Month: June 2020

Here comes summer again and with it all the typical, fun, and warm activities. Have you given much thought as to what your pets will be doing to stay cool during the heat this summer? Here are some suggestions that can help keep your Inverness, FL pets comfy this summer.

Everything is Better in Moderation, Especially Cool Air

There may be a person in your household who enjoys a very cool house after work, but keep in mind that your pets can do just fine with a moderate temperature setting while you’re gone during the day. Depending on your dog or cat breed, a moderate thermostat setting in the mid-70s is generally sufficient to keep them content while you are gone.

Fresh HVAC Filters Are Good for Your AC

We at Senica Air Conditioning recommend that you check your AC filter in your home regardless of whether your pet is a short-haired cat or a long-haired Shih Tzu, every month. A filter with fur or hair increases energy consumption and prohibits an AC unit from working at its maximum effectiveness level. If your filter looks dirty or is filled with pet hair, it’s time for a new filter.

If Your Pet Stays in While You’re at Work

Some pet owners have no alternative to leaving their pets inside during the day while they are at work. One great option for conserving energy while keeping your pet cool is to consider keeping your pet confined to one or two rooms while you are gone.

Smart devices and zoning that is now commonly provided with most AC systems allow you to adjust the cooling in individual rooms. Remember to keep it set at a moderate temperature.

Your Pet-Owner Common Sense

We at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. can help to troubleshoot your air conditioning if you feel your air conditioning isn’t keeping all of your family members – including your pets – comfortable. Call us us anytime to schedule a service call when needed.

Image provided by iStock

This post appeared first on Senicaair.com

Restore Air Conditioning Service in La Palma with High Quality Repairs

Any homeowner who owns and uses an air conditioner will eventually need AC repairs. While many people hate making AC repairs, they are necessary and do a lot of good.

Repairs restore:

• Proper cooling
• Safe operation
• Cleanliness
• Indoor air quality
• Energy efficiency
• Home comfort
• Peace of mind

What causes repairs in the first place? For the majority of homeowners, repairs are caused by a combination of buildup and natural wear.

The average AC unit is built to last between 10 to 15 years when it receives regular care. Unfortunately, many units do not receive the type of care necessary to last this long. Additionally, many people misuse or abuse their units, demanding too much over prolonged periods of time.

However, AC units age and wear down just like anything else in our homes. On top of that, the air conditioner is prone to collecting buildup. Because indoor air is full of particles and pathogens, all of these specks stick to the interior of the unit. As a result, buildup accrues. When buildup grows big enough, it interferes with the cooling process. Buildup can damage pieces, move them around or even stop movement altogether.

How do you know if you need repairs? Typically, your AC unit will show signs of distress. You may experience:

• Loud or bothersome noises
• Smelly air from the vents
• Sharp increases in the utility bill
• A drop in indoor air quality
• Reduced productivity
• Inaccurate temperatures

If you experience any of these symptoms, turn off the AC unit and call your technician for air conditioning service in La Palma. Do not procrastinate on repairs. Homeowners who ignore or procrastinate on necessary repairs end up with more trouble on their hands.

Ignoring repairs leads to:

• Permanent damages
• Spreading repairs
• Dirty equipment
• A shorter system lifespan
• Higher energy bills
• Low indoor air quality
• Reduced home comfort
• Complicated repairs

Quick calls for AC repairs saves your AC unit. It also saves your time and money. In addition, because you call early on, your technicians can do more to save your air conditioning unit, preventing or minimizing permanent damages and major repairs.

One of the best ways to prevent air conditioning service in La Palma for repairs is by replacing the air filter. Air filters should be replaced every few months. However, many homeowners overuse the same filter, sometimes changing it only once a year. Unfortunately, this causes all sorts of problems that lead to repairs.

The air filter is the first line of defense against harm. Be sure to replace it every two to three months to protect indoor air quality and keep the unit clean of harmful buildup that cause repairs.

The Best AC Repairs in Laguna Woods Are from Service Champions

June 26, 2020

How Do You Know You Need AC Repairs in Laguna Woods?

How do you know you need AC repairs in Laguna Woods? There are several behaviors from your air conditioner that signal the need for AC repairs in Laguna Woods.

Unreliable or inconsistent heating and air conditioning

If the air conditioning continually shuts on and off in irregular or unexpected patterns, it may be time for AC repairs in Laguna Woods. This behavior is called short cycling and happens for a number of reasons. It may be due to faulty thermostat readings that continue to prompt air conditioning at the wrong times. It may also be because of a dirty or overused air filter, which reduces air flow and disrupts the air conditioning process.

Unreliable air conditioning or short cycling is never a normal behavior. If you experience this with your air conditioner, turn off the central air system and call your technician for AC repairs in Laguna Woods.

Unusual or uncomfortable odors from vents and registers

Does home air smell whenever you run the air conditioning? If so, you probably need AC repairs in Laguna Woods. Odors result from organic debris, buildup, grease, microbiological growth and even animal carcasses stuck inside the central air system. Bad smells typically result from general buildup but also point to leaks that need attention from your technician. If air is smelly, call your technician to investigate and deliver AC repairs in Laguna Woods.

Loud, repetitive or alarming noises during AC cycle

It is never normal for the air conditioner to produce loud or alarming noises during operation. Noises such as clapping, slapping, clicking or booming require the attention of your HVAC contractor. These noises generally result from wear as pieces and parts move, shift or detach. For safe operation, call for AC repairs in Laguna Woods.

High or sharp increases in the utility bill

No one looks forward to increases in the energy bill. If you have one, it’s time to inspect your air conditioner. Unusually high energy bills signal underlying issues such as air duct leaks, refrigerant leaks, gas leaks and poor insulation. Because higher utility bills is a very general sign of trouble, it is crucial that you have your technician visit for a proper diagnosis. He or she can pinpoint the trouble are and deliver the right AC repairs in Laguna Woods, restoring energy efficiency.

Trouble using or operating the air conditioner

If you have issues commanding your air conditioner, it’s time for maintenance. Your thermostat may need to be replaced. It can also be that certain settings have shifted, expired or blown. Only your technician can fully verify the issues and move forward with AC repairs in Laguna Woods.

General discomfort at home

Sometimes, we simply cannot pinpoint what troubles the air conditioner, but we can tell that we aren’t as comfortable at home as before. Home comfort has declined, but we might not have realized when. A decline in home comfort typically starts with low indoor air quality then develops into inaccurate heating and air conditioning. It may not necessarily result in AC repairs in Laguna Woods, but it is a good idea to have your technician for maintenance.

If you experience any of these behaviors from your air conditioner, consult your HVAC expert for AC repairs in Laguna Woods. Prompt service will cure any changes in home comfort and deliver much needed peace of mind.

Obviously not all home appliances last forever. Daily wear and tear takes a toll and eventually they need all to be replaced. However, it can be difficult as a homeowner to determine when an appliance needs to be replaced rather than simply repaired.

In the case of garbage disposals, there are a few key tellers to help make it easier for you to determine when you should get a replacement rather than a repair. Believe it or not, a lot of it has to do with the age of your disposal.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

 The typical garbage disposal lifespan for an appliance that has been well maintained is about 15 years, though some can last as few as eight. How long do garbage disposals last on average depends entirely on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. Understanding your garbage disposal life expectancy can help you determine if it’s worth repairing or replacing when an issue arises. 

If your appliance is new, then it may be better to repair any issue that arises rather than to replace the appliance entirely. However, if it’s reaching the end of its garbage disposal lifespan, then a replacement might end up being cheaper than a repair in the long run.

When researching “how long do garbage disposals last,” be sure to note when yours was installed, especially if you live in an older home. Newer garbage disposals tend to be more long-lasting than older ones, so if you live in an older home, you could expect to replace your garbage disposal sooner rather than later. Additionally, use and maintenance have an impact on your garbage disposal life expectancy.

Signs You Should Replace Your Garbage Disposal

1. Stubborn Smells

If there’s one thing you should know about mixing old food with water and then letting it sit in a moist environment is that it will very quickly start to smell. Always be sure to rinse your drain with water after putting food in the disposal to prevent the buildup of smells.

Keep in mind that garbage disposals are meant to help prevent smells, but sometimes there are sink smells that are unpleasant anyway. If foul odors persist despite your efforts to freshen it (rinsing out your sink and drain, using cleaners, making sure the disposal is clear of food waste and debris, etc), then there could be an issue with your garbage disposal. There may be food particles trapped or your disposal may be broken and in need of a replacement.

2. Unusual Noises

Garbage disposals make noise by nature, and while there are some ways to make your sink quieter, there are some sounds broken garbage disposals make that you should never ignore. In fact, any peculiar sound coming from your garbage disposal that is different from normal is reason for concern. 

Metal grinding against metal, buzzing, humming, and other noises coming from your garbage disposal are a clear sign that your appliance is malfunctioning. Try shining a light down your drain to see if you can see a utensil or some other object trapped in the blades. If you’re not able to find anything, then you should call in a professional plumber to get your garbage disposal checked and perhaps replaced.

3. Frequent Clogs

There are a few ways you can be sure to take good care of your garbage disposal: always run water while using your disposal, and allow the water to run for at least 20 seconds after use; and only put food items approved by your garbage disposal manufacturer into your disposal after cutting them up into small, manageable pieces. 

If you’re doing these things yet frequently needing to unclog your garbage disposal, you could have a serious issue on your hands such as dull blades, a bad motor, or a variety of other issues. It may need to be replaced.

4. Dull Blades

If you’re noticing that your garbage disposal is taking way longer to grind than normal (or you keep getting clogs), you could have dull blades and your garbage disposal might need to be replaced.

5. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

This is an obvious sign that something is malfunctioning with your garbage disposal. Try resetting your disposal to see if that resolves your issue, and you can also double-check your circuit breaker to be sure it’s getting power. If neither of these things resolves your issue, then your garbage disposal most likely needs a replacement.

6. It Needs to be Reset Often

It’s not unusual for you to need to hit the reset button on your garbage disposal after you’ve resolved a clog or put large amounts of food waste down your disposal. However, if you’re constantly resetting your garbage disposal for it to work then the motor is likely failing and your disposal needs to be replaced.

Resolve All Your Garbage Disposal Issues With Ease

Garbage disposal issues can be frustrating, smelly, and put a halt on many kitchen tasks. Never attempt to fix garbage disposal issues yourself as you can cause serious harm to yourself or damage your appliance if you don’t have the necessary tools or skills. 

Be sure to call in a licensed, professional plumber to resolve your garbage disposal issues when they arise. This will ensure your safety and protect the longevity of your appliance. If your garbage disposal is giving you concerning or continual problems, call  (703) 752-1266 or contact the John C. Flood certified HVAC technicians online now. We’ll provide the services you need as well as expert recommendations on whether your garbage disposal should be repaired or replaced.

The post Signs You Should Replace Your Garbage Disposal appeared first on John C. Flood.

Service Champions call center representative Justine Rosales received a call from a homeowner in La Miranda who was interested in an air scrubber.

“We were talking about the benefits of an air scrubber and getting her set up for an appointment,” Justine said. “We also started talking about everything going on with Covid-19 and how it had changed a lot of all of our plans.”

As the conversation continued, it became clear that the homeowner was worried about her low supply of toilet paper and how hard it was to get more.

“She was senior and some of the stores have super early morning hours for seniors only, but getting all made up and getting to the store on time was hard for her,” Justine said. “Then on top of it, when she does get there, they were usually out. She said she was down to just a couple of rolls.”

Justine could tell the situation was making the client anxious and decided to do something about it.

“I had the idea to put it in the notes for the technician to bring some toilet paper for the client as a Good Deed if he could,” Justine said.

As it happened, someone in the dispatch office saw the notes. The office had just received a bunch of toilet paper for office use and could spare some. Dispatch made sure the technician had some toilet paper to deliver for the client.

Now that’s teamwork!

Justine felt good about the communication and that her notes helped get the ball rolling. “I teared up knowing the client needed it and that someone else on our team saw it and recognized the need and responded.”

Justine, thanks for listening to your client so closely and taking action – that’s a “special delivery” Good Deed For Free!

Choose Exceptional Air Conditioning Service in Laguna Niguel

June 17, 2020

Call Center Rep Sends Some Toilet Paper Special Delivery To A Client

June 24, 2020

We know it is almost summertime but some of us are still going through the process of spring cleaning. Daily lives can get busy so it makes sense that cleaning things up post-winter can take a while. There is no time-limit on spring cleaning thankfully but we want to help make sure that you don’t miss any tasks that will be helpful to your comfort.

One task that you want to make sure to take care of before summer arrives is duct cleaning. While your ductwork may be out of sight, this doesn’t mean it should be completely off your mind–after all, whatever is sitting within your ductwork is what can get blown into your home!

This is why we recommend duct cleaning services as a part of your spring cleaning to-dos.

Wait, My Ducts Can Get Dirty?

Believe it or not, your ductwork does get dirty. It doesn’t happen rapidly, which is why we find many people who don’t know about the fact that their ductwork can get dirty at all. While there is a filter that captures a lot of dust and debris that might otherwise enter your AC system, it can’t capture everything and all those airborne particles that get into your system have the ability to enter your ductwork. Over the course of a year or two, this means a pretty significant build-up of debris that can get blown into your home anytime you use your air conditioner or your furnace.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Ductwork

So, if it takes a long while for your ducts to get dirty, then what is the point of cleaning them out? A little dust never hurt anyone right? Actually this is wrong. While dirty ducts take a while to build-up all those contaminants can have an effect on your comfort and your indoor air quality.

Here are some of the positive differences that duct cleaning can have:

• Improved IAQ: When you remove all the dust, fur, and other debris that may have settled in your ductwork, you are preventing it from being continuously blown into your home. This means preserving a better level of indoor air quality in your home.
• Improved HVAC Operation: While dust may not seem like a potential hindrance to your HVAC system, a build-up really can weaken your AC’s ability to deliver a reliable source of cool air.

Duct Cleaning Isn’t a DIY Job

All too many people who learn about the fact that their ducts need to be cleaned think it is a matter of grabbing a dust rag or a vacuum and trying to get the job done themselves. The reality is that you need to have a professional technician do the job, otherwise you run the risk of seriously damaging your ductwork. What’s more, without the right tools, there is likely to be a lot of loose debris in your ducts and your home.

When you need a professional to perform duct cleaning in your home you can reach out to Air On Demand for reliable services.

Contact us today to schedule.

This post appeared first on AironDemand.com

Getting your home’s air vents cleaned every few months will greatly help with airflow and air quality. In fact, one of the best ways to be sure your home is clean and dust-free is to clean the air vents regularly, so it could be beneficial for you to learn how to clean vents in the house.

Millions of tiny dust particles exist in your home, including hair, pollen, spider webs, and other allergens. These can get into your air ducts and continuously circulate your home if they’re not cleaned. This can prevent your HVAC system from running optimally and your air filters from purifying your air.

Here are step-by-step instructions to help teach you how to clean your vents at home.

How Do I Clean the Air Vents in My House?

Cleaning the air ducts and vents is not only beneficial to your HVAC system’s health but you and your family’s health as well. Regularly removing built-up dust and dirt particles can help remove health hazards and allow your system to run more efficiently. It will also help increase your HVAC system’s lifespan since it won’t need to work as hard to run optimally.

Can I Clean My Air Ducts Myself?

Yes, you technically can clean your air ducts by yourself… if you have the right tools, skills, and determination.

DIY household projects are becoming more and more popular as homeowners strive to save money. While hiring a professional to clean your air ducts is always an efficient, viable option, cleaning your own air ducts might be incredibly tempting. A DIY air duct clean can save you the money of a professional clean, but keep in mind that you might lack the necessary tools or skills to get the job done at a professional grade.

Here is a guide for how to clean your vents at home, but always know you can enlist the help of a professional if needed, or if you want to make sure your HVAC unit is running correctly.

How to Clean Air Vents in House: Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

If you’re looking for how to clean air vents in the house, then gathering all the necessary tools is critical. Properly cleaning your air vents is not an easy task, and if you don’t have the correct tools for the job it becomes all the more difficult. Here are the tools you will need:

• Vacuum Cleaner. You will need a heavy-duty vacuum with a lengthy hose and an ability to reach tight corners. 
• Brush. A dusting brush with a long handle is ideal for cleaning your ducts. Stiff bristles are preferable so you can reach tough spots and deep clean.
• Screwdriver. To clean your air ducts, you will need to unfasten them first. Most air ducts and vents are kept closed with typical screws or some other kind of fastener. A standard screwdriver is usually what you’ll need to open them.
• Cleaning Cloths. You will need to dust your ducts, clean all flat surfaces, and clear air vents. Microfiber cloths or paper towels work well.
• A New Filter. Dirty ducts and duct cleaning can cause your filter to clog so you will need to replace your old air filter once you finish cleaning. Be sure it’s a compatible size for your HVAC unit.

Once you have all the right tools, you’re ready to get to the real work.

Step 2: Cover all Supply Registers and Clean

Use your cleaning cloths to cover all supply registers. This will help keep dust from going into all areas of your home while you clean your air ducts. To properly cover the supply registers, lift the grills, cover with a cloth, and then replace them. Depending on the amount of dust in your ducts, your supply registers may also need to be cleaned. Brush out any dirt and dust, being sure to clean the return air registers as well. Don’t be afraid to clean deep in the register’s pipes and cavities.

Step 3: Turn on Fan

With the supply registers properly covered, go ahead and turn on the fan before cleaning your ducts. This helps loosen debris and move it along as you clean. (Be sure the heat is off.) Run the fan for a few minutes before beginning your duct cleaning.

Step 4: Turn off Power

Once you’ve allowed the fan to run for a few minutes and the dust has loosened, turn off the power to your HVAC system. Leaving the power on while deep cleaning your ducts presents big safety risks.

Step 5: Unscrew Duct Covers

Air ducts are kept fastened with screws or other fasteners, so you’ll need to use your screwdriver to open the covers and grills. Clean all the grills with your cleaning cloth to get rid of dust and dirt. (You may need soap and water to properly clean the grills.)

Step 6: Clean the Air Ducts

While all the previous steps have certainly been work, here’s where the true work begins. Grab your vacuum cleaner, grab your cleaning cloths, and get ready to deep clean. You should vacuum out your air ducts thoroughly, going over every surface, corner, and nook and cranny. Use the brush to scrub difficult spots and pay attention for signs of mold and mildew. Use your cleaning cloths to wipe any surface you can reach.

Be sure to clean the blower compartment before turning the power to your unit back on, taking extra safety precautions around the furnace so you don’t damage it or injure yourself.

Step 7: Replace the Filter

Once you’ve finished cleaning your ducts and grills and replaced all the air duct fasteners, you should replace your air filter.

Ready for a Deep Clean?

So now you know how to clean vents in your house! Clean air ducts and air vents greatly improve your home’s air quality and allow your HVAC unit to operate more efficiently. However, this only works if the air ducts are thoroughly cleaned. 

If you miss any spots or don’t scratch off all mold and mildew, more dirt can quickly collect. To skip the hassle of cleaning and be sure the job is done well, consider bringing John C. Flood in to get the job done right. You can call us at (703) 752-1266 or contact John C. Flood certified HVAC technicians online to schedule your cleaning.

The post Step By Step Instructions On How to Clean The Air Vents In Your House appeared first on John C. Flood.

Do you remember the episode of Mad Men where Ginsberg is literally driven insane by the constant, brain-numbing blare of the computer? If you’re working in an office with a noisy air conditioner, you may be concerned that you, or someone sitting near you, is headed for a similar fate.

If you’ve been stuck working at home due to the pandemic, dealing with an HVAC noise problem can be even more frustrating. You probably don’t have an office maintenance guy to complain to, or anywhere to go to escape from the distracting racket coming from your air conditioner.

Before that noisy air conditioner leads to a meltdown, it’s time to take control of the situation and find out how to quiet your noisy air conditioner for good.

First things first: you need to get to the bottom of the source of the noisy air conditioner.

Identifying the source of the noisy air conditioner

A wide variety of underlying issues could be causing your noisy air conditioner. To begin troubleshooting, pay attention to what the noise sounds like and where it’s coming from. Then find your HVAC noise on the list below to learn about the possible causes and what to do.

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER: Running constantly

If your air conditioner sounds normal but never seems to turn off, or if it cycles on and off continuously, there are several causes for concern:

• Wasted energy. When your noisy air conditioner runs constantly, it’s also running up your electric bill.
• Wear and tear on the parts. If the constant running is straining your sanity just imagine the toll it’s taking on your air conditioner’s parts.
• Impending breakdown warning! According to Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration NEWS, a noisy air conditioner is a sign that something is going wrong or about to go wrong. Something is not working right, and the problem will get worse if you don’t take care of it. Eventually the noise will stop, but so will your air conditioning.

Here are a few of the possible reasons your noisy air conditioner is running constantly:

• Coils need to be cleaned
• Air filters are clogged
• Refrigerant is leaking
• Controls are faulty
• Blower motor or fan speed
• Ducts have holes
• Evaporator coil is frozen

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air as well as running constantly, you probably have frozen coils. In that case, turn off the system completely and call a qualified HVAC repair professional immediately to prevent further damage to the system. Otherwise it’s not an emergency, and a service visit should be able to take care of other issues quickly and easily.

Related article: Your AC Running Constantly Is Trying to Tell You Something.

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER: Volume cranked to the max

If your air conditioning system has always been too loud, you may have chosen the wrong unit. It could be a lower cost unit with an air conditioner blower that lacks noise reduction technology, or the unit could be too large for the space.

In this case, you need to bring in an HVAC design professional to evaluate your system design. Here are some of the changes you might need to make to stop air conditioner noise:

• Locate the equipment as far as you can from offices, classrooms, and restaurant dining rooms.
• Create buffer zones between the noisy equipment and areas that you need to keep quiet. These could be printing rooms or storage areas.
• Put mechanical rooms near roadways or noisy areas outside to absorb more sound.
• Design ductwork so that air travels in a smooth, even flow. Certain ductwork patterns create a turbulent flow that requires bigger and louder fans.
• Use duct air returns instead of air return louvers. The latter cause air to move from room to room, carrying equipment noise and even conversations throughout the building.

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER: Whistling and whining

Those ghostly noises that seem to come from everywhere can be pretty unnerving. Not to mention distracting when you’re on the phone or trying to conduct a meeting. The good news is, the cause is nothing “unnatural” after all, but rather air flow and air pressure issues with your HVAC system:

• Clogged filters
• Leaky ducts
• Inadequate ventilation design
• Fan motor speed

Fixing air flow problems requires some detective work, but can often be accomplished by simple measures like repairing ducts or adjusting fan motors. It’s all about correcting and controlling the flow of air, something your qualified HVAC professional is well-equipped to handle.

Related article: HVAC Troubleshooting: Surprising Symptoms of HVAC Problems.

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER: Rattling and shaking

What’s important here is listening to where the rattle is coming from. Is it the vent or return in a specific room? Or does it seem to be originating from the air conditioner unit itself?

If it’s the air conditioner, you may have worn bearings in the fan motor, or the fan motor blades may be damaged. It’s also possible that the unit itself needs to be stabilized on the surface it sits on. Don’t try to fix this yourself! That noisy air conditioner has high voltage electrical components and hazardous refrigerant chemicals. Let the experts take care of this.

Another possibility is loose ducts or an object rattling around in the ducts. An inspection should be able to find the cause and fix it.

NOISY AIR CONDITIONER: Squeaking and squealing

If your squeaky air conditioner has not been serviced in a while, your noisy air conditioner could have maintenance issues, including:

• The blower belt is failing. The belt that drives the blower motor may have developed a problem that has caused air conditioner squealing. It may have slipped, come loose or it may be worn and needs to be replaced. During an HVAC preventative maintenance inspection, this would have been fixed long before it developed that annoying squeal.
• Motor shaft bearings need oiling. Again, this is a problem that is easily preventable with regular maintenance. Your air conditioner’s moving parts need to be oiled every so often so they continue to work efficiently and quietly.

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Peace and quiet is only one of the many costs of failing to regularly maintain your HVAC equipment. Poor maintenance also costs your business in many ways that you may not realize.

Want to learn more? Grab a copy of our helpful guide to Calculating the Hidden Costs of Poor HVAC Maintenance.

The post How to Fix That Noisy Air Conditioner That’s Driving You Crazy appeared first on Arista.