Design Comfort Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Air Conditioning Problems Caused by Low Refrigerant

Thursday, June 19th, 2014

Refrigerant is the chemical in your air conditioning system that makes it possible to cool the indoor air. Refrigerant can do this because it can easily turn from a liquid to a gas and back again, all within the closed system of your air conditioner. The interesting thing is that the refrigerant in your air conditioner doesn’t deplete; it was designed to stay at a set amount for the life of the air conditioner. As such, the only ways refrigerant can run low in an air conditioning system are: a) the amount of refrigerant put into the system during installation was incorrect or; b) there is a leak. In either case, your air conditioning system needs the help of a trained professional, so call the ones to trust: Design Comfort.

AC Problems Caused by Refrigerant Leaks

Several problems can arise from a low refrigerant level and all can cause operational issues with your air conditioning system. Therefore, it is always advisable to repair a refrigerant leak as soon as possible. Here are some of the more common problems our experts at Design Comfort have encountered when dealing with low refrigerant:

  • Warm air – when your system is low on refrigerant, there isn’t enough of the chemical in the system to correctly execute the heat release and cooling process necessary for cooling the air. The result can be warm air blowing into your property.
  • Icing – low refrigerant causes an imbalance in the system. When your system forms ice, the parts that are supposed to be hot are too hot and not cooling off properly; conversely, the cool parts are too cold because they aren’t warming up as they should. These two very disparate air temperatures meet in the air conditioner and create condensation – but because the cool parts are too cold, the condensation quickly turns from water to ice.
  • Air conditioner won’t start – some systems have a built-in safety switch that turns on when the refrigerant goes too low. If your air conditioner is equipped with this kind of safety switch, don’t try and force your AC to turn on; call a technician to inspect your system.

Call an Expert for Refrigerant Repairs

Finding a refrigerant leak isn’t easy, and handling refrigerant requires training. The bottom line: fixing a refrigerant leak isn’t a DIY kind of job. If you are seeing signs your air conditioner may be low on refrigerant, call Design Comfort today and schedule an appointment for your air conditioning repair service in Salt Lake City.

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Should I Replace My Thermostat When Upgrading My Air Conditioner?

Monday, June 16th, 2014

When you have new installation for air conditioning in Bountiful, UT, you don’t necessarily have to change your current thermostat. The installers can connect the new AC system to the older control panel, and you can continue to control your cooling system the way you always have. But if your thermostat is the same age as the air conditioner that you’re replacing, then it is a smart idea to replace the thermostat during new installation with an upgraded model.

Our Design Comfort air conditioning installation team knows as much about thermostats as they do about fitting a new AC into your home. If you want to an up-to-date thermostat as part of the new air conditioning installation job, you can arrange they job with us.

Why a Thermostat Upgrade Is a Wise Choice with AC Installation

The advances in thermostat technology have mirrored those in HVAC technology. If your old thermostat is a manual model with sliders and dials, then you should definitely upgrade to a digital model. A digital thermostat can reach more precise temperature settings, and this will mean an improvement in comfort and energy savings. Digital models also have easy to read displays that will make it simpler for you to set and understand the temperature.

But there are even superior upgrades than going digital. Programmable thermostats allow you to control when the AC turns on and off even when you aren’t home. This is about more than convenience: a programmable thermostat will save power because you won’t need to keep an air conditioner running all day just so you can come home to a cool house. Instead, you can keep the AC turned off and saving power until the thermostat activates it a half hour before you come home.

The newest innovation in thermostats is the “smart” thermostat. These units permit homeowners to control them wirelessly from mobile devices or computers anywhere they have an Internet or satellite connection. Smart thermostats also learn a homeowner’s air conditioning comfort control patterns, and develop their own pattern to provide a house with cooling that best matches the owner’s needs while also saving energy.

Choosing the New Thermostat

In general, replacing a thermostat as part of AC installation is an excellent idea. You can upgrade to better technology, and you will have a system that is specially fit to your new air conditioner. To decide which new thermostat you should have installed, call professionals who can provide a range of options for thermostat replacement.

Our technicians at Design Comfort handle thermostat installation, repair, and maintenance services. Call us for installing air conditioning systems in Bountiful, UT and also for installation of a new top-of-the-line thermostat.

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3 Causes of Low Air Flow in Your AC Unit

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

When it comes to comfort from an air conditioning system, it isn’t only cooling power that’s necessary to keep you cool. The air conditioner must be able to blow out enough of that conditioned air through your vents to provide an even spread of lower temperatures through your home. If you notice that the flow of air from the vents has dropped, something is wrong and you should contact specialists to look into it.

When you need repairs for your air conditioning in Millcreek, UT, pick up the phone and call Design Comfort right away. You can trust our trained staff with all your home comfort concerns.

3 reasons you might experience low airflow

  1. Clogged filter: This is one of the more common troubles that can afflict an air conditioner, and fortunately it is one that you can easily prevent. The filter is designed to catch outside particles that enter the return vents and stop them from entering the AC’s cabinet. If the filter isn’t changed often enough, it will catch enough debris that it will start to cut off the flow into the AC, and that will cut down on the flow out of the AC as well. Along with lowering airflow a clogged air filter will force the system to work harder and could trigger icing across the coils. Change the filter once a month to prevent this from happening; should serious trouble start, call for repairs.
  2. Blower fan malfunction: The blower fan in the air conditioner’s air handler send air from the return vents across the evaporator coil and then into the ventilation system. This is the work horse of airflow, so if the fan malfunctions because of a broken motor or mechanical problem, you’ll need to have trained repairs to restore it and your airflow.
  3. Broken ductwork: The ducts that carry the air from the air handler to the rooms must maintain a tight seal along their length so they will not lose air pressure. It only takes a small hole of gap between sections to lead to a drop in the air pressure that will result in lowered airflow from the vents. Breaks need professional indoor air quality technicians to repair and seal them (no, duct tape isn’t the answer) not only to restore the AC’s airflow, but to protect the ducts from dust and debris contamination.

Call for the right repair technicians

Because a drop in airflow can come from either problems in the air conditioning or the ductwork, make sure that when you call for repairs from technicians with skill in both HVAC work and indoor air quality services.

For the proper work for air quality and air conditioning in Millcreek, UT, look to the comprehensive services of Design Comfort. We are ready 24 hours a day to help you.

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How Does an Air Conditioner Cool the Air?

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Air conditioners are quite a feat of engineering. While they seem to just blow cool air, there is actually much more going on than appears to the eye. Simply put, your air conditioner takes the hot air from your home, runs it through your air conditioning system, and then returns it as cool, dry air. So, what appears as cool air blowing into your home is actually the same air with the heat removed. Want to know how your air conditioning does this? Let the Millcreek air conditioning system specialists at Design Comfort explain how this happens.

Refrigerant

You may have heard your air conditioning specialist say the word “refrigerant” in regard to your air conditioner. Refrigerant is the chemical your air conditioner uses to facilitate the heat transfer process. It does this by completing a cycle in which it changes from a liquid to a gas and back again, taking on and then dispersing heat from the air within your home.

The 3 Main Components of Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner has 3 main parts: the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. These components are responsible for changing the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas and back to a liquid, all within your air conditioning system.

How Do the Refrigerant and Components Work Together to Cool the Air?

In its different states, the refrigerant carries out heat and then helps to cool the air that is brought back into your home. How? When a liquid converts to gas, it absorbs heat. So when the refrigerant is in a gaseous state, it absorbs the heat from your property. As the refrigerant gas moves through the system, it passes through the outside unit, where the heat is released and the refrigerant cools. The cooled gas moves back into the house to the evaporator, where warm air is blown onto the evaporator coils now holding the cooled refrigerant. This creates chilled air, which is delivered to the inside of your property via the ductwork.

Removal of Humidity

In addition to lowering the temperature, your air conditioner does a second important job: it also removes humidity. Moisture is a conductor of heat, which is why humidity makes things feel so much hotter. As your air conditioner removes heat, it also removes moisture from the air and drains it outside your home. Without this function, you would have cool, moist air in your home rather than cool, dry air.

It’s a Complex System

Your air conditioner is a complex machine that benefits most when a licensed professional manages its maintenance and repairs. For over 30 years, Design Comfort has been working on air conditioners in Millcreek. If you would like to know more about our products, installation or repairs, call us today!

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How Can My Air Conditioning System Help with Humidity?

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

It’s not so much the heat as it is the humidity.

We’ve all heard this phrase before, and we’ve all experienced it: the higher the moisture level in the air, the more uncomfortable a hot day will feel. The reason for this is that high humidity makes it more difficult for our pores to sweat. Sweating is our bodies’ defense against overheating; the release of moisture from our bodies also releases heat. But with too much moisture in the air, we sweat at a slower rate, and lose heat at a slower rate as well. We end up feeling hotter than temperature around us.

Air conditioners can help make your home more comfortable during sweltering summer days when the humidity level contributes to your discomfort. But your AC needs to remain in good operating condition for this to work. When it’s time for repairs for your air conditioning, call Design Comfort. We have 24-hour emergency air conditioning service available in Salt Lake City for when that busted AC can’t wait.

Why Air Conditioning Helps Reduce Humidity

Modern ACs are not designed specifically as dehumidifiers (although some have humidity controls as extra features, and the first electro-mechanical air conditioner was specifically engineered to reduce humidity within a paper plant), but the process of evaporation that creates the feeling of cooler air in your home also draws moisture out of the air.

The evaporator coil in an air conditioner is located in the indoor cabinet of the system. As refrigerant runs through this coil, it absorbs heat from the air, cooling the air down. But it also absorbs moisture from the air, which condenses along the coil. This moisture collects into a shallow pan below the coil (the condensate pan) and from there a pump removes it through a drain. The moisture does not re-enter your home’s air, and so you experience a pleasant humidity reduction.

Watch Out For the Opposite Effect, However

Low humidity is often a problem in Salt Lake City, and this can feel as uncomfortable as high humidity. An air conditioner can end up drying your home out too much, and if this is often the case, consider investing in a whole-house humidifier to create a balance. The combination of the two will help your home achieve the right humidity level no matter the weather.

Design Comfort, along with offering excellent service for air conditioning systems in Salt Lake City, also installs humidifiers. Call us today and talk to our indoor air quality specialists to find out the best way to achieve the right moisture balance inside your house.

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Warning Signs that Indicate Air Conditioning Replacement

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Is it time to retire your AC? It can be difficult to know how to tread the line between continuing repairs and replacement. At times, continuing to repair your AC may be the most cost-effective option for your home, especially if you’re not yet ready for a comprehensive system replacement. At other times, continuing to repair an old unit can often feel like a losing battle as you constantly put more of your hard-earned cash into a declining system. At Design Comfort, we believe in assisting customers to help them make the best possible decisions for their comfort and their budget. Call us today when you’re ready to learn more about your next air conditioning installation options in Salt Lake City.

Let’s take a look at some warning signs that indicate an air conditioning replacement might be right for you.

  • Old age. Your AC is not getting any younger. At a certain time, it may be worthwhile to retire your AC and get yourself a new system. Today’s air conditioning systems are highly energy efficient and boast incredible cooling performance, when compared with the technology of even just 15 years ago. You may find that your AC no longer gives you the cool air you need.
  • Frequent repairs. Another reason to consider replacing your air conditioner is frequent repairs. You need to make sure that you’re not paying more in repairs than it would to pay for a new system. While some repairs are inevitable and necessary to keep your AC running, consult with your AC technician if you feel as though the repairs are too constant for your liking. It might be time to invest in the future of your comfort.
  • Energy efficiency. While energy efficiency alone may not be enough to make you consider replacement, if you’re paying what seem like astronomical sums on your energy bills every month and your AC is old, then you should probably consider replacing your AC. If not now, then keep in mind that the time may come soon, and it’s better to know your options now than to wait until your system breaks down in the middle of summer.

Call the Salt Lake City air conditioning installation professionals at Design Comfort today to learn more about our installation services.

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Air Conditioning Installation and Indoor Air Quality Upgrades

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Are you looking for a comprehensive cooling solution? There’s no better time to make sure that you have high indoor air quality in addition to cooling than before the hottest months of the year. But because of the design of the modern home, your home’s cool air may also come with some indoor air quality issues. Fortunately, there are many indoor air quality upgrades that you can take advantage of, many of which integrate directly into your existing HVAC system. With dust, pollen, dander, mold, and other contaminants circulating throughout your home, it won’t matter how cool the air is. Make sure you take advantage of an indoor air quality upgrade during your air conditioning installation service in Salt Lake City. Call Design Comfort today.

  • UV germicidal lights. Mold can be a problem in any home. It thrives on dark, moist conditions, and you’re probably familiar with it as that dark lining around your shower drain, or in some other area exposed to high humidity levels. But it can also exist within your ductwork. This is often a hidden danger. When cool air flows throughout your home, mold spores become airborne and circulate throughout your living space. UV germicidal lights destroy mold spores in the air handler before they reach the interior of your home.
  • Air cleaners. There are numerous air cleaners available on the market today. Whether you need an air filtration device to reduce pollen and dander from circulating within your home, or an electronic air cleaner to ionize particles for easy cleanup. The model and type depends upon what type of pollutant affects your home.
  • Energy recovery ventilators. These devices, often abbreviated ERVs, provide an energy efficiency way to ventilate your home. During the normal operation of your AC, fresh air is not brought into the cooling cycle. Your AC cools air that is already within your home. An ERV pre-conditions your air before reaching the AC so that your system does not have to work overtime to cool that hot outside air.

Take advantage of an indoor air quality upgrade with your next air conditioning installation service in Salt Lake City. Call Design Comfort today.

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Electrical Problems and Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

Air conditioning systems are one of the most important components of your home’s comfort. When you start to have issues with your AC just call the Salt Lake City air conditioning repair professionals at Design Comfort. We have years of experience working with all different kinds of air conditioning issues. There are a few common AC repairs that we see but we wanted this blog post to focus on the electrical problems that can happen with your air conditioner. Check them out below and if you’re experiencing any of these problems just give us a call.

Salt Lake City Air Conditioning Electrical Problems

Your air conditioning system is a very complex piece of equipment. There are a huge range of things that can go wrong with your AC—including electrical problems. If you’re having any issues with your AC just call the Salt Lake City air conditioning repair techs at Design Comfort.

  • Buzzing noises – If you have a heat pump and it is making a buzzing noise there probably isn’t anything wrong with it. Buzzing noises can come from the heat pump’s reversing valve. It usually means that it is working fine.
  • Fan motor –Inside your air conditioning system you have a fan motor that turns the fan blades to push air through your home. If you start to have electrical issues with the fan motor it could mean that you won’t be able to get enough cooling into your home.
  • Compressor motor – The compressor is located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system. If the compressor is making any weird noises or if it is excessively loud, it could mean that you have a problem with it.
  • Thermostat problems – If you have digital thermostats in your home and you aren’t getting any cooling it could be the fault of your thermostat. You may just need to change the batteries or it could be a wiring issue.

For all your AC repair needs make sure that you call the friendly Salt Lake City air conditioning repair specialists at Design Comfort today. We are dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction and to the quality of work that we do.

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Air Conditioning Repair: Why is My Air Conditioner Noisy?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

During the hottest time of the year, the last thing you want to worry about is a problem with your air conditioning system. Unfortunately, like any other mechanical system, you are going to have occasional issues with your air conditioner. When you do, the best course of action is to call your Salt Lake City air conditioning repair technician as soon as possible. We frequently receive service calls for air conditioning systems that are making unfamiliar sounds or are very noisy during operation. Here are a few possible causes of these issues. Call Design Comfort today if you are concerned about noises that your AC makes.

If you hear a buzzing sound coming from your air conditioning system, it may be an issue with the electrical components in the system. Any time there is a problem with an electrical component, it is important that the issue is resolved immediately. Contact a professional Salt Lake City air conditioning repair technician to ensure that your AC is operating as safely as possible. A clicking sound may be the result of a damaged fan blade within the system, or even a faulty thermostat that causes the relays to trip frequently. In either case, damages may result if the issue is not promptly resolved.

Sometimes the sounds that you hear coming from your air conditioning system are the result of the ductwork, not the AC unit itself. Ductwork may amplify and resonate sounds coming from the system, or it may work free of a binding and clang or bang during operation. Hissing or bubbling, which results from leaks in refrigerant lines, or a popping coming from flexing or contracting ductwork. The bottom line is, there are a great number of possibilities as to why your air conditioning system is operating noisily. By scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance you can minimize the risk of damage to your system. At the first sign of trouble, give us a call.

Design Comfort is the company to call for all your Salt Lake City air conditioning repair service needs. Let us know what concerns you have about the operation of your air conditioning system. Our professional Salt Lake City air conditioning repair technicians will find the solution necessary to resolve the problem.

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Air Conditioning: What is a Zone Control System?

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the Salt Lake City area are looking for ways to improve their air conditioning systems, especially during the spring. Now is a great time to call for routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. If you have a central air split system, the prospect of cooling your entire home, whether occupied or unoccupied, can be daunting. A single temperature throughout all of the rooms in the house may not be the most efficient use of your energy, and you may find that areas of your home are of different temperatures. If you’d like to remedy this situation, consider installing a zone control system. For comprehensive Salt Lake City air conditioning services, call Design Comfort today!

We’d like to explain a little about the zone control system so that you can stay informed about the various ways you can improve the efficiency and performance of your central air:

  • What is a zone control system? It is a way of dividing up your existing ductwork into zones that can be individually controlled. It is an aftermarket upgrade that is relatively straightforward to install by a professional AC technician. A set of electronically controlled dampers are installed within your ductwork. The manner in which these dampers divide your home is strictly up to you and your cooling needs.
  • How does it work? A thermostat in each of the zones communicates with the dampers and air handler, blocking or permitting airflow according to your specifications.
  • What are the benefits? A zone control system allows you unprecedented control over how your conditioned air is distributed throughout your home. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the thought of cooling your unoccupied kitchen downstairs in order to sleep soundly upstairs, then a zone control system is a great solution. By only cooling the areas you need to, and by adjusting the temperatures of other unoccupied zones accordingly, you can save substantial amounts of energy throughout the cooling season.

For more information about zone control systems, and to see if they’re right for your home, get in touch with your local professional. For comprehensive Salt Lake City air conditioning services, call Design Comfort today!

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