The Consequences of Putting off Air Conditioning Repair

June 11th, 2013

Most problems in life don’t get better by ignoring them.  The same is true with air conditioning repair. When you your AC fixed, it is usually a good idea to call for professionals services immediately. Comfort Zone Heating & Air is proud to offer complete air conditioning repair in Atlanta for many different types and brands of air conditioning systems. Here are a few of the consequences that can result from putting off repairing your air conditioner.

One of the worst consequences to waiting on calling for professional repair is that the problem will likely get worse—or even cause another part to break down. For example, if your air conditioning system isn’t producing enough cooling it could be caused by a clogged air filter. If you don’t get that taken care of early it could cause extra strain on the fan motor and cause it to break down.

Another consequence of waiting to call for air conditioning repair in Atlanta is that the problem is likely causing your AC to lose efficiency. This means that your air conditioning system is using more energy to cool your home which costs you more money.

When you need air conditioning repair, make sure that you work with a company that is focused on your satisfaction. Here at Comfort Zone Heating & Air we are dedicated to the quality of work that we do and to the satisfaction of our customers. Call us today if your AC is giving you any issues. 

Air Conditioning Installation Tips

June 4th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new AC, you may already know what you’re looking for, and what to expect from the installation process. But for those who don’t know much about AC, or who are looking for ways to ensure a successful air conditioning installation in Atlanta, there are some things to keep in mind. It’s not only the quality of the equipment that matters. While it’s important to select a system with high energy-efficiency ratings and solid cooling performance, it’s just as important to have it professionally installed so that you can take advantage of your new AC. Call Comfort Zone today for excellent air conditioning installation in Atlanta.

How do you ensure a successful installation of your new AC? Let’s take a look at some factors:

  • Sizing: To put it simply, your AC needs to match your home. That sounds straightforward enough, but all too often, high quality equipment requires premature replacement and frequent repairs because it is not the right size. Thus, sizing is incredibly important. Air conditioners are measured in BTU output as well as tonnage. During installation, your AC tech will be able to determine your cooling needs with a load calculation. This measurement of the volume of air in your living space may also include an account of your home’s insulation and layout.
  • SEER: Every AC sold in the US has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating. It estimates the ratio between cooling output and electrical energy input over the course of a single cooling season. The higher the number the better. It is an important barometer for figuring out how your new system will fare in terms of energy efficiency, although it’s not the only factor.
  • Professionalism: You need to make sure that you entrust your new equipment with a professional AC technician who is not only experienced in his industry, but also has a reputation for great customer service. Your new AC is a major investment in the future of your home comfort, so make sure you hire someone who cares about your satisfaction.

Call Comfort Zone today for a air conditioning installation service in Atlanta. 

Happy Memorial Day!

May 27th, 2013

Every year on the final Monday of May, citizens of America come together to honor those who have served our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day came to prominence after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers on either side. Although its origins are somewhat ambiguous, it has always been about bringing people together to recognize our country’s military personnel and history. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who have served our county.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. We hope that you have a wonderful day off, and that it is a great start to your summer!

Atlanta Air Conditioning Installation Question: What Type of AC System is Right for Me?

May 21st, 2013

Are you thinking about upgrading your air conditioner? Do you need a brand new cooling solution for your new home build? Figuring out what air conditioning system is right for your home can be difficult. The sheer range of system types and brands on the market today is enough to make the process seem like a crapshoot at best. Fortunately, our team of technicians is standing by to ensure that your new AC is professionally installed so that you can expect great performance and excellent energy efficiency within your budget and according to your cooling needs. In today’s post, we’d like to share with you some tips about the installation process. Call Comfort Zone today for comprehensive air conditioning services in Atlanta.

  •  Size: First and foremost, you need an AC that fits. Do not assume that bigger is better when it comes to your new cooling system. In fact, an over-sized system can actually lead to inefficient cooling and frequent short cycling. Your home is unique and you need an AC whose BTU and cooling tonnage matches the air volume of your house. A professional installer will perform a detailed load calculation to ensure that you get the most out of your new system.
  • Ducts or no ducts: If you already have ductwork in your home, and you’re satisfied with their condition and quality, then you might like to consider a central air system. This type of forced air distribution system circulates refrigerant between an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor evaporator/air handler. It uses the ducts to extract warm air from your home and send the cooled air back in. But if you think you may not want ductwork in your home, then you should consider a ductless split system. Today’s Mitsubishi systems have excellent SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings and you may be able to prevent a lot of indoor air quality issues by avoiding ducts entirely.

Speak to one of our friendly technicians today if you need some professional consultation and advice. We’d be happy to guide you every step of the way, from selection to installation. Call Comfort Zone today for superior Atlanta, GA air conditioning services.

 

Atlanta AC Guide: Keeping Your Air Conditioning in Good Condition

May 16th, 2013

If you want your air conditioning to work well no matter what the outside temperature is, then you need to maintain it on a regular basis. One common concern among Atlanta homeowners is how to ensure that their AC is in good working condition. It’s an important issue and one that we are constantly thinking about. We’ve created a few tips that should help you keep your system effective and efficient. For more information, or to schedule a professional air conditioning service in Atlanta, don’t hesitate to call one of our technicians at Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

  • Keep your air filter clean: Of the maintenance tasks you as a homeowner can actually perform, keeping your air filter clean is one of the most critical to the ongoing operation of your AC. Simply put, if it’s dirty or clogged, your air filter will block the passage of cool air. When this occurs, it can lead to frozen coils and an overheated compressor, not to mention higher energy bills as your system is forced to work harder for the same amount of cooling.
  • Call for routine professional maintenance: This is the most important thing you can do to keep your air conditioning system in good condition. Professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups allow us to take a closer look at your entire system and catch any problems in the making, as well as to clean the system thoroughly and perform any system tune-ups.
  • Stay vigilant: Keep your eyes and ears open when you’re operating your AC. Do you hear a strange hissing sound? Or perhaps a small leak at the base of your air handler? While we’re happy to repair your AC on a moment’s notice, we can’t recognize problems if we’re not there. Problems can develop in the interim between professional maintenance visits, so as a homeowner, it’s up to you to report any potential issues to us. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so trust your senses if you think something’s not right with the operation of your AC.

Call Comfort Zone Heating & Air today to keep your Atlanta air conditioning in good condition. 

Atlanta Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Common Problems with Outdoor Units

May 6th, 2013

Considering the extreme heat and humidity that seem to envelop Atlanta entirely during the summer months, it’s no wonder that our air conditioners suffer a bit more wear and tear than other places in the country.  No matter what type of AC you have, your outdoor unit seems to work the hardest to keep your home full of crisp, refreshing cool air. Both the compressor and condenser coils are housed there, and the weatherized unit itself is specially designed to remove heat from the refrigerant so that your indoor unit can cool the air. Here are some common problems with outdoor units. For comprehensive Atlanta air conditioning repair, call the specialists at Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

  • Banging noise: You should expect your AC to make a certain amount of noise during its operation. After all, considering the various complicated mechanisms that go on within its various internal components, it’s surprising it doesn’t make more sound. That said, any unusual sounds are often strong indicators that something is not right with your AC. If you hear a banging noise coming from your outdoor unit, then you may have a loose component within the outdoor unit, such as a damaged fan blade. Alternatively, your compressor may have internal damage, and may need to be replaced.
  • Dirty coils: While your indoor air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on the AC’s internal components, your outdoor unit is particularly susceptible to dirt, grime, and other substances that get caked onto the condenser coils. If the coils get clogged enough, you need professional repair to help get them clean again. Dirty coils present problems to the heat dissipation phase of the refrigerant cycle.
  • Low refrigerant: If your AC has a low level of refrigerant circulating through its coils, then it will simply not operate efficiently or effectively. The most common cause of low refrigerant is a leak somewhere on the coils. Because they are outdoors and subject to greater risk of physical damage, the condenser coils, as well as the copper lineset that connects the outdoor and indoor units may have developed a leak over the years.

For excellent Atlanta air conditioning repair, contact Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

Atlanta, GA Air Conditioning Installation: Why Consider Going Ductless

April 29th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, whether as a replacement or for your new home, you might want to consider going ductless. Even people with central air will be interested to know about their high energy efficiency, quiet performance, and improved air quality as a result of the lack of ductwork. Remember, the most important aspect of the process is professional installation by a certified technician. It won’t matter how good your equipment is if you don’t have it installed correctly. For excellent Atlanta, GA air conditioning installation services, including ductless mini splits, call Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

Let’s look at a few reasons to go ductless with your new system installation:

  • Energy efficiency: Ductless mini splits boast SEER ratings of up to 27, which is substantially higher than their conventional central air counterparts. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which estimates cooling output divided by electrical input over the course of a cooling season. While it’s not the only determining factor in the energy efficiency of your AC system, it’s a great way to ensure that your make the most of your energy consumption during the long hot summer.
  • Indoor air quality: It’s well known that ducts can be a haven for dust, mold, pollen, dander, and other debris that build up inside the home. As cool air blows through your ducts, it makes such debris airborne, and they circulate throughout your living spaces. By avoiding ducts altogether, ductless mini split systems may actually improve your indoor air quality, particularly if you have sensitive allergies, or have a respiratory condition such as asthma.
  • Zone control: Because you can install numerous indoor air handlers for every outdoor compressor/condenser unit, you have many more options than with a conventional central air split system. Each indoor air handler can be thermostatically controlled individually to provide a diverse range of cooling adjustments.

When you go through your options for your new air conditioning, consider going ductless. Call Comfort Zone Heating & Air today for more information about our Atlanta air conditioning installation services! 

Atlanta, GA Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Strange Odors

April 22nd, 2013

Homeowners throughout the Atlanta, GA area rely on their air conditioning systems to provide energy efficient and effective cooling for their homes. While we enjoy the sunshine down here, it’s comforting to know that we can retire into the cool and crisp air of our home when we need to. But even with pro installation and regular maintenance, we can still encounter problems with our air conditioners. One such problem you may experience is a strange odor coming from your AC. When you need Atlanta, GA air conditioning service, call Comfort Zone Heating & Air!

The strange odor coming from your AC unit likely results from organic or microbial buildup on some part of the system. There are several possibilities, and you’ll need to receive a professional diagnosis to figure out the true cause.

  • Condensate drain: As as your AC cools the air in your home, the water vapor condenses out of the air onto the coils, and drips into the condensate drain pan. This device has a simple purpose: to ensure that water drains out of the air handler. But if it becomes moldy, or if other debris builds up inside the condensate drainpipe, then it can create odors that can travel into your indoor air.
  • Air filters: Make sure that your air filter is clean. Over time, mildew and other debris can build up on the surface of filters and cause them to smell. When your air passes through, it can circulate these odors throughout your home. Clogged air filters can also damage your system and increase your energy costs.
  • Ductwork: If your air ducts have cracks or loose connections, they may be pulling in air from between the walls or the attic. The strange odor may be the result of this. Consider having your ducts repaired—this will also help with your energy efficiency this cooling season.

For more information about the strange odor coming out of your AC system, call Comfort Zone Heating & Air for comprehensive Atlanta, GA air conditioning services today!

Air Conditioning Repair in Atlanta: Frozen Coils

April 15th, 2013

During the long cooling season in Atlanta, GA, your air conditioning system receives a lot of wear and tear. Even professionally installed and routinely maintained systems can encounter problems. One of the most common problems is frozen coils. It’s usually caused by an airflow problem, but there are other possible causes as well. In this post, we’d like to review this problem, so that you can stay informed about your AC. If you think your AC needs repair, it’s best to schedule service now than allow the problem to fester and thereby risk a possible breakdown in August, when the heat and humidity are at peak levels. For air conditioning repair in Atlanta, GA, call the experts at Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

So, what causes frozen coils? Let’s take a look at a few possible culprits:

  • Clogged air filter: Your air filter is designed to prevent particles from entering your living space and to prevent them from accumulating on the inside of your AC components. But when it becomes dirty or clogged, then it can pose significant challenges to the operation of your cooling system. Frozen evaporator coils often occur as a result of a clogged air filter that has blocked airflow within the air handler. When all that cold air builds up within your indoor unit, the refrigerant cycle is disrupted.
  • Blower motor fault: The operation of your cooling system requires a blower motor within your indoor unit to distribute the cool air throughout your ductwork. If there is a problem with the fan motor, then it will not be able to perform correctly. This can often cause a frozen coil.
  • Duct leak: If you have an air duct leak within your system, or a substantial blockage, then this can also cause significant problems for your system, including frozen coils.

Make sure that any repair you call for is carried out by a qualified professional. Only a certified technician will be able to solve the root of the problem and offer a viable solution. For more information or to schedule an air conditioning repair in Atlanta, GA, call the experts at Comfort Zone Heating & Air today! 

Avoiding Air Conditioning Repair in Atlanta

April 8th, 2013

Avoiding or even delaying necessary air conditioning repair in Atlanta can cause a lot of problems. It can lead to major repairs, unexpected and premature replacement, discomfort, and energy inefficiency. While we can sympathize that it’s hard to find the time for your air conditioner amidst your job, family and hobbies, taking care of your AC is essential to the comfort of your home, and you’ll likely regret it if those minor problems get out of hand. Fortunately, signing up for routine maintenance can help you stay on top of the status of your AC. For more information, or to schedule air conditioning repair in Atlanta, call Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!

If you’ve seen or heard any of the symptoms below, you shouldn’t attempt to avoid air conditioning repair. Your local air conditioning technician can provide any assistance you may need.

  • Hissing noise: If it sounds like one of your AC units is hissing, then it’s probably a refrigerant leak. While your refrigerant circulates throughout the cooling cycle in two forms (gas and liquid), if it leaks, then this can significantly reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Even the smallest puncture to your system can change the carefully calibrated refrigerant levels. A professional will know exactly at what level your refrigerant should be.
  • Frozen coil: If upon opening up your air conditioner, you find the indoor coil to be covered in an ice block, it means that cold air is trapped inside your air handler. You may have noticed a corresponding decrease in cooling or perhaps some hot spots in your home. The effectiveness of your cooling system depends upon the continuous movement of cool air throughout your home and the extraction of hot air out of your home. If this balance becomes asymmetrical, it can lead to all sorts of problems, like a frozen coil.
  • Spike in your energy bill: If you notice a sudden and inexplicable spike in your energy bill, there might be a serious problem with your air conditioning system. It’s important to get this checked out because the longer you wait, the more you are paying to run an inefficient system.

Avoiding air conditioning repair is only delaying the inevitable. Small problems can quickly become serious ones if left for too long. For Atlanta air conditioning repair, call Comfort Zone Heating & Air today!