Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Why Frost on an Air Conditioner is a Problem

Thursday, April 10th, 2014

Here’s something you might notice on your air conditioner one day: on the indoor unit, an accumulation of ice and frost starting to develop across the coils. People who spot this condition on ACs often dismiss it. The air conditioner is supposed to send out cold air, and it uses refrigerant, just like a refrigerator does. So… shouldn’t a little ice be normal?

It’s not, however. Ice forming along an air conditioner is a sign that it needs professional repairs. The air conditioner has a major fault, and the longer the ice remains on the system, the more in danger the system is of failing to provide any cool air at all to a home.

This problem requires the work of a trained repair technician to remedy it. For the work necessary to get your air conditioning in New Hampshire working again, call HB Energy Solutions today.

The Problem with Frost

The development of icing along the coils of an air conditioner usually warns of one of two problems: a loss of refrigerant or dirt along the coils.

The refrigerant in an air conditioning system is a blend of chemicals that shifts between liquid and gas as it cycles through the system, absorbing heat from the indoors and then releasing heat to the outdoors. Refrigerant is necessary for the heat exchange that makes an air conditioner cool down a space. Refrigerant does not dissipate during normal operation, but leaks can cause its level (known as its “charge”) to drop, which jeopardizes heat exchange.

The reason this causes ice to form along the indoor (evaporator) coil is that low refrigerant leads to low pressure, which causes the refrigerant to cool down too much when it evaporates. The extra cold from the refrigerant causes the water vapor along the coil to freeze. This further restricts heat exchange, and the ice growth continues. If the problem isn’t fixed (a repair technician can seal the leak and recharge the refrigerant), eventually a solid ice block will cover the coils and no heat exchange can take place at all.

Dirt developing along the coils will also make it harder for the coil to absorb sufficient heat, and frost will start to form, leading to the same chain reaction concluding in heat exchange loss.

In neither case will scraping the ice from the coils solve the problem. The ice isn’t the initial problem, but a symptom of it. Trust the work to repair experts who are familiar with this issue.

HB Energy Solutions has assisted New Hampshire with air conditioning repairs and maintenance for over 21 years. When you need help, done fast and right, contact our AC specialists—one call does it all!

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Frost on an Air Conditioner is a Problem

Air Conditioning Repair and Your Thermostat

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

Your air conditioning system and the quality of its operation depends on the proper function of many different components. One of the most important of these components is also the one that you have the most direct interaction with. You probably don’t deal with your condenser or evaporator coils very frequently, but during the summer months you probably adjust your thermostat daily. When you rely on a mechanical device so much, it is important that you are certain it operates properly. Don’t let a malfunctioning thermostat jeopardize your comfort this cooling season. Here are a few tips about your thermostat from the Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technicians at HB Energy.

Problems with your thermostat may manifest themselves in a number of different ways. You may notice that your air conditioning system shuts down before target temperatures are met. This may have to do with a thermostat issue. It is possible for your thermostat to misread the temperature. If it thinks that your living room is 68° when it is actually 75°, for instance, then there is no way that you can expect your air conditioning system to function properly. Contact an AC repair technician immediately if your thermostat seems to have trouble regulating the cooling of your home.

Never overlook the very real possibility of user error at the thermostat, though. Before you decide that your thermostat is actually damaged, make sure that you have set it properly. If it has accidentally been switched to the “heat” setting, or if you have misread the display and set it for a higher temperature than you meant to, you do not really need the services of a professional air conditioning repair technician. If there is no obvious cause of any problem, though, it may well be broken or even poorly placed. If your thermostat is a spot not indicative of the true temperature in your house, simply relocating it may do the trick.

For more guidance on successfully operating your thermostat and when to schedule air conditioning repair in Southern Vermont, just call HB Energy.

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Repair and Your Thermostat

Common Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

Monday, July 29th, 2013

As a homeowner, you deserve to get efficient and consistent air conditioning in your home. But if notice that your energy bills keep going up, it can mean that you have a problem with your air conditioning system. So what could be causing your air conditioning system to operate inefficiently? Here are a few common causes.

  • Clogged air filter – By far the most common cause air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC uses an air filter in order to protect the insides from dust, dirt and other debris that might get in from the outside air. If the air filter doesn’t get regularly replaced, it can restrict the flow of air through the system which will greatly reduce its efficiency.
  • Over-sized system – Another common cause of inefficient air conditioning operation is an air conditioning system that is too large for the home. This will cause it to short-cycle, which means that it will turn on and off again very quickly. This starting up and shutting down uses a lot of energy and will reduce your AC’s efficiency.
  • Clogged coils – Your air conditioning system uses two different sets of coils in order to cool your home. On the inside are evaporator coils over which a fan blows the warm air from your home in order to cool it. In the outside unit are the condensing coils that exhaust the heat from your home. If these coils get clogged, it will restrict the flow of air and cause you to lose efficiency.
  • Low refrigerant – Your air conditioning system uses a compressed refrigerant in order to carry the heat out of your house. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your air conditioner, then it will have to work extra hard in order to cool your home which reduces its efficiency.

If you need repair, installation or maintenance services for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, just contact us here at HB Energy.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Common Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

Save Energy with a Quality Air Conditioning Installation

Monday, July 15th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new AC? Tired of paying for frequent repairs on your old unit? Whatever your reason for needing a new AC system for your home, there’s nothing more important to the future of your comfort than a quality installation. Air conditioners are complex machines with various components that must cooperate to remove heat energy from the home and cool your air. Your indoor and outdoor units need to be installed by a professional and properly charged with the right amount of refrigerant. Call HB Energy today for all of your air conditioning installation needs in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.

Let’s take a look at how you can save energy by hiring a quality air conditioning professional for your next installation project:

  • Sizing: Before you even reach the actual installation phase, you need to make sure that your AC is appropriately sized for your home. Only a professional will be able to provide an adequate load calculation of your home and match that to an AC that fits your home’s needs.
  • Options: When you deal with a professional, you have options. Not only do you have central air systems to select from, but you can also take advantage of ductless split heat pumps that provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. A professional can help you differentiate between the various types of system to find one that’s right for your home.
  • SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating used in the US for air conditioning units. Every AC has a numeric SEER rating, and the higher the number, the greater its estimated energy efficiency. While energy efficiency depends on numerous factors beyond your AC’s SEER, it’s generally a good guide for purchasing a new system.
  • Refrigerant: During installation, your AC will need to be properly charged with refrigerant. This level is incredibly important to both the energy efficiency and effectiveness of your new system. If it is not completed properly, it can result in inadequate cooling and high energy bills. Your AC technician will make sure your system is charged with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of refrigerant.

Call HB Energy Solutions if you need air conditioning installation in New Hampshire.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Save Energy with a Quality Air Conditioning Installation

Causes of Uneven Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

Monday, July 8th, 2013

Your air conditioning system is a critical component of your home’s comfort. But what if it is only cooling certain sections of your home? This can be incredibly frustrating and is often a sign that you need repairs for your air conditioning in New Hampshire. Read below for a brief explanation of what could be causing this issue.

Air Conditioner is Too Big or Too Small

If your air conditioning system is too large for your home, it will turn on and quickly cool the areas closest to it and then shut off when the thermostat senses that the area is cool. Conversely, if your air conditioning system is too small, it won’t be able to cool enough air. In order to fully cool your entire home, your air conditioner will needs to be properly sized.

Ductwork

Another common cause of hot and cold spots throughout your home could be with your ductwork. It might be the case that the ducts in a certain area of your home are leaking. Any cool air that tries to get through could be leaking outside. It may also be that your ducts are poorly insulated so the heat in your attic warms the air as it passes through the ducts. Uneven cooling can also happen if ductwork in your home is too small for your air conditioning system. In this case, your AC system is trying to pull in more air through the ducts but there simply isn’t the space for it.

If you are having any of these problems or if you need service for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.  

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Causes of Uneven Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

Southern Vermont Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Signs of a Faulty Capacitor

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

A reliable air conditioning system is one of the best investments any homeowner can make. During the hottest time of the year it is great to be able to come home to a cool, comfortable environment. Even the best air conditioners on the market, though, are still mechanical systems. Like all other mechanical systems, it is impossible to guarantee that they will never suffer from operational problems. That is why it helps to understand some basic warning signs that trouble is brewing with your AC. Here are some indicators that you may have a faulty capacitor in your system from the pros at HB Energy.

First of all, what is a capacitor? Basically, a capacitor is a device that stores an electrical charge. In an HVAC system they are used in fan motors and compressors. A run capacitor is used in the fan motors of AC systems, heat pumps and furnaces. It is their job to maintain a certain voltage charge which keeps the motors running, and to increase their torque when the motors first start up. A start capacitor is also used in many heat pumps and air conditioners. When the compressor first starts up a start capacitor supplies a torque boost. Once the compressor is up and running the start capacitor switches off automatically.

Many different problems may be the result of a faulty capacitor in your air conditioning system. Depending on whether the capacitor fails completely or if it loses strength you may notice that the motor it works with stops running. If the compressor motor in your air conditioner won’t run your AC will not cool your home. If the outdoor fan does not operate properly then the compressor may short cycle or shut down. Only a professional Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician can determine for sure what the exact cause of your problem is.

To learn more about the basic components of your air conditioning system, or to schedule service with a Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician, contact HB Energy today. Our team of skilled professionals has the answers to all your questions.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Southern Vermont Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Signs of a Faulty Capacitor

How Thermostat Location can Affect Your Air Conditioning Installation

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Your thermostat is critical to the smooth operation and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. There are various makes and models on the market today, from old-fashioned conventional models to the latest in wifi-enabled “smart” units. If you’re having an air conditioning installation service in your New Hampshire home, then you need to find a good location for your thermostat, one that maximizes the potential of your new AC. At HB Energy Solutions, we strive to make the entire process easy on you, from equipment selection to the installation itself. Give us a call today to learn more about thermostats or about a new air conditioner for your home.

The thermostat has a simple, but absolute vital purpose. It provides the homeowners with a relatively simple user interface by which he or she can control the indoor climate, and it also senses the temperature of the space and communicates with the control board on the AC itself. But much of its ability to perform its function successfully depends upon its location in the home. Let’s look at some factors related to thermostat location that can affect your AC:

  • Drafts: Whether from doors, windows, ducts, or fans, drafts can disrupt your thermostat’s ability to sense the temperature accurately. It should be located away from spots in the home that have drafts.
  • Sunlight: You should make sure that your thermostat is not in the direct line of the sun coming through the window or skylight. For obvious reasons, this can substantially affect its ability to sense the temperature accurately, which can then throw off the entire cooling process.

While there are many DIY enthusiasts out there, it’s important that your new air conditioning equipment include professional installation services. There’s simply no other way to ensure that your entire AC—thermostat included—satisfies your expectations. Don’t underestimate the importance of thermostat location. It can make or break the operation of your cooling system’s performance as well as its energy efficiency. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive air conditioning installation services in New Hampshire. 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How Thermostat Location can Affect Your Air Conditioning Installation

How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

New and seasoned AC owners alike often assume that once their air conditioner is installed, it should just work until it needs to be replaced. That’s not the case. The best thing you can do for your air conditioner is to ensure that you take care of any homeowner maintenance duties on a regular basis, as well as scheduling professional maintenance. All of this is in the interest of maintaining optimal performance and energy efficiency, as well as protecting the condition of your air conditioning system. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive AC maintenance and repair services.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can protect your AC.

  • Take care of repairs ASAP: This is critical. Don’t let those minor repairs snowball into major, costly repairs. If you have any suspicion that your AC is not operating as well as it should, then make sure you get it checked out as soon as possible. Whether you have a refrigerant leak or frosty coil, or simply think that your AC performance has declined over the years, a professional AC technician will be able to arrive at your home and assess the situation quickly.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program: This is an important step in extending the longevity of your AC, and thus protecting your investment. A preventive maintenance program gives the AC tech an opportunity to examine your AC closely and inspect any problematic areas. It also involves the thorough cleaning of its various components, as well as testing and adjusting the electrical and refrigerant levels. Hands down, this is the best thing you can do for your AC.
  • Do your maintenance duties regularly: Although the majority of air conditioning maintenance should be taken care of by a professional, there are a couple of things that you can do to protect the performance and efficiency of your cooling system. First, keep an eye on your air filter and make sure that you change it regularly. Second, keep the area surrounding your outdoor and indoor units free of any belongings or organic debris.

Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive Southern Vermont air conditioning services. 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System

New Hampshire Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Electrical Problems

Monday, May 6th, 2013

While professional installation and regular maintenance will often prevent many problems before they start, some repairs are inevitable. As you well know, your AC requires electrical energy to create its cool air, and that can often be the source of various problems. We’ve compiled a list of some signs of electrical problems to look out for as we approach the summer. For more information, or to schedule a air conditioning repair in Southern Vermont or New Hampshire, call HB Energy Solutions today!

  • Buzzing noise: If you hear a buzzing noise in or around one of your AC units, then it could indicate a serious electrical problem. The electrical supply line may have become damaged, or there may be something known as electrical “arcing,” which can be hazardous. While you can expect your AC to make a certain amount of noise during its operation, a distinctive buzzing sound often means something is not right.
  • AC won’t turn on: If your AC won’t turn, make sure you haven’t merely blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. Also, make sure that your thermostat is switched on and calling for cool air. If neither of these steps works, then you may have an electrical connectivity problem with your AC, or possibly a bad capacitor.
  • Short cycling: In order to operate properly, your AC requires a certain amount of voltage constantly running to it. If there are any changes to the line voltage of your outdoor unit, which houses the compressor, this may cause the AC to short cycle (turn on and off). This leads to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency.

Enrolling in a maintenance plan is a great way to ensure that your AC is always running well throughout the summer. With inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups, many electrical problems can be caught before they interrupt your home cooling. Make sure you hire a professional to perform any repair work on your AC. For more New Hampshire air conditioning repair tips, call HB Energy Solutions today! 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on New Hampshire Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Electrical Problems

New Hampshire AC Repair Tip: Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair Service

Monday, April 29th, 2013

We rely on our air conditioners in New Hampshire to provide energy efficient performance, so that we can avoid major energy bills during the summer. Like all mechanical systems, your air conditioner is subject to wear and tear, as well as damage, and needs to be professionally installed, maintained, and repaired in order to work properly. In this post, we’d like to review some signs that you may need air conditioning repair. Call HB Energy Solutions for comprehensive AC services in New Hampshire today!

  • AC won’t turn on: First, check your electrical panel to make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. If your AC still won’t turn on, then there could be several things wrong. It’s possible that your thermostat is faulty, in which case it either requires calibration so that it can accurately sense the temperature, or it needs to be replaced. There can also be connectivity issues. Alternatively, it could be an electrical problem: a damaged wire in the electrical supply, for instance.
  • Inadequate cooling: This is a common complaint. There are numerous reasons why your AC is not cooling as well as you need it to. First, check your air filter to see if it’s dirty or possibly clogged. If that’s the case, make sure you take care of your air filter so that it doesn’t restrict airflow. Check to see if you need to change or clean it once a month during the cooling season. Alternatively, you may have a duct leak somewhere within your home that is reducing airflow, or possibly low refrigerant.
  • Warm air: If your ducts are blowing out warm air, and your thermostat is properly set, then you have a problem. While there are many different possible reasons, your expansion valve may need to be adjusted, or it may be faulty.

We hope this gives you some idea about when to call for air conditioning repair. Call HB Energy Solutions for AC repair today! 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on New Hampshire AC Repair Tip: Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair Service

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »