Tag Archives: thermostat

Know What to Expect from Professional AC Maintenance

Scheduling professional AC maintenance every year will help keep the system running smoothly for many years. It helps prevent breakdowns and keeps the unit running efficiently. A more efficient system means you keep your energy use and costs to a minimum in your Mobile, Alabama, home.

The Maintenance Check

Your HVAC technician will completely evaluate and clean your system. The following are some of the steps you can expect during a routine AC maintenance call:

Thermostat – Your technician will verify that the thermostat is working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat will result in inaccurate temperatures and cause your system to use more energy. If you have an older thermostat, the AC professional may recommend upgrading to a programmable thermostat.
Electrical Connections – All electrical connections will be checked and tightened. A faulty electrical connection can be potentially dangerous and put excessive wear on electrical components. Such damage could also increase your energy costs.
Moving Parts – A lack of lubrication can cause friction within the system and increase the amount of energy used. It also increases the wear and tear on the equipment.
Condensation Drain – If the drain is not working properly, it can back up and cause water damage, as well as increase humidity levels in the house.
System Evaluation – The AC technician should run the system through a complete cycle to ensure the system is starting, running, and stopping properly.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils – Dirty coils cause the system to have to work harder to keep your home’s interior temperature comfortable, which again, increases your energy bills and leads to the need for more repairs.
Refrigerant Levels – If the refrigerant is not at optimal levels, the system will need to work harder to keep the home cool.
Clean and adjust blower components – When the blower is not adjusted properly, it can reduce system efficiency by up to 15 percent. That leads to higher energy use and costs.

Schedule AC Maintenance and Save

Having annual preventative maintenance will increase AC efficiency and allow you to realize more savings on your energy bills. For reliable AC service, contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. We are your cooling specialists serving Mobile and surrounding communities.

How to Troubleshoot 3 Common Heat Pump Problems

Heat pumps can be among some of the most reliable appliances in your Mobile, Alabama, home. But even the best models need troubleshooting occasionally. Discover ways to troubleshoot common heat pump problems, so that you can quickly restore comfort.

Lack of Operating Power

A heat pump that doesn’t seem to turn on might cause alarm, but you can often resolve this problem with a simple fix. Check that the thermostat is actually on. Then check that it has been set to the correct heating or cooling setting or temperature.

If the heat pump doesn’t eventually power up, check the circuit breaker and reset if necessary. If there is still no power, contact your HVAC contractor for help.

Insufficient Heating or Cooling

When your heat pump’s performance suffers, your home will typically feel uncomfortably warm or cold. Troubleshoot this problem by adjusting the thermostat by five degrees and then monitoring the temperature in your home.

If that adjustment doesn’t have an effect, make sure the vents are open and unobstructed. Next, check the heat pump’s air filter and replace the filter if it is clogged with debris.

Frequent Operating Cycles

To run as efficiently as possible, your heat pump should cycle on and off with relative consistency. Does your heat pump turn on often and switch off after a short cycle? These short running cycles could be signs that the thermostat isn’t calibrated properly or that the heat pump isn’t sized properly for your home.

First, be sure you’ve programmed the thermostat to a sustainable 68 degrees in winter or 75 degrees in summer. If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t get your heat pump working correctly again, call one of our specialists to assess the size of your heat pump and your home’s heating and cooling needs.

Your HVAC system is a complex machine. Many problems could have the same results. It is a good idea to enlist the services of a professional who has the knowledge, tools, and experience.

Do your heating system issues go beyond some of these common troubleshooting problems? Call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 to speak with one of our heat pump experts today.

3 Options to Consider When Cooling Your Home Addition

An addition to your home comes with its own set of challenges, including how to keep it cool and comfortable throughout the summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of options at your disposal when it comes to cooling your home addition.

Upgrade the Cooling System

If your current air conditioner is more than 10 years old, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient option might be necessary. An upgrade will have the muscle needed to cool your entire home, as well as your new addition, and will help you to save on your energy bill.

Extend the Existing System

If your current air conditioning system is less than 10 years old, you may want to extend your system’s reach by adding new ductwork to the spaces you want cooled. You can even make your addition into its own zone, complete with its own thermostat and a set of dampers to help control airflow. If you decide to go this route, remember to have both your old and new ductwork properly insulated and sealed against energy loss.

Add an Independent Cooling System

Instead of an upgrade of your existing HVAC system or adding a duct extension, you can opt for an independent A/C or heat pump for your addition. A ductless mini split offers the cooling capacity of a traditional air conditioning system and the versatility to serve as an effective independent cooling solution without the hassle of additional ductwork.

High-velocity mini duct systems are also a viable alternative. Unlike their full-sized counterparts, mini ducts can be easily threaded through stud walls and other tight areas, making them perfect for ductwork retrofitting in older homes.

For more information on cooling your home addition in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, check out Keith Air Conditioning, Inc.’s cooling solutions, or give us a call at 251-476-3610.