CJS Heating and AC Repair

These Are Some Signs That Indicate You Need an AC Repair

When the summer months arrive and the temperatures soar, one of the best ways to stay comfortable is by using your air conditioning unit. But when that unit isn’t running as it should or is showing signs of disrepair, you’ll need to call in a professional for AC repair. Knowing what these signs are can help you avoid any further damage and ensure your comfort levels remain high. Here are some tell-tale signs that indicate you need an AC repair:

1. Warm Air Blowing Out

One of the main indicators that you require an AC repair is warm air coming out of the vents rather than cool air. This could be because of issues with your compressor or other mechanical issues within your system, so it’s important to get this checked out as soon as possible.

2. Strange Noises

If you start hearing strange noises like grinding, squealing or clanking coming from your A/C system, then it’s likely time for professional repairs. It could be caused by a variety of things such as loose parts, worn down belts and motors or something more serious.

3. Unusual Smells

If there’s a funny smell in the room when your A/C is turned on then it could be time to call in a professional for repairs. This could be caused by mold growth in the ductwork or due to dirt buildup in other parts of the system; either way, it’s best to get this checked out right away before any further damage occurs.

4. High Energy Bills

If you have noticed a sudden spike in energy bills even though your usage hasn’t changed significantly then chances are there may be some issue with the efficiency of your A/C unit which will require attention from professionals who specialize in AC Repairs.

5. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerants are essential components when it comes to cooling and heating systems since they allow hot and cold temperatures to be exchanged efficiently throughout the system; if there has been a leak somewhere then refrigerants won’t make their way around properly resulting in inefficient operation and higher energy bills for you as well as potential health risks depending on where the leak has occurred or how much has leaked out into your home environment itself due to poor maintenance over time etcetera (e g asthma related ailments). Therefore if ever suspecting such leaks get them looked at immediately by qualified personnel who specialize in AC Repairs lest they become bigger issues down line requiring costly replacements instead!

6. Lack Of Maintenance

Like all machines, regular maintenance and servicing is key for good performance when it comes to air conditioners too! Overlooking regular maintenance can cause wear and tear on various components inside leading them eventually needing repairs or replacement – not only does this create an unnecessary additional financial burden but also shortens lifespan considerably given components were likely manufactured with expected lifespans under typical conditions prevailing during designed use i e when taken care off accordingly through routine servicing etcetera… Therefore its always better catch concerning problems early through regular care & inspection before its too late saving both money & stress!

7 . Poor Airflow

Poor airflow can lead to discomfort while indoors due to lack of fresh air circulating around space effectively meaning uneven temperatures between different spots room might occur leading people feeling hotter than normal even after setting lowest temperature possible through thermostat – this kind situation requires thorough examination all relevant parts assess any damages present (if any) so remedies can implemented promptly ensuring everyone continues enjoying their home comforts without unnecessary hassles associated with faulty units!

Identifying these 7 signs ahead of time will help detect potential problems sooner rather later helping homeowners potentially save significant amounts money stemming from costly replacements had been left unchecked leading neglecting required repairs end up costing more overall long run… In short getting AC repaired whenever needed is a part of being a responsible owner & taking measures to protect family members from uncomfortable experiences indoors – especially during peak summer season!

CJS specializes in getting more years from your air conditioning systems. Routine maintenance for your ac replacement extends your system’s lifespan and helps it continue working at peak efficiency. Scheduling annual system maintenance with CJS allows us to fully inspect and clean your system, make recommendations for small repairs before they turn into expensive problems. That’s how we help keep Air Conditioning systems running longer.

 

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

Should You Get Your Air Duct Cleaned This Fall?

As the fall season fast approaches, homeowners are prepping their homes for the upcoming cold winter weather. While you may be scheduling your normal Heating and Air-Conditioning maintenance service, that’s not all that you should be doing. Rather, you should also be thinking about enhancing your indoor air quality. Your air ducts run throughout all the rooms of your home. They supply warm air and can pick up unwanted airborne particles. These particles will continue to recirculate throughout your home and become dispersed inside of your air ducts. Getting your air ducts cleaned out in the fall is a great way to help reduce the number of indoor pollutants. In fact, there are many great benefits that your family can gain from having an HVAC professional clean your air ducts.

Get Rid of Mold Spores Early

Mold spores can be very dangerous to your body. When they’re inhaled, they can lead to a plethora of respiratory conditions. Unfortunately, your air ducts create the perfect dark environment for mold to flourish. Getting your ducts properly cleaned will work to rid them of mold and mildew so that there are no mold spores in the air for your family to breathe.

Stop Allergens in Their Tracks

If you or another family member have severe allergies, you know how irritating symptoms can be. Unfortunately, your air ducts will pull in germs, bacteria, pollen, and other airborne particles that can trigger allergy symptoms. By having your heating and air conditioning ducts cleaned, you can get rid of these unwanted airborne toxins. In fact, you’ll likely notice a significant decrease in your allergy symptoms while you’re at home.

Enjoy Dusting Less Often

When your ducts and air is packed full of particles like pet dander and dust, it can redistribute those particles onto the various surfaces throughout your home. You may find yourself having to dust constantly every few days to get rid of the excess particles. When you have your ducts cleaned by a licensed professional, you’ll notice that there will be less dust to clean on a regular basis.

More Efficient System Operation

Over time, the gunk that gets stuck inside of your ductwork, think pet hair and dustballs, will restrict the free flow of air. This will make your heating and air conditioning system work much harder to try and force treated air throughout your ducting. When you get your ducts cleaned, there will be no more debris restrictions. This means that your system can work more efficiently to heat your home since it doesn’t have to contend with blockages in your ducting.

Say Bye Bye to Unpleasant Odors

As airborne debris gets sucked into your ducting, its odor will start to radiate throughout your home. Most homeowners will notate a musty or mildew-like smell coming out of their vents and registers. If you’ve cleaned everything else in your home and have had no luck with removing an unpleasant odor, it may be radiating from the inside of your ducting. When a professional comes to clean out your air ducts, they will remove all the stinky substances that are creating those unpleasant odors.

Increase the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Another reason that you should highly consider hiring a professional to clean out your ductwork is to help enhance the overall lifespan of your HVAC system. When your ducts are packed full of unwanted debris, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to force air through your ducting. This puts a big strain on your HVAC system’s components, which can cause them to prematurely wear out.

Lower Utility Bills

When your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to, you’ll notice an increase in your monthly utility bills. You’re essentially getting less bang for your buck than when your system is working optimally. Fortunately, when you get your air ducts cleaned by a professional, your HVAC system will go back to working efficiently. The more efficient your HVAC system is, the lower your monthly utility bills will be.

Eliminate Pest Infestation

Your ductwork does make a great hiding place for unwanted pests like insects and rodents. They’ll have no problem crawling into your ductwork during the colder seasons to stay warm. When you have your ducts cleaned, you can be assured that there are no rodents or insects hiding away inside your ducting.

Getting your ductwork cleaned this fall season can provide you with all the many benefits that we went over above. Experts recommend having your ductwork cleaned on a regular basis of every two to five years.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

How To Maintain Your Heating System Through The Winter?

As the winter season is fast approaching, it’s time to ensure that your HVAC system is ready to take on the wintertime chill. As a homeowner, it’s necessary to ensure that you get your HVAC service scheduled and that you properly keep up with your heating system’s needs throughout the chilly winter season. Otherwise, you risk dealing with an unexpected repair when your system decides to go on the fritz due to a lack of proper maintenance.

Clean Vents, Ducts, and Filters

To ensure that your furnace is adequately delivering heat to the various rooms throughout your home, you’ll need to prep your airflow. In most heating systems, cool air is brought into the ductwork and run through your air filter. Then, the air is heated, forced through the ductwork, and out into your rooms via vents.

If there is any obstruction in the path of your system’s airflow, it will drastically reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. It’s best to take some time to clean off the vents in your home and ensure that they have adequate open space around them to perform at their best. Your air filter should be replaced every couple of months. Additionally, you’ll want to have a professional clean out your ductwork every two to five years.

Seal Up Drafty Areas

One component of furnace health that many people don’t pay attention to is how drafts affect it. Whenever there are drafts around the doors and windows of your home, those drafts can drastically drop the temperature. This makes your heating system have to constantly run to try and keep up with the cold drafts coming into your home.

Before the winter season hits, it’s a great time to seal up any of those drafts throughout your home. The most common places that you’ll find drafts include around doors and windows. You can use a door sweep or weatherstripping to help block those drafts from coming into your home. The less drafting your home receives, the less your heating system has to work to maintain an adequate temperature.

Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance

If you didn’t opt for heater installation, then you need to get your existing furnace serviced by a licensed professional. This service will entail many features, like cleaning your heat exchanger, properly venting your exhaust fumes, tightening loose wires, and so forth.

A licensed HVAC professional will have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to adequately prep your heating system to run as efficiently as possible this winter season. It’s highly recommended to schedule your HVAC service appointment during the fall months before you need to be using your heating system on a regular basis.

Program in Your Thermostat Settings

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve invested in a programmable or smart thermostat. These are perfect for helping you to ensure that you’re running your system as efficiently as possible to save on wintertime heating bills. After you switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode, it’s time to plan out your schedule.

It’s best to turn your heater down about 10 degrees when no one is going to be at home, such as when you’re away at work. Then, program your heater to kick back on about an hour or so before you plan to arrive back home. This will give your heater adequate time to warm your home back to a comfortable level before you walk through your door. You may also want to automatically have the temperature lowered a few degrees in the late evening hours when you go to bed.

Put Fresh Batteries in Your Alarm and Detectors

If your heating system runs on anything other than electricity, it’s necessary to have active carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These are safety measures to alert you if there is any carbon monoxide present within your home, which indicates inadequate exhaust venting or a leak somewhere in your heating system.

Additionally, you’ll want to have fire detectors as a secondary safety measure. These should be placed on each floor of your home. Make sure that you put in fresh batteries at the start of winter so that you’re assured that your detectors and alarms are active to keep your family safe and healthy.

Keep Your Furnace Surround Decluttered

Throughout the summer months, it can be easy to stack up boxes or other materials near your furnace since it isn’t running. However, as we approach winter, it’s necessary to clean out the clutter around your heating system and give it space to breathe. It’s a good idea to keep items at least 10 feet away from your furnace to greatly reduce your risk of a fire hazard. Throughout the chilly season, make it a rule not to place any items near your heating system.

Inspect Your Exhaust Flues

Most heating systems will use the process of combustion to create heat for your home. While this is a very efficient source of heat, it does produce toxic fumes. These need to be adequately vented to the exterior of your home. If left to vent indoors, this could lead to serious medical problems for your family, even resulting in death.

It’s best to head outside and check your exhaust flues. It’s not uncommon for leaves, branches, and other debris to get stuck in these flues and prevent proper venting from occurring. Before you turn your heating system on, you’ll want to clear out any debris in these exhaust flues.

Test Your Thermostat Every Couple of Months

Over time, it’s not uncommon for your thermostat to lose its calibration. When this happens, the temperature on your thermostat will read differently than the actual temperature of your home. When this happens, your heating system may constantly run because it isn’t sensing that it has reached your set temperature.

It’s good practice to test your thermostat reading every couple of months to ensure that it’s calibrated correctly. You can easily do this by using an independent thermometer inside of your home. Place it near your existing thermostat for a couple of minutes. If the reading on your thermostat is five degrees above or below the reading on your thermometer, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional to recalibrate your thermostat.

Inspect Your Exposed Ductwork

It’s highly likely that you have exposed ductwork in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. At the start of every cold season, you should plan to take some time to inspect all the exposed ducting in your home. Over time, your ducting can develop leaks, and joints can pull apart.

If you find leaks or gaps, be sure to use foil tape or ductwork sealant to cover them. Keeping your ductwork properly closed will ensure that more of the heated air makes it to the rooms throughout your home. Additionally, fewer leaks will help to decrease the amount of dirt and debris that are sucked into your ducting.

Clear Your Drainage Tube

If you have a propane or natural gas heating system, then it produces a small amount of water during operation. In many systems, this water is diverted to the drain pan for your centralized air conditioning system. Over time, this drain tube can get clogged with debris and hard water scaling.

You should use a mixture of vinegar and water to pour down the drain tube to remove this debris and scaling. It’s vital that this tube remain clear. Otherwise, it will back up water into your manifold and cause your flame sensor to shut down. This can lead to a headache of a heating system failure during the coldest of winter days.

Clean Your Flame Sensor

If you rely on natural gas to heat your home, then your heating system utilizes a flame sensor. This is a safety device that monitors when a flame is present and will shut off your gas supply when your flame goes out. Unfortunately, when this flame sensor gets dirty, it can falsely tell your natural gas valve that it needs to shut because there isn’t a flame when there really is one that it just can’t sense.

It’s very easy to locate and unscrew this sensor from your furnace. Using an emery cloth, you’ll want to carefully clean the sensor while you hold its bottom. Once cleaned, simply screw it back in and close up the access panel to your heating system. This needs to be done at least once a year to ensure that your flame sensor works correctly.

Check Fuel Levels and Re-Order When Necessary

Depending on the type of fuel that your heating system utilizes, you may need to store it on-site. This is most common for heating oil and propane. You’ll want to check your storage tank during the fall to see if it needs to be refilled. Make it a priority to check your tank once a month or schedule to be on a professional delivery route so that you don’t run out of fuel during the cold winter months.

Call for Repairs in a Timely Fashion

While not all heating systems warrant an emergency repair, that doesn’t mean that you should let the problem persist. Whenever you notice an issue with your heating system, you should have a professional come in and check it out sooner rather than later. Letting issues like weird noises or smells persist, can end up causing more expensive damage to your heating system in the long run.

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you prep and properly maintain your heating system throughout the colder months of the year. By following the tips that we went over above, you’ll be on the way to a nice and toasty home while drastically reducing your risk of an unexpected breakdown.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

Common HVAC Causes For Huge Electricity Bills

Keeping our homes comfortable is a high priority. That’s why we have HVAC in the first place. Unfortunately, sometimes the bills for that comfort can get out of hand. If you feel like you’re paying too much for electricity because of your HVAC, it may be because you’ve fallen victim to one of these common mistakes that create excessive electric bills.

ac replacement installation DaytonPoor Thermostat Management

We all have our own preferences for temperature, and most of us feel that those tendencies can’t be changed. The fact is that we can make gradual adjustments to the thermostat at home and find ourselves getting used to a slightly cooler wintertime setting and a slightly warmer summertime setting. Each degree you come to tolerate will pay real dividends at the end of the month.

It’s also very helpful to change the thermostat during the day when no one is home. You can used a programmable thermostat to make the changes automatically or install a smart thermostat that lets you adjust it remotely.

Dirty Filters

The more resistance there is to the movement of air in your HVAC, the harder the fan must work. That requires more electricity. Replacing dirty filters on a regular basis reduces the strain on your fan and lets your system operate with less electricity. Buy quality filters and make sure you replace them on the manufacturer’s schedule. It might help to set a monthly reminder on your phone. Whatever method you choose, you’ll see a difference in your power consumption and your home’s cleanliness.

Lack of Servicing

A very common mistake is for homeowners to think that their HVAC system is just fine as long as it’s running. The fact is that an annual AC tune-up can help the system run more efficiently, saving you money. It will also help the technician identify potential problems in the making so that you can make repairs instead of waiting until the system shuts down some hot afternoon. There’s no question that good heater maintenance and regular care of your air conditioner will be good for your checkbook all the way around.

Obstruction of Vents

The key to good movement of air in your home is having adequate clearance at both the registers and the returns. Too many people allow furniture, rugs, drapes, and other items to block their vents, creating a backup of air that makes some rooms much cooler and others much warmer. Make sure that all your vents and returns have adequate air space around them and that they are fully opened.

Too Much Sun (Or Not Enough)

Solar energy is a very important factor in your home’s comfort. It’s very easy to forget how much influence it has on the home’s temperature, especially during the day when no one is home. In the wintertime, you should open as many blinds as possible so that the sun’s heat supports your home’s heat. During hot weather, close blinds and keep the sun from working against your climate control. Of course, don’t leave blinds open if you have concerns about the safety of your family or belongings.

Cooling and Heating Empty Rooms

You don’t put gas in a car nobody drives, so why would you pour expensive air conditioning or heat into a room that nobody uses? Close off vents and doors in those guest rooms and spare spaces that aren’t occupied. Leave their blinds pulled all summer long and open all winter. If the room doesn’t have a door, consider installing one. It may pay for itself in the long run with the energy savings you realize from cutting that room off.

Sticking with an Old System Too Long

Even with the best management, sometimes your system may just be too old. Its top performance 15 or 20 years ago will not be as good as the energy-efficient units being built today, so stop pour energy money into an outdated setup. There comes a point where AC replacement is better than dragging along with an old system that may need AC repair on a regular basis on top of gobbling up a lot of electricity. If your system has some age on it, start thinking about replacing it with something that will draw less power.

There’s no reason to feel like you’re permanently stuck with high energy bills. You can make changes that will really show up on your meter without making your home any less comfortable. Take a moment to learn from what C.J.’s Heating and Air can tell you!

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

How Much does AC Repair Costs?

How much an AC repair job costs depends on what needs to be repaired. Simple AC repairs can be cheap on time and money, while extensive replacements can cost more than a new AC unit.

Fuse or Circuit Breaker Replacement

On average, this costs between $15-300. It’s a fast job that should be done within two hours.

Thermostat Replacement

This costs between $60-440. Again, it should be done in just a couple of hours.

Standard Troubleshooting

The hourly cost of diagnostic work depends on the season and location. In the winter, it can be $75. In the summer, it can go up to $300. Annual tune-ups cost about $100, but they can prevent more costly AC repairs in the future.

AC Recharging

Recharging costs vary based on the unit’s size and the type of refrigerant you need. The general range is between $100-600 and can go higher if you need fewer common refrigerants. This takes about two hours to finish.

Inverter Repairs

Inverter AC repairs range between $150-250 unless the condenser needs to be replaced. On the other hand, they can save up to 60% on your energy bills.

Capacitor Repairs

This job takes about an hour to finish, but it’s more expensive, $120-475. 

Circuit Board Repair or Replacement

Circuit board repairs or replacements depend on whether your AC unit is still under warranty. If it is, then this AC repair should range between $100-300. If not, it can go up to $600.

Drain Pan Replacement

This might sound easy, but the part itself can be quite expensive. Costs range from $200-600, and the time it takes depends on how easy it is to get to the pan.

Freon Leak Repair

This depends on the size and location of the leak. Cheap fixes can cost $225, but large leaks can cost up to $1,600 and take eight hours to fix.

Blower Repair or Replacement

A blower repair can cost as little as $150, but a replacement can cost upwards of $800-2,000, depending on the unit. A replacement can take three hours to finish.

Compressor Replacement

Compressor replacement is usually a better long-term option than cheap AC repairs, but it’s also fairly expensive at $1,000-2,800. It takes a few hours to finish.

Condenser Replacement

Replacing the condenser can cost between $1,000-4,000. It can take four hours for a professional to do it. If a condenser can be fixed, choose that option instead.

Air Handler Replacement

$1,000 is the low end for replacing an air handler, but it can cost up to $6,000 for some models.

Air Duct Replacement

The installation alone costs $2,000. On average, you’ll be paying $25-40 per square foot of ductwork, leading to total costs of over $12,000 for a standard-sized house. It can take several days to complete.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

What’s that Smell?

If you take a moment to consider the complexity and sophistication of modern HVAC systems, it’s a wonder they malfunction as rarely as they do. When HVAC problems do crop up, they’re usually accompanied by a variety of distinctive smells. Here are a few unusual odors to look out for that may signal the need for a minor or significant HVAC repair in the immediate future.

Wet Newspaper

 One HVAC smell you’re guaranteed to encounter at some point is that of mold and mildew. More often than not, this lovely odor is caused by a backed-up condensate drain line. If the condensate line doesn’t drain properly, mold can rapidly proliferate throughout the HVAC system. Clearing the condensate drain line won’t always solve the dilemma. You may need to thoroughly clean ducts to get rid of the smell.hvac smell

Auto Exhaust

 Modern HVAC units rely on a variety of fluids to deliver superior heating and cooling. If one of those fluids is leaking, you’ll be able to smell it in short order through the vents. A smoky HVAC smell associated with leaking fluids can indicate that indoor air is contaminated with harmful particles. Furthermore, an exhaust smell is a good sign that a major repair is needed.

Burnt Plastic

 Once you’ve smelled a failing electric motor, you’ll never forget the odor. It’s an HVAC smell that’s unlike any other you’re likely to encounter. The smell of burnt or burning plastic can indicate a variety of complications. Broken wire insulation resulting in a short circuit could be one culprit. Failing motor bushings could be another. Long story short, these smells should be investigated by a competent HVAC professional.

Expired Eggs

 Generally speaking, the smell of sulfur is never a good sign, even if you encounter it far away from HVAC hardware. Rotten eggs are an HVAC smell that often points to a natural gas leak. If you smell rotten eggs, killing the gas and turning off the power is a good idea. Contacting an HVAC specialist to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible is an even better idea.

Chemicals of Any Kind

 A malfunctioning HVAC system will emit a variety of unusual smells when something is wrong. If your central HVAC unit or the air coming from the ducts smells like a high school chemistry lab or a garage, you need to address the trouble ASAP. You might smell turpentine or formaldehyde when a major issue crops up, depending on the make and model of your HVAC unit.

What to Do When You Detect a Potential HVAC Smell

 Unless there’s a plausible alternate explanation for any of the smells mentioned above, you probably have an emerging HVAC issue that requires your attention. Do yourself a favor and call in an HVAC specialist quickly to size up the problem. By getting ahead of the situation, you’ll potentially save yourself thousands in repairs in the long run. When it comes to an awful smell, the nose never lies.

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

Benefits of an Air Conditioning Tune Up

columbus air conditioning serviceDealing with the humid summers and frigid winters that Ohioans face is much easier if your HVAC is firing on all cylinders. An annual air conditioning tune up is the best way to get the most from your system. Here are a few benefits that come with prudent HVAC upkeep.

Increased Hardware Longevity

If you want to get more than 20 years out of your HVAC, a yearly air conditioning tune up is imperative. Lubricating moving parts can go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures. A little money spent on maintenance will save you a boatload on future repairs.

Improved System Performance

A poorly maintained HVAC system will take forever to heat or cool your home to your desired temperature. The good news is that something as simple as swapping out air filters can drastically improve performance immediately. The resulting improvements in system responsiveness will lead to a higher quality of life for occupants.

Lower Utility Bills

Even under optimal circumstances, a typical HVAC system consumes an unbelievable amount of juice. An air conditioning tune up will ensure that you don’t spend more than necessary on kilowatt-hours to keep the domicile cool. Dirty registers and low refrigerant levels can spike your electricity bill to an unbelievable degree.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Obstructed condensate drain lines and mold-ridden ducts are a sure-fire way to exacerbate allergies and asthma when left unchecked. A good air conditioning tune up will remove these health threats and make indoor air more pleasant to breath. What’s more, a regular AC overhaul can banish unpleasant smells from your home.

Reduced Frequency of Repairs

Recharging refrigerant levels and shoring up dodgy electrical connections will usually prevent major repairs later on. Having HVAC technicians come into your home to perform repairs is a major disruption to your schedule. A little HVAC upkeep can save you plenty of hassle as far as scheduling repairs goes.

Less Money Spent on Repairs

It’s so much more cost effective to keep an aging HVAC component in service than replacing it every few years. Quality OEM HVAC parts cost a pretty penny when they inevitably fail. In addition, installing them requires a decent number of man-hours worth of labor by skilled technicians who don’t work cheap.

Quieter Operation Throughout the Year

An HVAC system that’s been neglected insofar as preventative maintenance is concerned can be quite the noisy beast. Between compressors abruptly kicking on and bearings whining under intense strain, a poorly maintained AC can really keep you up at night. Spending a few bucks on an annual check-up can reduce the decibel level by a wide margin.

Kick Your HVAC Into High Gear With CJS!

If you need the best air conditioning tune up money can buy, the friendly team at CJS Heating and Air is your best bet. Whether you live in Kokomo or Columbus, we have the skills and in-the-field experience required to make your HVAC hum like it’s designed to do. Call us today to schedule the tune up that your HVAC system deserves!

Filed Under: Air Conditioning

Get Your AC System Ready For Spring!

By the time winter is over, most of us can’t wait for the warm weather to arrive. When you’re welcoming spring, though, don’t forget to consider your air conditioning system. A little bit of maintenance at the change of seasons will help to ensure you’ll stay cool and comfortable throughout the spring and summer.  

  • First, do your part. Go check out the condenser, the part of your AC system that’s outside. In order to work properly, it’s got to be clean and clear, free of debris and rubble. You’ll want to make sure the area around it is clear, about two feet on all sides, clearing toys, shrubs, branches, and anything else that might interfere with its ability to do its job. Rake away any leaves that could potentially get sucked back into it, and spray it down with the hose to get rid of any dirt. Once you’ve handled that, head inside and change your air filter. Keeping the air filter clean is essential to an efficiently running system. 
  • Then, call in a professional. At the change of every season, it’s a good idea to call in an expert AC technician, who will give your system a thorough going-over. The technician will check the filter, add refrigerant, look for signs of leaking fluid, check the various components for wear, inspect the system, tighten the connections, and replace any worn parts.  
  • Is it time to consider an upgrade? If your heating and cooling system is nearing twelve to fifteen years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Technology has really improved, and the newer systems are more efficient, which means they conserve energy and save you money. What’s more, they’ve got features like zone control, which gives you the flexibility to set different temperatures in different rooms, which is extremely convenient. Smart thermostats are useful too, increasing the system’s efficiency with programmable functions. If you aren’t ready to upgrade your system just yet, consider adding a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier alleviates some of the strain on your AC system and makes a room more comfortable. 
Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or you need a whole new air conditioning system, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have.  ]]>

Filed Under: Air Conditioning, News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Service, Helpful Tips, System Buying Tips

Does Your AC System Need to be Repaired or Replaced?

When your air conditioner starts blowing warm air, making loud noises or costing way more than usual to operate, you may assume the best route is to repair it. However, depending on your situation, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit with a new, high-efficiency model. Here are some factors to help you decide whether you should repair or replace your AC system.  Age of Your Equipment  Most air conditioners are designed for a lifespan of 10 to 15 or even 20 years. The problem with older equipment is that it’s often more expensive to repair, and once you do, you’re still stuck with a lower-efficiency unit. That’s why you should seriously consider replacing an AC unit that’s over 15 years old the next time it breaks down.  Cost of the Repair  If a major component fails, the cost to repair your air conditioner could be quite high. Multiply the repair quote you receive ($450, for example) by the age of your air conditioner (14 years, perhaps). If this figure ($6,300 in this case) is higher than the cost to install a new AC unit, the decision is clear: you should replace your air conditioner.  Equipment Performance  If your current unit has trouble keeping up, replacing it could lead to significant energy savings and improved home comfort – even if the system is still in working order. Consider that upgrading a 10 SEER unit to an 18 SEER model can save you about 45 percent on your home cooling costs. Plus, because your aging air conditioner is no longer performing at its peak, the savings are likely to be even higher.  Repair History  Consider what repairs have already gone into your air conditioner. For instance, if the compressor was replaced recently, it could be worth paying for another repair to get more out of this expensive component. However, if you’ve been faced with repair after repair the past two or three summers, you may be ready to call it quits.  Type of Refrigerant  Many older air conditioners run on R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon. This ozone-depleting refrigerant has been phased out in favor of R-410A, a cleaner alternative. If your AC starts leaking Freon, the shortage of R-22 refrigerant could make the cost to fix and recharge it far more than it’s worth.  Whether You’re Moving Soon  If you plan on selling your house within a year or two, replacing your old AC unit first could attract potential buyers. Even if you’re staying put for the foreseeable future, it may be wise to invest in your future comfort by replacing rather than repairing your broken system.  The best way to decide if you should repair or replace your air conditioner is to speak with a reputable heating and cooling technician. You’ll receive a fair service quote and expert advice regarding your replacement options.  Contact CJS Heating and Air for more useful cooling tips or to schedule air conditioning services in Columbus, OH. ]]>

Filed Under: Air Conditioning, News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Service, System Buying Tips

Common AC Myths to Watch Out For

As a homeowner, you’re continually on the lookout for tips to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer. Unfortunately, misinformation and incorrect assumptions lead to energy waste and high cooling costs. Learn the truth about these common AC myths so you can run your air conditioner as efficiently as possible.  Myth: Cranking the temperature way down cools your home faster.  Fact: Unless you have a variable-speed air handler, adjusting the thermostat is like flipping a light switch, not pressing on a gas pedal. Setting the temperature to 60 degrees won’t cool your house any faster – all it does is overshoot your comfort zone and waste energy in the process. Adjust the thermostat a little at a time. You’ll be amazed at the difference a degree or two makes.  Myth: If you have central air conditioning, you never need to run the ceiling fan.  Fact: Sure, you have the power to stay comfortable without ever running a fan, but you’ll pay more for it. With a fan blowing on your skin, the room feels up to 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat to 78 degrees while making it feel as though it’s 74 degrees. Just remember to turn off the fan when no one’s in the room since the “wind chill effect” cools people without actually lowering the temperature.  Myth: It’s cheaper to leave the thermostat at the same setting all the time, even when you’re away.  Fact: The thinking here is that turning up the thermostat to 82 degrees while you’re gone only forces the air conditioner to work harder to restore a comfortable temperature when you get home. While this is true to a point, a programmable thermostat can save you 5 to 10 percent on your cooling bills if you set the temperature back for eight hours or more at a time every day.   Myth: Bigger AC units are always better.  Fact: When the time comes to replace your air conditioner, remember – size matters! An oversized unit isn’t better because it operates with shorter cycles, impairing its ability to dehumidify your home. This leaves you feeling cool but clammy. Air conditioners work better when they run a bit longer, so make sure the unit you install is sized correctly for your home.  Myth: Air conditioner maintenance is a waste of money.  Fact: Some homeowners think tune-ups are a ploy AC contractors use to make more money. However, preventative AC maintenance ensures safe, efficient, reliable operation all summer long. It lowers your cooling bills, prevents breakdowns and helps your equipment last years longer.  The biggest truth is that energy savings come from running your air conditioner sensibly. Close the windows while the AC is running. If you get overheated, turn on the fan before you adjust the thermostat. There are plenty of ways to keep your summer energy bills in check without being uncomfortable.  To learn more, or to schedule air conditioning services in Columbus, OH, please contact CJS Heating and Air. ]]>

Filed Under: Air Conditioning, News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Service, Helpful Tips

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