house. Plus, over time, the strain and reduced airflow that clogged filters lead to can result in actual operational problems and damages.
  • Check your thermostat for proper setting. Again, this one sounds rather obvious. However, improperly set thermostats often result in false alarms for air conditioning repairs. Make sure that the AC is on, and not just the fan. Make sure that you’ve not accidentally activated the heating mode, if applicable. Finally, ensure that the temperature itself is set properly. If you’ve set your temperature for higher than the temperature within the home, then your AC has no reason to come on anyway. Contact us with any questions you may have.
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3 Common Signs That You Need AC Repairs

When you live in as hot a summer climate as we do, it is of the utmost importance that you air conditioner functions precisely as it is intended to. In order to ensure that this is the case, routine maintenance must be scheduled on a regular basis. Even when you take such measures, though, you must remember that you will encounter problems with your air conditioner at some point. When you do, it is all about reaction time. Schedule your air conditioning repairs in Fort Collins, CO with a member of our staff at the very first sign of trouble. Speak with a member of the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning team to learn more.

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Repair Services

Because time is of the essence, it is of great benefit to understand some of the common signs that your air conditioner is in need of repairs. You really don’t want to wait for your system to break down entirely before scheduling service. Here area  few indicators to keep an eye – or ear – out for.

  1. Hot Spots: Your air conditioner doesn’t have to break down entirely in order to justify repair services. Just because it is running, after all, does not mean that it is running at peak performance levels. The development of hot spots throughout your home suggests that your system is compromised in some way, and must be repaired.
  2. Increased Cooling Costs: You should have a general sense of how much it costs to cool your home. That amount will fluctuate with temperatures and run time, of course. However, any major spike in your cooling costs may be the result of a problem causing your system to run inefficiently.
  3. Unfamiliar Sounds: A major indicator that your system is in trouble, unfamiliar and alarming sounds should be investigated immediately. Damaged components, slipped fan belts, and other issues could cause your AC to operate with increased noise levels. Minimize the risk of further damages by scheduling prompt AC repair services with trained professionals.
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AC FAQ: To Repair, or Replace?

Once the summer heat really hits, Fort Collins, CO can rapidly become an uncomfortably hot place to be. Of course, you can live in great comfort throughout even the hottest time of the year these days, so long as you have a dependable and effective air conditioning system set up in your home. If this is not the case, though, you may be wondering what your next move should be.

Many operational problems with home cooling systems are repairable, provided that you hire trained professionals to do the job. In other instances, though, your system may be beyond repair. It is not always clear cut, unfortunately, as to whether repair or replacement is your best option. That is why we have put together some information for you to consider. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about your AC repair and replacement options. 

If you have a relatively new air conditioning system, and it has broken down or is just not performing as you’d like it to, then you are probably going to opt to have it repaired. Any number of problems may affect the performance of an air conditioner, so it is necessary for an experienced professional to assess and repair your system. When inspecting matters, your AC technician may find that the problems are more pervasive than thought at first. Should your system be very new, it will likely make more sense to move ahead with repairs, though they may be substantial, as this probably still more cost effective than investing in a new AC.

In other instances, though, especially if repair needs are frequent, the cost of completing repairs may not be justified. With the money that you could save in both reduced repair needs and in increased efficiency, you can offset the initial cost of a replacement system over time. You must remember that you don’t have to wait for your system to break down entirely in order to justify a replacement, nor are all systems inherently worth repairing, even if they may still be repaired.

Finally, don’t be afraid to invest in a new air conditioner even if your old system is technically still operating proficiently. If you have an old system that is still capable of cooling your home effectively, but it does so with considerable energy expenditure resulting in high cooling costs, then replacing that system with a higher efficiency model may be preferable to continuing to run and maintain this older, inefficient model. As you can see, the decision to repair or replace an air conditioner is considerably trickier than you may have realized. Your best bet is to contact a skilled professional with the knowledge to offer his or her input on a case by case basis. Call us to do so.

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My AC Is Blowing Warm Air: What Should I Do?

The summer is no time to have your air conditioning system break down. If your AC is just blowing warm air into your home then it likely means that your home is uncomfortable and you are frustrated. Make sure that you call the Fort Collins AC repair technicians at Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning immediately if that is the case. We wanted to help our customers understand why their air conditioner might be blowing warm air so read on below for a quick explanation.

Fort Collins AC Repair: Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air

There are a couple reasons why your air conditioning system might be blowing warm air.

  • Low refrigerant – Your air conditioner relies on a refrigerant to remove heat from your home. If you have a refrigerant leak or your compressor is leaking then you might not have enough in the system to cool your home.
  • Clogged air filter – More than likely, you aren’t getting enough cooling in your home because your AC has a clogged air filter. Your air conditioner has an air filter in it that protects the moving parts from outside dust and dirt. If it isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and restrict the flow of air into your home which would keep you from getting the cooling that you need.
  • Thermostat – Your thermostats are one of the most important components of your air conditioning system. They detect the temperature in your home and then activate your AC system accordingly. But if your thermostats aren’t working well, if they aren’t calibrated properly, they may just tell the air conditioning system that you don’t need any cooling.
  • Compressor – We mentioned that your AC has a refrigerant in it. Well, your system uses a compressor to compress that refrigerant to provide cooling. Even if you have plenty of refrigerant, if that compressor breaks you won’t get any cooling.

If your air conditioning system isn’t keeping you cool or if you’re having any other problems with it, just call the Fort Collins AC repair professionals at Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning today. And if an AC repairs are no longer a possibility, then we can talk to you about your air conditioning replacement options.

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