Air conditioning

Most air conditioners start without issue after the winter. But some don’t, causing a bit of a headache for homeowners. If your AC system was one that stopped working over winter, we go over a few reasons why it may have happened and how you can prepare it for the spring.

Tripped Breaker, Blown Fuse, or Emergency Shutoff

A tripped breaker or blown fuse aren’t usual reasons an air conditioner stops working over winter. But they happen and are a good place to start troubleshooting. Inside the fuse box, find the fuse corresponding to the AC system. Replace the fuse and try turning on the air conditioner. If it doesn’t turn on, move to the circuit breaker box.

Inside the breaker box, find the AC breaker and see if it’s in the off position. If so, flip the breaker on and wait a few seconds. If it stays on, great; if not, don’t try to flip it again and call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Conversely, the emergency shutoff switch is usually installed outside near the condenser. A simple switch, it can be easily moved on or off. Therefore, a passing bump or nudge is enough force to flip it off by accident.

Weather Damage (from wind and rain)

Whether it’s tree branches or limbs crashing down on the condenser unit, or blown dirt and mud jamming up the fan blades, winter weather damage may be a culprit. Make sure to check the outside unit after any storm and look inside the caging for sticks and twigs that can impede internal parts.

Blower and Fan Failure

Most air conditioners share the blower motor and fan with the furnace or heat pump. These parts frequently have a large workload through the winter which can cause wear and tear, and eventual breakdown. When running, both are generally quiet unless there’s an issue. Then you may hear screeching, squealing, grinding, and other noises.

Clogged Drain Line

The condensate drain line carries moisture, namely condensation, away from moisture sensitive parts and out of the air conditioner. But, the drain line is the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and gunk to form and create a clog. As moisture backs up in the clogged line, sensors in the air conditioner shut the system down to prevent further issue.

Capacitor Failure

Every air conditioner has two capacitors powering the condenser motor. The start capacitor provides enough power for the condenser to begin running while the run capacitor supplies power during the cooling cycle. One or both capacitors may fail if the AC system cycles on and off more than usual as the extra wear and tear causes a breakdown.

The start and run capacitors in the condenser motor provide power to the motor during two parts of the cooling cycle. If the air conditioner frequently cycles on and off, the capacitors wear prematurely and eventually fail. They’re also affected by high temperatures and can fail after overheating.

Prepare AC for Spring

After sitting idle for several months, it’s important to prepare the air conditioner for another season of use instead of simply turning it on.

Clean debris around the condenser

As mentioned, yard debris is a problem for the outdoor condenser unit. Use a broom or brush to wipe down the four sides and remove any visible debris from the top opening, where the fan blades are located. The condenser needs at least two feet of space clear around all sides at all times. This is for the unit’s temperature regulation which is affected by its ventilation.

Change the air filter

The air filter should be changed on a regular basis, such as every two to three months. The filters come in a range of sizes, so before buying a new one, verify the size by looking at the dimensions on the side. Air filters are available for purchase at department and hardware stores.

Test the thermostat

Now is a great time to rule out any thermostat issues by testing it. Turn the thermostat from heat mode to cool and listen for the system to begin running. Let it run for a few minutes then check the air vents for cool air. If you feel cool air, the thermostat and air conditioner are ready for spring and beyond!

Schedule a tune-up

An easy way to prepare your AC system for spring and beyond is by scheduling a tune-up. During this appointment, an HVAC technician inspects all parts for issues, including those that may develop as the system runs. It’s a great way to keep the air conditioner healthy and efficient for multiple seasons.

If you want your home’s air conditioner to turn on after winter, take the time to prepare it for the cooling season and schedule a tune-up. Contact Sierra Air Inc. today for reliable air conditioner service.

Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a lot of simple things you can do to reduce your energy use, save money on your bills, and help the environment.

Here are tips to get you started and help you on your way to low energy bills.

Get an Energy Audit

The first thing to do is get an energy audit. An energy audit will tell you where your biggest energy-loss culprits are and what you can do to fix them. You can do it yourself, but it’s easier with a professional.

A good energy auditor will look at the whole house and recommend ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. They’ll also recommend specific repairs, such as sealing leaks in your ductwork or installing new insulation in your attic.

Even better, energy auditors may also be able to help you get rebates for installing certain types of equipment and appliances that use less energy.

You’ll come away with a list of recommendations to help you reduce your energy consumption. Of course, it might involve investing money to implement the suggestions. But many home improvements pay for themselves within two years by generating low energy bills.

Make Sure Your Home is Insulated

Insulation prevents heat from escaping through the walls of your house during winter and keeps heat inside during summer. This means less power is needed for heating or cooling and less money spent on bills.

In addition, insulation keeps your home comfortable year-round. You can lower your thermostat by a few degrees during the summer or winter, saving you even more money on energy bills!

Moreover, insulating your home also helps reduce noise pollution and lower moisture levels preventing mold growth.

Insulate Your Water Heater

The secret to low energy bills is to insulate your water heater. It’s a simple, no-cost way to reduce the heat lost through your hot water pipes, which means less work for your furnace or air conditioner.

Covering your water heater can help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can buy a cover at home improvement stores or online. In addition, some manufacturers sell custom insulated covers that fit snugly around the tank.

Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

One simple way to save money on your electric bill is to use appliances during off-peak hours. This means that instead of running the dishwasher or washing machine and other major appliances like the dryer, you should wait until 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., when most people are not as active, and demand for electricity is lower.

Change Your Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system is one of the most essential parts of the unit, and it can also be one of the easiest to forget about.

But when you don’t change your filters regularly, you’re essentially letting dust and dirt build up inside your system. This can cause problems with efficiency, which means you’ll be paying more for your electricity bill than you need to.

The best way to keep your filters clean is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.

Lower the Settings on Your Thermostat

Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees can make a big difference in your energy bill. And chances are you won’t even feel the difference.

In addition, you can save money by using a programmable thermostat that reduces heat or air conditioning when you leave your home or office. You can also set it to turn off when no one is there.

Landscape for Shade

Shade trees and dense scrub can save you money on your energy bills by reducing your air conditioner usage in the summer as the trees block out some of the heat. They also insulate your home by adding a layer of protection between your home and the cold weather conditions. And the best thing is, they also add curb appeal to your home.

Replace Your Showerhead

Replacing your old showerhead with a low-flow model can help you save money on water and energy costs by reducing both water consumption and energy use from heating that water.

Use LED Light Bulbs

LED lighting is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs and CFLs. In addition, LED light bulbs are designed to last a long time, and they don’t contain mercury like some other types of bulbs.

Make Sure to Get HVAC Maintenance and Tune-Ups

A HVAC tune-up is one of the best ways to make sure your energy bill stays low. Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment by keeping it free from dirt, dust, lint, and other contaminants that build up over time. This reduces wear on moving parts and makes it easier for the unit to run properly. The harder the unit has to work, the more energy is used.

An HVAC system working at peak efficiency means lower utility bills for you.

Need HVAC maintenance? Get affordable HVAC care with the professionals at Sierra.

3 Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner Efficiently

When the temperatures soar, many homeowners can be tempted to crank the thermostat to the lowest possible setting. It may seem like this is a good strategy to cool your entire home down more quickly. In actuality, it just puts more strain on your system and spikes your energy use. To efficiently cool your home follow these tips:

Set It and Forget It

The ideal summer temperature for energy efficiency is 78 degrees. The EPA recommends setting your thermostat to this temperature and “forgetting it” — or not adjusting it further. This allows your system to keep your home at a standard temperature without fluctuations.

If you want more control over the amount of energy you use at home, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Smart technology can help you track your energy use and remotely turn the air off when you aren’t at home.

Change the Filter

Your air filter may seem like a small consideration in relation to the rest of your HVAC system, but in actuality, it can be one of the biggest factors affecting your home’s temperature. A blocked or clogged air filter prevents airflow from moving through your system and cooling your home. Change the air filter before summer to avoid this problem and prevent putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.

Leave the AC Running

A common misconception about saving energy at home is that you should turn your air conditioner off when you leave the house. This will save energy to a certain degree, but if the heat outside is significantly different than your desired temperature, you can end up wasting more energy in the long run.

When you turn your HVAC system off, your home warms up. When you come home and turn the system back on, the AC has to work even harder to cool your home down from the hotter temperature it has reached while you were out. Instead, simply raise the temperature a few degrees when you leave the house. This way, you can save energy and prevent your system from overworking to bring a 90-degree house back down to 78 degrees.

How to Save Money and Stay Cool

While using your air conditioner is a great way to stay cool this summer, there are many other ways to chill out and cut back on your energy costs:

• Shut the blinds. Light-blocking curtains and blinds can help reduce the sunlight heating your home.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water is an easy and smart way to stay cool all summer long. Cool water helps to reduce your body’s core temperature and keep you cool from the inside out. Keep in mind: Drinking ice water after being outside in excessive heat can be a shock to your system. Make sure your water is cool and not cold to hydrate safely.
• Make some cool treats. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles! Best of all? You can make your own! There are tons of recipes online for yogurt and fruit popsicles or even homemade sea salt ice cream.
• Use your ceiling fan. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a fan in a room can make you feel up to four degrees cooler! Keep in mind, this only works if you’re in the same room as the fan — the windchill effect won’t work without people.

There are many more creative ways to stay cool this summer, such as using cool washcloths on pressure points, investing in linen sheets, and more!

If you think you’re spending too much on your energy bills or your AC isn’t cooling your home the way it used to, contact the Sierra Air Inc team at (775) 800-5500! Our team can help you get your cool air back up and running so you can live comfortably all season long.