Air Conditioning Archives - Border Sheet Metal & Heating

How Do I Know When to Replace my Air Conditioner?

June 3, 2024

As a homeowner, it’s essential to maintain your air conditioner to ensure it functions efficiently and effectively. However, there comes a time when repairs are no longer sufficient, and replacement becomes necessary. At , we understand that knowing when to replace your air conditioner can be challenging. Here are some key signs that indicate it might be time for a new unit. Age of the Unit The age of your air conditioner is one of the most significant factors to consider. Most air conditioning units have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this...

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4 Reasons to Replace a 20-Year-Old AC

July 25, 2023

You may have a 20-year-old air conditioner, and it may seem to be running all right. However, the average service life is 10 to 15 years when a system is properly maintained, so your system is already past-due. Consider these four reasons to replace your 20-year-old air conditioner. 1. Reduce Energy Costs Even if your system seems to be running well, chances are that at 20 years old, it’s not running as efficiently as a newer system. First, efficiency standards have only improved over the last 20 years, with new models required to have a minimum efficiency of 15 SEER,...

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Keep Your Cool: Four Tips to Troubleshoot AC Problems

June 12, 2023

Even with the relatively mild temperatures throughout the summer around Hayden, your home will get uncomfortable when your AC is having trouble. Consider these four tips to troubleshoot your AC problem, then call for repair service if it’s still not working. 1. Inspect Your Air Filter A clogged air filter will restrict airflow through the system, leading to many problems from low airflow from your vents to a system that won’t start. Inspect your air filters and change them if you notice visible dirt on the intake side, usually every 30 to 90 days for 1- and 2-inch filters 2....

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4 Reasons to Avoid DIY AC Servicing

May 11, 2023

Air conditioner malfunctioning can manifest in various ways. If you suspect something is wrong with your AC, the best idea is to call a professional to assist. Many things can go wrong with DIY AC repairs compared to relying on a licensed technician. Although it sounds cost-effective and fun, it is not the best way to reduce costs and is certainly unsafe. Keep reading to discover some things that could go wrong with the DIY approach. 1. Electrical Issues ACs are appliances that require high-voltage electrical power for their operation. Even if you possess some basic knowledge of handling electrical...

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Is It Possible To Change My A/C Unit’s Fan Speed?

September 14, 2022

If your home has a central HVAC system, you should already know that it relies on a blower motor to circulate air in your home. The trouble is, most HVAC blowers operate at a preset speed you can’t easily change. Although it’s possible to change the blower speed of most HVAC systems, it’s not a DIY process. Just for general information, here is an overview of how an HVAC technician would change the speed of most HVAC blower fans. Disconnect the Unit’s Power The first step to changing the blower’s speed is to disconnect its power supply. In some cases,...

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Ways to Make Your AC Unit More Energy Efficient

July 26, 2022

Cooling your home during the summer is expensive, so you want your AC unit to operate as efficiently as possible. There are several ways you can improve its energy efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. Plug Leaks in Your Home’s Envelope It’s important to limit the leaks in your home’s envelope. Plug leaks around your doors and windows. Make sure your attic is sealed. By keeping cool air inside your home, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard and will operate more efficiently. Keep Up With Filter Changes When the air filter in your cooling system...

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Static Pressure in Heating and Cooling Systems

June 13, 2022

The static pressure of your air conditioning and heating system may not seem like anything to be concerned about. However, when static pressure isn’t balanced, it can cause problems that can directly affect the efficiency and life of your system. Heating Cooling System Static Pressure When a heating or cooling system turns on, it draws air through the system’s components and a series of ductwork that runs through the building. If any of these components fail, or if there’s any kind of blockage in the ductwork, the static pressure in the system can increase. Even a build-up of dust can...

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What’s Causing My AC Leak?

May 17, 2022

Air conditioner leaks are common during the summer when your home constantly requires cool air. While every AC unit naturally makes water, it shouldn’t be leaking anywhere out of the system. Here are a few common issues that could be causing your AC leak. Condensate Line Problems Your condensate line is responsible for transporting water safely out of the system. This line can become clogged due to dirt and algae, which causes the water to accumulate and leak. You’ll likely experience some condensate line issues over time as this component can also become disconnected or break. A trained technician can...

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3 Ways You Can Save Money With a Smart Thermostat

April 11, 2022

Smart thermostats are like home heating and cooling self-driving cars. They take the manual labor out of your day-to-day heating and cooling routine. They do so by quietly, reliably, and efficiently learning your heating and cooling preferences. Here are three ways that smart thermostats help you save money. 1. Reduce Energy Use Smart thermostats automatically make intelligent adjustments to your home’s temperature throughout the day and night to keep you comfortable while saving energy and money on energy bills. For example, a smart thermostat can turn down the heat when nobody is home. It can detect when you’re at work...

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Why Get Your Ducts Cleaned?

August 10, 2021

Dirty ducts cause many problems, especially for households with allergy sufferers. Professionals have the equipment and experience to ensure your ducts aren’t causing problems in your home. Signs Your Ducts Need Cleaning There are several signs your ducts need to be cleaned. You may see dust and dirt collecting around vents and registers, or there’s visible mold growing. You may have hot and cold spots in your home because of inconsistent airflow. There may be a musty odor or signs that there are insects or rodents in your ducts. Better Indoor Air Quality All the air in your home cycles...

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