Cooling - Beltway Air Conditioning

4 Reasons to Consider Getting an AC Tune-Up Before Summer

Written by Kevin on April 20, 2023. Posted in Cooling.

It is essential to maintain your air conditioner to keep your Hanover, MD home comfortable and safe. Like any other appliance, AC units require occasional tune-ups and repairs. Investing in an AC tune-up enhances performance and can save you money in the long term. Here are four reasons why getting an AC tune-up is worth it.

1. Prevent Emergency Repairs

Your air conditioner is a complex system with multiple components. It is crucial to detect and address potential problems ahead of time to ensure it runs smoothly. Otherwise, you risk an AC malfunction, which could require costly emergency repairs.

A regular AC tune-up is similar to changing your car’s oil. It is a preventative measure that anticipates problems before they occur rather than a reactive approach that forces you to pay for breakdowns. Investing in a tune-up is usually more cost-effective than repairing or replacing a broken air conditioner.

2. Save Energy

As part of the air conditioner tune-up, our technician will inspect the filters to ensure they’re clean. Clean filters play a crucial role in maintaining AC efficiency. Dirty filters can significantly reduce airflow, impacting the system’s performance. Depending on factors such as constant usage or the presence of pets, our technician may recommend more frequent filter changes.

Proper maintenance of the AC coils, including the evaporator and condenser coil, is also essential for energy savings. Dirt accumulation on the evaporator coil reduces airflow and heat absorption, forcing the unit to work harder. Similarly, the outdoor condenser coil can get dirty due to a dusty environment or nearby foliage. Clearing the area around the coil and removing dirt can significantly enhance energy efficiency.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your home’s indoor air quality is directly affected by your HVAC system, including your air conditioner, which is critical in maintaining a healthy environment. Exposure to polluted air can cause various health problems from mild eye irritation to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Regular AC tune-ups help ensure there is clean air in your home.

Regularly replacing the filters guarantees that the air circulating through your AC system is clean. During a tune-up, our technician will ensure that you are using the correct filter and that it is in good condition. If you are concerned about air quality, ask our technician about using MERV or HEPA filters for added protection.

A tune-up can also be an opportunity to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the ductwork, leading to the recirculation of polluted air in your home.

When conducting an AC tune-up, our technician can inspect your unit for leaks, damaged components, and other issues that may affect its ability to cool your home, regulate humidity, and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Appropriate maintenance and servicing can potentially decrease the prevalence of dangerous allergens and particles in your indoor air.

4. Keep Your Warranty Valid

Most warranties provided by manufacturers vary from one another, but some clauses are standard. One crucial aspect shared by most warranties is that they will only cover the parts if the homeowner assumes responsibility for professional maintenance. Neglecting to maintain your air conditioner could result in a voided warranty, leaving you responsible for any repair costs. Thus, you must ensure that your AC unit is properly maintained regularly.

What Happens During an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

An air conditioner tune-up is a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your system’s maintenance. While some procedures may vary depending on your unit’s make and model, we follow several standard steps.

Our technician will inspect electrical components and tighten connections. We will evaluate and adjust the thermostat settings and control systems. Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils is part of the tune-up, ensuring optimal performance by removing debris.

Our technician will remove clogs, mold, or debris from the condensate drain line. Checking the refrigerant level and detecting any leaks are also parts of the process. If needed, we will top up the refrigerant.

The blower motor, belt, and fan will be cleaned. We will measure the supply/return temperature differential, monitor the compressor, measure amperage and voltage draw, and check the wiring connections. Our technician will check the unit for time delay relay and isolation pads and inspect the suction line for proper fittings. We will review all fittings for signs of oil leakage and check the lines and fittings with a refrigerant leak detector.

Our technician may change the filter if necessary to maintain proper airflow. We will check all moving parts of your AC unit and apply lubrication where needed. Any bent fins will be straightened with a specially designed comb, and potential problems will be identified and resolved before they become significant issues.

How Frequently Should You Get an AC Tune-Up?

The frequency of AC tune-ups depends on factors such as usage and the system’s age. Typically, it is advisable to have a tune-up performed once a year, with many homeowners scheduling it during spring when technicians are less occupied. If you use your air conditioner continuously, it may require more frequent maintenance. Similarly, if your system is approaching its maximum lifespan of 10 to 15 years, it may need more attention.

An air conditioning tune-up typically lasts between one and two hours. However, the duration may fluctuate based on various factors. The size of your residence, the type of air conditioning system you own, and the time that has elapsed since your last service can all impact the duration of the maintenance. AC tune-up times can also vary depending on the complexity and scope of any necessary repairs.

What Are Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs a Tune-Up?

You can look for several signs to determine if your air conditioner needs a tune-up. Strange sounds coming from the AC, such as a hissing, whistle, buzz, or bang, may signal the need for a tune-up, especially if it is different from normal. An increase in utility bills without any significant increase in usage activity could indicate that your AC is drawing more energy than usual, which shows a lack of maintenance. If your AC is not cooling correctly or giving off a foul odor, it may require a tune-up.

A weak airflow coming from the AC may indicate clogged filters or ducts. An inability to control room humidity can indicate a low refrigerant level. Water leaking from your AC could be due to a clogged drain pipe or a refrigerant leak.

Working With Expert HVAC Technicians in Hanover

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we have been providing exceptional HVAC services to the Hanover area for years. We proudly offer our customers energy-efficient products, including furnaces and air conditioners. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are a locally owned and operated company with trained, licensed technicians. We pride ourselves on delivering speedy and dependable service to our commercial and residential customers.

Our services include HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement. We install heat pumps and provide duct cleaning, custom ductwork, air purifiers, whole-house humidifiers, and indoor air quality testing. Contact us at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today and see the benefits we offer as a premier home and business comfort solutions provider.

Should You Change Your Filters Regularly?

Written by Kevin on March 17, 2023. Posted in Cooling.

Your home’s HVAC system works hard to keep you comfortable in a consistent indoor climate, no matter what the weather is outside. One of the few things you need to do for it is to change the air filter regularly. This helps the system run efficiently and lower your utility bills. Sadly, it’s such an easy task that many homeowners forget about it for months, resulting in maintenance headaches and more significant energy bills. Just how regularly should you change your HVAC filters? There’s no set answer, but guidelines can help determine how often and why you should do it.

How Often You Should Change Air Filters in Your Home?

You need to change your home’s air filters regularly. However, what that basis is varies dramatically based on several different factors. For instance, if you’re using economic fiberglass filters, you should probably change your filter every 30 days. The upside of these filters is that they are among the most affordable options, but the drawback is that you must replace them far more frequently.

If you use high-end pleated filters, you might get up to six months out of them. However, that would be based on average usage. Even pleated air filters should be replaced in 90-day intervals for maximum benefit. The longer a filter remains, the more allergens, dirt, and dust will get trapped. That’s the point of a filter, but accumulations will eventually clog the filter and lower the efficiency of the filter and your entire HVAC system.

You might need to change your filters even more frequently than the general recommendations based on filter materials. Ask yourself specific questions. Depending on the answers, you might need to replace your filters more often.

For starters, does your home have anyone with asthma or allergies? Your home’s indoor air quality is just as crucial as air quality when you go outside, but indoor air might be worse. Anyone with sensitivities to airborne particulates will be exposed to them nonstop inside. If your household has anyone like this, you should consider changing your filters every six weeks to maintain a high indoor air quality.

Second, are there any pets in your home? If you own a dog or cat, you’re already familiar with the seasonal changes in shedding and all the odors that might come with having a furry family member around. Change your air filters in two-month intervals, especially when winter transitions to spring or summer moves to fall.

Third, does your household include young kids? The youngest among your family are still growing and developing their lungs and immune systems. They need the best indoor air quality possible to stay comfortable and healthy. Change your air filters every two to three months to keep your home clean and pristine.

What Do AC Filters Do?

An AC filter is typically made using pleated cloth, paper, or spun fiberglass that’s held inside a frame. Many HVAC systems have this in the return air duct. However, if you have a furnace that shares ducts with an air conditioner, the air filter might be in front of your furnace, close to the bottom. In either case, the filter’s primary function is cleaning out the air through the HVAC system.

The filter material is created to capture and then hang onto various contaminants and particles that might enter your home. When the filter traps these particles, they don’t spread throughout the HVAC system. That protects your family’s health and helps keep your AC equipment in better condition.

Air filters are designed to gather dust, dirt, pollen, and allergens. However, they can also collect fibers, lint, hair, and animal fur to keep them from moving throughout your home. Very tiny wood particles, plaster, and metal are other physical materials that an effective air filter can keep from spreading. They can even prevent the spread of mold, mold spores, bacteria, and other various microorganisms.

An HVAC system without clean filters will start running less efficiently. That will drive up your energy bills every month. You’ll also face maintenance, repairs, and replacement costs throughout the system faster than you otherwise would.

How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Change the Filter?

All the air that your HVAC system circulates goes through your air filter at some point. This is just as true for cooling as it is for heating, and that’s why you need to always have clean air filters and change them out regularly. Even knowing the guidelines listed above, you must check your air filters every month to see if you need a clean one installed. Turn your system off momentarily, and then remove the air filter from its place in the air handler. Hold it up in front of a bright source of light. By looking at it, you should be able to see with your own eyes if it’s clogged or dirty. It might look fine in its system position, but if you can’t see any light coming through it when you hold it up, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

Other Factors That Impact Your Air Filter Lifespan

Air filters in your home’s HVAC system might last for longer or shorter periods of time based on other factors besides who lives in your home and what sensitivities they might have. For one, how much you run your system will impact the utility of your filter. If your local climate is relatively mild, and you only run your system for several hours a day, your filter might last an entire season or up to a whole year. Alternatively, constantly running the system will mean the filter needs to be changed more regularly. Your filter might last longer in the winter if you don’t use the heat much but not as long in the summer if the AC has to run more frequently.

The size of your home also comes into play. A smaller home, such as a single-story bungalow, won’t need as much air pumped for heating and cooling as a home with multiple floors and lots of bedrooms. Having said that, smaller homes might also have smaller HVAC systems to start with, so the filter might already be correspondingly smaller to start with.

Treat Your Home to a Professional Touch

You can probably change your AC filters on your own, and there are even things you can do to clean them. However, there are also benefits to letting professionals handle this. Your HVAC system might be more complicated than you think, and sometimes just finding the filter is a chore. If you want to skip looking for the filter or even figuring out what kind you need, turn to our team of professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. We handle many heating and cooling needs for residential and commercial clients in Hanover and the surrounding areas, including duct services. Rely on our expertise to keep your home’s air clean and flowing freely.

Factors to Consider When Cooling Office Building Spaces

Written by Kevin on July 10, 2022. Posted in Cooling, HVAC.

Businesses need to save money on their operating costs in order to thrive. When your air conditioning system is the right size for your office space, is on a regular maintenance schedule, and is a modern unit that is sufficiently energy efficient, you will save money on this important operating cost. When cooling units go down, it becomes very hard for your employees to focus on the task at hand. Also, clients that enter the building will not want to stay for long. Clearly, when air conditioning systems are not working properly, your business is put at risk.

Problems Due to Improper Sizing and Lack of Maintenance

Sadly, some office buildings have cooling systems that are either improperly sized, have not been properly maintained, or are at the end of their service life. When units are sized too small for your area, they will strain at high for the entire warm period of the day, wasting energy and leading to shorter service life. Units that are too large for your office space will cycle on briefly and then be cycled off for long periods of time, leaving your office with zones that are too cold and zones that are too warm.

When air conditioning units are not maintained properly, they can be straining and possibly make unusual sounds. This also wastes energy and leads to excessive wear and tear for the unit. Obviously, this ends up wasting precious business capital.

Potential Warning Signs

Even units that have been properly maintained and are properly sized will eventually need repairs or reach their end of service. A unit that has a bad odor may have mold growing in the system. If the smell is more like something is burnt, it is possible that the motor is overheating or that there is a wire that has burned out.

Units that are no longer pumping cool air into your office may have a thermostat that is malfunctioning, or they may have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can create pools of water, discoloration, ice buildup on the coils, or hissing sounds as other tell-tale signs. If your air conditioning unit is suffering from a reduction in airflow, the air filter may simply be too dirty to function properly, the air ducts may not have been sufficiently sealed, the ducts may be obstructed, or the compressor may be on its way out.

If your air conditioning unit is making unusual noises, the sound may be an indication of the problem. For example, squealing noises can be fan belts or blowers that are going out. Also, air conditioners naturally have a bit of a hum and develop more of a hum as they age, but a hum with a bit of a buzz could indicate a problem in the electrical portion of the system. If you hear banging or clunking, it could be that the fan, blower, motor, or compressor is loose.

If your unit begins to cycle on and off quite a bit more than in the past, that is also a sign that something is wrong with the system. This also could signify a thermostat that is going out. The only way to know for sure is to have a professional inspect the unit.

Weighing the Cost/Benefit of a New AC Unit

The government is regularly increasing the energy efficiency ratings required for new air conditioning units sold in the country. If you have an older unit or one that needs major repairs, you may want to consider the costs versus the benefits financially of purchasing a newer, more energy-efficient unit.

Larger commercial and residential air conditioning units are rated with a system labeled SEER. It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating is designed to measure cooling capacity versus energy cost for units cooling in conditions from 65 to 105 degrees.

Units that are over 15 years old tend to have a SEER rating that is around 8. The new units being sold on the market in the southern states, like Maryland, start at a SEER rating of 14 and up because that level of energy efficiency is mandated by the federal government for all new installations in the country. You can run your monthly energy costs through a SEER calculator online to see how soon you can recoup the cost of buying a new, more energy-efficient unit.

Which New Unit Should I Get?

If it makes the most sense to replace the existing unit, you will still have an important factor to consider. New units can begin at a SEER rating of 14, but they can go up to a rating of 23 and above. Which makes the most sense to purchase, a more economical unit or a unit with better overall energy efficiency? Why are some units so much more efficient?

Looking at the latter question first, units that have two stages or variable speeds are more energy efficient. They have SEER ratings of 16 and above. Units with lower SEER ratings are one-stage units. What that means is that the air conditioner is either on at a high speed or off. A two-stage unit has a low and a high setting. Thus, the unit is either off, on low, or on high. Two-stage units are more efficient because they quickly get the rooms to the desired temperature on high and then operate at low to keep the rooms cool. This keeps their energy costs lower and saves on wear and tear on the unit over time.

A unit with a SEER rating of 16 is 14% more efficient than a unit with a SEER rating of 14. The jump between a unit with a lower rating of 14 SEER compared to a two-stage unit with a 20 SEER rating is 43% more energy efficient. To make a judicious decision between units, you can plug numbers into an online SEER calculator to see if the initial cost of the unit will be offset enough by the reduced energy costs to justify the purchase of a unit with a higher SEER. The higher the SEER, the more expensive the unit, and the cost differential can be dramatic.

We Can Help!

Here at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover, Maryland, we will take care of your office building’s comfort needs whether it is snowing in the winter or in the 90s in the summer. We know that breakdowns in your comfort units can slow or stop the pace of work. Our services are quick and dependable, and we are here to keep indoor areas comfortable year-round. Our technicians are fully licensed and trained. We are experienced in commercial units as well as residential. Besides the design of commercial HVAC systems and HVAC repair, installation and maintenance, we provide the following commercial office services:

Heat pump and furnace installation, repair, and maintenance
Boiler service
Duct cleaning
Indoor air quality products, like air filtration systems
Ductwork installation

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating serves Hanover, Columbia, Ellicott City, and the surrounding area here in Maryland, and we are very proud of our BBB-accredited A+ rating. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

7 Signs That Ductless Air Conditioning Is Right for Your Home

Written by Kevin on June 11, 2022. Posted in Cooling.

If your Hanover, Maryland home lacks ductwork for supporting central air conditioning, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in this area rely on ceiling fans, swamp coolers, window ACs, or other less effective cooling technologies in the summer. Fortunately, ductless cooling systems are capable of providing zoned cooling throughout entire homes and without the need for major structural modifications. They’re durable, reliable, and easy to install. Following are seven signs that ductless AC is the right choice for you.

1. You’ve Been Using an Efficient Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are not an effective source of whole-house cooling. If you live in a small, one-bedroom home, a window AC might be sufficient for meeting your needs in the short term. However, even when there isn’t much square footage for window air conditioners to service, these units still come with a number of major drawbacks. For instance, they:

Block outside views
Create an accessible point of ingress for burglars
Aren’t efficient
Are noisy during operation
Must be taken out and stored each winter

Using a window air conditioner as your sole source of cooling can leave you with areas of the home that are still stiflingly hot. If you’ve been using a window air conditioner and are tired of living with the constant noise that it produces, higher than average energy bills, and all-around insufficient cooling, a ductless multi-split air conditioner is a far better choice.

With ductless air conditioning, you can have a separate thermostat and air handler for each room. Rather than merely cooling down the single room in which your window AC is installed, ductless air conditioners can create cooler, safer, and more comfortable conditions throughout the entire building. These systems won’t diminish indoor aesthetics or compromise outside views, and they don’t have to be taken down and stored at the end of the cooling season.

2. You’ve Got a Swamp Cooler in Your Maryland Home

Swamp coolers are popular alternatives to traditional air conditioners because they’re affordable. These units work well in moderately humid environments and in areas where summer temperatures don’t get much higher than 90 degrees. Although average summer temperatures in Maryland are around just 75 degrees, residents throughout the state frequently see days where temperatures climb as high as 85 degrees and even higher. Relying on a cooling system that’s virtually guaranteed to give out when summer temperatures soar is too risky in this region. Moreover, Maryland also sees a fair amount of humidity. Swamp coolers might be cheap, but they aren’t reliable when it comes to consistently performing well in this location.

For homes that lack ducted central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-split ACs are definitely worthy of consideration. Ductless air conditioners are far more efficient than window ACs, and they’re also far more reliable than swamp coolers. It’s additionally important to note that unlike swamp coolers ductless air conditioners don’t add moisture to the indoor environment. In fact, these units actually help regulate indoor humidity by regularly extracting excess moisture. In Hanover, this can mean the difference between developing widespread mold and mildew issues and maintaining a clean, habitable home.

3. You’ve Just Had Your Basement Refinished

Even homeowners who already have central HVAC systems can benefit from ductless cooling. Ductless mini-splits are perfect for supplementing existing air conditioners, especially after new building additions have been made or unserviced areas have been finished. If you’re turning your basement into a family room or den, a workout room, or a bedroom, you can use a ductless mini-split air conditioner to provide as-needed cooling service to this area. This is also true for attic spaces, garages, and any other areas on your property that don’t get airflow from your central air conditioner.

4. You’re Looking for a Way to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Ductless air conditioners are perfect for consumers who are looking to limit their carbon footprints. If you’re committed to reducing your impact on the natural environment but aren’t willing to give up the comforts of air conditioning, ductless AC can help you reach your goals. Choosing to give up your window air conditioner or swamp cooler in favor of ductless air conditioning will allow you to cool your entire home while maintaining manageable energy bills.

Ductless AC can be used to cool down only the zones in your home that people are actively using. These systems are flexible and adaptable enough for meeting a very broad range of needs. Best of all, you can work with your HVAC company to create cooling zones throughout your home that are perfectly suited to the requirements and preferences of your family. With ductless cooling, there’s never any energy loss that results from loose, leaky, or aging ductwork.

5. You Want to Increase the Marketability and Value of Your Home

Ductless air conditioners add both marketability and value to homes. This equipment is known for being inconspicuous, highly efficient, and easy to use. If you plan on selling your property within the next several years, installing a ductless mini-split can make your home’s sale both easier and more profitable. In homes that lack fixed air conditioning equipment, ductless mini-split installation is one of the best pre-sale improvements that homeowners can make.

6. You Want Better Indoor Air Quality

Ductless cooling systems don’t diminish indoor air quality. Just like central air conditioners, they help filter the indoor air and regulate humidity. However, given that conditioned air isn’t traveling through a complex system of ductwork, it isn’t picking up dirt, dust, or other allergens along the way. You should definitely consider having a ductless mini-split installed if you think that having a central air conditioner in your home is likely to exacerbate your allergy, asthma, or other respiratory issues.

7. Your Home Cannot Accommodate a More Modern, Central Air Conditioner

Even if you have existing ductwork in your home, your property may not have room for accommodating a modern air conditioner. Sadly, this is a problem that many Maryland homeowners face when their old air conditioners need replacement. If you have an AC unit that’s more than 15 years old, you may be surprised to discover that modern and more efficient air conditioners are actually much larger in size.

Lacking an adequate storage area for housing a new unit is only one part of the problem. Increases in equipment efficiency can also make it necessary to have entire sections of ducting replaced, expanded, or upgraded. You may find it cheaper and far less invasive to simply have a ductless mini-split air conditioner installed instead. Fewer building modifications will be needed, and you’ll have the ability to selectively cool only rooms or zones throughout your home that are actively in use.

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer ductless air conditioner installation to residents of Hanover, Maryland and the surrounding areas. We also provide custom ductwork, indoor air quality services, and whole-house dehumidifiers. We also offer a whole host of commercial services including HVAC design-build and services for apartment buildings. If you need help finding the right cooling solution for your home, give us a call now.

Why AC Repairs Should Be Left to Professionals

Written by Kevin on April 18, 2022. Posted in Cooling.

There’s no doubt about it; a new AC for your home or office is expensive. And although you want your system to serve you for the longest time possible, AC repairs are unavoidable. As your system works to make your home comfortable, it experiences wear and tear. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to reduce the intensity of wear and tear, but at some point, your system will demand some repairs. While DIY repairs present you with an opportunity to upgrade your home with minimal costs, repairing your own AC is strongly discouraged, and here’s why.

You Lack the Necessary Tools

Fixing an HVAC unit requires specific tools that aren’t available in the majority of households. Since it’s their job, professionals will have these tools on hand to handle your system. Moreover, they know which tools are necessary for repairing a specific component of your AC.

Even if you manage to acquire the required tools, you’ll have a hard time figuring out which one to use when repairing the faulty component. Moreover, since you’ll be purchasing just a few tools, they’ll cost you a substantial amount. AC companies such as Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating buy these tools in large quantities from the manufacturer; hence they’re able to obtain them at discounted prices.

You Lack the Required Knowledge

An AC is a complex system with many components. As such, you need to understand its inner workings before performing any repairs. Although you might have watched a few videos on the internet, that’s not enough to guarantee that your diagnosis of the problem will be correct.

An AC professional has been handing similar systems in Hanover and surrounding areas for many years. As such, they can easily diagnose a problem with your AC and give you advice on the best solution. At times, replacing a particular part of your system will be the most cost-effective solution, while other times, simple repairs will do the trick. Additionally, most AC companies offer regular training to their employees to ensure that they’re up to date with the most current technology. Therefore, there’s no system too new that the technician won’t be able to repair.

You’ll Void Your Warranty

Many AC manufacturers understand the financial sacrifices that you have to make to have the system installed in your home. Therefore, they offer a warranty that you can use to cover some repairs and replacements for your system. However, this is only applicable when an expert handles your systems repairs, replacements, and maintenance. When you choose to handle your AC repairs, you risk voiding this warranty. In the long run, you will end up paying for repairs and replacements from your pocket, which can be pretty pricey.

Avoid Any Additional Damage

Improper diagnosis of your system’s issues might cause you to repair the wrong part. In some cases, you might even cause more damage to your system. In the end, a minor problem that might have been solved by simple repairs might translate to a bigger problem demanding a replacement. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up replacing the entire system. To prevent the expensive repair costs associated with DIY AC repairs, it’s recommended that an AC professional handles all your repairs. They’ll repair any component in your AC without the risk of more damage to your system as well as your property.

It’ll Take Longer

Even if you manage to repair your system, which only happens in rare cases, you’ll take you longer than it would take an expert. Without enough experience, it’ll take you longer to diagnose the problem, and because you’re probably using internet videos to decide the right tool to use and how to do the repairs, you’ll have to keep stopping the videos to find the tools and parts that they’re talking about. In the end, you might give up after hours of trying to diagnose the issue and decide to call the technician anyway. This results in hours of an uncomfortable, swelting house, which can be dangerous for elderly loved ones or family members with asthma.

Minimize Safety Risks

Your system is composed of chemical refrigerants and electrical wiring, which need to be handled with care. Doing your repairs puts you at risk of being electrocuted. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up causing a fire on your property. In the end, you risk burning down your property and causing injuries to your loved ones. In some cases, this might be fatal. Even when you don’t cause a fire outbreak, you expose yourself and your loved ones to refrigerant leaks. In the end, you might end up using more money to cover your medical bills or that of your loved ones.

An AC technician is able to handle all your repairs without exposing you and your family to any life-threatening problem. And since they’re insured, you won’t need to worry about any medical bills in the rare instance that they get injured on the job or accidentally break something in your home.

Extend the Lifespan of Your System

Although maintenance plays a crucial role in prolonging your AC’s life expectancy, expert repairs are just as important. During repairs, the expert is able to diagnose any other issues with your system and repair them before they become more extensive. Additionally, they will educate you on what might be causing your system to work harder than it should and the precautions you might take to protect your system. Yes, repairs on your AC are a normal occurrence. However, there’re things you can do to minimize their occurrence. In the event that your system is old, the expert will advise you on whether a new system is the most cost-effective solution.

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we understand how important your home comfort and loved one’s health are to you. Additionally, we recognize the important investment that you’re making in having an HVAC system installed in your home or office. As such, we want to help you protect your AC and use it for the longest time possible. Our team of experts are well equipped and trained to handle all your AC repairs and replacements in the shortest time possible. Since we are a locally owned and operated company, our prices are affordable.

Since we understand that your business is a busy area, we promise to deliver prompt service with little to no interruption. We also offer heat pump, furnace, air purifier, and whole-house humidifier repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation. The products that we offer are from reputable brands such as Lennox, Trane, Goodman, and Daikin. And since we are a primary lender, qualified borrowers can acquire installment loan solutions. That way, you won’t have to worry about breaking your budget when unpredicted cooling and heating needs occur. Are you in need of any of the above services in Hanover and surrounding areas? Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today for quality, affordable and reliable services.

Why Isn’t My AC Unit Blowing Cold Air?

Written by Kevin on April 2, 2022. Posted in Cooling.

If your AC unit is on but not blowing cold air, it’s likely that the issue is either with your thermostat or with your compressor. In this discussion, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot and solve the most common problems with air conditioners that aren’t blowing cold air. We’ll also provide tips for preventing these issues from happening in the first place.

Fan Problems

Your fan is one of the essential parts of your AC unit. It helps circulate cool air and keeps your home comfortable. However, your fan can also be a source of problems. One common issue is that the blades can become bent or damaged, causing the fan to wobble and make noise. Another issue is that the motor can become overheated, leading to a loss of power and efficiency. If you’re having problems with your fan, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, check the blades and straighten them if necessary. Next, make sure the motor is adequately cooled by cleaning the coils and checking for airflow obstructions. Finally, lubricate the bearings to reduce friction and extend the life of the motor.

Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat is responsible for telling your AC unit when to turn on and off. If it isn’t working properly, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your house correctly. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix thermostat problems. First, make sure the batteries are properly installed and that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. Next, check the wiring to make sure it’s properly connected. Finally, reset the thermostat by turning it off and back on again.

Compressor Problems

If your AC unit isn’t blowing cold air, the compressor may be the problem. The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system and cooling the air. If it isn’t working properly, your AC unit will not be able to cool your house. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix compressor problems. First, check the coils for obstructions and clean them if necessary. Next, check the power supply and make sure it’s turned on. Finally, reset the breaker if it has tripped. If none of these solutions solves the problem, you may need to call a technician to repair or replace the compressor.

Ductwork Leaks and Blockages

Most houses have central air conditioning units that use ductwork to distribute cool air throughout the home. Unfortunately, ductwork can develop leaks and blockages over time, which can reduce the efficiency of the unit and lead to higher energy bills. To fix this problem, first check for any visible signs of damage such as holes or cracks. If you find any damage, make sure to seal it with duct tape or another type of sealant. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any debris that may be blocking the airflow. Finally, check the insulation around the ductwork to make sure it’s still in good condition. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible.

System Design Mistakes

If your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it should, there may be a design flaw in the system. We’ll discuss some common AC design flaws and how to correct them. One common problem is that the condenser is located too close to the house. This can cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy costs. To fix this problem, simply move the condenser away from the house. Another common design flaw is incorrect sizing. Many people make the mistake of assuming that bigger is always better when it comes to air conditioners. However, an AC unit that’s too large for the space will cycle on and off more frequently, which can actually reduce its efficiency. If you’re not sure what size AC unit you need, consult a professional.

Preventing Problems

There are a few things you can do to prevent problems with your AC unit from happening in the first place. One of the most important is to keep the coils clean. You can do this by regularly cleaning them with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Another is to check for obstructions in the airflow such as leaves or insects. Finally, make sure you’re using the correct size of AC unit for your home. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to cool your residence correctly.

Power Issues

As the weather gets warmer, many people find that their air conditioners aren’t working as well as they should. In some cases, this can be due to power issues. If your AC unit isn’t receiving enough power, it won’t able to run at full capacity. As a result, your home will not be cooled as effectively as it could be. There are a few different ways to fix this problem. First, you can check the circuit breaker to make sure that it hasn’t been tripped. If it has, simply reset it and see if that fixes the issue. If not, you may need to call an electrician to check your home’s wiring.

Replacing an AC Unit

If your air conditioner is on the fritz, it’s important to call a professional for repairs as soon as possible. Not only will this help to keep your house comfortable during the hot summer months, but it can also prevent costly damage to your AC unit. A qualified technician will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In addition, they can offer guidance on how to maintain your AC unit to prevent future problems. With their help, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years to come. Don’t hesitate to call a professional when your cooling system needs a tune-up. It could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run.

Contact a Professional Near You

When the weather outside is working against you, it’s important to have a team of reliable experts on your side. That’s where the conscientious professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating come in. We’ve been helping residents of Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas stay comfortable for years, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Since 2015, our team of highly trained technicians has been providing excellent customer service and outstanding workmanship in the HVAC field. They’re licensed, bonded, and insured, and you can have complete confidence that they’ll get the job done right the first time. We perform a complete assortment of residential and commercial heating and cooling services. Of course, that includes installation, repair, and maintenance, and it covers all the professional assistance outlined in this article. In addition, we handle indoor air quality issues and ductwork. We’re known for our system design capabilities. Our company has an A+ rating with the BBB, and we can ensure that your home is a comfortable refuge.

If you’re having difficulties with your AC unit and you can’t figure out why it’s not blowing cold air, give us a call at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today!