DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

Westwood, NJ Air Conditioning Repair FAQ: Keeping Cool While Your AC is Down

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

In the unfortunate event that your air conditioning system breaks down completely, then you may have to survive few days without AC. Keeping cool while you AC is down is critical, especially on those incredibly hot and humid days. As one of the leading providers of new air conditioners in your service area, we’d like to give you some tips in case this happens to you. Even if it’s only a repair service, you need to make sure you know how to keep cool. But make sure, first and foremost, that you contact a qualified, reputable AC technician so that your problem is fixed fast or your new AC replacement works well. Call DB Heating & Cooling for comprehensive Westwood, NJ air conditioning repair services.

  • Draw the blinds and curtains: Keep the powerful sun out of the home. By drawing blinds and curtains during the day, you can ensure that the cool nighttime temperature is not spoiled by the sun’s rays.
  • Open the windows at night: Make sure you take advantage of the cooler temperatures at night by opening up the windows and letting that breeze in.
  • Fans: Use box fans in windows at night and ceiling fans during the day to keep cool. If your ceiling fan has a reverse function, you can get it to pull the hot air up out of the living space.
  • Take cold showers: This is the ultimate cool-off exercise if you can stand it. A nice cold shower can cool you off if you’re feeling overheated.
  • Drink cold beverages: Keep your fridge stocked with refreshing drinks and your ice tray full so that you can take advantage of cool drinks if your AC breaks down.
  • Backup unit: If you need to, you can purchase a wall unit to keep you cool during the repair or replacement service.

We hope you find these tips helpful. If your cooling system breaks down and you need Westwood, NJ air conditioning repair services, call DB Heating & Cooling. 

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Indicators that You Need Air Conditioning Repair in Bergen County

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Even with professional installation and routine maintenance, your home cooling system will still probably need repair at some point in its service life. While only a professional hands-on diagnosis can adequately determine the cause of the problem, there are some common indicators to look out for as we enter the cooling season. When you need air conditioning repair in Bergen County, call the pros at DB Heating & Cooling!

  • Not cooling enough: This is a common complaint, especially when the heat and humidity are at their peak during the hottest days of summer. It won’t be clear until a professional diagnosis takes place what the root of the problem is, although there are some frequent culprits. You may have a frozen evaporator coil caused by blocked airflow, or low levels of refrigerant circulating through your coils.
  • AC won’t start: First, check your electrical panel to make sure you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. Next, make sure that your thermostat is on and calling for cool air. If neither of these works, then you may have an electrical connectivity issue with your AC. Alternatively, you may have a faulty capacitor.
  • Incorrect temperature: If your home never seems to reach the temperature that you ask it to, then there may be a problem with the calibration of your thermostat. As your primary user interface, your thermostat needs to be professionally installed and calibrated in order to ensure that it senses the temperature accurately. If not, it can’t possibly communicate with the air handler properly and your house will wind up too hot or too cold.
  • Frozen evaporator coil: If the evaporator coil inside your indoor air handler is completely frozen over, then your AC will work neither efficiently nor effectively. This may be caused by an air leak that is allowing humid air into the air handler or a clogged air filter not allowing the cool air to be distributed throughout the home. Your AC may have already tried to shut itself down to defrost. Have a professional technician come out to determine the root of the frozen coil.

For comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Bergen County, call DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Bergen County, NJ Air Conditioning: Boosting Efficiency at the Thermostat

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Your thermostat is critical to the operation of your Bergen County, NJ air conditioning system. While small and compact, the thermostat can nevertheless make or break your system. Using a thermostat wisely may be able to boost your energy efficiency, which may be on your mind as the summer heat and humidity approaches. For more information about thermostats or our Bergen County, NJ air conditioning services, call DB Heating & Cooling today!

Here are some tips about your thermostat:

  • Make sure your thermostat is professionally installed: It should be installed in a place out of the sunlight, and away from doors, windows, and duct registers, so that it does not falsely read the temperature. It also needs to be properly calibrated for your home, so that it can send accurate information to the AC about what temperature it is, and therefore how much work the AC should do to meet that temperature.
  • Upgrade: There are numerous thermostat options on the market today. If you still have a manual thermostat, you may be missing out on substantial energy savings every cooling season. Digital, programmable thermostats allow you to customize your home’s temperature according to your schedule. For example, you can set it to raise the temperature just after you leave the home, and then to begin cooling again about an hour before you get home. That way, you don’t have to come home to a hot home, and you don’t have to pay to keep your home cool all day long. That type of thermostatic control is a great combination of comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Use it wisely: Even if you only have a manual conventional thermostat, remember that it’s not only the temperature that counts, but also the way your AC reaches that temperature. Rapid and drastic temperature shifts can often require boosts of electrical energy that may increase your bills. Turning the thermostat way down will not actually cool your home faster, and it will waste energy as your AC works harder than it needs to.

If you think you need a new thermostat, call the Bergen County, NJ air conditioning experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Paramus, NJ: My AC Won’t Reach Target Temperatures

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

As we slowly approach the cooling season in Paramus, NJ, homeowners throughout the area are beginning to turn on their ACs, in order to test their performance. It’s a great idea, especially considering how much we have to depend on our cooling systems to keep us comfortable during the summer heat and humidity. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is, “My AC won’t reach target temperatures.” In this post, we’d like to address this problem, and explain some of its potential causes. However, in order to receive a professional diagnosis, you need a professional AC technician. For excellent air conditioning repair services in Paramus, NJ, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today!

  • Clogged air filter: You should check your air filter at least once a month during the cooling season, to make sure that it is clean. The air filter prevents the accumulation of dust and debris on your system components, in addition to providing auxiliary support as an indoor air quality device. When it becomes dirty or clogged, it will simply not do its job. It will reduce airflow, and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze over.
  • Thermostat malfunction: Proper thermostat operation is critical to adequate temperature control. Make sure that your thermostat is calling for the right temperature. If that doesn’t work, then you may have an electrical or wireless connectivity problem with your air handler. Alternatively, the thermostat may not be sensing the temperature correctly.
  • Condenser coils dirty: Make sure your condenser coils are clean and clear of debris at all times. Because they reside in your outdoor unit, they can easily become caked with organic matter and overgrown with vegetation. Keep the surrounding area clear of grass and other vegetation. Enroll in routine maintenance to have your coils routinely inspected and cleaned.

There are numerous reasons why your AC is not reaching your target temperatures. Now is a great time to ensure that your home is ready for summer. For air conditioning repair in Paramus, NJ, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Why Emerson, NJ Air Conditioning Repair is Not a DIY Project

Monday, April 15th, 2013

We rely on our  air conditioners to provide effective and efficient service throughout the cooling season. While we are not yet feeling the heat and humidity here, spring is a great time to ensure that we’re ready to go before summer, so that we don’t waste time being concerned about our air conditioners when we could be enjoying the pleasant weather. If you find that your AC is in need of repair, then it’s important that repairs be performed by a certified professional. AC repair should not be a DIY project. In this post, we’d like to point out why the experts at DB Heating & Cooling should take care of any Emerson, NJ air conditioning repair service that you may need. Call us today for more information!

  • Reliability: Quite simply, repairs performed by a professional are less likely to fail than those done by a homeowner. The reason depends upon the particular application, but without the professional knowledge and expertise, you may only manage to eliminate one of the symptoms of the problem, and not the problem itself, which can lead to a lack of reliability.
  • Quality:  The quality of the repair is important. Do you know what materials you should use? Do you have the correct tool for the job? Do you know enough about how your system works to make a certain diagnosis? The quality of the AC repair depends upon the skills and know-how of the AC tech.
  • Risk of damage: This is one of the major detriments of attempting DIY repairs. You can seriously damage your system if you do not have the professional training to handle the complexity of air conditioners. It is much less expensive to pay a professional to repair your system than to replace it because of a botched repair you tried to do yourself.

Don’t put your cooling system at risk this summer. Make sure that all repairs are carried out by a professional. For Emerson, NJ air conditioning repair, call DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Waldwick AC Repair Guide: Icing Problems on Air Conditioner Cooling Coils

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Air conditioning cooling coil icing problems can arise for a couple of reasons: either the air filter has not been properly replaced, or there is a condensing coil leak.  It is best to check and test the easiest problem first and then move on from there.

It is important to replace your Waldwick air conditioner’s filters as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.  A common result of not replacing filters frequently enough is a buildup of dust and dirt on the filter, which causes reduced air flow throughout the air conditioning unit.  With reduced air flow, the evaporator coil or cooling coil within the air handler can become blocked by ice or frost build-up.  Having cooling coil icing can significantly reduce or completely stop the amount of cool air being produced by an air conditioning unit.

Easy steps to diagnose and resolve air conditioning cooling coil icing problems:

  • Visually inspect the air conditioning cooling coils to check whether reduced air flow has been caused by cooling coil icing.  If ice or frost is found on the coils, thus blocking air-flow, proceed with the next step.
  • Turn off the air conditioning system completely to allow ice to evaporate, the unit will have to remain off until all ice is completely melted and drained away from the unit
  • Replace all dirty filters on the air conditioning unit
  • Once the a/c unit is de-iced and has fresh filters, it is safe to turn the system back on, to test whether the icy build-up happens again

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on cooling coil icing happens again, this could mean one of two things.  Either too little of the refrigerant is being released into the cooling coil due to a clogged capillary tube or a stuck thermostatic expansion valve.  Or the refrigerant charge is too low due to a refrigerant leak.  A refrigerant leak can happen at any point in the refrigerant piping system which would then need to be soldered and resealed, or it can happen in the cooling coil or condensing coil which could mean the entire coil needs to be replaced.  Fixing of refrigerant leaks should be handled by a Waldwick air conditioning professional.  Contact an experienced HVAC technician at DB Heating & Cooling that can identify the air conditioner cooling coil icing problem and execute the proper solution.

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Teaneck AC Tip: Cooling Coil or Evaporator Coil Diagnosis & Repair for Air Conditioners

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Inside the air handler of your Teaneck air conditioning system is a cooling coil or evaporator coil. From a home cooling perspective, this is where the magic happens: where the actual cooling occurs. So, if there is a problem with the cooling or evaporator coil, you will notice a decrease in the performance of your AC system.

You may notice that the air flow has slowed significantly or even stopped, even though you can hear the air handler running. You may also notice that the air isn’t as cool as it used to be or should be. Aside from having a house that is not cool enough, this can also cause problems like high electricity bills or damage to other parts of the air conditioner. You technician will do the following to check your coil. Remember, all AC repairs are best performed by a licensed professional.

 Diagnosis

First, your tech will look at the cooling coil. Some problems are obvious enough upon visual inspection that no further diagnostics or major repair is necessary. To inspect the cooling coil on your air conditioner, they will first turn off the electricity at your fuse panel or breaker box. Then the  access panel on the air handler that can be removed to at least partially expose the coil.

They will look for things like:

  • Dirt and debris
  • Mold
  • Staining that indicates a refrigerant leak
  • Ice or frost
  • Damaged fins on the coil

 Repair

Any of these could be the culprit that is degrading the performance of your AC system. For most repairs you will want to call in a licensed technician. Especially if the problem is something potentially hazardous like mold growth or a refrigerant leak, you don’t want to take the risk. Let a Teaneck air conditioning professional like DB Heating & Cooling who is trained in safely and effectively repairing the problem take care of it, so that your home can be comfortable again.

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Things to Check on Your Broken AC Before Calling a Paramus AC Professional

Monday, June 18th, 2012

A broken air conditioner is a stressful situation, especially since you’re considering whether you need a Paramus AC professional to come out. No one likes spending money to have a professional take a look at their system, so before you call anyone, make sure to check these problems. You may be able to fix the problem on your own without spending a dime.

Thermostat

The thermostat is one of the most common problems you’ll have with an air conditioner.  Make sure the thermostat wasn’t knocked out of position and the sensors near your coils are in the right place. Often times, a bumped sensor or a slightly off thermostat can cause this kind of problem and as a result, you’ll be left without steady cooling.

Check Your Filters

Another common problem that can cause issues with your air conditioner is filter clogging. While the system will continue to run with a clogged filter, there are a few issues that might pop up – it could smell funny or you might notice icing on the outside line (a major problem). If you allow the filter to get so clogged as to block the air flow from your system, you can expect a number of problems to crop up.

Blower Belts

Check the system’s blower belt for damage like cracking, excess slack or general wear. A blower belt that isn’t properly installed or that needs to be replaced will reduce air flow which can result in ice buildup or poor air flow – it will make it harder for your system to maintain a steady temperature.

Check the Outdoor Unit

Check to make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit. Clean the condenser coils and remove any debris that might have built up around the outdoor unit. Often, slowed air flow is caused by nothing more than leaves piled in front of your condenser.

If none of these problems is the culprit or if you fix them all and your system continues to struggle, it is time to call a Paramus AC professional like DB Heating & Cooling!

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Waldwick AC Tip: Outdoor Air Conditioning Components

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

As long as all the parts are working well, your Waldwick air conditioning system is a modern convenience you can easily take for granted and overlook. Cool air makes our lives simply better, but is a complicated process based on an old theory and modern technology.

No matter the size, in every unit, the basic purpose is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place. This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Utilizing the basic principal of thermal energy that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants travel through a closed looped system, repeatedly transforming between liquid and gas forms. Chosen for their ability to rapidly change at low temperatures, they alternately absorb and release heat along the way.

Having expanded to a vacuous state with plenty of room between molecules to absorb heat, the refrigerant is compressed tightly, condenses back into liquid form and releases the heat to the outdoors.

In the Box Outside

Placed on a small slab on the ground alongside many homes or on the roof of large buildings, air conditioning units contain the compressor and condensing coils that enable the main (and noisiest) function of the process.

The refrigerant is contained within a closed loop, entering the compressor as an expanded gas full of heat.  Under pressure, that heat is released when the molecules are squeezed so tightly together the refrigerant returns to its liquid state.

The Passing into the condensing coils, a series of delicate fins, the released heat is allowed to dissipate through the fins into the air where a small fan blows it away.  Water is also a by-product of the condensation and drains into a pan and eventually into the ground.

The condensing coil ends at the exchange valve where it is held to create just the right pressure for the evaporating coil indoors to operate at its maximum efficiency.

Refreshing Maintenance

When maintained on a regular basis, your Waldwick air conditioning system requires little attention and over sight beyond scheduled appointments with a company like DB Heating & Cooling, Inc.

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